bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of a Multienzymatic System from Natural Latex in Key Reactions for oil-Based Biorefineries
Authors: Sánchez Daniel Alberto , Morcelle Susana Raquel , Fait María Elisa , Tonetto Gabriela Marta , Ferreira María Luján
Published: February 2019

Oil-based biorefineries play a crucial role in the production of key platform chemicals that can be generated via biotechnological processes instead of a petrochemical route. This work focuses on the latex of the fruit of Araujia sericifera, which can be considered a multienzymatic system with applications in key reactions in oil-based biorefineries. The latex of Araujia sericifera (ASL) was used as a novel biocatalyst in the esterification of oleic acid and in the hydrolysis of triglycerides and p-nitrophenyl carboxylates. When ASL was compared to a commercial biocatalyst, it showed an excellent activity in the hydrolysis of soybean oil and p-nitropheyl laurate, and a comparable activity in the esterification reaction.
Interoperability of the Time of Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things
Authors: Lelli Francesco
Published: February 2019

Industry 4.0 demands a dynamic optimization of production lines. They are formed by sets of heterogeneous devices that cooperate towards a shared goal. The Internet of Things can serve as a technology enabler for implementing such a vision. Nevertheless, the domain is struggling in finding a shared understanding of the concepts for describing a device. This aspect plays a fundamental role in enabling an “intelligent interoperability” among sensor and actuators that will constitute a dynamic Industry 4.0 production line. In this paper, we summarize the efforts of academics and practitioners toward describing devices in order to enable dynamic reconfiguration by machines or humans. We also propose a set of concepts for describing devices, and we analyze how present initiatives are covering these aspects.
The Inhibitory Effects and Positive Contributions of Live Foods on Protease Activities of Meagre, Argyrosomus regius (Asso 1801), Larvae In Vitro Assay
Authors: Diken Gürkan , Demir Orhan , Naz Mehmet
Published: February 2019

The determination of exogenous enzyme contributions in live food is important in larval feeding. This study investigated the potential inhibitory effects and contributions of live foods used from 3 to 32 days after hatching (DAH) on protease activities of meagre (Argyrosomus regius) larvae (ML), using in vitro techniques. Enriched rotifer (R), Artemia nauplii (A0), and Artemia metanauplii (A1) were tested. The highest values of protease activities of ML were determined to occur at 7 DAH for the years 2013 and 2014. The lowest values were observed at 15 DAH in 2013 and at 20 DAH in 2014. Protease activities of R, A0, and A1 were 21.76 ± 0.31, 36.00 ± 1.48–29.33 ± 0.93, and 416.44 ± 19.7–403.53 ± 11.85 U/mg protein, respectively (p < 0.05). The highest inhibitions of live foods were observed at 7 DAH. This situation was related to the inadequacy of protease contributions of live feeds, despite the highest protease value of larvae at 7 DAH (p < 0.05). The positive contributions of A1 live food on the protease activities of ML were significant (p < 0.05). The inhibitory effects and positive contributions of live foods on the survival and growth rates of ML should be taken into account for future studies considering the larvae of ML and other marine fish.
Grape Pomace Extracts as Fermentation Medium for the Production of Potential Biopreservation Compounds
Authors: Mewa-Ngongang Maxwell , du Plessis Heinrich W. , Ntwampe Seteno K. O. , Chidi Boredi S. , Hutchinson Ucrecia F. , Mekuto Lukhanyo , Jolly Neil P.
Published: February 2019

Microbial spoilage causes food losses in the food industry and as such, the use of synthetic chemical preservatives is still required. The current study proposes the use of agro-waste, i.e., grape pomace extracts (GPE), as production medium for biopreservation compounds. Production kinetics, subsequent to optimization using response surface methodology (RSM) for biopreservation compounds production was studied for three yeasts using GPE broth as a fermentation medium. The results showed that the highest volumetric zone of inhibition (VZI) was 1.24 L contaminated solidified media (CSM) per mL biopreservation compounds used (BCU) when Candida pyralidae Y1117 was inoculated in a pH 3-diluted GPE broth (150 g L−1) incubated at 25 °C for 24 h. Similar conditions were applied for Pichia kluyveri Y1125 and P. kluyveri Y1164, albeit under slightly elongated fermentation periods (up to 28 h), prior to the attainment of a maximum VZI of only 0.72 and 0.76 L CSM mL−1 ACU, respectively. The potential biopreservation compounds produced were identified to be isoamyl acetate, isoamyl alcohol, 2-phenyl ethylacetate and 2-phenyl ethanol.
A Comparative Study of Essential Oil Constituents and Phenolic Compounds of Arabian Lilac (Vitex Trifolia var. Purpurea): An Evidence of Season Effects
Authors: Boveiri Dehsheikh Anahita , Mahmoodi Sourestani Mohammad , Boveiri Dehsheikh Paria , Vitalini Sara , Iriti Marcello , Mottaghipisheh Javad
Published: February 2019

To evaluate the fluctuation of secondary metabolites in Arabian lilac during a year, aerial parts of the plant were harvested in the middle of each month. The essential oils content from fresh and dried plant materials was analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS), individually. Phytochemical contents, along with antiradical scavenging potential of the related methanol extracts were separately assessed. The spring and autumn samples (fresh and dried) yielded more essential oil than the other samples. Forty-one compounds were identified totally in the oils and the major constituents characterized were β-caryophyllene, sabinene, and caryophyllene oxide. The extracts obtained from winter and summer plants possessed the highest total phenolics. The maximum amount of total flavonoid content was measured in winter (December and January), whereas the minimum one was observed in spring (March). The summer and winter samples showed the highest and lowest content of flavones and flavanols, respectively, whereas the anthocyanin content was higher in winter than in summer. Moreover, antiradical activity of the extracts in summer and winter samples was higher than in other seasons. Overall, this study can provide useful information regarding the best harvest period of Arabian lilac to yield the desired compounds for application in phytopharmaceutical and food industries.
Application of Sensory Descriptive Analysis and Consumer Studies to Investigate Traditional and Authentic Foods: A Review
Authors: Yang Jiyun , Lee Jeehyun
Published: February 2019

As globalization progresses, consumers are readily exposed to many foods from various cultures. The need for studying specialty and unique food products, sometimes known as traditional, authentic, ethnic, exotic, or artisanal foods, is increasing to accommodate consumers’ growing demands. However, the number of studies conducted on these types of products with good quality sensory testing is limited. In this review, we analyzed and reviewed sensory and consumer research on specialty and unique food products. Various factors such as manufacturing, processing, or preparation methods of the samples influence the characteristics of food products and their acceptability. Sensory descriptive analysis can be used to distinguish characteristics that highlight these differences, and consumer research is used to identify factors that affect acceptability. Familiarity with product attributes contributes to consumer acceptance. When cross-cultural consumer research is conducted to support product market placement and expansion, sensory descriptive analysis should be conducted in parallel to define product characteristics. This allows better prediction of descriptors that influence consumer acceptability, leading to appropriate product modification and successful introduction.
Plasma-Treated Air and Water—Assessment of Synergistic Antimicrobial Effects for Sanitation of Food Processing Surfaces and Environment
Authors: Schnabel Uta , Handorf Oliver , Yarova Kateryna , Zessin Björn , Zechlin Susann , Sydow Diana , Zellmer Elke , Stachowiak Jörg , Andrasch Mathias , Below Harald , Ehlbeck Jörg
Published: February 2019

The synergistic antimicrobial effects of plasma-processed air (PPA) and plasma-treated water (PTW), which are indirectly generated by a microwave-induced non-atmospheric pressure plasma, were investigated with the aid of proliferation assays. For this purpose, microorganisms (Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Pectobacterium carotovorum, sporulated Bacillus atrophaeus) were cultivated as monocultures on specimens with polymeric surface structures. Both the distinct and synergistic antimicrobial potential of PPA and PTW were governed by the plasma-on time (5–50 s) and the treatment time of the specimens with PPA/PTW (1–5 min). In single PTW treatment of the bacteria, an elevation of the reduction factor with increasing treatment time could be observed (e.g., reduction factor of 2.4 to 3.0 for P. carotovorum). In comparison, the combination of PTW and subsequent PPA treatment leads to synergistic effects that are clearly not induced by longer treatment times. These findings have been valid for all bacteria (L. monocytogenes > P. carotovorum = E. coli). Controversially, the effect is reversed for endospores of B. atrophaeus. With pure PPA treatment, a strong inactivation at 50 s plasma-on time is detectable, whereas single PTW treatment shows no effect even with increasing treatment parameters. The use of synergistic effects of PTW for cleaning and PPA for drying shows a clear alternative for currently used sanitation methods in production plants. Highlights: Non-thermal atmospheric pressure microwave plasma source used indirect in two different modes—gaseous and liquid; Measurement of short and long-living nitrite and nitrate in corrosive gas PPA (plasma-processed air) and complex liquid PTW (plasma-treated water); Application of PTW and PPA in single and combined use for biological decontamination of different microorganisms.
Dried-Fruit Storage: An Analysis of Package Headspace Atmosphere Changes
Authors: Miranda Gonzalo , Berna Angel , Mulet Antonio
Published: February 2019

The quality of packaged dried foods depends on storage conditions and is determined largely by the initial gas composition inside and the transference through the container. The aim of this work was to analyze the O2 and CO2 concentrations within the internal atmosphere of the packaging. In this study, dried apricots and raisins were packaged in glass jars and polypropylene trays thermosealed with different polymers, and stored at 5, 15, 25, and 35 °C. Some trays were flushed with nitrogen just before sealing. In addition, the work relates to other previous papers to investigate the effect of these gases and packages on the stored products, and compares the influence of permeable and impermeable containers on food quality parameters. When packages were flushed with nitrogen before sealing, the O2 level in the headspace increased until the outside O2 concentration was reached. The CO2 concentration increased over time, regardless of the initial atmosphere. Nitrogen had a great influence on the concentration of O2, but not on that of CO2. Finally, this paper shows that the films and initial gas used in this study had no significant effect on the quality of the stored dried fruit.
Edible Coatings Enriched with Essential Oils on Apples Impair the Survival of Bacterial Pathogens through a Simulated Gastrointestinal System
Authors: Vieira Ana Isabel , Guerreiro Adriana , Antunes Maria Dulce , Miguel Maria da Graça , Faleiro Maria Leonor
Published: February 2019

Edible coatings supplemented with essential oil components have been investigated to control spoilage microorganisms. In this study, the survival of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium on apples treated with edible coatings based on sodium alginate (2%) (ECs) and supplemented with essential oil components, namely eugenol (Eug) at 0.2% or in combination with 0.1% (v/v) of Eug and citral (Cit) at 0.15% was determined. Both bacterial pathogens were exposed on apples treated with ECs supplemented with Eug or Eug + Cit and challenged with gastrointestinal fluids and their survival was examined. Both pathogens were able to survive on the surface of ‘Bravo de Esmolfe’ apple. The use of ECs in fresh-cut fruits impaired the survival of both bacterial populations over 72 h at 4 °C. The exposure of the pathogens on apples with ECs supplemented with Eug and Cit and challenged with gastrointestinal fluids significantly reduced their survival. This study evidences that the use of alginate edible coating enriched with Eug or the combination of Eug and Cit can contribute to the safer consumption of minimally processed fruits.
Modelling Coastal Flood Propagation under Sea Level Rise: A Case Study in Maria, Eastern Canada
Authors: Didier David , Bandet Marion , Bernatchez Pascal , Dumont Dany
Published: February 2019

Coastal management often relies on large-scale flood mapping to produce sea level rise assessments where the storm-related surge is considered as the most important hazard. Nearshore dynamics and overland flow are also key parameters in coastal flood mapping, but increase the model complexity. Avoiding flood propagation processes using a static flood mapping is less computer-intensive, but generally leads to overestimation of the flood zone, especially in defended urban backshore. For low-lying communities, sea level rise poses a certain threat, but its consequences are not only due to a static water level. In this paper, the numerical process-based model XBeach is used in 2D hydrodynamic mode (surfbeat) to reproduce an observed historical flood in Maria (eastern Canada). The main goal is to assess the impacts of a future storm of the same magnitude in the horizon 2100 according to an increase in sea level rise. The model is first validated from in situ observations of waves and water levels observed on the lower foreshore. Based on field observations of a flood extent in 2010, the simulated flooded area was also validated given a good fit (59%) with the actual observed flood. Results indicate that the 2010 storm-induced surge generated overwash processes on multiple areas and net landward sediment transport and accumulation (washover lobes). The flood was caused by relatively small nearshore waves (Hs < 1 m), but despite small water depth (>1.2 m), high flow velocities occurred in the main street (U > 2 m/s) prior to draining in the salt marsh. The impact of sea level rise on the low-lying coastal community of Maria could induce a larger flood area in 2100, deeper floodwater, and higher flow velocities, resulting in higher hazard for the population.
GIS Framework for Spatiotemporal Mapping of Urban Flooding
Authors: Abedin Sayed Joinal Hossain , Stephen Haroon
Published: February 2019

This research aims to develop a framework using the Geographic Information System (GIS) to perform modeling and mapping of flood spatiotemporal variation in urban micro-watersheds. The GIS-framework includes a workflow of several methods and processes including delineation of urban watershed, generation of runoff hydrographs, and time series mapping of inundation depths and flood extent. This framework is tested in areas previously known to have experienced flooding at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas main campus, including Black Parking Lot (Blacklot) and East Mall. Calibration is performed by varying Digital Elevation Model (DEM) resolution, rainfall temporal resolution, and clogging factor whereas validation is performed using flood information from news reports and photographs. The testing at the Blacklot site resulted in calibration at 5 m DEM resolution and clogging factor of 0.83. The flood model resulted in an error of 24% between the estimated (26 inches/66 cm) and actual (34 inches/86.36 cm) flood depths. The estimated flood extents are consistent with the reported conditions and observed watermarks in the area. The flood beginning time estimated from the model is also consistent with the news reports. The testing at East Mall site also shows consistent results. The GIS framework provides spatiotemporal maps of flood inundation for visualization of flood dynamics. This research provides insight into flood modeling and mapping for a storm drain inlet-based watershed.
Composition Changes of Hydrocarbons during Secondary Petroleum Migration (Case Study in Cooper Basin, Australia)
Authors: Borazjani Sara , Kulikowski David , Amrouch Khalid , Bedrikovetsky Pavel
Published: February 2019

The reliable mathematical modelling of secondary petroleum migration that incorporates structural geology and mature source rocks in the basin model, allows for prediction of the reservoir location, yielding the significant enhancement of the probability of exploration success. We investigate secondary petroleum migration with a significant composition difference between the source and oil pools. In our case study, the secondary migration period is significantly shorter than the time of the hydrocarbon pulse generation. Therefore, neither adsorption nor dispersion of components can explain the concentration difference between the source rock and the reservoir. For the first time, the present paper proposes deep bed filtration of hydrocarbons with component kinetics retention by the rock as a physics mechanism explaining compositional grading. Introduction of the component capture rate into mass balance transport equation facilitates matching the concentration difference for heavy hydrocarbons, and the tuned filtration coefficients vary in their common range. The obtained values of filtration coefficients monotonically increase with molecular weight and consequently affects the size of the oleic component, as predicted by the analytical model of deep bed filtration. The modelling shows a negligible effect of component dispersion on the compositional grading.
Landscape Analysis and Urban Description of Bethlehem Historical Center: A Methodological Approach for Digital Documentation
Authors: Picchio Francesca , De Marco Raffaella De
Published: February 2019

Bethlehem’s territory and the architectural heritage present in its historical city center result from the stratification of different cultural activities, religions, and urban policies that have conditioned the actual image of the urban landscape. The city, apparently conformed as a single urban entity, is structured on multiple apparatuses of complexity, and the application of principles of decomposition and cataloging becomes a fundamental method for the analysis of the built system. To better understand the relationship between the original settlement and the historical quarters of the city, and to define a tool for their conservation and development, the present research project, developed since 2018 in synergy with administrations and local authorities, and scientifically coordinated by the University of Pavia, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, seeks to promote a documentation protocol that, starting from a report analysis on landscape and urban context, methodologically defines the development of an integrated digital database, constituted by multiple informative layers, to ensure better management of the city. This contribution illustrates the first step of the survey activities, which represent a preparatory phase for the organization of the digital acquisition campaign, to highlight the structure of current urban development, the divisions in neighborhoods, and the understanding of architectural values, to give guidelines for the enhancement of historical and traditional values of architectural heritage.
Recognition of Barriers to Physical Activity Promotion in Immigrant Children in Spain: A Qualitative Case Study
Authors: Marconnot Romain , Marín-Rojas Antonio Luís , Delfa-de-la-Morena Jose Manuel , Pérez-Corrales Jorge , Gueita-Rodríguez Javier , Fernández-de-las-Peñas Cesar , Palacios-Ceña Domingo
Published: February 2019

Physical activity facilitates the acquisition of healthy habits from childhood to adulthood. Differences exist regarding the performance of physical activity among immigrant children compared to native Spanish children. The purpose of the study was to describe the barriers that exist for the promotion of physical activity. A qualitative case-study approach was implemented. Parents of immigrant children, teachers, a school principal, and priests were included, using purposeful sampling. Data were collected from 25 participants, via unstructured and semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and researchers’ field notes. A thematic analysis was performed and ecological levels were identified. Our findings revealed the following barriers to performing physical activity: (a) the meaning of physical activity, (b) gender inequalities, (c) academic burden, (d) lack of social contact, (e) expenses and family economy, (f) lack of infrastructure and natural surroundings, (g) time constraints, (h) fear and insecurity, and (i) the reason for immigrating. These results may be used to revise the school curriculum, promoting equal opportunities for physical activity and encouraging family participation. Additionally, urban design policies should be encouraged to facilitate access to open spaces for recreation within cities.
Perceived Body Appearance and Eating Habits: The Voice of Young and Adult Students Attending Higher Education
Authors: Heiman Tali , Olenik-Shemesh Dorit
Published: February 2019

This study examined the relationship between social-environmental influences and body image perception. Specifically, the study explored the perceived body appearance among young and older students attending higher education, and their eating experiences, as related to four main social-environmental circles: family, friends, work colleagues, and media. The present study interviewed 30 students (14 men and 16 women) ages 20–40. The findings show that most of the participants were concerned about their appearance, reported on various eating habits rooted on family tradition. Findings revealed differences among gender and age groups regarding, especially regarding sport and dissatisfaction with their own perceived appearance. Although more women reported on healthy eating habits and doing sport, they reported higher dissatisfaction with their body appearance. It was found that in both groups, family habits and their parents’ remarks about bodies had an ongoing effect and significant influence on their body self-perceptions. Further health promotion should be directed in particular to individuals with a perceived negative body image, in order to enhance positive body self-perception, implementing heathy eating habits and engaging higher commitment to sport.
Grassland Dynamics and the Driving Factors Based on Net Primary Productivity in Qinghai Province, China
Authors: Wei Xiaoxu , Yan Changzhen , Wei Wei
Published: February 2019

Qinghai province is an important part of the Tibetan Plateau, and is characterized by extremely fragile ecosystems. In the last few decades, grasslands in this province have been influenced profoundly by climate change, as well as human activities. Here, we use the Carnegie-Ames-Stanford Approach (CASA) model to assess the dynamics of temperate steppe, alpine steppe, temperate meadow, alpine meadow, sparse grassland and herbaceous wetland via actual net primary productivity (NPPa). Our findings showed that: (1) From 2001 to 2016, the average NPPa in Qinghai province showed a fluctuation presented a generally increasing trend. The mean value of NPPa was 114.27 g C m−2 year−1, and the increase rate was 0.47 g C cm−2 year−1. (2) There were NPPa increase rate discrepancies among the six typical grassland biomes. Herbaceous wetland had the highest change rate, closely followed by alpine steppe, temperate steppe, alpine meadow, temperate meadow and sparse grassland. (3) The largest area of restoration mainly impacted by climate change reached 47.08% of the total grassland area, with human activities accounting for 21.74%. By contrast, the deteriorated area induced by human activities accounted for 9.78% of the total grassland. (4) Temperature may have been a greater factor than precipitation in driving grassland change during the study period. Decreasing grazing intensity and implementing effective protection measures were favorable to grassland restoration.
Curbing Lipids: Impacts ON Cancer and Viral Infection
Authors: Dutta Anika , Sharma-Walia Neelam
Published: February 2019

Lipids play a fundamental role in maintaining normal function in healthy cells. Their functions include signaling, storing energy, and acting as the central structural component of cell membranes. Alteration of lipid metabolism is a prominent feature of cancer, as cancer cells must modify their metabolism to fulfill the demands of their accelerated proliferation rate. This aberrant lipid metabolism can affect cellular processes such as cell growth, survival, and migration. Besides the gene mutations, environmental factors, and inheritance, several infectious pathogens are also linked with human cancers worldwide. Tumor viruses are top on the list of infectious pathogens to cause human cancers. These viruses insert their own DNA (or RNA) into that of the host cell and affect host cellular processes such as cell growth, survival, and migration. Several of these cancer-causing viruses are reported to be reprogramming host cell lipid metabolism. The reliance of cancer cells and viruses on lipid metabolism suggests enzymes that can be used as therapeutic targets to exploit the addiction of infected diseased cells on lipids and abrogate tumor growth. This review focuses on normal lipid metabolism, lipid metabolic pathways and their reprogramming in human cancers and viral infection linked cancers and the potential anticancer drugs that target specific lipid metabolic enzymes. Here, we discuss statins and fibrates as drugs to intervene in disordered lipid pathways in cancer cells. Further insight into the dysregulated pathways in lipid metabolism can help create more effective anticancer therapies.
Advanced Materials and Devices for the Regulation and Study of NK Cells
Authors: Le Saux Guillaume , Schvartzman Mark
Published: February 2019

Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that contribute to immune protection by cytosis, cytokine secretion, and regulation of adaptive responses of T cells. NK cells distinguish between healthy and ill cells, and generate a cytotoxic response, being cumulatively regulated by environmental signals delivered through their diverse receptors. Recent advances in biomaterials and device engineering paved the way to numerous artificial microenvironments for cells, which produce synthetic signals identical or similar to those provided by the physiological environment. In this paper, we review recent advances in materials and devices for artificial signaling, which have been applied to regulate NK cells, and systematically study the role of these signals in NK cell function.
Overexpression of TaCOMT Improves Melatonin Production and Enhances Drought Tolerance in Transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Yang Wen-Jing , Du Yong-Tao , Zhou Yong-Bin , Chen Jun , Xu Zhao-Shi , Ma You-Zhi , Chen Ming , Min Dong-Hong
Published: February 2019

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is involved in many developmental processes and responses to various abiotic stresses in plants. Most of the studies on melatonin focus on its functions and physiological responses in plants, while its regulation mechanism remains unknown. Caffeic acid 3-O-methyltransferase (COMT) functions at a key step of the biosynthesis process of melatonin. In this study, a COMT-like gene, TaCOMT (Traes_1AL_D9035D5E0.1) was identified in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Transient transformation in wheat protoplasts determined that TaCOMT is localized in cytoplasm. TaCOMT in wheat was induced by drought stress, gibberellin (GA)3 and 3-Indoleacetic acid (IAA), but not by ABA. In TaCOMT transgenic Arabidopsis, melatonin contents were higher than that in wild type (WT) plants. Under D-Mannitol treatment, the fresh weight of the transgenic Arabidopsis was significantly higher than WT, and transgenic lines had a stronger root system compared to WT. Drought tolerance assays in pots showed that the survival rate of TaCOMT-overexpression lines was significantly higher than that of WT lines. this phenotype was similar to that the WT lines treated with melatonin under drought condition. In addition, the TaCOMT transgenic lines had higher proline content and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content compared to WT lines after drought treatment. These results indicated that overexpression of the wheat TaCOMT gene enhances drought tolerance and increases the content of melatonin in transgenic Arabidopsis. It could be one of the potential genes for agricultural applications.
Bisoprolol, Known to Be a Selective β1-Receptor Antagonist, Differentially but Directly Suppresses IK(M) and IK(erg) in Pituitary Cells and Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: So Edmund Cheung , Foo Ning-Ping , Ko Shun Yao , Wu Sheng-Nan
Published: February 2019

Bisoprolol (BIS) is a selective antagonist of β1 adrenergic receptors. We examined the effects of BIS on M-type K+ currents (IK(M)) or erg-mediated K+ currents (IK(erg)) in pituitary GH3, R1220 cells, and hippocampal mHippoE-14 cells. As GH3 cells were exposed to BIS, amplitude of IK(M) was suppressed with an IC50 value of 1.21 μM. The BIS-induced suppression of IK(M) amplitude was not affected by addition of isoproterenol or ractopamine, but attenuated by flupirtine or ivabradine. In cell-attached current, BIS decreased the open probability of M-type K+ (KM) channels, along with decreased mean opening time of the channel. BIS decreased IK(erg) amplitude with an IC50 value of 6.42 μM. Further addition of PD-118057 attenuated BIS-mediated inhibition of IK(erg). Under current-clamp conditions, BIS depolarization increased the firing of spontaneous action potentials in GH3 cells; addition of flupirtine, but not ractopamine, reversed BIS-induced firing rate. In R1220 cells, BIS suppressed IK(M); subsequent application of ML-213(Kv7.2 channel activator) reversed BIS-induced suppression of the current. In hippocampal mHippoE-14 neurons, BIS inhibited IK(M) to a greater extent compared to its depressant effect on IK(erg). This demonstrated that in pituitary cells and hippocampal neurons the presence of BIS is capable of directly and differentially suppressing IK(M) and IK(erg), despite its antagonism of β1-adrenergic receptors.
CD200 Modulates S. aureus-Induced Innate Immune Responses Through Suppressing p38 Signaling
Authors: Zhu Bo , Yu Yingying , Liu Xiaoyi , Han Qin , Kang Yanhua , Shi Liyun
Published: February 2019

Rapid activation of macrophages plays a central role in eliminating invading bacteria as well as in triggering the inflammatory responses, but how the anti-bacterial and the inflammatory responses are coordinated, in terms of macrophages, is not completely understood. In this study, we demonstrated that Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) induced the expression of CD200 in murine macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. We found that CD200 significantly suppressed the S. aureus-induced production of nitric oxide and proinflammatory cytokines in mouse macrophages. Concurrently, the bactericidal capability of macrophages was boosted upon the deletion of CD200. Furthermore, our data demonstrated that p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was selectively down-regulated by CD200 administration, while enhanced upon CD200 silence in response to staphylococcal infection. The negative effect of CD200 siRNA on NO production in macrophages was largely abrogated upon the inhibition of p38 signaling, implying its critical involvement in this regulation. Together, our data demonstrate that CD200 plays a central role in regulating the inflammatory responses and the anti-bacterial activity of macrophages, at least partially, through suppressing p38 activity.
Characterization of a Novel Third-Generation Anti-CD24-CAR against Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Klapdor Rüdiger , Wang Shuo , Morgan Michael , Dörk Thilo , Hacker Ulrich , Hillemanns Peter , Büning Hildegard , Schambach Axel
Published: February 2019

Novel therapeutic approaches against ovarian cancer (OC) are urgently needed because of its high rate of recurrence even after extensive surgery and multi-agent chemotherapy. We aimed to develop a novel anti-CD24 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) as an immunotherapeutic approach against OC cells and cancer stem cells (CSC). CSC represents a subpopulation of the tumor characterized by enhanced chemoresistance as well as the increased capability of self-renewal and metastasis. We designed a codon-optimized third-generation CAR containing the highly active single chain variable fragment (scFv) “SWA11” against CD24. We equipped the human NK-cell line NK-92 with the anti-CD24 CAR and an anti-CD19 control CAR using lentiviral transduction. Engineered NK-92 cells showed high cytotoxic activity against CD24-positive OC cell lines (SKOV3, OVCAR3). This effect was restricted to CD24-expressing cells as shown after lentiviral transduction of CD24-negative cell lines (A2780, HEK-293T) with CD24 transmembrane proteins. Additionally, NK-92 cells equipped with our novel anti-CD24 CAR were highly effective against patient-derived primary ovarian cancer cells. The activation of NK cells was shown by specific IFNγ secretion upon antigen stimulation. To further reduce possible off-target effects in vivo, we applied a dual-CAR approach using an anti-CD24-CD28-41BB fusion protein linked via a 2A sequence to an anti-mesothelin-CD3ζ-CAR. The dual-CAR was simultaneously active against CD24 and mesothelin expressing cells. Our novel anti-CD24-CAR showed a highly cytotoxic effect against OC cell lines and primary OC cells and will be evaluated in future in vivo trials as a promising immunotherapeutic approach against OC.
Correction: Huang, F.-C., et al. Arabidopsis RETICULON-LIKE3 (RTNLB3) and RTNLB8 Participate in Agrobacterium-Mediated Plant Transformation. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19, 638
Authors: Huang Fan-Chen , Fu Bi-Ju , Liu Yin-Tzu , Chang Yao-Ren , Chi Shin-Fei , Chien Pei-Ru , Huang Si-Chi , Hwang Hau-Hsuan
Published: February 2019

The authors would like to make a correction to their published paper [...]
Molecular Simulation of Naphthalene, Phenanthrene, and Pyrene Adsorption on MCM-41
Authors: Yang Xiong , Zhang Chuanzhao , Jiang Lijun , Li Ziyi , Liu Yingshu , Wang Haoyu , Xing Yi , Yang Ralph T.
Published: February 2019

The adsorption of three typical polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene with different ring numbers, on a common mesoporous material (MCM-41) was simulated based on a well-validated model. The adsorption equilibriums (isotherms), states (angle distributions and density profiles), and interactions (radial distribution functions) of three PAHs within the mesopores were studied in detail. The results show that the simulated isotherms agreed with previous experimental results. Each of the PAHs with flat molecules showed an adsorption configuration that was parallel to the surface of the pore, in the following order according to the degree of arrangement: pyrene (Pyr) > phenanthrene (Phe) > naphthalene (Nap). In terms of the interaction forces, there were no hydrogen bonds or other strong polar forces between the PAHs and MCM-41, and the O–H bond on the adsorbent surface had a unique angle in relation to the PAH molecular plane. The polarities of different H atoms on the PAHs were roughly the same, while those of the C atoms on the PAHs decreased from the molecular centers to the edges. The increasing area of the π-electron plane on the PAHs with the increasing ring number could lead to stronger adsorption interactions, and thus a shorter distance between the adsorbate and the adsorbent.
Skin Sensitization Testing—What’s Next?
Authors: Grundström Gunilla , Borrebaeck Carl A.K.
Published: February 2019

There is an increasing demand for alternative in vitro methods to replace animal testing, and, to succeed, new methods are required to be at least as accurate as existing in vivo tests. However, skin sensitization is a complex process requiring coordinated and tightly regulated interactions between a variety of cells and molecules. Consequently, there is considerable difficulty in reproducing this level of biological complexity in vitro, and as a result the development of non-animal methods has posed a major challenge. However, with the use of a relevant biological system, the high information content of whole genome expression, and comprehensive bioinformatics, assays for most complex biological processes can be achieved. We propose that the Genomic Allergen Rapid Detection (GARD™) assay, developed to create a holistic data-driven in vitro model with high informational content, could be such an example. Based on the genomic expression of a mature human dendritic cell line and state-of-the-art machine learning techniques, GARD™ can today accurately predict skin sensitizers and correctly categorize skin sensitizing potency. Consequently, by utilizing advanced processing tools in combination with high information genomic or proteomic data, we can take the next step toward alternative methods with the same predictive accuracy as today’s in vivo methods—and beyond.
The Proliferative and Apoptotic Landscape of Basal-like Breast Cancer
Authors: Alexandrou Sarah , George Sandra Marie , Ormandy Christopher John , Lim Elgene , Oakes Samantha Richelle , Caldon C. Elizabeth
Published: February 2019

Basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) is an aggressive molecular subtype that represents up to 15% of breast cancers. It occurs in younger patients, and typically shows rapid development of locoregional and distant metastasis, resulting in a relatively high mortality rate. Its defining features are that it is positive for basal cytokeratins and, epidermal growth factor receptor and/or c-Kit. Problematically, it is typically negative for the estrogen receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which means that it is unsuitable for either hormone therapy or targeted HER2 therapy. As a result, there are few therapeutic options for BLBC, and a major priority is to define molecular subgroups of BLBC that could be targeted therapeutically. In this review, we focus on the highly proliferative and anti-apoptotic phenotype of BLBC with the goal of defining potential therapeutic avenues, which could take advantage of these aspects of tumor development.
Lipomatrix: A Novel Ascorbyl Palmitate-Based Lipid Matrix to Enhancing Enteric Absorption of Serenoa Repens Oil
Authors: Fratter Andrea , Mason Vera , Pellizzato Marzia , Valier Stefano , Cicero Arrigo Francesco Giuseppe , Tedesco Erik , Meneghetti Elisa , Benetti Federico
Published: February 2019

The class of lipophilic compounds coming from vegetal source represents a perspective in the adjuvant treatment of several human diseases, despite their poor bioavailability in humans. These compounds are generally soluble in fats and poorly soluble in water. The major reason for the poor bioavailability of lipophilic natural compounds after oral uptake in humans is related to their reduced solubility in enteric water-based fluids, leading to an ineffective contact with absorbing epithelium. The main goal to ensure efficacy of such compounds is then creating technological conditions to deliver them into the first enteric tract as hydro-dispersible forms to maximize epithelial absorption. The present work describes and characterizes a new technological matrix (Lipomatrix, Labomar Research, Istrana, TV, Italy) based on a molten fats core in which Ascorbyl Palmitate is embedded, able to deliver lipophilic compounds in a well-dispersed and emulsified form once exposed to duodenal fluids. Authors describe and quantify Lipomatrix delivery of Serenoa repens oil through an innovative in vitro model of human gastro-enteric digestion, reporting results of its improved bioaccessibility, enteric absorption and efficacy compared with not formulated Serenoa repens oil-containing commercial products using in vitro models of human intestine and prostatic tissue.
Fuzzy-Logic-Based, Obstacle Information-Aided Multiple-Model Target Tracking
Authors: Wang Quanhui , Fan En , Li Pengfei
Published: February 2019

Incorporating obstacle information into maneuvering target-tracking algorithms may lead to a better performance when the target when the target maneuver is caused by avoiding collision with obstacles. In this paper, we propose a fuzzy-logic-based method incorporating new obstacle information into the interacting multiple-model (IMM) algorithm (FOIA-MM). We use convex polygons to describe the obstacles and then extract the distance from and the field angle of these obstacle convex polygons to the predicted target position as obstacle information. This information is fed to two fuzzy logic inference systems; one system outputs the model weights to their probabilities, the other yields the expected sojourn time of the models for the transition probability matrix assignment. Finally, simulation experiments and an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle experiment are carried out to demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Routing Algorithm Based on Trajectory Prediction in Opportunistic Networks
Authors: Zou Peijun , Zhao Ming , Wu Jia , Wang Leilei
Published: February 2019

Due to the dynamic change of the opportunistic network topology and the lack of stable information transmission paths between nodes, the traditional topology-based routing algorithm cannot achieve the desired routing performance. To address of this problem, this paper proposes a routing algorithm based on trajectory prediction (RATP). The routing protocol based on trajectory prediction can efficiently and quickly adapt to the network link quality instability and the dynamic changes of network topology. RATP algorithm constructs a node mobility model by analyzing the historical mobility characteristics of the nodes. According to the node prediction information, the metric value of the candidate node is calculated, and the node with the smaller metric value is selected as the data forwarding node, which can effectively reduce the packet loss rate and avoids excessive consumption. Simulation results show that compared with other algorithms, the proposed algorithm has higher data delivery ratio, and end-to-end data delay and routing overhead are significantly reduced.
Performance Analysis of Hybrid Protocol Based AF EH Relaying over Asymmetric Fading Channels
Authors: Sheng Xutao , Lu Guangyue , Shi Liqin , Ye Yinghui
Published: February 2019

Simultaneous wireless information and power transfer is a practicable solution to encourage energy-constrained relay nodes to cooperate with the source to transmit information to the destination. In this paper, we study the outage performance of hybrid protocol based amplify-and-forward (AF) relay networks over asymmetric fading channels, where the source-relay link and the relay-destination link are subjected to Rician fading and Rayleigh fading, respectively. In particular, we derive the lower bound of outage probability and the upper bound of outage capacity based on a high signal-to-noise ratio approximation, respectively. We further investigate the effects of various system parameters, such as the parameters of hybrid protocol, the target rate, and the Rician K-factor, on the investigated network. It is shown that a good selection of parameters of hybrid protocol is of significance to improve system capacity, and that a larger Rician factor is desirable in the investigated network.
Mosquito Larvicidal Activity of the Essential Oils of Erechtites Species Growing Wild in Vietnam
Authors: Hung Nguyen Huy , Satyal Prabodh , Hieu Ho Viet , Chuong Nguyen Thi Hong , Dai Do Ngoc , Huong Le Thi , Tai Thieu Anh , Setzer William N.
Published: February 2019

Mosquito-borne infections are a constant problem in Vietnam, and mosquito vector control is a primary approach to control these infections. Essential oils represent environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides for mosquito control. The essential oils of two weedy species in Vietnam, Erechtites hieraciifolius and E. valerianifolius, have been obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The essential oils have been screened for mosquito larvicidal activity against Aedes albopictus, Ae. aegypti, and Culex quinquefasciatus. The essential oil from the aerial parts of E. hieraciifolius was rich in α-pinene (14.5%), limonene (21.4%), and caryophyllene oxide (15.1%), while E. valerianifolius essential oil was dominated by myrcene (47.8%) and α-pinene (30.2%). Both essential oils showed good larvicidal activity against Ae. albopictus (24-h LC50 10.5 and 5.8 μg/mL, respectively) and Ae. aegypti (24-h LC50 10.6 and 12.5 μg/mL, respectively). The essential oil of E. valerianifolius also showed good activity against Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae (24-h LC50 = 40.7 μg/mL). Thus, Erechtites essential oils may serve as low-cost vector control agents for mosquito-borne infections.
Exploration of Machine Learning for Hyperuricemia Prediction Models Based on Basic Health Checkup Tests
Authors: Lee Sangwoo , Choe Eun Kyung , Park Boram
Published: February 2019

Background: Machine learning (ML) is a promising methodology for classification and prediction applications in healthcare. However, this method has not been practically established for clinical data. Hyperuricemia is a biomarker of various chronic diseases. We aimed to predict uric acid status from basic healthcare checkup test results using several ML algorithms and to evaluate the performance. Methods: We designed a prediction model for hyperuricemia using a comprehensive health checkup database designed by the classification of ML algorithms, such as discrimination analysis, K-nearest neighbor, naïve Bayes (NBC), support vector machine, decision tree, and random forest classification (RFC). The performance of each algorithm was evaluated and compared with the performance of a conventional logistic regression (CLR) algorithm by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: Of the 38,001 participants, 7705 were hyperuricemic. For the maximum sensitivity criterion, NBC showed the highest sensitivity (0.73), and RFC showed the second highest (0.66); for the maximum balanced classification rate (BCR) criterion, RFC showed the highest BCR (0.68), and NBC showed the second highest (0.66) among the various ML algorithms for predicting uric acid status. In a comparison to the performance of NBC (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.669, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.669–0.675) and RFC (AUC = 0.775, 95% CI 0.770–0.780) with a CLR algorithm (AUC = 0.568, 95% CI = 0.563–0.571), NBC and RFC showed significantly better performance (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The ML model was superior to the CLR model for the prediction of hyperuricemia. Future studies are needed to determine the best-performing ML algorithms based on data set characteristics. We believe that this study will be informative for studies using ML tools in clinical research.