bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(Epi)genetic Modifications in Myogenic Stem Cells: From Novel Insights to Therapeutic Perspectives
Authors: Breuls Natacha , Giacomazzi Giorgia , Sampaolesi Maurilio
Published: May 2019

The skeletal muscle is considered to be an ideal target for stem cell therapy as it has an inherent regenerative capacity. Upon injury, the satellite cells, muscle stem cells that reside under the basal lamina of the myofibres, start to differentiate in order to reconstitute the myofibres while maintaining the initial stem cell pool. In recent years, it has become more and more evident that epigenetic mechanisms such as histon modifications, DNA methylations and microRNA modulations play a pivatol role in this differentiation process. By understanding the mechanisms behind myogenesis, researchers are able to use this knowledge to enhance the differentiation and engraftment potential of different muscle stem cells. Besides manipulation on an epigenetic level, recent advances in the field of genome-engineering allow site-specific modifications in the genome of these stem cells. Combining epigenetic control of the stem cell fate with the ability to site-specifically correct mutations or add genes for further cell control, can increase the use of stem cells as treatment of muscular dystrophies drastically. In this review, we will discuss the advances that have been made in genome-engineering and the epigenetic regulation of muscle stem cells and how this knowledge can help to get stem cell therapy to its full potential.
From Normal to Obesity and Back: The Associations between Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number, Gender, and Body Mass Index
Authors: Skuratovskaia Daria , Litvinova Larisa , Vulf Maria , Zatolokin Pavel , Popadin Konstantin , Mazunin Ilia
Published: May 2019

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) encodes core subunits of oxidative phosphorylation complexes and, as a result of intricate regulatory crosstalk between nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, the total number of mtDNA copies fits the requirements of each cell type. Deviations from the physiological number of mtDNA copies are expected to be deleterious and might cause some inherited diseases and normal ageing. We studied 46 obese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) one year after a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The results were compared with normal-weight patients without T2DM (control group 1) (body mass index (BMI) = 22.5 ± 3.01 kg/m2) and patients with obesity without T2DM (control group 2) (BMI = 36 ± 3.45 kg/m2). We detected an increase of mtDNA copy number in the cells of the buffy coat obtained from peripheral blood, sampled one year after bariatric surgery. We also found that average mtDNA copy number as well as its dynamics (before and after the surgery) are gender-specific. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first evidence for the restoration of mtDNA copy number in obese patients after LSG and RYGB.
mTOR Signaling Pathway in Cancer Targets Photodynamic Therapy In Vitro
Authors: Ayuk Sandra M. , Abrahamse Heidi
Published: May 2019

The Mechanistic or Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) is a major signaling pathway in eukaryotic cells belonging to the P13K-related kinase family of the serine/threonine protein kinase. It has been established that mTOR plays a central role in cellular processes and implicated in various cancers, diabetes, and in the aging process with very poor prognosis. Inhibition of the mTOR pathway in the cells may improve the therapeutic index in cancer treatment. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been established to selectively eradicate neoplasia at clearly delineated malignant lesions. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the role or regulation of mTOR in cancer therapy. It also discusses how mTOR currently contributes to cancer as well as future perspectives on targeting mTOR therapeutically in cancer in vitro.
Rho GTPases—Emerging Regulators of Glucose Homeostasis and Metabolic Health
Authors: Møller Lisbeth Liliendal Valbjørn , Klip Amira , Sylow Lykke
Published: May 2019

Rho guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) are key regulators in a number of cellular functions, including actin cytoskeleton remodeling and vesicle traffic. Traditionally, Rho GTPases are studied because of their function in cell migration and cancer, while their roles in metabolism are less documented. However, emerging evidence implicates Rho GTPases as regulators of processes of crucial importance for maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Thus, the time is now ripe for reviewing Rho GTPases in the context of metabolic health. Rho GTPase-mediated key processes include the release of insulin from pancreatic β cells, glucose uptake into skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, and muscle mass regulation. Through the current review, we cast light on the important roles of Rho GTPases in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the pancreas and discuss the proposed mechanisms by which Rho GTPases act to regulate glucose metabolism in health and disease. We also describe challenges and goals for future research.
Grb7, a Critical Mediator of EGFR/ErbB Signaling, in Cancer Development and as a Potential Therapeutic Target
Authors: Chu Pei-Yu , Tai Yu-Ling , Shen Tang-Long
Published: May 2019

The partner of activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), growth factor receptor bound protein-7 (Grb7), a functionally multidomain adaptor protein, has been demonstrated to be a pivotal regulator for varied physiological and pathological processes by interacting with phospho-tyrosine-related signaling molecules to affect the transmission through a number of signaling pathways. In particular, critical roles of Grb7 in erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog (ERBB) family-mediated cancer development and malignancy have been intensively evaluated. The overexpression of Grb7 or the coamplification/cooverexpression of Grb7 and members of the ERBB family play essential roles in advanced human cancers and are associated with decreased survival and recurrence of cancers, emphasizing Grb7′s value as a prognostic marker and a therapeutic target. Peptide inhibitors of Grb7 are being tested in preclinical trials for their possible therapeutic effects. Here, we review the molecular, functional, and clinical aspects of Grb7 in ERBB family-mediated cancer development and malignancy with the aim to reveal alternative and effective therapeutic strategies.
Current Status of Raf Kinase Inhibitor Protein (RKIP) in Lung Cancer: Behind RTK Signaling
Authors: Raquel-Cunha Ana , Cardoso-Carneiro Diana , Reis Rui M. , Martinho Olga
Published: May 2019

Lung cancer is the most deadly neoplasm with the highest incidence in both genders, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the most frequent subtype. Somatic mutations within the tyrosine kinase domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene are key drivers of NSCLC progression, with EGFR inhibitors being particularly beneficial for patients carrying the so-called “EGFR-sensitizing mutations”. However, patients eventually acquire resistance to these EGFR inhibitors, and a better knowledge of other driven and targetable proteins will allow the design of increasingly accurate drugs against patients’ specific molecular aberrations. Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) is an important modulator of relevant intracellular signaling pathways, including those controlled by EGFR, such as MAPK. It has been reported that it has metastasis suppressor activity and a prognostic role in several solid tumors, including lung cancer. In the present review, the potential use of RKIP in the clinic as a prognostic biomarker and predictor of therapy response in lung cancer is addressed.
Sex-Dependent Signaling Pathways Underlying Seizure Susceptibility and the Role of Chloride Cotransporters
Authors: Kipnis Pavel A. , Sullivan Brennan J. , Kadam Shilpa D.
Published: May 2019

Seizure incidence, severity, and antiseizure medication (ASM) efficacy varies between males and females. Differences in sex-dependent signaling pathways that determine network excitability may be responsible. The identification and validation of sex-dependent molecular mechanisms that influence seizure susceptibility is an emerging focus of neuroscience research. The electroneutral cation-chloride cotransporters (CCCs) of the SLC12A gene family utilize Na+-K+-ATPase generated electrochemical gradients to transport chloride into or out of neurons. CCCs regulate neuronal chloride gradients, cell volume, and have a strong influence over the electrical response to the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Acquired or genetic causes of CCCs dysfunction have been linked to seizures during early postnatal development, epileptogenesis, and refractoriness to ASMs. A growing number of studies suggest that the developmental expression of CCCs, such as KCC2, is sex-dependent. This review will summarize the reports of sexual dimorphism in epileptology while focusing on the role of chloride cotransporters and their associated modulators that can influence seizure susceptibility.
Intraurban Temperature Variations: Urban Morphologies of the Densification Process of Copacabana Neighborhood, Brazil
Authors: Barbosa Gisele S. , Drach Patricia R. C. , Corbella Oscar D.
Published: May 2019

The idea of compact cities is attracting enthusiasts, and some have proposed sustainable options for its implementation. This concept is based on planning for higher density cities with efficient connectivity in their structures. Because climatic characteristics are one of the basic factors to consider when planning a town, the models imported from different climates of Brazil must be intensely scrutinized and analyzed for their adequacy and effectiveness. Previous studies have revealed the inadequacy of the compact city model for tropical countries. In this study, the Copacabana neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, a city that is currently compact, was assessed using computational tools (ENVI-met) to observe the intraurban temperature dynamics and sky view factor (SVF) alterations at three time-points’ unit occupation history: 1930, 1950, and 2018. To determine the effects of morphological changes on thermal sensation, two outdoor comfort indexes were calculated: the physiological equivalent temperature (PET) and the universal thermal climate (UTCI). From the obtained results, the relationship between urban morphology, air temperature, and thermal comfort indicates that the debate about urban models will be heightened, particularly with regard to the concept of compact cities in the formation of new cities and neighborhoods in the tropics.
Steady-State Pupil Size Varies with Circadian Phase and Sleep Homeostasis in Healthy Young Men
Authors: Van Egroo Maxime , Gaggioni Giulia , Cespedes-Ortiz Cristian , Ly Julien Q. M. , Vandewalle Gilles
Published: May 2019

Pupil size informs about sympathovagal balance as well as cognitive and affective processes, and perception. It is also directly linked to phasic activity of the brainstem locus coeruleus, so that pupil measures have gained recent attention. Steady-state pupil size and its variability have been directly linked to sleep homeostasis and circadian phase, but results have been inconsistent. Here, we report robust changes in steady-state pupil size during 29 h of continuous wakefulness in healthy young men (N = 20; 18–30 years old) maintained in dim-light in strictly controlled constant routine conditions. These variations were associated with variations in motivation and sustained attention performance. Pupil size variability did not significantly change during the protocol. Yet, pupil size variability was linearly associated with subjective fatigue, sociability, and anguish. No associations were found between neither steady-state pupil size nor pupil size variability, and objective EEG measure of alertness and subjective sleepiness. Our data support therefore the notion that, compared with its variability, steady-state pupil size is strongly influenced by the concomitant changes in sleep need and circadian phase. In addition, steady-state pupil size appears to be related to motivation and attention, while its variability may be related to separate affective dimensions and subjective fatigue.
Correlation of Impedance Matching and Optical Emission Spectroscopy during Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition of Nanocrystalline Silicon Thin Films
Authors: Kau Li-Han , Huang Hung-Jui , Chang Hsueh-Er , Hsieh Yu-Lin , Lee Chien-Chieh , Fuh Yiin-Kuen , Li Tomi T.
Published: May 2019

In this paper, the correlation of impedance matching and optical emission spectroscopy during plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) was systematically investigated in SiH4 plasma diluted by various hydrogen dilution ratios. At the onset of nanocrystallinity in SiH4− depleted plasma condition, the SiH+ radical reached a threshold value as the dominant radical, such that a-Si to nc-Si transition was obtained. Furthermore, the experimental data of impedance analysis showed that matching behavior can be greatly influenced by variable plasma parameters due to the change of various hydrogen dilution ratios, which is consistent with the recorded optical emission spectra (OES) of Hα* radicals. Quadruple mass spectrometry (QMS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed as associated diagnostic and characterization tools to confirm the phase transformation and existence of silicon nanocrystals.
Modified Electrodeposited Cobalt Foam Coatings as Sensors for Detection of Free Chlorine in Water
Authors: Vainoris Modestas , Tsyntsaru Natalia , Cesiulis Henrikas
Published: May 2019

Metal foams offer a substantial specific surface area and sturdy frame, which makes them great candidates for various applications such as catalysts, sensors, heat sinks, etc. Cobalt and its various compounds are being considered as a cheaper alternative for precious and rare metal catalysts. The cobalt foams have been electrodeposited under galvanostatic and current pulse modes; the porous surface was created using a dynamic hydrogen bubble template. In order to obtain the highest porosity, four different solutions were tested, as well as a wide current density window (0.6–2.5 A/cm²), in addition many different combinations of pulse durations were applied. The effects of surfactant (isopropanol) on porosity were also investigated. The morphology of obtained foams was examined by SEM coupled with EDS, and XRD spectroscopy. True surface area was estimated based on the values of a double electric layer capacitance that was extracted from EIS data. Cobalt foams were modified using K3[Fe(CN)6] solution and cyclic voltammetry to form a cobalt hexacyanoferrate complex on the foam surface. In order to find optimal modification conditions, various potential scan rates and numbers of cycles were tested as well. Free chlorine sensing capabilities were evaluated using chronoamperometry.
Contamination Particle Behavior of Aerosol Deposited Y2O3 and YF3 Coatings under NF3 Plasma
Authors: Song Je-Boem , Choi Eunmi , Oh Seong-Geun , Kim Jin-Tae , Yun Ju-Young
Published: May 2019

The internal coatings of chambers exposed to plasma over a long period of time are subject to chemical and physical damage. Contamination particles that are produced by plasma damage to coatings are a major contribution to poor process reliability. In this study, we investigated the behavior of contamination particles produced from plasma damage to Y2O3 and YF3 protective coatings, which were applied by an aerosol deposition method. The coating materials were located at the powered electrode, the grounded electrode, and the grounded wall, which were exposed to a NF3 plasma. The mass loss at the powered electrode, which was exposed to the NF3 plasma etching under an applied bias, showed that the YF3 etching rate was higher than that of Y2O3. Conversely, the mass of coating increased at the grounded electrode and the grounded wall, which were exposed to NF3 plasma etching under zero bias. The mass of the Y2O3 coating increased more than that of the YF3 coating. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis showed that the Y2O3 coating corroded to YOxFy in the NF3 plasma, and YF3 existed as YFx. Light scattering sensor analysis showed that the YF3 coating produced fewer contamination particles than did the Y2O3 coating.
Tartrate-Based Electrolyte for Electrodeposition of Fe–Sn Alloys
Authors: Mrkonjić Zajkoska Simona , Dobročka Edmund , Hansal Selma , Mann Rudolf , Hansal Wolfgang E. G. , Kautek Wolfgang
Published: May 2019

Magnetic properties of the sustainable Fe–Sn alloys are already known. However, there is lack of information in the field of Fe–Sn electrodeposition. In the present study, a novel Fe(III)–Sn(II) electrolyte with tartaric acid as a single complexing agent is introduced. The influence of the pH and the current density on the structural properties of the Fe–Sn deposit was studied. The stability of the electrolytes as a main attribute of sustainability was tested. The ferromagnetic phases Fe5Sn3 and Fe3Sn were electrodeposited for the first time, and it was found that the mechanism of the Fe–Sn deposition changes from normal to anomalous at a pH value 3.0 and a current density of approximately 30 mA/cm2. A possible reason for the anomalous deposition of Fe–Sn is the formation of Fe-hydroxides on the cathode surface. Two electrolyte stability windows exist: The first stability window is around a pH value of 1.8 where bimetallic Fe–Sn tartrate complexes were formed, and second one is around a pH value of 3.5 where most of the Sn ions were present in the form of [Sn(tart)2]2− and Fe in the form of [Fe(tart)]+ complexes.
Optical Analysis of RF Sputtering Plasma through Colour Characterization
Authors: Salimian Ali , Haghpanahan Roohollah , Hasnath Abul , Upadhyaya Hari
Published: May 2019

The photometric properties of an radio frequency (RF)-based sputtering plasma source were monitored through optical spectroscopy. The colour of the plasma source was deduced based on conventional chromaticity index analysis and it was compared to the direct spectral data plots of the emission peaks to investigate the possibility of characterising the plasma based on its specific colour and exploring the potential of defining a new method by which the plasma sputtering process can be addressed based on the plasma colour parameters. The intention of this investigation is to evaluate the possibility of simplifying the monitoring and assessment of the sputtering process for applied scientists operating plasma sputter deposition systems. We demonstrate a viable potential for this technique in terms of providing information regarding the stability of the plasma, chamber pressure, and plasma power; however, further work is underway to verify and assess a relationship between the quality of the thin film coating and the colour characteristics of the deposition plasma. Here, we only focus on the feasibility of such an approach and demonstrate interesting observations. We observed a linear relationship between the colour functions and the plasma power, while the stability of the sputtering plasma can be assessed based on the plasma colour functions. The colour functions also follow a unique pattern when the working gas pressure is increased.
Channel Characteristics of InAs/AlSb Heterojunction Epitaxy: Comparative Study on Epitaxies with Different Thickness of InAs Channel and AlSb Upper Barrier
Authors: Guan He , Wang Shaoxi , Chen Lingli , Gao Bo , Wang Ying , Jiang Chengyu
Published: May 2019

Because of the high electron mobility and electron velocity in the channel, InAs/AlSb high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) have excellent physical properties, compared with the other traditional III-V semiconductor components, such as ultra-high cut-off frequency, very low power consumption and good noise performance. In this paper, both the structure and working principle of InAs/AlSb HEMTs were studied, the energy band distribution of the InAs/AlSb heterojunction epitaxy was analyzed, and the generation mechanism and scattering mechanism of two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in InAs channel were demonstrated, based on the software simulation in detail. In order to discuss the impact of different epitaxial structures on the 2DEG and electron mobility in channel, four kinds of epitaxies with different thickness of InAs channel and AlSb upper-barrier were manufactured. The samples were evaluated with the contact Hall test. It is found the sample with a channel thickness of 15 nm and upper-barrier layer of 17 nm shows a best compromised sheet carrier concentration of 2.56 × 1012 cm−2 and electron mobility of 1.81 × 104 cm2/V·s, and a low sheet resistivity of 135 Ω/□, which we considered to be the optimized thickness of channel layer and upper-barrier layer. This study is a reference to further design InAs/AlSb HEMT, by ensuring a good device performance.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Polyurethane Phase Separated to Nano Size in an Epoxy Polymer
Authors: Kim Tae Hee , Kim Miri , Lee Wonjoo , Kim Hyeon-Gook , Lim Choong-Sun , Seo Bongkuk
Published: May 2019

Epoxy resins are widely applicable in the aircraft, automobile, coating, and adhesive industries because of their good chemical resistance and excellent mechanical and thermal properties. However, upon external impact, the crack propagation of epoxy polymers weakens the overall impact resistance of these materials. Therefore, many impact modifiers have been developed to reduce the brittleness of epoxy polymers. Polyurethanes, as impact modifiers, can improve the toughness of polymers. Although it is well known that polyurethanes (PUs) are phase-separated in the polymer matrix after curing, connecting PUs to the polymer matrix for enhancing the mechanical properties of polymers has proven to be challenging. In this study, we introduced epoxy functional groups into polyol backbones, which is different from other studies that focused on modifying capping agents to achieve a network structure between the polymer matrix and PU. We confirmed the molecular weight of the prepared PU via gel permeation chromatography. Moreover, the prepared material was added to the epoxies and the resulting mechanical and thermal properties of the materials were evaluated. Furthermore, we conducted tensile, flexural strength, and impact resistance measurements. The addition of PU to the epoxy compositions enhanced their impact strength and maintained their mechanical strength up to 10 phr of PU. Furthermore, the morphologies observed with field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy proved that the PU was phase separated in the epoxy matrix.
Attack Detection for Healthcare Monitoring Systems Using Mechanical Learning in Virtual Private Networks over Optical Transport Layer Architecture
Authors: Liagkou Vasiliki , Kavvadas Vasileios , Chronopoulos Spyridon K. , Tafiadis Dionysios , Christofilakis Vasilis , Peppas Kostas P.
Published: May 2019

Data security plays a crucial role in healthcare monitoring systems, since critical patient information is transacted over the Internet, especially through wireless devices, wireless routes such as optical wireless channels, or optical transport networks related to optical fibers. Many hospitals are acquiring their own metro dark fiber networks for collaborating with other institutes as a way to maximize their capacity to meet patient needs, as sharing scarce and expensive assets, such as scanners, allows them to optimize their efficiency. The primary goal of this article is to develop of an attack detection model suitable for healthcare monitoring systems that uses internet protocol (IP) virtual private networks (VPNs) over optical transport networks. To this end, this article presents the vulnerabilities in healthcare monitoring system networks, which employ VPNs over optical transport layer architecture. Furthermore, a multilayer network architecture for closer integration of the IP and optical layers is proposed, and an application for detecting DoS attacks is introduced. The proposed application is a lightweight implementation that could be applied and installed into various remote healthcare control devices with limited processing and memory resources. Finally, an analytical and focused approach correlated to attack detection is proposed, which can also serve as a tutorial oriented towards even nonprofessionals for practical and learning purposes.
An App that Changes Mentalities about Mobile Learning—The EduPARK Augmented Reality Activity
Authors: Pombo Lúcia , Marques Margarida M.
Published: May 2019

The public usually associates mobile devices to distraction and learning disruption, and they are not frequently used in formal education. Additionally, games and parks are both associated with play and leisure time, and not to learn. This study shows that the combination of mobiles, games, and parks can promote authentic learning and contributes to changing conventional mentalities. The study is framed by the EduPARK project that created an innovative app for authentic learning, supported by mobile and augmented reality (AR) technologies, for game-based approaches in a green park. A case study of the EduPARK strategy’s educational value, according to 86 Basic Education undergraduate students, was conducted. The participants experienced the app in the park and presented their opinion about: (i) mobile learning; (ii) the app’s usability; and (iii) the impact of the educational strategy in terms of factors, such as intrinsic motivation and authentic learning. Data collection included a survey and document collection of student reflections. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics, System Usability score computing, and content analysis. Students considered that the EduPARK strategy has educational value, particularly regarding content learning and motivation. From this study emerged seven supporting pillars that constitute a set of guidelines for future development of mobile game-based learning.
Procedural Modeling of Buildings Composed of Arbitrarily-Shaped Floor-Plans: Background, Progress, Contributions and Challenges of a Methodology Oriented to Cultural Heritage
Authors: Adão Telmo , Pádua Luís , Marques Pedro , Sousa Joaquim João , Peres Emanuel , Magalhães Luís
Published: May 2019

Virtual models’ production is of high pertinence in research and business fields such as architecture, archeology, or video games, whose requirements might range between expeditious virtual building generation for extensively populating computer-based synthesized environments and hypothesis testing through digital reconstructions. There are some known approaches to achieve the production/reconstruction of virtual models, namely digital settlements and buildings. Manual modeling requires highly-skilled manpower and a considerable amount of time to achieve the desired digital contents, in a process composed by many stages that are typically repeated over time. Both image-based and range scanning approaches are more suitable for digital preservation of well-conserved structures. However, they usually require trained human resources to prepare field operations and manipulate expensive equipment (e.g., 3D scanners) and advanced software tools (e.g., photogrammetric applications). To tackle the issues presented by previous approaches, a class of cost-effective, efficient, and scarce-data-tolerant techniques/methods, known as procedural modeling, has been developed aiming at the semi- or fully-automatic production of virtual environments composed of hollow buildings exclusively represented by outer façades or traversable buildings with interiors, either for expeditious generation or reconstruction. Despite the many achievements of the existing procedural modeling approaches, the production of virtual buildings with both interiors and exteriors composed by non-rectangular shapes (convex or concave n-gons) at the floor-plan level is still seldomly addressed. Therefore, a methodology (and respective system) capable of semi-automatically producing ontology-based traversable buildings composed of arbitrarily-shaped floor-plans has been proposed and continuously developed, and is under analysis in this paper, along with its contributions towards the accomplishment of other virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) projects/works oriented to digital applications for cultural heritage. Recent roof production-related enhancements resorting to the well-established straight skeleton approach are also addressed, as well as forthcoming challenges. The aim is to consolidate this procedural modeling methodology as a valuable computer graphics work and discuss its future directions.
The Regulation of Personalized Cosmetics in the EU
Authors: Eixarch Helena , Wyness Louis , Sibanda Musa
Published: May 2019

Personalized or customized cosmetics are increasing in popularity. While compliance with the EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 is mandatory, there are no clear guidelines to ensure their compliance. While cosmetic products are subject to numerous regulations, permitting their sale within the European Single Market, this article focusses on the requirements of the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Certain provisions of the Regulation are considered and possible solutions proposed to enable the safe use of personalized cosmetics placed on the market.
Known and Unknown Features of Hair Cuticle Structure: A Brief Review
Authors: Rogers George E.
Published: May 2019

The cuticle is the outermost layer of overlapping flattened cells of hair and has been subjected to many years of study to understand its structure and how it develops in the follicle. The essential function of the cuticle with its tough inelastic protein content is to protect the inner cortex that provides the elastic properties of hair. Progress in our knowledge of hair came from studies with the electron microscope, initially transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for internal structure and later the scanning electron microscope (SEM) for cuticle surface shape and for investigating changes caused by various environmental influences such as cosmetic treatments and industrial processing of wool. Other physical techniques have been successfully applied in conjunction with proteomics. The outstanding internal features of the cuticle cells are the internal layers consisting of keratin filament proteins and the keratin-associated proteins. The stability and physical toughness of the cuticle cell is partly accounted for by the high content of disulphide crosslinking. The material between the cells that holds them tightly together, the cell membrane complex, consists of a layer of lipid on both sides of a central protein layer. The lipid contains 18-methyleicosanoic acid that is part of the hydrophobic lipid surface of hair. For the past decade there have been aspects that remained unanswered because they are difficult to study. Some of these are discussed in this brief review with suggestions for experimental approaches to shed more light.
Pressure Effects on the Optical Properties of NdVO4
Authors: Bandiello Enrico , Sánchez-Martín Josu , Errandonea Daniel , Bettinelli Marco
Published: May 2019

We report on optical spectroscopic measurements in pure NdVO4 crystals at pressures up to 12 GPa. The influence of pressure on the fundamental absorption band gap and Nd3+ absorption bands has been correlated with structural changes in the crystal. The experiments indicate that a phase transition takes place between 4.7 and 5.4 GPa. We have also determined the pressure dependence of the band-gap and discussed the behavior of the Nd3+ absorption lines under compression. Important changes in the optical properties of NdVO4 occur at the phase transition, which, according to Raman measurements, corresponds to a zircon to monazite phase change. In particular, in these conditions a collapse of the band gap occurs, changing the color of the crystal. The changes are not reversible. The results are analyzed in comparison with those deriving from previous studies on NdVO4 and related vanadates.
Lichen Responses to Disturbance: Clues for Biomonitoring Land-use Effects on Riparian Andean Ecosystems
Authors: Chuquimarca Leiddy , Gaona Fernando P. , Iñiguez-Armijos Carlos , Benítez Ángel
Published: May 2019

The transformation of natural ecosystems due to anthropogenic land use is considered one of the main causes of biodiversity loss. Lichens, due to their poikilohydric nature, are very sensitive to natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Therefore, lichen communities have been widely used as bioindicators of climatic and environmental changes. In this study, we evaluated how the species richness and community composition of epiphytic lichens respond to land-use intensity in riparian ecosystems of the Andes in southern Ecuador. Additionally, we evaluate how the richness of six functional traits (photobiont type, growth form, and reproductive strategy) changed across the different land-use intensity. We selected 10 trees in twelve sites for a total de 120 trees, equally divided into four riparian land-use intensities (forest, forest-pasture, pasture and urban). We recorded a total of 140 lichen species. Species richness was highest in the forest sites and decreased towards more anthropogenic land uses. Lichen community composition responded to land-use intensity, and was explained by microclimate variables (e.g., precipitation, percentage forested area) and distance to the forest. Richness of functional traits of lichens also differed significantly among the four land-use intensity and decreased from forests to urban land-use. Taxonomic diversity and functional traits can be effectively applied as bioindicators to assess and monitor the effects of land-use changes in the riparian ecosystems of tropical montane regions.
Comparative Analysis of Mollusc Assemblages from Different Hard Bottom Habitats in the Central Tyrrhenian Sea
Authors: Casoli Edoardo , Bonifazi Andrea , Ardizzone Giandomenico , Gravina Maria Flavia , Russo Giovanni Fulvio , Sandulli Roberto , Donnarumma Luigia
Published: May 2019

Composition, trophic structure, and species-substrate relationships of molluscan assemblages inhabiting different hard bottom habitats (Sabellaria alveolata reef, photophilic bottoms, Phyllophora crispa sciaphilic assemblage, and coralligenous bioconstruction) were studied in two different sites of the Tyrrhenian Sea. In particular, molluscs from the Sabellaria alvevolata (Linnaeus, 1767) reef and coralligenous concretion were investigated, testing the hypothesis that bioconstructions increase the diversity and abundance of associated biota compared to the surrounding habitats. A total of 3134 individuals belonging to the classes of Polyplacophora (5 species, 24 individuals), Bivalvia (39 sp., 2734 ind.), and Gastropoda (53 sp., 376 ind.) were identified. These three taxonomic groups showed different distribution patterns in the studied habitats. Multivariate analyses revealed significant inter-habitat differences in the composition of mollusc assemblages, especially between bioconstructions and the other habitats. S. alveolata and coralligenous host the highest rich molluscan fauna when compared to the neighboring hard bottom habitats characterized by photophilic and sciaphilic assemblages. The first ones were dominated by bivalve suspension feeders, mainly represented by sessile and sedentary organisms, which act as bio-constructors, bio-eroders, or simply inhabit the several microhabitats provided by the bioconstructions, while the second ones host a rich molluscan fauna dominated by gastropod grazers and predators. The present study increases the comparative knowledge of molluscan assemblages inhabiting habitats of littoral plans of the Mediterranean Sea, providing pivotal information regarding biodiversity of coastal zones.
Transcriptome Dataset of Leaf Tissue in Agave H11648
Authors: Huang Xing , Xie Li , Gbokie Thomas , Xi Jingen , Yi Kexian
Published: May 2019

Sisal is widely cultivated in tropical areas for fiber production. The main sisal cultivar, Agave H11648 ((A. amaniensis × A. angustifolia) × A. amaniensis) has a relatively scarce molecular basis and no genomic information. Next-generation sequencing technology has offered a great opportunity for functional gene mining in Agave species. Several published Agave transcriptomes have already been reused for gene cloning and selection pressure analysis. There are also other potential uses of the published transcriptomes, such as meta-analysis, molecular marker detection, alternative splicing analysis, multi-omics analysis, genome assembly, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, expression quantitative trait loci analysis, miRNA target site prediction, etc. In order to make the best of our published transcriptome of A. H11648 leaf, we here represent a data descriptor, with the aim to expand Agave bio information and benefit Agave genetic researches.
Semantics in the Deep: Semantic Analytics for Big Data
Authors: Koutsomitropoulos Dimitrios , Likothanassis Spiridon , Kalnis Panos
Published: May 2019

One cannot help but classify the continuous birth and demise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) trends into the everlasting theme of the battle between connectionist and symbolic AI [...]
Lateral Root and Nodule Transcriptomes of Soybean
Authors: Adhikari Sajag , Damodaran Suresh , Subramanian Senthil
Published: May 2019

Symbiotic legume nodules and lateral roots arise away from the root meristem via dedifferentiation events. While these organs share some morphological and developmental similarities, whether legume nodules are modified lateral roots is an open question. We dissected emerging nodules, mature nodules, emerging lateral roots and young lateral roots, and constructed strand-specific RNA sequencing (RNAseq) libraries using polyA-enriched RNA preparations. Root sections above and below these organs, devoid of any lateral organs, were used to construct respective control tissue libraries. High sequence quality, predominant mapping to coding sequences, and consistency between replicates indicated that the RNAseq libraries were of a very high quality. We identified genes enriched in emerging nodules, mature nodules, emerging lateral roots and young lateral roots in soybean by comparing global gene expression profiles between each of these organs and adjacent root segments. Potential uses for this high quality transcriptome data set include generation of global gene regulatory networks to identify key regulators; metabolic pathway analyses and comparative analyses of key gene families to discover organ-specific biological processes; and identification of organ-specific alternate spliced transcripts. When combined with other similar datasets, especially from leguminous plants, these analyses can help answer questions on the evolutionary origins of root nodules and relationships between the development of different plant lateral organs.
Predictive Models of Student College Commitment Decisions Using Machine Learning
Authors: Basu Kanadpriya , Basu Treena , Buckmire Ron , Lal Nishu
Published: May 2019

Every year, academic institutions invest considerable effort and substantial resources to influence, predict and understand the decision-making choices of applicants who have been offered admission. In this study, we applied several supervised machine learning techniques to four years of data on 11,001 students, each with 35 associated features, admitted to a small liberal arts college in California to predict student college commitment decisions. By treating the question of whether a student offered admission will accept it as a binary classification problem, we implemented a number of different classifiers and then evaluated the performance of these algorithms using the metrics of accuracy, precision, recall, F-measure and area under the receiver operator curve. The results from this study indicate that the logistic regression classifier performed best in modeling the student college commitment decision problem, i.e., predicting whether a student will accept an admission offer, with an AUC score of 79.6%. The significance of this research is that it demonstrates that many institutions could use machine learning algorithms to improve the accuracy of their estimates of entering class sizes, thus allowing more optimal allocation of resources and better control over net tuition revenue.
Agro-Climatic Data by County: A Spatially and Temporally Consistent U.S. Dataset for Agricultural Yields, Weather and Soils
Authors: Yun Seong Do , Gramig Benjamin M.
Published: May 2019

Agro-climatic data by county (ACDC) is designed to provide the major agro-climatic variables from publicly available spatial data sources to diverse end-users. ACDC provides USDA NASS annual (1981–2015) crop yields for corn, soybeans, upland cotton and winter wheat by county. Customizable growing degree days for 1 °C intervals between −60 °C and +60 °C, and total precipitation for two different crop growing seasons from the PRISM weather data are included. Soil characteristic data from USDA-NRCS gSSURGO are also provided for each county in the 48 contiguous US states. All weather and soil data are processed to include only data for land being used for non-forestry agricultural uses based on the USGS NLCD land cover/land use data. This paper explains the numerical and geo-computational methods and data generating processes employed to create ACDC from the original data sources. Essential considerations for data management and use are discussed, including the use of the agricultural mask, spatial aggregation and disaggregation, and the computational requirements for working with the raw data sources.
Four Virtual-Reality Simulators for Diagnostic Abdominal Ultrasound Training in Radiology
Authors: Østergaard Mia Louise , Konge Lars , Kahr Niklas , Albrecht-Beste Elisabeth , Nielsen Michael Bachmann , Nielsen Kristina Rue
Published: May 2019

Ultrasound exams need skilled examiners, and simulation-based training could provide standardized and safe skill training. This study aims to give an overview of different types of virtual-reality simulators for use in abdominal diagnostic ultrasound training in radiology. Fifteen specialized radiologists and radiological residents were presented with two similar cases on four different simulators for abdominal ultrasound training. A feedback sheet for each individual simulator and for an overall comparison was filled out by all participants. All means of scores were compared, and simulators were ranked from least to most favorable. One simulator was ranked most favorable in seven out of nine questions, but none of the mean scores had statistically significant differences. All simulators were recommended for training radiologists, and all simulators were perceived to benefit trainees more than experienced ultra-sonographers.
Ultrasound-Guided Core Needle Biopsies of Breast Invasive Carcinoma: When One Core is Sufficient for Pathologic Diagnosis and Assessment of Hormone Receptor and HER2 Status
Authors: Li Hsin-Ni , Chen Chuan-Han
Published: May 2019

Ultrasound (US)-guided core needle biopsy is considered the gold standard procedure with regard to preoperative diagnosis of breast carcinomas. However, there is no clear standard for the number of cores considered to be sufficient for pathologic evaluation, including the expression of surface hormone markers and HER2 status. Images and pathologic slides demonstrating breast invasive carcinoma from a single institution were thus retrospectively reviewed over a 12 month period. The results indicated that one core is sufficient for the diagnosis of invasive carcinomas, along with a reliable assessment of hormone receptor and HER2 status in many cases. The option of applying additional cores is recommended for some cases.
Effects of Advective-Diffusive Transport of Multiple Chemoattractants on Motility of Engineered Chemosensory Particles in Fluidic Environments
Authors: King Danielle , Başağaoğlu Hakan , Nguyen Hoa , Healy Frank , Whitman Melissa , Succi Sauro
Published: May 2019

Motility behavior of an engineered chemosensory particle (ECP) in fluidic environments is driven by its responses to chemical stimuli. One of the challenges to understanding such behaviors lies in tracking changes in chemical signal gradients of chemoattractants and ECP-fluid dynamics as the fluid is continuously disturbed by ECP motion. To address this challenge, we introduce a new multiscale numerical model to simulate chemotactic swimming of an ECP in confined fluidic environments by accounting for motility-induced disturbances in spatiotemporal chemoattractant distributions. The model accommodates advective-diffusive transport of unmixed chemoattractants, ECP-fluid hydrodynamics at the ECP-fluid interface, and spatiotemporal disturbances in the chemoattractant concentrations due to particle motion. Demonstrative simulations are presented with an ECP, mimicking Escherichia coli (E. coli) chemotaxis, released into initially quiescent fluids with different source configurations of the chemoattractants N-methyl-L-aspartate and L-serine. Simulations demonstrate that initial distributions and temporal evolution of chemoattractants and their release modes (instantaneous vs. continuous, point source vs. distributed) dictate time histories of chemotactic motility of an ECP. Chemotactic motility is shown to be largely determined by spatiotemporal variation in chemoattractant concentration gradients due to transient disturbances imposed by ECP-fluid hydrodynamics, an observation not captured in previous numerical studies that relied on static chemoattractant concentration fields.
New Bivariate Pareto Type II Models
Authors: Baharith Lamya , Alzahrani Hind
Published: May 2019

Pareto type II distribution has been studied from many statisticians due to its important role in reliability modelling and lifetime testing. In this article, we introduce two bivariate Pareto Type II distributions; one is derived from copula and the other is based on mixture and copula. Parameter Estimates of the proposed distribution are obtained using the maximum likelihood method. The performance of the proposed bivariate distributions is examined using a simulation study. Finally, we analyze one data set under the proposed distributions to illustrate their flexibility for real-life applications.
Communicability Characterization of Structural DWI Subcortical Networks in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Lella Eufemia , Amoroso Nicola , Diacono Domenico , Lombardi Angela , Maggipinto Tommaso , Monaco Alfonso , Bellotti Roberto , Tangaro Sabina
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we investigate the connectivity alterations of the subcortical brain network due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Mostly, the literature investigated AD connectivity abnormalities at the whole brain level or at the cortex level, while very few studies focused on the sub-network composed only by the subcortical regions, especially using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) data. In this work, we examine a mixed cohort including 46 healthy controls (HC) and 40 AD patients from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) data set. We reconstruct the brain connectome through the use of state of the art tractography algorithms and we propose a method based on graph communicability to enhance the information content of subcortical brain regions in discriminating AD. We develop a classification framework, achieving 77% of area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve in the binary discrimination AD vs. HC only using a 12 × 12 subcortical features matrix. We find some interesting AD-related connectivity patterns highlighting that subcortical regions tend to increase their communicability through cortical regions to compensate the physical connectivity reduction between them due to AD. This study also suggests that AD connectivity alterations mostly regard the inter-connectivity between subcortical and cortical regions rather than the intra-subcortical connectivity.