bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tree-Ring-Recorded Drought Variability in the Northern Daxing’anling Mountains of Northeastern China
Authors: Yu Jian , Shah Sher , Zhou Guang , Xu Zhenzhao , Liu Qijing
Published: October 2018

We developed two tree-ring width chronologies of Mongolian Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) from the low elevation forest of the northern Daxing’anling Mountains of Inner Mongolia. Although the two chronologies come from different sampling sites, significant correlations existed among the chronologies (r = 0.318), and the first principal component (PC1) accounted for 65.9% of total variance over their common period 1792–2016. Climate-growth correlation analysis revealed that the previous June and July Palmer drought severity index (PDSIp6-7) was the main climatic factor controlling tree-ring growth. Using a linear regression model, we reconstructed the PDSIp6-7 for the past 225 years (1792–2016). The reconstruction satisfied required statistical calibration and validation tests, and represented 38.6% of the PDSI variance recorded by instruments over the period 1955–2016. Six wet and five dry periods were revealed during these 225 years. The drought of 1903–1927 was the most severe drought in the study area in the last 225 years. Comparison with other tree-ring-based moisture-sensitive sequences from nearby regions confirmed a high degree of confidence in our reconstruction. The results of a spatial climate correlation analysis with a gridded PDSI dataset revealed that our reconstructions contained strong regional drought signals for the southern Stanovoy Range and the northern Daxing’anling Mountains. The power spectrum revealed the existence of significant frequency cycles, which may be linked to large-scale atmospheric-oceanic variability, such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, solar activity, and the North Atlantic Oscillation.
Nursery Production of Pinus engelmannii Carr. with Substrates Based on Fresh Sawdust
Authors: González-Orozco María Mónica , Prieto-Ruíz José Ángel , Aldrete Arnulfo , Hernández-Díaz José Ciro , Chávez-Simental Jorge Armando , Rodríguez-Laguna Rodrigo
Published: October 2018

Substrate is a factor that significantly influences the quality and production costs of nursery seedlings. The objective of this study was to evaluate combinations of peat moss, composted pine bark, and fresh pine sawdust in order to identify the proportions that favour the quality of Pinus engelmannii Carr. seedlings and minimise the production costs in the nursery. Substrates were formed using mixtures of peat moss (15% to 50%), composted pine bark (15% to 50%) and fresh pine sawdust (20% to 70%), with 2, 4 and 6 g L−1 of controlled release fertilizer (Multicote®, Haifa, Israel). A completely randomised experimental design with a factorial arrangement of 7 × 3 was used. The evaluated factors are root collar diameter, biomass, N-P-K content, and production costs of the substrates which were determined based on the container volume and three commercial quotations. Significant differences were found in root collar diameter and biomass, highlighting the treatments using 50% to 70% sawdust with 6 g L−1 of fertilizer. Assimilated values of N-P-K were acceptable in all treatments with 4 and 6 g L−1 of fertilizer. In the substrates with high percentages of sawdust, seedlings with morphological characteristics and nutritional levels within the values recommended for conifers were produced. In addition, it was possible to reduce the production cost of the substrates by up to 67%.
Fermented Foods and Beverages in Human Diet and Their Influence on Gut Microbiota and Health
Authors: Mota de Carvalho Nelson , Costa Eduardo M. , Silva Sara , Pimentel Lígia , Fernandes Tito H. , Pintado Manuela Estevez
Published: October 2018

Dietary changes have accompanied the evolution of humanity and is proven to be fundamental in human evolution and well-being. Nutrition is essential for survival and as a matter of health and equilibrium of the human body. About 1/3 of the human diet is composed by fermented foods and beverages, which are widely distributed and consumed in different societies around the world, no matter the culture and lifestyle. Fermented foods are derived from the fermentation process of different substrates by microorganisms, and more importantly to humans, by those with beneficial characteristics, due to the positive impact on health. Food is transformed in the gut, gaining new proprieties, and increasing its value to the organism. The effects of fermented foods and beverages can be assessed by its influence at the gut microbiota level. Recent studies show the major importance of the gut microbiota role in modulating the organism homeostasis and homeorhesis. More crosslinks between health, gut microbiota and diet are being established especially in the gut–brain axis field. Therefore, the benefits of diet, in particularly of fermented foods and beverages, should be studied and pursued in order to promote a good health status.
Impact of Short-Term Fasting on The Rhythmic Expression of the Core Circadian Clock and Clock-Controlled Genes in Skeletal Muscle of Crucian Carp (Carassius auratus)
Authors: Wu Ping , Bao Lingsheng , Zhang Ruiyong , Li Yulong , Liu Li , Wu Yuanan , Zhang Jianshe , He Zhigang , Chu Wuying
Published: October 2018

The peripheral tissue pacemaker is responsive to light and other zeitgebers, especially food availability. Generally, the pacemaker can be reset and entrained independently of the central circadian structures. Studies involving clock-gene expressional patterns in fish peripheral tissues have attracted considerable attention. However, the rhythmic expression of clock genes in skeletal muscle has only scarcely been investigated. The present study was designed to investigate the core clock and functional gene expression rhythms in crucian carp. Meanwhile, the synchronized effect of food restrictions (short-term fasting) on these rhythms in skeletal muscle was carefully examined. In fed crucian carp, three core clock genes (Clock, Bmal1a, and Per1) and five functional genes (Epo, Fas, IGF1R2, Jnk1, and MyoG) showed circadian rhythms. By comparison, four core clock genes (Clock, Bmal1a, Cry3, and Per2) and six functional genes (Epo, GH, IGF2, Mstn, Pnp5a, and Ucp1) showed circadian rhythms in crucian carp muscle after 7-day fasting. In addition, three core clock genes (Clock, Per1, and Per3) and six functional genes (Ampk1a, Lpl, MyoG, Pnp5a, PPARα, and Ucp1) showed circadian rhythms in crucian carp muscle after 15-day fasting. However, all gene rhythmic expression patterns differed from each other. Furthermore, it was found that the circadian genes could be altered by feed deprivation in crucian carp muscle through the rhythms correlation analysis of the circadian genes and functional genes. Hence, food-anticipatory activity of fish could be adjusted through the food delivery restriction under a light–dark cycle. These results provide a potential application in promoting fish growth by adjusting feeding conditions and nutritional state.
A Scoping Review: Social Participation as a Cornerstone of Successful Aging in Place among Rural Older Adults
Authors: Carver Lisa F. , Beamish Rob , Phillips Susan P. , Villeneuve Michelle
Published: October 2018

Despite obstacles, many rural-dwelling older adults report that positive aspects of rural residence, such as attachment to community, social participation, and familiarity, create a sense of belonging that far outweighs the negative. By being part of a community where they are known and they know people, rural elders continue to find meaning, the key to achieving successful aging in this last stage of life. This scoping review explored factors influencing social participation and, through it, successful aging among rural-dwelling older adults. We sought to answer the question: what factors enhance or detract from the ability of rural-dwelling older adults to engage in social participation in rural communities? The scoping review resulted in 19 articles that highlight the importance of supports to enable older people to spend time with others, including their pets, engage in volunteer and community activities, and help maintain their home and care for their pets. Overall, the lack of services, including local health care facilities, was less important than the attachment to place and social capital associated with aging in place.
Atoning for Nostalgia in Ian McEwan’s Atonement
Authors: Delesalle-Nancey Catherine
Published: October 2018

Many critics have pointed out the ambiguities of Atonement, a postmodernist anti-nostalgic novel that brings to the fore all the traditional topoi of Englishness in order better to denounce them as sham. In Atonement, the nostalgic longing is linked to the desire of Briony (the protagonist/narrator) for a return to a state of innocence which, I will argue through a close analysis of the text and its recurring images, is as much an atoning for her crime as a longing to be at-one in a state of harmony. Literally utopian, this nostalgic longing appears as a fantasy of omnipotence by an immature ego. Yet Briony’s being born into a writer entails a facing of the other within the self, an atoning for her nostalgic bias, not by erasing it, but by acknowledging her full responsibility in it, a process the reader is also invited to go through. From a regressive quest, nostalgia thus turns into an opening to otherness and to new potentialities. The unbridgeable gap between nostalgic desire and its fulfilment is what fuels our longing, keeps us alive and allows for creation.
Making New Health Services Work: Nurse Leaders as Facilitators of Service Development in Rural Emergency Services
Authors: Kise Hjertstrøm Helle , Obstfelder Aud , Norbye Bente
Published: October 2018

Nurse leaders in middle management positions in Norway and other Western countries perform additional new tasks due to high demands for quality and efficacy in healthcare services. These nurses are increasingly becoming responsible for service development and innovation in addition to their traditional leadership and management roles. This article analyses two Norwegian nurse leaders efforts in developing an emergency service in rural municipal healthcare. The analysis applies an ethnographic approach to the data collection by combining interviews with the nurse leaders with observations and interviews with six nurses in the emergency service. The primary theoretical concepts used to support the analysis include “organizing work” and “articulation work”. The results show that in the development of an existing emergency room service, the nurse leaders drew upon their experience as clinical nurses and leaders in various middle management positions in rural community healthcare. Due to their local knowledge and experience, the nurses were able to mobilize and facilitate cooperation among relevant actors in the community and negotiate for resources required for emergency medical equipment, professional development, and staffing to perform emergency care within the rural healthcare context. Due to their distinctive professional and organizational competency and experience, the nurse leaders were well equipped to play a key role in developing services. While mobilizing actors and negotiating for resources, the nurses creatively balanced these two aspects of nursing work to develop the service in accordance to their expectation of providing the highest quality of nursing care to their patients. The nurse leaders balanced their professional ambitions for the service with legal directives, economic incentives, and budgets. Throughout the development process, the nurses carefully combined value-based and goal-based management concerns. In contrast, other studies investigating nursing management and leadership have described that these orientations are in opposition to each other. This study shows that nurses leading the processes of change in rural communities manage the change process by combining the professional and organizational domains of the services.
Traditional Bullying, Cyberbullying and Mental Health in Early Adolescents: Forgiveness as a Protective Factor of Peer Victimisation
Authors: Quintana-Orts Cirenia , Rey Lourdes
Published: October 2018

Traditional and online bullying are prevalent throughout adolescence. Given their negative consequences, it is necessary to seek protective factors to reduce or even prevent their detrimental effects in the mental health of adolescents before they become chronic. Previous studies have demonstrated the protective role of forgiveness in mental health after several transgressions. This study assessed whether forgiveness moderated the effects of bullying victimisation and cybervictimisation on mental health in a sample of 1044 early adolescents (527 females; M = 13.09 years; SD = 0.77). Participants completed a questionnaire battery that measures both forms of bullying victimisation, suicidal thoughts and behaviours, satisfaction with life, and forgiveness. Consistent with a growing body of research, results reveal that forgiveness is a protective factor against the detrimental effects of both forms of bullying. Among more victimised and cybervictimised adolescents, those with high levels of forgiveness were found to report significantly higher levels of satisfaction compared to those with low levels of forgiveness. Likewise, those reporting traditional victimisation and higher levels of forgiveness levels showed lower levels of suicidal risk. Our findings contribute to an emerging relationship between forgiveness after bullying and indicators of mental health, providing new areas for research and intervention.
Estimation of the Fe and Cu Contents of the Surface Water in the Ebinur Lake Basin Based on LIBS and a Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Xianlong , Zhang Fei , Kung Hsiang-te , Shi Ping , Yushanjiang Ayinuer , Zhu Shidan
Published: October 2018

Traditional technology for detecting heavy metals in water is time consuming and difficult and thus is not suitable for quantitative detection of large samples. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) can identify multi-state (such as solid, liquid, and gas) substances simultaneously, rapidly and remotely. In this study, water samples were collected from the Ebinur Lake Basin. The water samples were subjected to LIBS to extract the characteristic peaks of iron (Fe) and copper (Cu). Most of the quantitative analysis of LIBS rarely models and estimates the heavy metal contents in natural environments and cannot quickly determine the heavy metals in field water samples. This study creatively uses the Fe and Cu contents in water samples and the characteristics of their spectral curves in LIBS for regression modelling analysis and estimates their contents in an unknown water body by using LIBS technology and a machine learning algorithm, thus improving the detection rate. The results are as follows: (1) The Cu content of the Ebinur Lake Basin is generally higher than the Fe content, the highest Fe and Cu contents found within the basin are in the Ebinur Lake watershed, and the lowest are in the Jing River. (2) A number of peaks from each sample were found of the LIBS curve. The characteristic analysis lines of Fe and Cu were finally determined according to the intensities of the Fe and Cu characteristic lines, transition probabilities and high signal-to-background ratio (S/B). Their wavelengths were 396.3 and 324.7 nm, respectively. (3) The relative percent deviation (RPD) of the Fe content back-propagation (BP) network estimation model is 0.23, and the prediction ability is poor, so it is impossible to accurately predict the Fe content of samples. In the estimation model of BP network of Cu, the coefficient of determination (R2) is 0.8, the root mean squared error (RMSE) is 0.1, and the RPD is 1.79. This result indicates that the BP estimation model of Cu content has good accuracy and strong predictive ability and can accurately predict the Cu content in a sample. In summary, estimation based on LIBS improved the accuracy and efficiency of Fe and Cu content detection in water and provided new ideas and methods for the accurate estimation of Fe and Cu contents in water.
Rationale, Design and Methods of “Set the Rules”: A Tailored Peer-to-Peer Health Information Intervention
Authors: Warren Jennifer R. , White Brandi M.
Published: October 2018

Ensuring equitable access to health information is one strategy to promote health equity for underserved communities, especially for low-income African Americans (AAs). Childcare centers are one viable site to deliver health information to address this disparity. This paper describes the methods used in a community-based participatory research project with a childcare facility that aimed to reduce environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure among low-income AA children. Through collaboration and multiple data collection methods, partners identified communication strategies to overcome informational barriers. These initial findings indicated a peer-to-peer health information intervention, entitled “Set the Rules”, as the best strategy to increase awareness. The goal of the intervention was to build knowledge in reducing the harms of ETS exposure. Twelve community members were trained as parent leaders for the “Set the Rules” workshops and conducted workshops with parents. Even though there were barriers interfacing with all centers, parents that attended the workshop (n = 32) found the peer-to-peer intervention novel and quite helpful and will share the information learned with others. This intervention suggests that a childcare setting is a relevant space to increase access to health information to optimize child health outcomes. More research is necessary to determine if this intervention has salience in other childcare settings and across racial/ethnic groups.
Effects of Food-Additive-Information on Consumers’ Willingness to Accept Food with Additives
Authors: Zhong Yingqi , Wu Linhai , Chen Xiujuan , Huang Zuhui , Hu Wuyang
Published: October 2018

This study tested whether information on positive food additives and negative food additives had an effect on consumers’ risk perception and their willingness to accept (WTA) food with additives. Consumers’ WTA was examined via a random nth-price auction of exchanging freshly squeezed orange juice without additives for orange juice with additives. Results show that consumers’ WTA differs with the order in which information was provided. Consumers are generally more sensitive to negative than positive information on additives. Female, middle-educated consumers are more susceptible to additive information and their WTA is more likely to change, while postgraduate-educated consumers are less sensitive to additive information. Consumers with higher food-safety satisfaction have lower WTA than those who are not satisfied with food safety. However, their satisfaction is easily affected by the negative-information intervention. Interestingly, consumers with relatively good knowledge of additives had higher WTA than those with no such knowledge. This study provides insight on how to establish effective food-safety-risk communication. Government and non-government agencies need to timely and accurately eliminate food-safety scares through the daily communication and disclosure of food-safety information, as well as prevent the misguidance of negative food safety-risk information.
Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification of 2-Ethylhexyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate in Aquatic Animals
Authors: Lu Guanghua , Zhou Ranran , Li Sheng , Dang Tianjian , Liu Jianchao
Published: October 2018

2-Ethylhexyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate (EHDAB) is a commonly used organic ultraviolet filter. The bioaccumulation and biomagnification of EHDAB were investigated in two aquatic animals, the larvae of midge (Chironomus riparius) and crucian carp (Carassius carassius), and the metabolic enzyme responses in fish liver were determined. EHDAB in the larvae of midge reached a steady state within 10 days of sediment exposure. The biota-sediment accumulation factors ranged from 0.10 to 0.54, and were inversely proportional to the exposure concentrations. The EHDAB-contaminated larvae were used to feed the crucian carp. Within 28 days of feeding exposure, the EHDAB levels in fish tissues gradually increased with the increase of the exposure concentration, exhibiting an apparent concentration-dependence and time-dependence. The liver and kidneys were the main organs of accumulation, and the biomagnification factors of EHDAB ranged from 8.97 to 11.0 and 6.44 to 10.8, respectively. In addition, EHDAB significantly increased the activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A, CYP3A and glutathione S-transferase in the fish liver. Our results indicate that EHDAB may pose a risk of biomagnification in an aquatic environment and influence the biological processes of exposed organisms.
Seroreactivity and Risk Factors Associated with Human Brucellosis among Cattle Slaughterhouse Workers in South Korea
Authors: Acharya Dilaram , Hwang Seon Do , Park Ji-Hyuk
Published: October 2018

The prevalence rate of human brucellosis in high-risk populations, as well as their risk factors, have not been well understood in South Korea. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the seroreactivity and risk factors associated with human brucellosis among South Korean cattle slaughterhouse workers. We enrolled 922 subjects working in 71 slaughterhouses across the country in 2012. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from the subjects, following which blood samples were collected and tested using the microagglutination test; serum titers ≥ 1:20 were considered reactive. Independent risk factors were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis with backward elimination. Overall, 62 of 922 participants (6.7%) exhibited seroreactivity for brucellosis, and 0.4% had a seroprevalence at a dilution of 1:160. Multivariate analysis revealed that the risk factors for human brucellosis seroreactivity included large-scale slaughtering (≥100 cattle per day; odds ratio (OR), 5.41; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.95–9.91) and medium-scale slaughtering (50–99 cattle per day; OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.16–5.51). Moreover, the risk of brucellosis infection was significantly lower among slaughterhouse workers who always wear protective glasses (OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.11–0.69) than in those who sometimes or rarely wore such glasses. Regular and consistent use of personal protective equipment, especially protective glasses, should be encouraged among cattle slaughterhouse workers to reduce brucellosis infection.
Heavy Metal and Metalloid Contamination Assessments of Soil around an Abandoned Uranium Tailings Pond and the Contaminations’ Spatial Distribution and Variability
Authors: Wang Wei-hong , Luo Xue-gang , Wang Zhe , Zeng Yu , Wu Feng-qiang , Li Zhong-xiang
Published: October 2018

To investigate the heavy metal and metalloid contamination of soil around a Huanan uranium tailings pond, abandoned in 1998, we defined a study area of 41.25 km2 by a natural boundary and targeted 5 elements’ (U, Mn, As, Pb, Cr) single contamination and comprehensive pollution as the assessment contents. First, we collected 205 samples and evaluated them with the contamination factor (CF) method aiming at judging whether the single target element concentration exceeded the local background value and environmental quality standard. We obtained CF1 (the background value of a certain target element as the baseline value) and CF2 (the environmental quality standard for soils as the baseline value). Second, we evaluated the ecological risk of the key pollutant U with the risk assessment code (RAC) method, taking the 27 samples whose CF2 > 1 as examples and concluded that the environmental risk of U was relatively high and should arouse concern. Third, we selected comprehensive pollution index (CPI) to assess the compound pollution degree of five target elements. Fourth, we constructed the U contamination and CPI’s continuous distribution maps with spatial interpolation, from which we worked out the sizes and positions of slightly, moderately and strongly polluted zones. Finally, we analyzed the spatial variability of U and CPI with the aid of a geostatistical variogram. We deduced that the spatial variation of uranium was in close relationship with local topography, and probably precipitation was the driving force of U contamination diffusion, whereas CPI exhibited weak spatial dependence with random characteristics. The above work showed that 3.14 km2 soil near the pond was fairly seriously polluted, and the other 4 elements’ single contaminations were less serious, but the 5 target elements’ cumulative pollution could not be ignored; there were other potential pollution sources besides the uranium tailings pond. Some emergency measures should be taken to treat U pollution, and bioremediation is recommended, taking account into U’s high bioavailability. Further, special alerts should be implemented to identify the other pollution sources.
Cellular Signaling Pathways Activated by Functional Graphene Nanomaterials
Authors: Piperno Anna , Scala Angela , Mazzaglia Antonino , Neri Giulia , Pennisi Rosamaria , Sciortino Maria Teresa , Grassi Giovanni
Published: October 2018

The paper reviews the network of cellular signaling pathways activated by Functional Graphene Nanomaterials (FGN) designed as a platform for multi-targeted therapy or scaffold in tissue engineering. Cells communicate with each other through a molecular device called signalosome. It is a transient co-cluster of signal transducers and transmembrane receptors activated following the binding of transmembrane receptors to extracellular signals. Signalosomes are thus efficient and sensitive signal-responding devices that amplify incoming signals and convert them into robust responses that can be relayed from the plasma membrane to the nucleus or other target sites within the cell. The review describes the state-of-the-art biomedical applications of FGN focusing the attention on the cell/FGN interactions and signalosome activation.
The Optimal Radiation Dose to Induce Robust Systemic Anti-Tumor Immunity
Authors: Poleszczuk Jan , Enderling Heiko
Published: October 2018

The synergy of radiation and the immune system is currently receiving significant attention in oncology as numerous studies have shown that cancer irradiation can induce strong anti-tumor immune responses. It remains unclear, however, what are the best radiation fractionation protocols to maximize the therapeutic benefits of this synergy. Here, we present a novel mathematical model that can be used to predict and dissect the complexity of the immune-mediated response at multiple tumor sites after applying focal irradiation and systemic immunotherapy. We successfully calibrate the proposed framework with published experimental data, in which two tumors were grown in mice at two spatially-separated sites from which only one was irradiated using various radiation fractionation protocols with and without concurrent systemic immunotherapy. The proposed model is calibrated to fit the temporal dynamics of tumor volume at both sites and can predict changes in immune infiltration in the non-irradiated tumors. The model was then used to investigate additional radiation fractionation protocols. Model simulations suggest that the optimal radiation doses per fraction to maximize anti-tumor immunity are between 10 and 13 Gy, at least for the experimental setting used for model calibration. This work provides the framework for evaluating radiation fractionation protocols for radiation-induced immune-mediated systemic anti-tumor responses.
Non-Coding Micro RNAs and Hypoxia-Inducible Factors Are Selenium Targets for Development of a Mechanism-Based Combination Strategy in Clear-Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma—Bench-to-Bedside Therapy
Authors: Rustum Youcef M. , Chintala Sreenivasulu , Durrani Farukh A. , Bhattacharya Arup
Published: October 2018

Durable response, inherent or acquired resistance, and dose-limiting toxicities continue to represent major barriers in the treatment of patients with advanced clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The majority of ccRCC tumors are characterized by the loss of Von Hippel–Lindau tumor suppressor gene function, a stable expression of hypoxia-inducible factors 1α and 2α (HIFs), an altered expression of tumor-specific oncogenic microRNAs (miRNAs), a clear cytoplasm with dense lipid content, and overexpression of thymidine phosphorylase. The aim of this manuscript was to confirm that the downregulation of specific drug-resistant biomarkers deregulated in tumor cells by a defined dose and schedule of methylselenocysteine (MSC) or seleno-l-methionine (SLM) sensitizes tumor cells to mechanism-based drug combination. The inhibition of HIFs by selenium was necessary for optimal therapeutic benefit. Durable responses were achieved only when MSC was combined with sunitinib (a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-targeted biologic), topotecan (a topoisomerase 1 poison and HIF synthesis inhibitor), and S-1 (a 5-fluorouracil prodrug). The documented synergy was selenium dose- and schedule-dependent and associated with enhanced prolyl hydroxylase-dependent HIF degradation, stabilization of tumor vasculature, downregulation of 28 oncogenic miRNAs, as well as the upregulation of 12 tumor suppressor miRNAs. The preclinical results generated provided the rationale for the development of phase 1/2 clinical trials of SLM in sequential combination with axitinib in ccRCC patients refractory to standard therapies.
MicroRNA-221-5p Inhibits Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Replication by Targeting Genomic Viral RNA and Activating the NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Zheng Hongqing , Xu Lei , Liu Yuzhong , Li Cheng , Zhang Liang , Wang Tao , Zhao Di , Xu Xingang , Zhang Yanming
Published: October 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs involved in posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression and many critical roles in numerous biological processes. Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), the etiological agent of porcine epidemic diarrhea, causes substantial economic loss in the swine industry worldwide. Previous studies reported miRNA involvement in viral infection; however, their role in regulating PEDV infection remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the regulatory relationship between miRNA-221-5p and PEDV infection, finding that miR-221-5p overexpression inhibited PEDV replication in a dose-dependent manner, and that silencing endogenous miR-221-5p enhanced viral replication. Our results showed that miR-221-5p directly targets the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of PEDV genomic RNA to inhibit PEDV replication, and that miR-221-5p overexpression activates nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling via p65 nuclear translocation, thereby upregulating interferon (IFN)-β, IFN-stimulated gene 15, and MX1 expression during CH/HBTS/2017 infection. We subsequently identified NF-κB-inhibitor α and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1, negative regulators of the NF-κB pathway, as miR-221-5p targets. These results demonstrated the ability of miR-221-5p to inhibit PEDV replication by targeting the 3’ UTR of the viral genome and activating the NF-κB-signaling pathway. Our findings will aid the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies for PEDV infection.
Evaluating an Alleged Mimic of the Monarch Butterfly: Neophasia (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) Butterflies are Palatable to Avian Predators
Authors: Halbritter Dale A. , Gordon Johnalyn M. , Keacher Kandy L. , Avery Michael L. , Daniels Jaret C.
Published: October 2018

Some taxa have adopted the strategy of mimicry to protect themselves from predation. Butterflies are some of the best representatives used to study mimicry, with the monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) a well-known model. We are the first to empirically investigate a proposed mimic of the monarch butterfly: Neophasia terlooii, the Mexican pine white butterfly (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). We used captive birds to assess the palatability of N. terlooii and its sister species, N. menapia, to determine the mimicry category that would best fit this system. The birds readily consumed both species of Neophasia and a palatable control species but refused to eat unpalatable butterflies such as D. plexippus and Heliconius charithonia (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae). Given some evidence for mild unpalatability of Neophasia, we discuss the results considering modifications to classic mimicry theory, i.e., a palatability-based continuum between Batesian and Müllerian mimicry, with a quasi-Batesian intermediate. Understanding the ecology of Neophasia in light of contemporary and historical sympatry with D. plexippus could shed light on the biogeography of, evolution of, and predation pressure on the monarch butterfly, whose migration event has become a conservation priority.
Manualised Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa: Use of Treatment Modules in the ANTOP Study
Authors: Resmark Gaby , Kennedy Brigid , Mayer Maria , Giel Katrin , Junne Florian , Teufel Martin , De Zwaan Martina , Zipfel Stephan
Published: October 2018

Standardised treatment manuals facilitate therapy planning and enhance comparability for research purposes. Within the Anorexia Nervosa Treatment of Out Patients (ANTOP) study, the largest multisite outpatient intervention trial in anorexia nervosa (AN) to date, manualised enhanced cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT-E) was offered as one treatment modality. The manual consisted of 9 modules, of which Motivation, Nutrition, Formulation and Relapse Prevention were compulsory. Homework worksheets were provided, to ensure the transfer of therapeutic improvements to daily life. This study investigated the use of modules and worksheets in order to explore practice styles of trained therapists in the treatment of AN. This secondary analysis was based on log-sheets (n = 2604) CBT-E therapists completed after each session. Frequencies of modules and worksheets used across all sessions were calculated. Relationships, such as that between use of module and duration of illness, were examined. The most commonly used module was Motivation. In patients with longer illness duration, the module Self Esteem seemed to be particularly important. The worksheet Scales, balancing the pros and cons of AN, was prioritised by therapists. The results underline the importance of motivational work in the treatment of AN, including validating the ambivalence experienced by most AN patients. With increasing duration of illness, resource-oriented elements, such as self esteem stabilisation, should be of focus.
The Secret Silent Spaces of Workplace Violence: Focus on Bullying (and Harassment)
Authors: Ballard Allison J , Easteal Patricia
Published: October 2018

Any form of workplace abuse, be it bullying, sexual or non-sexual harassment, or other forms of workplace violence, represents a significant problem for both workers and organisations. The reality that worker complaints of such abuse are often silenced, frequently for long periods of time, has recently been spotlighted by the #MeToo movement. In this article we focus particularly on workplace bullying (some definitions include harassment). We explore how potential, and actual, complaints of such abuse may silenced—both before complaints are ever made, and also at different points along the complaint or dispute resolution process. We investigate how definitional and naming issues, worker ignorance and incapacity, workplace investigations, (alternative) dispute resolution and the legal pathways available to targets of workplace bullying and harassment may act to silence complaints. We also provide some practical suggestions for the targets of workplace abuse.
Effect of the AWJM Method on the Machined Surface Layer of AZ91D Magnesium Alloy and Simulation of Roughness Parameters Using Neural Networks
Authors: Zagórski Ireneusz , Kłonica Mariusz , Kulisz Monika , Łoza Katarzyna
Published: October 2018

This paper investigates the effect of change of the abrasive flow rate and the jet feed on the effectiveness of machining of AZ91D casting magnesium alloy. The evaluation of the state of the workpiece surface was based on surface and area roughness parameters (2D and 3D), which provided data on: irregularities formed on the workpiece edge surface (water jet exit), the surface quality after cutting, the workpiece surface chamfering, microhardness of the machined surface, and of specimen cross-sections (along the water jet impact). The process was tested for two parameter settings: abrasive flow rate 50 at cutting speed vf = 5–140 mm/min, and abrasive flow rate 100% (0.5 kg/min) at vf = 5–180 mm/min. The results demonstrate a significant effect of the abrasive flow rate and the jet feed velocity on the quality of machined surface (surface roughness and irregularities). In addition, selected 2D surface roughness parameters were modelled using artificial neural networks (radial basis function and multi-layered perceptron). It has been shown that neural networks are a suitable tool for prediction of surface roughness parameters in abrasive water jet machining (AWJM).
Setting, Strength, and Autogenous Shrinkage of Alkali-Activated Fly Ash and Slag Pastes: Effect of Slag Content
Authors: Nedeljković Marija , Li Zhenming , Ye Guang
Published: October 2018

The engineering properties of alkali activated materials (AAMs) mainly depend on the constituent materials and their mixture proportions. Despite many studies on the characterization of AAMs, guidelines for mixture design of AAMs and their applications in engineering practice are not available. Extensive experimental studies are still necessary for the investigation of the role of different constituents on the properties of AAMs. This paper focuses on the development of alkali-activated fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) paste mixtures in order to determine their suitability for making concretes. In particular, the influence of the GBFS/FA ratio and liquid-to-binder (l/b) ratio on the slump, setting, strength, and autogenous shrinkage of the alkali activated pastes is studied.It is shown that fresh properties largely depend on the type of precursor (GBFS or FA). The slump and setting time of GBFS-rich pastes was significantly reduced. These pastes also have higher compressive strength than FA-rich pastes. The study identifies important practical challenges for application of the studied mixtures, such as the behavior of their flexural strength and high amplitudes of autogenous shrinkage of GBFS-rich mixtures. Finally, the optimum GBFS/FA ratio for their future use in concretes is recommended.
Decision Making Approach Based on Competition Graphs and Extended TOPSIS Method under Bipolar Fuzzy Environment
Authors: Sarwar Musavarah , Akram Muhammad , Zafar Fariha
Published: October 2018

A wide variety of human decision-making is based on double-sided or bipolar judgmental thinking on a positive side and a negative side. This paper develops a new method called bipolar fuzzy extended TOPSIS based on entropy weights to address the multi-criteria decision-making problems involving bipolar measurements with positive and negative values. The extended bipolar fuzzy TOPSIS method incorporates the capability of bipolar information into the TOPSIS to address the interactions between criteria and measure the aggregate values on a bipolar scale. In practical problems, this method can be used to measure the benefits and side effects of medical treatments. We also discuss some novel applications of bipolar fuzzy competition graphs in food webs and present certain algorithms to compute the strength of competition between species.
Anti-Plasmodium falciparum Activity of Extracts from 10 Cameroonian Medicinal Plants
Authors: Rufin Marie Toghueo , Mbetyoumoun Mfouapon Heroine , Madiesse Kemgne Eugenie , Jiatsa Mbouna Cedric , Tsouh Fokou Patrick , Sahal Dinkar , Fekam Boyom Fabrice
Published: October 2018

Background: In the midst of transient victories by way of insecticides against mosquitoes or drugs against malaria, the most serious form of malaria, caused by Plasmodium falciparum, continues to be a major public health problem. The emergence of drug-resistant malaria parasites facilitated by fake medications or the use of single drugs has worsened the situation, thereby emphasizing the need for a continued search for potent, safe, and affordable new antimalarial treatments. In line with this need, we have investigated the antiplasmodial activity of 66 different extracts prepared from 10 different medicinal plants that are native to Cameroon. Methods: Extracts were evaluated for their capacity to inhibit the growth of the chloroquine-sensitive (Pf3D7) and resistant (PfINDO) strains of P. falciparum using the SYBR green fluorescence method. The cytotoxicity of promising extracts against human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293T) mammalian cells was assessed by MTT assay. Results: The antiplasmodial activity (50% inhibitory concentration, IC50) of plant extracts ranged from 1.90 to >100 μg/mL against the two strains. Six extracts exhibited good activity against both Pf3D7 and PfINDO strains, including cold water, water decoction, and ethyl acetate extracts of leaves of Drypetes principum (Müll.Arg.) Hutch. (IC503D7/INDO = 4.91/6.64 μg/mL, 5.49/5.98 μg/mL, and 6.49/7.10 μg/mL respectively), water decoction extract of leaves of Terminalia catappa L. (IC503D7/INDO = 6.41/8.10 μg/mL), and water decoction extracts of leaves and bark of Terminalia mantaly H.Perrier (IC503D7/INDO = 2.49/1.90 μg/mL and 3.70/2.80 μg/mL respectively). These promising extracts showed no cytotoxicity against HEK293T up to 200 μg/mL, giving selectivity indices (SIs) in the range of >31.20–80.32. Conclusions: While providing credence to the use of D. principum, T. catappa, and T. mantaly in the traditional treatment of malaria, the results achieved set the stage for isolation and identification of active principles and ancillary molecules that may provide us with new drugs or drug combinations to fight against drug-resistant malaria.
Interaction between Ni/Ti Nanomultilayers and Bulk Ti-6Al-4V during Heat Treatment
Authors: Cavaleiro André João , Ramos Ana Sofia , Fernandes Francisco Braz , Baehtz Carsten , Vieira Maria Teresa
Published: October 2018

The diffusion bonding of Ti-6Al-4V to NiTi alloys assisted by Ni/Ti reactive multilayer thin films indicates the diffusion of Ni from the filler material towards bulk Ti-6Al-4V. As a consequence, the fragile NiTi2 intermetallic phase is formed at the joint interface. In this context, the aim of this work is to investigate the occurrence of Ni diffusion from Ni/Ti nanomultilayers towards Ti-6Al-4V substrates. For this purpose, multilayer coated Ti alloys were studied in situ at increasing temperatures using synchrotron radiation. After heat treatment, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were carried out and elemental map distributions were acquired by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). The EPMA maps confirm the occurrence of Ni diffusion; the presence of Ni in the substrate regions immediately underneath the nanomultilayers is clearly indicated and becomes more pronounced as the temperature increases. The presence of Ni is observed in the same locations where V is found, thus in β-Ti grains of Ti-6Al-4V. At the same time, the synchrotron results together with SEM analyses allow the increase of the amount of β-Ti phase in Ti-6Al-4V to be identified, while the thin films are mainly constituted by NiTi2. Therefore, the presence of the brittle NiTi2 intermetallic phase can be avoided if Ni diffusion is prevented.
Novel Variable Radius Spiral–Shaped Micromixer: From Numerical Analysis to Experimental Validation
Authors: Mehrdel Pouya , Karimi Shadi , Farré-Lladós Josep , Casals-Terré Jasmina
Published: October 2018

A novel type of spiral micromixer with expansion and contraction parts is presented in order to enhance the mixing quality in the low Reynolds number regimes for point-of-care tests (POCT). Three classes of micromixers with different numbers of loops and modified geometries were studied. Numerical simulation was performed to study the flow behavior and mixing performance solving the steady-state Navier–Stokes and the convection-diffusion equations in the Reynolds range of 0.1–10.0. Comparisons between the mixers with and without expansion parts were made to illustrate the effect of disturbing the streamlines on the mixing performance. Image analysis of the mixing results from fabricated micromixers was used to verify the results of the simulations. Since the proposed mixer provides up to 92% of homogeneity at Re 1.0, generating 442 Pa of pressure drop, this mixer makes a suitable candidate for research in the POCT field.
A Novel Lipopeptaibol Emericellipsin A with Antimicrobial and Antitumor Activity Produced by the Extremophilic Fungus Emericellopsis alkalina
Authors: Rogozhin Eugene A. , Sadykova Vera S. , Baranova Anna A. , Vasilchenko Alexey S. , Lushpa Vladislav A. , Mineev Konstantin S. , Georgieva Marina L. , Kul’ko Alexander B. , Krasheninnikov Mikhail E. , Lyundup Alexey V. , Vasilchenko Anastasia V. , Andreev Yaroslav A.
Published: October 2018

Soil fungi are known to contain a rich variety of defense metabolites that allow them to compete with other organisms (fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and insects) and help them occupy more preferential areas at the expense of effective antagonism. These compounds possess antibiotic activity towards a wide range of other microbes, particularly fungi that belong to different taxonomical units. These compounds include peptaibols, which are non-ribosomal synthesized polypeptides containing non-standard amino acid residues (alpha-aminoisobutyric acid mandatory) and some posttranslational modifications. We isolated a novel antibiotic peptide from the culture medium of Emericellopsis alkalina, an alkalophilic strain. This peptide, called emericellipsin A, exhibited a strong antifungal effect against the yeast Candida albicans, the mold fungus Aspergillus niger, and human pathogen clinical isolates. It also exhibited antimicrobial activity against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, emericellipsin A showed a significant cytotoxic effect and was highly active against Hep G2 and HeLa tumor cell lines. We used NMR spectroscopy to reveal that this peptaibol is nine amino acid residues long and contains non-standard amino acids. The mode of molecular action of emericellipsin A is most likely associated with its effects on the membranes of cells. Emericellipsin A is rather short peptaibol and could be useful for the development of antifungal, antibacterial, or anti-tumor remedies.
Anti-Cancerous Potential of Polyphenol-Loaded Polymeric Nanotherapeutics
Authors: Ernest Umeorah , Chen Hai-Yan , Xu Ming-Jun , Taghipour Yasamin Davatgaran , Asad Muhammad Hassham Hassan Bin , Rahimi Roja , Murtaza Ghulam
Published: October 2018

Recent evidence has extensively demonstrated the anticancer potential of nutraceuticals, including plant polyphenols. Polymeric nanocarrier systems have played an important role in improving the physicochemical and pharmacological properties of polyphenols, thus ameliorating their therapeutic effectiveness. This article summarizes the benefits and shortcomings of various polymeric systems developed for the delivery of polyphenols in cancer therapy and reveals some ideas for future work.