bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IL13 Promoter (−1055) Polymorphism Associated with Leukocyte Mitochondria DNA Copy Number in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Liu Shih-Feng , Chang Hui-Chuan , Chang Yu-Ping , Kuo Ho-Chang , Tsai Yuh-Chyn
Published: November 2022

IL13 polymorphism is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients with COPD have smaller numbers of mitochondria deoxyribonucleic acid copies (mtDNA-CN) than people without COPD do. However, whether IL13 polymorphism affects the mutation and recombination of mitochondria remains unclear. Data for patients with COPD and non-COPD were collected from Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital to enable a comparison of their leukocyte mtDNA-CN and the association of this information with IL-13 promoter (−1055) polymorphism. This study included 99 patients with COPD and 117 individuals without COPD. The non-COPD individuals included 77 healthy individuals that never smoked and 40 healthy smokers. The patients with COPD exhibited significantly lower mtDNA-CN than non-COPD did (250.34 vs. 440.03; p < 0.001); mtDNA-CN was particularly pronounced in individuals with the IL13 CC and CT genotypes compared with individuals with the TT genotype. When only individuals without COPD were considered and when all participants were considered, the differences in the mtDNA-CNs in individuals with the CC and CT genotypes were more significant than those in individuals with the TT genotype (448.4 and 533.6 vs. 282.8; p < 0.05 in non-COPD group); (368.8 and 362.6 vs. 249.6, p < 0.05 in all participants). The increase mtDNA-CN in the CC and CT genotypes was also more than that in the TT genotype in COPD patients, but showed no significance (260.1 and 230.5 vs. 149.9; p = 0.343). The finding shows that COPD is a mitochondria regulatory disorder and IL-13 promoter (−1055) polymorphism is associated with leukocyte mtDNA-CN. Developing COPD control methods based on mitochondrial regulation will be possible.
Histone Deacetylase HDA15 Restrains PHYB-Dependent Seed Germination via Directly Repressing GA20ox1/2 Gene Expression
Authors: Zheng Feng , Wang Yahan , Gu Dachuan , Liu Xuncheng
Published: November 2022

Seed germination is essential for the colonization of the land plants. Light is a major environmental factor affecting seed germination, which is predominantly regulated by photoreceptor phytochrome B (PHYB). PHYB is activated by red light (designated as PHYB-on) whereas it is inactivated by far-red light (referred as PHYB-off). We previously reported that Arabidopsis histone deacetylase HDA15 interacts with phytochrome-interacting factor1 (PIF1) to repress seed germination under PHYB-off conditions. Here, we show that HDA15 plays a negative role in regulating seed germination under PHYB-on conditions. Overexpression of HDA15 in Arabidopsis restrains PHYB-dependent seed germination, while gibberellin (GA) relieves the repressive role of HDA15 under PHYB-off conditions. We further show that HDA15 directly binds to GA20ox1 and GA20ox2, two key GA biosynthesis genes and represses their expression by removal of histone H3 and H4 acetylation. Moreover, the levels of HDA15 transcript and HDA15 protein are up-regulated in the phyB mutant. Collectively, our work proposes that HDA15 acts as a negative regulator of PHYB-dependent seed germination by directly repressing GA20ox1/2 gene expression.
Modeling Movement Disorders via Generation of hiPSC-Derived Motor Neurons
Authors: Akter Masuma , Ding Baojin
Published: November 2022

Generation of motor neurons (MNs) from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) overcomes the limited access to human brain tissues and provides an unprecedent approach for modeling MN-related diseases. In this review, we discuss the recent progression in understanding the regulatory mechanisms of MN differentiation and their applications in the generation of MNs from hiPSCs, with a particular focus on two approaches: induction by small molecules and induction by lentiviral delivery of transcription factors. At each induction stage, different culture media and supplements, typical growth conditions and cellular morphology, and specific markers for validation of cell identity and quality control are specifically discussed. Both approaches can generate functional MNs. Currently, the major challenges in modeling neurological diseases using iPSC-derived neurons are: obtaining neurons with high purity and yield; long-term neuron culture to reach full maturation; and how to culture neurons more physiologically to maximize relevance to in vivo conditions.
Targeting Class I Histone Deacetylases in Human Uterine Leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Yang Qiwei , Falahati Ali , Khosh Azad , Mohammed Hanaa , Kang Wenjun , Corachán Ana , Bariani Maria Victoria , Boyer Thomas G. , Al-Hendy Ayman
Published: November 2022

Uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) is the most frequent subtype of uterine sarcoma that presents a poor prognosis, high rates of recurrence, and metastasis. Currently, the molecular mechanism of the origin and development of uLMS is unknown. Class I histone deacetylases (including HDAC1, 2, 3, and 8) are one of the major classes of the HDAC family and catalyze the removal of acetyl groups from lysine residues in histones and cellular proteins. Class I HDACs exhibit distinct cellular and subcellular expression patterns and are involved in many biological processes and diseases through diverse signaling pathways. However, the link between class I HDACs and uLMS is still being determined. In this study, we assessed the expression panel of Class I HDACs in uLMS and characterized the role and mechanism of class I HDACs in the pathogenesis of uLMS. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that HDAC1, 2, and 3 are aberrantly upregulated in uLMS tissues compared to adjacent myometrium. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that the expression levels of HDAC 1, 2, and 3 exhibited a graded increase from normal and benign to malignant uterine tumor cells. Furthermore, inhibition of HDACs with Class I HDACs inhibitor (Tucidinostat) decreased the uLMS proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, gene set enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed that inhibition of HDACs with Tucidinostat altered several critical pathways. Moreover, multiple epigenetic analyses suggested that Tucidinostat may alter the transcriptome via reprogramming the oncogenic epigenome and inducing the changes in microRNA-target interaction in uLMS cells. In the parallel study, we also determined the effect of DL-sulforaphane on the uLMS. Our study demonstrated the relevance of class I HDACs proteins in the pathogenesis of malignant uLMS. Further understanding the role and mechanism of HDACs in uLMS may provide a promising and novel strategy for treating patients with this aggressive uterine cancer.
2021 Editor’s Choice Articles in the Section “Cells of the Nervous System”
Authors: Syed Naweed I.
Published: November 2022

Referenced below are the top 10 cited papers in 2021 from the Section “Cells of the Nervous System”, published in Cells (ISSN: 2073-4409) [...]
Coordination of LMO7 with FAK Signaling Sustains Epithelial Integrity in Renal Epithelia Exposed to Osmotic Pressure
Authors: Zhen Yen-Yi , Wu Chien-Hsing , Chen Hung-Chun , Chang Eddy Essen , Lee Jia-Jung , Chen Wei-Yu , Chang Jer-Ming , Tseng Pei-Yun , Wang Yue-Fang , Hung Chi-Chih
Published: November 2022

The kidney epithelial barrier has multifaceted functions in body fluids, electrolyte homeostasis, and urine production. The renal epithelial barrier (REB) frequently faces and challenges osmotic dynamics, which gives rise to osmotic pressure (a physical force). Osmotic pressure overloading can crack epithelial integrity and damage the REB. The endurance of REB to osmotic pressure forces remains obscure. LMO7 (LIM domain only 7) is a protein associated with the cell–cell junctional complex and cortical F-actin. Its upregulation was observed in cells cultured under hypertonic conditions. LMO7 is predominantly distributed in renal tubule epithelial cells. Hypertonic stimulation leads to LMO7 and F-actin assembly in the cortical stress fibers of renal epithelial cells. Hypertonic-isotonic alternation, as a pressure force pushing the plasma membrane inward/outward, was set as osmotic disturbance and was applied to test FAK signaling and LMO7 functioning in maintaining junctional integrity. LMO7 depletion in cells resulted in junctional integrity loss in the epithelial sheet-cultured hypertonic medium or hypertonic-isotonic alternation. Conversely, FAK inhibition by PF-573228 led to failure in robust cortical F-actin assembly and LMO7 association with cortical F-actin in epithelial cells responding to hypertonic stress. Epithelial integrity against osmotic stress and LMO7 and FAK signaling are involved in assembling robust cortical F-actin and maintaining junctional integrity. LMO7 elaborately manages FAK activation in renal epithelial cells, which was demonstrated excessive FAK activation present in LMO7 depleted NRK-52E cells and epithelial integrity loss when cells with LMO7 depletion were exposed to a hypertonic environment. Our data suggests that LMO7 regulates FAK activation and is responsible for maintaining REB under osmotic disturbance.
Peculiarities of the Acetylcholine Action on the Contractile Function of Cardiomyocytes from the Left and Right Atria in Rats
Authors: Butova Xenia , Myachina Tatiana , Simonova Raisa , Kochurova Anastasia , Bozhko Yakov , Arkhipov Michael , Solovyova Olga , Kopylova Galina , Shchepkin Daniil , Khokhlova Anastasia
Published: November 2022

Acetylcholine (ACh) is the neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system that modulates cardiac function, and its high concentrations may induce atrial fibrillation. We compared the ACh action on the mechanical function of single cardiomyocytes from the left atria (LA) and the right atria (RA). We exposed single rat LA and RA cardiomyocytes to 1, 10, and 100 µM ACh for 10–15 min and measured the parameters of sarcomere shortening–relengthening and cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i) transients during cell contractions. We also studied the effects of ACh on cardiac myosin function using an in vitro motility assay and analyzed the phosphorylation level of sarcomeric proteins. In LA cardiomyocytes, ACh decreased the time to peak sarcomere shortening, time to 50% relengthening, and time to peak [Ca2+]i transients. In RA cardiomyocytes, ACh affected the time of shortening and relengthening only at 10 µM. In the in vitro motility assay, ACh reduced to a greater extent the sliding velocity of F-actin over myosin from LA cardiomyocytes, which was accompanied by a more pronounced decrease in phosphorylation of the myosin regulatory light chain (RLC) in LA cardiomyocytes than in RA cardiomyocytes. Our findings indicate that ACh plays an important role in modulating the contractile function of LA and RA, provoking more pronounced changes in the time course of sarcomere shortening–relengthening and the kinetics of actin–myosin interaction in LA cardiomyocytes.
Investigation of the Biocompatibility of Laser Treated 316L Stainless Steel Materials
Authors: Aykac Emre , Turkmen Mustafa
Published: November 2022

In this study, 316L stainless steel materials, which are widely used in the industry, were produced by investment casting management. Depending on the microstructure, the hardness values constitute an important stage of the properties that can be developed and controlled. For this purpose, the differences between the microstructure and hardness properties of 316L stainless steel, which is produced by the investment casting method, and 316L stainless steel, which is currently used commercially, were examined. The changes caused by the fiber laser on the surface of 316L materials produced with two different production methods were examined. It was observed that the laser used made different changes in the surface structure of the 316L material produced by both methods. Since the surface of the material is a buffer between body fluids and biomaterial, it is known that there is a relationship between surface properties and biocompatibility. In this study, the L929 cell growth test, one of the cytotoxicity tests, was applied and thus, how laser surface treatment affects the biocompatibility of 316L materials produced by both methods was comparatively examined.
Effect of Nano-TiO2 on Capillary Water Absorption of Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Zhong Chuheng , Yu Zhiling , Zhou Jinzhi , Long Yuhua , Tian Peng , Chen Jinhui
Published: November 2022

To improve the durability performance of recycled aggregate concrete in actual use, this paper uses nano-TiO2-modified recycled coarse aggregate to study, through experiments, the effects of nano-TiO2 on the pore distribution of recycled coarse aggregate concrete after freeze–thaw. The capillary-water-absorption law was used as the evaluation index. The recycled coarse aggregate concrete was prepared with different contents of nano-TiO2, and changes in the 24 h capillary water absorption and porosity of the recycled aggregate concrete after freeze–thaw cycles were analysed. With the help of high-resolution image recognition and binary-image-processing technology, the pore distribution of the recycled aggregate concrete before and after freeze–thaw cycles was obtained. Through the analysis of the water-absorption data at different times, the initial capillary-water-absorption rate, S1, is obtained. The capillary water absorption of recycled aggregate concrete is reacted with S1, and the initial capillary-water-absorption prediction model of nano-TiO2 recycled aggregate concrete under freeze–thaw cycles is established. The results show that under the action of freeze–thaw cycles, the capillary water absorption of recycled coarse aggregate concrete increases with the increase in the RCA substitution rate and decreases with the increase in nano-TiO2 content. After 150 freeze–thaw cycles, the cumulative water absorption and porosity of RC25-NT1.2 decreased by 25.52% and 14.57%, respectively, compared with the test block without nanomaterials. It was found that nano-TiO2 has a prominent role in modifying recycled aggregate concrete. Nano-TiO2 can reduce the cumulative water absorption and porosity of recycled aggregate concrete and alleviate the negative impact of the recycled coarse aggregate on capillary water absorption of concrete after freeze–thaw cycles. It was observed by scanning electron microscopy that a large amount of C–S–H gel was produced inside the concrete mixed with nano-TiO2, which bonded the internal pores and cracks to form a dense structure.
Study on the Impact Resistance of FRP Pasted onto a Blastproof Partition Wall under Out-of-Plane Repeated Impact Load
Authors: Shi Chenglong , Zhang Jigang , Liang Haizhi , Xu Hongjian , Liu Feifei , Zhao Yang
Published: November 2022

A blastproof partition wall in civil air defense engineering is easily subjected to out-of-plane impact loads, such as object impacts, and structural collapse in peacetime. In this study, the pendulum impact test was carried out for the first time on six blastproof partition walls pasted with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP). Using a method combining finite element simulation and experimental research, the influence of parameters such as the FRP type, layer number and width, and pendulum impact number on the impact resistance of the wall was systematically studied. The test results show that pasting FRP on the back of the blastproof partition wall can significantly improve the impact resistance and reduce the damage degree of the concrete. The impact recovery coefficient increased from 0.33 to 0.57, but with the increase in the number of impacts, large-rupture-strain FRP (LRS-FRP) can give full play to the advantages of a large tensile fracture strain and cooperate with the wall to deform, and the selection of FRP with a large tensile fracture strain is the key to resisting multiple impact loads. Finally, the experimental basis and an economical and reliable protection method are provided for the study of improving the impact resistance of the blastproof partition wall.
Growth of Carbon Nanotubes on Diamond with a Robust Structural Connection via Microwave Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Shi Jiadong , Feng Xurui , Huang Yabo , Zheng Yuting , Chen Liangxian , Liu Jinlong , Li Chengming , Wei Junjun
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we present a novel method for growing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) on diamond and silicon substrates. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy analyses revealed dense, multi-walled carbon nanotubes growing on the diamond substrate. Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) showed that in the process of growing carbon nanotubes with the MPCVD method, the CH4 introduced into the system is excited by microwaves and dissociated to form active radicals such as C2 and CH, which are considered the C source of the synthesized carbon nanotube. Observation with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) showed that most Ni catalyst nanoparticles that catalyze the growth of carbon nanotubes are located close to the diamond surface. In contrast, on the Si substrate, Ni catalyst nanoparticles were randomly distributed. A unique transition layer was observed between the diamond and carbon nanotubes, with the Ni particles being immersed into this transition layer and acting as anchors to fix the carbon nanotubes, resulting in a robust connection between the diamond and the CNT coating.
Electrodeposition of Copper Oxides as Cost-Effective Heterojunction Photoelectrode Materials for Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Yin Tai-Hsin , Liu Bu-Jine , Lin Yu-Wei , Li Yi-Syuan , Lai Chih-Wei , Lan Yu-Pin , Choi Changsik , Chang Han-Chen , Choi YongMan
Published: November 2022

Photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen production is crucial to reducing greenhouse gas emissions for carbon neutrality and meeting energy demands. Pivotal advances in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting have been achieved by increasing solar light absorption. P-type Cu-based metal oxide materials have a wide range of energy band gaps and outstanding band edges for PEC water splitting. In this study, we first prepared Cu2O thin films using electrodeposition and fabricated a heterojunction structure of CuO/Cu2O by controlling annealing temperatures. The surface morphological, optical, and electrochemical properties were characterized using various analytical tools. X-ray and Raman spectroscopic approaches were used to verify the heterojunction of CuO/Cu2O, while surface analyses revealed surface roughness changes in thin films as the annealing temperatures increased. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopic measurements in conjunction with the Mott–Schottky analysis confirm that the CuO/Cu2O heterojunction thin film can boost photocurrent generation (1.03 mA/cm2 at 0 V vs. RHE) via enhanced light absorption, a higher carrier density, and a higher flat band potential than CuO and Cu2O thin films (0.92 and 0.08 mA/cm2, respectively).
Structural Characterization of Alzheimer DNA Promoter Sequences from the Amyloid Precursor Gene in the Presence of Thioflavin T and Analogs
Authors: Sbirkova-Dimitrova Hristina , Rusew Rusi , Kuvandjiev Nikola , Heroux Annie , Doukov Tzanko , Shivachev Boris L.
Published: November 2022

Understanding DNA–ligand binding interactions requires ligand screening, crystallization, and structure determination. In order to obtain insights into the amyloid peptide precursor (APP) gene–Thioflavin T (ThT) interaction, single crystals of two DNA sequences 5′-GCCCACCACGGC-3′ (PDB 8ASK) and d(CCGGGGTACCCCGG)2 (PDB 8ASH) were grown in the presence of ThT or its analogue 2-((4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene)amino)-3,6-dimethylbenzo[d]thiazol-3-ium iodide (XRB). Both structures were solved by molecular replacement. In the case of 8ASK, the space group was H3 with unit cell dimensions of a = b = 64.49 Å, c = 46.19 Å. Phases were obtained using a model generated by X3DNA. The novel 12-base-pair B-DNA structure did not have extra density for the ThT ligand. The 14-base-pair A-DNA structure with bound ThT analog XRB was isomorphous with previously the obtained apo-DNA structure 5WV7 (space group was P41212 with unit cell dimensions a = b = 41.76 Å, c = 88.96 Å). Binding of XRB to DNA slightly changes the DNA’s buckle parameters at the CpG regions. Comparison of the two conformations of the XRB molecule: alone and bound to DNA indicates that the binding results from the freedom of rotation of the two aromatic rings.
Applied Potential Effect on ZnFe2O4-Fe2O3 Heterostructure for Generation of Photocurrents under Irradiation
Authors: Reddy I. Neelakanta , Lebaka Veeranjaneya Reddy , Chinni Suresh V. , Gobinath Ramachawolran , Shim Jaesool , Bai Cheolho
Published: November 2022

In this study, the performance of ZnFe2O4-Fe2O3 heterostructure was tested for photocurrent generation via photoelectrochemical activity under irradiation. Additionally, the effect of heterostructure photoanode on the structural, optical properties, and charge kinetic behavior of the photoelectrode was investigated. A combination of ZnFe2O4-Fe2O3 nanostructures exhibited an enhanced ability of light absorption compared to that of pristine Fe2O3 and ZnFe2O4 samples. For ZnFe2O4-Fe2O3 nanostructures, an electron–hole transfer resistance of 9.41 kΩ was achieved in a 0.1 M KOH electrolyte under irradiation, which is much lower than that of achieved values of pure Fe2O3 and ZnFe2O4 nanostructures. The generation of photocurrent density of ZnFe2O4-Fe2O3 photoanode considerably increased in 0.1 M KOH electrolytes under irradiation compared to those of the other samples due to the greater active sites, electronic band structure, absorption capability of photoanode, and considerable improvements in the charge transfer resistance, limiting current density, exchange current density, and Tafel slope. Further, the applied potential showed a strong significant influence on the generation of photocurrent for the synthesized photoelectrodes. At 0.5 V applied potential, the heterostructure showed a maximum and enhanced current density compared to pristine samples. Thus, ZnFe2O4-Fe2O3 photoanodes were established to be beneficial and stable nanostructures for photoelectrochemical water splitting.
Effect of Electrolytes on the BiOI/SnO2 Heterostructure to Achieve Stable Photo-Induced Carrier Generation
Authors: Reddy I. Neelakanta , Akkinepally Bhargav , Bai Cheolho , Shim Jaesool
Published: November 2022

Heterostructures have recently been used to generate stable photo-induced currents via photoelectrochemical (PEC) activity. However, the effect of electrolytes on charge-transfer kinetics and the generation of photo-induced currents on heterostructures are major challenges in PEC. The effect of the electrolyte on the synthesized photoelectrodes is demonstrated in this study under various conditions using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, linear sweep voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and Tafel analyses. The lowest transfer kinetics resistance and highest photocurrent densities are achieved in 0.1 M KOH when compared to those in 0.1 M Na2SO4 aqueous electrolytes. Furthermore, various applied voltage effects on the generation of currents have been studied for the synthesized electrodes at a voltage of +0.5 V in both electrolytes. The maximum induced-current achieved was 1.39 mA cm−2 for BW-SO, under illumination in the 0.1 M KOH electrolyte. The BW-SO heterostructure presented enhanced performance due to improved light absorption capability, the lowest resistance values, and the synergistic effect of the heterostructures.
Photocatalytic Dye Decomposition over CaMnO3−δ and Pr0.5Ca0.5MnO3: A Combined XPS and DFT Study
Authors: Ebrahimizadeh Abrishami Majid , Mohammadi Mojtaba , Sotoudeh Mohsen
Published: November 2022

In the field of environmental sustainability, the development of highly efficient photocatalytic under a wide wavelength range with band engineering is regarded as a promising strategy to enhance photocatalytic dye degradation. Here, we report on CaMnO3−δ and Pr0.5Ca0.5MnO3 perovskite materials prepared by a sol-gel combustion method. From X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), the particle surfaces of both compounds are oxygen deficient, while the surface hydroxyl and carbonyl groups’ adsorption on the surface of Pr0.5Ca0.5MnO3 particles is more pronounced. FT-FIR spectroscopy has been used to investigate the covalent bonds and oxygen vacancy characteristics. Photocatalytic activities were investigated by the degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange under UV light. It was observed that both dye molecules are more degraded over CaMnO3−δ. The underlying mechanisms behind the photoexcitation and degradation process are established via the Spin-polarized Density Functional Theory (DFT).
Soil Invertebrate Communities as Indicator of Ecological Conservation Status of Some Fertilised Grasslands from Romania
Authors: Manu Minodora , Băncilă Raluca I. , Mountford Owen J. , Onete Marilena
Published: November 2022

Quantification of soil biological status, through investigation of edaphic communities’ composition, constitutes an important factor for the assessment of the grassland ecosystems, including their protection. The structure of soil invertebrate communities was investigated for five grasslands under different chemical and organic treatments, for the first time in Romania. In order to accomplish this task, some structural parameters were quantified: numerical abundance, taxa richness, Shannon diversity index of taxa and equitability. We demonstrated the relationship between five environmental factors (vegetation coverage, soil temperature, soil acidity, soil resistance at penetration, soil moisture content) and the community structures of soil fauna. In total, 17 invertebrate groups were identified with a total numerical abundance of 14,953 individuals. Considering the numerical abundance, the dominant taxa were Acaridae, Collembola, Oribatida and Mesostigmata, the least dominant being Coleoptera, Opiliones and Araneae. In spatial dynamics the investigated plots were characterised specifically by soil invertebrates’ communities’ structures, highlighted by the varied values of structural parameters: by indicator taxa and by the characteristic average values of environmental parameters. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that the most important environment parameters influencing the soil taxa were vegetation coverage (especially on Acaridae, Glycyphagidae and Formicoidea) and soil resistance at penetration (Nematoda and Coleoptera). This study constitutes a scientific argument for the usage of soil invertebrate communities as indicators of the ecological conservation status of some fertilised grasslands.
Small but Nice–Seed Dispersal by Tamarins Compared to Large Neotropical Primates
Authors: Heymann Eckhard W. , Fuzessy Lisieux , Culot Laurence
Published: November 2022

Tamarins, small Neotropical primates of the genera Saguinus and Leontocebus, have a mainly frugivorous-faunivorous diet. While consuming the pulp of a high diversity of fruit species, they also swallow seeds and void them intact, thus acting as seed dispersers. Here we compare different aspects of the seed dispersal ecology of tamarins with that of large Neotropical primates from the genera Ateles (spider monkeys) and Lagothrix (woolly monkeys). Due to their small body size, tamarins disperse seeds of a smaller size range, fewer seeds per defecation, and seeds from a smaller number of different plant species per defecation compared to these atelines. We discuss whether tamarin seed dispersal is redundant or complementary to seed dispersal by atelines. On the level of plant species, our comparisons suggest that redundancy or complementarity depends on the plant species concerned. On the habitat level, seed dispersal by tamarins and large New World primates is probably complementary. Particularly, since tamarins are capable of persisting in disturbed forests and near human settlements, they are more likely to contribute to the natural regeneration of such areas than larger primates.
Invasive Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) Increases Methane Emissions from a Subtropical Lake in the Yangtze River in China
Authors: Zhou Wenchang , Xiang Shanshan , Shi Yuhu , Xu Xiuhuan , Lu Huicui , Ou Wenhui , Yang Jiawei
Published: November 2022

Lakes represent an important source of atmospheric methane (CH4); however, there are few studies on which lake-dwelling invasive aquatic plants generate CH4. Therefore, in this study, CH4 emissions were measured using a floating chamber and gas chromatography in a subtropical lake in China. We considered four community zones of invasive plants (Eichhornia crassipes), emergent vegetation (Zizania latifolia), floating-plant (Trapa natans) and open-water zones. The results indicate that the flux of CH4 emissions varied between −5.38 and 102.68 mg m−2 h−1. The higher emission values were attributed to lake eutrophication. Moreover, the flux of CH4 emissions in the invasive plant zone was 140–220% higher than that in the open-water and the floating-plant zones. However, there was no significant difference in CH4 emissions between the invasive plant and the emergent vegetation zones. This may be due to a higher production of plants, as well as the rapid reproductive rate of the invasive plants. Finally, CH4 emissions were positively associated with the air and water temperature; however, the emissions were also negatively associated with water depth. Our results suggest that invasive plants enhance freshwater CH4 emissions, thus contributing to global warming.
Silica-Scaled Chrysophytes of Teletskoye Lake and Adjacent Area with a Description of a New Species from the Genus Mallomonas
Authors: Gusev Evgeniy , Martynenko Nikita
Published: November 2022

The silica-scaled chrysophyte flora of some lakes and rivers of the Altai Mountains was investigated by means of electron microscopy. Teletskoye Lake; the Biya, Chulyshman, and Katun Rivers; and small lakes around the area were studied. A total of sixteen taxa were recorded, including eight belonging to Mallomonas, five to Synura, and three to Paraphysomonas. A revision of previously reported taxa of scaled chrysophytes in this region was carried out. One species new to science from the genus Mallomonas was found and described. Mallomonas altaica sp. nov. belongs to the section Striatae and is characterised by scales with ribs covering only the anterior part of the shield and a posterior flange almost completely covered with the secondary siliceous layer. This species was discovered only at Teletskoye Lake.
Advances in Imaging for Assessing Pelvic Endometriosis
Authors: Guerriero Stefano , Ajossa Silvia , Pagliuca Mariachiara , Borzacchelli Antonietta , Deiala Fabio , Springer Serena , Pilloni Monica , Taccori Valeria , Pascual Maria Angela , Graupera Betlem , Saba Luca , Alcazar Juan Luis
Published: November 2022

In recent years, due to the development of standardized diagnostic protocols associated with an improvement in the associated technology, the diagnosis of pelvic endometriosis using imaging is becoming a reality. In particular, transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance are today the two imaging techniques that can accurately identify the majority of the phenotypes of endometriosis. This review focuses not only on these most common imaging modalities but also on some additional radiological techniques that were proposed for rectosigmoid colon endometriosis, such as double-contrast barium enema, rectal endoscopic ultrasonography, multidetector computed tomography enema, computed tomography colonography and positron emission tomography–computed tomography with 16α-[18F]fluoro-17β-estradiol.
Hypertension in Dialysis Patients: Diagnostic Approaches and Evaluation of Epidemiology
Authors: Georgianos Panagiotis I. , Vaios Vasilios , Sgouropoulou Vasiliki , Eleftheriadis Theodoros , Tsalikakis Dimitrios G. , Liakopoulos Vassilios
Published: November 2022

Whereas hypertension is an established cardiovascular risk factor in the general population, the contribution of increased blood pressure (BP) to the huge burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients receiving dialysis continues to be debated. In a large part, this controversy is attributable to particular difficulties in the accurate diagnosis of hypertension. The reverse epidemiology of hypertension in dialysis patients is based on evidence from large cohort studies showing that routine predialysis or postdialysis BP measurements exhibit a U-shaped or J-shaped association with cardiovascular or all-cause mortality. However, substantial evidence supports the notion that home or ambulatory BP measurements are superior to dialysis-unit BP recordings in diagnosing hypertension, in detecting evidence of target-organ damage and in prognosticating the all-cause death risk. In the first part of this article, we explore the accuracy of different methods of BP measurement in diagnosing hypertension among patients on dialysis. In the second part, we describe how the epidemiology of hypertension is modified when the assessment of BP is based on dialysis-unit versus home or ambulatory recordings.
A Review of the Recent Advances in Alzheimer’s Disease Research and the Utilization of Network Biology Approaches for Prioritizing Diagnostics and Therapeutics
Authors: Hajjo Rima , Sabbah Dima A. , Abusara Osama H. , Al Bawab Abdel Qader
Published: November 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a polygenic multifactorial neurodegenerative disease that, after decades of research and development, is still without a cure. There are some symptomatic treatments to manage the psychological symptoms but none of these drugs can halt disease progression. Additionally, over the last few years, many anti-AD drugs failed in late stages of clinical trials and many hypotheses surfaced to explain these failures, including the lack of clear understanding of disease pathways and processes. Recently, different epigenetic factors have been implicated in AD pathogenesis; thus, they could serve as promising AD diagnostic biomarkers. Additionally, network biology approaches have been suggested as effective tools to study AD on the systems level and discover multi-target-directed ligands as novel treatments for AD. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review on Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology to provide a better understanding of disease pathogenesis hypotheses and decipher the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in disease development and progression. We also provide an overview of disease biomarkers and drug targets and suggest network biology approaches as new tools for identifying novel biomarkers and drugs. We also posit that the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence to mining Alzheimer’s disease multi-omics data will facilitate drug and biomarker discovery efforts and lead to effective individualized anti-Alzheimer treatments.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers in iNPH: A Narrative Review
Authors: Pyrgelis Efstratios-Stylianos , Boufidou Fotini , Constantinides Vasilios C. , Papaioannou Myrto , Papageorgiou Sokratis G. , Stefanis Leonidas , Paraskevas George P. , Kapaki Elisabeth
Published: November 2022

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a neurological syndrome characterized by the clinical triad of gait disorder, cognitive impairment and urinary incontinence. It has attracted interest because of the possible reversibility of symptoms, especially with timely treatment. The main pathophysiological theory is based on a vicious circle of disruption in circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that leads to the deceleration of its absorption. Data regarding CSF biomarkers in iNPH are contradictory and no definite CSF biomarker profile has been recognized as in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which often co-exists with iNPH. In this narrative review, we investigated the literature regarding CSF biomarkers in iNPH, both the established biomarkers total tau protein (t-tau), phosphorylated tau protein (p-tau) and amyloid peptide with 42 amino acids (Aβ42), and other molecules, which are being investigated as emerging biomarkers. The majority of studies demonstrate differences in CSF concentrations of Aβ42 and tau-proteins (t-tau and p-tau) among iNPH patients, healthy individuals and patients with AD and vascular dementia. iNPH patients present with lower CSF Aβ42 and p-tau concentrations than healthy individuals and lower t-tau and p-tau concentrations than AD patients. This could prove helpful for improving diagnosis, differential diagnosis and possibly prognosis of iNPH patients.
Optimal Security Protection Strategy Selection Model Based on Q-Learning Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Gao Xin , Zhou Yang , Xu Lijuan , Zhao Dawei
Published: November 2022

With the rapid development of Industrial Internet of Things technology, the industrial control system (ICS) faces more and more security threats, which may lead to serious risks and extensive damage. Naturally, it is particularly important to construct efficient, robust, and low-cost protection strategies for ICS. However, how to construct an objective function of optimal security protection strategy considering both the security risk and protection cost, and to find the optimal solution, are all significant challenges. In this paper, we propose an optimal security protection strategy selection model and develop an optimization framework based on Q-Learning particle swarm optimization (QLPSO). The model performs security risk assessment of ICS by introducing the protection strategy into the Bayesian attack graph. The QLPSO adopts the Q-Learning to improve the local optimum, insufficient diversity, and low precision of the PSO algorithm. Simulations are performed on a water distribution ICS, and the results verify the validity and feasibility of our proposed model and the QLPSO algorithm.
On the Low Degree of Entropy Implied by the Solutions of Modern Macroeconomic Models
Authors: Nymoen Ragnar
Published: November 2022

The non-causal (“forward-looking”) solution used routinely in academic macroeconomics may represent a violation of a law of entropy, namely that the direction of time is one way (from the past and towards the present), and that the variance of economic processes increases with time. In order to re-establish a degree of compatibility with the law of entropy, so called hybrid forms are required add-ins to DSGE (Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium) models. However, the solution that uses hybrid forms is a particular special case of a causal solutions of autoregressive distributed lags, VARs and recursive and simultaneous equations models well known from empirical macro econometrics. Hence, hybrid forms of small scale DSGE models can be analysed and tested against competing model equations, using an econometric encompassing framework.
Musical Emotions Recognition Using Entropy Features and Channel Optimization Based on EEG
Authors: Xie Zun , Pan Jianwei , Li Songjie , Ren Jing , Qian Shao , Ye Ye , Bao Wei
Published: November 2022

The dynamic of music is an important factor to arouse emotional experience, but current research mainly uses short-term artificial stimulus materials, which cannot effectively awaken complex emotions and reflect their dynamic brain response. In this paper, we used three long-term stimulus materials with many dynamic emotions inside: the “Waltz No. 2” containing pleasure and excitement, the “No. 14 Couplets” containing excitement, briskness, and nervousness, and the first movement of “Symphony No. 5 in C minor” containing passion, relaxation, cheerfulness, and nervousness. Approximate entropy (ApEn) and sample entropy (SampEn) were applied to extract the non-linear features of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals under long-term dynamic stimulation, and the K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) method was used to recognize emotions. Further, a supervised feature vector dimensionality reduction method was proposed. Firstly, the optimal channel set for each subject was obtained by using a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, and then the number of times to select each channel in the optimal channel set of all subjects was counted. If the number was greater than or equal to the threshold, it was a common channel suitable for all subjects. The recognition results based on the optimal channel set demonstrated that each accuracy of two categories of emotions based on “Waltz No. 2” and three categories of emotions based on “No. 14 Couplets” was generally above 80%, respectively, and the recognition accuracy of four categories based on the first movement of “Symphony No. 5 in C minor” was about 70%. The recognition accuracy based on the common channel set was about 10% lower than that based on the optimal channel set, but not much different from that based on the whole channel set. This result suggested that the common channel could basically reflect the universal features of the whole subjects while realizing feature dimension reduction. The common channels were mainly distributed in the frontal lobe, central region, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, and temporal lobe. The channel number distributed in the frontal lobe was greater than the ones in other regions, indicating that the frontal lobe was the main emotional response region. Brain region topographic map based on the common channel set showed that there were differences in entropy intensity between different brain regions of the same emotion and the same brain region of different emotions. The number of times to select each channel in the optimal channel set of all 30 subjects showed that the principal component channels representing five brain regions were Fp1/F3 in the frontal lobe, CP5 in the central region, Pz in the parietal lobe, O2 in the occipital lobe, and T8 in the temporal lobe, respectively.
Market-Approach-Based Policy to Achieve Rice Price Stability in Indonesia—Can It Be a Complement?
Authors: Ruspayandi Topan , Bantacut Tajuddin , Arifin Bustanul , Fahmi Idqan
Published: November 2022

Food price volatility broadly impacts the country’s food security. Rice price stabilization in Indonesia is carried out by BULOG, the food state-owned enterprise (SOE) that the WTO has identified as Indonesia’s state trading enterprise (STE). This study was conducted to evaluate the price stabilization program in Indonesia by reviewing the efforts that have been made and analyzing the factors that influence the price of rice at the consumer level using Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) analysis. The analysis showed that BULOG’s market share affected consumer-level rice prices with a negative coefficient sign, which means that the larger BULOG’s market share, the lower the price of rice will be. Other variables that affect the price of rice at the consumer level are the price of rice itself at the previous time lag, the producer-level paddy price, rice production, rice consumption, and BULOG’s operational rice stock. On the basis of the results of these studies, to realize the stabilization of rice prices in Indonesia, the government can complement stock management through a public policy approach with market-approach-based policies by optimizing the role of Food SOEs as market players in the rice industry.
Adaptive Least Mean Square Controller for Power Quality Enhancement in Solar Photovoltaic System
Authors: Karchi Nalini , Kulkarni Deepak , Pérez de Prado Rocío , Divakarachari Parameshachari Bidare , Patil Sujata N. , Desai Veena
Published: November 2022

The objective of the proposed work is to develop a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller and inverter controller by applying the adaptive least mean square (LMS) algorithm to control the total harmonics distortion of a solar photovoltaic system. The advantage of the adaptive LMS algorithm is given by its simplicity and reduced required computational time. The adaptive LMS algorithm is applied to modify the Perturb and Observe (P&O), MPPT controller. In this controller, the adaptive LMS algorithm is used to predict solar photovoltaic power. The adaptive LMS maximum power point tracking controller gives better optimal solutions with less steady error 0.7% (6 watts) and 0% peak overshot in power with the tradeoff being more settling time at 0.33 s. The development of the inverter control law is performed using the d-q frame theory. This helps to reduce the number of equations to build a control law. The load current, grid current and grid voltage are sensed and transformed into d and q components. This adaptive LMS control law is used to extract the reference grid currents and, later, to compare them with the actual grid currents. The result of this comparison is used to generate the switching gate pulses for the inverter switches. The proposed controllers are developed and implemented with a solar PV system in MATLAB Simulink. The total harmonics distortion in grid and load current (3.25% and 7%) and voltage (0%) is investigated under linear and non-linear load conditions with changes in solar irradiations. The analysis is performed by selecting step incremental values and sampling time.
Economic and Environmental Analysis of Incorporating Geothermal District Heating System Combined with Radiant Floor Heating for Building Heat Supply in Sarein, Iran Using Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Authors: Abbaspour Atefeh , Yousefi Hossein , Aslani Alireza , Noorollahi Younes
Published: November 2022

Despite the considerable breakthrough in district heating systems (DHS) globally, there is not yet any policy on developing this technology in Iran. This country has a high range of energy demand, while renewable energies play a minor role in its energy supply chain. Furthermore, the world is going through a transition towards renewable resources, which currently consist of only 10% of the total energy mix. As the first contribution in this area, this paper aims to design a 100% renewable DHS integrated with radiant floor heating for a group of residential buildings in Sarein, Iran. Moreover, the literature proposes a novel approach for combining geothermal energy and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) to achieve a 100% renewable energy system. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is used for thermal analysis by 3D designing the buildings in SketchUp and OpenStudio and simulating the heat load in EnergyPlus. Three scenarios are presented to better compare the DHS with the decentralized heating system regarding fuel consumption, as well as environmental and economic aspects. The town’s existing heating system that consumes natural gas for both space heating and hot water demand is referred to as the IHS-G scenario. The DHS-G scenario represents an 87% renewable DHS system, working with natural gas and geothermal energy, while the DHS-MSW scenario is a 100% renewable system, consuming both geothermal energy and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Finally, findings suggest that DHS-MSW and DHS-G scenarios reduce the annual energy consumption of buildings by about 595 and 33 toes, respectively. Hence, the greenhouse gas effect will alleviate by mitigating the emission of 1403 and 1339 tons of CO2-eq./year, respectively. Moreover, exporting the extra natural gas through both LNG and pipeline provides about 26 million and 28 million USD/year revenue in DHS-G and DHS-MSW scenarios.