bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Proteomics Unveils LRRFIP1 as a New Player in the DAPK1 Interactome of Neurons Exposed to Oxygen and Glucose Deprivation
Authors: DeGregorio-Rocasolano Núria , Guirao Verónica , Ponce Jovita , Melià-Sorolla Marc , Aliena-Valero Alicia , García-Serran Alexia , Salom Juan B. , Dávalos Antoni , Martí-Sistac Octavi , Gasull Teresa
Published: November 2020

Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) is a pleiotropic hub of a number of networked distributed intracellular processes. Among them, DAPK1 is known to interact with the excitotoxicity driver NMDA receptor (NMDAR), and in sudden pathophysiological conditions of the brain, e.g., stroke, several lines of evidence link DAPK1 with the transduction of glutamate-induced events that determine neuronal fate. In turn, DAPK1 expression and activity are known to be affected by the redox status of the cell. To delineate specific and differential neuronal DAPK1 interactors in stroke-like conditions in vitro, we exposed primary cultures of rat cortical neurons to oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD), a condition that increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxides. OGD or control samples were co-immunoprecipitated separately, trypsin-digested, and proteins in the interactome identified by high-resolution LC-MS/MS. Data were processed and curated using bioinformatics tools. OGD increased total DAPK1 protein levels, cleavage into shorter isoforms, and dephosphorylation to render the active DAPK1 form. The DAPK1 interactome comprises some 600 proteins, mostly involving binding, catalytic and structural molecular functions. OGD up-regulated 190 and down-regulated 192 candidate DAPK1-interacting proteins. Some differentially up-regulated interactors related to NMDAR were validated by WB. In addition, a novel differential DAPK1 partner, LRRFIP1, was further confirmed by reverse Co-IP. Furthermore, LRRFIP1 levels were increased by pro-oxidant conditions such as ODG or the ferroptosis inducer erastin. The present study identifies novel partners of DAPK1, such as LRRFIP1, which are suitable as targets for neuroprotection.
Novel Antioxidant Therapy with the Immediate Precursor to Glutathione, γ-Glutamylcysteine (GGC), Ameliorates LPS-Induced Cellular Stress in In Vitro 3D-Differentiated Airway Model from Primary Cystic Fibrosis Human Bronchial Cells
Authors: Hewson Chris K. , Capraro Alexander , Wong Sharon L. , Pandzic Elvis , Zhong Ling , Fernando Bentotage S. M. , Awatade Nikhil T. , Hart-Smith Gene , Whan Renee M. , Thomas Shane R. , Jaffe Adam , Bridge Wallace J. , Waters Shafagh A.
Published: November 2020

Systemic glutathione deficiency, inflammation, and oxidative stress are hallmarks of cystic fibrosis (CF), an inherited disease that causes persistent lung infections and severe damage to the respiratory system and many of the body organs. Improvements to current antioxidant therapeutic strategies are needed. The dietary supplement, γ-glutamylcysteine (GGC), which is the immediate precursor to glutathione, rapidly boosts cellular glutathione levels following a single dose in healthy individuals. Efficacy of GGC against oxidative stress induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is a common and chronic pathogen infecting lungs of CF patients, remains unassessed. Primary mucocilliary differentiated airway (bronchial and/or nasal) epithelial cells were created from four individuals with CF. Airway oxidative stress and inflammation was induced by P. aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Parameters including global proteomics alterations, cell redox state (glutathione, oxidative stress), pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-8, IDO-1), and cellular health (membrane integrity, stress granule formation, cell metabolic viability) were assayed under six experimental conditions: (1) Mock, (2) LPS-challenged (3) therapeutic, (4) prophylactic (5) therapeutic and prophylactic and (6) GGC alone. Proteomic analysis identified perturbation of several pathways related to cellular respiration and stress responses upon LPS challenge. Most of these were resolved when cells were treated with GGC. While GGC did not resolve LPS-induced IL-8 and IDO-1 activity, it effectively attenuated LPS-induced oxidative stress and stress granule formation, while significantly increasing total intracellular glutathione levels, metabolic viability and improving epithelial cell barrier integrity. Both therapeutic and prophylactic treatments were successful. Together, these findings indicate that GGC has therapeutic potential for treatment and prevention of oxidative stress-related damage to airways in cystic fibrosis.
Detecting Deformation on Pantograph Contact Strip of Railway Vehicle on Image Processing and Deep Learning
Authors: Na Kyung-Min , Lee Kiwon , Shin Seung-Kwon , Kim Hyungchul
Published: November 2020

An electric railway vehicle is supplied with electricity by an OCL (Overhead Contact Line) through the contact strip of its pantograph. This transmitted electricity is then used to power the electrical equipment of the railway vehicle. This contact strip wears out due to contact with the OCL. In particular, deformations due to chipping and material loss occur because of friction with the fittings on the OCL. These deformations on the contact strip affect its power transmission quality because of contact loss with the OCL. However, it is difficult to monitor the contact strip during operation and judge its condition in order to implement accident prevention measures. Thus, in this study, we developed a contact strip monitoring method based on image processing for inspection. The proposed method measures the deformation in the contact strip based on an algorithm that determines the wear on the deformed contact strip using deep learning and image processing. The image of the contact strip is acquired by installing a camera and laser to capture the pantograph as it passes the setup. The proposed algorithm is able to determine the wear size by extracting the edges of the laser line using deep learning and estimating the fitted line of the deformations based on the least squares method.
Black Carbon and Other Air Pollutants in Italian Ports and Coastal Areas: Problems, Solutions and Implications for Policies
Authors: Brewer Thomas L.
Published: November 2020

Ships’ emissions of air pollutants pose problems for local and regional public health and agricultural production, as well as global climate change. The Italian government’s endorsement in 2019 of the creation of a Mediterranean Emission Control Area is a reflection of increasing concern about the emissions. Also, ongoing developments in the International Maritime Organization and in the European Union add to the Italian government’s maritime shipping agenda and increase its complexity and uncertainty. In that context, this review paper addresses two central questions: What are the consequences for human health and agricultural production of ships’ emissions in Italian ports and coastal areas? How can their emissions be reduced? The approach to these questions is inter-disciplinary. It applies the results of studies in atmospheric chemistry and physics; maritime shipping engineering; public health; agriculture; economics; and international law and policymaking to assess current and prospective policy issues in Italy. The principal conclusions are that: (1) Black carbon emissions are threats to human health and agricultural production in Italy, as well as to the global climate. (2) It is important that black carbon emissions receive more serious attention in policymaking processes in order to reflect the significant analytic progress that has been made in terms of understanding the problems it poses and the technological and policy solutions. (3) There are cost-effective, emission-reducing measures that are readily available, as well as other measures needing more time before full-scale implementation. (4) Although existing multi-level governance systems pose complex analytic and policymaking challenges, they also offer opportunities to institute new policies with significant short-term and long-term co-benefits from reductions in emissions.
Glycosaminoglycans and Contrast Agents: The Role of Hyaluronic Acid as MRI Contrast Enhancer
Authors: Ponsiglione Alfonso Maria , Russo Maria , Torino Enza
Published: November 2020

A comprehensive understanding of the behaviour of Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) combined with imaging or therapeutic agents can be a key factor for the rational design of drug delivery and diagnostic systems. In this work, physical and thermodynamic phenomena arising from the complex interplay between GAGs and contrast agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) have been explored. Being an excellent candidate for drug delivery and diagnostic systems, Hyaluronic acid (HA) (0.1 to 0.7%w/v) has been chosen as a GAG model, and Gd-DTPA (0.01 to 0.2 mM) as a relevant MRI contrast agent. HA samples crosslinked with divinyl sulfone (DVS) have also been investigated. Water Diffusion and Isothermal Titration Calorimetry studies demonstrated that the interaction between HA and Gd-DTPA can form hydrogen bonds and coordinate water molecules, which plays a leading role in determining both the polymer conformation and the relaxometric properties of the contrast agent. This interaction can be modulated by changing the GAG/contrast agent molar ratio and by acting on the organization of the polymer network. The fine control over the combination of GAGs and imaging agents could represent an enormous advantage in formulating novel multifunctional diagnostic probes paving the way for precision nanomedicine tools.
Environmental and Nutritional “Stressors” and Oligodendrocyte Dysfunction: Role of Mitochondrial and Endoplasmatic Reticulum Impairment
Authors: Maiuolo Jessica , Gliozzi Micaela , Musolino Vincenzo , Carresi Cristina , Nucera Saverio , Scicchitano Miriam , Scarano Federica , Bosco Francesca , Oppedisano Francesca , Macrì Roberta , Mollace Vincenzo
Published: November 2020

Oligodendrocytes are myelinating cells of the central nervous system which are generated by progenitor oligodendrocytes as a result of maturation processes. The main function of mature oligodendrocytes is to produce myelin, a lipid-rich multi-lamellar membrane that wraps tightly around neuronal axons, insulating them and facilitating nerve conduction through saltatory propagation. The myelination process requires the consumption a large amount of energy and a high metabolic turnover. Mitochondria are essential organelles which regulate many cellular functions, including energy production through oxidative phosphorylation. Any mitochondrial dysfunction impacts cellular metabolism and negatively affects the health of the organism. If the functioning of the mitochondria is unbalanced, the myelination process is impaired. When myelination has finished, oligodendrocyte will have synthesized about 40% of the total lipids present in the brain. Since lipid synthesis occurs in the cellular endoplasmic reticulum, the dysfunction of this organelle can lead to partial or deficient myelination, triggering numerous neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, the induced malfunction of oligodendrocytes by harmful exogenous stimuli has been outlined. In particular, the effects of alcohol consumption and heavy metal intake are discussed. Furthermore, the response of the oligodendrocyte to excessive mitochondrial oxidative stress and to the altered regulation of the functioning of the endoplasmic reticulum will be explored.
A Study on the Effect of Carbon Nanotubes’ Distribution and Agglomeration in the Free Vibration of Nanocomposite Plates
Authors: Craveiro D. S. , Loja M. A. R.
Published: November 2020

The present work aimed to characterize the free vibrations’ behaviour of nanocomposite plates obtained by incorporating graded distributions of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a polymeric matrix, considering the carbon nanotubes’ agglomeration effect. This effect is known to degrade material properties, therefore being important to predict the consequences it may bring to structures’ mechanical performance. To this purpose, the elastic properties’ estimation is performed according to the two-parameter agglomeration model based on the Eshelby–Mori–Tanaka approach for randomly dispersed nano-inclusions. This approach is implemented in association with the finite element method to determine the natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes. Three main agglomeration cases were considered, namely, agglomeration absence, complete agglomeration, and partial agglomeration. The results show that the agglomeration effect has a negative impact on the natural frequencies of the plates, regardless the CNTs’ distribution considered. For the corresponding vibrations’ mode shapes, the agglomeration effect was shown in most cases not to have a significant impact, except for two of the cases studied: for a square plate and a rectangular plate with symmetrical and unsymmetrical CNTs’ distribution, respectively. Globally, the results confirm that not accounting for the nanotubes’ agglomeration effect may lead to less accurate elastic properties and less structures’ performance predictions.
Parents’ Acceptance of Learning about Mindfulness for Managing Pediatric Asthma
Authors: Mathur Mala , Pletta Karen , Kerr Bradley R. , Eickhoff Jens , Puett Robin , Moreno Megan A.
Published: November 2020

Background: Emerging research suggests mindfulness may reduce stress and asthma symptoms in children, yet there is a gap in understanding parental views towards learning about mindfulness. Objective: This study aimed to compare the perceived acceptance to learn about mindfulness among parents of children with and without asthma, and to understand differences across income levels. Methods: This was a national, cross-sectional, online survey of parents of children 0–18 years. Acceptance was measured with questions on whether parents believe mindfulness could be beneficial while parenting, and if they would be willing to learn about mindfulness. Comparisons of mindfulness acceptance between income level were conducted using chi-square and Fisher’s exact test. Results: Parents of children with asthma were more likely to be interested in learning about mindfulness from their health care provider compared to those without asthma (46% vs. 38%, p < 0.0001). At all income levels examined in the study, parents (63–75%) of children with asthma indicated that they agreed or strongly agreed that mindfulness can be beneficial when parenting. Conclusion: Findings suggest an opportunity to incorporate mindfulness teaching into asthma care for pediatric patients of all income levels.
Evaluation of Greek Cattle Carcass Characteristics (Carcass Weight and Age of Slaughter) Based on SEUROP Classification System
Authors: Nikolaou Kostoula , Koutsouli Panagiota , Bizelis Iosif
Published: November 2020

In Greece, all cattle carcasses produced from a variety of breed types are classified according to the SEUROP system. The objective of this study was to evaluate Greek carcass characteristics such as carcass weight and age of slaughter based on SEUROP classification system (muscle conformation and fat deposit classes) and to describe the effect of main factors such as breed, gender, year of slaughter, farm’s geographical region and month of slaughter on these carcass parameters. It is the first study that evaluates local breeds, revealing the wide diversity of the Greek cattle breeding conditions. The analyzed records consisted of 323,046 carcasses from 2011 to 2017. All the examined factors significantly affected the mean carcass weight (298.9 ± 0.2 kg) and the mean slaughter age (559.1 ± 0.3 days). Carcasses from beef meat breeds had on average higher mean carcass weight while the local breeds had lower. The mean slaughter age and carcass weight were higher in winter than in summer. The local and the dairy breeds were classified in similar muscle conformation classes. Finally, Greek cattle carcasses from almost all regions were satisfactory for their quality carcass traits with good muscle conformation (R, O and U class) and low-fat deposit (class 1 to 3).
Effect of the Organic Production and the Harvesting Method on the Chemical Quality and the Volatile Compounds of Virgin Olive Oil over the Harvesting Season
Authors: Carrapiso Ana I. , Rubio Aránzazu , Sánchez-Casas Jacinto , Martín Lourdes , Martínez-Cañas Manuel , de Miguel Concha
Published: November 2020

Organic production has increasing importance in the food industry. However, its effect on the olive oil characteristics remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to research into the effect of organic production without irrigation, the traditional harvesting methods (tree vs. ground picked fruits), and the harvesting time (over a six-week period) on the oil characteristics. Free acidity, peroxide value, K232, K270, ΔK, total phenols, oxidative stability and the volatile compound profile (by SPME extraction, gas chromatography and mass detection) of olive oils from the Verdial de Badajoz cultivar were analysed. The organic production affected the peroxide value, total phenols, oxidative stability and 34 out of 145 volatile compounds. Its effect was much less strong than that of the harvesting method, which affected severely all the chemical and physical-chemical parameters and 105 out of 145 volatile compounds. Conversely, the harvesting time was revealed as a factor with little repercussion, on the chemical and physical-chemical parameters (only peroxide value was influenced), although it affected 83 out of 145 volatile compounds. The larger content in total phenols in the organic oils than in the conventional ones could explain the increase in oil stability and the differences in the volatile compounds.
Grape Pomace: A Potential Ingredient for the Human Diet
Authors: Pereira Paula , Palma Carla , Ferreira-Pêgo Cíntia , Amaral Olga , Amaral Anabela , Rijo Patrícia , Gregório João , Palma Lídia , Nicolai Marisa
Published: November 2020

The industrial production of wine generates annually tons of waste that can and must be properly reused to reduce its polluting load ad increase the availability of passive ingredients to be used in human nutrition. Grape pomace, a by-product of winemaking, beyond being of nutritional value is a bioactive source with high potential value and benefits for human health. Having as main goal the preliminary perception of the potential use of this by-product, the aim of this study was the characterization of eight different grape pomaces. In this sense, ash content, relative ash, moisture, pH, microorganisms, metals (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn), and semi-metal (As) were reported. The parameter that limits the daily amount ingested of this product is its arsenic content, a non-essential element that belongs to the group of semi-metal. Considering the obtained results and in the light of the restrictions imposed through the legislation in regulations set by the European Commission, the inclusion of grape pomace in the industrial production of foodstuffs could be a step towards the future of human nutrition and health.
From Good Time Girl to Damsel in Distress: Protecting the British War Bride in the United States, 1944–1950
Authors: Savage Gail
Published: November 2020

During the Second World War, the United Kingdom became an epicenter of transnational, especially transatlantic, marriages, but not all these marriages proved successful. As one disappointed English war bride on her way back home expressed herself, she was “Too shocked to bring her baby up on the black tracks of a West Virginia mining town as against her own home in English countryside of rose-covered fences.” This essay examines the government program developed to provide financial aid and legal advice to British women estranged from or abandoned by their American husbands from the passage of the 1944 Matrimonial Causes (War Marriages) Act to its winding down in 1950. The analysis draws upon a wide range of documents to survey the formulation and implementation of the government response and to consider some illustrative cases dealt with by British consular officials in the United States. These examples illuminate the gap between human behavior envisioned by policy-makers and the more varied behavior encountered by those who carried out the duties charged to them. The cases thus represent the nexus between state intervention and the individual experience of larger-scale social dynamics set off by war and the global movement of populations.
Effects of Foliar Application of Gibberellic Acid on the Salt Tolerance of Tomato and Sweet Pepper Transplants
Authors: Miceli Alessandro , Vetrano Filippo , Moncada Alessandra
Published: November 2020

Seed germination and early seedling growth are the plant growth stages most sensitive to salt stress. Thus, the availability of poor-quality brackish water can be a big limiting factor for the nursery vegetable industry. The exogenous supplementation of gibberellic acid (GA3) may promote growth and vigor and counterbalance salt stress in mature plants. This study aimed to test exogenous supplementation through foliar spray of 10−5 M GA3 for increasing salt tolerance of tomato and sweet pepper seedlings irrigated with increasing salinity (0, 25, and 50 mM NaCl during nursery growth. Tomato and sweet pepper seedlings suffered negative effects of salinity on plant height, biomass, shoot/root ratio, leaf number, leaf area, relative water content, and stomatal conductance. The foliar application of GA3 had a growth-promoting effect on the unstressed tomato and pepper seedlings and was successful in increasing salinity tolerance of tomato seedlings up to 25 mM NaCl and up to 50 mM NaCl in sweet pepper seedlings. This treatment could represent a sustainable strategy to use saline water in vegetable nurseries limiting its negative effect on seedling quality and production time.
Tropinone-Derived Alkaloids as Potent Anticancer Agents: Synthesis, Tyrosinase Inhibition, Mechanism of Action, DFT Calculation, and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Piechowska Katarzyna , Mizerska-Kowalska Magdalena , Zdzisińska Barbara , Cytarska Joanna , Baranowska-Łączkowska Angelika , Jaroch Karol , Łuczykowski Kamil , Płaziński Wojciech , Bojko Barbara , Kruszewski Stefan , Misiura Konrad , Łączkowski Krzysztof Z.
Published: November 2020

A new series of hybrid compounds with tropinone and thiazole rings in the structure was designed and synthesized as potential anticancer agents. They were tested against human multiple myeloma (RPMI 8226), lung carcinoma (A549), breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231), and mouse skin melanoma (B16-F10) cell lines. Toxicity was tested on human normal skin fibroblasts (HSF) and normal colon fibroblasts (CCD-18Co). The growth inhibition mechanism of the most active derivative was analyzed through investigation of its effect on the distribution of cell cycle phases and ability to induce apoptosis and necrosis in RPMI 8226 and A549 cancer cells. The tyrosinase inhibitory potential was assessed, followed by molecular docking studies. Compounds 3a–3h show high anticancer activity against MDA-MB-231 and B16-F10 cell lines with IC50 values of 1.51–3.03 µM. Moreover, the cytotoxic activity of the investigated compounds against HSF and CCD-18Co cells was 8–70 times lower than against the cancer cells or no toxicity was shown in our tests, with derivative 3a being particularly successful. The mechanism of action of compound 3a in RPMI 8226 cell was shown to be through induction of cell death through apoptosis. The derivatives show ability to inhibit the tyrosinase activity with a mixed mechanism of inhibition. The final molecular docking results showed for IC50 distinct correlation with experiment.
Gold Nanopeanuts as Prospective Support for Cisplatin in Glioblastoma Nano-Chemo-Radiotherapy
Authors: Depciuch Joanna , Miszczyk Justyna , Maximenko Alexey , Zielinski Piotr M. , Rawojć Kamila , Panek Agnieszka , Olko Pawel , Parlinska-Wojtan Magdalena
Published: November 2020

Herein, we propose newly designed and synthesized gold nanopeanuts (Au NPes) as supports for cisplatin (cPt) immobilization, dedicated to combined glioblastoma nano-chemo-radiotherapy. Au NPes offer a large active surface, which can be used for drugs immobilization. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the size of the synthesized Au NPes along the longitudinal axis is ~60 nm, while along the transverse axis ~20 nm. Raman, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DCS) measurements showed, that the created nanosystem is stable up to a temperature of 110 °C. MTT assay revealed, that the highest cell mortality was observed for cell lines subjected to nano-chemo-radiotherapy (20–55%). Hence, Au NPes with immobilized cPt (cPt@AuNPes) are a promising nanosystem to improve the therapeutic efficiency of combined nano-chemo-radiotherapy.
DFT Quantum-Chemical Modeling Molecular Structures of Cobalt Macrocyclic Complexes with Porphyrazine or Its Benzo-Derivatives and Two Oxygen Acido Ligands
Authors: Mikhailov Oleg V. , Chachkov Denis V.
Published: November 2020

Based on the results of a quantum chemical calculation using the DFT method with the OPBE/TZVP and B3PW91/TZVP levels, the possibility of the existence of three cobalt heteroligand complexes containing in the inner coordination sphere porphyrazine, di[benzo]- and tetra[benzo]porphyrazine, and two oxygen (O2−) ions with probable oxidation state VI of Co, which is unknown for this element at the present time, was shown. Data on the structural parameters are presented. It was shown that CoN4 chelate nodes as well as all metal-chelate and non-chelate cycles in each of these complexes, were strictly planar. Besides, the bond angles formed by two donor nitrogen atoms and a Co atom were close or equal to 90°, while the bond angles formed by donor atoms N, Co, and O, in most cases, albeit insignificantly, differed from this value. Good agreement between the calculated data obtained using the above two versions of the DFT method was found. Standard thermodynamic parameters of formation (standard enthalpy ΔH0f, 298, entropy S0f, 298 and Gibbs’s energy ΔG0f, 298) for the indicated complexes were presented too.
Impact of an Engineered Copper-Titanium Dioxide Nanocomposite and Parent Substrates on the Bacteria Viability, Antioxidant Enzymes and Fatty Acid Profiling
Authors: Metryka Oliwia , Wasilkowski Daniel , Nowak Anna , Adamczyk-Habrajska Małgorzata , Mrozik Agnieszka
Published: November 2020

Due to the systematic increase in the production of nanomaterials (NMs) and their applications in many areas of life, issues associated with their toxicity are inevitable. In particular, the performance of heterogeneous NMs, such as nanocomposites (NCs), is unpredictable as they may inherit the properties of their individual components. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to assess the biological activity of newly synthesized Cu/TiO2-NC and the parent nanoparticle substrates Cu-NPs and TiO2-NPs on the bacterial viability, antioxidant potential and fatty acid composition of the reference Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis strains. Based on the toxicological parameters, it was found that B. subtilis was more sensitive to NMs than E. coli. Furthermore, Cu/TiO2-NC and Cu-NPs had an opposite effect on both strains, while TiO2-NPs had a comparable mode of action. Simultaneously, the tested strains exhibited varied responses of the antioxidant enzymes after exposure to the NMs, with Cu-NPs having the strongest impact on their activity. The most considerable alternations in the fatty acid profiles were found after the bacteria were exposed to Cu/TiO2-NC and Cu-NPs. Microscopic images indicated distinct interactions of the NMs with the bacterial outer layers, especially in regard to B. subtilis. Cu/TiO2-NC generally proved to have less distinctive antimicrobial properties on B. subtilis than E. coli compared to its parent components. Presumably, the biocidal effects of the tested NMs can be attributed to the induction of oxidative stress, the release of metal ions and specific electrochemical interactions with the bacterial cells.
Integrated Analysis of Seed microRNA and mRNA Transcriptome Reveals Important Functional Genes and microRNA-Targets in the Process of Walnut (Juglans regia) Seed Oil Accumulation
Authors: Zhao Xinchi , Yang Guiyan , Liu Xiaoqiang , Yu Zhongdong , Peng Shaobing
Published: November 2020

Walnut (Juglans regia) is known as a promising woody oil crop with abundant polyunsaturated fatty acids in its kernel. However, the regulation mechanism of walnut oil accumulation and fatty acid metabolism is still poorly understood, which restricted the breeding and genetic improvement of high-quality oil-bearing walnuts. To reveal the molecular mechanism of walnut oil accumulation, considering the potential regulation of microRNA (miRNA) in seed development, in this study, the oil content of walnut kernel on the 80th, 100th and 120th day after flowering (DAF) was tested and the corresponding proportions are 11.51%, 40.40% and 53.20%. Between DAF of 80th~120th, the content of stearic acid and oleic acid tended to increase, but the proportion of other fatty acids tended to decrease. Meanwhile, comparative transcriptome and sRNA-seq analysis on three stages (80th, 100th and 120th DAF), found 204 conserved miRNAs and 554 novel miRNAs in walnut kernels, among which 104 key genes related to walnut oil accumulation were screened. The phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase metabolic pathway may contribute more to oil accumulation in walnut. 16 miRNA-mRNA regulatory modules related to walnut oil accumulation and fatty acid synthesis were constructed. 8 known miRNAs and 9 novel miRNAs regulate 28 genes involved in fatty acid (FA) metabolism and lipid synthesis. Among them, jre-miRn105, jre-miRn434, jre-miR477d and jre-miR156a.2 are key miRNAs that regulate walnut FA synthesis. Jre-miRn411 and jre-miR399a.1 are closely related to oil accumulation. These data provide new insights and lay the foundation for subsequent studies on walnut FA synthesis and oil accumulation.
A Matrix Approach for Analyzing Signal Flow Graph
Authors: Jeng Shyr-Long , Roy Rohit , Chieng Wei-Hua
Published: November 2020

Mason’s gain formula can grow factorially because of growth in the enumeration of paths in a directed graph. Each of the (n − 2)! permutation of the intermediate vertices includes a path between input and output nodes. This paper presents a novel method for analyzing the loop gain of a signal flow graph based on the transform matrix approach. This approach only requires matrix determinant operations to determine the transfer function with complexity O(n3) in the worst case, therefore rendering it more efficient than Mason’s gain formula. We derive the transfer function of the signal flow graph to the ratio of different cofactor matrices of the augmented matrix. By using the cofactor expansion, we then obtain a correspondence between the topological operation of deleting a vertex from a signal flow graph and the algebraic operation of eliminating a variable from the set of equations. A set of loops sharing the same backward edges, referred to as a loop group, is used to simplify the loop enumeration. Two examples of feedback networks demonstrate the intuitive approach to obtain the transfer function for both numerical and computer-aided symbolic analysis, which yields the same results as Mason’s gain formula. The transfer matrix offers an excellent physical insight, because it enables visualization of the signal flow.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Transformation of Fonsecaea monophora and Fonsecaea erecta for Host-Environment Interaction Studies
Authors: Villena Cristina Isabel Ferrer , Gomes Renata Rodrigues , Fernandes Larissa , Florencio Camille Silva , Bombassaro Amanda , Grisolia Maria Eduarda , da Silva Trindade Edvaldo , de Hoog Sybren , Vicente Vania Aparecida
Published: November 2020

The fungal genus Fonsecaea contains etiological agents of human chromoblastomycosis, a (sub)tropical, (sub)cutaneous implantation disease caused by plant contact. The invasive potential differs significantly between species. Infections by Fonsecaea monophora are believed to originate from the environment and the species has been reported as one of the main causative agents of the disease, but also of cases of primary brain infection. The epidemiology of the disease has not been fully elucidated and questions related to its infection route and virulence are still to be clarified. The environmental species Fonsecaea erecta was isolated from organic material and living plants in endemic areas for chromoblastomycosis in Brazil. The present paper describes Agrobacteriumtumefaciens-mediated transformation (AMT) of the environmental species F. erecta and the pathogenic species F. monophora. We propose the use of Agrobacterium transformation for future gene function studies related to Fonsecaea virulence and pathogenicity. We evaluated the co-cultivation ratios 1:1, 10:1 and 100:1 (Agrobacterium:conidia) at 28 °C during 72 h. pAD1625 and pCAMDsRed plasmids were inserted into both species. Confirmation of transformation was realized by hph gene amplification and Southern blot determined the amount of foreign DNA integrated into the genome. In order to evaluate a potential link between environmental and clinical strains, we obtained red fluorescent transformants after pCAMDsRed insertion. We observed by confocal fluorescence microscopy that both F. monophora and F. erecta were able to colonize the palm Bactris gasipaes, penetrating the epidermis. These results contribute to understanding the ability of Fonsecaea species to adapt to different environmental and host conditions.
Consideration of Risk Factors in Corporate Property Portfolio Management
Authors: Karpenko Lidiia , Chunytska Iryna , Oliinyk Nataliia , Poprozman Nataliia , Bezkorovaina Olha
Published: November 2020

The article is devoted to the topical issue of optimization and harmonization of the formation of the corporate property portfolio. The method of managing the corporate property portfolio in order to reduce the level of risk was optimized in the research, based on differentiated and portfolio approaches: the differentiated approach is used when considering corporate property as a set of individual elements that determine self-management; the portfolio one is used under the condition of combining corporate property in the management portfolio. The article also takes into account the applied model of fuzzy sets related to the identification of the level of profitability of the corporate property portfolio and its risk. It was determined that the fuzzy sets methodology has an advantage in the conditions of instability of financial markets and optimizes the search for attractive corporate property for investment. The article substantiates the use of the fuzzy set approach to assess corporate investment decisions as the most effective in terms of risk and uncertainty.
Study on the Spatial Restructuring of the Village System at the County Level Oriented toward the Rural Revitalization Strategy: A Case of Jintan District, Jiangsu Province
Authors: Bu Xinguo , Pu Lijie , Shen Chunzhu , Xie Xuefeng , Xu Caiyao
Published: November 2020

The spatial restructuring of village systems is an important means by which to promote rural revitalization. A large number of villages with small average areas bring great challenges to the implementation of the Rural Revitalization Strategy (RRS) in China. To promote the implementation of the RRS, it is necessary to restructure the village system. This paper proposes a method of spatial restructuring for the village system at the county level, oriented toward the RRS. This study proposes a village classification system with central villages, characteristic villages, and merged villages. It also accounts for the role of various villages in the RRS and proposes differentiated development strategies. This study involved the construction of a village centrality index system and a central village selection model aligned with the RRS. Taking the district of Jintan in Jiangsu Province as a case study for the empirical analysis, the results show that the applicability of the model to the study area is good. Using this model, 32 central villages and 10 characteristic villages were selected. After restructuring the village system, the number of villages decreased by 69.1%. The results from analyzing the travel time radius of the central villages show that 71.5% of the land in the evaluation area lies within a 15 min commute of the central villages, and 96.5% lies within 25 min, indicating that the locations and number of the selected central villages are reasonable. Compared with the service area of the village system before the restructure, the average service area of the central villages is 3.4 times larger, which helps to improve the infrastructure and public service efficiency of the central villages. By guiding resources to aggregate in the central villages and promoting the comprehensive consolidation of land in the merged villages, the restructuring of the village system can help further the success of the RRS in Jintan.
Temporal Resource Continuity Increases Predator Abundance in a Metapopulation Model: Insights for Conservation and Biocontrol
Authors: Spiesman Brian , Iuliano Benjamin , Gratton Claudio
Published: November 2020

The amount of habitat in a landscape is an important metric for evaluating the effects of land cover on biodiversity, yet it fails to capture complex temporal dimensions of resource availability that could be consequential for species population dynamics. Here, we use a spatially-explicit predator–prey metapopulation model to test the effect of different spatiotemporal resource patterns on insect predators and their prey. We examined population responses in model landscapes that varied in both the amount and temporal variability of basal vegetation. Further, we examined cases where prey comprised either a single generalist species or two specialist species that use different resources available either early or late in the growing season. We found that predators and generalist prey benefitted from lower temporal variance of basal resources, which increased landscape-scale abundances. However, increasing the amount of basal resources also increased the variability of generalist prey populations. Specialist prey, on the other hand, did not benefit from less temporally variable basal resources, as they were restricted by habitat type, while also suffering greater predation. Predators achieved greater prey suppression in landscapes with less temporally variable resources, but the overall effects on prey abundance depended on prey habitat specialization. Our simulations demonstrate the joint importance of both the amount and temporal variability of resources for understanding how landscape heterogeneity influences biodiversity and ecosystem services such as the biological control of agricultural pests.
AFM Images of Viroid-Sized Rings That Self-Assemble from Mononucleotides through Wet–Dry Cycling: Implications for the Origin of Life
Authors: Hassenkam Tue , Damer Bruce , Mednick Gabriel , Deamer David
Published: November 2020

It is possible that early life relied on RNA polymers that served as ribozyme-like catalysts and for storing genetic information. The source of such polymers is uncertain, but previous investigations reported that wet–dry cycles simulating prebiotic hot springs provide sufficient energy to drive condensation reactions of mononucleotides to form oligomers. The aim of the study reported here was to visualize the products by atomic force microscopy. In addition to globular oligomers, ring-like structures ranging from 10–200 nm in diameter, with an average around 30–40 nm, were abundant, particularly when nucleotides capable of base pairing were present. The thickness of the rings was consistent with single stranded products, but some had thicknesses indicating base pair stacking. Others had more complex structures in the form of short polymer attachments and pairing of rings. These observations suggest the possibility that base-pairing may promote polymerization during wet–dry cycling followed by solvation of the rings. We conclude that RNA-like rings and structures could have been synthesized non-enzymatically on the prebiotic Earth, with sizes sufficient to fold into ribozymes and genetic molecules required for life to begin.
Towards the Prediction of Sandwich Composites Durability in Severe Condition of Temperature: A New Numerical Model Describing the Influence of Material Water Content during a Fire Scenario
Authors: Márquez Costa Juan Pablo , Legrand Vincent , Fréour Sylvain , Jacquemin Frédéric
Published: November 2020

An advanced fire thermal model was developed to predict the evolution of the temperature and decomposition gradient across a sandwich composite structure when exposed to high temperatures (fire). This model allows the prediction of a large numbers of parameters, such as thermal expansion, gas mass storage, porosity, permeability, density, and internal pressure. The highlight of this model is that we consider, in the sandwich constituents (core and skins), additional parameters, such as changing volume porosities, other coupled constituents (as infused resin in the balsa core), and what make the main originality of the present approach: moisture content (free and bounded water). The time dependence of many parameters, i.e., among others, the combustion advancing front and mechanical properties, can be predicted in a large number of material and fire scenarios. The proposed approach was validated in the case of sandwich panels, with glass/polyester or glass/vinyl ester skins and balsa core, exposed to high temperatures up to 750 °C. The influence of water on the thermal and mechanical responses is also highlighted.
Dilatometric Analysis of the Austenite Decomposition in Undeformed and Deformed Low-Carbon Structural Steel
Authors: Morawiec Mateusz , Skowronek Adam , Król Mariusz , Grajcar Adam
Published: November 2020

This paper aims to analyze the effect of deformation on the phase transformation kinetics of low-carbon structural steel. The steel used for the investigation was subjected to two different dilatometric analyses using a DIL 805A/D device. The first analysis was to determine the phase transformation kinetics without deformation of austenite before cooling. Then, the analysis under deformation conditions was conducted to investigate the deformation effect on the transformation kinetics. Microscopic studies by light microscopy were performed. The essential part of the research was hardness analysis for different cooling rates and the creation of continuous-cooling-transformation (CCT) and deformation continuous-cooling-transformation (DCCT) diagrams. It was found that the deformation of the samples before cooling increases a diffusion rate in the austenite resulting in the corresponding increase of ferritic, pearlitic, and bainitic start temperatures, as well as shifting the austenite transformation product regions to a longer time. The increase of the transformation area and a decrease in grain size are observed for the deformed samples.
Ductility of the Tensile Zone in Bent Wooden Beams Strengthened with CFRP Materials
Authors: Wdowiak-Postulak Agnieszka , Brol Janusz
Published: November 2020

This article presents experimental results from the bending of technical-scale models of beams reinforced in the tension zone with CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers) materials, with a focus on the benefits resulting from the increased ductility in the tension zone of these beams. In experimental tests, the mechanical properties of reinforced beams were compared with unreinforced beams in terms of the maximum load, deflection, images of damage, stiffness, and distribution of deformation. The results showed that the proposed reinforcement solution was advantageous due to its strength and stiffness, and the safety of the structure. Based on this analysis, it was concluded that the reinforcement of wood with CFRP materials has a positive effect on the behavior and safety of structures. Also, a method of analytical checking of strengthened beams with small cross-sections was presented in the article.
Screening of Human CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 Inhibitors from Seaweed In Silico and In Vitro
Authors: Yim Sung-Kun , Kim Kian , Chun SangHo , Oh TaeHawn , Jung WooHuk , Jung KyooJin , Yun Chul-Ho
Published: November 2020

Phenolic compounds and carotenoids are potential inhibitors of cytochrome P450s. Sixteen known compounds, phenolic compounds and carotenoids from seaweed were examined for potential inhibitory capacity against CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 in silico and in vitro. Morin, quercetin, and fucoxanthin inhibited the enzyme activity of CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 values of morin, quercetin, and fucoxanthin were 41.8, 22.5, and 30.3 μM for CYP1A2 and 86.6, 16.1, and 24.4 μM for CYP3A4, respectively. Siphonaxanthin and hesperidin did not show any significant effect on CYP1A2, but they slightly inhibited CYP3A4 activity at high concentrations. In silico modeling of CYP’s binding site revealed that the potential inhibitors bound in the cavity located above the distal surface of the heme prosthetic group through the 2a or 2f channel of CYPs. This study presents an approach for quickly predicting CYP inhibitory activity and shows the potential interactions of compounds and CYPs through in silico modeling.
A New Insight on the Radioprotective Potential of Epsilon-Aminocaproic Acid
Authors: Saliev Timur , Baiskhanova Dinara , Beznosko Dmitriy , Begimbetova Dinara , Umbayev Bauyrzhan , Nurgozhin Talgat , Fakhradiyev Ildar , Tanabayev Baimakhan , Pavalkis Dainius
Published: November 2020

Background and objectives: The aim of the study was to scrutinize the ability of epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) to prevent radiation-induced damage to human cells. Materials and Methods: Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were exposed to ionizing radiation at three low doses (22.62 mGy, 45.27 mGy, and 67.88 mGy) in the presence of EACA at the concentration of 50 ng/mL. Results: EACA was able to prevent cell death induced by low-dose X-ray radiation and suppress the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). EACA also demonstrated a capacity to protect DNA from radiation-induced damage. The data indicated that EACA is capable of suppression of radiation-induced apoptosis. Comparative tests of antioxidative activity of EACA and a range of free radical scavengers showed an ability of EACA to effectively inhibit the generation of ROS. Conclusions: This study showed that the pretreatment of PBMCs with EACA is able to protect the cells from radiation-elicited damage, including free radicals’ formation, DNA damage, and apoptosis.