bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the Successive Ozone Episodes in the El Paso–Juarez Region in the Summer of 2017
Authors: Karle Nakul N. , Mahmud Suhail , Sakai Ricardo K. , Fitzgerald Rosa M. , Morris Vernon R. , Stockwell William R.
Published: May 2020

The adjacent cities of El Paso in Texas, USA, and Juarez in Mexico commonly experience pollution episodes, especially during the summer months. In the summer of 2017, successive high and low ozone episodes were observed. Aerosol backscattered data from a laser ceilometer was used to monitor and continuously measure the aerosol-layer characteristics. Meteorological parameters together with the aerosol layer height were used to determine the reason behind these successive high and low ozone events. In our research, both modelling and experimental data of the planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) were obtained and related to atmospheric stability. Aerosol backscatter data was used to investigate the structure, evolution, and influence of the top of the aerosol layer, which is a proxy for PBLHs. A shallow aerosol layer height (1164 ± 59 m) was observed during the high ozone episodes, in contrast to a deep aerosol layer (1990 ± 79 m) during the low ozone episodes. The ozone precursors, the ozone, and the ground-level aerosol concentrations were also examined during these episodes. It was observed that when the ozone was high, the PM2.5 was high, and when the ozone was low, the PM10 concentrations were high. Analysis of the wind patterns and synoptic scale meteorology also contributed to a better explanation of the nature of these events.
Mineral Dust and Iron Solubility: Effects of Composition, Particle Size, and Surface Area
Authors: Marcotte Aurelie R. , Anbar Ariel D. , Majestic Brian J. , Herckes Pierre
Published: May 2020

There is significant iron deposition in the oceans, approximately 14–16 Tg annually from mineral dust aerosols, but only a small percentage (approx. 3%) of it is soluble and, thus, bioavailable. In this work, we examine the effect of mineralogy, particle size, and surface area on iron solubility in pure mineral phases to simulate atmospheric processing of mineral dust aerosols during transport. Pure iron-bearing minerals common to Saharan dust were partitioned into four size fractions (10–2.5, 2.5–1, 1–0.5, and 0.5–0.25 µm) and extracted into moderately acidic (pH 4.3) and acidic (pH 1.7) leaching media to simulate mineral processing during atmospheric transport. Results show that, in general, pure iron-bearing clay materials present an iron solubility (% dissolved Fe/total Fe in the mineral) an order of magnitude higher than pure iron oxide minerals. The relative solubility of iron in clay particles does not depend on particle size for the ranges examined (0.25–10 μm), while iron in hematite and magnetite shows a trend of increasing solubility with decreasing particle size in the acidic leaching medium. Our results indicate that while mineralogy and aerosol pH have an effect on the solubilization of iron from simulated mineral dust particles, surface processes of the aerosol might also have a role in iron solubilization during transport. The surface area of clay minerals does not change significantly as a function of particle size (10–0.25 µm), while the surface area of iron oxides is strongly size dependent. Overall, these results show how mineralogy and particle size can influence iron solubility in atmospheric dust.
Ozone Trends in the United Kingdom over the Last 30 Years
Authors: Diaz Florencia M. R. , Khan M. Anwar H. , Shallcross Beth M. A. , Shallcross Esther D. G. , Vogt Ulrich , Shallcross Dudley E.
Published: May 2020

Previous work regarding the behaviour of ozone surface concentrations over many years in the United Kingdom had predicted that the frequency and severity of ozone episodes would become less marked in the future as a response to environmental regulations. The aim of this study is to extend these studies and compare the results with their predictions. The ozone data of 13 rural and six urban sites in the UK collected from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs over a period from 1992 to mid-2019 were used to investigate this behaviour. The yearly ozone exceedances (the number of hours that the ozone concentration exceeded the 50 ppbv limit) in the United Kingdom were found to have decreased over the last 30 years regardless of the type of site (rural or urban), showing that the adopted emission controls have so far been successful in the abatement of pollutant emissions. In the past three decades, the highest numbers of exceedances were reached in May regardless of the type of site. Furthermore, these episodes have become less frequent and less severe in recent years. In fact, the number of hours of exceedance is lower than that in previous decades, and it is almost constant throughout the week.
Brain Control Reproduction by the Endocrine System of Female Blue Gourami (Trichogaster trichopterus)
Authors: Degani Gad
Published: May 2020

Blue gourami belongs to the Labyrinithici fish and the Anabantiform order. It is characterized by a specific organ located above its gills for the respiration of atmospheric oxygen. This specific adaptation to low oxygen levels affects reproduction that is controlled by the brain, which integrates different effects on reproduction mainly through two axes—the gonadotropic brain pituitary gonad axis (BPG) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-somatotropic axis (HPS axis), including the interactions between them. This brain control reproduction of the Anabantoidei suborder summarizes information that has been published on the hormones involved in controlling the reproduction system of a model female blue gourami fish (Trichogaster trichopterus), including unpublished data. In the whole-brain transcriptome of blue gourami, 17 transcription genes change during vitellogenesis in the brain. The hormones involved in reproduction in blue gourami described in the present paper include: Kisspeptin 2 (Kiss 2) and its receptors 1 and 2 (KissR 1 and 2); gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1, 2 and 3 (GnRH1, 2 and 3); GnRH receptor; pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and its related peptide (PRP); somatolactin (SL); follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH); luteinizing hormone (LH); growth hormone (GH); prolactin (PRL), 17β-estradiol (E2); testosterone (T); vitellogenesis (VTL); and 17α,20β- dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20P). A proposed quality model is presented regarding the brain control oogenesis in blue gourami that has a Labyrinth organ about which relatively little information has been published. This paper summarizes the complex various factors involved in the interactions between external and internal elements affecting the brain of fish reproduction in the Anabantiform order. It is suggested to study in the future the involvement of receptors of hormones, pheromones, and genome changes in various organs belonging to the reproduction system during the reproduction cycles about which little is known.
Biological Properties of a Novel Multifunctional Host Defense Peptide from the Skin Secretion of the Chaco Tree Frog, Boana raniceps
Authors: Santana Carlos José Correia , Magalhães Ana Carolina Martins , Prías-Márquez César Augusto , Falico Diego A. , dos Santos Júnior Agenor C. M. , Lima Beatriz D. , Ricart Carlos André Ornelas , de Pilger Denise Regina Bairros , Bonotto Rafaela Milan , Moraes Carolina Borsoi , Freitas-Júnior Lúcio H. , Álvares Alice da Cunha Morales , Freitas Sonia Maria , Luz Isabelle S. , Pires Jr. Osmindo Rodrigues , Fontes Wagner , Castro Mariana S.
Published: May 2020

In recent years, the number of new antimicrobial drugs launched on the market has decreased considerably even though there has been an increase in the number of resistant microbial strains. Thus, antimicrobial resistance has become a serious public health problem. Amphibian skin secretions are a rich source of host defense peptides, which generally are cationic and hydrophobic molecules, with a broad-spectrum of activity. In this study, one novel multifunctional defense peptide was isolated from the skin secretion of the Chaco tree frog, Boana raniceps. Figainin 2 (1FLGAILKIGHALAKTVLPMVTNAFKPKQ28) is cationic and hydrophobic, adopts an α-helical structure in 50% (v/v) trifluoroethanol (TFE), and is thermally stable. This peptide exhibited activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria arboviruses, T. cruzi epimastigotes; however, it did not show activity against yeasts. Figainin 2 also showed antiproliferative activity on cancer cells, is moderately active on human erythrocytes, and activates the oxidative burst in human neutrophils.
Unstructured Biology of Proteins from Ubiquitin-Proteasome System: Roles in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Gadhave Kundlik , Kumar Prateek , Kapuganti Shivani , Uversky Vladimir , Giri Rajanish
Published: May 2020

The 26S proteasome is a large (~2.5 MDa) protein complex consisting of at least 33 different subunits and many other components, which form the ubiquitin proteasomal system (UPS), an ATP-dependent protein degradation system in the cell. UPS serves as an essential component of the cellular protein surveillance machinery, and its dysfunction leads to cancer, neurodegenerative and immunological disorders. Importantly, the functions and regulations of proteins are governed by the combination of ordered regions, intrinsically disordered protein regions (IDPRs) and molecular recognition features (MoRFs). The structure–function relationships of UPS components have not been identified completely; therefore, in this study, we have carried out the functional intrinsic disorder and MoRF analysis for potential neurodegenerative disease and anti-cancer targets of this pathway. Our report represents the presence of significant intrinsic disorder and disorder-based binding regions in several UPS proteins, such as extraproteasomal polyubiquitin receptors (UBQLN1 and UBQLN2), proteasome-associated polyubiquitin receptors (ADRM1 and PSMD4), deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) (ATXN3 and USP14), and ubiquitinating enzymes (E2 (UBE2R2) and E3 (STUB1) enzyme). We believe this study will have implications for the conformation-specific roles of different regions of these proteins. This will lead to a better understanding of the molecular basis of UPS-associated diseases.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Facilitate Lower Limb Recovery Following Stroke: Current Evidence and Future Directions
Authors: Gowan Samuel , Hordacre Brenton
Published: May 2020

Stroke remains a global leading cause of disability. Novel treatment approaches are required to alleviate impairment and promote greater functional recovery. One potential candidate is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which is thought to non-invasively promote neuroplasticity within the human cortex by transiently altering the resting membrane potential of cortical neurons. To date, much work involving tDCS has focused on upper limb recovery following stroke. However, lower limb rehabilitation is important for regaining mobility, balance, and independence and could equally benefit from tDCS. The purpose of this review is to discuss tDCS as a technique to modulate brain activity and promote recovery of lower limb function following stroke. Preliminary evidence from both healthy adults and stroke survivors indicates that tDCS is a promising intervention to support recovery of lower limb function. Studies provide some indication of both behavioral and physiological changes in brain activity following tDCS. However, much work still remains to be performed to demonstrate the clinical potential of this neuromodulatory intervention. Future studies should consider treatment targets based on individual lesion characteristics, stage of recovery (acute vs. chronic), and residual white matter integrity while accounting for known determinants and biomarkers of tDCS response.
A Simple Three-Dimensional In Vitro Culture Mimicking the In Vivo-Like Cell Behavior of Bladder Patient-Derived Xenograft Models
Authors: Amaral Robson , Zimmermann Maike , Ma Ai-Hong , Zhang Hongyong , Swiech Kamilla , Pan Chong-Xian
Published: May 2020

Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models allow for personalized drug selection and the identification of drug resistance mechanisms in cancer cells. However, PDX models present technical disadvantages, such as long engraftment time, low success rate, and high maintenance cost. On the other hand, tumor spheroids are emerging as an in vitro alternative model that can maintain the phenotype of cancer cells long enough to perform all assays and predict a patient’s outcome. The present work aimed to describe a simple, reproducible, and low-cost 3D in vitro culture method to generate bladder tumor spheroids using human cells from PDX mice. Cancer cells from PDX BL0293 and BL0808 models, previously established from advanced bladder cancer, were cultured in 96-well round-bottom ultra-low attachment (ULA) plates with 5% Matrigel and generated regular and round-shaped spheroids (roundness > 0.8) with a diameter larger than 400 μm and a hypoxic core (a feature related to drug resistance in solid tumors). The responses of the tumor spheroids to the antineoplastic drugs cisplatin, gemcitabine, and their combination were similar to tumor responses in in vivo studies with PDX BL0293 and BL0808 mice. Therefore, the in vitro 3D model using PDX tumor spheroids appears as a valuable tool that may predict the outcome of in vivo drug-screening assays and represents a low-cost strategy for such purpose.
Phenotypic Heterogeneity and Plasticity of Cancer Cell Migration in a Pancreatic Tumor Three-Dimensional Culture Model
Authors: Kim Seul-Ki , Jang So Dam , Kim Hyunho , Chung Seok , Park Jong Kook , Kuh Hyo-Jeong
Published: May 2020

Invasive cancer cell migration is a key feature of metastatic human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated modes of cancer cell invasion using two pancreatic cancer cell lines with differential epithelial–mesenchymal status, PANC-1 and BxPC-3, under 3D culture conditions. Multicellular tumor spheroids (TSs) were grown in a collagen matrix co-cultured with pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) using microchannel chips. PANC-1 cells showed individual migration from TSs via invadopodium formation. BxPC-3 cells showed plasticity between collective and individual migration in either mesenchymal mode, with filopodium-like protrusions, or blebby amoeboid mode. These two cell lines showed significantly different patterns of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, with MMP-dependent degradation in a limited area of ECM around invadopodia for PANC-1 cells, or MMP-independent extensive deformation of ECM for BxPC-3 cells. Cancer cell migration out of the collagen channel significantly increased by PSCs and directional cancer cell migration was mediated by fibronectin deposited by PSCs. Our results highlight the phenotypic heterogeneity and plasticity of PDAC cell migration and ECM remodeling under 3D culture conditions. This 3D co-culture model of pancreatic cancer cells and PSCs offers a useful tool for studying cancer cell migration and ECM remodeling to identify and develop potential molecular targets and anti-cancer agents against human PDAC.
Clinical Characteristics of Korean Breast Cancer Patients Who Carry Pathogenic Germline Mutations in Both BRCA1 and BRCA2: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Hur Joon Young , Kim Ji-Yeon , Ahn Jin Seok , Im Young-Hyuck , Lee Jiyun , Kwon Minsuk , Park Yeon Hee
Published: May 2020

There are few reports of breast cancer patients who carry germline mutations in both germline breast cancer susceptibility genes 1 (gBRCA1) and 2 (gBRCA2). In this study, we analyzed the clinical, pathological, and genomic characteristics of Korean breast cancer patients with both gBRCA1 and gBRCA2 mutations. Medical records of patients who received gBRCA1 and gBRCA2 testing at Samsung Medical Center between January 2007 to October 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes. Among a total of 2720 patients, four patients with both gBRCA1 and gBRCA2 mutations were identified (4/2720; 0.14%). Seven patients who had a gBRCA1 mutation and gBRCA2 variants of uncertain significance (VUS) were also identified. In those patients with both gBRCA1 and gBRCA2 mutations, the mean age at diagnosis for breast cancer was 36 years (range, 31–43 years). All four tumors were infiltrating ductal carcinomas and three of the tumors were estrogen receptor-negative, progesterone receptor-negative, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (triple-negative). All four patients who carried germline mutations in both BRCA1 and BRCA2 had a family history of breast/ovarian cancer. Pathologic stage was II in three patients and I in one patient. Breast cancer patients with both gBRCA1 and gBRCA2 mutations were rare, young at diagnosis, and all but one tumor was triple-negative based on our single-center experience.
Cysteine Cathepsins Inhibition Affects Their Expression and Human Renal Cancer Cell Phenotype
Authors: Rudzińska Magdalena , Parodi Alessandro , Maslova Valentina D. , Efremov Yuri M. , Gorokhovets Neonila V. , Makarov Vladimir A. , Popkov Vasily A. , Golovin Andrey V. , Zernii Evgeni Y. , Zamyatnin Andrey A.
Published: May 2020

Renal cancer would greatly benefit from new therapeutic strategies since, in advanced stages, it is refractory to classical chemotherapeutic approaches. In this context, lysosomal protease cysteine cathepsins may represent new pharmacological targets. In renal cancer, they are characterized by a higher expression, and they were shown to play a role in its aggressiveness and spreading. Traditional studies in the field were focused on understanding the therapeutic potentialities of cysteine cathepsin inhibition, while the direct impact of such therapeutics on the expression of these enzymes was often overlooked. In this work, we engineered two fluoromethyl ketone-based peptides with inhibitory activity against cathepsins to evaluate their potential anticancer activity and impact on the lysosomal compartment in human renal cancer. Molecular modeling and biochemical assays confirmed the inhibitory properties of the peptides against cysteine cathepsin B and L. Different cell biology experiments demonstrated that the peptides could affect renal cancer cell migration and organization in colonies and spheroids, while increasing their adhesion to biological substrates. Finally, these peptide inhibitors modulated the expression of LAMP1, enhanced the expression of E-cadherin, and altered cathepsin expression. In conclusion, the inhibition of cysteine cathepsins by the peptides was beneficial in terms of cancer aggressiveness; however, they could affect the overall expression of these proteases.
The MOLES System for Planning Management of Melanocytic Choroidal Tumors: Is It Safe?
Authors: Roelofs Kelsey A. , O’Day Roderick , Al Harby Lamis , Arora Amit K. , Cohen Victoria M.L. , Sagoo Mandeep S. , Damato Bertil
Published: May 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the MOLES system for identifying malignancy in melanocytic choroidal tumors in patients treated for choroidal melanoma. Methods: Records of 615 patients treated for choroidal melanoma between January 2017 and December 2019 were reviewed. Patients were excluded if iris and/or ciliary body involvement (106 patients), inadequate fundus photography (26 patients), no images available for review (21 patients) and/or treatment was not primary (11 patients). Demographic data and AJCC TNM Stage were collected. Color fundus and autofluorescence photographs (FAF), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and B-scan ultrasounds were prospectively reviewed. MOLES scores were assigned according to five criteria: mushroom shape, orange pigment, large size, enlarging tumor and subretinal fluid. Results: A total of 451 patients (mean age, 63.9 ± 13.9 years) were included. At treatment, mean largest basal tumor diameter (LBD) and thickness were 10.3 ± 2.8 mm (range, 3.0–23.0) and 4.3 mm (range, 1.0–17.0). All but one (0.2%) had MOLES scores of ≥3. Eighty-two patients were treated after surveillance lasting a mean of 1.5 years. Initially, most (63/82; 76.8%) had a MOLES score ≥ 3. Importantly, none of the 451 tumors had a score of <2, and as such, the MOLES protocol would have indicated referral to an ocular oncologist for 100% of patients. Conclusion: The MOLES scoring system is a sensitive (99.8%) tool for indicating malignancy in melanocytic choroidal tumors (MOLES ≥ 3). If the examining practitioner can recognize the five features suggestive of malignancy, MOLES is a safe tool to optimize referral of melanocytic choroidal tumors for specialist care.
Rafoxanide Induces Immunogenic Death of Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Di Grazia Antonio , Laudisi Federica , Di Fusco Davide , Franzè Eleonora , Ortenzi Angela , Monteleone Ivan , Monteleone Giovanni , Stolfi Carmine
Published: May 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related death in the world. Emerging evidence suggests that the clinical success of conventional chemotherapy does not merely rely on cell toxicity, but also results from the restoration of tumor immune surveillance. Anti-tumor immune response can be primed by immunogenic cell death (ICD), a form of apoptosis associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) induction and the expression/release of specific damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Unfortunately, a limited number of ICD inducers have been identified so far. The anti-helmintic drug rafoxanide has recently showed anti-tumor activity in different cancer types, including CRC. As such latter effects relied on ERS activation, we here investigated whether rafoxanide could promote ICD of CRC cells. The potential of rafoxanide to induce ICD-related DAMPs in both human and mouse CRC cells was assessed by flow-cytometry, chemiluminescent assay and ELISA. In addition, the immunogenic potential of rafoxanide was assessed in vivo using a vaccination assay. Rafoxanide induced all the main DAMPs (ecto-calreticulin exposure, adenosine triphosphate (ATP)/high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) release) required for ICD. We observed a marked increase of tumor-free survival among immunocompetent mice immunized with rafoxanide-treated dying tumor cells as compared with sham. Altogether, our data indicate rafoxanide as a bona fide ICD inducer.
Clinical Implications of DNA Repair Defects in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinomas
Authors: Milanesio Michela Camilla , Giordano Silvia , Valabrega Giorgio
Published: May 2020

Despite significant improvements in surgical and medical management, high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) still represents the deadliest gynecologic malignancy and the fifth most frequent cause of cancer-related mortality in women in the USA. Since DNA repair alterations are regarded as the “the Achille’s heel” of HGSOC, both DNA homologous recombination and DNA mismatch repair deficiencies have been explored and targeted in epithelial ovarian cancers in the latest years. In this review, we aim at focusing on the therapeutic issues deriving from a faulty DNA repair machinery in epithelial ovarian cancers, starting from existing and well-established treatments and investigating new therapeutic approaches which could possibly improve ovarian cancer patients’ survival outcomes in the near future. In particular, we concentrate on the role of both Poly (ADP-ribose) Polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPis) and immune checkpoint inhibitors in HGSOC, highlighting their activity in relation to BRCA1/2 mutational status and homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). We investigate the biological rationale supporting their use in the clinical setting, pointing at tracking their route from the laboratory bench to the patient’s bedside. Finally, we deal with the onset of mechanisms of primary and acquired resistance to PARPis, reporting the pioneering strategies aimed at converting homologous-recombination (HR) proficient tumors into homologous recombination (HR)-deficient HGSOC.
Human Cumulus Cells in Long-Term In Vitro Culture Reflect Differential Expression Profile of Genes Responsible for Planned Cell Death and Aging—A Study of New Molecular Markers
Authors: Chermuła Błażej , Kranc Wiesława , Jopek Karol , Budna-Tukan Joanna , Hutchings Greg , Dompe Claudia , Moncrieff Lisa , Janowicz Krzysztof , Józkowiak Małgorzata , Jeseta Michal , Petitte Jim , Mozdziak Paul , Pawelczyk Leszek , Spaczyński Robert Z. , Kempisty Bartosz
Published: May 2020

In the ovarian follicle, maturation of the oocyte increases in the presence of somatic cells called cumulus cells (CCs). These cells form a direct barrier between the oocyte and external environment. Thanks to bidirectional communication, they have a direct impact on the oocyte, its quality and development potential. Understanding the genetic profile of CCs appears to be important in elucidating the physiology of oocytes. Long-term in vitro culture of CCs collected from patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation during in vitro fertilization procedure was conducted. Using microarray expression analysis, transcript levels were assessed on day 1, 7, 15, and 30 of culture. Apoptosis and aging of CCs strictly influence oocyte quality and subsequently the outcome of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Thus, particular attention was paid to the analysis of genes involved in programmed cell death, aging, and apoptosis. Due to the detailed level of expression analysis of each of the 133 analyzed genes, three groups were selected: first with significantly decreased expression during the culture; second with the statistically lowest increase in expression; and third with the highest significant increase in expression. COL3A1, SFRP4, CTGF, HTR2B, VCAM1, TNFRSF11B genes, belonging to the third group, were identified as potential carriers of information on oocyte quality.
HDAC3–ERα Selectively Regulates TNF-α-Induced Apoptotic Cell Death in MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells via the p53 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Park Seung-Ho , Kim Hyunhee , Kwak Sungmin , Jeong Ji-Hoon , Lee Jangho , Hwang Jin-Taek , Choi Hyo-Kyoung , Choi Kyung-Chul
Published: May 2020

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plays a significant role in inflammation and cancer-related apoptosis. We identified a TNF-α-mediated epigenetic mechanism of apoptotic cell death regulation in estrogen receptor-α (ERα)-positive human breast cancer cells. To assess the apoptotic effect of TNF-α, annexin V/ propidium iodide (PI) double staining, cell viability assays, and Western blotting were performed. To elucidate this mechanism, histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity assay and immunoprecipitation (IP) were conducted; the mechanism was subsequently confirmed through chromatin IP (ChIP) assays. Finally, we assessed HDAC3–ERα-mediated apoptotic cell death after TNF-α treatment in ERα-positive human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells via the transcriptional activation of p53 target genes using luciferase assay and quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The TNF-α-induced selective apoptosis in MCF-7 cells was negatively regulated by the HDAC3–ERα complex in a caspase-7-dependent manner. HDAC3 possessed a p53-binding element, thus suppressing the transcriptional activity of its target genes. In contrast, MCF-7 cell treatment with TNF-α led to dissociation of the HDAC3–ERα complex and substitution of the occupancy on the promoter by the p53–p300 complex, thus accelerating p53 target gene expression. In this process, p53 stabilization was accompanied by its acetylation. This study showed that p53-mediated apoptosis in ERα-positive human breast cancer cells was negatively regulated by HDAC3–ERα in a caspase-7-dependent manner. Therefore, these proteins have potential application in therapeutic strategies.
Corrosion Behavior of Si Diffusion Coating on an Austenitic Fe-Base Alloy in High Temperature Supercritical-Carbon Dioxide and Steam Environment
Authors: Kim Sung Hwan , Kim Chaewon , Cha Ji-Hwan , Jang Changheui
Published: May 2020

In order to enhance corrosion resistance of stainless steel (SS) 316LN at high temperature environments, surface modification was carried out by Si deposition and subsequent heat treatment at 900 °C for 1 h. This resulted in the formation of Fe5Ni3Si2 phase on the surface region. The surface-modified alloy was exposed to high temperature S-CO2 (650 °C, 20 MPa) and steam (650 °C, 0.1 MPa) for 500 h and evaluated for its corrosion behavior in comparison to the as-received alloy. In S-CO2 environment, the as-received SS 316LN showed severe oxide spallation and thick Fe-rich oxide formation, while the surface-modified alloy formed a continuous and adherent Si- and Cr-rich oxide layer. In steam, as-received SS 316LN formed very thick duplex Fe- and Cr-rich oxide layers. On the other hand, surface-modified SS 316LN formed notably thinner oxides, which could be attributed to the formation of Si-rich oxide under outer Fe-rich oxides on the surface-modified alloy. Thus, in view of the weight changes, oxide thickness, and morphologies of the two conditions, it was found that Si diffusion coating was effective in improving the corrosion resistance of SS 316LN in both S-CO2 and steam environments.
Synthesis and Characterization of Environmentally-Friendly Self-Matting Waterborne Polyurethane Coatings
Authors: Chang Jiajia , Wang Xiaoqing , Shao Jian , Li Xiaomeng , Xin Wei , Luo Yunjun
Published: May 2020

A series of self-matting waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) were successfully prepared by introducing hydrophilic units into both soft and hard segments. By employing a polycaprolactone polyol containing carboxylate groups within the polymer chains to provide hydrophilicity directly, the matting performance of WPU films was greatly improved. The chemical structures of the WPU resins were confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy, and the morphology of WPU films was observed by SEM. The parameters of WPU preparation were investigated in detail. It was found that the surface gloss of WPU films as well as the particle sizes of WPU dispersions were closely associated with the content of hydrophilic units. As the content of carboxylates or sulfonates increased, the particle sizes of WPU decreased, while the gloss increased gradually. When the particle sizes of dispersions were greater than 3 μm, the gloss of WPU films coated on a leather surface was lower than 1. The results of TG showed that, the initial decomposition temperatures of WPU films were higher than 280 °C, which indicated these films also had good thermal stability. The prepared self-matting WPU coatings would have potential application prospects in the field of leather finishing.
Synthesis of a Metal Oxide by Forming Solvate Eutectic Mixtures and Study of Their Synthetic Performance under Hyper- and Hypo-Eutectic Conditions
Authors: Gómez Rojas Omar , R. Hall Simon , Nakayama Tadachika
Published: May 2020

The synthesis of YBa2Cu3O7−x (YBCO or 123) superconductor was carried out under hyper- and hypo-eutectic conditions with different ammonium compounds, i.e., ammonium nitrate, formate, acetate, carbonate, bicarbonate, and tetramethylammonium nitrate. The aim was to find more affordable synthetic pathways using highly available and cheaper compounds, as well as to study the crystal formation under no-carbon conditions when ammonium nitrate was employed. Best results were obtained when eutectic conditions were achieved, namely by ammonium nitrate and YBaCu nitrates in a 5:1 molar ratio (81% of the superconductor). Ammonium formate, acetate, carbonate, and bicarbonate did not produce eutectic mixes. Temperature analysis of the reaction carried out by ammonium nitrate/YBaCu nitrates indicated the formation of barium carbonate, despite no carbon source being used in this reaction. This phenomenon is further discussed in this work. Consequently, tetramethylammonium nitrate, as a chelator and carbon source, was used, providing >96% of the superconductor.
Detection and Diagnosis of Breast Cancer Using Artificial Intelligence Based Assessment of Maximum Intensity Projection Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Adachi Mio , Fujioka Tomoyuki , Mori Mio , Kubota Kazunori , Kikuchi Yuka , Xiaotong Wu , Oyama Jun , Kimura Koichiro , Oda Goshi , Nakagawa Tsuyoshi , Uetake Hiroyuki , Tateishi Ukihide
Published: May 2020

We aimed to evaluate an artificial intelligence (AI) system that can detect and diagnose lesions of maximum intensity projection (MIP) in dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We retrospectively gathered MIPs of DCE breast MRI for training and validation data from 30 and 7 normal individuals, 49 and 20 benign cases, and 135 and 45 malignant cases, respectively. Breast lesions were indicated with a bounding box and labeled as benign or malignant by a radiologist, while the AI system was trained to detect and calculate possibilities of malignancy using RetinaNet. The AI system was analyzed using test sets of 13 normal, 20 benign, and 52 malignant cases. Four human readers also scored these test data with and without the assistance of the AI system for the possibility of a malignancy in each breast. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were 0.926, 0.828, and 0.925 for the AI system; 0.847, 0.841, and 0.884 for human readers without AI; and 0.889, 0.823, and 0.899 for human readers with AI using a cutoff value of 2%, respectively. The AI system showed better diagnostic performance compared to the human readers (p = 0.002), and because of the increased performance of human readers with the assistance of the AI system, the AUC of human readers was significantly higher with than without the AI system (p = 0.039). Our AI system showed a high performance ability in detecting and diagnosing lesions in MIPs of DCE breast MRI and increased the diagnostic performance of human readers.
Natural Time Analysis: The Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve of the Order Parameter Fluctuations Minima Preceding Major Earthquakes
Authors: Sarlis Nicholas V. , Skordas Efthimios S. , Christopoulos Stavros-Richard G. , Varotsos Panayiotis A.
Published: May 2020

It has been reported that major earthquakes are preceded by Seismic Electric Signals (SES). Observations show that in the natural time analysis of an earthquake (EQ) catalog, an SES activity starts when the fluctuations of the order parameter of seismicity exhibit a minimum. Fifteen distinct minima—observed simultaneously at two different natural time scales and deeper than a certain threshold—are found on analyzing the seismicity of Japan from 1 January 1984 to 11 March 2011 (the time of the M9 Tohoku EQ occurrence) 1 to 3 months before large EQs. Six (out of 15) of these minima preceded all shallow EQs of magnitude 7.6 or larger, while nine are followed by smaller EQs. The latter false positives can be excluded by a proper procedure (J. Geophys. Res. Space Physics 2014, 119, 9192–9206) that considers aspects of EQ networks based on similar activity patterns. These results are studied here by means of the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) technique by focusing on the area under the ROC curve (AUC). If this area, which is currently considered an effective way to summarize the overall diagnostic accuracy of a test, has the value 1, it corresponds to a perfectly accurate test. Here, we find that the AUC is around 0.95 which is evaluated as outstanding.
Plastic Pollution in Soils: Governance Approaches to Foster Soil Health and Closed Nutrient Cycles
Authors: Stubenrauch Jessica , Ekardt Felix
Published: May 2020

Plastic pollution in soils pose a major threat to soil health and soil fertility that are directly linked to food security and human health. In contrast to marine plastic pollution, this ubiquitous problem is thus far scientifically poorly understood and policy approaches that tackle plastic pollution in soils comprehensively do not exist. In this article, we apply a qualitative governance analysis to assess the effectiveness of existing policy instruments to avoid harmful plastic pollution in (agricultural) soils against the background of international environmental agreements. In particular, environmental and fertiliser legislation relevant to soil protection in the European Union and in Germany are assessed. Regulatory weaknesses and gaps of the respective legislation are identified, and proposals for enhanced command-and-control provisions developed. However, the legal analysis furthermore shows that plastic pollution ecologically is also a problem of quantity, which is difficult to solve exclusively through command-and-control legislation. Instead, comprehensive quantity-control instruments to phase out fossil fuels (worldwide and in all sectors) as required by climate protection law can be effective approaches to tackle plastic pollution in environmental media like agricultural soils as well.
Control of Invasive Forest Species through the Creation of a Value Chain: Acacia dealbata Biomass Recovery
Authors: Nunes Leonel J.R. , Raposo Mauro A.M. , Meireles Catarina I.R. , Pinto Gomes Carlos J. , Ribeiro Nuno M.C. Almeida
Published: May 2020

In Portugal, some species are now considered invasive by law and have proliferated in recent years. Among these, Acacia dealbata stands out. This work investigated the behavior of this species, in order to characterize and evaluate its potential as raw material for biomass pellets production, while controlling its proliferation. It was found that A. dealbata has a large capacity for raw material supply, as cutting 2 ha resulted in about 140 tons of biomass. Thus, the attribution of a market value for this material could result in a reduction in the area occupied by the invasive species, once the demand for it increases, causing a pressure over the resource. This pressure on the species must be duly followed by other control measures, such as reducing the population and mitigating its proliferation. Laboratory tests have shown that both the raw material and the finished product are similar to those obtained with other species normally used for biomass pellet production, such as Pinus pinaster and Eucalyptus globulus. Thus, it can be concluded that there is a high potential for this species in the production of biomass pellets for energy, and that this may be an important contribution to controlling the proliferation of this invasive species.
Interspecific Variability of Water Storage Capacity and Absorbability of Deadwood
Authors: Klamerus-Iwan Anna , Lasota Jarosław , Błońska Ewa
Published: May 2020

The aim of the study was to determine the water storage capacity and absorbability of deadwood of different tree species with varying degrees of decomposition. Coniferous (Silver fir—Abies alba Mill.) and deciduous (Common hornbeam—Carpinus betulus L., Common ash—Fraxinus excelsior L., Common alder—Alnus glutinosa Gaertn., and Common aspen—Populus tremula L.) species were selected for the research. The study focuses on the wood of dead trees at an advanced stage of decomposition. Deadwood samples were collected at the Czarna Rózga Nature Reserve in central Poland. Changes over time of the water absorbability and water storage capacity of deadwood were determined under laboratory conditions. The research confirmed the significance of the wood species and the degree of wood decomposition in shaping the water storage capacity and absorbability of deadwood in forest ecosystems. Fir wood was characterized by having the highest water storage capacity and water absorbability. Among deciduous species under analysis, aspen wood was characterized by having the highest water storage capacity and absorbability. Our research has confirmed that deadwood may be a significant reservoir of water in forests.
Effect of Controlled Hydrothermal Treatments on Mung Bean Starch Structure and Its Relationship with Digestibility
Authors: Awais Muhammad , Ashraf Jawad , Wang Lili , Liu Liya , Yang Xiaoxue , Tong Li-Tao , Zhou Xianrong , Zhou Sumei
Published: May 2020

The changes in structure and digestion properties of mung bean starch due to hydrothermal treatment at various controlled temperatures were investigated. Results showed the increase in onset temperature (To) from 66.33 °C to 76.69 °C and decrease in enthalpies (∆Hg and ∆Hr) until the starch was completely gelatinized. The degree of molecular order (DMO) and degree of double helix (DDH) were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced from 1.35 to 1.01 and 1.38 to 0.98 respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated the consecutive decrease in relative crystallinity (RC) while RVA analysis showed that peak and final viscosities were decreased significantly (p < 0.05). However, digestion kinetics indicated that degree of gelatinization increased the access of enzymes. As starch was partially gelatinized it yielded significantly lower glycemic index but no significant (p > 0.05) change in starch digestibility was observed after 70 °C. Hence, 70 °C can be considered as the critical hydrothermal treatment temperature in mung bean starch. Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated that controlled hydrothermal treatment had negative effect on the DMO, DDH, RC and the granular damage increased vulnerability of mung bean starch to digestion. These findings gave insight into sequential changes in the structure and digestibility occurring during gelatinization process due to hydrothermal treatment. Controlled gelatinization in mung beans at 70 °C is useful and must be employed to produce the foods with lower starch digestibility.
Effects of the Incorporation of Tannin Extract from Quebracho Colorado Wood on Color Parameters, Lipid Oxidation, and Sensory Attributes of Beef Patties
Authors: Fruet Ana Paula B. , Giotto Francine M. , Fonseca Mozart A. , Nörnberg José Laerte , De Mello Amilton S.
Published: May 2020

The tannin extract of Quebracho Colorado wood (Schinopsis balansae and Schinopsis lorentzii) is rich in proanthocyanidins with demonstrated powerful scavenging activity against free radicals. Currently, this extract is used in the wine industry to improve sensory attributes, stabilize color, and act as a redox buffer. In this study, we hypothesized that condensed tannins from Quebracho Colorado wood could be incorporated into beef patties as a natural antioxidant source to improve shelf life. Patties formulated with tannin extract (0, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) were evaluated for instrumental color, lipid oxidation, and sensory attributes. Patties were displayed under refrigerated aerobic conditions (PVC film) for 6 days for color and lipid oxidation analysis. For sensory analysis, patties were frozen immediately after formulation. Control (0%) samples were redder than samples formulated with 1.5% tannin during the first 4 days of display. For b*, samples formulated with 1.5% tannin were predominantly yellower during display. After day 4, chroma values were higher in samples formulated with 1.5% tannin. The inclusion of tannin extract improved lipid stability, however, levels above 0.5% decreased tenderness, softness, juiciness, and overall desirability of patties.
Genome-Wide Patterns of Homozygosity and Relevant Characterizations on the Population Structure in Piétrain Pigs
Authors: Zhan Huiwen , Zhang Saixian , Zhang Kaili , Peng Xia , Xie Shengsong , Li Xinyun , Zhao Shuhong , Ma Yunlong
Published: May 2020

Investigating the patterns of homozygosity, linkage disequilibrium, effective population size and inbreeding coefficients in livestock contributes to our understanding of the genetic diversity and evolutionary history. Here we used Illumina PorcineSNP50 Bead Chip to identify the runs of homozygosity (ROH) and estimate the linkage disequilibrium (LD) across the whole genome, and then predict the effective population size. In addition, we calculated the inbreeding coefficients based on ROH in 305 Piétrain pigs and compared its effect with the other two types of inbreeding coefficients obtained by different calculation methods. A total of 23,434 ROHs were detected, and the average length of ROH per individual was about 507.27 Mb. There was no regularity on how those runs of homozygosity distributed in genome. The comparisons of different categories suggested that the formation of long ROH was probably related with recent inbreeding events. Although the density of genes located in ROH core regions is lower than that in the other genomic regions, most of them are related with Piétrain commercial traits like meat qualities. Overall, the results provide insight into the way in which ROH is produced and the identified ROH core regions can be used to map the genes associated with commercial traits in domestic animals.
Genome Maintenance by DNA Helicase B
Authors: Hazeslip Lindsey , Zafar Maroof Khan , Chauhan Muhammad Zain , Byrd Alicia K.
Published: May 2020

DNA Helicase B (HELB) is a conserved helicase in higher eukaryotes with roles in the initiation of DNA replication and in the DNA damage and replication stress responses. HELB is a predominately nuclear protein in G1 phase where it is involved in initiation of DNA replication through interactions with DNA topoisomerase 2-binding protein 1 (TOPBP1), cell division control protein 45 (CDC45), and DNA polymerase α-primase. HELB also inhibits homologous recombination by reducing long-range end resection. After phosphorylation by cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) at the G1 to S transition, HELB is predominately localized to the cytosol. However, this cytosolic localization in S phase is not exclusive. HELB has been reported to localize to chromatin in response to replication stress and to localize to the common fragile sites 16D (FRA16D) and 3B (FRA3B) and the rare fragile site XA (FRAXA) in S phase. In addition, HELB is phosphorylated in response to ionizing radiation and has been shown to localize to chromatin in response to various types of DNA damage, suggesting it has a role in the DNA damage response.
Cytosolic/Plastid Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Is a Negative Regulator of Strawberry Fruit Ripening
Authors: Luo Ya , Ge Cong , Yang Min , Long Yu , Li Mengyao , Zhang Yong , Chen Qing , Sun Bo , Wang Yan , Wang Xiaorong , Tang Haoru
Published: May 2020

Cytosolic glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPC) and plastid glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPCp) are key enzymes in glycolysis. Besides their catalytic function, GAPC/GAPCp participates in the regulation of plant stress response and growth and development. However, the involvement of GAPC/GAPCp in the regulation of fruit ripening is unclear. In this study, FaGAPC2 and FaGAPCp1 in strawberries were isolated and analyzed. FaGAPC2 and FaGAPCp1 transcripts showed high transcript levels in the fruit. Transient overexpression of FaGAPC2 and FaGAPCp1 delayed fruit ripening, whereas RNA interference promoted fruit ripening and affected fruit anthocyanins and sucrose levels. Change in the expression patterns of FaGAPC2 and FaGAPCp1 also influenced the expression of several glycolysis-related and ripening-related genes such as CEL1, CEL2, SS, ANS, MYB5, NCED1, ABI1, ALDO, PK, and G6PDH, and H2O2 level and reduced glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) redox potential. Meanwhile, metabolomics experiments showed that transient overexpression of FaGAPCp1 resulted in a decrease in anthocyanins, flavonoids, organic acid, amino acids, and their derivatives. In addition, abscisic acid (ABA) and sucrose treatment induced the production of large amounts of H2O2 and inhibited the expression of FaGAPC2/FaGAPCp1 in strawberry fruit. These results revealed that FaGAPC2/FaGAPCp1 is a negative regulator of ABA and sucrose mediated fruit ripening which can be regulated by oxidative stress.