bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapamycin Blocks Induction of the Thermogenic Program in White Adipose Tissue
Authors: Tran Cassie M. , Mukherjee Sarmistha , Ye Lan , Frederick David W. , Kissig Megan , Davis James G. , Lamming Dudley W. , Seale Patrick , Baur Joseph A.
Published: February 2016

Rapamycin extends life span in mice, yet paradoxically causes lipid dysregulation and glucose intolerance through mechanisms that remain incompletely understood. Whole-body energy balance can be influenced by beige/brite adipocytes, which are inducible by cold and other stimuli via β-adrenergic signaling in white adipose depots. Induction of beige adipocytes is considered a promising strategy to combat obesity because of their ability to metabolize glucose and lipids, dissipating the resulting energy as heat through uncoupling protein 1. Here, we report that rapamycin blocks the ability of β-adrenergic signaling to induce beige adipocytes and expression of thermogenic genes in white adipose depots. Rapamycin enhanced transcriptional negative feedback on the β3-adrenergic receptor. However, thermogenic gene expression remained impaired even when the receptor was bypassed with a cell-permeable cAMP analog, revealing the existence of a second inhibitory mechanism. Accordingly, rapamycin-treated mice are cold intolerant, failing to maintain body temperature and weight when shifted to 4°C. Adipocyte-specific deletion of the mTORC1 subunit Raptor recapitulated the block in β-adrenergic signaling. Our findings demonstrate a positive role for mTORC1 in the recruitment of beige adipocytes and suggest that inhibition of β-adrenergic signaling by rapamycin may contribute to its physiological effects.
Dietary Betaine Supplementation Increases Fgf21 Levels to Improve Glucose Homeostasis and Reduce Hepatic Lipid Accumulation in Mice
Authors: Ejaz Asma , Martinez-Guino Laura , Goldfine Allison B. , Ribas-Aulinas Francesc , De Nigris Valeria , Ribó Sílvia , Gonzalez-Franquesa Alba , Garcia-Roves Pablo M. , Li Elizabeth , Dreyfuss Jonathan M. , Gall Walt , Kim Jason K. , Bottiglieri Teodoro , Villarroya Francesc , Gerszten Robert E. , Patti Mary-Elizabeth , Lerin Carles
Published: February 2016

Identifying markers of human insulin resistance may permit development of new approaches for treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes. To this end, we analyzed the fasting plasma metabolome in metabolically characterized human volunteers across a spectrum of insulin resistance. We demonstrate that plasma betaine levels are reduced in insulin-resistant humans and correlate closely with insulin sensitivity. Moreover, betaine administration to mice with diet-induced obesity prevents the development of impaired glucose homeostasis, reduces hepatic lipid accumulation, increases white adipose oxidative capacity, and enhances whole-body energy expenditure. In parallel with these beneficial metabolic effects, betaine supplementation robustly increased hepatic and circulating fibroblast growth factor (Fgf)21 levels. Betaine administration failed to improve glucose homeostasis and liver fat content in Fgf21−/− mice, demonstrating that Fgf21 is necessary for betaine’s beneficial effects. Together, these data indicate that dietary betaine increases Fgf21 levels to improve metabolic health in mice and suggest that betaine supplementation merits further investigation as a supplement for treatment or prevention of type 2 diabetes in humans.
Honey from the Rock: John Gyles and the Northeastern North American Search for Anglo Indigeneity
Authors: Bryant Rachel
Published: February 2016

The same systemic issues that thwart effective communication between Anglo-Protestant settlers and Indigenous peoples in Atlantic Canada today are replicated in the form of early New England captivity narratives. The scholarly tradition to which these narratives are conventionally relegated, that of “early American literature,” is a shared northeastern North American cultural and epistemological foundation. Introducing an idea of “Anglo indigeneity” to encapsulate the presumptions of knowledge, origin, and/or belonging that have suppressed or displaced true Indigenous knowledge throughout the Atlantic region, the article makes a case for reading John Gyles's eighteenth-century account of captivity among the Maliseet as a formative if previously unaccepted piece of Atlantic Canadian writing – a classification that undermines efforts to insulate Canadians against complicity in “American” colonial violence and war.
Gas phase hydrodechlorination of CCl4 over Pd–Cu and Pd–Fe bimetallic catalysts supported on an AlF3 matrix
Authors: Hina Rateb , Arafa Isam , Al-Khateeb Fadi
Published: February 2016

Two bimetallic catalytic systems composed of Pd–Cu and Pd–Fe supported over AlF3 were prepared by the sol–gel method and characterised by BET, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and powder X-ray diffraction (P-XRD). Analysis of the XPS and P-XRD data showed that the surface of these bimetallic catalysts may be described as Pd0–CuI and Pd0–FeIII hydroxides. The gas phase hydrodechlorination reaction (HDC) of CCl4 over these bimetallic catalysts showed that the presence of CuOH and Fe(OH)3 altered their catalytic activity, selectivity and product distribution compared to their monometallic Pd/AlF3 analogue. The bimetallic catalysts showed a very high selectivity for the formation of C1-products (CHCl3, CH2Cl2 and CH3Cl) in contrast with the tendency shown by the monometallic Pd/AlF3 analogue of forming coupled C2–C5 products. Interestingly, the pore-controlled version of the Pd–Fe*/AlF3 catalyst showed a greater efficiency favouring the formation of CHCl3 and CH2Cl2 compared with its Pd–Fe/AlF3 analogue which predominantly favoured the formation of CH3Cl. The effect of temperature, in the range of 458–513 K, and time on stream on the catalytic performance of the bimetallic catalysts in terms of percentage conversion, reaction rate and product distribution are discussed.
Regioselective Ring-Opening of Epoxides by Carbazole: A Direct Preparation of Novel N-(β-Hydroxyalkyl)Carbazoles
Authors: Soltani Rad Mohammad Navid , Behrouz Somayeh , Ahrari Samira
Published: February 2016

The influence of various parameters including solvent, base and temperature on the reaction between carbazole and epoxides was studied. This led to the development of a regioselective ring-opening of epoxides by the potassium salt of carbazole in DMSO at 100 °C which is a straightforward way to prepare new N-(β-hydroxyalkyl)carbazoles in good to excellent yields. Fifteen new compounds are described.
Characterisation of a By-Product Formed in the Industrial Production of γ-Nonalactone
Authors: Chen Haitao , Wang Dan , Liu Yongguo , Zhang Guoying , Wang Tianyi , Wang Yang , Yang Shaoxiang , Sun Baoguo , Tian Hongyu
Published: February 2016

Distillation residues from the industrial production of γ-nonalactone, which is accomplished by reaction of hexanol with methyl acrylate initiated by t-butyl peroxide, yielded a by-product which we deduced to be 4-(methoxycarbonylethyl)-g-nonalactone. The possible pathway of formation of this by-product is discussed.
From the Desk of Editor-in-Chief 6(1)
Authors: Khan Md Aminul Haque
Published: February 2016

Abstract not availableJ Enam Med Col 2016; 6(1): 03
Availability and Use of Health Research Information in and for Lowand Middle-Income Developing Countries - Manila Declaration
Authors: Editor The
Published: February 2016

Abstract not availableJ Enam Med Col 2016; 6(1): 4-5
Neurological Manifestations in Leprosy: A Study in Tribal Community of Hill Tracts
Authors: Islam Ahmed Tanjimul , Sultana Shamrin , Rahman Matiur , Hoque Md Azizul
Published: February 2016

Background: Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous infectious disease having major burden on humans over thousands of years. If untreated, it results in permanent damage to various systems and organs. So we designed this study to evaluate the neurological complications in early stage in adult leprosy patients.Objective: The aim of this study was to find out the pattern of neurological manifestations among adult leprosy patients.Materials  and  Methods: This cross-sectional hospital-based study on 85 adult tribal leprosy patients was conducted in a district level health care facility from January to December 2014 using simple, direct, standardized questionnaire including history and neurological examinations.Results: The commonest age group affected was 1830 years (62.4%). Male group was predominant (68.2%). Majority cases (66%) had multibacillary leprosy. At first visit 72.7% cases with neurological findings could not be diagnosed correctly by primary health care personnel. More than six months were required for correct diagnosis in 61.2% cases. Numbness was the commonest (74.5%) neurological symptom. In upper limb, motor findings were predominant with wasting in 50.9% cases. In lower limb, sensory findings were predominant with stock pattern sensory impairment being the commonest (56.4%). Ulnar nerve was the commonest peripheral nerve to enlarge with tenderness. Facial nerve was the commonest cranial nerve involved. All cases with multiple cranial nerves involvement were of multibacillary type. Due to physical disability 92.7% cases lost their jobs.Conclusion: In this study neurological involvement was found associated with severe disability.J Enam Med Col 2016; 6(1): 10-14
Aspiration Alone, Aspiration Plus Steroid Injection and Aspiration Plus Ethanol Injection for Treatment of Dorsal Wrist Ganglions: A Comparative Study among Three Methods
Authors: Rahim Khandoker Abdur
Published: February 2016

Background: There are varieties of treatment modalities to treat dorsal wrist ganglion cysts. But none of these has been the standard. So, we designed this study to compare among different treatment modalities.Objective: To compare the effects of aspiration alone, aspiration plus methylprednisone injection and aspiration plus ethanol injection into the dorsal wrist ganglions.Materials and Methods: This prospective study was performed in Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka from March 2010 to May 2011. Sixty six patients with dorsal wrist ganglions were treated in three groups  aspiration alone in 24 patients (Group A), aspiration plus methylprednisolone injection into the cyst in 20 patients (Group B) and aspiration plus ethanol injection, then reaspiration of the ethanol from the cyst after 35 minutes, in 22 patients (Group C). Elastic compression bandage was applied in all patients and recommended for 3 weeks. Follow-up was done at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and conclusive assessment was done during final visit.Results: The success rate in Group A was seen in 9 patients (37.5%), in Group B in 11 (55%) and in Group C in 14 (63.5%) patients. The most frequent side-effect was pain during ethanol injection which was relieved by reaspiration of cyst.Conclusion: Injection of ethanol into the dorsal wrist ganglion was associated with higher success rate compared to aspiration and methylprednisolone injection. Further studies with larger sample size should be performed to assess the effect of ethanol injection in this disease.J Enam Med Col 2016; 6(1): 19-22
A 60-Year-Old Man with Cerebral Metastasis of Malignant Melanoma of Left Sole
Authors: Bhattacharjee Abhisak , Hossain Nabir
Published: February 2016

A 60-year-old man was diagnosed as a case of malignant melanoma on the left sole and received three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Then local excision of the lesion was done. During preoperative diagnostic work-up, there were no features of metastases in lung, liver and bones. On the 3rd postoperative day he presented with right sided hemiparesis. After appearance of neurological features, computed tomography was done and it showed multiple cerebral metastases surrounded by brain edema in both the parietal lobes. The lesions were large, causing increased intracranial pressure. The patient was then referred to the National Institute of Neuroscience (NINS) for further management.J Enam Med Col 2016; 6(1): 51-54
Thanatophoric Dysplasia A Lethal Skeletal Dysplasia
Authors: Akter Nasima
Published: February 2016

Abstract not availableJ Enam Med Col 2016; 6(1): 55-56
Influence of ENSO on Regional Indian Summer Monsoon Precipitation—Local Atmospheric Influences or Remote Influence from Pacific
Authors: Roy Indrani , Tedeschi Renata
Published: February 2016

Using CMIP5 model outputs in different El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phases, this work investigates the indicator that could be used as an Index to characterise regional Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) precipitation. Dividing the Indian subcontinent into five arbitrarily chosen regions, viz. Central North East (CNE) (18°N–31°N, 86°E–75°E), Hilly (H) (28°N–38°N, 85°E–70°E), North West (NW) (21°N–31°N, 79°E–67°E), North East (NE) (21°N–31°N, 86°E–97°E) and Southern India (S) (18°N–7°N, 73°E–85°E), local wind field and remote influences from the tropical Pacific are considered to improve understanding of regional monsoon rainfall. Results are also compared with observations/reanalysis data to pinpoint areas of shortcomings and agreements. Model results suggest that regional wind velocity, viz. meridional wind component (V) at 850 mb level (V850) and zonal component at 200 mb (U200) and 850 mb (U850) can yield better estimation of local precipitation in regions CNE, H and NW, agreeing well with earlier proposed monsoon Indices. Such observations are independent of different subcategories of ENSO phases and models show good correspondence with observations. Analyses with V at 200 mb (V200) indicate circulation of the upper branch of Hadley cells in regions CNE and S, though suggest the best agreement among models in comparison with other fields, but there are some deviations from observations, indicating a missing mechanism in the models. Using models, this study identified the best parameter in different regions that could be used for the regional monsoon Index, irrespective of various ENSO subcategories; for CNE it is the U200, for H it is U200 and U850, and for NW it is U850. The current analysis, however, fails to indicate anything clearly about the NE region. When focusing on the remote influence from the eastern Pacific region, it is found that atmospheric contribution to regional ISM precipitation fails to indicate consistent roles among models, but sea surface temperature suggests strong connection. However, remote influence from the Central Pacific is captured uniformly in models via zonal components of wind in the H and NW regions.
Accounting for the Uncertainty Related to Building Occupants with Regards to Visual Comfort: A Literature Survey on Drivers and Models
Authors: Fabi Valentina , Andersen Rune , Corgnati Stefano
Published: February 2016

The interactions between building occupants and control systems have a high influence on energy consumption and on indoor environmental quality. In the perspective of a future of “nearly-zero” energy buildings, it is crucial to analyse the energy-related interactions deeply to predict realistic energy use during the design stage. Since the reaction to thermal, acoustic, or visual stimuli is not the same for every human being, monitoring the behaviour inside buildings is an essential step to assert differences in energy consumption related to different interactions. Reliable information concerning occupants’ behaviours in a building could contribute to a better evaluation of building energy performances and design robustness, as well as supporting the development of occupants’ education to energy awareness. The present literature survey enlarges our understanding of which environmental conditions influence occupants’ manual controlling of the system in offices and by consequence the energy consumption. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible drivers for light-switching to model occupant behaviour in office buildings. The probability of switching lighting systems on or off was related to the occupancy and differentiated for arrival, intermediate, and departure periods. The switching probability has been reported to be higher during the entering or the leaving time in relation to contextual variables. In the analysis of switch-on actions, users were often clustered between those who take daylight level into account and switch on lights only if necessary and people who totally disregard the natural lighting. This underlines the importance of how individuality is at the base of the definition of the different types of users.
Averting the Legacy of Kidney Disease—Focus on Childhood
Authors: Ingelfinger Julie , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Schaefer Franz ,   On behalf of the World Kidney Day Steering Committee
Published: February 2016

World Kidney Day 2016 focuses on kidney disease in childhood and the antecedents of adult kidney disease that can begin in earliest childhood. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in childhood differs from that in adults, as the largest diagnostic group among children includes congenital anomalies and inherited disorders, with glomerulopathies and kidney disease in the setting of diabetes being relatively uncommon. In addition, many children with acute kidney injury will ultimately develop sequelae that may lead to hypertension and CKD in later childhood or in adult life. Children born early or who are small-for date newborns have relatively increased risk for the development of CKD later in life. Persons with a high-risk birth and early childhood history should be watched closely in order to help detect early signs of kidney disease in time to provide effective prevention or treatment. Successful therapy is feasible for advanced CKD in childhood; there is evidence that children fare better than adults if they receive kidney replacement therapy, including dialysis and transplantation, while only a minority of children may require this ultimate intervention. Since there are disparities in access to care, effort is needed so that those children with kidney disease, wherever they live, may be treated effectively, irrespective of their geographic or economic circumstances. Our hope is that World Kidney Day will inform the general public, policy makers and caregivers about the needs and possibilities surrounding kidney disease in childhood. “For in every adult there dwells the child that was, and in every child there lies the adult that will be.”—John Connolly, The Book of Lost Things.
Markov Chain Monte Carlo Used in Parameter Inference of Magnetic Resonance Spectra
Authors: Hock Kiel , Earle Keith
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we use Boltzmann statistics and the maximum likelihood distribution derived from Bayes’ Theorem to infer parameter values for a Pake Doublet Spectrum, a lineshape of historical significance and contemporary relevance for determining distances between interacting magnetic dipoles. A Metropolis Hastings Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm is implemented and designed to find the optimum parameter set and to estimate parameter uncertainties. The posterior distribution allows us to define a metric on parameter space that induces a geometry with negative curvature that affects the parameter uncertainty estimates, particularly for spectra with low signal to noise.
Seasonal Variations of Carbon Dioxide, Water Vapor and Energy Fluxes in Tropical Indian Mangroves
Authors: Rodda Suraj , Thumaty Kiran , Jha Chandra , Dadhwal Vinay
Published: February 2016

We present annual estimates of the net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of carbon dioxide (CO2) accumulated over one annual cycle (April 2012 to March 2013) in the world’s largest mangrove ecosystem, Sundarbans (India), using the eddy covariance method. An eddy covariance flux tower was established in April 2012 to study the seasonal variations of carbon dioxide fluxes due to soil and vegetation-atmosphere interactions. The half-hourly maximum of the net ecosystem exchange (NEE) varied from −6 µmol·m−2·s−1 during the summer (April to June 2012) to −10 µmol·m−2·s−1 during the winter (October to December 2012), whereas the half-hourly maximum of H2O flux varied from 5.5 to 2.5 mmol·m−2·s−1 during October 2013 and July 2013, respectively. During the study period, the study area was a carbon dioxide sink with an annual net ecosystem productivity (NEP = −NEE) of 249 ± 20 g·C m−2·year−1. The mean annual evapotranspiration (ET) was estimated to be 1.96 ± 0.33 mm·day−1. The gap-filled NEE was also partitioned into Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) and Ecosystem Respiration (Re). The total GPP and Re over the study area for the annual cycle were estimated to be1271 g C m−2·year−1 and 1022 g C m−2·year−1, respectively. The closure of the surface energy balance accounted for of about 78% of the available energy during the study period. Our findings suggest that the Sundarbans mangroves are currently a substantial carbon sink, indicating that the protection and management of these forests would lead as a strategy towards reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
Partitioning Longleaf Pine Soil Respiration into Its Heterotrophic and Autotrophic Components through Root Exclusion
Authors: ArchMiller Althea , Samuelson Lisa
Published: February 2016

Rapid and accurate estimations of the heterotrophic and autotrophic components of total soil respiration (Rs) are important for calculating forest carbon budgets and for understanding carbon dynamics associated with natural and management-related disturbances. The objective of this study was to use deep (60 cm) root exclusion tubes and paired control (i.e., no root exclusion) collars to estimate heterotrophic respiration (Rh) and Rs, respectively, in three 26-year-old longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) stands in western Georgia. Root biomass was measured in root exclusion tubes and control collars after 102–104 days of incubation and fine root biomass loss from root exclusion was used to quantify root decay. Mean Rs from control collars was 3.3 micromol·CO2·m−2·s−1. Root exclusion tubes decreased Rs, providing an estimate of Rh. Mean Rh was 2.7 micromol·CO2·m−2·s−1 when uncorrected by pretreatment variation, root decay, or soil moisture compared to 2.1 micromol·CO2·m−2·s−1 when Rh was corrected for root decay. The corresponding ratio of Rh to Rs ranged from 66% to 82%, depending on the estimation method. This study provides an estimate of Rh in longleaf pine forests, and demonstrates the potential for deep root exclusion tubes to provide relatively rapid assessments (i.e., ~40 days post-treatment) of Rh in similar forests. The range in Rh to Rs is comparable to other reports for similar temperate coniferous ecosystems.
Regional Flood Frequency Analysis in the Volta River Basin, West Africa
Authors: Komi Kossi , Amisigo Barnabas , Diekkrüger Bernd , Hountondji Fabien
Published: February 2016

In the Volta River Basin, flooding has been one of the most damaging natural hazards during the last few decades. Therefore, flood frequency estimates are important for disaster risk management. This study aims at improving knowledge of flood frequencies in the Volta River Basin using regional frequency analysis based on L-moments. Hence, three homogeneous groups have been identified based on cluster analysis and a homogeneity test. By using L-moment diagrams and goodness of fit tests, the generalized extreme value and the generalized Pareto distributions are found suitable to yield accurate flood quantiles in the Volta River Basin. Finally, regression models of the mean annual flood with the size of the drainage area, mean basin slope and mean annual rainfall are proposed to enable flood frequency estimation of ungauged sites within the study area.
Interventions to Support System-level Implementation of Health Promoting Schools: A Scoping Review
Authors: McIsaac Jessie-Lee , Hernandez Kimberley , Kirk Sara , Curran Janet
Published: February 2016

Health promoting schools (HPS) is recognized globally as a multifaceted approach that can support health behaviours. There is increasing clarity around factors that influence HPS at a school level but limited synthesized knowledge on the broader system-level elements that may impact local implementation barriers and support uptake of a HPS approach. This study comprised a scoping review to identify, summarise and disseminate the range of research to support the uptake of a HPS approach across school systems. Two reviewers screened and extracted data according to inclusion/exclusion criteria. Relevant studies were identified using a multi-phased approach including searching electronic bibliographic databases of peer reviewed literature, hand-searching reference lists and article recommendations from experts. In total, 41 articles met the inclusion criteria for the review, representing studies across nine international school systems. Overall, studies described policies that provided high-level direction and resources within school jurisdictions to support implementation of a HPS approach. Various multifaceted organizational and professional interventions were identified, including strategies to enable and restructure school environments through education, training, modelling and incentives. A systematic realist review of the literature may be warranted to identify the types of intervention that work best for whom, in what circumstance to create healthier schools and students.
Factors Affecting Arsenic Methylation in Arsenic-Exposed Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shen Hui , Niu Qiang , Xu Mengchuan , Rui Dongsheng , Xu Shangzhi , Feng Gangling , Ding Yusong , Li Shugang , Jing Mingxia
Published: February 2016

Chronic arsenic exposure is a critical public health issue in many countries. The metabolism of arsenic in vivo is complicated because it can be influenced by many factors. In the present meta-analysis, two researchers independently searched electronic databases, including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Springer, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, to analyze factors influencing arsenic methylation. The concentrations of the following arsenic metabolites increase (p< 0.000001) following arsenic exposure: inorganic arsenic (iAs), monomethyl arsenic (MMA), dimethyl arsenic (DMA), and total arsenic. Additionally, the percentages of iAs (standard mean difference (SMD): 1.00; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.60–1.40; p< 0.00001) and MMA (SMD: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.21–0.77; p = 0.0006) also increase, while the percentage of DMA (SMD: −0.57; 95% CI: −0.80–−0.31; p< 0.0001), primary methylation index (SMD: −0.57; 95% CI: −0.94–−0.20; p = 0.002), and secondary methylation index (SMD: −0.27; 95% CI: −0.46–−0.90; p = 0.004) decrease. Smoking, drinking, and older age can reduce arsenic methylation, and arsenic methylation is more efficient in women than in men. The results of this analysis may provide information regarding the role of arsenic oxidative methylation in the arsenic poisoning process.
Flood-Exposure is Associated with Higher Prevalence of Child Undernutrition in Rural Eastern India
Authors: Rodriguez-Llanes Jose , Ranjan-Dash Shishir , Mukhopadhyay Alok , Guha-Sapir Debarati
Published: February 2016

Background: Child undernutrition and flooding are highly prevalent public health issues in Asia, yet epidemiological studies investigating this association are lacking. Methods: To investigate to what extent floods exacerbate poor nutritional status in children and identify most vulnerable groups, we conducted a population-based survey of children aged 6–59 months inhabiting flooded and non-flooded communities of the Jagatsinghpur district, Odisha (India), one year after large floods in 2008. Anthropometric measurements on 879 children and child, parental and household level variables were collected through face-to-face interviews in September 2009. The association between flooding and the prevalence of wasting, stunting and underweight was examined using weighted multivariate logistic regression for children inhabiting communities exposed solely to floods in 2008 and those communities repeatedly flooded (2006 and 2008) controlling for parental education and other relevant variables. We examined the influence of age on this association. Propensity score matching was conducted to test the robustness of our findings. Results: The prevalence of wasting among children flooded in 2006 and 2008 was 51.6%, 41.4% in those flooded only in 2008, and 21.2% in children inhabiting non-flooded communities. Adjusting by confounders, the increased prevalence relative to non-flooded children in the exposed groups were 2.30 (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR); 95% CI: 1.86, 2.85) and 1.94 (95% CI: 1.43, 2.63), respectively. Among repeatedly flooded communities, cases of severe wasting in children were 3.37 times more prevalent than for children inhabiting in those non-flooded (95% CI: 2.34, 4.86) and nearly twice more prevalent relative to those flooded only once. Those children younger than one year during previous floods in 2006 showed the largest difference in prevalence of wasting compared to their non-flooded counterparts (aPR: 4.01; 95% CI: 1.51, 10.63). Results were robust to alternative adjusted models and in propensity score matching analyses. For similar analyses, no significant associations were found for child stunting, and more moderate effects were observed in the case of child underweight. Conclusions: Particularly in low-resource or subsistence-farming rural settings, long-lasting nutritional response in the aftermath of floods should be seriously considered to counteract the long-term nutritional effects on children, particularly infants, and include their mothers on whom they are dependent. The systematic monitoring of nutritional status in these groups might help to tailor efficient responses in each particular context.
Assessing the Distribution of Urban Green Spaces and its Anisotropic Cooling Distance on Urban Heat Island Pattern in Baotou, China
Authors: Bao Tongliga , Li Xueming , Zhang Jing , Zhang Yingjia , Tian Shenzhen
Published: February 2016

An essential part of urban natural systems, urban green spaces play a crucial role in mitigating the urban heat island effect (UHI). The UHI effect refers to the phenomenon where the temperature within a city is higher than that of the surrounding rural areas. The effects of the spatial composition and configuration of urban green spaces on urban land surface temperature (LST) have recently been documented. However, few studies have examined the effects of the directionality and distribution of green spaces on LST. In this study, we used a landscape index to describe the change in pattern of heat island intensity for the city of Baotou, China. We then used a semi-variable function and nearest neighbor algorithm to analyze the cooling effects of green spaces. We found that: (1) the cooling distance of an urban green space was not only influenced by its size, vegetation cover, and shape, but also showed anisotropy. In general, the larger the area of the urban green space and the higher the value of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI; a measure of plant photosynthetic activity), the larger the cooling distance within a certain threshold. Green spaces with more regular shapes displayed higher LST mitigation; however, the cooling distance was directional, and cooling effects depended on the semi-major axis and semi-minor axis of the green space. (2) The distribution of the urban green space within the landscape played a key role in mitigating the UHI effect. Within a certain area, the cooling effect of green spaces that are evenly distributed was greater than that which was associated with either green spaces that were large in area or where greens spaces were aggregated in the landscape. Therefore, within urban areas, where space is limited, urban planning should account for green spaces that are relatively scattered and evenly distributed to maximize cooling effects. The results of this study have key implications for sustainable urban planning and development; to mitigate urban heat island effects it is important to not only increase canopy cover or the size of urban green spaces, but also to optimize their spatial configuration.
Biofuel Production Based on Carbohydrates from Both Brown and Red Macroalgae: Recent Developments in Key Biotechnologies
Authors: Kawai Shigeyuki , Murata Kousaku
Published: February 2016

Marine macroalgae (green, red and brown macroalgae) have attracted attention as an alternative source of renewable biomass for producing both fuels and chemicals due to their high content of suitable carbohydrates and to their advantages over terrestrial biomass. However, except for green macroalgae, which contain relatively easily-fermentable glucans as their major carbohydrates, practical utilization of red and brown macroalgae has been regarded as difficult due to the major carbohydrates (alginate and mannitol of brown macroalgae and 3,6-anhydro-L-galactose of red macroalgae) not being easily fermentable. Recently, several key biotechnologies using microbes have been developed enabling utilization of these brown and red macroalgal carbohydrates as carbon sources for the production of fuels (ethanol). In this review, we focus on these recent developments with emphasis on microbiological biotechnologies.
Focus on Extracellular Vesicles: Development of Extracellular Vesicle-Based Therapeutic Systems
Authors: Ohno Shin-ichiro , Drummen Gregor , Kuroda Masahiko
Published: February 2016

Many types of cells release phospholipid membrane vesicles thought to play key roles in cell-cell communication, antigen presentation, and the spread of infectious agents. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) carry various proteins, messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs), like a “message in a bottle” to cells in remote locations. The encapsulated molecules are protected from multiple types of degradative enzymes in body fluids, making EVs ideal for delivering drugs. This review presents an overview of the potential roles of EVs as natural drugs and novel drug-delivery systems.
Focus on Extracellular Vesicles: New Frontiers of Cell-to-Cell Communication in Cancer
Authors: Ciardiello Chiara , Cavallini Lorenzo , Spinelli Cristiana , Yang Julie , Reis-Sobreiro Mariana , De Candia Paola , Minciacchi Valentina , Di Vizio Dolores
Published: February 2016

Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) have received considerable attention in recent years, both as mediators of intercellular communication pathways that lead to tumor progression, and as potential sources for discovery of novel cancer biomarkers. For many years, research on EVs has mainly investigated either the mechanism of biogenesis and cargo selection and incorporation, or the methods of EV isolation from available body fluids for biomarker discovery. Recent studies have highlighted the existence of different populations of cancer-derived EVs, with distinct molecular cargo, thus pointing to the possibility that the various EV populations might play diverse roles in cancer and that this does not happen randomly. However, data attributing cancer specific intercellular functions to given populations of EVs are still limited. A deeper functional, biochemical and molecular characterization of the various EV classes might identify more selective clinical markers, and significantly advance our knowledge of the pathogenesis and disease progression of many cancer types.
Temporal Genetic Modifications after Controlled Cortical Impact—Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury through a Systematic Network Approach
Authors: Wong Yung-Hao , Wu Chia-Chou , Wu John , Lai Hsien-Yong , Chen Kai-Yun , Jheng Bo-Ren , Chen Mien-Cheng , Chang Tzu-Hao , Chen Bor-Sen
Published: February 2016

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a primary injury caused by external physical force and also a secondary injury caused by biological processes such as metabolic, cellular, and other molecular events that eventually lead to brain cell death, tissue and nerve damage, and atrophy. It is a common disease process (as opposed to an event) that causes disabilities and high death rates. In order to treat all the repercussions of this injury, treatment becomes increasingly complex and difficult throughout the evolution of a TBI. Using high-throughput microarray data, we developed a systems biology approach to explore potential molecular mechanisms at four time points post-TBI (4, 8, 24, and 72 h), using a controlled cortical impact (CCI) model. We identified 27, 50, 48, and 59 significant proteins as network biomarkers at these four time points, respectively. We present their network structures to illustrate the protein–protein interactions (PPIs). We also identified UBC (Ubiquitin C), SUMO1, CDKN1A (cyclindependent kinase inhibitor 1A), and MYC as the core network biomarkers at the four time points, respectively. Using the functional analytical tool MetaCore™, we explored regulatory mechanisms and biological processes and conducted a statistical analysis of the four networks. The analytical results support some recent findings regarding TBI and provide additional guidance and directions for future research.
Wnt16 Signaling Is Required for IL-1β-Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase-13-Regulated Proliferation of Human Stem Cell-Derived Osteoblastic Cells
Authors: Ozeki Nobuaki , Mogi Makio , Hase Naoko , Hiyama Taiki , Yamaguchi Hideyuki , Kawai Rie , Kondo Ayami , Nakata Kazuhiko
Published: February 2016

We established a differentiation method for homogeneous α7 integrin-positive human skeletal muscle stem cell (α7+hSMSC)-derived osteoblast-like (α7+hSMSC-OB) cells, and found that interleukin (IL)-1β induces matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13-regulated proliferation of these cells. These data suggest that MMP-13 plays a potentially unique physiological role in the regeneration of osteoblast-like cells. Here, we examined whether up-regulation of MMP-13 activity by IL-1β was mediated by Wingless/int1 (Wnt) signaling and increased the proliferation of osteoblast-like cells. IL-1β increased the mRNA and protein levels of Wnt16 and the Wnt receptor Lrp5/Fzd2. Exogenous Wnt16 was found to increase MMP-13 mRNA, protein and activity, and interestingly, the proliferation rate of these cells. Treatment with small interfering RNAs against Wnt16 and Lrp5 suppressed the IL-1β-induced increase in cell proliferation. We revealed that a unique signaling cascade IL-1β→Wnt16→Lrp5→MMP-13, was intimately involved in the proliferation of osteoblast-like cells, and suggest that IL-1β-induced MMP-13 expression and changes in cell proliferation are regulated by Wnt16.
Association between Genetic Polymorphisms and Response to Anti-TNFs in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Prieto-Pérez Rocío , Almoguera Berta , Cabaleiro Teresa , Hakonarson Hakon , Abad-Santos Francisco
Published: February 2016

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha is a major proinflammatory cytokine involved in the immune response in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Anti-TNF drugs such as infliximab and adalimumab are used to treat IBD; however, approximately 30% of patients do not respond to treatment. Individual genetic differences could contribute to lack of efficacy. Genetic studies have tried to uncover the factors underlying differences in response, however, knowledge remains limited, and the results obtained should be validated, so that pharmacogenetic information can be applied in clinical practice. In this review, we gather current knowledge in the pharmacogenetics of anti-TNF drugs in patients with IBD. We observed a connection between the major genes described as possible predictors of response to anti-TNF drugs in IBD and the cytokines and molecules involved in the T helper (Th) 17 pathway.
Social Internet of Vehicles for Smart Cities
Authors: Maglaras Leandros , Al-Bayatti Ali , He Ying , Wagner Isabel , Janicke Helge
Published: February 2016

Digital devices are becoming increasingly ubiquitous and interconnected. Their evolution to intelligent parts of a digital ecosystem creates novel applications with so far unresolved security issues. A particular example is a vehicle. As vehicles evolve from simple means of transportation to smart entities with new sensing and communication capabilities, they become active members of a smart city. The Internet of Vehicles (IoV) consists of vehicles that communicate with each other and with public networks through V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle), V2I (vehicle-to-infrastructure) and V2P (vehicle-to-pedestrian) interactions, which enables both the collection and the real-time sharing of critical information about the condition on the road network. The Social Internet of Things (SIoT) introduces social relationships among objects, creating a social network where the participants are not humans, but intelligent objects. In this article, we explore the concept of the Social Internet of Vehicles (SIoV), a network that enables social interactions both among vehicles and among drivers. We discuss technologies and components of the SIoV, possible applications and issues of security, privacy and trust that are likely to arise.
Do Smallholder, Mixed Crop-Livestock Livelihoods Encourage Sustainable Agricultural Practices? A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rudel Thomas , Kwon Oh-Jung , Paul Birthe , Boval Maryline , Rao Idupulapati , Burbano Diana , McGroddy Megan , Lerner Amy , White Douglas , Cuchillo Mario , Luna Manuel , Peters Michael
Published: February 2016

As calls for bolstering ecosystem services from croplands have grown more insistent during the past two decades, the search for ways to foster these agriculture-sustaining services has become more urgent. In this context we examine by means of a meta-analysis the argument, proposed by Robert McC. Netting, that small-scale, mixed crop-livestock farming, a common livelihood among poor rural peoples, leads to environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. As predicted, mixed crop-livestock farms exhibit more sustainable practices, but, contrary to predictions, a small scale of operation does not predict sustainability. Many smallholders on mixed crop-livestock farms use sustainable practices, but other smallholders practice a degrading, input-scarce agriculture. Some large farm operators use soil-conserving, minimum-tillage techniques while other large operators ignore soil-conserving techniques and practice an industrialized, high chemical input agriculture. The strength and pervasiveness of the link in the data between mixed crop-livestock farming and sustainable agricultural practices argues for agricultural policies that promote mixed crop-livestock livelihoods.
Long-Term Progressive Degradation of the Biological Capability of Titanium
Authors: Minamikawa Hajime , Att Wael , Ikeda Takayuki , Hirota Makoto , Ogawa Takahiro
Published: February 2016

Titanium undergoes time-dependent degradation in biological capability, or “biological aging”. It is unknown whether the biological aging of titanium occurs beyond four weeks and whether age-related changes are definitely associated with surface hydrophilicity. We therefore measured multiple biological parameters of bone marrow-derived osteoblasts cultured on newly prepared, one-month-old, three-month-old, and six-month-old acid-etched titanium surfaces, as well as the hydrophilicity of these surfaces. New surfaces were superhydrophilic with a contact angle of ddH2O of 0°, whereas old surfaces were all hydrophobic with the contact angle of around 90°. Cell attachment, cell spread, cell density, and alkaline phosphatase activity were highest on new surfaces and decreased in a time-dependent manner. These decreases persisted and remained significant for most of the biological parameters up to six-months. While the number of attached cells was negatively correlated with hydrophilicity, the other measured parameters were not. The biological capability of titanium continues to degrade up to six months of aging, but these effects are not directly associated with time-dependent reductions in hydrophilicity. A full understanding of the biological aging will help guide regulatory improvements in implant device manufacturing and develop countermeasures against this phenomenon in order to improve clinical outcomes.
Irradiation Induced Microstructure Evolution in Nanostructured Materials: A Review
Authors: Liu Wenbo , Ji Yanzhou , Tan Pengkang , Zang Hang , He Chaohui , Yun Di , Zhang Chi , Yang Zhigang
Published: February 2016

Nanostructured (NS) materials may have different irradiation resistance from their coarse-grained (CG) counterparts. In this review, we focus on the effect of grain boundaries (GBs)/interfaces on irradiation induced microstructure evolution and the irradiation tolerance of NS materials under irradiation. The features of void denuded zones (VDZs) and the unusual behavior of void formation near GBs/interfaces in metals due to the interactions between GBs/interfaces and irradiation-produced point defects are systematically reviewed. Some experimental results and calculation results show that NS materials have enhanced irradiation resistance, due to their extremely small grain sizes and large volume fractions of GBs/interfaces, which could absorb and annihilate the mobile defects produced during irradiation. However, there is also literature reporting reduced irradiation resistance or even amorphization of NS materials at a lower irradiation dose compared with their bulk counterparts, since the GBs are also characterized by excess energy (compared to that of single crystal materials) which could provide a shift in the total free energy that will lead to the amorphization process. The competition of these two effects leads to the different irradiation tolerance of NS materials. The irradiation-induced grain growth is dominated by irradiation temperature, dose, ion flux, character of GBs/interface and nanoprecipitates, although the decrease of grain sizes under irradiation is also observed in some experiments.
Isolation of Flavonoids from Deguelia duckeana and Their Effect on Cellular Viability, AMPK, eEF2, eIF2 and eIF4E
Authors: Cursino Lorena M. C. , Lima Nerilson M. , Murillo Renato , Nunez Cecilia V. , Merfort Irmgard , Humar Matjaz
Published: February 2016

Preparations of Deguelia duckeana, known in Brazil as timbó, are used by indigenous people to kill fish. Reinvestigation of its extracts resulted in the isolation and identification of 11 known flavonoids identified as 3,5,4’-trimethoxy-4-prenylstilbene (1), 4-methoxyderricidine (2), lonchocarpine (3), 4-hydroxylonchocarpine (4), 4-methoxylonchocarpine (5), 5-hydroxy-4’,7-dimethoxy-6-prenylflavanone (6), 4’-hydroxyisolonchocarpine (7), 4’-methoxyisolonchocarpine (8), 3’,4’,7-trimethoxyflavone (9), 3’,4’-methylenedioxy-7-methoxyflavone (10), and 2,2-dimethyl-chromone-5,4’-hydroxy-5’-methoxyflavone (11). Except for 1, 3, and 4 all of these flavonoids have been described for the first time in D. duckeana and the flavanone 6 for the first time in nature. Compounds 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, and 10 were studied for their potential to induce cell death in neuronal SK-N-SH cells. Only the chalcone 4 and the flavanone 7 significantly induced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, which was accompanied by activation of caspase-3 and impairment of energy homeostasis in the MTT assay and may explain the killing effect on fish. Interestingly, the flavone 10 reduced cell metabolism in the MTT assay without inducing cytotoxicity in the LDH assay. Furthermore, the flavonoids 2, 3, 4, 7, and 10 induced phosphorylation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2). The initiation factor eIF4E was dephosphorylated in the presence of these compounds. The initiation factor eIF2alpha was not affected. Further studies are needed to elucidate the importance of the observed effects on protein synthesis and potential therapeutic perspectives.
ROMP Synthesis of Iron-Containing Organometallic Polymers
Authors: Dragutan Ileana , Dragutan Valerian , Filip Petru , Simionescu Bogdan C. , Demonceau Albert
Published: February 2016

The paper overviews iron-containing polymers prepared by controlled “living” ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Developments in the design and synthesis of this class of organometallic polymers are highlighted, pinpointing methodologies and newest trends in advanced applications of hybrid materials based on polymers functionalized with iron motifs.