bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributed Economic Dispatch Scheme for Droop-Based Autonomous DC Microgrid
Authors: Lv Zhenyu , Wu Zaijun , Dou Xiaobo , Zhou Min , Hu Wenqiang
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a distributed economic dispatch scheme considering power limit is proposed to minimize the total active power generation cost in a droop-based autonomous direct current (DC) microgrid. The economical dispatch of the microgrid is realized through a fully distributed hierarchical control. In the tertiary level, an incremental cost consensus-based algorithm embedded into the economical regulator is utilized to search for the optimal solution. In the secondary level, the voltage regulator estimating the average voltage of the DC microgrid is used to generate the voltage correction item and eliminate the power and voltage oscillation caused by the deviation between different items. Then, the droop controller in the primary level receives the reference values from the upper level to ensure the output power converging to the optimum while recovering the average voltage of the system. Further, the dynamic model is established and the optimal communication network topology minimizing the impact of time delay on the voltage estimation is given in this paper. Finally, a low-voltage DC microgrid simulation platform containing different types of distributed generators is built, and the effectiveness of the proposed scheme and the performance of the optimal topology are verified.
Comparative Analysis of Web of Science and Scopus on the Energy Efficiency and Climate Impact of Buildings
Authors: Cabeza Luisa F. , Chàfer Marta , Mata Érika
Published: January 2020

Although the body of scientific publications on energy efficiency and climate mitigation from buildings has been growing quickly in recent years, very few previous bibliometric analysis studies exist that analyze the literature in terms of specific content (trends or options for zero-energy buildings) or coverage of different scientific databases. We evaluate the scientific literature published since January 2013 concerning alternative methods for improving the energy efficiency and mitigating climate impacts from buildings. We quantify and describe the literature through a bibliometric approach, comparing the databases Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus. A total of 19,416 (Scopus) and 17,468 (WoS) publications are analyzed, with only 11% common documents. The literature has grown steadily during this time period, with a peak in the year 2017. Most of the publications are in English, in the area of Engineering and Energy Fuels, and from institutions from China and the USA. Strong links are observed between the most published authors and institutions worldwide. An analysis of keywords reveals that most of research focuses on technologies for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning, phase change materials, as well as information and communication technologies. A significantly smaller segment of the literature takes a broader perspective (greenhouse gas emissions, life cycle, and sustainable development), investigating implementation issues (policies and costs) or renewable energy (solar). Knowledge gaps are detected in the areas of behavioral changes, the circular economy, and some renewable energy sources (geothermal, biomass, small wind). We conclude that (i) the contents of WoS and Scopus are radically different in the studied fields; (ii) research seems to focus on technological aspects; and (iii) there are weak links between research on energy and on climate mitigation and sustainability, the latter themes being misrepresented in the literature. These conclusions should be validated with further analyses of the documents identified in this study. We recommend that future research focuses on filling the above identified gaps, assessing the contents of several scientific databases, and extending energy analyses to their effects in terms of mitigation potentials.
Techno-Economic Study of CO2 Capture of a Thermoelectric Plant Using Microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) for Production of Feedstock for Bioenergy
Authors: Valdovinos-García Esveidi Montserrat , Barajas-Fernández Juan , Olán-Acosta María de los Ángeles , Petriz-Prieto Moisés Abraham , Guzmán-López Adriana , Bravo-Sánchez Micael Gerardo
Published: January 2020

A current concern is the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, mainly CO2, with anthropogenic sources being the main contributors. Microalgae have greater capacity than terrestrial plants to capture CO2, with this being an attraction for using them as capture systems. This study aims at the techno-economic evaluation of microalgae biomass production, while only considering technologies with industrial scaling potential. Energy consumption and operating costs are considered as parameters for the evaluation. In addition, the capture of CO2 from a thermoelectric plant is analyzed, as a carbon source for the cultivation of microalgae. 24 scenarios were evaluated while using process simulation tools (SuperPro Designer), being generated by the combination of cultivations in raceway pond, primary harvest with three types of flocculants, secondary harvest with centrifugation and three filtering technologies, and finally the drying evaluated with Spray and Drum Dryer. Low biomass productivity, 12.7 g/m2/day, was considered, achieving a capture of 102.13 tons of CO2/year in 1 ha for the cultivation area. The scenarios that included centrifugation and vacuum filtration are the ones with the highest energy consumption. The operating costs range from US $ 4.75–6.55/kg of dry biomass. The choice of the best scenario depends on the final use of biomass.
Effects of Canopy Microclimate on Chinese Chestnut (Castanea mollissima Blume) Nut Yield and Quality
Authors: Wen Yue , Su Shuchai , Zhang Haicheng
Published: January 2020

There are considerable differences in chestnut yield and quality across different chestnut-producing regions in China, indicating that environmental factors affect these properties of chestnuts. Furthermore, nut yield and quality differ depending on canopy position. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between the canopy microclimate, nut yield, and quality. We determined microclimate factors from blossoming to ripening at different positions in the canopy. Nut yield and quality and the number of different branch types were measured at various canopy positions. The light intensity and temperature of the different canopy layers exhibited funnel-form distributions ranging from 0 to 3600 μmol·m2·s−1 and from 32 to 37 °C, respectively. Canopy humidity showed an inverted funnel-shaped distribution ranging from 26% to 40%. Nut yield and quality in the top and outer canopies were higher than in the bottom and inner canopies. Branches in the top-middle and peripheral parts of the canopy also produced higher yields, especially strong branches that bore more nuts. Nut yield and quality had positive correlations with light intensity (r = 0.735) and temperature (r = 0.709), whereas they were inversely associated with humidity (r = −0.584). The nut yield was more than 200 gm−3 when the light intensity was above 1500 μmol·m2·s−1, the temperature was above 34.4 °C, and the humidity was below 27.5%.
Effects of Soil Temperature, Water Content, Species, and Fertilization on Soil Respiration in Bamboo Forest in Subtropical China
Authors: Zhang Houxi , Qian Zhuangzhuang , Zhuang Shunyao
Published: January 2020

Understanding the change pattern of soil respiration (SR) and its drivers under different bamboo species and land management practices is critical for predicting soil CO2 emission and evaluating the carbon budget of bamboo forest ecosystems. A 24-month field study was performed in subtropical China to monitor SR in experimental plots of local bamboo (Phyllostachys glauca) without fertilization (PG) and commercial bamboo (Phyllostachys praecox) with and without fertilization (PPF and PP, respectively). The SR rate and soil properties were measured on a monthly timescale. Results showed that the SR rate ranged from 0.38 to 8.53 µmol CO2 m−2s−1, peaking in June. The PPF treatment had higher SR rates than the PP and PG treatments for most months; however, there were no significant differences among the treatments. The soil temperature (ST) in the surface layer (0–10 cm) was found to be the predominant factor controlling the temporal change pattern of the monthly SR rate in the PG and PP treatments (i.e., those without fertilization). A bivariate model is used to show that a natural factor—comprised of ST and soil water content (SWC)—explained 44.2% of the variation in the monthly SR rate, whereas biological (i.e., bamboo type) and management (i.e., fertilization) factors had a much smaller impact (less than 0.1% of the variation). The annual mean SR showed a significant positive correlation with soil organic matter (SOM; r = 0.51, P < 0.05), total nitrogen (TN; r = 0.47, P < 0.05), total phosphorus (TP; r = 0.60, P < 0.01), clay content (0.72, P < 0.05) and below-ground biomass (r = 0.60*), which altogether explain 69.0% of the variation in the annual SR. Our results indicate that the fertilization effect was not significant in SR rate for most months among the treatments, but was significant in the annual rate. These results may help to improve policy decisions concerning carbon sequestration and the management of bamboo forests in China.
A Framework for Characterizing and Regulating Ecosystem Services in a Management Planning Context
Authors: BASKENT Emin Zeki
Published: January 2020

Sustainable management promises to improve the conservation and utilization of ecosystem services and their contribution to human wellbeing through management plans. This paper explores the concept of characterization and integration of ecosystem services in a management planning concept. The integration process involves the identification, quantification, valuation, assessment, and monitoring of ecosystem services over time. The quantification of common ecosystem services, such as soil erosion, water conservation, recreation, biodiversity conservation, and carbon sequestration was explored. A framework was developed to integrate ecosystem services into management planning process. Ecosystem services are classified as provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services with a defined typology. The conceptual framework acts as an organizing structure and it serves as a model for the management of ecosystems with their contribution to human wellbeing. Ecosystem management with multi-criteria decision techniques, information technologies and a structured participation is a proposed approach for the sustainable management of ecological, economic, and socio-cultural functions. Establishing the quantitative relationships between ecosystem services and societal benefits is essential. The provision of a universally accepted clear measurement of regulating, supporting, and cultural services is challenging. A commitment, vision, and strong willingness are required to adopt policies, regulations, and management objectives in planning. Integration can only be realized with prioritizing ecosystem services with the involvement of stakeholders. Substantial understanding of both the ecological and social systems is a prerequisite for sustainable management of ecosystem services. The ecosystem services with significant benefits to the wellbeing of society should primarily be characterized, their relative importance be weighted, and prioritized through a participatory approach. A holistic approach with a comprehensive decision support system is essential in forecasting the future provision of ecosystem services and assessing the trade-off analysis, resulting in better policy formulation before on-the-ground implementation.
Morphometric Relationships of the Global Invader Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 (Decapoda, Brachyura, Portunidae) from Papapouli Lagoon, NW Aegean Sea, Greece. with Notes on Its Ecological Preferences
Authors: Kampouris Thodoros E. , Kouroupakis Emmanouil , Batjakas Ioannis E.
Published: January 2020

Callinectes sapidus is native to the Atlantic coasts of the Americas. In the Mediterranean, it appeared around 1949 and though that it is established in East Mediterranean waters, relevant studies are limited. The aim of the present study is to report quantitative and qualitative data on the blue crab’s biology and ecology in its non-native range, that are indispensable for management purposes. Papapouli Lagoon is in Thermaikos Gulf and is ecologically impacted by the blue crabs. Fyke nets with a 20 mm mesh opening were soaked for 12 to 14 h during each survey. Abiotic environmental parameters were obtained. The length–weight relationships were expressed by the equation W = aLb. The species’ ecological preferences at Papapouli Lagoon were assessed with PERMANOVA analysis, using the abiotic parameters as factors. Student’s t-tests were used to assess the differences between sexes. The sex ratio of the blue crab’s population was assessed by a Chi-square (χ2) analysis. The sex ratio was found to be 1.28:1, in favour of males. The most dominant group size of male blue crabs was the 61–70 mm of CL and 130–139 mm of CW. Also, the dominant size group of female blue crabs was 60–69 mm of CL and 120–129 mm CW. The maximum abundance of blue crabs was recorded at a salinity range from 24‰ to 25‰ and the water temperature range was from 26 to 28 °C.
Pathogenesis of Ischemic Stroke: Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms
Authors: Stanzione Rosita , Cotugno Maria , Bianchi Franca , Marchitti Simona , Forte Maurizio , Volpe Massimo , Rubattu Speranza
Published: January 2020

Epigenetics is the branch of molecular biology that studies modifications able to change gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. Epigenetic modulations include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs. These gene modifications are heritable and modifiable and can be triggered by lifestyle and nutritional factors. In recent years, epigenetic changes have been associated with the pathogenesis of several diseases such as diabetes, obesity, renal pathology, and different types of cancer. They have also been related with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases including ischemic stroke. Importantly, since epigenetic modifications are reversible processes they could assist with the development of new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of human diseases. In the present review article, we aim to collect the most recent evidence concerning the impact of epigenetic modifications on the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke in both animal models and humans.
Comparative Activation Process of Pb, Cd and Tl Using Chelating Agents from Contaminated Red Soils
Authors: Liu Lirong , Luo Dinggui , Yao Guangchao , Huang Xuexia , Wei Lezhang , Liu Yu , Wu Qihang , Mai Xiaotao , Liu Guowei , Xiao Tangfu
Published: January 2020

Adding chelating agents is a critical technique of heavy metal activation for enhancing phytoextraction through the formation of soluble metal complexes which will be more readily available for extraction. The preliminary, dynamic, equilibrium activation experiments and speciation analysis of Pb, Cd and Tl in contaminated red soils were used to select six chelates with relatively good activation performance from nine chelates, and the effects of dosage and pH on the heavy metals activation were studied systematically. Results showed that the activation of Pb, Cd and Tl by chelates reached equilibrium within 2 h, and the activation process showed three stages. Under neutral conditions, chelates had better activation performance on Pb- and Cd-contaminated soils. Except for S,S-ethylenediamine disuccinic acid (S,S-EDDS) and citric acid (CA), the maximum equilibrium activation effect (MEAE) of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), N,N-bis (carboxymethyl) glutamic acid (GLDA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and aminotriacetic acid (NTA) was over 81%. The MEAE of Tl-contaminated soil was less than 15%. The decreasing order of the dosage of chelating agents corresponding to MEAE for three types of contaminated soils was Pb-, Cd- and Tl-contaminated soil, relating to the forms of heavy metals, the stability constants of metal–chelates and the activation of non-target elements Fe in red soil. Under acidic conditions, the activation efficiencies of chelates decreased to differing degrees in Pb- and Cd-contaminated soils, whereas the activation efficiencies of chelating agents in Tl-contaminated soils were slightly enhanced.
A Scoping Review of Digital Tools to Reduce Sedentary Behavior or Increase Physical Activity in Knowledge Workers
Authors: Damen Ida , Brombacher Hans , Lallemand Carine , Brankaert Rens , Brombacher Aarnout , van Wesemael Pieter , Vos Steven
Published: January 2020

Background: There is increasing interest in the role that technology can play in improving the vitality of knowledge workers. A promising and widely adopted strategy to attain this goal is to reduce sedentary behavior (SB) and increase physical activity (PA). In this paper, we review the state-of-the-art SB and PA interventions using technology in the office environment. By scoping the existing landscape, we identified current gaps and underexplored possibilities. We discuss opportunities for future development and research on SB and PA interventions using technology. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the Association for Computing Machinery digital library, the interdisciplinary library Scopus, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Xplore Digital Library to locate peer-reviewed scientific articles detailing SB and PA technology interventions in office environments between 2009 and 2019. Results: The initial search identified 1130 articles, of which 45 studies were included in the analysis. Our scoping review focused on the technologies supporting the interventions, which were coded using a grounded approach. Conclusion: Our findings showed that current SB and PA interventions using technology provide limited possibilities for physically active ways of working as opposed to the common strategy of prompting breaks. Interventions are also often offered as additional systems or services, rather than integrated into existing office infrastructures. With this work, we have mapped different types of interventions and provide an increased understanding of the opportunities for future multidisciplinary development and research of technologies to address sedentary behavior and physical activity in the office context.
Dynamics of Chinese Diet Divergence from Chinese Food Pagoda and Its Association with Adiposity and Influential Factors: 2004–2011
Authors: Zhou Jiajun , Leepromrath Sirimaporn , Tian Xu , Zhou De
Published: January 2020

Nutrition transition in China has a strong impact on dietary quality and health of Chinese consumers. This study developed the diet quality divergence Index (DQD), the divergence between real food consumption and the Chinese food pagoda 2016 (CFP), to measure the quality of diet in China. Using four waves of data (2004, 2006, 2009, and 2011) from China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), this study shed light on the transition of diet quality for Chinese residents. Results indicate that the DQD generally decreased and Chinese diet quality improved during 2004–2011. The divergence was mainly caused by over-consumption of legumes and nuts, and under-consumption of milk and milk products. Rising income and urbanization were positively correlated with diet quality for the people with low DQD. However, both of them had negative impacts on diet quality for those with high DQD. Females and rural residents held a lower DQD than their counterparts. The results also revealed that healthy food preference, education, dining at home, household size, proportions of teens (6–17) and elders (over 64) in the families are positively correlated with Chinese diet quality. However, labor intensity, frequency of drinking alcohol, and smoking have negative impacts on diet quality. Moreover, higher DQD was found to be associated with increasing risks of overweight/obesity. Therefore, we suggest national healthy policies should pay more attention to nutrition education. It is also necessary to focus on populations with poor diet quality and to adopt measures to control drinking alcohol and smoking.
Binge Drinking, Cannabis Co-Consumption and Academic Achievement in First Year University Students in Spain: Academic Adjustment as a Mediator
Authors: Páramo María Fernanda , Cadaveira Fernando , Tinajero Carolina , Rodríguez María Soledad
Published: January 2020

Little is known about how binge drinking or the combination of binge drinking and cannabis consumption affect academic achievement in students during the transition to university, or about the mechanisms that mediate this relationship. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between this pattern of alcohol/cannabis consumption and academic achievement, considering academic adjustment as a possible mediator. A total of 258 Spanish, first-year university students (145 females and 113 males), enrolled in undergraduate degree courses, were categorized into three groups on the basis of their patterns of alcohol/cannabis consumption: control, binge drinkers and co-consumers. The findings showed a significant effect of the combined binge drinking/cannabis consumption, but not of binge drinking alone, upon academic achievement and academic adjustment. Grade point average (GPA) and academic adjustment were lower in the co-consumers than in the other groups. Regarding the mediation effect, 34.33% of the impact of combined alcohol/cannabis use on GPA was mediated by academic adjustment. The combined consumption of alcohol and cannabis led to difficulties in adaptation to academic life, which in turn contributed to poorer performance at university. The implications of the findings are discussed.
Research on Audit Supervision of Internet Finance
Authors: Liu Hua , Ge Sheng
Published: January 2020

Internet finance is a new form of finance that applies capacities found on the Internet to the traditional financial industry. However, at the present stage, internet finance is faced with many problems, such as overly rapid development and non-standard operation. This paper adopted the evolutionary game theory as the analysis tool to design an evolutionary game model of government audit supervision of Internet finance, and analyzed the evolutionary stability of the strategies used by Internet financial institutions and government financial audit supervision departments. A simulation calculation was carried out by placing the calculation experimental method “Scenario–Coping”, which simulated the initial probability of different strategies adopted by both parties of the game and evaluated the influence of changing the penalty intensity of Internet financial institutions’ violation on the outcome of the evolutionary game. Based on the simulation analysis, the paper provided policy suggestions on strengthening audit supervision and promoting its sustainable development from three aspects: strengthening the construction of the Internet financial credit information system, improving Internet financial laws and regulations, and improving the early warning level of Internet financial credit risk.
Revealing the Correlation between Population Density and the Spatial Distribution of Urban Public Service Facilities with Mobile Phone Data
Authors: Shi Yi , Yang Junyan , Shen Peiyu
Published: January 2020

Some studies have confirmed the association between urban public services and population density; however, other studies using census data, for example, have arrived at the opposite conclusion. Mobile signaling data provide new technological tools to investigate the subject. Based on the data of 20 million 2G mobile phone users in downtown Shanghai and the land use data of urban public service facilities, this study explores the spatiotemporal correlation between population density and public service facilities’ locations in downtown Shanghai and its variation laws. The correlation between individual population density at day vs. night and urban public service facilities distribution was also examined from a dynamic perspective. The results show a correlation between service facilities’ locations and urban population density at different times of the day. As a result, the average population density observed over a long period of time (day-time periodicity or longer) with census data or remote sensing data does not directly correlation with the distribution of public service facilities despite its correlation with public service facilities distribution. Among them, there is a significant spatial correlation between public service facilities and daytime population density and a significant spatial correlation between non-public service facilities and night-time population density. The spatial and temporal changes in the relationship between urban population density and service facilities is due to changing crowd behavior; however, the density of specific types of behavior is the real factor that affects the layout of urban public service facilities. The results show that mobile signaling data and land use data of service facilities are of great value for studying the spatiotemporal correlations between urban population density and service facilities.
Spatial Multi-Objective Land Use Optimization toward Livability Based on Boundary-Based Genetic Algorithm: A Case Study in Singapore
Authors: Cao Kai , Liu Muyang , Wang Shu , Liu Mengqi , Zhang Wenting , Meng Qiang , Huang Bo
Published: January 2020

In this research, the concept of livability has been quantitatively and comprehensively reviewed and interpreted to contribute to spatial multi-objective land use optimization modelling. In addition, a multi-objective land use optimization model was constructed using goal programming and a weighted-sum approach, followed by a boundary-based genetic algorithm adapted to help address the spatial multi-objective land use optimization problem. Furthermore, the model is successfully and effectively applied to the case study in the Central Region of Queenstown Planning Area of Singapore towards livability. In the case study, the experiments based on equal weights and experiments based on different weights combination have been successfully conducted, which can demonstrate the effectiveness of the spatial multi-objective land use optimization model developed in this research as well as the robustness and reliability of computer-generated solutions. In addition, the comparison between the computer-generated solutions and the two real planned scenarios has also clearly demonstrated that our generated solutions are much better in terms of fitness values. Lastly, the limitation and future direction of this research have been discussed.
Characterization of the Soybean GmIREG Family Genes and the Function of GmIREG3 in Conferring Tolerance to Aluminum Stress
Authors: Cai Zhandong , Xian Peiqi , Lin Rongbin , Cheng Yanbo , Lian Tengxiang , Ma Qibin , Nian Hai
Published: January 2020

The IREG (IRON REGULATED/ferroportin) family of genes plays vital roles in regulating the homeostasis of iron and conferring metal stress. This study aims to identify soybean IREG family genes and characterize the function of GmIREG3 in conferring tolerance to aluminum stress. Bioinformatics and expression analyses were conducted to identify six soybean IREG family genes. One GmIREG, whose expression was significantly enhanced by aluminum stress, GmIREG3, was studied in more detail to determine its possible role in conferring tolerance to such stress. In total, six potential IREG-encoding genes with the domain of Ferroportin1 (PF06963) were characterized in the soybean genome. Analysis of the GmIREG3 root tissue expression patterns, subcellular localizations, and root relative elongation and aluminum content of transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing GmIREG3 demonstrated that GmIREG3 is a tonoplast localization protein that increases transgenic Arabidopsis aluminum resistance but does not alter tolerance to Co and Ni. The systematic analysis of the GmIREG gene family reported herein provides valuable information for further studies on the biological roles of GmIREGs in conferring tolerance to metal stress. GmIREG3 contributes to aluminum resistance and plays a role similar to that of FeIREG3. The functions of other GmIREG genes need to be further clarified in terms of whether they confer tolerance to metal stress or other biological functions.
Parainfluenza Virus 5 Infection in Neurological Disease and Encephalitis of Cattle
Authors: Hierweger Melanie M. , Werder Simea , Seuberlich Torsten
Published: January 2020

The etiology of viral encephalitis in cattle often remains unresolved, posing a potential risk for animal and human health. In metagenomics studies of cattle with bovine non-suppurative encephalitis, parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) was identified in three brain samples. Interestingly, in two of these animals, bovine herpesvirus 6 and bovine astrovirus CH13 were additionally found. We investigated the role of PIV5 in bovine non-suppurative encephalitis and further characterized the three cases. With traditional sequencing methods, we completed the three PIV5 genomes, which were compared to one another. However, in comparison to already described PIV5 strains, unique features were revealed, like an 81 nucleotide longer open reading frame encoding the small hydrophobic (SH) protein. With in situ techniques, we demonstrated PIV5 antigen and RNA in one animal and found a broad cell tropism of PIV5 in the brain. Comparative quantitative analyses revealed a high viral load of PIV5 in the in situ positive animal and therefore, we propose that PIV5 was probably the cause of the disease. With this study, we clearly show that PIV5 is capable of naturally infecting different brain cell types in cattle in vivo and therefore it is a probable cause of encephalitis and neurological disease in cattle.
Genome Editing for Mucopolysaccharidoses
Authors: Poletto Edina , Baldo Guilherme , Gomez-Ospina Natalia
Published: January 2020

Genome editing holds the promise of one-off and potentially curative therapies for many patients with genetic diseases. This is especially true for patients affected by mucopolysaccharidoses as the disease pathophysiology is amenable to correction using multiple approaches. Ex vivo and in vivo genome editing platforms have been tested primarily on MSPI and MPSII, with in vivo approaches having reached clinical testing in both diseases. Though we still await proof of efficacy in humans, the therapeutic tools established for these two diseases should pave the way for other mucopolysaccharidoses. Herein, we review the current preclinical and clinical development studies, using genome editing as a therapeutic approach for these diseases. The development of new genome editing platforms and the variety of genetic modifications possible with each tool provide potential applications of genome editing for mucopolysaccharidoses, which vastly exceed the potential of current approaches. We expect that in a not-so-distant future, more genome editing-based strategies will be established, and individual diseases will be treated through multiple approaches.
Two Distinct C-Type Lysozymes in Goldfish: Molecular Characterization, Antimicrobial Potential, and Transcriptional Regulation in Response to Opposing Effects of Bacteria/Lipopolysaccharide and Dexamethasone/Leptin
Authors: Chen Ting , Rao Yingzhu , Li Jiaxi , Ren Chunhua , Tang Dongsheng , Lin Tiehao , Ji Jiatai , Chen Rong , Yan Aifen
Published: January 2020

Lysozymes are key antimicrobial peptides in the host innate immune system that protect against pathogen infection. In this study, the full-length cDNAs of two c-type lysozymes (gfLyz-C1 and gfLyz-C2) were cloned from goldfish (Carassius auratus). The structural domains, three-dimensional structures, and amino acid sequences of gfLyz-C1 and gfLyz-C2 were highly comparable, as the two proteins shared 89.7% sequence identity. The gfLyz-C1 and gfLyz-C2 recombinant proteins were generated in the insoluble fractions of an Escherichia coli system. Based on the results of lysoplate and turbidimetric assays, gfLyz-C1 and gfLyz-C2 showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties with high levels of activity against Micrococcus lysodeikticus, Vibrio parahemolyticus, and Edwardsiella tarda, and relatively low activity against E. coli. Both gfLyz-C1 and gfLyz-C2 mRNAs were mainly expressed in the trunk kidney and head kidney, and gfLyz-C1 was expressed at much higher levels than gfLyz-C2 in the corresponding tissues. The expression of the gfLyz-C1 and gfLyz-C2 transcripts in the trunk kidney and head kidney was induced in these tissues by challenge with heat-inactivated E. coli and lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and the transcriptional responses of gfLyz-C1 were more intense. In goldfish primary trunk kidney cells, the levels of the gfLyz-C1 and gfLyz-C2 transcripts were upregulated by heat-inactivated E. coli, V. parahemolyticus, and E. tarda, as well as LPS, and downregulated by treatment with dexamethasone and leptins. Overall, this study may provide new insights that will improve our understanding of the roles of c-type lysozymes in the innate immunity of cyprinid fish, including the structural and phylogenetic characteristics, antimicrobial effects, and regulatory mechanism.
Macromolecular Interactions of Disordered Proteins
Authors: Simon István
Published: January 2020

Proteins are social beings [...]
Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived from a Cardiac Somatic Source: Insights for an In-Vitro Cardiomyocyte Platform
Authors: Lodrini Alessandra Maria , Barile Lucio , Rocchetti Marcella , Altomare Claudia
Published: January 2020

Reprogramming of adult somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has revolutionized the complex scientific field of disease modelling and personalized therapy. Cardiac differentiation of human iPSCs into cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) has been used in a wide range of healthy and disease models by deriving CMs from different somatic cells. Unfortunately, hiPSC-CMs have to be improved because existing protocols are not completely able to obtain mature CMs recapitulating physiological properties of human adult cardiac cells. Therefore, improvements and advances able to standardize differentiation conditions are needed. Lately, evidences of an epigenetic memory retained by the somatic cells used for deriving hiPSC-CMs has led to evaluation of different somatic sources in order to obtain more mature hiPSC-derived CMs.
Synthesis of Spin-Labelled Bergamottin: A Potent CYP3A4 Inhibitor with Antiproliferative Activity
Authors: Zsidó Balázs Zoltán , Balog Mária , Erős Nikolett , Poór Miklós , Mohos Violetta , Fliszár-Nyúl Eszter , Hetényi Csaba , Nagane Masaki , Hideg Kálmán , Kálai Tamás , Bognár Balázs
Published: January 2020

Bergamottin (BM, 1), a component of grapefruit juice, acts as an inhibitor of some isoforms of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme, particularly CYP3A4. Herein, a new bergamottin containing a nitroxide moiety (SL-bergamottin, SL-BM, 10) was synthesized; chemically characterized, evaluated as a potential inhibitor of the CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and CYP2C9 enzymes; and compared to BM and known inhibitors such as ketoconazole (KET) (3A4), warfarin (WAR) (2C9), and ticlopidine (TIC) (2C19). The antitumor activity of the new SL-bergamottin was also investigated. Among the compounds studied, BM showed the strongest inhibition of the CYP2C9 and 2C19 enzymes. SL-BM is a more potent inhibitor of CYP3A4 than the parent compound; this finding was also supported by docking studies, suggesting that the binding positions of BM and SL-BM to the active site of CYP3A4 are very similar, but that SL-BM had a better ∆Gbind value than that of BM. The nitroxide moiety markedly increased the antitumor activity of BM toward HeLa cells and marginally increased its toxicity toward a normal cell line. In conclusion, modification of the geranyl sidechain of BM can result in new CYP3A4 enzyme inhibitors with strong antitumor effects.
Acid Stripping of Surface IgE Antibodies Bound to FcεRI Is Unsuitable for the Functional Assays That Require Long-Term Culture of Basophils and Entire Removal of Surface IgE
Authors: Galeotti Caroline , Karnam Anupama , Das Mrinmoy , Kaveri Srini V. , Bayry Jagadeesh
Published: January 2020

Basophils are rare granulocytes and dysregulated functions of these cells are associated with several atopic and non-atopic allergic diseases of skin, respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract. Both cytokines and immunoglobulin E (IgE) are implicated in mediating the basophil activation and pathogenesis of these disorders. Several reports have shown that healthy individuals, and patients with allergic disorders display IgG autoantibodies to IgE and hence functional characterization of these anti-IgE IgG autoantibodies is critical. In general, anti-IgE IgG autoantibodies modulate basophil activation irrespective of allergen specificity by interacting with constant domains of IgE. Therefore, an ideal solution to prove the functions of such anti-IgE IgG autoantibodies would be to completely eliminate type I high affinity immunoglobulin E receptor (FcɛRI)-bound IgE from the surface of basophils and to demonstrate in an unequivocal manner the role of anti-IgE IgG autoantibodies. In line with previous reports, our data show that FcɛRI on peripheral blood basophils are almost saturated with IgE. Further, acetic acid buffer (pH 4) efficiently removes these FcɛRI-bound IgE. Although immediately following acetic acid-elution of IgE had no repercussion on the viability of basophils, following 24 h culture with interleukin-3 (IL-3), the viability and yield of basophils were drastically reduced in acid-treated cells and had repercussion on the induction of activation markers. Lactic acid treatment on the other hand though had no adverse effects on the viability of basophils and IL-3-induced activation, it removed only a small fraction of the cell surface bound IgE. Thus, our results show that acid buffers could be used for the elution of FcɛRI-bound IgE on the basophil surface for the biochemical characterization of IgE antibodies or for the immediate use of basophils to determine their sensitivity to undergo degranulation by specific allergens. However, these methods are not utile for the functional assays of basophils that require longer duration of culture and entire removal of surface IgE to validate the role of anti-IgE IgG autoantibodies that interact with FcɛRI-bound IgE irrespective of allergen specificity.
Vertebrate Alpha2,8-Sialyltransferases (ST8Sia): A Teleost Perspective
Authors: Venuto Marzia Tindara , Decloquement Mathieu , Martorell Ribera Joan , Noel Maxence , Rebl Alexander , Cogez Virginie , Petit Daniel , Galuska Sebastian Peter , Harduin-Lepers Anne
Published: January 2020

We identified and analyzed α2,8-sialyltransferases sequences among 71 ray-finned fish species to provide the first comprehensive view of the Teleost ST8Sia repertoire. This repertoire expanded over the course of Vertebrate evolution and was primarily shaped by the whole genome events R1 and R2, but not by the Teleost-specific R3. We showed that duplicated st8sia genes like st8sia7, st8sia8, and st8sia9 have disappeared from Tetrapods, whereas their orthologues were maintained in Teleosts. Furthermore, several fish species specific genome duplications account for the presence of multiple poly-α2,8-sialyltransferases in the Salmonidae (ST8Sia II-r1 and ST8Sia II-r2) and in Cyprinus carpio (ST8Sia IV-r1 and ST8Sia IV-r2). Paralogy and synteny analyses provided more relevant and solid information that enabled us to reconstruct the evolutionary history of st8sia genes in fish genomes. Our data also indicated that, while the mammalian ST8Sia family is comprised of six subfamilies forming di-, oligo-, or polymers of α2,8-linked sialic acids, the fish ST8Sia family, amounting to a total of 10 genes in fish, appears to be much more diverse and shows a patchy distribution among fish species. A focus on Salmonidae showed that (i) the two copies of st8sia2 genes have overall contrasted tissue-specific expressions, with noticeable changes when compared with human co-orthologue, and that (ii) st8sia4 is weakly expressed. Multiple sequence alignments enabled us to detect changes in the conserved polysialyltransferase domain (PSTD) of the fish sequences that could account for variable enzymatic activities. These data provide the bases for further functional studies using recombinant enzymes.
Site-Specific Expression Pattern of PIWI-Interacting RNA in Skin and Oral Mucosal Wound Healing
Authors: Chen Lin , Chen Zujian , Simões Alyne , Wu Xinming , Dai Yang , DiPietro Luisa A. , Zhou Xiaofeng
Published: January 2020

The oral mucosa exhibits exceptional healing capability when compared to skin. Recent studies suggest that intrinsic differences in coding genes and regulatory small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) genes (e.g., microRNAs) may underlie the exceptional healing that occurs in the oral mucosa. Here, we investigate the role of a novel class of sncRNA—Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA)—in the tissue-specific differential response to injury. An abundance of piRNAs was detected in both skin and oral mucosal epithelium during wound healing. The expression of PIWI genes (the obligate binding partners of piRNAs) was also detected in skin and oral wound healing. This data suggested that PIWI-piRNA machinery may serve an unknown function in the highly orchestrated wound healing process. Furthermore, unique tissue-specific piRNA profiles were obtained in the skin and oral mucosal epithelium, and substantially more changes in piRNA expression were observed during skin wound healing than oral mucosal wound healing. Thus, we present the first clue suggesting a role of piRNA in wound healing, and provide the first site-specific piRNA profile of skin and oral mucosal wound healing. These results serve as a foundation for the future investigation of the functional contribution(s) of piRNA in wound repair and tissue regeneration.
Degenerated Cones in Cultured Human Retinas Can Successfully Be Optogenetically Reactivated
Authors: Kamar Sizar , Howlett Marcus H. C. , Klooster Jan , de Graaff Wim , Csikós Tamás , Rabelink Martijn J. W. E. , Hoeben Rob C. , Kamermans Maarten
Published: January 2020

Biblical references aside, restoring vision to the blind has proven to be a major technical challenge. In recent years, considerable advances have been made towards this end, especially when retinal degeneration underlies the vision loss such as occurs with retinitis pigmentosa. Under these conditions, optogenetic therapies are a particularly promising line of inquiry where remaining retinal cells are made into “artificial photoreceptors”. However, this strategy is not without its challenges and a model system using human retinal explants would aid its continued development and refinement. Here, we cultured post-mortem human retinas and show that explants remain viable for around 7 days. Within this period, the cones lose their outer segments and thus their light sensitivity but remain electrophysiologically intact, displaying all the major ionic conductances one would expect for a vertebrate cone. We optogenetically restored light responses to these quiescent cones using a lentivirus vector constructed to express enhanced halorhodopsin under the control of the human arrestin promotor. In these ‘reactivated’ retinas, we show a light-induced horizontal cell to cone feedback signal in cones, indicating that transduced cones were able to transmit their light response across the synapse to horizontal cells, which generated a large enough response to send a signal back to the cones. Furthermore, we show ganglion cell light responses, suggesting the cultured explant’s condition is still good enough to support transmission of the transduced cone signal over the intermediate retinal layers to the final retinal output level. Together, these results show that cultured human retinas are an appropriate model system to test optogenetic vision restoration approaches and that cones which have lost their outer segment, a condition occurring during the early stages of retinitis pigmentosa, are appropriate targets for optogenetic vision restoration therapies.
Protective Role of Nutritional Plants Containing Flavonoids in Hair Follicle Disruption: A Review
Authors: Bassino Eleonora , Gasparri Franco , Munaron Luca
Published: January 2020

Hair loss is a disorder in which the hair falls out from skin areas such as the scalp and the body. Several studies suggest the use of herbal medicine to treat related disorders, including alopecia. Dermal microcirculation is essential for hair maintenance, and an insufficient blood supply can lead to hair follicles (HF) diseases. This work aims to provide an insight into the ethnohistorical records of some nutritional compounds containing flavonoids for their potential beneficial features in repairing or recovering from hair follicle disruption. We started from a query for “alopecia” OR “hair loss” AND “Panax ginseng C.A. Mey.“ (or other six botanicals) terms included in Pubmed and Web of Sciences articles. The activities of seven common botanicals introduced with diet (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey., Malus pumila Mill cultivar Annurca, Coffea arabica, Allium sativum L., Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, Rosmarinum officinalis L., Capsicum annum L.) are discussed, which are believed to reduce the rate of hair loss or stimulate new hair growth. In this review, we pay our attention on the molecular mechanisms underlying the bioactivity of the aforementioned nutritional compounds in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro studies. There is a need for systematic evaluation of the most commonly used plants to confirm their anti-hair loss power, identify possible mechanisms of action, and recommend their best adoption.
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) Recruitment of PAR Polarity Protein Atypical PKCζ to Pedestals and Cell–Cell Contacts Precedes Disruption of Tight Junctions in Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Tapia Rocio , Kralicek Sarah E. , Hecht Gail A.
Published: January 2020

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) uses a type three secretion system to inject effector proteins into host intestinal epithelial cells, causing diarrhea. EPEC induces the formation of pedestals underlying attached bacteria, disrupts tight junction (TJ) structure and function, and alters apico-basal polarity by redistributing the polarity proteins Crb3 and Pals1, although the mechanisms are unknown. Here we investigate the temporal relationship of PAR polarity complex and TJ disruption following EPEC infection. EPEC recruits active aPKCζ, a PAR polarity protein, to actin within pedestals and at the plasma membrane prior to disrupting TJ. The EPEC effector EspF binds the endocytic protein sorting nexin 9 (SNX9). This interaction impacts actin pedestal organization, recruitment of active aPKCζ to actin at cell–cell borders, endocytosis of JAM-A S285 and occludin, and TJ barrier function. Collectively, data presented herein support the hypothesis that EPEC-induced perturbation of TJ is a downstream effect of disruption of the PAR complex and that EspF binding to SNX9 contributes to this phenotype. aPKCζ phosphorylates polarity and TJ proteins and participates in actin dynamics. Therefore, the early recruitment of aPKCζ to EPEC pedestals and increased interaction with actin at the membrane may destabilize polarity complexes ultimately resulting in perturbation of TJ.