bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Bactericidal Activity of a Hyaluronic Acid-Vehicled Clarithromycin Antibiotic Mixture by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy
Authors: Mandras Narcisa , Alovisi Mario , Roana Janira , Crosasso Paola , Luganini Anna , Pasqualini Damiano , Genta Elisa , Arpicco Silvia , Banche Giuliana , Cuffini Annamaria , Berutti Elio
Published: January 2020

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to evaluate the antibacterial effect and depth of action of a novel clarithromycin-containing triple antibiotic mixture, which was proposed for root canal disinfection in dental pulp regeneration. A previous study reported that this mixture had no tooth discoloration effects in vitro. After infection with Enterococcus faecalis for 3 weeks, the dentinal tubules in the cylindrical root specimens were exposed to different antibiotic mixtures: ciprofloxacin, metronidazole and minocycline (3-MIX); ciprofloxacin, metronidazole and clarithromycin (3-MIXC) and ciprofloxacin and metronidazole (2-MIX). Each antibiotic formulation was mixed with macrogol (MG) or hyaluronic acid (HA) vehicles. CLSM and viability staining were used to quantitatively analyze the mean depth of the antibacterial effect and the proportions of dead and live bacteria inside the dentinal tubules. The 3-MIX and 3-MIXC demonstrated a similar depth of action. The mean proportion of dead bacteria was similar in the 3-MIX and 3-MIXC groups, and both were statistically higher than that of 2-MIX (p = 0.014). Each antibiotic mixture showed a higher bactericidal efficacy if conveyed with HA, compared to MG (3-MIX, p = 0.019; 3-MIXC, p = 0.013 and 2-MIX, p = 0.0125). The depth of action and the antibacterial efficacy of 3-MIXC seemed comparable with 3-MIX.
Integrated Correction Algorithm for X Band Dual-Polarization Radar Reflectivity Based on CINRAD/SA Radar
Authors: Wang Chao , Wu Chong , Liu Liping , Liu Xi , Chen Chao
Published: January 2020

The values of ratio a of the linear relationship between specific attenuation and specific differential phase vary significantly in convective storms as a result of resonance scattering. The best-linear-fit ratio a at X band is determined using the modified attenuation correction algorithm based on differential phase and attenuation, as well as the premise that reflectivity is unattenuated in S band radar detection. Meanwhile, the systemic reflectivity bias between the X band radar and S band radar and water layer attenuation (ZW) on the wet antenna cover of the X band radar are also considered. The good performance of the modified correction algorithm is demonstrated in a moderate rainfall event. The data were collected by four X band dual-polarization (X-POL) radar sites, namely, BJXCP, BJXFS, BJXSY, and BJXTZ, and a China’s New Generation Weather Radar (CINRAD/SA radar) site, BJSDX, in Beijing on 20 July 2016. Ratio a is calculated for each volume scan of the X band radar, with a mean value of 0.26 dB deg−1 varying from 0.20 to 0.31 dB deg−1. The average values of systemic reflectivity bias between the X band radar (at BJXCP, BJXFS, BJXSY, and BJXTZ) and S band radar (at BJSDX) are 0, −3, 2, and 0 dB, respectively. The experimentally determined ZW is in substantial agreement with the theoretically calculated ones, and their values are an order of magnitude smaller than rain attenuation. The comparison of the modified attenuation correction algorithm and the empirical-fixed-ratio correction algorithm is further evaluated at the X-POL radar. It is shown that the modified attenuation correction algorithm in the present paper provides higher correction accuracy for rain attenuation than the empirical-fixed-ratio correction algorithm.
Influence of Weather on the Behaviour of Tourists in a Beach Destination
Authors: R.-Toubes Diego , Araújo-Vila Noelia , Fraiz-Brea José Antonio
Published: January 2020

In sun-and-beach destinations, weather has a decisive influence on the variability of the daily flow of tourists. Uncertainty in demand flows directly affects businesses and employment. This work aims to improve understanding of the behaviour of tourists in response to changes in weather conditions. The analysis is carried out in the Rías Baixas, a sun-and-beach destination in north-west Spain. The paper analyses the relationship of weather conditions with daily flows during the high season at the main tourist beaches in the area, also considering two beach typologies. The density of beach use is measured three times a day through the analysis of webcam images in combination with real-time weather, and an online survey is conducted among tourists who have visited these beaches. The results show that the hours of sunshine are the most influential weather factor. Weather forecast greatly or totally influenced the decision to go to the beach for almost 70% of respondents and about 80% of the respondents checked on the weather before visiting a beach.
In Vitro and In Vivo Models for the Investigation of Potential Drugs Against Schizophrenia
Authors: Koszła Oliwia , Targowska-Duda Katarzyna M. , Kędzierska Ewa , Kaczor Agnieszka A.
Published: January 2020

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a complex psychiatric disorder characterized by positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms, and is not satisfactorily treated by current antipsychotics. Progress in understanding the basic pathomechanism of the disease has been hampered by the lack of appropriate models. In order to develop modern drugs against SZ, efficient methods to study them in in vitro and in vivo models of this disease are required. In this review a short presentation of current hypotheses and concepts of SZ is followed by a description of current progress in the field of SZ experimental models. A critical discussion of advantages and limitations of in vitro models and pharmacological, genetic, and neurodevelopmental in vivo models for positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of the disease is provided. In particular, this review concerns the important issue of how cellular and animal systems can help to meet the challenges of modeling the disease, which fully manifests only in humans, as experimental studies of SZ in humans are limited. Next, it is emphasized that novel clinical candidates should be evaluated in animal models for treatment-resistant SZ. In conclusion, the plurality of available in vitro and in vivo models is a consequence of the complex nature of SZ, and there are extensive possibilities for their integration. Future development of more efficient antipsychotics reflecting the pleiotropy of symptoms in SZ requires the incorporation of various models into one uniting model of the multifactorial disorder and use of this model for the evaluation of new drugs.
The Plant-Derived Compound Resveratrol in Brain Cancer: A Review
Authors: Kiskova Terezia , Kubatka Peter , Büsselberg Dietrich , Kassayova Monika
Published: January 2020

Despite intensive research, malignant brain tumors are among the most difficult to treat due to high resistance to conventional therapeutic approaches. High-grade malignant gliomas, including glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma, are among the most devastating and rapidly growing cancers. Despite the ability of standard treatment agents to achieve therapeutic concentrations in the brain, malignant gliomas are often resistant to alkylating agents. Resveratrol is a plant polyphenol occurring in nuts, berries, grapes, and red wine. Resveratrol crosses the blood‒brain barrier and may influence the central nervous system. Moreover, it influences the enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase and, more importantly, the resistance to standard treatment via various mechanisms, such as O6-methylguanine methyltransferase. This review summarizes the anticancer effects of resveratrol in various types of brain cancer. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have presented promising results; however, further clinical research is necessary to prove the therapeutic efficacy of resveratrol in brain cancer treatment.
The Architect Who Lost the Ability to Imagine: The Cerebral Basis of Visual Imagery
Authors: Thorudottir Sandra , Sigurdardottir Heida M. , Rice Grace E. , Kerry Sheila J. , Robotham Ro J. , Leff Alex P. , Starrfelt Randi
Published: January 2020

While the loss of mental imagery following brain lesions was first described more than a century ago, the key cerebral areas involved remain elusive. Here we report neuropsychological data from an architect (PL518) who lost his ability for visual imagery following a bilateral posterior cerebral artery (PCA) stroke. We compare his profile to three other patients with bilateral PCA stroke and another architect with a large PCA lesion confined to the right hemisphere. We also compare structural images of their lesions, aiming to delineate cerebral areas selectively lesioned in acquired aphantasia. When comparing the neuropsychological profile and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the aphantasic architect PL518 to patients with either a comparable background (an architect) or bilateral PCA lesions, we find: (1) there is a large overlap of cognitive deficits between patients, with the very notable exception of aphantasia which only occurs in PL518, and (2) there is large overlap of the patients’ lesions. The only areas of selective lesion in PL518 is a small patch in the left fusiform gyrus as well as part of the right lingual gyrus. We suggest that these areas, and perhaps in particular the region in the left fusiform gyrus, play an important role in the cerebral network involved in visual imagery.
The Long Non-Coding RNA Prader Willi/Angelman Region RNA5 (PAR5) Is Downregulated in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinomas Where It Acts as a Tumor Suppressor by Reducing EZH2 Activity
Authors: Pellecchia Simona , Sepe Romina , Decaussin-Petrucci Myriam , Ivan Cristina , Shimizu Masayoshi , Coppola Carmela , Testa Domenico , Calin George Adrian , Fusco Alfredo , Pallante Pierlorenzo
Published: January 2020

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) represents one the most aggressive neoplasias in humans, and, nowadays, limited advances have been made to extend the survival and reduce the mortality of ATC. Thus, the identification of molecular mechanism underlying its progression is needed. Here, we evaluated the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression profile of nine ATC in comparison with five normal thyroid tissues by a lncRNA microarray. By this analysis, we identified 19 upregulated and 28 downregulated lncRNAs with a fold change >1.1 or <−1.1 and p-value < 0.05, in ATC samples. Some of them were subsequently validated by qRT-PCR. Then, we investigated the role of the lncRNA Prader Willi/Angelman region RNA5 (PAR5), drastically and specifically downregulated in ATC. The restoration of PAR5 reduces proliferation and migration rates of ATC-derived cell lines indicating that its downregulation contributes to thyroid cancer progression. Our results suggest that PAR5 exerts its anti-oncogenic role by impairing Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) oncogenic activity since we demonstrated that PAR5 interacts with it in thyroid cancer cell lines, reducing EZH2 protein levels and its binding on the E-cadherin promoter, relieving E-cadherin from the negative regulation by EZH2. Consistently, EZH2 is overexpressed in ATC, but not in differentiated thyroid carcinomas. The results reported here define a tumor suppressor role for PAR5 in undifferentiated thyroid neoplasias, further highlighting the pivotal role of lncRNAs in thyroid carcinogenesis.
Does Direct and Indirect Exposure to Ionising Radiation Influence the Metastatic Potential of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Kadhim Munira A. , Mayah Ammar , Brooks Susan A.
Published: January 2020

Ionising radiation (IR) is commonly used for cancer therapy; however, its potential influence on the metastatic ability of surviving cancer cells exposed directly or indirectly to IR remains controversial. Metastasis is a multistep process by which the cancer cells dissociate from the initial site, invade, travel through the blood stream or lymphatic system, and colonise distant sites. This complex process has been reported to require cancer cells to undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by which the cancer cells convert from an adhesive, epithelial to motile, mesenchymal form and is also associated with changes in glycosylation of cell surface proteins, which may be functionally involved in metastasis. In this paper, we give an overview of metastatic mechanisms and of the fundamentals of cancer-associated glycosylation changes. While not attempting a comprehensive review of this wide and fast moving field, we highlight some of the accumulating evidence from in vitro and in vivo models for increased metastatic potential in cancer cells that survive IR, focusing on angiogenesis, cancer cell motility, invasion, and EMT and glycosylation. We also explore the indirect effects in cells exposed to exosomes released from irradiated cells. The results of such studies need to be interpreted with caution and there remains limited evidence that radiotherapy enhances the metastatic capacity of cancers in a clinical setting and undoubtedly has a very positive clinical benefit. However, there is potential that this therapeutic benefit may ultimately be enhanced through a better understanding of the direct and indirect effects of IR on cancer cell behaviour.
Pharmacological Inhibition of Oncogenic STAT3 and STAT5 Signaling in Hematopoietic Cancers
Authors: Brachet-Botineau Marie , Polomski Marion , Neubauer Heidi , Juen Ludovic , Hédou Damien , Viaud-Massuard Marie-Claude , Prié Gildas , Gouilleux Fabrice
Published: January 2020

Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) 3 and 5 are important effectors of cellular transformation, and aberrant STAT3 and STAT5 signaling have been demonstrated in hematopoietic cancers. STAT3 and STAT5 are common targets for different tyrosine kinase oncogenes (TKOs). In addition, STAT3 and STAT5 proteins were shown to contain activating mutations in some rare but aggressive leukemias/lymphomas. Both proteins also contribute to drug resistance in hematopoietic malignancies and are now well recognized as major targets in cancer treatment. The development of inhibitors targeting STAT3 and STAT5 has been the subject of intense investigations during the last decade. This review summarizes the current knowledge of oncogenic STAT3 and STAT5 functions in hematopoietic cancers as well as advances in preclinical and clinical development of pharmacological inhibitors.
Germline Variants in Driver Genes of Breast Cancer and Their Association with Familial and Early-Onset Breast Cancer Risk in a Chilean Population
Authors: Fernandez-Moya Alejandro , Morales Sebastian , Arancibia Trinidad , Gonzalez-Hormazabal Patricio , Tapia Julio C. , Godoy-Herrera Raul , Reyes Jose Miguel , Gomez Fernando , Waugh Enrique , Jara Lilian
Published: January 2020

The genetic variations responsible for tumorigenesis are called driver mutations. In breast cancer (BC), two studies have demonstrated that germline mutations in driver genes linked to sporadic tumors may also influence BC risk. The present study evaluates the association between SNPs and SNP-SNP interaction in driver genes TTN (rs10497520), TBX3 (rs2242442), KMT2D (rs11168827), and MAP3K1 (rs702688 and rs702689) with BC risk in BRCA1/2-negative Chilean families. The SNPs were genotyped in 489 BC cases and 1078 controls by TaqMan Assay. Our data do not support an association between rs702688: A>G or rs702689: G>A and BC risk. The rs10497520-T allele was associated with a decreased risk in patients with family history of BC or early-onset BC (OR = 0.6, p < 0.0001 and OR = 0.7, p = 0.05, respectively). rs2242442-G was associated with a protective effect and rs11168827-C was associated with increased BC risk in families with a strong history of BC (OR = 0.6, p = 0.02 and OR = 1.4, p = 0.05, respectively). As rs10497520-T and rs2242442-G seemed to protect against BC risk, we then evaluated their combined effect. Familial BC risk decreased in a dose-dependent manner with the protective allele count, reflecting an additive effect (p-trend < 10−4). To our knowledge, this is the first association study of BC driver gene germline variations in a Chilean population.
Role of Interleukin-34 in Cancer
Authors: Franzè Eleonora , Stolfi Carmine , Troncone Edoardo , Scarozza Patrizio , Monteleone Giovanni
Published: January 2020

Cross-talk between cancer cells and the immune cells occurring in the tumor microenvironment is crucial in promoting signals that foster tumor growth and metastasis. Both cancer cells and immune cells secrete various interleukins (IL), which, either directly or indirectly, stimulate cancer-cell proliferation, survival, and diffusion, as well as contribute to sculpt the immune microenvironment, thereby amplifying tumorigenic stimuli. IL-34, a cytokine produced by a wide range of cells, has been initially involved in the control of differentiation, proliferation, and survival of myeloid cells. More recent studies documented the overexpression of IL-34 in several cancers, such as hepatocarcinoma, osteosarcoma, multiple myeloma, colon cancer, and lung cancer, and showed that tumor cells can produce and functionally respond to this cytokine. In this review, we summarize the multiple roles of IL-34 in various cancers, with the aim to better understand the relationship between the expression of this cytokine and cancer behavior and to provide new insights for exploring a new potential therapeutic target.
A Review on Quantum Dots Modified g-C3N4-Based Photocatalysts with Improved Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Chen Yanling , Bai Xue
Published: January 2020

In the 21st century, the development of sustainable energy and advanced technologies to cope with energy shortages and environmental pollution has become vital. Semiconductor photocatalysis is a promising technology that can directly convert solar energy to chemical energy and is extensively used for its environmentally-friendly properties. In the field of photocatalysis, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has obtained increasing interest due to its unique physicochemical properties. Therefore, numerous researchers have attempted to integrate quantum dots (QDs) with g-C3N4 to optimize the photocatalytic activity. In this review, recent progress in combining g-C3N4 with QDs for synthesizing new photocatalysts was introduced. The methods of QDs/g-C3N4-based photocatalysts synthesis are summarized. Recent studies assessing the application of photocatalytic performance and mechanism of modification of g-C3N4 with carbon quantum dots (CQDs), graphene quantum dots (GQDs), and g-C3N4 QDs are herein discussed. Lastly, challenges and future perspectives of QDs modified g-C3N4-based photocatalysts in photocatalytic applications are discussed. We hope that this review will provide a valuable overview and insight for the promotion of applications of QDs modified g-C3N4 based-photocatalysts.
In Situ Investigations on the Facile Synthesis and Catalytic Performance of CeO2-Pt/Al2O3 Catalyst
Authors: Wang Chengxiong , Ren Dezhi , Du Junchen , Qin Qinggao , Zhang Aimin , Chen Li , Cui Hao , Chen Jialin , Zhao Yunkun
Published: January 2020

Ceria-modified Pt/Al2O3 catalyst has been commonly prepared by the impregnation of platinum on ceria-modified alumina and widely applied in the chemical industry and automotive industry. The in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transformed spectroscopy (DRIFTS), and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis techniques were employed to investigate the typical mechanisms of the bis(ethanolammonium)hexahydroxyplatinate(IV) and cerium nitrate decomposition catalyzed by Ptδ+ species for the facile synthesis of CeO2-Pt/Al2O3 catalyst. It was found that Pt4+-catalyzed decomposition of cerium nitrate leads to the higher dispersity of ceria and forming more active oxygen species, on the basis of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and H2 temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR) results. The in situ activity measurements were also performed to investigate the reaction mechanisms and the specific activities for the catalytic CO, NO, C3H6 and C3H8 co-oxidation. The results indicate that undesirable N2O by-product is formed by the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO by C3H6 below 350 °C. The cerium addition effectively improves the activity of catalytic oxidation, but exhibits an increased N2O yield, due to the increased reducibility.
The Expanding Therapeutic Potential of Neuronal KCC2
Authors: Tang Bor Luen
Published: January 2020

Dysfunctions in GABAergic inhibitory neural transmission occur in neuronal injuries and neurological disorders. The potassium–chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2, SLC12A5) is a key modulator of inhibitory GABAergic inputs in healthy adult neurons, as its chloride (Cl−) extruding activity underlies the hyperpolarizing reversal potential for GABAA receptor Cl− currents (EGABA). Manipulation of KCC2 levels or activity improve symptoms associated with epilepsy and neuropathy. Recent works have now indicated that pharmacological enhancement of KCC2 function could reactivate dormant relay circuits in an injured mouse’s spinal cord, leading to functional recovery and the attenuation of neuronal abnormality and disease phenotype associated with a mouse model of Rett syndrome (RTT). KCC2 interacts with Huntingtin and is downregulated in Huntington’s disease (HD), which contributed to GABAergic excitation and memory deficits in the R6/2 mouse HD model. Here, these recent advances are highlighted, which attest to KCC2’s growing potential as a therapeutic target for neuropathological conditions resulting from dysfunctional inhibitory input.
Novel Approaches for Identifying the Molecular Background of Schizophrenia
Authors: Golov Arkadiy K. , Kondratyev Nikolay V. , Kostyuk George P. , Golimbet and Vera E.
Published: January 2020

Recent advances in psychiatric genetics have led to the discovery of dozens of genomic loci associated with schizophrenia. However, a gap exists between the detection of genetic associations and understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms. This review describes the basic approaches used in the so-called post-GWAS studies to generate biological interpretation of the existing population genetic data, including both molecular (creation and analysis of knockout animals, exploration of the transcriptional effects of common variants in human brain cells) and computational (fine-mapping of causal variability, gene set enrichment analysis, partitioned heritability analysis) methods. The results of the crucial studies, in which these approaches were used to uncover the molecular and neurobiological basis of the disease, are also reported.
Case Report on: Very Early Afterdepolarizations in HiPSC-Cardiomyocytes—An Artifact by Big Conductance Calcium Activated Potassium Current (Ibk,Ca)
Authors: Horváth András , Christ Torsten , Koivumäki Jussi T. , Prondzynski Maksymilian , Zech Antonia T. L. , Spohn Michael , Saleem Umber , Mannhardt Ingra , Ulmer Bärbel , Girdauskas Evaldas , Meyer Christian , Hansen Arne , Eschenhagen Thomas , Lemoine Marc D.
Published: January 2020

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) represent an unlimited source of human CMs that could be a standard tool in drug research. However, there is concern whether hiPSC-CMs express all cardiac ion channels at physiological level and whether they might express non-cardiac ion channels. In a control hiPSC line, we found large, “noisy” outward K+ currents, when we measured outward potassium currents in isolated hiPSC-CMs. Currents were sensitive to iberiotoxin, the selective blocker of big conductance Ca2+-activated K+ current (IBK,Ca). Seven of 16 individual differentiation batches showed a strong initial repolarization in the action potentials (AP) recorded from engineered heart tissue (EHT) followed by very early afterdepolarizations, sometimes even with consecutive oscillations. Iberiotoxin stopped oscillations and normalized AP shape, but had no effect in other EHTs without oscillations or in human left ventricular tissue (LV). Expression levels of the alpha-subunit (KCa1.1) of the BKCa correlated with the presence of oscillations in hiPSC-CMs and was not detectable in LV. Taken together, individual batches of hiPSC-CMs can express sarcolemmal ion channels that are otherwise not found in the human heart, resulting in oscillating afterdepolarizations in the AP. HiPSC-CMs should be screened for expression of non-cardiac ion channels before being applied to drug research.
Human Skin Keratinocytes on Sustained TGF-β Stimulation Reveal Partial EMT Features and Weaken Growth Arrest Responses
Authors: Liarte Sergio , Bernabé-García Ángel , Nicolás Francisco J.
Published: January 2020

Defects in wound closure can be related to the failure of keratinocytes to re-epithelize. Potential mechanisms driving this impairment comprise unbalanced cytokine signaling, including Transforming Growth Factor-β (TFG-β). Although the etiologies of chronic wound development are known, the relevant molecular events are poorly understood. This lack of insight is a consequence of ethical issues, which limit the available evidence to humans. In this work, we have used an in vitro model validated for the study of epidermal physiology and function, the HaCaT cells to provide a description of the impact of sustained exposure to TGF-β. Long term TGF-β1 treatment led to evident changes, HaCaT cells became spindle-shaped and increased in size. This phenotype change involved conformational re-arrangements for actin filaments and E-Cadherin cell-adhesion structures. Surprisingly, the signs of consolidated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition were absent. At the molecular level, modified gene expression and altered protein contents were found. Non-canonical TGF-β pathway elements did not show relevant changes. However, R-Smads experienced alterations best characterized by decreased Smad3 levels. Functionally, HaCaT cells exposed to TGF-β1 for long periods showed cell-cycle arrest. Yet, the strength of this restraint weakens the longer the treatment, as revealed when challenged by pro-mitogenic factors. The proposed setting might offer a useful framework for future research on the mechanisms driving wound chronification.
The Emerging Roles of Fox Family Transcription Factors in Chromosome Replication, Organization, and Genome Stability
Authors: Jin Yue , Liang Zhangqian , Lou Huiqiang
Published: January 2020

The forkhead box (Fox) transcription factors (TFs) are widespread from yeast to humans. Their mutations and dysregulation have been linked to a broad spectrum of malignant neoplasias. They are known as critical players in DNA repair, metabolism, cell cycle control, differentiation, and aging. Recent studies, especially those from the simple model eukaryotes, revealed unexpected contributions of Fox TFs in chromosome replication and organization. More importantly, besides functioning as a canonical TF in cell signaling cascades and gene expression, Fox TFs can directly participate in DNA replication and determine the global replication timing program in a transcription-independent mechanism. Yeast Fox TFs preferentially recruit the limiting replication factors to a subset of early origins on chromosome arms. Attributed to their dimerization capability and distinct DNA binding modes, Fkh1 and Fkh2 also promote the origin clustering and assemblage of replication elements (replication factories). They can mediate long-range intrachromosomal and interchromosomal interactions and thus regulate the four-dimensional chromosome organization. The novel aspects of Fox TFs reviewed here expand their roles in maintaining genome integrity and coordinating the multiple essential chromosome events. These will inevitably be translated to our knowledge and new treatment strategies of Fox TF-associated human diseases including cancer.
Selective Proton-Mediated Transport by Electrogenic K+-Binding Macrocycles
Authors: Li Yu-Hao , Zheng Shao-Ping , Wang Dawei , Barboiu Mihail
Published: January 2020

Synthetic K+-binding macrocycles have potential as therapeutic agents for diseases associated with KcsA K+ channel dysfunction. We recently discovered that artificial self-assembled n-alkyl-benzoureido-15-crown-5-ether form selective ion-channels for K+ cations, which are highly preferred to Na+ cations. Here, we describe an impressive selective activation of the K+ transport via electrogenic macrocycles, stimulated by the addition of the carbonyl cyanide-4-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone (FCCP) proton carrier. The transport performances show that both the position of branching or the size of appended alkyl arms favor high transport activity and selectivity SK+/Na+ up to 48.8, one of the best values reported up to now. Our study demonstrates that high K+/Na+ selectivity obtained with natural KcsA K+ channels is achievable using simpler artificial macrocycles displaying constitutional functions.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Chemosensors in 2019
Authors:   Chemosensors Editorial Office
Published: January 2020

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time and expertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months, regardless of whether the papers are finally published or not [...]
Sub-THz Waveguide Spectroscopy of Coating Materials for Particle Accelerators
Authors: Passarelli Andrea , Koral Can , Masullo Maria Rosaria , Vollenberg Wilhelmus , Amador Lucia Lain , Andreone Antonello
Published: January 2020

The electromagnetic characterisation of different materials for the inner wall coating of beam pipes is a long-standing problem in accelerator physics, regardless the purpose they are used for, since their presence may affect in an unpredictable way the beam coupling impedance and therefore the machine performance. Moreover, in particle accelerators and storage rings of new generation very short bunches might be required, extending far in frequency the exploration of the beam spectrum and rendering therefore more and more important to assess the coating material response up to hundreds of GHz. This paper describes a time domain method based on THz waveguide spectroscopy to infer the coating properties at very high frequencies. The technique has been tested on Non Evaporable Getter thick films deposited by DC magnetron sputtering on copper plates.
BCS-BEC Crossover and Pairing Fluctuations in a Two Band Superfluid/Superconductor: A T Matrix Approach
Authors: Tajima Hiroyuki , Perali Andrea , Pieri Pierbiagio
Published: January 2020

We investigate pairing fluctuation effects in a two band fermionic system, where a shallow band in the Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer–Bose–Einstein condensation (BCS-BEC) crossover regime is coupled with a weakly interacting deep band. Within a diagrammatic T matrix approach, we report how thermodynamic quantities such as the critical temperature, chemical potential, and momentum distributions undergo the crossover from the BCS to BEC regime by tuning the intraband coupling in the shallow band. We also generalize the definition of Tan’s contact to a two band system and report the two contacts for different pair-exchange couplings. The present results are compared with those obtained by the simpler Nozières–Schmitt–Rink approximation. We confirm a pronounced enhancement of the critical temperature due to the multiband configuration, as well as to the pair-exchange coupling.
Phylogenetic Characterization of Botryosphaeria Strains Associated with Asphondylia Galls on Species of Lamiaceae
Authors: Zimowska Beata , Okoń Sylwia , Becchimanzi Andrea , Krol Ewa Dorota , Nicoletti Rosario
Published: January 2020

In the last decade, Botryosphaeria dothidea has been steadily reported as an associate of gall midges (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) in a variety of host plants and ecological settings. This cosmopolitan fungus is well-known for its ability to colonize many plant species, as both a pathogen and an endophyte. Thus, the shift from this general habit to a lifestyle involving a strict symbiotic relationship with an insect introduces expectancy for possible strain specialization which could reflect separated phylogenetic lineages. Considering the recent taxonomic revision concerning species of Botryosphaeria, we evaluated the phylogenetic relationships among strains recovered from Asphondylia galls collected on several species of Lamiaceae in Poland and in Italy, and all the currently accepted species in this genus. A number of strains previously characterized from gall samples from Australia and South Africa, whose genetic marker sequences are deposited in GenBank, were also included in the analysis. As a result, full identity as B. dothidea is confirmed for our isolates, while strains from the southern hemisphere grouped separately, indicating the existence of genetic variation related to the geographic origin in the association with gall midges.
Disabled Homolog 2 (DAB2) Protein in Tumor Microenvironment Correlates with Aggressive Phenotype in Human Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder
Authors: Itami Yoshitaka , Miyake Makito , Ohnishi Sayuri , Tatsumi Yoshihiro , Gotoh Daisuke , Hori Shunta , Morizawa Yousuke , Iida Kota , Ohnishi Kenta , Nakai Yasushi , Inoue Takeshi , Anai Satoshi , Tanaka Nobumichi , Fujii Tomomi , Shimada Keiji , Furuya Hideki , Khadka Vedbar S. , Deng Youping , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: January 2020

Disabled homolog-2 (DAB2) has been reported to be a tumor suppressor gene. However, a number of contrary studies suggested that DAB2 promotes tumor invasion in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB). Here, we investigated the clinical role and biological function of DAB2 in human UCB. Immunohistochemical staining analysis for DAB2 was carried out on UCB tissue specimens. DAB2 expression levels were compared with clinicopathological factors. DAB2 was knocked-down by small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection, and then its effects on cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, and changes to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins were evaluated. In our in vivo assays, tumor-bearing athymic nude mice subcutaneously inoculated with human UCB cells (MGH-U-3 or UM-UC-3) were treated by DAB2-targeting siRNA. Higher expression of DAB2 was associated with higher clinical T category, high tumor grade, and poor oncological outcome. The knock-down of DAB2 decreased both invasion and migration ability and expression of EMT-related proteins. Significant inhibitory effects on tumor growth and invasion were observed in xenograft tumors of UM-UC-3 treated by DAB2-targeting siRNA. Our findings suggested that DAB2 expression was associated with poor prognosis through increased oncogenic properties including tumor proliferation, migration, invasion, and enhancement of EMT in human UCB.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Economies in 2019
Authors:   Economies Editorial Office
Published: January 2020

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time and expertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months, regardless of whether the papers are finally published or not [...]
Impact of Laser Attacks on the Switching Behavior of RRAM Devices
Authors: Arumí Daniel , Manich Salvador , Gómez-Pau Álvaro , Rodríguez-Montañés Rosa , Montilla Víctor , Hernández David , González Mireia Bargalló , Campabadal Francesca
Published: January 2020

The ubiquitous use of critical and private data in electronic format requires reliable and secure embedded systems for IoT devices. In this context, RRAMs (Resistive Random Access Memories) arises as a promising alternative to replace current memory technologies. However, their suitability for this kind of application, where the integrity of the data is crucial, is still under study. Among the different typology of attacks to recover information of secret data, laser attack is one of the most common due to its simplicity. Some preliminary works have already addressed the influence of laser tests on RRAM devices. Nevertheless, the results are not conclusive since different responses have been reported depending on the circuit under testing and the features of the test. In this paper, we have conducted laser tests on individual RRAM devices. For the set of experiments conducted, the devices did not show faulty behaviors. These results contribute to the characterization of RRAMs and, together with the rest of related works, are expected to pave the way for the development of suitable countermeasures against external attacks.
Important Sensory, Association, and Postprandial Perception Attributes Influencing Young Taiwanese Consumers’ Acceptance for Taiwanese Specialty Teas
Authors: Liou Bo-Kang , Jaw Yih-Mon , Chuang George Chao-Chi , Yau Newton N. J. , Zhuang Zhen-Yu , Wang Li-Fei
Published: January 2020

For hundreds of years, Taiwan has been famous for its various specialty teas. The sensory features of these teas have been well specialized and standardized through sensory evaluations performed by tea experts in yearly competitions throughout history. However, the question arises of whether young Taiwanese consumers, whose dietary behaviors have become Westernized, agree with the conventional sensory standards and association/postprandial concepts in the traditional tea market of Taiwan. To study young Taiwanese consumers’ ideas towards traditional specialty teas, this research recruited 109 respondents, younger than the age of 30, to taste seven Taiwanese specialty tea infusions of various degrees of fermentation, and their opinions were gathered by questionnaires composed of check-all-that-apply (CATA) questions and hedonic scales. Through statistical analyses, we found that several tea sensory attributes which were emphasized in experts’ descriptive sensory evaluations were not appreciated by the young Taiwanese people. Instead, tea aroma and late sweetness/palatable/smooth/refreshing mouthfeels were the most important sensory attributes contributing to their tea preference. Overall, there would generally be no problem in serving young Taiwanese consumers lightly-fermented oolong teas that generate the highest digestive and lowest heartburn postprandial perceptions.
Influence of Different Hot Air Drying Temperatures on Drying Kinetics, Shrinkage, and Colour of Persimmon Slices
Authors: Senadeera Wijitha , Adiletta Giuseppina , Önal Begüm , Di Matteo Marisa , Russo Paola
Published: January 2020

Drying characteristics of persimmon, cv. “Rojo Brillante”, slabs were experimentally determined in a hot air convective drier at drying temperatures of 45, 50, 55, 60, and 65 °C at a fixed air velocity of 2.3 m/s. It was observed that the drying temperature affected the drying time, shrinkage, and colour. Four empirical mathematical models namely, Enderson and Pabis, Page, Logarithmic, and Two term, were evaluated in order to deeply understand the drying process (moisture ratio). The Page model described the best representation of the experimental drying data at all investigated temperatures (45, 50, 55, 60, 65 °C). According to the evaluation of the shrinkage models, the Quadratic model provided the best representation of the volumetric shrinkage of persimmons as a function of moisture content. Overall, higher drying temperature (65 °C) improved the colour retention of dried persimmon slabs.
Effect of Date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Pits on the Shelf Life of Beef Burgers
Authors: Sayas-Barberá Estrella , Martín-Sánchez Ana María , Cherif Sarra , Ben-Abda Jamel , Pérez-Álvarez José Ángel
Published: January 2020

A new ingredient from date palm coproducts (pits) was obtained and tested as a preservative in burgers. Different concentrations of date pit (0%, 1.5%, 3%, and 6%) were added to beef burgers, and its effect on the safety and quality was evaluated during 10 days of storage. The incorporation of date pit was able to improve the shelf life and the cooking properties of the burgers. The date pit stabilized the color, lipid oxidation, and microbial growth of the burgers during the storage time due to the antioxidant activity and the phytochemical content of the date pits. For the consumer panel, the color and the off-odors were improved, and the addition of 1.5% and 3% date pit in cooked burgers obtained similar scores. Based on the obtained results, the new ingredient from date pit may have potential preservative properties for enhancing stability during shelf life and could improve the composition of bioactive compounds (fiber and phenolic content) of beef burgers.
Utilization of Grape Seed Extract as a Natural Antioxidant in the Technology of Meat Products Inoculated with a Probiotic Strain of LAB
Authors: Libera Justyna , Latoch Agnieszka , Wójciak Karolina Maria
Published: January 2020

Grape seeds have been evaluated for use as food ingredients with stabilizing effects in meat technology. A pork neck, inoculated with probiotic monoculture (Lactobacillus rhamnosus LOCK900), was used as the matrix. The study compared the antioxidant potential of grape seed extract to sodium ascorbate. Three experimental variants of the products were prepared: With grape seed extract, with sodium ascorbate, and without additives. The meat ripened for two months, and during this period of time biophysicochemical analyses (product color, pH, number of lactic acid bacteria, content of free fatty acids, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) were carried out. It was found that the extract inhibited lipid hydrolysis occurring in the neck (1% of oleic acid) and limited oxidative processes (0.46 mg MDA kg−1), with efficacy similar to that of sodium ascorbate (0.9% of oleic acid and 0.53 mg MDA kg−1, respectively). No limitation of the desired lactic acid bacteria growth (approximately 7 log cfu g−1) was noticed in the meat samples with the extract. The results are optimistic because they indicate that not only is it possible to produce fermented pork neck inoculated with probiotic, but there are also no obstacles to utilizing grape seed extract as a natural antioxidant in this technology.
Evidence of the Possible Interaction between Ultrasound and Thiol Precursors
Authors: Roman Tomas , Tonidandel Loris , Nicolini Giorgio , Bellantuono Elisabetta , Barp Laura , Larcher Roberto , Celotti Emilio
Published: January 2020

The effect of ultrasound (20 kHz, 153 μm) on the prefermentation extraction mechanisms in Sauvignon Blanc grapes was studied, focusing on 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol (3MH) and 4-mercapto-4-methyl-pentan-2-one (4MMP) precursors linked to glutathione (GSH) and cysteine (Cys). The treatment determined a positive extraction trend between the duration (untreated, 3 and 5 min) and the conductivity or the concentration of catechins and total phenols, significantly differentiated after 5 min. Nevertheless, the concentration of the thiol precursors in grape juice not only remained undifferentiated, but that of 3-S-glutathionyl mercaptohexan-1-ol showed a negative trend with the treatment time applied (168 ± 43, 156 ± 36, and 149 ± 32 μg/L, respectively, for control, 3 and 5 min). The divergence on the effect between families of compounds suggests an interaction between the sonication treatment and thiol precursor molecules. In order to evaluate the possible degradation properly, ultrasound was applied in a model solution spiked with 3MH and 4MMP precursors, reproducing the conditions of grapes. Except for Cys-3MH, the mean concentration (n = 5) for the rest of the precursors was significantly lower in treated samples, predominantly in those linked to glutathione (~−22% and ~18% for GSH-3MH and GSH-4MMP) rather than to cysteine (~−6%~−8% for Cys-3MH and Cys-4MMP). The degradation of precursors was associated with a significant increase of 3MH and 4MMP. The formation of volatile thiols following sonication is interesting from a technological point of view, as they are key aroma compounds of wine and potentially exploitable in the wine industry through specific vinification protocols.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Foods in 2019
Authors:   Foods Editorial Office
Published: January 2020

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time and expertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months, regardless of whether the papers are finally published or not [...]
Gloria Anzaldúa’s Mexican Genealogy: From Pelados and Pachucos to New Mestizas
Authors: Alessandri Mariana , Stehn Alexander
Published: January 2020

This essay examines Gloria Anzaldúa’s critical appropriation of two Mexican philosophers in the writing of Borderlands/La Frontera: Samuel Ramos and Octavio Paz. We argue that although neither of these authors is cited in her seminal work, Anzaldúa had them both in mind through the writing process and that their ideas are present in the text itself. Through a genealogical reading of Borderlands/La Frontera, and aided by archival research, we demonstrate how Anzaldúa’s philosophical vision of the “new mestiza” is a critical continuation of the broader tradition known as la filosofía de lo mexicano, which flourished during a golden age of Mexican philosophy (1910–1960). Our aim is to open new directions in Latinx and Latin American philosophy by presenting Anzaldúa’s Borderlands/La Frontera as a profound scholarly encounter with two classic works of Mexican philosophy, Ramos’ Profile of Man and Culture in Mexico and Paz’s The Labyrinth of Solitude.
Volcanic Fluxes Over the Last Millennium as Recorded in the Gv7 Ice Core (Northern Victoria Land, Antarctica)
Authors: Nardin Raffaello , Amore Alessandra , Becagli Silvia , Caiazzo Laura , Frezzotti Massimo , Severi Mirko , Stenni Barbara , Traversi Rita
Published: January 2020

Major explosive volcanic eruptions may significantly alter the global atmosphere for about 2–3 years. During that period, volcanic products (mainly H2SO4) with high residence time, stored in the stratosphere or, for shorter times, in the troposphere are gradually deposited onto polar ice caps. Antarctic snow may thus record acidic signals providing a history of past volcanic events. The high resolution sulphate concentration profile along a 197 m long ice core drilled at GV7 (Northern Victoria land) was obtained by Ion Chromatography on around 3500 discrete samples. The relatively high accumulation rate (241 ± 13 mm we yr −1) and the 5-cm sampling resolution allowed a preliminary counted age scale. The obtained stratigraphy covers roughly the last millennium and 24 major volcanic eruptions were identified, dated, and tentatively ascribed to a source volcano. The deposition flux of volcanic sulphate was calculated for each signature and the results were compared with data from other Antarctic ice cores at regional and continental scale. Our results show that the regional variability is of the same order of magnitude as the continental one.
Ichnofossils, Cracks or Crystals? A Test for Biogenicity of Stick-Like Structures from Vera Rubin Ridge, Mars
Authors: Baucon Andrea , Neto De Carvalho Carlos , Felletti Fabrizio , Cabella Roberto
Published: January 2020

New images from Mars rover Curiosity display millimetric, elongate stick- like structures in the fluvio-lacustrine deposits of Vera Rubin Ridge, the depositional environment of which has been previously acknowledged as habitable. Morphology, size and topology of the structures are yet incompletely known and their biogenicity remains untested. Here we provide the first quantitative description of the Vera Rubin Ridge structures, showing that ichnofossils, i.e., the product of life-substrate interactions, are among their closest morphological analogues. Crystal growth and sedimentary cracking are plausible non-biological genetic processes for the structures, although crystals, desiccation and syneresis cracks do not typically present all the morphological and topological features of the Vera Rubin Ridge structures. Morphological analogy does not necessarily imply biogenicity but, given that none of the available observations falsifies the ichnofossil hypothesis, Vera Rubin Ridge and its sedimentary features are here recognized as a privileged target for astrobiological research.