bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resistance to Cereal Cyst Nematodes in Wheat and Barley: An Emphasis on Classical and Modern Approaches
Authors: Ali Muhammad Amjad , Shahzadi Mahpara , Zahoor Adil , Dababat Abdelfattah A. , Toktay Halil , Bakhsh Allah , Nawaz Muhammad Azher , Li Hongjie
Published: January 2019

Cereal cyst nematodes (CCNs) are among the most important nematode pests that limit production of small grain cereals like wheat and barley. These nematodes alone are estimated to reduce production of crops by 10% globally. This necessitates a huge enhancement of nematode resistance in cereal crops against CCNs. Nematode resistance in wheat and barley in combination with higher grain yields has been a preferential research area for cereal nematologists. This usually involved the targeted genetic exploitations through natural means of classical selection breeding of resistant genotypes and finding quantitative trait luci (QTLs) associated with resistance genes. These improvements were based on available genetic diversity among the crop plants. Recently, genome-wide association studies have widely been exploited to associate nematode resistance or susceptibility with particular regions of the genome. Use of biotechnological tools through the application of various transgenic strategies for enhancement of nematode resistance in various crop plants including wheat and barley had also been an important area of research. These modern approaches primarily include the use of gene silencing, exploitation of nematode effector genes, proteinase inhibitors, chemodisruptive peptides and a combination of one or more of these approaches. Furthermore, the perspective genome editing technologies including CRISPR-Cas9 could also be helpful for improving CCN resistance in wheat and barley. The information provided in this review will be helpful to enhance resistance against CCNs and will attract the attention of the scientific community towards this neglected area.
Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Cell–Cell Communication in the Nervous System: Focus on Neurological Diseases
Authors: Caruso Bavisotto Celeste , Scalia Federica , Marino Gammazza Antonella , Carlisi Daniela , Bucchieri Fabio , Conway de Macario Everly , Macario Alberto J. L. , Cappello Francesco , Campanella Claudia
Published: January 2019

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, are membranous particles released by cells into the extracellular space. They are involved in cell differentiation, tissue homeostasis, and organ remodelling in virtually all tissues, including the central nervous system (CNS). They are secreted by a range of cell types and via blood reaching other cells whose functioning they can modify because they transport and deliver active molecules, such as proteins of various types and functions, lipids, DNA, and miRNAs. Since they are relatively easy to isolate, exosomes can be characterized, and their composition elucidated and manipulated by bioengineering techniques. Consequently, exosomes appear as promising theranostics elements, applicable to accurately diagnosing pathological conditions, and assessing prognosis and response to treatment in a variety of disorders. Likewise, the characteristics and manageability of exosomes make them potential candidates for delivering selected molecules, e.g., therapeutic drugs, to specific target tissues. All these possible applications are pertinent to research in neurophysiology, as well as to the study of neurological disorders, including CNS tumors, and autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases. In this brief review, we discuss what is known about the role and potential future applications of exosomes in the nervous system and its diseases, focusing on cell–cell communication in physiology and pathology.
Gut Microbiota and Predicted Metabolic Pathways in a Sample of Mexican Women Affected by Obesity and Obesity Plus Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Chávez-Carbajal Alejandra , Nirmalkar Khemlal , Pérez-Lizaur Ana , Hernández-Quiroz Fernando , Ramírez-del-Alto Silvia , García-Mena Jaime , Hernández-Guerrero César
Published: January 2019

Obesity is an excessive fat accumulation that could lead to complications like metabolic syndrome. There are reports on gut microbiota and metabolic syndrome in relation to dietary, host genetics, and other environmental factors; however, it is necessary to explore the role of the gut microbiota metabolic pathways in populations like Mexicans, where the prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome is high. This study identify alterations of the gut microbiota in a sample of healthy Mexican women (CO), women with obesity (OB), and women with obesity plus metabolic syndrome (OMS). We studied 67 women, characterizing their anthropometric and biochemical parameters along with their gut bacterial diversity by high-throughput DNA sequencing. Our results indicate that in OB or OMS women, Firmicutes was the most abundant bacterial phylum. We observed significant changes in abundances of bacteria belonging to the Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Erysipelotrichaceae families and significant enrichment of gut bacteria from 16 different taxa that might explain the observed metabolic alterations between the groups. Finally, the predicted functional metagenome of the gut microbiota found in each category shows differences in metabolic pathways related to lipid metabolism. We demonstrate that Mexican women have a particular bacterial gut microbiota characteristic of each phenotype. There are bacteria that potentially explain the observed metabolic differences between the groups, and gut bacteria in OMS and OB conditions carry more genes of metabolic pathways implicated in lipid metabolism.
Structure and Mechanism of the Divalent Anion/Na+ Symporter
Authors: Lu Min
Published: January 2019

Integral membrane proteins of the divalent anion/Na+ symporter (DASS) family are conserved from bacteria to humans. DASS proteins typically mediate the coupled uptake of Na+ ions and dicarboxylate, tricarboxylate, or sulfate. Since the substrates for DASS include key intermediates and regulators of energy metabolism, alterations of DASS function profoundly affect fat storage, energy expenditure and life span. Furthermore, loss-of-function mutations in a human DASS have been associated with neonatal epileptic encephalopathy. More recently, human DASS has also been implicated in the development of liver cancers. Therefore, human DASS proteins are potentially promising pharmacological targets for battling obesity, diabetes, kidney stone, fatty liver, as well as other metabolic and neurological disorders. Despite its clinical relevance, the mechanism by which DASS proteins recognize and transport anionic substrates remains unclear. Recently, the crystal structures of a bacterial DASS and its humanized variant have been published. This article reviews the mechanistic implications of these structures and suggests future work to better understand how the function of DASS can be modulated for potential therapeutic benefit.
Exploration of the Effect of Blue Light on Functional Metabolite Accumulation in Longan Embryonic Calli via RNA Sequencing
Authors: Li Hansheng , Lyu Yumeng , Chen Xiaohui , Wang Congqiao , Yao Deheng , Ni Shanshan , Lin Yuling , Chen Yukun , Zhang Zihao , Lai Zhongxiong
Published: January 2019

Light is an important factor that affects the synthesis of functional metabolites in longan embryogenic calli (ECs). However, analysis of the effect of light on functional metabolites in longan ECs via RNA sequencing has rarely been reported and their light regulation network is unclear. The contents of various functional metabolites as well as the enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase and the level of H2O2 in longan ECs were significantly higher under blue light treatment than under the other treatments (dark, white). In this study, we sequenced three mRNA libraries constructed from longan ECs subjected to different treatments. A total of 4463, 1639 and 1806 genes were differentially expressed in the dark versus blue (DB), dark versus white (DW) and white versus blue (WB) combinations, respectively. According to GO and KEGG analyses, most of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified were involved in transmembrane transport, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, calcium transport and so forth. Mapman analysis revealed that more DEGs were identified in each DB combination pathway than in DW combination pathways, indicating that blue light exerts a significantly stronger regulatory effect on longan EC metabolism than the other treatments. Based on previous research and transcriptome data mining, a blue light signaling network of genes that affect longan functional metabolites was constructed and HY5, PIF4 and MYC2 were shown to be the key regulatory genes in the network. The results of this study demonstrate that the expression levels of phase-specific genes vary with changes in longan EC functional metabolites.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Activates HIF-1 in a Hypoxia Dose-Dependent Manner in HCT116 Colorectal Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Martinez Chloe-Anne , Kerr Bernadette , Jin Charley , Cistulli Peter A. , Cook Kristina M.
Published: January 2019

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects a significant proportion of the population and is linked to increased rates of cancer development and a worse cancer outcome. OSA is characterized by nocturnal intermittent hypoxia and animal models of OSA-like intermittent hypoxia show increased tumor growth and metastasis. Advanced tumors typically have regions of chronic hypoxia, activating the transcription factor, HIF-1, which controls the expression of genes involved in cancer progression. Rapid intermittent hypoxia from OSA has been proposed to increase HIF-1 activity and this may occur in tumors. The effect of exposing a developing tumor to OSA-like intermittent hypoxia is largely unknown. We have built a cell-based model of physiological OSA tissue oxygenation in order to study the effects of intermittent hypoxia in HCT116 colorectal cancer cells. We found that HIF-1α increases following intermittent hypoxia and that the expression of HIF-target genes increases, including those involved in glycolysis, the hypoxic pathway and extracellular matrix remodeling. Expression of these genes acts as a ‘hypoxic’ signature which is associated with a worse prognosis. The total dose of hypoxia determined the magnitude of change in the hypoxic signature rather than the frequency or duration of hypoxia-reoxygenation cycles per se. Finally, transcription of HIF1A mRNA differs in response to chronic and intermittent hypoxia suggesting that HIF-1α may be regulated at the transcriptional level in intermittent hypoxia and not just by the post-translational oxygen-dependent degradation pathway seen in chronic hypoxia.
Analysis of Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VI through Integrative Functional Metabolomics
Authors: Tebani Abdellah , Abily-Donval Lenaig , Schmitz-Afonso Isabelle , Piraud Monique , Ausseil Jérôme , Zerimech Farid , Pilon Carine , Pereira Tony , Marret Stéphane , Afonso Carlos , Bekri Soumeya
Published: January 2019

Metabolic phenotyping is poised as a powerful and promising tool for biomarker discovery in inherited metabolic diseases. However, few studies applied this approach to mcopolysaccharidoses (MPS). Thus, this innovative functional approach may unveil comprehensive impairments in MPS biology. This study explores mcopolysaccharidosis VI (MPS VI) or Maroteaux–Lamy syndrome (OMIM #253200) which is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease caused by the deficiency of arylsulfatase B enzyme. Urine samples were collected from 16 MPS VI patients and 66 healthy control individuals. Untargeted metabolomics analysis was applied using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography combined with ion mobility and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Furthermore, dermatan sulfate, amino acids, carnitine, and acylcarnitine profiles were quantified using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Univariate analysis and multivariate data modeling were used for integrative analysis and discriminant metabolites selection. Pathway analysis was done to unveil impaired metabolism. The study revealed significant differential biochemical patterns using multivariate data modeling. Pathway analysis revealed that several major amino acid pathways were dysregulated in MPS VI. Integrative analysis of targeted and untargeted metabolomics data with in silico results yielded arginine-proline, histidine, and glutathione metabolism being the most affected. This study is one of the first metabolic phenotyping studies of MPS VI. The findings might shed light on molecular understanding of MPS pathophysiology to develop further MPS studies to enhance diagnosis and treatments of this rare condition.
The Rice Alpha-Amylase, Conserved Regulator of Seed Maturation and Germination
Authors: Damaris Rebecca Njeri , Lin Zhongyuan , Yang Pingfang , He Dongli
Published: January 2019

Alpha-amylase, the major form of amylase with secondary carbohydrate binding sites, is a crucial enzyme throughout the growth period and life cycle of angiosperm. In rice, alpha-amylase isozymes are critical for the formation of the storage starch granule during seed maturation and motivate the stored starch to nourish the developing seedling during seed germination which will directly affect the plant growth and field yield. Alpha-amylase has not yet been studied intensely to understand its classification, structure, expression trait, and expression regulation in rice and other crops. Among the 10-rice alpha-amylases, most were exclusively expressed in the developing seed embryo and induced in the seed germination process. During rice seed germination, the expression of alpha-amylase genes is known to be regulated negatively by sugar in embryos, however positively by gibberellin (GA) in endosperm through competitively binding to the specific promoter domain; besides, it is also controlled by a series of other abiotic or biotic factors, such as salinity. In this review, we overviewed the research progress of alpha-amylase with focus on seed germination and reflected on how in-depth work might elucidate its regulation and facilitate crop breeding as an efficient biomarker.
Murine Models of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Authors: Almosailleakh Marwa , Schwaller Juerg
Published: January 2019

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a rare but severe form of human cancer that results from a limited number of functionally cooperating genetic abnormalities leading to uncontrolled proliferation and impaired differentiation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Before the identification of genetic driver lesions, chemically, irradiation or viral infection-induced mouse leukaemia models provided platforms to test novel chemotherapeutics. Later, transgenic mouse models were established to test the in vivo transforming potential of newly cloned fusion genes and genetic aberrations detected in patients’ genomes. Hereby researchers constitutively or conditionally expressed the respective gene in the germline of the mouse or reconstituted the hematopoietic system of lethally irradiated mice with bone marrow virally expressing the mutation of interest. More recently, immune deficient mice have been explored to study patient-derived human AML cells in vivo. Unfortunately, although complementary to each other, none of the currently available strategies faithfully model the initiation and progression of the human disease. Nevertheless, fast advances in the fields of next generation sequencing, molecular technology and bioengineering are continuously contributing to the generation of better mouse models. Here we review the most important AML mouse models of each category, briefly describe their advantages and limitations and show how they have contributed to our understanding of the biology and to the development of novel therapies.
HDAC1 and HDAC2 Double Knockout Triggers Cell Apoptosis in Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Lin Ching-Ling , Tsai Ming-Lin , Lin Chun-Yu , Hsu Kai-Wen , Hsieh Wen-Shyang , Chi Wei-Ming , Huang Li-Chi , Lee Chia-Hwa
Published: January 2019

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) and squamous thyroid carcinoma (STC) are both rare and advanced thyroid malignancies with a very poor prognosis and an average median survival time of 5 months and less than 20% of affected patients are alive 1 year after diagnosis. The clinical management of both ATC and STC is very similar because they are not particularly responsive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This inspired us to explore a novel and effective clinically approved therapy for ATC treatment. Histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) drugs are recently FDA-approved drug for malignancies, especially for blood cell cancers. Therefore, we investigated whether an HDACi drug acts as an effective anticancer drug for advanced thyroid cancers. Cell viability analysis of panobinostat treatment demonstrated a significant IC50 of 0.075 µM on SW579 STC cells. In addition, panobinostat exposure activated histone acetylation and triggered cell death mainly through cell cycle arrest and apoptosis-related protein activation. Using CRISPR/Cas9 to knock out HDAC1 and HDAC2 genes in SW579 cells, we observed that the histone acetylation level and cell cycle arrest were enhanced without any impact on cell growth. Furthermore, HDAC1 and HDAC2 double knockout (KO) cells showed dramatic cell apoptosis activation compared to HDAC1 and HDAC2 individual KO cells. This suggests expressional and biofunctional compensation between HDAC1 and HDAC2 on SW579 cells. This study provides strong evidence that panobinostat can potentially be used in the clinic of advanced thyroid cancer patients.
Homocysteine: A Potential Biomarker for Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Tawfik Amany , Mohamed Riyaz , Elsherbiny Nehal M. , DeAngelis Margaret M. , Bartoli Manuela , Al-Shabrawey Mohamed
Published: January 2019

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common cause of blindness in people under the age of 65. Unfortunately, the current screening process for DR restricts the population that can be evaluated and the disease goes undetected until irreversible damage occurs. Herein, we aimed to evaluate homocysteine (Hcy) as a biomarker for DR screening. Hcy levels were measured by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) and immunolocalization methods in the serum, vitreous and retina of diabetic patients as well as in serum and retina of different animal models of DM representing type 1 diabetes (streptozotocin (STZ) mice, Akita mice and STZ rats) and db/db mice which exhibit features of human type 2 diabetes. Our results revealed increased Hcy levels in the serum, vitreous and retina of diabetic patients and experimental animal models of diabetes. Moreover, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography (FA) were used to evaluate the retinal changes in mice eyes after Hcy-intravitreal injection into normal wild-type (WT) and diabetic (STZ) mice. Hcy induced changes in mice retina which were aggravated under diabetic conditions. In conclusion, our data reported Hcy as a strong candidate for use as a biomarker in DR screening. Targeting the clearance of Hcy could also be a future therapeutic target for DR.
Dialysis or a Plant-Based Diet in Advanced CKD in Pregnancy? A Case Report and Critical Appraisal of the Literature
Authors: Attini Rossella , Montersino Benedetta , Leone Filomena , Minelli Fosca , Fassio Federica , Rossetti Maura Maria , Colla Loredana , Masturzo Bianca , Barreca Antonella , Menato Guido , Piccoli Giorgina Barbara
Published: January 2019

Pregnancy is increasingly reported in chronic kidney disease (CKD), reflecting higher awareness, improvements in materno-foetal care, and a more flexible attitude towards “allowing” pregnancy in the advanced stages of CKD. Success is not devoid of problems and an important grey area regards the indications for starting dialysis (by urea level, clinical picture, and residual glomerular filtration rate) and for dietary management. The present case may highlight the role of plant-based diets in dietary management in pregnant CKD women, aimed at retarding dialysis needs. The case. A 28-year-old woman, affected by glomerulocystic disease and unilateral renal agenesis, in stage-4 CKD, was referred at the 6th week of amenorrhea: she weighed 40 kg (BMI 16.3), was normotensive, had no sign of oedema, her serum creatinine was 2.73 mg/dL, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 35 mg/dL, and proteinuria 200 mg/24 h. She had been on a moderately protein-restricted diet (about 0.8 g/kg/real body weight, 0.6 per ideal body weight) since childhood. Low-dose acetylsalicylate was added, and a first attempt to switch to a protein-restricted supplemented plant-based diet was made and soon stopped, as she did not tolerate ketoacid and aminoacid supplementation. At 22 weeks of pregnancy, creatinine was increased (3.17 mg/dL, BUN 42 mg/dL), dietary management was re-discussed and a plant-based non-supplemented diet was started. The diet was associated with a rapid decrease in serum urea and creatinine; this favourable effect was maintained up to the 33rd gestational week when a new rise in urea and creatinine was observed, together with signs of cholestasis. After induction, at 33 weeks + 6 days, she delivered a healthy female baby, adequate for gestational age (39th centile). Urea levels decreased after delivery, but increased again when the mother resumed her usual mixed-protein diet. At the child’s most recent follow-up visit (age 4 months), development was normal, with normal weight and height (50th–75th centile). In summary, the present case confirms that a moderate protein-restricted diet can be prescribed in pregnancies in advanced CKD without negatively influencing foetal growth, supporting the importance of choosing a plant-based protein source, and suggests focusing on the diet’s effects on microcirculation to explain these favourable results.
Glutathione Metabolism, Mitochondria Activity, and Nitrosative Stress in Patients Treated for Mandible Fractures
Authors: Borys Jan , Maciejczyk Mateusz , Antonowicz Bożena , Krętowski Adam , Sidun Jarosław , Domel Emilia , Dąbrowski Jan Ryszard , Ładny Jerzy Robert , Morawska Katarzyna , Zalewska Anna
Published: January 2019

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of titanium bone fixations on mitochondrial activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, glutathione metabolism, and selected markers of oxidative/nitrosative stress in the periosteum-like tissue of patients treated with mandible fractures. The study group consisted of 30 patients with bilateral fractures of the mandible body eligible for surgical treatment. Our study is the first one that indicates disturbances of mitochondrial activity as well as a higher production of ROS in the periosteum-like tissue covering titanium fixations of the mandible. We also found significantly higher levels of reduced glutathione and enhanced activity of glutathione reductase in the periosteum homogenates of patients in the study group compared to the control group. Levels of nitrosative (S-nitrosothiols, peroxynitrite, nitrotyrosine) and oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde, protein carbonyls, dityrosine, kynurenine, and N-formylkynurenine) were statistically elevated in periosteum-like tissue covering titanium fixations. Although exposure to titanium fixations induces local antioxidant mechanisms, patients suffer oxidative damage, and in the periosteum-like tissue the phenomenon of metallosis was observed. Titanium implants cause oxidative/nitrosative stress as well as disturbances in mitochondrial activity.
Tiered Levels of Resting Cortisol in an Athletic Population. A Potential Role for Interpretation in Biopsychosocial Assessment?
Authors: Rist Billymo , Pearce Alan J.
Published: January 2019

Background: Cortisol is a steroid hormone that follows a distinct diurnal timeline; however, while healthy ranges exist, it not been determined whether or why individuals differ on baseline cortisol levels. The aim of this study was to test the anecdotal evidence of different levels of responders by classifying these levels in resting cortisol, and to correlate individual cortisol responses to psychological traits. Methods: Twenty-two male athletes (mean age 22.5 ± 4.34 years) provided two saliva samples at the same time each day over three days in week one of their pre-season to determine individual baseline salivary cortisol levels. Participants also completed self-report psychological traits measures for correlation to cortisol levels. Results: Three levels of cortisol in responders were clearly identified (F2,19 = 69.00, p < 0.001). Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed that there was no significant relationship between baseline cortisol levels and psychological traits (optimism, r = 0.23, p = 0.29; stress, r = 0.05 p = 0.82; decision making, r = 0.19 p = 0.38). Conclusions: This novel study identified that within an overall healthy range, individual athletes will likely fall into either a low, average or high band of baseline cortisol. However individual responses did not correlate to self-report psychological traits. Caution is required if sports science staff wish to use cortisol to measure psychological stress.
School-Based Intervention on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Brazilian Students: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Minatto Giseli , Petroski Edio Luiz , Silva Kelly Samara da , Duncan Michael J.
Published: January 2019

Background: In response to the worldwide increasing prevalence of low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), several interventions have been developed. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a school-based intervention on CRF in Brazilian students. Methods: A nonrandomised controlled design tested 432 students (intervention group: n = 247) from 6th to 9th grade recruited from two public secondary schools in Florianopolis, in 2015. The intervention entitled “MEXA-SE” (move yourself), applied over 13 weeks, included four components: (1) increases in physical activity during Physical Education classes; (2) active recess; (3) educational sessions; and (4) educational materials. CRF (20-m shuttle run test) was the primary outcome. Results: The effect size of the intervention on CRF was 0.15 (CI 95% = –0.04; 0.34). In the within-group comparisons, VO2max decreased significantly from baseline to follow-up in the control group but remained constant in the intervention group. After adjustment variables, differences between intervention and control group were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The “MEXA-SE” intervention did not have an effect on adolescents’ CRF. However, maintenance of VO2max in intervention group and a reduction within control group demonstrates that this intervention may be beneficial for long-term CRF and, possibly, the increased intervention time could result in a better effect.
Analog Architecture Complexity Theory Empowering Ultra-Low Power Configurable Analog and Mixed Mode SoC Systems
Authors: Hasler Jennifer
Published: January 2019

This discussion develops a theoretical analog architecture framework similar to the well developed digital architecture theory. Designing analog systems, whether small or large scale, must optimize their architectures for energy consumption. As in digital systems, a strong architecture theory, based on experimental results, is essential for these opportunities. The recent availability of programmable and configurable analog technologies, as well as the start of analog numerical analysis, makes considering scaling of analog computation more than a purely theoretical interest. Although some aspects nicely parallel digital architecture concepts, analog architecture theory requires revisiting some of the foundations of parallel digital architectures, particularly revisiting structures where communication and memory access, instead of processor operations, that dominates complexity. This discussion shows multiple system examples from Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADC) to Vector-Matrix Multiplication (VMM), adaptive filters, image processing, sorting, and other computing directions.
Metallurgical Analysis of Chip Forming Process when Machining High Strength Bainitic Steels
Authors: Haddad Fares , Lescalier Christophe , Desaigues Jean-Edouard , Bomont-Arzur Anne , Bomont Olivier
Published: January 2019

In the following work, we propose a metallurgical approach to the chip formation process. We focus on a turning application of high strength steel in which chips are produced by adiabatic shear bands that generate cutting force signals with high frequency components. A spectral analysis of these signals is applied and highlights peaks above 4 kHz depending on the cutting conditions. A microscopic analysis on the chip sections provided data on chip breaking and serration mechanisms. Shear band spacing and excitation frequency of the whole cutting system were calculated and gave a good correlation with cutting forces spectra.
Intelligent Fault Diagnosis of Bearings Based on Energy Levels in Frequency Bands Using Wavelet and Support Vector Machines (SVM)
Authors: Yadavar Nikravesh Seyed Majid , Rezaie Hossein , Kilpatrik Margaret , Taheri Hossein
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a new method was introduced for feature extraction and fault diagnosis in bearings based on wavelet packet decomposition and analysis of the energy in different frequency bands. This method decomposes a signal into different frequency bands using different types of wavelets and performs multi-resolution analysis to extract different features of the signals by choosing energy levels in different frequency bands. The support vector machines (SVM) technique was used for faults classifications. Daubechies, biorthogonal, coiflet, symlet, Meyer, and reverse Meyer wavelets were used for feature extraction. The most appropriate decomposition level and frequency band were selected by analyzing the variation in the signal’s energy level. The proposed approach was applied to the fault diagnosis of rolling bearings, and testing results showed that the proposed approach can reliably identify different fault categories and their severities. Moreover, the effectiveness of the proposed feature selection and fault diagnosis method was significant based on the similarity between the wavelet packet and the signal, and effectively reduced the influence of the signal noise on the classification results.
Time–Scale Relationship between Securitized Real Estate and Local Stock Markets: Some Wavelet Evidence
Authors: Liow Kim Hiang , Zhou Xiaoxia , Li Qiang , Huang Yuting
Published: January 2019

This study revisits the relationship between securitized real estate and local stock markets by focusing on their time-scale co-movement and contagion dynamics across five developed countries. Since securitized real estate market is an important capital component of the domestic stock market in the respective economies, it is linked to the stock market. Earlier research does not have satisfactory results, because traditional methods average different relationships over various time and frequency domains between securitized real estate and local stock markets. According to our novel wavelet analysis, the relationship between the two asset markets is time–frequency varying. The average long run real estate–stock correlation fails to outweigh the average short run correlation, indicating the real estate markets examined may have become increasingly less sensitive to the domestic stock markets in the long-run in recent years. Moreover, securitized real estate markets appear to lead stock markets in the short run, whereas stock markets tend to lead securitized real estate markets in the long run, and to a lesser degree medium-term. Finally, we find incomplete real estate and local stock market integration among the five developed economies, given only weaker long-run integration beyond crisis periods.
Inhibitive Properties of Benzyldimethyldodecylammonium Chloride on Microbial Corrosion of 304 Stainless Steel in a Desulfovibrio desulfuricans-Inoculated Medium
Authors: Hsu Chung-Wen , Chen Tzu-En , Lo Kai-Yin , Lee Yueh-Lien
Published: January 2019

Biocides are frequently used to control sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in biofouling. The increasing restrictions of environmental regulations and growing safety concerns on the use of biocides result in efforts to minimize the amount of biocide use and develop environmentally friendly biocides. In this study, the antimicrobial activity and corrosion inhibition effect of a low-toxic alternative biocide, benzyldimethyldodecylammonium chloride (BDMDAC), on a 304 stainless steel substrate immersed in a Desulfovibrio desulfuricans (D. desulfuricans)-inoculated medium was examined. Potentiodynamic polarization curves were used to analyze corrosion behavior. Biofilm formation and corrosion products on the surfaces of 304 stainless steel coupons were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Results demonstrated that this compound exhibited satisfactory results against microbial corrosion by D. desulfuricans. The corrosion current density and current densities in the anodic region were lower in the presence of BDMDAC in the D. desulfuricans-inoculated medium. SEM and CLSM analyses revealed that the presence of BDMDAC mitigated formation of biofilm by D. desulfuricans.
Development of a New Ultra-High-Precision Magnetic Abrasive Finishing for Wire Material Using a Rotating Magnetic Field
Authors: Heng Lida , Yin Cheng , Han Seok Ho , Song Jun Hee , Mun Sang Don
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we propose a new ultra-high-precision magnetic abrasive finishing method for wire material which is considered to be difficult with the existing finishing process. The processing method uses a rotating magnetic field system with unbonded magnetic abrasive type. It is believed that this process can efficiently perform the ultra-high-precision finishing for producing a smooth surface finish and removing a diameter of wire material. For such a processing improvement, the following parameters are considered; rotational speed of rotating magnetic field, vibration frequency of wire material, and unbonded magnetic abrasive grain size. In order to evaluate the performance of the new finishing process for the wire material, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 1085 steel wire was used as the wire workpiece. The experimental results showed that the original surface roughness of AISI 1085 steel wire was enhanced from 0.25 µm to 0.02 µm for 60 s at 800 rpm of rotational speed. Also, the performance of the removed diameter was excellent. As the result, a new ultra-high-precision magnetic abrasive finishing using a rotating magnetic field with unbonded magnetic abrasive type could be successfully adopted for improving the surface roughness and removing the diameter of AISI 1085 steel wire material.
Influence of Ball-Burnishing Process on Surface Topography Parameters and Tribological Properties of Hardened Steel
Authors: Dzierwa Andrzej , Markopoulos Angelos P.
Published: January 2019

The ball-burnishing process is a particular finishing treatment that can improve selected properties of different materials. In the present study, the ball-burnishing technique was used to investigate the effect of input parameters of processes on selected surface layer features like surface roughness and residual stresses of the 42CrMo4 steel surfaces. The burnishing process was conducted on Haas CNC Vertical Mill Center VF-3 using a tool with tungsten carbide tip. A further objective of our research was to improve tribological properties of the aforementioned steel by the ball-burnishing process. The results of the investigations showed that it was possible to reduce the root mean square height of the surface Sq from 0.522 μm to 0.051 μm and to increase wear resistance compared to ground samples.
Stepwise Synthesis, Hydrogen-Bonded Supramolecular Structure, and Magnetic Property of a Co–Mn Heterodinuclear Complex
Authors: Mitsuhashi Ryoji , Ueda Takaaki , Mikuriya Masahiro
Published: January 2019

A cobalt(III)–manganese(II) heterometallic dinuclear complex, [MnII{CoIII(µ-Himn)3}Cl2(CH3OH)], was prepared by a metalloligand approach. X-ray crystallographic analysis indicated that the metalloligand [CoIII(Himn)3] underwent mer/fac geometrical isomerization upon coordination to a Mn ion. Owing to the non-coordinating N–H bonds in the [CoIII(Himn)3] moiety, the heterodinuclear complex exhibited hydrogen bond interactions with the Cl− ligand of the neighboring complex to construct two-dimensional hydrogen-bond networks. The bond distances around the Mn center and the χMT value at 300 K indicate that the Mn center is in a divalent state. The temperature dependence of the χMT product and field dependence of the magnetization showed the isotropic nature of the MnII center.
The Four-Parameter PSS Method for Solving the Sylvester Equation
Authors: Shen Hai-Long , Li Yan-Ran , Shao Xin-Hui
Published: January 2019

In order to solve the Sylvester equations more efficiently, a new four parameters positive and skew-Hermitian splitting (FPPSS) iterative method is proposed in this paper based on the previous research of the positive and skew-Hermitian splitting (PSS) iterative method. We prove that when coefficient matrix A and B satisfy certain conditions, the FPPSS iterative method is convergent in the parameter’s value region. The numerical experiment results show that compared with previous iterative method, the FPPSS iterative method is more effective in terms of iteration number IT and runtime.
Stochastic Game Theoretic Formulation for a Multi-Period DC Pension Plan with State-Dependent Risk Aversion
Authors: Wang Liyuan , Chen Zhiping
Published: January 2019

When facing a multi-period defined contribution (DC) pension plan investment problem during the accumulation phase, the risk aversion attitude of a mean-variance investor may depend on state variables. In this paper, we propose a state-dependent risk aversion model which is a linear function of the current wealth level after contribution. This risk aversion model is reasonable from both the dimensional analysis and the economic point of view. Moreover, we incorporate the wage income factor into our model. In the field of dynamic investment analysis, most studies have irrational situations in their models because of the lack of the positiveness for the wealth process. In view of it, we further improve the work of Wang and Chen by completely eliminating the irrationality of the model. Due to the time-inconsistency of the resulting stochastic control problem, we derive the explicit expressions of the equilibrium control and the corresponding equilibrium value function by adopting the game theoretic framework developed in Björk and Murgoci. Further, two special cases are discussed. Finally, using a more realistic risk aversion coefficient, we provide a series of empirical tests based on the real data from the American market and compare our results with the relevant results in the literature.
Microcarriers Based on Glycosaminoglycan-Like Marine Exopolysaccharide for TGF-β1 Long-Term Protection
Authors: Zykwinska Agata , Marquis Mélanie , Godin Mathilde , Marchand Laëtitia , Sinquin Corinne , Garnier Catherine , Jonchère Camille , Chédeville Claire , Le Visage Catherine , Guicheux Jérôme , Colliec-Jouault Sylvia , Cuenot Stéphane
Published: January 2019

Articular cartilage is an avascular, non-innervated connective tissue with limited ability to regenerate. Articular degenerative processes arising from trauma, inflammation or due to aging are thus irreversible and may induce the loss of the joint function. To repair cartilaginous defects, tissue engineering approaches are under intense development. Association of cells and signalling proteins, such as growth factors, with biocompatible hydrogel matrix may lead to the regeneration of the healthy tissue. One current strategy to enhance both growth factor bioactivity and bioavailability is based on the delivery of these signalling proteins in microcarriers. In this context, the aim of the present study was to develop microcarriers by encapsulating Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β1) into microparticles based on marine exopolysaccharide (EPS), namely GY785 EPS, for further applications in cartilage engineering. Using a capillary microfluidic approach, two microcarriers were prepared. The growth factor was either encapsulated directly within the microparticles based on slightly sulphated derivative or complexed firstly with the highly sulphated derivative before being incorporated within the microparticles. TGF-β1 release, studied under in vitro model conditions, revealed that the majority of the growth factor was retained inside the microparticles. Bioactivity of released TGF-β1 was particularly enhanced in the presence of highly sulphated derivative. It comes out from this study that GY785 EPS based microcarriers may constitute TGF-β1 reservoirs spatially retaining the growth factor for a variety of tissue engineering applications and in particular cartilage regeneration, where the growth factor needs to remain in the target location long enough to induce robust regenerative responses.
Influence of OSMAC-Based Cultivation in Metabolome and Anticancer Activity of Fungi Associated with the Brown Alga Fucus vesiculosus
Authors: Fan Bicheng , Parrot Delphine , Blümel Martina , Labes Antje , Tasdemir Deniz
Published: January 2019

The fungi associated with marine algae are prolific sources of metabolites with high chemical diversity and bioactivity. In this study, we investigated culture-dependent fungal communities associated with the Baltic seaweed Fucus vesiculosus. Altogether, 55 epiphytic and endophytic fungi were isolated and identified. Twenty-six strains were selected for a small-scale One-Strain-Many-Compounds (OSMAC)-based fermentation in four media under solid and liquid culture regimes. In total, 208 fungal EtOAc extracts were tested for anticancer activity and general cytotoxicity. Ten most active strains (i.e., 80 extracts) were analyzed for their metabolome by molecular networking (MN), in-silico MS/MS fragmentation analysis (ISDB–UNPD), and manual dereplication. Thirty-six metabolites belonging to 25 chemical families were putatively annotated. The MN clearly distinguished the impact of culture conditions in chemical inventory and anticancer activity of the fungal extracts that was often associated with general toxicity. The bioactivity data were further mapped into MN to seek metabolites exclusively expressed in the active extracts. This is the first report of cultivable fungi associated with the Baltic F. vesiculosus that combined an OSMAC and an integrated MN-based untargeted metabolomics approaches for efficient assessment and visualization of the impact of the culture conditions on chemical space and anticancer potential of the fungi.
Venomics Reveals Venom Complexity of the Piscivorous Cone Snail, Conus tulipa
Authors: Dutt Mriga , Dutertre Sébastien , Jin Ai-Hua , Lavergne Vincent , Alewood Paul Francis , Lewis Richard James
Published: January 2019

The piscivorous cone snail Conus tulipa has evolved a net-hunting strategy, akin to the deadly Conus geographus, and is considered the second most dangerous cone snail to humans. Here, we present the first venomics study of C. tulipa venom using integrated transcriptomic and proteomic approaches. Parallel transcriptomic analysis of two C. tulipa specimens revealed striking differences in conopeptide expression levels (2.5-fold) between individuals, identifying 522 and 328 conotoxin precursors from 18 known gene superfamilies. Despite broad overlap at the superfamily level, only 86 precursors (11%) were common to both specimens. Conantokins (NMDA antagonists) from the superfamily B1 dominated the transcriptome and proteome of C. tulipa venom, along with superfamilies B2, A, O1, O3, con-ikot-ikot and conopressins, plus novel putative conotoxins precursors T1.3, T6.2, T6.3, T6.4 and T8.1. Thus, C. tulipa venom comprised both paralytic (putative ion channel modulating α-, ω-, μ-, δ-) and non-paralytic (conantokins, con-ikot-ikots, conopressins) conotoxins. This venomic study confirms the potential for non-paralytic conotoxins to contribute to the net-hunting strategy of C. tulipa.
Integrated Genomic and Metabolomic Approach to the Discovery of Potential Anti-Quorum Sensing Natural Products from Microbes Associated with Marine Samples from Singapore
Authors: Ong Ji Fa Marshall , Goh Hui Chin , Lim Swee Cheng , Pang Li Mei , Chin Joyce Seow Fong , Tan Koh Siang , Liang Zhao-Xun , Yang Liang , Glukhov Evgenia , Gerwick William H. , Tan Lik Tong
Published: January 2019

With 70% of the Earth’s surface covered in water, the marine ecosystem offers immense opportunities for drug discovery and development. Due to the decreasing rate of novel natural product discovery from terrestrial sources in recent years, many researchers are beginning to look seaward for breakthroughs in new therapeutic agents. As part of an ongoing marine drug discovery programme in Singapore, an integrated approach of combining metabolomic and genomic techniques were initiated for uncovering novel anti-quorum sensing molecules from bacteria associated with subtidal samples collected in the Singapore Strait. Based on the culture-dependent method, a total of 102 marine bacteria strains were isolated and the identities of selected strains were established based on their 16S rRNA gene sequences. About 5% of the marine bacterial organic extracts showed quorum sensing inhibitory (QSI) activity in a dose-dependent manner based on the Pseudomonas aeruginosa QS reporter system. In addition, the extracts were subjected to mass spectrometry-based molecular networking and the genome of selected strains were analysed for known as well as new biosynthetic gene clusters. This study revealed that using integrated techniques, coupled with biological assays, can provide an effective and rapid prioritization of marine bacterial strains for downstream large-scale culturing for the purpose of isolation and structural elucidation of novel bioactive compounds.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Medicina in 2018
Authors:   Medicina Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer review is the cornerstone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Effects of Zumba® and Aquagym on Bone Mass in Inactive Middle-Aged Women
Authors: Ubago-Guisado Esther , Sánchez-Sánchez Javier , Vila-Maldonado Sara , Gallardo Leonor
Published: January 2019

Background and objectives: Regular exercise may stimulate bone formation and reduce the loss of bone mass in premenopausal women. This study aims to evaluate the effect of high-impact physical activity (Zumba®) and low-impact physical activity (Aquagym) on bone mass in inactive middle-aged women. Materials and methods: Fifty-five healthy inactive women (30–50 years old) were recruited in Spain in 2016 and were randomly allocated into one of three groups: High impact group (HIG: n = 15), low impact group (LIG: n = 12) and control group (CG: n = 28). HIG and LIG were recruited from Madrid and the CG from Toledo. HIG and LIG completed a 12-week intervention program with three 40′ sessions per week of Zumba® or Aquagym; respectively. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measured bone mineral content (BMC) and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at total body less head (TBLH), lumbar spine and right hip. Results: Post-intervention adjusted data showed no significant differences in BMC between any of the groups nor in aBMD between HIG and LIG. Interestingly; significant differences for the HIG vs. CG were found in the change in total hip aBMD (1.76% vs. −0.44%), femoral neck aBMD (1.80% vs. −2.71%), and intertrochanter aBMD (2.03% vs. −0.50%). Moreover, significant differences for the LIG vs. CG were also found in the change in femoral neck aBMD (−0.54% vs. −2.71%). Conclusions: The regular practice of Zumba® and Aquagym might reduce the progressive deterioration of bone mass in inactive middle-aged women