bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemopreventive Agent 3,3′-Diindolylmethane Inhibits MDM2 in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Gao Xiang , Liu Jingwen , Cho Kwang Bog , Kedika Samanthreddy , Guo Bin
Published: June 2020

3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a naturally derived chemopreventive compound. It comes from glucobrassicin, an indole glucosinolate enriched in cruciferous vegetables, and is formed in the acidic environment of the stomach after ingestion. Mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2) is an important, multi-functional oncogenic protein and it has been well recognized for its negative regulation of the tumor suppressor protein p53. We discovered a novel mechanism of action of DIM, that it directly inhibits MDM2 in multiple colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. Treatment with DIM decreased MDM2 at messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels, inhibited cancer cell proliferation, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. DIM-induced decrease of MDM2 is p53-independent and is partly mediated by proteasome degradation of MDM2, as blocking of the proteasome activity reversed MDM2 protein inhibition. Overexpression of MDM2 blocked DIM’s effects in growth suppression and apoptosis induction. When combined with imidazoline MDM2 inhibitors (Nutlin-3a and Idasanutlin/RG-7388), synergism was observed in cancer cell growth inhibition. In summary, our data support a new mechanism of action for DIM in direct inhibition of MDM2. The identification of MDM2 as a novel DIM target may help develop a new strategy in CRC prevention.
Molecular Mapping of Hydrogen Sulfide Targets in Normal Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Gross-Amat Olivia , Guillen Marine , Gimeno Jean-Pascal , Salzet Michel , Lebonvallet Nicolas , Misery Laurent , Auxenfans Céline , Nataf Serge
Published: June 2020

Although sulfur-rich thermal waters have ancestrally been used in the context of dermatological conditions, a global mapping of the molecular effects exerted by H2S on human keratinocytes is still lacking. To fill this knowledge gap, we subjected cultured human keratinocytes to distinct amounts of the non-gaseous hydrogen sulfur donor NaHS. We first checked that H2S accumulated in the cytoplasm of keratinocytes under our experimental conditions andused a combination of proteomics, genomics and biochemical approaches to unravel functionally relevant H2S targets in human keratinocytes. We found that the identified targets fall into two main categories: (i) the oxidative stress response molecules superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) and culin 3 (CUL3) and (ii) the chemokines interleukin-8 (IL-8) and CXCL2. Interestingly, NaHS also stimulated the caspase-1 inflammasome pathway, leading to increased secretion of the pro-inflammatory molecule interleukin-18 (IL-18). Interestingly, the secretion of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) was only modestly impacted by NaHS exposure despite a significant accumulation of IL-1β pro-form. Finally, we observed that NaHS significantly hampered the growth of human keratinocyte progenitors and stem cells cultured under clonogenic conditions or as epidermal cell sheets. We conclude that H2S exerts specific molecular effects on normal human keratinocytes.
Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt)/Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) Axis Suppresses Atrial Fibrillation by Modulating the Calcium Handling Pathway
Authors: Feng Duo , Xu DongZhu , Murakoshi Nobuyuki , Tajiri Kazuko , Qin Rujie , Yonebayashi Saori , Okabe Yuta , Li Siqi , Yuan Zixun , Aonuma Kazutaka , Ieda Masaki
Published: June 2020

Aging and obesity are the most prominent risk factors for onset of atrial fibrillation (AF). Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt) is the rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) activity. Nampt and NAD are essential for maintenance of cellular redox homeostasis and modulation of cellular metabolism, and their expression levels decrease with aging and obesity. However, a role for Nampt in AF is unknown. The present study aims to test whether there is a role of Nampt/NAD axis in the pathogenesis of obesity-induced AF. Male C57BL/6J (WT) mice and heterozygous Nampt knockout (NKO) mice were fed with a normal chow diet (ND) or a high-fat diet (HFD). Electrophysiological study showed that AF inducibility was significantly increased in WT+HFD, NKO+ND, and NKO+HFD mice compared with WT+ND mice. AF duration was significantly longer in WT+HFD and NKO+ND mice and further prolonged in NKO+HFD mice compared with WT+ND mice and the calcium handling pathway was altered on molecular level. Also, treatment with nicotinamide riboside, a NAD precursor, partially restored the HFD-induced AF perpetuation. Overall, this work demonstrates that partially deletion of Nampt facilitated HFD-induced AF through increased diastolic calcium leaks. The Nampt/NAD axis may be a potent therapeutic target for AF.
Identification, Characterization, and Functional Analysis of Chitin Synthase Genes in Glyphodes pyloalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Shao Zuo-Min , Li Yi-Jiangcheng , Ding Jian-Hao , Liu Zhi-Xiang , Zhang Xiao-Rui , Wang Jun , Sheng Sheng , Wu Fu-An
Published: June 2020

Glyphodes pyloalis Walker (G. pyloalis) causes significant damage to mulberry every year, and we currently lack effective and environmentally friendly ways to control the pest. Chitin synthase (CHS) is a critical regulatory enzyme related to chitin biosynthesis, which plays a vital role in the growth and development of insects. The function of CHS in G. pyloalis, however, has not been studied. In this study, two chitin synthase genes (GpCHSA and GpCHSB) were screened from our previously created transcriptome database. The complete coding sequences of the two genes are 5,955 bp and 5,896 bp, respectively. Expression of GpCHSA and GpCHSB could be detected throughout all developmental stages. Relatively high expression levels of GpCHSA occurred in the head and integument and GpCHSB was most highly expressed in the midgut. Moreover, silencing of GpCHSA and GpCHSB using dsRNA reduced expression of downstream chitin metabolism pathway genes and resulted in abnormal development and wings stretching, but did not affect normal pupating of larvae. Furthermore, the inhibitor of chitin synthesis diflubenzuron (DFB) was used to further validate the RNAi result. DFB treatment significantly improved expression of GpCHSA, except GpCHSB, and their downstream genes, and also effected G. Pyloali molting at 48 h (62% mortality rate) and 72 h (90% mortality rate), respectively. These results show that GpCHSA and GpCHSB play critical roles in the development and wing stretching in G. pyloalis adults, indicating that the genes are attractive potential pest control targets.
Ethylene Is Not Essential for R-Gene Mediated Resistance but Negatively Regulates Moderate Resistance to Some Aphids in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Zhang Lijun , Kamphuis Lars G. , Guo Yanqiong , Jacques Silke , Singh Karam B. , Gao Ling-Ling
Published: June 2020

Ethylene is important for plant responses to environmental factors. However, little is known about its role in aphid resistance. Several types of genetic resistance against multiple aphid species, including both moderate and strong resistance mediated by R genes, have been identified in Medicago truncatula. To investigate the potential role of ethylene, a M. truncatula ethylene- insensitive mutant, sickle, was analysed. The sickle mutant occurs in the accession A17 that has moderate resistance to Acyrthosiphon kondoi, A. pisum and Therioaphis trifolii. The sickle mutant resulted in increased antibiosis-mediated resistance against A. kondoi and T. trifolii but had no effect on A. pisum. When sickle was introduced into a genetic background carrying resistance genes, AKR (A. kondoi resistance), APR (A. pisum resistance) and TTR (T. trifolii resistance), it had no effect on the strong aphid resistance mediated by these genes, suggesting that ethylene signaling is not essential for their function. Interestingly, for the moderate aphid resistant accession, the sickle mutant delayed leaf senescence following aphid infestation and reduced the plant biomass losses caused by both A. kondoi and T. trifolii. These results suggest manipulation of the ethylene signaling pathway could provide aphid resistance and enhance plant tolerance against aphid feeding.
The Effect of Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides on Pyroptosis-Associated Amyloid β1-40 Oligomers-Induced Adult Retinal Pigment Epithelium 19 Cell Damage
Authors: Yang Ming , So Kwok-Fai , Lo Amy Cheuk Yin , Lam Wai Ching
Published: June 2020

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a sight-threatening disease with limited treatment options. We investigated whether amyloid β1-40 (Aβ1-40) could cause pyroptosis and evaluated the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on Aβ1-40 oligomers-induced retinal pigment epithelium 19 (ARPE-19) damage, which is an in vitro AMD model. Aβ1-40 oligomers verified by Western blot were added to ARPE-19 cells with or without 24 h LBP treatment. Aβ1-40 oligomers significantly decreased ARPE-19 cell viability with obvious morphological changes under light microscopy. SEM revealed swollen cells with a bubbling appearance and ruptured cell membrane, which are morphological characteristics of pyroptosis. ELISA results showed increased expression of IL-1β and IL-18, which are the final products of pyroptosis. LBP administration for 24 h had no toxic effects on ARPE-19 cells and improved cell viability and morphology while disrupting Aβ1-40 oligomerization in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, Aβ1-40 oligomers up-regulated the cellular immunoreactivity of pyroptosis markers including NOD-like receptors protein 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, and membrane N-terminal cleavage product of GSDMD (GSDMD-N), which could be reversed by LBP treatment. Taken together, this study showed that LBP effectively protects the Aβ1-40 oligomers-induced pyroptotic ARPE-19 cell damages by its anti-Aβ1-40 oligomerization properties and its anti-pyroptotic effects.
Food for Bone: Evidence for a Role for Delta-Tocotrienol in the Physiological Control of Osteoblast Migration
Authors: Casati Lavinia , Pagani Francesca , Maggi Roberto , Ferrucci Francesco , Sibilia Valeria
Published: June 2020

Bone remodeling and repair require osteogenic cells to reach the sites that need to be rebuilt, indicating that stimulation of osteoblast migration could be a promising osteoanabolic strategy. We showed that purified δ-tocotrienol (δ-TT, 10 μg/mL), isolated from commercial palm oil (Elaeis guineensis) fraction, stimulates the migration of both MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells and primary human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) as detected by wound healing assay or Boyden chamber assay respectively. The ability of δ-TT to promote MC3T3-E1 cells migration is dependent on Akt phosphorylation detected by Western blotting and involves Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway activation. In fact, δ-TT increased β-catenin transcriptional activity, measured using a Nano luciferase assay and pretreatment with procaine (2 µM), an inhibitor of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, reducing the wound healing activity of δ-TT on MC3T3-E1 cells. Moreover, δ-TT treatment increased the expression of β-catenin specific target genes, such as Osteocalcin and Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2, involved in osteoblast differentiation and migration, and increased alkaline phosphatase and collagen content, osteoblast differentiation markers. The ability of δ-TT to enhance the recruitment of BMSC, and to promote MC3T3-E1 differentiation and migratory behavior, indicates that δ-TT could be considered a promising natural anabolic compound.
Go with the Flow—Trophoblasts in Flow Culture
Authors: Brugger Beatrice A. , Guettler Jacqueline , Gauster Martin
Published: June 2020

With establishment of uteroplacental blood flow, the perfused fetal chorionic tissue has to deal with fluid shear stress that is produced by hemodynamic forces across different trophoblast subtypes. Amongst many other cell types, trophoblasts are able to sense fluid shear stress through mechanotransduction. Failure in the adaption of trophoblasts to fluid shear stress is suggested to contribute to pregnancy disorders. Thus, in the past twenty years, a significant body of work has been devoted to human- and animal-derived trophoblast culture under microfluidic conditions, using a rather broad range of different fluid shear stress values as well as various different flow systems, ranging from commercially 2D to customized 3D flow culture systems. The great variations in the experimental setup reflect the general heterogeneity in blood flow through different segments of the uteroplacental circulation. While fluid shear stress is moderate in invaded uterine spiral arteries, it drastically declines after entrance of the maternal blood into the wide cavity of the intervillous space. Here, we provide an overview of the increasing body of evidence that substantiates an important influence of maternal blood flow on several aspects of trophoblast physiology, including cellular turnover and differentiation, trophoblast metabolism, as well as endocrine activity, and motility. Future trends in trophoblast flow culture will incorporate the physiological low oxygen conditions in human placental tissue and pulsatile blood flow in the experimental setup. Investigation of trophoblast mechanotransduction and development of mechanosome modulators will be another intriguing future direction.
Human Serum Albumin in the Presence of AGuIX Nanoagents: Structure Stabilisation without Direct Interaction
Authors: Yang Xiaomin , Bolsa-Ferruz Marta , Marichal Laurent , Porcel Erika , Salado-Leza Daniela , Lux François , Tillement Olivier , Renault Jean-Philippe , Pin Serge , Wien Frank , Lacombe Sandrine
Published: June 2020

The gadolinium-based nanoagent named AGuIX® is a unique radiosensitizer and contrast agent which improves the performance of radiotherapy and medical imaging. Currently tested in clinical trials, AGuIX® is administrated to patients via intravenous injection. The presence of nanoparticles in the blood stream may induce harmful effects due to undesired interactions with blood components. Thus, there is an emerging need to understand the impact of these nanoagents when meeting blood proteins. In this work, the influence of nanoagents on the structure and stability of the most abundant blood protein, human serum albumin, is presented. Synchrotron radiation circular dichroism showed that AGuIX® does not bind to the protein, even at the high ratio of 45 nanoparticles per protein at 3 mg/L. However, it increases the stability of the albumin. Isothermal thermodynamic calorimetry and fluorescence emission spectroscopy demonstrated that the effect is due to preferential hydration processes. Thus, this study confirms that intravenous injection of AGuIX® presents limited risks of perturbing the blood stream. In a wider view, the methodology developed in this work may be applied to rapidly evaluate the impact and risk of other nano-products that could come into contact with the bloodstream.
The Inflammasome Adaptor Protein ASC in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Scott Xavier O. , Stephens Marisa E. , Desir Marie C. , Dietrich W. Dalton , Keane Robert W. , de Rivero Vaccari Juan Pablo
Published: June 2020

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by memory loss in the absence of dementia and is considered the translational stage between normal aging and early Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Patients with MCI have a greater risk of advancing to AD. Thus, identifying early markers of MCI has the potential to increase the therapeutic window to treat and manage the disease. Protein levels of the inflammasome signaling proteins apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) and interleukin (IL)-18 were analyzed in the serum of patients with MCI, AD and healthy age-matched donors as possible biomarkers, as well as levels of soluble amyloid precursor proteins α/β (sAPP α/β) and neurofilament light (NfL). Cut-off points and positive and negative predictive values, as well as receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves, likelihood ratios and accuracy were determined for these proteins. Although the levels of ASC were higher in MCI and AD than in age-matched controls, protein levels of ASC were higher in MCI than in AD cases. For control vs. MCI, the area under the curve (AUC) for ASC was 0.974, with a cut-off point of 264.9 pg/mL. These data were comparable to the AUC for sAPP α and β of 0.9687 and 0.9068, respectively, as well as 0.7734 for NfL. Moreover, similar results were obtained for control vs. AD and MCI vs. AD. These results indicate that ASC is a promising biomarker of MCI and AD.
Vimentin as a Multifaceted Player and Potential Therapeutic Target in Viral Infections
Authors: Ramos Irene , Stamatakis Konstantinos , Oeste Clara L. , Pérez-Sala Dolores
Published: June 2020

Vimentin is an intermediate filament protein that plays key roles in integration of cytoskeletal functions, and therefore in basic cellular processes such as cell division and migration. Consequently, vimentin has complex implications in pathophysiology. Vimentin is required for a proper immune response, but it can also act as an autoantigen in autoimmune diseases or as a damage signal. Although vimentin is a predominantly cytoplasmic protein, it can also appear at extracellular locations, either in a secreted form or at the surface of numerous cell types, often in relation to cell activation, inflammation, injury or senescence. Cell surface targeting of vimentin appears to associate with the occurrence of certain posttranslational modifications, such as phosphorylation and/or oxidative damage. At the cell surface, vimentin can act as a receptor for bacterial and viral pathogens. Indeed, vimentin has been shown to play important roles in virus attachment and entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV), dengue and encephalitis viruses, among others. Moreover, the presence of vimentin in specific virus-targeted cells and its induction by proinflammatory cytokines and tissue damage contribute to its implication in viral infection. Here, we recapitulate some of the pathophysiological implications of vimentin, including the involvement of cell surface vimentin in interaction with pathogens, with a special focus on its role as a cellular receptor or co-receptor for viruses. In addition, we provide a perspective on approaches to target vimentin, including antibodies or chemical agents that could modulate these interactions to potentially interfere with viral pathogenesis, which could be useful when multi-target antiviral strategies are needed.
Epigenetic Regulation of Gfi1 in Endocrine-Related Cancers: A Role Regulating Tumor Growth
Authors: Ashour Nadia , Angulo Javier C. , González-Corpas Ana , Orea María J. , Lobo María V. T. , Colomer Ramón , Colás Begoña , Esteller Manel , Ropero Santiago
Published: June 2020

Prostate and breast cancer constitute the most common cancers among men and women worldwide. The aging population is one of the main risk factors for prostate and breast cancer development and accumulating studies link aging with epigenetic changes. Growth factor independence-1 (Gfi1) is a transcriptional repressor with an important role in human malignancies, including leukemia, colorectal carcinoma, and lung cancer, but its role in prostate and breast cancer is unknown. We have found that Gfi1 epigenetic silencing is a common event in prostate and breast cancer. Gfi1 re-expression in prostate and breast cancer cell lines displaying Gfi1 epigenetic silencing decreases cell proliferation, reduced colony formation density, and tumor growth in nude mice xenografts. In addition, we found that Gfi1 repress alpha 1-anti-trypsin (AAT) and alpha 1-anti-chymotrypsin (ACT) expression, two genes with important functions in cancer development, suggesting that Gfi1 silencing promotes tumor growth by increasing AAT and ACT expression in our system. Finally, Gfi1 epigenetic silencing could be a promising biomarker for prostate cancer progression because it is associated with shorter disease-free survival. In conclusion, our findings strongly indicate that Gfi1 epigenetic silencing in prostate and breast cancer could be a crucial step in the development of these two-well characterized endocrine related tumors.
Follow-Up for an Abnormal Newborn Screen for Severe Combined Immunodeficiencies (NBS SCID): A Clinical Immunology Society (CIS) Survey of Current Practices
Authors: Knight Vijaya , Heimall Jennifer R. , Wright Nicola , Dutmer Cullen M. , Boyce Thomas G. , Torgerson Troy R. , Abraham Roshini S.
Published: June 2020

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) includes a group of monogenic disorders presenting with severe T cell lymphopenia (TCL) and high mortality, if untreated. The newborn screen (NBS) for SCID, included in the recommended universal screening panel (RUSP), has been widely adopted across the US and in many other countries. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding follow-up testing to confirm an abnormal result. The Clinical Immunology Society (CIS) membership was surveyed for confirmatory testing practices for an abnormal NBS SCID result, which included consideration of gestational age and birth weight, as well as flow cytometry panels. Considerable variability was observed in follow-up practices for an abnormal NBS SCID with 49% confirming by flow cytometry, 39% repeating TREC analysis, and the remainder either taking prematurity into consideration for subsequent testing or proceeding directly to genetic analysis. More than 50% of respondents did not take prematurity into consideration when determining follow-up. Confirmation of abnormal NBS SCID in premature infants continues to be challenging and is handled variably across centers, with some choosing to repeat NBS SCID testing until normal or until the infant reaches an adjusted gestational age of 37 weeks. A substantial proportion of respondents included naïve and memory T cell analysis with T, B, and NK lymphocyte subset quantitation in the initial confirmatory panel. These results have the potential to influence the diagnosis and management of an infant with TCL as illustrated by the clinical cases presented herein. Our data indicate that there is clearly a strong need for harmonization of follow-up testing for an abnormal NBS SCID result.
Information Privacy Protection under Anti-Money Laundering Legislation: An Empirical Study in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Fa-Chang , Wang Su-Man
Published: June 2020

The newly added requirement in Taiwan’s Money Laundering Control Act to fully authenticate customers’ identity by regulated entities, particularly to reveal substantial beneficial owners, entails greater disclosure of customers’ private information. How to strike the balance between such disclosure and information privacy protection has not been mentioned yet in Taiwan. The goal of this research paper is to identify support measures, consisting of criteria, sub-criteria, and alternatives, for information privacy protection for future change. A questionnaire was developed through applying the modified Delphi method. This study also applied the analytic hierarchy process to the questionnaire to prioritize the importance of different criteria and sub-criteria and find the optimal alternative. The search results indicated that the criteria were (in order of importance) internal control in financial institutions, prior surveillance mechanisms, informed consent, and safe-harbor immunity. Further examination of the details for the sub-criteria indicated that the establishment of an external independent supervising mechanism and the adoption of a personal information impact assessment are increasingly prioritized for implementation. Moreover, Alternative 2 (“Public and private entities should implement criteria and sub-criteria simultaneously”) weighed 0.62 more in terms of importance compared with Alternative 1 (“Public entities should implement criteria and sub-criteria first”), which weighed 0.38.
Intraoperative Intercostal Nerve Block for Postoperative Pain Control in Pre-Pectoral versus Subpectoral Direct-To-Implant Breast Reconstruction: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Park Jin-Woo , Kim Jeong Hoon , Woo Kyong-Je
Published: June 2020

Background and Objectives: Patients undergoing mastectomy and implant-based breast reconstruction have significant acute postsurgical pain. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of intercostal nerve blocks (ICNBs) for reducing pain after direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction. Materials and Methods: Between January 2019 and March 2020, patients who underwent immediate DTI breast reconstruction were included in this study. The patients were divided into the ICNB or control group. In the ICNB group, 4 cc of 0.2% ropivacaine was injected intraoperatively to the second, third, fourth, and fifth intercostal spaces just before implant insertion. The daily average and maximum visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were recorded by the patient from operative day to postoperative day (POD) seven. Pain scores were compared between the ICNB and control groups and analyzed according to the insertion plane of implants. Results: A total of 67 patients with a mean age of 47.9 years were included; 31 patients received ICNBs and 36 patients did not receive ICNBs. There were no complications related to ICNBs reported. The ICNB group showed a significantly lower median with an average VAS score on the operative day (4 versus 6, p = 0.047), lower maximum VAS scores on the operative day (5 versus 7.5, p = 0.030), and POD 1 (4 versus 6, p = 0.030) as compared with the control group. Among patients who underwent subpectoral reconstruction, the ICNB group showed a significantly lower median with an average VAS score on the operative day (4 versus 7, p = 0.005), lower maximum VAS scores on the operative day (4.5 versus 8, p = 0.004), and POD 1 (4 versus 6, p = 0.009), whereas no significant differences were observed among those who underwent pre-pectoral reconstruction. Conclusions: Intraoperative ICNBs can effectively reduce immediate postoperative pain in subpectoral DTI breast reconstruction; however, it may not be effective in pre-pectoral DTI reconstruction.
New Data on the Isomorphism in Eudialyte-Group Minerals. 1. Crystal Chemistry of Eudialyte-Group Members with Na Incorporated into the Framework as a Marker of Hyperagpaitic Conditions
Authors: Rastsvetaeva Ramiza K. , Chukanov Nikita V. , Pekov Igor V. , Schäfer Christof , Van Konstantin V.
Published: June 2020

A review of the crystal chemistry of Fe-deficient eudialyte-group minerals is given. Specific features of cation distribution over key sites in the crystal structure, including partial substitution of Fe2+ with Na, Mn and Zr at the M2 site are discussed. It is concluded that Na-dominant (at the M2 site) eudialyte-group members (M2Na-EGMs) are markers of specific kinds of specific peralkaline (hyperagpaitic) igneous rocks and pegmatites. New data are obtained on the chemical composition, IR spectra and crystal chemistry for two samples of M2Na-EGMs with disordered M1 cations, which are a potentially new mineral species with the simplified formula (Na,H2O)15Ca6Zr3[Na2(Fe,Zr)][Si26O72](OH)2Cl·nH2O.
Stress Distribution Analysis on Hyperspectral Corn Leaf Images for Improved Phenotyping Quality
Authors: Ma Dongdong , Wang Liangju , Zhang Libo , Song Zhihang , U. Rehman Tanzeel , Jin Jian
Published: June 2020

High-throughput imaging technologies have been developing rapidly for agricultural plant phenotyping purposes. With most of the current crop plant image processing algorithms, the plant canopy pixels are segmented from the images, and the averaged spectrum across the whole canopy is calculated in order to predict the plant’s physiological features. However, the nutrients and stress levels vary significantly across the canopy. For example, it is common to have several times of difference among Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) chlorophyll meter readings of chlorophyll content at different positions on the same leaf. The current plant image processing algorithms cannot provide satisfactory plant measurement quality, as the averaged color cannot characterize the different leaf parts. Meanwhile, the nutrients and stress distribution patterns contain unique features which might provide valuable signals for phenotyping. There is great potential to develop a finer level of image processing algorithm which analyzes the nutrients and stress distributions across the leaf for improved quality of phenotyping measurements. In this paper, a new leaf image processing algorithm based on Random Forest and leaf region rescaling was developed in order to analyze the distribution patterns on the corn leaf. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was used as an example to demonstrate the improvements of the new algorithm in differentiating between different nitrogen stress levels. With the Random Forest method integrated into the algorithm, the distribution patterns along the corn leaf’s mid-rib direction were successfully modeled and utilized for improved phenotyping quality. The algorithm was tested in a field corn plant phenotyping assay with different genotypes and nitrogen treatments. Compared with the traditional image processing algorithms which average the NDVI (for example) throughout the whole leaf, the new algorithm more clearly differentiates the leaves from different nitrogen treatments and genotypes. We expect that, besides NDVI, the new distribution analysis algorithm could improve the quality of other plant feature measurements in similar ways.
Energy-Efficient Cluster Management Using a Mobile Charger for Solar-Powered Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Son Youngjae , Kang Minjae , Kim Younghyun , Yoon Ikjune , Noh Dong Kun
Published: June 2020

In solar-powered wireless sensor networks (SP-WSNs), sensor nodes can continuously harvest energy to relieve the energy constraint problem in battery-powered WSNs. With the advent of wireless power transmission (WPT) technology, the nodes can be charged remotely if the energy harvested is insufficient. However, even in SP-WSNs with WPT, an energy imbalance problem is observed, in which the energy consumption of the nodes around a sink node increases abnormally if the sink node is stationary. To solve this problem, recent studies have been conducted using a mobile sink node instead of a stationary one. Generally, a clustering scheme is used for the efficient utilization of a mobile sink. However, even in the case of mobile sinks, it is still necessary to minimize the energy burden of the cluster heads and their surrounding nodes. In this study, we propose a scheme that mitigates the energy imbalance problem of SP-WSNs by using a WPT-capable mobile sink and an efficient clustering scheme. In the proposed scheme, the energy imbalance is minimized by electing the cluster heads effectively after considering the energy state of the nodes, and by enabling the sink node to charge the energy of the cluster heads while collecting data from them. Consequently, this scheme allows the sink node to collect more data with fewer blackouts of the sensor nodes.
Cost-Reference Particle Filter for Cognitive Radar Tracking Systems with Unknown Statistics
Authors: Zhong Lei , Li Yong , Cheng Wei , Zheng Yi
Published: June 2020

A novel robust particle filtering algorithm is proposed for updating both the waveform and noise parameter for tracking accuracy simultaneously and adaptively. The approach is a significant step for cognitive radar towards more robust tracking in random dynamic systems with unknown statistics. Meanwhile, as an intelligent sensor, it would be most desirable for cognitive radar to develop the application of a traditional filter to be adaptive and to expand the adaptation to a wider scope. In this paper, after analysis of the Bayesian bounds and the corresponding cost function design, we propose the cognitive radar tracking method based on a particle filter by completely reconstructing the propagation and the update process with a cognitive structure. Moreover, we develop the cost-reference particle filter based on optimizing the cost function design according to the complicated system or environment with unknown statistics. With this method, the update of the estimation cost and variance arrives at the approximate optimization, and the estimation error can be more adjacent to corresponding low bounds. Simulations about the tracking implementation in unknown noise are utilized to demonstrate the superiority of the proposed algorithm to the existing methods in traditional radar.
Recent Advances in the Electrochemical Sensing of Venlafaxine: An Antidepressant Drug and Environmental Contaminant
Authors: Tajik Somayeh , Beitollahi Hadi , Dourandish Zahra , Zhang Kaiqiang , Le Quyet Van , Nguyen Thang Phan , Kim Soo Young , Shokouhimehr Mohammadreza
Published: June 2020

Venlafaxine (VEN), as one of the popular anti-depressants, is widely utilized for the treatment of major depressive disorder, panic disorder, as well as anxiety. This drug influences the chemicals in the brain, which may result in imbalance in depressed individuals. However, venlafaxine and its metabolites are contaminants in water. They have exerted an adverse influence on living organisms through their migration and transformation in various forms of adsorption, photolysis, hydrolysis, and biodegradation followed by the formation of various active compounds in the environment. Hence, it is crucial to determine VEN with low concentrations in high sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility. Some analytical techniques have been practically designed to quantify VEN. However, electroanalytical procedures have been of interest due to the superior advantages in comparison to conventional techniques, because such methods feature rapidity, simplicity, sensitivity, and affordability. Therefore, this mini-review aims to present the electrochemical determination of VEN with diverse electrodes, such as carbon paste electrodes, glassy carbon electrodes, mercury-based electrodes, screen-printed electrodes, pencil graphite electrodes, and ion-selective electrodes.
Simultaneous Estimation of Vehicle Roll and Sideslip Angles through a Deep Learning Approach
Authors: González Lisardo Prieto , Sánchez Susana Sanz , Garcia-Guzman Javier , Boada María Jesús L. , Boada Beatriz L.
Published: June 2020

Presently, autonomous vehicles are on the rise and are expected to be on the roads in the coming years. In this sense, it becomes necessary to have adequate knowledge about its states to design controllers capable of providing adequate performance in all driving scenarios. Sideslip and roll angles are critical parameters in vehicular lateral stability. The later has a high impact on vehicles with an elevated center of gravity, such as trucks, buses, and industrial vehicles, among others, as they are prone to rollover. Due to the high cost of the current sensors used to measure these angles directly, much of the research is focused on estimating them. One of the drawbacks is that vehicles are strong non-linear systems that require specific methods able to tackle this feature. The evolution in Artificial Intelligence models, such as the complex Artificial Neural Network architectures that compose the Deep Learning paradigm, has shown to provide excellent performance for complex and non-linear control problems. In this paper, the authors propose an inexpensive but powerful model based on Deep Learning to estimate the roll and sideslip angles simultaneously in mass production vehicles. The model uses input signals which can be obtained directly from onboard vehicle sensors such as the longitudinal and lateral accelerations, steering angle and roll and yaw rates. The model was trained using hundreds of thousands of data provided by Trucksim® and validated using data captured from real driving maneuvers using a calibrated ground truth device such as VBOX3i dual-antenna GPS from Racelogic®. The use of both Trucksim® software and the VBOX measuring equipment is recognized and widely used in the automotive sector, providing robust data for the research shown in this article.
Ion-Selective Carbon Nanotube Field-Effect Transistors for Monitoring Drug Effects on Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Activation in Live Cells
Authors: Cho Youngtak , Pham Ba Viet Anh , Jeong Jin-Young , Choi Yoonji , Hong Seunghun
Published: June 2020

We developed ion-selective field-effect transistor (FET) sensors with floating electrodes for the monitoring of the potassium ion release by the stimulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on PC12 cells. Here, ion-selective valinomycin-polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membranes were coated on the floating electrode-based carbon nanotube (CNT) FETs to build the sensors. The sensors could selectively measure potassium ions with a minimum detection limit of 1 nM. We utilized the sensor for the real-time monitoring of the potassium ion released from a live cell stimulated by nicotine. Notably, this method also allowed us to quantitatively monitor the cell responses by agonists and antagonists of nAChRs. These results suggest that our ion-selective CNT-FET sensor has potential uses in biological and medical researches such as the monitoring of ion-channel activity and the screening of drugs.
Wildfire Smoke Adjustment Factors for Low-Cost and Professional PM2.5 Monitors with Optical Sensors
Authors: Delp William W. , Singer Brett C.
Published: June 2020

Air quality monitors using low-cost optical PM2.5 sensors can track the dispersion of wildfire smoke; but quantitative hazard assessment requires a smoke-specific adjustment factor (AF). This study determined AFs for three professional-grade devices and four monitors with low-cost sensors based on measurements inside a well-ventilated lab impacted by the 2018 Camp Fire in California (USA). Using the Thermo TEOM-FDMS as reference, AFs of professional monitors were 0.85 for Grimm mini wide-range aerosol spectrometer, 0.25 for TSI DustTrak, and 0.53 for Thermo pDR1500; AFs for low-cost monitors were 0.59 for AirVisual Pro, 0.48 for PurpleAir Indoor, 0.46 for Air Quality Egg, and 0.60 for eLichens Indoor Air Quality Pro Station. We also compared public data from 53 PurpleAir PA-II monitors to 12 nearby regulatory monitoring stations impacted by Camp Fire smoke and devices near stations impacted by the Carr and Mendocino Complex Fires in California and the Pole Creek Fire in Utah. Camp Fire AFs varied by day and location, with median (interquartile) of 0.48 (0.44–0.53). Adjusted PA-II 4-h average data were generally within ±20% of PM2.5 reported by the monitoring stations. Adjustment improved the accuracy of Air Quality Index (AQI) hazard level reporting, e.g., from 14% to 84% correct in Sacramento during the Camp Fire.
Techno-Economic Analysis of RO Desalination of Produced Water for Beneficial Reuse in California
Authors: Edalat Arian , Hoek Eric M. V.
Published: June 2020

There is approximately 508.7 million cubic meters (3.2 million barrels) of oilfield-produced water generated per year across the oil fields of California. While less than 2% of this produced water receives advanced treatment for beneficial reuse, changing regulations and increasing scarcity of freshwater resources is expected to increase the demand for beneficial reuse. This paper reviews onshore-produced water quality across California, relevant standards and treatment objectives for beneficial reuse, identifies contaminants of concern, and treatment process design considerations. Lastly, we evaluate the capital and operating costs of an integrated membrane system for treating produced water based on data from a field pilot conducted in the coastal region of California.
Water Flow, Solute and Heat Transfer in Groundwater
Authors: Yakirevich Alexander
Published: June 2020

Groundwater is an essential and vital water resource for drinking water production, agricultural irrigation, and industrial processes. The better understanding of physical and chemical processes in aquifers enables more reliable decisions and reduces the investments concerning water management. This Special Issue on “Water Flow, Solute and Heat Transfer in Groundwater” of Water focuses on the recent advances in groundwater dynamics. In this editorial, we introduce 12 high-quality papers that cover a wide range of issues on different aspects related to groundwater: protection from contamination, recharge, heat transfer, hydraulic parameters estimation, well hydraulics, microbial community, colloid transport, and mathematical models. By presenting this integrative volume, we aim to transfer knowledge to hydrologists, hydraulic engineers, and water resources planners who are engaged in the sustainable development of groundwater resources.
Technology of high quality protein crystals’ obtaining aboard the ISS at execution of joint Japanese–Russian experiments
Authors: INAKA Koji , ICHIMIZU Saori , YOSHIZAKI Izumi , KIHIRA Kiyohito , LAVRENKO Elena G. , PROKHOROVA Anastasia V. , PRUDKOGLYAD Valeria O. , SOROKIN Igor V. , TAKAHASHI Sachiko , TANAKA Hiroaki , FUJII Takahiro , YAMADA Mitsugu
Published: June 2020

A series of space experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) associated with high-quality Protein Crystal Growth (PCG) in microgravity conditions can be considered as a unique and one of the best examples of fruitful collaboration between Japanese and Russian scientists and engineers in space, which includes also other ISS International Partners.
X-ray diffraction is still the most powerful tool to determine the protein three dimensional structure necessary for Structure based drug design (SBDD). The major purpose of the experiment is to grow high quality protein crystals in microgravity for X-ray diffraction on Earth. Within one and a half decade, Japan and Russia have established an efficient process over PCG in space to support latest developments over drug design and structural biology.
One of the keys for success of the experiment lies in how precisely pre-launch preparations are made. Japanese party provides flight equipment for crystallization and ensures the required environment to support the experiment aboard of the ISS’s Kibo module, and also mainly takes part of the experiment ground support such as protein sample characterization, purification, crystallization screening, and solution optimization for microgravity experiment. Russian party is responsible for integration of the flight items equipped with proteins and precipitants on board Russian transportation space vehicles (Soyuz or Progress), for delivery them at the ISS, transfer to Kibo module, and returning the experiments’ results back on Earth aboard Soyuz manned capsule. Due to close cooperation of the parties and solid organizational structure, samples can be launched at the ISS every half a year if the ground preparation goes smoothly. The samples are crystallized using counter diffusion method at 20 degree C for 1–2.5 months. After samples return, the crystals are carefully taken out from the capillary, and frozen for X-ray diffraction at SPring8 facility in Japan. Extensive support of researchers from both countries is also a part of this process.
The paper analyses details of the PCG experiment scheme, unique and reliable technology of its execution, and contains examples of the application.
Key words: International Space Station, Protein crystals, Microgravity, International collaboration.
Pelatihan Safety Riding bagi Remaja Panti Asuhan Plaosan, purworejo, Jawa Tengah
Authors: Suyitno Suyitno
Published: June 2020

Tujuan dari kegiatan  ini adalah  1) Peserta mampu menggunakan sepeda motor sesuai dengan tata tertib yang ada, 2) Peserta dapat memahami aturan berkendara untuk mengurangi tingkat kecelakaan. Sasaran Pengabdian Diklat ini adalah Remaja panti asuhan. Dalam pelatihan safety riding yang diberikan menggunakan halaman depan panti asuhan. Materi pelatihan berupa pengenalan rambu lalu lintas, tata tertib dalam berkendara dengan baik serta praktek langsung dengan menggunakan sepeda motor yang sudah disediakan. Hasil dari pelaksanaan kegiatan ini peserta dapat mengaplikasikan cara berkendara yang baik untuk keamanan dan kenyamanan saat melakukan perjalanan dan untuk meminimalisir tingkat kecelakaan di kabupaten purworejo.Selain itu peserta mampu memahami aturan berkendara untuk mengurangi tingkat kecelakaan.

Kata kunci: safety riding, peserta, panti asuhan
PENGUATAN KELOMPOK BUDIDAYA IKAN SEBAGAI UPAYA PENINGKATAN PEMAHAMAN ADIMINISTRASI KEUANGAN DAN APLIKASINYA MELALUI PELATIHAN
Authors: KHOTMI HERAWATI KHOTMI
Published: June 2020

ABSTRAK

Pengabdian masyarakat ini dilakukan di Desa Bengkel, Lombok Barat, Nusa Tenggara Barat. Program ini diberikan selama satu bulan. Program yang diberikan adalah tentang Manajemen Bisnis kepada Cangkrung Jaya Group. Manajemen Bisnis menjadi isu utama Grup Cangkrung Jaya. Karena itu dilakukan secara individu bukan dalam kelompok. Masalah lain adalah biaya pakan yang mahal, administrasi keuangan yang tidak teratur, kurangnya keterampilan dan pemahaman manajemen, dan teknik pemasaran yang tidak efektif untuk mencapai pasar yang lebih luas. Metode yang dilakukan dengan memberikan pelatihan manajemen dan administrasi keuangan dan pendampingan untuk menyusun laporan keuangan. Selain itu, sosialisasi tentang penguatan kelompok. Tujuan dari pengabdian ini adalah menciptakan pola pikir antar kelompok, memiliki laporan keuangan sederhana dan memiliki keterampilan dalam manajemen bisnis. Hasil yang dicapai oleh manajemen kelompok Cangkrung Jaya mampu mencatat administrasi umum, perencanaan anggaran, membuat arus kas masuk dan keluar, dan membuat laporan keuangan sederhana.

Kata Kunci :  Administrasi Keuangan, Penguatan Kelompok

Abstract

This community service was conducted in Bengkel Village, West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. The program was given for one month. The given program was about Business Management to Cangkrung Jaya Group. Business Management becomes a main issue of Cangkrung Jaya Group. Because it is conducted individually not in a group. Another problems are expensive feed costs, disorganized financial administration, lack of skill and understanding of management, and ineffective marketing techniques to reach wider market.  The methods undertaken by providing management training and financial administration and mentoring to compile financial statements. In addition, socialization about strengthening the group. The purpose of this devotion is the creation of a mindset between groups, having a simple financial statement and having skills in business management. The results achieved by the management of the Cangkrung Jaya group is able to take notes on general administration, budget planning, making cash inflows and outflows and making simple financial statements.

 Keywords: financial administration, Group Strengthening
ÜÇLÜ KUANTUM TELİNDE MAGNETİK ALAN VE LAZER ALAN’NIN ELEKTRONİKÖZELLİKLERE ETKİSİ
Authors: ULAŞ Mustafa , DÖNMEZER Irmak
Published: June 2020

Üçlü kare kuyu tel sisteminedışarıdan uygulanan manyetik ve lazer alan etkisi altında yapının içinde bulunan bir elektronun hidrojenimsi yabancı atoma bağlanma enerjisi hesaplandı. Bağlanma enerjisinin, dışarıdan uygulanan etkilere duyarlılığı, farklı tel boyutları dikkate alınarak gösterildi.Üçlü kuantum tel yapısı olarak GaAs/AlxGa1-xAs yarıiletkenlerinin kullanıldığı kuantum tel kuyusu düşünüldü. Uygulanan manyetik alan tel eksenine paralel negatif z yönünde veaynı şekilde, lazer alan tel eksenine paralel negatif z doğrultusunda olacak şekilde seçildi.Hesaplamalarda sonlu farklar nümerik diferansiyel denklem çözme yöntemi kullanıldı.Elektron bant enerjilerinin, uygulanan alanlara ve tel kalınlığına nasıl bağlı olduğu gösterildi.Bu tür yapıların elektronik özelliklerinin anlaşılması için deneysel çalışmalara göre daha ekonomik ve daha hızlı sonuç elde edileceği gösterildi.