bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Generalized Model of Complex Allometry I: Formal Setup, Identification Procedures and Applications to Non-Destructive Estimation of Plant Biomass Units
Authors: Echavarria-Heras Héctor , Leal-Ramirez Cecilia , Villa-Diharce Enrique , Castro-Rodríguez Juan Ramón
Published: November 2019

(1) Background: We previously demonstrated that customary regression protocols for curvature in geometrical space all derive from a generalized model of complex allometry combining scaling parameters expressing as continuous functions of covariate. Results highlighted the relevance of addressing suitable complexity in enhancing the accuracy of allometric surrogates of plant biomass units. Nevertheless, examination was circumscribed to particular characterizations of the generalized model. Here we address the general identification problem. (2) Methods: We first suggest a log-scales protocol composing a mixture of linear models weighted by exponential powers. Alternatively, adopting an operating regime-based modeling slant we offer mixture regression or Takagi–Sugeno–Kang arrangements. This last approach allows polyphasic identification in direct scales. A derived index measures the extent on what complexity in arithmetic space drives curvature in arithmetical space. (3) Results: Fits on real and simulated data produced proxies of outstanding reproducibility strength indistinctly of data scales. (4) Conclusions: Presented analytical constructs are expected to grant efficient allometric projection of plant biomass units and also for the general settings of allometric examination. A traditional perspective deems log-transformation and allometry inseparable. Recent views assert that this leads to biased results. The present examination suggests this controversy can be resolved by addressing adequately the complexity of geometrical space protocols.
UniChain: A Design of Blockchain-Based System for Electronic Academic Records Access and Permissions Management
Authors: Daraghmi Eman-Yasser , Daraghmi Yousef-Awwad , Yuan Shyan-Ming
Published: November 2019

Although blockchain technology was first introduced through Bitcoin, extending its usage to non-financial applications, such as managing academic records, is a new mission for recent research to balance the needs for increasing data privacy and the regular interaction among students and universities. In this paper, a design for a blockchain-based system, namely UniChain, for managing Electronic Academic Records (EARs) is proposed. UniChain is designed to improve the current management systems as it provides interoperable, secure, and effective access to EARs by students, universities, and other third parties, while keeping the students’ privacy. UniChain employs timed-based smart contracts for governing transactions and controlling access to EARs. It adopts advanced encryption techniques for providing further security. This work proposes a new incentive mechanism that leverages the degree of universities regarding their efforts on maintaining academic records and creating new blocks. Extensive experiments were conducted to evaluate the UniChain performance, and the results indicate the efficiency of the proposal in handling a large dataset at low latency.
Horizontal Vortex Tubes near a Simulated Tornado: Three-Dimensional Structure and Kinematics
Authors: Oliveira Maurício I. , Xue Ming , Roberts Brett J. , Wicker Louis J. , Yussouf Nusrat
Published: November 2019

Supercell thunderstorms can produce a wide spectrum of vortical structures, ranging from midlevel mesocyclones to small-scale suction vortices within tornadoes. A less documented class of vortices are horizontally-oriented vortex tubes near and/or wrapping about tornadoes, that are observed either visually or in high-resolution Doppler radar data. In this study, an idealized numerical simulation of a tornadic supercell at 100 m grid spacing is used to analyze the three-dimensional (3D) structure and kinematics of horizontal vortices (HVs) that interact with a simulated tornado. Visualizations based on direct volume rendering aided by visual observations of HVs in a real tornado reveal the existence of a complex distribution of 3D vortex tubes surrounding the tornadic flow throughout the simulation. A distinct class of HVs originates in two key regions at the surface: around the base of the tornado and in the rear-flank downdraft (RFD) outflow and are believed to have been generated via surface friction in regions of strong horizontal near-surface wind. HVs around the tornado are produced in the tornado outer circulation and rise abruptly in its periphery, assuming a variety of complex shapes, while HVs to the south-southeast of the tornado, within the RFD outflow, ascend gradually in the updraft.
Geographical Imputation of Missing Poaceae Pollen Data via Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Navares Ricardo , Aznarte José Luis
Published: November 2019

Airborne pollen monitoring datasets sometimes exhibit gaps, even very long, either because of maintenance or because of a lack of expert personnel. Despite the numerous imputation techniques available, not all of them effectively include the spatial relations of the data since the assumption of missing-at-random is made. However, there are several techniques in geostatistics that overcome this limitation such as the inverse distance weighting and Gaussian processes or kriging. In this paper, a new method is proposed that utilizes convolutional neural networks. This method not only shows a competitive advantage in terms of accuracy when compared to the aforementioned techniques by improving the error by 5% on average, but also reduces execution training times by 90% when compared to a Gaussian process. To show the advantages of the proposal, 10%, 20%, and 30% of the data points are removed in the time series of a Poaceae pollen observation station in the region of Madrid, and the airborne concentrations from the remaining available stations in the network are used to impute the data removed. Even though the improvements in terms of accuracy are not significantly large, even if consistent, the gain in computational time and the flexibility of the proposed convolutional neural network allow field experts to adapt and extend the solution, for instance including meteorological variables, with the potential decrease of the errors reported in this paper.
Recently Strengthened Influence of ENSO on the Wintertime East Asian Surface Air Temperature
Authors: Gong Hainan , Wang Lin , Chen Wen
Published: November 2019

Previous studies have indicated that El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) exerts a significant influence on the East Asian winter climate. This study reveals an interdecadal strengthening of the connection between ENSO and the East Asian surface air temperature (EAT) connection around the late 1990s and investigates the reason for this change. Before the late 1990s, the influence of ENSO on the EAT was weak, and the ENSO-related southerly wind anomalies were confined to the south of 30° N of East Asia. After the late 1990s, by contrast, ENSO’s influence became stronger and capable of extending northward to 50° N of East Asia. The decadal strengthening of the link between ENSO and EAT is primarily modulated by the magnitudes of the ENSO-related Kuroshio anticyclone. The intensity of the Kuroshio anticyclone contributes more than 50% of the variance of the oscillational ENSO–EAT variability. Further investigation indicates that the recovered magnitude of the Kuroshio anticyclone after the late 1990s has been closely tied to the eastward shrinking of the Aleutian Low (AL) pattern, which has weakened the link of atmospheric circulation between the AL and Kuroshio Extension region. Therefore, the offset effect of the AL-induced negative (positive) sea level pressure (SLP) anomalies on the El Niño (La Niña)-induced positive (negative) SLP anomalies over the Kuroshio Extension has also been weakened, which has facilitated the recovery of the significant influence of ENSO on the EAT.
Observational Analysis of the Characteristics of the Synoptic Situation and Evolution of the Organized Warm-Sector Rainfall in the Coastal Region of South China in the Pre-Summer Rainy Season
Authors: Liang Zhaoming , Fovell Robert G. , Liu Ying
Published: November 2019

The characteristics of the synoptic situation and the evolution of the organized warm-sector rainfalls (OWSRs) in the coastal region of South China in the pre-summer rainy season were investigated, using a period (2011–2016) of high-resolution observational data and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Re-Analysis Interim (ERA-Interim) data. The results show that a strong southwesterly low-level jet (LLJ) ahead of a trough over southwestern China with a marked boundary-layer jet (BLJ) over the northern South China Sea (synoptic situation SWLLJ) or a prominent, low-level anticyclone over the Yangtze River Basin (synoptic situation ACR) is present when the OWSRs occur in the coastal region of South China. The OWSRs are prone to initiate on the windward side of the coastal mountains, owing to the convergence enhanced by the colliding of the BLJ with the mountains and the coupling of double LLJs near the coast (for SWLLJ), or due to the convergence between northerly and southeasterly winds near the coastal mountains (for ACR). The OWSRs present a long extension when the LLJ axis is nearby. The translation of the LLJ itself also promotes the long extension of the OWSRs. In contrast, the OWSRs show a short extension when the LLJ axis is farther away or ACR occurs. Meanwhile, the OWSRs are directed northeastward in Guangxi Province and more eastward in Guangdong Province, probably owing to the orientation difference of the LLJ in these two provinces. The rainfall systems in the ACR situation tend to move eastward, whereas those in the SWLLJ situation are prone to move eastward when equivalently strong or much-stronger upper-level winds overlay the LLJ, but move northeastward when much weaker upper-level winds couple with the LLJ.
The Effect of the Addition of Blue Honeysuckle Berry Juice to Apple Juice on the Selected Quality Characteristics, Anthocyanin Stability, and Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Grobelna Anna , Kalisz Stanisław , Kieliszek Marek
Published: November 2019

Apple juice is rich in phenolic compounds that are important as natural antioxidants. In turn, blue honeysuckle berry juice is a valuable source of bioactive ingredients and can be an interesting and beneficial supplement to fruit juices. The aim of this study was to examine the physicochemical and sensory properties of the newly designed mixture of apple juice and blue honeysuckle berry juice. The addition of blue honeysuckle berry juice to apple juice had a significant effect on the content of anthocyanin and vitamin C in the newly designed fruit juices. After production, the content of anthocyanins and polyphenols in the blue honeysuckle berry juice was high (595.39 and 767.88 mg/100 mL, respectively). As the concentration of blue honeysuckle berry juice added to apple juice was increased, the polyphenol content also increased. The juices analyzed after 4 months of storage were lighter and showed a less intense red color than the juices analyzed directly after production. Antioxidant activity (ABTS assay) in the apple juice mixed with 10% blueberry juice was almost 3 times higher than the pure apple juice after 3 months of storage; the addition of 30% blueberry juice significantly increased the antioxidant activity of the apple juice. Thus, the results of this research have expanded the existing knowledge about the health and sensory properties of apple juice mixed with blue honeysuckle berry juice. These findings can be utilized in further research aiming at the development of new products that can meet consumer expectations.
Pharmacological Discrimination of Effects of MK801 on Thalamocortical, Mesothalamic, and Mesocortical Transmissions
Authors: Okada Motohiro , Fukuyama Kouji , Nakano Tomosuke , Ueda Yuto
Published: November 2019

N-methyl-d-aspartate/glutamate receptor (NMDAR) is one of the major voltage-sensitive ligand-gated cation channel. Several noncompetitive NMDAR antagonists contribute to pathophysiology of schizophrenia and mood disorders; however, the effects of inhibition of NMDAR on several transmitter system have not been well clarified. Thus, this study determined the selective NMDAR antagonist, MK801 (dizocilpine), on thalamocortical, mesothalamic, and mesocortical transmissions associated with l-glutamate, GABA, serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine using multiprobe microdialysis. Perfusion with MK801 into the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) increased and decreased respective regional releases of monoamine and GABA without affecting l-glutamate. The mPFC MK801-induced monoamine release is generated by the regional GABAergic disinhibition. Perfusion with MK801 into the reticular thalamic nucleus (RTN) decreased GABA release in the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus (MDTN) but increased releases of l-glutamate and catecholamine without affecting serotonin in the mPFC. The RTN MK801-induced l-glutamate release in the mPFC was generated by GABAergic disinhibition in the MDTN, but RTN MK801-induced catecholamine release in the mPFC was generated by activation of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate/glutamate receptor (AMPAR) which received l-glutamate release from thalamocortical glutamatergic terminals in the mPFC. Perfusion with MK801 into the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) decreased GABA release in the DRN but selectively increased serotonin release in the MDTN and mPFC. These DRN MK801-induced serotonin releases in the both mPFC and MDTN were also generated by GABAergic disinhibition in the DRN. These results indicate that the GABAergic disinhibition induced by NMDAR inhibition plays important roles in the MK801-induced releases of l-glutamate and monoamine in thalamic nuclei and cortex.
Investigating the Systems-Level Effect of Pueraria lobata for Menopause-Related Metabolic Diseases Using an Ovariectomized Rat Model and Network Pharmacological Analysis
Authors: Oh Ji Hong , Baek Seon-Eun , Lee Won-Yung , Baek Ji Yun , Trinh Tuy An , Park Do Hwi , Lee Hye Lim , Kang Ki Sung , Kim Chang-Eop , Yoo Jeong-Eun
Published: November 2019

This study was conducted to evaluate the biological activities of Pueraria lobata (PL) on menopause-related metabolic diseases and to explore the underlying mechanism of PL by network pharmacological analyses. We used ovariectomized (OVX) rats as a postmenopausal model and administered PL at different doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg). In OVX rats, decreased uterine weights and PPAR-γ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma) mRNA expression in the thigh muscle were significantly recovered after PL administration. PL also significantly alleviated OVX-induced increases in total cholesterol, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase (ALT/GPT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST/GOT) levels. To identify the systems-level mechanism of PL, we performed network pharmacological analyses by predicting the targets of the potential bioactive compounds and their associated pathways. We identified 61 targets from four potential active compounds of PL: formononetin, beta-sitosterol, 3’-methoxydaidzein, and daidzein-4,7-diglucoside. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that among female sex hormone-related pathways, the estrogen signaling pathways, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, oxytocin signaling pathways, and prolactin signaling pathways were associated with multiple targets of PL. In conclusion, we found that PL improved various indicators associated with lipid metabolism in the postmenopausal animal model, and we also identified that its therapeutic effects are exerted via multiple female sex hormone-related pathways.
A Review of the Assessment Tools for the Efficiency of Nanolime Calcareous Stone Consolidant Products for Historic Structures
Authors: Papatzani Styliani , Dimitrakakis Emmanouil
Published: November 2019

In the present review paper, the term “effectiveness” of nanolime consolidants was redefined by presenting a suite of efficiency parameters/material properties that must be assessed in order to compare available treatments for weathered calcareous stones for historic buildings. Assessment tools in the form of characterization methods for synthetized nanolime dispersions, artificial weathering techniques, and treated calcareous stones were correlated and discussed, giving rise to non-destructive testing methods. The effect of the application method and dispersion medium was also presented. It was concluded that the presented suite of efficiency parameters and characterization techniques can be applied to further studies for the development of mass consolidation procedures in order to reach penetration depths well beyond the 5.5 cm threshold achieved up to date.
On the Colloidal Stability of Nitrogen-Rich Carbon Nanodots Aqueous Dispersions
Authors: Fiuza Thiago , Gomide Guilherme , Campos Alex Fabiano Cortez , Messina Fabrizio , Depeyrot Jérôme
Published: November 2019

The present survey reports on the colloidal stability of aqueous dispersions of nitrogen-rich carbon nanodots (N-CDs). The N-CDs were synthesized by thermally induced decomposition of organic precursors and present an inner core constituted of a β − C 3 N 4 crystalline structure surrounded by a surface shell containing a variety of polar functional groups. N-CDs size and structure were checked by combined analysis of XRD (X-ray Diffraction) and TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) measurements. FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) experiments revealed the presence of carboxyl and amide groups on N-CDs surface. Towards a better understanding of the relation between colloidal stability and surface charge development, zetametry experiments were applied in N-CDs dispersions at different pHs and constant ionic strength. The increase of the absolute values of zeta potential with the alkalinization of the dispersion medium is consistent with the deprotonation of carboxyl groups on N-CDs surface, which agrees with the macroscopic visual observations of long-term colloidal stability at pH 12. The saturation value of N-CDs surface charge density was evaluated by means of potentiometric-conductometric titrations. The difference between carboxyl-related surface charge and the one determined by zeta potential measurements point to the presence of oxidized nitrogen functionalities onto the N-CDs surface in addition to carboxyl groups. These novel results shed light on the electrostatic repulsion mechanism that allows for the remarkable colloidal stability of N-CDs dispersions.
Penetrance of the TP53 R337H Mutation and Pediatric Adrenocortical Carcinoma Incidence Associated with Environmental Influences in a 12-Year Observational Cohort in Southern Brazil
Authors: Costa Tatiana E. J. , Gerber Viviane K. Q. , Ibañez Humberto C. , Melanda Viviane S. , Parise Ivy Z. S. , Watanabe Flora M. , Pianovski Mara A. D. , Fiori Carmem M. C. M. , Fabro Ana L. M. R. , da Silva Denise B. , Andrade Diancarlos P. , Komechen Heloisa , Mendes Monalisa C. , Carboni Edna , Kuczynski Ana Paula , Souza Emanuelle N. , Paraizo Mariana M. , Ibañez Marilea V. C. , Castilho Laura M. , Cruz Amanda F. , da Maia Thuila F. , Machado-Souza Cleber , Rosati Roberto , Oliveira Claudia S. , Parise Guilherme A. , Passos Jaqueline D. C. , Barbosa José R. S. , Figueiredo Mirna M. O. , Lima Leniza , Tormen Tiago , Sabbaga Cesar C. , Ávilla Sylvio G. A. , Grisa Leila , Aranha Airton , Tosin Karina C. F. , Ogradowski Karin R. P. , Lima Geneci , Legal Edith F. , Anegawa Tania H. , Mazzuco Tânia L. , Grion André L. , Balbinotti José H. G. , Dammski Karin L. , Melo Rosiane G. , Kiesel Filho Nilton , Custódio Gislaine , Figueiredo Bonald C.
Published: November 2019

The TP53 R337H mutation is associated with increased incidence of pediatric adrenocortical tumor (ACT). The different environmental conditions where R337H carriers live have not been systematically analyzed. Here, the R337H frequencies, ACT incidences, and R337H penetrance for ACT were calculated using the 2006 cohort with 4165 R337H carriers living in Paraná state (PR) subregions. The effectiveness of a second surveillance for R337H probands selected from 42,438 tested newborns in PR (2016 cohort) was tested to detect early stage I tumor among educated families without periodical exams. Estimation of R337H frequencies and ACT incidence in Santa Catarina state (SC) used data from 50,115 tested newborns without surveillance, ACT cases from a SC hospital, and a public cancer registry. R337H carrier frequencies in the population were 0.245% (SC) and 0.306% (PR), and 87% and 95% in ACTs, respectively. The ACT incidence was calculated as ~6.4/million children younger than 10 years per year in PR (95% CI: 5.28; 7.65) and 4.15/million in SC (CI 95%: 2.95; 5.67). The ACT penetrance in PR for probands followed from birth to 12 years was 3.9%. R337H carriers living in an agricultural subregion (C1) had a lower risk of developing pediatric ACT than those living in industrial and large urban subregion (relative risk = 2.4). One small ACT (21g) without recurrence (1/112) was detected by the parents in the 2016 cohort. ACT incidence follows R337H frequency in each population, but remarkably environmental factors modify these rates.
Assessment of Degradation Behavior for Acetylsalicylic Acid Using a Plasma in Liquid Process
Authors: Bang Hye-Jin , Lee Heon , Park Young-Kwon , Ha Hyung-Ho , Yu Young Hyun , Kim Byung-Joo , Jung Sang-Chul
Published: November 2019

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is a pharmacologically active compound. In this study, ASA was decomposed effectively using a plasma in liquid phase process with hydrogen peroxide and TiO2 photocatalyst. Increasing the electrical power conditions (frequency, applied voltage, and pulse width) promoted plasma generation, which increased the rate of ASA decomposition. The added hydrogen peroxide increased the rate of ASA degradation, but injecting an excess decreased the degradation rate due to a scavenger effect. Although there was an initial increase in the decomposition efficiency by the addition of TiO2 powder, the addition of an excessive amount inhibited the generation of plasma and decreased the degradation rate. The simultaneous addition of H2O2 and TiO2 powder resulted in the highest degradation efficiency. We suggest that ASA is converted to salicylic acid through demethylation by hydroxyl radicals and is finally mineralized to carbon dioxide and water via 2,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid and low molecular acids.
Ca-Doped CrOX/γ-Al2O3 Catalysts with Improved Dehydrogenation Performance for the Conversion of Isobutane to Isobutene
Authors: Wang Guangjian , Song Ning , Lu Kai , Wang Wentai , Bing Liancheng , Zhang Qinqin , Fu Haitao , Wang Fang , Han Dezhi
Published: November 2019

The dehydrogenation of low-carbon alkane to obtain olefins is an effective way to meet the steadily increasing demand of these building blocks in chemical industry. In this study, Ca-doped CrOx/γ-Al2O3 catalysts were fabricated via a one-pot method by employing Cr(OH)3 as the precursor, and their catalytic performances were tested in the dehydrogenation of isobutane to isobutene (DITI) process. The prepared catalysts were intensively characterized by XRD, SEM, NH3-TPD, H2-TPR, low-temperature N2 adsorption–desorption, etc. These characterization results indicated that the doping of Ca into the CrOx/γ-Al2O3 catalysts could tune the acidity properties of the prepared catalysts and enhance the interaction between the active species and support. The Ca-doped CrOx/γ-Al2O3 catalysts, especially the Ca2-Cr/γ-Al2O3 catalyst with a Ca doping of 2 wt%, exhibited a superior catalytic performance in the DITI process in comparison with the undoped catalyst.
Enhancement of GAD Storage Stability with Immobilization on PDA-Coated Superparamagnetic Magnetite Nanoparticles
Authors: Zafar Farheen , Wang Hong-peng , Lv Chang-jiang , Ullah Muhammad-Haseeb , Liu Chun-yan , Hua Yu-jiao , Mei Le-he , Huang Jun
Published: November 2019

To improve the storage stability of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), superparamagnetic magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation method and coated with polydopamine (PDA) for GAD immobilization. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy were used to determine size of the nanoparticles, which were approximately 10 nm, increasing to 15 nm after PDA-coating and to 20 nm upon GAD binding. Vibrational scanning measurements significantly represented the superparamagnetic behavior of the Fe3O4, and X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that the crystalline structure before and after coating with PDA and the further immobilization of GAD remained the same. Thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy proved that the PDA-coating on Fe3O4 and further immobilization of GAD were successful. After immobilization, the enzyme can be used with a relative specific activity of 40.7% after five successive uses. The immobilized enzyme retained relative specific activity of about 50.5% after 15 days of storage at 4 °C, while free enzyme showed no relative specific activity after two days of storage. The GAD immobilization on PDA-coated magnetite nanoparticles was reported for the improvement of enzyme storage stability for the first time.
Ending Restenosis: Inhibition of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation by cAMP
Authors: Smith Sarah A. , Newby Andrew C. , Bond Mark
Published: November 2019

Increased vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation contributes towards restenosis after angioplasty, vein graft intimal thickening and atherogenesis. The second messenger 3′ 5′ cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) plays an important role in maintaining VSMC quiescence in healthy vessels and repressing VSMC proliferation during resolution of vascular injury. Although the anti-mitogenic properties of cAMP in VSMC have been recognised for many years, it is only recently that we gained a detailed understanding of the underlying signalling mechanisms. Stimuli that elevate cAMP in VSMC inhibit G1-S phase cell cycle progression by inhibiting expression of cyclins and preventing S-Phase Kinase Associated Protein-2 (Skp2-mediated degradation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. Early studies implicated inhibition of MAPK signalling, although this does not fully explain the anti-mitogenic effects of cAMP. The cAMP effectors, Protein Kinase A (PKA) and Exchange Protein Activated by cAMP (EPAC) act together to inhibit VSMC proliferation by inducing Cyclic-AMP Response Element Binding protein (CREB) activity and inhibiting members of the RhoGTPases, which results in remodelling of the actin cytoskeleton. Cyclic-AMP induced actin remodelling controls proliferation by modulating the activity of Serum Response Factor (SRF) and TEA Domain Transcription Factors (TEAD), which regulate expression of genes required for proliferation. Here we review recent research characterising these mechanisms, highlighting novel drug targets that may allow the anti-mitogenic properties of cAMP to be harnessed therapeutically to limit restenosis.
Mitochondrial Mass Assessment in a Selected Cell Line under Different Metabolic Conditions
Authors: Costanzini Anna , Sgarbi Gianluca , Maresca Alessandra , Del Dotto Valentina , Solaini Giancarlo , Baracca Alessandra
Published: November 2019

Changes of quantity and/or morphology of cell mitochondria are often associated with metabolic modulation, pathology, and apoptosis. Exogenous fluorescent probes used to investigate changes in mitochondrial content and dynamics are strongly dependent, for their internalization, on the mitochondrial membrane potential and composition, thus limiting the reliability of measurements. To overcome this limitation, genetically encoded recombinant fluorescent proteins, targeted to different cellular districts, were used as reporters. Here, we explored the potential use of mitochondrially targeted red fluorescent probe (mtRFP) to quantify, by flow cytometry, mitochondrial mass changes in cells exposed to different experimental conditions. We first demonstrated that the mtRFP fluorescence intensity is stable during cell culture and it is related with the citrate synthase activity, an established marker of the mitochondrial mass. Incidentally, the expression of mtRFP inside mitochondria did not alter the oxygen consumption rate under both state 3 and 4 respiration conditions. In addition, using this method, we showed for the first time that different inducers of mitochondrial mass change, such as hypoxia exposure or resveratrol treatment of cells, could be consistently detected. We suggest that transfection and selection of stable clones expressing mtRFP is a reliable method to monitor mitochondrial mass changes, particularly when pathophysiological or experimental conditions change ΔΨm, as it occurs during mitochondrial uncoupling or hypoxia/anoxia conditions.
Emerging Role of Cellular Prion Protein in the Maintenance and Expansion of Glioma Stem Cells
Authors: Thellung Stefano , Corsaro Alessandro , Bosio Alessia , Zambito Martina , Barbieri Federica , Mazzanti Michele , Florio Tullio
Published: November 2019

Cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a membrane-anchored glycoprotein representing the physiological counterpart of PrP scrapie (PrPSc), which plays a pathogenetic role in prion diseases. Relatively little information is however available about physiological role of PrPC. Although PrPC ablation in mice does not induce lethal phenotypes, impairment of neuronal and bone marrow plasticity was reported in embryos and adult animals. In neurons, PrPC stimulates neurite growth, prevents oxidative stress-dependent cell death, and favors antiapoptotic signaling. However, PrPC activity is not restricted to post-mitotic neurons, but promotes cell proliferation and migration during embryogenesis and tissue regeneration in adult. PrPC acts as scaffold to stabilize the binding between different membrane receptors, growth factors, and basement proteins, contributing to tumorigenesis. Indeed, ablation of PrPC expression reduces cancer cell proliferation and migration and restores cell sensitivity to chemotherapy. Conversely, PrPC overexpression in cancer stem cells (CSCs) from different tumors, including gliomas—the most malignant brain tumors—is predictive for poor prognosis, and correlates with relapses. The mechanisms of the PrPC role in tumorigenesis and its molecular partners in this activity are the topic of the present review, with a particular focus on PrPC contribution to glioma CSCs multipotency, invasiveness, and tumorigenicity.
Novel Epigenetic Biomarkers in Pregnancy-Related Disorders and Cancers
Authors: Karin-Kujundzic Valentina , Sola Ida Marija , Predavec Nina , Potkonjak Anamarija , Somen Ema , Mioc Pavao , Serman Alan , Vranic Semir , Serman Ljiljana
Published: November 2019

As the majority of cancers and gestational diseases are prognostically stage- and grade-dependent, the ultimate goal of ongoing studies in precision medicine is to provide early and timely diagnosis of such disorders. These studies have enabled the development of various new diagnostic biomarkers, such as free circulating nucleic acids, and detection of their epigenetic changes. Recently, extracellular vesicles including exosomes, microvesicles, oncosomes, and apoptotic bodies have been recognized as powerful diagnostic tools. Extracellular vesicles carry specific proteins, lipids, DNAs, mRNAs, and miRNAs of the cells that produced them, thus reflecting the function of these cells. It is believed that exosomes, in particular, may be the optimal biomarkers of pathological pregnancies and cancers, especially those that are frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage, such as ovarian cancer. In the present review, we survey and critically appraise novel epigenetic biomarkers related to free circulating nucleic acids and extracellular vesicles, focusing especially on their status in trophoblasts (pregnancy) and neoplastic cells (cancers).
Synthesis, Characterization, and Crystal Structure of N-(3-nitrophenyl)cinnamamide
Authors: Lee Jung-Seop , Zeller Matthias , Warkad Shrikant Dashrath , Nimse Satish Balasaheb
Published: November 2019

N-(3-nitrophenyl)cinnamamide 1 with formula C15H12N2O3 was synthesized, and its crystal structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n with unit cell dimensions: a = 6.7810 (5) Å, b = 23.0913 (15) Å, c = 8.2079 (5) Å, V = 1282.76 (15) Å3, Z = 4, determined at 150 K with MoKα radiation. The experimental structure refined against atomic scattering factors is compared with the structure obtained using a Hirshfeld Atom Refinement (HAR) approach and Density Functional Theory (DFT) geometry optimizations.
Size Matters: New Zintl Phase Hydrides of REGa (RE = Y, La, Tm) and RESi (RE = Y, Er, Tm) with Large and Small Cations
Authors: Werwein Anton , Hansen Thomas C. , Kohlmann Holger
Published: November 2019

Many Zintl phases exhibiting a CrB type structure form hydrides. Systematic studies of AeTtHx (Ae = Ca, Sr, Ba; Tt = Si, Ge, Sn), LnTtHx (Ln = La, Nd; Tt = Si, Ge, Sn), and LnGaHx (Ln = Nd, Gd) showed the vast structural diversity of these systems. Hydrogenation reactions on REGa (RE = Y, La, Tm) and RESi (RE = Y, Er, Tm) were performed in steel autoclaves under hydrogen pressure up to 5 MPa and temperatures up to 773 K. The products were analyzed by X-ray and neutron powder diffraction. RESi (RE = Y, Er, Tm) form hydrides in the C-LaGeD type. LaGaD1.66 is isostructural to NdGaD1.66 and shows similar electronic features. Ga-D distances (1.987(13) Å and 2.396(9) Å) are considerably longer than in polyanionic hydrides and not indicative of covalent bonding. In TmGaD0.93(2) with a distorted CrB type structure deuterium atoms exclusively occupy tetrahedral voids. Theoretical calculations on density functional theory (DFT) level confirm experimental results and suggest metallic properties for the hydrides.
A Fundamental Reason for the Need of Two Different Semiconductor Technologies for Complementary Thin-Film Transistor Operations
Authors: Jang Jiung , Lee Sungsik
Published: November 2019

In this short commentary, we discuss a fundamental reason why two different semiconductor technologies are needed for complementary thin-film transistor (TFT) operations. It is mainly related to an energy-level matching between the band edge of the semiconductor and the work-function energy of the metal, which is used for the source and drain electrodes. The reference energy level is determined by the energy range of work-functions of typical metals for the source and drain electrodes. With the exception of silicon, both the conduction band edge (EC) and valence band edge (EV) of a single organic or inorganic material are unlikely to match the metal work-function energy whose range is typically from −4 to −6 eV. For example, typical inorganic materials, e.g., Zn–O, have the EC of around −4.5 eV (i.e., electron affinity), so the conduction band edge is within the range of the metal work-function energy, suggesting its suitability for n-channel TFTs. On the other hand, p-type inorganic materials, such as Cu–O, have an EV of around −5.5 eV, so the valence band edge is aligned with metal work-function energy, thus the usage for p-channel TFTs. In the case of p-type and n-type organic materials, their highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest occupied molecular orbital (LUMO) should be aligned with metal work-function energy. For example, p-type organic material, e.g., pentacene, has a HOMO level around −5 eV, which is within the range of the metal work-function energy, implying usage for p-channel TFTs. However, its LUMO level is around −3 eV, not being aligned with the metals’ work-function energy. So it is hard to use pentacene for n-channel TFTs. Along with this, n-type organic materials (e.g., C60) should have HOMO levels within the typical metals’ work-function energy for the usage of n-channel TFT. To support this, we provide a qualitative and comparative study on electronic material properties, such as the electron affinity and band-gap of representative organic and inorganic materials, and the work-function energy of typical metals.
Evolution of Microstructure, Texture and Topography during Cold Rolling and Recrystallization of Ni–5at.%W Alloy Substrate for Coated Conductors
Authors: Zhang Chenxi , Suo Hongli , Zhang Zili , Wang Qiuliang , Wang Yingxia , Ma Lin , Liu Min , Ji Yaotang , Li Jiazhi
Published: November 2019

In this work, the effect of cold rolling and heat treatment upon the microstructure and texture of the surface layer and cross-section of Ni5W alloy substrate was analyzed via the EBSD technique. A typical copper deformation texture was shown by the cold-rolled Ni5W alloy substrate. The cube-oriented nuclei were attributed to the rolling direction–transverse direction (RD-TD) plane due to the presence of copper and S rolling textures. Typical large-shape cold-rolled microstructure was presented by the RD-ND surface in the cube-oriented area. During the recrystallization process, the cube-oriented grains did not have a nucleation quantity advantage, but they did have an obvious growth advantage compared with other orientation grains. They can form a strong cube texture by absorbing the random orientation and rolling orientation through the migration of large-angle grain boundaries.
Neonatal Mass Urine Screening Approach for Early Detection of Mucopolysaccharidoses by UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Menkovic Iskren , Marchand Anne-Sophie , Boutin Michel , Auray-Blais Christiane
Published: November 2019

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are lysosomal storage disorders caused by deficiencies of enzymes involved in the catabolism of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Various treatments such as enzyme replacement therapy and/or hematopoietic stem cell transplant are available for MPSs. Early initiation of treatment improves the outcome and delays the onset of symptoms, highlighting the need for newborn screening for MPSs. The main objective of this project was to devise and validate a multiplex urine filter paper method for GAG analysis using a tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) approach to screen newborns for MPSs. Eluted urine samples from 21-day-old newborns were evaporated and a methanolysis reaction was performed. Samples were resuspended and analyzed using a UPLC-MS/MS system. A one-minute chromatographic method allowed the absolute quantification of heparan sulfate (HS), dermatan sulfate (DS), and creatinine. Method validation revealed high precision (< 9% relative standard deviation) and accuracy (< 7% bias) for all analytes. The reference values normalized to creatinine obtained by the analysis of five hundred 21-day-old newborn urine samples were 34.6 +/-6.2 mg/mmol of creatinine and 17.3 +/-3.9 mg/mmol of creatinine for HS and DS, respectively. We present a rapid and efficient method for populational newborn urine screening using MS/MS, which could also be applied to high-risk screening.
Multisensor Estimation Fusion with Gaussian Process for Nonlinear Dynamic Systems
Authors: Liao Yiwei , Xie Jiangqiong , Wang Zhiguo , Shen Xiaojing
Published: November 2019

The Gaussian process is gaining increasing importance in different areas such as signal processing, machine learning, robotics, control and aerospace and electronic systems, since it can represent unknown system functions by posterior probability. This paper investigates multisensor fusion in the setting of Gaussian process estimation for nonlinear dynamic systems. In order to overcome the difficulty caused by the unknown nonlinear system models, we associate the transition and measurement functions with the Gaussian process regression models, then the advantages of the non-parametric feature of the Gaussian process can be fully extracted for state estimation. Next, based on the Gaussian process filters, we propose two different fusion methods, centralized estimation fusion and distributed estimation fusion, to utilize the multisensor measurement information. Furthermore, the equivalence of the two proposed fusion methods is established by rigorous analysis. Finally, numerical examples for nonlinear target tracking systems demonstrate the equivalence and show that the multisensor estimation fusion performs better than the single sensor. Meanwhile, the proposed fusion methods outperform the convex combination method and the relaxed Chebyshev center covariance intersection fusion algorithm.
Coevolutionary Analysis of Protein Subfamilies by Sequence Reweighting
Authors: Malinverni Duccio , Barducci Alessandro
Published: November 2019

Extracting structural information from sequence co-variation has become a common computational biology practice in the recent years, mainly due to the availability of large sequence alignments of protein families. However, identifying features that are specific to sub-classes and not shared by all members of the family using sequence-based approaches has remained an elusive problem. We here present a coevolutionary-based method to differentially analyze subfamily specific structural features by a continuous sequence reweighting (SR) approach. We introduce the underlying principles and test its predictive capabilities on the Response Regulator family, whose subfamilies have been previously shown to display distinct, specific homo-dimerization patterns. Our results show that this reweighting scheme is effective in assigning structural features known a priori to subfamilies, even when sequence data is relatively scarce. Furthermore, sequence reweighting allows assessing if individual structural contacts pertain to specific subfamilies and it thus paves the way for the identification specificity-determining contacts from sequence variation data.
Complexity-Based Measures of Postural Sway during Walking at Different Speeds and Durations Using Multiscale Entropy
Authors: Liau Ben-Yi , Wu Fu-Lien , Lung Chi-Wen , Zhang Xueyan , Wang Xiaoling , Jan Yih-Kuen
Published: November 2019

Participation in various physical activities requires successful postural control in response to the changes in position of our body. It is important to assess postural control for early detection of falls and foot injuries. Walking at various speeds and for various durations is essential in daily physical activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in complexity of the center of pressure (COP) during walking at different speeds and for different durations. In this study, a total of 12 participants were recruited for walking at two speeds (slow at 3 km/h and moderate at 6 km/h) for two durations (10 and 20 min). An insole-type plantar pressure measurement system was used to measure and calculate COP as participants walked on a treadmill. Multiscale entropy (MSE) was used to quantify the complexity of COP. Our results showed that the complexity of COP significantly decreased (p < 0.05) after 20 min of walking (complexity index, CI = −3.51) compared to 10 min of walking (CI = −3.20) while walking at 3 km/h, but not at 6 km/h. Our results also showed that the complexity index of COP indicated a significant difference (p < 0.05) between walking at speeds of 3 km/h (CI = −3.2) and 6 km/h (CI = −3.6) at the walking duration of 10 min, but not at 20 min. This study demonstrated an interaction between walking speeds and walking durations on the complexity of COP.
Solvability of the p-Adic Analogue of Navier–Stokes Equation via the Wavelet Theory
Authors: Pourhadi Ehsan , Khrennikov Andrei , Saadati Reza , Oleschko Klaudia , Correa Lopez María de Jesús
Published: November 2019

P-adic numbers serve as the simplest ultrametric model for the tree-like structures arising in various physical and biological phenomena. Recently p-adic dynamical equations started to be applied to geophysics, to model propagation of fluids (oil, water, and oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsion) in capillary networks in porous random media. In particular, a p-adic analog of the Navier–Stokes equation was derived starting with a system of differential equations respecting the hierarchic structure of a capillary tree. In this paper, using the Schauder fixed point theorem together with the wavelet functions, we extend the study of the solvability of a p-adic field analog of the Navier–Stokes equation derived from a system of hierarchic equations for fluid flow in a capillary network in porous medium. This equation describes propagation of fluid’s flow through Geo-conduits, consisting of the mixture of fractures (as well as fracture’s corridors) and capillary networks, detected by seismic as joint wave/mass conducts. Furthermore, applying the Adomian decomposition method we formulate the solution of the p-adic analog of the Navier–Stokes equation in term of series in general form. This solution may help researchers to come closer and find more facts, taking into consideration the scaling, hierarchies, and formal derivations, imprinted from the analogous aspects of the real world phenomena.
Measurement and Analysis of SSD Reliability Data Based on Accelerated Endurance Test
Authors: Wang Yufei , Dong Xiaoshe , Zhang Xingjun , Wang Longxiang
Published: November 2019

In recent years, NAND Flash-based solid-state drives (SSDs) have become more widely used in data centers and consumer markets. Data centers generally choose to provide high-quality storage services by deploying a large number of SSDs, but there are no effective preventive measures to reduce the impact of SSD failures currently. Some existing studies have analyzed the relevant factors related to SSD failures from different angles, but the characteristics of reliability changes exhibited by SSD throughout the life cycle have not been explored in depth. On the other hand, although the 3D manufacturing process has increased the storage density of the SSD, the mutual influence between the flash units has also increased, resulting in severe degradation of the performance and lifetime of the SSD. Therefore, in order to fully understand the reliability varying process of SSD throughout the life cycle, we first designed an SSD lifetime endurance test method, then conducted the endurance test and collected the reliability data for the entire life cycle of the 3D TLC SSD in the laboratory environment with reference to the JEDEC standard. Through the analysis of experimental data and its statistical correlation, it is found that SSD will produce a large number of uncorrectable errors before reaching the endurance limit, and there will be a phenomenon of continuous high operating temperature, as well as showing some intrinsic relationships about SSD reliability data. The findings in this paper are valuable for identifying whether an SSD is going to fail.
A Deep Learning Based Transmission Algorithm for Mobile Device-to-Device Networks
Authors: Ban Tae-Won , Lee Woongsup
Published: November 2019

Recently, device-to-device (D2D) communications have been attracting substantial attention because they can greatly improve coverage, spectral efficiency, and energy efficiency, compared to conventional cellular communications. They are also indispensable for the mobile caching network, which is an emerging technology for next-generation mobile networks. We investigate a cellular overlay D2D network where a dedicated radio resource is allocated for D2D communications to remove cross-interference with cellular communications and all D2D devices share the dedicated radio resource to improve the spectral efficiency. More specifically, we study a problem of radio resource management for D2D networks, which is one of the most challenging problems in D2D networks, and we also propose a new transmission algorithm for D2D networks based on deep learning with a convolutional neural network (CNN). A CNN is formulated to yield a binary vector indicating whether to allow each D2D pair to transmit data. In order to train the CNN and verify the trained CNN, we obtain data samples from a suboptimal algorithm. Our numerical results show that the accuracies of the proposed deep learning based transmission algorithm reach about 85%∼95% in spite of its simple structure due to the limitation in computing power.