bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction and Analysis of Gene Networks of Human Neurotransmitter Systems Reveal Genes with Contentious Manifestation for Anxiety, Depression, and Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Ivanov Roman , Zamyatin Vladimir , Klimenko Alexandra , Matushkin Yury , Savostyanov Alexander , Lashin Sergey
Published: September 2019

Background: The study of the biological basis of anxiety, depression, and intellectual disabilities in humans is one of the most actual problems of modern neurophysiology. Of particular interest is the study of complex interactions between molecular genetic factors, electrophysiological properties of the nervous system, and the behavioral characteristics of people. The neurobiological understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders requires not only the identification of genes that play a role in the molecular mechanisms of the occurrence and course of diseases, but also the understanding of complex interactions that occur between these genes. A systematic study of such interactions obviously contributes to the development of new methods of diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disorders, as the orientation to allele variants of individual loci is not reliable enough, because the literature describes a number of genes, the same alleles of which can be associated with different, sometimes extremely different variants of phenotypic traits, depending on the genetic background, of their carriers, habitat, and other factors. Results: In our study, we have reconstructed a series of gene networks (in the form of protein–protein interactions networks, as well as networks of transcription regulation) to build a model of the influence of complex interactions of environmental factors and genetic risk factors for intellectual disability, depression, and other disorders in human behavior. Conclusion: A list of candidate genes whose expression is presumably associated with environmental factors and has potentially contentious manifestation for behavioral and neurological traits is identified for further experimental verification.
Identifying Interaction Clusters for MiRNA and MRNA Pairs in TCGA Network
Authors: Dai Xinqing , Ding Lizhong , Liu Hannah , Xu Zesheng , Jiang Hui , Handelman Samuel K , Bai Yongsheng
Published: September 2019

Existing methods often fail to recognize the conversions for the biological roles of the pairs of genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) between the tumor and normal samples. We have developed a novel cluster scoring method to identify messenger RNA (mRNA) and miRNA interaction pairs and clusters while considering tumor and normal samples jointly. Our method has identified 54 significant clusters for 15 cancer types selected from The Cancer Genome Atlas project. We also determined the shared clusters across tumor types and/or subtypes. In addition, we compared gene and miRNA overlap between lists identified in our liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) study and regulatory relationships reported from human and rat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease studies (NAFLD). Finally, we analyzed biological functions for the single significant cluster in LIHC and uncovered a significantly enriched pathway (phospholipase D signaling pathway) with six genes represented in the cluster, symbols: DGKQ, LPAR2, PDGFRB, PIK3R3, PTGFR and RAPGEF3.
Traces of Locomotion of Ediacaran Macroorganisms
Authors: Ivantsov Andrey , Nagovitsyn Aleksey , Zakrevskaya Maria
Published: September 2019

We describe traces of macroorganisms in association with the body imprints of trace-producers from Ediacaran (Vendian) deposits of the southeastern White Sea region. They are interpreted as traces of locomotion and are not directly related to a food gathering. The complex remains belong to three species: Kimberella quadrata, Dickinsonia cf. menneri, and Tribrachidium heraldicum. They were found in three different burials. The traces have the form of narrow ridges or wide bands (grooves and linear depressions on natural imprints). In elongated Kimberella and Dickinsonia, the traces are stretched parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body and extend from its posterior end. In the case of the isometric Tribrachidium, the trace is directed away from the margin of the shield. A short length of the traces indicates that they were left by the organisms that were covered with the sediment just before their death. The traces overlaid the microbial mat with no clear signs of deformation under or around the traces. A trace substance, apparently, differed from the material of the bearing layers (i.e., a fine-grained sandstone or siltstone) and was not preserved on the imprints. This suggests that the traces were made with organic material, probably mucus, which was secreted by animals in a stressful situation. The mucus traced the movements of the organism before death. The discovered traces of locomotion are direct evidence of the ability of some Ediacaran macroorganisms to move independently.
Collaborative Workshops for Community Meaning-Making and Data Analyses: How Focus Groups Strengthen Data by Enhancing Understanding and Promoting Use
Authors: Allen Barbara L. , Lees Johanna , Cohen Alison K. , Jeanjean Maxime
Published: September 2019

Community-based participatory research is a growing approach, but often includes higher levels of community engagement in the research design and data collection stages than in the data interpretation stage. Involving study participants in this stage could further knowledge justice, science that aligns with and supports social justice agendas. This article reports on two community-based participatory environmental health surveys conducted between 2015 and 2019 in an industrial region near Marseille, France, and focuses specifically on our approach of organizing focus groups to directly involve residents and community stakeholders in the analysis and interpretation process. We found that, in these focus groups, residents triangulated across many different sources of information—study findings, local knowledge, and different types of expert knowledge—to reach conclusions about the health of their community and make recommendations for what should be done to improve community health outcomes. We conclude that involving residents in the data analysis and interpretation stage can promote epistemic justice and lead to final reports that are more useful to community stakeholders and decision-makers.
Does Dog Ownership Affect Physical Activity, Sleep, and Self-Reported Health in Older Adults?
Authors: Mičková Eliška , Machová Kristýna , Daďová Klára , Svobodová Ivona
Published: September 2019

Physical activity (PA) is crucial for maintaining good health of older adults and owning a dog and walking it can enforce it. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of dog ownership on PA in older adults as well as its positive impact on perceived degree of health, and sleep. There were 44 participants of mean age 68 ± 5.4 years (18 males, 26 females) enrolled in this study (dog owners—DO, n = 26; non-dog owners—NDO, n = 18). Xiaomi Mi Band 2 accelerometer, International Physical Activity Questionnaire- Short form (IPAQ-Short Form) and SF-36 questionnaires were used to measure the level of PA, sleep, and subjective health. A statistically significant difference was observed in favor of dog owners in most of the monitored parameters. All accelerometer PA parameters (step count, activity time, distance, calories) showed a significant difference at a p < 0.01. Sleep parameters were significant in total sleep length (p = 0.05) and light sleep length (p < 0.05). DO reported higher total PA time (min/week), MET/min/week spent in walking, and spent calories/week (p < 0.05). In SF-36 they reported higher score (p < 0.05) in general health, physical functioning, social functioning, pain, vitality, and emotional well-being. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower in the DO group (p < 0.01). The results suggest that dog ownership may affect the overall PA and health of older adults.
RETRACTED: Li et al. Identifying Asphalt Pavement Distress Using UAV LiDAR Point Cloud Data and Random Forest Classification. ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2019, 8, 39
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Cheng Chengqi , Kwan Mei-Po , Tong Xiaochong , Tian Shaohong
Published: September 2019

All authors of the published article [...]
TGFBI Protein Is Increased in the Urine of Patients with High-Grade Urothelial Carcinomas, and Promotes Cell Proliferation and Migration
Authors: Lang Kerstin , Kahveci Selcan , Bonberg Nadine , Wichert Katharina , Behrens Thomas , Hovanec Jan , Roghmann Florian , Noldus Joachim , Tam Yu Chun , Tannapfel Andrea , Käfferlein Heiko U. , Brüning Thomas
Published: September 2019

Here, we discovered TGFBI as a new urinary biomarker for muscle invasive and high-grade urothelial carcinoma (UC). After biomarker identification using antibody arrays, results were verified in urine samples from a study population consisting of 303 patients with UC, and 128 urological and 58 population controls. The analyses of possible modifying factors (age, sex, smoking status, urinary leukocytes and erythrocytes, and history of UC) were calculated by multiple logistic regression. Additionally, we performed knockdown experiments with TGFBI siRNA in bladder cancer cells and investigated the effects on proliferation and migration by wound closure assays and BrdU cell cycle analysis. TGFBI concentrations in urine are generally increased in patients with UC when compared to urological and population controls (1321.0 versus 701.3 and 475.6 pg/mg creatinine, respectively). However, significantly increased TGFBI was predominantly found in muscle invasive (14,411.7 pg/mg creatinine), high-grade (8190.7 pg/mg) and de novo UC (1856.7 pg/mg; all p < 0.0001). Knockdown experiments in vitro led to a significant decline of cell proliferation and migration. In summary, our results suggest a critical role of TGFBI in UC tumorigenesis and particularly in high-risk UC patients with poor prognosis and an elevated risk of progression on the molecular level.
Deficiency of Mitochondrial Aspartate-Glutamate Carrier 1 Leads to Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cell Proliferation Defects Both In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Petralla Sabrina , Peña-Altamira Luis Emiliano , Poeta Eleonora , Massenzio Francesca , Virgili Marco , Barile Simona Nicole , Sbano Luigi , Profilo Emanuela , Corricelli Mariangela , Danese Alberto , Giorgi Carlotta , Ostan Rita , Capri Miriam , Pinton Paolo , Palmieri Ferdinando , Lasorsa Francesco Massimo , Monti Barbara
Published: September 2019

Aspartate-Glutamate Carrier 1 (AGC1) deficiency is a rare neurological disease caused by mutations in the solute carrier family 25, member 12 (SLC25A12) gene, encoding for the mitochondrial aspartate-glutamate carrier isoform 1 (AGC1), a component of the malate–aspartate NADH shuttle (MAS), expressed in excitable tissues only. AGC1 deficiency patients are children showing severe hypotonia, arrested psychomotor development, seizures and global hypomyelination. While the effect of AGC1 deficiency in neurons and neuronal function has been deeply studied, little is known about oligodendrocytes and their precursors, the brain cells involved in myelination. Here we studied the effect of AGC1 down-regulation on oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), using both in vitro and in vivo mouse disease models. In the cell model, we showed that a reduced expression of AGC1 induces a deficit of OPC proliferation leading to their spontaneous and precocious differentiation into oligodendrocytes. Interestingly, this effect seems to be related to a dysregulation in the expression of trophic factors and receptors involved in OPC proliferation/differentiation, such as Platelet-Derived Growth Factor α (PDGFα) and Transforming Growth Factor βs (TGFβs). We also confirmed the OPC reduction in vivo in AGC1-deficent mice, as well as a proliferation deficit in neurospheres from the Subventricular Zone (SVZ) of these animals, thus indicating that AGC1 reduction could affect the proliferation of different brain precursor cells. These data clearly show that AGC1 impairment alters myelination not only by acting on N-acetyl-aspartate production in neurons but also on OPC proliferation and suggest new potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of AGC1 deficiency.
Avian Expression Patterns and Genomic Mapping Implicate Leptin in Digestion and TNF in Immunity, Suggesting That Their Interacting Adipokine Role Has Been Acquired Only in Mammals
Authors: Seroussi Eyal , Knytl Martin , Pitel Frédérique , Elleder Daniel , Krylov Vladimir , Leroux Sophie , Morisson Mireille , Yosefi Sara , Miyara Shoval , Ganesan Saibaba , Ruzal Mark , Andersson Leif , Friedman-Einat Miriam
Published: September 2019

In mammals, leptin and tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) are prominent interacting adipokines mediating appetite control and insulin sensitivity. While TNF pleiotropically functions in immune defense and cell survival, leptin is largely confined to signaling energy stores in adipocytes. Knowledge about the function of avian leptin and TNF is limited and they are absent or lowly expressed in adipose, respectively. Employing radiation-hybrid mapping and FISH-TSA, we mapped TNF and its syntenic genes to chicken chromosome 16 within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region. This mapping position suggests that avian TNF has a role in regulating immune response. To test its possible interaction with leptin within the immune system and beyond, we compared the transcription patterns of TNF, leptin and their cognate receptors obtained by meta-analysis of GenBank RNA-seq data. While expression of leptin and its receptor (LEPR) were detected in the brain and digestive tract, TNF and its receptor mRNAs were primarily found in viral-infected and LPS-treated leukocytes. We confirmed leptin expression in the duodenum by immunohistochemistry staining. Altogether, we suggest that whereas leptin and TNF interact as adipokines in mammals, in birds, they have distinct roles. Thus, the interaction between leptin and TNF may be unique to mammals.
Mechanistic and Kinetic Investigations on the Ozonolysis of Biomass Burning Products: Guaiacol, Syringol and Creosol
Authors: Chen Xiaoxiao , Sun Yanhui , Qi Youxiao , Liu Lin , Xu Fei , Zhao Yan
Published: September 2019

The lignin pyrolysis products generated by biomass combustion make an essential contribution to the formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOAs). The ozone-initiated oxidation of guaiacol, syringol and creosol, major constituents of biomass burning, were investigated theoretically by using the density functional theory (DFT) method at the MPWB1K/6-311+G(3df,2p)//MPWB1K/6-31+G(d,p) level. Six primary addition reaction pathways and further decomposition routes with corresponding thermodynamic values were proposed. The Criegee intermediates can be excited by small molecules, such as NOx, H2O in the atmosphere, and would further proceed via self-decomposition or isomerization. The most predominant product for ozonation of guaiacol is the monomethyl muconate (P1). At 295 K and atmospheric pressure, the rate constant is 1.10 × 10−19 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, which is lies a factor of 4 smaller than the previous experimental study. The branching ratios of the six channels are calculated based on corresponding rate coefficient. The present work mainly provides a more comprehensive and detailed theoretical research on the ozonation of methoxyphenol, which aspires to offer novel insights and reference for future experimental and theoretical work and control techniques of SOAs caused by lignin pyrolysis products.
The Molecular Chaperone DNAJB6, but Not DNAJB1, Suppresses the Seeded Aggregation of Alpha-Synuclein in Cells
Authors: Deshayes Natasja , Arkan Sertan , Hansen Christian
Published: September 2019

Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) can misfold and aggregate, causing the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, as seen in Parkinson’s disease (PD). We recently demonstrated that DNAJB6, a co-chaperone found in Lewy bodies (LB), suppresses the aggregation of α-Syn in cells and in vitro. In this study, we compared the capacities of DNAJB1 and DNAJB6 to suppress the seeded α-Syn aggregation in HEK293 cells expressing α-Syn tagged with cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) or yellow fluorescent protein (YFP). The aggregation of α-Syn was seeded by the transfection of the cells with recombinant α-Syn pre-formed fibrils (PFFs), following the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9-mediated knockout (KO) of these two genes, respectively. We quantified the α-Syn aggregation by fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis. We detected significantly more aggregates in the DNAJB6 KO cells compared with the parental cells, whereas the DNAJB1 KO had no effect on the α-Syn aggregation. This is the first evidence that DNAJB6 can suppress α-Syn aggregation, induced by exogenous α-Syn seeds, in cells. Next, we explored whether this mechanism could be dependent on protein degradation pathways. We observed that the increase in the α-Syn PFF-induced aggregation in the DNAJB6 KO cells compared with the parental cells was strongly diminished upon the incubation of the cells with the proteasomal inhibitor MG132. These results consolidate that DNAJB6 is a suppressor of α-Syn aggregation, and suggest that DNAJB6 may target misfolded and/or aggregated α-Syn for proteasomal degradation.
Immunomorphological Pattern of Molecular Chaperones in Normal and Pathological Thyroid Tissues and Circulating Exosomes: Potential Use in Clinics
Authors: Caruso Bavisotto Celeste , Cipolla Calogero , Graceffa Giuseppa , Barone Rosario , Bucchieri Fabio , Bulone Donatella , Cabibi Daniela , Campanella Claudia , Marino Gammazza Antonella , Pitruzzella Alessandro , Porcasi Rossana , San Biagio Pier Luigi , Tomasello Giovanni , Conway de Macario Everly , Macario Alberto J. L. , Cappello Francesco , Rappa Francesca
Published: September 2019

The thyroid is a major component of the endocrine system and its pathology can cause serious diseases, e.g., papillary carcinoma (PC). However, the carcinogenic mechanisms are poorly understood and clinical useful biomarkers are scarce. Therefore, we determined if there are quantitative patterns of molecular chaperones in the tumor tissue and circulating exosomes that may be useful in diagnosis and provide clues on their participation in carcinogenesis. Hsp27, Hsp60, Hsp70, and Hsp90 were quantified by immunohistochemistry in PC, benign goiter (BG), and normal peritumoral tissue (PT). The same chaperones were assessed in plasma exosomes from PC and BG patients before and after ablative surgery, using Western blotting. Hsp27, Hsp60, and Hsp90 were increased in PC in comparison with PT and BG but no differences were found for Hsp70. Similarly, exosomal levels of Hsp27, Hsp60, and Hsp90 were higher in PC than in BG, and those in PC were higher before ablative surgery than after it. Hsp27, Hsp60, and Hsp90 show distinctive quantitative patterns in thyroid tissue and circulating exosomes in PC as compared with BG, suggesting some implication in the carcinogenesis of these chaperones and indicating their potential as biomarkers for clinical applications.
Genome-Wide Expression Profiling of Genes Associated with the Lr47-Mediated Wheat Resistance to Leaf Rust (Puccinia triticina)
Authors: Wu Jiaojiao , Gao Jing , Bi Weishuai , Zhao Jiaojie , Yu Xiumei , Li Zaifeng , Liu Daqun , Liu Bo , Wang Xiaodong
Published: September 2019

Puccinia triticina (Pt), the causal agent of wheat leaf rust, is one of the most destructive fungal pathogens threatening global wheat cultivations. The rational utilization of leaf rust resistance (Lr) genes is still the most efficient method for the control of such diseases. The Lr47 gene introgressed from chromosome 7S of Aegilops speltoides still showed high resistance to the majority of Pt races collected in China. However, the Lr47 gene has not been cloned yet, and the regulatory network of the Lr47-mediated resistance has not been explored. In the present investigation, transcriptome analysis was applied on RNA samples from three different wheat lines (“Yecora Rojo”, “UC1037”, and “White Yecora”) carrying the Lr47 gene three days post-inoculation with the epidemic Pt race THTT. A comparison between Pt-inoculated and water-inoculated “Lr47-Yecora Rojo” lines revealed a total number of 863 upregulated (q-value < 0.05 and log2foldchange > 1) and 418 downregulated (q-value < 0.05 and log2foldchange < −1) genes. Specifically, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) located on chromosomes 7AS, 7BS, and 7DS were identified, ten of which encoded receptor-like kinases (RLKs). The expression patterns of these RLK genes were further determined by a time-scale qRT-PCR assay. Moreover, heatmaps for the expression profiles of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes and several transcription factor gene families were generated. Using a transcriptomic approach, we initially profiled the transcriptional changes associated with the Lr47-mediated resistance. The identified DEGs, particularly those genes encoding RLKs, might serve as valuable genetic resources for the improvement of wheat resistance to Pt.
Molecular Cloning and Functional Identification of a Squalene Synthase Encoding Gene from Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
Authors: Kang Junmei , Zhang Qiaoyan , Jiang Xu , Zhang Tiejun , Long Ruicai , Yang Qingchuan , Wang Zhen
Published: September 2019

The quality of alfalfa, a main legume forage worldwide, is of great importance for the dairy industry and is affected by the content of triterpene saponins. These natural terpenoid products of triterpene aglycones are catalyzed by squalene synthase (SQS), a highly conserved enzyme present in eukaryotes. However, there is scare information on alfalfa SQS. Here, an open reading frame (ORF) of SQS was cloned from alfalfa. Sequence analysis showed MsSQS had the same exon/intron composition and shared high homology with its orthologs. Bioinformatic analysis revealed the deduced MsSQS had two transmembrane domains. When transiently expressed, GFP-MsSQS fusion protein was localized on the plasma membrane of onion epidermal cells. Removal of the C-terminal transmembrane domain of MsSQS improved solubility in Escherichia coli. MsSQS was preferably expressed in roots, followed by leaves and stems. MeJA treatment induced MsSQS expression and increased the content of total saponins. Overexpression of MsSQS in alfalfa led to the accumulation of total saponins, suggesting a correlation between MsSQS expression level with saponins content. Therefore, MsSQS is a canonical squalene synthase and contributes to saponin synthesis in alfalfa. This study provides a key candidate gene for genetic manipulation of the synthesis of triterpene saponins, which impact both plant and animal health.
The Endocrine Function of Osteocalcin Regulated by Bone Resorption: A Lesson from Reduced and Increased Bone Mass Diseases
Authors: Rossi Michela , Battafarano Giulia , Pepe Jessica , Minisola Salvatore , Del Fattore Andrea
Published: September 2019

Bone is a peculiar tissue subjected to a continuous process of self-renewal essential to assure the integrity of the skeleton and to explicate the endocrine functions. The study of bone diseases characterized by increased or reduced bone mass due to osteoclast alterations has been essential to understand the great role played by osteocalcin in the endocrine functions of the skeleton. The ability of osteoclasts to regulate the decarboxylation of osteocalcin and to control glucose metabolism, male fertility, and cognitive functions was demonstrated by the use of animal models. In this review we described how diseases characterized by defective and increased bone resorption activity, as osteopetrosis and osteoporosis, were essential to understand the involvement of bone tissue in whole body physiology. To translate this knowledge into humans, recently published reports on patients were described, but further studies should be performed to confirm this complex hormonal regulation in humans.
Different Routes to Inhibit Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase: Do All Roads Lead to the Same Place?
Authors: Giacovazzo Giacomo , Bisogno Tiziana , Piscitelli Fabiana , Verde Roberta , Oddi Sergio , Maccarrone Mauro , Coccurello Roberto
Published: September 2019

There is robust evidence indicating that enhancing the endocannabinoid (eCB) tone has therapeutic potential in several brain disorders. The inhibition of eCBs degradation by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) blockade, is the best-known option to increase N-acyl-ethanolamines-(NAEs)-mediated signaling. Here, we investigated the hypothesis that intranasal delivery is an effective route for different FAAH inhibitors, such as URB597 and PF-04457845. URB597 and PF-04457845 were subchronically administered in C57BL/6 male mice every other day for 20 days for overall 10 drug treatment, and compared for their ability to inhibit FAAH activity by the way of three different routes of administration: intranasal (i.n.), intraperitoneal (i.p.) and oral (p.o.). Lastly, we compared the efficacy of the three routes in terms of URB597-induced increase of NAEs levels in liver and in different brain areas. Results: We show that PF-04457845 potently inhibits FAAH regardless the route selected, and that URB597 was less effective in the brain after p.o. administration while reached similar effects by i.n. and i.p. routes. Intranasal URB597 delivery always increased NAEs levels in brain areas, whereas a parallel increase was not observed in the liver. By showing the efficacy of intranasal FAAH inhibition, we provide evidence that nose-to-brain delivery is a suitable alternative to enhance brain eCB tone for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and improve patients’ compliance.
Variation in Performance and Resistance to Parasitism of Plutella xylostella Populations
Authors: Gols Rieta , Desurmont Gaylord A. , Harvey Jeffrey A.
Published: September 2019

Two major ecological factors determine the fitness of an insect herbivore: the ability to overcome plant resistance strategies (bottom-up effects) and the ability to avoid or resist attack by natural enemies such as predators and parasitoids (top-down effects). In response to differences in selection pressure, variation may exist in host-plant adaptation and immunity against parasitism among populations of an insect herbivore. We investigated the variation in larval performance of six different Plutella xylostella populations originating from four continents when feeding on a native Dutch plant species, Brassica rapa. One of the used populations has successfully switched its host plant, and is now adapted to pea. In addition, we determined the resistance to attack by the endoparasitoid Diadegma semiclausum originating from the Netherlands (where it is also native) and measured parasitoid performance as a proxy for host resistance against parasitism. Pupal mortality, immature development times, and adult biomass of P. xylostella differed significantly across populations when feeding on the same host plant species. In addition, parasitism success differed in terms of parasitoid adult emergence and their biomass, but not their development times. Variation among natural populations of insects should be considered more when studying interactions between plants and insects up the food chain.
Laser Technology in Photonic Applications for Space
Authors: Guilhot Denis , Ribes-Pleguezuelo Pol
Published: September 2019

The registered history of laser technologies for space application starts with the first laser echoes reflected off the Moon in 1962. Since then, photonic technologies have become very prominent in most technical development. Their presence has also dramatically increased in space applications thanks to the many advantages they present over traditional equivalent devices, such as the immunity against electromagnetic interference, as well as their efficiency and low power consumption. Lasers are one of the key components in most of those applications. In this review, we present an overview of the main technologies involving lasers that are currently deployed in space, before reviewing the requirements for lasers to be reliable in that environment before discussing the advantages and drawbacks of replacing standard technologies by newly developed photonic laser-based devices.
Systemic Oxygen Delivery during One-Lung Ventilation: Comparison between Propofol and Sevoflurane Anaesthesia in a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Hahm Tae Soo , Jeong Heejoon , Ahn Hyun Joo
Published: September 2019

Systemic oxygen delivery (DO2) is a more comprehensive marker of patient status than arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), and DO2 in the range of 330–500 mL min−1 is reportedly adequate during anaesthesia. We measured DO2 during one-lung ventilation (OLV) for thoracic surgery—where the risk of pulmonary shunt is significant, and hypoxia occurs frequently—and compared sevoflurane and propofol, the two most commonly used anaesthetics in terms of DO2. Sevoflurane impairs hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. Thus, our hypothesis was that propofol-based anaesthesia would show a higher DO2 value than sevoflurane-based anaesthesia. This was a double-blinded randomised controlled trial conducted at a university hospital from 2017 to 2018. The study population consisted of patients scheduled for lobectomy under OLV (N = 120). Sevoflurane or propofol was titrated to a bispectral index of 40–50. Haemodynamic variables were measured during two-lung ventilation (TLV) and OLV at 15 and 45 min (OLV15 and OLV45, respectively) using oesophageal Doppler monitoring. The mean DO2 (mL min−1) was not different between the sevoflurane and propofol anaesthesia groups (TLV: 680 vs. 706; OLV15: 685 vs. 703; OLV45: 759 vs. 782, respectively). SaO2 was not correlated with DO2 (r = 0.09, p = 0.100). Patients with SaO2 < 94% showed adequate DO2 (641 ± 203 mL min−1), and patients with high SaO2 (> 97%) showed inadequate DO2 (14% of measurements < 500 mL min−1). In conclusion, DO2 did not significantly differ between sevoflurane and propofol. SaO2 was not correlated with DO2 and was not informative regarding whether the patients were receiving an adequate oxygen supply. DO2 may provide additional information on patient status, which may be especially important when patients show a low SaO2.
Clinical Infections by Herpesviruses in Patients Treated with Valproic Acid: A Nested Case-Control Study in the Spanish Primary Care Database, BIFAP
Authors: Gil Miguel , González-González Rocío , Vázquez-Calvo Angela , Álvarez-Gutiérrez Arturo , Martín-Acebes Miguel A. , Praena Beatriz , Bello-Morales Raquel , Saiz Juan-Carlos , López-Guerrero Jose A. , Tabarés Enrique , Sobrino Francisco
Published: September 2019

The objective of this study is to evaluate the risk of clinical infections by herpesviruses in patients exposed to valproic acid (VPA). We performed a case-control study nested in a primary cohort selected from the Spanish primary care population-based research database BIFAP (Base de datos para la Investigación Farmacoepidemiológica en Atención Primaria) over the period 2001–2015. The events of interest were those diseases caused by any herpesviruses known to infect humans. For each case, up to 10 controls per case matched by age, gender, and calendar date were randomly selected. A conditional logistic regression was used to compute adjusted odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Current use of VPA was associated with a trend towards a reduced risk of clinical infections by herpesviruses as compared with non-users (OR 0.84; CI 95% 0.7–1.0; p = 0.057). Among current users, a trend to a decreased risk with treatment durations longer than 90 days was also observed. The results show a trend to a reduced risk of clinical infection by herpesviruses in patients exposed to VPA. These results are consistent with those in vitro studies showing that, in cultured cells, VPA can inhibit the production of the infectious progeny of herpesviruses. This study also shows the efficient use of electronic healthcare records for clinical exploratory research studies.
Mucins as a New Frontier in Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Ballester Beatriz , Milara Javier , Cortijo Julio
Published: September 2019

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common idiopathic interstitial pulmonary disease with a median survival of 3–5 years after diagnosis. Recent evidence identifies mucins as key effectors in cell growth and tissue remodeling processes compatible with the processes observed in IPF. Mucins are classified in two groups depending on whether they are secreted (secreted mucins) or tethered to cell membranes (transmembrane mucins). Secreted mucins (MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC5B, MUC6-8 and MUC19) are released to the extracellular medium and recent evidence has shown that a promoter polymorphism in the secreted mucin MUC5B is associated with IPF risk. Otherwise, transmembrane mucins (MUC1, MUC3, MUC4, MUC12-17 and MUC20) have a receptor-like structure, sensing the external environment and activating intracellular signal transduction pathways essential for mucosal maintenance and damage repair. In this context, the extracellular domain can be released to the external environment by metalloproteinase action, increased in IPF, thus activating fibrotic processes. For example, several studies have reported increased serum extracellular secreted KL6/MUC1 during IPF acute exacerbation. Moreover, MUC1 and MUC4 overexpression in the main IPF cells has been observed. In this review we summarize the current knowledge of mucins as promising druggable targets for IPF.
Sounds over Symbols? The Role of Auditory Cues in Orthographically-Correlated Speech Behavior
Authors: Grippando Shannon
Published: September 2019

A recent series of studies found a correlation between orthographic length and speech duration: The more orthographic units in a written form, the longer the speech duration of that word, all else being equal. Modular and encapsulated speech production models argue that orthography should not contribute to articulation when it is not directly and explicitly relevant to speech. Such models demand that other factors such as auditory cues must be contributing to the development of this behavior. If auditory cues are being used in the development of these speech patterns, individuals would be expected to be sensitive to these differences. The current study uses an ABX task to determine whether participants are sensitive to durational differences at lengths similar to those observed in the previously found orthographically-correlated speech behavior. The current results showed no sensitivity to the critical levels of speech duration. Participants only began to show sensitivity at four times the length of the lower-bound durational lengths previously observed in individual’s speech patterns. These results call into question whether audio cues are playing a significant role in the development of this speech behavior and strengthen the claim that orthography may be influencing speech in an interactive fashion.
A Simplified Calculation Method of Heat Source Model for Induction Heating
Authors: Dong Hongbao , Zhao Yao , Yuan Hua , Hu Xiaocai , Yang Zhen
Published: September 2019

Line heating is used in forming the complex curve plates of ships, and this process is becoming integrated into automated tools. Induction heating equipment has become commonly used in automatic line heating. When applying automated equipment, it is necessary to calculate the relationship between the heating parameters and the temperature field. Numerical methods are primarily used to accomplish the calculations for induction heating. This computation process requires repeated iterations to obtain a stable heat generation rate. Once the heat generation rate changes significantly, a recalculation takes place. Due to the relative position of the coil and plate changes during heating, the grid needs to be frequently re-divided during computation, which dramatically increases the total computation time. In this paper, through an analysis of the computation process for induction heating, the root node that restricts the computation efficiency in the conventional electromagnetic-thermal computation process was found. A method that uses a Gaussian function to represent the heat flux was proposed to replace the electromagnetic computation. The heat flux is the input for calculating the temperature field, thus avoiding the calculation of the electromagnetic analysis during induction heating. Besides, an equivalence relationship for multi-coil was proposed in this paper. By comparing the results of the experiment and the numerical method, the proposed heat source model’s effectiveness was verified.
Development of ZIF-Derived Nanoporous Carbon and Cobalt Sulfide-Based Electrode Material for Supercapacitor
Authors: Ahmad Rabia , Iqbal Naseem , Noor Tayyaba
Published: September 2019

Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework (ZIF-67) was prepared in two different solvents—water and methanol. Nanoporous carbon was derived from ZIF-67 via pyrolysis in an inert atmosphere. Anion exchange step of sulfidation on the synthesized material has a great influence on the structure and properties. Structural morphology and thermal stability were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The electrochemical analysis was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, and impedance analysis. The as-prepared nanoporous carbon and cobalt sulfide (NPC/CS) electrode material (water) in 2M KOH electrolyte solution exhibit high specific capacitance of 677 F/g. The excellent electrochemical performance of the NPC/CS was attributed to its hierarchical structure. This functionalized ZIF driven strategy paves the way to the preparation of various metal oxide and metal sulfide-based nanoheterostructures by varying the type of metal.
A Selective Fluorescence Turn-On Probe for the Detection of DCNP (Nerve Agent Tabun Simulant)
Authors: Jung Yuna , Kim Dokyoung
Published: September 2019

Diethylcyanophosphonate (DCNP) is a simulant of Tabun (GA) which is an extremely toxic chemical substance and is used as a chemical warfare (CW) nerve agent. Due to its toxic properties, monitoring methods have been constantly come under the spotlight. What we are proposing within this report is a next-generation fluorescent probe, DMHN1, which allows DCNP to become fully traceable in a sensitive, selective, and responsive manner. This is the first fluorescent turn-on probe within the dipolar naphthalene platform induced by ESIPT (excited state intramolecular proton transfer) suppression that allows us to sense DCNP without any disturbance by other similar G-series chemical weapons. The successful demonstrations of practical applications, such as in vitro analysis, soil analysis, and the development of an on-site real-time prototype sensing kit, encourage further applications in a variety of fields.
The Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Multi-Strand, Composite Welding-Wire Welded Joints of High Nitrogen Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Li Jianguo , Li Huan , Liang Yu , Liu Pingli , Yang Lijun
Published: September 2019

A multi-strand composite welding wire was applied to join high nitrogen austenitic stainless steel, and microstructures and mechanical properties were investigated. The electrical signals demonstrate that the welding process using a multi-strand composite welding wire is highly stable. The welded joints are composed of columnar austenite and dendritic ferrite and welded joints obtained under high heat input and cooling rate have a noticeable coarse-grained heat-affected zone and larger columnar austenite in weld seam. Compared with welded joints obtained under the high heat input and cooling rate, welded joints have the higher fractions of deformed grains, high angle grain boundaries, Schmid factor, and lower dislocation density under the low heat input and cooling rate, which indicate a lower tensile strength and higher yield strength. The rotated Goss (GRD) ({110}⟨1 1 ¯ 0⟩) orientation of a thin plate and the cube (C) ({001}⟨100⟩) orientation of a thick plate are obvious after welding, but the S ({123}⟨63 4 ¯ ⟩) orientation at 65° sections of Euler’s space is weak. The δ-ferrite was studied based on the primary ferrite solidification mode. It was observed that low heat input and a high cooling rate results in an increase of δ-ferrite, and a high dislocation density was obtained in grain boundaries of δ-ferrite. M23C6 precipitates due to a low cooling rate and heat input in the weld seam and deteriorates the elongation of welded joints. The engineering Stress–strain curves also show the low elongation and tensile strength of welded joints under low heat input and cooling rate, which is mainly caused by the high fraction of δ-ferrite and the precipitation of M23C6.
The Tumor-on-Chip: Recent Advances in the Development of Microfluidic Systems to Recapitulate the Physiology of Solid Tumors
Authors: Trujillo-de Santiago Grissel , Flores-Garza Brenda Giselle , Tavares-Negrete Jorge Alfonso , Lara-Mayorga Itzel Montserrat , González-Gamboa Ivonne , Zhang Yu Shrike , Rojas-Martínez Augusto , Ortiz-López Rocío , Álvarez Mario Moisés
Published: September 2019

The ideal in vitro recreation of the micro-tumor niche—although much needed for a better understanding of cancer etiology and development of better anticancer therapies—is highly challenging. Tumors are complex three-dimensional (3D) tissues that establish a dynamic cross-talk with the surrounding tissues through complex chemical signaling. An extensive body of experimental evidence has established that 3D culture systems more closely recapitulate the architecture and the physiology of human solid tumors when compared with traditional 2D systems. Moreover, conventional 3D culture systems fail to recreate the dynamics of the tumor niche. Tumor-on-chip systems, which are microfluidic devices that aim to recreate relevant features of the tumor physiology, have recently emerged as powerful tools in cancer research. In tumor-on-chip systems, the use of microfluidics adds another dimension of physiological mimicry by allowing a continuous feed of nutrients (and pharmaceutical compounds). Here, we discuss recently published literature related to the culture of solid tumor-like tissues in microfluidic systems (tumor-on-chip devices). Our aim is to provide the readers with an overview of the state of the art on this particular theme and to illustrate the toolbox available today for engineering tumor-like structures (and their environments) in microfluidic devices. The suitability of tumor-on-chip devices is increasing in many areas of cancer research, including the study of the physiology of solid tumors, the screening of novel anticancer pharmaceutical compounds before resourcing to animal models, and the development of personalized treatments. In the years to come, additive manufacturing (3D bioprinting and 3D printing), computational fluid dynamics, and medium- to high-throughput omics will become powerful enablers of a new wave of more sophisticated and effective tumor-on-chip devices.
Ballistic Behavior of Oblique Ceramic Composite Structure against Long-Rod Tungsten Projectiles
Authors: Luo Dujun , Wang Yangwei , Wang Fuchi , Cheng Huanwu , Zhu Yu
Published: September 2019

Oblique ceramic armor structure composed of an oblique part and a backing part was designed to resist the ballistic impact of long rod penetrators. The front part consisted of an oblique silicon carbide ceramic and a triangular titanium alloy prism. The backing part contained layered silicon carbide and armor steel designed to absorb the residual energy of penetrators. The structure’s response to penetration was examined experimentally by considering different impact locations on oblique targets. Numerical simulations of the experiments were performed to reproduce the penetration and failure processes that occurred in the armor modules. In addition, a simple layer structure with the identical line-of-sight thickness of each material used in the oblique impact was simulated under a normal impact. The rod and target performances with the oblique impact and normal impact were compared and analyzed in detail. The results showed that the oblique structure had a better ballistic performance as a result of an extra short dwell period before penetrating the ceramic in comparison with the normal layer case. The ability of the oblique targets to defeat long rod projectiles differed with the impact location on the ceramic. The present study paves the way for ceramic armor obliquity applications.
Optical Magnetometry Based on Nanodiamonds with Nitrogen-Vacancy Color Centers
Authors: Wojciechowski Adam M. , Nakonieczna Paulina , Mrózek Mariusz , Sycz Krystian , Kruk Andrzej , Ficek Mateusz , Głowacki Maciej , Bogdanowicz Robert , Gawlik Wojciech
Published: September 2019

Nitrogen-vacancy color centers in diamond are a very promising medium for many sensing applications such as magnetometry and thermometry. In this work, we study nanodiamonds deposited from a suspension onto glass substrates. Fluorescence and optically detected magnetic resonance spectra recorded with the dried-out nanodiamond ensembles are presented and a suitable scheme for tracking the magnetic-field value using a continuous poly-crystalline spectrum is introduced. Lastly, we demonstrate a remote-sensing capability of the high-numerical-aperture imaging fiber bundle with nanodiamonds deposited on its end facet.
Effect of Nonmetallic Inclusions on Fatigue Properties of Superelastic Ti-Ni Fine Wire
Authors: Yamashita Fumiyoshi , Ide Yasunori , Kato Suguru , Ueda Kyosuke , Narushima Takayuki , Kise Sumio , Ishikawa Kouji , Nishida Minoru
Published: September 2019

This study investigated the effects of the types and length of nonmetallic inclusions on fatigue properties in rotating bending fatigue testing of Ti-Ni alloy fine wire. It was fabricated to include titanium carbides Ti(C,O) and titanium oxides Ti4Ni2Ox as either single phases or a mixture of both phases as nonmetallic inclusions in Ti-Ni alloy. The fatigue strength of Ti-Ni alloy depended on the number of nonmetallic inclusions of a length of ≥2 μm. Compared with Ti(C,O), Ti4Ni2Ox is coarse. It also exhibited a trend of readily forming particles and void assemblies, which are a defect morphology that originates from nonmetallic inclusions and readily act as crack origins of fatigue fractures.
A Gas Mixture Prediction Model Based on the Dynamic Response of a Metal-Oxide Sensor
Authors: Wen Wei-Chih , Chou Ting-I , Tang Kea-Tiong
Published: September 2019

Metal-oxide (MOX) gas sensors are widely used for gas concentration estimation and gas identification due to their low cost, high sensitivity, and stability. However, MOX sensors have low selectivity to different gases, which leads to the problem of classification for mixtures and pure gases. In this study, a square wave was applied as the heater waveform to generate a dynamic response on the sensor. The information of the dynamic response, which includes different characteristics for different gases due to temperature changes, enhanced the selectivity of the MOX sensor. Moreover, a polynomial interaction term mixture model with a dynamic response is proposed to predict the concentration of the binary mixtures and pure gases. The proposed method improved the classification accuracy to 100%. Moreover, the relative error of quantification decreased to 1.4% for pure gases and 13.0% for mixtures.