bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Electron Beam Irradiation on Acaricide-Resistant and Susceptible Strains of Tetranychusurticae (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Koo Hyun-Na , Oh Jin-Hyun , Jeon Jong-Chan , Kang Won-Jin , Cho Sun-Ran , Kim Yuri , Kim Gil-Hah
Published: September 2021

The objective of our study was to compare the effects of electron beam irradiation on the development and reproduction of Tetranychus urticae strains that were susceptible or resistant to acequinocyl, bifenazate, and etoxazole. Electron beam irradiation (50–400 Gy) was applied to T. urticae eggs, nymphs, and adults, after which the hatching rate, the emergence rate, longevity, and fecundity were analyzed. Eggs of all the T. urticae strains were irradiated with 150 Gy, and none of them hatched. When protonymphs were irradiated with 300 Gy, oviposition and thus F1 hatchability in newly emerged adults were completely suppressed. The F1 hatching rate of irradiated adults began to markedly decrease with a dose of 200 Gy, and all strains experienced 100% inhibition at a dose of 400 Gy. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) showed substantial reductions in the levels of a 50 kDa protein in the susceptible and three resistant strains of T. urticae after irradiation with 400 Gy. These results indicate that a dose of 400 Gy was required to inhibit the normal development and reproduction of T. urticae, and susceptible and acaricide-resistant strains of T. urticae had identical radiosensitivities.
From 5G to 6G Technology: Meets Energy, Internet-of-Things and Machine Learning: A Survey
Authors: Mahdi Mohammed Najah , Ahmad Abdul Rahim , Qassim Qais Saif , Natiq Hayder , Subhi Mohammed Ahmed , Mahmoud Moamin
Published: September 2021

Due to the rapid development of the fifth-generation (5G) applications, and increased demand for even faster communication networks, we expected to witness the birth of a new 6G technology within the next ten years. Many references suggested that the 6G wireless network standard may arrive around 2030. Therefore, this paper presents a critical analysis of 5G wireless networks’, significant technological limitations and reviews the anticipated challenges of the 6G communication networks. In this work, we have considered the applications of three of the highly demanding domains, namely: energy, Internet-of-Things (IoT) and machine learning. To this end, we present our vision on how the 6G communication networks should look like to support the applications of these domains. This work presents a thorough review of 370 papers on the application of energy, IoT and machine learning in 5G and 6G from three major libraries: Web of Science, ACM Digital Library, and IEEE Explore. The main contribution of this work is to provide a more comprehensive perspective, challenges, requirements, and context for potential work in the 6G communication standard.
Production of Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis Enriched in β-Glucans through Phosphorus Limitation
Authors: Markou Giorgos , Eliopoulos Christos , Argyri Anthoula , Arapoglou Dimitrios
Published: September 2021

(1) Background: Arthrospira (commonly known as Spirulina) is an edible cyanobacterium that is produced worldwide as a food supplement owing to its high nutritional value. Arthrospira displays strong potential as an important ingredient in the development of novel functional foods. Polysaccharides from Arthrospira are biologically active compounds and hence there is interest in producing biomass rich in carbohydrates. (2) Methods: A. platensis was cultivated under different degrees of phosphorus limitation in order to trigger the accumulation of carbohydrates. The biomass was then characterized in terms of its content of α- and β-glucans, total dietary fiber and monosaccharide profile. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used for the rapid analysis of the main biomass components. (3) Results: Phosphorus limitation resulted in an increase in carbohydrates (from 23% up to 65% dry biomass) of which 4–12% (in relation to the dry biomass) was α-glucans and 20–34% was 1.3:1.6 β-glucans, while 1.4:1.6 β-glucans were not detected. Total dietary fibers ranged from 20–32% (of dry biomass), whereas among the carbohydrates, the predominant monosaccharide was glucose (>95%). FTIR performed well when applied as a prediction tool for the main biomass components. (4) Conclusions: Since β-glucans are of particular interest as biologically active compounds, this study demonstrates that phosphorus-limited A. platensis could be a potential ingredient for the development of novel functional foods.
WRF-Chem Modeling of Summertime Air Pollution in the Northern Great Plains: Chemistry and Aerosol Mechanism Intercomparison
Authors: Bucaram Carlos J. , Bowman Frank M.
Published: September 2021

Oil and gas production in the Bakken region increased dramatically during the past decade. A WRF-Chem modeling study of the Northern Great Plains was conducted for a July 2010 baseline scenario prior to the largest of these production increases. Simulations using the RACM-MADE/SORGAM, CBMZ-MOSAIC, and MOZART-MOSAIC chemistry-aerosol mechanisms were compared to each other and against ground level observations. All three gas-aerosol modules produced similar prediction results for O3, and NO2, with moderate correlation to hourly measurements and monthly average values overpredicted by 20% for O3 and underpredicted by 5% for NO2. Monthly average PM2.5 concentrations were relatively accurate, but correlation to hourly measurements was very low and PM2.5 subspecies exhibited high variability with a mix of over and underpredictions depending on the mechanism. Pollutant concentrations were relatively low across the mostly rural study domain, especially in the Bakken region. Results from this work can be used as a basis of comparison for studies of more recent time periods that include increased oil and gas-related emissions.
Characterization of Exhaust CO, HC and NOx Emissions from Light-Duty Vehicles under Real Driving Conditions
Authors: Mei Hui , Wang Lulu , Wang Menglei , Zhu Rencheng , Wang Yunjing , Li Yi , Zhang Ruiqin , Wang Bowen , Bao Xiaofeng
Published: September 2021

On-road exhaust emissions from light-duty vehicles are greatly influenced by driving conditions. In this study, two light-duty passenger cars (LDPCs) and three light-duty diesel trucks (LDDTs) were tested to investigate the on-road emission factors (EFs) with a portable emission measurement system. Emission characteristics of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted from vehicles at different speeds, accelerations and vehicle specific power (VSP) were analyzed. The results demonstrated that road conditions have significant impacts on regulated gaseous emissions. CO, NOx, and HC emissions from light-duty vehicles on urban roads increased by 1.1–1.5, 1.2–1.4, and 1.9–2.6 times compared with those on suburban and highway roads, respectively. There was a rough positive relationship between transient CO, NOx, and HC emission rates and vehicle speeds, while the EFs decreased significantly with the speed decrease when speed ≤ 20 km/h. The emissions rates of NOx and HC tended to increase and then decrease as the acceleration increased and the peak occurred at 0 m/s2 without considering idling conditions. For HC and CO, the emission rates were low and changed gently with VSP when VSP < 0, while emission rates increased gradually with the VSP increase when VSP > 0. For NOx NOx emission rates were lower and had no obvious change when VSP < 0. However, NOx emissions were positively correlated with VSP, when VSP > 0.
Methane Emissions from Surface of Mangrove River on Hainan Island, China
Authors: Hu Ji , Guan Wei , Chen Huai
Published: September 2021

The surfaces of rivers are considered important sources of atmospheric methane (CH4), however research on this topic is still constrained, especially in freshwater rivers and with the consideration of spatial heterogeneity. Three regions (upper reaches, midstream and downstream) were selected to examine the CH4 fluxes from a freshwater river surface in a mangrove forest wetland from 2012 to 2013, using floating chambers. Results showed that the CH4 fluxes varied significantly among the three regions, with the lowest fluxes at downstream (0.50 ± 0.20 mg m−2 h−1), and highest at upper reaches (1.19 ± 0.36 mg m−2 h−1). The average emission rate at midstream was 0.95 ± 0.37 mg m−2 h−1. The methane flux also varied with seasons, with higher flux in rain-abundant seasons. On average, the CH4 flux in our research river was 0.88 ± 0.31 mg m−2 h−1, which was less than other tropical rivers. In addition, we found that the CH4 flux was significantly correlated with the water characteristics of temperature and atmospheric pressure. Thereby, this study quantified the methane emission from a freshwater river surface in a tropical mangrove forest, enriching the existing knowledge of river surface CH4 flux.
Recent Updates on Mechanisms of Resistance to 5-Fluorouracil and Reversal Strategies in Colon Cancer Treatment
Authors: Azwar Shamin , Seow Heng Fong , Abdullah Maha , Faisal Jabar Mohd , Mohtarrudin Norhafizah
Published: September 2021

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) plus leucovorin (LV) remain as the mainstay standard adjuvant chemotherapy treatment for early stage colon cancer, and the preferred first-line option for metastatic colon cancer patients in combination with oxaliplatin in FOLFOX, or irinotecan in FOLFIRI regimens. Despite treatment success to a certain extent, the incidence of chemotherapy failure attributed to chemotherapy resistance is still reported in many patients. This resistance, which can be defined by tumor tolerance against chemotherapy, either intrinsic or acquired, is primarily driven by the dysregulation of various components in distinct pathways. In recent years, it has been established that the incidence of 5-FU resistance, akin to multidrug resistance, can be attributed to the alterations in drug transport, evasion of apoptosis, changes in the cell cycle and DNA-damage repair machinery, regulation of autophagy, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cancer stem cell involvement, tumor microenvironment interactions, miRNA dysregulations, epigenetic alterations, as well as redox imbalances. Certain resistance mechanisms that are 5-FU-specific have also been ascertained to include the upregulation of thymidylate synthase, dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, and the downregulation of thymidine phosphorylase. Indeed, the successful modulation of these mechanisms have been the game plan of numerous studies that had employed small molecule inhibitors, plant-based small molecules, and non-coding RNA regulators to effectively reverse 5-FU resistance in colon cancer cells. It is hoped that these studies would provide fundamental knowledge to further our understanding prior developing novel drugs in the near future that would synergistically work with 5-FU to potentiate its antitumor effects and improve the patient’s overall survival.
New Functions of Vav Family Proteins in Cardiovascular Biology, Skeletal Muscle, and the Nervous System
Authors: Rodríguez-Fdez Sonia , Lorenzo-Martín L. Francisco , Fabbiano Salvatore , Menacho-Márquez Mauricio , Sauzeau Vincent , Dosil Mercedes , Bustelo Xosé R.
Published: September 2021

Vav proteins act as tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated guanosine nucleotide exchange factors for Rho GTPases and as molecular scaffolds. In mammals, this family of signaling proteins is composed of three members (Vav1, Vav2, Vav3) that work downstream of protein tyrosine kinases in a wide variety of cellular processes. Recent work with genetically modified mouse models has revealed that these proteins play key signaling roles in vascular smooth and skeletal muscle cells, specific neuronal subtypes, and glia cells. These functions, in turn, ensure the proper regulation of blood pressure levels, skeletal muscle mass, axonal wiring, and fiber myelination events as well as systemic metabolic balance. The study of these mice has also led to the discovery of new physiological interconnection among tissues that contribute to the ontogeny and progression of different pathologies such as, for example, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. Here, we provide an integrated view of all these new Vav family-dependent signaling and physiological functions.
Olfactory Optogenetics: Light Illuminates the Chemical Sensing Mechanisms of Biological Olfactory Systems
Authors: Zhu Ping , Tian Yulan , Chen Yating , Chen Wei , Wang Ping , Du Liping , Wu Chunsheng
Published: September 2021

The mammalian olfactory system has an amazing ability to distinguish thousands of odorant molecules at the trace level. Scientists have made great achievements on revealing the olfactory sensing mechanisms in decades; even though many issues need addressing. Optogenetics provides a novel technical approach to solve this dilemma by utilizing light to illuminate specific part of the olfactory system; which can be used in all corners of the olfactory system for revealing the olfactory mechanism. This article reviews the most recent advances in olfactory optogenetics devoted to elucidate the mechanisms of chemical sensing. It thus attempts to introduce olfactory optogenetics according to the structure of the olfactory system. It mainly includes the following aspects: the sensory input from the olfactory epithelium to the olfactory bulb; the influences of the olfactory bulb (OB) neuron activity patterns on olfactory perception; the regulation between the olfactory cortex and the olfactory bulb; and the neuromodulation participating in odor coding by dominating the olfactory bulb. Finally; current challenges and future development trends of olfactory optogenetics are proposed and discussed.
How Sleep Affects Daytime Functioning: The Latest Insights from Different Patient and Age Groups
Authors: Altena Ellemarije , Ellis Jason G.
Published: September 2021

Sleep problems can have a major impact on daytime functioning across all domains (i [...]
Systemic Inflammatory Response Index and Futile Recanalization in Patients with Ischemic Stroke Undergoing Endovascular Treatment
Authors: Lattanzi Simona , Norata Davide , Divani Afshin A. , Di Napoli Mario , Broggi Serena , Rocchi Chiara , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago , Mansueto Gelsomina , Silvestrini Mauro
Published: September 2021

Futile recanalization remains a significant challenge for endovascular treatment (EVT) of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The inflammatory response that occurs after cerebral infarct plays a central role in stroke pathobiology that can influence the outcome of a recanalization procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) and futile recanalization in patients with AIS. We retrospectively identified consecutive patients with ischemic stroke due to proximal arterial occlusion in the anterior circulation, who were treated with EVT and achieved near-complete or complete recanalization. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC), absolute monocyte count (AMC), and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) were collected from admission blood work to calculate SIRI as ANC × AMC/ALC. The study outcome was futile recanalization, defined as poor functional status [modified Rankin scale (mRS) score ≥ 3] at 3 months despite complete or near-complete recanalization. A total of 184 patients were included. Futile recanalization was observed in 110 (59.8%) patients. Older patients (odds ratio (OR) = 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–1.10, p < 0.001), higher admission National Institutes of Health stroke scale score (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.02–1.19, p = 0.013), and higher admission SIRI (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01–1.17, p = 0.028) increased the risk of the poor outcome at 3 months despite complete or near-complete recanalization.
Chemotherapy-Related Differences in Cognitive Functioning and Their Biological Predictors in Patients with Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Bury-Kamińska Magdalena , Szudy-Szczyrek Aneta , Nowaczyńska Aleksandra , Jankowska-Łęcka Olga , Hus Marek , Kot Klaudia
Published: September 2021

The paper presents a study on the changes in cognitive functioning in patients undergoing chemotherapy with diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). The aim of the study was to answer the following two main research questions: Does the treatment stage differentiate the functioning of cognitive processes in patients with diagnosed MM and to what extent? Is it possible to treat biological factors (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and BDNF) as predictors of patients’ cognitive functioning? The patients were examined twice, before the treatment and after 4–6 cycles of chemotherapy. Selected neuropsychological research methods as well as experimental and clinical trials were employed to diagnose the patients’ general cognitive state, attention, memory, and executive functions. The level of biological factors was assessed with the ELISA test. The results show that the patients’ cognitive functioning was worse before the treatment than during the cytostatic therapy. It was also possible to predict the cognitive state of patients suffering from multiple myeloma based on a selected biological parameter (neurotrophin BDNF).
Integrated mRNA and miRNA Transcriptomic Analyses Reveals Divergent Mechanisms of Sunitinib Resistance in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC)
Authors: Armesto María , Marquez Maitane , Arestin María , Errarte Peio , Rubio Ane , Manterola Lorea , López Jose I. , Lawrie Charles H.
Published: September 2021

The anti-angiogenic therapy sunitinib remains the standard first-line treatment for meta static clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, acquired resistance develops in nearly all responsive patients and represents a major source of treatment failure. We used an integrated miRNA and mRNA transcriptomic approach to identify miRNA:target gene interactions involved in sunitinib resistance. Through the generation of stably resistant clones in three ccRCC cell lines (786-O, A498 and Caki-1), we identified non-overlapping miRNA:target gene networks, suggesting divergent mechanisms of sunitinib resistance. Surprisingly, even though the genes involved in these networks were different, they shared targeting by multiple members of the miR-17~92 cluster. In 786-O cells, targeted genes were related to hypoxia/angiogenic pathways, whereas, in Caki-1 cells, they were related to inflammatory/proliferation pathways. The immunotherapy target PD-L1 was consistently up-regulated in resistant cells, and we demonstrated that the silencing of this gene resulted in an increase in sensitivity to sunitinib treatment only in 786-O-resistant cells, suggesting that some ccRCC patients might benefit from combination therapy with PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors. In summary, we demonstrate that, although there are clearly divergent mechanisms of sunitinib resistance in ccRCC subtypes, the commonality of miRNAs in multiple pathways could be targeted to overcome sunitinib resistance.
Risk-Predictive and Diagnostic Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer; a Systematic Review of Studies Using Pre-Diagnostic Blood Samples Collected in Prospective Cohorts and Screening Settings
Authors: Harlid Sophia , Gunter Marc J. , Van Guelpen Bethany
Published: September 2021

This systematic review summarizes the evidence for blood-based colorectal cancer biomarkers from studies conducted in pre-diagnostic, asymptomatic settings. Of 1372 studies initially identified, the final selection included 30 studies from prospective cohorts and 23 studies from general screening settings. Overall, the investigations had high quality but considerable variability in data analysis and presentation of results, and few biomarkers demonstrated a clinically relevant discriminatory ability. One of the most promising biomarkers was the anti-p53 antibody, with consistent findings in one screening cohort and in the 3–4 years prior to diagnosis in two prospective cohort studies. Proteins were the most common type of biomarker assessed, particularly carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and C-reactive protein (CRP), with modest results. Other potentially promising biomarkers included proteins, such as AREG, MIC-1/GDF15, LRG1 and FGF-21, metabolites and/or metabolite profiles, non-coding RNAs and DNA methylation, as well as re-purposed routine lab tests, such as ferritin and the triglyceride–glucose index. Biomarker panels generally achieved higher discriminatory performance than single markers. In conclusion, this systematic review highlighted anti-p53 antibodies as a promising blood-based biomarker for use in colorectal cancer screening panels, together with other specific proteins. It also underscores the need for validation of promising biomarkers in independent pre-diagnostic settings.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Urothelial Bladder Cancer: State of the Art and Future Perspectives
Authors: Roviello Giandomenico , Catalano Martina , Santi Raffaella , Palmieri Valeria Emma , Vannini Gianmarco , Galli Ilaria Camilla , Buttitta Eleonora , Villari Donata , Rossi Virginia , Nesi Gabriella
Published: September 2021

Bladder cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy of the genitourinary tract, with high morbidity and mortality rates. Until recently, the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic urothelial BC was based on the use of chemotherapy alone. Since 2016, five immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in different settings, i.e., first-line, maintenance and second-line treatment, while several trials are still ongoing in the perioperative context. Lately, pembrolizumab, a programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor, has been approved for Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG)-unresponsive high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), using immunotherapy at an early stage of the disease. This review investigates the current state and future perspectives of immunotherapy in BC, focusing on the rationale and results of combining immunotherapy with other therapeutic strategies.
RET Inhibitors in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Cascetta Priscilla , Sforza Vincenzo , Manzo Anna , Carillio Guido , Palumbo Giuliano , Esposito Giovanna , Montanino Agnese , Costanzo Raffaele , Sandomenico Claudia , De Cecio Rossella , Piccirillo Maria Carmela , La Manna Carmine , Totaro Giuseppe , Muto Paolo , Picone Carmine , Bianco Roberto , Normanno Nicola , Morabito Alessandro
Published: September 2021

RET rearrangements are observed in 1–2% of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and result in the constitutive activation of downstream pathways normally implied in cell proliferation, growth, differentiation and survival. In NSCLC patients, RET rearrangements have been associated with a history of non-smoking, a higher rate of brain metastasis at initial diagnosis and a low immune infiltrate. Traditionally, RET fusions are considered mutually exclusive with other oncogenic drivers, even though a co-occurrence with EGFR mutations and MET amplifications has been observed. Cabozantinib, vandetanib and lenvatinib are the first multi-kinase inhibitors tested in RET-rearranged NSCLC patients with contrasting results. More recently, two selective RET inhibitors, selpercatinib and pralsetinib, demonstrated higher efficacy rates and good tolerability and they were approved for the treatment of patients with metastatic RET fusion-positive NSCLC on the bases of the results of phase II studies. Two ongoing phase III clinical trials are currently comparing selpercatinib or pralsetinib to standard first line treatments and will definitively establish their efficacy in RET-positive NSCLC patients.
Global Trends in Cancer Nanotechnology: A Qualitative Scientific Mapping Using Content-Based and Bibliometric Features for Machine Learning Text Classification
Authors: Millagaha Gedara Nuwan Indika , Xu Xuan , DeLong Robert , Aryal Santosh , Jaberi-Douraki Majid
Published: September 2021

This study presents a new way to investigate comprehensive trends in cancer nanotechnology research in different countries, institutions, and journals providing critical insights to prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. This paper applied the qualitative method of bibliometric analysis on cancer nanotechnology using the PubMed database during the years 2000–2021. Inspired by hybrid medical models and content-based and bibliometric features for machine learning models, our results show cancer nanotechnology studies have expanded exponentially since 2010. The highest production of articles in cancer nanotechnology is mainly from US institutions, with several countries, notably the USA, China, the UK, India, and Iran as concentrated focal points as centers of cancer nanotechnology research, especially in the last five years. The analysis shows the greatest overlap between nanotechnology and DNA, RNA, iron oxide or mesoporous silica, breast cancer, and cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment. Moreover, more than 50% of the information related to the keywords, authors, institutions, journals, and countries are considerably investigated in the form of publications from the top 100 journals. This study has the potential to provide past and current lines of research that can unmask comprehensive trends in cancer nanotechnology, key research topics, or the most productive countries and authors in the field.
Influence of PtCu/C Catalysts Composition on Electrochemical Characteristics of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell and Properties of Proton Exchange Membrane
Authors: Falina Irina , Pavlets Angelina , Alekseenko Anastasia , Titskaya Ekaterina , Kononenko Natalia
Published: September 2021

The present work aimed to investigate the influence of “weakly bound“ copper dissolution from the surface of bimetallic PtCux/C catalysts on the properties of proton exchange membrane and the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in general. A number of PtCux/C materials have been obtained by the simultaneous reduction in copper and platinum precursors in the course of liquid-phase synthesis with a varying ratio of metals from PtCu2.0/C to PtCu0.3/C. All bimetallic PtCux/C electrocatalysts after the activation stage exhibit high activity in the oxygen electroreduction reaction. The PtCux/C catalysts in “as prepared” state were tested in MEA. The increase in Cu content in PtCux/C catalysts led to a decrease in current density of MEA while its resistance was almost independent of the Cu fraction in the catalyst. The membrane saturation degree by Cu2+-ions after MEA testing did not exceed 40%, even in the case of the PtCu2.0/C material. The main reason for the degradation of membrane electrode assembly with PtCux/C materials is the transport limitation caused by the contamination of Nafion in three catalytic layer by “weakly bound” copper ions.
Molecular Characterization of NDL1-AGB1 Mediated Salt Stress Signaling: Further Exploration of the Role of NDL1 Interacting Partners
Authors: Gupta Nidhi , Kanojia Abhishek , Katiyar Arpana , Mudgil Yashwanti
Published: September 2021

Salt stress is considered to be the most severe abiotic stress. High soil salinity leads to osmotic and ionic toxicity, resulting in reduced plant growth and crop production. The role of G-proteins during salt stresses is well established. AGB1, a G-protein subunit, not only plays an important role during regulation of Na+ fluxes in roots, but is also involved in the translocation of Na+ from roots to shoots. N-Myc Downregulated like 1 (NDL1) is an interacting partner of G protein βγ subunits and C-4 domain of RGS1 in Arabidopsis. Our recent in-planta expression analysis of NDL1 reported changes in patterns during salt stress. Based on these expression profiles, we have carried out functional characterization of the AGB1-NDL1 module during salinity stress. Using various available mutant and overexpression lines of NDL1 and AGB1, we found that NDL1 acts as a negative regulator during salt stress response at the seedling stage, an opposite response to that of AGB1. On the other hand, during the germination phase of the plant, this role is reversed, indicating developmental and tissue specific regulation. To elucidate the mechanism of the AGB1-NDL1 module, we investigated the possible role of the three NDL1 stress specific interactors, namely ANNAT1, SLT1, and IDH-V, using yeast as a model. The present study revealed that NDL1 acts as a modulator of salt stress response, wherein it can have both positive as well as negative functions during salinity stress. Our findings suggest that the NDL1 mediated stress response depends on its developmental stage-specific expression patterns as well as the differential presence and interaction of the stress-specific interactors.
The Transformation of the Centrosome into the Basal Body: Similarities and Dissimilarities between Somatic and Male Germ Cells and Their Relevance for Male Fertility
Authors: Tapia Contreras Constanza , Hoyer-Fender Sigrid
Published: September 2021

The sperm flagellum is essential for the transport of the genetic material toward the oocyte and thus the transmission of the genetic information to the next generation. During the haploid phase of spermatogenesis, i.e., spermiogenesis, a morphological and molecular restructuring of the male germ cell, the round spermatid, takes place that includes the silencing and compaction of the nucleus, the formation of the acrosomal vesicle from the Golgi apparatus, the formation of the sperm tail, and, finally, the shedding of excessive cytoplasm. Sperm tail formation starts in the round spermatid stage when the pair of centrioles moves toward the posterior pole of the nucleus. The sperm tail, eventually, becomes located opposed to the acrosomal vesicle, which develops at the anterior pole of the nucleus. The centriole pair tightly attaches to the nucleus, forming a nuclear membrane indentation. An articular structure is formed around the centriole pair known as the connecting piece, situated in the neck region and linking the sperm head to the tail, also named the head-to-tail coupling apparatus or, in short, HTCA. Finally, the sperm tail grows out from the distal centriole that is now transformed into the basal body of the flagellum. However, a centriole pair is found in nearly all cells of the body. In somatic cells, it accumulates a large mass of proteins, the pericentriolar material (PCM), that together constitute the centrosome, which is the main microtubule-organizing center of the cell, essential not only for the structuring of the cytoskeleton and the overall cellular organization but also for mitotic spindle formation and chromosome segregation. However, in post-mitotic (G1 or G0) cells, the centrosome is transformed into the basal body. In this case, one of the centrioles, which is always the oldest or mother centriole, grows the axoneme of a cilium. Most cells of the body carry a single cilium known as the primary cilium that serves as an antenna sensing the cell’s environment. Besides, specialized cells develop multiple motile cilia differing in substructure from the immotile primary cilia that are essential in moving fluids or cargos over the cellular surface. Impairment of cilia formation causes numerous severe syndromes that are collectively subsumed as ciliopathies. This comparative overview serves to illustrate the molecular mechanisms of basal body formation, their similarities, and dissimilarities, in somatic versus male germ cells, by discussing the involved proteins/genes and their expression, localization, and function. The review, thus, aimed to provide a deeper knowledge of the molecular players that is essential for the expansion of clinical diagnostics and treatment of male fertility disorders.
Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3: A Focal Point for Advancing Pathogenic Inflammation in Depression
Authors: McCallum Ryan T. , Perreault Melissa L.
Published: September 2021

Increasing evidence indicates that the host immune response has a monumental role in the etiology of major depressive disorder (MDD), motivating the development of the inflammatory hypothesis of depression. Central to the involvement of chronic inflammation in MDD is a wide range of signaling deficits induced by the excessive secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and imbalanced T cell differentiation. Such signaling deficits include the glutamatergic, cholinergic, insulin, and neurotrophin systems, which work in concert to initiate and advance the neuropathology. Fundamental to the communication between such systems is the protein kinase glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), a multifaceted protein critically linked to the etiology of MDD and an emerging target to treat pathogenic inflammation. Here, a consolidated overview of the widespread multi-system involvement of GSK-3 in contributing to the neuropathology of MDD will be discussed, with the feed-forward mechanistic links between all major neuronal signaling pathways highlighted.
Tailoring α/β Ratio of Pollen-Like Anhydrous Lactose as Ingredient Carriers for Controlled Dissolution Rate
Authors: Xiang Jia , Wang Bo , Fu Le , Chen Chuanpin , Liu Wenjie , Tan Songwen
Published: September 2021

Lactose is a commonly used excipient with two isomers. Different isomers have different properties, especially in terms of solubility. This work is mainly to explore the influence of different a/β ratio lactose on drug dissolution. This work has developed novel mesoporous pollen-like lactose anhydrous with tailored α/β ratios as ingredient carriers for controlled dissolution rate. The produced lactose carriers are pollen-like with a particle size of ~15 μm and a mean pore width of ~30 nm. β-lactose anhydrous has a unique FTIR-peak at 948 cm−1, whereas α-lactose anhydrous shows a unique FTIR-peak at 855 cm−1. DSC analysis suggests that the pollen-like α/β-lactose crystals are polymorphs with unique peaks of melting points. XRD analysis suggests that (5:5)α/β-lactose polymorph has high crystalline purity. The loading efficiency (30.6–33.4% w/w) of acetamidophenol within the nanoporous lactose particles is dependent on the surface structure and pore volumes—the pore volumes were found to be 0.0209–0.0380 cm3/g. The release rates of acetamidophenol are lower for lactose with high α/β ratios. The lactose solubility and the first-order release constant can be tailored by changing the proportion of β-lactose in the pollen-like lactose carriers.
Phases Reconstruction and Foaming Modification of Basic Oxygen Furnace Slag on Its Grindability
Authors: Xiang Ruiheng , Chen Ping , Liu Rongjin , Hu Cheng , Wan Dandan , Fan Jintao , Wei Jiazhan
Published: September 2021

Basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag is a main byproduct produced during the converter steelmaking process. The poor grindability of BOF slag limits its added-value application. In this paper, the grinding characteristics of unmodified and reconstructed BOF slag were compared. Additionally, the grinding property of reconstructed steel slag was also studied after SiC foaming. The results show that the solid solution of divalent metal oxides’ RO phase, considered as the hardly grinding phase, discomposes after lime-bauxite reconstruction. The characteristics of BOF slag were tested through particle size analysis, XRD, SEM and MIP. The SSA (specific suface area) and the particle diameter of unmodified BOF slag could reach 303.1 m2/kg and 51.75 µm after 10 min of grinding, but that of reconstructed BOF slag could reach 354.5 m2/kg and 18.16 µm after the same grinding time, respectively. The grinding efficiency of steel slag was obviously increased and the particle characteristics were improved after foaming modification. BOF formed as a porous structure after SiC foaming; its porosity, SSA, and particle diameter can reach 31.79%, 424.4 m2/kg, and 24.36 μm and increased by 10.31%, 19.72%, and 39.04%, compared with the reconstructed steel slag of undoped foaming agent, respectively, and the grindability was further improved. A theoretical basis for large-scale BOF slag utilization is provided.
Effects of Habitat Loss on the Ecology of Pachyphytum caesium (Crassulaceae), a Specialized Cliff-Dwelling Endemic Species in Central Mexico
Authors: Clark-Tapia Ricardo , González-Adame Gabriel , Campos Jorge E. , Aguirre-Hidalgo Victor , Pacheco-Cruz Nelly , Von Thaden Ugalde Juan José , Campista-León Samuel , Peinado-Guevara Luz Isela , Alfonso-Corrado Cecilia
Published: September 2021

Cliff-dwelling plant species are highly specialized and adapted to a vulnerable, fragmented, and are mostly endemic, narrowly-distributed and threatened. As a contribution to the conservation efforts of endemic cliff-dwelling species, this study provides an overview of the effects of habitat loss on the abundance and distribution of Pachyphytum caesium (Crassulaceae) due to human disturbances. To achieve this objective, we first conducted a retrospective analysis from 2003–2013 to assess the effects of land use change on the abundance of P. caesium. Secondly, we estimate the abundance and distribution of P. caesium throughout the study area, as well as analyze the effect of rock-climbing activities on the density and population structure of P. caesium. The results suggest differences in population abundance among sites is due to the adverse effects of habitat loss. P. caesium presents a very restricted distribution with small and fragmented populations. In addition, guava agriculture has a significant impact on the chemical soil properties of the hillsides, causing a significant effect on the occurrence of P. caesium, while sport activities remove both the soil and the plants from the cliffs. According to the results, P. caesium is classified as a plant species with extremely small populations (PSESP), and it is highly vulnerable to habitat disturbance. Its conservation is thus a priority to ensure its permanence.
Transcriptome Analysis of Cambium Tissue of Paulownia Collected during Winter and Spring
Authors: Perry Zachary D. , Saminathan Thangasamy , Arun Alok , Vaidya Brajesh N. , Basu Chhandak , Reddy Umesh K. , Joshee Nirmal
Published: September 2021

Paulownia (Paulownia elongata) is a fast-growing, multipurpose deciduous hardwood species that grows in a wide range of temperatures from –30 °C to 45 °C. Seasonal cues influence the secondary growth of tree stems, including cambial activity, wood chemistry, and transition to latewood formation. In this study, a de novo transcriptome approach was conducted to identify the transcripts expressed in vascular cambial tissue from senescent winter and actively growing spring seasons. An Illumina paired-end sequenced cambial transcriptome generated 297,049,842 clean reads, which finally yielded 61,639 annotated unigenes. Based on non-redundant protein database analyses, Paulownia cambial unigenes shared the highest homology (64.8%) with Erythranthe guttata. KEGG annotation of 35,471 unigenes identified pathways enriched in metabolic activities. Transcriptome-wide DEG analysis showed that 2688 and 7411 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, in spring tissues compared to winter. Interestingly, several transcripts encoding heat shock proteins were upregulated in the spring season. RT-qPCR expression results of fifteen wood-forming candidate genes involved in hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, auxin, and cytokinin pathways showed that the hemicellulose genes (CSLC4, FUT1, AXY4, GATL1, and IRX19) were significantly upregulated in spring season tissues when compared to winter tissues. In contrast, lignin pathway genes CCR1 and CAD1 were upregulated in winter cambium. Finally, a transcriptome-wide marker analysis identified 11,338 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSRs). The AG/CT dinucleotide repeat predominately represented all SSRs. Altogether, the cambial transcriptomic analysis reported here highlights the molecular events of wood formation during winter and spring. The identification of candidate genes involved in the cambial growth provides a roadmap of wood formation in Paulownia and other trees for the seasonal growth variation.
Effect of Shear Flow on Nanoparticles Migration near Liquid Interfaces
Authors: Daher Ali , Ammar Amine , Hijazi Abbas , Benyahia Lazhar
Published: September 2021

The effect of shear flow on spherical nanoparticles (NPs) migration near a liquid–liquid interface is studied by numerical simulation. We have implemented a compact model through which we use the diffuse interface method for modeling the two fluids and the molecular dynamics method for the simulation of the motion of NPs. Two different cases regarding the state of the two fluids when introducing the NPs are investigated. First, we introduce the NPs randomly into the medium of the two immiscible liquids that are already separated, and the interface is formed between them. For this case, it is shown that before applying any shear flow, 30% of NPs are driven to the interface under the effect of the drag force resulting from the composition gradient between the two fluids at the interface. However, this percentage is increased to reach 66% under the effect of shear defined by a Péclet number Pe = 0.316. In this study, different shear rates are investigated in addition to different shearing times, and we show that both factors have a crucial effect regarding the migration of the NPs toward the interfacial region. In particular, a small shear rate applied for a long time will have approximately the same effect as a greater shear rate applied for a shorter time. In the second studied case, we introduce the NPs into the mixture of two fluids that are already mixed and before phase separation so that the NPs are introduced into the homogenous medium of the two fluids. For this case, we show that in the absence of shear, almost all NPs migrate to the interface during phase separation, whereas shearing has a negative result, mainly because it affects the phase separation.
Study on the Impact of Institutions on the Labor Productivity of Private Enterprises in Vietnam through the Spillover Effect from State-Owned Enterprises
Authors: Nguyen Thi Hong-Nham , Le Thi Hong-Thuy , Phung The-Dong
Published: September 2021

The paper analyzes the impact of institutions on the labor productivity of small and medium-sized private enterprises through the spillover effect from state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The authors used data samples from three datasets: (i) The Annual Enterprise Survey conducted by the General Statistics Office of Vietnam (GSO) from 2010 to 2018; (ii) Institutional data (PCI) published by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) from 2010 to 2018; (iii) GSO 2012 I-O balance sheet and a set of tabular data containing 666,221 observations at the enterprise and provincial levels in Vietnam from 2010 to 2018, including both listed and unlisted enterprises. The model’s experimental result shows that institutional improvement boosts labor productivity of domestic private enterprises through a horizontal and forward spillover channel from SOEs. Through the backward spillover channel from SOEs, how institutional improvement affects the labor productivity depends on the degree of backward spillover channel from SOEs.
The Process of Designing the Post-Mining Land Reclamation Investment Using Process Maps. Case Study
Authors: Midor Katarzyna , Biały Witold , Rogala-Rojek Joanna , Matusiak Piotr
Published: September 2021

In the present day, Europe is moving away from fossil fuels. This is due to the need to reduce CO2 emissions released to the atmosphere. As a result of this process, especially in Upper Silesia, Poland, there will be more areas requiring measures after the closing of mines. Reclamation of post-mining areas is a very difficult task, as there is no universal method of planning the recultivation. During mining operations, we observed many forms of environmental degradation. The article presents the use of one of the newer and increasingly used modeling methods in recultivation processes—the process map. Analysis of the investment is presented, based on the example of the recultivation of a pit after closing the hard coal mine. The main purpose of the analysis was to shorten the designing time of the construction and realization process. Two maps of processes were made, and a map of the existing and desired processes, as well as the benefits from this, are shown. This article presents only one of the stages of the recultivation process—the investment project process—, treating it as an example for optimizing the entire project related to recultivation.
Watershed and Estuarine Controls Both Influence Plant Community and Tree Growth Changes in Tidal Freshwater Forested Wetlands along Two U.S. Mid-Atlantic Rivers
Authors: Noe Gregory B. , Bourg Norman A. , Krauss Ken W. , Duberstein Jamie A. , Hupp Cliff R.
Published: September 2021

The tidal freshwater zone near the estuarine head-of-tide is potentially sensitive to both sea-level rise and associated salinity increases as well as changing watershed inputs of freshwater and nutrients. We evaluated the vegetation response of tidal freshwater forested wetlands (TFFW) to changes in nontidal river versus estuarine controls along the longitudinal gradient of the Mattaponi and Pamunkey rivers in the Mid-Atlantic USA. The gradient included nontidal freshwater floodplain (NT) and upper tidal (UT), lower tidal (LT), and stressed tidal forest transitioning to marsh (ST) TFFW habitats on both rivers. Plot-based vegetation sampling and dendrochronology were employed to examine: (1) downriver shifts in plant community composition and the structure of canopy trees, understory trees/saplings/shrubs and herbs, tree basal-area increment (BAI) and (2) interannual variability in BAI from 2015 dating back as far as 1969 in relation to long-term river and estuary monitoring data. With greater tidal influence downstream, tree species dominance shifted, live basal area generally decreased, long-term mean BAI of individual trees decreased, woody stem mortality increased, and live herbaceous vegetative cover and richness increased. Acer rubrum, Fagus grandifolia, Ilex opaca, and Fraxinus pennsylvanica dominated NT and UT sites, with F. pennsylvanica and Nyssa sylvatica increasingly dominating at more downstream tidal sites. Annual tree BAI growth was positively affected by nontidal river flow at NT and UT sites which were closer to the head-of-tide, positively influenced by small salinity increases at LT and ST sites further downstream, and positively influenced by estuarine water level throughout the gradient; nutrient influence was site specific with both positive and negative influences. The counterintuitive finding of salinity increasing tree growth at sites with low BAI is likely due to either competitive growth release from neighboring tree death or enhanced soil nutrient availability that may temporarily mitigate the negative effects of low-level salinization and sea-level increases on living TFFW canopy trees, even as overall plant community conversion to tidal marsh progresses.