bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Properties of an Antimicrobial Molecule Produced by an Escherichia coli Champion
Authors: Paquette Sarah-Jo , Reuter Tim
Published: December 2019

Over recent decades, the number and frequency of severe pathogen infections have been increasing. Pathogen mitigation strategies in human medicine or in livestock operations are vital to combat emerging arsenals of bacterial virulence and defense mechanisms. Since the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, the competitive nature of bacteria has been considered for the potential treatment or mitigation of pathogens. Previously, we identified a strong E. coli competitor with probiotic properties producing a diffusible antimicrobial molecule(s) that inhibited the growth of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Our current objective was to isolate and examine the properties of this antimicrobial molecule(s). Molecules were isolated by filter sterilization after 12 h incubation, and bacterial inhibition was compared to relevant controls. Isolated antimicrobial molecule(s) and controls were subjected to temperature, pH, or protease digestion treatments. Changes in inhibition properties were evaluated by comparing the incremental cell growth in the presence of treated and untreated antimicrobial molecule(s). No treatment affected the antimicrobial molecule(s) properties of STEC inhibition, suggesting that at least one molecule produced is an efficacious microcin. The molecule persistence to physiochemical and enzymatic treatments could open a wide window to technical industry-scale applications.
A Micromethod for Polyphenol High-Throughput Screening Saves 90 Percent Reagents and Sample Volume
Authors: Tatzber Franz , Wonisch Willibald , Lackner Sonja , Lindschinger Meinrad , Pursch Werner , Resch Ulrike , Trummer Christopher , Murkovic Michael , Zelzer Sieglinde , Holasek Sandra , Cvirn Gerhard
Published: December 2019

There is ample evidence that polyphenols are important natural substances with pronounced antioxidative properties. This study aimed to develop a fast and reliable method to determine total polyphenol content (TPC) in foodstuffs and human samples. The microtitration format offers the advantage of low sample volumes in the microlitre range, facilitating high-throughput screening with 40 samples simultaneously. We accordingly adjusted the so-called Folin–Ciocalteu method to a microtitre format (polyphenols microtitre—PPm) with 90% reduction of reagents. The assay was standardized with gallic acid in the range between 0.1 and 3 mM, using a 20 µL sample volume. The intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV) was less than 5%, and inter-assay CV was in the range of 10%. Wavelength was measured at 766 nm after two hours of incubation. This micromethod correlates significantly with both the classical Folin–Ciocalteu method and High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) (r2 = 0.9829). We further observed a significant correlation between PPm and total antioxidants (r2 = 0.918). The highest polyphenol concentrations were obtained for red, blue, and black fruits, vegetables, and juices. Extracts of red grapes could be harvested almost sugar free and might serve as a basis for polyphenol supplementation. Beer, flour, and bread contained polyphenol concentrations sufficient to meet the minimal daily requirement. We conclude that PPm is a sensitive and reliable method that detects polyphenols even in samples diluted 10-fold. The literature strongly recommends further investigations on the effects of polyphenol uptake on human and animal health.
Narrow-Leafed Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) Seeds Gamma-Conglutin is an Anti-Inflammatory Protein Promoting Insulin Resistance Improvement and Oxidative Stress Amelioration in PANC-1 Pancreatic Cell-Line
Authors: Lima-Cabello Elena , Alché Juan D. , Morales-Santana Sonia , Clemente Alfonso , Jimenez-Lopez Jose C.
Published: December 2019

(1) Background: Inflammation molecular cues and insulin resistance development are some of the main contributors for the development and advance of the pathogenesis of inflammatory-related diseases; (2) Methods: We isolated and purified γ-conglutin protein from narrow-leafed lupin (NLL or blue lupin) mature seeds using affinity-chromatography to evaluate its anti-inflammatory activities at molecular level using both, a bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and an insulin resistance pancreatic cell models; (3) Results: NLL γ-conglutin achieved a plethora of functional effects as the strong reduction of cell oxidative stress induced by inflammation through decreasing proteins carbonylation, nitric oxide synthesis and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) transcriptional levels, and raising glutathione (GSH) levels and modulation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase enzymes activities. γ-conglutin induced up-regulated transcriptomic and protein levels of insulin signalling pathway IRS-1, Glut-4, and PI3K, improving glucose uptake, while decreasing pro-inflammatory mediators as iNOs, TNFα, IL-1β, INFγ, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, and IL-27; (4) Conclusion: These results suggest a promising use of NLL γ-conglutin protein in functional foods, which could also be implemented in alternative diagnosis and therapeutic molecular tools helping to prevent and treat inflammatory-related diseases.
Exercise-Induced Regulation of Redox Status in Cardiovascular Diseases: The Role of Exercise Training and Detraining
Authors: Tofas Tryfonas , Draganidis Dimitrios , Deli Chariklia K. , Georgakouli Kalliopi , Fatouros Ioannis G. , Jamurtas Athanasios Z.
Published: December 2019

Although low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are beneficial for the organism ensuring normal cell and vascular function, the overproduction of ROS and increased oxidative stress levels play a significant role in the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This paper aims at providing a thorough review of the available literature investigating the effects of acute and chronic exercise training and detraining on redox regulation, in the context of CVDs. An acute bout of either cardiovascular or resistance exercise training induces a transient oxidative stress and inflammatory response accompanied by reduced antioxidant capacity and enhanced oxidative damage. There is evidence showing that these responses to exercise are proportional to exercise intensity and inversely related to an individual’s physical conditioning status. However, when chronically performed, both types of exercise amplify the antioxidant defense mechanism, reduce oxidative stress and preserve redox status. On the other hand, detraining results in maladaptations within a time-frame that depends on the exercise training intensity and mode, as high-intensity training is superior to low-intensity and resistance training is superior to cardiovascular training in preserving exercise-induced adaptations during detraining periods. Collectively, these findings suggest that exercise training, either cardiovascular or resistance or even a combination of them, is a promising, safe and efficient tool in the prevention and treatment of CVDs.
Cell Stress Reduction by a Novel Perfusion-Culture System Using Commercial Culture Dish
Authors: Yasuda Reiko , Adachi Shungo , Okonogi Atsuhito , Anzai Yohei , Kamiyama Tadataka , Katano Keiji , Hoshi Nobuhiko , Mogi Katsuo , Natsume Tohru
Published: December 2019

Two typical medium replacement methods are employed to culture cells, that is, traditional manual medium change, wherein complete medium changes are performed at short-term intervals; and perfusion, wherein continuous culture media delivery and discharge are performed. The former is associated with the issue of readily accumulation of metabolic waste products, which is resolved by the latter. However, the latter requires a specific chamber for cell culturing such as a microfluidic channel for flow stability. Generally, bio-medical researchers require a culturing process that utilizes commercial culture dishes to test their conventional manipulation know-how, experience, and protocols. Thus, we constructed a perfusion-culture system using commercial 35 mm culture dishes. To use commercial culture dishes, it is necessary to maintain the culturing conditions including a constant volume and uniform flow rate, and we invented a novel adapter, culture dish adapter (CD-Adapter), attached to a commercial culture dish. The CD-Adapter is fixed with a holding jig to keep the medium volume constant, so it can maintain a uniform flow in the culture dish. Additionally, we demonstrate the applicability of the system by applying it to a perfusion culture of 293T cells, revealing a 50% reduction in DDIT3, a cellular stress marker, compared with that in conventional manual medium change.
Geometric Error Identification and Analysis of Rotary Axes on Five-Axis Machine Tool Based on Precision Balls
Authors: Li Chuandong , Liu Xianli , Li Rongyi , Wu Shi , Song Houwang
Published: December 2019

This paper presents the design of a precise “ball-column” device to efficiently and accurately measure the geometric error terms of both rotary axes of the five-axis machine tool. A geometric error measurement method of spherical contact was proposed based on the influence of the geometric error term from a five-axis machine tool rotating axis on the integrated geometric error of the machine tool. A multiple degree of freedom, step-by-step contact method based on on-machine measure for measuring the spherical center point is proposed, and the solution formula of each geometric error term of the rotating axis is established, respectively. This method can identify 12 geometric errors based on the influence of one rotating axis on another rotating axis after long term operation. The spatial error field of the five-axis machine tool was constructed by analyzing the error law of the two rotating axes of machine tools based on various positions and postures. Finally, after the comparison of the experiment, the results showed that the accuracy of the developed error measurement device reached 91.8% and the detection time was as short as 30–40 min.
A Modified Step-Up Converter with Small Signal Analysis-Based Controller for Renewable Resource Applications
Authors: Ghaderi Davood , Maroti Pandav Kiran , Sanjeevikumar P. , Holm-Nielsen Jens Bo , Hossain Eklas , Nayyar Anand
Published: December 2019

Solar energy is one of the most important renewable sources due to its advantages such as simple structure, convenient installation, diverse applications, and low maintenance costs. Low power generation is the main concern with solar panels, so the maximum transmission of this power is a prime priority. The design of boost converters with the ability to generate high voltage gain, efficient structure, and stable and low-cost control circuits is the first step after installing these panels. This study presents a simple and high-gain design of a step-up converter, which uses only one power switch. The significance of this issue is when it will be apparent to know that each switch needs a separate control circuit and complex systems require more control topologies. In comparison with the conventional converter, the gain of the proposed converter, with the use of two additional diodes, a capacitor, and an inductor, was five times greater than the gain of a classical converter with 80% of the duty cycle. The proposed converter can solve the narrow turn-off period problem for the power semiconductor components in order to achieve higher DC voltages that are possible at higher duty cycles in classical converters. Small signal analysis of the proposed converter is presented and a controller based on steady-space matrixes is presented. The reaction of the proposed controller is considerable since a deep mathematical analysis supports this controller. The principal operations of the proposed converter and the projected controller were analyzed mathematically and verified with the help of MATLAB/SIMULINK. Additionally, hardware implementation of the proposed converter was done on a laboratory-scale around 100 W.
Roadway Backfill Mining with Super-High-Water Material to Protect Surface Buildings: A Case Study
Authors: Bai Erhu , Guo Wenbing , Tan Yi , Huang Guangshuai , Guo Mingjie , Ma Zhibao
Published: December 2019

As coal resources trapped under surface buildings in the Wangtaipu coal mine area impede the efficient mining of coal seams and constrain the sustainable development of coal mines, a super-high-water roadway backfill mining technique for preventing building damage was adopted. According to the control principle and theoretical calculations, an engineering design was established including the reasonable width of segment coal pillars in the working face and technical parameter design. The monitoring results after the implementation of the scheme showed that building deformation was controlled within grade I, protecting the surface buildings. A reasonable roadway design parameter was achieved, with a surface subsidence of 27 mm and horizontal deformation of 0.3 mm/m, indicating that it can ensure the safety of surface buildings from the State Bureau of Coal Industry. The practical trial can provide a reference for the extraction of coal resources under similar conditions and is vital for the sustainable development of the mining industry and economic growth.
Improved Energy Absorption Characteristics Based on Elastic Polymer-Modified Porous Material for Multiple Extreme Mechanical Impacts
Authors: Zhang Jinming , Dai Keren , Wang Xiaofeng , Yu Da , Yang Benqiang , Zhang He , You Zheng
Published: December 2019

Energy absorbing materials are crucial for the protection of electronic devices in various applications. In particular, the protection of materials from multiple extreme mechanical impacts imposes stringent requirements on the characteristics of energy absorption and recoverability. In this paper, a novel design of composite material, elastic polymer-modified porous carbon, is proposed to meet such urgent requirements. At the micro level, the polymer fibers form an elastic skeleton in which porous carbon particles are enveloped. Due to such microstructure, the composite material exhibits excellent performance of energy absorption and recoverability simultaneously, which are validated via various experiments. Furthermore, the microphysical mechanism of its superior energy absorption characteristics is demonstrated theoretically. Additionally, the optimized mass proportions of the two composite phases are discussed. In general, this novel design of energy absorbing material improves the reliability of electronic devices and systems exposed to multiple extreme mechanical impacts.
Pre-Columbian Archeological Textiles: A Source of Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Virulence Attributes
Authors: Rajkowska Katarzyna , Otlewska Anna , Guiamet Patricia S. , Wrzosek Henryk , Machnowski Waldemar
Published: December 2019

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen associated with a broad spectrum of infections in humans. However, the pathogenicity of environmental P. aeruginosa strains, especially isolates from museums and conservation laboratories, is not widely recognized. In this study, the virulence attributes of P. aeruginosa isolated from pre-Columbian textiles were compared to those of a clinical strain. Both genetically identified environmental strains (KP842564 and KP842565) exhibited a high ability to form biofilms on abiotic surfaces and high hemolytic activity. In addition, strain KP842564 was a moderate pyocyanin producer and showed proteolytic properties toward bovine serum albumin, fibrinogen, mucin, and casein. In contrast to the clinical isolate, the environmental strains were susceptible to all the tested antimicrobial agents. The strains also showed high bioadhesion and colonization capacity on archeological textile samples, in which wool fibers were the only source of nutrients, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) analysis. This study highlights the need to identify microorganisms which inhabit historic objects, in order to avoid exposure to occupational hazards. Although the strain KP842565 exhibited only some of the examined virulence-related features, given that the production of pyocyanin and hemolysins as well as the formation of biofilm are important virulence factors of P. aeruginosa, the results indicate that these strains may present a potential health risk for humans.
Modeling and Simulation of Collision-Causing Derailment to Design the Derailment Containment Provision Using a Simplified Vehicle Model
Authors: Song In-Ho , Kim Jun-Woo , Koo Jeong-Seo , Lim Nam-Hyoung
Published: December 2019

As the operating speed of a train increases, there is a growing interest in reducing damage caused by derailment and collision accidents. Since a collision with the surrounding structure after a derailment accident causes a great damage, protective facilities like a barrier wall or derailment containment provision (DCP) are installed to reduce the damage due to the secondary collision accident. However, the criteria to design a protective facility such as locations and design loads are not clear because of difficulties in predicting post-derailment behaviors. In this paper, we derived a simplified frame model that can predict post derailment behaviors in the design phase of the protective facilities. The proposed vehicle model can simplify for various frames to reduce the computation time. Also, the actual derailment tests were conducted on a real test track to verify the reliability of the model. The simulation results of the proposed model showed reasonable agreement to the test results.
Analytical Solutions of (2+Time Fractional Order) Dimensional Physical Models, Using Modified Decomposition Method
Authors: Khan Hassan , Farooq Umar , Shah Rasool , Baleanu Dumitru , Kumam Poom , Arif Muhammad
Published: December 2019

In this article, a new analytical technique based on an innovative transformation is used to solve (2+time fractional-order) dimensional physical models. The proposed method is the hybrid methodology of Shehu transformation along with Adomian decomposition method. The series form solution is obtained by using the suggested method which provides the desired rate of convergence. Some numerical examples are solved by using the proposed method. The solutions of the targeted problems are represented by graphs which have confirmed closed contact between the exact and obtained solutions of the problems. Based on the novelty and straightforward implementation of the method, it is considered to be one of the best analytical techniques to solve linear and non-linear fractional partial differential equations.
Analysis of Long-Term Deterioration Characteristics of High Voltage Insulators
Authors: Kim Taeyong , Sanyal Simpy , Koo Ja-Bin , Son Ju-Am , Choi In-Hyuk , Yi Junsin
Published: December 2019

The deterioration of the cement that bonds the cap, pin, and porcelain shell of the porcelain insulators can be observed by three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT), a non-destructive test. When porcelain insulators are used for a long duration, the size of the pores existing in the cement increase as the cement expands due to the alkali-silica reaction (ASR). It is possible to visually confirm the corrosion of caps and pins. The degree of corrosion is divided into four noticeable stages (I–IV), and deterioration of cement includes one of the four stages of corrosion. The standard time of replacement of insulator vs. continued use is presented. As a result of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fe is oxidized to Fe2O3 at 36, 43, 54, and 70 degrees. The corrosion in cement is caused by factors including the value of pH, oxygen content, and temperature. For the caps and pins, although a zinc coating is applied to prevent the corrosion of iron, corrosion of zinc is caused by substances present in the external environment. When the zinc coating begins to corrode, the corrosion of the Fe component of the cap and pin accelerates, causing mechanical/electrical problems.
Neural Approximation Enhanced Predictive Tracking Control of a Novel Designed Four-Wheeled Rollator
Authors: Zhang Xin , Li Jiehao , Fan Ke , Chen Ziyang , Hu Zhenhuan , Yu Yu
Published: December 2019

In the past few decades, the research of assistant mobile rollators for the elderly has attracted more and more investigation attention. In order to satisfy the needs of older people or disabled patients, this paper develops a neural approximation based predictive tracking control scheme to improve and support the handicapped through the novel four-wheeled rollator. Firstly, considering the industrial product theory, a novel Kano-TRIZ-QFD engineering design approach is presented to optimize the mechanical structure combined with humanistic care. At the same time, in order to achieve a stable trajectory tracking control for the assistant rollator system, a neural approximation enhanced predictive tracking control is discussed. Finally, autonomous tracking mobility of the presented control scheme has received sufficient advantage performance in position and heading angle variations under the external uncertainties. As the market for the medical device of the elderly rollators continues to progress, the method discussed in this article will attract more investigation and industry concerns.
Improvement of Electrical Performance in Heterostructure Junctionless TFET Based on Dual Material Gate
Authors: Xie Haiwu , Liu Hongxia , Wang Shulong , Chen Shupeng , Han Tao , Li Wei
Published: December 2019

In this paper, a dual metallic material gate heterostructure junctionless tunnel field-effect transistor (DMMG-HJLTFET) is proposed and investigated. We use the Si/SiGe heterostructure at the source/channel interface to improve the band to band tunneling (BTBT) rate, and introduce a sandwich stack (GaAs/Si/GaAs) at the drain region to suppress the OFF-state current and ambiplolar current. Simultaneously, to further decrease ambipolar current, the gate electrode is divided into three parts namely auxiliary gate (M1), control gate (M2), and tunnel gate (M3) with workfunctions ΦM1, ΦM2 and ΦM3, respectively, where ΦM1 = ΦM3 < ΦM2. Simulation results indicate that DMMG-HJLTFET provides superior performance in terms of logic and analog/RF as compared with other possible combinations, the ON-state current of the DMMG-HJLTFET increases up to 9.04 × 1 0 − 6 A/μm, and the maximum gm (which determine the analog performance of devices) of DMMG-HJLTFET is 1.11 × 1 0 − 5 S/μm at 1.0V drain-to-source voltage (Vds). Meanwhile, RF performance of devices depends on the cut-off frequency (fT) and gain bandwidth (GBW), and DMMG-HJLTFET could achieve a maximum fT of 5.84 GHz, and a maximum GBW of 0.39 GHz, respectively.
The Fate of MTBE and BTEX in Constructed Wetlands
Authors: Stefanakis Alexandros I.
Published: December 2019

Hydrocarbon contamination of water resources is a global issue. These compounds are generated and discharged into the environment in industrial areas from chemical and petrochemical plants, oil refineries, power plants, and so forth. Fuel hydrocarbons, namely, BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) and MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether), are commonly found in groundwater, posing environmental and health risks to humans and ecosystems. Nature-based technologies represent an alternative solution, providing high efficiency, an environmentally friendly character, simple operation, and cost efficiency, which are characteristics particularly desired by the international petroleum industry. This article discusses the use of the green technology of constructed wetlands to remediate water polluted with hydrocarbons. Although the number of related international experiences and studies is limited, the article presents the latest developments of wetland technology for the removal of MTBE and benzene-BTEX. The discussion includes the overall efficiency of the different wetland types that have been tested and used, the main transformation and removal processes that regulate the fate of BTEX and MTBE in constructed wetlands, and the potential for future investigations.
Model Evaluation for Forecasting Traffic Accident Severity in Rainy Seasons Using Machine Learning Algorithms: Seoul City Study
Authors: Lee Jonghak , Yoon Taekwan , Kwon Sangil , Lee Jongtae
Published: December 2019

There have been numerous studies on traffic accidents and their severity, particularly in relation to weather conditions and road geometry. In these studies, traditional statistical methods have been employed, such as linear regression, logistic regression, and negative binomial regression modeling, which are the most common linear and non-linear regression analysis methods. In this research, machine learning architecture was applied to this problem using the random forest, artificial neural network, and decision tree techniques to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of these methods. Three data sets were used: road geometry data, precipitation data, and traffic accident data over nine years corresponding to the Naebu Expressway, which is located in Seoul, Korea. For the model evaluation, three measures were employed: the out-of-bag estimate of error rate (OOB), mean square error (MSE), and root mean square error (RMSE). The low mean OOB, MSE, and RMSE observed in the results obtained using the proposed random forest model demonstrate its accuracy.
Drop-Size Distribution Variations Associated with Different Storm Types in Southeast Texas
Authors: Hopper Larry J. , Schumacher Courtney , Humes Karen , Funk Aaron
Published: December 2019

Drop-size distributions (DSDs) provide important microphysical information about rainfall and are used in rainfall estimates from radar. This study utilizes a four-year DSD dataset of 163 rain events obtained using a Joss–Waldvogel impact disdrometer located in southeast Texas. A seasonal comparison of the DSD data shows that small (~1 mm diameter) drops occur more frequently in winter and fall, whereas summer and spring months see an increase in the relative frequency of medium and large (~>2 mm diameter) drops, with notable interannual variability in all seasons. Each rain event is classified by dynamic forcing and radar precipitation structure to more directly link environmental and storm organization properties to storm microphysics. Cold fronts and upper-level disturbances account for 80% of the rain events, whereas warm fronts, weakly forced situations, and tropical cyclones comprise the other 20%. Warm frontal storms and upper-level disturbances have smaller drops compared to the climatological DSD for southeast Texas, whereas the more dynamically vigorous cold fronts and weakly forced environments have larger drops. Tropical cyclones generally produce smaller drops than the climatology, but their DSD anomalies are sensitive to what part of the storm is sampled. Regardless of dynamic forcing, storms with precipitation structures that are mostly deep convective or stratiform rain formed from deep convection have larger drops, whereas stratiform rain formed from non-deep convection has smaller drops. Reflectivity-rain rate (Z-R) relationships that account for dynamic forcing and precipitation structures improve rainfall estimates compared to climatological Z-R relationships despite a wide spread in Z-R relationships by storm.
The Relationship Between Air Pollution and All-Cause Mortality in Singapore
Authors: Ho Andrew Fu Wah , Zheng Huili , Cheong Kang Hao , En Wee Liang , Pek Pin Pin , Zhao Xinxing , Morgan Geoffrey G. , Earnest Arul , Tan Benjamin Yong Qiang , Ng Yih Yng , Foo Ling Li , Ong Marcus Eng Hock
Published: December 2019

Ambient air pollution is a risk factor for both acute and chronic diseases and poses serious health threats to the world population. We aim to study the relationship between air pollution and all-cause mortality in the context of a city-state exposed to the Southeast Asian haze problem. The primary exposure was ambient air pollution, as measured by the Pollutants Standards Index (PSI). The outcome of interest was all-cause mortality from 2010–2015. A time-stratified case-crossover design was performed. A conditional Poisson regression model, including environmental variables such as PSI, temperature, wind speed, and rainfall, was fitted to the daily count of deaths to estimate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of mortality per unit increase in PSI, accounting for overdispersion and autocorrelation. To account for intermediate exposure effects (maximum lag of 10 days), a distributed lag non-linear model was used. There were 105,504 deaths during the study period. Increment in PSI was significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality. The adjusted IRR of mortality per the 10-unit increase in PSI was 1.01 (95%CI = 1.00–1.01). The lag effect was stronger when PSI was in the unhealthy range compared to the good and moderate ranges. At lag = 7 days, PSI appeared to have an adverse effect on mortality, although the effect was not significant. These findings provide evidence on the general health hazard of exposure to air pollution and can potentially guide public health policies in the region.
Nonlinear Effects on the Precessional Instability in Magnetized Turbulence
Authors: Salhi Abdelaziz , Khlifi Amor , Cambon Claude
Published: December 2019

By means of direct numerical simulations (DNS), we study the impact of an imposed uniform magnetic field on precessing magnetohydrodynamic homogeneous turbulence with a unit magnetic Prandtl number. The base flow which can trigger the precessional instability consists of the superposition of a solid-body rotation around the vertical ( x 3 ) axis (with rate Ω ) and a plane shear (with rate S = 2 ε Ω ) viewed in a frame rotating (with rate Ω p = ε Ω ) about an axis normal to the plane of shear and to the solid-body rotation axis and under an imposed magnetic field that aligns with the solid-body rotation axis ( B ‖ Ω ) . While rotation rate and Poincaré number are fixed, Ω = 20 and ε = 0.17 , the B intensity was varied, B = 0.1 , 0.5 , and 2.5 , so that the Elsasser number is about Λ = 0.1 , 2.5 and 62.5 , respectively. At the final computational dimensionless time, S t = 2 ε Ω t = 67 , the Rossby number Ro is about 0.1 characterizing rapidly rotating flow. It is shown that the total (kinetic + magnetic) energy ( E ) , production rate ( P ) due the basic flow and dissipation rate ( D ) occur in two main phases associated with different flow topologies: (i) an exponential growth and (ii) nonlinear saturation during which these global quantities remain almost time independent with P ∼ D . The impact of a "strong" imposed magnetic field ( B = 2.5 ) on large scale structures at the saturation stage is reflected by the formation of structures that look like filaments and there is no dominance of horizontal motion over the vertical (along the solid-rotation axis) one. The comparison between the spectra of kinetic energy E ( κ ) ( k ⊥ ) , E ( κ ) ( k ⊥ , k ‖ = 1 , 2 ) and E κ ) ( k ⊥ , k ‖ = 0 ) at the saturation stage reveals that, at large horizontal scales, the major contribution to E ( κ ) ( k ⊥ ) does not come only from the mode k ‖ = 0 but also from the k ‖ = 1 mode which is the most energetic. Only at very large horizontal scales at which E ( κ ) ( k ⊥ ) ∼ E 2 D ( κ ) ( k ⊥ ) , the flow is almost two-dimensional. In the wavenumbers range 10 ≤ k ⊥ ≤ 40 , the spectra E ( κ ) ( k ⊥ ) and E ( κ ) ( k ⊥ , k ‖ = 0 ) respectively follow the scaling k ⊥ − 2 and k ⊥ − 3 . Unlike the velocity field the magnetic field remains strongly three-dimensional for all scales since E 2 D ( m ) ( k ⊥ ) ≪ E ( m ) ( k ⊥ ) . At the saturation stage, the Alfvén ratio between kinetic and magnetic energies behaves like k ‖ − 2 for B k ‖ / ( 2 ε Ω ) < 1 .
Thrombolytic Potential of Novel Thiol-Dependent Fibrinolytic Protease from Bacillus cereus RSA1
Authors: Sharma Chhavi , Salem Gad Elsayed Mohamed , Sharma Neha , Gautam Prerna , Singh Rajni
Published: December 2019

The present study demonstrates the production and thrombolytic potential of a novel thermostable thiol-dependent fibrinolytic protease by Bacillus cereus RSA1. Statistical optimization of different parameters was accomplished with Plackett–Burman design and validated further by central composite design with 30.75 U/mL protease production. Precipitation and chromatographic approaches resulted in 33.11% recovery with 2.32-fold purification. The molecular weight of fibrinolytic protease was 40 KDa and it exhibited a broad temperature and pH stability range of 20–80 °C and pH 5–10 with utmost activity at 50 °C and pH 8, respectively. The protease retained its fibrinolytic activity in organic solvents and enhanced the activity in solutions with divalent cations (Mn2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+). The enzyme kinetics revealed Km and Vmax values of 1.093 mg/mL and 52.39 µg/mL/min, respectively, indicating higher affinity of fibrinolytic activity towards fibrin. Also, complete inhibition of fibrinolytic activity with DFP and a 2-fold increase with DTT and β-mercaptoethanol indicates its thiol-dependent serine protease nature. MALDI–TOF analysis showed 56% amino acid sequence homology with Subtilisin NAT OS = Bacillus subtilis subsp. natto. The fibrinolysis activity was compared with a commercial thrombolytic agent for its therapeutic applicability, and fibrinolytic protease was found highly significant with absolute blood clot dissolution within 4 h in in vitro conditions. The isolated fibrinolytic protease of Bacillus cereus RSA1 is novel and different from other known fibrinolytic proteases with high stability and efficacy, which might have wide medicinal and industrial application as a thrombolytic agent and in blood stain removal, respectively.
Elucidating the Binding Mechanism of a Novel Silica-Binding Peptide
Authors: Bansal Rachit , Elgundi Zehra , Care Andrew , C. Goodchild Sophia , S. Lord Megan , Rodger Alison , Sunna Anwar
Published: December 2019

Linker-protein G (LPG) is a bifunctional fusion protein composed of a solid-binding peptide (SBP, referred as the “linker”) with high affinity to silica-based compounds and a Streptococcus protein G (PG), which binds antibodies. The binding mechanisms of LPG to silica-based materials was studied using different biophysical techniques and compared to that of PG without the linker. LPG displayed high binding affinity to a silica surface (KD = 34.77 ± 11.8 nM), with a vertical orientation, in comparison to parent PG, which exhibited no measurable binding affinity. Incorporation of the linker in the fusion protein, LPG, had no effect on the antibody-binding function of PG, which retained its secondary structure and displayed no alteration of its chemical stability. The LPG system provided a milder, easier, and faster affinity-driven immobilization of antibodies to inorganic surfaces when compared to traditional chemical coupling techniques.
Simultaneous Estimation of Twenty Eight Phenolic Compounds by a Novel and Expeditious Method Developed on Quaternary Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography System with a Photodiode Array Detector
Authors: Mandhania Shiwani , Pal Ajay , Saharan Vinod
Published: December 2019

Plant secondary metabolites including phenolics and flavonoidsare synthesized through phenylpropanoid and phenylpropanoid–acetate pathways and significantly contribute against adverse effect of abiotic and biotic stresses. Herein, we present the development and execution of a novel and expeditious ultra-performance liquid chromatographic-photodiode array (UPLC–PDA) method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of 28 phenolic compounds comprising of flavonoids, phenolic acids, aldehydes and alcohols. The method is able to separate phenolic compounds in just 17 min with the separation of isobaric species such as 3,4 dihydroxybenzoic acid and 3,5 dihydroxy benzoic acid; quercetin and taxifolin. Linear curves concentrations ranged from 6–18 µg/mL (3,5 dihydroxy benzoic acid), 4–12 µg/mL (catechin and salicylic acid) and 2–6 µg/mL for rest of the compounds and correlation coefficients were >0.994. The limit of detection (LOD) varied from 0.04–0.45 µg/mL. Cotton root samples were used to assess the method in terms of recovery efficiency (85–120%), precision (0.12–4.09%) and intermediate precision (0.32–4.0%).Phenolics and flavonoidsin root samples of healthy and diseased plants as well as leaf samples of healthy plants were successfully quantified using this novel method without an expensive Mass Spectrometer.
Designer Amyloid Cell-Penetrating Peptides for Potential Use as Gene Transfer Vehicles
Authors: Kokotidou Chrysoula , Jonnalagadda Sai Vamshi R. , Orr Asuka A. , Vrentzos George , Kretsovali Androniki , Tamamis Phanourios , Mitraki Anna
Published: December 2019

Cell-penetrating peptides are used extensively to deliver molecules into cells due to their unique characteristics such as rapid internalization, charge, and non-cytotoxicity. Amyloid fibril biomaterials were reported as gene transfer or retroviral infection enhancers; no cell internalization of the peptides themselves is reported so far. In this study, we focus on two rationally and computationally designed peptides comprised of β-sheet cores derived from naturally occurring protein sequences and designed positively charged and aromatic residues exposed at key residue positions. The β-sheet cores bestow the designed peptides with the ability to self-assemble into amyloid fibrils. The introduction of positively charged and aromatic residues additionally promotes DNA condensation and cell internalization by the self-assembled material formed by the designed peptides. Our results demonstrate that these designer peptide fibrils can efficiently enter mammalian cells while carrying packaged luciferase-encoding plasmid DNA, and they can act as a protein expression enhancer. Interestingly, the peptides additionally exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against the enterobacterium Escherichia coli.
Dietary Fatty Acids and Microbiota-Brain Communication in Neuropsychiatric Diseases
Authors: Marrone Maria Cristina , Coccurello Roberto
Published: December 2019

The gut-brain axis is a multimodal communication system along which immune, metabolic, autonomic, endocrine and enteric nervous signals can shape host physiology and determine liability, development and progression of a vast number of human diseases. Here, we broadly discussed the current knowledge about the either beneficial or deleterious impact of dietary fatty acids on microbiota-brain communication (MBC), and the multiple mechanisms by which different types of lipids can modify gut microbial ecosystem and contribute to the pathophysiology of major neuropsychiatric diseases (NPDs), such as schizophrenia (SCZ), depression and autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Validation of miR-1228-3p as Housekeeping for MicroRNA Analysis in Liquid Biopsies from Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Duran-Sanchon Saray , Vila-Navarro Elena , Marcuello Maria , Lozano Juan José , Muñoz Jenifer , Cubiella Joaquín , Diez Maria Soledad , Bujanda Luis , Lanas Angel , Jover Rodrigo , Hernández Vicent , Quintero Enrique , Herreros-Villanueva Marta , Martín Ana Carmen , Pérez-Palacios Rosa , Arroyo Rocio , Castells Antoni , Gironella Meritxell
Published: December 2019

Background: Circulating microRNA (miRNA) analysis is a growing research field. However, it usually requires an endogenous control or housekeeping (HK) in order to normalize expression of specific miRNAs throughout different samples. Unfortunately, no adequate HK for circulating miRNA analysis is still known in the colorectal cancer (CRC) context whereas several have been suggested. Hence, our aims were to validate the previously suggested miR-1228-3p as HK for CRC studies, to compare its suitability with the widely used miR-16-5p, and to evaluate the influence of hemolysis on both miRNAs. Methods: We analyzed by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) the expression of miR-1228-3p, miR-16-5p and the spike-in cel-miR-39 in a set of 297 plasmas (92 CRC, 101 advanced adenomas -AA-, and 100 controls) and 213 serum samples (59 CRC, 74 AA and 80 controls). We also analyzed both miRNAs depending on the hemolysis degree in 7 plasmas and 31 serums. Results: Levels of miR-1228-3p and miR-16-5p did not show significant differences between groups although miR-16-5p exhibited more variability in plasma and serum samples. Importantly, the combination of cel-miR-39 and miR-1228-3p was the most stable one. Moreover, we observed that miR-16-5p was significantly influenced by hemolysis in contrast with miR-1228-3p that exhibited no correlation with this confounding factor in both biofluids. Conclusion: MiR-1228-3p has been validated as an adequate endogenous control for circulating miRNA analysis in CRC and AA liquid biopsies.
Emergence of the Affect from the Variation in the Whole-Brain Flow of Information
Authors: Keshmiri Soheil , Shiomi Masahiro , Ishiguro Hiroshi
Published: December 2019

Over the past few decades, the quest for discovering the brain substrates of the affect to understand the underlying neural basis of the human’s emotions has resulted in substantial and yet contrasting results. Whereas some point at distinct and independent brain systems for the Positive and Negative affects, others propose the presence of flexible brain regions. In this respect, there are two factors that are common among these previous studies. First, they all focused on the change in brain activation, thereby neglecting the findings that indicate that the stimuli with equivalent sensory and behavioral processing demands may not necessarily result in differential brain activation. Second, they did not take into consideration the brain regional interactivity and the findings that identify that the signals from individual cortical neurons are shared across multiple areas and thus concurrently contribute to multiple functional pathways. To address these limitations, we performed Granger causal analysis on the electroencephalography (EEG) recordings of the human subjects who watched movie clips that elicited Negative, Neutral, and Positive affects. This allowed us to look beyond the brain regional activation in isolation to investigate whether the brain regional interactivity can provide further insights for understanding the neural substrates of the affect. Our results indicated that the differential affect states emerged from subtle variation in information flow of the brain cortical regions that were in both hemispheres. They also showed that these regions that were rather common between affect states than distinct to a specific affect were characterized with both short- as well as long-range information flow. This provided evidence for the presence of simultaneous integration and differentiation in the brain functioning that leads to the emergence of different affects. These results are in line with the findings on the presence of intrinsic large-scale interacting brain networks that underlie the production of psychological events. These findings can help advance our understanding of the neural basis of the human’s emotions by identifying the signatures of differential affect in subtle variation that occurs in the whole-brain cortical flow of information.
Cognitive Impairments and Self-Reported Sleep in Early-Stage Parkinson’s Disease with Versus without Probable REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
Authors: Trout Jonathan , Christiansen Taylor , Bulkley M. Brooks , Tanner Jared J. , Sozda Christopher N. , Bowers Dawn , Kay Daniel B.
Published: December 2019

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with cognitive and sleep impairments. The presence of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) symptoms may represent a worse disease prognosis for PD individuals. We investigated cognitive functioning and self-reported sleep in early-stage PD individuals with (n = 19) or without (n = 31) probable RBD. Probable RBD was defined as >5 on the REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Screening Questionnaire. Inhibition, visuospatial cognitive abilities, working memory, sustained visual attention, verbal fluency, and episodic memory were assessed. Sleep impairments were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System questionnaires. Chi-squared, Mann-Whitney U, and independent sample t-tests were employed to assess group differences. Participants with PD and probable RBD performed significantly worse on word reading and switching verbal fluency tasks than PD participants without probable RBD (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in mood, PD severity, or sleep measures between PD individuals with or without probable RBD. Cognitive tasks that involve verbal or switching components may be most impaired in PD individuals with probable RBD. Larger samples are needed to determine whether other cognitive domains and sleep features are significantly associated with RBD in PD.
Individual Response to Stressors and Efficiency in Project Activities
Authors: Dmitrieva Yulia A. , Korobova Svetlana Yu. , Kochkina Darya V.
Published: December 2019

This article investigates the way a graded approach can be implemented in the organization of the project-based learning process in accordance with the personality characteristics of subjects. This study is based on the results analysis of the key features of project-based learning as one of the methods for developing human resources. The assessment of subjects’ individual response to stressors at different project stages is justified to be relevant in order to improve project efficiency in the framework of the learning process. The assessment of the individual response of subjects to stressors was carried out according to the activation dynamics of cerebral hemispheres. The research target was to determine features of the subjects’ individual responses to the project activity stressors and to identify specifics of the individual responding at each of its stages. The study involved 56 final-year students of different majors. Aktivatsiometr ATs-9K, a device for comprehensive psychophysiological diagnosis designed by Yu. A. Tsagarelli, was used to monitor hemispheric activation. This hardware and software complex consists of a device diagnosing the activation of cerebral hemispheres based on the galvanic skin response and PC software for automatic data processing. The individual typological indicators of activation (13 measurements in a familiar environment) and activity-situational indicators of activation (seven single measurements at different stages of the project activity) were calculated. The stress response was diagnosed if the activity-situational activation indicators of the cerebral hemispheres exceeded the individual typological activation indices by more than 1.5 times. The results of the empirical study show different types of individual responses to stressors at different stages of the project activity. The analysis of the profiles of individual responses to stressors made it possible to differentiate subjects, and also identify groups of students with the maximum resources for each stage of activity.