bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenylated Polyphenols from Broussonetia kazinoki as Inhibitors of Nitric Oxide Production
Authors: Lee Da , Lee Hwa , Ryu Jae-Ha
Published: March 2018

Excessive nitric oxide (NO) production by macrophages has been involved in inflammatory diseases. Seven polyphenols (1–7) were isolated from Broussonetia kazinoki (B. kazinoki) and investigated as potential inhibitors of NO overproduction in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 cells. Among them, four prenylated polyphenols (2–4 and 6) with a catechol moiety efficiently suppressed the LPS-induced high level of NO with IC50 values of less than 6 µM. The compounds 2–4 and 6 also attenuated protein and mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Moreover, they suppressed the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activity by inhibiting the degradation of inhibitory-κB-α (I-κB-α) and the translocation of NF-κB into the nucleus in LPS-activated macrophages. Taken together, these findings suggest that polyphenols from B. kazinoki might be beneficial for treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Influence of InAlN Nanospiral Structures on the Behavior of Reflected Light Polarization
Authors: Kuo Yu-Hung , Magnusson Roger , Serban Elena , Sandström Per , Hultman Lars , Järrendahl Kenneth , Birch Jens , Hsiao Ching-Lien
Published: March 2018

The influence of structural configurations of indium aluminum nitride (InAlN) nanospirals, grown by reactive magnetron sputter epitaxy, on the transformation of light polarization are investigated in terms of varying structural chirality, growth temperatures, titanium nitride (TiN) seed (buffer) layer thickness, nanospiral thickness, and pitch. The handedness of reflected circularly polarized light in the ultraviolet–visible region corresponding to the chirality of nanospirals is demonstrated. A high degree of circular polarization (Pc) value of 0.75 is obtained from a sample consisting of 1.2 μm InAlN nanospirals grown at 650 °C. A film-like structure is formed at temperatures lower than 450 °C. At growth temperatures higher than 750 °C, less than 0.1 In-content is incorporated into the InAlN nanospirals. Both cases reveal very low Pc. A red shift of wavelength at Pc peak is found with increasing nanospiral pitch in the range of 200–300 nm. The Pc decreases to 0.37 for two-turn nanospirals with total length of 0.7 μm, attributed to insufficient constructive interference. A branch-like structure appears on the surface when the nanospirals are grown longer than 1.2 μm, which yields a low Pc around 0.5, caused by the excessive scattering of incident light.
A Comparison of the Effects of Packaging Containing Nano ZnO or Polylysine on the Microbial Purity and Texture of Cod (Gadus morhua) Fillets
Authors: Mizielińska Małgorzata , Kowalska Urszula , Jarosz Michał , Sumińska Patrycja
Published: March 2018

Portions of fresh Baltic cod fillets were packed into cellulose boxes (control samples), which were covered with Methyl Hydroxypropyl Celluloses (MHPC) coating with 2% polylysine. The cellulose boxes had square PE films and were enclosed in MHPC coating containing ZnO nanoparticles. The cod fillets were stored at 5 °C and examined after 72 h and 144 h storage times. Results obtained in this study showed that the textural parameters of the cod fillets increased, with both Springiness and Cohesiveness found greater after 144 h of storage for all analysed packaging materials. The Gumminess of fillets increased after storage, but the lowest increase was noted in cod samples that were stored in boxes containing PE films with ZnO nanoparticles. It was found that water loss from the cod fillets in these boxes was also lowest. The Adhesiveness of the fish samples stored in boxes devoid of active coatings also increased. In contrast to the packaging material devoid of active coatings, the storage of fillets in active coating boxes resulted in a decrease of adhesiveness. Microbial analysis showed that packaging material containing nano-ZnO was found to be more active against mesophilic and psychotropic bacterial cells than the coatings with polylysine after 72 h and 144 h of storage.
The Reproducibility and Comparative Validity of a Non-Nutritive Sweetener Food Frequency Questionnaire
Authors: Myers Emily , Passaro Erin , Hedrick Valisa
Published: March 2018

In order to better assess non-nutritive sweetener (NNS) consumption, measurement tools with greater utility are needed. The objective of this investigation is to determine the reproducibility and validity of a newly developed NNS food frequency questionnaire (NNS-FFQ) that measures five types of NNS (saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose and erythritol). Adult participants (n = 123, 56% female, 75% Caucasian, mean age = 36.8 ± 16.6) completed the NNS-FFQ twice and had 24-h dietary recalls three times over a two-week study period. Reproducibility between two administrations of the NNS-FFQ was assessed via Bland–Altman plots, Spearman’s correlations (rs) and paired samples t-tests. Bland–Altman plots, Cohen’s κ, Spearman’s correlations (rs), and paired samples t-tests compared NNS intake between the two methods for validity. For reproducibility analyses, Bland–Altman analyses revealed agreement levels above the 95% acceptance level for total NNS (99.2%), erythritol (99.2%), and aspartame (96.7%). Agreement levels for acesulfame potassium (94.3%), saccharin (94.3%), and sucralose (94.3%) were slightly below the acceptable level. For validity analyses, Bland–Altman analyses revealed agreement levels above the 95% acceptance level for total NNS (95.1%), sucralose (95.9%), saccharin (95.9%), and erythritol (95.1%). Agreement levels for aspartame (94.3%) and acesulfame potassium (92.7%) were slightly below the acceptable level. Although less than desirable agreement was found between the methods for aspartame and acesulfame potassium, some variance was expected due to the habitual nature of the NNS-FFQ as compared to the recent intake reported by recalls. Within the context of this constraint, the NNS-FFQ demonstrates acceptable reproducibility and validity. The NNS-FFQ is a brief questionnaire that could be administered among diverse participants at the individual and population levels to measure habitual NNS intake.
Assessment of Mycotoxin Exposure in Breastfeeding Mothers with Celiac Disease
Authors: Valitutti Francesco , De Santis Barbara , Trovato Chiara , Montuori Monica , Gatti Simona , Oliva Salvatore , Brera Carlo , Catassi Carlo
Published: March 2018

Objective: To assess the risk of mycotoxin exposure (aflatoxin M1, ochratoxin A, and zearalenone) in celiac disease (CD) breastfeeding mothers and healthy control mothers, as well as in their offspring, by quantifying these contaminants in breast milk. Study design: Thirty-five breastfeeding women with CD on a gluten-free diet and 30 healthy breastfeeding controls were recruited. Milk sampling was performed three times per day for three consecutive days. Mycotoxin content was investigated by an analytical method using immunoaffinity column clean-up and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorometric detection. Results: Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) was detected in 37% of CD group samples (mean ± SD = 0.012 ± 0.011 ng/mL; range = 0.003–0.340 ng/mL). The control group showed lower mean AFM1 concentration levels in 24% of the analyzed samples (0.009 ± 0.007 ng/mL; range = 0.003–0.067 ng/mL, ANOVA on ranks, p-value < 0.01). Ochratoxin A and zearalenone did not differ in both groups. Conclusion: Breast milk AFM1 contamination for both groups is lower than the European safety threshold. However, the estimated exposures of infants from CD mothers and control mothers was much higher (≃15 times and ≃11 times, respectively) than the threshold set by the joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). Since incongruities exist between JECFA and the European Union standard, a novel regulatory review of the available data on this topic is desirable. Protecting babies from a neglected risk of high AFM1 exposure requires prompt regulatory and food-control policies.
Characterization of the Types of Sweeteners Consumed in Honduras
Authors: Hernández Adriana , Di Iorio Adriana , Lansdale Jeffrey , Salazar María
Published: March 2018

Sweeteners are found in all types of foods, and their high consumption is associated with chronic degenerative diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, among others. A characterization was carried out of food products with sweeteners from the three biggest supermarkets at a national level; they were identified by the list of ingredients and classified according to caloric or non-caloric intake, and pursuant to their country of origin. A statistical interpretation of results was made using descriptive measures such as the number of times the sweeteners were found in the formulation of the products and how many of them were found in a product at the same time. In total, 341 products were evaluated and classified according to the processed food categories of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) nutrient profile. The category of beverages had the highest quantity of products with sweeteners, and their consumption by the inhabitants represents a high exposure. Overall, 60.1% of the products evaluated were of US origin; these US exports have a significant impact on the Honduran market. A high-fructose corn syrup caloric sweetener was the one most frequently found in these products; at least 51% are combined with additional sweeteners to increase the sweetening effect.
A Pecan-Rich Diet Improves Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: McKay Diane , Eliasziw Misha , Chen C. , Blumberg Jeffrey
Published: March 2018

Evidence from observational and intervention studies has shown a high intake of tree nuts is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), mortality from type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and all-cause mortality. However, there is limited data regarding their effects on indicators of cardiometabolic risk other than hypercholesterolemia, and little is known about the demonstrable health benefits of pecans (Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) K.Koch). We conducted a randomized, controlled feeding trial to compare the effects of a pecan-rich diet with an isocaloric control diet similar in total fat and fiber content, but absent nuts, on biomarkers related to CVD and T2DM risk in healthy middle-aged and older adults who are overweight or obese with central adiposity. After 4 weeks on a pecan-rich diet, changes in serum insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and beta cell function (HOMA-β) were significantly greater than after the control diet (p < 0.05). Pecan consumption also lowered the risk of cardiometabolic disease as indicated by a composite score reflecting changes in clinically relevant markers. Thus, compared to the control diet, the pecan intervention had a concurrent and clinically significant effect on several relevant markers of cardiometabolic risk.
ChREBP-Knockout Mice Show Sucrose Intolerance and Fructose Malabsorption
Authors: Kato Takehiro , Iizuka Katsumi , Takao Ken , Horikawa Yukio , Kitamura Tadahiro , Takeda Jun
Published: March 2018

We have previously reported that 60% sucrose diet-fed ChREBP knockout mice (KO) showed body weight loss resulting in lethality. We aimed to elucidate whether sucrose and fructose metabolism are impaired in KO. Wild-type mice (WT) and KO were fed a diet containing 30% sucrose with/without 0.08% miglitol, an α-glucosidase inhibitor, and these effects on phenotypes were tested. Furthermore, we compared metabolic changes of oral and peritoneal fructose injection. A thirty percent sucrose diet feeding did not affect phenotypes in KO. However, miglitol induced lethality in 30% sucrose-fed KO. Thirty percent sucrose plus miglitol diet-fed KO showed increased cecal contents, increased fecal lactate contents, increased growth of lactobacillales and Bifidobacterium and decreased growth of clostridium cluster XIVa. ChREBP gene deletion suppressed the mRNA levels of sucrose and fructose related genes. Next, oral fructose injection did not affect plasma glucose levels and liver fructose contents; however, intestinal sucrose and fructose related mRNA levels were increased only in WT. In contrast, peritoneal fructose injection increased plasma glucose levels in both mice; however, the hepatic fructose content in KO was much higher owing to decreased hepatic Khk mRNA expression. Taken together, KO showed sucrose intolerance and fructose malabsorption owing to decreased gene expression.
Nutraceutical or Pharmacological Potential of Moringa oleifera Lam.
Authors: Kou Xianjuan , Li Biao , Olayanju Julia , Drake Justin , Chen Ning
Published: March 2018

Moringa oleifera Lam. (M. oleifera), which belongs to the Moringaceae family, is a perennial deciduous tropical tree, and native to the south of the Himalayan Mountains in northern India. M. oleifera is rich in proteins, vitamin A, minerals, essential amino acids, antioxidants, and flavonoids, as well as isothiocyanates. The extracts from M. oleifera exhibit multiple nutraceutical or pharmacological functions including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, hypoglycemic, and blood lipid-reducing functions. The beneficial functions of M. oleifera are strongly associated with its phytochemicals such as flavonoids or isothiocyanates with bioactivity. In this review, we summarize the research progress related to the bioactivity and pharmacological mechanisms of M. oleifera in the prevention and treatment of a series of chronic diseases—including inflammatory diseases, neuro-dysfunctional diseases, diabetes, and cancers—which will provide a reference for its potential application in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases or health promotion.
Intermittent Fasting with or without Exercise Prevents Weight Gain and Improves Lipids in Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Wilson Robin , Deasy William , Stathis Christos , Hayes Alan , Cooke Matthew
Published: March 2018

Intermittent fasting (IF) and high intensity interval training (HIIT) are effective lifestyle interventions for improving body composition and overall health. However, the long-term effects of IF and potential synergistic effects of combining IF with exercise are unclear. The purpose of the study was to investigate the long-term effects of IF, with or without HIIT, on body composition and markers of metabolic health in diet-induced obese mice. In a randosmised, controlled design, 8-week-old C57BL/6 mice (males (n = 39) and females (n = 49)) were fed a high fat (HF) and sugar (S) water diet (30% (w/v)) for 24-weeks but were separated into five groups at 12-weeks: (1) ‘obese’ baseline control (OBC); (2) no intervention (CON); (3) intermittent fasting (IF); (4) high intensity intermittent exercise (HIIT) and (5) combination of dietary and exercise intervention (IF + HIIT). Body composition, strength and blood variables were measured at 0, 10 and/or 12-weeks. Intermittent fasting with or without HIIT resulted in significantly less weight gain, fat mass accumulation and reduced serum low density lipoproteins (LDL) levels compared to HIIT and CON male mice (p < 0.05). The results suggest that IF, with or without HIIT, can be an effective strategy for weight gain prevention despite concurrently consuming a high fat and sugar diet.
Hyaluronic Acid Decorated Naringenin Nanoparticles: Appraisal of Chemopreventive and Curative Potential for Lung Cancer
Authors: Parashar Poonam , Rathor Meena , Dwivedi Monika , Saraf Shubhini
Published: March 2018

Lung carcinoma is the most common cancer in men and second in women (preceded by breast cancer) worldwide. Around 1 in 10 of all cancers diagnosed in men, lung cancer contributed to a total fraction of 20% cancer deaths. Naringenin (NAR) is well known for its chemopreventive properties since ancient times but lacks an appropriate delivery carrier. The objective of present study was to expand the functionality of naringenin loaded poly caprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles in terms of release, chemoprevention and therapeutics. Polymeric nanoparticles such as PCL lack target specificity; hence, surface modification was attempted using layer by layer technique (LBL) to achieve improved and desired delivery as well as target specificity. The designing of Hyaluronic acid (HA) decorated PCL nanoparticles were prepared by utilizing self-assembling LBL technique, where a polycationic layer of a polymer was used as a linker for modification between two polyanionic layers. Additionally, an attempt has been made to strengthen the therapeutic efficacy of PCL nanocarriers by active targeting and overcoming the extracellular matrix associated barriers of tumors using HA targeting cluster determinant 44 receptor (CD44). Cell cytotoxicity study on A549 cells and J774 macrophage cells depicted enhanced anticancer effect of NAR-HA@CH-PCL-NP with safe profile on macrophages. Uptake study on A549 cells advocated enhanced drug uptake by cancer cells. Cell cycle arrest analysis (A549 cell lines) demonstrated the superior cytotoxic effect and active targeting of NAR-HA@CH-PCL-NP. Further chemopreventive treatment with NAR-HA@CH-PCL-NP was found effective in tumor growth inhibitory effect against urethane-induced lung cancer in rat. In conclusion, developed formulation possesses a promising potential as a therapeutic and chemopreventive agent against urethane-induced lung carcinoma in albino wistar rats.
The Genus Conradina (Lamiaceae): A Review
Authors: Dosoky Noura S. , Setzer William N.
Published: March 2018

Conradina (Lamiaceae) is a small genus of native United States (US) species limited to Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky. Three species of Conradina are federally listed as endangered and one is threatened while two are candidates for listing as endangered. The purpose of the present review is to highlight the recent advances in current knowledge on Conradina species and to compile reports of chemical constituents that characterize and differentiate between Conradina species.
Preparation of Molecularly Imprinted Mesoporous Materials for Highly Enhancing Adsorption Performance of Cytochrome C
Authors: Li Zhiling , Guan Ping , Hu Xiaoling , Ding Shichao , Tian Yuan , Xu Yarong , Qian Liwei
Published: March 2018

Molecularly imprinted mesoporous materials (MIMs) were synthesized to improve the adsorption performance of Cytochrome c (Cyt c) by using an imidazolium-based amphiphilic ionic liquid 1-octadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (C18MIMCl) as surfactant in aqueous solution via the epitope imprinting approach. The surface-exposed C-terminus nonapeptide of Cyt c (residues 96–104, AYLKKATNE) was utilized as the imprinted template. The nitrogen adsorption-desorption, thermo-gravimetric analysis, and transmission electron microscopy verified the successful preparation of MIMs with ordered mesoporous structure. The adsorption isotherm studies showed that the obtained MIMs exhibited superior adsorption capacity toward Cyt c of 86.47 mg·g−1 because of the high specific surface areas of 824 m2·g−1, and the appropriate pore size promoted the mass transfer of Cyt c, causing a rapid adsorption equilibrium within 20 min. Furthermore, these MIMs still remained excellent selectivity and recognition ability according to the selective as well as the competitive adsorption studies, suggesting that the molecularly imprinted mesoporous materials is expected to be used in the field of highly efficient separation and enrichment of proteins.
Orthogonal Templating Control of the Crystallisation of Poly(ε-Caprolactone)
Authors: Mitchell Geoffrey , Olley Robert
Published: March 2018

The crystal growth of poly(ε-caprolactone) can be very effectively directed through the use of small amounts of dibenzylidene sorbitol in conjunction with modest flow fields to yield extremely high levels of the preferred polymer crystal orientation. We show that by introducing small quantities of a terpolymer, based on polyvinyl butyral we can switch the symmetry axis of the final lamellar orientation from parallel to perpendicular to the melt flow direction. During shear flow of the polymer melt, the dibenzylidene sorbitol forms highly extended nanoparticles which adopt a preferred alignment with respect to the flow field and on cooling, polymer crystallisation is directed by these particles. The presence of the terpolymer, based on polyvinyl butyral, limits the aspect ratio of the dibenzylidene sorbitol (DBS) particles, such that the preferred orientation of the particles in the polymer melt changes from parallel to normal to the flow direction. The alignment of lamellar crystals perpendicular to the flow direction has important implications for applications such as scaffolds for tissue engineering and for barrier film properties.
Holographic Lenses in an Environment-Friendly Photopolymer
Authors: Lloret Tomás , Navarro-Fuster Víctor , Ramírez Manuel , Ortuño Manuel , Neipp Cristian , Beléndez Augusto , Pascual Inmaculada
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we theoretically and experimentally evaluated the quality of volume phase transmission lenses stored in an environmentally friendly photopolymer. Holographic lenses (HLs) were obtained using symmetrical and asymmetrical experimental setups with the same positive and negative focal length and pupil diameter. The image quality was evaluated from the calculation of the modulation transfer function (MTF) by capturing the point spread function (PSF) with a charge-coupled device (CCD). A maximum frequency of 14 L/mm, reaching an MTF value of 0.1, was obtained for a negative asymmetrically recorded HL, evaluated at 473 nm wavelength. A theoretical study of aberrations was carried out to qualitatively evaluate the experimental results obtained.
Green Strategies for Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Development
Authors: Viveiros Raquel , Rebocho Sílvia , Casimiro Teresa
Published: March 2018

Molecular imprinting is a powerful technology to create artificial receptors within polymeric matrices. Although it was reported for the first time by Polyakov, eighty-four years ago, it remains, nowadays, a very challenging research area. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been successfully used in several applications where selective binding is a requirement, such as immunoassays, affinity separation, sensors, and catalysis. Conventional methods used on MIP production still use large amounts of organic solvents which, allied with stricter legislation on the use and release of chemicals to the environment and the presence of impurities on final materials, will boost, in our opinion, the use of new cleaner synthetic strategies, in particular, with the application of the principles of green chemistry and engineering. Supercritical carbon dioxide, microwave, ionic liquids, and ultrasound technology are some of the green strategies which have already been applied in MIP production. These strategies can improve MIP properties, such as controlled morphology, homogeneity of the binding sites, and the absence of organic solvents. This review intends to give examples reported in literature on green approaches to MIP development, from nano- to micron-scale applications.
Multiple Time Series Forecasting Using Quasi-Randomized Functional Link Neural Networks
Authors: Moudiki Thierry , Planchet Frédéric , Cousin Areski
Published: March 2018

We are interested in obtaining forecasts for multiple time series, by taking into account the potential nonlinear relationships between their observations. For this purpose, we use a specific type of regression model on an augmented dataset of lagged time series. Our model is inspired by dynamic regression models (Pankratz 2012), with the response variable’s lags included as predictors, and is known as Random Vector Functional Link (RVFL) neural networks. The RVFL neural networks have been successfully applied in the past, to solving regression and classification problems. The novelty of our approach is to apply an RVFL model to multivariate time series, under two separate regularization constraints on the regression parameters.
A Topography-Informed Morphology Approach for Automatic Identification of Forest Gaps Critical to the Release of Avalanches
Authors: Breschan Jochen , Gabriel Andreas , Frehner Monika
Published: March 2018

Human assets in Alpine regions are prone to gravitational natural hazards such as rock fall, shallow landslides and avalanches. Forests make up a substantial share in that landscape and can mitigate those hazards. Management of avalanche protection forests must cope with avalanches potentially released in forest gaps, which can damage downslope forests. The Swiss guidelines “Sustainability and success monitoring in protection forests” prescribe forest-gap extents in slope-line direction critical to the release of avalanches in forested areas. This article proposes a topography-informed morphology approach (TIMA) to automate the detection of critical gaps based on a digital terrain model and a canopy height model (CHM) derived from airborne LiDAR-data. TIMA uses complementary information about topography to probe forest gaps computed from the CHM with templates meeting critical-gap extents adjusted to local topography. The method was applied to a test site in Klosters-Serneus (Switzerland). The comparison of a critical-gap map with the results of a field assessment at 19 sample locations resulted in 84% overall accuracy. Moreover, plausibility of gap detection could be improved by including linear features forest roads and torrent channels in TIMA to account for decoupled snow layer resulting from abrupt breaks on the hillslope. If the TIMA concept can be successfully applied to the case of avalanches, this would encourage its use in assessing other gravitational natural hazard processes.
Optimal Interpolation of Precipitable Water Using Low Earth Orbit and Numerical Weather Prediction Data
Authors: Heo Jun-Hyung , Ryu Geun-Hyeok , Jang Jae-Dong
Published: March 2018

The National Meteorological Satellite Center/Korean Meteorological Administration (NMSC/KMA) receives data directly from low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites (including NOAA-18,19; MetOp-A,B; and Suomi-NPP), and generates Level 2 products (e.g., temperature and humidity profile) in near real time. Total precipitable water (TPW) and layer precipitable water (LPW) are also generated using the retrieved humidity profiles. Today, forecasters need meteorologically-significant data fields composited from all available data sources, not multiple maps of observations from individual sources. Hence, TPW and LPW are reproduced using the optimal interpolation (OI) method with numerical weather prediction (NWP) data, in order to generate composite precipitable water (PW) products. In the OI procedure, PW data retrieved from the LEO satellites serve as observation data, while PW data from NWP serve as background data. Error covariances are estimated using a new approach, which considers correlations between observation errors to describe the characteristics of the errors better. Both background and observation error covariance matrices may have non-zero off-diagonal components. The composite PW products are validated using radiosonde data. The validation results for optimally-interpolated LPW (OI LPW) are much better than those for optimally-interpolated TPW (OI TPW). Generally, the OI LPW validation results are better than those for observation and background data; OI LPW data are ~5–10% more accurate than background data. Optimally-interpolated PW (OI PW) fields are applied to the correction of NWP forecast fields and the prediction of severe weather.
Classification of Hyperspectral Images by SVM Using a Composite Kernel by Employing Spectral, Spatial and Hierarchical Structure Information
Authors: Wang Yi , Duan Hexiang
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we introduce a novel classification framework for hyperspectral images (HSIs) by jointly employing spectral, spatial, and hierarchical structure information. In this framework, the three types of information are integrated into the SVM classifier in a way of multiple kernels. Specifically, the spectral kernel is constructed through each pixel’s vector value in the original HSI, and the spatial kernel is modeled by using the extended morphological profile method due to its simplicity and effectiveness. To accurately characterize hierarchical structure features, the techniques of Fish-Markov selector (FMS), marker-based hierarchical segmentation (MHSEG) and algebraic multigrid (AMG) are combined. First, the FMS algorithm is used on the original HSI for feature selection to produce its spectral subset. Then, the multigrid structure of this subset is constructed using the AMG method. Subsequently, the MHSEG algorithm is exploited to obtain a hierarchy consist of a series of segmentation maps. Finally, the hierarchical structure information is represented by using these segmentation maps. The main contributions of this work is to present an effective composite kernel for HSI classification by utilizing spatial structure information in multiple scales. Experiments were conducted on two hyperspectral remote sensing images to validate that the proposed framework can achieve better classification results than several popular kernel-based classification methods in terms of both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Specifically, the proposed classification framework can achieve 13.46–15.61% in average higher than the standard SVM classifier under different training sets in the terms of overall accuracy.
Urban Land Use Mapping by Combining Remote Sensing Imagery and Mobile Phone Positioning Data
Authors: Jia Yuanxin , Ge Yong , Ling Feng , Guo Xian , Wang Jianghao , Wang Le , Chen Yuehong , Li Xiaodong
Published: March 2018

Land use is of great importance for urban planning, environmental monitoring, and transportation management. Several methods have been proposed to obtain land use maps of urban areas, and these can be classified into two categories: remote sensing methods and social sensing methods. However, remote sensing and social sensing approaches have specific disadvantages regarding the description of social and physical features, respectively. Therefore, an appropriate fusion strategy is vital for large-area land use mapping. To address this issue, we propose an efficient land use mapping method that combines remote sensing imagery (RSI) and mobile phone positioning data (MPPD) for large areas. We implemented this method in two steps. First, a support vector machine was adopted to classify the RSI and MPPD. Then, the two classification results were fused using a decision fusion strategy to generate the land use map. The proposed method was applied to a case study of the central area of Beijing. The experimental results show that the proposed method improved classification accuracy compared with that achieved using MPPD alone, validating the efficacy of this new approach for identifying land use. Based on the land use map and MPPD data, activity density in key zones during daytime and nighttime was analyzed to illustrate the volume and variation of people working and living across different regions.
Classification and Mapping of Paddy Rice by Combining Landsat and SAR Time Series Data
Authors: Park Seonyoung , Im Jungho , Park Seohui , Yoo Cheolhee , Han Hyangsun , Rhee Jinyoung
Published: March 2018

Rice is an important food resource, and the demand for rice has increased as population has expanded. Therefore, accurate paddy rice classification and monitoring are necessary to identify and forecast rice production. Satellite data have been often used to produce paddy rice maps with more frequent update cycle (e.g., every year) than field surveys. Many satellite data, including both optical and SAR sensor data (e.g., Landsat, MODIS, and ALOS PALSAR), have been employed to classify paddy rice. In the present study, time series data from Landsat, RADARSAT-1, and ALOS PALSAR satellite sensors were synergistically used to classify paddy rice through machine learning approaches over two different climate regions (sites A and B). Six schemes considering the composition of various combinations of input data by sensor and collection date were evaluated. Scheme 6 that fused optical and SAR sensor time series data at the decision level yielded the highest accuracy (98.67% for site A and 93.87% for site B). Performance of paddy rice classification was better in site A than site B, which consists of heterogeneous land cover and has low data availability due to a high cloud cover rate. This study also proposed Paddy Rice Mapping Index (PMI) considering spectral and phenological characteristics of paddy rice. PMI represented well the spatial distribution of paddy rice in both regions. Google Earth Engine was adopted to produce paddy rice maps over larger areas using the proposed PMI-based approach.
Cartographic Depictions of Louisiana Land Loss: A Tool for Sustainable Policies
Authors: Colten Craig
Published: March 2018

For more than half a century, scientists in Louisiana (USA) have been mapping coastal land loss. Cartographic depictions were initially important to expose potential loss of off-shore oil revenue tied to the retreating shoreline. For the last 40 years, attention has shifted to issues related to preserving a valuable ecology and protecting the coastal society from rising seas and storm surge. This paper reviews 60 years of land loss mapping as a tool to drive public policy directed at preserving and restoring the state’s coastal wetlands. It highlights the power of visualizations in fostering public awareness in an environmental crisis and their value in motivating more sustainable public policies. It also provides a critique of the shifting emphasis in the public narrative away from the factual history of land loss to imagined future losses.
Impacts of Urbanization of Mountainous Areas on Resources and Environment: Based on Ecological Footprint Model
Authors: Ding Yu , Peng Jian
Published: March 2018

The rapid urbanization has exerted tremendous pressure on natural systems in mountains. As a measure of sustainable use of natural resources, ecological footprint is an important basis for judging whether the development of a country or region is within the bio-capacity. Taking Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture as an example, this study comprehensively analyzes the impact of human activities on mountain resources and environment from the three aspects of urbanization, land use and ecological carrying capacity. The results show that Dali Prefecture with the urbanization rate of 33% is still in the accelerated stage of urbanization. The urban space presents the core-periphery feature, and the central city is the focus of human existence and living activities. The per capita ecological footprint is 1.14 ha higher than the ecological carrying capacity, meaning Dali Prefecture has an ecological deficit. This indicates that there is an uncoordinated state between urbanization and environment. Arable land is the main source of per capita ecological footprint in the prefecture. However, the urban expansion overly occupies the arable land in the plain sub-region, leading the arable land to an ecological deficit state. In the future, the development of the mountainous area should focus on the protection of arable land and choose a new sustainable path.
Unravelling the Fuzzy Effect of Economic, Social and Environmental Sustainability on the Corporate Reputation of Public-Sector Organizations: A Case Study of Pakistan
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Hassan Mazlan , Hassan Nasruddin
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study is to present and to validate a research model that includes economic sustainability, social sustainability, environmental sustainability and corporate reputation in the context of public-sector organizations in Pakistan. The methodological approach is survey-based, using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to assess the research model. The proposed hypotheses were tested based on a sample of 425 respondents from public-sector organizations in Pakistan. The findings of the study indicate that there is a positive relationship between economic sustainability, social sustainability, environmental sustainability and corporate reputation. Therefore, it is inferred from the results that different aspects of sustainability can create and enhance the reputation of public-sector organizations.
A Multi-Criteria Goal Programming Model to Analyze the Sustainable Goals of India
Authors: Gupta Srikant , Fügenschuh Armin , Ali Irfan
Published: March 2018

There is an ever-growing demand for sustainable development (SD) plans, in order to foster a country’s economic growth by implementing suitable policies and initiative programs for the development of the primary, the secondary and the tertiary sectors. We present a multi-criteria modeling approach using the linear programming problem (LPP) framework for a simultaneous optimization of these three sectors. Furthermore, we develop a fuzzy goal programming (FGP) model that provides an optimal allocation of resources by achieving future goals on the gross domestic product (GDP), the electricity consumption (EC) and the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Furthermore, a weighted model of FGP is presented to obtain varying solutions according to the priorities set by the decision-maker for achieving future goals of GDP growth, EC and GHG emissions. The presented models provide useful insight for decision-makers when implementing strategies across different sectors. As a model country, we chose India by the year 2030. A study of economic policies and sustainable development goals (SDGs) for India is finally carried out.
Analysis of Flood Risk Due to Sea Level Rise in the Menor Sea (Murcia, Spain)
Authors: Martínez-Graña Antonio , Gómez Diego , Santos-Francés Fernando , Bardají Teresa , Goy José , Zazo Caridad
Published: March 2018

This article analyzes the coastal vulnerability and flood risk due to sea level rise in the Menor Sea, Murcia (Spain). The vulnerability has been estimated from Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8 satellite imagery using Remote Sensing techniques. The risk of coastal flooding was calculated based on various time scenarios (X0-current, X1-100 years, X2-500 years, X3-1000 years, X4-Storm, X5-Tsunami). Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing techniques were used to build a regional model to predict changes in the mean sea level for several future scenarios, showing susceptible areas to be flooded. We have included new parameters to the model such as swell, mareal range or neotectonic factors aiming to better adjust it to the local conditions. The results showed a high risk of flooding in the barrier beach and coastal areas of the Menor Sea, with a medium to very high degree of vulnerability for the most populated and touristic areas. The maximum and minimum expected increase of the water sheet for the 100 year scenarios ranged from +4.22 to +5.69 m. This methodology can establish sectors that need structural measures to minimize the impact of the sea level rise occurring due to natural tendency in the short or long term, as well as by extreme events such as storm surges or tsunamis. Furthermore, it can be used in other areas to assist land management decision makers to reduce or mitigate the vulnerability and risk presented against the rise of the sea level.
G Protein α Subunit GpaB is Required for Asexual Development, Aflatoxin Biosynthesis and Pathogenicity by Regulating cAMP Signaling in Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Liu Yinghang , Yang Kunlong , Qin Qiuping , Lin Guinan , Hu Tianran , Xu Zhangling , Wang Shihua
Published: March 2018

The heterotrimeric G proteins are critical for signal transduction and function in numerous biological processes including vegetative growth, asexual development and fungal virulence in fungi. Here, we identified four G protein alpha subunits (GanA, GpaB, FadA and GaoC) in the notorious Aflatoxin-producing fungus Aspergillus flavus. GanA, GpaB and FadA have homologues in other fungal species, while GaoC is a novel one. Here, we showed that the loss function of gpaB displayed a defect in conidiophore formation and considerably reduced expression levels of conidia-specific genes brlA and abaA. A decreased viability of cell wall integrity stress and oxidative stress were also found in the ∆gpaB mutant. More importantly, aflatoxin (AF) biosynthesis and infection on crop seeds were severely impaired in the gpaB-deficient mutant. Further analyses demonstrated that the intracellular cAMP levels significantly reduced in the gpaB-deficient mutant compared to wildtype strains. Additionally, an alteration of PKA activities in the ∆gpaB mutant was also found. Overall, our results indicated that GpaB played diverse roles in asexual sporulation, AF biosynthesis and virulence by regulating cAMP signaling in Aspergillus flavus.
An Imaging Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor Assay for the Detection of T-2 Toxin and Masked T-2 Toxin-3-Glucoside in Wheat
Authors: Hossain Md , McCormick Susan , Maragos Chris
Published: March 2018

A sensitive, rapid, and reproducible imaging surface plasmon resonance (iSPR) biosensor assay was developed to detect T-2 toxin and T-2 toxin-3-glucoside (T2-G) in wheat. In this competitive assay, an amplification strategy was used after conjugating a secondary antibody (Ab2) with gold nanoparticles. Wheat samples were extracted with a methanol/water mixture (80:20 v/v), then diluted with an equal volume of primary antibody (Ab1) for analysis. Matrix-matched calibration curves were prepared to determine T-2 toxin and T2-G. Recovery studies were conducted at three spiking levels in blank wheat. Mean recoveries ranged from 86 to 90%, with relative standard deviations for repeatability (RSDr) of less than 6%. Limits of detection were 1.2 ng/mL of T-2 toxin and 0.9 ng/mL of T2-G, equivalent to their levels in wheat, of 48 and 36 µg/kg, respectively. The developed iSPR assay was rapid and provided enough sensitivity for the monitoring of T-2 toxin/T2-G in wheat. This is the first iSPR assay useful for detecting the “masked” T2-G in wheat.
Anomalous Electromagnetic Transport in Compact Stars
Authors: Ferrer Efrain , De la Incera Vivian
Published: March 2018

We study the anomalous electromagnetic transport properties of a quark-matter phase that can be realized in the presence of a magnetic field in the low-temperature/moderate-high-density region of the Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) phase map. In this so-called Magnetic Dual Chiral Density Wave phase, an inhomogeneous condensate is dynamically induced producing a nontrivial topology, a consequence of the asymmetry of the lowest Landau level modes of the quasiparticles in this phase. The nontrivial topology manifests in the electromagnetic effective action via a chiral anomaly term θ F μ ν F ˜ μ ν , with an axion field θ given by the phase of the Dual Chiral Density Wave condensate. The coupling of the axion with the electromagnetic field leads to several macroscopic effects that include, among others, an anomalous, nondissipative Hall current, an anomalous electric charge, magnetoelectricity, and the formation of a hybridized propagating mode known as an axion polariton. The possible existence of this phase in the inner core of neutron stars opens a window to search for signals of its anomalous transport properties.
Together Forever: Bacterial–Viral Interactions in Infection and Immunity
Authors: Shi Zhenda , Gewirtz Andrew
Published: March 2018

Most viruses first encounter host cells at mucosal surfaces, which are typically colonized by a complex ecosystem of microbes collectively referred to as the microbiota. Recent studies demonstrate the microbiota plays an important role in mediating host–viral interactions and determining the outcomes of these encounters. This review outlines recently described examples of how bacteria and viruses impact each other particularly during infectious processes. Mechanistically, these effects can be broadly categorized as reflecting direct bacterial–viral interactions and/or involving microbial impacts upon innate and/or adaptive immunity.
Stem Cell-Derived Models of Viral Infections in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Lanik Wyatt , Mara Madison , Mihi Belgacem , Coyne Carolyn , Good Misty
Published: March 2018

Studies on the intestinal epithelial response to viral infection have previously been limited by the absence of in vitro human intestinal models that recapitulate the multicellular complexity of the gastrointestinal tract. Recent technological advances have led to the development of “mini-intestine” models, which mimic the diverse cellular nature and physiological activity of the small intestine. Utilizing adult or embryonic intestinal tissue, enteroid and organoid systems, respectively, represent an opportunity to effectively model cellular differentiation, proliferation, and interactions that are specific to the specialized environment of the intestine. Enteroid and organoid systems represent a significant advantage over traditional in vitro methods because they model the structure and function of the small intestine while also maintaining the genetic identity of the host. These more physiologic models also allow for novel approaches to investigate the interaction of enteric viruses with the gastrointestinal tract, making them ideal to study the complexities of host-pathogen interactions in this unique cellular environment. This review aims to provide a summary on the use of human enteroid and organoid systems as models to study virus pathogenesis.
Human Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 Matrix Protein Reduces Viral RNA Synthesis of HPIV3 by Regulating Inclusion Body Formation
Authors: Zhang Shengwei , Cheng Qi , Luo Chenxi , Qin Yali , Chen Mingzhou
Published: March 2018

Human parainfluenza virus type 3 is one of the main causes of lower respiratory illness in newborns and infants. The role of the matrix protein (M) in viral budding is extensively studied, but the effect of M on viral replication remains to be determined. Using an HPIV3 minigenome assay, we found that M reduced HPIV3 mingenome-encoded reporter activity even though it had an unspecific effect on the expression of cellular genes. Furthermore, the inhibition effect of M on viral RNA synthesis was proven to be independent of its virus-like particles (VLPs)’ release ability. A VLP’s defective mutant (ML302A) decreased the expression of minigenome reporter as wild type M did. Using an immunofluorescence assay, we found that M weakened the formation of inclusion bodies (IBs), although it did not co-localize with the IBs. Moreover, using another mutant, ML305A , which is defective in M-nucleoprotein (N) interaction, we found that ML305A had no effect on reporter activity and IB formation as the wild type of M did. Taken together, we conclude that M reduces the replication of HPIV3 and IB formation by M–N interaction.
Applying a Multi-Model Ensemble Method for Long-Term Runoff Prediction under Climate Change Scenarios for the Yellow River Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Linus , Yang Xiaoliu
Published: March 2018

Given the substantial impacts that are expected due to climate change, it is crucial that accurate rainfall–runoff results are provided for various decision-making purposes. However, these modeling results often generate uncertainty or bias due to the imperfect character of individual models. In this paper, a genetic algorithm together with a Bayesian model averaging method are employed to provide a multi-model ensemble (MME) and combined runoff prediction under climate change scenarios produced from eight rainfall–runoff models for the Yellow River Basin. The results show that the multi-model ensemble method, especially the genetic algorithm method, can produce more reliable predictions than the other considered rainfall–runoff models. These results show that it is possible to reduce the uncertainty and thus improve the accuracy for future projections using different models because an MME approach evens out the bias involved in the individual model. For the study area, the final combined predictions reveal that less runoff is expected under most climatic scenarios, which will threaten water security of the basin.