bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Their Voices: Barriers to HIV Testing among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men Remain
Authors: Washington Thomas , D’Anna Laura , Meyer-Adams Nancy , Malotte C.
Published: October 2015

Background: HIV testing continues to be a major priority for addressing the epidemic among young Black men who have sex with men (BMSM). Methods: This study explored barriers to HIV testing uptake, and recommendations for motivating HIV testing uptake among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) aged 18 to 30. BMSM (N = 36) were recruited through flyers and social media for six focus groups. Results: From the perspectives and experiences of young BMSM, participants recommended that information be included in HIV testing messages that would help young BMSM do self HIV-risk appraisals. Particularly, participants recommended that more knowledge about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and the role of PrEP in safer-sex practices be provided. This information is important to help those untested, or who infrequently test, better understand their risk and need for testing. Likewise, participants recommended that more information about a person being undetectable and the risk of condomless sex with an HIV negative sex partner; this information will be helpful for both the HIV negative and HIV positive sex partner for making safer sex decisions. Participants also recommended that interventions should focus on more than drug use as risk; the risk posed by the use of alcohol before and during sex deserves attention among young BMSM. Conclusions: These findings may inform new HIV testing interventions being tailored for young BMSM. The interventions should also consider revisiting street-based peer-outreach approaches for those young BMSM with limited access to social media campaigns due to limited access or infrequent use of social media.
Regional Projections of Extreme Apparent Temperature Days in Africa and the Related Potential Risk to Human Health
Authors: Garland Rebecca , Matooane Mamopeli , Engelbrecht Francois , Bopape Mary-Jane , Landman Willem , Naidoo Mogesh , Merwe Jacobus , Wright Caradee
Published: October 2015

Regional climate modelling was used to produce high resolution climate projections for Africa, under a “business as usual scenario”, that were translated into potential health impacts utilizing a heat index that relates apparent temperature to health impacts. The continent is projected to see increases in the number of days when health may be adversely affected by increasing maximum apparent temperatures (AT) due to climate change. Additionally, climate projections indicate that the increases in AT results in a moving of days from the less severe to the more severe Symptom Bands. The analysis of the rate of increasing temperatures assisted in identifying areas, such as the East African highlands, where health may be at increasing risk due to both large increases in the absolute number of hot days, and due to the high rate of increase. The projections described here can be used by health stakeholders in Africa to assist in the development of appropriate public health interventions to mitigate the potential health impacts from climate change.
Understanding the Social Context of the ASGM Sector in Ghana: A Qualitative Description of the Demographic, Health, and Nutritional Characteristics of a Small-Scale Gold Mining Community in Ghana
Authors: Long Rachel , Renne Elisha , Basu Niladri
Published: October 2015

This descriptive paper describes factors related to demographics and health in an artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) community in Ghana’s Upper East Region. Participants (n = 114) were surveyed in 2010 and 2011, adapting questions from the established national Demographic Health Survey (DHS) on factors such as population characteristics, infrastructure, amenities, education, employment, maternal and child health, and diet. In the study community, some indicators of household wealth (e.g., radios, mobile phones, refrigerators) are more common than elsewhere in Ghana, yet basic infrastructure (e.g., cement flooring, sanitation systems) and access to safe water supplies are lacking. Risk factors for poor respiratory health, such as cooking with biomass fuel smoke and smoking tobacco, are common. Certain metrics of maternal and child health are comparable to other areas of Ghana (e.g., frequency of antenatal care), whereas others (e.g., antenatal care from a skilled provider) show deficiencies. Residents surveyed do not appear to lack key micronutrients, but report lower fruit and vegetable consumption than other rural areas. The results enable a better understanding of community demographics, health, and nutrition, and underscore the need for better demographic and health surveillance and data collection across ASGM communities to inform effective policies and programs for improving miner and community health.
Are Total and Domain-Specific Sedentary Time Associated with Overweight in Older Taiwanese Adults?
Authors: Hsueh Ming-Chun , Liao Yung , Chang Shao-Hsi
Published: October 2015

This study investigated the associations between total and domain-specific sedentary time with the risk of overweight in older adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted by administering computer-assisted telephone interviews to 1046 Taiwanese older adults (aged ≥65 years) residing in two regions in Taiwan in 2015. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to examine the associations between self-reported total and six domain-specific sedentary times and body mass index status (calculating by self-reported height and weight) by using logistic regression analyses. The results showed that compared with older women in the lowest quartile of the total sedentary time, those in the highest quartile were 1.87 (95% CI: 1.10–3.21) times more likely to be overweight, after adjustment for potential confounders. The total sedentary time was stratified into six specific domains, and only watching television more than 2 h per day was positively associated with overweight (OR, 1.55; 95% CI: 1.08–2.25) in older women, whereas no other sedentary time domains were associated with the risk of overweight. No significant associations were observed in older men. Further studies using prospective designs are required to confirm the presently observed effects of total and domain-specific sedentary behavior on the health of older adults.
Factors Associated with Job Satisfaction among University Teachers in Northeastern Region of China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Pan Bochen , Shen Xue , Liu Li , Yang Yilong , Wang Lie
Published: October 2015

Objective: Teachers’ job satisfaction is one of the key factors in institutional dynamics and is generally considered to be the primary variable by which the effectiveness of an organization’s human resource is evaluated. The objectives of this study were to assess the level of job satisfaction among university teachers and to clarify the associated factors. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2013 and January 2014. Teachers from six universities in Shenyang, China were randomly sampled. The job satisfaction scale Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), perceived organizational support (POS), psychological capital questionnaire (PCQ-24), and effort-reward imbalance scale (ERI) together with questions about demographic and working factors were administered in questionnaires distributed to 1500 university teachers. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were performed to explore the related factors. Results: 1210 effective responses were obtained (effective respondent rate 80.7%). The average score of overall job satisfaction was 69.71. Hierarchical linear regression analysis revealed that turnover intention, occupational stress and chronic disease all had negative impacts on job satisfaction, whereas perceived organizational support, psychological capital and higher monthly income were positively associated with job satisfaction among the university teachers. Age was also linked to the level of job satisfaction. All the variables explained 60.7% of the variance in job satisfaction. Conclusions: Chinese university teachers had a moderate level of job satisfaction. Demographic and working characteristics were associated factors for job satisfaction. Perceived organizational support showed the strongest association with job satisfaction. Results of the study indicate that improving the perceived organizational support may increase the level of job satisfaction for university teachers.
Towards Investigating Global Warming Impact on Human Health Using Derivatives of Photoplethysmogram Signals
Authors: Elgendi Mohamed , Norton Ian , Brearley Matt , Fletcher Richard , Abbott Derek , Lovell Nigel , Schuurmans Dale
Published: October 2015

Recent clinical studies show that the contour of the photoplethysmogram (PPG) wave contains valuable information for characterizing cardiovascular activity. However, analyzing the PPG wave contour is difficult; therefore, researchers have applied first or higher order derivatives to emphasize and conveniently quantify subtle changes in the filtered PPG contour. Our hypothesis is that analyzing the whole PPG recording rather than each PPG wave contour or on a beat-by-beat basis can detect heat-stressed subjects and that, consequently, we will be able to investigate the impact of global warming on human health. Here, we explore the most suitable derivative order for heat stress assessment based on the energy and entropy of the whole PPG recording. The results of our study indicate that the use of the entropy of the seventh derivative of the filtered PPG signal shows promising results in detecting heat stress using 20-second recordings, with an overall accuracy of 71.6%. Moreover, the combination of the entropy of the seventh derivative of the filtered PPG signal with the root mean square of successive differences, or RMSSD (a traditional heart rate variability index of heat stress), improved the detection of heat stress to 88.9% accuracy.
Aging, Emotion, Attention, and Binding in the Taboo Stroop Task: Data and Theories
Authors: MacKay Donald , Johnson Laura , Graham Elizabeth , Burke Deborah
Published: October 2015

How does aging impact relations between emotion, memory, and attention? To address this question, young and older adults named the font colors of taboo and neutral words, some of which recurred in the same font color or screen location throughout two color-naming experiments. The results indicated longer color-naming response times (RTs) for taboo than neutral base-words (taboo Stroop interference); better incidental recognition of colors and locations consistently associated with taboo versus neutral words (taboo context-memory enhancement); and greater speed-up in color-naming RTs with repetition of color-consistent than color-inconsistent taboo words, but no analogous speed-up with repetition of location-consistent or location-inconsistent taboo words (the consistency type by repetition interaction for taboo words). All three phenomena remained constant with aging, consistent with the transmission deficit hypothesis and binding theory, where familiar emotional words trigger age-invariant reactions for prioritizing the binding of contextual features to the source of emotion. Binding theory also accurately predicted the interaction between consistency type and repetition for taboo words. However, one or more aspects of these phenomena failed to support the inhibition deficit hypothesis, resource capacity theory, or socio-emotional selectivity theory. We conclude that binding theory warrants further test in a range of paradigms, and that relations between aging and emotion, memory, and attention may depend on whether the task and stimuli trigger fast-reaction, involuntary binding processes, as in the taboo Stroop paradigm.
Ferulic Acid Exerts Anti-Angiogenic and Anti-Tumor Activity by Targeting Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1-Mediated Angiogenesis
Authors: Yang Guang-Wei , Jiang Jin-Song , Lu Wei-Qin
Published: October 2015

Most anti-angiogenic therapies currently being evaluated target the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway; however, the tumor vasculature can acquire resistance to VEGF-targeted therapy by shifting to other angiogenesis mechanisms. Therefore, other therapeutic agents that block non-VEGF angiogenic pathways need to be evaluated. Here, we identified ferulic acid as a novel fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) inhibitor and a novel agent with potential anti-angiogenic and anti-cancer activities. Ferulic acid demonstrated inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation, migration and tube formation in response to basic fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1). In ex vivo and in vivo angiogenesis assays, ferulic acid suppressed FGF1-induced microvessel sprouting of rat aortic rings and angiogenesis. To understand the underlying molecular basis, we examined the effects of ferulic acid on different molecular components and found that ferulic acid suppressed FGF1-triggered activation of FGFR1 and phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signaling. Moreover, ferulic acid directly inhibited proliferation and blocked the PI3K-Akt pathway in melanoma cell. In vivo, using a melanoma xenograft model, ferulic acid showed growth-inhibitory activity associated with inhibition of angiogenesis. Taken together, our results indicate that ferulic acid targets the FGFR1-mediated PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, leading to the suppression of melanoma growth and angiogenesis.
MiR-30a Inhibits the Epithelial—Mesenchymal Transition of Podocytes through Downregulation of NFATc3
Authors: Peng Rui , Zhou Li , Zhou Yuru , Zhao Ya , Li Qianyin , Ni Dongsheng , Hu Yanxia , Long Yaoshui , Liu Jianing , Lyu Zhongshi , Mao Zhaomin , Yuan Yue , Huang Liyuan , Zhao Hui , Li Ge , Zhou Qin
Published: October 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) possess an important regulating effect among numerous renal diseases, while their functions in the process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) after podocyte injury remain unclear. The purpose of our study is to identify the potential functions of miR-30a in EMT of podocytes and explore the underlying mechanisms of miR-30a in the impaired podocytes. The results revealed that downregulation of miR-30a in podocyte injury animal models and patients, highly induced the mesenchymal markers of EMT including Collagen I, Fibronectin and Snail. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-30a enhances epithelial markers (E-cadherin) but diminished mesenchymal markers (Collagen I, Fibronectin and Snail) in podocytes. In addition, we established miR-30a target NFATc3, an important transcription factor of Non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway. More importantly, our findings demonstrated that the augmentation of miR-30a level in podocytes inhibits the nuclear translocation of NFATc3 to protect cytoskeleton disorder or rearrangement. In summary, we uncovered the protective function of miR30a targeting NFATc3 in the regulation of podocyte injury response to EMT.
The Potential of Adaptive Design in Animal Studies
Authors: Majid Arshad , Bae Ok-Nam , Redgrave Jessica , Teare Dawn , Ali Ali , Zemke Daniel
Published: October 2015

Clinical trials are the backbone of medical research, and are often the last step in the development of new therapies for use in patients. Prior to human testing, however, preclinical studies using animal subjects are usually performed in order to provide initial data on the safety and effectiveness of prospective treatments. These studies can be costly and time consuming, and may also raise concerns about the ethical treatment of animals when potentially harmful procedures are involved. Adaptive design is a process by which the methods used in a study may be altered while it is being conducted in response to preliminary data or other new information. Adaptive design has been shown to be useful in reducing the time and costs associated with clinical trials, and may provide similar benefits in preclinical animal studies. The purpose of this review is to summarize various aspects of adaptive design and evaluate its potential for use in preclinical research.
Cancer Microenvironment: What Can We Learn from the Stem Cell Niche
Authors: Lacina Lukas , Plzak Jan , Kodet Ondrej , Szabo Pavol , Chovanec Martin , Dvorankova Barbora , Smetana Jr. Karel
Published: October 2015

Epidermal stem cells (ESCs) are crucial for maintenance and self- renewal of skin epithelium and also for regular hair cycling. Their role in wound healing is also indispensable. ESCs reside in a defined outer root sheath portion of hair follicle—also known as the bulge region. ECS are also found between basal cells of the interfollicular epidermis or mucous membranes. The non-epithelial elements such as mesenchymal stem cell-like elements of dermis or surrounding adipose tissue can also contribute to this niche formation. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) participate in formation of common epithelial malignant diseases such as basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma. In this review article, we focus on the role of cancer microenvironment with emphasis on the effect of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). This model reflects various biological aspects of interaction between cancer cell and CAFs with multiple parallels to interaction of normal epidermal stem cells and their niche. The complexity of intercellular interactions within tumor stroma is depicted on example of malignant melanoma, where keratinocytes also contribute the microenvironmental landscape during early phase of tumor progression. Interactions seen in normal bulge region can therefore be an important source of information for proper understanding to melanoma. The therapeutic consequences of targeting of microenvironment in anticancer therapy and for improved wound healing are included to article.
Differential Effects of Mycobacterium bovis BCG on Macrophages and Dendritic Cells from Murine Spleen
Authors: Xu Zhengzhong , Meng Chuang , Qiang Bin , Gu Hongyan , Sun Lin , Yin Yuelan , Pan Zhiming , Chen Xiang , Jiao Xinan
Published: October 2015

Macrophages (MΦ) and dendritic cells (DCs) are both pivotal antigen presenting cells capable of inducing specific cellular responses to inhaled mycobacteria, and thus, they may be important in the initiation of early immune responses to mycobacterial infection. In this study, we evaluated and compared the roles of murine splenic DCs and MΦs in immunity against Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (M.bovis BCG). The number of internalized rBCG-GFP observed was obviously greater in murine splenic MΦs compared with DCs, and the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in MΦs were all higher than in DCs. DCs have a stronger capacity for presenting Ag85A peptide to specific T hybridoma and when the murine splenic MΦs were infected with BCG and rBCG::Ag85A, low level of antigen presenting activity was detected. These data suggest that murine splenic MΦs participate in mycobacteria uptake, killing and inducing inflammatory response, whereas the murine splenic DCs are primarily involved in specific antigen presentation and T cell activation.
Effects of Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF) on Vitamin C and Its Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Hong , Zeng Xin-An , Brennan Charles , Brennan Margaret , Han Zhong , Xiong Xia-Yu
Published: October 2015

In this study, pulsed electric fields (PEF) treatments and their effects on the structure of vitamin C (VIT-C) were estimated by fluorescence and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, the relative content of VIT-C was measured by HPLC and the antioxidant properties of treated VIT-C by DPPH radical scavenging as well as reducing power tests. The fluorescence intensity of treated VIT-C increased slightly compared to the untreated VIT-C. Moreover, the effect of PEF on the structure of VIT-C was observed using the FT-IR spectra. These phenomena indicated that the PEF affected the conformation of VIT-C, which promoted the VIT-C isomer transformed enol-form into keto-form. In addition, the PEF treatments did not suffer the damage to VIT-C and could slow down the oxidation process in involving of experimental conditions by HPLC. The antioxidant properties of the treated VIT-C were enhanced, which was proved by radical scavenging and also the reducing power tests.
Cytokines and MicroRNAs as Candidate Biomarkers for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Stypińska Barbara , Paradowska-Gorycka Agnieszka
Published: October 2015

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease, with varied course and symptoms. Its etiology is very complex and not clearly understood. There is growing evidence of the important role of cytokines in SLE pathogenesis, as well as their utility as biomarkers and targets in new therapies. Other potential new SLE biomarkers are microRNAs. Recently, over one hundred different microRNAs have been demonstrated to have a significant impact on the immune system. Various alterations in these microRNAs, associated with disease pathogenesis, have been described. They influence the signaling pathways and functions of immune response cells. Here, we aim to review the emerging new data on SLE etiology and pathogenesis.
Inhibitory Effect of Dried Pomegranate Concentration Powder on Melanogenesis in B16F10 Melanoma Cells; Involvement of p38 and PKA Signaling Pathways
Authors: Kang Su , Choi Beom , Lee Eun , Kim Seung , Yi Hae , Park Hye , Song Chang , Lee Young , Ku Sae
Published: October 2015

Plants rich in antioxidant substances may be useful for preventing skin aging. Pomegranates, containing flavonoids and other polyphenolic compounds, are widely consumed due to their beneficial properties. We examined the underlying mechanisms of dried pomegranate concentrate powder (PCP) on melanin synthesis in B16F10 melanoma cells. The antioxidant effects of PCP were determined by measuring free radical scavenging capacity and transcript levels of antioxidant enzymes. To explore the inhibitory effects of PCP on melanin synthesis, we measured tyrosinase activity and melanin content in α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-stimulated B16F10 cells. In addition, the levels of tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1), TRP-2, tyrosinase, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) expression were determined by Western blotting. Changes in the phosphorylation status of protein kinase A (PKA), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), serine/threonine kinase Akt, and glycogen kinase 3β (GSK3β) were also examined. The free radical scavenging activity of PCP increased in a dose-dependent manner. In PCP-treated B16F10 cells, transcript levels of glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1) were increased compared with α-MSH-stimulated cells. In addition, PCP led to the down-regulation of phospho-p38, phospho-PKA, phospho-CREB, phospho-GSK3β, MITF, and TRP-1 compared with α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 cells. We believe this effect may be associated with PCP activity, which leads to the inhibition of melanin production and tyrosinase activity. These results suggest that PCP decreases tyrosinase activity and melanin production via inactivation of the p38 and PKA signaling pathways, and subsequently decreases phosphorylation of CREB, MITF, and melanogenic enzymes. These observations provided new insights on the molecular mechanisms of the skin-whitening property of PCP.
Metabolic and Physiological Responses of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L.) to Near Optimal Temperatures of 25 and 35 °C
Authors: Hochberg Uri , Batushansky Albert , Degu Asfaw , Rachmilevitch Shimon , Fait Aaron
Published: October 2015

Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon (Cs) grapevines were grown at near optimal temperatures (25 or 35 °C). Gas exchange, fluorescence, metabolic profiling and correlation based network analysis were used to characterize leaf physiology. When grown at 25 °C, the growth rate and photosynthesis of both cultivars were similar. At 35 °C Shiraz showed increased respiration, non-photochemical quenching and reductions of photosynthesis and growth. In contrast, Cs maintained relatively stable photosynthetic activity and growth regardless of the condition. In both cultivars, growth at 35 °C resulted in accumulations of secondary sugars (raffinose, fucose and ribulose) and reduction of primary sugars concentration (glucose, fructose and sucrose), more noticeably in Shiraz than Cs. In spite of similar patterns of metabolic changes in response to growth at 35 °C, significant differences in important leaf antioxidants and antioxidant precursors (DHA/ascorbate, quinates, cathechins) characterized the cultivar response. Correlation analysis reinforced Shiraz sensitivity to the 35 °C, showing higher number of newly formed edges at 35 °C and higher modularity in Shiraz as compared to Cs. The results suggest that the optimal growth temperatures of grapevines are cultivar dependent, and allow a first insight into the variability of the metabolic responses of grapevines under varied temperatures.
Development of Chitosan Scaffolds with Enhanced Mechanical Properties for Intestinal Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Zakhem Elie , Bitar Khalil
Published: October 2015

Massive resections of segments of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract lead to intestinal discontinuity. Functional tubular replacements are needed. Different scaffolds were designed for intestinal tissue engineering application. However, none of the studies have evaluated the mechanical properties of the scaffolds. We have previously shown the biocompatibility of chitosan as a natural material in intestinal tissue engineering. Our scaffolds demonstrated weak mechanical properties. In this study, we enhanced the mechanical strength of the scaffolds with the use of chitosan fibers. Chitosan fibers were circumferentially-aligned around the tubular chitosan scaffolds either from the luminal side or from the outer side or both. Tensile strength, tensile strain, and Young’s modulus were significantly increased in the scaffolds with fibers when compared with scaffolds without fibers. Burst pressure was also increased. The biocompatibility of the scaffolds was maintained as demonstrated by the adhesion of smooth muscle cells around the different kinds of scaffolds. The chitosan scaffolds with fibers provided a better candidate for intestinal tissue engineering. The novelty of this study was in the design of the fibers in a specific alignment and their incorporation within the scaffolds.
Precise Navigation of Small Agricultural Robots in Sensitive Areas with a Smart Plant Camera
Authors: Dworak Volker , Huebner Michael , Selbeck Joern
Published: October 2015

Most of the relevant technology related to precision agriculture is currently controlled by Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and uploaded map data; however, in sensitive areas with young or expensive plants, small robots are becoming more widely used in exclusive work. These robots must follow the plant lines with centimeter precision to protect plant growth. For cases in which GPS fails, a camera-based solution is often used for navigation because of the system cost and simplicity. The low-cost plant camera presented here generates images in which plants are contrasted against the soil, thus enabling the use of simple cross-correlation functions to establish high-resolution navigation control in the centimeter range. Based on the foresight provided by images from in front of the vehicle, robust vehicle control can be established without any dead time; as a result, off-loading the main robot control and overshooting can be avoided.
John Carroll’s Views on Intelligence: Bi-Factor vs. Higher-Order Models
Authors: Beaujean A.
Published: October 2015

The development of factor models is inextricably tied to the history of intelligence research. One of the most commonly-cited scholars in the field is John Carroll, whose three-stratum theory of cognitive ability has been one of the most influential models of cognitive ability in the past 20 years. Nonetheless, there is disagreement about how Carroll conceptualized the factors in his model. Some argue that his model is best represented through a higher-order model, while others argue that a bi-factor model is a better representation. Carroll was explicit about what he perceived the best way to represent his model, but his writings are not always easy to understand. In this article, I clarify his position by first describing the details and implications of bi-factor and higher-order models then show that Carroll’s published views are better represented by a bi-factor model.
Ionospheric Electron Density Perturbations Driven by Seismic Tsunami-Excited Gravity Waves: Effect of Dynamo Electric Field
Authors: Ma John , Hickey Michael , Komjathy Attila
Published: October 2015

The effect of an ionospheric dynamo electric field on the electron density and total electron content (TEC) perturbations in the F layer (150–600 km altitudes) is investigated at two arbitrarily selected locations (noted as 29° N and 60° N in latitudes) in the presence of seismic tsunami-excited gravity waves propagating in a stratified, nondissipative atmosphere where vertical gradients of atmospheric properties are taken into consideration. Generalized ion momentum and continuity equations are solved, followed by an analysis of the dynamo electric field (E). The E -strength is within several mV/m, determined by the zonal neutral wind and meridional geomagnetic field. It is found that, at the mid-latitude location, n0 e is dominated by the atmospheric meridional wind when E = 0, while it is determined by the zonal wind when E ≠ 0. The perturbed TEC over its unperturbed magnitude lies in around 10% at all altitudes for E = 0, while it keeps the same percentage at most altitudes for E ≠ 0, except a jump to >25% in the F2-peak layer (300–340 km in height). By contrast, at the low-latitude location, the TEC jump is eliminated by the locally enhanced background electron density.
Optical, Structural and Paramagnetic Properties of Eu-Doped Ternary Sulfides ALnS2 (A = Na, K, Rb; Ln = La, Gd, Lu, Y)
Authors: Jarý Vítězslav , Havlák Lubomír , Bárta Jan , Buryi Maksym , Mihóková Eva , Rejman Martin , Laguta Valentin , Nikl Martin
Published: October 2015

Eu-doped ternary sulfides of general formula ALnS2 (A = Na, K, Rb; Ln = La, Gd, Lu, Y) are presented as a novel interesting material family which may find usage as X-ray phosphors or solid state white light emitting diode (LED) lighting. Samples were synthesized in the form of transparent crystalline hexagonal platelets by chemical reaction under the flow of hydrogen sulfide. Their physical properties were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, and X-ray excited fluorescence. Corresponding characteristics, including absorption, radioluminescence, photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra, and decay kinetics curves, were measured and evaluated in a broad temperature range (8–800 K). Calculations including quantum local crystal field potential and spin-Hamiltonian for a paramagnetic particle in D3d local symmetry and phenomenological model dealing with excited state dynamics were performed to explain the experimentally observed features. Based on the results, an energy diagram of lanthanide energy levels in KLuS2 is proposed. Color model xy-coordinates are used to compare effects of dopants on the resulting spectrum. The application potential of the mentioned compounds in the field of white LED solid state lighting or X-ray phosphors is thoroughly discussed.
Investigation of Key Parameters of Rock Cracking Using the Expansion of Vermiculite Materia
Authors: Ahn Chi-Hyung , Hu Jong
Published: October 2015

The demand for the development of underground spaces has been sharply increased in lieu of saturated ground spaces because the residents of cities have steadily increased since the 1980s. The traditional widely used excavation methods (i.e., explosion and shield) have caused many problems, such as noise, vibration, extended schedule, and increased costs. The vibration-free (and explosion-free) excavation method has currently attracted attention in the construction site because of the advantage of definitively solving these issues. For such reason, a new excavation method that utilizes the expansion of vermiculite with relatively fewer defects is proposed in this study. In general, vermiculite materials are rapidly expanded in volume when they receive thermal energy. Expansion pressure can be produced by thermal expansion of vermiculite in a steel tube, and measured by laboratory tests. The experimental tests are performed with various influencing parameters in an effort to seek the optimal condition to effectively increase expansion pressure at the same temperature. Then, calibrated expansion pressure is estimated, and compared to each model. After analyzing test results for expansion pressure, it is verified that vermiculite expanded by heat can provide enough internal pressure to break hard rock during tunneling work.
Engineering Behavior and Characteristics of Wood Ash and Sugarcane Bagasse Ash
Authors: Grau Francisco , Choo Hyunwook , Hu Jong , Jung Jongwon
Published: October 2015

Biomasses are organic materials that are derived from any living or recently-living structure. Plenty of biomasses are produced nationwide. Biomasses are mostly combusted and usually discarded or disposed of without treatment as biomass ashes, which include wood and sugarcane bagasse ashes. Thus, recycling or treatment of biomass ashes leads to utilizing the natural materials as an economical and environmental alternative. This study is intended to provide an environmental solution for uncontrolled disposal of biomass ashes by way of recycling the biomass ash and replacing the soils in geotechnical engineering projects. Therefore, in this study, characteristic tests of wood and sugarcane bagasse ashes that are considered the most common biomass ashes are conducted. The test of chemical compositions of biomass ashes is conducted using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and heavy metal analysis is also conducted. Engineering behaviors including hydraulic conductivity, constrained modulus and shear modulus are examined. Also, coal fly ash Class C is used in this study for comparison with biomass ashes, and Ottawa 20/30 sands containing biomass ashes are examined to identify the soil replacement effect of biomass ashes. The results show that the particle sizes of biomass ashes are halfway between coal fly ash Class C and Ottawa 20/30 sand, and biomass ashes consist of a heterogeneous mixture of different particle sizes and shapes. Also, all heavy metal concentrations were found to be below the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maximum limit. Hydraulic conductivity values of Ottawa 20/30 sand decrease significantly when replacing them with only 1%–2% of biomass ashes. While both the constrained modulus and shear modulus of biomass ashes are lower than Ottawa 20/30 sand, those of mixtures containing up to 10% biomass ashes are little affected by replacing the soils with biomass ashes.
Fabrication of Microdots Using Piezoelectric Dispensing Technique for Viscous Fluids
Authors: Tsai Ho-Lin , Hwang Weng-Sing , Wang Jhih-Kai , Peng Wen-Chih , Chen  Shin-Hau
Published: October 2015

A simple microfluidic control method that uses a piezoelectric dispenser head is developed to fabricate microdots. A glycerol mixture was used as the test fluid to simulate conductive metallic solutions. The orifice diameter of the dispenser was 50 μm. Investigations were conducted at room temperature (25 °C). For each bipolar waveform, fluid was extruded in the form of a stretching liquid column, which eventually retracted into the dispenser orifice. Microdots were obtained by governing the liquid transfer process between the dispenser orifice and the target surface, where the gap was smaller than the maximum extrusion length during liquid column formation. Three fluid behaviors were observed using high-speed imaging, namely extrusion, impact on the target surface, and pinch-off of liquid ligament. For gaps of below 70 μm, some of the fluid sticking on the target surface resulted in a microdot diameter of 26 μm (about half of the orifice diameter).
Six New Polyketide Decalin Compounds from Mangrove Endophytic Fungus Penicillium aurantiogriseum 328#
Authors: Ma Yanhong , Li Jing , Huang Meixiang , Liu Lan , Wang Jun , Lin Yongcheng
Published: October 2015

Six new compounds with polyketide decalin ring, peaurantiogriseols A–F (1–6), along with two known compounds, aspermytin A (7), 1-propanone,3-hydroxy-1- (1,2,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro-2,5-dihydroxy-1,2,6-trimethyl-1-naphthalenyl) (8), were isolated from the fermentation products of mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium aurantiogriseum 328#. Their structures were elucidated based on their structure analysis. The absolute configurations of compounds 1 and 2 were determined by 1H NMR analysis of their Mosher esters; the absolute configurations of 3–6 were determined by using theoretical calculations of electronic circular dichroism (ECD). Compounds 1–8 showed low inhibitory activity against human aldose reductase, no activity of inducing neurite outgrowth, nor antimicrobial activity.
Spiromastixones Inhibit Foam Cell Formation via Regulation of Cholesterol Efflux and Uptake in RAW264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Wu Chongming , Chen Ran , Liu Mingyue , Liu Dong , Li Xin , Wang Shuai , Niu Siwen , Guo Peng , Lin Wenhan
Published: October 2015

Bioassay-guided evaluation shows that a deep sea-derived fungus, Spiromastix sp. MCCC 3A00308, possesses lipid-lowering activity. Chromatographic separation of a culture broth resulted in the isolation of 15 known depsidone-based analogues, labeled spiromastixones A–O (1–15). Each of these compounds was tested for its ability to inhibit oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-induced foam cell formation in RAW264.7 macrophages. Spiromastixones 6–8 and 12–14 significantly decreased oxLDL-induced lipid over-accumulation, reduced cell surface area, and reduced intracellular cholesterol concentration. Of these compounds, spiromastixones 6 and 14 exerted the strongest inhibitory effects. Spiromastixones 6 and 14 dramatically inhibited cholesterol uptake and stimulated cholesterol efflux to apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in RAW264.7 macrophages. Mechanistic investigation indicated that spiromastixones 6, 7, 12 and 14 significantly up-regulated the mRNA levels of ATP-binding cassette sub-family A1 (ABCA1) and down-regulated those of scavenger receptor CD36, while the transcription of ATP-binding cassette sub-family A1 (ABCG1) and proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) were selectively up-regulated by 6 and 14. A transactivation reporter assay revealed that spiromastixones 6 and 14 remarkably enhanced the transcriptional activity of PPARγ. These results suggest that spiromastixones inhibit foam cell formation through upregulation of PPARγ and ABCA1/G1 and downregulation of CD36, indicating that spiromastixones 6 and 14 are promising lead compounds for further development as anti-atherogenic agents.
Alicyclobacillus spp.: New Insights on Ecology and Preserving Food Quality through New Approaches
Authors: Ciuffreda Emanuela , Bevilacqua Antonio , Sinigaglia Milena , Corbo Maria
Published: October 2015

Alicyclobacillus spp. includes spore-forming and thermo-acidophilic microorganisms, usually recovered from soil, acidic drinks, orchards and equipment from juice producers. The description of the genus is generally based on the presence of ω-fatty acids in the membrane, although some newly described species do not possess them. The genus includes different species and sub-species, but A. acidoterrestris is generally regarded as the most important spoiler for acidic drinks and juices. The main goal of this review is a focus on the ecology of the genus, mainly on the species A. acidoterrestris, with a special emphasis on the different phenotypic properties and genetic traits, along with the correlation among them and with the primary source of isolation. Finally, the last section of the review reports on some alternative approaches to heat treatments (natural compounds and other chemical treatments) to control and/or reduce the contamination of food by Alicyclobacillus.
The Gut Microbiota as a Therapeutic Target in IBD and Metabolic Disease: A Role for the Bile Acid Receptors FXR and TGR5
Authors: Baars Annemarie , Oosting Annemarie , Knol Jan , Garssen Johan , Van Bergenhenegouwen Jeroen
Published: October 2015

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating many physiological systems of the host, including the metabolic and immune system. Disturbances in microbiota composition are increasingly correlated with disease; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Recent evidence suggests that changes in microbiota composition directly affect the metabolism of bile salts. Next to their role in digestion of dietary fats, bile salts function as signaling molecules for bile salt receptors such as Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and G protein-coupled bile acid receptor (TGR5). Complementary to their role in metabolism, FXR and TGR5 are shown to play a role in intestinal homeostasis and immune regulation. This review presents an overview of evidence showing that changes in bile salt pool and composition due to changes in gut microbial composition contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease and metabolic disease, possibly through altered activation of TGR5 and FXR. We further discuss how dietary interventions, such as pro- and synbiotics, may be used to treat metabolic disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) through normalization of bile acid dysregulation directly or indirectly through normalization of the intestinal microbiota.
Identification and Expression Analysis of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) E-Selectin during Embryonic Development
Authors: Sun Guijin , Liu Kechun , Wang Xue , Liu Xiuhe , He Qiuxia , Hsiao Chung-Der
Published: October 2015

In this study, we cloned the full-length cDNA of E-selectin of zebrafish (Danio rerio), analyzed its expression pattern and preliminarily explored its biological function. Zebrafish E-selectin cDNA is 3146 bp and encodes a putative 871 amino acid protein. All structural domains involved in E-selectin function are conserved in the putative protein. Whole-mount in situ hybridization of zebrafish at 24 and 48 h post-fertilization (hpf) revealed E-selectin expression mainly in vascular/endothelial progenitor cells in the posterior trunk and blood cells in the intermediate cell mass and posterior cardinal vein regions. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR analysis detected E-selectin expression at 0.2, 24 and 48 hpf and significantly decreased from 48 to 72 hpf. The expression of E-selectin, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β was significantly upregulated at 22 to 72 h after induction with bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Thus, the structure of E-selectin protein is highly conserved among species, and E-selectin may be involved in embryonic development and essential for hematopoiesis and angiogenesis during embryonic development in zebrafish. Furthermore, we provide the first evidence of inflammatory mediators inducing E-selectin expression in non-mammalian vertebrates, which suggests that zebrafish E-selectin may be involved in inflammation and probably has similar biological function to mammalian E-selectin.
Synthesis, Fluorescence Properties, and Antiproliferative Potential of Several 3-Oxo-3H-benzo[f]chromene-2-carboxylic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Fu Xiao-Bo , Wang Xian-Fu , Chen Jia-Nian , Wu De-Wen , Li Ting , Shen Xing-Can , Qin Jiang-Ke
Published: October 2015

In this study, two series of 3-oxo-3H-benzo[f]chromene-2-carboxylic acid derivatives (compounds 5a–i and 6a–g) were synthesized. Their in vitro proliferation inhibitory activities against the A549 and NCI-H460 human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines were evaluated. Their photophysical properties were measured. Among these target compounds, 5e exhibited the strongest antiproliferative activity by inducing apoptosis, arresting cell cycle, and elevating intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, suggesting that it may be a potent antitumor agent. In addition, compound 6g with very low cytotoxicity, demonstrated excellent fluorescence properties, which could be used as an effective fluorescence probe for biological imaging.
Green Synthesis of Novel Polyaniline Nanofibers: Application in pH Sensing
Authors: Tanwar Shivani , Ho Ja-an
Published: October 2015

An optically active polyaniline nanomaterial (PANI-Nap), doped with (S)-naproxen, was developed and evaluated as a potent pH sensor. We synthesized the material in one pot by the addition of the dopant, (S)-naproxen, prior to polymerization, followed by the addition of the oxidizing agent (ammonium persulfate) that causes polymerization of the aniline. This green chemistry approach allowed us to take only 1 h to produce a water-soluble and stable nanomaterial. UV-visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize the designed nanomaterial. This nanomaterial exhibited excellent pH sensing properties and showed long term stability (up to one month) without loss of sensor performance.
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of the Major Constituents in Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill by HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS
Authors: Chen Daxin , Lin Shan , Xu Wen , Huang Mingqing , Chu Jianfeng , Xiao Fei , Lin Jiumao , Peng Jun
Published: October 2015

Shexiang Tongxin dropping pill (STP) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that consists of total saponins of ginseng, synthetic Calculus bovis, bear gall, Venenum bufonis, borneol and Salvia miltiorrhiza. STP has been widely used in China and Southeast Asia for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, a qualitative analytical method using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry was developed for identification of the major constituents in STP. Based on the retention time and MS spectra, 41 components were identified by comparison with reference compounds and literature data. Moreover, using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry in multiple-reaction monitoring mode, we quantified 13 of the identified constituents (ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rk3, cinobufagin, arenobufagin, bufalin, resibufogenin, tanshinone IIA, taurine, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, taurocholic acid, cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, and chenodeoxycholic acid). These results suggest that this new approach is applicable for the routine analysis and quality control of STP products and provides fundamental data for further in vivo pharmacokinetical studies.