bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-Dimensional Impact Modelling with Three Degrees of Freedom and Its Application in the Dynamics of Planing Hulls
Authors: Algarín Roberto , Bula Antonio
Published: February 2020

Planing boat dynamics are a complex phenomenon and the maneuver forces acting on these kind of hulls are difficult to predict. In the current work, a mathematical model of a two-dimensional impact with three degrees of freedom (3DOF) is developed. The model was used to study wedge sections with knuckles, the vertical, horizontal, and rotational motion are considered. Pressure distribution, forces, and motion during the impact, considering both free fall and forced motion, are evaluated. The commercial CFD (Computational flow dynamics) software Star-CCM+ V9.06 was used to validate the formulation. Simulations with one, two, and three degrees of freedom were carried out, and the results were compared with CFD simulations, experimental data, and numerical solutions by others authors. The results show a good agreement with the authors. The model is extended to three dimensions applying slender body theory, and the forces in the hull are computed. The formulation allows evaluating the seakeeping with cross flow, dynamic stability, and manoeuvrability of planing boats with variable sections over the length.
Therapeutic Potential of Plant Phenolic Acids in the Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Abotaleb Mariam , Liskova Alena , Kubatka Peter , Büsselberg Dietrich
Published: February 2020

Globally, cancer is the second leading cause of death. Different conventional approaches to treat cancer include chemotherapy or radiotherapy. However, these are usually associated with various deleterious effects and numerous disadvantages in clinical practice. In addition, there are increasing concerns about drug resistance. In the continuous search for safer and more effective treatments, plant-derived natural compounds are of major interest. Plant phenolics are secondary metabolites that have gained importance as potential anti-cancer compounds. Phenolics display a great prospective as cytotoxic anti-cancer agents promoting apoptosis, reducing proliferation, and targeting various aspects of cancer (angiogenesis, growth and differentiation, and metastasis). Phenolic acids are a subclass of plant phenolics, furtherly divided into benzoic and cinnamic acids, that are associated with potent anticancer abilities in various in vitro and in vivo studies. Moreover, the therapeutic activities of phenolic acids are reinforced by their role as epigenetic regulators as well as supporters of adverse events or resistance associated with conventional anticancer therapy. Encapsulation of phyto-substances into nanocarrier systems is a challenging aspect concerning the efficiency of natural substances used in cancer treatment. A summary of phenolic acids and their effectiveness as well as phenolic-associated advances in cancer treatment will be discussed in this review.
CLytA-DAAO, Free and Immobilized in Magnetic Nanoparticles, Induces Cell Death in Human Cancer Cells
Authors: Fuentes-Baile María , Bello-Gil Daniel , Pérez-Valenciano Elizabeth , Sanz Jesús M. , García-Morales Pilar , Maestro Beatriz , Ventero María P. , Alenda Cristina , Barberá Víctor M. , Saceda Miguel
Published: February 2020

D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) catalyzes the oxidation of D-amino acids generating hydrogen peroxide, a potential producer of reactive oxygen species. In this study, we used a CLytA-DAAO chimera, both free and bound to magnetic nanoparticles, against colon carcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and glioblastoma cell lines. We found that the enzyme induces cell death in most of the cell lines tested and its efficiency increases significantly when it is immobilized in nanoparticles. We also tested this enzyme therapy in non-tumor cells, and we found that there is not cell death induction, or it is significantly lower than in tumor cells. The mechanism triggering cell death is apparently a classical apoptosis pathway in the glioblastoma cell lines, while in colon and pancreatic carcinoma cell lines, CLytA-DAAO-induced cell death is a necrosis. Our results constitute a proof of concept that an enzymatic therapy, based on magnetic nanoparticles-delivering CLytA-DAAO, could constitute a useful therapy against cancer and besides it could be used as an enhancer of other treatments such as epigenetic therapy, radiotherapy, and treatments based on DNA repair.
Different Effects of Nicotine and N-Stearoyl-ethanolamine on Episodic Memory and Brain Mitochondria of α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Knockout Mice
Authors: Lykhmus Olena , Kalashnyk Olena , Uspenska Kateryna , Horid’ko Tetyana , Kosyakova Halyna , Komisarenko Serhiy , Skok Maryna
Published: February 2020

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of α7 subtype (α7 nAChRs) are involved in regulating neuroinflammation and cognitive functions. Correspondingly, α7-/- mice demonstrate pro-inflammatory phenotype and impaired episodic memory. In addition, nAChRs expressed in mitochondria regulate the release of pro-apoptotic factors like cytochrome c. Here we studied whether the cognitive deficiency of α7-/- mice can be cured by oral consumption of either nicotine or N-stearoylethanolamine (NSE), a lipid possessing anti-inflammatory, cannabimimetic and membrane-stabilizing activity. Mice were examined in Novel Object Recognition behavioral test, their blood, brains and brain mitochondria were tested for the levels of interleukin-6, various nAChR subtypes and cytochrome c released by ELISA. The data presented demonstrate that both substances stimulated the raise of interleukin-6 in the blood and improved episodic memory of α7-/- mice. However, NSE improved, while nicotine worsened the brain mitochondria sustainability to apoptogenic stimuli, as shown by either decreased or increased amounts of cytochrome c released. Both nicotine and NSE up-regulated α4β2 nAChRs in the brain; NSE up-regulated, while nicotine down-regulated α9-containing nAChRs in the brain mitochondria. It is concluded that the level of alternative nAChR subtypes in the brain is critically important for memory and mitochondria sustainability in the absence of α7 nAChRs.
Nutritional Characterization of Sea Bass Processing By-Products
Authors: Munekata Paulo E. S. , Pateiro Mirian , Domínguez Rubén , Zhou Jianjun , Barba Francisco J. , Lorenzo Jose M.
Published: February 2020

The consumption of functional foods and nutraceuticals is gaining more importance in modern society. The exploration of alternative sources and the utilization of by-products coming from the food industry are gaining more importance. The present study aimed to characterize the nutritional value and potential use of sea bass by-products as a source of high-added-value compounds for the development of supplements. The chemical composition (moisture, protein, fat, and ash contents) and profiles of amino acids (high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a scanning fluorescence detector), fatty acids (gas chromatography coupled to a flame ionization detector), and minerals (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy) were determined for sea bass fillet and its by-products (skin, guts, gills, liver, head, and fish bones). The chemical composition assays revealed that by-products were rich sources of proteins (skin; 25.27 g/100 g), fat (guts and liver; 53.12 and 37.25 g/100 g, respectively), and minerals (gills, head, and fish bones; 5.81, 10.11, and 7.51 g/100 g, respectively). Regarding the amino-acid profile, the skin and liver were the main sources of essential amino acids with an essential amino-acid index of 208.22 and 208.07, respectively. In the case of the fatty-acid profile, all by-products displayed high amounts of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly monounsaturated (from 43.46 to 49.33 g/100 g fatty acids) and omega-3 fatty acids (in the range 10.85–14.10 g/100 g fatty acids). Finally, the evaluation of mineral profile indicated high contents of calcium and phosphorus in gills (1382.62 and 742.60 mg/100 g, respectively), head (2507.15 and 1277.01 mg/100 g, respectively), and fish bone (2093.26 and 1166.36 mg/100 g, respectively). Therefore, the main sources of monounsaturated, unsaturated, and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids were guts and liver. The most relevant source of minerals, particularly calcium, phosphorus, and manganese, were head, fish bones, and gills. The most promising source of proteins and amino acids was the skin of sea bass.
Macromolecular Crowding Increases the Affinity of the PHD of ING4 for the Histone H3K4me3 Mark
Authors: Palacios Alicia , Blanco Francisco J
Published: February 2020

The five members of the family of tumor suppressors ING contain a Plant Homeodomain (PHD) that specifically recognizes histone H3 trimethylated at lysine 4 (H3K4me3) with an affinity in the low micromolar range. Here, we use NMR to show that in the presence of 15% Ficoll 70, an inert macromolecular crowding agent, the mode of binding does not change but the affinity increases by one order of magnitude. The affinity increases also for unmethylated histone H3 tail, but the difference with H3K4me3 is larger in the presence of Ficoll. These results indicate that in the cellular milieu, the affinity of the ING proteins for their chromatin target is larger than previously thought.
Regulation of 8-Hydroxydaidzein in IRF3-Mediated Gene Expression in LPS-Stimulated Murine Macrophages
Authors: Aziz Nur , Kang Young-Gyu , Kim Yong-Jin , Park Won-Seok , Jeong Deok , Lee Jongsung , Kim Donghyun , Cho Jae Youl
Published: February 2020

Cytokines and chemokines are transcriptionally regulated by inflammatory transcription factors such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), activator protein-1 (AP-1), and interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-3. A daidzein derivative compound, 8-hydroxydaidzein (8-HD), isolated from soy products, has recently gained attention due to various pharmacological benefits, including anti-inflammatory activities. However, regulation of the inflammatory signaling mechanism for 8-HD is still poorly understood, particularly with respect to the IRF-3 signaling pathway. In this study, we explored the molecular mechanism of 8-HD in regulating inflammatory processes, with a focus on the IRF-3 signaling pathway using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [Poly (I:C)] stimulated murine macrophage cell line (RAW264.7). The 8-HD downregulated the mRNA expression level of IRF-3-dependent genes by inhibiting phosphorylation of the IRF-3 transcription factor. The inhibitory mechanism of 8-HD in the IRF-3 signaling pathway was shown to inhibit the kinase activity of IKKε to phosphorylate IRF-3. This compound can also interfere with the TRIF-mediated complex formation composed of TRAF3, TANK, and IKKε leading to downregulation of AKT phosphorylation and reduction of IRF-3 activation, resulted in inhibition of IRF-3-dependent expression of genes including IFN-β, C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10), and interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1 (IFIT1). Therefore, these results strongly suggest that 8-HD can act as a promising compound with the regulatory function of IRF-3-mediated inflammatory responses.
Almost 40 Years of Tissue Engineering in Russia: Where Are We Now?
Authors: Alpeeva Elena , Sukhanov Yury , Vorotelyak Ekaterina
Published: February 2020

This review describes achievements of Russian cell-based regenerative medicine in different periods of time depending on the legislation and politics, and future prospects for its commercialization and wide application with an emphasis on products devised for skin regeneration. The world’s experience in tissue engineering began with the development of living skin equivalents, utilizing a biopolymer matrix and cells at the very beginning of the 1980s. During this period, the USSR kept abreast with the times and also conducted studies on skin wound healing, implementing modern cell techniques. However, there soon emerged a gap between scientific advancement and practical application. After the breakup of the USSR, there were no institutions that could implement scientific inventions into full-scale manufacturing for clinical application. At the same time, accumulating scientific and practical experience allowed for the maintenance of biomedical research and its readiness for market entry at present. Recently developed legislation opens up new opportunities in this field in Russia. There are a growing number of studies on the development of novel products for regenerative medicine, bringing hope for its rapid progress.
Dynamic Assessment of Axial Load in Tie-Rods by Means of Acoustic Measurements
Authors: Resta Carlo , Chellini Giuseppe , De Falco Anna
Published: February 2020

Tie-rods are structural elements of crucial importance in ancient buildings to ensure structural integrity and safety, so the assessment of their effectiveness via an estimation of the axial load is of great importance. Dynamic techniques are often employed using accelerometers to measure the frequency response of the tie-rods. In this work, the frequency response of tie-rods is obtained with acoustic recording, thus introducing general-purpose microphones to potentially replace more expensive and complex sensors in this application. Two microphones were tested, one of known technical characteristics, and a second for which they were unknown. A procedure was designed to overcome the technical limitations of the latter, and two experimental campaigns were conducted to test the proposed method.
TGF-Beta-Activated Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Limit Cetuximab Efficacy in Preclinical Models of Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Yegodayev Ksenia M. , Novoplansky Ofra , Golden Artemiy , Prasad Manu , Levin Liron , Jagadeeshan Sankar , Zorea Jonathan , Dimitstein Orr , Joshua Ben-Zion , Cohen Limor , Khrameeva Ekaterina , Elkabets Moshe
Published: February 2020

Most head and neck cancer (HNC) patients are resistant to cetuximab, an antibody against the epidermal growth factor receptor. Such therapy resistance is known to be mediated, in part, by stromal cells surrounding the tumor cells; however, the mechanisms underlying such a resistance phenotype remain unclear. To identify the mechanisms of cetuximab resistance in an unbiased manner, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) of HNC patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) was performed. Comparing the gene expression of HNC-PDXs before and after treatment with cetuximab indicated that the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathway was upregulated in the stromal cells of PDXs that progressed on cetuximab treatment (CetuximabProg-PDX). However, in PDXs that were extremely sensitive to cetuximab (CetuximabSen-PDX), the TGF-beta pathway was downregulated in the stromal compartment. Histopathological analysis of PDXs showed that TGF-beta-activation was detected in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) of CetuximabProg-PDX. These TGF-beta-activated CAFs were sufficient to limit cetuximab efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, blocking the TGF-beta pathway using the SMAD3 inhibitor, SIS3, enhanced cetuximab efficacy and prevented the progression of CetuximabProg-PDX. Altogether, our findings indicate that TGF-beta-activated CAFs play a role in limiting cetuximab efficacy in HNC.
Novel MicroRNA Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer Early Diagnosis and 5-Fluorouracil Chemotherapy Resistance but Not Prognosis: A Study from Databases to AI-Assisted Verifications
Authors: Zhang Xueli , Zhang Hong , Shen Bairong , Sun Xiao-Feng
Published: February 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major causes of cancer death worldwide. In general, early diagnosis for CRC and individual therapy have led to better survival for the cancer patients. Accumulating studies concerning biomarkers have provided positive evidence to improve cancer early diagnosis and better therapy. It is, however, still necessary to further investigate the precise biomarkers for cancer early diagnosis and precision therapy and predicting prognosis. In this study, AI-assisted systems with bioinformatics algorithm integrated with microarray and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) gene expression (GE) data has been approached to predict microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers for early diagnosis of CRC based on the miRNA-messenger RNA (mRNA) interaction network. The relationships between the predicted miRNA biomarkers and other biological components were further analyzed on biological networks. Bayesian meta-analysis of diagnostic test was utilized to verify the diagnostic value of the miRNA candidate biomarkers and the combined multiple biomarkers. Biological function analysis was performed to detect the relationship of candidate miRNA biomarkers and identified biomarkers in pathways. Text mining was used to analyze the relationships of predicted miRNAs and their target genes with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Survival analyses were conducted to evaluate the prognostic values of these miRNAs in CRC. According to the number of miRNAs single regulated mRNAs (NSR) and the number of their regulated transcription factor gene percentage (TFP) on the miRNA-mRNA network, there were 12 promising miRNA biomarkers were selected. There were five potential candidate miRNAs (miRNA-186-5p, miRNA-10b-5, miRNA-30e-5p, miRNA-21 and miRNA-30e) were confirmed as CRC diagnostic biomarkers, and two of them (miRNA-21 and miRNA-30e) were previously reported. Furthermore, the combinations of the five candidate miRNAs biomarkers showed better prediction accuracy for CRC early diagnosis than the single miRNA biomarkers. miRNA-10b-5p and miRNA-30e-5p were associated with the 5-FU therapy resistance by targeting the related genes. These miRNAs biomarkers were not statistically associated with CRC prognosis.
Plasma Next Generation Sequencing and Droplet Digital-qPCR-Based Quantification of Circulating Cell-Free RNA for Noninvasive Early Detection of Cancer
Authors: Metzenmacher Martin , Váraljai Renáta , Hegedüs Balazs , Cima Igor , Forster Jan , Schramm Alexander , Scheffler Björn , Horn Peter A. , Klein Christoph A. , Szarvas Tibor , Reis Hennig , Bielefeld Nicola , Roesch Alexander , Aigner Clemens , Kunzmann Volker , Wiesweg Marcel , Siveke Jens T. , Schuler Martin , Lueong Smiths S.
Published: February 2020

Early detection of cancer holds high promise for reducing cancer-related mortality. Detection of circulating tumor-specific nucleic acids holds promise, but sensitivity and specificity issues remain with current technology. We studied cell-free RNA (cfRNA) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC; n = 56 stage IV, n = 39 stages I-III), pancreatic cancer (PDAC, n = 20 stage III), malignant melanoma (MM, n = 12 stage III-IV), urothelial bladder cancer (UBC, n = 22 stage II and IV), and 65 healthy controls by means of next generation sequencing (NGS) and real-time droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR). We identified 192 overlapping upregulated transcripts in NSCLC and PDAC by NGS, more than 90% of which were noncoding. Previously reported transcripts (e.g., HOTAIRM1) were identified. Plasma cfRNA transcript levels of POU6F2-AS2 discriminated NSCLC from healthy donors (AUC = 0.82 and 0.76 for stages IV and I–III, respectively) and significantly associated (p = 0.017) with the established tumor marker Cyfra 21-1. cfRNA yield and POU6F2-AS transcript abundance discriminated PDAC patients from healthy donors (AUC = 1.0). POU6F2-AS2 transcript was significantly higher in MM (p = 0.044). In summary, our findings support further validation of cfRNA detection by RT-ddPCR as a biomarker for early detection of solid cancers.
The Impact of Surgical Margins and Adjuvant Radiotherapy in Patients with Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcomas of the Extremities: A Single-Institutional Analysis of 192 Patients
Authors: Goertz Ole , Pieper Andreas , von der Lohe Leon , Stricker Ingo , Dadras Mehran , Behr Björn , Lehnhardt Marcus , Harati Kamran
Published: February 2020

Background: Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas are a frequent subtype within the heterogeneous group of soft tissue sarcomas. As the attainment of negative margins can be complicated at the extremities, we determined the prognostic significance of surgical margins in our patient population. Methods: We retrospectively determined the relationship between local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), overall survival (OS), and potential prognostic factors in 192 patients with UPS of the extremities who were suitable for surgical treatment in curative intent. The median follow-up time was 5.1 years. Results: The rates of LRFS and OS after 2 years were 75.7% and 87.2% in patients with R0-resected primary tumors and 49.1% and 81.8% in patients with R1/R2-status (LRFS: p = 0.013; OS: p = 0.001). Adjuvant radiotherapy significantly improved LRFS (5-year: 67.6% vs. 48.4%; p < 0.001) and OS (5-year: 82.8 vs. 61.8; p = 0.016). Both, negative margins and adjuvant radiotherapy were found to be independent prognostic factors in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: The data from this study could underscore the beneficial prognostic impact of negative margins on LRFS and OS. However, the width of negative margins seemed to be not relevant. Notably, adjuvant radiotherapy was not only able to decrease the risk of local failure but also improved OS in a significant manner.
Primary Thromboprophylaxis in Ambulatory Cancer Patients: Where Do We Stand?
Authors: Mulder Frits I. , Bosch Floris T. M. , van Es Nick
Published: February 2020

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), comprising deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is a frequent complication in ambulatory cancer patients. Despite the high risk, routine thromboprophylaxis is not recommended because of the high number needed to treat and the risk of bleeding. Two recent trials demonstrated that the number needed to treat can be reduced by selecting cancer patients at high risk for VTE with prediction scores, leading the latest guidelines to suggest such an approach in clinical practice. Yet, the interpretation of these trial results and the translation of the guideline recommendations to clinical practice may be less straightforward. In this clinically-oriented review, some of the controversies are addressed by focusing on the burden of VTE in cancer patients, discussing the performance of available risk assessment scores, and summarizing the findings of recent trials. This overview can help oncologists, hematologists, and vascular medicine specialists decide about thromboprophylaxis in ambulatory cancer patients.
Immune Responses Raised in an Experimental Colon Carcinoma Model Following Oral Administration of Lactobacillus casei
Authors: Aindelis Georgios , Tiptiri-Kourpeti Angeliki , Lampri Evangeli , Spyridopoulou Katerina , Lamprianidou Eleftheria , Kotsianidis Ioannis , Ypsilantis Petros , Pappa Aglaia , Chlichlia Katerina
Published: February 2020

The role of dietary probiotic strains on host anti-cancer immune responses against experimental colon carcinoma was investigated. We have previously shown that Lactobacillus casei administration led to tumor growth suppression in an experimental colon cancer model. Here, we investigated the underlying immune mechanisms involved in this tumor-growth inhibitory effect. BALB/c mice received daily live lactobacilli per os prior to the establishment of a syngeneic subcutaneous CT26 tumor. Tumor volume, cytokine production, T cell differentiation and migration, as well as tumor cell apoptosis were examined to outline potential immunomodulatory effects following L. casei oral intake. Probiotic administration in mice resulted in a significant increase in interferon gamma (IFN-γ), Granzyme B and chemokine production in the tumor tissue as well as enhanced CD8+ T cell infiltration, accompanied by a suppression of tumor growth. Cytotoxic activity against cancer cells was enhanced in probiotic-fed compared to control mice, as evidenced by the elevation of apoptotic markers, such as cleaved caspase 3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), in tumor tissue. Oral administration of Lactobacillus casei induced potent Th1 immune responses and cytotoxic T cell infiltration in the tumor tissue of tumor-bearing mice, resulting in tumor growth inhibition. Thus, the microorganism may hold promise as a novel dietary immunoadjuvant in raising protective anti-cancer immune responses.
Hydrotreating of Methyl Esters to Produce Green Diesel over Co- and Ni-Containing Zr-SBA-15 Catalysts
Authors: Ochoa-Hernández Cristina , Coronado Juan M. , Serrano David P.
Published: February 2020

This work explores the performance of Zr-SBA-15 as a support for the conversion of methyl esters into green diesel. Thereby, a series of SBA-15 samples incorporating different amounts of Zr into the walls have been synthesized and impregnated with Ni and Co as hydrogenating species. All materials have been characterized, pelletized and tested in the hydrotreating of methyl esters using a fixed-bed tubular reactor at 300 °C, 30 bar of H2 and a continuous flow of 0.1 mL/min for 6 h. Co and Ni phases are present both over the surface and within the pores of the support. Interactions between the metals and the Zr species are more pronounced for Co-containing samples, leading to smaller Co particles at low Si/Zr ratios. Materials having higher Zr contents resulted in more methyl ester conversion, although an adequate metal-support combination was required to promote the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) route. Co/Zr-SBA-15 materials exhibited more conversion (>90%) and higher yields of C11-C20 hydrocarbons (>60%) than their Ni-based counterpart catalysts. Specifically, Co/Zr-SBA-15(17) sample showed remarkable behavior, favoring the HDO pathway (n-C18/(n-C18 + n-C17) > 0.5), while keeping the methyl esters’ conversion close to 100% along the time on stream. These results evidence a synergistic effect between Co and Zr.
Microtubule-Associated Proteins with Regulatory Functions by Day and Pathological Potency at Night
Authors: Oláh Judit , Lehotzky Attila , Szunyogh Sándor , Szénási Tibor , Orosz Ferenc , Ovádi Judit
Published: February 2020

The sensing, integrating, and coordinating features of the eukaryotic cells are achieved by the complex ultrastructural arrays and multifarious functions of the cytoskeleton, including the microtubule network. Microtubules play crucial roles achieved by their decoration with proteins/enzymes as well as by posttranslational modifications. This review focuses on the Tubulin Polymerization Promoting Protein (TPPP/p25), a new microtubule associated protein, on its “regulatory functions by day and pathological functions at night”. Physiologically, the moonlighting TPPP/p25 modulates the dynamics and stability of the microtubule network by bundling microtubules and enhancing the tubulin acetylation due to the inhibition of tubulin deacetylases. The optimal endogenous TPPP/p25 level is crucial for its physiological functions, to the differentiation of oligodendrocytes, which are the major constituents of the myelin sheath. Pathologically, TPPP/p25 forms toxic oligomers/aggregates with α-synuclein in neurons and oligodendrocytes in Parkinson’s disease and Multiple System Atrophy, respectively; and their complex is a potential therapeutic drug target. TPPP/p25-derived microtubule hyperacetylation counteracts uncontrolled cell division. All these issues reveal the anti-mitotic and α-synuclein aggregation-promoting potency of TPPP/p25, consistent with the finding that Parkinson’s disease patients have reduced risk for certain cancers.
Structural Features of Nucleoprotein CST/Shelterin Complex Involved in the Telomere Maintenance and Its Association with Disease Mutations
Authors: Amir Mohd. , Khan Parvez , Queen Aarfa , Dohare Ravins , Alajmi Mohamed F. , Hussain Afzal , Islam Asimul , Ahmad Faizan , Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz
Published: February 2020

Telomere comprises the ends of eukaryotic linear chromosomes and is composed of G-rich (TTAGGG) tandem repeats which play an important role in maintaining genome stability, premature aging and onsets of many diseases. Majority of the telomere are replicated by conventional DNA replication, and only the last bit of the lagging strand is synthesized by telomerase (a reverse transcriptase). In addition to replication, telomere maintenance is principally carried out by two key complexes known as shelterin (TRF1, TRF2, TIN2, RAP1, POT1, and TPP1) and CST (CDC13/CTC1, STN1, and TEN1). Shelterin protects the telomere from DNA damage response (DDR) and regulates telomere length by telomerase; while, CST govern the extension of telomere by telomerase and C strand fill-in synthesis. We have investigated both structural and biochemical features of shelterin and CST complexes to get a clear understanding of their importance in the telomere maintenance. Further, we have analyzed ~115 clinically important mutations in both of the complexes. Association of such mutations with specific cellular fault unveils the importance of shelterin and CST complexes in the maintenance of genome stability. A possibility of targeting shelterin and CST by small molecule inhibitors is further investigated towards the therapeutic management of associated diseases. Overall, this review provides a possible direction to understand the mechanisms of telomere borne diseases, and their therapeutic intervention.
Neutrophil Chemotaxis and NETosis in Murine Chronic Liver Injury via Cannabinoid Receptor 1/Gαi/o/ROS/p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Yang Le , Fan Xiaoting , Zhao Xinhao , Chang Na , Yang Lin , Li Liying
Published: February 2020

Neutrophils play an essential role in the control of inflammatory diseases. However, whether cannabinoid receptors (CBs) play a role in neutrophil chemotaxis and NETosis in sterile liver inflammation remains unknown. The expression of marker genes on neutrophils was characterized by FACS, immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and Western blot. The amount of neutrophils was significantly elevated from 7 days and reached the peak at 2 weeks in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated mouse liver. The mRNA expression of neutrophil marker Ly6G had positive correlation with CB1 and CB2 expression in injured liver. In vitro CBs were abundantly expressed in isolated neutrophils and CB1 agonist ACEA promoted the chemotaxis and cytoskeletal remodeling, which can be suppressed by CB1 antagonist AM281. Moreover, ACEA induced NETosis, myeloperoxidase release from lysosome and ROS burst, indicating neutrophil activation, via Gαi/o. Conversely, CB2 agonist JWH133 had no effect on neutrophil function. ROS and p38 MAPK signaling pathways were involved in CB1-mediated neutrophil function, and ROS was upstream of p38 MAPK. CB1 blockade in vivo significantly attenuated neutrophil infiltration and liver inflammation in CCl4-treated mice. Taken together, CB1 mediates neutrophil chemotaxis and NETosis via Gαi/o/ROS/p38 MAPK signaling pathway in liver inflammation, which represents an effective therapeutic strategy for liver diseases.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Ceramics in 2019
Authors:   Ceramics Editorial Office
Published: February 2020

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time and expertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months, regardless of whether the papers are finally published or not[...]
A Pragmatic and High-Performance Radiative Cooling Coating with Near-Ideal Selective Emissive Spectrum for Passive Cooling
Authors: Chen Mingxue , Li Wenqing , Tao Shuang , Fang Zhenggang , Lu Chunhua , Xu Zhongzi
Published: February 2020

Radiative cooling is a passive cooling technology that can cool a space without any external energy by reflecting sunlight and radiating heat to the universe. Current reported radiative cooling techniques can present good outside test results, however, manufacturing an efficient radiative material which can be applied to the market for large-scale application is still a huge challenge. Here, an effective radiative cooling coating with a near-ideal selective emissive spectrum is prepared based on the molecular vibrations of SiOx, mica, rare earth silicate, and molybdate functional nanoparticles. The radiative cooling coating can theoretically cool 45 °C below the ambient temperature in the nighttime. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) aluminized film was selected as the coating substrate for its flexibility, low cost, and extensive production. As opposed to the usual investigations that measure the substrate temperature, the radiative cooling coating was made into a cubic box to test its space cooling performance on a rooftop. Results showed that a temperature reduction of 4 ± 0.5 °C was obtained in the nighttime and 1 ± 0.2 °C was achieved in the daytime. Furthermore, the radiative cooling coating is resistant to weathering, fouling, and ultraviolet radiation, and is capable of self-cleaning due to its hydrophobicity. This practical coating may have a significant impact on global energy consumption.
Characterization of a C-Based Coating Applied on an AA6063 Alloy and Developed by a Novel Electrochemical Synthesis Route
Authors: Gallegos-Melgar Adriana , González-López Yael , Abúndez Arturo , Flores-Ruiz Francisco Javier , Díaz-Guillén Juan C. , Betancourt-Cantera José. A. , Hernández-Hernández Maricruz , Trápaga-Martínez Gerardo , Poblano-Salas Carlos. A. , Acevedo-Dávila Jorge. L. , Mayen Jan
Published: February 2020

This research aimed to obtain a C-based coating electrochemically applied on an AA6063 alloy. Two electrochemical cells were designed and manufactured to obtain the C-based coating film on flat and cylindrical samples. Structural and microstructural characterizations were performed along with fatigue and corrosion performance testing. The structural and microstructural characterization revealed that the C-based coating deposited on AA6063 corresponded to carbon nanofibers and/or polycrystalline graphite. The performance testing showed an increase in fatigue life along with a decrease in corrosion resistance. The fracture surfaces of the fatigued samples were inspected by Scanning Electron Microscopy and 3D optical microscopy to correlate them with fatigue life estimation. The aforementioned process is a step towards the future development of a complete coating system that will overcome corrosion susceptibility. The carbon film obtained by this electrochemical route has not previously been reported elsewhere.
Fabrication of In(P)As Quantum Dots by Interdiffusion of P and As on InP(311)B Substrate
Authors: Akahane Kouichi , Matsumoto Atsushi , Umezawa Toshimasa , Yamamoto Naokatsu
Published: February 2020

Herein, we report on our investigation of a fabrication scheme for self-assembled quantum dots (QDs), which is another type of Stranski–Krastanow (S–K) growth mode. The In(P)As QD structure was formed by the irradiation of As flux on an InP(311)B surface in a molecular beam epitaxy system controlled by substrate temperature and irradiation duration. These QDs show photoluminescence at around 1500 nm, which is suitable for fiber optic communication systems. The QDs formed by this structure had high As composition because they had size, density, and emission wavelength similar to those of QDs grown by the usual S–K growth mode.
Lung and Intercostal Upper Abdomen Ultrasonography for Staging Patients with Ovarian Cancer: A Method Description and Feasibility Study
Authors: Stukan Maciej , Bugalho Antonio , Kumar Amanika , Kowalewska Julita , Świetlik Dariusz , Buda Natalia , Pietrzak-Stukan Małgorzata , Dudziak Mirosław
Published: February 2020

A detailed transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound examination, performed by an expert examiner, could render a similar diagnostic performance to computed tomography for assessing pelvic/abdominal tumor spread disease in women with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). This study aimed to describe and assess the feasibility of lung and intercostal upper abdomen ultrasonography as pretreatment imaging of EOC metastases of supradiaphragmatic and subdiaphragmatic areas. A preoperative ultrasound examination of consecutive patients suspected of having EOC was prospectively performed using transvaginal, transabdominal, and intercostal lung and upper abdomen ultrasonography. A surgical-pathological examination was the reference standard to ultrasonography. Among 77 patients with histologically proven EOC, supradiaphragmatic disease was detected in 13 cases: pleural effusions on the right (n = 12) and left (n = 8) sides, nodular lesions on diaphragmatic pleura (n = 9), focal lesion in lung parenchyma (n = 1), and enlarged cardiophrenic lymph nodes (n = 1). Performance (described with area under the curve) of combined transabdominal and intercostal upper abdomen ultrasonography for subdiaphragmatic areas (n = 77) included the right and left diaphragm peritoneum (0.754 and 0.575 respectively), spleen hilum (0.924), hepatic hilum (0.701), and liver and spleen parenchyma (0.993 and 1.0 respectively). It was not possible to evaluate the performance of lung ultrasonography for supradiaphragmatic disease because only some patients had this region surgically explored. Preoperative lung and intercostal upper abdomen ultrasonography performed in patients with EOC can add valuable information for supradiaphragmatic and subdiaphragmatic regions. A reliable reference standard to test method performance is an area of future research. A multidisciplinary approach to ovarian cancer utilizing lung ultrasonography may assist in clinical decision-making.
Investigation of Inhibited Channel Potential of 3D NAND Flash Memory According to Word-Line Location
Authors: Han Sangwoo , Jeong Youngseok , Jhon Heesauk , Kang Myounggon
Published: February 2020

Natural local self-boosting (NLSB) was analyzed according to the location of a selected word-line (WL) where potential boosting occurs. When the same pattern occurred, it was found that the top cells (WL11 through WL15) and bottom cells (WL0 through WL4) have identically symmetrical potential boosting. In addition, in the region of the middle cells (WL6 through WL10), a slight change in the potential boosting was also almost the same. In the 3D NAND, where there was a dummy WL (DWL), the NLSB for the edge WL changed as the pattern of the DWL changed. The DWL did not affect the NLSB of the main cell, regardless of the pattern. Therefore, the high potential of the edge WL could reduce the potential difference between the main cell and the edge WL using the DWL.
A Model to Improve the Implementation Standards of Street Lighting Based on Solar Energy: A Case Study
Authors: Sutopo Wahyudi , Mardikaningsih Ika Shinta , Zakaria Roni , Ali Ahad
Published: February 2020

This paper aims to improve the implementation standards of solar-energy-based street lighting in Indonesia. A model framework was developed to assess existing conditions regarding the level of lux, the distance between poles, pole height, and lamp power. According to the evaluation of the existing circumstances, the street lighting system is not satisfactory according to the national standard, with 64.7% black area. An alternative installation of street lighting designed by DIALux application was proposed to fulfill the technical standard of street lighting. The result shows that this alternative design can be used for renewing existing street lighting with better performance and reliability. Economic analysis of all technically feasible alternatives was conducted afterward by benefit–cost analysis. The analysis shows that solar-energy-based street lighting requires as much as 621,473,620.00 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), with 1.06 benefit–cost ratios and a 9% reduction of total cost. Therefore, the analysis indicates that solar-energy-based technology can be feasibly implemented in a street lighting system. The results show that the proposed model can be applied to improve the implementation standard of solar-energy-based street lighting.
Experimental Evaluation of the Heat Balance of an Interactive Glass Wall in A Heating Season
Authors: Szyszka Jerzy
Published: February 2020

The paper presents an evaluation of the energy efficiency of an interactive glass wall (IGW) prototype. It is a design analogous to Trombe wall. It is capable of giving out the solar radiation heat gains after the sunset. It responds interactively to solar exposure and temperature conditions, regulating the thermal resistance adequately to the requirements. The evaluation of the efficiency of the IGW was based on the analysis of density of heat flux measured on the inner surface of the wall. The experiments were conducted in field conditions using a test chamber of regulated air temperature. The identified parameters of solar energy losses and efficiency enable the IGW heat balance in a heating season in selected climatic conditions to be predicted. In the present paper the IGW heat balance is calculated for the climate in Poland. The calculations proved that the gains of the heat absorbed from solar radiation wall overweigh the losses.
Design of a Finite-Time Terminal Sliding Mode Controller for a Nonlinear Hydro-Turbine Governing System
Authors: Yang Tianyu , Wang Bin , Chen Peng
Published: February 2020

We focus on the finite-time control of a hydro-turbine governing system (HGS) in this paper. First, the nonlinear mathematical model of the hydro-turbine governing system is presented and is consistent with the actual project. Then, based on the finite-time stability theory and terminal sliding mode scheme, a new finite-time terminal sliding mode controller is designed for the hydro-turbine governing system and a detailed mathematical derivation is given. Only three vector controllers are required, which is less than the HGS equation dimensions and is easy to implement accordingly. Furthermore, numerical simulations for the proposed scheme and an existing sliding mode control are presented to verify the validity and advantage of improving transient performance. The approach proposed in this paper is simple and provides a reference for relevant hydropower systems.
The Peculiarities of Low-Cost Carrier Development in Europe
Authors: Sabaitytė Jolanta , Davidavičienė Vida , Van Kleef Gerard Frederick
Published: February 2020

Low-cost carriers (LCCs) have been growing by 11.4% in revenue passenger kilometers over 2017 and changed the airline industry radically. It drove down prices in the industry. Southwest Airlines (USA) designed the LCC blueprint model, and Ryanair copied it within Europe, followed by other airlines. This research aims to fulfill the gap in contemporary research upon LCC successfulness in Europe by a description of the current situation within Europe (2018 and January 2019) and the development issues it faced, which are mapped by the Ishikawa fishbone diagram. Furthermore, to rank the airlines on strength and vulnerability, The Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methodology was used for meeting LCC characteristics and airline success. By comparison of meeting the LCC characteristics and the rank of the successfulness, the results of the TOPSIS analysis showed that the airlines meeting the most LCCs characteristics are seemingly less vulnerable to the development issues that airlines are facing, as Wizz Air and Ryanair are meeting most characteristics and are the most successful. Concluded is that airlines meeting the most LCC characteristics are the least vulnerable to current issues. However, major disruptions can still form an issue and limit growth. This research can be useful for comparing and positioning airlines in the market, based on issues and operational choices.
A Lab-scale Flywheel Energy Storage System: Control Strategy and Domestic Applications
Authors: Elbouchikhi Elhoussin , Amirat Yassine , Feld Gilles , Benbouzid Mohamed , Zhou Zhibin
Published: February 2020

Flywheel is a promising energy storage system for domestic application, uninterruptible power supply, traction applications, electric vehicle charging stations, and even for smart grids. In fact, recent developments in materials, electrical machines, power electronics, magnetic bearings, and microprocessors offer the possibility to consider flywheels as a competitive option for electric energy storage, which can be of great interest for domestic applications in the near future. In this paper, a grid-tied flywheel-based energy storage system (FESS) for domestic application is investigated with special focus on the associated power electronics control and energy management. In particular, the overall PMSM-based flywheel configuration is reviewed and a controlling strategy was experimentally implemented using DS1104 controller board from dSPACE. Two case studies were considered for power peak shaving and power backup at domestic level. A lab-scale prototype was built to validate the proposal. The achieved results are presented and discussed to demonstrate the possibilities offered by such an energy storage system for domestic application.
Impact of Natural Gas Distribution Network Structure and Operator Strategies on Grid Economy in Face of Decreasing Demand
Authors: Then Daniel , Spalthoff Christian , Bauer Johannes , Kneiske Tanja M. , Braun Martin
Published: February 2020

Currently, natural gas provides more than a third of the energy used in European residential buildings. As part of the general decline of fossil fuels, this gas consumption is predicted to drop in several countries by 25–100% by 2050. We model a decline in gas consumption in 57 urban German distribution grids looking for the influence of grid-specific factors and different distribution network operator (DNO) strategies on grid charges. We find a functional relationship between grid length and customer amount described by a power law, with an exponent correlated with structural grid parameters. The disordered structure inherent to grids typically results in a decline in grid costs much slower than the corresponding demand. We introduce a simplified yearly cash flow calculation model based on the power law and validate it against mixed integer linear optimization. A comparison of the total costs of operation and resulting grid charges for several scenarios and strategies estimates the effects on DNO business models. Depending on a combination of DNO’s strategy and customers’ exit pattern, grid charges may increase, accelerating the substitution of gas-bound technologies that might develop into a self-reinforcing feedback loop, leading to grid defection.
A Maximum Entropy Model Predicts the Potential Geographic Distribution of Sirex noctilio
Authors: Sun Xueting , Xu Qiang , Luo Youqing
Published: February 2020

Sirex noctilio, the Sirex woodwasp, is an invasive pest that causes significant economic damage to native and commercial conifer stands through the introduction of a fungal wood decay pathogen. We combined the latitudes and longitudes of S. noctilio distribution points with historical climate data to predict its potential global distribution using a maximum entropy model implemented in the Maxent software. The annual mean temperature, the mean temperature of the warmest quarter, and the precipitation of the wettest month were important meteorological factors that affected the predictions, probably because they have a strong effect on the development of S. noctilio. Our predictions cover the most recent occurrence sites of S. noctilio in China. We predict that suitable habitats for S. noctilio are currently concentrated between 30° N to 60° N and 25° S to 55° S on the world map. All continents except for Antarctica contain suitable areas for S. noctilio, and such areas account for approximately 26% of the total area of these six continents. Predictions for 2050 and 2070 show that global climate change will affect the distribution of S. noctilio. With a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions, areas of moderate to high habitat suitability for S. noctilio will increase; with an increase in emissions, these areas will decrease.