bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climates of Change: A Tuatara’s-Eye View
Authors: Boswell Anna
Published: May 2020

The tuatara or New Zealand “spiny-backed lizard” (Sphenodon punctatus) is the sole surviving member of an order of reptiles that pre-dates the dinosaurs. Among its characteristics and peculiarities, the tuatara is renowned for being slow-breathing and long-lived; it possesses a third eye on the top of its skull for sensing ultraviolet light; and the sex of its progeny is determined by soil temperatures. This article unravels a tuatara’s-eye view of climate change, considering this creature’s survival across geological epochs, its indigenous lineage and its sensitivities to the fast-shifting conditions of the Anthropocene. This article examines the tuatara’s evolving role as an icon of biodiversity-under-threat and the evolving role of zoos and sanctuaries as explicators of climate change, forestallers of extinction, and implementers of the reproductive interventions that are increasingly required to secure the future of climate-vulnerable species. It is also interested in the tuatara as a witness to the rapid and ongoing human-wrought climate change which has secured the lifeworld reconstruction that is foundational to the settler colonial enterprise in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Linking this to the Waitangi Tribunal’s Wai 262 report (Ko Aotearoa Tēnei, 2011), the article considers what the tuatara teaches about kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and climates of change.
Microbiota and Human Reproduction: The Case of Female Infertility
Authors: Tomaiuolo Rossella , Veneruso Iolanda , Cariati Federica , D’Argenio Valeria
Published: May 2020

During the last decade, the availability of next-generation sequencing-based approaches has revealed the presence of microbial communities in almost all the human body, including the reproductive tract. As for other body sites, this resident microbiota has been involved in the maintenance of a healthy status. As a consequence, alterations due to internal or external factors may lead to microbial dysbiosis and to the development of pathologies. Female reproductive microbiota has also been suggested to affect infertility, and it may play a key role in the success of assisted reproductive technologies, such as embryo implantation and pregnancy care. While the vaginal microbiota is well described, the uterine microbiota is underexplored. This could be due to technical issues, as the uterus is a low biomass environment. Here, we review the state of the art regarding the role of the female reproductive system microbiota in women’s health and human reproduction, highlighting its contribution to infertility.
Climate Change Study via the Centennial Trend of Climate Factors
Authors: Kachouie Nezamoddin N. , Onyejekwe Osita E.
Published: May 2020

Background: The purpose of this work is to discover underlying trends of climate factors, identify their peaks and inflection points between 1880 and 2017, and study their response to climate change. Five climate factors including Land Temperature, Sea Surface Temperature, Temperature Over Land Plus Ocean, Carbon Dioxide concentration, and Northern Hemisphere Sea Ice Extent are studied in this paper. Methods: First, the kernel regression is applied to smooth and recover underlying trends of the climate factors between 1880 and 2017. To characterize temporal changes in the global climate via climate factors, peaks and inflection points of each climate factor are located and identified. Results: Five climate factors are studied between 1880 and 2017. Despite locating multiple inflection points in the climate factors and indicating fluctuations in the weather patterns, it was observed that Land Temperature, Sea Surface Temperature, Temperature Over Land Plus Ocean, and Carbon Dioxide concentration have experienced consistent increasing trends since the mid 20 t h century. It was also observed that in response to climate change, the Northern Hemisphere Sea Ice Extent has experienced a consistent decreasing trend since the 1960s. Conclusion: An increasing trend was observed for four climate factors (all but Sea Ice Extent) since the early 1900s. Sea Ice Extent shows a consistent decreasing trend dropping to a new minimum, year after year. Among all factors, the Sea Surface Temperature shows a decreasing trend between the late 1800s and the early 1900s. It reaches its minimum in 1911 and has experienced an increasing trend since then. Our observations agree with the global heat content map during this time interval between 1880 and 2017. The heat content in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia shows an increasing trend since the late 1800s. It agrees with what was observed in the Land Temperature anomalies. In contrast, the heat content of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans shows a decreasing trend from the late 1800s to the early 1900s when its trend turns the course to an increasing trend.
Sensitivity of Nutrition Indicators to Measure the Impact of a Multi-Sectoral Intervention: Cross-Sectional, Household, and Individual Level Analysis
Authors: Marshak Anastasia , Young Helen , Radday Anne , Naumova Elena
Published: May 2020

Interventions tackling multiple drivers of child malnutrition have potential, yet the evidence is limited and draws on different analysis and nutrition outcomes, reducing comparability. To better understand the advantages and disadvantages of three different analytical approaches on seven common nutrition indicators, we use panel data (2012, 2014, 2015) on 1420 households from a randomized control study of a multi-sectoral intervention in Chad. We compare program impact using three types of analysis: a cross-sectional analysis of non-matched children; a panel analysis on longitudinal outcomes following the worst-off child in the household; and a panel analysis on longitudinal outcomes of matched children. We find that the sensitivity of the nutrition outcomes to program impact increases with each subsequent analytical approach, despite the reduction in sample size, as the analysis is able to control for more non-measured child and household characteristics. In the matched child panel analysis, the odds of a child being severely wasted were 76% lower (CI: 0.59–0.86, p = 0.001), the odds of being underweight were 33% lower (CI: 0.15–0.48, p = 0.012), and weight-for-height z-score was 0.19 standard deviations higher (CI: 0.09–0.28, p = 0.022) in the treatment versus control group. The study provides evidence for multi-sectoral interventions to tackle acute malnutrition and recommends the best practice analytical approach.
Glacial Lake Inventory Derived from Landsat 8 OLI in 2016–2018 in China–Pakistan Economic Corridor
Authors: Li Da , Shangguan Donghui , Anjum Muhammad Naveed
Published: May 2020

The China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key hub for trade, is susceptible to glacial lake outburst floods. The distributions and types of glacial lakes in the CPEC are not well documented. In this study, cloud-free imagery acquired using the Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager during 2016–2018 was used to delineate the extent of glacial lakes in the mountainous terrain of the CPEC. In the study domain, 1341 glacial lakes (size ≥ 0.01 km2) with a total area of 109.76 ± 9.82 km2 were delineated through the normalized difference water index threshold method, slope analysis, and a manual rectification process. On the basis of the formation mechanisms and characteristics of glacial lakes, four major classes and eight subclasses of lakes were identified. In all, 492 blocked lakes (162 end moraine-dammed lakes, 17 lateral moraine-dammed lakes, 312 other moraine-dammed lakes, and 1 ice-blocked lake), 723 erosion lakes (123 cirque lakes and 600 other erosion lakes), 86 supraglacial lakes, and 40 other glacial lakes were identified. All lakes were distributed between 2220 and 5119 m a.s.l. At higher latitudes, the predominate lake type changed from moraine-related to erosion. From among the Gez, Taxkorgan, Hunza, Gilgit, and Indus basins, most glacial lakes were located in the Indus Basin. The number and area of glacial lakes were larger on the southern slopes of the Karakoram range.
Evaluating Responses of Temperature Regulating Service to Landscape Pattern Based on ‘Source-Sink’ Theory
Authors: Ma Ruiming , Xie Miaomiao , Yun Wenju , Zhu Dehai
Published: May 2020

Thermal remote sensing provides a method to describe spatial heterogeneity of the “urban heat island” effect and to evaluate the function of temperature regulation. Rapid urbanization and heatwave events with increasing frequencies need a quantitative analysis on the supply and demand for an urban temperature regulating service, which is a gap in urban heat island (UHI) studies in rapidly urbanizing cities. In order to study the quantitative relationship between landscape metrics (including area index and shape index) and temperature regulating service, this study applied a temperature regulating service in an urban thermal environment study based on the “source–sink” landscape theory in western Shenzhen in different periods. The identification of source and sink landscapes is based on the spatial relationship of unusual surface features derived from Landsat-5 and -8 and the consideration of the temperature difference. We found that the source landscapes at different periods provide temperature regulating services for different distances, which directly lead to the difference between the theoretical service value based on the Alternative Cost Method and the actual service value considering demand, changing in the same trend. The results show that the supply distance of temperature regulating services in 2005, 2010, and 2013 is 150 m, 180 m, and 210 m, respectively. The temperature regulating service value is 3.043, 3.273, and 4.308 billion yuan in 2005, 2010, and 2013, which is lower than the estimation value without considering supply and demand (16.638, 23.728, and 37.495 billion yuan, respectively). The value of the temperature regulating service has a positive correlation with the increase of the patch area index. With the gradual complexity of the shape, the service value increases first and then decreases. Moreover, the landscapes with the smallest shape index and area index have the shortest distance for service supplying. The assessment of the temperature regulating service needs to consider the presence of demand landscapes. Furthermore, the interaction of landscapes under different conditions requires further consideration. The setting of the cooling landscape shape and area for mitigating the “urban heat island” effect can provide references to urban planners and policymakers in the practice of urban climate adaptation and regulation.
Location-Based Analyses for Electronic Monitoring of Parolees
Authors: Bicakci Yunus Serhat , Seker Dursun Zafer , Demirel Hande
Published: May 2020

This study analyses the spatio-temporal pattern of parolees using electronic monitoring, where the developed spatial framework supports the Environmental Criminology concepts such as crime patterns or crime attractive locations. A grid-based solution for spatio-temporal analyses is introduced to ensure the anonymity of the parolees. In order to test these developed concepts, the Istanbul Metropolitan Area was selected as the pilot study area. Following the developed concepts of the Crime Pattern Theory, a spatial framework was designed. A novel grid-based weighted algorithm for the most attractive areas was generated via spatial point-of-interest data and a conducted survey among police officers. The designed framework and the spatio-temporal analyses were carried out for 77 parolees using geostatistical methods. The major findings of the study are (a) 24-hour trajectories of each parolee was monitored; (b) the most attractive grids within the city were defined; and (c) for each parolee, the entrance time to the grid and the time spent within that grid were reported and analyzed. This study is a preliminary study for spatio-temporal detection of parolees’ trajectories, where location-based analyses serve well. This study aims to aid decision-makers to better monitor the parolees and justify the benefits of surveillance.
Fullerene Negative Ions: Formation and Catalysis
Authors: Felfli Zineb , Suggs Kelvin , Nicholas Nantambu , Msezane Alfred Z.
Published: May 2020

We first explore negative-ion formation in fullerenes C44 to C136 through low-energy electron elastic scattering total cross sections calculations using our Regge-pole methodology. Then, the formed negative ions C44ˉ to C136ˉ are used to investigate the catalysis of water oxidation to peroxide and water synthesis from H2 and O2. The exploited fundamental mechanism underlying negative-ion catalysis involves hydrogen bond strength-weakening/breaking in the transition state. Density Functional Theory transition state calculations found C60ˉ optimal for both water and peroxide synthesis, C100ˉ increases the energy barrier the most, and C136ˉ the most effective catalyst in both water synthesis and oxidation to H2O2.
Ischemic Heart Disease and Heart Failure: Role of Coronary Ion Channels
Authors: Severino Paolo , D’Amato Andrea , Pucci Mariateresa , Infusino Fabio , Birtolo Lucia Ilaria , Mariani Marco Valerio , Lavalle Carlo , Maestrini Viviana , Mancone Massimo , Fedele Francesco
Published: May 2020

Heart failure is a complex syndrome responsible for high rates of death and hospitalization. Ischemic heart disease is one of the most frequent causes of heart failure and it is normally attributed to coronary artery disease, defined by the presence of one or more obstructive plaques, which determine a reduced coronary blood flow, causing myocardial ischemia and consequent heart failure. However, coronary obstruction is only an element of a complex pathophysiological process that leads to myocardial ischemia. In the literature, attention paid to the role of microcirculation, in the pathophysiology of ischemic heart disease and heart failure, is growing. Coronary microvascular dysfunction determines an inability of coronary circulation to satisfy myocardial metabolic demands, due to the imbalance of coronary blood flow regulatory mechanisms, including ion channels, leading to the development of hypoxia, fibrosis and tissue death, which may determine a loss of myocardial function, even beyond the presence of atherosclerotic epicardial plaques. For this reason, ion channels may represent the link among coronary microvascular dysfunction, ischemic heart disease and consequent heart failure.
Autographivirinae Bacteriophage Arno 160 Infects Pectobacterium carotovorum via Depolymerization of the Bacterial O-Polysaccharide
Authors: Shneider Mikhail M. , Lukianova Anna A. , Evseev Peter V. , Shpirt Anna M. , Kabilov Marsel R. , Tokmakova Anna D. , Miroshnikov Kirill K. , Obraztsova Ekaterina A. , Baturina Olga A. , Shashkov Alexander S. , Ignatov Alexander N. , Knirel Yuriy A. , Miroshnikov Konstantin A.
Published: May 2020

Phytopathogenic bacteria belonging to the Pectobacterium and Dickeya genera (soft-rot Pectobacteriaceae) are in the focus of agriculture-related microbiology because of their diversity, their substantial negative impact on the production of potatoes and vegetables, and the prospects of bacteriophage applications for disease control. Because of numerous amendments in the taxonomy of P. carotovorum, there are still a few studied sequenced strains among this species. The present work reports on the isolation and characterization of the phage infectious to the type strain of P. carotovorum. The phage Arno 160 is a lytic Podovirus representing a potential new genus of the subfamily Autographivirinae. It recognizes O-polysaccahride of the host strain and depolymerizes it in the process of infection using a rhamnosidase hydrolytic mechanism. Despite the narrow host range of this phage, it is suitable for phage control application.
Two Festuca Species—F. arundinacea and F. glaucescens—Differ in the Molecular Response to Drought, While Their Physiological Response Is Similar
Authors: Lechowicz Katarzyna , Pawłowicz Izabela , Perlikowski Dawid , Arasimowicz-Jelonek Magdalena , Majka Joanna , Augustyniak Adam , Rapacz Marcin , Kosmala Arkadiusz
Published: May 2020

Impact of photosynthetic and antioxidant capacities on drought tolerance of two closely related forage grasses, Festuca arundinacea and Festuca glaucescens, was deciphered. Within each species, two genotypes distinct in drought tolerance were subjected to a short-term drought, followed by a subsequent re-watering. The studies were focused on: (i) analysis of plant physiological performance, including: water uptake, abscisic acid (ABA) content, membrane integrity, gas exchange, and relative water content in leaf tissue; (ii) analysis of plant photosynthetic capacity (chlorophyll fluorescence; gene expression, protein accumulation, and activity of selected enzymes of the Calvin cycle); and (iii) analysis of plant antioxidant capacity (reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation; gene expression, protein accumulation and activity of selected enzymes). Though, F. arundinacea and F. glaucescens revealed different strategies in water uptake, and partially also in ABA signaling, their physiological reactions to drought and further re-watering, were similar. On the other hand, performance of the Calvin cycle and antioxidant system differed between the analyzed species under drought and re-watering periods. A stable efficiency of the Calvin cycle in F. arundinacea was crucial to maintain a balanced network of ROS/redox signaling, and consequently drought tolerance. The antioxidant capacity influenced mostly tolerance to stress in F. glaucescens.
Fractalkine Regulates HEC-1A/JEG-3 Interaction by Influencing the Expression of Implantation-Related Genes in an In Vitro Co-Culture Model
Authors: Pap Ramóna , Montskó Gergely , Jánosa Gergely , Sipos Katalin , Kovács Gábor L. , Pandur Edina
Published: May 2020

Embryo implantation is a complex process regulated by a network of biological molecules. Recently, it has been described that fractalkine (CX3CL1, FKN) might have an important role in the feto–maternal interaction during gestation since the trophoblast cells express fractalkine receptor (CX3CR1) and the endometrium cells secrete fractalkine. CX3CR1 controls three major signalling pathways, PLC-PKC pathway, PI3K/AKT/NFκB pathway and Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathways regulating proliferation, growth, migration and apoptosis. In this study, we focused on the molecular mechanisms of FKN treatment influencing the expression of implantation-related genes in trophoblast cells (JEG-3) both in mono-and in co-culture models. Our results reveal that FKN acted in a concentration and time dependent manner on JEG-3 cells. FKN seemed to operate as a positive regulator of implantation via changing the action of progesterone receptor (PR), activin receptor and bone morphogenetic protein receptor (BMPR). FKN modified also the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 controlling invasion. The presence of HEC-1A endometrial cells in the co-culture contributed to the effect of fractalkine on JEG-3 cells regulating implantation. The results suggest that FKN may contribute to the successful attachment and implantation of embryo.
Whole Genome DNA Methylation Analysis of Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis Disease Identifies Novel Epigenotypes: PARP9/miR-505/RASGRP4/GNG12 Gene Methylation and Clinical Phenotypes
Authors: Chen Yung-Che , Hsiao Chang-Chun , Chen Ting-Wen , Wu Chao-Chien , Chao Tung-Ying , Leung Sum-Yee , Eng Hock-Liew , Lee Chiu-Ping , Wang Ting-Ya , Lin Meng-Chih
Published: May 2020

We hypothesized that DNA methylation patterns may contribute to the development of active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Illumina’s DNA methylation 450 K assay was used to identify differentially methylated loci (DML) in a discovery cohort of 12 active pulmonary TB patients and 6 healthy subjects (HS). DNA methylation levels were validated in an independent cohort of 64 TB patients and 24 HS. Microarray analysis identified 1028 DMLs in TB patients versus HS, and 3747 DMLs in TB patients after versus before anti-TB treatment, while autophagy was the most enriched signaling pathway. In the validation cohort, PARP9 and miR505 genes were hypomethylated in the TB patients versus HS, while RASGRP4 and GNG12 genes were hypermethylated, with the former two further hypomethylated in those with delayed sputum conversion, systemic symptoms, or far advanced lesions. MRPS18B and RPTOR genes were hypomethylated in TB patients with pleural involvement. RASGRP4 gene hypermethylation and RPTOR gene down-regulation were associated with high mycobacterial burden. TB patients with WIPI2/GNG12 hypermethylation or MRPS18B/FOXO3 hypomethylation had lower one-year survival. In vitro ESAT6 and CFP10 stimuli of THP-1 cells resulted in DNA de-methylation changes of the PARP9, RASGRP4, WIPI2, and FOXO3 genes. In conclusions, aberrant DNA methylation over the PARP9/miR505/RASGRP4/GNG12 genes may contribute to the development of active pulmonary TB disease and its clinical phenotypes, while aberrant DNA methylation over the WIPI2/GNG12/MARPS18B/FOXO3 genes may constitute a determinant of long-term outcomes.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Calcium Dysregulation in Leigh Syndrome Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Neurons
Authors: Galera-Monge Teresa , Zurita-Díaz Francisco , Canals Isaac , Grønning Hansen Marita , Rufián-Vázquez Laura , Ehinger Johannes K. , Elmér Eskil , Martin Miguel A. , Garesse Rafael , Ahlenius Henrik , Gallardo M. Esther
Published: May 2020

Leigh syndrome (LS) is the most frequent infantile mitochondrial disorder (MD) and is characterized by neurodegeneration and astrogliosis in the basal ganglia or the brain stem. At present, there is no cure or treatment for this disease, partly due to scarcity of LS models. Current models generally fail to recapitulate important traits of the disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new human in vitro models. Establishment of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) followed by differentiation into neurons is a powerful tool to obtain an in vitro model for LS. Here, we describe the generation and characterization of iPSCs, neural stem cells (NSCs) and iPSC-derived neurons harboring the mtDNA mutation m.13513G>A in heteroplasmy. We have performed mitochondrial characterization, analysis of electrophysiological properties and calcium imaging of LS neurons. Here, we show a clearly compromised oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) function in LS patient neurons. This is also the first report of electrophysiological studies performed on iPSC-derived neurons harboring an mtDNA mutation, which revealed that, in spite of having identical electrical properties, diseased neurons manifested mitochondrial dysfunction together with a diminished calcium buffering capacity. This could lead to an overload of cytoplasmic calcium concentration and the consequent cell death observed in patients. Importantly, our results highlight the importance of calcium homeostasis in LS pathology.
Developments of Riboswitches and Toehold Switches for Molecular Detection—Biosensing and Molecular Diagnostics
Authors: Hoang Trung Chau Tin , Hoang Anh Mai Dung , Ngoc Pham Diep , Thi Quynh Le Hoa , Yeol Lee Eun
Published: May 2020

Riboswitches and toehold switches are considered to have potential for implementation in various fields, i.e., biosensing, metabolic engineering, and molecular diagnostics. The specific binding, programmability, and manipulability of these RNA-based molecules enable their intensive deployments in molecular detection as biosensors for regulating gene expressions, tracking metabolites, or detecting RNA sequences of pathogenic microorganisms. In this review, we will focus on the development of riboswitches and toehold switches in biosensing and molecular diagnostics. This review introduces the operating principles and the notable design features of riboswitches as well as toehold switches. Moreover, we will describe the advances and future directions of riboswitches and toehold switches in biosensing and molecular diagnostics.
Development of a Radiofluorinated Adenosine A2B Receptor Antagonist as Potential Ligand for PET Imaging
Authors: Lindemann Marcel , Moldovan Rareş-Petru , Hinz Sonja , Deuther-Conrad Winnie , Gündel Daniel , Dukic-Stefanovic Sladjana , Toussaint Magali , Teodoro Rodrigo , Juhl Cathleen , Steinbach Jörg , Brust Peter , Müller Christa E. , Wenzel Barbara
Published: May 2020

The adenosine A2B receptor has been proposed as a novel therapeutic target in cancer, as its expression is drastically elevated in several tumors and cancer cells. Noninvasive molecular imaging via positron emission tomography (PET) would allow the in vivo quantification of this receptor in pathological processes and most likely enable the identification and clinical monitoring of respective cancer therapies. On the basis of a bicyclic pyridopyrimidine-2,4-dione core structure, the new adenosine A2B receptor ligand 9 was synthesized, containing a 2-fluoropyridine moiety suitable for labeling with the short-lived PET radionuclide fluorine-18. Compound 9 showed a high binding affinity for the human A2B receptor (Ki(A2B) = 2.51 nM), along with high selectivities versus the A1, A2A, and A3 receptor subtypes. Therefore, it was radiofluorinated via nucleophilic aromatic substitution of the corresponding nitro precursor using [18F]F-/K2.2.2./K2CO3 in DMSO at 120 °C. Metabolic studies of [18F]9 in mice revealed about 60% of radiotracer intact in plasma at 30 minutes p.i. A preliminary PET study in healthy mice showed an overall biodistribution of [18F]9, corresponding to the known ubiquitous but low expression of the A2B receptor. Consequently, [18F]9 represents a novel PET radiotracer with high affinity and selectivity toward the adenosine A2B receptor and a suitable in vivo profile. Subsequent studies are envisaged to investigate the applicability of [18F]9 to detect alterations in the receptor density in certain cancer-related disease models.
Long-Range and Directional Allostery of Actin Filaments Plays Important Roles in Various Cellular Activities
Authors: Tokuraku Kiyotaka , Kuragano Masahiro , Uyeda Taro Q. P.
Published: May 2020

A wide variety of uniquely localized actin-binding proteins (ABPs) are involved in various cellular activities, such as cytokinesis, migration, adhesion, morphogenesis, and intracellular transport. In a micrometer-scale space such as the inside of cells, protein molecules diffuse throughout the cell interior within seconds. In this condition, how can ABPs selectively bind to particular actin filaments when there is an abundance of actin filaments in the cytoplasm? In recent years, several ABPs have been reported to induce cooperative conformational changes to actin filaments allowing structural changes to propagate along the filament cables uni- or bidirectionally, thereby regulating the subsequent binding of ABPs. Such propagation of ABP-induced cooperative conformational changes in actin filaments may be advantageous for the elaborate regulation of cellular activities driven by actin-based machineries in the intracellular space, which is dominated by diffusion. In this review, we focus on long-range allosteric regulation driven by cooperative conformational changes of actin filaments that are evoked by binding of ABPs, and discuss roles of allostery of actin filaments in narrow intracellular spaces.
Hybridization Chain Reactions Targeting the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Authors: Wu Tzu-Heng , Chang Chia-Chen , Yang Ching-Hsu , Lin Wei-Yin , Ee Tan Joy , Lin Chii-Wann
Published: May 2020

In this work, hybridization chain reactions (HCRs) toward Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS–CoV-2) nucleocapsid phosphoproteins gene loci and human RNase P are proposed to provide an isothermal amplification screening tool. The proposed chain reactions target the complementary DNA (cDNA) of SARS–CoV-2, with loci corresponding to gold-standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) loci. Four hybridization chain reaction reactions are demonstrated herein, targeting N1/N2/N3 loci and human RNase P. The design of the hybridization chain reaction, herein, is assisted with an algorithm. The algorithm helps to search target sequences with low local secondary structure and high hybridization efficiency. The loop domain of the fuel hairpin molecule H1 and H2, which are the tunable segments in such reactions, are used as an optimization parameter to improve the hybridization efficiency of the chain reaction. The algorithm-derived HCR reactions were validated with gel electrophoresis. All proposed reactions exhibit a hybridization complex with a molecular mass >1.5k base pairs, which is clear evidence of chain reaction. The hybridization efficiency trend revealed by gel electrophoresis corresponds nicely to the simulated data from the algorithm. The HCR reactions and the corresponding algorithm serve as a basis to further SARS–CoV-2 sensing applications and facilitate better screening strategies for the prevention of on-going pandemics.
Assessment of Glial Activation Response in the Progress of Natural Scrapie after Chronic Dexamethasone Treatment
Authors: Guijarro Isabel M. , Garcés Moisés , Andrés-Benito Pol , Marín Belén , Otero Alicia , Barrio Tomás , Carmona Margarita , Ferrer Isidro , Badiola Juan J. , Monzón Marta
Published: May 2020

Neuroinflammation has been correlated with the progress of neurodegeneration in many neuropathologies. Although glial cells have traditionally been considered to be protective, the concept of them as neurotoxic cells has recently emerged. Thus, a major unsolved question is the exact role of astroglia and microglia in neurodegenerative disorders. On the other hand, it is well known that glucocorticoids are the first choice to regulate inflammation and, consequently, neuroglial inflammatory activity. The objective of this study was to determine how chronic dexamethasone treatment influences the host immune response and to characterize the beneficial or detrimental role of glial cells. To date, this has not been examined using a natural neurodegenerative model of scrapie. With this aim, immunohistochemical expression of glial markers, prion protein accumulation, histopathological lesions and clinical evolution were compared with those in a control group. The results demonstrated how the complex interaction between glial populations failed to compensate for brain damage in natural conditions, emphasizing the need for using natural models. Additionally, the data showed that modulation of neuroinflammation by anti-inflammatory drugs might become a research focus as a potential therapeutic target for prion diseases, similar to that considered previously for other neurodegenerative disorders classified as prion-like diseases.
Singlet Oxygen in Plants: Generation, Detection, and Signaling Roles
Authors: Dmitrieva Valeriya A. , Tyutereva Elena V. , Voitsekhovskaja Olga V.
Published: May 2020

Singlet oxygen (1O2) refers to the lowest excited electronic state of molecular oxygen. It easily oxidizes biological molecules and, therefore, is cytotoxic. In plant cells, 1O2 is formed mostly in the light in thylakoid membranes by reaction centers of photosystem II. In high concentrations, 1O2 destroys membranes, proteins and DNA, inhibits protein synthesis in chloroplasts leading to photoinhibition of photosynthesis, and can result in cell death. However, 1O2 also acts as a signal relaying information from chloroplasts to the nucleus, regulating expression of nuclear genes. In spite of its extremely short lifetime, 1O2 can diffuse from the chloroplasts into the cytoplasm and the apoplast. As shown by recent studies, 1O2-activated signaling pathways depend not only on the levels but also on the sites of 1O2 production in chloroplasts, and can activate two types of responses, either acclimation to high light or programmed cell death. 1O2 can be produced in high amounts also in root cells during drought stress. This review summarizes recent advances in research on mechanisms and sites of 1O2 generation in plants, on 1O2-activated pathways of retrograde- and cellular signaling, and on the methods to study 1O2 production in plants.
Lipids and Lipid-Processing Pathways in Drug Delivery and Therapeutics
Authors: Markovic Milica , Ben-Shabat Shimon , Aponick Aaron , Zimmermann Ellen M. , Dahan Arik
Published: May 2020

The aim of this work is to analyze relevant endogenous lipid processing pathways, in the context of the impact that lipids have on drug absorption, their therapeutic use, and utilization in drug delivery. Lipids may serve as biomarkers of some diseases, but they can also provide endogenous therapeutic effects for certain pathological conditions. Current uses and possible clinical benefits of various lipids (fatty acids, steroids, triglycerides, and phospholipids) in cancer, infectious, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases are presented. Lipids can also be conjugated to a drug molecule, accomplishing numerous potential benefits, one being the improved treatment effect, due to joined influence of the lipid carrier and the drug moiety. In addition, such conjugates have increased lipophilicity relative to the parent drug. This leads to improved drug pharmacokinetics and bioavailability, the ability to join endogenous lipid pathways and achieve drug targeting to the lymphatics, inflamed tissues in certain autoimmune diseases, or enable overcoming different barriers in the body. Altogether, novel mechanisms of the lipid role in diseases are constantly discovered, and new ways to exploit these mechanisms for the optimal drug design that would advance different drug delivery/therapy aspects are continuously emerging.
Implementing Statewide Newborn Screening for New Disorders: U.S. Program Experiences
Authors: Kellar-Guenther Yvonne , McKasson Sarah , Hale Kshea , Singh Sikha , Sontag Marci K. , Ojodu Jelili
Published: May 2020

Data were collected from 39 newborn screening (NBS) programs to provide insight into the time and factors required for implementing statewide screening for Pompe, Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I), adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Newborn screening program readiness to screen statewide for a condition was assessed using four phases: (1) approval to screen; (2) laboratory, follow-up, and information technology capabilities; (3) education; and (4) implementation of statewide newborn screening. Seventeen states (43.6%) reached statewide implementation for at least one new disorder. Those states reported that it took 28 months to implement statewide screening for Pompe and MPS I, 30.5 months for ALD, and 20 months for SMA. Using survival curve analysis to account for states still in progress, the estimated median time to statewide screening increased to 75 months for Pompe and 66 months for MPS I. When looking at how long each readiness component took to complete, laboratory readiness was one of the lengthier processes, taking about 39 months. Collaboration with other NBS programs and hiring were the most frequently mentioned facilitators to implementing newborn screening. Staffing or inability to hire both laboratory and follow-up staff was the most frequently mentioned barrier.
Hedonic Pricing on the Fine Art Market
Authors: Zhukova Anna , Lakshina Valeriya , Leonova Liudmila
Published: May 2020

In conditions of the stock market instability the art assets could be considered as an attractive investment. The fine art market is very heterogeneous which is featured by uniqueness of the goods, specific costs and risks, various peculiarities of functioning, different effects and, hence, needs special treatment. However, due to the diversity of the fine art market’s goods and the absence of the systematic information about the sales, researchers do not come to the same opinion about the merits of the art assets conducting studies on single segments of the market. We make an attempt to investigate attractiveness of the fine art market for investors. Extensive data was collected to obtain a complete pattern of the market analyzing it within different segments. We use the Heckman model in order to estimate the art asset return and find out the most influential factors of art price dynamics. Based on the estimates obtained we construct monthly art price index and compare it with S&P500 benchmark.
Biological Traits of the Pincer Wasp Gonatopus flavifemur (Esaki & Hashimoto) Associated with Different Stages of Its Host, the Brown Planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål)
Authors: He Jiachun , He Yuting , Lai Fengxiang , Chen Xiangsheng , Fu Qiang
Published: May 2020

Gonatopus flavifemur (Esaki & Hashimoto) is a common parasitoid of the most important rice pest, the brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), in eastern and southeastern Asia. We investigated the parasitism rates, feeding rates, and offspring development of G. flavifemur in association with five instars of BPH nymphs and male and female adults under laboratory conditions (27 ± 1 °C and 70 ± 5% Relative Humidity). The results showed that the life stage of the host significantly affects parasitism, host feeding, and offspring development by G. flavifemur. The parasitism rate was highest on 4th instar nymphs, and the feeding rate was highest on 1st instar nymphs. The cocooning rate on male adult BPHs was significantly lower than that on other stages; however, emergence rates did not significantly differ among the BPH stages. The rate of female offspring upon emergence from 5th instars was higher than other stages. Both the parasitism and host-feeding functional responses of G. flavifemur to different BPH stages fit well with Holling type II models, supporting the results of parasitism and feeding rates and indicating that G. flavifemur would be a good agent for BPH control. In conclusion, G. flavifemur prefers to feed on young nymphs but prefers to parasitize older nymphs. In addition, 5th instar nymphs are favorable to female offspring of the pincer wasp.
Cost-Effective Bulk Glass Reinforced Composite Columns
Authors: Cotter John , Guldiken Rasim
Published: May 2020

The cost of construction has been increasing, stemming mostly from increased material costs. One potential method to address this issue is the introduction of novel composites for use in structural applications. Bulk glass may prove to be a superior compositing material due to its low cost and high strength. The introduction of bulk soda-lime glass to structural applications is nontrivial; due to glass’ unique properties, such as its relatively low Young’s modulus (when compared to steel) and brittleness, compositing glass has proven difficult. A novel concept of a glass-reinforced composite column (GRCC) is introduced that works to benefit from glass’ unique properties for structural applications. The results indicate that GRCCs can be designed that have costs that are estimated to be 11% less than typical timber construction members. Additionally, GRCCs are estimated to provide a 50% cost advantage over similarly strong structural steel sections. By interpreting the results of finite element modeling, which was conducted iteratively to form buckling load to cost curves, three regions were identified that occur as the glass percentage is increased. These regions also exist with columns made of other materials (such as steel). Additionally, the finite element modeling (FEM)-determined shear stresses have smaller values than the shear strengths of typical sizing agents. In conclusion, GRCCs provide significant cost advantages (up to 50% cost reduction) over steel, and slight cost advantages when compared to structural timbers, although GRCCs have the added benefit of consisting of non-degrading materials.
Preliminary Numerical Study on Exhaust Emission Characteristics of Particulate Matters and Nitrogen Oxide in a Marine Engine for Marine Diesel Oil and Dimethyl Ether Fuel
Authors: Park Jinkyu , Choi Iksoo , Oh Jungmo , Lee Changhee
Published: May 2020

As concerns regarding environmental pollution, energy security and future oil supply continue to grow, communities around the world are looking for non-petroleum-based alternative fuels along with advanced energy technologies (e.g., fuel cells) to increase energy use efficiency. Compared with the main alternative fuel candidates (e.g., methane, methanol, ethanol and Fischer–Tropsch fuels), dimethyl ether (DME) seems to have a significant potential to solve the aforementioned problems and can be used as a clean, high-efficiency compressed ignition fuel with reduced nitrogen oxide, sulphur oxide and particulate matter (PM) emissions. In this study, the results of experiments using a ship engine and numerical analysis were verified using AVL BOOST software. Based on these verifications, nitrogen oxide and PM reduction characteristics were numerically analysed by controlling the diameter and spraying time of the fuel nozzle, which is the fuel injection system of a marine engine. When DME fuel was used, nitrogen oxide and PM emissions were reduced by 40% and 90%, respectively, compared with marine diesel oil fuel. To prove the viability of DME as an alternative fuel, combustion and exhaust characteristics were analysed in accordance with injection timing and the variation of nozzle hole.
Seepage Force on a Buried Submarine Pipeline Induced by a Solitary Wave
Authors: Lin Meng-Yu , Wang Li-Jie
Published: May 2020

In this study, a finite element method was used to establish a two-dimensional numerical model to solve the problem of the Biot equation describing the poroelastic seabed, and to analyze the seepage force on a buried submarine pipeline under the propagation of a solitary wave. The model provides a solution to the displacement of the poroelastic seabed and the variation of the pore-water pressure. By means of numerical simulation, the effects of Young’s modulus and permeability coefficient of the soil on the pore-water pressure and seepage force are discussed. In the simulation of solitary waves passing through fully buried submarine pipelines, numerical results indicate that the smaller the permeability coefficient in dense sandy bed the greater the vertical force acting on the pipeline, and the smaller the permeability coefficient in loose sand bed the smaller the vertical force acting on the pipeline. In general, when the permeability coefficient is large, the smaller the Young’s modulus the more obvious the influence of the vertical force on the pipeline, and when the permeability coefficient is small, the larger the Young’s modulus the more obvious the influence of the vertical force on the pipeline.
Neurophysiological Hallmarks of Neurodegenerative Cognitive Decline: The Study of Brain Connectivity as A Biomarker of Early Dementia
Authors: Rossini Paolo Maria , Miraglia Francesca , Alù Francesca , Cotelli Maria , Ferreri Florinda , Iorio Riccardo Di , Iodice Francesco , Vecchio Fabrizio
Published: May 2020

Neurodegenerative processes of various types of dementia start years before symptoms, but the presence of a “neural reserve”, which continuously feeds and supports neuroplastic mechanisms, helps the aging brain to preserve most of its functions within the “normality” frame. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate stage between dementia and normal brain aging. About 50% of MCI subjects are already in a stage that is prodromal-to-dementia and during the following 3 to 5 years will develop clinically evident symptoms, while the other 50% remains at MCI or returns to normal. If the risk factors favoring degenerative mechanisms are modified during early stages (i.e., in the prodromal), the degenerative process and the loss of abilities in daily living activities will be delayed. It is therefore extremely important to have biomarkers able to identify—in association with neuropsychological tests—prodromal-to-dementia MCI subjects as early as possible. MCI is a large (i.e., several million in EU) and substantially healthy population; therefore, biomarkers should be financially affordable, largely available and non-invasive, but still accurate in their diagnostic prediction. Neurodegeneration initially affects synaptic transmission and brain connectivity; methods exploring them would represent a 1st line screening. Neurophysiological techniques able to evaluate mechanisms of synaptic function and brain connectivity are attracting general interest and are described here. Results are quite encouraging and suggest that by the application of artificial intelligence (i.e., learning-machine), neurophysiological techniques represent valid biomarkers for screening campaigns of the MCI population.
Personalized Dentistry: Approaching a New Way for Diagnosis and Treatment of Oral Diseases
Authors: Patini Romeo
Published: May 2020

For years, it has been thought that the field of dentistry was referring exclusively to some diseases that strictly affect the oral cavity. Dental caries, periodontal disease, and pathologies associated with their worsening were considered almost the only interest in scientific research in dentistry. Recent studies have begun to shed light on the effect of the oral microbiota on general health and on the crucial role of dentistry in its maintenance. In this way, we came to understand that the bacterial populations that make up the oral microbiota can vary profoundly between individuals and that contribute in a fundamental way to outlining the so-called “oral signature”. This characteristic is called into question to evaluate the susceptibility, or lack thereof, of the subject to the contraction of a wide range of pathologies, apparently not connected with oral health. From this evidence, it will also be possible to study therapeutic approaches aimed at the eradication of species considered at risk or colonization with species considered protective; thus, giving life to so-called “personalized dentistry”. Therefore, this Special Issue is aimed at spreading the scientific knowledge over the current limits in terms of new molecular and culturomic approaches towards the diagnosis of oral microbiota and the treatment techniques of eventually associated systemic diseases. In vivo studies and systematic literature reviews with quantitative analysis of results, when possible, will be given a high priority.
Quantification of Soil Losses along the Coastal Protected Areas in Kenya
Authors: Hategekimana Yves , Allam Mona , Meng Qingyan , Nie Yueping , Mohamed Elhag
Published: May 2020

Monitoring of improper soil erosion empowered by water is constantly adding more risk to the natural resource mitigation scenarios, especially in developing countries. The demographical pattern and the rate of growth, in addition to the impairments of the rainfall pattern, are consequently disposed to adverse environmental disturbances. The current research goal is to evaluate soil erosion triggered by water in the coastal area of Kenya on the district level, and also in protected areas. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model was exercised to estimate the soil loss in the designated study area. RUSLE input parameters were functionally realized in terms of rainfall and runoff erosivity factor (R), soil erodibility factor (K), slope length and gradient factor (LS), land cover management factor (C) and slope factor (P). The realization of RUSLE input parameters was carried out using different dataset sources, including meteorological data, soil/geology maps, the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and processing of satellite imagery. Out of 26 districts in coastal area, eight districts were projected to have mean annual soil loss rates of >10 t·ha−1·y−1: Kololenli (19.709 t·ha−1·y−1), Kubo (14.36 t·ha−1·y−1), Matuga (19.32 t·ha−1·y−1), Changamwe (26.7 t·ha−1·y−1), Kisauni (16.23 t·ha−1·y−1), Likoni (27.9 t·ha−1·y−1), Mwatate (15.9 t·ha−1·y−1) and Wundanyi (26.51 t·ha−1·y−1). Out of 34 protected areas at the coastal areas, only four were projected to have high soil loss estimation rates >10 t·ha−1·y−1: Taita Hills (11.12 t·ha−1·y−1), Gonja (18.52 t·ha−1·y−1), Mailuganji (13.75.74 t·ha−1·y−1), and Shimba Hills (15.06 t·ha−1·y−1). In order to mitigate soil erosion in Kenya’s coastal areas, it is crucial to regulate the anthropogenic disturbances embedded mainly in deforestation of the timberlands, in addition to the natural deforestation process caused by the wildfires.