bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical Characteristics and Possible Sources of Individual Mineral Particles in a Dust Storm Episode in Beijing, China
Authors: Li Jie , Shao Longyi , Chang Lingli , Xing Jiaoping , Wang Wenhua , Li Wenjun , Zhang Daizhou
Published: July 2018

Beijing frequently experiences dust storms during spring, which result in deteriorated visibility and cause negative health impacts. In this paper, the dust particles were collected during a dust storm episode on 4–5 May 2017 in Beijing, and the samples before and after the dust storm were also collected. The morphology and elemental and mineralogical compositions of the dust samples were investigated using a transmission electron microscope equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (TEM-EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The TEM-EDX results showed that the particles in the dust samples were mainly Si-rich, Ca-rich, S-rich, Fe-rich, Al-rich, Ti-rich, K-rich, Na-rich and Mg-rich particles. The XRD results demonstrated that the minerals in PM10 samples were mainly clay, calcite, quartz, dolomite, plagioclase, potassium feldspar and hematite, in descending order of their contents. The clay minerals, having the highest content, were mainly kaolinite, chlorite and illite. The mixing state and aging degree of mineral particles before, during and after the dust storm episode behaved very differently. The mineral particles collected before and after the dust storm tended to have an internal mixing state, dominated by the S-rich particles internally mixed with alkaline mineral particles, revealing a more serious ageing degree. The mineral particles collected during the dust storm did not show clear internal mixing, revealing a less serious ageing degree. The amount of the Si-rich, Al-rich, Ca-rich and Ti-rich particles was highest during the dust storm, indicating that these particles mainly originated from long-distance transportation. The S-rich, Fe-rich, K-rich, Na-rich and Mg-rich particles were mainly enriched in the samples before and after the dust storm episode, indicating that they mainly originated from local sources. A comparison of the values of S/(Si + Al) in the individual particles with the particle sizes revealed that the finer mineral particles were associated with higher S contents before and after the dust storm, while the coarse particles were associated with lower S contents during the dust storm.
Autoantibodies as Potential Biomarkers in Breast Cancer
Authors: Qiu Jingyi , Keyser Bailey , Lin Zuan-Tao , Wu Tianfu
Published: July 2018

Breast cancer is a major cause of mortality in women; however, technologies for early stage screening and diagnosis (e.g., mammography and other imaging technologies) are not optimal for the accurate detection of cancer. This creates demand for a more effective diagnostic means to replace or be complementary to existing technologies for early discovery of breast cancer. Cancer neoantigens could reflect tumorigenesis, but they are hardly detectable at the early stage. Autoantibodies, however, are biologically amplified and hence may be measurable early on, making them promising biomarkers to discriminate breast cancer from healthy tissue accurately. In this review, we summarized the recent findings of breast cancer specific antigens and autoantibodies, which may be useful in early detection, disease stratification, and monitoring of treatment responses of breast cancer.
Clinical Assessment of Dental Implant Stability During Follow-Up: What Is Actually Measured, and Perspectives
Authors: Zanetti Elisabetta M. , Pascoletti Giulia , Calì Michele , Bignardi Cristina , Franceschini Giordano
Published: July 2018

The optimization of loading protocols following dental implant insertion requires setting up patient-specific protocols, customized according to the actual implant osseointegration, measured through quantitative, objective methods. Various devices for the assessment of implant stability as an indirect measure of implant osseointegration have been developed. They are analyzed here, introducing the respective physical models, outlining major advantages and critical aspects, and reporting their clinical performance. A careful discussion of underlying hypotheses is finally reported, as is a suggestion for further development of instrumentation and signal analysis.
Conjugation of Nanomaterials and Nematic Liquid Crystals for Futuristic Applications and Biosensors
Authors: Choudhary Amit , George Thomas F. , Li Guoqiang
Published: July 2018

The established role of nematic liquid crystals (NLCs) in the recent rapid development of displays has motivated researchers to modulate the electro-optical properties of LCs. Furthermore, adding nanomaterials into NLCs has led to enhancements of the properties of NLCs, like reduced threshold of the operating voltage, variation in pretilt angle, reduced switching time, etc. These enhanced properties, due to interfacial dynamics, are enabling wider applications of NLCs and nanomaterials. The recent literature of nanomaterial-doped NLCs is rich with various kinds of nanomaterials in a variety of NLCs. The light has been focused on the most widely used and studied gold nanoparticles in NLCs. The intrinsic inherent property of easy excitation of surface plasmons polaritons (SPP) is the mediating interaction of NLC electric dipoles and the polarization of charges in the GNP surface. The concepts and methods for the application of metal nanomaterials as dopants in NLCs are discussed for future applications, especially biosensors. The biosensing application of NLCs alone has already been proven in the literature. However, it is always desirable to further enhance the detection efficiency and selectivity, which have been achieved by the conjugation of GNPs and nickel nanoparticles with NLCs and their compatibility with biological materials. This aspect of future application of nanoparticles and NLC makes the point more selective to be included in the present manuscript.
Independent Mechanisms Lead to Genomic Instability in Hodgkin Lymphoma: Microsatellite or Chromosomal Instability
Authors: Cuceu Corina , Colicchio Bruno , Jeandidier Eric , Junker Steffen , Plassa François , Shim Grace , Mika Justyna , Frenzel Monika , AL Jawhari Mustafa , Hempel William , Kabacik Sylwia , Lenain Aude , Morat Luc , Girinsky Theodore , Dieterlen Alain , Polanska Joanna , Badie Christophe , Carde Patrice , M’Kacher Radhia
Published: July 2018

Background: Microsatellite and chromosomal instability have been investigated in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Materials and Methods: We studied seven HL cell lines (five Nodular Sclerosis (NS) and two Mixed Cellularity (MC)) and patient peripheral blood lymphocytes (100 NS-HL and 23 MC-HL). Microsatellite instability (MSI) was assessed by PCR. Chromosomal instability and telomere dysfunction were investigated by FISH. DNA repair mechanisms were studied by transcriptomic and molecular approaches. Results: In the cell lines, we observed high MSI in L428 (4/5), KMH2, and HDLM2 (3/5), low MSI in L540, L591, and SUP-HD1, and none in L1236. NS-HL cell lines showed telomere shortening, associated with alterations of nuclear shape. Small cells were characterized by telomere loss and deletion, leading to chromosomal fusion, large nucleoplasmic bridges, and breakage/fusion/bridge (B/F/B) cycles, leading to chromosomal instability. The MC-HL cell lines showed substantial heterogeneity of telomere length. Intrachromosmal double strand breaks induced dicentric chromosome formation, high levels of micronucleus formation, and small nucleoplasmic bridges. B/F/B cycles induced complex chromosomal rearrangements. We observed a similar pattern in circulating lymphocytes of NS-HL and MC-HL patients. Transcriptome analysis confirmed the differences in the DNA repair pathways between the NS and MC cell lines. In addition, the NS-HL cell lines were radiosensitive and the MC-cell lines resistant to apoptosis after radiation exposure. Conclusions: In mononuclear NS-HL cells, loss of telomere integrity may present the first step in the ongoing process of chromosomal instability. Here, we identified, MSI as an additional mechanism for genomic instability in HL.
Development and Characterization of Anticorrosion and Antifriction Properties for High Performance Polyurethane/Graphene Composite Coatings
Authors: Tsai Pei-Ying , Chen Tzu-En , Lee Yueh-Lien
Published: July 2018

This work contributes to the development and characterization of the corrosion resistance and antifriction properties of high performance polyurethane (PU)/graphene (Gr) composite coating. In this study, PU composite coatings containing 0, 2, 4 and 8 wt.% of Gr were prepared and evaluated using various corrosion and mechanical tests, namely electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, salt spray tests, cross-cut tape tests and dynamic mechanical analysis. Antifriction properties of the coatings were evaluated using a tribometer with a ball-on-disc mode at room temperature. The corrosion resistance and adhesion property of the PU coatings were found to be enhanced by adding 4 and 8 wt.% of Gr. The coefficient of friction revealed that the antifriction properties of the PU/Gr composite coatings were 61% lower than those of the conventional coating when the Gr content was increased to 8 wt.%.
The Structure of Ferroselite, FeSe2, at Pressures up to 46 GPa and Temperatures down to 50 K: A Single-Crystal Micro-Diffraction Analysis
Authors: Lavina Barbara , Downs Robert T. , Sinogeikin Stanislav
Published: July 2018

We conducted an in situ crystal structure analysis of ferroselite at non-ambient conditions. The aim is to provide a solid ground to further the understanding of the properties of this material in a broad range of conditions. Ferroselite, marcasite-type FeSe2, was studied under high pressures up to 46 GPa and low temperatures, down to 50 K using single-crystal microdiffraction techniques. High pressures and low temperatures were generated using a diamond anvil cell and a cryostat respectively. We found no evidences of structural instability in the explored P-T space. The deformation of the orthorhombic lattice is slightly anisotropic. As expected, the compressibility of the Se-Se dumbbell, the longer bond in the structure, is larger than that of the Fe-Se bonds. There are two octahedral Fe-Se bonds, the short bond, with multiplicity two, is slightly more compressible than the long bond, with multiplicity four; as a consequence the octahedral tetragonal compression slightly increases under pressure. We also achieved a robust structural analysis of ferroselite at low temperature in the diamond anvil cell. Structural changes upon temperature decrease are small but qualitatively similar to those produced by pressure.
Non-Distorted Optimization Spectrum Analysis
Authors: Wu Rong-Ching , Huang Li-Ju
Published: July 2018

The discrete Fourier transform is extensively applied in spectrum analysis. However, the sampled signal is random, and the discrete Fourier transform has its own specific limitations. Thus, errors will inevitably occur in time–frequency transformation work. The most common are the leakage effects of the spectrum that are caused from the scale of the spectrum not being able to match the characteristics of the signal. The optimal spectrum is proposed to overcome this defect by adjusting the frequency scale to fit signal characteristics. This includes three stages whereby frequency scale can match signal characteristics. Firstly, the signal parameters must be found. Secondly, the frequency scale can be determined from these signal parameters. Finally, the optimal spectrum can be realized using the adjustable spectrum with the new frequency scale. After processing the optimal spectrum, the leakage effects of the signal will be decreased to a minimum. This method preserves signal characteristics in the optimization process, which reaches the ideal of non-distortion.
Electricity Sales Forecasting Using Hybrid Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average and Soft Computing Approaches in the Absence of Explanatory Variables
Authors: Shao Yuehjen E. , Tsai Yi-Shan
Published: July 2018

Electricity is important because it is the most common energy source that we consume and depend on in our everyday lives. Consequently, the forecasting of electricity sales is essential. Typical forecasting approaches often generate electricity sales forecasts based on certain explanatory variables. However, these forecasting approaches are limited by the fact that future explanatory variables are unknown. To improve forecasting accuracy, recent hybrid forecasting approaches have developed different feature selection techniques (FSTs) to obtain fewer but more significant explanatory variables. However, these significant explanatory variables will still not be available in the future, despite being screened by effective FSTs. This study proposes the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) technique to serve as the FST for hybrid forecasting models. Aside from the ARIMA element, the proposed hybrid models also include artificial neural networks (ANN) and multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) because of their efficient and fast algorithms and effective forecasting performance. ARIMA can identify significant self-predictor variables that will be available in the future. The significant self-predictor variables obtained can then serve as the inputs for ANN and MARS models. These hybrid approaches have been seldom investigated on the electricity sales forecasting. This study proposes several forecasting models that do not require explanatory variables to forecast the industrial electricity, residential electricity, and commercial electricity sales in Taiwan. The experimental results reveal that the significant self-predictor variables obtained from ARIMA can improve the forecasting accuracy of ANN and MARS models.
Coordination and Control of Building HVAC Systems to Provide Frequency Regulation to the Electric Grid
Authors: Olama Mohammed M. , Kuruganti Teja , Nutaro James , Dong Jin
Published: July 2018

Buildings consume 73% of electricity produced in the United States and, currently, they are largely passive participants in the electric grid. However, the flexibility in building loads can be exploited to provide ancillary services to enhance the grid reliability. In this paper, we investigate two control strategies that allow Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems in commercial and residential buildings to provide frequency regulation services to the grid while maintaining occupants comfort. The first optimal control strategy is based on model predictive control acting on a variable air volume HVAC system (continuously variable HVAC load), which is available in large commercial buildings. The second strategy is rule-based control acting on an aggregate of on/off HVAC systems, which are available in residential buildings in addition to many small to medium size commercial buildings. Hardware constraints that include limiting the switching between the different states for on/off HVAC units to maintain their lifetimes are considered. Simulations illustrate that the proposed control strategies provide frequency regulation to the grid, without affecting the indoor climate significantly.
E-City Web Platform: A Tool for Energy Efficiency at Urban Level
Authors: Amado Miguel , Poggi Francesca , Ribeiro Amado António , Breu Sílvia
Published: July 2018

Cities, as main energy consumers, play a crucial role in achieving a more sustainable energy future. This means that there is an urgent need to transform the way of planning urban areas, focusing on more efficient and self-reliant energy production and consumption modes overall. In this framework, the aim of this study is to explore the Net-Zero energy balance between two spatial scales: the whole city with its diversified energy consumption patterns, and those urban blocks, neighborhoods, or industrial areas that can produce energy and supply it to other areas. This approach leads to the development of an energy zoning for the city, based on the geographical urban delimitation of solar energy exporters cells and the energy consuming ones. On the production side, cells are delimited according to their solar energy production potential. On the demand side, cells are delimited according to four specific criteria: construction timeline, population density, urban morphologies, and land-use patterns that permit the definition of a classification of urban areas, based on the different energy consumption levels. In this paper, the web platform “E-City”, a tool for planning energy balance at urban level is presented, by describing its practical application in the city of Oeiras, Portugal. The platform integrates itself with the existing municipal Geographic Information System, exploring both spatial and statistical dimensions associated with zoning and the overall energy network system. Results from the use of this tool are relevant for urban planning practices, formulation of policies, and management of public investment that can be guided to more energy efficient solutions and supporting the transition towards nearly zero-energy cities.
Exploring the Use of Harvesters in Large-Diameter Hardwood-Dominated Stands
Authors: Labelle Eric R. , Breinig Lorenz , Sycheva Ekaterina
Published: July 2018

The use of fully-mechanized operations, normally targeted at coniferous species, has also been on the rise in mixed-species and continuous-cover forests comprised of a strong share of deciduous species. With special form characteristics (complex crowns, large-diameter branches, forks and sweeps, high wood density, etc.), deciduous trees can lead to wide-ranging harvesting productivities, often divergent from those originally derived from coniferous species. Due to the importance and growing interest in mechanizing operations in close-to-nature mixedwood and deciduous stands, obtaining insight on harvesting productivity in large-diameter deciduous trees was of interest. This study located in Bavaria, Germany, monitored four harvesters (two wheeled and two tracked machines) operated in four distinct harvest blocks (case studies), all of which had a high percentage of large-diameter European beech and oak trees. Harvesting productivity and volume recovery was assessed and quantified. Based on the field inventory of European beech and oak trees and continuous time-and-motion study, average harvesting productivity ranged from 29 to 43 m3/PMH0 (productive machine hours without delay), whereas volume recovery fluctuated between 73% and 85% for trees that were completely felled and processed by machines. Because of the rather limited sample size and the variable conditions between case studies, results should only be used as general orientation on the performance of the tested machines and additional research is suggested to further understand the influence of tree form characteristics on impediments to mechanized processing.
Forest Management Certification in Romania: Motivations and Perceptions
Authors: Halalisan Aureliu Florin , Abrudan Ioan Vasile , Popa Bogdan
Published: July 2018

Forestland privatization and transition to a market economy triggered important changes in the Romanian forest sector, imposing challenges for forest management structures. Voluntary forest management certification has been considered a possible solution; therefore, the certified forest area has increased rapidly regardless of the land owner. The purpose of this study is to provide an insight into the certification process. It presents the result of a survey applied to 417 forest management structures in Romania, which was intended to identify the perception of their managers regarding the reasons to adopt certification, the changes determined by the certification, the problems during the process, and the benefits. The study reveals the difference in perception among different types of forest management structures. Non-state management structures voluntarily adopted FSC certification, mainly aiming to obtain economic advantages. Most of the respondents indicated important changes in the consultation with stakeholders including local communities, transparency and clear records, the use of chemicals, and biodiversity protection. Although the FSC certification was not perceived as solving issues like illegal logging, there is a general perception that it improved forest management. The study concludes that the FSC certification proves the willingness of the Romanian forest management sector to cope with the market and trends and clarify its position in society.
The Smell of Synthetic Biology: Engineering Strategies for Aroma Compound Production in Yeast
Authors: Van Wyk Niël , Kroukamp Heinrich , Pretorius Isak S.
Published: July 2018

Yeast—especially Saccharomyces cerevisiae—have long been a preferred workhorse for the production of numerous recombinant proteins and other metabolites. S. cerevisiae is a noteworthy aroma compound producer and has also been exploited to produce foreign bioflavour compounds. In the past few years, important strides have been made in unlocking the key elements in the biochemical pathways involved in the production of many aroma compounds. The expression of these biochemical pathways in yeast often involves the manipulation of the host strain to direct the flux towards certain precursors needed for the production of the given aroma compound. This review highlights recent advances in the bioengineering of yeast—including S. cerevisiae—to produce aroma compounds and bioflavours. To capitalise on recent advances in synthetic yeast genomics, this review presents yeast as a significant producer of bioflavours in a fresh context and proposes new directions for combining engineering and biology principles to improve the yield of targeted aroma compounds.
Network Measurement and Performance Analysis at Server Side
Authors: Peng Guang-Qian , Xue Guangtao , Chen Yi-Chao
Published: July 2018

Network performance diagnostics is an important topic that has been studied since the Internet was invented. However, it remains a challenging task, while the network evolves and becomes more and more complicated over time. One of the main challenges is that all network components (e.g., senders, receivers, and relay nodes) make decision based only on local information and they are all likely to be performance bottlenecks. Although Software Defined Networking (SDN) proposes to embrace a centralize network intelligence for a better control, the cost to collect complete network states in packet level is not affordable in terms of collection latency, bandwidth, and processing power. With the emergence of the new types of networks (e.g., Internet of Everything, Mission-Critical Control, data-intensive mobile apps, etc.), the network demands are getting more diverse. It is critical to provide finer granularity and real-time diagnostics to serve various demands. In this paper, we present EVA, a network performance analysis tool that guides developers and network operators to fix problems in a timely manner. EVA passively collects packet traces near the server (hypervisor, NIC, or top-of-rack switch), and pinpoints the location of the performance bottleneck (sender, network, or receiver). EVA works without detailed knowledge of application or network stack and is therefore easy to deploy. We use three types of real-world network datasets and perform trace-driven experiments to demonstrate EVA’s accuracy and generality. We also present the problems observed in these datasets by applying EVA.
Evaluation of Commercial Prototype Bacteriophage Intervention Designed for Reducing O157 and Non-O157 Shiga-Toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) on Beef Cattle Hide
Authors: Tolen Tamra N. , Xie Yicheng , Hairgrove Thomas B. , Gill Jason J. , Taylor T. Matthew
Published: July 2018

Microbiological safety of beef products can be protected by application of antimicrobial interventions throughout the beef chain. This study evaluated a commercial prototype antimicrobial intervention comprised of lytic bacteriophages formulated to reduce O157 and non-O157 Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) on beef cattle hide pieces, simulating commercial pre-harvest hide decontamination. STEC reduction in vitro by individual and cocktailed phages was determined by efficiency of plating (EOP). Following STEC inoculation onto hide pieces, the phage intervention was applied and hide pieces were analyzed to quantify reductions in STEC counts. Phage intervention treatment resulted in 0.4 to 0.7 log10 CFU/cm2 (p < 0.01) E. coli O157, O121, and O103 reduction. Conversely, E. coli O111 and O45 did not show any significant reduction after application of bacteriophage intervention (p > 0.05). Multiplicity of infection (MOI) evaluation indicated E. coli O157 and O121 isolates required the fewest numbers of phages per host cell to produce host lysis. STEC-attacking phages may be applied to assist in preventing STEC transmission to beef products.
Cultural Transmission and Extortion
Authors: Ridinger Garret
Published: July 2018

This paper explores the role of cultural transmission in extortion. Extortion is modeled as an asymmetric contest where individuals from one group attempt to take from individuals in another group. Using a model of cultural transmission, this paper finds the existence of a unique asymptotically stable equilibrium where there are a fraction of people who defend against extortion and a fraction of people who take from others. The degree of extortion is decreased when: (1) extortion is less effective; (2) socialization efforts of parents who resist are more effective; and (3) socialization efforts of parents who abstain from extortion are more effective. A key finding is the existence of a complementarity between the effectiveness of socialization. When socialization is more effective for resisting extortion and choosing not to extort, there is a much larger reduction of extortion than either increase could achieve alone. This provides a potential explanation for why some countries like Singapore and Hong Kong were able to greatly reduce corruption and suggests potential policy applications.
Preference Based Subjective Beliefs
Authors: Giaccherini Matilde , Ponti Giovanni
Published: July 2018

We test the empirical content of the assumption of preference dependent beliefs using a behavioral model of strategic decision making in which the rankings of individuals over final outcomes in simple games influence their beliefs over the opponent’s behavior. This approach— by analogy with Psychological Game Theory—allows for interdependence between preferences and beliefs but reverses the order of causality. We use existing evidence from a multi-stage experiment in which we first elicit distributional preferences in a Random Dictator Game, then estimate beliefs in a related 2×2 effort game conditional on these preferences. Our structural estimations confirm our working hypothesis on how social preferences shape beliefs: subjects with higher guilt (envy) expect others to put less (more) effort, which reduces the expected difference in payoffs.
Evolutionary Divergent Suppressor Mutations in Conformational Diseases
Authors: Mesa-Torres Noel , Betancor-Fernández Isabel , Oppici Elisa , Cellini Barbara , Salido Eduardo , Pey Angel L.
Published: July 2018

Neutral and adaptive mutations are key players in the evolutionary dynamics of proteins at molecular, cellular and organismal levels. Conversely, largely destabilizing mutations are rarely tolerated by evolution, although their occurrence in diverse human populations has important roles in the pathogenesis of conformational diseases. We have recently proposed that divergence at certain sites from the consensus (amino acid) state during mammalian evolution may have rendered some human proteins more vulnerable towards disease-associated mutations, primarily by decreasing their conformational stability. We herein extend and refine this hypothesis discussing results from phylogenetic and structural analyses, structure-based energy calculations and structure-function studies at molecular and cellular levels. As proof-of-principle, we focus on different mammalian orthologues of the NQO1 (NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1) and AGT (alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase) proteins. We discuss the different loss-of-function pathogenic mechanisms associated with diseases involving the two enzymes, including enzyme inactivation, accelerated degradation, intracellular mistargeting, and aggregation. Last, we take into account the potentially higher robustness of mammalian orthologues containing certain consensus amino acids as suppressors of human disease, and their relation with different intracellular post-translational modifications and protein quality control capacities, to be discussed as sources of phenotypic variability between human and mammalian models of disease and as tools for improving current therapeutic approaches.
Morphological Stasis and Proteome Innovation in Cephalochordates
Authors: Bányai László , Kerekes Krisztina , Trexler Mária , Patthy László
Published: July 2018

Lancelets, extant representatives of basal chordates, are prototypic examples of evolutionary stasis; they preserved a morphology and body-plan most similar to the fossil chordates from the early Cambrian. Such a low level of morphological evolution is in harmony with a low rate of amino acid substitution; cephalochordate proteins were shown to evolve slower than those of the slowest evolving vertebrate, the elephant shark. Surprisingly, a study comparing the predicted proteomes of Chinese amphioxus, Branchiostoma belcheri and the Florida amphioxus, Branchiostoma floridae has led to the conclusion that the rate of creation of novel domain combinations is orders of magnitude greater in lancelets than in any other Metazoa, a finding that contradicts the notion that high rates of protein innovation are usually associated with major evolutionary innovations. Our earlier studies on a representative sample of proteins have provided evidence suggesting that the differences in the domain architectures of predicted proteins of these two lancelet species reflect annotation errors, rather than true innovations. In the present work, we have extended these studies to include a larger sample of genes and two additional lancelet species, Asymmetron lucayanum and Branchiostoma lanceolatum. These analyses have confirmed that the domain architecture differences of orthologous proteins of the four lancelet species are because of errors of gene prediction, the error rate in the given species being inversely related to the quality of the transcriptome dataset that was used to aid gene prediction.
Neck Circumference Positively Relates to Cardiovascular Risk Factors in College Students
Authors: Famodu Oluremi A. , Barr Makenzie L. , Colby Sarah E. , Zhou Wenjun , Holásková Ida , Leary Miriam P. , Byrd-Bredbenner Carol , Mathews Anne E. , Olfert Melissa D.
Published: July 2018

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between neck circumference (NC) and other anthropometric measures and examine cut-off points for males and females according to existing waist circumference cut-off levels in this age group. Across 8 universities, 1562 students underwent a physical assessment. Spearman rho correlations (ρ) were calculated to determine associations between NC and other continuous variables of health. Receiving operating characteristic curves were constructed to assess the optimal cut-off levels of NC of males and females with central obesity. Participants were predominantly Caucasian (67%), female (70%), and outside of Appalachia (82%). Forty-one percent of males and 34% of females had a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. In both sexes, significant positive correlations were seen between NC and body weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and systolic blood pressure (all p-values < 0.0001). NC ≥ 38 cm for males and ≥33.5 cm for females were the optimal cut-off values to determine subjects with central obesity. NC has been identified to closely correlate with other anthropometric measurements related to disease and could be used as a convenient, low-cost, and noninvasive measurement in large-scale studies.
Upon Rejection: Psychiatric Emergencies of Failed Asylum Seekers
Authors: Schoretsanitis Georgios , Bhugra Dinesh , Eisenhardt Sarah , Ricklin Meret E. , Srivastava David S. , Exadaktylos Aristomenis , Walther Sebastian
Published: July 2018

Background: The status of a refugee or asylum seeker is only recognised after legal processes. The uncertainty of these procedures or the rejection itself may severely impact mental well-being. Methods: We surveyed the patterns of psychiatric services used by patients whose applications for asylum had been rejected. In a retrospective investigation of admissions to the University Emergency Department in Bern, Switzerland between 1 March 2012 and 28 February 2017, we studied patients receiving a psychiatric consultation after their applications had been rejected. The primary endpoint was based on the comparison of these individuals with controls who were asylum seekers with pending asylum applications using the Mann-Whitney U test and the chi-square test (χ2) with a significance level of 0.05. Results: Thirty-eight cases were identified. There were more men than women and the mean age was 30.08 ± 9.62 years. Patients predominantly presented as walk-in patients (n = 16, 42.1%), most frequently due to suicidal ideation (n = 16, 42.1%). Stress-related disorders were the most common diagnosis (n = 29, 76.3%) and patients were mainly referred to inpatient treatment (n = 28, 73.7%). Patients with rejected applications were less likely to be living in reception centres than patients with a pending application (χ2 = 17.98, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The profile of asylum seekers whose applications had been rejected reflects individuals with high-stress levels, potentially aggravated by the negative asylum decision.
Biodegradable and Toughened Composite of Poly(Propylene Carbonate)/Thermoplastic Polyurethane (PPC/TPU): Effect of Hydrogen Bonding
Authors: Han Dongmei , Chen Guiji , Xiao Min , Wang Shuanjin , Chen Shou , Peng Xiaohua , Meng Yuezhong
Published: July 2018

The blends of Poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) and polyester-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) were melt compounded in an internal mixer. The compatibility, thermal behaviors, mechanical properties and toughening mechanism of the blends were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), tensile tests, impact tests, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic mechanical analysis technologies. FTIR and SEM examination reveal strong interfacial adhesion between PPC matrix and suspended TPU particles. Dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) characterize the glass transition temperature, secondary motion and low temperature properties. By the incorporation of TPU, the thermal stabilities are greatly enhanced and the mechanical properties are obviously improved for the PPC/TPU blends. Moreover, PPC/TPU blends exhibit a brittle-ductile transition with the addition of 20 wt % TPU. It is considered that the enhanced toughness results in the shear yielding occurred in both PPC matrix and TPU particles of the blends.
Vitamin D and Uterine Fibroids—Review of the Literature and Novel Concepts
Authors: Ciebiera Michał , Włodarczyk Marta , Ciebiera Magdalena , Zaręba Kornelia , Łukaszuk Krzysztof , Jakiel Grzegorz
Published: July 2018

This article provides a detailed review of current knowledge on the role of vitamin D and its receptor in the biology and management of uterine fibroids (UFs). Authors present ideas for future steps in this area. A literature search was conducted in PubMed using the following key words: “uterine fibroid” and “vitamin D”. The results of the available studies, published in English from January 2002 up to April 2018, have been discussed. Vitamin D is a group of steroid compounds with a powerful impact on many parts of the human body. This vitamin is believed to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation, inhibit angiogenesis, and stimulate apoptosis. Nowadays, hypovitaminosis D is believed to be a major risk factor in the development of UFs. In many studies vitamin D appears to be a powerful factor against UFs, resulting in inhibition of tumor cell division and a significant reduction in its size, however, the exact role of this compound and its receptor in the pathophysiology of UFs is not fully understood. According to available studies, vitamin D and its analogs seem to be promising, effective, and low-cost compounds in the management of UFs and their clinical symptoms, and the anti-tumor activities of vitamin D play an important role in UF biology. The synergy between vitamin D and selected anti-UF drugs is a very interesting issue which requires further research. Further studies about the biological effect of vitamin D on UF biology are essential. Vitamin D preparations (alone or as a co-drugs) could become new tools in the fight with UFs, with the additional beneficial pleiotropic effect.
Effect of TDP2 on the Level of TOP2-DNA Complexes and SUMOylated TOP2-DNA Complexes
Authors: Lee Ka Cheong , Swan Rebecca L. , Sondka Zbyslaw , Padget Kay , Cowell Ian G. , Austin Caroline A.
Published: July 2018

DNA topoisomerase II (TOP2) activity involves a normally transient double-strand break intermediate in which the enzyme is coupled to DNA via a 5′-phosphotyrosyl bond. However, etoposide and other topoisomerase drugs poison the enzyme by stabilising this enzyme-bridged break, resulting in the accumulation of TOP2-DNA covalent complexes with cytotoxic consequences. The phosphotyrosyl diesterase TDP2 appears to be required for efficient repair of this unusual type of DNA damage and can remove 5′-tyrosine adducts from a double-stranded oligonucleotide substrate. Here, we adapt the trapped in agarose DNA immunostaining (TARDIS) assay to investigate the role of TDP2 in the removal of TOP2-DNA complexes in vitro and in cells. We report that TDP2 alone does not remove TOP2-DNA complexes from genomic DNA in vitro and that depletion of TDP2 in cells does not slow the removal of TOP2-DNA complexes. Thus, if TDP2 is involved in repairing TOP2 adducts, there must be one or more prior steps in which the protein-DNA complex is processed before TDP2 removes the remaining 5′ tyrosine DNA adducts. While this is partly achieved through the degradation of TOP2 adducts by the proteasome, a proteasome-independent mechanism has also been described involving the SUMOylation of TOP2 by the ZATT E3 SUMO ligase. The TARDIS assay was also adapted to measure the effect of TDP2 knockdown on levels of SUMOylated TOP2-DNA complexes, which together with levels of double strand breaks were unaffected in K562 cells following etoposide exposure and proteasomal inhibition.
Targeting Mitochondrial Ion Channels to Fight Cancer
Authors: Bachmann Magdalena , Costa Roberto , Peruzzo Roberta , Prosdocimi Elena , Checchetto Vanessa , Leanza Luigi
Published: July 2018

In recent years, several experimental evidences have underlined a new role of ion channels in cancer development and progression. In particular, mitochondrial ion channels are arising as new oncological targets, since it has been proved that most of them show an altered expression during tumor development and the pharmacological targeting of some of them have been demonstrated to be able to modulate cancer growth and progression, both in vitro as well as in vivo in pre-clinical mouse models. In this scenario, pharmacology of mitochondrial ion channels would be in the near future a new frontier for the treatment of tumors. In this review, we discuss the new advances in the field, by focusing our attention on the improvements in new drug developments to target mitochondrial ion channels.
Maintenance of Kidney Metabolic Homeostasis by PPAR Gamma
Authors: Corrales Patricia , Izquierdo-Lahuerta Adriana , Medina-Gómez Gema
Published: July 2018

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a family of nuclear hormone receptors that control the transcription of specific genes by binding to regulatory DNA sequences. Among the three subtypes of PPARs, PPARγ modulates a broad range of physiopathological processes, including lipid metabolism, insulin sensitization, cellular differentiation, and cancer. Although predominantly expressed in adipose tissue, PPARγ expression is also found in different regions of the kidney and, upon activation, can redirect metabolism. Recent studies have highlighted important roles for PPARγ in kidney metabolism, such as lipid and glucose metabolism and renal mineral control. PPARγ is also implicated in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and, consequently, in the control of systemic blood pressure. Accordingly, synthetic agonists of PPARγ have reno-protective effects both in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. This review focuses on the role of PPARγ in renal metabolism as a likely key factor in the maintenance of systemic homeostasis.
The Natural Product 6-Gingerol Inhibits Inflammation-Associated Osteoclast Differentiation via Reduction of Prostaglandin E2 Levels
Authors: Hwang Youn-Hwan , Kim Taesoo , Kim Rajeong , Ha Hyunil
Published: July 2018

The natural product 6-gingerol, a major bioactive component of the rhizome of ginger (Zingiber officinale), is known to have several beneficial effects on health, including anti-inflammatory activity. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of 6-gingerol on osteoclast differentiation associated with inflammation. 6-Gingerol inhibited osteoclast differentiation in co-cultures of osteoblasts and osteoclast precursor cells in response to the pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin (IL)-1. However, it did not affect osteoclast precursor differentiation into osteoclasts induced by the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), a key cytokine causing osteoclast differentiation. 6-Gingerol inhibited IL-1-induced RANKL expression in osteoblasts, and the addition of RANKL to the co-cultures overcame 6-gingerol-mediated inhibition of osteoclast differentiation. It also suppressed IL-1-induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in osteoblasts, and the addition of exogenous PGE2 reversed 6-gingerol-mediated inhibition of IL-induced RANKL expression in osteoblasts and osteoclast differentiation in the co-cultures. We found that 6-gingerol reduced PGE2 levels by suppressing enzymatic activities of cyclooxygenase and PGE synthase, which cooperatively catalyze the conversion of arachidonic acid to PGE2. Our findings demonstrate that 6-gingerol inhibits IL-1-induced osteoclast differentiation via suppression of RANKL expression in osteoblasts though reduction of PGE2 levels, suggesting its potential use in treating inflammatory bone destruction associated with excessive PGE2 production.
Update on FXR Biology: Promising Therapeutic Target?
Authors: Han Chang
Published: July 2018

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a metabolic nuclear receptor, plays critical roles in the maintenance of systemic energy homeostasis and the integrity of many organs, including liver and intestine. It regulates bile acid, lipid, and glucose metabolism, and contributes to inter-organ communication, in particular the enterohepatic signaling pathway, through bile acids and fibroblast growth factor-15/19 (FGF-15/19). The metabolic effects of FXR are also involved in gut microbiota. In addition, FXR has various functions in the kidney, adipose tissue, pancreas, cardiovascular system, and tumorigenesis. Consequently, the deregulation of FXR may lead to abnormalities of specific organs and metabolic dysfunction, allowing the protein as an attractive therapeutic target for the management of liver and/or metabolic diseases. Indeed, many FXR agonists have been being developed and are under pre-clinical and clinical investigations. Although obeticholic acid (OCA) is one of the promising candidates, significant safety issues have remained. The effects of FXR modulation might be multifaceted according to tissue specificity, disease type, and/or energy status, suggesting the careful use of FXR agonists. This review summarizes the current knowledge of systemic FXR biology in various organs and the gut–liver axis, particularly regarding the recent advancement in these fields, and also provides pharmacological aspects of FXR modulation for rational therapeutic strategies and novel drug development.
Special Issue on Selected Papers from IVAPP 2018
Authors: Telea Alexandru , Kerren Andreas
Published: July 2018

Recent developments at the crossroads of data science, datamining,machine learning, and graphics and imaging sciences have further established information visualization and visual analytics as central disciplines that deliver methods, techniques, and tools for making sense of and extracting actionable insights and results fromlarge amounts of complex,multidimensional, hybrid, and time-dependent data.[...]
Angiopoietin-Like 3 (ANGPTL3) and Atherosclerosis: Lipid and Non-Lipid Related Effects
Authors: Lupo Maria Giovanna , Ferri Nicola
Published: July 2018

Genetic and clinical studies have demonstrated that loss-of-function variants in the angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) gene are associated with decreased plasma levels of triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), which leads to a significant reduction in cardiovascular risk. For this reason, ANGPTL3 is considered an important new pharmacological target for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) together with more conventional lipid lowering therapies, such as statins and anti proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) monoclonal antibodies. Experimental evidence demonstrates that anti-ANGPTL3 therapies have an important anti-atherosclerotic effect. Results from phase I clinical trials with a monoclonal anti-ANGPTL3 antibody (evinacumab) and anti-sense oligonucleotide (ASO) clearly show a significant lipid lowering effect. In addition, from the analysis of the protein structure of ANGPTL3, it has been hypothesized that, beyond its inhibitory activity on lipoprotein and endothelial lipases, this molecule may have a pro-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic effect and a negative effect on cholesterol efflux, implying additional pro-atherosclerotic properties. In the future, data from phase II clinical trials and additional experimental evidence will help to define the efficacy and the additional anti-atherosclerotic properties of anti-ANGPTL3 therapies beyond the already available lipid lowering therapies.
Proton-Enhanced Dielectric Properties of Polyoxometalates in Water under Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Waves
Authors: Tsubaki Shuntaro , Hayakawa Shogo , Ueda Tadaharu , Mitani Tomohiko , Suzuki Ei-ichi , Fujii Satoshi , Wada Yuji
Published: July 2018

Electromagnetic waves, such as microwaves, have been used to enhance various chemical reactions over polyoxometalates. The dielectric properties of catalysts are among the relevant parameters facilitating catalytic reactions under electromagnetic radiation. This study describes the dielectric properties of polyoxometalate catalysts in aqueous and organic solutions to understand the mechanism of interactions between polyoxometalates and electromagnetic waves. Specific loss factors of polyoxometalates were observed at lower frequencies (<1 GHz) by the ionic conduction of the polyoxometalate solution. The evolution of ionic conduction depended strongly on cations rather than anions. Proton-type polyoxometalates exhibited significantly higher loss factors than other cations did. The activation energy for ionic conduction in protonated silicotungstic acid (H4SiW12O40) was significantly low in water (7.6–14.1 kJ/mol); therefore, the high loss factor of protonated polyoxometalates in water was attributed to the proton relay mechanism (i.e., Grotthuss mechanism). The results suggested that the proton relay mechanism at the radio-frequency band is critical for generating selective interactions of polyoxometalates with applied electromagnetic fields.