bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Student Achievement Based on Temporal Learning Behavior in MOOCs
Authors: Qu Shaojie , Li Kan , Wu Bo , Zhang Shuhui , Wang Yongchao
Published: December 2019

With the development of data mining technology, educational data mining (EDM) has gained increasing amounts of attention. Research on massive open online courses (MOOCs) is an important area of EDM. Previous studies found that assignment-related behaviors in MOOCs (such as the completed number of assignments) can affect student achievement. However, these methods cannot fully reflect students’ learning processes and affect the accuracy of prediction. In the present paper, we consider the temporal learning behaviors of students to propose a student achievement prediction method for MOOCs. First, a multi-layer long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network is employed to reflect students’ learning processes. Second, a discriminative sequential pattern (DSP) mining-based pattern adapter is proposed to obtain the behavior patterns of students and enhance the significance of critical information. Third, a framework is constructed with an attention mechanism that includes data pre-processing, pattern adaptation, and the LSTM neural network to predict student achievement. In the experiments, we collect data from a C programming course from the year 2012 and extract assignment-related features. The experimental results reveal that this method achieves an accuracy rate of 91% and a recall of 94%.
The Origins of the High Performance of Pd Catalysts Supported on Carbon Black-Embedded Carbon Nanofiber for Formic Acid Oxidation
Authors: Mohamed Aslam Norraihanah , Tsujiguchi Takuya , Osaka Yugo , Kodama Akio
Published: December 2019

In this study, we developed a carbon black (CB)-embedded carbon nanofiber (CNF) as a Pd support, which showed a high level of formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR) activity. For the support preparation, heat treatment involving calcination at 1000 °C in a nitrogen atmosphere (carbonization) followed by calcination at 850 °C in water vapor (steam activation) was conducted to form a CB, which contained carbon nanofibers made from a polyacrolynitrile (PAN) fiber prepared by electrospinning. This catalyst showed a high level of FAOR activity. In this situation, the CB was also heat-treated, therefore, it was unclear whether the origin of the high FAOR activity of the CB-embedded CNF was caused by the CNF itself or the heat treatment of the CB. In order to establish the cause of the high FAOR activity of the CB-embedded CNF, the CBs underwent several heat treatments; i.e., stabilization, carbonization, and steam activation. Two types of carbon black with different pore structures, i.e., Ketjen black and Vulcan XC-72, were used to investigate the FAOR activity. The appropriate heat treatment of the CB promotes the improved FAOR activity; however, excessive heat treatment caused a deterioration in the FAOR activity, especially for Ketjen due to the presence of numerous micropores. However, by embedding the CB into the CNF, the FAOR activity improved, especially in the case of Ketjen, even though the embedded CB underwent several heat treatments. The optimum ratio of CB/PAN in the CB-embedded CNF was also investigated. The highest FAOR activity was observed at 0.25 CB/PAN for both the Vulcan and Ketjen. The electronic state of Pd3d in which the binding energy of the metallic Pd shifted to a lower binding energy suggested that the metal–support interaction is strong at the CB/PAN ratio of 0.25. On the basis of these results, it was found that heat treatment of the CB by embedding it in the CNF is a promising way to achieve a metal–support interaction without destroying its structure.
Application of DPPH Assay for Assessment of Particulate Matter Reducing Properties
Authors: Frezzini Maria Agostina , Castellani Federica , De Francesco Nayma , Ristorini Martina , Canepari Silvia
Published: December 2019

Different acellular assays were developed to measure particulate matter’s (PM) oxidative potential (OP), a metric used to predict the ability of PM in generating oxidative stress in living organisms. However, there are still fundamental open issues regarding the complex redox equilibria among the involved species which could include reducing compounds. The aim of this study was the pilot application of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay to PM in order to evaluate the presence of reducing species. The assay, commonly applied to biological matrices, was adapted to PM and showed good analytical performances. It allowed the analysis of conventional 24 h airborne PM samples with suitable sensitivity and good repeatability of the measurements. The assay was applied to seven samples representing possible PM contributes (certified urban dust NIST1648a; brake dust; Saharan dust; coke dust; calcitic soil dust; incinerator dust; and diesel particulate matter certified material NIST1650b) and to PM2.5 field filters. The same samples were also analyzed for elements. Preliminary results indicated that the assay gave a linear response and that detectable amounts of reducing species were present in PM samples. The combined application of DPPH and conventional OP assays could then permit, in the future, to gain more knowledge about the reaction and/or competition between oxidative and reducing processes.
Genetics of Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Williams Kylia , Carson Jason , Lo Cecilia
Published: December 2019

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common birth defects. Studies in animal models and humans have indicated a genetic etiology for CHD. About 400 genes have been implicated in CHD, encompassing transcription factors, cell signaling molecules, and structural proteins that are important for heart development. Recent studies have shown genes encoding chromatin modifiers, cilia related proteins, and cilia-transduced cell signaling pathways play important roles in CHD pathogenesis. Elucidating the genetic etiology of CHD will help improve diagnosis and the development of new therapies to improve patient outcomes.
Thermal Inactivation of a Cold-Active Esterase PMGL3 Isolated from the Permafrost Metagenomic Library
Authors: Kryukova M.V. , Petrovskaya L.E. , Kryukova E.A. , Lomakina G.Yu. , Yakimov S.A. , Maksimov E.G. , Boyko K.M. , Popov V.O. , Dolgikh D.A. , Kirpichnikov M.P.
Published: December 2019

PMGL3 is a cold-adapted esterase which was recently isolated from the permafrost metagenomic library. It exhibits maximum activity at 30 °C and low stability at elevated temperatures (40 °C and higher). Sequence alignment has revealed that PMGL3 is a member of the hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) family. In this work, we demonstrated that incubation at 40 °C led to the inactivation of the enzyme (t1/2 = 36 min), which was accompanied by the formation of tetramers and higher molecular weight aggregates. In order to increase the thermal stability of PMGL3, its two cysteines Cys49 and Cys207 were substituted by the hydrophobic residues, which are found at the corresponding positions of thermostable esterases from the HSL family. One of the obtained mutants, C207F, possessed improved stability at 40 °C (t1/2 = 169 min) and increased surface hydrophobicity, whereas C49V was less stable in comparison with the wild type PMGL3. Both mutants exhibited reduced values of Vmax and kcat, while C207F demonstrated increased affinity to the substrate, and improved catalytic efficiency.
Cremophor EL Nano-Emulsion Monomerizes Chlorophyll a in Water Medium
Authors: Janik-Zabrotowicz Ewa , Arczewska Marta , Zubik Monika , Terpilowski Konrad , Skrzypek Tomasz H. , Swietlicka Izabela , Gagos Mariusz
Published: December 2019

In this paper, the application of a non-ionic detergent Cremophor EL for monomerization of chlorophyll a in an aqueous medium is studied. The spectrophotometric properties of chlorophyll a encapsulated into the Cremophor EL nano-emulsion system were characterized by electronic absorption, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence as well as circular dichroism spectroscopy. The results have shown that chlorophyll a dissolves more efficiently in the aqueous medium containing low-level Cremophor (5 wt%) than at an ethanolic solution even in the concentration of 10−4 M. The molecular organization of the chlorophyll a in the Cremophor EL nano-micelles was also investigated by means of Raman spectroscopy. The spectral changes in the frequency of the C=O stretching group were used to distinguish the aggregation state of chlorophyll. It was revealed that chlorophyll a exists dominantly in the monomeric form in the Cremophor EL aqueous solution. The promising aspect of the use of Cremophor EL nano-emulsion as a delivery system is to maintain stable chlorophyll monomer in an aqueous medium. It would open the potential for a new, practical application of chlorophyll a in medicine, as a dietary supplement or studies on molecular organization of chlorophyll a in the well-defined artificial system.
Liver Cancer: Current and Future Trends Using Biomaterials
Authors: Chew Sue Anne , Moscato Stefania , George Sachin , Azimi Bahareh , Danti Serena
Published: December 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common type of cancer diagnosed and the second leading cause of death worldwide. Despite advancement in current treatments for HCC, the prognosis for this cancer is still unfavorable. This comprehensive review article focuses on all the current technology that applies biomaterials to treat and study liver cancer, thus showing the versatility of biomaterials to be used as smart tools in this complex pathologic scenario. Specifically, after introducing the liver anatomy and pathology by focusing on the available treatments for HCC, this review summarizes the current biomaterial-based approaches for systemic delivery and implantable tools for locally administrating bioactive factors and provides a comprehensive discussion of the specific therapies and targeting agents to efficiently deliver those factors. This review also highlights the novel application of biomaterials to study HCC, which includes hydrogels and scaffolds to tissue engineer 3D in vitro models representative of the tumor environment. Such models will serve to better understand the tumor biology and investigate new therapies for HCC. Special focus is given to innovative approaches, e.g., combined delivery therapies, and to alternative approaches—e.g., cell capture—as promising future trends in the application of biomaterials to treat HCC.
Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) and Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF): The Diagnostic Value of Circulating MicroRNAs
Authors: Chen Yei-Tsung , Wong Lee Lee , Liew Oi Wah , Richards Arthur Mark
Published: December 2019

Circulating microRNAs offer attractive potential as epigenetic disease biomarkers by virtue of their biological stability and ready accessibility in liquid biopsies. Numerous clinical cohort studies have revealed unique microRNA profiles in different disease settings, suggesting utility as markers with diagnostic and prognostic applications. Given the complex network of microRNA functions in modulating gene expression and post-transcriptional modifications, the circulating microRNA landscape in disease may reflect pathophysiological status, providing valuable information for delineating distinct subtypes and/or stages of complex diseases. Heart failure (HF) is an increasingly significant global health challenge, imposing major economic liability and health care burden due to high hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality rates. Although HF is defined as a syndrome characterized by symptoms and findings on physical examination, it may be further differentiated based on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and categorized as HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The presenting clinical syndromes in HFpEF and HFrEF are similar but mortality differs, being somewhat lower in HFpEF than in HFrEF. However, while HFrEF is responsive to an array of therapies, none has been shown to improve survival in HFpEF. Herein, we review recent HF cohort studies focusing on the distinct microRNA profiles associated with HF subtypes to reveal new insights to underlying mechanisms and explore the possibility of exploiting these differences for diagnostic/prognostic applications.
Progress in Electrochemical (Bio)Sensors for Monitoring Wine Production
Authors: Vasilescu Alina , Fanjul-Bolado Pablo , Titoiu Ana-Maria , Porumb Roxana , Epure Petru
Published: December 2019

Electrochemical sensors and biosensors have been proposed as fast and cost effective analytical tools, meeting the robustness and performance requirements for industrial process monitoring. In wine production, electrochemical biosensors have proven useful for monitoring critical parameters related to alcoholic fermentation (AF), malolactic fermentation (MLF), determining the impact of the various technological steps and treatments on wine quality, or assessing the differences due to wine age, grape variety, vineyard or geographical region. This review summarizes the current information on the voltamperometric biosensors developed for monitoring wine production with a focus on sensing concepts tested in industry-like settings and on the main quality parameters such as glucose, alcohol, malic and lactic acids, phenolic compounds and allergens. Recent progress featuring nanomaterial-enabled enhancement of sensor performance and applications based on screen-printed electrodes is emphasized. A case study presents the monitoring of alcoholic fermentation based on commercial biosensors adapted with minimal method development for the detection of glucose and phenolic compounds in wine and included in an automated monitoring system. The current challenges and perspectives for the wider application of electrochemical sensors in monitoring industrial processes such as wine production are discussed.
Tunable Plasmonic Resonances in TiN Nanorod Arrays
Authors: Jen Yi-Jun , Chan Teh-Li , Liao Bo-Huei , Li Zheng-Xing , Liu Wei-Chen , Cong Ming-Yang
Published: December 2019

In this work, titanium nitride (TiN) nanorod arrays were fabricated using glancing angle deposition in a magnetron sputtering system. The deposition parameters, including the bias on the substrate and the flow rate of nitrogen, were varied to deposit various TiN nanorod arrays. Before glancing angle deposition was conducted, uniform TiN films were deposited and their permittivity spectra, for various deposition parameters, were obtained. The effect of the deposition parameters on the morphology of the nanorods is analyzed here. The polarization-dependent extinctance spectra of TiN nanorod arrays were measured and compared. Extinction, which corresponds to the longitudinal mode of localized surface plasmon resonance, can be significantly changed by tuning the N2 flow rate and substrate bias voltage during deposition.
Influence of Sealing Treatment on the Corrosion Resistance of PEO Coated Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Alloy in Various Environments
Authors: Zeng Diping , Liu Zhiyi , Bai Song , Wang Jian
Published: December 2019

In the present work, a coating was prepared on an Al alloy substrate by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO). To seal the micro defects in the oxide scale, a siloxane layer was prepared on the PEO coating by sol gel method. The polymer sealant was synthesized from Tetraethoxy silane (TEOS) and methacryloxy propyl trimethoxyl silane (MPTES). The chemical structure of the polymer was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The morphologies and microstructure of the PEO coating and siloxane coating were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that siloxane formed a continuous layer on the surface and effectively sealed the micro defects. The corrosion behavior of the coatings in three different corrosion solutions (NaCl, HCl, and NaOH) was examined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization. The corrosion resistance of the sealed coatings was superior to that of the PEO coating because it prevented the penetration of corrosive solutions. The corrosion resistance of the sealed coatings was found to decrease with increasing electrolyte concentration. The work demonstrated that siloxane sealing may greatly enhance the corrosion resistance of Al-based PEO coating in acidic, neutral, and alkaline environments.
Localized Conical Edge Modes in Optics of Spiral Media (First Diffraction Order)
Authors: Belyakov V. A.
Published: December 2019

In cholesteric liquid crystals (CLC) problems related to the localized optical modes for a non-collinear geometry are studied here in the two wave dynamic diffraction theory approximation. This approximation, which insures the results accuracy order of δ (where δ is the CLC dielectric anisotropy), is applied because for a non-collinear geometry there is no exact analytic solution of the Maxwell equations and a theoretical description of the experimental data becomes more complicated. The dispersion equation for non-collinear localized edge modes (called conical modes (CEM)) is found and analytically solved for the case of thick layers and for this case the lasing threshold and the conditions of the anomalously strong absorption effect are found. It is shown that qualitatively CEMs are very similar to the localized edge modes (EM) in CLCs related to a collinear geometry, i.e., for the case of light propagation along the spiral axis however the CEMs differ by their polarization properties (the CEM eigen polarizations are elliptical ones depending on the degree of CEM deviation from the collinear geometry in contrast to the circular eigen polarizations in the EM case). What is concerned of the CEM quantitative values of the parameters they are “worth” (the photonic effects are not so pronounced) than for the corresponding ones for EM. The CEM lasing threshold is higher than the one for EM, etc. Performed theoretical studies of possible conversion of EMs into CEMs showed that it can be due to the EM reflection at dielectric boundaries at the conditions of a high pumping wave focusing. Known experimental results on the CEM are discussed and optimal conditions for CEM observations are formulated.
Modeling Regulatory Threshold Levels for Pesticides in Surface Waters from Effect Databases
Authors: Petschick Lara , Bub Sascha , Wolfram Jakob , Stehle Sebastian , Schulz Ralf
Published: December 2019

Regulatory threshold levels (RTL) represent robust benchmarks for assessing risks of pesticides, e.g., in surface waters. However, comprehensive scientific risk evaluations comparing RTL to measured environmental concentrations (MEC) of pesticides in surface waters were yet restricted to a low number of pesticides, as RTL are only available after extensive review of regulatory documents. Thus, the aim of the present study was to model RTL equivalents (RTLe) for aquatic organisms from publicly accessible ecotoxicological effect databases. We developed a model that applies validity criteria in accordance with official US EPA review guidelines and validated the model against a set of manually retrieved RTL (n = 49). Model application yielded 1283 RTLe (n = 676 for pesticides, plus 607 additional RTLe for other use types). In a case study, the usability of RTLe was demonstrated for a set of 27 insecticides by comparing RTLe and RTL exceedance rates for 3001 MEC from US surface waters. The provided dataset enables thorough risk assessments of surface water exposure data for a comprehensive number of substances. Especially regions without established pesticide regulations may benefit from this dataset by using it as a baseline information for pesticide risk assessment and for the identification of priority substances or potential high-risk regions.
Survey on Electromagnetic Interference in Weather Radars in Northwestern Italy
Authors: Vaccarono Mattia , Chandrasekar Chandra V. , Bechini Renzo , Cremonini Roberto
Published: December 2019

Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) is one of the main issues in weather radar community. Data quality and post-processing algorithm, such as quantitative precipitation estimation and hydrometeor classification, are often affected by interferences. C-band radars share their operational frequency band with Radio Local Area Network (RLAN) and Wireless Area Network (WLAN), which may cause harmful interferences in radar systems. Nowadays, in northwestern Italy, the X-band weather radar managed by Arpa Piemonte is also receiving interfering signals. This work aims to introduce the RFIs phenomena affecting both C-band and X-band weather radars in Piemonte region, Italy. A preliminary method to detect the interfering sources at C-band is discussed, cross-checking data available in the regional database of electromagnetic sources and in-field measurements. A six-day measurement campaign was performed using the X-band radar as receiving antenna to collect an extensive dataset of interfering signals. The polarimetric features of the acquired RFI dataset are presented. The X-band RFIs show a day–night pattern, likely caused by human-related activities. The growth of wireless telecommunication systems, such as HiperLAN in northwestern Italy, and the continuous demand of electromagnetic spectrum portions make the understanding of electromagnetic interferences in weather radars the primary concern to ensure the data quality.
Carbon Cycles of Forest Ecosystems in a Typical Climate Transition Zone under Future Climate Change: A Case Study of Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Liang Siqi , Peng Shouzhang , Chen Yunming
Published: December 2019

As global climate change has a large effect on the carbon cycle of forests, it is very important to understand how forests in climate transition regions respond to climate change. Specifically, the LPJ-GUESS (Lund-Potsdam-Jena General Ecosystem Simulator) model was used to simulate net ecosystem productivity (NEP) and soil heterotrophic respiration (Rh) dynamics of two forest ecosystems of different origins between 1951 and 2100, to quantitatively analyze the carbon source and sink functions and potential changes in soil carbon dynamics in arid and humid regions under future climate change, simulate the dynamics of forest net primary productivity (NPP) under different climatic factors, and analyze the sensitivity of forests in arid and humid regions to temperature, precipitation, and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration. We found that: (1) in both the historical and future periods, the average NEP of both studied forests in the humid region was larger than that in the arid region, the carbon sink function of the humid region being predicted to become stronger and the arid zone possibly becoming a carbon source; (2) between 1951 and 2100, the forest soil Rh in the arid region was lower than that in the humid region and under future climate change, forest in the humid region may have higher soil carbon loss; (3) increasing temperature had a negative effect and CO2 concentration had a positive effect on the forests in the study area, and forests in arid areas are more sensitive to precipitation change. We believe our research could be applied to help policy makers in planning sustainable forest management under future climate change.
Preliminary Characterization of Yeasts from Bombino Bianco, a Grape Variety of Apulian Region, and Selection of an Isolate as a Potential Starter
Authors: Speranza Barbara , Campaniello Daniela , Petruzzi Leonardo , Sinigaglia Milena , Corbo Maria Rosaria , Bevilacqua Antonio
Published: December 2019

Eighty-seven yeasts were isolated from Bombino bianco, a white grape variety from Apulian Region (Southern Italy). The isolates were characterized for the splitting of arbutin, the hydrolysis of pectins, sulphite production, the resistance to acetic acid, SO2, and ethanol. An enhanced arbutin splitting (β-glucosidase) and a moderate pectolytic activity were found. Concerning ethanol resistance, the most of yeast population showed a low-to-moderate resistance, but some isolates, identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, were able to grow in presence of 15% v/v of ethanol. Four isolates were selected (coded as 43D, 44D, 45D, and 46D), studied for their ability to decarboxylate amino acids and used in small-scale fermentation trial; for this last experiment a reference strain was used (S. cerevisiae EC1118). This experiment suggested the existence of an isolate (S. cerevisiae 46D) with interesting traits and performances, which could be potentially proposed as a starter for Bombino bianco.
Effect of Hydrocolloid Gums on the Pasting, Thermal, Rheological and Textural Properties of Chickpea Starch
Authors: Shahzad Syed Ali , Hussain Shahzad , Mohamed Abdellatif A. , Alamri Mohamed S. , Ibraheem Mohamed A. , Qasem Akram A. Abdo
Published: December 2019

The study was planned to evaluate the effect of non-commercial gums as compared to commercial gums. The concentration dependent effect of two commercial (arabic, xanthan) and four non-commercial (cress seed, fenugreek, flaxseed, okra) polysaccharide gums on the pasting, rheological, textural and thermal properties of chickpea were investigated by rapid visco analyzer (RVA), hybrid rheometer, texture analyzer and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Blends were prepared by replacing chickpea starch at 0.5% and 2.0% with gums, whereas native chickpea starch was used as a control. RVA data showed that peak and final viscosities were dramatically increased with xanthan contrary to reduction with gum arabic, flaxseed and okra gums. Hybrid rheometer displayed that storage and loss moduli were increased as a function of angular frequency and dominance of elastic properties over viscous ones. Xanthan blend was less temperature dependent due to dramatic decrease in activation energy value as compared to control while other gums were more temperature dependent. The magnitude of this effect was reliant on the type and concentration of gum. After storage for 21 days at −20 °C, total syneresis was reduced with the incorporation of xanthan and cress seed and also with high levels of gum arabic, flaxseed and fenugreek gums. The gel hardness was increased after overnight storage at ambient temperature (23 °C) with fenugreek while reduction in hardness was observed with xanthan, flaxseed and okra gums. The presence of gums resulted in significantly higher onset and peak temperatures determined through differential scanning calorimetry.
The Positive Impact of Task Familiarity, Risk Propensity, and Need For Cognition on Observed Timing Decisions in a Security Game
Authors: Reitter David , Grossklags Jens
Published: December 2019

This paper addresses the role of personality characteristics in decisions on the timing of an action, such as in the context of security and safety choices. Examples of such decisions include when to check log files for intruders and when to monitor financial accounts for fraud or errors. Two behavioral studies (n = 461) are conducted. Individual risk propensity and need for cognition are obtained via scales. The task is a game against an opaque computer opponent in which participants make decisions about the timing of actions in response to an unknown external risk factor. The task is not payoff-neutral w.r.t. risk. Difficulty is varied through the availability of explicitly given or decision-critical information, which is observable visually (Study 1) or in temporal memory (Study 2). Across this problem space, we find that risk propensity is not generally a hindrance in timing tasks. Participants of average risk propensity generally benefit from a high need for cognition, particularly when externalized memory is available, as in Study 1. In the more difficult temporal-estimation task, need for cognition was associated with increased payoffs from task experience. In both tasks, higher risk propensity in participants was associated with increased improvements in payoffs from task experience.
Increased Overall Mortality Even after Risk Reducing Surgery for BRCA-Positive Women in Western Sweden
Authors: Öfverholm Anna , Einbeigi Zakaria , Wigermo Antonia , Holmberg Erik , Karsson Per
Published: December 2019

Women with BRCA variants have a high lifetime risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the standard incidence ratios (SIR) for breast and ovarian cancer and standard mortality ratios (SMR) in a population-based cohort of women in Western Sweden, under surveillance and after risk reducing surgery. Women who tested positive for a BRCA variant between 1995–2016 (n = 489) were prospectively registered and followed up for cancer incidence, risk reducing surgery and mortality. The Swedish Cancer Register was used to compare breast and ovarian cancer incidence and mortality with and without risk reducing surgery for women with BRCA variants in comparison to women in the general population. SIR for breast cancer under surveillance until risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) was 14.0 (95% CI 9.42–20.7) and decreased to 1.93 (95% CI 0.48–7.7) after RRM. The SIR for ovarian cancer was 124.6 (95% CI 59.4–261.3) under surveillance until risk reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) and decreased to 13.5 (95% CI 4.34–41.8) after RRSO. The SMR under surveillance before any risk reducing surgery was 5.56 (95% 2.09–14.8) and after both RRM and RRSO 4.32 (95% CI 1.62–11.5). Women with cancer diagnoses from the pathology report after risk reducing surgery were excluded from the analyses. Risk reducing surgery reduced the incidence of breast and ovarian cancer in women with BRCA variants. However, overall mortality was significantly increased in comparison to the women in the general population and remained elevated even after risk reducing surgery. These findings warrant further research regarding additional measures for these women.
Next Generation Sequencing Identifies Five Novel Mutations in Lebanese Patients with Bardet–Biedl and Usher Syndromes
Authors: Jaffal Lama , Joumaa Wissam H , Assi Alexandre , Helou Charles , Cherfan George , Zibara Kazem , Audo Isabelle , Zeitz Christina , El Shamieh Said
Published: December 2019

Aim: To identify disease-causing mutations in four Lebanese families: three families with Bardet–Biedl and one family with Usher syndrome (BBS and USH respectively), using next generation sequencing (NGS). Methods: We applied targeted NGS in two families and whole exome sequencing (WES) in two other families. Pathogenicity of candidate mutations was evaluated according to frequency, conservation, in silico prediction tools, segregation with disease, and compatibility with inheritance pattern. The presence of pathogenic variants was confirmed via Sanger sequencing followed by segregation analysis. Results: Most likely disease-causing mutations were identified in all included patients. In BBS patients, we found (M1): c.2258A > T, p. (Glu753Val) in BBS9, (M2): c.68T > C; p. (Leu23Pro) in ARL6, (M3): c.265_266delTT; p. (Leu89Valfs*11) and (M4): c.880T > G; p. (Tyr294Asp) in BBS12. A previously known variant (M5): c.551A > G; p. (Asp184Ser) was also detected in BBS5. In the USH patient, we found (M6): c.188A > C, p. (Tyr63Ser) in CLRN1. M2, M3, M4, and M6 were novel. All of the candidate mutations were shown to be likely disease-causing through our bioinformatic analysis. They also segregated with the corresponding phenotype in available family members. Conclusion: This study expanded the mutational spectrum and showed the genetic diversity of BBS and USH. It also spotlighted the efficiency of NGS techniques in revealing mutations underlying clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders.
A Novel Arsenate-Resistant Determinant Associated with ICEpMERPH, a Member of the SXT/R391 Group of Mobile Genetic Elements
Authors: Ryan Michael P. , Slattery Shannon , Pembroke J. Tony
Published: December 2019

ICEpMERPH, the first integrative conjugative element (ICE) of the SXT/R391 family isolated in the United Kingdom and Europe, was analyzed to determine the nature of its adaptive functions, its genetic structure, and its homology to related elements normally found in pathogenic Vibrio or Proteus species. Whole genome sequencing of Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolate K802 (which contains the ICEpMERPH) was carried out using Illumina sequencing technology. ICEpMERPH has a size of 110 Kb and 112 putative open reading frames (ORFs). The “hotspot regions” of the element were found to contain putative restriction digestion systems, insertion sequences, and heavy metal resistance genes that encoded resistance to mercury, as previously reported, but also surprisingly to arsenate. A novel arsenate resistance system was identified in hotspot 4 of the element, unrelated to other SXT/R391 elements. This arsenate resistance system was potentially linked to two genes: orf69, encoding an organoarsenical efflux major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporter-like protein related to ArsJ, and orf70, encoding nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Phenotypic analysis using isogenic strains of Escherichia coli strain AB1157 with and without the ICEpMERPH revealed resistance to low levels of arsenate in the range of 1–5 mM. This novel, low-level resistance may have an important adaptive function in polluted environments, which often contain low levels of arsenate contamination. A bioinformatic analysis on the novel determinant and the phylogeny of ICEpMERPH was presented.
Extended Cleavage Specificities of Rabbit and Guinea Pig Mast Cell Chymases: Two Highly Specific Leu-Ases
Authors: Zhongwei Yuan , Akula Srinivas , Fu Zhirong , de Garavilla Lawrence , Kervinen Jukka , Thorpe Michael , Hellman Lars
Published: December 2019

Serine proteases constitute the major protein content of mast cell (MC) secretory granules. These proteases can generally be subdivided into chymases and tryptases based on their primary cleavage specificity. Here, we presented the extended cleavage specificities of a rabbit β-chymase and a guinea pig α-chymase. Analyses by phage display screening and a panel of recombinant substrates showed a marked similarity in catalytic activity between the enzymes, both being strict Leu-ases (cleaving on the carboxyl side of Leu). Amino acid sequence alignment of a panel of mammalian chymotryptic MC proteases and 3D structural modeling identified an unusual residue in the rabbit enzyme at position 216 (Thr instead of more common Gly), which is most likely critical for the Leu-ase specificity. Almost all mammals studied, except rabbit and guinea pig, express classical chymotryptic enzymes with similarly extended specificities, indicating an important role of chymase in MC biology. The rabbit and guinea pig are the only two mammalian species currently known to lack a classical MC chymase. Key questions are now how this major difference affects their MC function, and if genes of other loci can rescue the loss of a chymotryptic activity in MCs of these two species.
Cancer Cell-Derived Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Is Dispensable for the Progression of 4T1 Murine Breast Cancer
Authors: Yoshimura Teizo , Nakamura Kaoru , Li Chunning , Fujisawa Masayoshi , Shiina Tsuyoshi , Imamura Mayu , Li Tiantian , Mukaida Naofumi , Matsukawa Akihiro
Published: December 2019

We previously reported that 4T1 murine breast cancer cells produce GM-CSF that up-regulates macrophage expression of several cancer promoting genes, including Mcp-1/Ccl2, Ccl17 and Rankl, suggesting a critical role of cancer cell-derived GM-CSF in cancer progression. Here, we attempted to define whether 4T1 cell-derived GM-CSF contributes to the expression of these genes by 4T1tumors, and their subsequent progression. Intraperitoneal injection of anti-GM-CSF neutralizing antibody did not decrease the expression of Mcp-1, Ccl17 or Rankl mRNA by 4T1 tumors. To further examine the role of cancer cell-derived GM-CSF, we generated GM-CSF-deficient 4T1 cells by using the Crisper-Cas9 system. As previously demonstrated, 4T1 cells are a mixture of cells and cloning of cells by itself significantly reduced tumor growth and lung metastasis. By contrast, GM-CSF-deficiency did not affect tumor growth, lung metastasis or the expression of these chemokine and cytokine genes in tumor tissues. By in-situ hybridization, the expression of Mcp-1 mRNA was detected in both F4/80-expressing and non-expressing cells in tumors of GM-CSF-deficient cells. These results indicate that cancer cell-derived GM-CSF is dispensable for the tuning of the 4T1 tumor microenvironment and the production of MCP-1, CCL17 or RANKL in the 4T1 tumor microenvironment is likely regulated by redundant mechanisms.
Origin of Pumice in Sediments from the Middle Okinawa Trough: Constraints from Whole-Rock Geochemical Compositions and Sr-Nd-Pb Isotopes
Authors: Fang Xue , Zeng Zhigang , Hu Siyi , Li Xiaohui , Chen Zuxing , Chen Shuai , Zhu Bowen
Published: December 2019

Frequent volcanic activity has occurred in the Okinawa Trough (OT) during the late Quaternary, which attracted much attention to the origin of volcanic rocks. Pumice collected from the seafloor has been extensively investigated, whereas few studies paid attention to the pumice in the sediment. The geochemical compositions of pumice preserved in sediments generally provide insight into past volcanic activity and regional magmatism. Here, we present major and trace element compositions and Sr-Nd-Pb isotope data, together with the established age framework for pumice samples recovered from sediment core S9 in the middle OT (MOT) to investigate their possible formation. Compositionally, the S9 pumice samples are dacite and are characterized by relatively higher Sr (87Sr/86Sr = 0.70480–0.70502) and Pb (206Pb/204Pb = 18.321-18.436, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.622–15.624, and 208Pb/204Pb = 38.52–38.63) and lower Nd (143Nd/144Nd = 0.51272–0.51274) isotope compositions than basalts from the MOT. The geochemical compositions of pumice clasts from different layers of core S9 display no temporal variation trends and vary within narrow ranges. On the basis of the geochemical characteristics of S9 pumice samples, we infer that the parent magma of these samples might generate from hybrid magma through an extensive fractional crystallization process. The Indian Ocean MORB-type mantle was first metasomatized by the subducted Philippine Sea sediments to form the primitive magma; then, followed by assimilation of a small amount of lower crustal component occurred in the lower crust. The long-term magmatism and relatively consistent isotopic compositions indicate that a magma chamber might have existed in the lower crust of the MOT between 11.22 and 12.96 cal. ka BP.
Effect of Flow State of Pure Aluminum and A380 Alloy on Porosity of High Pressure Die Castings
Authors: Cao Hanxue , Wang Chengcheng , Che Junqi , Luo Ziwei , Wang Luhan , Xiao Lang , Wang Jing , Hu Tao
Published: December 2019

Air entrapment defects prevent the heat treatment from improving the mechanical properties of die castings, which limits the die casting of high-performance components. The flow pattern of the filling process is complicated and experimental analysis is difficult in thin-walled complex die castings. In this study, we constructed a shock absorption tower to observe in real-time the filling process of pure aluminum and A380 aluminum alloy at different fast injection speeds. The degree of breakup of pure aluminum was larger than that of A380 during the filling process, which caused the porosity of pure aluminum to be greater than that of the A380 at each observation position. Re-Oh diagrams explained the difference in porosity between the two metals. The porosity in different regions was closely related to the flow state of aluminum liquid. In addition to porosity measurements, we specifically analyzed the relationship between the porosity of the flowback zone, the final filling zone, and the near-tail zone of cylinder. At the same injection velocity, the porosity at flowback zone was greater than that at the final filling position, the porosity at final filling position was larger than that at the near-tail zone of cylinder, and the final filling position changed as the injection velocity changed.
Constructing Some Logical Algebras with Hoops
Authors: Kologani M. Aaly , Song Seok-Zun , Borzooei R. A. , Jun Young Bae
Published: December 2019

In any logical algebraic structures, by using of different kinds of filters, one can construct various kinds of other logical algebraic structures. With this inspirations, in this paper by considering a hoop algebra or a hoop, that is introduced by Bosbach, the notion of co-filter on hoops is introduced and related properties are investigated. Then by using of co-filter, a congruence relation on hoops is defined, and the associated quotient structure is studied. Thus Brouwerian semilattices, Heyting algebras, Wajsberg hoops, Hilbert algebras and BL-algebras are obtained.
Local Acoustic Fields Powered Assembly of Microparticles and Applications
Authors: Shen Hui , Zhao Kangdong , Wang Zhiwen , Xu Xiaoyu , Lu Jiayu , Liu Wenjuan , Lu Xiaolong
Published: December 2019

Controllable assembly in nano-/microscale holds considerable promise for bioengineering, intracellular manipulation, diagnostic sensing, and biomedical applications. However, up to now, micro-/nanoscopic assembly methods are severely limited by the fabrication materials, as well as energy sources to achieve the effective propulsion. In particular, reproductive manipulation and customized structure is quite essential for assemblies to accomplish a variety of on-demand tasks at small scales. Here, we present an attractive assembly strategy to collect microparticles, based on local acoustic forces nearby microstructures. The micro-manipulation chip is built based on an enhanced acoustic field, which could tightly trap microparticles to the boundaries of the microstructure by tuning the applied driving frequency and voltage. Numerical simulations and experimental demonstrations illustrate that the capturing and assembly of microparticles is closely related to the size of particles, owing to the vibration-induced locally enhanced acoustic field and resultant propulsion force. This acoustic assembly strategy can open extensive opportunities for lab-on-chip systems, microfactories, and micro-manipulators, among others.
Comparison of Four Commercial Screening Assays for the Detection of blaKPC, blaNDM, blaIMP, blaVIM, and blaOXA48 in Rectal Secretion Collected by Swabs
Authors: Del Bianco Francesca , Morotti Manuela , Zannoli Silvia , Dirani Giorgio , Fantini Michela , Pedna Maria Federica , Farabegoli Patrizia , Sambri Vittorio
Published: December 2019

The spread of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) has been enabled by the lack of control measures directed at carriers of multidrug-resistant organisms in healthcare settings. Screening patients for asymptomatic colonization on the one hand, and implementation of contact precautions on the other hand, reduces patient-to-patient transmission. Screening plates represents a relatively low-cost method for isolating CRE from rectal swabs; however, molecular assays have become widely available. This study compared the performance of four commercial molecular platforms in detecting clinically significant carbapenemase genes versus routine screening for CRE. A total of 1015 non-duplicated rectal swabs were cultured on a chromogenic carbapenem-resistant selective medium. All growing Enterobacteriaceae strains were tested for carbapenemase-related genes. The same specimens were processed using the following molecular assays: Allplex™ Entero-DR, Amplidiag® CarbaR + MCR, AusDiagnostics MT CRE EU, and EasyScreen™ ESBL/CPO. The prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing Enterobacteriaceae detected by swab culture was 2.2%, while organisms producing oxacillinase (OXA)-48 and metallo-β-lactamases were infrequent. The cost of CRE-related infection control precautions, which must be kept in place while waiting for screening results, are significant, so the molecular tests could become cost-competitive, especially when the turnaround time is decreased dramatically. Molecular assays represent a powerful diagnostic tool as they allow the rapid detection of the most clinically relevant carbapenemases.
Neuroprotective Effect of CR-777, a Glutathione Derivative of Withaferin A, Obtained through the Bioconversion of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal Extract by the Fungus Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Rabhi Chérif , Arcile Guillaume , Le Goff Géraldine , Da Costa Noble Christian , Ouazzani Jamal
Published: December 2019

The bioconversion of Withania somnifera extract by the fungus Beauveria bassiana leads to cysteine and glutathione derivatives of withaferin A at the C-6 position. The compounds were purified and fully characterized by 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR, and HRMS analysis. The glutathione derivative CR-777 was evaluated as a neuroprotective agent from damage caused by different neurotoxins mimicking molecular symptoms in Parkinson´s disease (PD), including 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), and α-synuclein (α-Syn). CR-777, at nanomolar concentrations, protected dopaminergic and cortical neurons. In 6-OHDA-treated neurons, CR-777 increased cell survival and neurite network and decreased the expression of α-Syn. Using specific inhibitors of cell toxicity signaling pathways and specific staining experiments, the observed role of CR-777 seemed to involve the PI3K/mTOR pathway. CR-777 could be considered as a protective agent against a large panel of neuronal stressors and was engaged in further therapeutic development steps.
Highly Efficient Aggregation-Induced Room-Temperature Phosphorescence with Extremely Large Stokes Shift Emitted from Trinuclear Gold(I) Complex Crystals
Authors: Tsutsumi Osamu , Tamaru Masakazu , Nakasato Hitoya , Shimai Shingo , Panthai Supattra , Kuroda Yuki , Yamaguchi Kenta , Fujisawa Kaori , Hisano Kyohei
Published: December 2019

Highly efficient (≈75% quantum yield), aggregation-induced phosphorescence is reported. The phosphorescence is emitted at room temperature and in the presence of air from crystals of trinuclear Au(I) complexes, accompanied by an extremely large Stokes shift of 2.2 × 104 cm−1 (450 nm). The mechanism of the aggregation-induced room-temperature phosphorescence from the Au complex crystals was investigated in terms of the crystal packing structure and the primary structure of the molecules. It was found that two kinds of intermolecular interactions occurred in the crystals, and that these multiple dual-mode intermolecular interactions in the crystals play a crucial role in the in-air room-temperature phosphorescence of the trinuclear Au(I) complexes.
Extraction and Determination of Polar Bioactive Compounds from Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Using Supercritical Techniques
Authors: Wrona Olga , Rafińska Katarzyna , Walczak-Skierska Justyna , Możeński Cezary , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: December 2019

The aim of this research was to select parameters for supercritical extraction with CO2 of Medicago sativa L., considered as functional food, in quarter-technical plant, providing the highest concentration of bioactive polar constituents and simultaneously maintaining the highest efficiency of the process. For the purpose of optimization, mathematical statistics was used. Qualitative analysis of products was performed with supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). The SFC analysis revealed a proper separation of flavonoids and phenolics acids for dedicated TFC and TPC optimal parameters. The obtained results have proved that it is a possibility to extract polar compounds with non-polar solvent under higher values of pressure and temperature and to enrich product with desired group of bioactive compounds with proper optimization. The proposed extraction technique allows to obtain on an industrial scale, using an environmentally friendly solvent, a preparation rich in biologically active nutrients that can be implemented in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical and food industries.