bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climatic Interpretation of a Continuous Deuterium Profile Obtained from the Vostok Ice Core, Antarctica (160 000 Years) (Abstract)
Authors: Jouzel J. , Lorius C. , Petit J.R. , Genthon C. , Barkov N.I. , Korotkevitch Ye.S. , Kotlyakov V.M.
Published: September 2017

Oceanic studies have convincingly demonstrated that there is a link between the Pleistocene ice ages and the variations in the elements of the Earth’s orbit (Imbrie and others 1984). In contrast, the climatic conditions which prevailed over continental areas have been far less well documented and then rarely on a quantitative basis.

In this context, the 2083 m ice core recovered by the Soviet Antarctic Expeditions at Vostok (East Antarctica) is of fundamental importance because it covers fully the last glacial-interglacial cycle, back to the ice age which preceded the last interglacial (∽160 ka B.P.). Potentially it allows access to many climatic and climate-related parameters as illustrated by the oxygen-18 data we have recently published (Lorius and others 1985), from 10Be measurements (Yiou and others 1985, Raisbeck and others 1987), from aerosol concentration (De Angelis and others 1987) and from CO2 measurement (Barnola and others 1988, this volume).

Our first isotopic data set was largely discontinuous over the last 100 ka (only about 7% of the core was analyzed), but continuous beyond that time. Sampling of the ice was completed later, in the field, and we now have continuous deuterium data for the whole core (total ice recovery is about 85%), combining the data of the 2083 m core below 138 m and a complementary data set above. The core chronology was established using a two-dimensional ice-flow model and, for snow accumulation, taking into account change with time (Lorius and others 1985).

There is a general correspondence between this curve and the previously published δ18O record (Lorius and others 1985). However, there is obviously far more information in this continuous δD record, which we will examine from the deduced temperature record.
A 40 Year Record in an Ice Core from the Dunde Ice Cap, China (Abstract)
Authors: Xiaoling Wu , Thompson Lonnie G.
Published: September 2017

A cooperative glacio-climatological ice-core drilling and analysis program, administered by LIGC and BPRC, has been carried out since 1984. The major objective of this study is to extract from the Dunde ice cap records of the general environmental conditions, which include drought, volcanic activity, moisture sources, glacier net balance and possibly temperature over the last 3000 years.

In 1984 a group of 18 Chinese scientists and an American scientist spent 6 weeks on the Dunde ice cap. The central objective of their research was to evaluate the potential of the ice cap to yield a lengthy ice-core climate record. Results of the 1984 field work and 1985 laboratory analysis are submitted here.

The Dunde ice cap (38°96′N, 96°24.5′E) is located in the north-eastern section of the Tibet plateau, China. Its length is 10.9 km; the width varies from 2.5 to 7.5 km. The total area of the ice cap is 57 km2. A 16 m core was drilled at the first site, located on a flat part of the ice cap, 5150 m a.s.l. A 10.2 m ice core was drilled at the ice cap summit (5300 m). A series of shallow cores and 2 m pits were excavated at each of the two sites and in the lower section of the ice cap.

A mono-pulse radar unit was used to determine ice thickness. The ice thickness ranged between 94 and 167 m, with an average thickness of 140 m. Using a thermistor cable, minimum temperatures of −9.1° and −9.5 °C were measured in the 16 m hole and 10.2 m hole respectively.

Microparticle analysis of the ice core from the Dunde ice cap revealed a very high dust content, on average 16 × 105 particles (≥0.63 to ≤16 μ in diameter) per ml of sample, i.e. 3−4 times higher than the microparticle content in the Quelccaya ice cap, Peru, and 100 times higher than in the core from Byrd Station, Antarctica. Oxygen-isotope content ranged between −12 and −14 per mil. Initially it was anticipated that the oxygen-isotope content would produce a more negative value in the Dunde ice cap. More work is required to explain the mechanism controlling δ18o variation in the ice core from the Dunde ice cap.

The microparticles, oxygen-isotope content, conductivity, and tritium measurements, together with stratigraphy, temperature and density, are presented in the figures. The 40 year net-balance record reconstructed from the ice-core and oxygen-isotope profile is in good agreement with data from precipitation and major temperature trends obtained for the last 30 years from Delingha meteorological station, which is located 160 km south-east of the ice cap.
Ice Structure and Crystal Fabrics of the 2200 M Ice Core at Vostok Station, Antarctica
Authors: Barkov N.I. , Lipenkov V.Ya. , Petrov V.N.
Published: September 2017

Both the ice structure and the ice fabric along the 2200 m ice core at Vostok Station were investigated during the 25th, 29th and 30th Soviet Antarctic Expeditions.

Several kinds of three-dimensional parameters of polycrystalline ice were measured, e.g. the mean diameter and size distribution of ice crystals and air bubbles, and specific volume

The variation in most of these parameters along the core reflects not only the process of metamorphism in ice but also changes in the environmental conditions at the surface. The causes of these variations are discussed, in order to estimate the possibility of a paleoclimatic interpretation.

The evolution of c-axis fabrics with depth is discussed in relation to the ice-deformation conditions.

A comparison of ice fabrics at Vostok, Byrd Station and Camp Century shows that similar mechanisms cause the reorientation of crystals. The role of temperature in fabric development is discussed.
RETRACTED: Long non-coding RNA HULC promotes bladder cancer cells proliferation but inhibits apoptosis via regulation of ZIC2 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Jintao , Ma Weimin , Liu Yidong
Published: September 2017

This article has been retracted, and the online PDF has been watermarked ``RETRACTION''. The retraction notice is available at http://doi.org/10.3233/CBM229006.
Mining hierarchical temporal roles with multiple metrics
Authors: Stoller Scott D. , Bui Thang
Published: September 2017

Temporal role-based access control (TRBAC) extends role-based access control to limit the times at which roles are enabled. This paper presents a new algorithm for mining high-quality TRBAC policies from timed ACLs (i.e., ACLs with time limits in the entries) and optionally user attribute information. Such algorithms have potential to significantly reduce the cost of migration from timed ACLs to TRBAC. The algorithm is parameterized by the policy quality metric. We consider multiple quality metrics, including number of roles, weighted structural complexity (a generalization of policy size), and (when user attribute information is available) interpretability, i.e., how well role membership can be characterized in terms of user attributes. Ours is the first TRBAC policy mining algorithm that produces hierarchical policies, and the first that optimizes weighted structural complexity or interpretability. In experiments with datasets based on real-world ACL policies, our algorithm is more effective than previous algorithms at optimizing policy quality.
Assessing the Performance of Thermal Inertia and Hydrus Models to Estimate Surface Soil Water Content
Authors: Negm Amro , Capodici Fulvio , Ciraolo Giuseppe , Maltese Antonino , Provenzano Giuseppe , Rallo Giovanni
Published: September 2017

The knowledge of soil water content (SWC) dynamics in the upper soil layer is important for several hydrological processes. Due to the difficulty of assessing the spatial and temporal SWC dynamics in the field, some model-based approaches have been proposed during the last decade. The main objective of this work was to assess the performance of two approaches to estimate SWC in the upper soil layer under field conditions: the physically-based thermal inertia and the Hydrus model. Their validity was firstly assessed under controlled laboratory conditions. Thermal inertia was firstly validated in laboratory conditions using the transient line heat source (TLHS) method. Then, it was applied in situ to analyze the dynamics of soil thermal properties under two extreme conditions of soil-water status (well-watered and air-dry), using proximity remote-sensed data. The model performance was assessed using sensor-based measurements of soil water content acquired through frequency (FDR) and time domain reflectometry (TDR). During the laboratory experiment, the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) was 0.02 m3 m−3 for the Hydrus model and 0.05 m3 m−3 for the TLHS model approach. On the other hand, during the in situ experiment, the temporal variability of SWCs simulated by the Hydrus model and the corresponding values measured by the TDR method evidenced good agreement (RMSE ranging between 0.01 and 0.005 m3 m−3). Similarly, the average of the SWCs derived from the thermal diffusion model was fairly close to those estimated by Hydrus (spatially averaged RMSE ranging between 0.03 and 0.02 m3 m−3).
Far-From-Equilibrium Time Evolution between Two Gamma Distributions
Authors: Kim Eun-jin , Tenkès Lucille-Marie , Hollerbach Rainer , Radulescu Ovidiu
Published: September 2017

Many systems in nature and laboratories are far from equilibrium and exhibit significant fluctuations, invalidating the key assumptions of small fluctuations and short memory time in or near equilibrium. A full knowledge of Probability Distribution Functions (PDFs), especially time-dependent PDFs, becomes essential in understanding far-from-equilibrium processes. We consider a stochastic logistic model with multiplicative noise, which has gamma distributions as stationary PDFs. We numerically solve the transient relaxation problem and show that as the strength of the stochastic noise increases, the time-dependent PDFs increasingly deviate from gamma distributions. For sufficiently strong noise, a transition occurs whereby the PDF never reaches a stationary state, but instead, forms a peak that becomes ever more narrowly concentrated at the origin. The addition of an arbitrarily small amount of additive noise regularizes these solutions and re-establishes the existence of stationary solutions. In addition to diagnostic quantities such as mean value, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis, the transitions between different solutions are analysed in terms of entropy and information length, the total number of statistically-distinguishable states that a system passes through in time.
A High-Frequency Isolation (HFI) Charging DC Port Combining a Front-End Three-Level Converter with a Back-End LLC Resonant Converter
Authors: Cai Guowei , Liu Duolun , Liu Chuang , Li Wei , Sun Jiajun
Published: September 2017

The high-frequency isolation (HFI) charging DC port can serve as the interface between unipolar/bipolar DC buses and electric vehicles (EVs) through the two-power-stage system structure that combines the front-end three-level converter with the back-end logical link control (LLC) resonant converter. The DC output voltage can be maintained within the desired voltage range by the front-end converter. The electrical isolation can be realized by the back-end LLC converter, which has the bus converter function. According to the three-level topology, the low-voltage rating power devices can be adapted for half-voltage stress of the total DC grid, and the PWM phase-shift control can double the equivalent switching frequency to greatly reduce the filter volume. LLC resonant converters have advance characteristics of inverter-side zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) and rectifier-side zero-current switching (ZCS). In particular, it can achieve better performance under quasi-resonant frequency mode. Additionally, the magnetizing current can be modified following different DC output voltages, which have the self-adaptation ZVS condition for decreasing the circulating current. Here, the principles of the proposed topology are analyzed in detail, and the design conditions of the three-level output filter and high-frequency isolation transformer are explored. Finally, a 20 kW prototype with the 760 V input and 200–500 V output are designed and tested. The experimental results are demonstrated to verify the validity and performance of this charging DC port system structure.
Houttuynia cordata Facilitates Metformin on Ameliorating Insulin Resistance Associated with Gut Microbiota Alteration in OLETF Rats
Authors: Wang Jing-Hua , Bose Shambhunath , Lim Soo-Kyoung , Ansari AbuZar , Chin Young-Won , Choi Han Seok , Kim Hojun
Published: September 2017

Metformin and Houttuynia cordata are representative anti-diabetic therapeutics in western and oriental medicine, respectively. The current study examined the synergistic anti-diabetic effect of Houttuynia cordata extraction (HCE) and metformin combination in Otsuka Long–Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats. Fecal microbiota were analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and real-time PCR. Combining HCE + metformin resulted in significantly ameliorated glucose tolerance (oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT))—the same as metformin alone. Particularly, results of the insulin tolerance test (ITT) showed that combining HCE + metformin dramatically improved insulin sensitivity as compared to metformin treatment alone. Both fecal and serum endotoxin, as well as cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6)) were significantly ameliorated by HCE + metformin compared to metformin alone. Meanwhile, the activation of AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase) by metformin was distinctly enhanced by HCE. Both of HCE and metformin evidently changed the gut microbiota composition, causing the alteration of bacterial metabolite, like short-chain fatty acids. H. cordata, together with metformin, exerts intensive sensibilization to insulin; the corresponding mechanisms are associated with alleviation of endotoxemia via regulation of gut microbiota, particularly Roseburia, Akkermansia, and Gram-negative bacterium.
Neighborhood Context, Homeownership and Home Value: An Ecological Analysis of Implications for Health
Authors: Mehdipanah Roshanak , Schulz Amy , Israel Barbara , Mentz Graciela , Eisenberg Alexa , Stokes Carmen , Rowe Zachary
Published: September 2017

While homeownership has been linked to positive health outcomes there is limited evidence regarding the conditions under which it may be health protective. We present a conceptual model linking homeownership to health, highlighting key potential pathways. Using the Detroit Metropolitan Area as a case study, and data from the American Community Survey (2009–2013; 5-years estimates) and Michigan Department of Community Health, we tested the following questions: (1) Is neighborhood percentage non-Hispanic Black (NHB) associated with homeownership? (2) Is neighborhood percentage NHB associated with health? (3) Is the association between percentage NHB and health mediated by homeownership? (4) Does neighborhood housing value modify associations between percentage NHB and health, or between homeownership and health? Percentage NHB was associated with homeownership and health outcomes; Associations between percentage NHB and mortality, but not disability, were partially mediated by neighborhood homeownership. Neighborhood housing value modified associations between neighborhood homeownership and both disability and mortality, but not between percentage NHB and health outcomes. Findings are consistent with the thesis that health-promoting effects of homeownership may be contingent upon house values. These results add to a limited body of evidence suggesting that variations in homeownership may contribute to persistent racial and socioeconomic health inequities.
Characterization of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli Isolated in Organic Waste Products (Cattle Fecal Matter, Manure and, Slurry) from Cattle’s Markets in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Authors: Bako Evariste , Kagambèga Assèta , Traore Kuan , Bagre Touwendsida , Ibrahim Hadiza , Bouda Soutongnooma , Bonkoungou Isidore , Kaboré Saidou , Zongo Cheikna , Traore Alfred , Barro Nicolas
Published: September 2017

Cattle farming can promote diarrheal disease transmission through waste, effluents or cattle fecal matter. The study aims to characterize the diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) isolated from cattle feces, manure in the composting process and slurry, collected from four cattle markets in Ouagadougou. A total of 585 samples (340 cattle feces, 200 slurries and 45 manures in the composting process) were collected from the four cattle markets between May 2015 and May 2016. A multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), namely 16-plex PCR, was used to screen simultaneously the virulence genes specific for shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) and enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC). DEC was detected in 10.76% of samples. ETEC was the most prevalent (9.91%). STEC and EAEC have been observed with the same rate (0.51%). ETEC were detected in 12.64% of cattle feces, in 6.66% of manure in the composting process and in 5% of slurry. STEC were detected in 0.58% of cattle feces and in 2.22% of manure in the composting process. EAEC was detected only in 1% of slurry and in 2.22% of manure in the composting process. ETEC strains were identified based on estIa gene and/or estIb gene and/or elt gene amplification. Of the 58 ETEC, 10.34% contained astA, 17.24% contained elt, 3.44% contained estIa and 79.31% contained estIb. The two positive EAEC strains contained only the aggR gene, and the third was positive only for the pic gene. The results show that effluent from cattle markets could contribute to the spreading of DEC in the environment in Burkina Faso.
Assessing the Allocation of Special Elderly Nursing Homes in Tokyo, Japan
Authors: You Ninglong , Shen Zhenjiang , Nishino Tatsuya
Published: September 2017

Social welfare and public health departments require reliable assessments to enhance the rationality of phased construction of special elderly nursing homes (SENHs). This paper aims to assess the allocation of SENHs based on a beds-needed index for SENHs (BNIS). This may help departments determine the priority for approving locations of SENHs more accurately with a limited budget. Traditional assessments in Tokyo use the sphere of welfare, ward, and sphere of daily life as spatial units for estimating beds-to-elderly population ratios. We calculate the BNIS by introducing a parameter-improved floating catchment area method (PI-FCA) at a smaller spatial unit, the Chome. In the PI-FCA, the catchment area is generated according to the standard of average population served by SENHs and capacity, the population demand is the population of the elderly requiring care levels 3–5 and is further modified by a coefficient of potential demand via building a multivariate linear model. Improved results were obtained using the PI-FCA. Finally, this study maps the distribution of the degree of BNIS, to provide a basis for the allocation assessment of SENHs. This caters to the needs of departments and is easily applicable in other public healthcare facilities.
Mapping the Far Right: Geomedia in an Educational Response to Right-Wing Extremism
Authors: Jekel Thomas , Lehner Michael , Vogler Robert
Published: September 2017

Across Europe, and probably the world, messages of the extreme right surface with increasing and alarming regularity in both public and virtual space. Within the virtual space, geomedia are increasingly used in nationalist propaganda, a trend which is embedded in a wider development in public discourse, election results, and policies. In Austria and Germany, particular sensibilities due to the responsibility for the Holocaust have developed, leading to various specific education initiatives that address this part of history. This paper presents an activist learning environment using geomedia to deconstruct right-wing extremist discourses, and has been tested used in university settings in Salzburg and Vienna. Using a combination of Instagram and geospatial technologies not visible to learners, results of reflection and learning processes are analyzed qualitatively across two slightly different enactments of the learning environment. Experiences suggest an encouraging potential of geomedia use in critical learning processes, as long as the technology is hidden from learners, forming an incentive, support, and contextualization of the learning process.
Infectious Bronchitis Virus Variants: Molecular Analysis and Pathogenicity Investigation
Authors: Lin Shu-Yi , Chen Hui-Wen
Published: September 2017

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) variants constantly emerge and pose economic threats to poultry farms worldwide. Numerous studies on the molecular and pathogenic characterization of IBV variants have been performed between 2007 and 2017, which we have reviewed herein. We noted that viral genetic mutations and recombination events commonly gave rise to distinct IBV genotypes, serotypes and pathotypes. In addition to characterizing the S1 genes, full viral genomic sequencing, comprehensive antigenicity, and pathogenicity studies on emerging variants have advanced our understanding of IBV infections, which is valuable for developing countermeasures against IBV field outbreaks. This review of IBV variants provides practical value for understanding their phylogenetic relationships and epidemiology from both regional and worldwide viewpoints.
Viral-Cellular DNA Junctions as Molecular Markers for Assessing Intra-Tumor Heterogeneity in Cervical Cancer and for the Detection of Circulating Tumor DNA
Authors: Carow Katrin , Gölitz Mandy , Wolf Maria , Häfner Norman , Jansen Lars , Hoyer Heike , Schwarz Elisabeth , Runnebaum Ingo , Dürst Matthias
Published: September 2017

The development of cervical cancer is frequently accompanied by the integration of human papillomaviruses (HPV) DNA into the host genome. Viral-cellular junction sequences, which arise in consequence, are highly tumor specific. By using these fragments as markers for tumor cell origin, we examined cervical cancer clonality in the context of intra-tumor heterogeneity. Moreover, we assessed the potential of these fragments as molecular tumor markers and analyzed their suitability for the detection of circulating tumor DNA in sera of cervical cancer patients. For intra-tumor heterogeneity analyses tumors of 8 patients with up to 5 integration sites per tumor were included. Tumor islands were micro-dissected from cryosections of several tissue blocks representing different regions of the tumor. Each micro-dissected tumor area served as template for a single junction-specific PCR. For the detection of circulating tumor-DNA (ctDNA) junction-specific PCR-assays were applied to sera of 21 patients. Samples were collected preoperatively and during the course of disease. In 7 of 8 tumors the integration site(s) were shown to be homogenously distributed throughout different tumor regions. Only one tumor displayed intra-tumor heterogeneity. In 5 of 21 analyzed preoperative serum samples we specifically detected junction fragments. Junction-based detection of ctDNA was significantly associated with reduced recurrence-free survival. Our study provides evidence that HPV-DNA integration is as an early step in cervical carcinogenesis. Clonality with respect to HPV integration opens new perspectives for the application of viral-cellular junction sites as molecular biomarkers in a clinical setting such as disease monitoring.
Differential Functional Roles of ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 in Mediating Metastatic Behavior and Therapy Resistance of Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Croker Alysha , Rodriguez-Torres Mauricio , Xia Ying , Pardhan Siddika , Leong Hon , Lewis John , Allan Alison
Published: September 2017

Previous studies indicate that breast cancer cells with high aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity and CD44 expression (ALDHhiCD44+) contribute to metastasis and therapy resistance, and that ALDH1 correlates with poor outcome in breast cancer patients. The current study hypothesized that ALDH1 functionally contributes to breast cancer metastatic behavior and therapy resistance. Expression of ALDH1A1 or ALDH1A3 was knocked down in MDA-MB-468 and SUM159 human breast cancer cells using siRNA. Resulting impacts on ALDH activity (Aldefluor® assay); metastatic behavior and therapy response in vitro (proliferation/adhesion/migration/colony formation/chemotherapy and radiation) and extravasation/metastasis in vivo (chick choroiallantoic membrane assay) was assessed. Knockdown of ALDH1A3 but not ALDH1A1 in breast cancer cells decreased ALDH activity, and knockdown of ALDH1A1 reduced breast cancer cell metastatic behavior and therapy resistance relative to control (p < 0.05). In contrast, knockdown of ALDH1A3 did not alter proliferation, extravasation, or therapy resistance, but increased adhesion/migration and decreased colony formation/metastasis relative to control (p < 0.05). This is the first study to systematically examine the function of ALDH1 isozymes in individual breast cancer cell behaviors that contribute to metastasis. Our novel results indicate that ALDH1 mediates breast cancer metastatic behavior and therapy resistance, and that different enzyme isoforms within the ALDH1 family differentially impact these cell behaviors.
Licochalcone A Prevents the Loss of Dopaminergic Neurons by Inhibiting Microglial Activation in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced Parkinson’s Disease Models
Authors: Huang Bingxu , Liu Juxiong , Ju Chen , Yang Dongxue , Chen Guangxin , Xu Shiyao , Zeng Yalong , Yan Xuan , Wang Wei , Liu Dianfeng , Fu Shoupeng
Published: September 2017

The neuroprotective effects of Licochalcone A (Lico.A), a flavonoid isolated from the herb licorice, in Parkinson’s disease (PD) have not been elucidated. The prominent pathological feature of PD is the loss of dopaminergic neurons. The crucial role of neuroinflammation induced by activated microglia in dopaminergic neurodegeneration has been validated. In this study, we explore the therapeutic effects of Lico.A in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced PD models in vivo and in vitro. We find that Lico.A significantly inhibits LPS-stimulated production of pro-inflammatory mediators and microglial activation by blocking the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 in BV-2 cells. In addition, through cultured primary mesencephalic neuron-glia cell experiments, we illustrate that Lico.A attenuates the decrease in [3H] dopamine (DA) uptake and the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive (TH-ir) neurons in LPS-induced PD models in vitro. Furthermore, LPS intoxication in rats results in microglial activation, dopaminergic neurodegeneration and significant behavioral deficits in vivo. Lico.A treatment prevents microglial activation and reduction of dopaminergic neuron and ameliorates PD-like behavioral impairments. Thus, these results demonstrate for the first time that the neuroprotective effects of Lico.A are associated with microglia and anti-inflammatory effects in PD models.
Cosine Measures of Linguistic Neutrosophic Numbers and Their Application in Multiple Attribute Group Decision-Making
Authors: Shi Lilian , Ye Jun
Published: September 2017

The linguistic neutrosophic numbers (LNNs) can express the truth, indeterminacy, and falsity degrees independently by three linguistic variables. Hence, they are an effective tool for describing indeterminate linguistic information under linguistic decision-making environments. Similarity measures are usual tools in decision-making problems. However, existing cosine similarity measures have been applied in decision-making problems, but they cannot deal with linguistic information under linguistic decision-making environments. To deal with the issue, we propose two cosine similarity measures based on distance and the included angle cosine of two vectors between LNNs. Then, we establish a multiple attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) method based on the cosine similarity measures under an LNN environment. Finally, a practical example about the decision-making problems of investment alternatives is presented to demonstrate the effective applications of the proposed MAGDM method under an LNN environment.
The Effect of RANKL/OPG Balance on Reducing Implant Complications
Authors: Kapasa Elizabeth , Giannoudis Peter , Jia Xiaodong , Hatton Paul , Yang Xuebin
Published: September 2017

Despite the phenomenal success of implants particularly in the realms of dentistry and orthopaedics, there are still challenges to overcome. The failure of implants resulting from infection, prosthetic loosening, and non-union continue to be the most notorious examples. The cascade of fracture healing and bone repair, especially with the presence of an implant, is complex because it involves a multifaceted immune response alongside the intricate process of bone formation and remodelling. Bone loss is a serious clinical problem that is frequently accompanied by chronic inflammation, illustrating that there is a convoluted relationship between inflammation and bone erosion. The effects of pro-inflammatory factors play a significant role in initiating and maintaining osteoclastogenesis that results in bone resorption by osteoclasts. This is because there is a disruption of the relative ratio between Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor κB-Ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG), which is central to modulating bone repair and remodelling. This review aims to provide a background to the bone remodelling process, the bone repair cascade post-implantation, and the associated complications. Furthermore, current clinical solutions that can influence bone formation via either internal or extrinsic mechanisms will be described. These efficacious treatments for osteolysis via targeting the RANKL/OPG ratio may be crucial to reducing the incidence of related implant failures in the future.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of NaBH4 Reduced BiFeO3 Nanoparticles for Rhodamine B Decolorization
Authors: Di Lijing , Yang Hua , Xian Tao , Chen Xiujuan
Published: September 2017

In this work, oxygen vacancies were introduced onto the surface of BiFeO3 nanoparticles by NaBH4 reduction method to yield oxygen-deficient BiFeO3−x samples. Comprehensive analysis on the basis of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) observation and X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) confirms the existence of surface oxygen vacancies on the BiFeO3−x nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activity of as-prepared BiFeO3−x samples was evaluated by the decolorization of rhodamine B (RhB) under simulated sunlight irradiation. The experimental results indicate that the photocatalytic activity of samples is highly related to the NaBH4 reduction time, and the BiFeO3−x sample reduced for 40 min exhibits the highest photocatalytic efficiency, which is much higher than that of pristine BiFeO3 nanoparticles. This can be explained by the fact that the surface oxygen vacancies act as photoinduced charges acceptors and adsorption sites suppress the recombination of photogenerated charges, leading to an increasing availability of photogenerated electrons and holes for photocatalytic reaction. In addition, the obtained BiFeO3−x sample exhibits good photocatalytic reusability.
Production of Poly(ε-Caprolactone)/Hydroxyapatite Composite Scaffolds with a Tailored Macro/Micro-Porous Structure, High Mechanical Properties, and Excellent Bioactivity
Authors: Kim Jong-Woo , Shin Kwan-Ha , Koh Young-Hag , Hah Min Jin , Moon Jiyoung , Kim Hyoun-Ee
Published: September 2017

We produced poro-us poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/hydroxyapatite (HA) composite scaffolds for bone regeneration, which can have a tailored macro/micro-porous structure with high mechanical properties and excellent in vitro bioactivity using non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS)-based 3D plotting. This innovative 3D plotting technique can create highly microporous PCL/HA composite filaments by inducing unique phase separation in PCL/HA solutions through the non-solvent-solvent exchange phenomenon. The PCL/HA composite scaffolds produced with various HA contents (0 wt %, 10 wt %, 15 wt %, and 20 wt %) showed that PCL/HA composite struts with highly microporous structures were well constructed in a controlled periodic pattern. Similar levels of overall porosity (~78 vol %) and pore size (~248 µm) were observed for all the PCL/HA composite scaffolds, which would be highly beneficial to bone tissue regeneration. Mechanical properties, such as ultimate tensile strength and compressive yield strength, increased with an increase in HA content. In addition, incorporating bioactive HA particles into the PCL polymer led to remarkable enhancements in in vitro apatite-forming ability.
µ-Conotoxins Modulating Sodium Currents in Pain Perception and Transmission: A Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Tosti Elisabetta , Boni Raffaele , Gallo Alessandra
Published: September 2017

The Conus genus includes around 500 species of marine mollusks with a peculiar production of venomous peptides known as conotoxins (CTX). Each species is able to produce up to 200 different biological active peptides. Common structure of CTX is the low number of amino acids stabilized by disulfide bridges and post-translational modifications that give rise to different isoforms. µ and µO-CTX are two isoforms that specifically target voltage-gated sodium channels. These, by inducing the entrance of sodium ions in the cell, modulate the neuronal excitability by depolarizing plasma membrane and propagating the action potential. Hyperexcitability and mutations of sodium channels are responsible for perception and transmission of inflammatory and neuropathic pain states. In this review, we describe the current knowledge of µ-CTX interacting with the different sodium channels subtypes, the mechanism of action and their potential therapeutic use as analgesic compounds in the clinical management of pain conditions.
Metallurgical Challenges in Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Metal Matrix Nanocomposites
Authors: Azarniya Abolfazl , Safavi Mir , Sovizi Saeed , Azarniya Amir , Chen Biao , Madaah Hosseini Hamid , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: September 2017

The inclusion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into metallic systems has been the main focus of recent literature. The aim behind this approach has been the development of a new property or improvement of an inferior one in CNT-dispersed metal matrix nanocomposites. Although it has opened up new possibilities for promising engineering applications, some practical challenges have restricted the full exploitation of CNTs’ unique characteristics. Non-uniform dispersion of CNTs in the metallic matrix, poor interfacial adhesion at the CNT/metal interface, the unfavorable chemical reaction of CNTs with the matrix, and low compactability are the most significant challenges, requiring more examination. The present paper provides a broad overview of the mentioned challenges, the way they occur, and their adverse influences on the physicomechanical properties of CNT-reinforced metal matrix nanocomposites. The suggested solutions to these issues are fully addressed.
Electromagnetic Linear Vibration Energy Harvester Using Sliding Permanent Magnet Array and Ferrofluid as a Lubricant
Authors: Chae Song Hee , Ju Suna , Choi Yunhee , Chi Ye-Eun , Ji Chang-Hyeon
Published: September 2017

We present an electromagnetic linear vibration energy harvester with an array of rectangular permanent magnets as a springless proof mass. Instead of supporting the magnet assembly with spring element, ferrofluid has been used as a lubricating material. When external vibration is applied laterally to the harvester, magnet assembly slides back and forth on the channel with reduced friction and wear due to ferrofluid, which significantly improves the long-term reliability of the device. Electric power is generated across an array of copper windings formed at the bottom of the aluminum housing. A proof-of-concept harvester has been fabricated and tested with a vibration exciter at various input frequencies and accelerations. For the device where 5 μL of ferrofluid was used for lubrication, maximum output power of 493 μW has been generated, which was 4.37% higher than that without ferrofluid. Long-term reliability improvement due to ferrofluid lubrication has also been verified. For the device with ferrofluid, 1.02% decrease of output power has been observed, in contrast to 59.73% decrease of output power without ferrofluid after 93,600 cycles.
Novel FXa Inhibitor Identification through Integration of Ligand- and Structure-Based Approaches
Authors: Lagos Carlos , Segovia Gerardine , Nuñez-Navarro Nicolás , Faúndez Mario , Zacconi Flavia
Published: September 2017

Factor Xa (FXa), a vitamin K-dependent serine protease plays a pivotal role in the coagulation cascade, one of the most interesting targets for the development of new anticoagulants. In the present work, we performed a virtual screening campaign based on ligand-based shape and electrostatic similarity search and protein-ligand docking to discover novel FXa-targeted scaffolds for further development of inhibitors. From an initial set of 260,000 compounds from the NCI Open database, 30 potential FXa inhibitors were identified and selected for in vitro biological evaluation. Compound 5 (NSC635393, 4-(3-methyl-4H-1,4-benzothiazin-2-yl)-2,4-dioxo-N-phenylbutanamide) displayed an IC50 value of 2.02 nM against human FXa. The identified compound may serve as starting point for the development of novel FXa inhibitors.
Therapeutic Mechanisms of Vernonia amygdalina Delile in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Johnson William , Tchounwou Paul , Yedjou Clement
Published: September 2017

Prostate cancer patients have been suffering from limited treatment options due to late diagnosis, poor drug tolerance, and multi-drug resistance to almost all the current drug treatments. Therefore, it is important to seek a new alternative therapeutic medicine that can effectively prevent the disease and even eradicate the progression and metastasis of prostate cancer. Vernonia amygdalina Delile (VAD) is a common edible vegetable in Cameroon that has been used as a traditional medicine for some human diseases. However, to the best of our knowledge, no previous reports have explored its therapeutic efficacy against human prostate cancer. The objective of the present study was to assess the anticancer activities of VAD methanolic extracts in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer using human androgen-independent prostate cancer (PC-3) cells as a test model. To achieve our objective, PC-3 cells were treated with various doses of VAD for 48 h. Data generated from the trypan blue test and MTT assay demonstrated that VAD extracts exhibited significant growth-inhibitory effects on PC-3 cells. Collectively, we established for the first time the antiproliferative effects of VAD on PC-3 cells, with an IC50 value of about 196.6 µg/mL. Further experiments, including cell morphology, lipid peroxidation and comet assays, and apoptosis analysis showed that VAD caused growth-inhibitory effects on PC-3 cells through the induction of cell growth arrest, DNA damage, apoptosis, and necrosis in vitro and may provide protection from oxidative stress diseases as a result of its high antioxidant content. These results provide useful data on the anticancer activities of VAD for prostate cancer and demonstrate the novel possibilities of this medicinal plant for developing prostate cancer therapies.
Integrative Pathway Analysis of Genes and Metabolites Reveals Metabolism Abnormal Subpathway Regions and Modules in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Li Chunquan , Wang Qiuyu , Ma Jiquan , Shi Shengshu , Chen Xin , Yang Haixiu , Han Junwei
Published: September 2017

Aberrant metabolism is one of the main driving forces in the initiation and development of ESCC. Both genes and metabolites play important roles in metabolic pathways. Integrative pathway analysis of both genes and metabolites will thus help to interpret the underlying biological phenomena. Here, we performed integrative pathway analysis of gene and metabolite profiles by analyzing six gene expression profiles and seven metabolite profiles of ESCC. Multiple known and novel subpathways associated with ESCC, such as ‘beta-Alanine metabolism’, were identified via the cooperative use of differential genes, differential metabolites, and their positional importance information in pathways. Furthermore, a global ESCC-Related Metabolic (ERM) network was constructed and 31 modules were identified on the basis of clustering analysis in the ERM network. We found that the three modules located just to the center regions of the ERM network—especially the core region of Module_1—primarily consisted of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) superfamily members, which contributes to the development of ESCC. For Module_4, pyruvate and the genes and metabolites in its adjacent region were clustered together, and formed a core region within the module. Several prognostic genes, including GPT, ALDH1B1, ABAT, WBSCR22 and MDH1, appeared in the three center modules of the network, suggesting that they can become potentially prognostic markers in ESCC.
Solvent-Free Synthesis and Safener Activity of Sulfonylurea Benzothiazolines
Authors: Fu Ying , Wang Jing-Yi , Zhang Dong , Chen Yu-Feng , Gao Shuang , Zhao Li-Xia , Ye Fei
Published: September 2017

A series of novel sulfonylurea benzothiazolines was designed by splicing active groups and bioisosterism. A solvent-free synthetic route was developed for the sulfonylurea benzothiazoline derivatives via the cyclization and carbamylation. All compounds were characterized by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, HRMS. The biological activity tests indicated the compounds could protect maize against the injury caused by chlorsulfuron to some extent. The molecular docking result showed that the new compound competed with chlorsulfuron to bind with the herbicide target enzyme active site to attain detoxification.
Identification of DNA-Binding Proteins Using Mixed Feature Representation Methods
Authors: Qu Kaiyang , Han Ke , Wu Song , Wang Guohua , Wei Leyi
Published: September 2017

DNA-binding proteins play vital roles in cellular processes, such as DNA packaging, replication, transcription, regulation, and other DNA-associated activities. The current main prediction method is based on machine learning, and its accuracy mainly depends on the features extraction method. Therefore, using an efficient feature representation method is important to enhance the classification accuracy. However, existing feature representation methods cannot efficiently distinguish DNA-binding proteins from non-DNA-binding proteins. In this paper, a multi-feature representation method, which combines three feature representation methods, namely, K-Skip-N-Grams, Information theory, and Sequential and structural features (SSF), is used to represent the protein sequences and improve feature representation ability. In addition, the classifier is a support vector machine. The mixed-feature representation method is evaluated using 10-fold cross-validation and a test set. Feature vectors, which are obtained from a combination of three feature extractions, show the best performance in 10-fold cross-validation both under non-dimensional reduction and dimensional reduction by max-relevance-max-distance. Moreover, the reduced mixed feature method performs better than the non-reduced mixed feature technique. The feature vectors, which are a combination of SSF and K-Skip-N-Grams, show the best performance in the test set. Among these methods, mixed features exhibit superiority over the single features.
A Spectral Probe for Detection of Aluminum (III) Ions Using Surface Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Shinde Surendra , Kim Dae-Young , Saratale Rijuta , Syed Asad , Ameen Fuad , Ghodake Gajanan
Published: September 2017

A simple green route has been developed for the synthesis of casein peptide functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), in which casein peptide acts as a reducing as well as the stabilizing agent. In this report, AuNPs have been characterized on the basis of spectroscopic and microscopic results; which showed selective and sensitive response toward Al3+ in aqueous media, and Al3+ induces aggregation of AuNPs. The sensing study performed for Al3+ revealed that the color change from red to blue was due to a red-shift in the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band and the formation of aggregated species of AuNPs. The calibration curve determines the detection limit (LOD) for Al3+ about 20 ppb (0.067 μM) is presented using both decrease and increase in absorbance at 530 and 700 nm, respectively. This value is considerably lower than the higher limit allowed for Al3+ in drinking water by the world health organization (WHO) (7.41 μM), representing enough sensitivity to protect water quality. The intensity of the red-shifted band increases with linear pattern upon the interaction with different concentrations of Al3+, thus the possibility of producing unstable AuNPs aggregates. The method is successfully used for the detection of Al3+ in water samples collected from various sources, human urine and ionic drink. The actual response time required for AuNPs is about 1 min, this probe also have several advantages, such as ease of synthesis, functionalization and its use, high sensitivity, and enabling on-site monitoring.
The Gut Microbial Metabolite Trimethylamine-N-Oxide Is Present in Human Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Del Rio Daniele , Zimetti Francesca , Caffarra Paolo , Tassotti Michele , Bernini Franco , Brighenti Furio , Zini Andrea , Zanotti Ilaria
Published: September 2017

Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is a small organic molecule, derived from the intestinal and hepatic metabolism of dietary choline and carnitine. Although the involvement of TMAO in the framework of many chronic diseases has been recently described, no evidence on its putative role in the central nervous system has been provided. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether TMAO is present at detectable levels in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF was collected for diagnostic purposes from 58 subjects by lumbar puncture and TMAO was quantified by using liquid chromatography coupled with multiple-reaction monitoring mass spectrometry. The molecule was detected in all samples, at concentrations ranging between 0.11 and 6.43 µmol/L. Further analysis on CSF revealed that a total of 22 subjects were affected by Alzheimer’s disease (AD), 16 were affected by non-AD related dementia, and 20 were affected by other neurological disorders. However, the stratification of TMAO levels according to the neurological diagnoses revealed no differences among the three groups. In conclusion, we provide the first evidence that TMAO can be assessed in human CSF, but the actual impact of this dietary metabolite in the patho-physiolgy of the central nervous system requires further study.