bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Evaluation Methods for Quality of Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fresh Fillet Preserved in an Active Edible Coating
Authors: Volpe Maria Grazia , Coccia Elena , Siano Francesco , Di Stasio Michele , Paolucci Marina
Published: April 2019

In this study different methods were used to evaluate the effectiveness of a carrageenan coating and carrageenan coating incorporating lemon essential oil (ELO) in preserving the physicochemical and olfactory characteristics of trout fillets stored at 4 °C up to 12 days. The fillet morphological structure was analyzed by histological and immunological methods; lipid peroxidation was performed with the peroxide and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) tests. At the same time, two less time-consuming methods, such as Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transformed Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and the electronic nose, were used. Uncoated trout fillets (UTF) showed a less compact tissue structure than carrageenan-coated threads (CTF) and coated fillets of carrageenan (active) ELO (ACTF), probably due to the degradation of collagen, as indicated by optical microscopy and ATR-FTIR. UTF showed greater lipid oxidation compared to CTF and ACTF, as indicated by the peroxide and TBARS tests and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The carrageenan coating containing ELO preserved the olfactory characteristics of the trout fillets better than the carrageenan coating alone, as indicated by the electronic nose analysis. This study confirms that both carrageenan and ELO containing carrageenan coatings slow down the decay of the physicochemical and olfactory characteristics of fresh trout fillets stored at 4 °C, although the latter is more effective.
Novel Fractional Models Compatible with Real World Problems
Authors: Ozarslan Ramazan , Ercan Ahu , Bas Erdal
Published: April 2019

In this paper, some real world modeling problems: vertical motion of a falling body problem in a resistant medium, and the Malthusian growth equation, are considered by the newly defined Liouville–Caputo fractional conformable derivative and the modified form of this new definition. We utilize the

σ

auxiliary parameter for preserving the dimension of physical quantities for newly defined fractional conformable vertical motion of a falling body problem in a resistant medium. The analytical solutions are obtained by iterating this new fractional integral and results are illustrated under different orders by comparison with the Liouville–Caputo fractional operator.
ResearchingWITH: Narratives and Crafts in Research in Psychology
Authors: Moraes Marcia , de Toledo Quadros Laura Cristina
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we share research narratives based on our practice as researchers. We understand that narrating, researching, and weaving are intertwined processes that lead us into peculiar and unpredictable actions in the research field. Therefore, researching is a risky practice. It entails unforeseen transformations and is both a craft and an ontological policy: If there is no given reality, what realities are performed along with our research practices? For what and to whom do we produce knowledge? We aim to discuss research policies that are in tune with local, contextualized, and embodied knowledge, and ways of doing research that consider the other—or the “object”—not as a passive target from whom you get information, but as an expert. Consequently, researching is understood as sharing expertise and as a reciprocal transformation device that activates all of those involved. We intend to share what has been produced by our research groups in Brazil. Our studies are intertwined as a network of connections and affectations and are guided by ResearchWith, which is a way of undertaking research that weaves WITH others and not ABOUT them. We emphasize this experience as a way of doing science in the feminine and we understand this as a craft.
Mental Health Issues in Madhya Pradesh: Insights from National Mental Health Survey of India 2016
Authors: Kokane Arun , Pakhare Abhijit , Gururaj Gopalkrishna , Varghese Mathew , Benegal Vivek , Rao Girish N. , Arvind Banavaram , Shukla Mukesh , Mitra Arun , Yadav Kriti , Chatterji Rajni , Ray Sukanya , Singh Akash Ranjan
Published: April 2019

Background: About 14% of the global mental health burden is contributed by India. However, there exists a disparity in mental health patterns, utilization, and prioritization among various Indian states. The state of Madhya Pradesh is a low performer among Indian states, ranking lower than the national average on the Human Development Index, Hunger Index, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The state also performes poorly on other health-related indicators. Objectives of Study: To estimate the prevalence and patterns of mental illnesses in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. Material and Methods: This study used the multistage, stratified, random cluster sampling technique, with selection probability proportionate to size at each stage. A total of 3240 individuals 18 years and older were interviewed. The mixed-method study that was employed had both quantitative and qualitative components. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview along with 10 other instruments were used. Results: The overall weighted prevalence for any mental illness was 13.9%, with 16.7% over the lifetime. The treatment gap for all of the mental health problems is very high (91%), along with high suicidal risk and substance use in the state. Conclusions: This study provides evidence of the huge burden of mental, behavioral, and substance use disorders as well as the treatment gap in Madhya Pradesh. This information is crucial for developing an effective prevention and control strategy. The high treatment gap in the state calls for coordinated efforts from all stakeholders, including policy makers, political leaders, health care professionals, and the society at large to give mental health care its due priority. These findings also highlight the need for multi-pronged interventions rooted in health policy directed at reducing the treatment gap in the short term and disease burden in the long run.
“You’ve Gotta be Careful”: Familial Messages Regarding Sexual Behavior and Sexual Relationships among African American Adolescents
Authors: Harper Gary W. , Motley Darnell N. , Timmons Tyler April , Tyler Donald H. , Catania Joseph A. , Dolcini M. Margaret
Published: April 2019

Background: Research on the sexual behaviors of African American youth has primarily focused on associated risks, with a dearth of studies examining a fuller representation of African American adolescents’ sexual lives. This study explored the range of messages African American adolescents receive from family members regarding sexual behavior and sexual relationships. Methods: Participants were 52 sexually experienced African American youth (male = 32, female = 20) between the ages of 15 and 17 recruited from community-based organizations in the United States. Youth participated in individual in-depth qualitative interviews, and data were analyzed using a phenomenological framework. Results: Participants received a variety of messages about sexual behavior and sexual relationships from a range of family members including parents, siblings, grandmothers, aunts/uncles, and cousins. Types of messages clustered into three domains: sexual decision-making, quantity and quality of sexual activity, and sexual health promotion; with themes and sub-themes emerging within each area. Conclusion: Gender differences in the types of messages received are explored, and applications of the findings to the development of family-involved community interventions that promote sexual and reproductive health are discussed.
Teacher Authority in Long-Lasting Cases of Bullying: A Qualitative Study from Norway and Ireland
Authors: Sjursø Ida Risanger , Fandrem Hildegunn , O’Higgins Norman James , Roland Erling
Published: April 2019

A growing body of research shows a correlation between an authoritative school climate and lower levels of bullying. One objective of this study is to conceptualize authoritative intervention in bullying cases. A second goal is to explore whether, and how, the pupils, having experienced traditional and/or cyber victimization, perceive that the class teacher is demonstrating authoritative leadership when intervening in long-lasting cases of bullying. Class teacher refers to the teacher that has a special responsibility for the class. The article presents the findings from nine semi-structured interviews with four Irish and five Norwegian pupils. The informants were between 12 to 18 years of age and had experienced either traditional victimization or both traditional and cyber victimization for 1 to 7 years. The informants were selected because their cases had been reported as resolved. The findings showed no descriptions of the class teacher that appeared to fit with the authoritative style of leadership, both high on warmth and control. The possible practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Developing a Health Risk Evaluation Method for Triple H
Authors: Wang Chien-Chih , Chang Cheng-Ding , Jiang Bernard C.
Published: April 2019

The development of a health evaluation system from human-related data is an important issue in preventive medicine. Previously, most studies have focused on disease assessment and prevention in patients. However, even if certain risk factors are all within normal ranges, individuals may not necessarily be completely healthy. This study focused on healthy individuals to develop a new index to assess health risks; this index can be used for the prevention of multiple diseases in healthy people. The kernel density technique was proposed to estimate the distribution of common risk factors and to develop a health risk index. A dataset of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia (Triple H) data from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan was used to demonstrate the proposed analytical process. The results of risk factor changes after six weeks of exercise were used to calculate the health risk index. The results showed that the subjects experienced a 7.29% reduction in their health risk index after the exercise intervention. This finding demonstrates the potential impact of an important reference index on quantifying the effect of maintenance in healthy people.
The Impact of College Athletic Success on Donations and Applicant Quality
Authors: Baumer Benjamin , Zimbalist Andrew
Published: April 2019

For the 65 colleges and universities that participate in the Power Five athletic conferences (Pac 12, Big 10, SEC, ACC, and Big 12), the football and men’s basketball teams are highly visible. While these programs generate tens of millions of dollars in revenue annually, very few of them turn an operating “profit.” Their existence is thus justified by the claim that athletic success leads to ancillary benefits for the academic institution, in terms of both quantity (e.g., more applications, donations, and state funding) and quality (e.g., stronger applicants, lower acceptance rates, higher yields). Previous studies provide only weak support for some of these claims. Using data from 2006–2016 and a multiple regression model with corrections for multiple testing, we find that while a successful football program is associated with more applicants, there is no effect on the composition of the student body or (with a few caveats) funding for the school through donations or state appropriations.
A Variant of the Planchon and Darboux Algorithm for Filling Depressions in Raster Digital Elevation Models
Authors: Wei Hongqiang , Zhou Guiyun , Dong Wenyan
Published: April 2019

Depression (pit or sink) filling is a key preprocessing step for the automatic hydrologic analysis of surface topography. The Planchon and Darboux (P&D) algorithm is a widely used depression filling algorithm. In this study, we propose an improved variant over the fastest sequential variant of the P&D algorithm for depression filling. Our variant introduces two important improvements compared with the fastest variant of the P&D algorithm, and greatly reduces redundant computation, as well as requires less memory space. Our algorithm can be easily integrated into many of the existing hydrologic analysis software packages. Moreover, our algorithm shares the same versatility as the P&D algorithm. Depressions can be replaced with surfaces either strictly horizontal, or slightly sloping. In the latter case, it is easier to calculate the flow direction matrix.
NFkappaB is a Key Player in the Crosstalk between Inflammation and Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Fiordelisi Antonella , Iaccarino Guido , Morisco Carmine , Coscioni Enrico , Sorriento Daniela
Published: April 2019

Inflammation is a key mechanism of cardiovascular diseases. It is an essential component of atherosclerosis and a significant risk factor for the development of cardiovascular events. In the crosstalk between inflammation and cardiovascular diseases, the transcription factor NFκB seems to be a key player since it is involved in the development and progression of both inflammation and cardiac and vascular damage. In this review, we deal with the recent findings of the role of inflammation in cardiac diseases, focusing, in particular, on NFκB as a functional link. We describe strategies for the therapeutic targeting of NFκB as a potential strategy for the failing heart.
Analysis of Rice Proteins with DLN Repressor Motif/S
Authors: Singh Purnima , Mathew Iny , Verma Ankit , Tyagi Akhilesh , Agarwal Pinky
Published: April 2019

Transcriptional regulation includes both activation and repression of downstream genes. In plants, a well-established class of repressors are proteins with an ERF-associated amphiphilic repression/EAR domain. They contain either DLNxxP or LxLxL as the identifying hexapeptide motif. In rice (Oryza sativa), we have identified a total of 266 DLN repressor proteins, with the former motif and its modifications thereof comprising 227 transcription factors and 39 transcriptional regulators. Apart from DLNxxP motif conservation, DLNxP and DLNxxxP motifs with variable numbers/positions of proline and those without any proline conservation have been identified. Most of the DLN repressome proteins have a single DLN motif, with higher relative percentage in the C-terminal region. We have designed a simple yeast-based experiment wherein a DLN motif can successfully cause strong repression of downstream reporter genes, when fused to a transcriptional activator of rice or yeast. The DLN hexapeptide motif is essential for repression, and at least two “DLN” residues cause maximal repression. Comparatively, rice has more DLN repressor encoding genes than Arabidopsis, and DLNSPP motif from rice is 40% stronger than the known Arabidopsis SRDX motif. The study reports a straightforward assay to analyze repressor activity, along with the identification of a strong DLN repressor from rice.
Disulfide Bond Engineering of an Endoglucanase from Penicillium verruculosum to Improve Its Thermostability
Authors: Bashirova Anna , Pramanik Subrata , Volkov Pavel , Rozhkova Aleksandra , Nemashkalov Vitaly , Zorov Ivan , Gusakov Alexander , Sinitsyn Arkady , Schwaneberg Ulrich , Davari Mehdi D.
Published: April 2019

Endoglucanases (EGLs) are important components of multienzyme cocktails used in the production of a wide variety of fine and bulk chemicals from lignocellulosic feedstocks. However, a low thermostability and the loss of catalytic performance of EGLs at industrially required temperatures limit their commercial applications. A structure-based disulfide bond (DSB) engineering was carried out in order to improve the thermostability of EGLII from Penicillium verruculosum. Based on in silico prediction, two improved enzyme variants, S127C-A165C (DSB2) and Y171C-L201C (DSB3), were obtained. Both engineered enzymes displayed a 15–21% increase in specific activity against carboxymethylcellulose and β-glucan compared to the wild-type EGLII (EGLII-wt). After incubation at 70 °C for 2 h, they retained 52–58% of their activity, while EGLII-wt retained only 38% of its activity. At 80 °C, the enzyme-engineered forms retained 15–22% of their activity after 2 h, whereas EGLII-wt was completely inactivated after the same incubation time. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the introduced DSB rigidified a global structure of DSB2 and DSB3 variants, thus enhancing their thermostability. In conclusion, this work provides an insight into DSB protein engineering as a potential rational design strategy that might be applicable for improving the stability of other enzymes for industrial applications.
Growth Hormone Receptor Gene is Essential for Chicken Mitochondrial Function In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Hu Bowen , Hu Shuang , Yang Minmin , Liao Zhiying , Zhang Dexiang , Luo Qingbin , Zhang Xiquan , Li Hongmei
Published: April 2019

The growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene is correlated with many phenotypic and physiological alternations in chicken, such as shorter shanks, lower body weight and muscle mass loss. However, the role of the GHR gene in mitochondrial function remains unknown in poultry. In this study, we assessed the function of mitochondria in sex-linked dwarf (SLD) chicken skeletal muscle and interfered with the expression of GHR in DF-1 cells to investigate the role of the GHR gene in chicken mitochondrial function both in vivo and in vitro. We found that the expression of key regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-encoded oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) genes were downregulated and accompanied by reduced enzymatic activity of OXPHOS complexes in SLD chicken skeletal muscle and GHR knockdown cells. Then, we assessed mitochondrial function by measuring mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), mitochondrial swelling, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, ATP levels and the mitochondrial respiratory control ratio (RCR), and found that mitochondrial function was impaired in SLD chicken skeletal muscle and GHR knockdown cells. In addition, we also studied the morphology and structure of mitochondria in GHR knockdown cells by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and MitoTracker staining. We found that knockdown of GHR could reduce mitochondrial number and alter mitochondrial structure in DF-1 cells. Above all, we demonstrated for the first time that the GHR gene is essential for chicken mitochondrial function in vivo and in vitro.
2, 3, 4′, 5-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-0-β-d Glycoside Attenuates Age- and Diet-Associated Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Atherosclerosis in LDL Receptor Knockout Mice and Its Possible Mechanisms
Authors: Xu Jin , Peng Yi , Zeng Yi , Hua Yi-qiao , Xu Xiao-le
Published: April 2019

The compound, 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-d-glucoside (TSG), a primary bioactive polyphenolic component of Polygonum multiflorum exerts numerous pharmacological activities. However, its protective effect against non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), in the context of metabolic syndrome, remains poorly understood. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of TSG treatment on middle-aged (12-mo-old) male LDLr−/− mice, which were fed a high fat diet for 12 weeks to induce metabolic syndrome and NASH. At the end of the experiment, the blood samples of mice were collected for determination of metabolic parameters. Liver and aorta tissues were collected for analysis, such as histology, immunofluorescence, hepatic lipid content, real-time PCR, and western blot. Our data show that TSG treatment improved the different aspects of NASH (steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis) and atherosclerosis, as well as some of the metabolic basal characteristics. These modulatory effects of TSG are mediated, at least in part, through regulating key regulators of lipid metabolism (SREBP1c, PPARα and their target genes, ABCG5 and CYP7A1), inflammation (CD68, TNF-α, IL-6 and ICAM), fibrosis (α-SMA and TNFβ) and oxidative stress (NADPH-oxidase 2/4, CYP2E1 and antioxidant enzymes). These results suggest that TSG may be a promising candidate for preventing and treating the progression of NASH.
Fluvastatin Sodium Ameliorates Obesity through Brown Fat Activation
Authors: Yin Na , Zhang Hanlin , Ye Rongcai , Dong Meng , Lin Jun , Zhou Huiqiao , Huang Yuanyuan , Chen Li , Jiang Xiaoxiao , Nagaoka Kentaro , Zhang Chuanhai , Jin Wanzhu
Published: April 2019

Brown adipose tissue (BAT), an organ that burns energy through uncoupling thermogenesis, is a promising therapeutic target for obesity. However, there are still no safe anti-obesity drugs that target BAT in the market. In the current study, we performed large scale screening of 636 compounds which were approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to find drugs that could significantly increase uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) mRNA expression by real-time PCR. Among those UCP1 activators, most of them were antibiotics or carcinogenic compounds. We paid particular attention to fluvastatin sodium (FS), because as an inhibitor of the cellular hydroxymethyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, FS has already been approved for treatment of hypercholesteremia. We found that in the cellular levels, FS treatment significantly increased UCP1 expression and BAT activity in human brown adipocytes. Consistently, the expression of oxidative phosphorylation-related genes was significantly increased upon FS treatment without differences in adipogenic gene expression. Furthermore, FS treatment resisted to high-fat diet (HFD)-induced body weight gain by activating BAT in the mice model. In addition, administration of FS significantly increased energy expenditure, improved glucose homeostasis and ameliorated hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, we reveal that FS induced browning in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT) known to have a beneficial effect on energy metabolism. Taken together, our results clearly demonstrate that as an effective BAT activator, FS may have great potential for treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Structural Variations in LysM Domains of LysM-RLK PsK1 May Result in a Different Effect on Pea–Rhizobial Symbiosis Development
Authors: Kirienko Anna N. , Vishnevskaya Nadezhda A. , Kitaeva Anna B. , Shtark Oksana Yu. , Kozyulina Polina Yu. , Thompson Richard , Dalmais Marion , Bendahmane Abdelhafid , Tikhonovich Igor A. , Dolgikh Elena A.
Published: April 2019

Lysin-motif receptor-like kinase PsK1 is involved in symbiosis initiation and the maintenance of infection thread (IT) growth and bacterial release in pea. We verified PsK1 specificity in relation to the Nod factor structure using k1 and rhizobial mutants. Inoculation with nodO and nodE nodO mutants significantly reduced root hair deformations, curling, and the number of ITs in k1-1 and k1-2 mutants. These results indicated that PsK1 function may depend on Nod factor structures. PsK1 with replacement in kinase domain and PsSYM10 co-production in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves did not induce a hypersensitive response (HR) because of the impossibility of signal transduction into the cell. Replacement of P169S in LysM3 domain of PsK1 disturbed the extracellular domain (ECD) interaction with PsSYM10′s ECD in Y2H system and reduced HR during the co-production of full-length PsK1 and PsSYM0 in N. benthamiana. Lastly, we explored the role of PsK1 in symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi; no significant differences between wild-type plants and k1 mutants were found, suggesting a specific role of PsK1 in legume–rhizobial symbiosis. However, increased sensitivity to a highly aggressive Fusarium culmorum strain was found in k1 mutants compared with the wild type, which requires the further study of the role of PsK1 in immune response regulation.
Efficacy of Two Entomopathogenic Fungi, Metarhizium brunneum, Strain F52 Alone and Combined with Paranosema locustae against the Migratory Grasshopper, Melanoplus sanguinipes, under Laboratory and Greenhouse Conditions
Authors: Dakhel Wahid H. , Latchininsky Alexandre V. , Jaronski Stefan T.
Published: April 2019

Grasshopper outbreaks cause significant damage to crops and grasslands in US. Chemical control is widely used to suppress these pests but it reduces environmental quality. Biological control of insect pests is an alternative way to reduce the use of chemical insecticides. In this context, two entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium brunneum strain F52 and Paranosema locustae were evaluated as control agents for the pest migratory grasshopper Melanoplus sanguinipes under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Third-instar grasshoppers, reared in the laboratory, were exposed up to fourteen days to wheat bran treated with different concentrations of each of the fungi alone or the two pathogens combined. In the greenhouse, nymphs were placed individually in cages where they were able to increase their body temperatures by basking in the sun in an attempt to inhibit the fungal infection, and treated with each pathogen alone or in combination. Mortality was recorded daily and presence of fungal outgrowth in cadavers was confirmed by recording fungal mycosis for two weeks’ post-treatment (PT). For combination treatment, the nature of the pathogen interaction (synergistic, additive, or antagonistic effects) was also determined. In laboratory conditions, all treatments except P. locustae alone resulted in grasshopper mortality. The application of the pathogen combinations caused 75% and 77%, mortality for lower and higher concentrations, respectively than each of the pathogens alone. We infer a synergistic effect occurred between the two agents. In greenhouse conditions, the highest mortalities were recorded in combination fungal treatments with a M. brunneum dose (60% mortality) and with a combination of the two pathogens in which M. brunneum was applied at high rate (50%) two weeks after application. This latter combination also exhibited a synergistic effect. Exposure to the P. locustae treatment did not lead to mortality until day 14 PT. We infer that these pathogens are promising for developing a biopesticide formulation for rangeland pest grasshopper management.
Tardive Dyskinesia and Dopamine Oxidation, Cumulative Effects
Authors: Adams James David
Published: April 2019

It is likely that tardive dyskinsesia is caused by the oxidation of dopamine in dopaminergic neurons. This oxidation produces oxygen radicals that damage neurons. Damage accumulates until tardive dyskinesia occurs. The use of dopamine D2 receptor inhibitors should be limited to the lowest doses for the shortest duration possible.
The Role of Non-Coding RNA in Congenital Heart Diseases
Authors: Dueñas Angel , Expósito Almudena , Aranega Amelia , Franco Diego
Published: April 2019

Cardiovascular development is a complex developmental process starting with the formation of an early straight heart tube, followed by a rightward looping and the configuration of atrial and ventricular chambers. The subsequent step allows the separation of these cardiac chambers leading to the formation of a four-chambered organ. Impairment in any of these developmental processes invariably leads to cardiac defects. Importantly, our understanding of the developmental defects causing cardiac congenital heart diseases has largely increased over the last decades. The advent of the molecular era allowed to bridge morphogenetic with genetic defects and therefore our current understanding of the transcriptional regulation of cardiac morphogenesis has enormously increased. Moreover, the impact of environmental agents to genetic cascades has been demonstrated as well as of novel genomic mechanisms modulating gene regulation such as post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Among post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, non-coding RNAs, including therein microRNAs and lncRNAs, are emerging to play pivotal roles. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the functional role of non-coding RNAs in distinct congenital heart diseases, with particular emphasis on microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs.
CO-Releasing Molecule-2 Induces Nrf2/ARE-Dependent Heme Oxygenase-1 Expression Suppressing TNF-α-Induced Pulmonary Inflammation
Authors: Lin Chih-Chung , Hsiao Li-Der , Cho Rou-Ling , Yang Chuen-Mao
Published: April 2019

The upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) by the carbon monoxide-releasing molecule (CORM)-2 may be mediated through the activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases [Nox] and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which could provide cytoprotection against various cellular injuries. However, the detailed mechanisms of CORM-2-induced HO-1 expression in human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells (HPAEpiCs) remain largely unknown. Therefore, we dissected the mechanisms underlying CORM-2-induced HO-1 expression in HPAEpiCs. We found that the administration of mice with CORM-2 attenuated the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression and leukocyte count as revealed by immunohistochemical staining, western blot, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and cell count. Furthermore, TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 expression associated with monocyte adhesion to HPAEpiCs was attenuated by infection with adenovirus (adv)-HO-1 or incubation with CORM-2. These inhibitory effects of HO-1 were reversed by pretreatment with hemoglobin (Hb). Moreover, CORM-2-induced HO-1 expression was mediated via the phosphorylation of p47phox, c-Src, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Akt, and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which were inhibited by their pharmacological inhibitors, including diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) or apocynin (APO), ROS [N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC)], PP1, AG1478, PI3K (LY294002), or Akt (SH-5), and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). CORM-2-enhanced Nrf2 expression, and anti-oxidant response element (ARE) promoter activity was also inhibited by these pharmacological inhibitors. The interaction between Nrf2 and AREs was confirmed with a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. These findings suggest that CORM-2 increases the formation of the Nrf2 and AREs complex and binds with ARE-binding sites via Src, EGFR, and PI3K/Akt, which further induces HO-1 expression in HPAEpiCs. Thus, the HO-1/CO system might suppress TNF-α-mediated inflammatory responses and exert a potential therapeutic strategy in pulmonary diseases.
Effects of Alcohol Hangover on Cognitive Performance: Findings from a Field/Internet Mixed Methodology Study
Authors: Scholey Andrew , Benson Sarah , Kaufman Jordy , Terpstra Chantal , Ayre Elizabeth , Verster Joris C. , Allen Cory , Devilly Grant J.
Published: April 2019

Results from studies into the cognitive effects of alcohol hangover have been mixed. They also present methodological challenges, often relying on self-reports of alcohol consumption leading to hangover. The current study measured Breath Alcohol Concentration (BAC, which was obtained via breathalyzer) and self-reported drinking behavior during a night out. These were then related to hangover severity and cognitive function, measured over the internet in the same subjects, the following morning. Volunteers were breathalyzed and interviewed as they left the central entertainment district of an Australian state capital. They were provided with a unique identifier and, the following morning, logged on to a website. They completed a number of measures including an online version of the Alcohol Hangover Severity Scale (AHSS), questions regarding number and type of drinks consumed the previous night, and the eTMT-B-a validated, online analogue of the Trail Making Test B (TMT-B) of executive function and working memory. Hangover severity was significantly correlated with one measure only, namely the previous night’s Breath Alcohol Concentration (r = 0.228, p = 0.019). Completion time on the eTMT-B was significantly correlated with hangover severity (r = 0.245, p = 0.012), previous night’s BAC (r = 0.197, p = 0.041), and time spent dinking (r = 0.376, p < 0.001). These findings confirm that alcohol hangover negatively affects cognitive functioning and that poorer working memory and executive performance correlate with hangover severity. The results also support the utility and certain advantages of using online measures in hangover research.
PEDOT: PSS Thermoelectric Generators Printed on Paper Substrates
Authors: Andersson Henrik , Šuly Pavol , Thungström Göran , Engholm Magnus , Zhang Renyun , Mašlík Jan , Olin Håkan
Published: April 2019

Flexible electronics is a field gathering a growing interest among researchers and companies with widely varying applications, such as organic light emitting diodes, transistors as well as many different sensors. If the circuit should be portable or off-grid, the power sources available are batteries, supercapacitors or some type of power generator. Thermoelectric generators produce electrical energy by the diffusion of charge carriers in response to heat flux caused by a temperature gradient between junctions of dissimilar materials. As wearables, flexible electronics and intelligent packaging applications increase, there is a need for low-cost, recyclable and printable power sources. For such applications, printed thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are an interesting power source, which can also be combined with printable energy storage, such as supercapacitors. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate), or PEDOT:PSS, is a conductive polymer that has gathered interest as a thermoelectric material. Plastic substrates are commonly used for printed electronics, but an interesting and emerging alternative is to use paper. In this article, a printed thermoelectric generator consisting of PEDOT:PSS and silver inks was printed on two common types of paper substrates, which could be used to power electronic circuits on paper.
Instantaneous Volatility Seasonality of High-Frequency Markets in Directional-Change Intrinsic Time
Authors: Petrov Vladimir , Golub Anton , Olsen Richard
Published: April 2019

We propose a novel intraday instantaneous volatility measure which utilises sequences of drawdowns and drawups non-equidistantly spaced in physical time as indicators of high-frequency activity of financial markets. The sequences are re-expressed in terms of directional-change intrinsic time which ticks only when the price curve changes the direction of its trend by a given relative value. We employ the proposed measure to uncover weekly volatility seasonality patterns of three Forex and one Bitcoin exchange rates, as well as a stock market index. We demonstrate the long memory of instantaneous volatility computed in directional-change intrinsic time. The provided volatility estimation method can be adapted as a universal multiscale risk-management tool independent of the discreteness and the type of analysed high-frequency data.
One-Step Synthesis of Long Term Stable Superparamagnetic Colloid of Zinc Ferrite Nanorods in Water
Authors: Kmita Angelika , Lachowicz Dorota , Żukrowski Jan , Gajewska Marta , Szczerba Wojciech , Kuciakowski Juliusz , Zapotoczny Szczepan , Sikora Marcin
Published: April 2019

Synthesis of spinel zinc ferrite ultrafine needle-like particles that exhibit exceptional stability in aqueous dispersion (without any surfactants) and superparamagnetic response is reported. Comprehensive structural and magnetic characterization of the particles is performed using X-ray and electron diffraction, small angle X-ray scattering, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, vibrating sample magnetometry, Mössbauer spectroscopy and high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy. It reveals nearly stoichiometric ZnFe2O4 nanorods with mixed spinel structure and unimodal size distribution of mean length of 20 nm and diameter of 5 nm. Measurements performed in aqueous and dried form shows that particles’ properties are significantly changed as a result of drying.
Influence of Synthetic Bone Substitutes on the Anchorage Behavior of Open-Porous Acetabular Cup
Authors: Weißmann Volker , Ramskogler Tim , Schulze Christian , Bader Rainer , Hansmann Harald
Published: April 2019

Background: The development in implants such as acetabular cups using additive manufacturing techniques is playing an increasingly important role in the healthcare industry. Method: This study compared the primary stability of four selectively laser-melted press-fit cups (Ti6Al4V) with open-porous, load-bearing structural elements on the surface. The aim was to assess whether the material of the artificial bone stock affects the primary stability of the acetabular cup. The surface structures consist of repeated open-porous, load-bearing elements orthogonal to the acetabular surface. Experimental pull-out and lever-out tests were performed on exact-fit and press-fit cups to evaluate the primary stability of the cups in different synthetic bone substitutes. The acetabular components were placed in three different commercially available synthetic materials (ROHACELL-IGF 110, SikaBlock M330, Sawbones Solid Rigid). Results & conclusions: Within the scope of the study, it was possible to show the differences in fixation strength between the tested acetabular cups depending on their design, the structural elements used, and the different bone substitute material. In addition, functional correlations could be found which provide a qualitative reference to the material density of the bone stock and the press-fit volume of the acetabular cups.
Application of An Electrical Resistance Sensor-Based Automated Corrosion Monitor in the Study of Atmospheric Corrosion
Authors: Li Zhuolin , Fu Dongmei , Li Ying , Wang Gaoyuan , Meng Jintao , Zhang Dawei , Yang Zhaohui , Ding Guoqing , Zhao Jinbin
Published: April 2019

An automated corrosion monitor, named the Internet of Things atmospheric corrosion monitor (IoT ACM) has been developed. IoT ACM is based on electrical resistance sensor and enables accurate and continuous measurement of corrosion data of metallic materials. The objective of this research is to study the characteristics of atmospheric corrosion by analyzing the acquired corrosion data from IoT ACM. Employing data processing and data analysis methods to research the acquired corrosion data of steel, the atmospheric corrosion characteristics implied in the corrosion data can be discovered. Comparing the experiment results with the phenomenon of previous laboratory experiment and conclusions of previously published reports, the research results are tested and verified. The experiment results show that the change regulation of atmospheric corrosion data in the actual environment is reasonable and normal. The variation of corrosion depth is obviously influenced by relative humidity, temperature and part of air pollutants. It can be concluded that IoT ACM can be well applied to the conditions of atmospheric corrosion monitoring of metallic materials and the study of atmospheric corrosion by applying IoT ACM is effective and instructive under an actual atmospheric environment.
Solution-State Spin Crossover in a Family of [Fe(L)2(CH3CN)2](BF4)2 Complexes
Authors: Wilson Benjamin H. , Scott Hayley S. , Archer Rosanna J. , Mathonière Corine , Clérac Rodolphe , Kruger Paul E.
Published: April 2019

We report herein on five new Fe(II) complexes of general formula [Fe(L)2(NCCH3)2](BF4)2•xCH3CN (L = substituted 2-pyridylimine-based ligands). The influence of proximally located electron withdrawing groups (e.g., NO2, CN, CF3, Cl, Br) bound to coordinated pyridylimine ligands has been studied for the effect on spin crossover in their Fe(II) complexes. Variable-temperature UV-visible spectroscopic studies performed on complexes with more strongly electronegative ligand substituents revealed spin crossover (SCO) in the solution, and thermodynamic parameters associated with the spin crossover were estimated.
Indirect Effects, Biotic Inferential Interactions and Time Functions in H-Semiotic Systems: Ecosystems Case
Authors: Usó-Doménech José-Luis , Nescolarde-Selva Josué-Antonio , Lloret-Climent Miguel , Gash Hugh , Alonso-Stenberg Kristian
Published: April 2019

The main objectives of this paper are to formulate an introduction to the mathematical theory of indirect effects with respect to some biotic relations, including symbiosis, commensalism, mutualism and predation, along with the time functions for these relationships. We employ the theory of system linkage in Patten’s Theory of Environment to develop an analysis of the theoretical properties of direct and indirect influences, using the variables and structure of each system involved in the linkage. In this paper, in order to formulate the mathematical theory, we develop, as a contribution to Patten’s Theory of Environment, so-called H-semiotic systems.
Solid Matrix-Supported Supercritical CO2 Enhances Extraction of γ-Linolenic Acid from the Cyanobacterium Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis and Bioactivity Evaluation of the Molecule in Zebrafish
Authors: Yang Xiaohong , Li Yi , Li Yanhua , Ye Ding , Yuan Li , Sun Yonghua , Han Danxiang , Hu Qiang
Published: April 2019

Marine cyanobacteria represent a large untapped source of functional glycolipids enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for human health. However, advanced methods for scalable isolation of diverse species containing high-purity PUFA-rich glycolipids will have to be developed and their possible pharmaceutical and nutraceutical functions identified. This paper introduces a novel solid matrix-supported supercritical CO2 extraction method for scalable isolation of the PUFA γ-linolenic acid (GLA)-enriched glycolipids from the cyanobacterium Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis, which has been the most widely used among microalgae in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. Of various porous materials studied, diatomite was the best to facilitate extraction of GLA-rich glycolipids, resulting in an extraction efficiency of 98%. Gamma-linolenic acid made up 35% of total fatty acids (TFAs) in the extracts, which was considerably greater than that obtained with ethanol (26%), Bligh and Dyer (24%), and in situ transesterification (24%) methods, respectively. Lipidomics analysis revealed that GLA was exclusively associated with galactolipids. Pharmaceutical functions of GLA-rich galactolipids were investigated on a zebrafish caudal fin regeneration model. The results suggested that GLA extracted from A. platensis possessed anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic activities, which acted in a concerted manner to promote post-injury regeneration of zebrafish.
QSAR Prediction Model to Search for Compounds with Selective Cytotoxicity Against Oral Cell Cancer
Authors: Nagai Junko , Imamura Mai , Sakagami Hiroshi , Uesawa Yoshihiro
Published: April 2019

Background: Anticancer drugs often have strong toxicity against tumours and normal cells. Some natural products demonstrate high tumour specificity. We have previously reported the cytotoxic activity and tumour specificity of various chemical compounds. In this study, we constructed a database of previously reported compound data and predictive models to screen a new anticancer drug. Methods: We collected compound data from our previous studies and built a database for analysis. Using this database, we constructed models that could predict cytotoxicity and tumour specificity using random forest method. The prediction performance was evaluated using an external validation set. Results: A total of 494 compounds were collected, and these activities and chemical structure data were merged as database for analysis. The structure-toxicity relationship prediction model showed higher prediction accuracy than the tumour selectivity prediction model. Descriptors with high contribution differed for tumour and normal cells. Conclusions: Further study is required to construct a tumour selective toxicity prediction model with higher predictive accuracy. Such a model is expected to contribute to the screening of candidate compounds for new anticancer drugs.
Music Therapy as Treatment of Negative Symptoms for Adult Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia—Study Protocol for a Randomized, Controlled and Blinded Study
Authors: Pedersen Inge Nygaard , Bonde Lars Ole , Hannibal Niels Jørgensen , Nielsen Jimmy , Aagaard Jørgen , Bertelsen Lars Rye , Jensen Silvia Beatriz , Nielsen René Ernst
Published: April 2019

Background: Three Cochrane reviews show that music therapy has a positive effect on schizophrenia concerning general functioning and positive/negative symptoms. This study aims to replicate these results in the Danish health system, a requirement for recommendation in guidelines from the Danish National Board of Health. Methods: The study is a randomized, controlled multi-site study, with a blinded design, aiming to include 90 participants who are 18–65 years in age, diagnosed according to ICD-10 with a schizophrenia diagnosis. The participants are randomized to one of two different music therapy activities for 25 weekly sessions. The study interventions are added to standard care. Outcome measures are rated at baseline, after 15 sessions and post therapy. A qualitative interview is performed as a one month follow up at the end of study. The primary intended outcome is a reduction in negative symptoms. The secondary intended outcome is progression in quality of life, alliance and psychosocial functioning. Results: As this study is still running, the results are not yet available. Conclusion: The study will investigate the direct effects of music therapy on negative symptoms as part of schizophrenia in a blinded, randomized trial. If proven effective, music therapy can be added to the small treatment armamentarium of effective therapies for negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.
The Effect of Titanium Carbonitride on the Viscosity of High-Titanium-Type Blast Furnace Slag
Authors: Xie Hongen , Yu Wenzhou , You Zhixiong , Lv Xuewei , Bai Chenguang
Published: April 2019

In this paper, the effect of titanium carbonitride (Ti(C,N)) on the viscosity of high-titanium-type blast furnace slags was investigated. The different Ti(C,N) contents were achieved by adjusting the reduction degree of TiO2 to reflect the real characteristics of the high-titanium slag. The results show that the viscosity of the slag increased with the increasing Ti(C,N) content and decreased with the rising temperature. A deviation between the measured and the fitted viscosity appeared as the content of the Ti(C,N) was beyond 4 wt%. Furthermore, the apparent viscous flow activation energy of the slag ranged from 106.13 kJ/mol to 235.46 kJ/mol by varying the Ti(C,N) contents from 0 wt% to 4.97 wt%, which was evidently different from the results of previous studies. The optical microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis show that numerous bubble cavities were embedded in the slags and the Ti(C,N) particles agglomerated in the solidified samples. This phenomenon further indicates that the high-titanium slag is a polyphase dispersion system, which consists of liquid slag, solid Ti(C,N) particles and bubbles.
Arc-Assisted Laser Welding Brazing of Aluminum to Steel
Authors: Yu Xiaoquan , Fan Ding , Huang Jiankang , Li Chunling , Kang Yutao
Published: April 2019

Using laser beam as main heat source, and trailing arc as an assisted role, aluminum alloy was joined to galvanized steel in a butt configuration. Under suitable welding parameters, a sound welding seam was obtained. The interface intermetallic compounds layer and wetting behavior of weld joint were studied. The assisted arc can improve the wetting and spreading ability of weld pool duo to large temperature field. There are two different types of IMCs: near to the steel side one is Fe2Al5 with tooth-like shape and near to the weld seam side is the other one Fe4Al13 with flocculent-like shape. The highest tensile strength can reach 163 MPa when the fracture occurred at the weld seam.