bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeted Allelic Expression Profiling in Human Islets Identifies cis-Regulatory Effects for Multiple Variants Identified by Type 2 Diabetes Genome-Wide Association Studies
Authors: Locke Jonathan M. , Hysenaj Gerald , Wood Andrew R. , Weedon Michael N. , Harries Lorna W.
Published: November 2014

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified variation at >65 genomic loci associated with susceptibility to type 2 diabetes, but little progress has been made in elucidating the molecular mechanisms behind most of these associations. Using samples heterozygous for transcribed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), allelic expression profiling is a powerful technique for identifying cis-regulatory variants controlling gene expression. In this study, exonic SNPs, suitable for measuring mature mRNA levels and in high linkage disequilibrium with 65 lead type 2 diabetes GWAS SNPs, were identified and allelic expression determined by real-time PCR using RNA and DNA isolated from islets of 36 white nondiabetic donors. A significant allelic expression imbalance (AEI) was identified for 7/14 (50%) genes tested (ANPEP, CAMK2B, HMG20A, KCNJ11, NOTCH2, SLC30A8, and WFS1), with significant AEI confirmed for five of these genes using other linked exonic SNPs. Lastly, results of a targeted islet expression quantitative trait loci experiment support the AEI findings for ANPEP, further implicating ANPEP as the causative gene at its locus. The results of this study support the hypothesis that changes to cis-regulation of gene expression are involved in a large proportion of SNP associations with type 2 diabetes susceptibility.
Hyperglycemia Predicts Persistently Lower Muscle Strength With Aging
Authors: Kalyani Rita Rastogi , Metter E. Jeffrey , Egan Josephine , Golden Sherita H. , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: November 2014

OBJECTIVE

Persons with diabetes have accelerated muscle loss compared with their counterparts. The relationship of hyperglycemia per se to declines in muscle function has not been explored yet has implications for developing appropriate intervention strategies to prevent muscle loss.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We examined 984 participants aged 25–96 years in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (2003–2011) with HbA1c, knee extensor strength (isokinetic dynamometer), and lean body mass (DEXA) measured at baseline. Participants had repeated measurements up to 7.5 years later. Muscle quality was defined as knee extensor strength/leg lean mass. Participants were categorized by HbA1c quartile (<5.5, 5.5–5.79, 5.8–6.09, and ≥6.1% or <37, 37–40, 40–43, and ≥43 mmol/mol). Mixed-effects regression models were used to examine the regression of muscle outcomes on HbA1c.

RESULTS

Muscle strength and quality were significantly lower across HbA1c quartiles (both P < 0.001), without differences in muscle mass at baseline. Comparing highest versus lowest HbA1c quartiles and adjusting for age, race, sex, weight, and height, strength was significantly lower (−4.70 ± 2.30 N · m; P value trend = 0.02) and results were unchanged after adjustment for physical activity (P value trend = 0.045) but of borderline significance after additional adjustment for peripheral neuropathy (P value trend = 0.05). Adjusting for demographics, muscle quality was significantly lower (−0.32 ± 0.15 N · m/kg; P value trend = 0.02) in the highest versus lowest HbA1c quartiles, but differences were attenuated after adjusting for weight and height (−0.25 ± 0.15 N · m/kg; P value trend = 0.07). Muscle mass measures were similar across HbA1c quartiles.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperglycemia is associated with persistently lower muscle strength with aging, but this effect may be mediated, at least in part, by peripheral neuropathy. Future studies should explore if better glycemic control can preserve muscle function in diabetes.
Experimental and numerical study of spiral scan paths on cap laser forming
Authors: Hoseinpour Gollo Mohammad , Nadi Gholamreza , Mehdi Mohammad , Abbaszadeh Masoud
Published: November 2014

Laser forming is a new technology in sheet metal forming process, which has different applications for the industries that have previously used large tools for this purpose. Important parameters for achieving the desirable shape in laser forming process are scan speed, laser power, and scan pattern type. In this paper, finite element method simulation was done to study effect of different scan path to obtain shape of cap from a circular plate. Then, results of different scan paths were compared with each other at same condition. Comparing radius, curvatures, and edge distortion for different scan paths showed that spiral paths produced better caps than circular ones owing to their continuity. The experiments were performed using parameters of full Fermat's scan path that obtained appropriate from simulations. Comparison between simulation and experimental results has shown good agreement.
Effect of photobiomodulation on osseointegration and bone—A review
Authors: Mathews M. Alex , Pai B. S. Jagdish , Benedicenti Stefano
Published: November 2014

This review article first delves into the intricacies and basic mechanisms of photobiomodulation as proven by scientific research. This paper intends to give insights into studies correlating photobiomodulation in the sphere of osseointegration and bone regeneration, which are as yet evidence based in peer reviewed literature. The assimilated and collated matter is from five electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Database of Randomised Clinical Trials) and is a studious inquiry into both clinical and laboratory studies. The search criteria used keywords of “Photobiomodulation,” “Biostimulation,” and “low level laser therapy (LLLT)” in association with the term “Osseointegration.” The search was based on whether the studies hinged on the use of photobiomodulation or LLLT in the in vivo or in vitro effects on implant integration, bone healing around implants, cell culture on implant material, and the dosage and time of therapy. The search yielded 42 studies out of which 37 met the criteria for selection. Excluded studies differed from the primary objective of applying low level laser therapy to effect a biologic modulation on the body's own healing and reparative mechanisms. This review conclusively demonstrates the effectiveness of treatment protocols of photobiomodulation for osseointegration, specifically toward biostimulatory effects on cells and their interactions with implant surfaces and substantiates evidence of a bimodal or biphasic response of dosage and energy levels.
Emerging cephalosporin and multidrug-resistant gonorrhoea in Europe
Authors: Cole M J , Spiteri G , Chisholm S A , Hoffmann S , Ison C A , Unemo M , Van de Laar M
Published: November 2014

Neisseria gonorrhoeae has consistently developed resistance to antimicrobials used therapeutically for gonorrhoea and few antimicrobials remain for effective empiric first-line therapy. Since 2009 the European gonococcal antimicrobial surveillance programme (Euro-GASP) has been running as a sentinel surveillance system across Member States of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) to monitor antimicrobial susceptibility in N. gonorrhoeae. During 2011, N. gonorrhoeae isolates were collected from 21 participating countries, and 7.6% and 0.5% of the examined gonococcal isolates had in vitro resistance to cefixime and ceftriaxone, respectively. The rate of ciprofloxacin and azithromycin resistance was 48.7% and 5.3%, respectively. Two (0.1%) isolates displayed high-level resistance to azithromycin, i.e. a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≥256 mg/L. The current report further highlights the public health need to implement the European response plan, including further strengthening of Euro-GASP, to control and manage the threat of multidrug resistant N. gonorrhoeae.
10 years of surveillance of human tularaemia in France
Authors: Mailles A , Vaillant V
Published: November 2014

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Syphilis reinfections pose problems for syphilis diagnosis in Antwerp, Belgium – 1992 to 2012
Authors: Kenyon C , Lynen L , Florence E , Caluwaerts S , Vandenbruaene M , Apers L , Soentjens P , Van Esbroeck M , Bottieau E
Published: November 2014

Persons with multiple syphilis reinfections may play an important role in syphilis transmission. We analysed all syphilis tests carried out for people attending the HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic at the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium, from 1992 to 2012 to evaluate the extent to which syphilis reinfections were contributing to the syphilis epidemic in Antwerp. We then characterised the features of the syphilis infections in individuals with five or more episodes of syphilis. A total of 729 syphilis episodes were diagnosed in 454 persons. The majority of syphilis episodes occurred in people who had more than one episode of syphilis (445/729; 61%). A total of 10 individuals had five or more episodes of syphilis diagnosed over this period. All were men who have sex with men, HIV positive and on antiretroviral therapy. They had a total of 52 episodes of syphilis diagnosed and treated. In 38/42 of the episodes of repeat syphilis in these 10 individuals, they presented without any signs or symptoms of syphilis. Given that the majority of cases of incident syphilis in our clinic were persons with reinfections and that they frequently presented without signs of symptoms of syphilis, there is a strong case for frequent and repeated screening in all persons with a diagnosis of syphilis.
Effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccination during pregnancy in preventing influenza infection in infants, England, 2013/14
Authors: Dabrera G , Zhao H , Andrews N , Begum F , Green H K , Ellis J , Elias K , Donati M , Zambon M , Pebody R
Published: November 2014

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Are Child Cognitive Characteristics Strong Predictors of Responses to Intervention? A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Stuebing Karla K. , Barth Amy E. , Trahan Lisa H. , Reddy Radhika R. , Miciak Jeremy , Fletcher Jack M.
Published: November 2014

We conducted a meta-analysis of 28 studies comprising 39 samples to ask the question, “What is the magnitude of the association between various baseline child cognitive characteristics and response to reading intervention?” Studies were located via literature searches, contact with researchers in the field, and review of references from the National Reading Panel Report. Eligible participant populations included at-risk elementary school children enrolled in the third grade or below. Effects were analyzed using a shifting unit of analysis approach within three statistical models: cognitive characteristics predicting growth curve slope (Model 1, mean r = .31), gain (Model 2, mean r = .21), or postintervention reading controlling for preintervention reading (Model 3, mean r = .15). Effects were homogeneous within each model when effects were aggregated within study. The small size of the effects calls into question the practical significance and utility of using cognitive characteristics for prediction of response when baseline reading is available.
Representing Student Argumentation as Functionally Emergent From Scientific Activity
Authors: Manz Eve
Published: November 2014

Science educators increasingly seek to support students’ participation in scientific practices, particularly epistemic practices, that is, those that ground authority for knowing in the discipline. Argumentation is one practice that has received significant attention in the research literature. However, scholars who take a sociocultural stance increasingly suggest that current conceptualizations are not sufficient for characterizing and supporting important aspects of scientific practice. In this article, I explore how students’ argumentation can be brought into closer alignment with that of scientists. I identify consequential differences in the contexts in which scientists and students typically enact argumentation and discuss how these differences have been addressed in the literature. Finally, I propose several directions for further research: embedding argumentation in uncertain scientific activity, supporting students to contest both what they know and their means of knowing, building more carefully from students’ resources, and attending to the development of epistemic cultures in classrooms.
Estimating population relation- method and assumptions
Authors: Sapkota Vishnu Prasad
Published: November 2014

Researchers often try to estimate the relationship among the variables in a population using regression modelling. In public health statistical literature, a clear theoretical introduction about the theory underlying the estimation techniques and assumptions is often lacking. In empirical papers, many do not discuss the violation of regression assumptions, and quite often, emphasis has been laid only on the aspects that are less important. In this theoretical review, I have described a theory behind the estimation of population relation, preliminaries of regression methods and various assumptions one has to take care of while estimating the population relation in an unbiased manner.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hprospect.v13i1.11105 Health Prospect Vol.13(1) 2014: 4-6
Health seeking behavior during pregnancy and delivery in Morang District of Nepal
Authors: Sah RB , Subedi L , Shah U , Jha N
Published: November 2014

Background and objectives: Importance of maternal health has been recognized over the last decade, however information about the perception of illness and health care behavior of obstetric complication is lacking. So, this study was conducted to find out the prevalence of taking care during pregnancy and delivery, and to find out the association between sociodemographic characteristics and taking care during pregnancy and delivery. Material and Methods: The study is a cross-sectional study conducted among the residents of Rangeli VDC of Morang District in Eastern Nepal where 300 households were taken as subjects. Semi-structured questionnaire was used and face to face interview was conducted. Chi-square test was applied to find out the association between sociodemographic characteristics and taking care during pregnancy and delivery. Results: Almost forty percent of pregnant women have taken care during pregnancy and delivery i.e. delivery conducted in Health Care Center (HCC). Only 21.8% of women were applied antiseptics after cutting cord and sixty three percent of women have fed colostrums to their babies. All of the women with Brahmin/ Chhetri have conducted delivery in Health Care Center. The women with SLC and higher education have conducted delivery at HCC more (91.1%) than below SLC (51%) and illiterate (12.5%). The women with service have conducted delivery at HCC more than other occupational groups. Conclusion: The problem of taking care during pregnancy and delivery is common and has become a key public health concern for all. Lack of education and poor occupation of wife and husband led some of the respondents not taking care during pregnancy and delivery. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jmcjms.v2i1.11389   Janaki Medical College Journal of Medical Sciences (2014) Vol. 2 (1): 4-9
Current view on biomedical applications of synthetic metal-polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Kaushik R , Sharma NK
Published: November 2014

Recent advances in the field of nanotechnology led several groups to recognize the promise of recruiting nanocomposities to the ongoing battle against pathogenic gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and metal-polymer nanocomposites are a typical example. On the basis of recent literature, the nanocomposities are synthesized mainly by two techniques i.e. in-situ and ex-situ technique and these nanocomposities have great biomedical applications in terms of their antibacterial activity. A large battery of newly developed and discovered nanocomposities has been accumulating during the last decade. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jmcjms.v2i1.11422   Janaki Medical College Journal of Medical Sciences (2014) Vol. 2 (1):52-58
Characterization of Deformation Twins in Meteorites and Dynamically Loaded Ferrous Materials by Means Of Electron Backscatter Diffraction, EBSD
Authors: Ecke M. , Schwarz F. , Krüger L. , Wilke M. , Heyse H. , Wendt U. , Krüger M.
Published: November 2014

This work presents a comparison of crystallographic properties of twin bands formed in bcc iron and those formed in iron meteorites (Neumann bands) during high speed deformation identified by means of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Deformation twins were produced in Armco iron and in steel S235 by firing with an AK74 gun and by impact pressure in the drop impact tester. The twin bands of a few micrometers thickness are embedded in the surrounding crystallographically uniformly oriented grain matrix with a misorientation angle of approx. 59° and the Σ3 incidence. The twin system {112}<111> is preferentially activated. The temperature during loading and the grain size have an impact on the extent of twin formation. However, they do not influence the twin system. The findings provide relevant information on the twin formation mechanism in ferrous bcc materials.
Neural Networks for Muscle Forces Prediction in Cycling
Authors: Cecchini Giulio , Lozito Gabriele , Schmid Maurizio , Conforto Silvia , Fulginei Francesco , Bibbo Daniele
Published: November 2014

This paper documents the research towards the development of a system based on Artificial Neural Networks to predict muscle force patterns of an athlete during cycling. Two independent inverse problems must be solved for the force estimation: evaluation of the kinematic model and evaluation of the forces distribution along the limb. By solving repeatedly the two inverse problems for different subjects and conditions, a training pattern for an Artificial Neural Network was created. Then, the trained network was validated against an independent validation set, and compared to evaluate agreement between the two alternative approaches using Bland-Altman method. The obtained neural network for the different test patterns yields a normalized error well below 1% and the Bland-Altman plot shows a considerable correlation between the two methods. The new approach proposed herein allows a direct and fast computation for the inverse dynamics of a cyclist, opening the possibility of integrating such algorithm in a real time environment such as an embedded application.
Aerospace—An Open Access Journal
Authors: Kontis Konstantinos
Published: November 2014

Welcome to Aerospace, an open journal covering aerospace science, engineering and technology. We seek to publish theoretical, fundamental, and applied results linked to potential applications related to research, design, manufacture, operations, control and maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft. A full description of the journal scope can be found on the journal website [1].[...]
An Integrated Energy-Efficient Operation Methodology for Metro Systems Based on a Real Case of Shanghai Metro Line One
Authors: Gong Cheng , Zhang Shiwen , Zhang Feng , Jiang Jianguo , Wang Xinheng
Published: November 2014

Metro systems are one of the most important transportation systems in people’s lives. Due to the huge amount of energy it consumes every day, highly-efficient operation of a metro system will lead to significant energy savings. In this paper, a new integrated Energy-efficient Operation Methodology (EOM) for metro systems is proposed and validated. Compared with other energy saving methods, EOM does not incur additional cost. In addition, it provides solutions to the frequent disturbance problems in the metro systems. EOM can be divided into two parts: Timetable Optimization (TO) and Compensational Driving Strategy Algorithm (CDSA). First, to get a basic energy-saving effect, a genetic algorithm is used to modify the dwell time of each stop to obtain the most optimal energy-efficient timetable. Then, in order to save additional energy when disturbances happen, a novel CDSA algorithm is formulated and proposed based on the foregoing method. To validate the correctness and effectiveness of the energy-savings possible with EOM, a real case of Shanghai Metro Line One (SMLO) is studied, where EOM was applied. The result shows that a significant amount of energy can be saved by using EOM.
Environmental and Anthropogenic Factors Influencing Salamanders in Riparian Forests: A Review
Authors: Clipp Hannah , Anderson James
Published: November 2014

Salamanders and riparian forests are intimately interconnected. Salamanders are integral to ecosystem functions, contributing to vertebrate biomass and complex food webs in riparian forests. In turn, these forests are critical ecosystems that perform many environmental services, facilitate high biodiversity and species richness, and provide habitat to salamander populations. Due to the global decline of amphibians, it is important to understand, as thoroughly and holistically as possible, the roles of environmental parameters and the impact of human activities on salamander abundance and diversity in riparian forests. To determine the population responses of salamanders to a variety of environmental factors and anthropogenic activities, we conducted a review of published literature that compared salamander abundance and diversity, and then summarized and synthesized the data into general patterns. We identify stream quality, leaf litter and woody debris, riparian buffer width, and soil characteristics as major environmental factors influencing salamander populations in riparian forests, describe and explain salamander responses to those factors, and discuss the effects of anthropogenic activities such as timber harvest, prescribed fires, urbanization, road construction, and habitat fragmentation. This review can assist land and natural resource managers in anticipating the consequences of human activities and preparing strategic conservation plans.
Smart Cellulose Fibers Coated with Carbon Nanotube Networks
Authors: Qi Haisong , Liu Jianwen , Mäder Edith
Published: November 2014

Smart multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-coated cellulose fibers with a unique sensing ability were manufactured by a simple dip coating process. The formation of electrically-conducting MWCNT networks on cellulose mono- and multi-filament fiber surfaces was confirmed by electrical resistance measurements and visualized by scanning electron microscopy. The interaction between MWCNT networks and cellulose fiber was investigated by Raman spectroscopy. The piezoresistivity of these fibers for strain sensing was investigated. The MWCNT-coated cellulose fibers exhibited a unique linear strain-dependent electrical resistance change up to 18% strain, with good reversibility and repeatability. In addition, the sensing behavior of these fibers to volatile molecules (including vapors of methanol, ethanol, acetone, chloroform and tetrahydrofuran) was investigated. The results revealed a rapid response, high sensitivity and good reproducibility for these chemical vapors. Besides, they showed good selectivity to different vapors. It is suggested that the intrinsic physical and chemical features of cellulose fiber, well-formed MWCNT networks and favorable MWCNT-cellulose interaction caused the unique and excellent sensing ability of the MWCNT-coated cellulose fibers, which have the potential to be used as smart materials.
Community-Based Lifestyle Intervention for Reducing Blood Pressure and Glucose among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in China: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lin Aihua , Zhang Guanrong , Liu Zhiting , Gu Jing , Chen Weiqing , Luo Futian
Published: November 2014

Although evidence suggests that lifestyle interventions can reduce blood pressure (BP) and glucose levels, there is little information about the feasibility of such interventions when implemented in community settings. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a community-based lifestyle intervention on BP and glucose in the middle-aged and older Chinese population. By using a cluster randomisation approach, 474 participants from two communities were assigned to the intervention group which received intensive health education and behavioural intervention, or the control group which received conventional education. Linear mixed models were used to compare between-group differences on change in BP and fasting glucose after 6, 12 and 24 months. At the 12-month follow-up, the intervention group experienced significantly reductions in systolic BP (−4.9 vs. 2.4 mmHg; mean difference [MD] −7.3 mmHg; p < 0.001), diastolic BP (−1.9 vs. 1.9 mmHg; MD −3.8 mmHg; p < 0.001) and fasting glucose (−0.59 vs. 0.08 mmol/L; MD −0.67 mmol/L; p < 0.001). These differences were sustained at the 24-month follow-up. With only two communities, it was not possible to adjust for potential clustering by site. This approach of lifestyle interventions conducted through primary care services may be a potential solution for combating hypertension and diabetes in a resource-limited country context in China.
Liver δ-Aminolevulinate Dehydratase Activity is Inhibited by Neonicotinoids and Restored by Antioxidant Agents
Authors: Sauer Elisa , Moro Angela , Brucker Natália , Nascimento Sabrina , Gauer Bruna , Fracasso Rafael , Gioda Adriana , Beck Ruy , Moreira José , Eifler-Lima Vera , Garcia Solange
Published: November 2014

Neonicotinoids represent the most used class of insecticides worldwide, and their precursor, imidacloprid, is the most widely marketed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of imidacloprid on the activity of hepatic δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D), protective effect of potential antioxidants against this potential effect and presence of chemical elements in the constitution of this pesticide. We observed that δ-ALA-D activity was significantly inhibited by imidacloprid at all concentrations tested in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 value was obtained and used to evaluate the restoration of the enzymatic activity. δ-ALA-D inhibition was completely restored by addition of dithiotreitol (DTT) and partly by ZnCl2, demonstrating that the inhibition occurs by oxidation of thiol groups and by displacement of the Zn (II), which can be explained by the presence of chemical elements found in the constitution of pesticides. Reduced glutathione (GSH) had the best antioxidant effect against to δ-ALA-D inhibition caused by imidacloprid, followed by curcumin and resveratrol. It is well known that inhibition of the enzyme δ-ALA-D may result in accumulation of its neurotoxic substrate (δ-ALA), in this line, our results suggest that further studies are needed to investigate the possible neurotoxicity induced by neonicotinoids and the involvement of antioxidants in cases of poisoning by neonicotinoids.
How Has the Availability of Snus Influenced Cigarette Smoking in Norway?
Authors: Lund Ingeborg , Lund Karl
Published: November 2014

Background: In Norway, low-nitrosamine smokeless tobacco (snus) is allowed to compete with cigarettes for market share. We aimed to study how the availability of snus influenced overall tobacco consumption, smoking initiation and smoking cessation. We discuss whether the Norwegian experience with snus can have any transfer value for e-cigarettes. Methods: We analysed consumption data from registered and unregistered supply sources of tobacco. We calculated quit-smoking ratios across snus use status in nine datasets comprising a total of 19,269 ever-smokers. Trends in snus use and smoking were derived from time-series of annual; cross-sectional; nationally representative surveys for the period 1985–2013. Results: The market share for snus increased from 4% in 1985 to 28% in 2012, but overall tobacco consumption decreased by 20.3% over this same period. Snus was the most common method for smoking cessation. Compared with smokers with no experience of using snus, the quit ratio for smoking was significantly higher for daily snus users in seven of the nine datasets analysed. Among young male adults, the prevalence of smoking (daily + occasional) was reduced from 50% in 1985 to 21% in 2013. Over the same period, use of snus increased from 9% to 33%. This negative correlation (r = −0.900, p < 0.001) was also observed among young females (r = −0.811, p < 0.001), but the trend shift in tobacco preferences occurred some years later. Conclusions: The experience with snus in Norway might indicate what will happen when alternative nicotine products––are allowed to compete with cigarettes in the nicotine market.
Current Models of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1) Activation by Growth Factors and Amino Acids
Authors: Zheng Xu , Liang Yan , He Qiburi , Yao Ruiyuan , Bao Wenlei , Bao Lili , Wang Yanfeng , Wang Zhigang
Published: November 2014

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which is now referred to as mechanistic target of rapamycin, integrates many signals, including those from growth factors, energy status, stress, and amino acids, to regulate cell growth and proliferation, protein synthesis, protein degradation, and other physiological and biochemical processes. The mTOR-Rheb-TSC-TBC complex co-localizes to the lysosome and the phosphorylation of TSC-TBC effects the dissociation of the complex from the lysosome and activates Rheb. GTP-bound Rheb potentiates the catalytic activity of mTORC1. Under conditions with growth factors and amino acids, v-ATPase, Ragulator, Rag GTPase, Rheb, hVps34, PLD1, and PA have important but disparate effects on mTORC1 activation. In this review, we introduce five models of mTORC1 activation by growth factors and amino acids to provide a comprehensive theoretical foundation for future research.
Distinct Expression Profiles of Three Melatonin Receptors during Early Development and Metamorphosis in the Flatfish Solea senegalensis
Authors: Lan-Chow-Wing Olivier , Confente Francesca , Herrera-Pérez Patricia , Isorna Esther , Chereguini Olvido , Rendón Maria , Falcón Jack , Muñoz-Cueto José
Published: November 2014

Melatonin actions are mediated through G protein-coupled transmembrane receptors. Recently, mt1, mt2, and mel1c melatonin receptors were cloned in the Senegalese sole. Here, their day-night and developmental expressions were analyzed by quantitative PCR. These results revealed distinct expression patterns of each receptor through development. mel1c transcripts were more abundant in unfertilized ovulated oocytes and declined during embryonic development. mt1 and mt2 expression was higher at the earliest stages (2–6 days post-fertilization), decreasing before (mt2) or during (mt1) metamorphosis. Only mt1 and mel1c expression exhibited day-night variations, with higher nocturnal mRNA levels. These results suggest different roles and transcriptional regulation of these melatonin receptors during flatfish development and metamorphosis.
Peptide Array on Cellulose Support—A Screening Tool to Identify Peptides with Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitory Activity within the Sequence of α-Lactalbumin
Authors: Lacroix Isabelle , Li-Chan Eunice
Published: November 2014

The inhibition of the enzyme dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPP-IV) is an effective pharmacotherapeutic approach for the management of type 2 diabetes. Recent findings have suggested that dietary proteins, including bovine α-lactalbumin, could be precursors of peptides able to inhibit DPP-IV. However, information on the location of active peptide sequences within the proteins is far from being comprehensive. Moreover, the traditional approach to identify bioactive peptides from foods can be tedious and long. Therefore, the objective of this study was to use peptide arrays to screen α-lactalbumin-derived peptides for their interaction with DPP-IV. Deca-peptides spanning the entire α-lactalbumin sequence, with a frame shift of 1 amino acid between successive sequences, were synthesized on cellulose membranes using “SPOT” technology, and their binding to and inhibition of DPP-IV was studied. Among the 114 α-lactalbumin-derived decamers investigated, the peptides 60WCKDDQNPHS69 (αKi = 76 µM), 105LAHKALCSEK114 (Ki = 217 µM) and 110LCSEKLDQWL119 (Ki = 217 µM) were among the strongest DPP-IV inhibitors. While the SPOT- and traditionally-synthesized peptides showed consistent trends in DPP-IV inhibitory activity, the cellulose-bound peptides’ binding behavior was not correlated to their ability to inhibit the enzyme. This research showed, for the first time, that peptide arrays are useful screening tools to identify DPP-IV inhibitory peptides from dietary proteins.
Chrysin Protects against Focal Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Mice through Attenuation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Yao Yang , Chen Li , Xiao Jinting , Wang Chunyang , Jiang Wei , Zhang Rongxin , Hao Junwei
Published: November 2014

Inflammation and oxidative stress play an important part in the pathogenesis of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, resulting in neuronal death. The signaling pathways involved and the underlying mechanisms of these events are not fully understood. Chrysin, which is a naturally occurring flavonoid, exhibits various biological activities. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective properties of chrysin in a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). To this end, male C57/BL6 mice were pretreated with chrysin once a day for seven days and were then subjected to 1 h of middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by reperfusion for 24 h. Our data show that chrysin successfully decreased neurological deficit scores and infarct volumes, compared with the vehicle group. The increases in glial cell numbers and proinflammatory cytokine secretion usually caused by ischemia/reperfusion were significantly ameliorated by chrysin pretreatment. Moreover, chrysin also inhibited the MCAO-induced up-regulation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), compared with the vehicle. These results suggest that chrysin could be a potential prophylactic agent for cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury mediated by its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects.
Reactive Oxygen Species and Autophagy Modulation in Non-Marine Drugs and Marine Drugs
Authors: Farooqi Ammad , Fayyaz Sundas , Hou Ming-Feng , Li Kun-Tzu , Tang Jen-Yang , Chang Hsueh-Wei
Published: November 2014

It is becoming more understandable that an existing challenge for translational research is the development of pharmaceuticals that appropriately target reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated molecular networks in cancer cells. In line with this approach, there is an overwhelmingly increasing list of many non-marine drugs and marine drugs reported to be involved in inhibiting and suppressing cancer progression through ROS-mediated cell death. In this review, we describe the strategy of oxidative stress-based therapy and connect the ROS modulating effect to the regulation of apoptosis and autophagy. Finally, we focus on exploring the function and mechanism of cancer therapy by the autophagy modulators including inhibitors and inducers from non-marine drugs and marine drugs.
Consumer Knowledge, Attitudes and Salt-Related Behavior in the Middle-East: The Case of Lebanon
Authors: Nasreddine Lara , Akl Christelle , Al-Shaar Laila , Almedawar Mohamad , Isma'eel Hussain
Published: November 2014

Sodium intake is high in Lebanon, a country of the Middle East region where rates of cardiovascular diseases are amongst the highest in the world. This study examines salt-related knowledge, attitude and self-reported behaviors amongst adult Lebanese consumers and investigates the association of socio-demographic factors, knowledge and attitudes with salt-related behaviors. Using a multicomponent questionnaire, a cross-sectional study was conducted in nine supermarkets in Beirut, based on systematic random sampling (n = 442). Factors associated with salt-related behaviors were examined by multivariate regression analysis. Specific knowledge and attitude gaps were documented with only 22.6% of participants identifying processed foods as the main source of salt, 55.6% discerning the relationship between salt and sodium, 32.4% recognizing the daily limit of salt intake and 44.7% reporting being concerned about the amount of salt in their diet. The majority of participants reported behavioral practices that increase salt intake with only 38.3% checking for salt label content, 43.7% reporting that their food purchases are influenced by salt content and 38.6% trying to buy low-salt foods. Knowledge, attitudes and older age were found to significantly predict salt-related behaviors. Findings offer valuable insight on salt-related knowledge, attitude and behaviors in a sample of Lebanese consumers and provide key information that could spur the development of evidence-based salt-reduction interventions specific to the Middle East.
Applying Spectral Unmixing to Determine Surface Water Parameters in a Mining Environment
Authors: Kopačková Veronika , Hladíková Lenka
Published: November 2014

Compared to natural waters, mine waters represent an extreme water type that is frequently heavily polluted. Although they have been traditionally monitored by in situ measurements of point samples taken at regular intervals, the emergence of a new generation of multispectral and hyperspectral (HS) sensors means that image spectroscopy has the potential to become a modern method for monitoring polluted surface waters. This paper describes an approach employing linear Spectral Unmixing (LSU) for analysis of hyperspectral image data to map the relative abundances of mine water components (dissolved Fe—Fediss, dissolved organic carbon—DOC, undissolved particles). The ground truth data (8 monitored ponds) were used to validate the results of spectral mapping. The same approach applied to HS data was tested using the image data resampled to WorldView2 (WV2) spectral resolution. A key aspect of the image data processing was to define the proper pure image end members for the fundamental water types. The highest correlations detected between the studied water parameters and the fractional images using the HyMap and the resampled WV2 data, respectively, were: dissolved Fe (R2 = 0.74 and R2vw2 = 0.6), undissolved particles (R2 = 0.57 and R2vw2 = 0.49) and DOC (R2 = 0.42 and R2vw2 < 0.40). These fractional images were further classified to create semi-quantitative maps. In conclusion, the classification still benefited from the higher spectral resolution of the HyMap data; however the WV2 reflectance data can be suitable for mapping specific inherent optical properties (SIOPs), which significantly differ from one another from an optical point of view (e.g., mineral suspension, dissolved Fe and phytoplankton), but it seems difficult to differentiate among diverse suspension particles, especially when the waters have more complex properties (e.g., mineral particles, DOC together with tripton or other particles, etc.).
Daily Area of Snow Melt Onset on Arctic Sea Ice from Passive Microwave Satellite Observations 1979–2012
Authors: Bliss Angela , Anderson Mark
Published: November 2014

Variability in snow melt onset (MO) on Arctic sea ice since 1979 is examined by determining the area of sea ice experiencing the onset of melting during the melt season on a daily basis. The daily MO area of the snow and ice surface is determined from passive microwave satellite-derived MO dates for the Arctic Ocean and sub-regions. Annual accumulations of MO area are determined by summing the time series of daily MO area through the melt season. Daily areas and annual accumulations of MO area highlight inter-annual and regional variability in the timing of MO area, which is sensitive to day-to-day variations in spring weather conditions. Two distinct spatial patterns in MO area accumulations including an intense, fast accumulating melt area pattern and a slow accumulating melt pattern are examined for two melting events in the Kara Sea. In comparing the 34 years of MO dates for the Arctic Ocean and sub-regions, melt accumulations have changed during the period. In the earlier years, 1979–1987, the MO generally was later in the year than the mean, while in more recent years, the MO accumulations have been occurring earlier in the melt season. The sub-regions of the Arctic Ocean also exhibit greater annual variability than the Arctic Ocean.
An Operational System for Estimating Road Traffic Information from Aerial Images
Authors: Leitloff Jens , Rosenbaum Dominik , Kurz Franz , Meynberg Oliver , Reinartz Peter
Published: November 2014

Given that ground stationary infrastructures for traffic monitoring are barely able to handle everyday traffic volumes, there is a risk that they could fail altogether in situations arising from mass events or disasters. In this work, we present an alternative approach for traffic monitoring during disaster and mass events, which is based on an airborne optical sensor system. With this system, optical image sequences are automatically examined on board an aircraft to estimate road traffic information, such as vehicle positions, velocities and driving directions. The traffic information, estimated in real time on board, is immediately downlinked to a ground station. The airborne sensor system consists of a three-head camera system, a real-time-capable GPS/INS unit, five industrial PCs and a downlink unit. The processing chain for automatic extraction of traffic information contains modules for the synchronization of image and navigation data streams, orthorectification and vehicle detection and tracking modules. The vehicle detector is based on a combination of AdaBoost and support vector machine classifiers. Vehicle tracking relies on shape-based matching operators. The processing chain is evaluated on a large number of image sequences recorded during several campaigns, and the data quality is compared to that obtained from induction loops. In summary, we can conclude that the achieved overall quality of the traffic data extracted by the airborne system is in the range of 68% and 81%. Thus, it is comparable to data obtained from stationary ground sensor networks.
Design of a Secure System Considering Quality of Service
Authors: Heo Seondong , Lee Soojin , Doo Seokjoo , Yoon Hyunsoo
Published: November 2014

Improvements in networking technologies have provided users with useful information services. Such information services may bring convenience and efficiency, but might be accompanied by vulnerabilities to a variety of attacks. Therefore, a variety of research to enhance the security of the systems and get the services at the same time has been carried out. Especially, research on intrusion-tolerant systems (ITSs) has been conducted in order to survive against every intrusion, rather than to detect and prevent them. In this paper, an ITS based on effective resource conversion (ERC) is presented to achieve the goal of intrusion-tolerance. Instead of using the fixed number of virtual machines (VMs) to process requests and recover as in conventional approaches, the ITS based on ERC can transform the assigned resources depending on the system status. This scheme is proved to maintain a certain level of quality of service (QoS) and quality of security service (QoSS) in threatening environments. The performance of ERC is compared with previous studies on ITS by CSIM 20, and it is verified that the proposed scheme is more effective in retaining a specific level of QoS and QoSS.
Assessing Proteinase K Resistance of Fish Prion Proteins in a Scrapie-Infected Mouse Neuroblastoma Cell Line
Authors: Salta Evgenia , Kanata Eirini , Ouzounis Christos , Gilch Sabine , Schätzl Hermann , Sklaviadis Theodoros
Published: November 2014

The key event in prion pathogenesis is the structural conversion of the normal cellular protein, PrPC, into an aberrant and partially proteinase K resistant isoform, PrPSc. Since the minimum requirement for a prion disease phenotype is the expression of endogenous PrP in the host, species carrying orthologue prion genes, such as fish, could in theory support prion pathogenesis. Our previous work has demonstrated the development of abnormal protein deposition in sea bream brain, following oral challenge of the fish with natural prion infectious material. In this study, we used a prion-infected mouse neuroblastoma cell line for the expression of three different mature fish PrP proteins and the evaluation of the resistance of the exogenously expressed proteins to proteinase K treatment (PK), as an indicator of a possible prion conversion. No evidence of resistance to PK was detected for any of the studied recombinant proteins. Although not indicative of an absolute inability of the fish PrPs to structurally convert to pathogenic isoforms, the absence of PK-resistance may be due to supramolecular and conformational differences between the mammalian and piscine PrPs.
La « ville festive » ou construire la ville contemporaine par l'événement. (The "Festival City " : urban events and contemporary city building)
Authors: Gravari-Barbas Maria
Published: November 2014

Les événements festifs et culturels comptent aujourd'hui parmi les facteurs de « production » de nouveaux espaces urbains ou de requalification et de réécriture d'espaces le plus souvent hérités de la ville industrielle. Ils sont en ce sens de plus en plus systématiquement instrumentalisés pour «fabriquer » la ville contemporaine et pour créer de nouvelles urbanités. A travers trois manifestations d'envergure et déportée spatiale différentes (FIBD Angoulême, Lille Capitale Culturelle 2004, Estuaire Nantes - Saint Nazaire) nous montrerons la manière dont l'événement - par définition éphémère - est aujourd'hui saisi par les acteurs locaux comme un facteur de création d'aménagements pérennes, comme un véritable outil d'aménagement et de développement urbain et métropolitain ainsi que comme un instrument dont on maîtrise de plus en plus les codes à la fois spatiaux et temporels.
Les dynamiques aéroportuaires dans l'archipel des Antilles. (Airport dynamics in the West Indies archipelago)
Authors: Ranély Vergé-Dépré Colette
Published: November 2014

Les aéroports antillais sont des outils privilégiés de l 'ouverture au reste du monde et un élément clé du développement économique et touristique. La fonction de hub régional que certains ambitionnent de promouvoir induit de nouvelles hiérarchies et des dynamiques spatiales à de multiples échelles.
Design and synthesis of novel bis-annulated caged polycycles via ring-closing metathesis: pushpakenediol
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Dipak Mirtunjay Kumar
Published: November 2014

Intricate caged molecular frameworks are assembled by an atom economical process via a Diels–Alder (DA) reaction, a Claisen rearrangement, a ring-closing metathesis (RCM) and an alkenyl Grignard addition. The introduction of olefinic moieties in the pentacycloundecane (PCUD) framework at appropriate positions followed by RCM led to the formation of novel heptacyclic cage systems.
Le bien-être dans les sciences sociales : naissance et développement d'un champ de recherches
Authors: Pawin Rémy
Published: November 2014

En France, le bien-être a longtemps été délaissé par les sciences sociales. C’est dans le monde anglo-saxon qu’apparaissent les premières études sur le « subjective well-being », au début du xx e  siècle. Elles prennent leur essor dès l’entre-deux-guerres et un champ de recherches spécifique peut être identifié aux États-Unis dès le début des années 1960. Le développement des enquêtes sur le bien-être est plus récent en France, où les chercheurs mettent plus de temps à reconnaître le bien-fondé des études subjectives. Certains, au premier rang desquels Jean Stoetzel, s’emploient à faire circuler les nouvelles méthodes sociologiques. Mais l’évolution plus générale des valeurs et des normes est également responsable de l’essor du nouveau champ de recherches : la constitution d’une sociologie du bien-être est tributaire de sa consécration comme idéal régulateur.