bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Targets for Treating Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in the Liver
Authors: Yang Weili , Chen Ji , Meng Yuhong , Chen Zhenzhen , Yang Jichun
Published: April 2018

Liver ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major complication of hemorrhagic shock, liver transplantation, and other liver surgeries. It is one of the leading causes for post-surgery hepatic dysfunction, always leading to morbidity and mortality. Several strategies, such as low-temperature reperfusion and ischemic preconditioning, are useful for ameliorating liver IRI in animal models. However, these methods are difficult to perform in clinical surgeries. It has been reported that the activation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) protects the liver against IRI, but with unidentified direct target gene(s) and unclear mechanism(s). Recently, FAM3A, a direct target gene of PPARγ, had been shown to mediate PPARγ’s protective effects in liver IRI. Moreover, noncoding RNAs, including LncRNAs and miRNAs, had also been reported to play important roles in the process of hepatic IRI. This review briefly discussed the roles and mechanisms of several classes of important molecules, including PPARγ, FAM3A, miRNAs, and LncRNAs, in liver IRI. In particular, oral administration of PPARγ agonists before liver surgery or liver transplantation to activate hepatic FAM3A pathways holds great promise for attenuating human liver IRI.
Intracellular Transport of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles and Biological Responses: An Update
Authors: Panzarini Elisa , Mariano Stefania , Carata Elisabetta , Mura Francesco , Rossi Marco , Dini Luciana
Published: April 2018

Medicine, food, and cosmetics represent the new promising applications for silver (Ag) and gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs). AgNPs are most commonly used in food and cosmetics; conversely, the main applications of gold NPs (AuNPs) are in the medical field. Thus, in view of the risk of accidentally or non-intended uptake of NPs deriving from the use of cosmetics, drugs, and food, the study of NPs–cell interactions represents a key question that puzzles researchers in both the nanomedicine and nanotoxicology fields. The response of cells starts when the NPs bind to the cell surface or when they are internalized. The amount and modality of their uptake depend on many and diverse parameters, such as NPs and cell types. Here, we discuss the state of the art of the knowledge and the uncertainties regarding the biological consequences of AgNPs and AuNPs, focusing on NPs cell uptake, location, and translocation. Finally, a section will be dedicated to the most currently available methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis of intracellular transport of metal NPs.
Positive and Negative Regulation of Angiogenesis by Soluble Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1
Authors: Failla Cristina M. , Carbo Miriam , Morea Veronica
Published: April 2018

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-1 exists in different forms, derived from alternative splicing of the same gene. In addition to the transmembrane form, endothelial cells produce a soluble VEGFR-1 (sVEGFR-1) isoform, whereas non-endothelial cells produce both sVEGFR-1 and a different soluble molecule, known as soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt)1-14. By binding members of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family, the soluble forms reduce the amounts of VEGFs available for the interaction with their transmembrane receptors, thereby negatively regulating VEGFR-mediated signaling. In agreement with this activity, high levels of circulating sVEGFR-1 or sFlt1-14 are associated with different pathological conditions involving vascular dysfunction. Moreover, sVEGFR-1 and sFlt1-14 have an additional role in angiogenesis: they are deposited in the endothelial cell and pericyte extracellular matrix, and interact with cell membrane components. Interaction of sVEGFR-1 with α5β1 integrin on endothelial cell membranes regulates vessel growth, triggering a dynamic, pro-angiogenic phenotype. Interaction of sVEGFR-1/sFlt1-14 with cell membrane glycosphingolipids in lipid rafts controls kidney cell morphology and glomerular barrier functions. These cell–matrix contacts represent attractive novel targets for pharmacological intervention in addition to those addressing interactions between VEGFs and their receptors.
Baicalin Inhibits Haemophilus Parasuis-Induced High-Mobility Group Box 1 Release during Inflammation
Authors: Fu Shulin , Liu Huashan , Chen Xiao , Qiu Yinsheng , Ye Chun , Liu Yu , Wu Zhongyuan , Guo Ling , Hou Yongqing , Hu Chien-An Andy
Published: April 2018

Haemophilus parasuis (H. parasuis) can cause Glässer’s disease in pigs. However, the molecular mechanism of the inflammation response induced by H. parasuis remains unclear. The high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is related to the pathogenesis of various infectious pathogens, but little is known about whether H. parasuis can induce the release of HMGB1 in piglet peripheral blood monocytes. Baicalin displays important anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activities. In the present study, we investigated whether H. parasuis can trigger the secretion of HMGB1 in piglet peripheral blood monocytes and the anti-inflammatory effect of baicalin on the production of HMGB1 in peripheral blood monocytes induced by H. parasuis during the inflammation response. In addition, host cell responses stimulated by H. parasuis were determined with RNA-Seq. The RNA-Seq results showed that H. parasuis infection provokes the expression of cytokines and the activation of numerous pathways. In addition, baicalin significantly reduced the release of HMGB1 in peripheral blood monocytes induced by H. parasuis. Taken together, our study showed that H. parasuis can induce the release of HMGB1 and baicalin can inhibit HMGB1 secretion in an H. parasuis-induced peripheral blood monocytes model, which may provide a new strategy for preventing the inflammatory disorders induced by H. parasuis.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF) System in Liver Diseases
Authors: Adamek Agnieszka , Kasprzak Aldona
Published: April 2018

Hepatocyte differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis are affected by growth factors produced in liver. Insulin-like growth factor 1 and 2 (IGF1 and IGF2) act in response to growth hormone (GH). Other IGF family components include at least six binding proteins (IGFBP1 to 6), manifested by both IGFs develop due to interaction through the type 1 receptor (IGF1R). The data based on animal models and/or in vitro studies suggest the role of IGF system components in cellular aspects of hepatocarcinogenesis (cell cycle progression, uncontrolled proliferation, cell survival, migration, inhibition of apoptosis, protein synthesis and cell growth), and show that systemic IGF1 administration can reduce fibrosis and ameliorate general liver function. In epidemiologic and clinicopathological studies on chronic liver disease (CLD), lowered serum levels, decreased tissue expression of IGF1, elevated production of IGF1R and variable IGF2 expression has been noted, from the start of preneoplastic alterations up to the developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stage. These changes result in well-known clinical symptoms of IGF1 deficiency. This review summarized the current data of the complex role of IGF system components in the most common CLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma). Better recognition and understanding of this system can contribute to discovery of new and improved versions of current preventive and therapeutic actions in CLD.
Corosolic Acid Induces Non-Apoptotic Cell Death through Generation of Lipid Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Human Renal Carcinoma Caki Cells
Authors: Woo Seon Min , Seo Seung Un , Min Kyoung-jin , Im Seung-Soon , Nam Ju-Ock , Chang Jong-Soo , Kim Shin , Park Jong-Wook , Kwon Taeg Kyu
Published: April 2018

Corosolic acid is one of the pentacyclic triterpenoids isolated from Lagerstroemia speciose and has been reported to exhibit anti-cancer and anti-proliferative activities in various cancer cells. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of corosolic acid in cancer cell death. Corosolic acid induces a decrease of cell viability and an increase of cell cytotoxicity in human renal carcinoma Caki cells. Corosolic acid-induced cell death is not inhibited by apoptosis inhibitor (z-VAD-fmk, a pan-caspase inhibitor), necroptosis inhibitor (necrostatin-1), or ferroptosis inhibitors (ferrostatin-1 and deferoxamine (DFO)). Furthermore, corosolic acid significantly induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, but antioxidants (N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) and trolox) do not inhibit corosolic acid-induced cell death. Interestingly, corosolic acid induces lipid oxidation, and α-tocopherol markedly prevents corosolic acid-induced lipid peroxidation and cell death. Anti-chemotherapeutic effects of α-tocopherol are dependent on inhibition of lipid oxidation rather than inhibition of ROS production. In addition, corosolic acid induces non-apoptotic cell death in other renal cancer (ACHN and A498), breast cancer (MDA-MB231), and hepatocellular carcinoma (SK-Hep1 and Huh7) cells, and α-tocopherol markedly inhibits corosolic acid-induced cell death. Therefore, our results suggest that corosolic acid induces non-apoptotic cell death in cancer cells through the increase of lipid peroxidation.
Exploiting Rating Abstention Intervals for Addressing Concept Drift in Social Network Recommender Systems
Authors: Margaris Dionisis , Vassilakis Costas
Published: April 2018

One of the major problems that social networks face is the continuous production of successful, user-targeted information in the form of recommendations, which are produced exploiting technology from the field of recommender systems. Recommender systems are based on information about users’ past behavior to formulate recommendations about their future actions. However, as time goes by, social network users may change preferences and likings: they may like different types of clothes, listen to different singers or even different genres of music and so on. This phenomenon has been termed as concept drift. In this paper: (1) we establish that when a social network user abstains from rating submission for a long time, it is a strong indication that concept drift has occurred and (2) we present a technique that exploits the abstention interval concept, to drop from the database ratings that do not reflect the current social network user’s interests, thus improving prediction quality.
Influence of Test Stand and Contact Size Sensitivity on the Friction Coefficient in Sheet Metal Forming
Authors: Recklin Viktor , Dietrich Florian , Groche Peter
Published: April 2018

The precise knowledge of frictional behavior is highly relevant for accurate modelling in sheet metal forming simulations. This allows e.g., the precise prediction of restraining forces which, in turn, determines an optimal draw bead strategy and blank-texture-development for automotive components. As a result, tryout loops can be avoided and thus production costs can be reduced. Nevertheless, the benefit of this detailed friction description is often ignored by the use of a constant friction coefficient. Finding a practical solution has motivated numerous research projects in recent decades. In this context, many efforts have been made to develop test stands to gain a better understanding of friction and to determine load-dependent friction coefficients for simulations. However, different test stands for friction investigation show a big quantitative difference in friction value which makes the direct use of the values in finite element simulation questionable. Therefore, the focus of this paper is to compare two different common strip drawing tests and detect the sources of deviation. In particular, the influence of the contact area between tool and blank is investigated. The results indicate that while the effect of the different test stands is negligible, a high dependency of the friction coefficient on the contact area was shown. This phenomenon is caused by macroscopic lubricant distribution over the contact area, which varies according to the size of the tools. The results show a potential field of research in categorizing different friction test stands and resolving the issue of quantitative non-comparable coefficients of friction.
Study on the Mechanical Properties of Bionic Coupling Layered B4C/5083Al Composite Materials
Authors: Zhao Qian , Liang Yunhong , Liu Qingping , Zhang Zhihui , Yu Zhenglei , Ren Luquan
Published: April 2018

Based on microstructure characteristics of Meretrix lusoria shell and Rapana venosa shell, bionic coupling layered B4C/5083Al composites with different layered structures and hard/soft combination models were fabricated via hot pressed sintering. The simplified bionic coupling models with hard and soft layers were similar to layered structure and hardness tendency of shells, guiding the bionic design and fabrication. B4C/5083Al composites with various B4C contents and pure 5083Al were treated as hard and soft layers, respectively. Hot pressed sintering maintained the designed bionic structure and enhanced high bonding strength between ceramics and matrix. Compared with B4C/5083Al composites, bionic layered composites exhibited high mechanical properties including flexural strength, fracture toughness, compressive strength and impact toughness. The hard layers absorbed applied loads in the form of intergranular fracture. Besides connection role, soft layers restrained slabbing phenomenon and reset extension direction of cracks among layers. The coupling functions of bionic composites proved the feasibility and practicability of bionic fabrication, providing a new method for improvement of ceramic/Al composite with properties of being lightweight and high mechanical strength.
Metal/Carbon Hybrid Nanostructures Produced from Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition over Nafion-Supported Electrochemically Deposited Cobalt Nanoparticles
Authors: Islam Mohammad , Achour Amine , Saeed Khalid , Boujtita Mohammed , Javed Sofia , Djouadi Mohamed Abdou
Published: April 2018

In this work, we report development of hybrid nanostructures of metal nanoparticles (NP) and carbon nanostructures with strong potential for catalysis, sensing, and energy applications. First, the etched silicon wafer substrates were passivated for subsequent electrochemical (EC) processing through grafting of nitro phenyl groups using para-nitrobenzene diazonium (PNBT). The X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS) and atomic force microscope (AFM) studies confirmed presence of few layers. Cobalt-based nanoparticles were produced over dip or spin coated Nafion films under different EC reduction conditions, namely CoSO4 salt concentration (0.1 M, 1 mM), reduction time (5, 20 s), and indirect or direct EC reduction route. Extensive AFM examination revealed NP formation with different attributes (size, distribution) depending on electrochemistry conditions. While relatively large NP with >100 nm size and bimodal distribution were obtained after 20 s EC reduction in H3BO3 following Co2+ ion uptake, ultrafine NP (<10 nm) could be produced from EC reduction in CoSO4 and H3BO3 mixed solution with some tendency to form oxides. Different carbon nanostructures including few-walled or multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT) and carbon nanosheets were grown in a C2H2/NH3 plasma using the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique. The devised processing routes enable size controlled synthesis of cobalt nanoparticles and metal/carbon hybrid nanostructures with unique microstructural features.
Vitamin D Levels of Out-Patients in Lithuania: Deficiency and Hypervitaminosis
Authors: Bleizgys Andrius , Kurovskij Jevgenij
Published: April 2018

Aim: Data on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Lithuania are scarce. The aim was to assess the reserves of vitamin D in different age groups of out-patients, regarding the season of the year. Methods: Data on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels from blood tests made in 2012–2014 were obtained from one laboratory, and a retrospective cross-sectional analysis was performed. Results: A total of 9581 subjects were included. The mean age of the participants was 33 ± 23 years. The mean levels of vitamin D were higher in males than in females (p < 0.001). The highest mean 25(OH)D levels were in 0–9-year-old group, the lowest were in the 10–19-year-old group and in the group of participants that were 70 years and older (p < 0.001). The lowest vitamin D status was found in January, February, March, and April. The highest status was found in August and September. Overall, vitamin D deficiency, sufficiency, and hypervitaminosis were detected in 67%, 21%, and 12% of cases, respectively. Most cases with hypervitaminosis were in the group of children up to 2 years of age. Conclusion: Vitamin D status demonstrated clear seasonality. Significant sex-related differences of vitamin D statuses were also determined. Vitamin D deficiency was very prevalent in almost all age groups. Young children (aged up to 2 years) are of special interest for further research involving other types of 25(OH)D assays, such as those based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), since the real prevalence of “true” vitamin D hypervitaminosis in Lithuania’s children is still to be determined.
Hydrogen-Induced Phase Transformation and Microstructure Evolution for Ti-6Al-4V Parts Produced by Electron Beam Melting
Authors: Pushilina Natalia , Panin Alexey , Syrtanov Maxim , Kashkarov Egor , Kudiiarov Viktor , Perevalova Olga , Laptev Roman , Lider Andrey , Koptyug Andrey
Published: April 2018

In this paper, phase transitions and microstructure evolution in titanium Ti-6Al-4V alloy parts produced by electron beam melting (EBM) under hydrogenation was investigated. Hydrogenation was carried out at the temperature of 650 °C to the absolute hydrogen concentrations in the samples of 0.29, 0.58, and 0.90 wt. %. Comparative analysis of microstructure changes in Ti-6Al-4V alloy parts was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, in-situ XRD was used to investigate the phase transitions in the samples during hydrogenation. The structure of Ti-6Al-4V parts produced by EBM is represented by the α phase plates with the transverse length of 0.2 μm, the β phase both in the form of plates and globular grains, and metastable α″ and ω phases. Hydrogenation to the concentration of 0.29 wt. % leads to the formation of intermetallic Ti3Al phase. The dimensions of intermetallic Ti3Al plates and their volume fraction increase significantly with hydrogen concentration up to 0.58 wt. % along with precipitation of nano-sized crystals of titanium δ hydrides. Individual Ti3Al plates decay into nanocrystals with increasing hydrogen concentration up to 0.9 wt. % accompanied by the increase of proportion and size of hydride plates. Hardness of EBM Ti-6Al-4V alloy decreases with hydrogen content.
How Can Additives Control the Early Stages of Mineralisation?
Authors: Gebauer Denis
Published: April 2018

The interactions between additives and mineral precursors and intermediates are at the heart of additive-controlled crystallisation, which is of high importance for various fields. In this commentary, we reflect on potential modes of additive control according to classical nucleation theory on one hand, and from the viewpoint of the so-called pre-nucleation cluster pathway on the other. This includes a brief review of the corresponding literature. While the roles of additives are discussed generally, i.e., without specific chemical or structural details, corresponding properties are outlined where possible. Altogether, our discussion illustrates that “non-classical” nucleation pathways promise an improved understanding of additive-controlled scenarios, which could be utilised in targeted applications in various fields, ranging from scale inhibition to materials chemistry.
PGE–(REE–Ti)-Rich Micrometer-Sized Inclusions, Mineral Associations, Compositional Variations, and a Potential Lode Source of Platinum-Group Minerals in the Sisim Placer Zone, Eastern Sayans, Russia
Authors: Barkov Andrei Y. , Shvedov Gennadiy I. , Martin Robert F.
Published: April 2018

We report the results of a mineralogical investigation of placer samples from the upper reaches of the Sisim watershed, near Krasnoyarsk, in Eastern Sayans, Russia. The placer grains are predominantly Os–Ir–(Ru) alloys (80%) that host various inclusions (i.e., platinum-group elements (PGE)-rich monosulfide, PGE-rich pentlandite, Ni–Fe–(As)-rich laurite, etc.) and subordinate amounts of Pt–Fe alloys. Analytical data (wavelength- and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) are presented for all the alloy minerals and the suite of micrometer-sized inclusions that they contain, as well as associated grains of chromian spinel. The assemblage was likely derived from chromitite units of the Lysanskiy mafic–ultramafic complex, noted for its Ti–(V) mineralization. In the Os–Ir–(Ru) alloys, the ratio Ru/Ir is ≤1, Ir largely substitutes for Os, and compositional variations indicate the scheme [Ir + Ru] → 2Os. In contrast, in the laurite–erlichmanite series, Ir and Os are strongly and positively correlated, whereas Ir and Ru are negatively correlated; Ru and Os are inversely correlated. These compositions point to the scheme [Os2+ + 2Ir3+ + □] → 4Ru2+ or alternatively, to Os2+ + Ir2+ → 2Ru2+. We deduce a potential sequence of crystallization in the parental rock and address the effects of decreasing temperature and increasing fugacity of sulfur and arsenic on the assemblage. Inclusions of Ti-rich minerals in the alloy grains are consistent with the Lysanskiy setting; the complete spectrum of chromite–magnesiochromite compositions indicates that an important part of that complex was eroded. A localized fluid-dominated micro-environment produced the unique association of laurite with monazite-(Ce), again considered a reflection of the special attributes of the Lysanskiy complex.
Comparison of Serum Metabolite Changes of Radiated Mice Administered with Panax quinquefolium from Different Cultivation Regions Using UPLC-Q/TOF-MS Based Metabolomic Approach
Authors: Qin Zhenxian , Jia Chan , Liao Dengqun , Chen Xiaofang , Li Xian’en
Published: April 2018

Chemometric analysis of bioactive compounds revealed that American ginsengs (AGs) from different cultivation regions of China had a difference in quality, which indicates their possible pharmacological difference. A UPLC-Q/TOF-MS-based untargeted metabolomic approach was used to uncover serum metabolite changes in radiated mice pre-administered with AG root decoctions from seven cultivation regions and to further assess their quality difference. OPLS-DA revealed that 51 metabolites (ESI−) and 110 (ESI+) were differentially expressed in sera between the control and the radiated model mice. Heatmap analysis further revealed that AG could not reverse most of these radiation-altered metabolites, which indicates dietary supplement of AG before cobalt radiation had the weak potential to mediate serum metabolites that were altered by the sub-lethal high dose radiation. In addition, 83 (ESI−) and 244 (ESI+) AG altered metabolites were detected in radiated mice under radiation exposure. Both OPLS-DA on serum metabolomes and heatmap analysis on discriminant metabolites showed that AGs from different cultivation regions differentially influenced metabolic alterations in radiated mice, which indicates AGs from different cultivation regions showed the pharmacological difference in modulation of metabolite changes. AGs from Shandong, Shanxi, and Beijing provinces had more similar pharmacological effects than AGs from USA, Canada, Jilin, and Heilongjiang. Finally, 28 important potential biomarkers were annotated and assigned onto three metabolic pathways including lipid, amino acid, and energy metabolisms.
Comparative Analysis of the Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Four Aconitum Medicinal Species
Authors: Meng Jing , Li Xuepei , Li Hongtao , Yang Junbo , Wang Hong , He Jun
Published: April 2018

Aconitum (Ranunculaceae) consists of approximately 400 species distributed in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Many species are well-known herbs, mainly used for analgesia and anti-inflammatory purposes. This genus is well represented in China and has gained widespread attention for its toxicity and detoxification properties. In southwestern China, several Aconitum species, called ‘Dula’ in the Yi Nationality, were often used to control the poisonous effects of other Aconitum plants. In this study, the complete chloroplast (cp) genomes of these species were determined for the first time through Illumina paired-end sequencing. Our results indicate that their cp genomes ranged from 151,214 bp (A. episcopale) to 155,769 bp (A. delavayi) in length. A total of 111–112 unique genes were identified, including 85 protein-coding genes, 36–37 tRNA genes and eight ribosomal RNA genes (rRNA). We also analyzed codon usage, IR expansion or contraction and simple sequence repeats in the cp genomes. Eight variable regions were identified and these may potentially be useful as specific DNA barcodes for species identification of Aconitum. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all five studied species formed a new clade and were resolved with 100% bootstrap support. This study will provide genomic resources and potential plastid markers for DNA barcoding, further taxonomy and germplasm exploration of Aconitum.
Simultaneous Determination of Decursin, Decursinol Angelate, Nodakenin, and Decursinol of Angelica gigas Nakai in Human Plasma by UHPLC-MS/MS: Application to Pharmacokinetic Study
Authors: Kim Sook-Jin , Ko Se-Mi , Choi Eun-Jeong , Ham Seong-Ho , Kwon Young-Dal , Lee Yong-Bok , Cho Hea-Young
Published: April 2018

Coumarins in Cham-dang-gwi, the dried root of Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN), possess pharmacological effects on anemia, pain, infection, and articular rheumatism. The AGN root containes decursin (D), decursinol angelate (DA), nodakenin, and decursinol (DOH), a major metabolite of D and DA. The aim of this study was to develop a simultaneous determination method for these four coumarins in human plasma using ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Chromatographic separation was performed on dual columns (Kinetex® C18 column and Capcell core C18 column) with mobile phase consisting of water and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min using gradient elution. Multiple reaction monitoring was operated in positive ion mode with precursors to product ion transition values of m/z 328.9→228.8, 328.9→228.9, 409.4→248.8, and 246.8→212.9 to measure D, DA, nodakenin, and DOH, respectively. Linear calibration curves were fitted over concentration range of 0.05–50 ng/mL for these four components, with correlation coefficient greater than 0.995. Inter- and intra-day accuracies were between 90.60% and 108.24%. These precisions were within 11.19% for all components. The established method was then applied to a pharmacokinetic study for the four coumarins after usual dosing in Korean subjects.
Synthesis and Pharmacological Studies of Unprecedented Fused Pyridazino[3′,4′:5,6][1,2,4]triazino[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazine Derivatives
Authors: Ali Rania S. , Saad Hosam A.
Published: April 2018

A novel fused system with three or four fused rings—pyridazino[3′,4′:5,6][1,2,4]triazino[4,3-b][1,2,4,5]tetrazine and pyridazino[3′,4′:5,6][1,2,4]triazino[3,4-b]pyrimido[4,5-e][1,3,4]thiadiazine was obtained from the starting materials 4(6H)-amino-3-hydrazino-7-(2-thienyl)pyridazino[3,4-e][1,2,4]-triazine 2 and 9-amino-3-(2-thienyl)-2H,8H-pyridazino[3′,4′:5,6][1,2,4]triazino[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazine-8-carbonitrile 12. Each of the starting compounds was subjected to a number of cyclization reactions to obtain a series of new heterocyclic fused systems, 3–10 and 13–23, via bifunctional reagents. Some of the synthesized compounds were screened against three cell lines including HepG2, HCT-116 and MCF-7 to discover their anticancer activity. The synthesized compounds were characterized depending on their elemental analyses and spectral data.
Multi-Response Optimization of Ultrasonic Assisted Enzymatic Extraction Followed by Macroporous Resin Purification for Maximal Recovery of Flavonoids and Ginkgolides from Waste Ginkgo biloba Fallen Leaves
Authors: Zhou Guisheng , Ma Jiayan , Tang Yuping , Wang Xinmin , Zhang Jing , Duan Jin-Ao
Published: April 2018

In the present study, the process of ultrasonic assisted enzymatic extraction (UAEE), followed by macroporous resin purification, was successfully developed to achieve maximal recovery of flavonoids and ginkgolides from Ginkgo biloba fallen leaves (GBFL). Three effective extracted factors, including UAE power, EtOH%, and the amount of cellulase were screened by Plackett–Burman design (PBD). The important variables were further optimized by rotatable central composite design (RCCD). After the combination of PBD and RCCD, the resulting optimal UAEE conditions were as follows: UAE power of 218 W; EtOH% of 68%; the amount of cellulase of 8.4 mg; UAE temperature of 40 °C; UAE time of 20 min; pH of 5.0; and, sample particle size of 40 mesh. Under the optimum conditions; the yields of flavonoids were 0.74 ± 0.05% (n = 3) and ginkgolides was 0.42 ± 0.06% (n = 3), which were close to the predicted values. Moreover, the further enriching flavonoids and ginkgolides from the obtained GBFL extracts using the above optimum UAEE condition was successfully achieved by macroporous resin DA-201. After column adsorption and desorption on DA-201; the percentage of total flavonoids was (25.36 ± 1.03)%; ginkgolides was (12.43 ± 0.85)% and alkylphenols was (0.003 ± 0.0005)% from the obtained dry extracts of GBFL which were complied with Chinese pharmacopoeias. Therefore, the present study provided a convenient and efficient method for extraction and purification of flavonoids and ginkgolides from waste GBFL.
Spectroscopic-Chemical Fingerprint and Biostimulant Activity of a Protein-Based Product in Solid Form
Authors: Ertani Andrea , Francioso Ornella , Ferrari Erika , Schiavon Michela , Nardi Serenella
Published: April 2018

A solid biostimulant (AA309) obtained through thermobaric hydrolysis applied on trimmings and shavings of bovine hides tanned with wet-blue technology was chemically characterized, and its effects in maize (Zea mays L.) were evaluated. AA309 contained 13.60% total nitrogen (N), mainly in organic forms (13.40%), and several amino acids, especially lysine, phenylalanine, glycine, aspartate, and isoleucine. AA309 was further analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, which revealed the presence of amide I and amide II bands, indicative of peptide structures. When supplied to maize plants for 15 days at two N dosages (2.1 or 4.2 mg/kg), AA309 induced positive physiological responses, likely because of its content in amino acids functioning as signaling molecules. The low dosage was the most effective in improving leaf (+24%) and root (+98%) dry weight, photosynthetic activity (+70%), and accumulation of N (+80%), proteins (+65–75%) and antioxidants (+60%). Spectroscopic analyses (Solid-state Cross-Polarization Magic Angle Spinning Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, CP/MAS 13C–NMR, and High resolution-magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance, HR-MAS NMR) on plant tissues revealed the increase in proteins, lignin structures and cutin in AA309-treated plants compared to untreated plants. Our results indicate that AA309 could be used as a valuable biostimulant in agriculture.
Solution-Plasma-Mediated Synthesis of Si Nanoparticles for Anode Material of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Saito Genki , Sasaki Hitoshi , Takahashi Heishichiro , Sakaguchi Norihito
Published: April 2018

Silicon anodes have attracted considerable attention for their use in lithium-ion batteries because of their extremely high theoretical capacity; however, they are prone to extensive volume expansion during lithiation, which causes disintegration and poor cycling stability. In this article, we use two approaches to address this issue, by reducing the size of the Si particles to nanoscale and incorporating them into a carbon composite to help modulate the volume expansion problems. We improve our previous work on the solution-plasma-mediated synthesis of Si nanoparticles (NPs) by adjusting the electrolyte medium to mild buffer solutions rather than strong acids, successfully generating Si-NPs with <10 nm diameters. We then combined these Si-NPs with carbon using MgO-template-assisted sol-gel combustion synthesis, which afforded porous carbon composite materials. Among the preparations, the composite material obtained from the LiCl 0.2 M + H3BO3 0.15 M solution-based Si-NPs exhibited a high reversible capacity of 537 mAh/g after 30 discharge/charge cycles at a current rate of 0.5 A/g. We attribute this increased reversible capacity to the decreased particle size of the Si-NPs. These results clearly show the applicability of this facile and environmentally friendly solution-plasma technique for producing Si-NPs as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries.
Correction: DeClercq, V.; et al. Association between Diet Quality and Adiposity in the Atlantic PATH Cohort. Nutrients 2017, 9, 1155
Authors: DeClercq Vanessa , Cui Yunsong , Forbes Cynthia , Grandy Scott A. , Keats Melanie , Parker Louise , Sweeney Ellen , Yu Zhijie Michael , Dummer Trevor J. B.
Published: April 2018

The authors request the following corrections to their paper [1]. [...]
Erratum: l-Carnitine Supplementation in Recovery after Exercise; Nutrients 2018, 10, 349
Authors:   Nutrients Editorial Office
Published: April 2018

The Nutrients Editorial Office would like to report errors in the published paper [1]. The details are as follows: [...]
The Design, Development and Evaluation of the Vegetarian Lifestyle Index on Dietary Patterns among Vegetarians and Non-Vegetarians
Authors: Le Lap , Sabaté Joan , Singh Pramil , Jaceldo-Siegl Karen
Published: April 2018

Traditionally, healthful diets and lifestyles have been examined only in relation to single nutrients, foods, or food groups in terms of dietary exposure. An alternative approach is to conceptualize an index based on vegetarian food pyramid guidelines as a measure of overall diet and lifestyle quality. Our objectives were to: (1) develop the Vegetarian Lifestyle Index (VLI); and (2) evaluate adherence to the Vegetarian Food Guide Pyramid (VFGP) among a low-risk population of Adventists. The index was based on the operationalization of 14 dietary and lifestyle components. All components were equally weighted. Higher score reflected greater adherence to the VFGP. The analytic sample (n = 90,057) comprised 47.7% non-vegetarians, 5.6% semi-, 10.1% pesco-, and 29.0% lacto-ovo-vegetarians, and 7.7% vegans, of which 1.1% were current smokers and 9.9% were alcohol consumers. Population mean VLI score was 7.43 (SD = 1.75) ranging from 1 to 12.5. Non-vegetarians (6.14; 95% confidence interval (CI), 6.06–6.21) had a significantly lower mean compared to semi- (7.31; 95% CI, 7.22–7.40), pesco- (7.41; 95% CI, 7.32–7.49), and lacto-ovo-vegetarians (8.16; 95% CI, 8.08–8.24), as well as vegans (8.88; 95% CI, 8.78–8.96). Vegetarians scored on average 1.18 to 2.73 more points than their non-vegetarian counterparts. Results demonstrate that the index has strong discriminant ability across distinct dietary patterns. Additionally, the VLI provides a useful measure of diet and lifestyle adherence to further refine vegetarian food pyramid guidelines.
Advances in Retinal Optical Imaging
Authors: Li Yanxiu , Xia Xiaobo , Paulus Yannis M.
Published: April 2018

Retinal imaging has undergone a revolution in the past 50 years to allow for better understanding of the eye in health and disease. Significant improvements have occurred both in hardware such as lasers and optics in addition to software image analysis. Optical imaging modalities include optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography (OCTA), photoacoustic microscopy (PAM), scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), adaptive optics (AO), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and molecular imaging (MI). These imaging modalities have enabled improved visualization of retinal pathophysiology and have had a substantial impact on basic and translational medical research. These improvements in technology have translated into early disease detection, more accurate diagnosis, and improved management of numerous chorioretinal diseases. This article summarizes recent advances and applications of retinal optical imaging techniques, discusses current clinical challenges, and predicts future directions in retinal optical imaging.
Modifying an Active Compound’s Release Kinetic Using a Supercritical Impregnation Process to Incorporate an Active Agent into PLA Electrospun Mats
Authors: López de Dicastillo Carol , Villegas Carolina , Garrido Luan , Roa Karina , Torres Alejandra , Galotto María José , Rojas Adrián , Romero Julio
Published: April 2018

The main objective of this work was to study the release of cinnamaldehyde (CIN) from electrospun poly lactic acid (e-PLA) mats obtained through two techniques: (i) direct incorporation of active compound during the electrospinning process (e-PLA-CIN); and (ii) supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) impregnation of CIN within electrospun PLA mats (e-PLA/CINimp). The development and characterization of both of these active electrospun mats were investigated with the main purpose of modifying the release kinetic of this active compound. Morphological, structural, and thermal properties of these materials were also studied, and control mats e-PLA and e- PLA CO 2 were developed in order to understand the effect of electrospinning and scCO2 impregnation, respectively, on PLA properties. Both strategies of incorporation of this active compound into PLA matrix resulted in different morphologies that influenced chemical and physical properties of these composites and in different release kinetics of CIN. The electrospinning and scCO2 impregnation processes and the presence of CIN altered PLA thermal and structural properties when compared to an extruded PLA material. The incorporation of CIN through scCO2 impregnation resulted in higher release rate and lower diffusion coefficients when compared to active electrospun mats with CIN incorporated during the electrospinning process.
Groundwater Storage Changes in China from Satellite Gravity: An Overview
Authors: Feng Wei , Shum C. , Zhong Min , Pan Yun
Published: April 2018

Groundwater plays a critical role in the global water cycle and is the drinking source for almost half of the world’s population. However, exact quantification of its storage change remains elusive due primarily to limited ground observations in space and time. The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) twin-satellite data have provided global observations of water storage variations at monthly sampling for over a decade and a half, and is enable to estimate changes in groundwater storage (GWS) after removing other water storage components using auxiliary datasets and models. In this paper, we present an overview of GWS changes in three main aquifers within China using GRACE data, and conduct a comprehensive accuracy assessment using in situ ground well observations and hydrological models. GRACE detects a significant GWS depletion rate of 7.2 ± 1.1 km3/yr in the North China Plain (NCP) during 2002–2014, consistent with ground well observations and model predictions. The Liaohe River Basin (LRB) experienced a pronounced GWS decline during 2005–2009, at a depletion rate of 5.0 ± 1.2 km3/yr. Since 2010, GRACE-based GWS reveal a slow recovery in the LRB, with excellent agreement with ground well observations. For the whole study period 2002–2014, no significant long-term GWS depletion is found in the LRB nor in the Tarim Basin. A case study in the Inner Tibetan Plateau highlights there still exist large uncertainties in GRACE-based GWS change estimates.
BeiDou System (BDS) Triple-Frequency Ambiguity Resolution without Code Measurements
Authors: Chu Feng-Yu , Yang Ming
Published: April 2018

Phase and code measurements achieve ambiguity resolution in medium- or long-baseline computation. However, the code multipath effect on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) phase and code measurements is a main source of error for ambiguity resolution, in particular the code multipath. The BeiDou System (BDS) of China is fully operational in the Asia-Pacific region and provides triple-frequency (B1, B2 and B3) measurements. Although previous research about BDS triple-frequency baseline computation indicated that using triple-frequency measurements improves the performance of ambiguity resolution, the respective methods are still impacted by code multipath since the code measurements are incorporated in the methods. Therefore, it is of interest to further improve the ambiguity resolution of BDS triple-frequency baseline computation by excluding the code multipath. We propose a modified phase-only method that only uses triple-frequency phase measurements to achieve BDS ambiguity resolution and evaluate the performance of the method. Observations from experimental medium and long baselines were collected with Trimble NetR9 receivers. The related ambiguity-resolution performances are computed with the phase-only method and a generalized phase-code method. The results show that the phase-only ambiguity resolution is feasible and generally performs better than the phase-code ambiguity resolution, but the improvement is subject to phase noise and satellite geometry.
Editorial for Special Issue “Recent Advances in GPR Imaging”
Authors: Solla Mercedes , Lagüela Susana
Published: April 2018

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Microrelief Associated with Gas Emission Craters: Remote-Sensing and Field-Based Study
Authors: Kizyakov Alexander , Khomutov Artem , Zimin Mikhail , Khairullin Rustam , Babkina Elena , Dvornikov Yury , Leibman Marina
Published: April 2018

Formation of gas emission craters (GEC) is a new process in the permafrost zone, leading to considerable terrain changes. Yet their role in changing the relief is local, incomparable in the volume of the removed deposits to other destructive cryogenic processes. However, the relief-forming role of GECs is not limited to the appearance of the crater itself, but also results in positive and negative microforms as well. Negative microforms are rounded hollows, surrounded by piles of ejected or extruded deposits. Hypotheses related to the origin of these forms are put forward and supported by an analysis of multi-temporal satellite images, field observations and photographs of GECs. Remote sensing data specifically was used for interpretation of landform origin, measuring distances and density of material scattering, identifying scattered material through analysis of repeated imagery. Remote-sensing and field data reliably substantiate an impact nature of the hollows around GECs. It is found that scattering of frozen blocks at a distance of up to 293 m from a GEC is capable of creating an impact hollow. These data indicate the influence of GEC on the relief through the formation of a microrelief within a radius of 15–20 times the radius of the crater itself. Our study aims at the prediction of risk zones.
Remote Sensing of Sub-Surface Suspended Sediment Concentration by Using the Range Bias of Green Surface Point of Airborne LiDAR Bathymetry
Authors: Zhao Xinglei , Zhao Jianhu , Zhang Hongmei , Zhou Fengnian
Published: April 2018

Suspended sediment concentrations (SSCs) have been retrieved accurately and effectively through waveform methods by using green-pulse waveforms of airborne LiDAR bathymetry (ALB). However, the waveform data are commonly difficult to analyze. Thus, this paper proposes a 3D point-cloud method for remote sensing of SSCs in calm waters by using the range biases of green surface points of ALB. The near water surface penetrations (NWSPs) of green lasers are calculated on the basis of the green and reference surface points. The range biases (ΔS) are calculated by using the corresponding NWSPs and beam-scanning angles. In situ measured SSCs (C) and range biases (ΔS) are used to establish an empirical C-ΔS model at SSC sampling stations. The SSCs in calm waters are retrieved by using the established C-ΔS model. The proposed method is applied to a practical ALB measurement performed by Optech Coastal Zone Mapping and Imaging LiDAR. The standard deviations of the SSCs retrieved by the 3D point-cloud method are less than 20 mg/L.
Adaptive Monostatic System for Measuring Microwave Reflections from the Breast
Authors: Bourqui Jeremie , Kuhlmann Martin , Kurrant Douglas J. , Lavoie Benjamin R. , Fear Elise C.
Published: April 2018

A second-generation monostatic radar system to measure microwave reflections from the human breast is presented and analyzed. The present system can measure the outline of the breast with an accuracy of ±1 mm and precisely place the microwave sensor in an adaptive matter such that microwaves are normally incident on the skin. Microwave reflections are measured between 10 MHz to 12 GHz with sensitivity of 65 to 75 dB below the input power and a total scan time of 30 min for 140 locations. The time domain reflections measured from a volunteer show fidelity above 0.98 for signals in a single scan. Finally, multiple scans of a breast phantoms demonstrate the consistency of the system in terms of recorded reflection, outline measurement, and image reconstruction.
Three-Dimensional Terahertz Coded-Aperture Imaging Based on Matched Filtering and Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Chen Shuo , Luo Chenggao , Wang Hongqiang , Deng Bin , Cheng Yongqiang , Zhuang Zhaowen
Published: April 2018

As a promising radar imaging technique, terahertz coded-aperture imaging (TCAI) can achieve high-resolution, forward-looking, and staring imaging by producing spatiotemporal independent signals with coded apertures. However, there are still two problems in three-dimensional (3D) TCAI. Firstly, the large-scale reference-signal matrix based on meshing the 3D imaging area creates a heavy computational burden, thus leading to unsatisfactory efficiency. Secondly, it is difficult to resolve the target under low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In this paper, we propose a 3D imaging method based on matched filtering (MF) and convolutional neural network (CNN), which can reduce the computational burden and achieve high-resolution imaging for low SNR targets. In terms of the frequency-hopping (FH) signal, the original echo is processed with MF. By extracting the processed echo in different spike pulses separately, targets in different imaging planes are reconstructed simultaneously to decompose the global computational complexity, and then are synthesized together to reconstruct the 3D target. Based on the conventional TCAI model, we deduce and build a new TCAI model based on MF. Furthermore, the convolutional neural network (CNN) is designed to teach the MF-TCAI how to reconstruct the low SNR target better. The experimental results demonstrate that the MF-TCAI achieves impressive performance on imaging ability and efficiency under low SNR. Moreover, the MF-TCAI has learned to better resolve the low-SNR 3D target with the help of CNN. In summary, the proposed 3D TCAI can achieve: (1) low-SNR high-resolution imaging by using MF; (2) efficient 3D imaging by downsizing the large-scale reference-signal matrix; and (3) intelligent imaging with CNN. Therefore, the TCAI based on MF and CNN has great potential in applications such as security screening, nondestructive detection, medical diagnosis, etc.