bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Fault Diagnosis Strategy Based on Multilevel Classification for a Cascaded Photovoltaic Grid-Connected Inverter
Authors: Yuan Wenyi , Wang Tianzhen , Diallo Demba , Delpha Claude
Published: March 2020

In this paper, an effective strategy is presented to realize IGBT open-circuit fault diagnosis for closed-loop cascaded photovoltaic (PV) grid-connected inverters. The approach is based on the analysis of the inverter output voltage time waveforms in healthy and faulty conditions. It is mainly composed of two parts. The first part is to select the similar faults based on Euclidean distance and set the specific labels. The second part is the classification based on Principal Component Analysis and Support Vector Machine. The classification is done in two steps. In the first, similar faults are grouped to do the preliminary diagnosis of all fault types. In the second step the similar faults are discriminated. Compared with existing fault diagnosis strategies for several fundamental periods and under different external environments, the proposed strategy has better robustness and higher fault diagnosis accuracy. The effectiveness of the proposed fault diagnosis strategy is assessed through simulation results.
A New Single-Phase Direct Frequency Controller Having Reduced Switching Count without Zero-Crossing Detector for Induction Heating System
Authors: Ashraf Naveed , Izhar Tahir , Abbas Ghulam , Awan Ahmed Bilal , Alghamdi Ali S. , Abo-Khalil Ahmed G. , Sayed Khairy , Farooq Umar , Balas Valentina E.
Published: March 2020

Induction heating (IH) is an environmentally friendly solution for heating and melting processes. The required high-frequency magnetic field is accomplished through frequency controllers. Direct frequency controllers (DFC) are preferred to dual converters as they have low conversion losses, compact size, and simple circuit arrangement due to low component count. Numerous frequency controllers with complex switching algorithms are employed in the induction heating process. They have a complicated circuit arrangement, and complex control as their switching sequences have to synchronize with source voltage that requires the zero-crossing detection of the input voltage. They also have a shoot-through problem and poor power quality. Therefore, this research proposes a novel frequency controller with a low count of six controlled switching devices without a zero-crossing detector (ZCD) having a simple control arrangement. The required switching signals are simply generated by using any pulse-width-modulated (PWM) generator. The performance of the proposed topology is verified through simulation results obtained using the MATLAB/Simulink environment and experimental setup.
Inductive Power Transmission for Wearable Textile Heater using Series-None Topology
Authors: Kwon Hyeokjin , Lee Kang-Ho , Lee Byunghun
Published: March 2020

In this paper, an inductive-power-transmission (IPT) system for a wearable textile heater is proposed to comfortably provide heating to a user’s body. The conductive thread, which has high electrical resistance, was sewn into a receiver (Rx) coil on clothing to generate high temperature with a low current. The proposed wearable heaters are completely washable thanks to their nonmetallic materials, other than conductive threads in the clothing. We introduced series-none (SN) topology to eliminate a resonant capacitor in the wearable textile heater. A single resonant capacitor in a transmitter (Tx) in SN mode was implemented to resonate both Tx and Rx, resulting in increased power delivered to the load (PDL) while maintaining high-power transfer efficiency (PTE), comparable with conventional series-series (SS) topology. When the supply voltage of the power amplifier was 7 V, while the PTE of the SS and SN modes was 85.2% and 75.8%, respectively, the PDL of the SS and SN modes was 2.74 and 4.6 W, respectively.
Structure Fusion Based on Graph Convolutional Networks for Node Classification in Citation Networks
Authors: Lin Guangfeng , Wang Jing , Liao Kaiyang , Zhao Fan , Chen Wanjun
Published: March 2020

Suffering from the multi-view data diversity and complexity, most of the existing graph convolutional networks focus on the networks’ architecture construction or the salient graph structure preservation for node classification in citation networks and usually ignore capturing the complete graph structure of nodes for enhancing classification performance. To mine the more complete distribution structure from multi-graph structures of multi-view data with the consideration of their specificity and the commonality, we propose structure fusion based on graph convolutional networks (SF-GCN) for improving the performance of node classification in a semi-supervised way. SF-GCN can not only exploit the special characteristic of each view datum by spectral embedding preserving multi-graph structures, but also explore the common style of multi-view data by the distance metric between multi-graph structures. Suppose the linear relationship between multi-graph structures; we can construct the optimization function of the structure fusion model by balancing the specificity loss and the commonality loss. By solving this function, we can simultaneously obtain the fusion spectral embedding from the multi-view data and the fusion structure as the adjacent matrix to input graph convolutional networks for node classification in a semi-supervised way. Furthermore, we generalize the structure fusion to structure diffusion propagation and present structure propagation fusion based on graph convolutional networks (SPF-GCN) for utilizing these structure interactions. Experiments demonstrate that the performance of SPF-GCN outperforms that of the state-of-the-art methods on three challenging datasets, which are Cora, Citeseer, and Pubmed in citation networks.
Development of Lateral Flow Immunochromatographic Assays Using Colloidal Au Sphere and Nanorods as Signal Marker for the Determination of Zearalenone in Cereals
Authors: Pan Mingfei , Ma Tianyu , Yang Jingying , Li Shijie , Liu Shengmiao , Wang Shuo
Published: March 2020

This paper describes the development of lateral flow immunochromatographic assays (ICAs) using colloidal Au sphere (SP) and nanorods (NRs) as signal markers for the determination of zearalenone (ZEN) in cereals. The developed ICAs can detect the analyte ZEN within a short time (10 min), and achieve lower limit of detection (LOD). This is the first time that the AuNRs are used as signal probe in immune test strip for ZEN detection. For colloidal AuSP immunochromatographic analysis (AuSP-ICA), the LODs in solution and spiked cereal sample were 5.0 μg L−1 and 60 μg kg−1, and for AuNRs immunochromatographic analysis (AuNRs-ICA) the two LODs achieved 3.0 μg L−1 and 40 μg kg−1, respectively. These two proposed ICAs have minor cross-reaction to the structural analogs of ZEN, and no cross-reactivity with aflatoxin B1, T-2 toxin, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, fumonisin B1. Both of the developed ICAs can specifically and sensitively detect ZEN in cereals, providing an effective strategy for rapid screening and detection of ZEN in a large number of food samples.
Rheology and Microstructures of Rennet Gels from Differently Heated Goat Milk
Authors: Miloradovic Zorana , Kljajevic Nemanja , Miocinovic Jelena , Levic Steva , Pavlovic Vladimir B. , Blažić Marijana , Pudja Predrag
Published: March 2020

Rennet coagulation of goat milk heated to 65 °C/30 min (Gc), 80 °C/5 min (G8) and 90 °C/5 min (G9) was studied. A rheometer equipped with a vane geometry tool was used to measure milk coagulation parameters and viscoelastic properties of rennet gels. Yield parameters: curd yield, laboratory curd yield and curd yield efficiency were measured and calculated. Scanning electron microscopy of rennet gels was conducted. Storage moduli (G’) of gels at the moment of cutting were 19.9 ± 1.71 Pa (Gc), 11.9 ± 1.96 Pa (G8) and 7.3 ± 1.46 Pa (G9). Aggregation rate and curd firmness decreased with the increase of milk heating temperature, while coagulation time did not change significantly. High heat treatment of goat milk had a significant effect on both laboratory curd yield and curd yield. However, laboratory curd yield (27.7 ± 1.84%) of the G9 treatment was unreasonably high compared to curd yield (15.4 ± 0.60%). The microstructure of G9 was notably different compared to Gc and G8, with a denser and more compact microstructure, smaller paracasein micelles and void spaces in a form of cracks indicating weaker cross links. The findings of this study might serve as the bases for the development of different cheese types produced from high-heat-treated goat milk.
Microfiltration of Ovine and Bovine Milk: Effect on Microbial Counts and Biochemical Characteristics
Authors: Panopoulos George , Moatsou Golfo , Psychogyiopoulou Chrysanthi , Moschopoulou Ekaterini
Published: March 2020

The aim of this research work was to assess the effect of the microfiltration (ceramic membranes 1.4 μm, 50 °C) of partially defatted ovine milk (fat 0.4%) and bovine milk (fat 0.3%) characteristics. Feed milks, permeates and retentates were analyzed for microbial counts, gross composition, protein fractions, the indigenous enzymes cathepsin D and alkaline phosphatase and the behavior during renneting. It was showed that the microbial quality of both ovine and bovine permeate was improved by reduction of the total mesophilic microflora about 4 Log and 2 Log, respectively. The protein contents and the total solids contents of both permeates were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced. A further analysis of protein fractions by Reversed Phase -High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) revealed lower αs1- and β-casein and higher κ-casein contents in permeates. The activity of alkaline phosphatase followed the allocation of the fat content, while activity of cathepsin D in permeates was not influenced, although somatic cells counts were removed. Regarding cheesemaking properties, the firmness of ovine curd made from the feed milk did not differ significantly from that made from the permeate. The obtained results suggested that microfiltration could be used for pre-treating of ovine milk prior to cheesemaking.
Potential Probiotic Yeasts Sourced from Natural Environmental and Spontaneous Processed Foods
Authors: Agarbati Alice , Canonico Laura , Marini Enrica , Zannini Emanuele , Ciani Maurizio , Comitini Francesca
Published: March 2020

In the last decades, there has been a growing interest from consumers in their food choices. Organic, natural, less processed, functional, and pre-probiotic products were preferred. Although, Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii is the most well-characterized probiotic yeast available on the market, improvement in probiotic function using other yeast species is an attractive future direction. In the present study, un-anthropized natural environments and spontaneous processed foods were exploited for wild yeast isolation with the goal of amplifying the knowledge of probiotic aptitudes of different yeast species. For this purpose, 179 yeast species were isolated, identified as belonging to twelve different genera, and characterized for the most important probiotic features. Findings showed interesting probiotic characteristics for some yeast strains belonging to Lachancea thermotolerans, Metschnikowia ziziphicola, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Torulaspora delbrueckii species, although these probiotic aptitudes were strictly strain-dependent. These yeast strains could be proposed for different probiotic applications, such as a valid alternative to, or in combination with, the probiotic yeast S. cerevisiae var. boulardii.
Clinical Characteristics and In Vitro Analysis of MYO6 Variants Causing Late-onset Progressive Hearing Loss
Authors: Oka Shin-ichiro , Day Timothy F. , Nishio Shin-ya , Moteki Hideaki , Miyagawa Maiko , Morita Shinya , Izumi Shuji , Ikezono Tetsuo , Abe Satoko , Nakayama Jun , Hyogo Misako , Okamoto Nobuhiko , Uehara Natsumi , Oshikawa Chie , Kitajiri Shin-ichiro , Usami Shin-ichi
Published: March 2020

MYO6 is known as a genetic cause of autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive inherited hearing loss. In this study, to clarify the frequency and clinical characteristics of hearing loss caused by MYO6 gene mutations, a large-scale genetic analysis of Japanese patients with hearing loss was performed. By means of massively parallel DNA sequencing (MPS) using next-generation sequencing for 8074 Japanese families, we found 27 MYO6 variants in 33 families, 22 of which are novel. In total, 2.40% of autosomal dominant sensorineural hearing loss (ADSNHL) in families in this study (32 out of 1336) was found to be caused by MYO6 mutations. The present study clarified that most cases showed juvenile-onset progressive hearing loss and their hearing deteriorated markedly after 40 years of age. The estimated hearing deterioration was found to be 0.57 dB per year; when restricted to change after 40 years of age, the deterioration speed was accelerated to 1.07 dB per year. To obtain supportive evidence for pathogenicity, variants identified in the patients were introduced to MYO6 cDNA by site-directed mutagenesis and overexpressed in epithelial cells. They were then assessed for their effects on espin1-induced microvilli formation. Cells with wildtype myosin 6 and espin1 co-expressed created long microvilli, while co-expression with mutant constructs resulted in severely shortened microvilli. In conclusion, the present data clearly showed that MYO6 is one of the genes to keep in mind with regard to ADSNHL, and the molecular characteristics of the identified gene variants suggest that a possible pathology seems to result from malformed stereocilia of the cochlear hair cells.
Genome-Wide Analysis Reveals Human-Mediated Introgression from Western Pigs to Indigenous Chinese Breeds
Authors: Wang Jue , Liu Chengkun , Chen Jie , Bai Ying , Wang Kejun , Wang Yubei , Fang Meiying
Published: March 2020

Genetic variations introduced via introgression from Western to Chinese pigs have contributed to the performance of Chinese breeds in traits such as growth rate and feed conversion efficiency. However, little is known about the underlying genomic changes that occurred during introgression and the types of traits affected by introgression. To address these questions, 525 animals were characterized using an SNP array to detect genomic regions that had been introgressed from European to indigenous Chinese breeds. The functions of genes located in introgressed regions were also investigated. Our data show that five out of six indigenous Chinese breeds show evidence of introgression from Western pigs, and eight introgressed genome regions are shared by five of the Chinese breeds. A region located on chr13: 12.8–13.1 M was affected by both introgression and artificial selection, and this region contains the glucose absorption related gene, OXSM, and the sensory related gene, NGLY. The results provide a foundation for understanding introgression from Western to indigenous Chinese pigs.
The Assessment of Psychosocial Work Conditions and Their Relationship to Well-Being: A Multi-Study Report
Authors: Kuczynski Isabell , Mädler Martin , Taibi Yacine , Lang Jessica
Published: March 2020

The aim of this multi-study report is to present a questionnaire that enables researchers and practitioners to assess and evaluate psychosocial risks related to well-being. In Study 1, we conducted a cross-sectional online-survey in 15 German companies from 2016 to 2017 to verify factor- and criterion-related validity. Data consisted of 1151 employee self-ratings. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses resulted in an eight-factor structure (CFI = 0.902, RMSEA = 0.058, and SRMR = 0.070). All scales held to excellent internal consistency values (α = 0.65–0.90) and were related significantly to well-being (r = 0.17–0.35, p < 0.001). A second, longitudinal study in 2018 showed satisfying convergent and discriminant validity (N = 293) to scales from KFZA and COPSOQ. Test-retest reliability (N = 73; α = 0.65–0.88, p < 0.05) was also good. The instrument provides incremental validity above existing instruments since it explains additional variance in well-being.
The Influence of Information Intervention Cognition on College Students’ Energy-Saving Behavior Intentions
Authors: Yang Ranran , Yue Chunxiao , Li Jingjing , Zhu Junhong , Chen Hongshu , Wei Jia
Published: March 2020

Based on the theory of planned behavior, this research examines the influence of different types of information on the behavioral intentions of college students in the context of perceived behavioral control (perceived self-efficacy and perceptual control) as mediating variables. The results showed that: (1) Different types of information intervention factors have different effects on perceptual self-efficacy and perceptual control; the influence degree of economic cost has the strongest effect, followed by group pressure, while the influence degree of publicity and education has the weakest effect. However, policy intervention has no statistically significant effect on both of them (perceived self-efficacy and perceptual control). (2) Two variables, perceived self-efficacy and perceptual control, serve as mediators between information intervention factors and energy-saving behavior intention. (3) Individual characteristic factors have significant moderating effects on each path in the model of information intervention–perceived behavior control–intention. Finally, suggestions are made on how to encourage college students to more effectively save energy.
Tactical Analysis According to Age-level Groups during a 4 vs. 4 Plus Goalkeepers Small-sided Game
Authors: Clemente Filipe M. , Castillo Daniel , Los Arcos Asier
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to compare the collective dynamics of three different age-level groups (i.e., U13, U15 and U18) during a 4 vs. 4 plus goalkeepers small-sided game (SSG). Fifty-four male outfield soccer players aged between 13 and 18 years took part in the study. Team tactical behaviors were assessed by measuring (a) the area occupied by players of each team, (b) the distance between both teams’ centroids, (c) the players’ distance to their own team and d) the stretch index during a 4 vs. 4 plus goalkeepers SSG format. The main results revealed that larger areas were occupied by the older players (p < 0.001; Effect size (ES) = 0.44–0.25, small). Additionally, the mean distance between teams’ centroids was greater in older groups (p < 0.001; ES = 0.44–0.81, large–small). Finally, the distance between players (p < 0.001; ES = 0.75–0.81, moderate–large) and the stretch index (p < 0.001; ES = 0.44–0.47, small) were also greater in older age categories. The evidence provided in the present study might help coaches identify the influence of age on collective dynamics during SSGs and help them find task conditions that could help to improve the behaviors and positioning of younger players.
Prevalence of Electronic Cigarette Use and Its Determinants among 13-to-15-Year-Old Students in Greece: Results from the 2013 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS)
Authors: Soteriades Soteris , Barbouni Anastasia , Rachiotis George , Grevenitou Panoraia , Mouchtouri Varvara , Pinaka Ourania , Dadouli Katerina , Hadjichristodoulou Christos
Published: March 2020

Electronic cigarette use has increased over the past decade. Its potential role in smoking cessation, in addiction and as a ‘gateway’ to tobacco smoking is subject to intense research. This cross-sectional study, carried out in 2013, aims to present the habits of students aged 13–15 in Greece with regard to e-cigarettes and investigate potential risk factors and the relationship between e-cigarettes, tobacco smoking and other nicotine products. It is the first such study to be carried out in Greece. The survey was based on the standardized methodology of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey. All potential associations were investigated using multiple logistic regression. In total 2.8% of the 4096 participating students were current e-cigarette users and 12.3% of them were ever users. E-cigarette use was associated with male gender, being older, current use of combustible tobacco products and e-cigarette use in the family. Ever e-cigarette use, being older, female gender and higher pocket money were associated with an increased susceptibility to tobacco smoking. E-cigarette prevalence in Greece in 2013 was similar to that of other, developed countries. The smoking and vaping habits of adolescents must be monitored in order to assess trends over time and whether any policy alterations are necessary.
BIOLEACH: A New Decision Support Model for the Real-Time Management of Municipal Solid Waste Bioreactor Landfills
Authors: Rodrigo-Ilarri Javier , Rodrigo-Clavero María-Elena , Cassiraga Eduardo
Published: March 2020

This paper introduces BIOLEACH, a new decision support model for the real-time management of municipal solid waste bioreactor landfills that allows estimating the leachate and biogas production. Leachate production is estimated using an adaptation of the water balance equation which considers every hydrological component and the water consumed by anaerobic organic matter degradation to create biogas and the leachate recirculation flows pumped from the landfill pond under a bioreactor management scheme. Landfill gas production is estimated considering the leachate formation process as a coupled effect through the production or consumption of water. BIOLEACH uses waste production and climate data at monthly scale and computes leachate production accounting for the actual conditions inside the waste mass. Biogas production is computed simultaneously, considering the available water to adjust the chemical organic matter biodegradation. BIOLEACH is a valuable bioreactor managing tool as it allows calculating the recirculation volume of leachate that ensures optimal moisture conditions inside the waste mass and therefore maximizing biogas production. As an illustrative example of a BIOLEACH application, the model has been applied to a real landfill located in Murcia Region (Spain) showing the economic and environmental benefits derived from leachate superficial recirculation.
APP Maturation and Intracellular Localization Are Controlled by a Specific Inhibitor of 37/67 kDa Laminin-1 Receptor in Neuronal Cells
Authors: Bhattacharya Antaripa , Limone Adriana , Napolitano Filomena , Cerchia Carmen , Parisi Silvia , Minopoli Giuseppina , Montuori Nunzia , Lavecchia Antonio , Sarnataro Daniela
Published: March 2020

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is processed along both the nonamyloidogenic pathway preventing amyloid beta peptide (Aβ) production and the amyloidogenic pathway, generating Aβ, whose accumulation characterizes Alzheimer’s disease. Items of evidence report that the intracellular trafficking plays a key role in the generation of Aβ and that the 37/67 kDa LR (laminin receptor), acting as a receptor for Aβ, may mediate Aβ-pathogenicity. Moreover, findings indicating interaction between the receptor and the key enzymes involved in the amyloidogenic pathway suggest a strong link between 37/67 kDa LR and APP processing. We show herein that the specific 37/67 kDa LR inhibitor, NSC48478, is able to reversibly affect the maturation of APP in a pH-dependent manner, resulting in the partial accumulation of the immature APP isoforms (unglycosylated/acetylated forms) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and in transferrin-positive recycling endosomes, indicating alteration of the APP intracellular trafficking. These effects reveal NSC48478 inhibitor as a novel small molecule to be tested in disease conditions, mediated by the 37/67 kDa LR and accompanied by inactivation of ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinases) signalling and activation of Akt (serine/threonine protein kinase) with consequent inhibition of GSK3β.
A Reverse Genetics System for the Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus and Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus
Authors: Yang Sa , Zhao Hongxia , Deng Yanchun , Deng Shuai , Wang Xinling , Diao Qingyun , Hou Chunsheng
Published: March 2020

Honey bee viruses are associated with honey bee colony decline. Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) is considered to have a strong impact on honey bee survival. Phylogenetic analysis of the viral genomes from several regions of the world showed that various IAPV lineages had substantial differences in virulence. Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV), another important honey bee virus, can induce two significantly different symptoms. However, the infection characteristics and pathogenesis of IAPV and CBPV have not been completely elucidated. Here, we constructed infectious clones of IAPV and CBPV using a universal vector to provide a basis for studying their replication and pathogenesis. Infectious IAPV and CBPV were rescued from molecular clones of IAPV and CBPV genomes, respectively, that induced typical paralysis symptoms. The replication levels and expression proteins of IAPV and CBPV in progeny virus production were confirmed by qPCR and Western blot. Our results will allow further dissection of the role of each gene in the context of viral infection while helping to study viral pathogenesis and develop antiviral drugs using reverse genetics systems.
Beneficial Properties of Green Tea Catechins
Authors: Musial Claudia , Kuban-Jankowska Alicja , Gorska-Ponikowska Magdalena
Published: March 2020

Green tea (Camellia sinesis) is widely known for its anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Among the biologically active compounds contained in Camellia sinesis, the main antioxidant agents are catechins. Recent scientific research indicates that the number of hydroxyl groups and the presence of characteristic structural groups have a major impact on the antioxidant activity of catechins. The best source of these compounds is unfermented green tea. Depending on the type and origin of green tea leaves, their antioxidant properties may be uneven. Catechins exhibit the strong property of neutralizing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. The group of green tea catechin derivatives includes: epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate and epigallocatechin gallate. The last of these presents the most potent anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential. Notably, green tea catechins are widely described to be efficient in the prevention of lung cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer and prostate cancer. The current review aims to summarize the potential anticancer effects and molecular signaling pathways of major green tea catechins. It needs to be clearly emphasized that green tea as well as green tea catechols cannot replace the standard chemotherapy. Nonetheless, their beneficial effects may support the standard anticancer approach.
Global Survey and Expressions of the Phosphate Transporter Gene Families in Brassica napus and Their Roles in Phosphorus Response
Authors: Yang Jin , Zhou Jie , Zhou Hong-Jun , Wang Mang-Mang , Liu Ming-Ming , Ke Yun-Zhuo , Li Peng-Feng , Li Jia-Na , Du Hai
Published: March 2020

Phosphate (Pi) transporters play critical roles in Pi acquisition and homeostasis. However, currently little is known about these genes in oil crops. In this study, we aimed to characterize the five Pi transporter gene families (PHT1-5) in allotetraploid Brassica napus. We identified and characterized 81 putative PHT genes in B. napus (BnaPHTs), including 45 genes in PHT1 family (BnaPHT1s), four BnaPHT2s, 10 BnaPHT3s, 13 BnaPHT4s and nine BnaPHT5s. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the largest PHT1 family could be divided into two groups (Group I and II), while PHT4 may be classified into five, Groups I-V. Gene structure analysis revealed that the exon-intron pattern was conservative within the same family or group. The sequence characteristics of these five families were quite different, which may contribute to their functional divergence. Transcription factor (TF) binding network analyses identified many potential TF binding sites in the promoter regions of candidates, implying their possible regulating patterns. Collinearity analysis demonstrated that most BnaPHTs were derived from an allopolyploidization event (~40.7%) between Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea ancestors, and small-scale segmental duplication events (~39.5%) in the descendant. RNA-Seq analyses proved that many BnaPHTs were preferentially expressed in leaf and flower tissues. The expression profiles of most colinearity-pairs in B. napus are highly correlated, implying functional redundancy, while a few pairs may have undergone neo-functionalization or sub-functionalization during evolution. The expression levels of many BnaPHTs tend to be up-regulated by different hormones inductions, especially for IAA, ABA and 6-BA treatments. qRT-PCR assay demonstrated that six BnaPHT1s (BnaPHT1.11, BnaPHT1.14, BnaPHT1.20, BnaPHT1.35, BnaPHT1.41, BnaPHT1.44) were significantly up-regulated under low- and/or rich- Pi conditions in B. napus roots. This work analyzes the evolution and expression of the PHT family in Brassica napus, which will help further research on their role in Pi transport.
Differential Expression of DUB Genes in Ovarian Cells Treated with Di-2-Ethylhexyl Phthalate
Authors: Lee Da-Hye , Park Jun-Hyeok , Choi Jihye , Lee Kyung-Ju , Yun Bo-Seong , Baek Kwang-Hyun
Published: March 2020

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is defined as loss of ovarian function in women less than 40 years of age. The causes of POF are diverse and include environmental factors. Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is one factor that may cause POF. The ubiquitin-proteasome system maintains intracellular balance by promoting or inhibiting protein degradation. To investigate the differential expressions of deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) genes in patients with POF, we developed two in vitro POF models by treating A2780 or OVCAR5 with DEHP. Using these models, a multiplex RT-PCR system for DUB genes was applied to identify biomarkers by comparing expression patterns and DUB mRNA levels; multiplex RT-PCR results were validated by qRT-PCR and Western blotting analyses. Observed differential expression levels of several DUB genes including USP12, COPS5, ATXN3L, USP49, and USP34 in A2780 and OVCAR5 cells at the mRNA and protein levels suggest that they should be investigated as potential biomarkers of POF.
Fluidity of Poly (ε-Caprolactone)-Based Material Induces Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Mano Sharmy Saimon , Uto Koichiro , Ebara Mitsuhiro
Published: March 2020

Background: We propose the potential studies on material fluidity to induce epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in MCF-7 cells. In this study, we examined for the first time the effect of material fluidity on EMT using poly(ε-caprolactone-co-D,L-lactide) (P(CL-co-DLLA)) with tunable elasticity and fluidity. Methods: The fluidity was altered by chemically crosslinking the polymer networks. The crosslinked P(CL-co-DLLA) substrate showed a solid-like property with a stiffness of 261 kPa, while the non-crosslinked P(CL-co-DLLA) substrate of 100 units (high fluidity) and 500 units (low fluidity) existed in a quasi-liquid state with loss modulus of 33 kPa and 30.8 kPa, respectively, and storage modulus of 10.8 kPa and 20.1 kPa, respectively. Results: We observed that MCF-7 cells on low fluidic substrates decreased the expression of E-cadherin, an epithelial marker, and increased expression of vimentin, a mesenchymal marker. This showed that the cells lose their epithelial phenotype and gain a mesenchymal property. On the other hand, MCF-7 cells on high fluidic substrates maintained their epithelial phenotype, suggesting that the cells did not undergo EMT. Conclusion: Considering these results as the fundamental information for material fluidity induced EMT, our system could be used to regulate the degree of EMT by turning the fluidity of the material.
Biocomplexity and Fractality in the Search of Biomarkers of Aging and Pathology: Mitochondrial DNA Profiling of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Zaia Annamaria , Maponi Pierluigi , Zannotti Martina , Casoli Tiziana
Published: March 2020

Increasing evidence implicates mitochondrial dysfunction in the etiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations are considered a possible cause and this mechanism might be shared with the aging process and with other age-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We have recently proposed a computerized method for mutated mtDNA characterization able to discriminate between AD and aging. The present study deals with mtDNA mutation-based profiling of PD. Peripheral blood mtDNA sequences from late-onset PD patients and age-matched controls were analyzed and compared to the revised Cambridge Reference Sequence (rCRS). The chaos game representation (CGR) method, modified to visualize heteroplasmic mutations, was used to display fractal properties of mtDNA sequences and fractal lacunarity analysis was applied to quantitatively characterize PD based on mtDNA mutations. Parameter β, from the hyperbola model function of our lacunarity method, was statistically different between PD and control groups when comparing mtDNA sequence frames corresponding to GenBank np 5713-9713. Our original method, based on CGR and lacunarity analysis, represents a useful tool to analyze mtDNA mutations. Lacunarity parameter β is able to characterize individual mutation profile of mitochondrial genome and could represent a promising index to discriminate between PD and aging.
Activation Effects of Carnosine- and Histidine-Containing Dipeptides on Human Carbonic Anhydrases: A Comprehensive Study
Authors: Vistoli Giulio , Aldini Giancarlo , Fumagalli Laura , Dallanoce Clelia , Angeli Andrea , Supuran Claudiu T.
Published: March 2020

l-Carnosine (β-Ala-l-His) and several other histidine-containing peptides, including two N-methylated forms on the imidazole ring (l-anserine and l-balenine), two derivatives modified on the carboxyl function (carcinine and l-carnosinamide), two analogues differing in the length of the N-terminal residue (l-homocarnosine and Gly-l-His) and the N-acetyl derivatives, were investigated as activators of four isoforms of the metalloenzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1). The four human isoforms hCA I, II, VA and IX were activated in the low to high micromolar range, with a rather complex structure activity relationship. A performed computational study allowed us to rationalize these results and to propose a binding mode of these activators within the enzyme active site. Similarly to other CA activators, the here studied peptides could find relevant pharmacological applications such as in the management of CA deficiencies, for therapy memory and enhancing cognition or for artificial tissues engineering.
Determining Reference Ranges for Total T4 in Dried Blood Samples for Newborn Screening
Authors: Hijman Anna-Isabella , Konrad Daniel , Fingerhut Ralph
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study was to define reference intervals for total thyroxine (tT4) in dried blood samples (DBSs) obtained for newborn screening. The aim of our study was to assess the possible benefit of measuring tT4 concentrations directly in DBSs obtained for newborn screening in premature and term-born infants. In order to have a sufficient number of samples for the extremely premature infants (<30 weeks), we set up a retrospective study, measuring the concentrations in DBSs collected over the previous 21 weeks. This time frame was a result of the included miniature study of tT4 stability in DBSs. We found that tT4 strongly correlated with gestational age (GA) in premature infants, highlighting the need for age-specific reference ranges. For term-born infants, the tT4 ranges did not vary significantly among different gestational ages, allowing for the use of one single reference range.
Bimodal Emotion Recognition Model for Minnan Songs
Authors: Xiang Zhenglong , Dong Xialei , Li Yuanxiang , Yu Fei , Xu Xing , Wu Hongrun
Published: March 2020

Most of the existing research papers study the emotion recognition of Minnan songs from the perspectives of music analysis theory and music appreciation. However, these investigations do not explore any possibility of carrying out an automatic emotion recognition of Minnan songs. In this paper, we propose a model that consists of four main modules to classify the emotion of Minnan songs by using the bimodal data—song lyrics and audio. In the proposed model, an attention-based Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network is applied to extract lyrical features, and a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is used to extract the audio features from the spectrum. Then, two kinds of extracted features are concatenated by multimodal compact bilinear pooling, and finally, the concatenated features are input to the classifying module to determine the song emotion. We designed three experiment groups to investigate the classifying performance of combinations of the four main parts, the comparisons of proposed model with the current approaches and the influence of a few key parameters on the performance of emotion recognition. The results show that the proposed model exhibits better performance over all other experimental groups. The accuracy, precision and recall of the proposed model exceed 0.80 in a combination of appropriate parameters.
New Data, Old Story: Molecular Data Illuminate the Tribal Relationships among Rove Beetles of the Subfamily Staphylininae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)
Authors: Tihelka Erik , Thayer Margaret K. , Newton Alfred F. , Cai Chenyang
Published: March 2020

The megadiverse subfamily Staphylininae traditionally belonged to the best-defined rove beetle taxa, but the advent of molecular phylogenetics in the last decade has brought turbulent changes to the group’s classification. Here, we reevaluate the internal relationships among the tribes of Staphylininae by implementing tree inference methods that suppress common sources of systematic error. In congruence with morphological data, and in contrast to some previous phylogenetic studies, we unambiguously recover Staphylininae and Paederinae as monophyletic in the traditional sense. We show that the recently proposed subfamily Platyprosopinae (Arrowinus and Platyprosopus) is a phylogenetic artefact and reinstate Arrowinus as a member of Arrowinini stat. res. and Platyprosopus as a member of Platyprosopini stat. res. We show that several recent changes to the internal classification of the subfamily are phylogenetically unjustified and systematically unnecessary. We, therefore, reestablish Platyprosopini, Staphylinini, and Xantholinini as tribes within Staphylininae (all stat. res.) and recognize Coomaniini as a tribe (stat. nov.) rather than subfamily. Consequently, the traditional ranks of the subtribes Acylophorina, Afroquediina, Amblyopinina, Antimerina, †Baltognathina, Cyrtoquediina, Erichsoniina, Hyptiomina, Indoquediina, Quediina, and Tanygnathinina are restored (all stat. res.). We review the current classification of Staphylininae and discuss sources of incongruence in multigene phylogenies.
Breast Density Notification: An Australian Perspective
Authors: Ingman Wendy V. , Richards Bernadette , Street Jacqueline M. , Carter Drew , Rickard Mary , Stone Jennifer , Dasari Pallave
Published: March 2020

Breast density, also known as mammographic density, refers to white and bright regions on a mammogram. Breast density can only be assessed by mammogram and is not related to how breasts look or feel. Therefore, women will only know their breast density if they are notified by the radiologist when they have a mammogram. Breast density affects a woman’s breast cancer risk and the sensitivity of a screening mammogram to detect cancer. Currently, the position of BreastScreen Australia and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists is to not notify women if they have dense breasts. However, patient advocacy organisations are lobbying for policy change. Whether or not to notify women of their breast density is a complex issue and can be framed within the context of both public health ethics and clinical ethics. Central ethical themes associated with breast density notification are equitable care, patient autonomy in decision-making, trust in health professionals, duty of care by the physician, and uncertainties around evidence relating to measurement and clinical management pathways for women with dense breasts. Legal guidance on this issue must be gained from broad legal principles found in the law of negligence and the test of materiality. We conclude a rigid legal framework for breast density notification in Australia would not be appropriate. Instead, a policy framework should be developed through engagement with all stakeholders to understand and take account of multiple perspectives and the values at stake.
MSC Based Therapies—New Perspectives for the Injured Lung
Authors: Behnke Judith , Kremer Sarah , Shahzad Tayyab , Chao Cho-Ming , Böttcher-Friebertshäuser Eva , Morty Rory E. , Bellusci Saverio , Ehrhardt Harald
Published: March 2020

Chronic lung diseases pose a tremendous global burden. At least one in four people suffer from severe pulmonary sequelae over the course of a lifetime. Despite substantial improvements in therapeutic interventions, persistent alleviation of clinical symptoms cannot be offered to most patients affected to date. Despite broad discrepancies in origins and pathomechanisms, the important disease entities all have in common the pulmonary inflammatory response which is central to lung injury and structural abnormalities. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) attract particular attention due to their broadly acting anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. Plenty of preclinical studies provided congruent and convincing evidence that MSC have the therapeutic potential to alleviate lung injuries across ages. These include the disease entities bronchopulmonary dysplasia, asthma and the different forms of acute lung injury and chronic pulmonary diseases in adulthood. While clinical trials are so far restricted to pioneering trials on safety and feasibility, preclinical results point out possibilities to boost the therapeutic efficacy of MSC application and to take advantage of the MSC secretome. The presented review summarizes the most recent advances and highlights joint mechanisms of MSC action across disease entities which provide the basis to timely tackle this global disease burden.
Influence of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy on Oxidative Stress Intensity in Minimally Conscious State Patients
Authors: Jezierska-Wozniak Katarzyna , Sinderewicz Emilia , Czelejewska Wioleta , Wojtacha Pawel , Barczewska Monika , Maksymowicz Wojciech
Published: March 2020

Neurological disorders, including minimally conscious state (MCS), may be associated with the presence of high concentrations of reactive oxygen species within the central nervous system. Regarding the documented role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in oxidative stress neutralization, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of bone marrow-derived MSC (BM-MSC) transplantation on selected markers of oxidative stress in MCS patients. Antioxidant capacity was measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma collected from nine patients aged between 19 and 45 years, remaining in MCS for 3 to 14 months. Total antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid and ascorbate concentrations, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase activity were analyzed and the presence of tested antioxidants in the CSF and plasma was confirmed. Higher ascorbic acid (AA) content and catalase (CAT) activity were noted in CSF relative to plasma, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and total antioxidant capacity were higher in plasma relative to CSF. Total antioxidant capacity measured in CSF was greater after BM-MSC transplantations. The content of ascorbates was lower and CAT activity was higher both in CSF and plasma after the administration of BM-MSC. The above results suggest that MSCs modulate oxidative stress intensity in MCS patients, mainly via ascorbates and CAT activity.
Pain Detection with Bioimpedance Methodology from 3-Dimensional Exploration of Nociception in a Postoperative Observational Trial
Authors: Neckebroek Martine , Ghita Mihaela , Ghita Maria , Copot Dana , Ionescu Clara M.
Published: March 2020

Although the measurement of dielectric properties of the skin is a long-known tool for assessing the changes caused by nociception, the frequency modulated response has not been considered yet. However, for a rigorous characterization of the biological tissue during noxious stimulation, the bioimpedance needs to be analyzed over time as well as over frequency. The 3-dimensional analysis of nociception, including bioimpedance, time, and frequency changes, is provided by ANSPEC-PRO device. The objective of this observational trial is the validation of the new pain monitor, named as ANSPEC-PRO. After ethics committee approval and informed consent, 26 patients were monitored during the postoperative recovery period: 13 patients with the in-house developed prototype ANSPEC-PRO and 13 with the commercial device MEDSTORM. At every 7 min, the pain intensity was measured using the index of Anspec-pro or Medstorm and the 0–10 numeric rating scale (NRS), pre-surgery for 14 min and post-anesthesia for 140 min. Non-significant differences were reported for specificity-sensitivity analysis between ANSPEC-PRO (AUC = 0.49) and MEDSTORM (AUC = 0.52) measured indexes. A statistically significant positive linear relationship was observed between Anspec-pro index and NRS (r2 = 0.15, p < 0.01). Hence, we have obtained a validation of the prototype Anspec-pro which performs equally well as the commercial device under similar conditions.
Intraoperative Transfusion is Independently Associated with a Worse Prognosis in Resected Pancreatic Cancer—a Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Kim Si Youn , Choi Munseok , Hwang Ho Kyoung , Rho Seoung Yoon , Lee Woo Jung , Kang Chang Moo
Published: March 2020

Backgrounds: Investigate whether intraoperative transfusion is a negative prognostic factor for oncologic outcomes of resected pancreatic cancer. Methods: From June 2004 to January 2014, the medical records of 305 patients were retrospectively reviewed, who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy, pylorus preserving pancreatoduodenectomy, total pancreatectomy, distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer. Patients diagnosed with metastatic disease (n = 3) and locally advanced diseases (n = 15) were excluded during the analysis, and total of 287 patients were analyzed. Results: The recurrence and disease-specific survival rates of the patients who received intraoperative transfusion showed poorer survival outcomes compared to those who did not (P = 0.031, P = 0.010). Through multivariate analysis, T status (HR (hazard ratio) = 2.04, [95% CI (confidence interval): 1.13–3.68], P = 0.018), N status (HR = 1.46 [95% CI: 1.00–2.12], P = 0.045), adjuvant chemotherapy (HR = 0.51, [95% CI: 0.35–0.75], P = 0.001), intraoperative transfusion (HR = 1.94 [95% CI: 1.23–3.07], P = 0.004) were independent prognostic factors of disease-specific survival after surgery. As well, adjuvant chemotherapy (HR = 0.67, [95% CI: 0.46–0.97], P = 0.035) was independently associated with tumor recurrence. Estimated blood loss was one of the most powerful factors associated with intraoperative transfusion (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Intraoperative transfusion can be considered as an independent prognostic factor of resected pancreatic cancer. As well, it can be avoided by following strict transfusion policy and using advanced surgical techniques to minimize bleeding during surgery.