bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Written in “Women’s Ink”: French Translation and Female Power in Carol Shields’s Unless
Authors: Stovel Nora Foster
Published: October 2019

Carol Shields’s last novel, Unless (2002), was a finalist for the Canada Reads contest for the best Canadian novel of the first decade of the 20th century. It would have been an ideal winner, not only because it is a brilliant novel, but also because it is distinctively Canadian in combining English and French. Protagonist-narrator Reta Winters, née Summers, daughter of a Francophone mother and Anglophone father, combines Canada’s official languages. Reta, like Shields, is bilingue and a translator and fiction writer. The opening segment of Unless focuses on the politics and poetics of her translations from French to English. She makes particular use of French: whenever Reta, or Shields, wants to emphasize a point, such as women’s powerlessness, she employs French translation.Shields employs three levels of translation in Unless. First, Reta’s literal translations of the texts of Danielle Westerman, French “feminist pioneer,” introduce the narrative. Second, Shields translates her breast cancer narrative into a novel about her daughter’s disappearance: Norah sits on a street corner with a sign reading “GOODNESS.” To discover her daughter, Reta embarks on an ethical quest. Third, Reta transfers her realization about women’s powerlessness, which she suspects instigated Norah’s disappearance, to her theory of fiction in this metafictional text. Finally, Reta's reflection on fiction is transformed into a feminist manifesto. Her awakening inspires a new understanding of the moral responsibility of fiction to reflect reality, especially the relationship between gender and power in this millennial novel. Reta practices “bean-counting,” noting the all-male lists of the world’s greatest thinkers and writers—“testicular hit-list[s] of literary big cats.” Reta writes six letters of protest, but doesn’t send them. If Reta is afraid to publish her views on inequality, Shields is not: she believes in “blurt[ing] bravely.”“Unless” is the pivotal concept of the novel, offering alternative narratives. Reta emphasizes the concept by noting, “Ironically, unless, the lever that finally shifts reality into a new perspective, cannot be expressed in French.”Unless women’s voices, including the silent voice of “a Muslim woman” who self-immolated on the street corner where Norah appeals for goodness, our society cannot become ethical.This essay explores Shields’s use of French language and translation to challenge the inextricable connection between gender and power in our society generally and literary culture particularly, to examine the ethics of egalitarianism regarding women and cultural “others,” and to explore the interrelationships between existence and fiction.
Extinctathon: Margaret Atwood’s Urge for an Immanent Episteme in Oryx and Crake and The Year of the Flood
Authors: Talpalaru Margrit
Published: October 2019

The first two novels from Margaret Atwood’s projected MaddAddam eco-trilogy, Oryx and Crake (2003) and The Year of the Flood (2009) depict a corporate capitalism, or corporatism, constantly pushing its limits by privileging unregulated techno-scientific endeavours with palpable results and high financial yield. This lack of regulation—legal, ethical, moral—emerges as the main problem highlighted by the two companion dystopias. This article argues that Atwood critiques the privileging of the techno-scientific epistemology to the detriment of the humanistic one, and emphasizes the need for an integrated episteme in an immanent system. Methodologically, the comparative analysis focuses on close readings of illustrative excerpts from the novels, side by side with Michel Foucault’s theorization of the episteme and Félix Guattari’s concept of the three ecologies, while Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari’s description of the plane of immanence of capitalism informs the conceptualization of corporatism.
Giving the 21st Century a Try: Canadian and Québécois Women Writers as Essayists
Authors: Verduyn Christl
Published: October 2019

This article looks at the use of the essay genre by Canadian and Québécois women writers since 2000, in particular essay writing by authors known primarily for their works of fiction and poetry. For many, the essay form has served as an ideal venue for combining new, innovative, experimental and “alternative” forms of writing with concerns of personal and political struggle for social, cultural, economic, and even psychological recognition and justice. The article begins with a brief overview of aspects of essay writing by Canadian and Québécois women writers at the end of the 20th century before turning to some comparative observations that suggest convergences and differences, as well as continuity and departures in essay writing by Canadian and Québécois women writers since the beginning of the 21st century. Convergences are seen in the combination of personal commentary on topics of social, political, national and global relevance with experimental use of the essay genre. They are seen as well in the continuum of these explorations and practices from the last two decades of the 20th century into the first decade of the 21st century, even as the latter brings about new forms of essay writing in the use of the internet and the blog-essay. Differences between Canadian and Québécois women writers’ practice of the essay may be seen as well, notably in what one literary and critical community reads and knows of the other. This stems in large part from language barriers and limited resources for translation, though these have been overcome in some cases such as the collection of essays by Nicole Brossard in English translation, Fluid Arguments (2005). Whether writing in French or in English, Canadian and Québécois women writers as essayists have produced and continue to produce important work that calls for ongoing critical attention.
Poems
Authors: Hargreaves Kate
Published: October 2019

Poems
Run On
Authors: Halbrook Susan
Published: October 2019

Poem
Ted Kramolc in Slovenian Diasporic Literature in Canada
Authors: Maver Igor
Published: October 2019

Ted Kramolc showed with his short stories and novels that he was a very good writer (as well as painter) and very much part of the unified Slovenian cultural space that includes the Slovenian diaspora throughout the world and the Slovenian minorities in the neighbouring countries. As the foremost representative of the Slovenian-Candian literature his works will continue to live on both in Canada as well as Slovenia: he passed away in Toronto on Tuesday, 3 September 2013.
Effects of Nutritional Deprivation and Re-Alimentation on the Feed Efficiency, Blood Biochemistry, and Rumen Microflora in Yaks (Bos grunniens)
Authors: Zou Huawei , Hu Rui , Wang Zhisheng , Shah Ali , Zeng Shaoyu , Peng Quanhui , Xue Bai , Wang Lizhi , Zhang Xiangfei , Wang Xueying , Shi Junhua , Li Fengpeng , Zeng Lei
Published: October 2019

Yak suffers severe starvation and body weight reduction in the cold season and recovers relatively rapid growth in the warm season every year. Herein, we investigated the effects of starvation and refeeding on the growth, feed efficiency, blood biochemistry and rumen microbial community as well as functions of yaks. The results showed that starvation significantly reduced the body weight of yaks. Serum glucose and triglyceride concentrations significantly decreased, and β-hydroxybutyric acid and non-esterified fatty acid levels were significantly increased during the starvation period. Starvation also dramatically inhibited rumen microbial fermentations. Whereas, refeeding with the same diet significantly increased the feed efficiency, nutrient digestibility together with rumen acetate, propionate and microbial protein productions compared with those before starvation. The 16S rDNA sequencing results showed that starvation mainly decreased the ruminal protein-degrading bacteria Prevotella and propionate-producing bacteria Succiniclasticum populations and dramatically increased the denitrifying bacteria Thauera populations. Refeeding reduced the Euryarchaeota population and increased propionate-producing bacteria Succinivibrionaceae UCG-002 and starch-degrading bacteria Ruminobacter populations when compared with those before starvation. The predicted microbial metabolic pathways, related to amino acid and starch metabolisms, were also significantly altered during the starvation and refeeding. The results indicated that the rumen microorganisms and their metabolism pathways changed with feed supply, and these alterations in part contributed to yak adaption to starvation and re-alimentation. This study is helpful for enhancing the understanding and utilization of this natural character of yaks to explore and improve their growth potential.
Rearing Pigs with Intact Tails—Experiences and Practical Solutions in Sweden
Authors: Wallgren Torun , Lundeheim Nils , Wallenbeck Anna , Westin Rebecka , Gunnarsson Stefan
Published: October 2019

Tail biting is a common issue within commercial pig production. It is mainly an indicator of inadequate housing environment and results in reduced health welfare and production. To reduce the impact of tail biting, pigs are commonly tail docked, without pain relief, within the first week of life. EU Council Directive 2008/120/EC prohibits routine tail docking, but the practice is still widely used in many Member States. Sweden has banned tail docking since 1988 and all pigs have intact tails, yet tail biting is a minor problem. This paper summarises and synthesises experimental findings and practical expertise in production of undocked pigs in Sweden and describes solutions to facilitate a transition to producing pigs with intact tails within intensive pig production in the EU. Swedish pig housing conditions and management differ in many aspects from those in other EU Member States. Swedish experiences show that lower stocking density, provision of sufficient feeding space, no fully slatted flooring, strict maximum levels for noxious gases and regular provision of litter material are crucial for success when rearing pigs with intact tails. To prevent tail biting and to eliminate the need for tail docking, we strongly recommend that EU legislation should more clearly match the biological needs of pigs, as is done in Swedish legislation.
Nitrogen Budget of Short Rotation Forests Amended with Digestate in Highly Permeable Soils
Authors: Gumiero Bruna , Candoni Francesco , Boz Bruno , Da Borso Francesco , Colombani Nicolò
Published: October 2019

Bioenergy crops are a promising option for integrating fossil fuels and achieving European environmental targets. Among these, Short Rotation Forestry (SRF) crops and biogas plants have been considered an opportunity for sustainable agricultural development due to their environmental benefits. In this case study, an N balance was performed by comparing an SRF Platanus hispanica plantation with a permanent meadow, both located in an area with highly permeable soils, using two different amounts of organic fertilization (digestate) for each system (0, 170 and 340 kg-N ha−1 y−1). The results obtained indicate that, in the presence of highly permeable soils, the SRF is not effective in retaining N during the initial stage of growth, despite the use of a suitable application rate of digestate. Higher N leaching rates occurred in SRF crops compared to permanent meadows. Moreover, the N potential removal rate did not vary proportionally with the applied dose of digestate. To avoid N leaching excess, the annual applied N should be not only within 170 kg-N ha−1 y−1 (Nitrate Directive legal limits for nitrate vulnerable zone) but should also follow precise and accurate distribution practices, like: controlled grassing between the tree rows and soil’s minimum tillage immediately after the digestate spreading.
Investigation on Component Separation and Structure Characterization of Medium-Low Temperature Coal Tar
Authors: Zhao Ning , Liu Dong , Du Hui , Wang Congcong , Wen Fushan , Shi Nan
Published: October 2019

Two medium-low temperature coal tars (MLCTs) derived from the pyrolysis of low-grade bituminous coal were separated into 11 narrow fractions by true boiling distillation. The primary property and chemical composition analysis of MLCTs and their distillate narrow fractions were investigated at the macroscopic and molecular level by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). The two MLCTs show obvious characteristics of medium-low temperature coal tar, including a high H/C, high-oxygen and nitrogen, low-sulfur, low-density, and low viscosity. As the boiling point increases, the molecular weight of each distillate fraction increases continuously. Meanwhile, the yield of each distillate fraction increases gradually, except for the 270–300 °C distillate fractions. The oxygen content in the 170–230 °C distillate fractions is much higher than that of the other distillate fractions. The dominant groups of compounds in the MLCTs were saturates, aromatics, and resins, and the resin content was above 24.5 wt%. The molecular composition of the below 170 °C fractions mainly consists of benzene, toluene, and xylene, and the main phenolic compounds in the 170–230 °C distillate fraction are low-rank phenols, such as phenol, cresol, and xylenol. Although the macroscopic properties of the MLCT-Z and MLCT-S were quite similar, the molecular composition, the group composition and hydrogen distribution in each MLCT and its narrow distillate fractions are still different. The present work has contributed to our present understanding of the composition of MLCTs and to the guiding of the efficient processing of MLCTs.
Development and Experimental Results of a Thermal Oil Based Roasting System for Decentralized Processing of Groundnuts
Authors: Raza Ali , Majeed Faizan , Munir Anjum , Hensel Oliver
Published: October 2019

The current research has been conducted to investigate the capacity of an indigenously developed thermal oil based continuous solar roaster (CSR) for groundnuts roasting. A 10 m2 standing Scheffler fixed focus concentrator is used to target the incoming direct normal irradiance at casted aluminum surface of a heat receiver which transfers this heat energy to the roasting unit by means of thermal oil circulation. The roasting unit comprises a cylindrical shell (2000 mm in length and 450 mm in diameter) attached beneath a semi-circular oil flow jacket and equipped with a ribbon type screw conveyer with 6 mm thick paddles. Optimizing for maximum energy utilization and feeding capacity using response surface methodology, roasting time for light, medium and dark quality was found to be 14 + 0.1, 20 + 0.1 and 29 + 0.1 min respectively. In terms of roasting quality, CSR has shown quite satisfactory results. The study revealed that continuous solar roaster has the capability to roast 140 to 288 kg groundnuts per day subjected to dark to light roasting quality with average direct normal irradiance ranging from 650–800 Wm−2. The overall thermal efficiency of the system was found to be 37.8%. The payback period of CSR was estimated to be 2450–5250 useful working hours.
Comparison of CS-Based Channel Estimation for Millimeter Wave Massive MIMO Systems
Authors: Lu Xingbo , Yang Weiwei , Cai Yueming , Guan Xinrong
Published: October 2019

Compressed sensing (CS) has great potential in channel estimation for millimeter wave (mmWave) massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. To solve such a CS-based channel estimation problem, three categories of algorithms, namely convex relaxation algorithms, greedy iteration algorithms and Bayesian inference algorithms, are widely used. In this paper, with a unified massive MIMO framework, comprehensive comparisons among three categories of algorithms are presented in the perspective of the estimated accuracy, which is affected by the received signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the number of resolvable paths, angular quantization error, the number of pilot symbols and hardware impairments. Specifically, it shows that convex relation algorithms achieve the best estimation accuracy at the high SNR range and it is mainly affected by the received SNR and transmitter’s hardware impairments. At the low SNR range, greedy iteration algorithms outperform others and the estimated accuracy is then limited by the angle quantization error. Furthermore, a tradeoff between the estimated error and complexity is achieved in Bayesian inference algorithms, a;though its estimated error is sensitive to the number of available pilot symbols.
Bioactive Compounds: Multi-Targeting Silver Bullets for Preventing and Treating Breast Cancer
Authors: Muniraj Nethaji , Siddharth Sumit , Sharma Dipali
Published: October 2019

Each cell in our body is designed with a self-destructive trigger, and if damaged, can happily sacrifice itself for the sake of the body. This process of self-destruction to safeguard the adjacent normal cells is known as programmed cell death or apoptosis. Cancer cells outsmart normal cells and evade apoptosis and it is one of the major hallmarks of cancer. The cardinal quest for anti-cancer drug discovery (bioactive or synthetic compounds) is to be able to re-induce the so called “programmed cell death” in cancer cells. The importance of bioactive compounds as the linchpin of cancer therapeutics is well known as many effective chemotherapeutic drugs such as vincristine, vinblastine, doxorubicin, etoposide and paclitaxel have natural product origins. The present review discusses various bioactive compounds with known anticancer potential, underlying mechanisms by which they induce cell death and their preclinical/clinical development. Most bioactive compounds can concurrently target multiple signaling pathways that are important for cancer cell survival while sparing normal cells hence they can potentially be the silver bullets for targeting cancer growth and metastatic progression.
Molecular Insights into Potential Contributions of Natural Polyphenols to Lung Cancer Treatment
Authors: Zhou Qingyu , Pan Hua , Li Jing
Published: October 2019

Naturally occurring polyphenols are believed to have beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of a myriad of disorders due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antineoplastic, cytotoxic, and immunomodulatory activities documented in a large body of literature. In the era of molecular medicine and targeted therapy, there is a growing interest in characterizing the molecular mechanisms by which polyphenol compounds interact with multiple protein targets and signaling pathways that regulate key cellular processes under both normal and pathological conditions. Numerous studies suggest that natural polyphenols have chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic properties against different types of cancer by acting through different molecular mechanisms. The present review summarizes recent preclinical studies on the applications of bioactive polyphenols in lung cancer therapy, with an emphasis on the molecular mechanisms that underlie the therapeutic effects of major polyphenols on lung cancer. We also discuss the potential of the polyphenol-based combination therapy as an attractive therapeutic strategy against lung cancer.
Where to Stand with Stromal Cells and Chronic Synovitis in Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Authors: Brondello Jean-Marc , Djouad Farida , Jorgensen Christian
Published: October 2019

The synovium exercises its main function in joint homeostasis through the secretion of factors (such as lubricin and hyaluronic acid) that are critical for the joint lubrication and function. The main synovium cell components are fibroblast-like synoviocytes, mesenchymal stromal/stem cells and macrophage-like synovial cells. In the synovium, cells of mesenchymal origin modulate local inflammation and fibrosis, and interact with different fibroblast subtypes and with resident macrophages. In pathologic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibroblast-like synoviocytes proliferate abnormally, recruit mesenchymal stem cells from subchondral bone marrow, and influence immune cell activity through epigenetic and metabolic adaptations. The resulting synovial hyperplasia leads to secondary cartilage destruction, joint swelling, and pain. In the present review, we summarize recent findings on the molecular signature and the roles of stromal cells during synovial pannus formation and rheumatoid arthritis progression.
The Generalized Stochastic Smoluchowski Equation
Authors: Chavanis Pierre-Henri
Published: October 2019

We study the dynamics of a system of overdamped Brownian particles governed by the generalized stochastic Smoluchowski equation associated with a generalized form of entropy and involving a long-range potential of interaction [P.H. Chavanis, Entropy 17, 3205 (2015)]. We first neglect fluctuations and provide a macroscopic description of the system based on the deterministic mean field Smoluchowski equation. We then take fluctuations into account and provide a mesoscopic description of the system based on the stochastic mean field Smoluchowski equation. We establish the main properties of this equation and derive the Kramers escape rate formula, giving the lifetime of a metastable state, from the theory of instantons. We relate the properties of the generalized stochastic Smoluchowski equation to a principle of maximum dissipation of free energy. We also discuss the connection with the dynamical density functional theory of simple liquids.
SLEC: A Novel Serverless RFID Authentication Protocol Based on Elliptic Curve Cryptography
Authors: Baashirah Rania , Abuzneid Abdelshakour
Published: October 2019

Internet of Things (IoT) is a new paradigm that has been evolving into the wireless sensor networks to expand the scope of networked devices (or things). This evolution drives communication engineers to design secure and reliable communication at a low cost for many network applications such as radio frequency identification (RFID). In the RFID system, servers, readers, and tags communicate wirelessly. Therefore, mutual authentication is necessary to ensure secure communication. Normally, a central server supports the authentication of readers and tags by distributing and managing the credentials. Recent lightweight RFID authentication protocols have been proposed to satisfy the security features of RFID networks. Using a serverless RFID system is an alternative solution to using a central server. In this model, both the reader and the tag perform mutual authentication without the need for the central server. However, many security challenges arise from implementing lightweight authentication protocols in serverless RFID systems. We propose a new secure serverless RFID authentication protocol based on the famous elliptic curve cryptography (ECC). The protocol also maintains the confidentiality and privacy of the messages, tag information, and location. Although most of the current serverless protocols assume secure channels in the setup phase, we assume an insecure environment during the setup phase between the servers, readers, and tags. We ensure that the credentials can be renewed by any checkpoint server in the mobile RFID network. Thus, we implement ECC in the setup phase (renewal phase), to transmit and store the communication credentials of the server to multiple readers so that the tags can perform the mutual authentication successfully while far from the server. The proposed protocol is compared with other serverless frameworks proposed in the literature in terms of computation cost and attacks resistance.
The Acceptable Alternative Vehicle Fuel Price
Authors: Kalinichenko Antonina , Havrysh Valerii , Atamanyuk Igor
Published: October 2019

Historically, petroleum fuels have been the dominant fuel used for land transport. However, the growing need for sustainable national economics has urged us to incorporate more economical and ecological alternative vehicle fuels. The advantages and disadvantages of them complicate the decision-making process and compel us to develop adequate mathematical methods. Alternative fuel (compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and ethanol fuel mixtures), the standard prices and their ratios were investigated. A mathematical model to determine a critical ratio between alternative and conventional fuel prices had already been developed. The results of this were investigated. The results showed that the critical ratio is not a linear function on annual conventional fuel consumption costs. According to our simulation gaseous fuels were economically more attractive. Whereas, the use of bioethanol blends had more risk.
Improvement in Voltage Conversion Ratio of Ultrahigh Step-Down Converter
Authors: Hwu Kuo-Ing , Jiang Wen-Zhuang , Tu Hsiang-Hao
Published: October 2019

A modified step-down converter is presented herein, which is mainly based on one coupled inductor and several energy-transferring capacitors to improve the voltage conversion ratio as well as to reduce the switch voltage stress. In addition, the portion of the leakage inductance energy can be recycled to the input via the active clamp circuit during the turn-off period and the switches have zero-voltage switching (ZVS) during the turn-on transient. In this paper, the basic operating principles of the proposed converter are firstly described and analyzed, and its effectiveness is finally demonstrated by experiment based on a prototype with input voltage of 60 V, output voltage of 3.3 V and rated output power of 33 W.
Utilization of Energy Storage System for Frequency Regulation in Large-Scale Transmission System
Authors: Yoon Minhan , Lee Jaehyeong , Song Sungyoon , Yoo Yeontae , Jang Gilsoo , Jung Seungmin , Hwang Sungchul
Published: October 2019

As the penetration rate of renewable enery resources (RES) in the power system increases, uncertainty and variability in system operation increase. The application of energy storage systems (ESS) in the power system has been increased to compensate for the characteristics of renewable energy resources. Since ESS is a controllable and highly responsive power resource, primary frequency response and inertia response are possible in case of system contingency, so it can be utilized for frequency regulation (FR) purposes. In frequency regulation, reduction of the Rate of Change of Frequency (RoCoF) and increase the frequency nadir by improving the response characteristics are important factors to secure frequency stability. Therefore, it is important to control ESS with proper parameters according to changing system situation. In this paper, we propose a method to calculate and apply a frequency droop, which is basically required according to the power system condition based on swing equation and effective inertia assessment. In addition, a method to estimate RoCoF droop according to the correlation with frequency by estimating the systematic inertia in the current situation is proposed. The case study for verification of the proposed method was performed through dynamic simulation using actual Korean power system data. The results show that the proposed method is more effective than the governor-free of the conventional thermal generator and conventional droop control-based FR-ESS.
Accuracy Improvement Method of Energy Storage Utilization with DC Voltage Estimation in Large-Scale Photovoltaic Power Plants
Authors: Yoo Yeuntae , Jang Gilsoo , Kim Jeong-Hwan , Nam Iseul , Yoon Minhan , Jung Seungmin
Published: October 2019

In regard to electric devices, currently designed large-scale distributed generation systems require a precise prediction strategy based on the composition of internal component owing to an environmental fluctuating condition and forecasted power variation. A number of renewable resources, such as solar or marine based energies, are made up of a low voltage direct current (DC) network. In addition to actively considering a power compensation plan, these generation systems have negative effects, which can be induced to a connected power system. When a storage is connected to a DC-based generation system on an inner network along with other generators, a precise state analysis plan should back the utilization process. This paper presents a cooperative operating condition, consisting of the shared DC section, which includes photovoltaic (PVs) and energy storage devices. An active storage management plan with voltage-expectation is introduced and compared via a commercialized electro-magnetic transient simulation tool with designed environmental conditions. Owing to their complexity, the case studies were sequentially advanced by dividing state analysis verification and storage device operation.
Emergence and Evolution of Anthropogenic Landscapes in the Western Mediterranean and Adjacent Atlantic Regions
Authors: Iglesias Virginia , Vannière Boris , Jouffroy-Bapicot Isabelle
Published: October 2019

Socio-ecological systems are complex, dynamic structures driven by cross-scale interactions between climate, disturbance and subsistence strategies. We synthetize paleoecological data to explore the emergence and evolution of anthropogenic landscapes in southwestern Europe and northern Africa. Specifically, we estimate trends in vegetation and fire, and assess how changes in climate and resource exploitation altered ecosystem dynamics over the last 10,000 years. Pollen data reveal that a complex vegetation mosaic resulted from the conversion of forests into areas suitable for crops, especially after 7000 cal yr BP. Cross-scale analysis shows a progressive decoupling of climate and ecosystem trajectories, which displayed an overall south-to-north time-transgressive pattern consistent with models of population expansion. As human impact increased, so did the use of fire, and after 4000 cal yr BP, levels of biomass burning became homogeneous across the region. This region-wide rise in burning suggests that land-management overrode the effects of climate, fuel and topography. Thus, while increasing the returns and predictability of resources, rapidly-growing communities created a new form of frequent and extensive disturbance that led to profound and persistent changes in the landscape, including shrub encroachment, increased erosion and soil impoverishment.
Comprehensive Insight into Gibberellin- and Jasmonate-Mediated Stamen Development
Authors: Marciniak Katarzyna , Przedniczek Krzysztof
Published: October 2019

In flowering plants, proper development of male generative organs is required for successful sexual reproduction. Stamen primordia arise in the third whorl of floral organs and subsequently differentiate into filaments and anthers. The early phase of stamen development, in which meiosis occurs, is followed by a late developmental phase, which consists of filament elongation coordinated with pollen maturation, anther dehiscence and finally viable pollen grain release. Stamen development and function are modulated by phytohormones, with a key role of gibberellins (GAs) and jasmonates (JAs). Long-term, extensive investigations, mainly involving GA/JA-deficient and GA/JA-response mutants, have led to a better understanding of the hormone-dependent molecular mechanisms of stamen development. In several species, the principal functions of GAs are to stimulate filament elongation through increased cell elongation and to promote anther locule opening. In the GA-dependent regulation of early stamen development, both the tapetum and developing pollen were identified as major targets. JAs mainly control the late stages of stamen development, such as filament elongation, viable pollen formation and anther dehiscence. A hierarchical relationship between GAs and JAs was recognized mainly in the control of late stamen development. By repressing DELLA proteins, GAs modulate the transcriptional activity of JA biosynthesis genes to promote JA production. A high level of JAs induces a complex of transcription factors crucial for normal stamen development.
Efficient Removal of Butachlor and Change in Microbial Community Structure in Single-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Li Yue , Zhao Lixia , Sun Yang , Zhang Xiaolin , Chen Xiaodong , Weng Liping , Li Yongtao
Published: October 2019

Microbial electrochemical technology provides an inexhaustible supply of electron acceptors, allowing electroactive microorganisms to generate biocurrent and accelerate the removal of organics. The treatment of wastewater contaminated by butachlor, which is a commonly used chloroacetamide herbicide in paddy fields, is a problem in agricultural production. In this study, butachlor was found to be removed efficiently (90 ± 1%) and rapidly (one day) in constructed single-chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs). After the addition of sodium acetate to MFCs with butachlor as the sole carbon source, electricity generation was recovered instead of increasing the degradation efficiency of butachlor. Meanwhile, the microbial community structure was changed in anodic and cathodic biofilms after the addition of butachlor, following the bioelectrochemical degradation of butachlor. High-throughput sequencing showed the proliferation of Paracoccus and Geobacter in MFCs with butachlor as the sole carbon source and of Thauera butanivorans in MFCs with butachlor and sodium acetate as concomitant carbon sources. These species possess the ability to oxidize different substituents of butachlor and have important potential use for the bioremediation of wastewater, sediments, and soils.
What to Do about Childhood Obesity?
Authors: Kharofa Roohi , Siegel Robert , Stackpole Kristin
Published: October 2019

Non-communicable diseases led by cardiovascular disease are all, in part, consequences of obesity and are now the number one cause of mortality worldwide [...]
Impact of an 8-Week Exercise and Sport Intervention on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms, Mental Health, and Physical Fitness among Male Refugees Living in a Greek Refugee Camp
Authors: Knappe Florian , Colledge Flora , Gerber Markus
Published: October 2019

Objective: To explore the potential impact of exercise and sport training on symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, quality of life, pain, and fitness in male refugees living in a Greek refugee camp. Methods: This investigation was designed as a one group pre-test/post-test study. A total of 45 refugees (Mage = 25.6) participated in the data assessment. All participants were invited to engage in an 8-week exercise and sport intervention. Data were analysed with hierarchical regression analyses. Results: Baseline scores significantly predicted post-intervention scores across all study variables. Regression analyses showed that a higher participation rate predicted fewer anxiety symptoms, better health-related quality of life, higher self-perceived fitness, higher handgrip strength, and better cardiovascular fitness at post-intervention. A non-significant trend was also found for PTSD and depressive symptoms, showing that a higher participation rate was associated with fewer complaints at post-intervention. Conclusions: Among male refugees living in precarious conditions in a Greek refugee camp, frequency of participation in an 8-week exercise and sport training program seemed to have the potential to positively impact refugees’ health. Due to the pre-experimental study design, our results must be interpreted with caution.
Two XMAP215/TOG Microtubule Polymerases, Alp14 and Dis1, Play Non-Exchangeable, Distinct Roles in Microtubule Organisation in Fission Yeast
Authors: Yukawa Masashi , Kawakami Tomoki , Pinder Corinne , Toda Takashi
Published: October 2019

Proper bipolar spindle assembly underlies accurate chromosome segregation. A cohort of microtubule-associated proteins orchestrates spindle microtubule formation in a spatiotemporally coordinated manner. Among them, the conserved XMAP215/TOG family of microtubule polymerase plays a central role in spindle assembly. In fission yeast, two XMAP215/TOG members, Alp14 and Dis1, share essential roles in cell viability; however how these two proteins functionally collaborate remains undetermined. Here we show the functional interplay and specification of Alp14 and Dis1. Creation of new mutant alleles of alp14, which display temperature sensitivity in the absence of Dis1, enabled us to conduct detailed analyses of a double mutant. We have found that simultaneous inactivation of Alp14 and Dis1 results in early mitotic arrest with very short, fragile spindles. Intriguingly, these cells often undergo spindle collapse, leading to a lethal “cut” phenotype. By implementing an artificial targeting system, we have shown that Alp14 and Dis1 are not functionally exchangeable and as such are not merely redundant paralogues. Interestingly, while Alp14 promotes microtubule nucleation, Dis1 does not. Our results uncover that the intrinsic specification, not the spatial regulation, between Alp14 and Dis1 underlies the collaborative actions of these two XMAP215/TOG members in mitotic progression, spindle integrity and genome stability.
Genome-Wide Adductomics Analysis Reveals Heterogeneity in the Induction and Loss of Cyclobutane Thymine Dimers across Both the Nuclear and Mitochondrial Genomes
Authors: Alhegaili Alaa S. , Ji Yunhee , Sylvius Nicolas , Blades Matthew J. , Karbaschi Mahsa , Tempest Helen G. , Jones George D. D. , Cooke Marcus S.
Published: October 2019

The distribution of DNA damage and repair is considered to occur heterogeneously across the genome. However, commonly available techniques, such as the alkaline comet assay or HPLC-MS/MS, measure global genome levels of DNA damage, and do not reflect potentially significant events occurring at the gene/sequence-specific level, in the nuclear or mitochondrial genomes. We developed a method, which comprises a combination of Damaged DNA Immunoprecipitation and next generation sequencing (DDIP-seq), to assess the induction and repair of DNA damage induced by 0.1 J/cm2 solar-simulated radiation at the sequence-specific level, across both the entire nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. DDIP-seq generated a genome-wide, high-resolution map of cyclobutane thymine dimer (T<>T) location and intensity. In addition to being a straightforward approach, our results demonstrated a clear differential distribution of T<>T induction and loss, across both the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. For nuclear DNA, this differential distribution existed at both the sequence and chromosome level. Levels of T<>T were much higher in the mitochondrial DNA, compared to nuclear DNA, and decreased with time, confirmed by qPCR, despite no reported mechanisms for their repair in this organelle. These data indicate the existence of regions of sensitivity and resistance to damage formation, together with regions that are fully repaired, and those for which > 90% of damage remains, after 24 h. This approach offers a simple, yet more detailed approach to studying cellular DNA damage and repair, which will aid our understanding of the link between DNA damage and disease.
The Effects of TGF-β Signaling on Cancer Cells and Cancer Stem Cells in the Bone Microenvironment
Authors: Futakuchi Mitsuru , Lami Kris , Tachibana Yuri , Yamamoto Yukari , Furukawa Masahiro , Fukuoka Junya
Published: October 2019

Background: Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays a key role in bone metastasis formation; we hypothesized the possible involvement of TGF-β in the induction of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in the bone microenvironment (micro-E), which may be responsible for chemo-resistance. Methods: Mouse mammary tumor cells were implanted under the dorsal skin flap over the calvaria and into a subcutaneous (subQ) lesions in female mice, generating tumors in the bone and subQ micro-Es. After implantation of the tumor cells, mice were treated with a TGF-β R1 kinase inhibitor (R1-Ki). Results: Treatment with R1-Ki decreased tumor volume and cell proliferation in the bone micro-E, but not in the subQ micro-E. R1-Ki treatment did not affect the induction of necrosis or apoptosis in either bone or subQ micro-E. The number of cells positive for the CSC markers, SOX2, and CD166 in the bone micro-E, were significantly higher than those in the subQ micro-E. R1-Ki treatment significantly decreased the number of CSC marker positive cells in the bone micro-E but not in the subQ micro-E. TGF-β activation of the MAPK/ERK and AKT pathways was the underlying mechanism of cell proliferation in the bone micro-E. BMP signaling did not play a role in cell proliferation in either micro-E. Conclusion: Our results indicated that the bone micro-E is a key niche for CSC generation, and TGF-β signaling has important roles in generating CSCs and tumor cell proliferation in the bone micro-E. Therefore, it is critically important to evaluate responses to chemotherapeutic agents on both cancer stem cells and proliferating tumor cells in different tumor microenvironments in vivo.
Vaso-Occlusion in Sickle Cell Disease: Is Autonomic Dysregulation of the Microvasculature the Trigger?
Authors: Veluswamy Saranya , Shah Payal , Denton Christopher , Chalacheva Patjanaporn , Khoo Michael , Coates Thomas
Published: October 2019

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited hemoglobinopathy characterized by polymerization of hemoglobin S upon deoxygenation that results in the formation of rigid sickled-shaped red blood cells that can occlude the microvasculature, which leads to sudden onsets of pain. The severity of vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) is quite variable among patients, which is not fully explained by their genetic and biological profiles. The mechanism that initiates the transition from steady state to VOC remains unknown, as is the role of clinically reported triggers such as stress, cold and pain. The rate of hemoglobin S polymerization after deoxygenation is an important determinant of vaso-occlusion. Similarly, the microvascular blood flow rate plays a critical role as fast-moving red blood cells are better able to escape the microvasculature before polymerization of deoxy-hemoglobin S causes the red cells to become rigid and lodge in small vessels. The role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity in VOC initiation and propagation has been underestimated considering that the ANS is the major regulator of microvascular blood flow and that most triggers of VOC can alter the autonomic balance. Here, we will briefly review the evidence supporting the presence of ANS dysfunction in SCD, its implications in the onset of VOC, and how differences in autonomic vasoreactivity might potentially contribute to variability in VOC severity.
Psychopathological Symptoms and Gaming Motives in Disordered Gaming—A Psychometric Comparison between the WHO and APA Diagnostic Frameworks
Authors: Montag Christian , Schivinski Bruno , Sariyska Rayna , Kannen Christopher , Demetrovics Zsolt , Pontes Halley M.
Published: October 2019

Background: ‘Gaming Disorder’ (GD) has received increased medical attention and official recognition from both the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Although these two medical organizations have independently developed promising clinical diagnostic frameworks to assess disordered gaming, little is known about how these frameworks compare at different psychometric levels in terms of producing consistent outcomes in the assessment of GD. Methods: A sample of 1429 German gamers (Meanage = 29.74 years; SD = 12.37 years) completed an online survey including measures on different psychopathological symptoms (depression, loneliness and attention problems), gaming motives and disordered gaming according to the WHO and APA frameworks. Results: The findings suggest the existence of minor discrepancies in the estimation of prevalence rates of GD according among the two frameworks. Nevertheless, both diagnostic frameworks are fairly consistent in the psychometric prediction of GD in relation to gaming motives and psychopathological symptoms. The findings underscore the role of key gaming motives as risk factors and protective factors across both diagnostic frameworks. Finally, the study provides support for the WHO diagnostic framework for GD and its measurement with the German Gaming Disorder Test (GDT). The findings and their implications are further discussed in terms of clinical relevance.
Concept Design of the Underwater Manned Seabed Walking Robot
Authors: Khan Asghar , Liquan Wang , Gang Wang , Imran Muhammad , Waqas Hafiz Muhammad , Zaidi Asad A.
Published: October 2019

In this paper, a novel concept designed of a multi-legged underwater manned seabed walking robot is presented. The robot will be used in both shallow water current (1–2 m/sec) and deep water up to 500 m. It is powered by an external electric power source through tether cable. It walks on the seabed with six legs, which makes it distinct from conventional screw-propelled underwater robots. It can walk calmly without making the water turbid. Two anterior arms act as manipulators. All leg joints and manipulators are controlled by Brushless Direct Current Motors. Motivation for this concept comes from soldier crab that walk mostly forward and has an egg-shaped body. It is operated by a pilot sitting in a pressurized cabin, and promptly control operations of the robot and manipulator. Preliminary design of the pressurized cabin, using an empirical formula, “ASME PVHO-1 2007” standard, and validation was carried out through ANSYS Workbench. Hydrodynamic forces acting on the robot body and legs are utilized to withstand the water current and external forces to adjust legs and body posture for stability. Buoyancy rules are employed to control its rising and diving motion. All key technologies employed in the development of the robot and their approaching methods are explained. It will provide a safe operation space for humans in underwater operations.
Antibacterial Performance of a Mussel-Inspired Polydopamine-Treated Ag/Graphene Nanocomposite Material
Authors: Liao Jianming , He Shuaiming , Guo Shasha , Luan Pengcheng , Mo Lihuan , Li Jun
Published: October 2019

Graphene-based nanocomposites have attracted tremendous attention in recent years. In this study, a facile yet effective approach was developed to synthesize reduced graphene oxide and an Ag–graphene nanocomposite. The basic strategy involved in the preparation of reduced graphene oxide includes reducing graphene oxide with dopamine, followed by in situ syntheses of the Ag-PDA-reducing graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposite through adding AgNO3 solution and a small amount of dopamine. The nanocomposite was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR spectra, Raman spectra, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), results indicated that a uniform PDA film is formed on the surface of the GO and GO is successfully reduced. Besides, the in situ synthesized Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) were evenly distributed on the RGO surface. To investigate antibacterial properties Ag-PDA-RGO, different dosages were selected for evaluating the antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli. The Ag-PDA-RGO nanocomposites displayed excellent antibacterial property. The antibacterial ratio reached 99.9% against S. aureus and 90.9% against E. coli when the dosage of 100 mg/L Ag-PDA-RGO nanocomposites was 100 μL. The novel Ag-PDA-RGO nanocomposite prepared by a facile yet effective, environmentally friendly, and low-cost method holds great promise in a wide range of modern biomedical applications.