bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facilitating the Transition to an Inverter Dominated Power System: Experimental Evaluation of a Non-Intrusive Add-On Predictive Controller
Authors: Syed Mazheruddin H. , Guillo-Sansano Efren , Mehrizi-Sani Ali , Burt Graeme M.
Published: August 2020

The transition to an inverter-dominated power system is expected with the large-scale integration of distributed energy resources (DER). To improve the dynamic response of DERs already installed within such a system, a non-intrusive add-on controller referred to as SPAACE (set point automatic adjustment with correction enabled), has been proposed in the literature. Extensive simulation-based analysis and supporting mathematical foundations have helped establish its theoretical prevalence. This paper establishes the practical real-world relevance of SPAACE via a rigorous performance evaluation utilizing a high fidelity hardware-in-the-loop systems test bed. A comprehensive methodological approach to the evaluation with several practical measures has been undertaken and the performance of SPAACE subject to representative scenarios assessed. With the evaluation undertaken, the fundamental hypothesis of SPAACE for real-world applications has been proven, i.e., improvements in dynamic performance can be achieved without access to the internal controller. Furthermore, based on the quantitative analysis, observations, and recommendations are reported. These provide guidance for future potential users of the approach in their efforts to accelerate the transition to an inverter-dominated power system.
A Novel Islanding Detection Technique for a Resilient Photovoltaic-Based Distributed Power Generation System Using a Tunable-Q Wavelet Transform and an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Kumar S. Ananda , Subathra M. S. P. , Kumar Nallapaneni Manoj , Malvoni Maria , Sairamya N. J. , George S. Thomas , Suviseshamuthu Easter S. , Chopra Shauhrat S.
Published: August 2020

Finding an appropriate technique to detect an islanding issue is one of the major challenges associated with the design of a resilient grid-linked photovoltaic-based distributed power generation (PV-DPG) system. In general, the technique used for islanding detection must be able to sense the disruptions from the electric grid and quickly disconnect PV-DPG from the grid. The quick disconnection of PV-DPG mostly avoids power quality problems, damage to power assets, voltage stability issues, and frequency instability. In this paper, a new islanding detection technique that is based on tunable Q-factor wavelet transform (TQWT) and an artificial neural network (ANN) is proposed for PV-DPG. The proposed approach consists of two steps: in the first step, the vital detection parameters are computed by performing simulations considering all possible switching transients, islanding events, and faults from the grid side. Then, the decomposition of obtained signals is done using TQWT on different levels. Using the obtained coefficients, at each level, features such as range, minimum, mean, standard deviation, maximum, energy, and log energy entropy are computed. The optimal feature set was selected as the input for the second step. The classification of the non-islanding and islanding states for PV-DPG is made using the ANN classifier in the second step, which achieved an accuracy of 98%. The results representing the efficiency of the proposed approach in noisy and non-noisy environments are also explained. Overall, it is understood that the proposed islanding detection technique would provide suitable insights to detect an islanding issue.
Scaling-Factor and Design Guidelines for Shielded-Capacitive Power Transfer
Authors: Muharam Aam , Ahmad Suziana , Hattori Reiji
Published: August 2020

This paper introduces scaling-factor and design guidelines for shielded-capacitive power transfer (shielded-CPT) systems, offering a simplified design process, coupling-structure optimization, and consideration of safety. A novel scaling-factor-analysis method is proposed by determining the configuration of the coupling structure that improves system safety and increases operating efficiency while minimizing the gap between the shield and the coupler plate. The inductor-series resistance is also analyzed to study the loss efficiency in the shielded-CPT system. The relationship among the shield-coupler gap, distance between the couplers, conductive-plate size, and delivered power is examined and presented. The proposed method is validated by implementing the shielded-CPT system with hardware and the result suggests that the proposed method can be used to design shielded-CPT systems with scaling-factor and safety considerations.
Proposed Fuzzy Logic System for Voltage Regulation and Power Factor Improvement in Power Systems with High Infiltration of Distributed Generation
Authors: Tshivhase Ndamulelo , Hasan Ali N. , Shongwe Thokozani
Published: August 2020

Recently, the awareness of the severe consequences of greenhouse gases on the environment has escalated. This has encouraged the world to reduce the usage of fossil fuels for power generation and increase the use of cleaner sources, such as solar energy and wind energy. However, the conventional power system itself was designed as a passive power system, in which power generation is centralised, and power flows from substations towards the loads. Decentralised renewable energy sources, also called distributed generators, were introduced to create an active power system in which power generation can occur anywhere in the power system. Decentralised power generation creates challenges for the conventional power system, such as voltage fluctuations, high voltage magnitudes, reverse power flow, and low power factor. In this paper, an adaptive control system that coordinates different distributed generators for voltage regulation and power factor correction is introduced and designed. The control system will decrease the total reactive power that flows in the transmission network through a reactive power exchange between distributed generators. Therefore, power factor will improve, power system losses will reduce, and the total apparent power on lines will reduce, giving more room to active power to flow. The results obtained showed that the control system is effective in regulating voltage and improving the power factor when multiple distributed generators are connected.
Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of Vehicle Parameters on Fuel Consumption under NEDC and WLTP
Authors: Lee Hyeonjik , Lee Kihyung
Published: August 2020

Higher speeds, faster acceleration and longer duration need a more realistic driving cycle. As a result, a new test procedure that reflects real-world driving conditions has been applied since 2017, and the previous development environment optimized for NEDC has also changed. In this study, several factors and technologies relating to fuel consumption, such as vehicle weight, tire rolling resistance, drag of aerodynamic, stop–start, and 48 V mild hybrid system, are evaluated as per the new worldwide harmonized light vehicles test procedure (WLTP) and compared with that of the previous European driving cycle (NEDC). The impact of the vehicle weight is increased in case of the WLTP due to faster acceleration compared to that under NEDC. The influence of aerodynamic force is very important as the average and maximum speed are increased. Meanwhile, the impact of idle stop–start technology is lower compared to that under NEDC due to the reduction in idle operation time. The 48-V mild hybrid system is still expected to play a role as a powerful fuel consumption reduction technology under new WLTP by applying energy regeneration, minor torque assist, and extended idle stop–start.
Adsorption Isotherm Modelling of Water on Nano-Tailored Mesoporous Silica Based on Distribution Function
Authors: Mikšík František , Miyazaki Takahiko , Thu Kyaw
Published: August 2020

A new model of adsorption isotherms Type IV and V is proposed as a basis for theoretical calculations and modelling of adsorption systems such as adsorption heat storage and heat pumps. As the current models have decent yet limited applicability, in this work, we present a new combined model with universal use for micro-mesoporous silica/water adsorption systems. Experimental measurement of adsorption isotherm of water onto seven different samples of micro and mesoporous silica and aluminium-silica were used to fit new adsorption models based on a combination of classical theories and a distribution function related to the pore-size distribution of the selected materials. The fitting was conducted through a repeated non-linear regression using Trust Region Reflective algorithm with weighting factors to compensate for the scalability of the adsorption amount at low relative pressure with optimization of the absolute average deviation fitting parameter. The results display a significant improvement for most of the samples and fitting indicators compared to more common models from the literature with average absolute deviation as low as AAD = 0.0025 g g−1 for material with maximum uptake of q = 0.38 g g−1. The newly suggested model, which is based on a combination of BET theory and adjusted normal distribution function, proved to bring a higher degree of precision and universality for mesoporous silica materials with different levels of hydrophilicity.
A Novel Approach to Structure Plant-Based Yogurts Using High Pressure Processing
Authors: Sim Shaun Y. J. , Hua Xin Yi , Henry Christiani Jeyakumar
Published: August 2020

Current plant-based yogurts are made by the fermentation of plant-based milks. Although this imparts fermented flavors and probiotic cultures, the process is relatively longer and often leads to textural issues. The protein content of these plant-based yogurts is also lower than their dairy counterparts. To overcome these challenges, this paper explores the high pressure processing (HPP) of plant protein ingredients as an alternative structuring strategy for plant-based yogurts. Using mung bean (MB), chickpea (CP), pea (PP), lentil (LP), and faba bean (FB) proteins as examples, this work compared the viscosity and viscoelastic properties of high pressure-structured (600 MPa, 5 min, 5 °C) 12% (w/w) plant protein gels without, and with 5% (w/w) sunflower oil (SO) to commercial plain skim and whole milk Greek yogurts and discussed the feasibility of using HPP to develop plant-based yogurts. HPP formed viscoelastic gels (G’ > G’’) for all plant protein samples with comparable gel strength (G’~102–103 Pa; tan δ~0.2–0.3) to commercial dairy yogurts. The plant protein gel strength decreased in the order: CP~CPSO~LP~LPSO > MBSO~PPSO~FB~FBSO > PP >> MB. Modest addition of sunflower oil led to little change in viscoelastic properties for all plant protein samples except for MB and PP, where gel strength increased with incorporated oil. The emulsion gels were also more viscous than the hydrogels. Nonetheless, the viscosity of the plant protein gels was similar to the dairy yogurts. Finally, a process involving separate biotransformation for optimized flavor production and high pressure processing for consistent texture generation was proposed. This could lead to high protein plant-based yogurt products with desirable texture, flavor, and nutrition.
Unravelling Conformational Aspects of Milk Protein Structure—Contributions from Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies
Authors: Markoska Tatijana , Vasiljevic Todor , Huppertz Thom
Published: August 2020

Changes in the molecular structure and association of milk proteins lead to many desirable (under controlled conditions) or undesirable characteristics of dairy products. Several methods have been used to study the structure of milk proteins and changes therein in different environments. Whey proteins are an excellent model for secondary structure studies using circular dichroism (CD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and tertiary structure studies using X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). However, caseins, the most abundant protein class in milk, are far more difficult to characterize. The tertiary structure of caseins cannot be observed by X-ray crystallography due to the inability to crystallize caseins. However, NMR is an appropriate approach for structural elucidation. Thus far, NMR was applied on specific peptides of individual caseins of the molecules including phosphoserine centers and colloidal calcium phosphate. The literature focuses on these parts of the molecule due to its importance in building the sub-unit particles involving individual caseins and calcium phosphate nanoclusters. This review focuses on present structural studies of milk proteins using NMR and their importance in dairy processing.
Metabolomic Analysis of Germinated Brown Rice at Different Germination Stages
Authors: Kim Hoon , Kim Oui-Woung , Ahn Jae-Hwan , Kim Bo-Min , Oh Juhong , Kim Hyun-Jin
Published: August 2020

Brown rice (BR) is unpolished rice containing many bioactive compounds in addition to the basic nutrients of the rice grain. Herein, BR was germinated for up to 48 h to prepare germinated brown rice (GBR). The physiological and chemical changes in the GBR during germination were analyzed. GBR samples germinated for 48 h were in the radicle-emergence stage, but root formation was not observed. The change in the GBR metabolite profile during germination was analyzed to determine the effect of germination on the chemical profiles of the GBR samples. Twenty-five metabolites including acidic compounds, amino acids, sugars, lipid metabolites, and secondary metabolites were identified as the components that contributed to the variations in the GBR groups germinated for different time periods. Among the metabolites, the carbohydrates associated with energy production and lipid metabolites changed significantly. Based on the identified metabolites, a metabolomic pathway was proposed. Carbohydrate metabolism, citric acid cycle, and lipid metabolism were the main processes that were affected during germination. Although further studies on the relationship between the metabolite profile and nutritional quality of the GBR are needed, these results are useful for understanding the effect of germination on the physiological and chemical changes in BR.
Novel Complex Wave Solutions of the (2+1)-Dimensional Hyperbolic Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Durur Hulya , Ilhan Esin , Bulut Hasan
Published: August 2020

This manuscript focuses on the application of the (m+1/G′)-expansion method to the (2+1)-dimensional hyperbolic nonlinear Schrödinger equation. With the help of projected method, the periodic and singular complex wave solutions to the considered model are derived. Various figures such as 3D and 2D surfaces with the selecting the suitable of parameter values are plotted.
On Going to a New Era of Microgel Exhibiting Volume Phase Transition
Authors: Kawaguchi Haruma
Published: August 2020

The discovery of phenomena of volume phase transition has had a great impact not only on bulk gels but also on the world of microgels. In particular, research on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) microgels, whose transition temperature is close to body temperature, has made remarkable progress in almost 35 years. This review presents some breakthrough findings in microgels that exhibit volume phase transitions and outlines recent works on the synthesis, structural analysis, and research direction of microgels.
Advances in Genomics for Drug Development
Authors: Spreafico Roberto , Soriaga Leah B. , Grosse Johannes , Virgin Herbert W. , Telenti Amalio
Published: August 2020

Drug development (target identification, advancing drug leads to candidates for preclinical and clinical studies) can be facilitated by genetic and genomic knowledge. Here, we review the contribution of population genomics to target identification, the value of bulk and single cell gene expression analysis for understanding the biological relevance of a drug target, and genome-wide CRISPR editing for the prioritization of drug targets. In genomics, we discuss the different scope of genome-wide association studies using genotyping arrays, versus exome and whole genome sequencing. In transcriptomics, we discuss the information from drug perturbation and the selection of biomarkers. For CRISPR screens, we discuss target discovery, mechanism of action and the concept of gene to drug mapping. Harnessing genetic support increases the probability of drug developability and approval.
Reconstruction as a Long-Term Process. Memory, Experiences and Cultural Heritage in the Irpinia Post-Earthquake (November 23, 1980)
Authors: Moscaritolo Gabriele Ivo
Published: August 2020

Reconstruction after an earthquake is often seen as a material issue, which concerns “objects” such as houses, roofs, and streets. This point of view is supported by the mass media showing the work progress in the disaster areas, especially in conjunction with anniversaries. Rather, we should consider reconstruction as a complex social process in which cultural backgrounds, expectations, and ideas of the future come into play, without neglecting geological, historical, legislative, economic, and political factors. Combining oral history sources and archival records, the article shows the paths taken by two small towns among the most affected by the earthquake of 23rd November 1980 (Mw 6.9). These towns have made opposite reconstruction choices (in situ and ex novo) representing two classical and different ways in which human societies can face their past and think their own future. A careful analysis of these forty-year experiences, with a special focus on cultural heritage, provides useful indications for post-disaster reconstructions in which more attention to the process, and not just to the final product, should be paid.
Flow Topology in the Confluence of an Open Channel with Lateral Drainage Pipe
Authors: Nazari-Sharabian Mohammad , Karakouzian Moses , Hayes Donald
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this paper is to develop design guidelines for flood control channel height in the vicinity of the confluence of a submerged drainage pipe and a flood control channel. The water exchange in the confluence of an open channel with a lateral drainage pipe produces unique hydraulic characteristics, ultimately affecting the water surface elevation in the channel. An accurate prediction of the water surface elevation is essential in the successful design of a high-velocity channel. By performing several experiments, and utilizing a numerical model (FLOW-3D), this study investigated the impact of submerged lateral drainage pipe discharges into rectangular open channels on flow topology in the confluence hydrodynamics zone (CHZ). The experiments were conducted in different flume and junction configurations and flow conditions. Moreover, the simulations were performed on actual size channels with different channel, pipe, and junction configurations and flow conditions. The flow topology in the CHZ was found to be highly influenced by the junction angle, as well as the momentum ratios of the channel flow and the pipe flow. The findings of this study were used to develop conservative design curves for channel confluences with lateral drainage pipe inlets. The curves can be used to estimate water surface elevation rise in different channel and pipe configurations with different flow conditions to determine the channel wall heights required to contain flows in the vicinity of laterals.
Validation of Obesity Status Based on Self-Reported Data among Filipina and Indonesian Female Migrant Domestic Workers in Macao (SAR), China
Authors: Huang Lei , Chen Wen , Renzaho Andre M. N. , Hall Brian J.
Published: August 2020

Background: Migrant domestic workers are at high risk of overweight and obesity. It is crucial to assess the prevalence of obesity among this migrant population, for surveillance and intervention. Self-reported height and weight are commonly used to derive body mass index (BMI) and assess the prevalence of obesity. The accuracy of BMI from self-reported height and weight in migrant populations remains unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of BMI from self-reported measures and identify the optimal adjustment to be made to overweight and obesity cut-off points when using self-reported body mass index among migrant workers. Methods: Self-reported and objectively measured height and weight were obtained from 1388 female Filipina domestic workers and 369 female Indonesian domestic workers recruited using respondent-driven sampling between November 2016 and August 2017. Self-reported BMI (based on self-reported height and weight) and measured BMI (based on objectively measured height and weight) were calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters for all participants (kg/m2). Results: BMI derived from self-reported height and weight was underestimated for both Filipina (z = −27.5, p < 0.001) and Indonesian (z = −9.9, p < 0.001) participants. Applying the gold standard of Asian BMI cut-off points to self-reported BMI, the sensitivity in identifying overweight or obesity was 64.4% for Filipina participants and 78.6% for Indonesian participants and the specificity was 97.9% for Filipina participants and 93.8% for Indonesian participants for overweight or obesity. When self-reported measures were used, the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves and the corresponding area under the curve (AUC) indicated optimal cut-off points of 22.0 kg/m2 and 22.3 kg/m2 for Filipina and female Indonesian participants for overweight or obesity. Conclusions: Although BMI derived from self-reported height and weight allows for quick and low-cost obesity screening, a considerable underestimation of overweight or obesity prevalence was observed in Filipina and female Indonesian migrant domestic workers in Macao (Special Administrative Region, SAR), China. With the best compromise between sensitivity and specificity, the new cut-off points can be used in future studies to identify overweight or obesity in these two populations using self-reported height and weight.
Study on the Oxygen Enrichment Effect of Individual Oxygen-Supply Device in a Tunnel of Plateau Mine
Authors: Li Zijun , Li Rongrong , Xu Yu , Xu Yuanyuan
Published: August 2020

Complex characteristics of the plateau environment such as low oxygen content seriously restrict the exploitation of abundant mineral resources in plateau areas. To regulate the hypoxia environment and improve the comfort of workers engaged in intense physical labor like tunnel excavation operations in plateau mines, an individual oxygen-supply device for tunnel of plateau mine was proposed to create local oxygen enrichment in the area around the human nose. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method was used to judge the application’s effect of the individual oxygen-supply device in plateau mine, revealing the oxygen diffusion law under the influence of different oxygen enrichment factors. The orthogonal design and range analysis were used to measure the degree of influence of major factors such as oxygen-supply velocity, oxygen-supply concentration, and tunnel airflow velocity. The results demonstrate that the oxygen mass fraction of the air inhaled by the human had a positive correlation exponential function, a positive correlation linear function, and a negative correlation exponential function, respectively, concerning oxygen-supply velocity, oxygen-supply concentration, and tunnel airflow velocity. The range analysis revealed that the major influencing factors of oxygen enrichment in the tunnel of the plateau mine were, in a descending sequence, as follows: oxygen-supply concentration, tunnel airflow velocity, and oxygen-supply velocity, and the corresponding ranges were 2.86, 2.63, and 1.83, respectively. The individual oxygen-supply device achieved the best oxygen enrichment effect when the oxygen-supply velocity was 5 m/s, the oxygen-supply concentration was 60%, and the tunnel airflow velocity was 0.2 m/s, which increased the oxygen mass fraction of air inhaled by the human to 30.42%. This study has a positive guiding significance for the improvement of the respiration environment in the tunnel of plateau mine.
Predictors of Survival in Women with High-Risk Endometrial Cancer and Comparisons of Sandwich versus Concurrent Adjuvant Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy
Authors: Chen Hui-Hua , Ting Wan-Hua , Sun Hsu-Dong , Wei Ming-Chow , Lin Ho-Hsiung , Hsiao Sheng-Mou
Published: August 2020

Background: to elucidate the predictors of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in high-risk endometrial cancer patients. Methods: the medical records of all consecutivewomen with high-risk endometrial cancer were reviewed. Results: among 92 high-risk endometrial cancer patients, 30 women experienced recurrence, and 21 women died. The 5-year PFS and OS probabilities were 65.3% and 75.9%, respectively. Multivariable Cox regression revealed that body mass index (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.11), paraaortic lymph node metastasis (HR = 11.11), lymphovascular space invasion (HR = 5.61), and sandwich chemoradiotherapy (HR = 0.15) were independently predictors of PFS. Body mass index (HR = 1.31), paraaortic lymph node metastasis (HR = 32.74), non-endometrioid cell type (HR = 11.31), and sandwich chemoradiotherapy (HR = 0.07) were independently predictors of OS. Among 51 women who underwent sandwich (n = 35) or concurrent (n = 16) chemoradiotherapy, the use of sandwich chemoradiotherapy were associated with better PFS (adjusted HR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.08–0.87, p = 0.03) and OS (adjusted HR = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.02–0.71, p = 0.02) compared with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Conclusion: compared with concurrent chemoradiotherapy, sandwich chemoradiotherapy was associated with better PFS and OS in high-risk endometrial cancer patients. In addition, high body mass index, paraaortic lymph node metastasis, and non-endometrioid cell type were also predictors of poor OS in high-risk endometrial cancer patients.
Tensions and Paradoxes of Stigma: Discussing Stigma in Mental Health Rehabilitation
Authors: Paananen Jenny , Lindholm Camilla , Stevanovic Melisa , Weiste Elina
Published: August 2020

Mental illness remains as one of the most stigmatizing conditions in contemporary western societies. This study sheds light on how mental health professionals and rehabilitants perceive stigmatization. The qualitative study is based on stimulated focus group interviews conducted in five Finnish mental health rehabilitation centers that follow the Clubhouse model. The findings were analyzed through inductive content analysis. Both the mental health rehabilitants and the professionals perceived stigmatization as a phenomenon that concerns the majority of rehabilitants. However, whereas the professionals viewed stigma as something that is inflicted upon the mentally ill from the outside, the rehabilitants perceived stigma as something that the mentally ill themselves can influence by advancing their own confidence, shame management, and recovery. Improvements in treatment, along with media coverage, were seen as the factors that reduce stigmatization, but the same conceptualization did not hold for serious mental illnesses. As the average Clubhouse client was thought to be a person with serious mental illness, the rehabilitation context designed to normalize attitudes toward mental health problems was paradoxically perceived to enforce the concept of inevitable stigma. Therefore, it is important for professionals in rehabilitation communities to be reflexively aware of these tensions when supporting the rehabilitants.
Prioritising Housing Maintenance to Improve Health in Indigenous Communities in NSW over 20 years
Authors: Standen Jeffrey C. , Morgan Geoffrey G. , Sowerbutts Tim , Blazek Katrina , Gugusheff Jessica , Puntsag Otto , Wollan Michael , Torzillo Paul
Published: August 2020

Many studies document the relationship between housing quality and health status. Poor housing in Aboriginal communities continues to be linked to the compromised health status of Aboriginal Australians. The New South Wales (NSW) Housing for Health (HfH) program has been assessing and repairing Aboriginal community housing across the state for 20 years using a standardised intervention methodology that aims to improve the health of Aboriginal people in NSW by improving their living environments. Items are tested and repairs are prioritised to maximise safety and health benefits and measured against 11 Critical Healthy Living Priorities (e.g., safety, facilities for washing people and clothes, removing waste and preparing food). Descriptive analysis of data collected pre- and post-intervention from 3670 houses was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the program. Analysis demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the ability of the houses to support safe and healthy living for all critical healthy living priorities post-interventions. Trend analysis demonstrated the magnitude of these improvements increased over 20 years. In 24 communities (n = 802 houses) where projects were repeated (5–17 years later), results indicate sustainability of improvements for 9 of 11 priorities. However, the overall condition of health-related hardware in Aboriginal community housing across NSW pre-intervention has not significantly changed during the program’s 20 years. Results suggest a systematic lack of routine maintenance and quality control continues to be the overwhelming cause for this lack of improvement pre-intervention. Our evaluation of the HfH program demonstrated that fidelity to a standardised housing testing and repair methodology to improve residents’ safety and health can have sustainable effects on housing infrastructure and associated health benefits, such as a 40% reduction in infectious disease hospital separations. Housing and health agencies should collaborate more closely on social housing programs and ensure programs are adequately resourced to address safety and health issues.
Impact of Natural Occurring ERAP1 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms within miRNA-Binding Sites on HCMV Infection
Authors: Melaiu Ombretta , D’Amico Silvia , Tempora Patrizia , Lucarini Valeria , Fruci Doriana
Published: August 2020

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a β-herpesvirus that causes serious problems in people with a compromised immune system, whereas it coexists asymptomatically within the host with a healthy immune system. Like other viruses, HCMV has adopted multiples strategies to manipulate the host’s immune responses. Among them, expression of viral microRNAs (miRNAs) is one of the most intriguing. HCMV miR-UL112-5p and miR-US4-1 have been found to contribute to immune evasion by targeting the endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1), a highly polymorphic key component of antigen processing. The current incomplete picture on the interplay between viral miRNAs and host immunity implies the need to better characterize the host genetic determinants. Naturally occurring single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the miRNA binding sites of target genes may affect miRNA–target interactions. In this review, we focus on the relevance of 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) ERAP1 SNPs within miRNA binding sites in modulating miRNA–mRNA interactions and the possible consequent individual susceptibility to HCMV infection. Moreover, we performed an in silico analysis using different bioinformatic algorithms to predict ERAP1 variants with a putative powerful biological function. This evidence provides a basis to deepen the knowledge on how 3′UTR ERAP1 variants may alter the mechanism of action of HCMV miRNAs, in order to develop targeted antiviral therapies.
Identification of a Novel Gene, Osbht, in Response to High Temperature Tolerance at Booting Stage in Rice
Authors: Park Jae-Ryoung , Yang Won-Tae , Kim Doh-Hoon , Kim Kyung-Min
Published: August 2020

Rice is one of the world’s leading food crops, and over 90% of the world’s rice production stems from Asia. In particular, an increase of 1 °C in the minimum temperature reduces the quantity of rice by 10%. Therefore, the development of rice varieties that can stably maintain the yield and quality of the rice even under these rapid climate changes is indispensable. In this study, we performed quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping after treatment with heat stress during the booting stage in rice. We performed a QTL analysis using the Cheongcheong/Nagdong double haploid (CNDH) line and identified 19 QTLs during the 2 year analysis. Of these QTL regions, the 2.2 cM region of RM3709–RM11694 on chromosome 1 was shared among the six traits (heading date; culm length; panicle length; number of tiller; 1000 grain weight; and content of chlorophyll) examined. Rice Microsatellite (RM) 3709–RM11694 contained 27 high-temperature-tolerance candidate genes. Among the candidate genes, OsBHT showed a different gene expression level between CNDH75, which is a high-temperature tolerant line, and CNDH11 which is a susceptible line. Although some existing high-temperature-tolerant genes have been reported, OsBHT can be used more effectively for the development of heat tolerance in rice.
The Malignant Role of Exosomes as Nanocarriers of Rare RNA Species
Authors: Zimta Alina-Andreea , Sigurjonsson Olafur Eysteinn , Gulei Diana , Tomuleasa Ciprian
Published: August 2020

Nowadays, advancements in the oncology sector regarding diagnosis methods allow us to specifically detect an increased number of cancer patients, some of them in incipient stages. However, one of the main issues consists of the invasive character of most of the diagnosis protocols or complex medical procedures associated with it, that impedes part of the patients to undergo routine checkups. Therefore, in order to increase the number of cancer cases diagnosed in incipient stages, other minimally invasive alternatives must be considered. The current review paper presents the value of rare RNA species isolated from circulatory exosomes as biomarkers of diagnosis, prognosis or even therapeutic intervention. Rare RNAs are most of the time overlooked in current research in favor of the more abundant RNA species like microRNAs. However, their high degree of stability, low variability and, for most of them, conservation across species could shift the interest toward these types of RNAs. Moreover, due to their low abundance, the variation interval in terms of the number of sequences with differential expression between samples from healthy individuals and cancer patients is significantly diminished and probably easier to interpret in a clinical context.
Parkin Coordinates Platelet Stress Response in Diabetes Mellitus: A Big Role in a Small Cell
Authors: Lee Seung Hee , Du Jing , Hwa John , Kim Won-Ho
Published: August 2020

Increased platelet activation and apoptosis are characteristic of diabetic (DM) platelets, where a Parkin-dependent mitophagy serves a major endogenous protective role. We now demonstrate that Parkin is highly expressed in both healthy platelets and diabetic platelets, compared to other mitochondria-enriched tissues such as the heart, muscle, brain, and liver. Abundance of Parkin in a small, short-lived anucleate cell suggest significance in various key processes. Through proteomics we identified 127 Parkin-interacting proteins in DM platelets and compared them to healthy controls. We assessed the 11 highest covered proteins by individual IPs and confirmed seven proteins that interacted with Parkin; VCP/p97, LAMP1, HADHA, FREMT3, PDIA, ILK, and 14-3-3. Upon further STRING analysis using GO and KEGG, interactions were divided into two broad groups: targeting platelet activation through (1) actions on mitochondria and (2) actions on integrin signaling. Parkin plays an important role in mitochondrial protection through mitophagy (VCP/p97), recruiting phagophores, and targeting lysosomes (with LAMP1). Mitochondrial β-oxidation may also be regulated by the Parkin/HADHA interaction. Parkin may regulate platelet aggregation and activation through integrin signaling through interactions with proteins like FREMT3, PDIA, ILK, and 14-3-3. Thus, platelet Parkin may regulate the protection (mitophagy) and stress response (platelet activation) in DM platelets. This study identified new potential therapeutic targets for platelet mitochondrial dysfunction and hyperactivation in diabetes mellitus.
Knowing When to Silence: Roles of Polycomb-Group Proteins in SAM Maintenance, Root Development, and Developmental Phase Transition
Authors: Yan Bowen , Lv Yanpeng , Zhao Chunyu , Wang Xiaoxue
Published: August 2020

Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) and PRC2 are the major complexes composed of polycomb-group (PcG) proteins in plants. PRC2 catalyzes trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone 3 to silence target genes. Like Heterochromatin Protein 1/Terminal Flower 2 (LHP1/TFL2) recognizes and binds to H3K27me3 generated by PRC2 activities and enrolls PRC1 complex to further silence the chromatin through depositing monoubiquitylation of lysine 119 on H2A. Mutations in PcG genes display diverse developmental defects during shoot apical meristem (SAM) maintenance and differentiation, seed development and germination, floral transition, and so on so forth. PcG proteins play essential roles in regulating plant development through repressing gene expression. In this review, we are focusing on recent discovery about the regulatory roles of PcG proteins in SAM maintenance, root development, embryo development to seedling phase transition, and vegetative to reproductive phase transition.
Morphological Changes and Cellular Uptake of Functionalized Graphene Oxide Loaded with Protocatechuic Acid and Folic Acid in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cancer Cell
Authors: Buskaran Kalaivani , Hussein Mohd Zobir , Mohd Moklas Mohamad Aris , Fakurazi Sharida
Published: August 2020

The development of nanocomposites has swiftly changed the horizon of drug delivery systems in defining a new platform. Major understanding of the interaction of nanocomposites with cells and how the interaction influences intracellular uptake is an important aspect to study in order to ensure successful utilisation of the nanocomposites. Studies have suggested that the nanocomposites’ ability to permeate into biological cells is attributable to their well-defined physicochemical properties with nanoscale size, which is relevant to the nanoscale components of biology and cellular organelles. The functionalized graphene oxide coated with polyethylene glycol, loaded with protocatechuic acid and folic acid (GOP-PCA-FA) nanocomposite intracellular uptake was analysed using transmission electron microscope. The accumulation of fluorescent-labelled nanocomposites in the HepG2 cell was also analysed using a fluorescent microscope. In vitro cellular uptake showed that there was uptake of the drug from 24 h into the cells and the release study using fluorescently tagged nanocomposite demonstrated that release and accumulation were observed at 24 h and 48 h. Moreover, the migration ability of tumor cells is a key step in tumor progression which was observed 48 h after treatment. The GOP serves as a potential nanocarrier system which is capable of improving the therapeutic efficacy of drugs and biomolecules in medical as well as pharmaceutical applications through the enhanced intracellular release and accumulation of the encapsulated drugs. Nonetheless, it is essential to analyse the translocation of our newly developed GOP-PCA-FA, and its efficiency for drug delivery, effective cellular uptake, and abundant intracellular accumulation would be compromised by possible untoward side effects.
The New Model of Snail Expression Regulation: The Role of MRTFs in Fast and Slow Endothelial–Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Sobierajska Katarzyna , Ciszewski Wojciech M. , Macierzynska-Piotrowska Ewa , Klopocka Wanda , Przygodzka Patrycja , Karakula Magdalena , Pestka Karolina , Wawro Marta E. , Niewiarowska Jolanta
Published: August 2020

Endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a crucial phenomenon in regulating the development of diseases, including cancer metastasis and fibrotic disorders. The primary regulators of disease development are zinc-finger transcription factors belonging to the Snail family. In this study, we characterized the myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF)-dependent mechanisms of a human snail promoter regulation in TGF-β-stimulated human endothelial cells. Although in silico analysis revealed that the snail promoter’s regulatory fragment contains one GCCG and two SP1 motifs that could be occupied by MRTFs, the genetic study confirmed that MRTF binds only to SP1 sites to promote snail expression. The more accurate studies revealed that MRTF-A binds to both SP1 elements, whereas MRTF-B to only one (SP1near). Although we found that each MRTF alone is capable of inducing snail expression, the direct cooperation of these proteins is required to reinforce snail expression and promote the late stages of EndMT within 48 hours. Furthermore, genetic and biochemical analysis revealed that MRTF-B alone could induce the late stage of EndMT. However, it requires a prolonged time. Therefore, we concluded that MRTFs might cause EndMT in a fast- and slow-dependent manner. Based on MRTF-dependent Snail upregulation, we recognized that TGF-β1, as an MRTF-B regulator, is involved in slow EndMT induction, whereas TGF-β2, which altered both MRTF-A and MRTF-B expression, promotes a fast EndMT process.
A Novel R2R3-MYB Transcription Factor PqMYB4 Inhibited Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Paeonia qiui
Authors: Huo Dan , Liu Xiaokun , Zhang Yue , Duan Jingjing , Zhang Yanlong , Luo Jianrang
Published: August 2020

Paeonia qiui is a wild tree peony native to China. Its leaves show a clear purple-red color from the germination to the flowering stage, and it has high leaf-viewing value. A MYB transcription factor gene, designated as PqMYB4, was isolated from leaves of P. qiui based on transcriptome datas. The full-length cDNA of PqMYB4 was 693 bp, encoding 230 amino acids. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis revealed that PqMYB4 was a R2R3-MYB transcription factor clustered with AtMYB4 in Arabidopsis thaliana. Moreover, it contained a C1 motif, an EAR repression motif and a TLLLFR motif in the C-terminal domains, which were unique in transcription repression MYB. Subcellular location analysis showed that PqMYB4 was located in the cell nucleus. PqMYB4 was highly expressed in the late stage of leaf development, and was negatively correlated with the anthocyanin content. The petiole of wild-type Arabidopsis seedlings was deeper in color than the transgenic lines of PqMYB4 and showed a little purple-red color. The seed coat color of Arabidopsis seeds that overexpressed PqMYB4 gene was significantly lighter than that of wild-type seeds. In transgenic Arabidopsis, the expression level of AtCHS, AtCHI, AtDFR and AtANS were down-regulated significantly. These results showed that PqMYB4 was involved in the negative regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in tree peony leaves, which can control the anthocyanin pathway genes. Together, these findings provide a valuable resource with which to further study the regulatory mechanism of anthocyanin biosynthesis in the leaf of P. qiui. They also benefit the molecular breeding of tree peony cultivars with colored leaf.
Preparation and Characterization of Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol)/poly(ε-caprolactone) Blend for Bioscaffolding Applications
Authors: Alghamdi Abdulaziz Ali , Alattas Hussain , Saeed Waseem Sharaf , Al-Odayni Abdel-Basit , Alrahlah Ali , Aouak Taieb
Published: August 2020

In order to improve the cell adhesion on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds, poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (E-VAL) which has hydroxyl groups capable of developing hydrogen bonds with celling was blended with this polymer. To reach this goal, a series of E-VAL/PCL blends with different compositions were prepared by the solvent casting method. The miscibility of the polymer blend was proved by differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectrometry. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the polymer blends were assessed in their wet state by dynamic mechanical analysis. The surfaces wettability of blends and their components were examined through static contact angle measurements. The pore interconnections in the resulted scaffolds were achieved by the incorporation of naphthalene microparticles which were used as porogen and then removed in its gas state by sublimation under reduced pressure. The presence of pores interconnected inside the polymeric materials and their surface morphologies was examined by scanning electron microscopy. The in-vitro cytotoxicity and cell adhesion on the prepared materials were examined by an MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay.
Sweet Immunity: The Effect of Exogenous Fructans on the Susceptibility of Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) to Venturia inaequalis
Authors: Svara Anze , Tarkowski Łukasz Paweł , Janse van Rensburg Henry Christopher , Deleye Evelien , Vaerten Jarl , De Storme Nico , Keulemans Wannes , Van den Ende Wim
Published: August 2020

There is an urgent need for novel, efficient and environmentally friendly strategies to control apple scab (Venturia inaequalis), for the purpose of reducing overall pesticide use. Fructans are recently emerging as promising “priming” compounds, standing out for their safety and low production costs. The objective of this work was to test a fructan-triggered defense in the leaves of apple seedlings. It was demonstrated that exogenous leaf spraying can reduce the development of apple scab disease symptoms. When evaluated macroscopically and by V. inaequalis-specific qPCR, levan-treated leaves showed a significant reduction of sporulation and V. inaequalis DNA in comparison to mock- and inulin-treated leaves, comparable to the levels in fosetyl-aluminum-treated leaves. Furthermore, we observed a significant reduction of in vitro mycelial growth of V. inaequalis on plates supplemented with levans when compared to controls, indicating a direct inhibition of fungal growth. Variations in endogenous sugar contents in the leaves were followed during priming and subsequent infection, revealing complex dynamics as a function of time and leaf ontogeny. Our data are discussed in view of the present theories on sugar signaling and fructan-based immunity, identifying areas for future research and highlighting the potential use of fructans in apple scab management in orchards.
An Exo-Polygalacturonase Pgc4 Regulates Aerial Hyphal Growth and Virulence in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 4
Authors: Dong Zhangyong , Luo Mei , Wang Zhenzhong
Published: August 2020

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 4 (Foc4) causes Fusarium wilt that affects banana plants, and hence, the molecular mechanisms of its virulence need to be investigated. We purified an exo-polygalacturonase (exo-PG), Pgc4, from Foc4. Pgc4 has an apparent molecular weight of 50.87 kDa based on sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. We further performed its sequence analysis and biochemical characterization. The two pgc4 genes encoding Pgc4 from Foc4 and Foc1 were 1434 bp in length and encoded 477 amino acids with differences, due to some nucleotide differences between the two. The Km and Vmax values of Pgc4 purified from Foc4 were determined to be 0.45 mg/mL and 105.26 Units·mg·protein−1 ·min−1, respectively. The recombinant proteins, r-Foc1-Pgc4 and r-Foc4-Pgc4, were expressed and purified from Pichia pastoris and showed optimal Pgc4 activity at 55 °C and pH 4.0; both could induce tissue maceration and necrosis in the “Guangfen-1” and “Baxi” varieties of banana but to a different extent. Phenotypic assays and complementation analyses revealed that, compared to the wild-type, the generated Foc4Δpgc4 mutant strain showed a lower aerial hyphal growth, grew slower, and had a reduced virulence. Therefore, our results demonstrate the function of Pgc4 as a pathogenicity factor of Foc4.