bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of the Uncinate Fasciculus and Cingulum in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment: Diffusion Tensor Tractography Study
Authors: Park Chan-Hyuk , Kim Su-Hong , Jung Han-Young
Published: December 2019

Many studies have examined the relationship between cognition, and the cingulum and uncinate fasciculus (UF). In this study, diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) was used to investigate the correlation between fractional-anisotropy (FA) values and the number of fibers in the cingulum and UF in patients with and without cognitive impairment. The correlation between cognitive function, and the cingulum and UF was also investigated. Thirty patients (14 males, age = 70.68 ± 7.99 years) were divided into a control group (n = 14) and mild-cognitive-impairment (MCI) group (n = 16). The Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery (SNSB) and DTT were performed to assess cognition and bilateral tracts of the cingulum and UF. The relationship between SNSB values and the cingulum and UF was analyzed. The number of fibers in the right cingulum and right UF were significantly different between the two groups. The MCI group showed thinner tracts in both the cingulum and UF compared to the control group. A significant relationship was found between the number of fibers in the right UF and delayed memory recall. In conclusion, memory loss in MCI was associated with a decreased number of fibers in the right UF, while language and visuospatial function were related to the number of fibers in the right cingulum.
Classification of Participants Based on Increase–Decrease Rate Model of Reaction Time to Personality Trait Words
Authors: Matsuda Kouhei , Sato Emi
Published: December 2019

In this experiment, we tried to measure personality by reaction time (RT) to stimuli of personality trait words. There were interindividual and intraindividual differences in the factors that caused the reaction time to fluctuate. The intraindividual differences for personality trait words were caused by changes due to circumstances for the same participant. The increased stimulus reaction time (sRT) model for simple reaction time was used as an index to indicate personality traits. As a result, participants could be classified into two major hierarchical clusters. The participants in Cluster 1 showed innovative dominance. The participants in Cluster 2 were obedient and conservative. The independent variable was measured by the physiological index using sRT for classify the participants. Participants in Cluster 2 had a reduced stress response to the experiment and showed a tendency to be compliant. Moreover, immediately after the RT measurement session with a laptop computer started, participants in Cluster 1 showed decreased HEG and increased amylase values and had a somewhat negative attitude. The physiological dependent variable were measured by using salivary amylase and hemoencephalography (HEG). And, the psychological dependent variable was the Big Five personality inventory. All of them ware using to verify the participant’s classification. Participants in Cluster 2 had significantly higher conscientiousness than those in Cluster 1. Therefore, we suggest that it is possible to classify personality traits from RT by using sRT based on intraindividual differences.
Examining the Convergent Validity of the Triarchic Psychopathy Measure Using a Sample of Incarcerated and on Probation Lithuanian Juveniles
Authors: Ustinavičiūtė Laura , Laurinavičius Alfredas , Klimukienė Virginija , Laurinaitytė Ilona , Baltrūnas Mykolas
Published: December 2019

The Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM) is based on the triarchic psychopathy model proposed by Patrick, Fowles, and Krueger in 2009. This paper assesses the convergent validity of TriPM using a number of measures for a sample of adolescents who are either incarcerated or on probation. These included the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability: Adolescent Version (START: AV); the Subtypes of Antisocial Behavior Questionnaire (STAB); the Criminal Sentiments Scale-Modified (CSS-M); and the Measure of Criminal Social Identity (MCSI). The results showed significant differences between groups that are incarcerated and those on probation, with the incarcerated sample of juveniles exhibiting higher ratings in terms of Disinhibition and lower ratings for Boldness. The TriPM measures examined also show expected positive correlations with concurrent measures related to criminal behavior in both of the aforementioned samples of juveniles. A different pattern of correlations was observed between Boldness and STAB scales, with a large positive correlation found in the incarcerated sample, while no significant correlations were detected in the probation sample. The results support the usefulness of TriPM in assessing the psychopathy in samples of the juvenile offenders chosen for our research purposes.
Novel Nickel- and Magnesium-Modified Cenospheres as Catalysts for Dry Reforming of Methane at Moderate Temperatures
Authors: Samojeden Bogdan , Kamienowska Marta , Izquierdo Colorado Armando , Galvez Maria Elena , Kolebuk Ilona , Motak Monika , Da Costa Patrick
Published: December 2019

Cenospheres from coal fly ashes were used as support in the preparation of Ni–Mg catalysts for dry reforming of methane. These materials were characterized by means of XRD, H2-temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR), CO2-temperature-programmed desorption (CO2-TPD), and low-temperature nitrogen sorption techniques. The cenosphere-supported catalysts showed relatively high activity and good stability in the dry reforming of methane (DRM) at 700 °C. The catalytic performance of modified cenospheres was found to depend on both Ni and Mg content. The highest activity at 750 °C and 1 atm was observed for the catalyst containing 30 wt % Mg and 10, 20, and 30 wt % Ni, yielding to CO2 and CH4 conversions of around 95%.
The Microbiome–Estrogen Connection and Breast Cancer Risk
Authors: Parida Sheetal , Sharma Dipali
Published: December 2019

The microbiome is undoubtedly the second genome of the human body and has diverse roles in health and disease. However, translational progress is limited due to the vastness of the microbiome, which accounts for over 3.3 million genes, whose functions are still unclear. Numerous studies in the past decade have demonstrated how microbiome impacts various organ-specific cancers by altering the energy balance of the body, increasing adiposity, synthesizing genotoxins and small signaling molecules, and priming and regulating immune response and metabolism of indigestible dietary components, xenobiotics, and pharmaceuticals. In relation to breast cancer, one of the most prominent roles of the human microbiome is the regulation of steroid hormone metabolism since endogenous estrogens are the most important risk factor in breast cancer development especially in postmenopausal women. Intestinal microbes encode enzymes capable of deconjugating conjugated estrogen metabolites marked for excretion, pushing them back into the enterohepatic circulation in a biologically active form. In addition, the intestinal microbes also break down otherwise indigestible dietary polyphenols to synthesize estrogen-like compounds or estrogen mimics that exhibit varied estrogenic potency. The present account discusses the potential role of gastrointestinal microbiome in breast cancer development by mediating metabolism of steroid hormones and synthesis of biologically active estrogen mimics.
Temporal Dynamics of VEGFA-Induced VEGFR2/FAK Co-Localization Depend on SHB
Authors: Pietilä Ilkka , Van Mourik Djenolan , Tamelander Andreas , Kriz Vitezslav , Claesson-Welsh Lena , Tengholm Anders , Welsh Michael
Published: December 2019

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is essential for vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA)/VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR2)-stimulated angiogenesis and vascular permeability. We have previously noted that presence of the Src homology-2 domain adapter protein B (SHB) is of relevance for VEGFA-stimulated angiogenesis in a FAK-dependent manner. The current study was conducted in order address the temporal dynamics of co-localization between these components in HEK293 and primary lung endothelial cells (EC) by total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRF). An early (<2.5 min) VEGFA-induced increase in VEGFR2 co-localization with SHB was dependent on tyrosine 1175 in VEGFR2. VEGFA also enhanced SHB co-localization with FAK. FAK co-localization with VEGFR2 was dependent on SHB since it was significantly lower in SHB deficient EC after VEGFA addition. Absence of SHB also resulted in a gradual decline of VEGFR2 co-localization with FAK under basal (prior to VEGFA addition) conditions. A similar basal response was observed with expression of the Y1175F-VEGFR2 mutant in wild type EC. The distribution of focal adhesions in SHB-deficient EC was altered with a primarily perinuclear location. These live cell data implicate SHB as a key component regulating FAK activity in response to VEGFA/VEGFR2.
Subthreshold Characteristics of a Metal-Oxide–Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor with External PVDF Gate Capacitance
Authors: Lin Jing-Jenn , Tao Ji-Hua , Wu You-Lin
Published: December 2019

An organic ferroelectric capacitor, using polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) as the dielectric, was fabricated. By connecting the PVDF capacitor in series to the gate of a commercially purchased metal-oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), drain current (ID)–drain voltage (VD) characteristics and drain current (ID)–gate voltage (VG) characteristics were measured. In addition, the subthreshold slopes of the MOSFET were determined from the ID–VG curves. It was found that the subthreshold slope could be effectively reduced by 23% of its original value when the PVDF capacitor was added to the gate of the MOSFET.
Comparisons of Estimated Circuity Factor of Forest Roads with Different Vertical Heights in Mountainous Areas, Republic of Korea
Authors: Kweon Hyeongkeun
Published: December 2019

Distance is one of the important factors in determining transportation cost and travel time, and it can be easily estimated by measuring the circuity of road networks. This study calculated the circuity factors to estimate the network distance for 27 forest roads (about 105 km) in South Korea. For this purpose, ridge, mid-slope, and valley roads were classified according to the construction location of the mountain slope, and the weighted and unweighted circuity factor (each 500-m section) were calculated. The average value of weighted circuity was 1.55: mid-slope roads (2.09), ridge roads (1.36), and valley roads (1.09). The average unweighted circuity factors were 1.61 for mid-slope roads, 1.21 for ridge roads, and 1.07 for valley roads. This study found that the circuity of the forest road network was most affected by the mountain terrain. In addition, the circuity factor increased with increasing network distance in the mid-slope roads but was not affected by the network distance in ridges and valleys. To improve the efficiency of transportation in the forest road network, it is important to locate the ladings and properly connect with the public road network.
Effects of an Educational Glass Recycling Program against Environmental Pollution in Spain
Authors: Aguilar-Jurado Miguel Ángel , Gil-Madrona Pedro , Ortega-Dato Juan Francisco , Zamorano-García David
Published: December 2019

In this article, we analyzed the effects of an educational glass recycling program on primary schools and their students in Castilla-La Mancha (Spain). A sample of 89 schools, with 20,710 elementary students, was selected by simple random sampling. For the statistical analysis, descriptive techniques (frequencies and statistics), parametric (One Way ANOVA test), and non-parametric (Chi-Square test) inferential techniques were used, with a 5% significance level (p < 0.05). The program’s results showed that 153,576.3 kg of glass (with a value of 17,064.03 €) were recycled. Significant determinants of glass recycling were: School category (p = 0.043), previous environmental/recycling education (p = 0.046), geographic location of school (p = 0.030), gender (p = 0.007), and academic year (p < 0.05). With the program, students learned the importance of glass recycling, obtained a greater knowledge of and habits related to the same, acquired favorable attitudes towards the environment, and promoted glass recycling in their social circles. We conclude that environmental education about glass recycling has positive effects on glass recycling attitudes and behaviors in elementary school students and may be used as a measure to combat the problem of environmental pollution.
Black Women’s Confidence in the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act
Authors: Sutton Arnethea L. , Henderson Alesha , Hurtado-de-Mendoza Alejandra , Tanner Erin , Khan Mishaal , Quillin John , Sheppard Vanessa B.
Published: December 2019

Black women at-risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) continue to underutilize genetic counseling and testing (GCT). One reason for this disparity is a fear of discrimination from insurance companies if identified as high-risk. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) was enacted to protect against this type of discrimination; however, Black women’s levels of confidence in this law are unknown. In this descriptive study, we sought to (1) assess Black women’s confidence in the GINA law and (2) identify multilevel factors related to their confidence in GINA. Ninety-four Black women at-risk of HBOC completed surveys that assessed intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural factors. Multiple regression analysis determined factors associated with confidence in GINA. Most women were ≤50 years of age (66.0%) and about half never had a cancer diagnosis (51.1%). Confidence in GINA was moderate (mean = 10.67; standard deviation = 2.54; range = 5–15). Women who valued GCT reported more confidence in GINA (β = 0.345; CI 0.017 to 0.673; p = 0.040). Lack of confidence in GINA may serve as a barrier to seeking GCT. Efforts to increase the perceived value of GCT among Black women could be benefited by increasing awareness of national efforts towards privacy protections of genetic information.
Impact of Nicotine Replacement and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems on Fetal Brain Development
Authors: Sailer Sebastian , Sebastiani Giorgia , Andreu-Férnández Vicente , García-Algar Oscar
Published: December 2019

Maternal tobacco smoking during pregnancy remains a major public health issue. The neurotoxic properties of nicotine are associated with fetal neurodevelopmental disorders and perinatal morbimortality. Recent research has demonstrated the effects of nicotine toxicity on genetic and epigenetic alterations. Smoking cessation strategies including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) show lack of clear evidence of effectiveness and safety in pregnant women. Limited trials using randomized controls concluded that the intermittent use formulation of NRT (gum, sprays, inhaler) in pregnant women is safe because the total dose of nicotine delivered to the fetus is less than continuous-use formulations (transdermal patch). Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) were hyped as a safer alternative during pregnancy. However, refill liquids of ENDS are suspected to be cytotoxic for the fetus. Animal studies revealed the impact of ENDS on neural stem cells, showing a similar risk of pre- and postnatal neurobiological and neurobehavioral disorders to that associated with the exposure to traditional tobacco smoking during early life. There is currently no clear evidence of impact on fetal brain development, but recent research suggests that the current guidelines should be reconsidered. The safety of NRT and ENDS is increasingly being called into question. In this review, we discuss the special features (pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and metabolism) of nicotine, NRT, and ENDS during pregnancy and postnatal environmental exposure. Further, we assess their impact on pre- and postnatal neurodevelopment.
Climate Change, Health and Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Trends and Implications to the Pacific Region
Authors: Filho Walter Leal , Scheday Svenja , Boenecke Juliane , Gogoi Abhijit , Maharaj Anish , Korovou Samuela
Published: December 2019

Climate change is known to affect Pacific Island nations in a variety of ways. One of them is by increasing the vulnerability of human health induced by various climate change impacts, which pose an additional burden to the already distressed health systems in the region. This paper explores the associations between climate change and human health on the one hand, and outlines some of the health care challenges posed by a changing climate on the other. In particular, it describes the links between climate variations and the emergence of climate-sensitive infectious diseases, such as the mosquito-borne diseases dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. The paper also presents a summary of the key findings of the research initiatives Climate Change and Prevalence Study of ZIKA Virus Diseases in Fiji and the findings from the World Mosquito Program as two examples of public health action in the Pacific region.
The Elements of Eco-Connection: A Cross-Cultural Lexical Enquiry
Authors: Lomas Tim
Published: December 2019

The environment is widely recognised to be in peril, with clear signs of a climate crisis. This situation has many dimensions and factors, but key among them are the often-destructive ways in which humans interact with the natural world. Numerous cultures—particularly more industrialised and/or Western ones—have developed predatory and disconnected modes of interaction. In such modes, nature tends to be constructed as a resource to be exploited (rather than, say, a commonwealth to be protected). However, many people—especially, but not only, in less ‘developed’ nations—have cultivated less destructive modes of relationship. These bonds may be broadly encompassed under the rubric of ‘eco-connection’. In the interests of exploring these latter modes, an enquiry was conducted into adaptive forms of engagement with nature across the world’s cultures. The enquiry focused on untranslatable words, i.e., which lack an exact translation in another language (in this case, English). Through a quasi-systematic search of academic and grey literature, together with additional data collection, over 150 relevant terms were located. An adapted form of grounded theory identified three main dimensions of eco-connection: sacrality, bonding, and appreciation. Such analyses have the potential to promote greater wellbeing literacy with respect to our relationship with nature, both within academia and beyond in the wider culture. This includes enriching the nomological network in psychology, and more broadly building a nature-related vocabulary that is more sustainable and harmonious. In doing so, there may also be benefits to public health, in that developing such literacy could possibly influence people’s engagement with nature itself, leading to more adaptive forms of relationship.
Work-Life Balance in Great Companies and Pending Issues for Engaging New Generations at Work
Authors: Sánchez-Hernández M. Isabel , González-López Óscar Rodrigo , Buenadicha-Mateos María , Tato-Jiménez Juan Luis
Published: December 2019

The changing nature of employment and work causes new demands in society, such as work-life balance, that has emerged in labor relations as an important aspect of a healthy work environment. In this context, Best Companies to Work for are a reference in caring for their staff, and it is well known that new generations—that frequently use the Internet to be informed—are making their decisions as job seekers by checking and comparing corporate websites. In order to learn from the best companies, but also to discover what could be improved by identifying the gaps, this study observes the current work-life balance practices in the last Best Companies to Work for awarded by Fortune. The main contribution of this work is the development of a weighted index for benchmarking purposes considering the preferences of new generations at work. The study demonstrates that the best companies still report low levels of work-life balance information. The main implication drawn from the study, due the requirements of new generations at work and the rapidly emerging field of e-recruiting, is the need for human resource departments to fit work and personal life in a fluid way, while maintaining a healthy balance. It is also recommended for companies to improve their disclosure of work-life practices on line for attracting talent from Millennials and Generation Z.
Challenges in Managing Acute Cardiovascular Diseases and Follow Up Care in Rural Areas: A Narrative Review
Authors: Thompson Sandra C. , Nedkoff Lee , Katzenellenbogen Judith , Hussain Mohammad Akhtar , Sanfilippo Frank
Published: December 2019

This narrative review explores relevant literature that is related to the challenges in implementing evidence-based management for clinicians in rural and remote areas, while primarily focussing on management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and follow up care. A targeted literature search around rural/urban differences in the management of ACS, cardiovascular disease, and cardiac rehabilitation identified multiple issues that are related to access, including the ability to pay, transport and geographic distances, delays in patients seeking care, access to diagnostic testing, and timely treatment in an appropriate facility. Workforce shortages or lack of ready access to relevant expertise, cultural differences, and complexity that arises from comorbidities and from geographical isolation amplified diagnostic challenges. Given the urgency in management of ACS, rural clinicians must act quickly to achieve optimal patient outcomes. New technologies and quality improvement approaches enable better access to rapid diagnosis, as well as specialist input and care. Achieving an uptake of cardiac rehabilitation in rural and remote settings poses challenges that may reduce with the use of alternative models to centre-based rehabilitation and use of modern technologies. Expediting improvement in cardiovascular outcomes and reducing rural disparities requires system changes and that clinicians embrace attention to prevention, emergency management, and follow up care in rural contexts.
The Impacts of Different Air Pollutants on Domestic and Inbound Tourism in China
Authors: Xu Xiaowei , Dong Daxin , Wang Yilun , Wang Shiying
Published: December 2019

Previous studies have reported that air pollution negatively affects the tourism industry. This paper attempted to answer the following question: among different air pollutants, which one acts as the most adverse factor? The study was based on a sample of panel data covering 337 Chinese cities for the period between 2007 and 2016. Four pollutant indicators were inspected: PM 2 . 5 (particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or less in size), PM 10 (particulate matter 10 micrometers or less in size), SO 2 (sulfur dioxide), and NO 2 (nitrogen dioxide). It was found that PM 2 . 5 had a significantly negative impact on both domestic and inbound tourist arrivals. Regarding the other three pollutant indicators, except for the negative influence of NO 2 on inbound tourist arrivals, no statistically significant impact was found. This study suggests that tourism policy makers should primarily focus on PM 2 . 5 , when considering the nexus between air quality and tourism development. According to our estimates, the negative impact of PM 2 . 5 on tourism is substantial. If the PM 2 . 5 concentration in the ambient air increases by 1 μ g/m 3 (= 0.001 mg/m 3 ), domestic and inbound tourist arrivals will decline by 0.482% and 1.227%, respectively. These numbers imply an average reduction of 81,855 person-times in annual domestic tourist arrivals and 12,269 in inbound tourist arrivals in each city.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Pleurotus ostreatus Reveals Great Metabolic Differences in the Cap and Stipe Development and the Potential Role of Ca2+ in the Primordium Differentiation
Authors: Zhu Weiwei , Hu Jinbo , Li Yang , Yang Bing , Guan Yanli , Xu Chong , Chen Fei , Chi Jingliang , Bao Yongming
Published: December 2019

Pleurotus ostreatus is a widely cultivated edible fungus around the world. At present, studies on the developmental process of the fruiting body are limited. In our study, we compared the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the stipe and cap of the fruiting body by high-throughput proteomics. GO and pathway analysis revealed the great differences in the metabolic levels, including sucrose and starch metabolism, and sphingolipid signaling and metabolism, and the differences of 16 important DEPs were validated further by qPCR analysis in expression level. In order to control the cap and stipe development, several chemical inducers were applied to the primordium of the fruiting body according to the pathway enrichment results. We found that CaCl2 can affect the primordium differentiation through inhibiting the stipe development. EGTA (ethyleneglycol bis (β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid) treatment confirmed the inhibitory role of Ca2+ in the stipe development. Our study not only shows great metabolic differences during the cap and stipe development but also reveals the underlying mechanism directing the primordium differentiation in the early development of the fruiting body for the first time. Most importantly, we provide a reliable application strategy for the cultivation and improvement of the Pleurotus ostreatus, which can be an example and reference for a more edible fungus.
Identification of σE-Dependent Promoter Upstream of clpB from the Pathogenic Spirochaete Leptospira interrogans by Applying an E. coli Two-Plasmid System
Authors: Kędzierska-Mieszkowska Sabina , Potrykus Katarzyna , Arent Zbigniew , Krajewska Joanna
Published: December 2019

There is limited information on gene expression in the pathogenic spirochaete Leptospira interrogans and genetic mechanisms controlling its virulence. Transcription is the first step in gene expression that is often determined by environmental effects, including infection-induced stresses. Alterations in the environment result in significant changes in the transcription of many genes, allowing effective adaptation of Leptospira to mammalian hosts. Thus, promoter and transcriptional start site identification are crucial for determining gene expression regulation and for the understanding of genetic regulatory mechanisms existing in Leptospira. Here, we characterized the promoter region of the L. interrogans clpB gene (clpBLi) encoding an AAA+ molecular chaperone ClpB essential for the survival of this spirochaete under thermal and oxidative stresses, and also during infection of the host. Primer extension analysis demonstrated that transcription of clpB in L. interrogans initiates at a cytidine located 41 bp upstream of the ATG initiation codon, and, to a lesser extent, at an adenine located 2 bp downstream of the identified site. Transcription of both transcripts was heat-inducible. Determination of clpBLi transcription start site, combined with promoter transcriptional activity assays using a modified two-plasmid system in E. coli, revealed that clpBLi transcription is controlled by the ECF σE factor. Of the ten L. interrogans ECF σ factors, the factor encoded by LIC_12757 (LA0876) is most likely to be the key regulator of clpB gene expression in Leptospira cells, especially under thermal stress. Furthermore, clpB expression may be mediated by ppGpp in Leptospira.
Erastin Inhibits Septic Shock and Inflammatory Gene Expression via Suppression of the NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Oh Byung Moo , Lee Seon-Jin , Park Gyoung Lim , Hwang Yo Sep , Lim Jeewon , Park Eun Sun , Lee Kyung Ho , Kim Bo Yeon , Kwon Yong Tae , Cho Hee Jun , Lee Hee Gu
Published: December 2019

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that is caused by an abnormal immune response to infection and can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Erastin is a small molecule capable of initiating ferroptotic cell death in cancer cells. However, the function of erastin in the inflammatory response during sepsis remains unknown. Here, we showed that erastin ameliorates septic shock induced by cecal ligation and puncture or lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in mice, which was associated with a reduced production of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-1β. Pretreatment with erastin in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) significantly attenuated the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, TNF-α, and IL-1β mRNA in response to LPS treatment. Furthermore, we also showed that erastin suppresses phosphorylation of IκB kinase β, phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) in LPS-stimulated BMDMs. Our findings suggest that erastin attenuates the inflammatory response by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway, resulting in inhibition of sepsis development. This study provides new insights regarding the potential therapeutic properties of erastin in sepsis.
Identification of Diagnostic and Prognostic microRNAs for Recurrent Vitreous Hemorrhage in Patients with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Mammadzada Parviz , Bayle Juliette , Gudmundsson Johann , Kvanta Anders , André Helder
Published: December 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can provide insight into the pathophysiological states of ocular tissues such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). In this study, differences in miRNA expression in vitreous from PDR patients with and without incidence of recurrent vitreous hemorrhage (RVH) after the initial pars-plana vitrectomy (PPV) were analyzed, with the aim of identifying biomarkers for RVH. Fifty-four consented vitreous samples were analyzed from patients undergoing PPV for PDR, of which eighteen samples underwent a second surgery due to RVH. Ten of the sixty-six expressed miRNAs (miRNAs-19a, -20a, -22, -27a, -29a, -93, -126, -128, -130a, and -150) displayed divergences between the PDR vitreous groups and to the control. A significant increase in the miRNA-19a and -27a expression was determined in PDR patients undergoing PPV as compared to the controls. miRNA-20a and -93 were significantly upregulated in primary PPV vitreous samples of patients afflicted with RVH. Moreover, this observed upregulation was not significant between the non-RVH and control group, thus emphasizing the association with RVH incidence. miRNA-19a and -27a were detected as putative vitreous biomarkers for PDR, and elevated levels of miRNA-20a and -93 in vitreous with RVH suggest their biomarker potential for major PDR complications such as recurrent hemorrhage incidence.
Estimation of Cement Composites Fracture Parameters Using Deformation Criterion
Authors: Kosior-Kazberuk Marta , Kazberuk Andrzej , Bernatowicz Anna
Published: December 2019

A simple deformation criterion based on Dugdale’s cohesive zone model is presented. The criterion can be used for both the experimental determination of the critical stress intensity factor, KIc, and the critical tip opening displacement, CTODc. It can also be applied for the evaluation of the load capacity of structural elements. The criterion is presented in explicit and compact form, which allows straightforward calculations to be performed for the estimation of KIc and CTODc values from the experimental data obtained from samples with a U-shaped notch, rounded with an arbitrary radius. Thanks to the simple form of the approximate relationship between the maximal load level and the dimensionless notch tip opening displacement, the reverse procedure was obtained, i.e., the estimation of the value of the maximal force loading the structural element as a function of the known critical stress intensity factor.
Physical Characteristics of Coupled Plasma and Its Influence on Weld Formation in Hybrid Laser-Double-Arc Welding
Authors: Gu Xiaoyan , Liu Yuchen , Li Wenhang , Han Yujun , Zheng Kai
Published: December 2019

Hybrid laser-double-arc welding (HLDAW) is an efficient welding method with multi-heat sources comprised of two arcs and a laser beam, which is an intricate process with much randomness and uncertainty due to the mutual effect between multi-plasmas. Compared with double-arc welding (DAW), HLDAW can generally obtain a more stable welding process and deeper weld penetration, which is directly affected by the synergistic effect of multiple heat sources; however, the mechanism has not been systematically studied. In this study, the multi-information analysis method is adopted to study the distribution of electron temperatures, electron densities and electrical conductivity of double-arc welding (DAW) and HLDAW by utilizing synchronous radiation spectrum, high-speed photography and electrical signal sensing technology. The results indicated that the high concentration of charged particles provided a conductive channel for the two arcs to achieve a more stable welding process in HLDAW. The synergy between the laser and the arc changed the flow mode of the weld pool, which facilitated the molten metal flowing toward the bottom of the molten pool. Obtaining the same melting depth, the line energy input of HLDAW was 13% lower than that of DAW; the heat affected zone is narrower and the grain size is smaller. The weld penetration depth was improved in HLDAW, which was 1.8 times that of DAW and 1.5 times that of pure laser welding under the laser power of 1.5 kW. The weld penetration of HLDAW increased with laser power.
Water-Ionic Liquid Binary Mixture Tailored Resorcinol-Formaldehyde Carbon Aerogels without Added Catalyst
Authors: Nagy Balázs , Bakos István , Geissler Erik , László Krisztina
Published: December 2019

The potential applications of mesoporous carbon aerogels are wide-ranging. These gels are often obtained from resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) hydrogel precursors. The sol-gel method in this synthesis provides an efficient and versatile means of product control through systematic variation of process conditions, such as pH, stoichiometry, concentration, catalyst, further additives, etc., in addition to the drying and pyrolytic conditions. Here, a novel means of tuning the texture of carbon aerogels is proposed. Water-1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethyl sulfate ([emim][EtSO4] mixtures constitutes a polycondensation medium that requires no added catalyst, thus yielding an intrinsically metal-free carbon aerogel after pyrolysis. We also show that the carbon morphology is tailored by the supramolecular structure of the aqueous ionic liquid. The results of scanning electron micrographs, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) confirm that changing the initial water concentration from 9 to 55 wt % gives rise to systematic alteration of the mesopore size and volume, as well as of the bead size. The pore structure becomes consolidated only when the water content exceeds 25 wt %. When the water content reaches 55 wt %, the bead size increases by two orders of magnitude. The electrocatalytic performance, however, is compromised, most probably by structural defects.
Dyeing of Polyester with 4-Fluorosulfonylphenylazo-5-pyrazolone Disperse Dyes and Application of Environment-Friendly Aftertreatment for Their High Color Fastness
Authors: Yoon Sanghyun , Choi Byunghun , Rahman Md Morshedur , Kumar Santosh , Mamun Kabir Shekh Md , Koh Joonseok
Published: December 2019

Dyeing and fastness properties of a series of 4-fluorosulfonylphenylazo-5-pyrazolone dyes on polyester were investigated in this study. The 4-nitrophenylazo-5-pyrazolone dyes were also synthesized to compare their dyeing and fastness properties on polyester with those of fluorosulfonyl-substituted analogues. The substantivity of 4-arylazo-5-pyrazolone derivatives containing a p-fluorosulfonyl group in the diazo component was lower than that of their nitro analogues which have a higher extinction coefficient and higher affinity because of the polar nitro group. They showed relatively hypsochromic color and lower chroma on polyester compared with their nitro analogues because of the relatively weaker electron-accepting power of the fluorosulfonyl group compared to the nitro group. Disperse dyeing of polyester with 4-fluorosulfonylphenylazo-5-pyrazolone disperse dyes achieved high color fastness and reduces the adverse environmental impact of the dyeing process by providing the option of performing alkali clearing instead of reductive clearing, which has high biological oxygen demand when discharged into the dyeing effluent and generates carcinogenic aromatic amines.
Wear Induced Failure of Automotive Disc Brakes—A Case Study
Authors: Mohammadnejad Ali , Bahrami Abbas , Goli Majid , Dehbashi Nia Hossein , Taheri Peyman
Published: December 2019

This paper investigated a failure in a ventilated disc brake in an automobile. The failed brake disc had been in service for approximately 10 years. The observed failure was in the form of radial cracks that appeared to have initiated at the outer edge of the disc brake. The cracks were rather straight with no branching. Optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to study the microstructure of the failed disc. Vickers microhardness test was also used to evaluate the hardness of the samples. Results showed that the root cause of crack formation, in this case, was related to the excessive wear in the brake disc. Different wear mechanisms, namely abrasive and adhesive wear, were recognized in the failed specimen. Moreover, the worn surface in some areas was covered with fine oxide particles. These particles appeared to have a significant contribution toward abrasion. To further understand the wear mechanisms, pin-on-disc experiments were also conducted on the samples. Results of the pin-on-disc experiments were compared and correlated to the results obtained from the failed brake disc.
Fragilides U–W: New 11,20-Epoxybriaranes from the Sea Whip Gorgonian Coral Junceella fragilis
Authors: Su Tung-Pin , Yuan Chien-Han , Jhu Yi-Ming , Peng Bo-Rong , Wen Zhi-Hong , Wu Yu-Jen , Wu Tung-Ying , Liu Hong-Wen , Sung Ping-Jyun
Published: December 2019

Three new 11,20-epoxybriaranes—fragilides U–W (1–3), as well as two known metabolites, junceellonoid D (4) and junceellin (5), were obtained from the octocoral Junceella fragilis. The structures of briaranes 1–3 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and briaranes 3 and 5 displayed inhibition effects on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) release from RAW264.7.
Nanomedicine: Insights from a Bibliometrics-Based Analysis of Emerging Publishing and Research Trends
Authors: Bragazzi Nicola Luigi
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives: Nanomedicine, a term coined by the American engineer Eric Drexler (1955) and Robert Freitas Jr. (1952) in the nineties, can be defined as a complex, multi-disciplinary branch of medicine, in which nano-technologies, molecular biotechnologies, and other nano-sciences are applied at every step of disease management, from diagnosis (nano-diagnostics) to treatment (nano-therapeutics), prognosis, and monitoring of biological parameters and biomarkers. Nanomedicine is a relatively young discipline, which is increasingly and exponentially growing, characterized by emerging ethical issues and implications. Nanomedicine has branched out in hundreds of different sub-fields. Materials and Methods: A bibliometrics-based analysis was applied mining the entire content of PubMed/MEDLINE, using “nanomedicine” as a Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) search term. Results: A sample of 6696 articles were extracted from PubMed/MEDLINE and analyzed. Articles had been published in the period from 2003 to 2019, showing an increasing trend throughout the time. Six thematic clusters emerged (first cluster: molecular methods; second cluster: molecular biology and nano-characterization; third cluster: nano-diagnostics and nano-theranostics; fourth cluster: clinical applications, in the sub-fields of nano-oncology, nano-immunology and nano-vaccinology; fifth cluster: clinical applications, in the sub-fields of nano-oncology and nano-infectiology; and sixth cluster: nanodrugs). The countries with the highest percentages of articles in the field of nanomedicine were the North America (38.3%) and Europe (35.1%). Conclusions: The present study showed that there is an increasing trend in publishing and performing research in the super-specialty of nanomedicine. Most productive countries were the USA and European countries, with China as an emerging region. Hot topics in the last years were nano-diagnostics and nano-theranostics and clinical applications in the sub-fields of nano-oncology and nano-infectiology.
Power Law Breakdown in the Creep in Single-Phase Metals
Authors: Kassner M.E. , Ermagan R.
Published: December 2019

New analysis provides insight into the basis of power-law breakdown (PLB) in the steady-state creep of metals and alloys. A variety of theories has been presented in the past but this new examination suggests that there is evidence that a dramatic supersaturation of vacancies leading to very high diffusion rates and enhanced dislocation climb is associated with the rate-controlling process for creep in PLB. The effect of vacancy supersaturation may be enhanced by dislocation short circuit diffusion paths at lower temperatures due to the dramatic increase in dislocation density.
Blood Metabolites Associate with Prognosis in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Strand Elin , Tangen Ingvild L. , Fasmer Kristine E. , Jacob Havjin , Halle Mari K. , Hoivik Erling A. , Delvoux Bert , Trovik Jone , Haldorsen Ingfrid S. , Romano Andrea , Krakstad Camilla
Published: December 2019

Endometrial cancer has a high prevalence among post-menopausal women in developed countries. We aimed to explore whether certain metabolic patterns could be related to the characteristics of aggressive disease and poorer survival among endometrial cancer patients in Western Norway. Patients with endometrial cancer with short survival (n = 20) were matched according to FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 2009 criteria) stage, histology, and grade, with patients with long survival (n = 20). Plasma metabolites were measured on a multiplex system including 183 metabolites, which were subsequently determined using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Partial least square discriminant analysis, together with hierarchical clustering, was used to identify patterns which distinguished short from long survival. A proposed signature of metabolites related to survival was suggested, and a multivariate receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.820–0.965 (p ≤ 0.001). Methionine sulfoxide seems to be particularly strongly associated with poor survival rates in these patients. In a subgroup with preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography data, selected metabolites correlated with the estimated abdominal fat distribution parameters. Metabolic signatures may predict prognosis and be promising supplements when evaluating phenotypes and exploring metabolic pathways related to the progression of endometrial cancer. In the future, this may serve as a useful tool in cancer management.
Metabolomics: A Way Forward for Crop Improvement
Authors: Razzaq Ali , Sadia Bushra , Raza Ali , Khalid Hameed Muhammad , Saleem Fozia
Published: December 2019

Metabolomics is an emerging branch of “omics” and it involves identification and quantification of metabolites and chemical footprints of cellular regulatory processes in different biological species. The metabolome is the total metabolite pool in an organism, which can be measured to characterize genetic or environmental variations. Metabolomics plays a significant role in exploring environment–gene interactions, mutant characterization, phenotyping, identification of biomarkers, and drug discovery. Metabolomics is a promising approach to decipher various metabolic networks that are linked with biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in plants. In this context, metabolomics-assisted breeding enables efficient screening for yield and stress tolerance of crops at the metabolic level. Advanced metabolomics analytical tools, like non-destructive nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), liquid chromatography mass-spectroscopy (LC-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and direct flow injection (DFI) mass spectrometry, have sped up metabolic profiling. Presently, integrating metabolomics with post-genomics tools has enabled efficient dissection of genetic and phenotypic association in crop plants. This review provides insight into the state-of-the-art plant metabolomics tools for crop improvement. Here, we describe the workflow of plant metabolomics research focusing on the elucidation of biotic and abiotic stress tolerance mechanisms in plants. Furthermore, the potential of metabolomics-assisted breeding for crop improvement and its future applications in speed breeding are also discussed. Mention has also been made of possible bottlenecks and future prospects of plant metabolomics.
Single Spheroid Metabolomics: Optimizing Sample Preparation of Three-Dimensional Multicellular Tumor Spheroids
Authors: Rusz Mate , Rampler Evelyn , Keppler Bernhard K. , Jakupec Michael A. , Koellensperger Gunda
Published: December 2019

Tumor spheroids are important model systems due to the capability of capturing in vivo tumor complexity. In this work, the experimental design of metabolomics workflows using three-dimensional multicellular tumor spheroid (3D MTS) models is addressed. Non-scaffold based cultures of the HCT116 colon carcinoma cell line delivered highly reproducible MTSs with regard to size and other key parameters (such as protein content and fraction of viable cells) as a prerequisite. Carefully optimizing the multiple steps of sample preparation, the developed procedure enabled us to probe the metabolome of single MTSs (diameter range 790 ± 22 µm) in a highly repeatable manner at a considerable throughput. The final protocol consisted of rapid washing of the spheroids on the cultivation plate, followed by cold methanol extraction. 13C enriched internal standards, added upon extraction, were key to obtaining the excellent analytical figures of merit. Targeted metabolomics provided absolute concentrations with average biological repeatabilities of <20% probing MTSs individually. In a proof of principle study, MTSs were exposed to two metal-based anticancer drugs, oxaliplatin and the investigational anticancer drug KP1339 (sodium trans-[tetrachloridobis(1H-indazole)ruthenate(III)]), which exhibit distinctly different modes of action. This difference could be recapitulated in individual metabolic shifts observed from replicate single MTSs. Therefore, biological variation among single spheroids can be assessed using the presented analytical strategy, applicable for in-depth anticancer drug metabolite profiling.