bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Makna Dibalik Tradisi Niki Paleg Suku Dani di Papua
Authors: Putro Bagaskoro Bisono
Published: August 2019

Abstrak

Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui makna dibalik Tradisi Niki Paleg dari Suku Dani yang berasal dari Papua.Penelitian ini dibuat dengan menggunakan jenis penelitian studi literatur, yang dilakukan dengan cara mencari referensi teori yang relefan dengan topik yang ingin dibahas.Bagi suku Dani, kebersamaan adalah hal yang sangat penting.Maka dari itu jika ada dari sebagian mereka yang kehilangan anggota keluarganya , Suku Dani memiliki sebuah tradisi yang bernama Iki Paleg.Dimana mereka akan memotong sebagian dari ruas jarinya sebagai simbol untuk mewakili perasaan kehilangan dari hal tersebut.Dari pengamatan ini penulis mencari makna apa saja yang terkandung dalam setiap tradisi Iki Paleg yang dilakukan.

Kata kunci: tradisi,suku Dani,simbol,makna

Abstract

This paper aims to find out the meaning behind the Dani Niki Paleg Tradition from Papua. This study was made using a type of literature study, which is done by finding references to relevant theories with the topics to be discussed. For Dani, togetherness is a matter That is very important. Then from there if there are some of those who lose their family members, the Dani tribe has a tradition called Iki Paleg. Where they will cut a portion of the finger segment as a symbol to represent the feeling of loss. what meaning is contained in every tradition of Iki Paleg that is carried out.

Keywords: tradition,Dani Tribes,symbol,mean
KOMUNIKASI KELOMPOK DI DALAM RUMAH REHABILITASI KELUARGA KEMBANG CAHAYA
Authors: Prewitasari Kuswidianti Dharma
Published: August 2019

The increasingly modern like-day era, or commonly called the millennial era, is increasingly worrying about the rise of drug abuse. Many users or addicts come from children who are still underage. This is a serious problem for the Indonesian people, because generations are very easily involved in drug abuse cases and other legal actions. Related to drug problems, one step that needs to be done in handling this case by providing rehabilitation to users or addictions through drug use. The most important drug addicts in the rehabilitation center for the former drug addicts. One of the rehabilitation places in the city of Purwokerto under the name Kembang Cahaya Family Community. The Kembang Cahaya Family Community (Kekaca) is a group of organizations that want to use drug addicts in the healing process. Memory is a rehabilitation house for drug addicts who really want to recover on their own volition and not from solicitation. The pattern of family communication in the Messages is very pronounced. Communication that is like a relationship between a father and his children. In addition, activities in rehabilitation are also filled with a variety of positive activities, both spiritual and non-spiritual in order to be converted into the busyness and emptiness of the junkies in a more positive direction.

Keywords: Communication, Community, Drugs, Rehabilitation, Kekaca.
Multi-Omics Analysis of Fatty Alcohol Production in Engineered Yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Dahlin Jonathan , Holkenbrink Carina , Marella Eko Roy , Wang Guokun , Liebal Ulf , Lieven Christian , Weber Dieter , McCloskey Douglas , Wang Hong-Lei , Ebert Birgitta E. , Herrgård Markus J. , Blank Lars Mathias , Borodina Irina
Published: August 2019

Fatty alcohols are widely used in various applications within a diverse set of industries, such as the soap and detergent industry, the personal care, and cosmetics industry, as well as the food industry. The total world production of fatty alcohols is over 2 million tons with approximately equal parts derived from fossil oil and from plant oils or animal fats. Due to the environmental impact of these production methods, there is an interest in alternative methods for fatty alcohol production via microbial fermentation using cheap renewable feedstocks. In this study, we aimed to obtain a better understanding of how fatty alcohol biosynthesis impacts the host organism, baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae or oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica. Producing and non-producing strains were compared in growth and nitrogen-depletion cultivation phases. The multi-omics analysis included physiological characterization, transcriptome analysis by RNAseq, 13Cmetabolic flux analysis, and intracellular metabolomics. Both species accumulated fatty alcohols under nitrogen-depletion conditions but not during growth. The fatty alcohol–producing Y. lipolytica strain had a higher fatty alcohol production rate than an analogous S. cerevisiae strain. Nitrogen-depletion phase was associated with lower glucose uptake rates and a decrease in the intracellular concentration of acetyl–CoA in both yeast species, as well as increased organic acid secretion rates in Y. lipolytica. Expression of the fatty alcohol–producing enzyme fatty acyl–CoA reductase alleviated the growth defect caused by deletion of hexadecenal dehydrogenase encoding genes (HFD1 and HFD4) in Y. lipolytica. RNAseq analysis showed that fatty alcohol production triggered a cell wall stress response in S. cerevisiae. RNAseq analysis also showed that both nitrogen-depletion and fatty alcohol production have substantial effects on the expression of transporter encoding genes in Y. lipolytica. In conclusion, through this multi-omics study, we uncovered some effects of fatty alcohol production on the host metabolism. This knowledge can be used as guidance for further strain improvement towards the production of fatty alcohols.
Infectious Disease Does Not Impact the Lying and Grooming Behaviour of Post-Parturient Dairy Cows
Authors: Perier Nadège , de Boyer des Roches Alice , Bak Jensen Margit , Proudfoot Kathryn
Published: August 2019

Behaviour is commonly used to detect sickness in animals, but the impact of sickness on lying and maternal behaviours around parturition is not well understood. The objective was to assess the effects of sickness on the lying and grooming behaviours of dairy cows in the first 24 h after giving birth. Cows were categorized as ‘sick’ (n = 8) if they had at least one rectal temperature ≥39.1 °C and one clinical sign of illness (mastitis, pneumonia or an unknown infection) within 24 h of calving. These cows were match-paired for parity with cows that had no rectal temperature ≥39.1 °C and no clinical signs of illness up to 3 d after calving (n = 8; ‘not sick’). The duration and latency of cow behaviours (standing, lying, lying bouts, lying close to calf, and grooming of the calf) and calf behaviours (standing and lying) were recorded for 24 h post-partum. We found no differences in the behaviour of sick and not sick cows and their calves post-calving, except that sick cows took longer to lie down near their calf after calving compared to those without illness. Cows may be more motivated to groom and spend time with their calf than to express sickness behaviours immediately after giving birth.
The Effect of Group Composition and Mineral Supplementation during Rearing on Measures of Cartilage Condition and Bone Mineral Density in Replacement Gilts
Authors: Hartnett Phoebe , Boyle Laura , Younge Bridget , O’Driscoll Keelin
Published: August 2019

Lameness is a major cause of poor longevity and poor welfare in replacement gilts. The problem is exacerbated by inappropriate housing and diet during the rearing period. Replacement gilts are often reared with male finisher pigs destined for slaughter. If they are not castrated, they perform high levels of potentially injurious sexual and aggressive behaviour. Furthermore, finisher pig diets are not designed to meet the needs of developing gilts and may not supply the necessary minerals to support good limb health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing the diet of replacement gilts with copper, zinc and manganese and separating them from males during the rearing period on locomotory ability, bone mineral density and cartilage lesion scores. A 2 × 2 factorial design experiment investigated the effect of female-only or mixed-sex rearing, with or without supplementary minerals (Copper, Zinc and Manganese). In total, 384 maternal line gilts were assigned to 32 pens of 12 and were locomotion scored during the rearing period. A sub-sample (n = 102) of gilts were culled at breeding age and the front right limb was removed at slaughter. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, after which the limb was dissected to score the condition of the cartilage. The addition of trace minerals to the diet resulted in increased aBMD in the humerus (P < 0.05) compared to the control diet. Rearing gilts in female-only groups reduced the number of cartilage lesions overall (P < 0.05), and on the humeral condyle (P < 0.05). Rearing replacement gilts in female-only groups and with mineral supplementation had benefits for limb health.
GA Optimization Method for a Multi-Vector Energy System Incorporating Wind, Hydrogen, and Fuel Cells for Rural Village Applications
Authors: Chen Xiangping , Cao Wenping , Xing Lei
Published: August 2019

Utilization of renewable energy (e.g., wind, solar, bio-energy) is high on international and governmental agendas. In order to address energy poverty and increase energy efficiency for rural villages, a hybrid distribution generation (DG) system including wind, hydrogen and fuel cells is proposed to supplement to the main grid. Wind energy is first converted into electrical energy while part of the generated electricity is used for water electrolysis to generate hydrogen for energy storage. Hydrogen is used by fuel cells to convert back to electricity when electrical energy demand peaks. An analytical model has been developed to coordinate the operation of the system involving energy conversion between mechanical, electrical and chemical forms. The proposed system is primarily designed to meet the electrical demand of a rural village in the UK where the energy storage system can balance out the discrepancy between intermittent renewable energy supplies and fluctuating energy demands so as to improve the system efficiency. Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used as an optimization strategy to determine the operational scheme for the multi-vector energy system. In the work, four case studies are carried out based on real-world measurement data. The novelty of this study lies in the GA-based optimization and operational methods for maximized wind energy utilization. This provides an alternative to battery energy storage and can be widely applied to wind-rich rural areas.
Feature Extraction and Evaluation for Driver Drowsiness Detection Based on Thermoregulation
Authors: Gielen Jasper , Aerts Jean-Marie
Published: August 2019

Numerous reports state that drowsiness is one of the major factors affecting driving performance and resulting in traffic accidents. In the past, methods to detect driver drowsiness have been developed based on physiological, behavioral, and vehicular features. In this pilot study, we test the use of a new set of features for detecting driver drowsiness based on physiological changes related to thermoregulation. Nineteen participants successfully performed a driving simulation, while the temperature of the nose (Tnose) and wrist (Twrist) as well as the heart rate (HR) were monitored. On average, an initial increase in temperature followed by a gradual decrease was observed in drivers who experienced drowsiness. For non-drowsy drivers, no such trends were observed. In addition, HR decreased on average in both groups, yet the decrease in the drowsy group was more distinct. Next, a classification based on each of these variables resulted in an accuracy of 68.4%, 88.9%, and 70.6% for Tnose, Twrist, and HR, respectively. Combining the information of all variables resulted in an accuracy of 89.5%, meaning that ultimately the state of 17 out of 19 drivers was detected correctly. Hence, we conclude that the use of physiological features related to thermoregulation shows potential for future research in this field.
An Integrated Cognitive Radio Network for Coastal Smart Cities
Authors: Ghafoor Huma , Koo Insoo
Published: August 2019

The integration of different networks has attracted significant attention in academia. Both terrestrial and maritime communications systems have been attracting keen interest for ways to deal with various applications. As the environment of cognitive vehicular and maritime networks is extremely dynamic, these networks suffer with a long delay because of intermittent links while providing services for different applications. To this end, here we introduce the integration of cognitive vehicular and maritime networks to design a coastal smart city by utilizing software-defined networking, network function virtualization, and fog computing under the same infrastructure. This novel integrated cognitive coastal city fulfills the demand of each application user in a hybrid environment with a quicker response time. The idea is to combine vehicular and maritime communications to meet different user demands. Different virtual networks are launched by network function virtualization, and are managed and controlled by a software-defined networking controller. From the integration of software-defined networking, network function virtualization, and fog computing, both vehicular and marine users are provided with stable paths to meet each application’s demands.
An Elastic Interface Model for the Delamination of Bending-Extension Coupled Laminates
Authors: Bennati Stefano , Fisicaro Paolo , Taglialegne Luca , Valvo Paolo S.
Published: August 2019

The paper addresses the problem of an interfacial crack in a multi-directional laminated beam with possible bending-extension coupling. A crack-tip element is considered as an assemblage of two sublaminates connected by an elastic-brittle interface of negligible thickness. Each sublaminate is modeled as an extensible, flexible, and shear-deformable laminated beam. The mathematical problem is reduced to a set of two differential equations in the interfacial stresses. Explicit expressions are derived for the internal forces, strain measures, and generalized displacements in the sublaminates. Then, the energy release rate and its Mode I and Mode II contributions are evaluated. As an example, the model is applied to the analysis of the double cantilever beam test with both symmetric and asymmetric laminated specimens.
SWAT-Based Runoff Simulation and Runoff Responses to Climate Change in the Headwaters of the Yellow River, China
Authors: Wu Jingwen , Zheng Haiyan , Xi Yang
Published: August 2019

Runoff in snowy alpine regions is sensitive to climate change in the context of global warming. Exploring the impact of climate change on the runoff in these regions is critical to understand the dynamics of the water cycle and for the improvement of water resources management. In this study, we analyzed the long-term variations in annual runoff in the headwaters region of the Yellow River (HRYR) (a typical snowy mountain region) during the period of 1956–2012. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) with different elevation bands was employed to assess the performance of monthly runoff simulations, and then to evaluate the impacts of climate change on runoff. The results show that the observed runoff for the hydrological stations at lower relative elevations (i.e., Maqu and Tangnaihai stations) had a downward trend, with rates of 1.91 and 1.55 mm/10 years, while a slight upward trend with a rate of 0.26 mm/10 years was observed for the hydrological station at higher elevation (i.e., Huangheyan station). We also found that the inclusion of five elevation bands could lead to more accurate runoff estimates as compared to simulation without elevation bands at monthly time steps. In addition, the dominant cause of the runoff decline across the whole HRYR was precipitation (which explained 64.2% of the decrease), rather than temperature (25.93%).
Temporal Variation and Chemical Components of Rural Ambient PM2.5 during Main Agricultural Activity Periods in the Black Soil Region of Northeast China
Authors: Wu Xuewei , Chen Weiwei , Zhang Shichun , Li Ruimin , Zhang Mengduo , Liu Juan , Jiang Yibing , Liu Yang
Published: August 2019

Agricultural emissions are crucial to regional air quality in the autumn and spring due to the intense agricultural activities in Northeast China. However, information on rural ambient particulate matter (PM) in Northeast China is rare, limiting the accurate estimation of agricultural atmospheric particulate matter emissions. In this study, we monitored hourly ambient PM2.5 (PM with a diameter of less than 2.5 μm) concentrations and analyzed daily chemical components (i.e., water-soluble ions, trace elements, organic carbon, and element carbon) at a rural site in Northeast China during the autumn and spring and assessed the impact of agricultural activities on atmospheric PM2.5 concentrations. The results showed that the daily average concentrations of PM2.5 were 143 ± 109 (range: 39–539) μg m−3 from 19 October to 23 November 2017 (i.e., typical harvesting month) and 241 ± 189 (range: 97–976) μg m−3 from 1 April to 13 May 2018 (i.e., typical tilling month). In autumn, the ambient PM2.5 concentrations were high with a Southwest wind, while a Southeast wind caused high PM2.5 concentrations during spring in the rural site. The concentrations of selected water-soluble ions, trace elements, and carbonaceous fractions accounted for 33%, 4%, and 26% of PM2.5 mass concentrations, respectively, in autumn and for 10%, 5%, and 3% of PM2.5 mass concentrations, respectively, in spring. On the basis of the component analysis, straw burning, agricultural machinery, and soil dust driven by wind and tilling were the main contributors to high rural PM2.5 concentrations. In addition, the increasing coal combustion around the rural site was another important source of PM2.5.
Differences in Occupants’ Satisfaction and Perceived Productivity in High- and Low-Performance Offices
Authors: Göçer Özgür , Candido Christhina , Thomas Leena , Göçer Kenan
Published: August 2019

This paper reports the results from a dataset comprising 9794 post-occupancy evaluation (POE) surveys from 77 Australian open-plan offices. This paper specifically focuses on a sub-set of 20 offices (n = 2133), identified from ranking 10 offices each, with the least (n = 1063) and highest (n = 1070) satisfaction scores, respectively. The satisfaction scores were evaluated on the basis of seven factors (i.e., building/office aesthetics and quality, thermal comfort and indoor air quality, noise distraction and privacy, personal control, connection to outdoor environment, maintenance and visual comfort, and individual space). Using the POE survey data from 20 offices, regression analyses and two-way ANOVA tests were carried out to understand the differences in occupants’ satisfaction and perceived productivity arising from open-plan offices. According to the statistically significant regression analyses results, it was identified that building/office aesthetics and quality (β = 0.55, p < 0.001) and noise distraction and privacy (β = 0.33, p < 0.001) were the two strongest predictors contributing perceived productivity in low-performance offices. Two-way ANOVA test results for the 10 high-performance offices indicate that the perceived productivity was strongly associated with the office’s physical configuration, the employees’ working experience, and the working hours at that office.
Cancer Takes a Toll on Skeletal Muscle by Releasing Heat Shock Proteins—An Emerging Mechanism of Cancer-Induced Cachexia
Authors: Sin Thomas K , Zhang Guohua , Zhang Zicheng , Gao Song , Li Min , Li Yi-Ping
Published: August 2019

Cancer-associated cachexia (cancer cachexia) is a major contributor to the modality and mortality of a wide variety of solid tumors. It is estimated that cachexia inflicts approximately ~60% of all cancer patients and is the immediate cause of ~30% of all cancer-related death. However, there is no established treatment of this disorder due to the poor understanding of its underlying etiology. The key manifestations of cancer cachexia are systemic inflammation and progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and function (muscle wasting). A number of inflammatory cytokines and members of the TGFβ superfamily that promote muscle protein degradation have been implicated as mediators of muscle wasting. However, clinical trials targeting some of the identified mediators have not yielded satisfactory results. Thus, the root cause of the muscle wasting associated with cancer cachexia remains to be identified. This review focuses on recent progress of laboratory studies in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cancer cachexia that centers on the role of systemic activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) by cancer-released Hsp70 and Hsp90 in the development and progression of muscle wasting, and the downstream signaling pathways that activate muscle protein degradation through the ubiquitin–proteasome and the autophagy–lysosome pathways in response to TLR4 activation. Verification of these findings in humans could lead to etiology-based therapies of cancer cachexia by targeting multiple steps in this signaling cascade.
Extracellular Vesicles from Human Advanced-Stage Prostate Cancer Cells Modify the Inflammatory Response of Microenvironment-Residing Cells
Authors: Mezzasoma Letizia , Costanzi Egidia , Scarpelli Paolo , Talesa Vincenzo Nicola , Bellezza Ilaria
Published: August 2019

Prostate cancer (PCa) progression is strictly associated with microenvironmental conditions, which can be modified by cancer-released extracellular vesicles (EVs), important mediators of cell-cell communication. However, the role of EVs in the inflammatory cross-talk between cancer cells and microenvironment-residing cells remains largely unknown. To evaluate the role of EVs in the tumour microenvironment, we treated the non-cancerous prostate cell line PNT2 with EVs isolated from advanced-stage prostate cancer PC3 (PC3-EVs). Caspase-1-mediated IL-1β maturation was evaluated after 24 h incubation with EVs. Moreover, the effect of PC3-EVs on differentiated macrophagic THP-1 cells was assessed by analyzing cytokine expression and PC3 cells migration and proliferation profiles. We illustrated that PC3 cells contain active NLRP3-inflammasome cascade and secrete IL-1β. PC3-EVs affect the PNT2 inflammatory response, inducing caspase-1-mediated IL-1β maturation via ERK1/2-mediated lysosomal destabilization and cathepsin B activation. We also verified that PC3-EVs induce a functional TAM-like polarization in differentiated THP-1 cells. Our results demonstrated that cancer-derived EVs induce an inflammatory response in non-cancerous prostate cells, while inducing an immunomodulatory phenotype in immune cells. These apparently contradictory effects are both committed to strengthening the tumour-promoting microenvironment
Long Pentraxin-3 Follows and Modulates Bladder Cancer Progression
Authors: Matarazzo Sara , Melocchi Laura , Rezzola Sara , Grillo Elisabetta , Maccarinelli Federica , Giacomini Arianna , Turati Marta , Taranto Sara , Zammataro Luca , Cerasuolo Marianna , Bugatti Mattia , Vermi William , Presta Marco , Ronca Roberto
Published: August 2019

Bladder tumors are a diffuse type of cancer. Long pentraxin-3 (PTX3) is a component of the innate immunity with pleiotropic functions in the regulation of immune response, tissue remodeling, and cancer progression. PTX3 may act as an oncosuppressor in different contexts, functioning as an antagonist of the fibroblast growth factor/fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGF/FGFR) system, rewiring the immune microenvironment, or acting through mechanisms not yet fully clarified. In this study we used biopsies and data mining to assess that PTX3 is differentially expressed during the different stages of bladder cancer (BC) progression. BC cell lines, representative of different tumor grades, and transgenic/carcinogen-induced models were used to demonstrate in vitro and in vivo that PTX3 production by tumor cells decreases along the progression from low-grade to high-grade advanced muscle invasive forms (MIBC). In vitro and in vivo data revealed for the first time that PTX3 modulation and the consequent impairment of FGF/FGR systems in BC cells have a significant impact on different biological features of BC growth, including cell proliferation, motility, metabolism, stemness, and drug resistance. PTX3 exerts an oncosuppressive effect on BC progression and may represent a potential functional biomarker in BC evolution. Moreover, FGF/FGFR blockade has an impact on drug resistance and stemness features in BC.
Photocatalytic Decomposition of N2O by Using Nanostructured Graphitic Carbon Nitride/Zinc Oxide Photocatalysts Immobilized on Foam
Authors: Kočí Kamila , Reli Martin , Troppová Ivana , Šihor Marcel , Bajcarová Tereza , Ritz Michal , Pavlovský Jiří , Praus Petr
Published: August 2019

The aim of this work was to deposit cost-effective g-C3N4/ZnO nanocomposite photocatalysts (weight ratios of g-C3N4:ZnO from 0.05:1 to 3:1) as well as pure ZnO and g-C3N4 on Al2O3 foam and to study their photocatalytic efficiency for the photocatalytic decomposition of N2O, which was studied in a home-made batch photoreactor under ultraviolet A irradiation (λ = 365 nm). Based on the photocatalysis measurements, it was found that photocatalytic decomposition of N2O in the presence of all the prepared samples was significantly higher in comparison with photolysis. The photoactivity of the investigated nanocomposite photocatalysts increased in the following order: g-C3N4/ZnO (3:1) ≈ g-C3N4/ZnO (0.45:1) ≤ g-C3N4/ZnO (2:1) ZnO < g-C3N4 < g-C3N4/ZnO (0.05:1). The g-C3N4/ZnO (0.05:1) nanocomposite showed the best photocatalytic behavior and the most effective separation of photoinduced electron–hole pairs from all nanocomposites. The key roles played in photocatalytic activity were the electron–hole separation and the position and potential of the valence and conduction band. On the other hand, the specific surface area and band gap energy were not the significant factors in N2O photocatalytic decomposition. Immobilization of the photocatalyst on the foam permits facile manipulation after photocatalytic reaction and their repeated application.
Rac1 S71 Mediates the Interaction between Rac1 and 14-3-3 Proteins
Authors: Abdrabou Abdalla , Brandwein Daniel , Liu Changyu , Wang Zhixiang
Published: August 2019

Both 14-3-3 proteins (14-3-3s) and Rho proteins regulate cytoskeleton remodeling and cell migration, which suggests a possible interaction between the signaling pathways regulated by these two groups of proteins. Indeed, more and more emerging evidence indicates the mutual regulation of these two signaling pathways. However, all of the data regarding the interaction between Rac1 signaling pathways and 14-3-3 signaling pathways are through either the upstream regulators or downstream substrates. It is not clear if Rac1 could interact with 14-3-3s directly. It is interesting to notice that the Rac1 sequence 68RPLSYP73 is likely a 14-3-3 protein binding motif following the phosphorylation of S71 by Akt. Thus, we hypothesize that Rac1 directly interacts with 14-3-3s. We tested this hypothesis in this research. By using mutagenesis, co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP), Rac1 activity assay, immunoblotting, and indirect immunofluorescence, we demonstrate that 14-3-3s interact with Rac1. This interaction is mediated by Rac1 S71 in both phosphorylation-dependent and -independent manners, but the phosphorylation-dependent interaction is much stronger. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) strongly stimulates the phosphorylation of Rac1 S71 and the interaction between 14-3-3s and Rac1. Mutating S71 to A completely abolishes both phosphorylation-dependent and -independent interactions between 14-3-3s and Rac1. The interaction between 14-3-3s and Rac1 mostly serve to regulate the activity and subcellular localization of Rac1. Among the seven 14-3-3 isoforms, 14-3-3η, -σ, and -θ showed interactions with Rac1 in both Cos-7 and HEK 293 cells. 14-3-3γ also binds to Rac1 in HEK 293 cells, but not in Cos-7 cells. We conclude that 14-3-3s interact with Rac1. This interaction is mediated by Rac1 S71 in both phosphorylation-dependent and -independent manners. The interaction between 14-3-3 and Rac1 mostly serves to regulate the activity and subcellular localization of Rac1. Among the seven 14-3-3 isoforms, 14-3-3η, -γ, -σ, and -θ interact with Rac1.
Disruption of the NF-κB/IL-8 Signaling Axis by Sulconazole Inhibits Human Breast Cancer Stem Cell Formation
Authors: Choi Hack Sun , Kim Ji-Hyang , Kim Su-Lim , Lee Dong-Sun
Published: August 2019

Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are tumor-initiating cells that possess the capacity for self-renewal. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for poor outcomes caused by therapeutic resistance. In our study, we found that sulconazole—an antifungal medicine in the imidazole class—inhibited cell proliferation, tumor growth, and CSC formation. This compound also reduced the frequency of cells expressing CSC markers (CD44high/CD24low) as well as the expression of another CSC marker, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), and other self-renewal-related genes. Sulconazole inhibited mammosphere formation, reduced the protein level of nuclear NF-κB, and reduced extracellular IL-8 levels in mammospheres. Knocking down NF-κB expression using a p65-specific siRNA reduced CSC formation and secreted IL-8 levels in mammospheres. Sulconazole reduced nuclear NF-κB protein levels and secreted IL-8 levels in mammospheres. These new findings show that sulconazole blocks the NF-κB/IL-8 signaling pathway and CSC formation. NF-κB/IL-8 signaling is important for CSC formation and may be an important therapeutic target for BCSC treatment.
An RNA Metabolism and Surveillance Quartet in the Major Histocompatibility Complex
Authors: Zhou Danlei , Lai Michalea , Luo Aiqin , Yu Chack-Yung
Published: August 2019

At the central region of the mammalian major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a complement gene cluster that codes for constituents of complement C3 convertases (C2, factor B and C4). Complement activation drives the humoral effector functions for immune response. Sandwiched between the genes for serine proteinase factor B and anchor protein C4 are four less known but critically important genes coding for essential functions related to metabolism and surveillance of RNA during the transcriptional and translational processes of gene expression. These four genes are NELF-E (RD), SKIV2L (SKI2W), DXO (DOM3Z) and STK19 (RP1 or G11) and dubbed as NSDK. NELF-E is the subunit E of negative elongation factor responsible for promoter proximal pause of transcription. SKIV2L is the RNA helicase for cytoplasmic exosomes responsible for degradation of de-polyadenylated mRNA and viral RNA. DXO is a powerful enzyme with pyro-phosphohydrolase activity towards 5′ triphosphorylated RNA, decapping and exoribonuclease activities of faulty nuclear RNA molecules. STK19 is a nuclear kinase that phosphorylates RNA-binding proteins during transcription. STK19 is also involved in DNA repair during active transcription and in nuclear signal transduction. The genetic, biochemical and functional properties for NSDK in the MHC largely stay as a secret for many immunologists. Here we briefly review the roles of (a) NELF-E on transcriptional pausing; (b) SKIV2L on turnover of deadenylated or expired RNA 3′→5′ through the Ski-exosome complex, and modulation of inflammatory response initiated by retinoic acid-inducible gene 1-like receptor (RLR) sensing of viral infections; (c) DXO on quality control of RNA integrity through recognition of 5′ caps and destruction of faulty adducts in 5′→3′ fashion; and (d) STK19 on nuclear protein phosphorylations. There is compelling evidence that a dysregulation or a deficiency of a NSDK gene would cause a malignant, immunologic or digestive disease.
Melatonin Improves In Vitro Development of Vitrified-Warmed Mouse Germinal Vesicle Oocytes Potentially via Modulation of Spindle Assembly Checkpoint-Related Genes
Authors: Wu Zhenzheng , Pan Bo , Qazi Izhar Hyder , Yang Haoxuan , Guo Shichao , Yang Jingyu , Zhang Yan , Zeng Changjun , Zhang Ming , Han Hongbing , Meng Qingyong , Zhou Guangbin
Published: August 2019

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of melatonin (MT) supplementation on in vitro maturation of vitrified mouse germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes. The fresh oocytes were randomly divided into three groups: untreated (control), or vitrified by open-pulled straw method without (vitrification group) or with MT supplementation (vitrification + MT group). After warming, oocytes were cultured in vitro, then the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP levels, spindle morphology, mRNA expression of spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC)-related genes (Mps1, BubR1, Mad1, Mad2), and their subsequent developmental potential in vitro were evaluated. The results showed that vitrification/warming procedures significantly decreased the percentage of GV oocytes developed to metaphase II (MII) stage, the mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP content, and GSH levels, remarkably increased the ROS levels, and significantly impaired the spindle morphology. The expressions of SAC-related genes were also altered in vitrified oocytes. However, when 10−7 mol/L MT was administered during the whole length of the experiment, the percentage of GV oocytes matured to MII stage was significantly increased, and the other indicators were also significantly improved and almost recovered to the normal levels relative to the control. Thus, we speculate that MT might regulate the mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP content, ROS, GSH, and expression of SAC-related genes, potentially increasing the in vitro maturation of vitrified-warmed mouse GV oocytes.
Highlights in Resistance Mechanism Pathways for Combination Therapy
Authors: Delou João M. A. , Souza Alana S. O. , Souza Leonel C. M. , Borges Helena L.
Published: August 2019

Combination chemotherapy has been a mainstay in cancer treatment for the last 60 years. Although the mechanisms of action and signaling pathways affected by most treatments with single antineoplastic agents might be relatively well understood, most combinations remain poorly understood. This review presents the most common alterations of signaling pathways in response to cytotoxic and targeted anticancer drug treatments, with a discussion of how the knowledge of signaling pathways might support and orient the development of innovative strategies for anticancer combination therapy. The ultimate goal is to highlight possible strategies of chemotherapy combinations based on the signaling pathways associated with the resistance mechanisms against anticancer drugs to maximize the selective induction of cancer cell death. We consider this review an extensive compilation of updated known information on chemotherapy resistance mechanisms to promote new combination therapies to be to discussed and tested.
Barcoding Analysis of Paraguayan Squamata
Authors: Cacciali Pier , Buongermini Emilio , Köhler Gunther
Published: August 2019

Paraguay is a key spot in the central region of South America where several ecoregions converge. Its fauna (and specifically its herpetofauna) is getting better studied than years before, but still there is a lack of information regarding molecular genetics, and barcoding analyses have proven to be an excellent tool in this matter. Here, we present results of a barcoding analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, providing valuable data for the scientific community in the region. We based our fieldwork in several areas of Paraguay. We analyzed 249 samples (142 sequenced by us) with a final alignment of 615 bp length. We identified some taxonomic incongruences that can be addressed based on our results. Furthermore, we identify groups, where collecting efforts and research activities should be reinforced. Even though we have some blanks in the geographical coverage of our analysis—and there is still a lot to do towards a better understanding of the taxonomy of the Paraguayan herpetofauna—here, we present the largest genetic dataset for the mitochondrial DNA gene 16S of reptiles (particularly, Squamata) from Paraguay, which can be used to solve taxonomic problems in the region.
Probability Theory as a Physical Theory Points to Superdeterminism
Authors: Vervoort Louis
Published: August 2019

Probability theory as a physical theory is, in a sense, the most general physics theory available, more encompassing than relativity theory and quantum mechanics, which comply with probability theory. Taking this simple fact seriously, I argue that probability theory points towards superdeterminism, a principle that underlies, notably, ‘t Hooft’s Cellular Automaton Interpretation of quantum mechanics. Specifically, I argue that superdeterminism offers a solution for: (1) Kolmogorov’s problem of probabilistic dependence; (2) the interpretation of the Central Limit Theorem; and (3) Bell’s theorem. Superdeterminism’s competitor, indeterminism (“no hidden variables”), remains entirely silent regarding (1) and (2), and leaves (3) as an obstacle rather than a solution for the unification of quantum mechanics and general relativity. This suggests that, if one wishes to stick to the standard position in physics and adopt the principles with the highest explanatory power, one should adopt superdeterminism and reject indeterminism. Throughout the article precise questions to mathematicians are formulated to advance this research.
Privacy-Preserving Consensus over a Distributed Network against Eavesdropping Attacks
Authors: Li Dengke , Zhou Han , Yang Wen
Published: August 2019

Motivated by the increasing risk of data leaks in distributed networks, we consider the privacy-preserving problem in a consensus network in the presence of an eavesdropper who is able to intercept the data transmitted on the network. First, we introduce a consensus protocol with privacy-preserving function, and analyze its convergence and its privacy-preserving effect. Second, we propose a criterion to measure the degree of network privacy leaks in the existence of the eavesdropper. Particularly, we consider the networks with ring topology and small-world topology, where we find a suboptimal eavesdropping strategy that maximizes the probability of privacy leaks. Finally, we verify all the derived results by numerical examples.
Research on the System and Control Strategy of an AC-DC Hybrid Single-Phase Electric Energy Router
Authors: Zhao Guopeng , Jiang Chao , Liu Jiaxing
Published: August 2019

With the extensive development and use of new energy sources, it has become an urgent issue to solve the problem how to effectively use such energy sources. This paper designs a single-phase electric energy router (SPEER) whose main goal is to solve the problem of optimal operation of the home power system under a high penetration rate of new energy. First, a SPEER structure is presented which has an AC-DC hybrid form to meet the power requirements of all household electrical equipment. Compared with the existing structures, its structural design is more suitable for small-capacity systems, such as home power systems. Next, a reasonable, detailed, and feasible control scheme was designed for each part of the SPEER, so that it has the functions of plug and play, power routing, island detection, and synchronous grid connection, and a seamless coordination management scheme between subsystems was designed. Complete functions make it more intelligent in response to various conditions. Finally, the correctness of the designed SPEER and control strategy was verified by experiment.
Generalized Backward Induction: Justification for a Folk Algorithm
Authors: Kaminski Marek Mikolaj
Published: August 2019

I introduce axiomatically infinite sequential games that extend Kuhn’s classical framework. Infinite games allow for (a) imperfect information, (b) an infinite horizon, and (c) infinite action sets. A generalized backward induction (GBI) procedure is defined for all such games over the roots of subgames. A strategy profile that survives backward pruning is called a backward induction solution (BIS). The main result of this paper finds that, similar to finite games of perfect information, the sets of BIS and subgame perfect equilibria (SPE) coincide for both pure strategies and for behavioral strategies that satisfy the conditions of finite support and finite crossing. Additionally, I discuss five examples of well-known games and political economy models that can be solved with GBI but not classic backward induction (BI). The contributions of this paper include (a) the axiomatization of a class of infinite games, (b) the extension of backward induction to infinite games, and (c) the proof that BIS and SPEs are identical for infinite games.
Exploring Shared Susceptibility between Two Neural Crest Cells Originating Conditions: Neuroblastoma and Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Testori Alessandro , Lasorsa Vito A. , Cimmino Flora , Cantalupo Sueva , Cardinale Antonella , Avitabile Marianna , Limongelli Giuseppe , Russo Maria Giovanna , Diskin Sharon , Maris John , Devoto Marcella , Keavney Bernard , Cordell Heather J. , Iolascon Achille , Capasso Mario
Published: August 2019

In the past years, genome wide association studies (GWAS) have provided evidence that inter-individual susceptibility to diverse pathological conditions can reveal a common genetic architecture. Through the analysis of congenital heart disease (CHD) and neuroblastoma (NB) GWAS data, we aimed to dissect the genetic susceptibility shared between these conditions, which are known to arise from neural crest cell (NCC) migration or development abnormalities, via identification and functional characterization of common regions of association. Two loci (2q35 and 3q25.32) harbor single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are associated at a p-value < 10−3 with conotruncal malformations and ventricular septal defect respectively, as well as with NB. In addition, the lead SNP in 4p16.2 for atrial septal defect and the lead SNP in 3q25.32 for tetralogy of Fallot are less than 250 Kb distant from the lead SNPs for NB at the same genomic regions. Some of these shared susceptibility loci regulate the expression of relevant genes involved in NCC formation and developmental processes (such as BARD1, MSX1, and SHOX2) and are enriched in several epigenetic markers from NB and fetal heart cell lines. Although the clinical correlation between NB and CHD is unclear, our exploration of a possible common genetic basis between NB and a subset of cardiac malformations can help shed light on their shared embryological origin and pathogenetic mechanisms.
Gene Co-Expression Networks Restructured Gene Fusion in Rhabdomyosarcoma Cancers
Authors: Helm Bryan R. , Zhan Xiaohui , Pandya Pankita H. , Murray Mary E. , Pollok Karen E. , Renbarger Jamie L. , Ferguson Michael J. , Han Zhi , Ni Dong , Zhang Jie , Huang Kun
Published: August 2019

Rhabdomyosarcoma is subclassified by the presence or absence of a recurrent chromosome translocation that fuses the FOXO1 and PAX3 or PAX7 genes. The fusion protein (FOXO1-PAX3/7) retains both binding domains and becomes a novel and potent transcriptional regulator in rhabdomyosarcoma subtypes. Many studies have characterized and integrated genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic differences among rhabdomyosarcoma subtypes that contain the FOXO1-PAX3/7 gene fusion and those that do not; however, few investigations have investigated how gene co-expression networks are altered by FOXO1-PAX3/7. Although transcriptional data offer insight into one level of functional regulation, gene co-expression networks have the potential to identify biological interactions and pathways that underpin oncogenesis and tumorigenicity. Thus, we examined gene co-expression networks for rhabdomyosarcoma that were FOXO1-PAX3 positive, FOXO1-PAX7 positive, or fusion negative. Gene co-expression networks were mined using local maximum Quasi-Clique Merger (lmQCM) and analyzed for co-expression differences among rhabdomyosarcoma subtypes. This analysis observed 41 co-expression modules that were shared between fusion negative and positive samples, of which 17/41 showed significant up- or down-regulation in respect to fusion status. Fusion positive and negative rhabdomyosarcoma showed differing modularity of co-expression networks with fusion negative (n = 109) having significantly more individual modules than fusion positive (n = 53). Subsequent analysis of gene co-expression networks for PAX3 and PAX7 type fusions observed 17/53 were differentially expressed between the two subtypes. Gene list enrichment analysis found that gene ontology terms were poorly matched with biological processes and molecular function for most co-expression modules identified in this study; however, co-expressed modules were frequently localized to cytobands on chromosomes 8 and 11. Overall, we observed substantial restructuring of co-expression networks relative to fusion status and fusion type in rhabdomyosarcoma and identified previously overlooked genes and pathways that may be targeted in this pernicious disease.
Evaluation of Groundwater Sources, Flow Paths, and Residence Time of the Gran Desierto Pozos, Sonora, Mexico
Authors: Zamora Hector A. , Wilder Benjamin T. , Eastoe Christopher J. , McIntosh Jennifer C. , Welker Jeffrey , Flessa Karl W.
Published: August 2019

Environmental isotopes and water chemistry distinguish water types, aquifer recharge mechanisms, and flow paths in the Gran Desierto and Colorado River delta aquifer. The aquifer beneath the Gran Desierto supports a series of spring-fed wetlands, locally known as pozos, which have provided vital water resources to diverse flora and fauna and to travelers who visited the area for millennia. Stable isotope data shows that local recharge originates as winter precipitation, but is not the main source of water in the pozos. Instead, Colorado River water with substantial evaporation is the main component of water in the aquifer that feeds the pozos. Before infiltration, Colorado River water was partially evaporated in an arid wetland environment. Groundwater followed flow paths, created by the Altar Fault, into the current location of the pozos at Bahía Adair. Mixing with seawater is observed at the pozos located near the coast of the Gulf of California. The wetlands or other natural settings that allowed recharge to the aquifer feeding the pozos no longer exist. This leaves the pozos vulnerable to major groundwater pumping and development in the area.
The Reception of the Swedish Retranslation of James Joyce’s Ulysses (2012)
Authors: Bladh Elisabeth
Published: August 2019

This article focuses on how the second Swedish translation of James Joyce’s novel Ulysses (2012) was received by Swedish critics. The discussion of the translation is limited to a number of paratextual features that are present in the translation, including a lengthy postscript, and to the translation’s reviews in the daily press. The release of the second Swedish translation was a major literary event and was widely covered in national and local press. Literary critics unanimously welcomed the retranslation; praising the translator’s raw, vulgar and physical language, his humour, and the musicality of his expression. Regarding its layout, title, and style, the new translation is closer to the original than the first translation from 1946 (revised in 1993). The postscript above all emphasizes the humanistic value of Joyce’s novel and its praise of the ordinary. It also addresses postcolonial perspectives and stresses the novel’s treatment of love and pacifism. These aspects were also positively received by the reviewers. For many reviewers, the main merit of the novel is found in its tribute to sensuality and the author’s joyful play with words. Negative comments tended to relate to the novel’s well-known reputation of being difficult to read. One reviewer, however, strongly questioned the current value of the experimental nature of the novel. Opinions also diverged on whether the retranslation replaces or merely supplements the first Swedish translation.