bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ballistic and shift currents in the bulk photovoltaic effect theory
Authors: Sturman B I
Published: June 2019

The bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE) — the generation of electric currents by light in noncentrosymmetric materials in the absence of electric fields and gradients — was intensively investigated at the end of the last century. The outcomes, including all main aspects of this phenomenon, were summarized in reviews and books. A new upsurge of interest in the BPVE occurred recently, resulting in a flood of misleading theoretical and experimental publications centered around the so-called shift current. Numerous top-rated recent publications ignore the basic principles of charge-transport phenomena and the previous results of joint experimental-theoretical studies. Specifically, leading (or substantial) contributions to currents caused by asymmetry of the momentum distributions of electrons and holes are missed. The wide-spread basic relation for the shift current ignores the kinetic processes of relaxation and recombination of photo-excited electrons and leads to nonvanishing shift currents in thermal equilibrium. The goals of this methodological note is to specify and substantiate the benchmarks of the BPVE theory and return studies to the right track in the interest of developing photovoltaic devices.
Welfare Assessment in Shelter Dogs by Using Physiological and Immunological Parameters
Authors: Righi Cecilia , Menchetti Laura , Orlandi Riccardo , Moscati Livia , Mancini Stefania , Diverio Silvana
Published: June 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the state of welfare of a group of dogs during the first month after entering the shelter by using different stress parameters. Blood and fecal samples were collected from a group of 71 dogs at the time of admission to the shelter. In 46 of these dogs, sampling was repeated after four weeks. Well-recognized welfare biomarkers, such as fecal cortisol and leukocytes, as well as some innovative parameters (β-endorphin and lysozyme) were determined. Uni- and multivariate statistical analyses were used to evaluate their interactions and changes over time. Neutrophils (p < 0.01), lysozyme (p < 0.05), and fecal cortisol (p < 0.05) decreased, while lymphocytes (p < 0.05) increased after four weeks compared to the first days of being in the shelter, suggesting an improvement in the dogs’ welfare over time. A principal component analysis extracted three bipolar components (PCs), explaining 75% of the variance and indicating negative associations between neutrophil and lymphocyte (PC1), lysozyme and β-endorphin (PC2), cortisol and lysozyme (PC3). The associations between these variables within each PC also confirmed the intricate relationships between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the immune system as well as the importance of a multiparametric approach in evaluating welfare.
Effect of Dietary Modulation of Selenium Form and Level on Performance, Tissue Retention, Quality of Frozen Stored Meat and Gene Expression of Antioxidant Status in Ross Broiler Chickens
Authors: Ibrahim Doaa , Kishawy Asmaa T.Y. , Khater Safaa I. , Hamed Arisha Ahmed , Mohammed Haiam A. , Abdelaziz Ahmed Shaban , Abd El-Rahman Ghada I. , Elabbasy Mohamed Tharwat
Published: June 2019

This study compares between different selenium forms (sodium selenite; SeS, selenomethionine; Met-Se or nano-Se) and levels on growth performance, Se retention, antioxidative potential of fresh and frozen meat, and genes related to oxidative stress in Ross broilers. Birds (n = 450) were randomly divided into nine experimental groups with five replicates in each and were fed diets supplemented with 0.3, 0.45, and 0.6 mg Se/kg as (SeS, Met-Se), or nano-Se. For overall growth performance, dietary inclusion of Met-Se or nano-Se significantly increased (p < 0.05) body weight gain and improved the feed conversion ratio of Ross broiler chicks at the level of 0.45 and 0.6 mg/kg when compared with the group fed the same level of SeS. Se sources and levels significantly affected (p < 0.05) its concentrations in breast muscle, liver, and serum. Moreover, Se retention in muscle was higher (p < 0.05) after feeding of broiler chicks on a diet supplemented with Met-Se or nano-Se compared to the SeS group, especially at 0.6 mg/kg. Additionally, higher dietary levels from Met-Se or nano-Se significantly reduced oxidative changes in breast and thigh meat in the fresh state and after a four-week storage period and increased muscular pH after 24 h of slaughter. Also, broiler’s meat in the Met-Se and nano-Se groups showed cooking loss and lower drip compared to the SeS group (p < 0.05). In the liver, the mRNA expression levels of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were elevated by increasing dietary Se levels from Met-Se and nano-Se groups up to 0.6 mg/kg when compared with SeS. Therefore, dietary supplementation with 0.6 mg/kg Met-Se and nano-Se improved growth performance and were more efficiently retained than with SeS. Both sources of selenium (Met-Se and nano-Se) downregulated the oxidation processes of meat during the first four weeks of frozen storage, especially in thigh meat, compared with an inorganic source. Finally, dietary supplementation of Met-Se and nano-Se produced acceptable Se levels in chicken meat offered for consumers.
Large-Aperture Real-Time Compensated Collimating Wavefront Error Detection Method
Authors: Zhu Xueliang , Wang Dasen , Nie Fengming , Liu Bingcai , Wang Hongjun , Tian Ailing
Published: June 2019

This paper proposes a real-time compensated pentaprism scanning wavefront detection method to achieve real-time compensation for scanning errors occurring during prism movement along a guide rail. The method is based on existing pentaprism scanning wavefront detection technology and it is realized by applying self-collimation-based three-dimensional error compensation. Using theoretical and data analyses of a detection experiment, the reliability of the optimized pentaprism scanning detection method is verified, thus effectively ensuring the reasonable estimation of the interferometry surface measurement uncertainty.
Building Wireless Control Applications with XBee and LabVIEW
Authors: Calvo Isidro , Barambones Oscar , Chouza Ander , Abrahams Steven , Beckers Geert , Slechten Dieter , Velasco Javier
Published: June 2019

This study analyzed the application of the XBee technology for control applications embedded in big machinery. In particular, it presented the control layout, topology, design of frames, and error control mechanisms that are required for implementing wireless control networked applications. This study was devoted to presenting experimental use cases of wireless control systems that help the scientific community to design and implement new control systems. Experimental tests were carried out over a Single Input Single Output (SISO) control application to evaluate its use in close loop applications. The results of these tests have been discussed in detail. In order to clarify the use of XBee in control applications, a high precision positioning application has been presented. It involved a piezoelectric actuator that was remotely controlled by means of a Proportional Integral (PI) controller, which was implemented in LabVIEW over a NI myRIO platform. Both the sensor and the actuators were connected with the NI myRIO by means of the XBee anthenae. The results showed that even though XBee technologies present some drawbacks, such as a lower performance when compared to wired connections and the influence of interferences, they have the potential to be used in some scenarios for non-critical control applications.
Preface for the Special Issue on Dynamical Models of Biology and Medicine
Authors: Kuang Yang , Fan Meng , Liu Shengqiang , Ma Wanbiao
Published: June 2019

Mathematical and computational modeling approaches in biological and medical research are experiencing rapid growth globally [...]
Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) of Metal Gates for CMOS
Authors: Zhao Chao , Xiang Jinjuan
Published: June 2019

The continuous down-scaling of complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) field effect transistors (FETs) had been suffering two fateful technical issues, one relative to the thinning of gate dielectric and the other to the aggressive shortening of channel in last 20 years. To solve the first issue, the high-κ dielectric and metal gate technology had been induced to replace the conventional gate stack of silicon dioxide layer and poly-silicon. To suppress the short channel effects, device architecture had changed from planar bulk Si device to fully depleted silicon on insulator (FDSOI) and FinFETs, and will transit to gate all-around FETs (GAA-FETs). Different from the planar devices, the FinFETs and GAA-FETs have a 3D channel. The conventional high-κ/metal gate process using sputtering faces conformality difficulty, and all atomic layer deposition (ALD) of gate stack become necessary. This review covers both scientific and technological parts related to the ALD of metal gates including the concept of effect work function, the material selection, the precursors for the deposition, the threshold voltage (Vt) tuning of the metal gate in contact with HfO2/SiO2/Si. The ALD of n-type metal gate will be detailed systematically, based mainly on the authors’ works in last five years, and the all ALD gate stacks will be proposed for the future generations based on the learning.
Estimating Maize-Leaf Coverage in Field Conditions by Applying a Machine Learning Algorithm to UAV Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Zhou Chengquan , Ye Hongbao , Xu Zhifu , Hu Jun , Shi Xiaoyan , Hua Shan , Yue Jibo , Yang Guijun
Published: June 2019

Leaf coverage is an indicator of plant growth rate and predicted yield, and thus it is crucial to plant-breeding research. Robust image segmentation of leaf coverage from remote-sensing images acquired by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in varying environments can be directly used for large-scale coverage estimation, and is a key component of high-throughput field phenotyping. We thus propose an image-segmentation method based on machine learning to extract relatively accurate coverage information from the orthophoto generated after preprocessing. The image analysis pipeline, including dataset augmenting, removing background, classifier training and noise reduction, generates a set of binary masks to obtain leaf coverage from the image. We compare the proposed method with three conventional methods (Hue-Saturation-Value, edge-detection-based algorithm, random forest) and a frontier deep-learning method called DeepLabv3+. The proposed method improves indicators such as Qseg, Sr, Es and mIOU by 15% to 30%. The experimental results show that this approach is less limited by radiation conditions, and that the protocol can easily be implemented for extensive sampling at low cost. As a result, with the proposed method, we recommend using red-green-blue (RGB)-based technology in addition to conventional equipment for acquiring the leaf coverage of agricultural crops.
The Delivery Strategy of Paclitaxel Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Coated with Platelet Membrane
Authors: Bang Ki-Hyun , Na Young-Guk , Huh Hyun Wook , Hwang Sung-Joo , Kim Min-Soo , Kim Minki , Lee Hong-Ki , Cho Cheong-Weon
Published: June 2019

Strategies for the development of anticancer drug delivery systems have undergone a dramatic transformation in the last few decades. Lipid-based drug delivery systems, such as a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC), are one of the systems emerging to improve the outcomes of tumor treatments. However, NLC can act as an intruder and cause an immune response. To overcome this limitation, biomimicry technology was introduced to decorate the surface of the nanoparticles with various cell membrane proteins. Here, we designed paclitaxel (PT)-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (PT-NLC) with platelet (PLT) membrane protein because PLT is involved with angiogenesis and interaction of circulating tumor cells. After PLT was isolated from blood using the gravity-gradient method and it was used for coating PT-NLC. Spherical PT-NLC and platelet membrane coated PT-NLC (P-PT-NLC) were successfully fabricated with high encapsulation efficiency (EE) (99.98%) and small particle size (less than 200 nm). The successful coating of PT-NLC with a PLT membrane was confirmed by the identification of CD41 based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM), western blot assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) data. Moreover, the stronger affinity of P-PT-NLC than that of PT-NLC toward tumor cells was observed. In vitro cell study, the PLT coated nanoparticles successfully displayed the anti-tumor effect to SK-OV-3 cells. In summary, the biomimicry carrier system P-PT-NLC has an affinity and targeting ability for tumor cells.
Optimizing Genetic Workup in Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma by Integrating Diagnostic and Research Approaches
Authors: Gieldon Laura , William Doreen , Hackmann Karl , Jahn Winnie , Jahn Arne , Wagner Johannes , Rump Andreas , Bechmann Nicole , Nölting Svenja , Knösel Thomas , Gudziol Volker , Constantinescu Georgiana , Masjkur Jimmy , Beuschlein Felix , Timmers Henri JLM , Canu Letizia , Pacak Karel , Robledo Mercedes , Aust Daniela , Schröck Evelin , Eisenhofer Graeme , Richter Susan , Klink Barbara
Published: June 2019

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGL) are rare neuroendocrine tumors with a strong hereditary background and a large genetic heterogeneity. Identification of the underlying genetic cause is crucial for the management of patients and their families as it aids differentiation between hereditary and sporadic cases. To improve diagnostics and clinical management we tailored an enrichment based comprehensive multi-gene next generation sequencing panel applicable to both analyses of tumor tissue and blood samples. We applied this panel to tumor samples and compared its performance to our current routine diagnostic approach. Routine diagnostic sequencing of 11 PPGL susceptibility genes was applied to blood samples of 65 unselected PPGL patients at a single center in Dresden, Germany. Predisposing germline mutations were identified in 19 (29.2%) patients. Analyses of 28 PPGL tumor tissues using the dedicated PPGL panel revealed pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in known PPGL susceptibility genes in 21 (75%) cases, including mutations in IDH2, ATRX and HRAS. These mutations suggest sporadic tumor development. Our results imply a diagnostic benefit from extended molecular tumor testing of PPGLs and consequent improvement of patient management. The approach is promising for determination of prognostic biomarkers that support therapeutic decision-making.
The POU-Domain Transcription Factor Oct-6/POU3F1 as a Regulator of Cellular Response to Genotoxic Stress
Authors: Fionda Cinzia , Di Bona Danilo , Kosta Andrea , Stabile Helena , Santoni Angela , Cippitelli Marco
Published: June 2019

DNA damage and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are key mechanisms of apoptotic cell death by commonly used genotoxic drugs. However, the complex cellular response to these pharmacologic agents remains yet to be fully characterized. Several studies have described the role of transcription factor octamer-1 (Oct-1)/Pit-1, Oct-1/2, and Unc-86 shared domain class 2 homeobox 1 (POU2F1) in the regulation of the genes important for cellular response to genotoxic stress. Evaluating the possible involvement of other POU family transcription factors in these pathways, we revealed the inducible expression of Oct-6/POU3F1, a regulator of neural morphogenesis and epidermal differentiation, in cancer cells by genotoxic drugs. The induction of Oct-6 occurs at the transcriptional level via reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ataxia telangiectasia mutated- and Rad3-related (ATR)-dependent mechanisms, but in a p53 independent manner. Moreover, we provide evidence that Oct-6 may play a role in the regulation of cellular response to DNA damaging agents. Indeed, by using the shRNA approach, we demonstrate that in doxorubicin-treated H460 non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells, Oct-6 depletion leads to a reduced G2-cell cycle arrest and senescence, but also to increased levels of intracellular ROS and DNA damage. In addition, we could identify p21 and catalase as Oct-6 target genes possibly mediating these effects. These results demonstrate that Oct-6 is expressed in cancer cells after genotoxic stress, and suggests its possible role in the control of ROS, DNA damage response (DDR), and senescence.
Inhibition of Glioma Development by ASCL1-Mediated Direct Neuronal Reprogramming
Authors: Cheng Xueyan , Tan Zijian , Huang Xiao , Yuan Yimin , Qin Shangyao , Gu Yakun , Wang Dan , He Cheng , Su Zhida
Published: June 2019

Direct conversion of non-neural cells into induced neurons holds great promise for brain repair. As the most common malignant tumor in the central nervous system, glioma is currently incurable due to its exponential growth and invasive behavior. Given that neurons are irreversible postmitotic cells, reprogramming glioma cells into terminally differentiated neuron-like cells represents a potential approach to inhibit brain tumor development. We here show that human glioma cells can be directly, rapidly and efficiently reprogrammed into terminally differentiated neuron-like cells by the single transcription factor ASCL1 (Achaete-scute complex-like 1, also known as MASH1). These induced cells exhibit typical neuron-like morphology and express multiple neuron-specific markers. Importantly, ASCL1-mediated neuronal reprogramming drives human glioma cells to exit the cell cycle and results in dramatic inhibition of proliferation, both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, this proof-of-principle study demonstrates a potential strategy for impeding brain tumor development by ASCL1-induced direct neuronal reprogramming.
MiR-501-3p Forms a Feedback Loop with FOS, MDFI, and MyoD to Regulate C2C12 Myogenesis
Authors: Hou Lianjie , Zhu Linhui , Li Huaqin , Jiang Fangyi , Cao Lingbo , Hu Ching Yuan , Wang Chong
Published: June 2019

Skeletal muscle plays an essential role in maintaining body energy homeostasis and body flexibility. Loss of muscle mass leads to slower wound healing and recovery from illness, physical disability, poor quality of life, and higher health care costs. So, it is critical for us to understand the mechanism of skeletal muscle myogenic differentiation for maintaining optimal health throughout life. miR-501-3p is a novel muscle-specific miRNA, and its regulation mechanism on myoblast myogenic differentiation is still not clear. We demonstrated that FOS was a direct target gene of miR-501-3p, and MyoD regulated miR-501-3p host gene Clcn5 through bioinformatics prediction. Our previous laboratory experiment found that MDFI overexpression promoted C2C12 myogenic differentiation and MyoD expression. The database also showed there is an FOS binding site in the MDFI promoter region. Therefore, we hypothesize that miR-501-3p formed a feedback loop with FOS, MDFI, and MyoD to regulate myoblast differentiation. To validate our hypothesis, we demonstrated miR-501-3p function in the proliferation and differentiation period of C2C12 cells by transfecting cells with miR-501-3p mimic and inhibitor. Then, we confirmed there is a direct regulatory relationship between miR-501-3p and FOS, MyoD and miR-501-3p, FOS and MDFI through QPCR, dual-luciferase reporter system, and ChIP experiments. Our results not only expand our understanding of the muscle myogenic development mechanism in which miRNA and genes participate in controlling skeletal muscle development, but also provide treatment strategies for skeletal muscle or metabolic-related diseases in the future.
A Novel Data Forwarding Strategy for a Drone Delay Tolerant Network with Range Extension
Authors: Iranmanesh Saeid , Raad Raad
Published: June 2019

Amazon, Uber Eats, and United Parcel Service (UPS) are planning to launch drone delivery services in the near future. Indeed, recently, Google has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for its Wings delivery platform. Amazon claims that a drone logistics network is more cost-efficient and quicker than a motor vehicle delivery network. In this paper, we propose a data delivery service by the drone network in addition to parcel delivery. We propose Heuristic Flight Path Planning (HFPP) that plans a drone’s flight path based on parcel delivery destination as well as data delivery destinations (waypoints). We further extend the solution to include drone charging stations for range extension. Our simulation studies show that our proposed method has delivered the data and consignments such that HFPP delivers up to 33% more data packets compared with Encounter-Based Routing (EBR), Epidemic, and a similar path planning method. Also, HFPP reduces the data delivery delays by up to 72% while the overhead ratio is low.
In Situ Measurements of Energy Consumption and Indoor Environmental Quality of a Pre-Retrofitted Student Dormitory in Athens
Authors: Barmparesos Nikolaos , Papadaki Dimitra , Karalis Michalis , Fameliari Kyriaki , Assimakopoulos Margarita Niki
Published: June 2019

In the following years all European Union member states should bring into force national laws on the energy performance of buildings. Moreover, university campus dormitories are buildings of great importance, due to their architectural characteristics and their social impact. In this study, the energy performance along with the indoor environmental conditions of a dormitory of a university has been analysed. The in situ measurements included temperature, relative humidity, concentrations of carbon dioxide, total volatile organic compounds, and electrical consumption; lastly, the energy signature of the whole building was investigated. The study focused on the summer months, during which significantly increased thermal needs of the building were identified. The ground floor was found to be the floor with the highest percentage of thermal conditions within the comfort range, and the third floor the lowest. Lastly, a significant correlation between electrical consumption and the outdoor temperature was presented, highlighting the lack of thermal insulation. Overall, it was clear that a redesign of the cooling and heating system, the installation of a ventilation system, and thermal insulation are essential for improving the energy efficiency of this building.
Self-Sustained Turn-Off Oscillation of SiC MOSFETs: Origin, Instability Analysis, and Prevention
Authors: Xue Peng , Maresca Luca , Riccio Michele , Breglio Giovanni , Irace Andrea
Published: June 2019

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation on the self-sustained oscillation of silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs. At first, based on the double pulse switching test, it is identified that the self-sustained oscillation of SiC MOSFETs can be triggered by two distinct test conditions. To investigate the oscillatory criteria of the two types of self-sustained oscillation, a small-signal ac model is introduced to obtain the transfer function of the oscillatory system. The instability of the oscillation is thereby determined by the two conjugate pole pairs of the transfer function. By analyzing the damping ratios of the two pole pairs, the parametric sensitivity of various circuit and device’s parameters on the two types of self-sustained oscillation are obtained. The analyses reveal the oscillatory criteria of the self-sustained oscillation for SiC MOSFETs. Based on the oscillatory criteria, necessary methods are proposed to prevent the oscillation. The proposed oscillation suppression methods are validated by the experiment at the end of the paper.
Coupled Fluid-Structure Interaction Modelling of Loads Variation and Fatigue Life of a Full-Scale Tidal Turbine under the Effect of Velocity Profile
Authors: Badshah Mujahid , Badshah Saeed , VanZwieten James , Jan Sakhi , Amir Muhammad , Malik Suheel Abdullah
Published: June 2019

Velocity profiles in tidal channels cause cyclic oscillations in hydrodynamic loads due to the dependence of relative velocity on angular position, which can lead to fatigue damage. Therefore, the effect of velocity profile on the load variation and fatigue life of large-scale tidal turbines is quantified here. This is accomplished using Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) simulations created using the ANSYS Workbench software, which couples the fluid solver ANSYS CFX to the structural solver ANSYS transient structural. While these load oscillations only minimally impact power and thrust fluctuation for rotors, they can significantly impact the load variations on individual rotor blades. To evaluate these loadings, a tidal turbine within a channel with a representative flow that follows a 1/7th power velocity profile and an onset turbulence intensity of 5% is simulated. This velocity profile increases the thrust coefficient variation from mean cycle value of an individual blade from 2.8% to 9% and the variation in flap wise bending moment coefficient is increased from 4.9% to 19%. Similarly, the variation from the mean cycle value for blade deformation and stress of 2.5% and 2.8% increased to 9.8% and 10.3%, respectively. Due to the effect of velocity profile, the mean stress is decreased, whereas, the range and variation of stress are considerably increased.
The Feasibility Appraisal for CO2 Enhanced Gas Recovery of Tight Gas Reservoir: Experimental Investigation and Numerical Model
Authors: Jia Ying , Shi Yunqing , Pan Weiyi , Huang Lei , Yan Jin , Zhao Qingmin
Published: June 2019

This paper proves the soundness of supercritical CO2 displacement for enhancing gas recovery of a tight gas reservoir via laboratory investigations and compositional modeling. First, a novel phase behavior experimental device with a screened supercritical CO2 dyeing agent were first presented to better understand the mixture characteristics between supercritical CO2 and natural gas. The mass transfer between two vapor phases was also measured. Then, based on experimental results, the compositional model considering the influence of CO2 diffusion on the gas recovery and critical property adjustment of supercritical CO2 was established. The miscibility process and mixing properties, such as density, viscosity, and the flowing velocity vector, of supercriticalCO2 and natural gas were visualized through a 3D display, which obtained a better understanding of the flooding mechanism of Enhanced Gas Recovery (EGR) via supercritical CO2. Finally, with experiments and numerical simulations, the main benefits of CO2 EGR were shown, which were partial miscibility between CO2 and natural gas, pressure maintenance, and CO2 displacement as a “gas cushion.” In general, experiments and numerical simulations demonstrate that CO2 EGR can be seen as a promising way of prolonging the productive life and enhancing recovery of tight gas reservoirs.
Press-Pulse Odocoileus Virginianus Herbivory in Relict Tsuga Canadensis Stands in the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA
Authors: Parikh Grace L. , Webster Christopher R.
Published: June 2019

Ungulate herbivory occurring within a forest plant community’s natural range of variation may help maintain species diversity. However, acute or chronically elevated levels of herbivory can produce dramatic changes in forest communities. For example, chronically high levels of herbivory by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmerman) in regions of historically low abundance at northern latitudes have dramatically altered forest community composition. In eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis L. Carrière) stands where deer aggregate during winter, high deer use has been associated with a shift towards deciduous species (i.e., maples [Acer spp.]) dominating the regeneration layer. Especially harsh winters can lead to deer population declines, which could facilitate regeneration of species that have been suppressed by browsing, such as hemlock. To enhance our understanding of how fluctuations in herbivory influence regeneration dynamics, we surveyed regeneration and deer use in 15 relict hemlock stands in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan in 2007 and again in 2015. With the exception of small seedlings (0.04–0.24 m height), primarily maples whose abundance increased significantly (p < 0.05), we observed widespread significant declines (p < 0.05) in the abundance of medium (0.25 ≤ 1.4 m height) and large regeneration (>1.4 m tall ≤ 4 cm diameter at breast height) over the study period. Midway through our study period, the region experienced a high severity winter (i.e., “polar vortex”) which resulted in a substantial decline in the white-tailed deer population. Given the dominance of maples and dearth of hemlock in the seedling layer, the decline in the deer population may fail to forestall or possibly hasten the trend towards maple dominance of the regeneration layer as these stands recover from pulses of acute herbivory associated with high-severity winters and the press of chronically high herbivory that precedes them.
An Original Methodology for the Selection of Biomarkers of Tenderness in Five Different Muscles
Authors: Ellies-Oury Marie-Pierre , Lorenzo Hadrien , Denoyelle Christophe , Saracco Jérôme , Picard Brigitte
Published: June 2019

For several years, studies conducted for discovering tenderness biomarkers have proposed a list of 20 candidates. The aim of the present work was to develop an innovative methodology to select the most predictive among this list. The relative abundance of the proteins was evaluated on five muscles of 10 Holstein cows: gluteobiceps, semimembranosus, semitendinosus, Triceps brachii and Vastus lateralis. To select the most predictive biomarkers, a multi-block model was used: The Data-Driven Sparse Partial Least Square. Semimembranosus and Vastus lateralis muscles tenderness could be well predicted (R2 = 0.95 and 0.94 respectively) with a total of 7 out of the 5 times 20 biomarkers analyzed. An original result is that the predictive proteins were the same for these two muscles: µ-calpain, m-calpain, h2afx and Hsp40 measured in m. gluteobiceps and µ-calpain, m-calpain and Hsp70-8 measured in m. Triceps brachii. Thus, this method is well adapted to this set of data, making it possible to propose robust candidate biomarkers of tenderness that need to be validated on a larger population.
Reply to Comment on “Distribution of Ixodes scapularis in Northwestern Ontario: Results from Active and Passive Surveillance Activities in the Northwestern Health Unit Catchment Area”
Authors: Schillberg Erin , Lunny Dorian , Lindsay L. Robbin , Nelder Mark P. , Russell Curtis , Mackie Mike , Coats Dave , Berry Alex , Young Hoon Kit Ngan
Published: June 2019

We thank Mr [...]
IRTKS Promotes Insulin Signaling Transduction through Inhibiting SHIP2 Phosphatase Activity
Authors: Wu Chongchao , Cui Xiaofang , Huang Liyu , Shang Xueying , Wu Binghao , Wang Na , He Kunyan , Han Zeguang
Published: June 2019

Insulin signaling is mediated by a highly integrated network that controls glucose metabolism, protein synthesis, cell growth, and differentiation. Our previous work indicates that the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase substrate (IRTKS), also known as BAI1-associated protein 2-like 1 (BAIAP2L1), is a novel regulator of insulin network, but the mechanism has not been fully studied. In this work we reveal that IRTKS co-localizes with Src homology (SH2) containing inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase-2 (SHIP2), and the SH3 domain of IRTKS directly binds to SHIP2’s catalytic domain INPP5c. IRTKS suppresses SHIP2 phosphatase to convert phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate (PI(3,4,5)P3, PIP3) to phosphatidylinositol (3,4) bisphosphate (PI(3,4)P2). IRTKS-knockout significantly increases PI(3,4)P2 level and decreases cellular PI(3,4,5)P3 content. Interestingly, the interaction between IRTKS and SHIP2 is dynamically regulated by insulin, which feeds back and affects the tyrosine phosphorylation of IRTKS. Furthermore, IRTKS overexpression elevates PIP3, activates the AKT–mTOR signaling pathway, and increases cell proliferation. Thereby, IRTKS not only associates with insulin receptors to activate PI3K but also interacts with SHIP2 to suppress its activity, leading to PIP3 accumulation and the activation of the AKT–mTOR signaling pathway to modulate cell proliferation.
Thrombosis Risk Associated with Head and Neck Cancer: A Review
Authors: Haen Pierre , Mege Diane , Crescence Lydie , Dignat-George Françoise , Dubois Christophe , Panicot-Dubois Laurence
Published: June 2019

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication for cancer patients. VTE-associated risk varies according to the type of tumor disease. Head and neck cancer is a common cancer worldwide, and most tumors are squamous cell carcinomas due to tobacco and alcohol abuse. The risk of VTE associated with head and neck (H&N) cancer is considered empirically low, but despite the high incidence of H&N cancer, few data are available on this cancer; thus, it is difficult to state the risk of VTE. Our review aims to clarify this situation and tries to assess the real VTE risk associated with H&N cancer. We report that most clinical studies have concluded that there is a very low thrombosis risk associated with H&N cancer. Even with the biases that often exist, this clinical review seems to confirm that the risk of VTE was empirically hypothesized. Furthermore, we highlight that H&N cancer has all the biological features of a cancer associated with a high thrombosis risk, including a strong expression of procoagulant proteins, modified thrombosis/fibrinolysis mechanisms, and secretions of procoagulant microparticles and procoagulant cytokines. Thus, this is a paradoxical situation, and some undiscovered mechanisms that could explain this clinical biological ambivalence might exist.
Frailty, Cognitive Decline, Neurodegenerative Diseases and Nutrition Interventions
Authors: Gómez-Gómez María Elena , Zapico Sara C.
Published: June 2019

Currently the human population is aging faster. This leads to higher dependency rates and the transformation of health and social care to adapt to this aged population. Among the changes developed by this population is frailty. It is defined as a clinically detectable syndrome, related to the aging of multiple physiological systems, which prompts a situation of vulnerability. The etiology of frailty seems to be multifactorial and its pathophysiology is influenced by the interaction of numerous factors. Morley et al. propose four main mechanisms triggering the frailty: atherosclerosis, sarcopenia, cognitive deterioration and malnutrition, with their respective metabolic alterations. Malnutrition is associated with cognitive impairment or functional loss, but it is also known that an inadequate nutritional status predisposes to cognitive frailty. Additionally, nutritional factors that may influence vascular risk factors will potentially have an effect on dementia decline among patients with cognitive frailty. This review aims to describe the nutritional factors that have been researched so far which may lead to the development of frailty, and especially cognitive decline.
Multiple Modes of Vitamin K Actions in Aging-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Authors: Azuma Kotaro , Inoue Satoshi
Published: June 2019

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that was originally found as an essential factor for blood coagulation. With the discovery of its role as a co-factor for γ-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX), its function for blood coagulation was understood as the activation of several blood coagulation factors by their γ-carboxylation. Over the last two decades, other modes of vitamin K actions have been discovered, such as the regulation of transcription by activating the steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR), physical association to 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 4 (17β-HSD4), covalent modification of Bcl-2 antagonist killer 1 (Bak), and the modulation of protein kinase A (PKA) activity. In addition, several epidemiological studies have revealed that vitamin K status is associated with some aging-related diseases including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and sarcopenia. Clinical studies on single nucleotide polymorphisms of GGCX suggested an association between higher GGCX activity and bone protective effect, while recent findings using conditional knockout mice implied that a contribution in protective effect for bone loss by GGCX in osteoblastic lineage was unclear. GGCX in other cell lineages or in other tissues might play a protective role for osteoporosis. Meanwhile, animal experiments by our groups among others revealed that SXR, a putative receptor for vitamin K, could be important in the bone metabolism. In terms of the cartilage protective effect of vitamin K, both GGCX- and SXR-dependent mechanisms have been suggested. In clinical studies on osteoarthritis, the γ-carboxylation of matrix Gla protein (MGP) and gla-rich protein (GRP) may have a protective role for the disease. It is also suggested that SXR signaling has protective role for cartilage by inducing family with sequence similarity 20a (Fam20a) expression in chondrocytes. In the case of sarcopenia, a high vitamin K status in plasma was associated with muscle strength, large muscle mass, and high physical performance in some observational studies. However, the basic studies explaining the effects of vitamin K on muscular tissue are limited. Further research on vitamin K will clarify new biological mechanisms which contribute to human longevity and health through the prevention and treatment of aging-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Detecting Brachypodium distachyon Chromosomes Bd4 and Bd5 in MH- and X-Ray-Induced Micronuclei Using mcFISH
Authors: Kus Arita , Szymanowska-Pułka Joanna , Kwasniewska Jolanta , Hasterok Robert
Published: June 2019

Micronuclei are biomarkers of genotoxic effects and chromosomal instability. They are formed when chromosome fragments or whole chromosomes fail to disjoin into daughter nuclei. We present qualitative and quantitative analyses of the involvement of specific chromosome regions of chromosomes Bd4 and Bd5 in the formation of micronuclei of Brachypodium distachyon root tip cells following maleic hydrazide (MH) treatment and X-radiation. This is visualised by cytomolecular approaches using bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)-based multicolour fluorescence in situ hybridisation (mcFISH) in combination with 5S and 25S rDNA probes. The results showed that the long arm of submetacentric chromosome Bd4 forms micronuclei at twice the frequency of its short arm, suggesting that the former is more prone to double-strand breaks (DSBs). In contrast, no difference was observed in the frequency of micronuclei derived from the long and short arms of submetacentric chromosome Bd5. Interestingly, the proximal region of the short arm of Bd5 is more prone to DSBs than its distal part. This demonstrates that 5S rDNA and 35S rDNA loci are not “hot spots” for DNA breaks after the application of these mutagens.
The Novel Cerato-Platanin-Like Protein FocCP1 from Fusarium oxysporum Triggers an Immune Response in Plants
Authors: Li Songwei , Dong Yijie , Li Lin , Zhang Yi , Yang Xiufen , Zeng Hongmei , Shi Mingwang , Pei Xinwu , Qiu Dewen , Yuan Qianhua
Published: June 2019

Panama disease, or Fusarium wilt, the most serious disease in banana cultivation, is caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (FOC) and has led to great economic losses worldwide. One effective way to combat this disease is by enhancing host plant resistance. The cerato-platanin protein (CPP) family is a group of small secreted cysteine-rich proteins in filamentous fungi. CPPs as elicitors can trigger the immune system resulting in defense responses in plants. In this study, we characterized a novel cerato-platanin-like protein in the secretome of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 4 (FOC4), named FocCP1. In tobacco, the purified recombinant FocCP1 protein caused accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), formation of necrotic reaction, deposition of callose, expression of defense-related genes, and accumulation of salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) in tobacco. These results indicated that FocCP1 triggered a hypersensitive response (HR) and systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in tobacco. Furthermore, FocCP1 enhanced resistance tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) disease and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci 6605 (Pst. 6605) infection in tobacco and improved banana seedling resistance to FOC4. All results provide the possibility of further research on immune mechanisms of plant and pathogen interactions, and lay a foundation for a new biological strategy of banana wilt control in the future.
Lysophosphatidic Acid Signaling in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Lee Jong , Kim Donghee , Oh Yoon , Jun Hee-Sook
Published: June 2019

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive phospholipid present in most tissues and body fluids. LPA acts through specific LPA receptors (LPAR1 to LPAR6) coupled with G protein. LPA binds to receptors and activates multiple cellular signaling pathways, subsequently exerting various biological functions, such as cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. LPA also induces cell damage through complex overlapping pathways, including the generation of reactive oxygen species, inflammatory cytokines, and fibrosis. Several reports indicate that the LPA–LPAR axis plays an important role in various diseases, including kidney disease, lung fibrosis, and cancer. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common diabetic complications and the main risk factor for chronic kidney diseases, which mostly progress to end-stage renal disease. There is also growing evidence indicating that the LPA–LPAR axis also plays an important role in inducing pathological alterations of cell structure and function in the kidneys. In this review, we will discuss key mediators or signaling pathways activated by LPA and summarize recent research findings associated with DN.
Psychological Impact on Parents of an Inconclusive Diagnosis Following Newborn Bloodspot Screening for Cystic Fibrosis: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Johnson Faye , Southern Kevin W. , Ulph Fiona
Published: June 2019

Genetic results of uncertain clinical significance are being returned to parents following newborn screening, representing a paradigm change in how society considers health and illness. ‘Cystic Fibrosis screen positive, inconclusive diagnosis’ (CFSPID) is a designation given to newborns with a positive screening result for, but not a definitive diagnosis of, cystic fibrosis. We explored the psychological impact of receiving a CFSPID result on parents. Five semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight parents whose children have CFSPID. Interpretative phenomenological analysis identified these themes: “The way we were told”: ‘diagnosis as a traumatic event’ focused on how parents were distressed and dissatisfied by the initial screening result communication, ‘Facing and challenging traditional ideas about health and illness’ explored the emerging problem of how CFSPID does not fit the commonly accepted medical model, and ‘Making certainty out of uncertainty’ explored the varying strategies parents developed to adapt to the uncertainty regarding their child’s prognosis. Findings suggest that CFSPID results caused parents’ distress, initiated with the first communication of the result and persisting thereafter. Our data suggests approaches to the delivery of CFSPID results that may reduce the impact. Work is needed to close the gap between healthcare advances and societies commonly held medical model.
Predicting the Impact of Diffuse Alveolar Damage through Open Lung Biopsy in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome—The PREDATOR Study
Authors: Cardinal-Fernandez Pablo , Ortiz Guillermo , Chang Chih-Hao , Kao Kuo-Chin , Bertreau Emmanuelle , Philipponnet Carole , Casero-Alonso Víctor Manuel , Souweine Bertrand , Charbonney Emmanuel , Guérin Claude
Published: June 2019

The aim of this retrospective and international study is to identify those clinical variables associated with diffuse alveolar damage (DAD), and to explore the impact of DAD on hospital mortality risk. Inclusion criteria were: adult patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) undergoing open lung biopsy (OLB) during their intensive care unit (ICU) management. The main end-points were: DAD and hospital mortality. In the training (n = 193) and validation cohorts (n = 65), the respiratory rate (odd ratio (OR) 0.956; confidence interval (CI) 95% 0.918; 0.995) and coronary ischemia (OR 5.974; CI95% 1.668; 21.399) on the day of ARDS had an average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.660 (CI95% 0.585; 0.736) and 0.562 (0.417; 0.706), respectively. PEEP (OR 1.131; CI95% 1.051; 1.218) and coronary ischemia (OR 6.820; CI95% 1.856; 25.061) on the day of OLB had an average AUROC of 0.696 (CI95% 0.621; 0.769) and 0.534 (CI95% 0.391; 0.678), respectively, to predict DAD. DAD (OR 2.296; CI95% 1.228; 4.294), diabetes mellitus requiring insulin (OR 0.081; CI95% 0.009; 0.710) and the respiratory rate (OR 1.045; CI95% 1.001; 1.091) on the day of ARDS had an average AUROC of 0.659 (CI95% 0.583; 0.737) and 0.513 (CI95% 0.361; 0.664) to predict hospital mortality and DAD (OR 2.081; CI95% 1.053; 4.114), diabetes mellitus requiring insulin (OR 0.093; CI95% 0.009; 0.956), PaCO2 (OR 1.051; CI95% 1.019; 1.084), and platelets count (OR 0.999; CI95% 0.999; 0.999) the day of OLB had an average AUROC of 0.778 (CI95% 0.710; 0.843) and 0.634 (CI95%0.481; 0.787) to predict hospital mortalty in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. In conclusion, DAD could not to be predicted clinically and was significantly associated with hospital mortality.
Non-Dispersive Extraction of Ge(IV) from Aqueous Solutions by Cyanex 923: Transport and Modeling Studies
Authors: Kamran Haghighi Hossein , Irannajad Mehdi , Teresa Coll Maria , Sastre Ana Maria
Published: June 2019

Transport process of germanium from an aqueous solution containing oxalic acid and 100 mg/L Ge was studied. Cyanex 923 immobilized in a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane was employed as a carrier in a flat-sheet supported liquid membrane (FSSLM) system. The speciation of the germanium ion in the oxalic acid medium and related diagrams were applied to study the transport of germanium. The effective parameters such as oxalic acid, carrier concentration, and strip reagent composition were evaluated in this study. Based on the experimental data, the oxalic acid and carrier concentrations of 0.075 mol/L and 20% v/v were the condition in which the efficient germanium transport was achieved, respectively. The concentration range of 0.04–0.1 mol/L was selected for sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as a strip reagent providing the best efficiency to transport germanium through the supported liquid membrane (SLM) system. Furthermore, the permeation model was obtained to calculate the mass transfer resistance of the membrane (Δm) and feed (Δf) phases. According to the results, the values of 1 and 1345 s/cm were found for Δm and Δf, respectively.
Comparison of Experimental Thermal Methods for the Fatigue Limit Evaluation of a Stainless Steel
Authors: Ricotta Mauro , Meneghetti Giovanni , Atzori Bruno , Risitano Giacomo , Risitano Antonino
Published: June 2019

This paper regards the rapid determination of fatigue limit by using thermal data analysis. Different approaches available in the literature to estimate the fatigue limit of cold-drawn AISI 304L bars are analyzed and compared, namely, temperature- and energy-based methods. Among the temperature-based approaches, the Risitano Method (RM) and the method based on material temperature evolution recorded during a static tensile test were analyzed. Regarding the energy-based approaches, the input mechanical energy density stored in the material per cycle (i.e., the area of the hysteresis loop), the heat energy dissipated by the material to the surroundings per cycle, and the “2nd-harmonic-based” methods were considered. It was found that for the material analyzed, all the considered energy-based approaches provided a very good engineering estimation of the material fatigue limit compared to a staircase test.