bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calcitriol Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction and Inhibits Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Mice
Authors: Tsai Tzu-Hsien , Lin Cheng-Jei , Hang Chi-Ling , Chen Wei-Yu
Published: August 2019

Doxorubicin (Dox) is an effective anti-neoplasm drug, but its cardiac toxicity limits its clinical use. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) has been found to be involved in the process of heart failure. It is unclear whether EndMT contributes to Dox-induced cardiomyopathy (DoIC). Calcitriol, an active form Vitamin D3, blocks the growth of cancer cells by inhibiting the Smad pathway. To investigate the effect of calcitriol via inhibiting EndMT in DoIC, C57BL/6 mice and endothelial-specific labeled mice were intraperitoneally administered Dox twice weekly for 4 weeks (32 mg/kg cumulative dose) and were subsequently treated with or without calcitriol for 12 weeks. Echocardiography revealed diastolic dysfunction at 13 weeks following the first Dox treatment, accompanied by increased myocardial fibrosis and up-regulated pro-fibrotic proteins. Calcitriol attenuated Dox-induced myocardial fibrosis, down-regulated pro-fibrotic proteins and improved diastolic function. Endothelial fate tracing revealed that EndMT-derived cells contributed to Dox-induced cardiac fibrosis. In vitro, human umbilical vein endothelial cells and mouse cardiac fibroblasts were treated with Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β with or without calcitriol. Morphological, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot analyses revealed that TGF-β-induced EndMT and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT) were attenuated by calcitriol by the inhibition of the Smad2 pathway. Collectively, calcitriol attenuated DoIC through the inhibition of the EndMT and FMT processes.
Investigation on the Use of Passive Microclimate Frames in View of the Climate Change Scenario
Authors: Verticchio Elena , Frasca Francesca , Garcìa-Diego Fernando-Juan , Siani Anna Maria
Published: August 2019

Passive microclimate frames are exhibition enclosures able to modify their internal climate in order to comply with paintings’ conservation needs. Due to a growing concern about the effects of climate change, future policies in conservation must move towards affordable and sustainable preservation strategies. This study investigated the hygrothermal conditions monitored within a microclimate frame hosting a portrait on cardboard with the aim of discussing its use in view of the climate expected indoors in the period 2041–2070. Its effectiveness in terms of the ASHRAE classification and of the Lifetime Multiplier for chemical deterioration of paper was assessed comparing temperature and relative humidity values simultaneously measured inside the microclimate frame and in its surrounding environment, first in the Pio V Museum and later in a residential building, both located in the area of Valencia (Spain). Moreover, heat and moisture transfer functions were used to derive projections over the future indoor hygrothermal conditions in response to the ENSEMBLES-A1B outdoor scenario. The adoption of microclimate frames proved to be an effective preventive conservation action in current and future conditions but it may not be sufficient to fully avoid the chemical degradation risk without an additional control over temperature.
Structure-Property Relationships in Suspension HVOF Nano-TiO2 Coatings
Authors: Zhang Feifei , Wang Shuncai , Robinson Ben W. , Lovelock Heidi L. de Villiers , Wood Robert J.K.
Published: August 2019

Hardness and tribological properties of microstructured coatings developed by conventional thermal spraying are significantly affected by the feedstock melting condition, however, their effect on the performance of nanostructured coatings by suspension high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) are inconclusive. In this work, nano-TiO2 coatings with different degrees of melting (12%, 51%, 81%) of nanosized feedstock were deposited via suspension HVOF spraying, using suspensions with a solid content of 5 wt.%. All the coatings produced had dense structures without visible pores and cracks. Two TiO2 crystal structures were identified in which the rutile content of the coatings increased with increased feedstock melting. Their mechanical, friction and wear behaviours largely relied on the extent of melting of the feedstock. The coating composed of mostly agglomerate particles (12% melted particles) had the lowest coefficient of friction and wear rate due to the formation of a smooth tribo-film on the wearing surface, while the coating composed of mostly fully melted splats (81% melted particles) presented the highest coefficient of friction and low wear rate, whose wear mechanism was dominated by abrasive wear and accompanied by the formation of cracks.
Study on Corrosion Resistance and Wear Resistance of Zn–Al–Mg/ZnO Composite Coating Prepared by Cold Spraying
Authors: Lu Xinqiang , Wang Shouren , Xiong Tianying , Wen Daosheng , Wang Gaoqi , Du Hao
Published: August 2019

Two composite coatings, Zn65Al15Mg5ZnO15 and Zn45Al35Mg5ZnO15, were prepared by the cold spray technique and were found to be compact, with no pits or cracks, based on scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) investigations. The results of the neutral salt spray (NSS) and electrochemical tests showed that the two composite coatings possess a suitable corrosion performance. However, the Zn45Al35Mg5ZnO15 composite coatings were more corrosion resistant and allowed a better long-term stability. In addition, they were found to exhibit the best wear resistance and photocatalytic degradation efficiency.
Formulation and Characterization of Edible Films Based on Organic Mucilage from Mexican Opuntia ficus-indica
Authors: González Sandoval Dulce C. , Luna Sosa Brenda , Martínez-Ávila Guillermo Cristian Guadalupe , Rodríguez Fuentes Humberto , Avendaño Abarca Victor H. , Rojas Romeo
Published: August 2019

The consumption of organic products has increased in recent years. One of the most important products in Mexico is nopal. Nopal’s content and properties make the formulation of edible films possible. In this study, we aimed to develop and characterize biodegradable edible films containing mucilage from Opuntia ficus-indica. The mucilage extraction yield, thickness, color, water vapor permeability, light transmission rate, film transparency, solubility, stability of dispersion, and puncture strength were measured. The use of mucilage from different cultivars affected the water vapor permeability (8.40 × 10−11 g·m−1·s−1·Pa−1 for cultivar Villanueva, 3.48 × 10−11 g·m−1·s−1·Pa−1 for Jalpa, and 1.63 × 10−11 g·m−1·s−1·Pa−1 for Copena F1). Jalpa provided the most soluble mucilage with the highest thickness (0.105 mm). Copena F1 provided the clearest film with the greatest transparency (3.81), the best yellowness index, and the highest resistance (4.44 N·mm−1). Furthermore, this film had the best light transmission rate (48.93%). The Copena F1 showed the best film formation solution viscosity. These results indicate that mucilage mixed with pectin is a potential source for the formulation of edible films.
From Complex System Analysis to Pattern Recognition: Experimental Assessment of an Unsupervised Feature Extraction Method Based on the Relevance Index Metrics
Authors: Sani Laura , Pecori Riccardo , Mordonini Monica , Cagnoni Stefano
Published: August 2019

The so-called Relevance Index (RI) metrics are a set of recently-introduced indicators based on information theory principles that can be used to analyze complex systems by detecting the main interacting structures within them. Such structures can be described as subsets of the variables which describe the system status that are strongly statistically correlated with one another and mostly independent of the rest of the system. The goal of the work described in this paper is to apply the same principles to pattern recognition and check whether the RI metrics can also identify, in a high-dimensional feature space, attribute subsets from which it is possible to build new features which can be effectively used for classification. Preliminary results indicating that this is possible have been obtained using the RI metrics in a supervised way, i.e., by separately applying such metrics to homogeneous datasets comprising data instances which all belong to the same class, and iterating the procedure over all possible classes taken into consideration. In this work, we checked whether this would also be possible in a totally unsupervised way, i.e., by considering all data available at the same time, independently of the class to which they belong, under the hypothesis that the peculiarities of the variable sets that the RI metrics can identify correspond to the peculiarities by which data belonging to a certain class are distinguishable from data belonging to different classes. The results we obtained in experiments made with some publicly available real-world datasets show that, especially when coupled to tree-based classifiers, the performance of an RI metrics-based unsupervised feature extraction method can be comparable to or better than other classical supervised or unsupervised feature selection or extraction methods.
Heterogeneous Nucleation in Solutions on Rough Solid Surfaces: Generalized Gibbs Approach
Authors: Abyzov Alexander S. , Davydov Leonid N. , Schmelzer Jürn W. P.
Published: August 2019

Heterogeneous nucleation of new phase clusters on a rough solid surface is studied. The ambient phase is considered to be a regular supersaturated solution. In contrast to existing studies of the same problem, the possible difference between the state parameters of the critical cluster and the corresponding parameters of a newly formed macroscopic phase is accounted for. This account is performed within the framework of the generalized Gibbs approach. Surface imperfections are chosen in the form of cones. The model allows us to simplify the analysis but also to obtain the basic results concerning the defect influence on the nucleation process. It is shown that the catalytic activity factor for nucleation of the cone depends both on the cone angle and the supersaturation in the solution determining the state parameters of the critical clusters. Both factors considerably affect the work of critical cluster formation. In addition, they may even lead to a shift of the spinodal curve. In particular, in the case of good wettability (macroscopic contact angle is less than 90°) the presence of surface imperfections results in a significant shifting of the spinodal towards lower values of the supersaturation as compared with heterogeneous nucleation on a planar solid surface. With the decrease of the cone pore angle, the heterogeneous spinodal is located nearer to the binodal, and the metastability range is narrowed, increasing the range of states where the solution is thermodynamically unstable.
Supporting Project-Based Learning through Economical and Flexible Learning Spaces
Authors: Eickholt Jesse , Jogiparthi Vikas , Seeling Patrick , Hinton Quintrese , Johnson Matthew
Published: August 2019

Project-based learning often centers learning experiences around projects and is characterized by the application of knowledge, management of resources, and self-directed learning. In recent years, newer classroom designs have been developed to facilitate communication, classroom interaction and active learning but the cost of such spaces can be prohibitive. Here we present two economical options for flexible learning spaces that support the aims of project-based learning and cost much less than typical active learning classroom models. In a quasi-experimental study, one of our economical active learning environments was paired with a traditional classroom and a prototypical active learning classroom. These learning environments were used in a CS2 course that employed a group-based, active learning pedagogy centered on in-class projects. Students’ perceptions were gathered on the classrooms and their supporting technology. Between the economy and prototypical active learning environment, no significant differences were found in students’ perceptions of the space as it related to collaboration and supporting learning. Results from accompany focus groups indicates that the space was conducive to their learning and helped them engage with peers. These economical and flexible options support the aims of project-based learning at a reduced cost.
Achieving Spatial Multi-Point Focusing by Frequency Diversity Array
Authors: Ding Shuai , Huang Yong-Mao , Tang Huan , Bozzi Maurizio , Wang Bing-Zhong
Published: August 2019

This paper proposes a class of frequency diverse array (FDA) for achieving time-varying spatial focusing for multiple targets. On the basis of single-target focusing of FDA, sequential focus at the four points is achieved by controlling the time period. The effects of frequency offset on the range of focusing area are derived. Since FDA is narrowband in nature, the relative operating bandwidth is limited to be 10%. Under the limitation of the bandwidth, the sequential multi-target focusing in the far-field is achieved. To validate the proposed method, numerical examples of eight-element FDA are reported and discussed.
A Three-Bridge IPT System for Different Power Levels Conversion under CC/CV Transmission Mode
Authors: Luo Bingyang , Shou Yatao , Lu Jianghua , Li Ming , Deng Xiangtian , Zhu Guorong
Published: August 2019

This paper proposes an inductive power transfer (IPT) system with three-bridge switching compensation topology. With the proposed IPT topology, the equivalent circuit and the resonant condition are analyzed to achieve the load-independent constant current (CC) and load-independent constant voltage (CV) outputs. On this basis, multiple power levels can be achieved under CC/CV conditions by bridge arm switching, which makes it possible to complete charging tasks for multiple power level electric vehicles (EV) without switching the IPT system. A circuit simulation was built to verify the different power level switching effects of the structure. A 3.3 kW IPT system was designed to verify the proposed structure. At the rated output power, the experimental efficiency was up to 92.04% and 91.21% in CC and CV output modes, respectively.
The Importance of Heat Emission Caused by Global Energy Production in Terms of Climate Impact
Authors: Manowska Anna , Nowrot Andrzej
Published: August 2019

The global warming phenomenon is commonly associated with the emission of greenhouse gases. However, there may be other factors related to industry and global energy production which cause climate change—for example, heat emission caused by the production of any useful form of energy. This paper discussed the importance of heat emission—the final result of various forms of energy produced by our civilization. Does the emission also influence the climate warming process, i.e., the well-known greenhouse effect? To answer this question, the global heat production was compared to total solar energy, which reaches the Earth. The paper also analyzed the current global energy market. It shows how much energy is produced and consumed, as well as the directions for further development of the energy market. These analyses made it possible to verify the assumed hypothesis.
Time-Delay Circuits for Fluidic Oscillators and Pulse Shapers
Authors: Tesař Václav
Published: August 2019

Fluidic signals transferred between mutually communicating components of fluidic circuits are nowadays still often in the format of continuously varied value of pressure or flow rate. Especially when transported over longer distances, these simple signals may easily deteriorate due to varying properties they meet in the transmission. An example are friction losses dependent on local temperature. A solution to this signal corruption problem is to encode the signals into flow pulses. Their parameters (such as the number of pulses in a delivered pulse cluster) much less deteriorating during transfer are derived from the time delays generated in delay circuits and oscillators. This paper surveys the basic physical aspects of the fluidic pulse generation and shaping, also presents some examples of circuit design.
Driven Performance of Electric Vehicles in Edinburgh and Its Environs
Authors: Milligan Ross , Etxebarria Saioa , Muneer Tariq , Jadraque Gago Eulalia
Published: August 2019

Fuelled by energy security problems and urban air pollution challenges, several countries worldwide have set the objective to gradually eliminate petrol and diesel cars. The increasing support from government and demands for environmental friendly means of transportation are accelerating the use of battery electric vehicles. However, it is indispensable to have accurate and complete information about their behaviour in different traffic situations and road conditions. For the experimental analysis carried out in this study, three different electric vehicles from the Edinburgh College leasing program were equipped and tracked to obtain over 50 GPS and energy consumption data for short distance journeys in the Edinburgh area and long-range tests between Edinburgh and Bristol (UK). The results showed that the vehicles’ energy intensities were significantly affected by the driving cycle pattern, with a noticeable diminution due to low temperatures. It was found that the real available range of the electric vehicle in some situations could be 17% lower than the predicted mileage shown in the dashboard of the vehicle. The difference from the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) values was even higher. The study has also provided a discussion on the effect of the electricity mix on carbon emission reduction.
Analysis of Regional Differences and Influencing Factors on China’s Carbon Emission Efficiency in 2005–2015
Authors: Zeng Liangen , Lu Haiyan , Liu Yenping , Zhou Yang , Hu Haoyu
Published: August 2019

With the challenge to reach targets of carbon emission reduction at the regional level, it is necessary to analyze the regional differences and influencing factors on China’s carbon emission efficiency. Based on statistics from 2005 to 2015, carbon emission efficiency and the differences in 30 provinces of China were rated by the Modified Undesirable Epsilon-based measure (EBM) Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Model. Additionally, we further analyzed the influencing factors of carbon emission efficiency’s differences in the Tobit model. We found that the overall carbon emission efficiency was relatively low in China. The level of carbon emission efficiency is the highest in the East region, followed by the Central and West regions. As for the influencing factors, industrial structure, external development, and science and technology level had a significant positive relationship with carbon emission efficiency, whereas government intervention and energy intensity demonstrated a negative correlation with carbon emission efficiency. The contributions of this paper include two aspects. First, we used the Modified Undesirable EBM DEA Model, which is more accurate than traditional methods. Secondly, based on the data’s unit root testing and cointegration, the paper verified the influencing factors of carbon emission efficiency by the Tobit model, which avoids the spurious regression. Based on the results, we also provide several policy implications for policymakers to improve carbon emission efficiency in different regions.
Modeling Flow and Pressure Fields in Porous Media with High Conductivity Flow Channels and Smart Placement of Branch Cuts for Variant and Invariant Complex Potentials
Authors: Khanal Aadi , Weijermars Ruud
Published: August 2019

A long overdue distinction between so-called variant and invariant complex potentials is proposed here for the first time. Invariant complex potentials describe physical flows where a switch of the real and imaginary parts of the function will still describe the same type of physical flow (but only rotated by π/2). Such invariants can be formulated with Euler’s formula to depict the same flow for any arbitrary orientation with respect to the coordinate system used. In contrast, variant complex potentials, when swapping their real and imaginary parts, will result in two fundamentally different physical flows. Next, we show that the contour integrals of the real and imaginary part of simple variant and invariant complex potentials generally do not generate any discernable branch cut problems. However, complex potentials due to the multiple superpositions of simple flows, even when invariant, may involve many options for selecting the branch cut locations. Examples of such branch cut choices are given for so-called areal doublets and areal dipoles, which are powerful tools to describe the streamlines and pressure fields for flow in porous media with enhanced permeability flow channels. After a discussion of the branch cut solutions, applications to a series of synthetic and field examples with enhanced permeability flow channels are given with examples of the streamline and pressure field solutions.
Rheological Properties of Wheat–Flaxseed Composite Flours Assessed by Mixolab and Their Relation to Quality Features
Authors: Codină Georgiana Gabriela , Istrate Ana Maria , Gontariu Ioan , Mironeasa Silvia
Published: August 2019

The effect of adding brown and golden flaxseed variety flours (5%, 10%, 15% and 20% w/w) to wheat flours of different quality for bread-making on Mixolab dough rheological properties and bread quality was studied. The flaxseed–wheat composite flour parameters determined such as fat, protein (PR), ash and carbohydrates (CHS) increased by increasing the level of flaxseed whereas the moisture content (MC) decreased. The Falling Number values (FN) determined for the wheat–flaxseed composite flours increased by increasing the level of flaxseed. Within Mixolab data, greater differences were attributed to the eight parameters analysed: water absorption, dough development time, dough stability and all Mixolab torques during the heating and cooling stages. Also, a general decreased was also recorded for the differences between Mixolab torques which measures the starching speed (C3-2), the enzymatic degradation speed (C4-3) and the starch retrogradation rate (C5-4), whereas the difference which measures the speed of protein weakening due to heat (C1-2) increased. Composite dough behaviour presented a close positive relationship between MC and DT, and FN and PR with the C1-2 at a level of p < 0.05. The bread physical and sensory quality was improved up to a level of 10–15% flaxseed flour addition in wheat flour.
Comparison of Statistical Analysis Models for Susceptibility Assessment of Earthquake-Triggered Landslides: A Case Study from 2015 Earthquake in Lefkada Island
Authors: Polykretis Christos , Kalogeropoulos Kleomenis , Andreopoulos Panagiotis , Faka Antigoni , Tsatsaris Andreas , Chalkias Christos
Published: August 2019

The main purpose of this study is to comparatively assess the susceptibility of earthquake-triggered landslides in the island of Lefkada (Ionian Islands, Greece) using two different statistical analysis models, a bivariate model represented by frequency ratio (FR), and a multivariate model represented by logistic regression (LR). For the implementation of the models, the relationship between geo-environmental factors contributing to landslides and documented events related to the 17th November 2015 earthquake was investigated by geographic information systems (GIS)-based analysis. A landslide inventory with events attributed to the specific earthquake was prepared using satellite imagery interpretation and field surveys. Eight factors: Elevation, slope angle, slope aspect, distance to main road network, distance to faults, land cover, geology, and peak ground acceleration (PGA), were considered and used as thematic data layers. The prediction capability of the models and the accuracy of the resulting susceptibility maps were tested by a standard validation method, the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis. Based on the validation results, the output map with the highest reliability could potentially constitute an ideal basis for use within regional spatial planning as well as for the organization of emergency actions by local authorities.
“Have You Ever Seen the Crowd Goin’ Apeshit?”: Disrupting Representations of Animalistic Black Femininity in the French Imaginary
Authors: Silberstein Elodie
Published: August 2019

16 June 2018. London Stadium. Beyoncé and Jay–Z revealed the premiere of the music video Apeshit. Filmed inside the Louvre Museum in Paris, Beyoncé’s sexual desirability powerfully dialogues with Western canons of high art that have dehumanized or erased the black female body. Dominant tropes have historically associated the black female body with the realm of nature saddled with an animalistic hypersexuality. With this timely release, Apeshit engages with the growing current debate about the ethic of representation of the black subject in European museums. Here, I argue that Beyoncé transcends the tension between nature and culture into a syncretic language to subvert a dominant imperialistic gaze. Drawing on black feminist theories and art history, a formal analysis traces the genealogy and stylistic expression of this vocabulary to understand its political implications. Findings pinpoint how Beyoncé laces past and present, the regal nakedness of her African heritage and Western conventions of the nude to convey the complexity, sensuality, and humanity of black women—thus drawing a critical reimagining of museal practices and enriching the collective imaginary at large.
The Averted Gaze: Audre Lorde’s Zami and the Death of Emmett Till
Authors: Watson Rachel
Published: August 2019

This essay considers Audre Lorde’s Zami: A New Spelling of My Name (1982) as an example of the neoliberal turn to memoir that both complicates and exemplifies important aspects of the relationship between literary form and ideological expressions of racial and sexual identity. By examining a hitherto un-noted omission from Lorde’s memoir, the death of Emmett Till, this essay illuminates the political significance behind Lorde’s choice to narrate Till’s death in the form of a poem while conspicuously omitting it from her prose memoir. Incorporating a broader selection of Lorde’s work, and comparative analysis with other poetic responses to Till’s death, this essay shows through this example how the intense personalization of an historical event can formalize the embodiment of an essentialized, and thus timeless, racial identity. As such, Lorde’s work demonstrates how literary form can both communicate and obscure paradoxical aspects of contemporary racial ideology by rationalizing the embodiment of racial difference in the post-Civil Rights world.
Blood Lactate Concentration Is Not Related to the Increase in Cardiorespiratory Fitness Induced by High Intensity Interval Training
Authors: Astorino Todd A. , DeRevere Jamie L. , Anderson Theodore , Kellogg Erin , Holstrom Patrick , Ring Sebastian , Ghaseb Nicholas
Published: August 2019

Background: There is individual responsiveness to exercise training as not all individuals experience increases in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), which does not benefit health status considering the association between VO2max and mortality. Approximately 50% of the training response is genetic, with the other 50% accounted for by variations in dietary intake, sleep, recovery, and the metabolic stress of training. This study examined if the blood lactate (BLa) response to high intensity interval training (HIIT) as well as habitual dietary intake and sleep duration are associated with the resultant change in VO2max (ΔVO2max). Methods: Fourteen individuals (age and VO2max = 27 ± 8 years and 38 ± 4 mL/kg/min, respectively) performed nine sessions of HIIT at 130% ventilatory threshold. BLa was measured during the first and last session of training. In addition, sleep duration and energy intake were assessed. Results: Data showed that VO2max increased with HIIT (p = 0.007). No associations occurred between ΔVO2max and BLa (r = 0.44, p = 0.10), energy intake (r = 0.38, p = 0.18), or sleep duration (r = 0.14, p = 0.62). However, there was a significant association between training heart rate (HR) and ΔVO2max (r = 0.62, p = 0.02). Conclusions: When HIIT is prescribed according to a metabolic threshold, energy intake, sleep status, and BLa do not predict ΔVO2max, yet the HR response to training is associated with the ΔVO2max.
Effects of Self-Esteem on the Association between Negative Life Events and Suicidal Ideation in Adolescents
Authors: Wan Yuhui , Chen Ruoling , Wang Shanshan , Orton Sophie , Wang Danni , Zhang Shichen , Sun Ying , Tao Fangbiao
Published: August 2019

Negative life events (NLEs) increase the risk of suicidal ideation (SI) in adolescents. However, it is not known whether the association between NLEs and SI can be moderated by self-esteem and varies with gender. The aim of the current paper was to examine gender differences in the association of SI with NLEs in adolescents, and assess the effects of self-esteem on the association and their gender variations. We conducted a school-based health survey in 15 schools in China between November 2013 and January 2014. A total of 9704 participants aged 11–19 years had sociodemographic data reported and self-esteem (Rosenberg self-esteem scale), NLEs, and SI measured. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of having SI in relation to NLEs. Increased risk of SI was significantly associated with NLEs (adjusted OR 2.19, 95%CI 1.94–2.47), showing no gender differences (in females 2.38, 2.02–2.80, in males 1.96, 1.64–2.36, respectively). The association was stronger in adolescents with high esteem (2.93, 2.34–3.68) than those with low esteem (2.00, 1.65–2.42) (ORs ratio 1.47, p = 0.012). The matched figures in females were 3.66 (2.69–4.99) and 2.08 (1.61–2.70) (1.76, p = 0.006), while in males these figures were 2.27(1.62–3.19) and 1.89 (1.41–2.53) (1.20, p = 0.422), respectively. Self-esteem had moderate effects on the association between NLEs and SI in adolescents, mainly in females. NLEs, self-esteem, and gender need to be incorporated into future intervention programs to prevent SI in adolescents.
Inflammation and Cardiovascular Diseases: The Most Recent Findings
Authors: Sorriento Daniela , Iaccarino Guido
Published: August 2019

The series of reactive biological events that we identify as inflammation has been investigated in recent years and unveiled as an important mechanism for regeneration. The study of the underlying complexity has been boosted by new technological innovation in research and allowed the identification of inflammatory responses as the basis of diseases that were considered degenerative rather than regenerative in nature. This is the case for cardiovascular diseases, from the organ damage that follows an acute event to the damage of target organs exposed to chronic risk factors. This editorial explores innovative aspects of inflammation in the setup of cardiovascular risk factors and diseases.
Boron Deficiency Effects on Sugar, Ionome, and Phytohormone Profiles of Vascular and Non-Vascular Leaf Tissues of Common Plantain (Plantago major L.)
Authors: Pommerrenig Benjamin , Eggert Kai , Bienert Gerd P.
Published: August 2019

Vascular tissues essentially regulate water, nutrient, photo-assimilate, and phytohormone logistics throughout the plant body. Boron (B) is crucial for the development of the vascular tissue in many dicotyledonous plant taxa and B deficiency particularly affects the integrity of phloem and xylem vessels, and, therefore, functionality of long-distance transport. We hypothesize that changes in the plants’ B nutritional status evoke differential responses of the vasculature and the mesophyll. However, direct analyses of the vasculature in response to B deficiency are lacking, due to the experimental inaccessibility of this tissue. Here, we generated biochemical and physiological understanding of B deficiency response reactions in common plantain (Plantago major L.), from which pure and intact vascular bundles can be extracted. Low soil B concentrations affected quantitative distribution patterns of various phytohormones, sugars and macro-, and micronutrients in a tissue-specific manner. Vascular sucrose levels dropped, and sucrose loading into the phloem was reduced under low B supply. Phytohormones responded selectively to B deprivation. While concentrations of abscisic acid and salicylic acid decreased at low B supply, cytokinins and brassinosteroids increased in the vasculature and the mesophyll, respectively. Our results highlight the biological necessity to analyze nutrient deficiency responses in a tissue- rather organ-specific manner.
Association Analysis of Drought Tolerance and Associated Traits in Upland Cotton at the Seedling Stage
Authors: Li Hai-Ming , Liu Shao-Dong , Ge Chang-Wei , Zhang Xiao-Meng , Zhang Si-Ping , Chen Jing , Shen Qian , Ju Fei-Yan , Yang Yong-Fei , Li Yang , Liu Rui-Hua , Ma Hui-Juan , Zhao Xin-Hua , Li Cun-Dong , Pang Chao-You
Published: August 2019

(1) Background: Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is the most important natural fiber worldwide, and it is extensively planted and plentifully used in the textile industry. Major cotton planting regions are frequently affected by abiotic stress, especially drought stress. Drought resistance is a complex, quantitative trait. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) constitutes an efficient method for dissecting the genetic architecture of complex traits. In this study, the drought resistance of a population of 316 upland cotton accessions was studied via GWAS. (2) Methods: GWAS methodology was employed to identify relationships between molecular markers or candidate genes and phenotypes of interest. (3) Results: A total of 8, 3, and 6 SNPs were associated with the euphylla wilting score (EWS), cotyledon wilting score (CWS), and leaf temperature (LT), respectively, based on a general linear model and a factored spectrally transformed linear mixed model. For these traits, 7 QTLs were found, of which 2 each were located on chromosomes A05, A11, and D03, and of which 1 was located on chromosome A01. Importantly, in the candidate regions WRKY70, GhCIPK6, SnRK2.6, and NET1A, which are involved in the response to abscisic acid (ABA), the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway and the calcium transduction pathway were identified in upland cotton at the seedling stage under drought stress according to annotation information and linkage disequilibrium (LD) block analysis. Moreover, RNA sequencing analysis showed that WRKY70, GhCIPK6, SnRK2.6, and NET1A were induced by drought stress, and the expression of these genes was significantly different between normal and drought stress conditions. (4) Conclusions: The present study should provide some genomic resources for drought resistance in upland cotton. Moreover, the germplasm of the different phenotypes, the detected SNPs and, the potential candidate genes will be helpful for molecular marker-assisted breeding studies about increased drought resistance in upland cotton.
The Biological and Clinical Relevance of G Protein-Coupled Receptors to the Outcomes of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Systematized Review
Authors: Golay Hadrien , Jurkovic Mlakar Simona , Mlakar Vid , Nava Tiago , Ansari Marc
Published: August 2019

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the only curative treatment for several malignant and non-malignant diseases at the cost of serious treatment-related toxicities (TRTs). Recent research on extending the benefits of HSCT to more patients and indications has focused on limiting TRTs and improving immunological effects following proper mobilization and engraftment. Increasing numbers of studies report associations between HSCT outcomes and the expression or the manipulation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). This large family of cell surface receptors is involved in various human diseases. With ever-better knowledge of their crystal structures and signaling dynamics, GPCRs are already the targets for one third of the current therapeutic arsenal. The present paper assesses the current status of animal and human research on GPCRs in the context of selected HSCT outcomes via a systematized survey and analysis of the literature.
Secretomics to Discover Regulators in Diseases
Authors: Song Parkyong , Kwon Yonghoon , Joo Jae-Yeol , Kim Do-Geun , Yoon Jong Hyuk
Published: August 2019

Secretory proteins play important roles in the cross-talk of individual functional units, including cells. Since secretory proteins are essential for signal transduction, they are closely related with disease development, including metabolic and neural diseases. In metabolic diseases, adipokines, myokines, and hepatokines are secreted from respective organs under specific environmental conditions, and play roles in glucose homeostasis, angiogenesis, and inflammation. In neural diseases, astrocytes and microglia cells secrete cytokines and chemokines that play roles in neurotoxic and neuroprotective responses. Mass spectrometry-based secretome profiling is a powerful strategy to identify and characterize secretory proteins. This strategy involves stepwise processes such as the collection of conditioned medium (CM) containing secretome proteins and concentration of the CM, peptide preparation, mass analysis, database search, and filtering of secretory proteins; each step requires certain conditions to obtain reliable results. Proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles has become a new research focus for understanding the additional extracellular functions of intracellular proteins. Here, we provide a review of the insights obtained from secretome analyses with regard to disease mechanisms, and highlight the future prospects of this technology. Continued research in this field is expected to provide valuable information on cell-to-cell communication and uncover new pathological mechanisms.
High and Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid Differentially Influences Oxylipins Synthesis in Course of Neuroinflammation
Authors: Chistyakov Dmitry V. , Astakhova Alina A. , Azbukina Nadezda V. , Goriainov Sergei V. , Chistyakov Viktor V. , Sergeeva Marina G.
Published: August 2019

Hyaluronic acid (HA), a major glycosaminoglycan of the extracellular matrix, has cell signaling functions that are dependent on its molecular weight. Anti-inflammatory effects for high-molecular-weight (HMW) HA and pro-inflammatory effects for low-molecular-weight (LMW) HA effects were found for various myeloid cells, including microglia. Astrocytes are cells of ectodermal origin that play a pivotal role in brain inflammation, but the link between HA with different molecular weights and an inflammatory response in these cells is not clear. We tested the effects of LMW and HMW HA in rat primary astrocytes, stimulated with Poly:IC (PIC, TLR3 agonist) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS, TLR4 agonist). Oxylipin profiles were measured by the UPLC-MS/MS analysis and metabolites HDoHEs (from docosahexaenoic acid), -HETEs, prostaglandins (from arachidonic acid), DiHOMEs and HODEs (from linoleic acid) were detected. Both, HMW and LMW HA downregulated the cyclooxygenase-mediated polyunsaturated fatty acids metabolism, LMW also reduced lipoxygenase-mediated fatty acid metabolism. Taken together, the data show that both LMW and HMW (i) influence themselves on cytokines (TNFα, IL-6, IL-10), enzymes iNOS, COX-2, and oxylipin levels in extracellular medium of cultured astrocytes, (ii) induced cellular adaptations in long-term applications, (iii) modulate TLR4- and TLR3-signaling pathways. The effects of HMW and LMW HA are predominantly revealed in TLR4– and TLR3- mediated responses, respectively.
A New Strategy Against Peri-Implantitis: Antibacterial Internal Coating
Authors: Carinci Francesco , Lauritano Dorina , Bignozzi Carlo Alberto , Pazzi Daniele , Candotto Valentina , Santos de Oliveira Paulo , Scarano Antonio
Published: August 2019

The bacterial biofilm formation in the oral cavity and the microbial activity around the implant tissue represent a potential factor on the interface between bone and implant fixture that could induce an inflammatory phenomenon and generate an increased risk for mucositis and peri-implantitis. The aim of the present clinical trial was to investigate the bacterial quality of a new antibacterial coating of the internal chamber of the implant in vivo at six months. The PIXIT implant (Edierre srl, Genova Italy) is prepared by coating the implant with an alcoholic solution containing polysiloxane oligomers and chlorhexidine gluconate at 1%. A total of 15 healthy patients (60 implants) with non-contributory past medical history (nine women and six men, all non-smokers, mean age of 53 years, ranging from 45–61 years) were scheduled to receive bilateral fixed prostheses or crown restorations supported by an implant fixture. No adverse effects and no implant failure were reported at four months. All experimental sites showed a good soft tissue healing at the experimental point times and no local evidence of inflammation was observed. Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis on coated and uncoated implants showed a decrease of the bacterial count in the internal part of the implant chamber. The mean of total bacteria loading (TBL) detected in each PCR reaction was lower in treated implants (81,038 units/reaction) compared to untreated implants (90,057 units/reaction) (p < 0.01). The polymeric chlorhexydine coating of the internal chamber of the implant showed the ability to control the bacterial loading at the level of the peri-implant tissue. Moreover, the investigation demonstrated that the coating is able to influence also the quality of the microbiota, in particular on the species involved in the pathogenesis of peri-implantitis that are involved with a higher risk of long-term failure of the dental implant restoration.
“Why Drones for Ordinary People?” Digital Representations, Topic Clusters, and Techno-Nationalization of Drones on Zhihu
Authors: Hamm Andrea , Lin Zihao
Published: August 2019

Unmanned and unwomaned aerial vehicles (UAV), or drones, are breaking and creating new boundaries of image-based communication. Using social network analysis and critical discourse analysis, we examine the 60 most popular question threads about drones on Zhihu, China’s largest social question answering platform. We trace how controversial issues around these supposedly novel tech products are mediated, domesticated, visualized, or marginalized via digital representational technology. Supported by Zhihu’s topic categorization algorithm, drone-related discussions form topic clusters. These topic clusters gain currency in the government-regulated cyberspace, where their meanings remain open to widely divergent interpretations and mediation by various agents. We find that the largest drone company DJI occupies a central and strongly interconnected position in the discussions. Drones are, moreover, represented as objects of consumption, technological advancement, national future, and uncertainty. At the same time, the sense-making process of drone-related discussions evokes emerging sets of narrative user identities with potential political effects. Users engage in digital representational technologies publicly and collectively to raise questions and represent their views on new technologies. Therefore, we argue that platforms like Zhihu are essential when studying views of the Chinese citizenry towards technological developments.
Genome-Wide Identification of Long Non-Coding RNAs and Their Regulatory Networks Involved in Apis mellifera ligustica Response to Nosema ceranae Infection
Authors: Chen Dafu , Chen Huazhi , Du Yu , Zhou Dingding , Geng Sihai , Wang Haipeng , Wan Jieqi , Xiong Cuiling , Zheng Yanzhen , Guo Rui
Published: August 2019

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a diverse class of transcripts that structurally resemble mRNAs but do not encode proteins, and lncRNAs have been proven to play pivotal roles in a wide range of biological processes in animals and plants. However, knowledge of expression patterns and potential roles of honeybee lncRNA response to Nosema ceranae infection is completely unknown. Here, we performed whole transcriptome strand-specific RNA sequencing of normal midguts of Apis mellifera ligustica workers (Am7CK, Am10CK) and N. ceranae-inoculated midguts (Am7T, Am10T), followed by comprehensive analyses using bioinformatic and molecular approaches. A total of 6353 A. m. ligustica lncRNAs were identified, including 4749 conserved lncRNAs and 1604 novel lncRNAs. These lncRNAs had minimal sequence similarities with other known lncRNAs in other species; however, their structural features were similar to counterparts in mammals and plants, including shorter exon and intron length, lower exon number, and lower expression level, compared with protein-coding transcripts. Further, 111 and 146 N. ceranae-responsive lncRNAs were identified from midguts at 7-days post-inoculation (dpi) and 10 dpi compared with control midguts. Twelve differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) were shared by Am7CK vs. Am7T and Am10CK vs. Am10T comparison groups, while the numbers of unique DElncRNAs were 99 and 134, respectively. Functional annotation and pathway analysis showed that the DElncRNAs may regulate the expression of neighboring genes by acting in cis and trans fashion. Moreover, we discovered 27 lncRNAs harboring eight known miRNA precursors and 513 lncRNAs harboring 2257 novel miRNA precursors. Additionally, hundreds of DElncRNAs and their target miRNAs were found to form complex competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks, suggesting that these DElncRNAs may act as miRNA sponges. Furthermore, DElncRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks were constructed and investigated, the results demonstrated that a portion of the DElncRNAs were likely to participate in regulating the host material and energy metabolism as well as cellular and humoral immune host responses to N. ceranae invasion. Our findings revealed here offer not only a rich genetic resource for further investigation of the functional roles of lncRNAs involved in the A. m. ligustica response to N. ceranae infection, but also a novel insight into understanding the host-pathogen interaction during honeybee microsporidiosis.
Floating State of a One-Step Integrated Transportation Vessel with Two Composite Bucket Foundations and Offshore Wind Turbines
Authors: Zhang Puyang , Liang Disheng , Ding Hongyan , Le Conghuan , Zhao Xing
Published: August 2019

Offshore wind power is an important of source renewable energy. As a new technology, the one-step integrated transportation and installation technology of offshore wind power has broader application prospects. In order to ensure stability during the towing process, it is necessary to study the behavior of the wind turbine transportation structure. The numerical model of the specialized transportation vessel was set up by MOSES software. An analysis in the frequency domain and time domain was conducted considering the effects of draft, speed, and wave height on the towing stability of the wind turbine transportation vessel. The results show that the one-step integrated transportation method can ensure stability of the wind turbine during the towing process. Reducing draft, increasing speed, and increasing wave height will reduce the towing stability of the wind turbine. In the practical towing process, the combination of various adverse situations will be avoided.