bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Study on the Influence Mechanism of Crosswind on Frozen Phenomena in a Direct Air-Cooled System
Authors: Yuan Wei , Sun Fengzhong , Zhao Yuanbin , Chen Xuehong , Li Ying , Lyu Xiaolei
Published: July 2020

The frozen phenomenon is unfavorable for the direct air-cooled condensers (DACCs) in a very cold area. The effect of crosswind on frozen phenomena in DACCs at the representative 2 × 350 MW thermal power units was investigated numerically. Results showed that when the crosswind velocity was 4 m·s−1, the number of frozen air-cooled units reached a maximum of six. The increase of vortex range in the air-cooled unit was one of the important reasons to restrain the formation of frozen phenomena at a crosswind velocity from 4 m·s−1 to 12 m·s−1. The frozen phenomena in the DACC disappeared when the crosswind velocity was 12 m·s−1. As the crosswind velocity continued to increase to 28 m·s−1, the frozen region mainly appeared at the position of column 1 row 4, where the airflow rate was the maximum and the inlet air temperature was the minimum among all air-cooled units. This phenomenon occurred because there existed a relatively high-pressure zone near the inlet of each frozen air-cooled unit. In addition, although the frozen area increased from one-third of the air-cooled unit surface to half with the crosswind velocity from 20 m·s−1 to 28 m·s−1, the flow characteristics and the size of vortices in the air-cooled unit were similar in the above two crosswind conditions. Therefore, the key influencing factor became the airflow rate and the inlet air temperature of the air-cooled units under strong crosswind conditions. This study has important guiding significance for the antifreezing design and operation of DACCs.
Pestalotiopsis pini sp. nov., an Emerging Pathogen on Stone Pine (Pinus pinea L.)
Authors: Silva Ana Cristina , Diogo Eugénio , Henriques Joana , Ramos Ana Paula , Sandoval-Denis Marcelo , Crous Pedro W. , Bragança Helena
Published: July 2020

Research Highlights: Pestalotiopsis pini sp. nov. is an emerging pathogen on stone pine, Pinus pinea L., in Portugal. Background and Objectives: Stone pine is one of the most important forest tree species in Portugal and in the whole Mediterranean basin. Pestalotiopsis species are common endophytes, saprobes or pathogens in a variety of hosts and environments. The objective of the present study was to identify the Pestalotiopsis species associated with the symptomatic stone pine trees. Materials and Methods: Samples of stone pine trees showing shoot blight and stem necrosis were obtained from stone pine orchards and urban areas in Portugal, and the isolated Pestalotiopsis species were identified based on morphology and combined ITS, TEF and TUB DNA sequence data. Artificial inoculations on one-year-old stone pine seedlings were performed with the two species most frequently found in association with shoot blight disease. Results: Five Pestalotiopsis spp. were isolated. A taxonomic novelty, Pestalotiopsis pini is described, representing a new pathogen for stone pine. Conclusions: Pestalotiopsis species may represent a threat to the health of pine forests in the Mediterranean basin. Future research should be done in order to increase our knowledge about the potential impact of pestalotioid species in stone pine, in order to develop management strategies against these pathogens.
Improving Transaction Speed and Scalability of Blockchain Systems via Parallel Proof of Work
Authors: Shahriar Hazari Shihab , Mahmoud Qusay H.
Published: July 2020

A blockchain is a distributed ledger forming a distributed consensus on a history of transactions, and is the underlying technology for the Bitcoin cryptocurrency. Its applications are far beyond the financial sector. The transaction verification process for cryptocurrencies is much slower than traditional digital transaction systems. One approach to scalability or the speed at which transactions are processed is to design a solution that offers faster Proof of Work. In this paper, we propose a method for accelerating the process of Proof of Work based on parallel mining rather than solo mining. The goal is to ensure that no more than two or more miners put the same effort into solving a specific block. The proposed method includes a process for selection of a manager, distribution of work and a reward system. This method has been implemented in a test environment that contains all the characteristics needed to perform Proof of Work for Bitcoin and has been tested, using a variety of case scenarios, by varying the difficulty level and number of validators. Experimental evaluations were performed locally and in a cloud environment, and experimental results demonstrate the feasibility the proposed method.
Data Lake Governance: Towards a Systemic and Natural Ecosystem Analogy
Authors: Derakhshannia Marzieh , Gervet Carmen , Hajj-Hassan Hicham , Laurent Anne , Martin Arnaud
Published: July 2020

The realm of big data has brought new venues for knowledge acquisition, but also major challenges including data interoperability and effective management. The great volume of miscellaneous data renders the generation of new knowledge a complex data analysis process. Presently, big data technologies provide multiple solutions and tools towards the semantic analysis of heterogeneous data, including their accessibility and reusability. However, in addition to learning from data, we are faced with the issue of data storage and management in a cost-effective and reliable manner. This is the core topic of this paper. A data lake, inspired by the natural lake, is a centralized data repository that stores all kinds of data in any format and structure. This allows any type of data to be ingested into the data lake without any restriction or normalization. This could lead to a critical problem known as data swamp, which can contain invalid or incoherent data that adds no values for further knowledge acquisition. To deal with the potential avalanche of data, some legislation is required to turn such heterogeneous datasets into manageable data. In this article, we address this problem and propose some solutions concerning innovative methods, derived from a multidisciplinary science perspective to manage data lake. The proposed methods imitate the supply chain management and natural lake principles with an emphasis on the importance of the data life cycle, to implement responsible data governance for the data lake.
Fermentation of Foods and Beverages as a Tool for Increasing Availability of Bioactive Compounds. Focus on Short-Chain Fatty Acids
Authors: Annunziata Giuseppe , Arnone Angela , Ciampaglia Roberto , Tenore Gian Carlo , Novellino Ettore
Published: July 2020

Emerging evidence suggests that fermentation, historically used for the preservation of perishable foods, may be considered as a useful tool for increasing the nutritional value of fermented products, in terms of increases in bioactive compound content, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as bacteria end-products, whose beneficial effects on human health are well-established. The purpose of the present manuscript is to summarize studies in this field, providing evidence about this novel potential of fermentation. A limited number of studies directly investigated the increased SCFA levels in fermented foods. All studies, however, agree in confirming that levels of SCFAs in fermented products are higher than in unfermented products, recognizing the key role played by the microorganisms in metabolizing food matrices, producing and releasing bioactive substances. According to the available literature, fermentation might be taken into account by the food industry as a natural strategy with no environmental impacts to produce functional foods and beverages with a higher nutritional value and health-promoting compounds.
Influence of the Dose and Length of Wheat Fiber on the Quality of Model Sterilized Canned Meat Products
Authors: Słowiński Mirosław , Miazek Joanna , Chmiel Marta
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of model homogenized sterilized canned meat products produced with wheat fiber preparations (WF 200 R or WF 600 R) with different fiber lengths used in the amount of 3% or 6% by weight of the batter. Basic chemical composition (water, protein, fat, collagen and salt content), pH level, water activity, thermal drip, CIEL*a*b* color components, texture parameters (TPA, shear force) and sensory quality were determined. The addition of 3% or 6% of wheat fiber preparations did not affect the basic chemical composition, water activity and pH of products. The 6% addition of both fiber preparations caused lightening of the color of the meat blocks. Products with the addition of both wheat fiber preparations were characterized by significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher hardness than the control product. Sensory quality of products, except tastiness, with the addition of wheat fiber preparations did not differ from the control product. There was no significant effect of wheat fiber length on the quality of meat blocks. Both lightening the color of canned meat blocks produced with the addition of wheat fiber preparation, as well as increasing their hardness, is desirable and contributes to increasing the quality of products.
The Effect of Compositional Changes Due to Seasonal Variation on Milk Density and the Determination of Season-Based Density Conversion Factors for Use in the Dairy Industry
Authors: Parmar Puneet , Lopez-Villalobos Nicolas , Tobin John T. , Murphy Eoin , McDonagh Arleen , Crowley Shane V. , Kelly Alan L. , Shalloo Laurence
Published: July 2020

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of seasonal variation on milk composition and establish an algorithm to predict density based on milk composition to enable the calculation of season-based density conversion calculations. A total of 1035 raw whole milk samples were collected from morning and evening milking of 60 spring-calving individual cows of different genetic groups, namely Jersey, Elite HF (Holstein–Friesian) and National Average HF, once every two weeks for a period of 9 months (March–November, 2018). The average mean and standard deviation for milk compositional traits were 4.72 ± 1.30% fat, 3.85 ± 0.61% protein and 4.69 ± 0.30% lactose and density was estimated at 1.0308 ± 0.002 g/cm3. The density of the milk samples was evaluated using three methods: a portable density meter, DMA 35; a standard desktop version, DMA 4500M; and an Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC) method using 100-mL glass pycnometers. Statistical analysis using a linear mixed model showed a significant difference in density of milk samples (p < 0.05) across seasonal and compositional variations adjusted for the effects of days in milk, parity, the feeding treatment, the genetic group and the measurement technique. The mean density values and standard error of mean estimated for milk samples in each season, i.e., spring, summer and autumn were 1.0304 ± 0.00008 g/cm3, 1.0314 ± 0.00005 g/cm3 and 1.0309 ± 0.00007 g/cm3, respectively.
Machine Learning-Based Error Modeling to Improve GPM IMERG Precipitation Product over the Brahmaputra River Basin
Authors: Bhuiyan Md Abul Ehsan , Yang Feifei , Biswas Nishan Kumar , Rahat Saiful Haque , Neelam Tahneen Jahan
Published: July 2020

The Integrated Multisatellite Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) (IMERG) Level 3 estimates rainfall from passive microwave sensors onboard satellites that are associated with several uncertainty sources such as sensor calibration, retrieval errors, and orographic effects. This study aims to provide a comprehensive investigation of multiple machine learning (ML) techniques (Random Forest, and Neural Networks), to stochastically generate an error-corrected improved IMERG precipitation product at a daily time scale and 0.1°-degree spatial resolution over the Brahmaputra river basin. In this study, we used the operational IMERG-Late Run version 06 product along with several meteorological and land surface parameters (elevation, soil type, land type, soil moisture, and daily maximum and minimum temperature) to produce an improved precipitation product in the Brahmaputra basin. We trained, tested, and optimized ML algorithms using 4 years (from 2015 through 2019) of reference rainfall data derived from the rain gauge. The ML generated precipitation product exhibited improved systematic and random error statistics for the study area, which is a strong indication for using the proposed algorithms in retrieving precipitation across the globe. We conclude that the proposed ML-based ensemble framework has the potential to quantify and correct the error sources for improving and promoting the use of satellite-based precipitation estimates for water resources applications.
Patterns of Sex Chromosome Differentiation in Spiders: Insights from Comparative Genomic Hybridisation
Authors: Sember Alexandr , Pappová Michaela , Forman Martin , Nguyen Petr , Marec František , Dalíková Martina , Divišová Klára , Doležálková-Kaštánková Marie , Zrzavá Magda , Sadílek David , Hrubá Barbora , Král Jiří
Published: July 2020

Spiders are an intriguing model to analyse sex chromosome evolution because of their peculiar multiple X chromosome systems. Y chromosomes were considered rare in this group, arising after neo-sex chromosome formation by X chromosome-autosome rearrangements. However, recent findings suggest that Y chromosomes are more common in spiders than previously thought. Besides neo-sex chromosomes, they are also involved in the ancient X1X2Y system of haplogyne spiders, whose origin is unknown. Furthermore, spiders seem to exhibit obligatorily one or two pairs of cryptic homomorphic XY chromosomes (further cryptic sex chromosome pairs, CSCPs), which could represent the ancestral spider sex chromosomes. Here, we analyse the molecular differentiation of particular types of spider Y chromosomes in a representative set of ten species by comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH). We found a high Y chromosome differentiation in haplogyne species with X1X2Y system except for Loxosceles spp. CSCP chromosomes exhibited generally low differentiation. Possible mechanisms and factors behind the observed patterns are discussed. The presence of autosomal regions marked predominantly or exclusively with the male or female probe was also recorded. We attribute this pattern to intraspecific variability in the copy number and distribution of certain repetitive DNAs in spider genomes, pointing thus to the limits of CGH in this arachnid group. In addition, we confirmed nonrandom association of chromosomes belonging to particular CSCPs at spermatogonial mitosis and spermatocyte meiosis and their association with multiple Xs throughout meiosis. Taken together, our data suggest diverse evolutionary pathways of molecular differentiation in different types of spider Y chromosomes.
The Biochemistry of Cytoplasmic Incompatibility Caused by Endosymbiotic Bacteria
Authors: Chen Hongli , Zhang Mengwen , Hochstrasser Mark
Published: July 2020

Many species of arthropods carry maternally inherited bacterial endosymbionts that can influence host sexual reproduction to benefit the bacterium. The most well-known of such reproductive parasites is Wolbachia pipientis. Wolbachia are obligate intracellular α-proteobacteria found in nearly half of all arthropod species. This success has been attributed in part to their ability to manipulate host reproduction to favor infected females. Cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), a phenomenon wherein Wolbachia infection renders males sterile when they mate with uninfected females, but not infected females (the rescue mating), appears to be the most common. CI provides a reproductive advantage to infected females in the presence of a threshold level of infected males. The molecular mechanisms of CI and other reproductive manipulations, such as male killing, parthenogenesis, and feminization, have remained mysterious for many decades. It had been proposed by Werren more than two decades ago that CI is caused by a Wolbachia-mediated sperm modification and that rescue is achieved by a Wolbachia-encoded rescue factor in the infected egg. In the past few years, new research has highlighted a set of syntenic Wolbachia gene pairs encoding CI-inducing factors (Cifs) as the key players for the induction of CI and its rescue. Within each Cif pair, the protein encoded by the upstream gene is denoted A and the downstream gene B. To date, two types of Cifs have been characterized based on the enzymatic activity identified in the B protein of each protein pair; one type encodes a deubiquitylase (thus named CI-inducing deubiquitylase or cid), and a second type encodes a nuclease (named CI-inducing nuclease or cin). The CidA and CinA proteins bind tightly and specifically to their respective CidB and CinB partners. In transgenic Drosophila melanogaster, the expression of either the Cid or Cin protein pair in the male germline induces CI and the expression of the cognate A protein in females is sufficient for rescue. With the identity of the Wolbachia CI induction and rescue factors now known, research in the field has turned to directed studies on the molecular mechanisms of CI, which we review here.
Tackling the Molecular Drug Sensitivity in the Sea Louse Caligus rogercresseyi Based on mRNA and lncRNA Interactions
Authors: Núñez-Acuña Gustavo , Sáez-Vera Constanza , Valenzuela-Muñoz Valentina , Valenzuela-Miranda Diego , Arriagada Gabriel , Gallardo-Escárate Cristian
Published: July 2020

Caligus rogercresseyi, commonly known as sea louse, is an ectoparasite copepod that impacts the salmon aquaculture in Chile, causing losses of hundreds of million dollars per year. This pathogen is mainly controlled by immersion baths with delousing drugs, which can lead to resistant traits selection in lice populations. Bioassays are commonly used to assess louse drug sensitivity, but the current procedures may mask relevant molecular responses. This study aimed to discover novel coding genes and non-coding RNAs that could evidence drug sensitivity at the genomic level. Sea lice samples from populations with contrasting sensitivity to delousing drugs were collected. Bioassays using azamethiphos, cypermethrin, and deltamethrin drugs were conducted to evaluate the sensitivity and to collect samples for RNA-sequencing. Transcriptome sequencing was conducted on samples exposed to each drug to evaluate the presence of coding and non-coding RNAs associated with the response of these compounds. The results revealed specific transcriptome patterns in lice exposed to azamethiphos, deltamethrin, and cypermethrin drugs. Enrichment analyses of Gene Ontology terms showed specific biological processes and molecular functions associated with each delousing drug analyzed. Furthermore, novel long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were identified in C. rogercresseyi and tightly linked to differentially expressed coding genes. A significant correlation between gene transcription patterns and phenotypic effects was found in lice collected from different salmon farms with contrasting drug treatment efficacies. The significant correlation among gene transcription patterns with the historical background of drug sensitivity suggests novel molecular mechanisms of pharmacological resistance in lice populations.
How Can Technical Aspects Help Improving K-Ar Isotopic Data of Illite-Rich Clay Materials into Meaningful Ages? The Case of the Dominique Peter Uranium Deposit (Saskatchewan, Canada)
Authors: Clauer Norbert
Published: July 2020

Previously published K-Ar dating results of <2 μm illite separates from uranium-hosting and associated barren rocks from Dominique Peter district of the Carswell circular structure in the Athabasca Basin (Canada) were considered to trace four distinct tectonic-thermal events at 1447 ± 45, 1282 ± 40 and 1184 ± 15 (all errors at ± 2 Ma, with a younger, less constrained episode at ~900 Ma. Recent analyses of K-Ar ages of additional <0.2 μm illite fractions from a few initial samples demonstrate that the intermediate ages at ~1280 and ~1185 Ma result, in fact, from mixing of two generations of illite that precipitated at ~1450 and ~900 Ma. They have, therefore, no stratigraphic value, while the two tectonic-thermal episodes at 1448 ± 48 and 937 ± 39 Ma appear to be historically sound. In fact, the analytical procedure of isotopic dating clay materials is of more importance than is often stated. For instance, a safe way to evaluate and constrain best numerical isotopic data of clay separates into ages is combining data of two size splits from several samples. If such age data, especially from size fractions of indurated host rocks, are scattered and point towards the higher data of the coarser fractions, they are potentially enriched in earlier crystallized K-rich components, and should consequently be discarded. The occurrence of detrital or early-crystallized components in clay-rich separates becomes a serious concern when comparing ages generated by various isotopic methods on mineral separates of various whole rocks. It is especially verified in very old, metal-rich deposits such as the uranium-rich deposits of the Saskatchewan Basin. These deposits and their host rocks were studied extensively by a large spectrum of isotopic methods on many types of rocks in a widely dispersed area, and for which the numerical statistics became, sometimes, more central in the interpretation than the specificity of the successive events in the host rocks.
Knowledge and Attitude of Dental Practitioners Related to Disinfection during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sarfaraz Shaur , Shabbir Juzer , Mudasser Muhammad Adeel , Khurshid Zohaib , Al-Quraini Ahmed Adel A. , Abbasi Maria Shakoor , Ratnayake Jithendra , Zafar Muhammad Sohail
Published: July 2020

The world is currently facing a pandemic crisis due to a novel coronavirus. For this purpose, acquiring updated knowledge regarding prevention and disinfection during the current pandemic is necessary for every dental practitioner. In our study, we aimed to evaluate globally the level of knowledge and the attitude of dental practitioners related to disinfection. A total of 385 participants out of 401 participants from 23 different countries across the world were included in the final analysis after the exclusion of incomplete responses. The majority of the dentists who responded were females (53.8%) and were practicing at private health institutes (36.4%). The mean knowledge score of the participants was estimated to be 4.19 ± 1.88 out of 12, reflecting insufficient knowledge, and the mean attitude score of the participants was estimated to be 12.24 ± 3.23 out of 15, which shows a positive attitude toward disinfection practices during coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Thus, the current study indicated a lack of knowledge in fundamental aspects of disinfection protocols with a significant and positive attitude from dental health professionals toward disinfection regarding the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Spatial Analysis of Asymmetry in the Development of Tourism Infrastructure in the Borderlands: The Case of the Bystrzyckie and Orlickie Mountains
Authors: Jędruch Michalina , Furmankiewicz Marek , Kaczmarek Iwona
Published: July 2020

This paper discusses the issue of analyzing the development of cross-border tourism infrastructure in the borderlands of countries with diversified administrative divisions and spatial databases, which hinders the use of national statistical units for comparative research. As an example, the ability to use the square grid and kernel density estimation methods for the analysis and spatial visualization of the level of tourism infrastructure development is studied for the Orlickie and Bystrzyckie Mountains, located in the Polish–Czech border area. To synthetically assess and compare the level of diversity, the methodology used in the Human Development Index was adapted using selected component indicators calculated for a square grid clipped to the boundaries of the area under study. This analysis enabled us to quantify the asymmetry in the development of tourism infrastructure in the borderlands via the calculation of the synthetic infrastructure development index. This index is 1.29 times higher in the Czech than in the Polish border area. However, the spatial concentration analysis of infrastructure shows that the diversity in the study area can be assessed as higher than the results using the average density indicators. This paper also discusses the benefits and problems associated with using the square grid method for the representation and analysis of heterogeneous data on tourism infrastructure in two neighboring national states.
Increased Oxidative Phosphorylation Is Required for Stemness Maintenance in Liver Cancer Stem Cells from Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line HCCLM3 Cells
Authors: Liu Ge , Luo Qing , Li Hong , Liu Qiuping , Ju Yang , Song Guanbin
Published: July 2020

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered to be the main cause of tumor recurrence, metastasis, and an unfavorable prognosis. Energy metabolism is closely associated with cell stemness. However, how the stemness of liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) is regulated by metabolic/oxidative stress remains poorly understood. In this study, we compare the metabolic differences between LCSCs and the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HCCLM3, and explore the relationship between metabolism and LCSC stemness. We found that LCSCs from the hepatocellular carcinoma cell HCCLM3 exhibited more robust glucose metabolism than HCCLM3, including glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and pyruvate produced by glycolysis entering mitochondria for OXPHOS. Moreover, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) enhanced the LCSC stemness by upregulating OXPHOS. In contrast, Mdivi-1 reduced the levels of OXPHOS and weakened the stemness by inhibiting mitochondrial fission. Together, our findings clarify the relationship between energy metabolism and LCSC stemness and may provide theoretical guidance and potential therapeutic approaches for liver cancer.
Exploiting the Complexities of Glioblastoma Stem Cells: Insights for Cancer Initiation and Therapeutic Targeting
Authors: Vieira de Castro Joana , Gonçalves Céline S. , Hormigo Adília , Costa Bruno M.
Published: July 2020

The discovery of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) in the 2000s revolutionized the cancer research field, raising new questions regarding the putative cell(s) of origin of this tumor type, and partly explaining the highly heterogeneous nature of glioblastoma (GBM). Increasing evidence has suggested that GSCs play critical roles in tumor initiation, progression, and resistance to conventional therapies. The remarkable oncogenic features of GSCs have generated significant interest in better defining and characterizing these cells and determining novel pathways driving GBM that could constitute attractive key therapeutic targets. While exciting breakthroughs have been achieved in the field, the characterization of GSCs is a challenge and the cell of origin of GBM remains controversial. For example, the use of several cell-surface molecular markers to identify and isolate GSCs has been a challenge. It is now widely accepted that none of these markers is, per se, sufficiently robust to distinguish GSCs from normal stem cells. Finding new strategies that are able to more efficiently and specifically target these niches could also prove invaluable against this devastating and therapy-insensitive tumor. In this review paper, we summarize the most relevant findings and discuss emerging concepts and open questions in the field of GSCs, some of which are, to some extent, pertinent to other cancer stem cells.
Shade Effects on Peanut Yield Associate with Physiological and Expressional Regulation on Photosynthesis and Sucrose Metabolism
Authors: Chen Tingting , Zhang Huajian , Zeng Ruier , Wang Xinyue , Huang Luping , Wang Leidi , Wang Xuewen , Zhang Lei
Published: July 2020

Intercropping improves land utilization with more crops grown together; however, shorter crops in intercropping experience stress, being shaded by the taller crops. Systematic changes in phenotype, physiology, yield, and gene regulation under shade stress in peanut are largely unknown, although shade responses have been well analyzed in model plants. We exposed peanut plants to simulated 40% and 80% shade for 15 and 30 days at the seedling stage, flowering stage, and both stages. Shade caused the increased elongation growth of the main stem, internode, and leaf, and elongation was positively associated with auxin levels. Shade stress reduced peanut yield. Further comparative RNA-seq analyses revealed expressional changes in many metabolism pathways and common core sets of expressional regulations in all shade treatments. Expressional downregulation of most genes for light-harvesting and photosynthesis agreed with the observed decreased parameters of photosynthesis processes. Other major regulations included expressional downregulation of most core genes in the sucrose and starch metabolism, and growth-promoting genes in plant hormone signal pathways. Together, the results advance our understanding of physiological and molecular regulation in shade avoidance in peanut, which could guide the breeding designing in the intercropping system.
Phospholipid Signaling Is a Component of the Salicylic Acid Response in Plant Cell Suspension Cultures
Authors: Rodas-Junco Beatriz A. , Nic-Can Geovanny I. , Muñoz-Sánchez Armando , Hernández-Sotomayor S. M. Teresa
Published: July 2020

Salicylic acid (SA) is an important signaling molecule involved in plant defense. While many proteins play essential roles in SA signaling, increasing evidence shows that responses to SA appear to involve and require lipid signals. The phospholipid-generated signal transduction involves a family of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis or phosphorylation of phospholipids in membranes to generate signaling molecules, which are important in the plant cellular response. In this review, we focus first, the role of SA as a mitigator in biotic/abiotic stress. Later, we describe the experimental evidence supporting the phospholipid–SA connection in plant cells, emphasizing the roles of the secondary lipid messengers (phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and phosphatidic acid (PA)) and related enzymes (phospholipase D (PLD) and phospholipase C (PLC)). By placing these recent finding in context of phospholipids and SA in plant cells, we highlight the role of phospholipids as modulators in the early steps of SA triggered transduction in plant cells.
The Functional Roles and Applications of Immunoglobulins in Neurodegenerative Disease
Authors: Sim Kyu-Young , Im Kyeong Chan , Park Sung-Gyoo
Published: July 2020

Natural autoantibodies, immunoglobulins (Igs) that target self-proteins, are common in the plasma of healthy individuals; some of the autoantibodies play pathogenic roles in systemic or tissue-specific autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Recently, the field of autoantibody-associated diseases has expanded to encompass neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), with related studies examining the functions of Igs in the central nervous system (CNS). Recent evidence suggests that Igs have various effects in the CNS; these effects are associated with the prevention of neurodegeneration, as well as induction. Here, we summarize the functional roles of Igs with respect to neurodegenerative disease (AD and PD), focusing on the target antigens and effector cell types. In addition, we review the current knowledge about the roles of these antibodies as diagnostic markers and immunotherapies.
Subcellular Localization Relevance and Cancer-Associated Mechanisms of Diacylglycerol Kinases
Authors: Fazio Antonietta , Owusu Obeng Eric , Rusciano Isabella , Marvi Maria Vittoria , Zoli Matteo , Mongiorgi Sara , Ramazzotti Giulia , Follo Matilde Yung , McCubrey James A. , Cocco Lucio , Manzoli Lucia , Ratti Stefano
Published: July 2020

An increasing number of reports suggests a significant involvement of the phosphoinositide (PI) cycle in cancer development and progression. Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) are very active in the PI cycle. They are a family of ten members that convert diacylglycerol (DAG) into phosphatidic acid (PA), two-second messengers with versatile cellular functions. Notably, some DGK isoforms, such as DGKα, have been reported to possess promising therapeutic potential in cancer therapy. However, further studies are needed in order to better comprehend their involvement in cancer. In this review, we highlight that DGKs are an essential component of the PI cycle that localize within several subcellular compartments, including the nucleus and plasma membrane, together with their PI substrates and that they are involved in mediating major cancer cell mechanisms such as growth and metastasis. DGKs control cancer cell survival, proliferation, and angiogenesis by regulating Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways. In addition, some DGKs control cancer cell migration by regulating the activities of the Rho GTPases Rac1 and RhoA.
Non-Thermal Plasma Couples Oxidative Stress to TRAIL Sensitization through DR5 Upregulation
Authors: Hwang Soon Young , Nguyen Ngoc Hoan , Kim Tae Jung , Lee Youngsoo , Kang Mi Ae , Lee Jong-Soo
Published: July 2020

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis in various tumor cells without affecting most normal cells. Despite being in clinical testing, novel strategies to induce TRAIL-mediated apoptosis are in need to overcome cancer cell unresponsiveness and resistance. Plasma-activated medium (PAM) markedly stimulates reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS)-dependent apoptosis in cancer cells. We investigate the capability of PAM and TRAIL (PAM/TRAIL) combination therapy to overcome TRAIL resistance and improve the anticancer efficacy of TRAIL. The combinatorial treatment of PAM and TRAIL shows synergistic effects on growth inhibition in TRAIL-resistant cancer cells via augmented apoptosis by two attributes. DR5 (TRAIL-R2) transcription by CHOP is upregulated in a PAM-generated ROS/RNS-dependent manner, and PAM itself upregulates PTEN expression mediated by suppression of miR-425 which is involved in Akt inactivation, leading to increased apoptosis induction. Treatment of cancer cell lines with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine reduces the extent of membrane dysfunction and the expression of both CHOP-DR5 and miR-425-PTEN axes, attenuating PAM/TRAIL-induced cancer cell apoptosis. These data suggest that PAM/TRAIL treatment is a novel approach to sensitizing cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis and overcoming TRAIL resistance. PAM is a promising candidate for further investigations as a chemotherapeutic sensitizer in the treatment of cancer.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Neuromyelitis Optica-Spectrum Disorders (NMO-SD): State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives
Authors: Ceglie Giulia , Papetti Laura , Valeriani Massimiliano , Merli Pietro
Published: July 2020

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are a group of autoimmune inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). Understanding of the molecular basis of these diseases in the last decades has led to an important improvement in the treatment of this disease, in particular, to the use of immunotherapeutic approaches, such as monoclonal antibodies and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT). The aim of this review is to summarize the pathogenesis, biological basis and new treatment options of these disorders, with a particular focus on HSCT applications. Different HSCT strategies are being explored in NMOSD, both autologous and allogeneic HSCT, with the new emergence of therapeutic effects such as an induction of tolerance to auto-antigens and graft versus autoimmunity effects that can be exploited to hopefully treat a disease that still has prognosis.
Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer: Current Research and Future Prospects
Authors: Ogunwobi Olorunseun O. , Mahmood Fahad , Akingboye Akinfemi
Published: July 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of death worldwide, despite progress made in detection and management through surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Novel therapeutic agents have improved survival in both the adjuvant and advanced disease settings, albeit with an increased risk of toxicity and cost. However, metastatic disease continues to have a poor long-term prognosis and significant challenges remain due to late stage diagnosis and treatment failure. Biomarkers are a key tool in early detection, prognostication, survival, and predicting treatment response. The past three decades have seen advances in genomics and molecular pathology of cancer biomarkers, allowing for greater individualization of therapy with a positive impact on survival outcomes. Clinically useful predictive biomarkers aid clinical decision making, such as the presence of KRAS gene mutations predicting benefit from epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibiting antibodies. However, few biomarkers have been translated into clinical practice highlighting the need for further investigation. We review a range of protein, DNA and RNA-based biomarkers under investigation for diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic properties for CRC. In particular, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), have been investigated as biomarkers in a range of cancers including colorectal cancer. Specifically, we evaluate the potential role of lncRNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1), an oncogene, as a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarker in colorectal cancer.
Managing News Overload (MNO): The COVID-19 Infodemic
Authors: Ahmed Sameera Tahira
Published: July 2020

A crucial area in which information overload is experienced is news consumption. Ever increasing sources and formats are becoming available through a combination of traditional and new (digital) media, including social media. In such an information and media rich environment, understanding how people access and manage news during a global health epidemic like COVID-19 becomes even more important. The designation of the current situation as an infodemic has raised concerns about the quality, accuracy and impact of information. Instances of misinformation are commonplace due, in part, to the speed and pervasive nature of social media and messaging applications in particular. This paper reports on data collected using media diaries from 15 university students in the United Arab Emirates documenting their news consumption in April 2020. Faced with a potentially infinite amount of information and news, participants demonstrate how they are managing news overload (MNO) using a number of complementary strategies. Results show that while consumption patterns vary, all diaries indicate that users’ ability to navigate the news landscape in a way that fulfils their needs is influenced by news sources; platform reliability and verification; sharing activity; and engagement with news.
Model for Collaboration among Carriers to Reduce Empty Container Truck Trips
Authors: Uddin Majbah , Huynh Nathan
Published: July 2020

In recent years, intermodal transport has become an increasingly attractive alternative to freight shippers. However, the current intermodal freight transport is not as efficient as it could be. Oftentimes an empty container needs to be transported from the empty container depot to the shipper, and conversely, an empty container needs to be transported from the receiver to the empty container depot. These empty container movements decrease the freight carrier’s profit, as well as increase traffic congestion, decrease roadway safety, and add unnecessary emissions to the environment. To this end, our study evaluates a potential collaboration strategy to be used by carriers for domestic intermodal freight transport based on an optimization approach to reduce the number of empty container trips. A binary integer-linear programming model is developed to determine each freight carrier’s optimal schedule while minimizing its operating cost. The model ensures that the cost for each carrier with collaboration is less than or equal to its cost without collaboration. It also ensures that average savings from the collaboration are shared equally among all participating carriers. Additionally, two stochastic models are provided to account for uncertainty in truck travel times. The proposed collaboration strategy is tested using empirical data and is demonstrated to be effective in meeting all of the shipment constraints.
Development on Infected Citrus over Generations Increases Vector Infection by ‘Candidatus Liberibacter Asiaticus in Diaphorina citri’
Authors: de Souza Pacheco Inaiara , Manzano Galdeano Diogo , Spotti Lopes João Roberto , Machado Marcos Antonio
Published: July 2020

‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (CLas) is a major causal agent of citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), which is transmitted by Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri, causing severe losses in various regions of the world. Vector efficiency is higher when acquisition occurs by ACP immature stages and over longer feeding periods. In this context, our goal was to evaluate the progression of CLas population and infection rate over four ACP generations that continuously developed on infected citrus plants. We showed that the frequency of CLas-positive adult samples increased from 42% in the parental generation to 100% in the fourth generation developing on CLas-infected citrus. The bacterial population in the vector also increased over generations. This information reinforces the importance of HLB management strategies, such as vector control and eradication of diseased citrus trees, to avoid the development of CLas-infected ACP generations with higher bacterial loads and, likely, a higher probability of spreading the pathogen in citrus orchards.
Infestation Pattern and Population Dynamics of the Tropical Bed Bug, Cimex hemipterus (F.) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) Based on Novel Microsatellites and mtDNA Markers
Authors: Wan Mohammad Wan Nur Fatanah , Soh Li-Shen , Wan Ismail Wan Nurainie , Veera Singham G.
Published: July 2020

The tropical bed bug, Cimex hemipterus (F.), has now emerged as an important public health pest in the tropics. Despite its alarming infestation rate, the information on its population genetics remains scarce. Here, we described the infestation structure and population dynamics of C. hemipterus in the tropics, especially Malaysia and Singapore, based on eight novel microsatellites and two mtDNA markers, including cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and 16S rRNA genes. Across populations, microsatellite data revealed high genetic diversity with significant genetic differentiation and restricted gene flow. Analysis within populations revealed evidence of a recent bottleneck. Nonetheless, elevated genetic diversity in nearly all populations suggests that the propagule in C. hemipterus populations were much diverse, distantly related (mean r = 0.373), and not significantly inbred (mean FIS = 0.24) than that observed in Cimex lectularius from previous studies. We observed seven mtDNA haplotypes across the 18 populations studied (Hd = 0.593) and several populations displayed more than one matrilineal descent. The two markers were generally congruent in suggesting a common, genetically diverse (especially at the nuclear region) source population with possibilities of multiple introductions for the bed bug populations in the present study.
XadA2 Adhesin Decreases Biofilm Formation and Transmission of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca
Authors: Bossi Esteves Mariana , Lopes Nalin Julia , Kudlawiec Karla , Caserta Salviatto Raquel , de Melo Sales Tiago , Sicard Anne , Piacentini Paes de Almeida Rodrigo , Alves de Souza Alessandra , Roberto Spotti Lopes João
Published: July 2020

Xylella fastidiosa is a vector-borne bacterium that causes diseases in many plants of economic interest. The bacterium–vector initial interactions involve bacterial membrane-bound adhesins that mediate cell attachment to the foregut of insect vectors. We investigated the role of the afimbrial adhesin XadA2 in the binding and biofilm formation of X. fastidiosa subsp. pauca to vector surfaces in vitro, as well as its potential to disrupt pathogen transmission. We showed that XadA2 has binding affinity for polysaccharides on sharpshooter hindwings, used as a proxy for the interactions between X. fastidiosa and vectors. When in a medium without carbon sources, the bacterium used wing components, likely chitin, as a source of nutrients and formed a biofilm on the wing surface. There was a significant reduction in X. fastidiosa biofilm formation and cell aggregation on vector wings in competition assays with XadA2 or its specific antibody (anti-XadA2). Finally, pathogen acquisition and transmission to plant were significantly reduced when the vectors acquired X. fastidiosa from an artificial diet supplemented with anti-XadA2. These results show that XadA2 is important in mediating bacterial colonization in the insect and that it could be used as a target for blocking X. fastidiosa transmission.
Imaging Bacteria with Radiolabelled Probes: Is It Feasible?
Authors: Signore Alberto , Artiko Vera , Conserva Martina , Ferro-Flores Guillermina , Welling Mick M. , Jain Sanjay K. , Hess Søren , Sathekge Mike
Published: July 2020

Bacterial infections are the main cause of patient morbidity and mortality worldwide. Diagnosis can be difficult and delayed as well as the identification of the etiological pathogen, necessary for a tailored antibiotic therapy. Several non-invasive diagnostic procedures are available, all with pros and cons. Molecular nuclear medicine has highly contributed in this field by proposing several different radiopharmaceuticals (antimicrobial peptides, leukocytes, cytokines, antibiotics, sugars, etc.) but none proved to be highly specific for bacteria, although many agents in development look promising. Indeed, factors including the number and strain of bacteria, the infection site, and the host condition, may affect the specificity of the tested radiopharmaceuticals. At the Third European Congress on Infection/Inflammation Imaging, a round table discussion was dedicated to debate the pros and cons of different radiopharmaceuticals for imaging bacteria with the final goal to find a consensus on the most relevant research steps that should be fulfilled when testing a new probe, based on experience and cumulative published evidence.
Influences of Sex, Education, and Country of Birth on Clinical Presentations and Overall Outcomes of Interdisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation in Chronic Pain Patients: A Cohort Study from the Swedish Quality Registry for Pain Rehabilitation (SQRP)
Authors: Gerdle Björn , Boersma Katja , Åsenlöf Pernilla , Stålnacke Britt-Marie , Larsson Britt , Ringqvist Åsa
Published: July 2020

This study investigates the effects of sex, education, and country of birth on clinical presentations and outcomes of interdisciplinary multimodal pain rehabilitation programs (IMMRPs). A multivariate improvement score (MIS) and two retrospective estimations of changes in pain and ability to handle life situations were used as the three overall outcomes of IMMRPs. The study population consisted of chronic pain patients within specialist care in the Swedish Quality Registry for Pain Rehabilitation (SQRP) between 2008 and 2016 at baseline (n = 39,916), and for the subset participating in IMMRPs (n = 14,666). A cluster analysis based on sex, education, and country of origin revealed significant differences in the following aspects: best baseline clinical situation was for European women with university educations and the worst baseline clinical situation was for all patients born outside Europe of both sexes and different educations (i.e., moderate-large effect sizes). In addition, European women with university educations also had the most favorable overall outcomes in response to IMMRPs (small effect sizes). These results raise important questions concerning fairness and equality and need to be considered when optimizing assessments and content and delivery of IMMRPs for patients with chronic pain.