bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Weight, Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity during the School Year and Summer Vacation
Authors: Tanaka Chiaki , Reilly John J. , Tanaka Maki , Tanaka Shigeho
Published: May 2018

Background: To examine bidirectional associations between body weight and objectively assessed sedentary behaviour (SB) and physical activity (PA) during the school year and summer vacation. Methods: Participants were 209 Japanese boys and girls (9.0 ± 1.8 years at baseline). SB and PA were measured using triaxial accelerometry that discriminated between ambulatory and non-ambulatory PA, screen time measured by questionnaire during the school-term was evaluated in May and the summer vacation, and relative body weight measured in May and just after the end of summer vacation. Results: There were no significant relationships between changes in SB or PA and changes in body weight. However, higher relative body weight at baseline was associated with decreased non-ambulatory moderate PA (p = 0.049), but this association was slightly diminished after adjusting for change in SB (p = 0.056). Longer screen time at baseline was also associated with increased relative body weight (p = 0.033). Conclusions: The present study revealed that body weight might be particularly influential on non-ambulatory moderate PA while SB, PA or changes in these variables did not predict changes in body weight. Moreover, screen time during the school year is a predictor of change in relative body weight during the subsequent summer vacation.
Active Ottumwa: Adapting Evidence-Based Recommendations to Promote Physical Activity in a Micropolitan New Destination Community
Authors: Baquero Barbara , Kava Christine M. , Ashida Sato , Daniel-Ulloa Jason , Laroche Helena H. , Haines Heidi , Bucklin Rebecca , Maldonado Adriana , Coronado Garcia Mayra , Berto Sandy , Sewell Dan , Novak Nicole , Janz Kathleen , Gates Claudia , Parker Edith A.
Published: May 2018

Background: Evidence-based interventions have been developed and tested to promote physical activity, but fewer studies have focused on identifying effective intervention strategies for mid-size rural communities, especially new immigrant destinations. We report here on the design and implementation of Active Ottumwa, a community-wide intervention using a lay health advisor approach to increase physical activity in a micropolitan new destination community in the rural state of Iowa. Methods: The Active Ottumwa study is part of a community-academic partnership in Ottumwa, IA. Evidence-based strategies recommended by the Community Guide for Preventive Services guided study implementation and included behavioral and social, campaign and informational, and environmental and policy approaches. Evaluation methods for this study are multi-faceted and include a cross-sectional community survey, longitudinal cohort assessment, observational data, key informant interviews, and project records. Results: We are currently in our second year of intervention implementation, with 45 lay health advisors (termed physical activity leaders here) trained to carry out behavioral and social intervention approaches, including walking groups, tai chi, and yoga. We have completed a communication and informational campaign utilizing five channels. Our longitudinal cohort has been recruited, with baseline and 12-month data collection completed. Conclusions: This study will assess the effectiveness and impact of a community-wide intervention to support physical activity.
Commuting Mode Choice in a High-Density City: Do Land-Use Density and Diversity Matter in Hong Kong?
Authors: Lu Yi , Sun Guibo , Sarkar Chinmoy , Gou Zhonghua , Xiao Yang
Published: May 2018

Hong Kong is a densely populated and transit-oriented Chinese city, which provides an ideal urban environment with which to study the various successful facets of land use policy as a model for potential replication to curb increasing car use in other Chinese cities. We examine the commuting mode choice of 203,900 households living in 4768 street blocks in Hong Kong from 2011 census. A street block is the smallest planning unit, made up of one or more housing estates with a homogenous built environment and socioeconomic status. The built environment is measured using the five Ds framework, an international dimensioning framework for classifying and measuring attributes of the built environment for physical activity and travel behaviors. Generalized, multi-level mixed models were applied to detect the associations between travel choice and built environment characteristics, while adjusting for socioeconomic status. Design and destination accessibility had greater effects on the choices to walk and take public transport than on the choice to drive. Density and diversity had only marginal effects on mode choice. Unexpectedly, distance to the urban center had the opposite effect on automobile use to that found in Western studies. Hong Kong residents living close to the urban center were more likely to drive for commuting trips. The contrasting findings between our study and Western studies suggest that the associations between a high-density built environment and travel choice vary with urban context.
Antibiotic Sensitivity Profiling and Virulence Potential of Campylobacter jejuni Isolates from Estuarine Water in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Otigbu Anthony C. , Clarke Anna M. , Fri Justine , Akanbi Emmanuel O. , Njom Henry A.
Published: May 2018

Campylobacter jejuni (CJ) is a zoonotic microbe and a major causative organism of diarrheal infection in humans that often has its functional characteristics inactivated in stressed conditions. The current study assessed the correlation between recovered CJ and water quality parameters and the drug sensitivity patterns of the pathogen to frontline antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine. Water samples (n = 244) from rivers/estuarines were collected from April–September 2016, and physicochemical conditions were recorded on-site. CJ was isolated from the samples using standard microbiological methods and subjected to sensitivity testing to 10 antibiotics. Mean CJ counts were between 1 and 5 logs (CFU/mL). Ninety-five isolates confirmed as CJ by PCR showed varying rates of resistance. Sensitivity testing showed resistance to tetracycline (100%), azithromycin (92%), clindamycin (84.2%), clarithromycin and doxycycline (80%), ciprofloxacin (77.8%), vancomycin (70.5%), erythromycin (70%), metronidazole (36.8%) and nalidixic acid (30.5%). Virulence encoding genes were detected in the majority 80/95, 84.2%) of the confirmed isolates from cdtB; 60/95 (63.2%) from cstII; 49/95 (51.6%) from cadF; 45/95 (47.4%) from clpP; 30/95 (31.6%) from htrB, and 0/95 (0%) from csrA. A multiple resistance cmeABC active efflux pump system was present in 69/95 (72.6) isolates. The presence of CJ was positively correlated with temperature (r = 0.17), pH (r = 0.02), dissolved oxygen (r = 0.31), and turbidity (r = 0.23) but negatively correlated with salinity (r = −0.39) and conductivity (r = −0.28). The detection of multidrug resistant CJ strains from estuarine water and the differential gene expressions they possess indicates a potential hazard to humans. Moreover, the negative correlation between the presence of the pathogen and physicochemical parameters such as salinity indicates possible complementary expression of stress tolerance response mechanisms by wild-type CJ strains.
The Influence of Maternal and Household Resources, and Parental Psychosocial Child Stimulation on Early Childhood Development: A Cross-Sectional Study of Children 36–59 Months in Honduras
Authors: Urke Helga Bjørnøy , Contreras Mariela , Matanda Dennis Juma
Published: May 2018

Optimal early childhood development (ECD) is currently jeopardized for more than 250 million children under five in low- and middle-income countries. The Sustainable Development Goals has called for a renewed emphasis on children’s wellbeing, encompassing a holistic approach that ensures nurturing care to facilitate optimal child development. In vulnerable contexts, the extent of a family’s available resources can influence a child’s potential of reaching its optimal development. Few studies have examined these relationships in low- and middle-income countries using nationally representative samples. The present paper explored the relationships between maternal and paternal psychosocial stimulation of the child as well as maternal and household resources and ECD among 2729 children 36–59 months old in Honduras. Data from the Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 2011–2012 was used. Adjusted logistic regression analyses showed that maternal psychosocial stimulation was positively and significantly associated with ECD in the full, rural, and lowest wealth quintile samples. These findings underscore the importance of maternal engagement in facilitating ECD but also highlight the role of context when designing tailored interventions to improve ECD.
Influence of Gender on Associations of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms with Chronic Conditions and Quality of Life
Authors: Appleton Sarah , Gill Tiffany , Taylor Anne , McEvoy Douglas , Shi Zumin , Hill Catherine , Reynolds Amy , Adams Robert
Published: May 2018

Women are less likely than men to be diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We examined contemporary gender differences in symptoms, health status, and quality of life associated with diagnosed OSA and OSA symptoms in a population-based sample. A 2015 postal/on-line questionnaire of 2889 active participants of The North West Adelaide Health Study (response rate = 54%, male n = 704; female n = 856; age 30–100 years) assessed previously diagnosed OSA, OSA symptoms, insomnia, doctor-diagnosed medical conditions, and the SF-36. In weighted analyses, self-reported diagnosed OSA (men: 12.6%, n = 95; women: 3.3%, n = 27) and OSA symptoms (men: 17.1%; women: 9.7%) were more common in men. Diagnosed OSA showed stronger adjusted associations with typical OSA features in women, including obesity (women-odds ratio (OR), 95% CI: 5.7, 1.9–17.1, men: 2.2, 1.2–4.0), daytime sleepiness (women: 6.4, 2.7–15.6, men: 3.3, 2.1–5.4), and loud snoring (women: 25.4, 9.4–69.1, men: 8.7, 5.2–14.4). Diagnosed OSA was independently associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in men, and in women with high cholesterol, respiratory disease, insomnia, and reduced SF-36 Physical Component Summary score. In both sexes, OSA symptoms were significantly associated with depression, insomnia, and moderate to severe impairments in SF-36 physical and mental component summary scores. Diagnosed women showed clinical characteristics overtly related to OSA. A higher index of clinical suspicion of OSA may be required in women for a condition regarded as male-predominant to increase equity in health outcomes.
Coupling Traditional Monitoring and Citizen Science to Disentangle the Invasion of Halyomorpha halys
Authors: Malek Robert , Tattoni Clara , Ciolli Marco , Corradini Stefano , Andreis Daniele , Ibrahim Aya , Mazzoni Valerio , Eriksson Anna , Anfora Gianfranco
Published: May 2018

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is an invasive pest that has expanded its range outside of its original confinements in Eastern Asia, spreading through the United States, Canada and most of the European and Eurasian countries. The invasiveness of this agricultural and public nuisance pest is facilitated by the availability of an array of suitable hosts, an r-selected life history and the release from natural enemies in the invaded zones. Traditional monitoring methods are usually impeded by the lack of time and resources to sufficiently cover large geographical ranges. Therefore, the citizen science initiative “BugMap” was conceived to complement and assist researchers in breaking down the behavior of this invasive pest via a user-friendly, freely available mobile application. The collected data were employed to forecast its predicted distribution and to identify the areas at risk in Trentino, Northern Italy. Moreover, they permitted the uncovering of the seasonal invasion dynamics of this insect, besides providing insight into its phenological patterns, life cycle and potential management methods. Hence, the outcomes of this work emphasize the need to further integrate citizens in scientific endeavors to resolve ecological complications and reduce the gap between the public and science.
Population Synthesis Handling Three Geographical Resolutions
Authors: Moreno Ana Tsui , Moeckel Rolf
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we develop a synthetic population as the first step in implementing an integrated land use/transport model. The model is agent-based, where every household, person, dwelling, and job is treated as an individual object. Therefore, detailed socioeconomic and demographic attributes are required to support the model. The Iterative Proportional Updating (IPU) procedure is selected for the optimization phase. The original IPU algorithm has been improved to handle three geographical resolutions simultaneously with very little computational time. For the allocation phase, we use Monte Carlo sampling. We applied our approach to the greater Munich metropolitan area. Based on the available data in the control totals and microdata, we selected 47 attributes at the municipality level, 13 attributes at the county level, and 14 additional attributes at the borough level for the city of Munich. Attributes are aggregated at the household, dwelling, and person level. The algorithm is able to synthesize 4.5 million persons in 2.1 million households in less than 1.5 h. Directions regarding how to handle multiple geographical resolutions and how to balance the amount and order of attributes to avoid overfitting are presented.
Study on Multi-Scale Window Determination for GLCM Texture Description in High-Resolution Remote Sensing Image Geo-Analysis Supported by GIS and Domain Knowledge
Authors: Lan Zeying , Liu Yang
Published: May 2018

Texture features based on the gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) can effectively improve classification accuracy in geographical analyses of optical remote sensing (RS) images, with the parameters of scale of the GLCM texture window greatly affecting the validity. By analyzing human visual attention characteristics for geo-texture cognition, it was found that there is a strong correlation between the texture scale parameters and the domain shape knowledge in a specified geo-scene. Therefore, a new approach for quickly determining the multi-scale parameters of the texture with the assistance of a geographic information system (GIS) and domain knowledge is proposed in this paper. First, the validity of domain knowledge from an existing GIS database is measured by spatial data mining algorithms, including spatial partitioning, image segmentation, and space-time system evaluation. Second, the general domain shape knowledge of each category is described by the GIS minimum enclosing rectangle indices and rectangular-degree indices. Then, the corresponding multi-scale texture windows can be quickly determined for each category by a correlation analysis with the shape indices. Finally, the Fisher function is used to evaluate the validity of the scale parameters. The experimental results show that the multi-scale value keeps a one-to-one relationship with the classified objects, and their value ranges are from a few to tens, instead of the smaller values of a traditional analysis; thus, effective texture features at such a scale can be built to identify categories in a geo-scene. In this way, the proposed method can increase the total number of categories for a certain geo-scene and reduce the classification uncertainty, as well as better meet the requirements of large-scale image geo-analysis. It also has as high a calculation efficiency and as good a performance as the traditional enumeration method.
Emerging Roles of G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Peng Wen-Ting , Sun Wu-Yi , Li Xin-Ran , Sun Jia-Chang , Du Jia-Jia , Wei Wei
Published: May 2018

Among a great variety of cell surface receptors, the largest superfamily is G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), also known as seven-transmembrane domain receptors. GPCRs can modulate diverse signal-transduction pathways through G protein-dependent or independent pathways which involve β-arrestins, G protein receptor kinases (GRKs), ion channels, or Src kinases under physiological and pathological conditions. Recent studies have revealed the crucial role of GPCRs in the tumorigenesis and the development of cancer metastasis. We will sum up the functions of GPCRs—particularly those coupled to chemokines, prostaglandin, lysophosphatidic acid, endothelin, catecholamine, and angiotensin—in the proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis of hepatoma cells and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in this review. We also highlight the potential avenues of GPCR-based therapeutics for HCC.
Meta-Analysis and Experimental Validation Identified FREM2 and SPRY1 as New Glioblastoma Marker Candidates
Authors: Vidak Marko , Jovcevska Ivana , Samec Neja , Zottel Alja , Liovic Mirjana , Rozman Damjana , Dzeroski Saso , Juvan Peter , Komel Radovan
Published: May 2018

Glioblastoma (GB) is the most aggressive brain malignancy. Although some potential glioblastoma biomarkers have already been identified, there is a lack of cell membrane-bound biomarkers capable of distinguishing brain tissue from glioblastoma and/or glioblastoma stem cells (GSC), which are responsible for the rapid post-operative tumor reoccurrence. In order to find new GB/GSC marker candidates that would be cell surface proteins (CSP), we have performed meta-analysis of genome-scale mRNA expression data from three data repositories (GEO, ArrayExpress and GLIOMASdb). The search yielded ten appropriate datasets, and three (GSE4290/GDS1962, GSE23806/GDS3885, and GLIOMASdb) were used for selection of new GB/GSC marker candidates, while the other seven (GSE4412/GDS1975, GSE4412/GDS1976, E-GEOD-52009, E-GEOD-68848, E-GEOD-16011, E-GEOD-4536, and E-GEOD-74571) were used for bioinformatic validation. The selection identified four new CSP-encoding candidate genes—CD276, FREM2, SPRY1, and SLC47A1—and the bioinformatic validation confirmed these findings. A review of the literature revealed that CD276 is not a novel candidate, while SLC47A1 had lower validation test scores than the other new candidates and was therefore not considered for experimental validation. This validation revealed that the expression of FREM2—but not SPRY1—is higher in glioblastoma cell lines when compared to non-malignant astrocytes. In addition, FREM2 gene and protein expression levels are higher in GB stem-like cell lines than in conventional glioblastoma cell lines. FREM2 is thus proposed as a novel GB biomarker and a putative biomarker of glioblastoma stem cells. Both FREM2 and SPRY1 are expressed on the surface of the GB cells, while SPRY1 alone was found overexpressed in the cytosol of non-malignant astrocytes.
Plant–Microbe Interaction 2017—The Good, the Bad and the Diverse
Authors: Schirawski Jan , Perlin Michael H.
Published: May 2018

Of the many ways that plants interact with microbes, three aspects are highlighted in this issue: interactions where the plant benefits from the microbes, interactions where the plant suffers, and interactions where the plant serves as habitat for microbial communities. In this editorial, the fourteen articles published in the Special Issue Plant–Microbe Interaction 2017 are summarized and discussed as part of the global picture of the current understanding of plant-microbe interactions.
Glioma-Associated Oncogene Homolog Inhibitors Have the Potential of Suppressing Cancer Stem Cells of Breast Cancer
Authors: Jeng Kuo-Shyang , Jeng Chi-Juei , Sheen I-Shyan , Wu Szu-Hua , Lu Ssu-Jung , Wang Chih-Hsuan , Chang Chiung-Fang
Published: May 2018

Overexpression of Sonic Hedgehog signaling (Shh) pathway molecules is associated with invasiveness and recurrence in breast carcinoma. Therefore, inhibition of the Shh pathway downstream molecule Glioma-associated Oncogene Homolog (Gli) was investigated for its ability to reduce progression and invasiveness of patient-derived breast cancer cells and cell lines. Human primary breast cancer T2 cells with high expression of Shh signaling pathway molecules were compared with breast cancer line MDA-MB-231 cells. The therapeutic effects of Gli inhibitors were examined in terms of the cell proliferation, apoptosis, cancer stem cells, cell migration and gene expression. Blockade of the Shh signaling pathway could reduce cell proliferation and migration only in MDA-MB-231 cells. Hh pathway inhibitor-1 (HPI-1) increased the percentages of late apoptotic cells in MDA-MB-231 cells and early apoptotic cells in T2 cells. It reduced Bcl2 expression for cell proliferation and increased Bim expression for apoptosis. In addition, Gli inhibitor HPI-1 decreased significantly the percentages of cancer stem cells in T2 cells. HPI-1 worked more effectively than GANT-58 against breast carcinoma cells. In conclusion, HPI-1 could inhibit cell proliferation, reduce cell invasion and decrease cancer stem cell population in breast cancer cells. To target Gli-1 could be a potential strategy to suppress breast cancer stem cells.
Enhanced Homing Technique of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Using Iron Oxide Nanoparticles by Magnetic Attraction in Olfactory-Injured Mouse Models
Authors: Yun Wan Su , Choi Jin Sil , Ju Hyun Mi , Kim Min Hee , Choi Seong Jin , Oh Eun Seol , Seo Young Joon , Key Jaehong
Published: May 2018

Intranasal delivery of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to the olfactory bulb is a promising approach for treating olfactory injury. Additionally, using the homing phenomenon of MSCs may be clinically applicable for developing therapeutic cell carriers. Herein, using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and a permanent magnet, we demonstrated an enhanced homing effect in an olfactory model. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with rhodamine B (IRBs) had a diameter of 5.22 ± 0.9 nm and ζ-potential of +15.2 ± 0.3 mV. IRB concentration of 15 µg/mL was injected with SPIONs into MSCs, as cell viability significantly decreased when 20 μg/mL was used (p ≤ 0.005) compared to in controls. The cells exhibited magnetic attraction in vitro. SPIONs also stimulated CXCR4 (C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4) expression and CXCR4-SDF-1 (Stromal cell-derived factor 1) signaling in MSCs. After injecting magnetized MSCs, these cells were detected in the damaged olfactory bulb one week after injury on one side, and there was a significant increase compared to when non-magnetized MSCs were injected. Our results suggest that SPIONs-labeled MSCs migrated to injured olfactory tissue through guidance with a permanent magnet, resulting in better homing effects of MSCs in vivo, and that iron oxide nanoparticles can be used for internalization, various biological applications, and regenerative studies.
A Novel Action of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals on Wildlife; DDT and Its Derivatives Have Remained in the Environment
Authors: Matsushima Ayami
Published: May 2018

Huge numbers of chemicals are released uncontrolled into the environment and some of these chemicals induce unwanted biological effects, both on wildlife and humans. One class of these chemicals are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are released even though EDCs can affect not only the functions of steroid hormones but also of various signaling molecules, including any ligand-mediated signal transduction pathways. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), a pesticide that is already banned, is one of the best-publicized EDCs and its metabolites have been considered to cause adverse effects on wildlife, even though the exact molecular mechanisms of the abnormalities it causes still remain obscure. Recently, an industrial raw material, bisphenol A (BPA), has attracted worldwide attention as an EDC because it induces developmental abnormalities even at low-dose exposures. DDT and BPA derivatives have structural similarities in their chemical features. In this short review, unclear points on the molecular mechanisms of adverse effects of DDT found on alligators are summarized from data in the literature, and recent experimental and molecular research on BPA derivatives is investigated to introduce novel perspectives on BPA derivatives. Especially, a recently developed BPA derivative, bisphenol C (BPC), is structurally similar to a DDT derivative called dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE).
Polarised VEGFA Signalling at Vascular Blood–Neural Barriers
Authors: Dragoni Silvia , Turowski Patric
Published: May 2018

At blood–neural barriers, endothelial VEGFA signalling is highly polarised, with entirely different responses being triggered by luminal or abluminal stimulation. These recent findings were made in a field which is still in its mechanistic infancy. For a long time, endothelial polarity has intuitively been presumed, and likened to that of epithelial cells, but rarely demonstrated. In the cerebral and the retinal microvasculature, the uneven distribution of VEGF receptors 1 and 2, with the former predominant on the luminal and the latter on the abluminal face of the endothelium, leads to a completely polarised signalling response to VEGFA. Luminal VEGFA activates VEGFR1 homodimers and AKT, leading to a cytoprotective response, whilst abluminal VEGFA induces vascular leakage via VEGFR2 homodimers and p38. Whilst these findings do not provide a complete picture of VEGFA signalling in the microvasculature—there are still unclear roles for heterodimeric receptor complexes as well as co-receptors—they provide essential insight into the adaptation of vascular systems to environmental cues that are naturally different, depending on whether they are present on the blood or tissue side. Importantly, sided responses are not only restricted to VEGFA, but exist for other important vasoactive agents.
Immune Ecosystem of Virus-Infected Host Tissues
Authors: Maarouf Mohamed , Rai Kul Raj , Goraya Mohsan Ullah , Chen Ji-Long
Published: May 2018

Virus infected host cells serve as a central immune ecological niche during viral infection and replication and stimulate the host immune response via molecular signaling. The viral infection and multiplication process involves complex intracellular molecular interactions between viral components and the host factors. Various types of host cells are also involved to modulate immune factors in delicate and dynamic equilibrium to maintain a balanced immune ecosystem in an infected host tissue. Antiviral host arsenals are equipped to combat or eliminate viral invasion. However, viruses have evolved with strategies to counter against antiviral immunity or hijack cellular machinery to survive inside host tissue for their multiplication. However, host immune systems have also evolved to neutralize the infection; which, in turn, either clears the virus from the infected host or causes immune-mediated host tissue injury. A complex relationship between viral pathogenesis and host antiviral defense could define the immune ecosystem of virus-infected host tissues. Understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying this ecosystem would uncover strategies to modulate host immune function for antiviral therapeutics. This review presents past and present updates of immune-ecological components of virus infected host tissue and explains how viruses subvert the host immune surveillances.
cPKCγ-Modulated Sequential Reactivation of mTOR Inhibited Autophagic Flux in Neurons Exposed to Oxygen Glucose Deprivation/Reperfusion
Authors: Hua Rongrong , Han Song , Zhang Nan , Dai Qingqing , Liu Ting , Li Junfa
Published: May 2018

We have reported that conventional protein kinase Cγ (cPKCγ)-modulated neuron-specific autophagy improved the neurological outcome of mice following ischemic stroke through the Akt-mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. However, its detailed molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, primary cortical neurons from postnatal one-day-old C57BL/6J cPKCγ wild-type (cPKCγ+/+) and knockout (cPKCγ−/−) mice suffering oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) were used to simulate ischemia/reperfusion injury in vitro. A block of autophagic flux was observed in cPKCγ+/+ neurons under OGD/R exposure, characterized by accumulation of p62. Immunofluorescent results showed a decrease in colocalization between LC3 and Atg14 or Stx17 in cPKCγ+/+ neurons when compared with cPKCγ−/− neurons after OGD/R. However, the colocalization between LC3 and Lamp2 was barely decreased, indicating the presence of autolysosomes. The larger lysotracker-positive structures were also significantly increased. These results suggest that cPKCγ-induced inhibition of autophagy occurred at the stages of autophagosome formation, Stx17 anchoring, and the degradation of autolysosomes in particular. In addition, cPKCγ-modulated phosphorylation of mTOR at Ser 2481 was dependent on the site of Ser 2448, which may have blocked autophagic flux. cPKCγ-modulated sequential reactivation of mTOR inhibited autophagic flux in neurons exposed to OGD/R, which may provide endogenous interventional strategies for stroke, especially ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Production of Antigen-Binding Fragment against O,O-Diethyl Organophosphorus Pesticides and Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Antibody Recognition
Authors: Chen Zi-Jian , Zhang Xuan , Wang Bing-Feng , Rao Mei-Fang , Wang Hong , Lei Hong-Tao , Liu Hui , Zhang Yan , Sun Yuan-Ming , Xu Zhen-Lin
Published: May 2018

Immunoassay for pesticides is an emerging analytical method since it is rapid, efficient, sensitive, and inexpensive. In this study, a recombinant antigen-binding fragment (Fab) against a broad set of O,O-diethyl organophosphorus pesticides (DOPs) was produced and characterized. The κ chain and Fd fragment were amplified via PCR and inserted into the vector pComb3XSS and the soluble Fab on phagemid pComb3XSS was induced by isopropyl β-d-thiogalactoside in E. coli TOP 10F’. SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and indirect competitive ELISA results indicated that Fab maintained the good characteristics of the parental mAb. To better understand antibody recognition, the three-dimensional (3D) model of Fab was built via homologous modeling and the interaction between Fab and DOPs was studied via molecular docking and dynamics simulations. The model clearly explained the interaction manner of Fab and DOPs, and showed that the Arg-L96 and Arg-H52 were mainly responsible for antibody binding. This work provided a foundation for further mutagenesis of Fab to improve its characteristics.
Antimalarial Activity of Plant Metabolites
Authors: Pan Wen-Hui , Xu Xin-Ya , Shi Ni , Tsang Siu Wai , Zhang Hong-Jie
Published: May 2018

Malaria, as a major global health problem, continues to affect a large number of people each year, especially those in developing countries. Effective drug discovery is still one of the main efforts to control malaria. As natural products are still considered as a key source for discovery and development of therapeutic agents, we have evaluated more than 2000 plant extracts against Plasmodium falciparum. As a result, we discovered dozens of plant leads that displayed antimalarial activity. Our phytochemical study of some of these plant extracts led to the identification of several potent antimalarial compounds. The prior comprehensive review article entitled “Antimalarial activity of plant metabolites” by Schwikkard and Van Heerden (2002) reported structures of plant-derived compounds with antiplasmodial activity and covered literature up to the year 2000. As a continuation of this effort, the present review covers the antimalarial compounds isolated from plants, including marine plants, reported in the literature from 2001 to the end of 2017. During the span of the last 17 years, 175 antiplasmodial compounds were discovered from plants. These active compounds are organized in our review article according to their plant families. In addition, we also include ethnobotanical information of the antimalarial plants discussed.
Molecular Surface Remeshing with Local Region Refinement
Authors: Khan Dawar , Yan Dong-Ming , Gui Sheng , Lu Benzhuo , Zhang Xiaopeng
Published: May 2018

Molecular surface mesh generation is a prerequisite for using the boundary element method (BEM) and finite element method (FEM) in implicit-solvent modeling. Molecular surface meshes typically have small angles, redundant vertices, and low-quality elements. In the implicit-solvent modeling of biomolecular systems it is usually required to improve the mesh quality and eliminate low-quality elements. Existing methods often fail to efficiently remove low-quality elements, especially in complex molecular meshes. In this paper, we propose a mesh refinement method that smooths the meshes, eliminates invalid regions in a cut-and-fill strategy, and improves the minimal angle. We compared our method with four different state-of-the-art methods and found that our method showed a significant improvement over state-of-the-art methods in minimal angle, aspect ratio, and other meshing quality measurements. In addition, our method showed satisfactory results in terms of the ratio of regular vertices and the preservation of area and volume.
Current Challenges in Plant Eco-Metabolomics
Authors: Peters Kristian , Worrich Anja , Weinhold Alexander , Alka Oliver , Balcke Gerd , Birkemeyer Claudia , Bruelheide Helge , Calf Onno W. , Dietz Sophie , Dührkop Kai , Gaquerel Emmanuel , Heinig Uwe , Kücklich Marlen , Macel Mirka , Müller Caroline , Poeschl Yvonne , Pohnert Georg , Ristok Christian , Rodríguez Victor Manuel , Ruttkies Christoph , Schuman Meredith , Schweiger Rabea , Shahaf Nir , Steinbeck Christoph , Tortosa Maria , Treutler Hendrik , Ueberschaar Nico , Velasco Pablo , Weiß Brigitte M. , Widdig Anja , Neumann Steffen , Dam Nicole M. van
Published: May 2018

The relatively new research discipline of Eco-Metabolomics is the application of metabolomics techniques to ecology with the aim to characterise biochemical interactions of organisms across different spatial and temporal scales. Metabolomics is an untargeted biochemical approach to measure many thousands of metabolites in different species, including plants and animals. Changes in metabolite concentrations can provide mechanistic evidence for biochemical processes that are relevant at ecological scales. These include physiological, phenotypic and morphological responses of plants and communities to environmental changes and also interactions with other organisms. Traditionally, research in biochemistry and ecology comes from two different directions and is performed at distinct spatiotemporal scales. Biochemical studies most often focus on intrinsic processes in individuals at physiological and cellular scales. Generally, they take a bottom-up approach scaling up cellular processes from spatiotemporally fine to coarser scales. Ecological studies usually focus on extrinsic processes acting upon organisms at population and community scales and typically study top-down and bottom-up processes in combination. Eco-Metabolomics is a transdisciplinary research discipline that links biochemistry and ecology and connects the distinct spatiotemporal scales. In this review, we focus on approaches to study chemical and biochemical interactions of plants at various ecological levels, mainly plant–organismal interactions, and discuss related examples from other domains. We present recent developments and highlight advancements in Eco-Metabolomics over the last decade from various angles. We further address the five key challenges: (1) complex experimental designs and large variation of metabolite profiles; (2) feature extraction; (3) metabolite identification; (4) statistical analyses; and (5) bioinformatics software tools and workflows. The presented solutions to these challenges will advance connecting the distinct spatiotemporal scales and bridging biochemistry and ecology.
Numerical Study of the Mixed-Mode Delamination of Composite Specimens
Authors: Dimitri Rossana , Tornabene Francesco
Published: May 2018

The present research deals with the delamination process in multi-layered composite specimens, with a reduced computational effort. The adhesive interface between sublaminates is represented as a continuous distribution of elastic-brittle springs in the normal and/or tangential direction depending on the interfacial mixed-mode condition. Each composite adherend, instead, is modelled according to the Timoshenko’s beam theory. The proposed formulation is here enhanced through the Generalized Differential Quadrature (GDQ) method, where the differential equations of the problem are solved directly in a strong form. Thus, the possibility of tracking the delamination response of the specimens is provided locally in a numerical sense, in terms of interface stresses, internal forces and displacements but also in terms of critical fracture energies and mode mixity angles. A further check of the proposed formulation is performed with respect to some standard solutions available in literature. The good agreement between numerical and theoretical predictions verifies the efficiency of the proposed GDQ approach for the study of complex mixed-mode delamination phenomena in composite materials and joints.
Edge-Based and Prediction-Based Transformations for Lossless Image Compression
Authors: Kabir Md. Ahasan , Mondal M. Rubaiyat Hossain
Published: May 2018

Pixelated images are used to transmit data between computing devices that have cameras and screens. Significant compression of pixelated images has been achieved by an “edge-based transformation and entropy coding” (ETEC) algorithm recently proposed by the authors of this paper. The study of ETEC is extended in this paper with a comprehensive performance evaluation. Furthermore, a novel algorithm termed “prediction-based transformation and entropy coding” (PTEC) is proposed in this paper for pixelated images. In the first stage of the PTEC method, the image is divided hierarchically to predict the current pixel using neighboring pixels. In the second stage, the prediction errors are used to form two matrices, where one matrix contains the absolute error value and the other contains the polarity of the prediction error. Finally, entropy coding is applied to the generated matrices. This paper also compares the novel ETEC and PTEC schemes with the existing lossless compression techniques: “joint photographic experts group lossless” (JPEG-LS), “set partitioning in hierarchical trees” (SPIHT) and “differential pulse code modulation” (DPCM). Our results show that, for pixelated images, the new ETEC and PTEC algorithms provide better compression than other schemes. Results also show that PTEC has a lower compression ratio but better computation time than ETEC. Furthermore, when both compression ratio and computation time are taken into consideration, PTEC is more suitable than ETEC for compressing pixelated as well as non-pixelated images.
Correction: Antoniou, M.; et al. Biomarker-Guided Non-Adaptive Trial Designs in Phase II and Phase III: A Methodological Review. J. Pers. Med. 2017, 7, 1
Authors: Antoniou Miranta , Kolamunnage-Dona Ruwanthi , Jorgensen Andrea
Published: May 2018

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [1] [...]
Land Use Scenario Modeling Based on Local Knowledge for the Provision of Ecosystem Services in Northern Ghana
Authors: Koo Hongmi , Kleemann Janina , Fürst Christine
Published: May 2018

The understanding of multiple effects by possible future development is essential for adapted land use planning. This study assessed the potential of land use scenarios for the provision of ecosystem services using local knowledge in two districts of northern Ghana. Local knowledge was gathered through surveys with extension officers, who are regarded as eligible knowledge holders for agricultural land use. Firstly, ecosystem services that were perceived as important by the stakeholders were identified, namely food, fodder, energy, construction materials, marketable products, water provision, and erosion control. Quantitative indicators were then determined to analyze the capacity of land use types to supply the ecosystem services. Land use scenarios were developed based on their applicability and capacity to mitigate climate change impacts. The perception of stakeholders was applied to evaluate changes in ecosystem services provision by the scenarios. A modeling approach for a spatially explicit simulation was used to assess the potential to provide ecosystem services at a district level. The results reflected the different trade-offs and synergies between ecosystem services of each scenario, depending on the district. Along with the local perception, characteristics of land use patterns also influenced the regional potential of ecosystem services provision.
Flood Hazard Mapping of a Rapidly Urbanizing City in the Foothills (Birendranagar, Surkhet) of Nepal
Authors: Rijal Sushila , Rimal Bhagawat , Sloan Sean
Published: May 2018

Flooding in the rapidly urbanizing city of Birendranagar, Nepal has been intensifying, culminating in massive loss of life and property during July and August 2014. No previous studies have monitored underlying land-cover dynamics and flood hazards for the area. This study described spatiotemporal urbanization dynamics and associated land-use/land-cover (LULC) changes of the city using Landsat imagery classifications for five periods between 1989 and 2016 (1989–1996, 1996–2001, 2001–2011, 2011–2016). Areas with high flood-hazard risk were also identified on the basis of field surveys, literature, and the Landsat analysis. The major LULC changes observed were the rapid expansion of urban cover and the gradual decline of cultivated lands. The urban area expanded nearly by 700%, from 85 ha in 1989 to 656 ha in 2016, with an average annual growth rate of 23.99%. Cultivated land declined simultaneously by 12%, from 7005 ha to 6205 ha. The loss of forest cover also contributed significantly to increased flood hazard. Steep topography, excessive land utilization, fragile physiographic structure, and intense monsoonal precipitation aggravate hazards locally. As in Nepal generally, the sustainable development of the Birendranagar area has been jeopardized by a disregard for integrated flood-hazard mapping, accounting for historical land-cover changes. This study provides essential input information for improved urban-area planning in this regard.
Tribological and Rheological Characterization of New Completely Biogenic Lubricating Greases: A Comparative Experimental Investigation
Authors: Acar Nazli , Kuhn Erik , Franco José M.
Published: May 2018

Against the background of raw material shortage and the ever-expanding environmental consciousness, the use of biodegradable greases becomes more and more important. The aim of this experimental work is to investigate the tribological response of completely biodegradable greases. Complete biodegradable lubricating greases were formulated with high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) and/or castor oil, and different biodegradable thickener agents such as natural cellulose fibers of different lengths and some derivatives, as well as glyceryl and sorbitan stearates. To investigate the friction process, the model greases were tribologically examined with a nanotribometer at a normal force of 200 mN using a material combination of a steel ball on a steel disc. All frictional results, along with the volumes of wear tracks and micrographs of the main contacting area on the steel plate, are presented and discussed. In addition to this, rotational transient flow measurements were carried out on a rheometer at different temperatures to monitor the evolution of the shear stress with time at a constant shear rate, and to characterize the internal friction behavior by quantifying the energy density. All results were also analyzed from an energetic point of view.
Perovskites-Based Solar Cells: A Review of Recent Progress, Materials and Processing Methods
Authors: Shi Zhengqi , Jayatissa Ahalapitiya H.
Published: May 2018

With the rapid increase of efficiency up to 22.1% during the past few years, hybrid organic-inorganic metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have become a research “hot spot” for many solar cell researchers. The perovskite materials show various advantages such as long carrier diffusion lengths, widely-tunable band gap with great light absorption potential. The low-cost fabrication techniques together with the high efficiency makes PSCs comparable with Si-based solar cells. But the drawbacks such as device instability, J-V hysteresis and lead toxicity reduce the further improvement and the future commercialization of PSCs. This review begins with the discussion of crystal and electronic structures of perovskite based on recent research findings. An evolution of PSCs is also analyzed with a greater detail of each component, device structures, major device fabrication methods and the performance of PSCs acquired by each method. The following part of this review is the discussion of major barriers on the pathway for the commercialization of PSCs. The effects of crystal structure, fabrication temperature, moisture, oxygen and UV towards the stability of PSCs are discussed. The stability of other components in the PSCs are also discussed. The lead toxicity and updated research progress on lead replacement are reviewed to understand the sustainability issues of PSCs. The origin of J-V hysteresis is also briefly discussed. Finally, this review provides a roadmap on the current needs and future research directions to address the main issues of PSCs.
Early Age Carbonation Heat and Products of Tricalcium Silicate Paste Subject to Carbon Dioxide Curing
Authors: Li Zhen , He Zhen , Shao Yixin
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a study on the carbonation reaction heat and products of tricalcium silicate (C3S) paste exposed to carbon dioxide (CO2) for rapid curing. Reaction heat was measured using a retrofitted micro-calorimeter. The highest heat flow of a C3S paste subject to carbonation curing was 200 times higher than that by hydration, and the cumulative heat released by carbonation was three times higher. The compressive strength of a C3S paste carbonated for 2 h and 24 h was 27.5 MPa and 62.9 MPa, respectively. The 24-h carbonation strength had exceeded the hydration strength at 28 days. The CO2 uptake of a C3S paste carbonated for 2 h and 24 h was 17% and 26%, respectively. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive spectrometer (TEM-EDS), and 29Si magic angle spinning–nuclear magnetic resonance (29Si MAS-NMR) results showed that the products of a carbonated C3S paste were amorphous silica (SiO2) and calcite crystal. There was no trace of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) or other polymorphs of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) detected.
Compressive Deformation Behavior of Closed-Cell Micro-Pore Magnesium Composite Foam
Authors: Wang Jing , Wang Nannan , Liu Xin , Ding Jian , Xia Xingchuan , Chen Xueguang , Zhao Weimin
Published: May 2018

The closed-cell micro-pore magnesium composite foam with hollow ceramic microspheres (CMs) was fabricated by a modified melt foaming method. The effect of CMs on the compressive deformation behavior of CM-containing magnesium composite foam was investigated. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used for observation of the microstructure. Finite element modeling of the magnesium composite foam was established to predict localized stress, fracture of CMs, and the compressive deformation behavior of the foam. The results showed that CMs and pores directly affected the compressive deformation behavior of the magnesium composite foam by sharing a part of load applied on the foam. Meanwhile, the presence of Mg2Si phase influenced the mechanical properties of the foam by acting as the crack source during the compression process.