bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A high-intensity intermittent-based running programme allows triathletes to reduce weekly running distances without impairing muscular performance and body composition
Authors: García-Pinillos Felipe , González-Fernández Francisco T. , Soto-Hermoso Víctor M. , Latorre-Román Pedro A.
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND:

Extensive evidence supports the benefits of high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT) for endurance athletes. Additionally, the importance of neuromuscular characteristics and body composition in determining running economy and, thereby running performance, have been widely documented. Previous studies performing HIIT interventions have focused on single sports, such as swimming, running or cycling, but not on multiple-event such as triathlon.

AIM:

This study aimed to determine the effect of a 5-week HIIT-based running programme on body composition and muscular performance parameters in triathletes.

METHODS:

Thirteen triathletes were matched into two groups, experimental group(EG) and control group (CG). The CG was asked to maintain their training routines, whilst the EG modified their running plans (HIIT-based) but maintained their swimming and cycling routines. Body composition, vertical jump, stretch-shortening cycle utilization (SSC) and sprint ability were performed before (pretest) and after (posttest) the intervention period.

RESULTS:

No significant differences between groups were found at pretest. At posttest, the EG obtained higher values in countermovement jump (p = 0.005, ES > 0.7) and SSC (p = 0.017, ES > 0.7), with lower times (p = 0.001, ES > 0.7) in sprint. Body composition parameters remained unchanged in both groups (p≥ 0.05, ES < 0.4).

CONCLUSION:

These preliminary results show that a HIIT-based running plan may induce improvements superior to the plan performed by the CG, in jumping, sprinting ability and SSC, without impairing body composition parameters. Thus, this study highlights the effectiveness of HIIT-based training programme for improving explosive muscular power and the rebound capabilities of the athletes.
Effects of short inter-repetition rest periods on power output losses during the half squat exercise
Authors: García-Ramos Amador , Nebot Vicente , Padial Paulino , Valverde-Esteve Teresa , Pablos-Monzó Ana , Feriche Belén
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND:

Cluster training is being increasingly used to develop muscular power.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the effects of short inter-repetition rest(IRR) periods on the capacity to maintain maximal levels of power output.

METHODS:

In a first session, 16 active-duty soldiers performed a progressive loading test to establish the load linked to maximal power(optimal load, OL), and the half squat 1-repetition maximum. In Session 2, six individual sets of repetitions performed to failure (or a maximum of 20 repetitions) were conducted using the loads OL, low (LL, 15% below OL), and high (HL, 15% above OL) as quickly as possible. For each load, participants performed one set without rest between repetitions (CR, continuous repetition protocol), and another set with 6 s of rest between repetitions (IRR protocol).

RESULTS:

The number of repetitions participants performed before exceeding a power loss threshold of 15% were higher in the IRR versus the CR protocol by 218% (11 vs. 35), 86% (7 vs. 13), and 175% (4 vs. 11) for LL, OL, and HL, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

A 6 s interval between repetitions is sufficient to induce partial recovery in participants, and could therefore improve muscle power output.
Parameters of knee isokinetic dynamometry in individuals with acromegaly: Association with growth hormone levels and general fatigue
Authors: Walchan Evelyn M. , Guimarães Fernando S. , Soares Mauricio S. , Kasuki Leandro , Gadelha Monica R. , Lopes Agnaldo J.
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND:

Individuals with acromegaly (IwA) may have alterations in skeletal muscles. Isokinetic testing is the standard method to assess muscle performance through objective, reliable, and reproducible measures.

OBJECTIVES:

To assess knee muscles performance of IwA with active and controlled disease and to correlate the findings with hormone levels, handgrip strength (HGS), general fatigue, and quality of life.

METHODS:

Sixteen men with acromegaly (MwA), 21 women with acromegaly (WwA), and 21 healthy controls (nine men and 12 women) underwent knee isokinetic dynamometry at 75 and 240°/s as well as isometric dynamometry to assess HGS. The subjects were also assessed using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) scale, the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS), and the Acromegaly Quality of Life Questionnaire (AcroQoL).

RESULTS:

Compared with healthy controls, MwA and WwA exhibited significant reductions in the peak moment (PM), maximum work repetition, and total work for both extension and flexion at both angular velocities. There were significant differences for the agonist/antagonist ratio at 75°/s in MwA (44% for active disease vs. 53% for controlled disease vs. 67% for the control group; P = 0.0002) and in WwA (48% for active disease vs. 58% for controlled disease vs. 66% for the control group; P = 0.0003). These patients also exhibited decreased HGS values and FACIT-F scores and increased FIS scores compared with healthy controls. There were significant correlations between measures obtained by isokinetic dynamometry, growth hormone (GH) levels, HGS values, and scores on the general fatigue questionnaires. However, GH levels were more strongly correlated with the isokinetic variables in MwA than in WwA.
Stress-Induced Ketoacidosis in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: An Under-Recognized Complication
Authors: Mulroy Eoin , Gleeson Sarah , Furlong Michael James
Published: July 2016

Ketoacidosis is an important but under-recognized complication of neuromuscular disease, in particular spinal muscular atrophy. This easily treatable condition is largely overlooked in best practice guidelines, and lack of awareness contributes to adverse outcomes in this patient population. Neuromyopathy associated ketosis should be considered in all patients with severe muscle wasting presenting with an elevated anion gap metabolic ketoacidosis. Treatment is simple, effective, and should be instituted early. Our report of a 50-year-old patient with type 2 spinal muscular atrophy who presents with recurrent ketoacidosis aims to increase awareness of neuromyopathy associated ketosis as a clinical entity, and to enhance its early recognition and timely treatment in order to improve patient outcomes.
Visceral Leishmaniasis in Non-Endemic Districts of Bangladesh: Knowledge gap, Attitude and Practice of Inhabitants and Professionals for Treatment, Prevention and Control
Authors: Khanum Hamida , Zaman Sultan Uz , Yesmin Sabina , Musa Sharmin , Banu Hasina , Arju Tuhinur
Published: July 2016

Investigation on knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of inhabitants and professionals for treatment, prevention and control of visceral leishmaniasis carried out on 519 inhabitants and 92 professionals of 6 districts (Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Dinajpur, Bogra, Pabna and Shirajgonj) of Bangladesh. About 79.2% inhabitants agreed that they have heard about kala-azar disease. Regarding the transmission of kala-azar, 22.7% respondents answered by mosquito, about 38.3% said long period and irregular fever, 7.5% inhabitants knew enlargement of spleen and liver as sign and symptom of kala-azar. Among the professionals, about 80.4% of them have the correct knowledge regarding the specific agent (Leishmania donovani) of kala-azar. Investigation on knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of inhabitants and professional, 89.1% and 69.6% believe that spleen and liver are affected in kala-azar, 39.1% to 51.1% professionals understand that lymph nodes, blood and skin are involved as tissues due to kala-azar. Among the professionals, about 80.4% of them have the correct knowledge regarding the specific agent (L. donovani) of kala-azar.Bangladesh J. Zool. 43(2): 189-199, 2015
The Efficiency of a Hybrid Flapping Wing Structure—A Theoretical Model Experimentally Verified
Authors: Keren Yuval , Abramovich Haim , Arieli Rimon
Published: July 2016

To propel a lightweight structure, a hybrid wing structure was designed; the wing’s geometry resembled a rotor blade, and its flexibility resembled an insect’s flapping wing. The wing was designed to be flexible in twist and spanwise rigid, thus maintaining the aeroelastic advantages of a flexible wing. The use of a relatively “thick” airfoil enabled the achievement of higher strength to weight ratio by increasing the wing’s moment of inertia. The optimal design was based on a simplified quasi-steady inviscid mathematical model that approximately resembles the aerodynamic and inertial behavior of the flapping wing. A flapping mechanism that imitates the insects’ flapping pattern was designed and manufactured, and a set of experiments for various parameters was performed. The simplified analytical model was updated according to the tests results, compensating for the viscid increase of drag and decrease of lift, that were neglected in the simplified calculations. The propelling efficiency of the hovering wing at various design parameters was calculated using the updated model. It was further validated by testing a smaller wing flapping at a higher frequency. Good and consistent test results were obtained in line with the updated model, yielding a simple, yet accurate tool, for flapping wings design.
Enhanced Biosensor Platforms for Detecting the Atherosclerotic Biomarker VCAM1 Based on Bioconjugation with Uniformly Oriented VCAM1-Targeting Nanobodies
Authors: Ta Duy , Guedens Wanda , Vranken Tom , Vanschoenbeek Katrijn , Steen Redeker Erik , Michiels Luc , Adriaensens Peter
Published: July 2016

Surface bioconjugation of biomolecules has gained enormous attention for developing advanced biomaterials including biosensors. While conventional immobilization (by physisorption or covalent couplings using the functional groups of the endogenous amino acids) usually results in surfaces with low activity, reproducibility and reusability, the application of methods that allow for a covalent and uniformly oriented coupling can circumvent these limitations. In this study, the nanobody targeting Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (NbVCAM1), an atherosclerotic biomarker, is engineered with a C-terminal alkyne function via Expressed Protein Ligation (EPL). Conjugation of this nanobody to azidified silicon wafers and Biacore™ C1 sensor chips is achieved via Copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) “click” chemistry to detect VCAM1 binding via ellipsometry and surface plasmon resonance (SPR), respectively. The resulting surfaces, covered with uniformly oriented nanobodies, clearly show an increased antigen binding affinity, sensitivity, detection limit, quantitation limit and reusability as compared to surfaces prepared by random conjugation. These findings demonstrate the added value of a combined EPL and CuAAC approach as it results in strong control over the surface orientation of the nanobodies and an improved detecting power of their targets—a must for the development of advanced miniaturized, multi-biomarker biosensor platforms.
Intermediate Filaments as Organizers of Cellular Space: How They Affect Mitochondrial Structure and Function
Authors: Schwarz Nicole , Leube Rudolf
Published: July 2016

Intermediate filaments together with actin filaments and microtubules form the cytoskeleton, which is a complex and highly dynamic 3D network. Intermediate filaments are the major mechanical stress protectors but also affect cell growth, differentiation, signal transduction, and migration. Using intermediate filament-mitochondrial crosstalk as a prominent example, this review emphasizes the importance of intermediate filaments as crucial organizers of cytoplasmic space to support these functions. We summarize observations in different mammalian cell types which demonstrate how intermediate filaments influence mitochondrial morphology, subcellular localization, and function through direct and indirect interactions and how perturbations of these interactions may lead to human diseases.
Acclimation Changes of Flavonoids in Needles of Conifers during Heat and Drought Stress 2015
Authors: Feucht Walter , Schmid Markus , Treutter Dieter
Published: July 2016

The long-term harsh climate conditions in 2015 distorted already from June up to November in all study trees of Tsuga and Taxus the intracellular organization of the needles. Intimately involved in these repressive processes were the flavanols, a small subgroup of the flavonoids. They were not only deposited in vacuoles of conifer needles but also in the nuclei and chromosomes. Among the many flavonoids the small group of catechin derivatives and polymers named flavanols can exclusively be stained blue with DMACA (dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde). From mid-July onward, the vacuolar flavanols of the epidermal cell layers were gradually diminished as evidenced by decreasing blue staining of nuclei and vacuoles. Subsequently, in August also the large spongy mesophyll cells showed the flavanols decreasing progressively. Apparently, the antioxidant flavanols operate as oxygen radical scavengers. (ROS) were used up during the harsh environmental stress conditions. Both, Tsuga and Taxus reacted in this way. However, it is quite surprising that in all study trees the palisade cells did not contain such vacuolar flavanols. Only these cells were in June the first to show a loss of chlorophyll from chloroplasts as well as an efflux of flavanols from the nuclei. Conversely, from September onward another group of phenols, the yellow-staining flavanols were newly formed in the palisade cells and later on also in the mesophyll cells. Obviously, they were assembled finally to stabilize finally the fragile cell sites. Summing up, the present study shows by cytological studies that the climatic conditions in 2015 produced the worst disturbance of subcellular structures observed since 2000 when our studies on nuclear phenols in needles of conifers were initiated.
Impacts of Rainfall Variability, Land Use and Land Cover Change on Stream Flow of the Black Volta Basin, West Africa
Authors: Akpoti Komlavi , Antwi Eric , Kabo-bah Amos
Published: July 2016

Potential implications of rainfall variability along with Land Use and Land Cover Change (LULC) on stream flow have been assessed in the Black Volta basin using the SWAT model. The spatio-temporal variability of rainfall over the Black Volta was assessed using the Mann-Kendall monotonic trend test and the Sen’s slope for the period 1976–2011. The statistics of the trend test showed that 61.4% of the rain gauges presented an increased precipitation trend whereas the rest of the stations showed a decreased trend. However, the test performed at the 95% confidence interval level showed that the detected trends in the rainfall data were not statistically significant. Land use trends between the year 2000 and 2013 show that within thirteen years, land use classes like bare land, urban areas, water bodies, agricultural lands, deciduous forests and evergreen forests have increased respectively by 67.06%, 33.22%, 7.62%, 29.66%, 60.18%, and 38.38%. Only grass land has decreased by 44.54% within this period. Changes in seasonal stream flow due to LULC were assessed by defining dry and wet seasons. The results showed that from year 2000 to year 2013, the dry season discharge has increased by 6% whereas the discharge of wet season has increased by 1%. The changes in stream flows components such us surface run-off (SURF_Q), lateral flow (LAT_Q) and ground water contribution to stream flow (GW_Q) and also on evapotranspiration (ET) changes due to LULC was evaluated. The results showed that between the year 2000 and 2013, SURF_Q and LAT_Q have respectively increased by 27% and 19% while GW_Q has decreased by 6% while ET has increased by 4.59%. The resultant effects are that the water yield to stream flow has increased by 4%.
Air Pressure, Humidity and Stroke Occurrence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cao Yongjun , Wang Xia , Zheng Danni , Robinson Thompson , Hong Daqing , Richtering Sarah , Leong Tzen , Salam Abdul , Anderson Craig , Hackett Maree
Published: July 2016

Background/Aims: An influence of climate upon stroke risk is biologically plausible and supported by epidemiological evidence. We aimed to determine whether air pressure (AP) and humidity are associated with hospital stroke admission. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and GEOBASE, from inception to 16 October 2015 to identify relevant population-based observational studies. Where possible, data were pooled for meta-analysis with odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) by means of the random-effect method. Results: We included 11 studies with a total of 314,385 patients. The effect of AP was varied across studies for ischemic stroke (IS) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Pooled ORs (95%CI) associated with 1 hPa increase in AP for the risk of IS, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and SAH were 1.00 (0.99–1.01), 1.01 (0.99–1.02) and 1.02 (0.97–1.07) respectively. The pooled ORs (95%CI) associated with 1 percent increase in humidity for the risk of IS and ICH were 1.00 (1.00–1.01) and 1.00 (0.99–1.01) respectively. Conclusion: This review shows that there is no evidence of a relationship between AP or humidity and the occurrence of hospital admission for stroke. Further research is needed to clarify the extent and nature of any relationship between AP, humidity and stroke in different geographical areas.
Pickleworm (Diaphania nitidalis Cramer) Neonate Feeding Preferences and the Implications for a Push-Pull Management System
Authors: Leiner Rosalie , Spafford Helen
Published: July 2016

Push-pull cropping approaches for pest management target the oviposition behavior of adult females. However, insect larvae may move from the natal host and undermine the effectiveness of this approach. We investigated the longevity and feeding preference of pickleworm neonates (Diaphania nitidalis Cramer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)) in relation to a potential push-pull cropping approach incorporating squash as a trap crop (pull) and watermelon as a deterrent intercrop (push) to protect a main crop of cantaloupe. Neonates could survive between 24 to 64 h without food, indicating they have some initial energy reserves to keep alive while in search of a suitable feeding site. To assess neonate feeding preferences, naive neonates were given the choice of five foods; leaves of squash, cantaloupe, watermelon, bean, and a pinto bean-based artificial diet. To assess if previous feeding experience influences neonate food source preference, neonates were allowed to feed on one of the five foods for 24 h and then given the same choice of the five food sources. The neonates, with or without previous feeding experience, did not appear to have a significant preference for any of the cucurbits: squash, cantaloupe, or watermelon, but they did prefer a cucurbit to the bean leaf or artificial diet. Feeding experience on one of these non-host foods made neonates more accepting of these food sources in the choice arena even when host plant food sources became available. It appears that neonate feeding preferences of pickleworm would neither hinder nor enhance the potential success of the proposed cucurbits to be used in a potential push-pull cropping approach for pickleworm management.
Synchrotron-Based in Situ Characterization of the Scaffold Mass Loss from Erosion Degradation
Authors: Bawolin Nahshon , Chen Xiongbaio
Published: July 2016

The mass loss behavior of degradable tissue scaffolds is critical to their lifespan and other degradation-related properties including mechanical strength and mass transport characteristics. This paper presents a novel method based on synchrotron imaging to characterize the scaffold mass loss from erosion degradation in situ, or without the need of extracting scaffolds once implanted. Specifically, the surface-eroding degradation of scaffolds in a degrading medium was monitored in situ by synchrotron-based imaging; and the time-dependent geometry of scaffolds captured by images was then employed to estimate their mass loss with time, based on the mathematical model that was adopted from the literature of surface erosion with the experimentally-identified model parameters. Acceptable agreement between experimental results and model predictions was observed for scaffolds in a cylindrical shape, made from poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) and polycaprolactone (PCL). This study illustrates that geometry evaluation by synchrotron-based imaging is an effective means to in situ characterize the scaffold mass loss as well as possibly other degradation-related properties.
Landscape-Scale Disturbance: Insights into the Complexity of Catchment Hydrology in the Mountaintop Removal Mining Region of the Eastern United States
Authors: Miller Andrew , Zégre Nicolas
Published: July 2016

Few land disturbances impact watersheds at the scale and extent of mountaintop removal mining (MTM). This practice removes forests, soils and bedrock to gain access to underground coal that results in likely permanent and wholesale changes that impact catchment hydrology, geochemistry and ecosystem health. MTM is the dominant driver of land cover changes in the central Appalachian Mountains region of the United States, converting forests to mine lands and burying headwater streams. Despite its dominance on the landscape, determining the hydrological impacts of MTM is complicated by underground coal mines that significantly alter groundwater hydrology. To provide insight into how coal mining impacts headwater catchments, we compared the hydrologic responses of an MTM and forested catchment using event rainfall-runoff analysis, modeling and isotopic approaches. Despite similar rainfall characteristics, hydrology in the two catchments differed in significant ways, but both catchments demonstrated threshold-mediated hydrologic behavior that was attributed to transient storage and the release of runoff from underground mines. Results suggest that underground mines are important controls for runoff generation in both obviously disturbed and seemingly undisturbed catchments and interact in uncertain ways with disturbance from MTM. This paper summarizes our results and demonstrates the complexity of catchment hydrology in the MTM region.
Using Risk to Assess the Legal Violence of Mandatory Detention
Authors: Koulish Robert
Published: July 2016

Immigration mandatory detention is a particularly harsh example of the structural violence embedded in immigration enforcement. It deprives liberty without bond for immigrants with prior crimes, and assigns many individuals to the harsh conditions associated with unnecessary and even wrongful detention. Mandatory detention has been justified on the grounds that mandatory detainees are a danger to public safety. This article puts to the test this presumption of dangerousness among mandatory detainees, and finds, to the contrary, that immigrants with prior charges or convictions are no more dangerous than any other category of individuals in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Using the risk classification assessment (RCA) tool, which the author is the first to obtain through the Freedom of Information Act, the article contributes to the growing criticism of mandatory detention, providing evidence that many of those in mandatory detention should probably have never been detained.
Dynamic Recrystallization and Hot Workability of 316LN Stainless Steel
Authors: Sun Chaoyang , Xiang Yu , Zhou Qingjun , Politis Denis , Sun Zhihui , Wang Mengqi
Published: July 2016

To identify the optimal deformation parameters for 316LN austenitic stainless steel, it is necessary to study the macroscopic deformation and the microstructural evolution behavior simultaneously in order to ascertain the relationship between the two. Isothermal uniaxial compression tests of 316LN were conducted over the temperature range of 950–1150 °C and for the strain rate range of 0.001–10 s−1 using a Gleeble-1500 thermal-mechanical simulator. The microstructural evolution during deformation processes was investigated by studying the constitutive law and dynamic recrystallization behaviors. Dynamic recrystallization volume fraction was introduced to reveal the power dissipation during the microstructural evolution. Processing maps were developed based on the effects of various temperatures, strain rates, and strains, which suggests that power dissipation efficiency increases gradually with increasing temperature and decreasing stain rate. Optimum regimes for the hot deformation of 316LN stainless steel were revealed on conventional hot processing maps and verified effectively through the examination of the microstructure. In addition, the regimes for defects of the product were also interpreted on the conventional hot processing maps. The developed power dissipation efficiency maps allow optimized processing routes to be selected, thus enabling industry producers to effectively control forming variables to enhance practical production process efficiency.
MicroRNA Profile of Lung Tumor Tissues Is Associated with a High Risk Plasma miRNA Signature
Authors: Fortunato Orazio , Verri Carla , Pastorino Ugo , Sozzi Gabriella , Boeri Mattia
Published: July 2016

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. Many studies have reported that alterations in miRNA expression are involved in several human tumors. We have previously identified a circulating miRNA signature classifier (MSC) able to discriminate lung cancer with more aggressive features. In the present work, microarray miRNA profiling of tumor tissues collected from 19 lung cancer patients with an available MSC result were perform in order to find a possible association between miRNA expression and the MSC risk level. Eleven tissue mature miRNAs and six miRNA precursors were observed to be associated with the plasma MSC risk level of patients. Not one of these miRNAs was included in the MSC algorithm. A pathway enrichment analysis revealed a role of these miRNA in the main pathways determining lung cancer aggressiveness. Overall, these findings add to the knowledge that tissue and plasma miRNAs behave as excellent diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, which may find rapid application in clinical settings.
Recovery of Cobalt as Cobalt Oxalate from Cobalt Tailings Using Moderately Thermophilic Bioleaching Technology and Selective Sequential Extraction
Authors: Chen Guobao , Yang Hongying , Li Haijun , Tong Linlin
Published: July 2016

Cobalt is a very important metal which is widely applied in various critical areas, however, it is difficult to recover cobalt from minerals since there is a lack of independent cobalt deposits in nature. This work is to provide a complete process to recover cobalt from cobalt tailings using the moderately thermophilic bioleaching technology and selective sequential extraction. It is found that 96.51% Co and 26.32% Cu were extracted after bioleaching for four days at 10% pulp density. The mean compositions of the leach solutions contain 0.98 g·L−1 of Co, 6.52 g·L−1 of Cu, and 24.57 g·L−1 of Fe (III). The copper ion was then recovered by a solvent extraction process and the ferric ions were selectively removed by applying a goethite deironization process. The technological conditions of the above purification procedures were deliberately discussed. Over 98.6% of copper and 99.9% of ferric ions were eliminated from the leaching liquor. Cobalt was finally produced as cobalt oxalate and its overall recovery during the whole process was greater than 95%. The present bioleaching process of cobalt is worth using for reference to deal with low-grade cobalt ores.
New Perspectives on the Use of Phytochemicals as an Emergent Strategy to Control Bacterial Infections Including Biofilms
Authors: Borges Anabela , Abreu Ana , Dias Carla , Saavedra Maria , Borges Fernanda , Simões Manuel
Published: July 2016

The majority of current infectious diseases are almost untreatable by conventional antibiotic therapy given the advent of multidrug-resistant bacteria. The degree of severity and the persistence of infections are worsened when microorganisms form biofilms. Therefore, efforts are being applied to develop new drugs not as vulnerable as the current ones to bacterial resistance mechanisms, and also able to target bacteria in biofilms. Natural products, especially those obtained from plants, have proven to be outstanding compounds with unique properties, making them perfect candidates for these much-needed therapeutics. This review presents the current knowledge on the potentialities of plant products as antibiotic adjuvants to restore the therapeutic activity of drugs. Further, the difficulties associated with the use of the existing antibiotics in the treatment of biofilm-related infections are described. To counteract the biofilm resistance problems, innovative strategies are suggested based on literature data. Among the proposed strategies, the use of phytochemicals to inhibit or eradicate biofilms is highlighted. An overview on the use of phytochemicals to interfere with bacterial quorum sensing (QS) signaling pathways and underlying phenotypes is provided. The use of phytochemicals as chelating agents and efflux pump inhibitors is also reviewed.
Myricitrin Attenuates High Glucose-Induced Apoptosis through Activating Akt-Nrf2 Signaling in H9c2 Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Zhang Bin , Chen Yaping , Shen Qiang , Liu Guiyan , Ye Jingxue , Sun Guibo , Sun Xiaobo
Published: July 2016

Hyperglycemia, as well as diabetes mellitus, has been shown to trigger cardiac cell apoptosis. We have previously demonstrated that myricitrin prevents endothelial cell apoptosis. However, whether myricitrin can attenuate H9c2 cell apoptosis remains unknown. In this study, we established an experiment model in H9c2 cells exposed to high glucose. We tested the hypothesis that myricitrin may inhibit high glucose (HG)-induced cardiac cell apoptosis as determined by TUNEL staining. Furthermore, myricitrin promoted antioxidative enzyme production, suppressed high glucose-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in H9c2 cells. This agent significantly inhibited apoptotic protein expression, activated Akt and facilitated the transcription of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated protein (heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1) expression as determined by Western blotting. Significantly, an Akt inhibitor (LY294002) or HO-1 inhibitor (ZnPP) not only inhibited myricitrin-induced HO-1/NQO-1 upregulation but also alleviated its anti-apoptotic effects. In summary, these observations demonstrate that myricitrin activates Nrf2-mediated anti-oxidant signaling and attenuates H9c2 cell apoptosis induced by high glucose via activation of Akt signaling.
Multiple Functions of the New Cytokine-Based Antimicrobial Peptide Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin (TSLP)
Authors: Bjerkan Louise , Sonesson Andreas , Schenck Karl
Published: July 2016

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a pleiotropic cytokine, hitherto mostly known to be involved in inflammatory responses and immunoregulation. The human tslp gene gives rise to two transcription and translation variants: a long form (lfTSLP) that is induced by inflammation, and a short, constitutively-expressed form (sfTSLP), that appears to be downregulated by inflammation. The TSLP forms can be produced by a number of cell types, including epithelial and dendritic cells (DCs). lfTSLP can activate mast cells, DCs, and T cells through binding to the lfTSLP receptor (TSLPR) and has a pro-inflammatory function. In contrast, sfTSLP inhibits cytokine secretion of DCs, but the receptor mediating this effect is unknown. Our recent studies have demonstrated that both forms of TSLP display potent antimicrobial activity, exceeding that of many other known antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), with sfTSLP having the strongest effect. The AMP activity is primarily mediated by the C-terminal region of the protein and is localized within a 34-mer peptide (MKK34) that spans the C-terminal α-helical region in TSLP. Fluorescent studies of peptide-treated bacteria, electron microscopy, and liposome leakage models showed that MKK34 exerted membrane-disrupting effects comparable to those of LL-37. Expression of TSLP in skin, oral mucosa, salivary glands, and intestine is part of the defense barrier that aids in the control of both commensal and pathogenic microbes.
Thermo-Responsive Polyurethane Hydrogels Based on Poly(ε-caprolactone) Diol and Amphiphilic Polylactide-Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Block Copolymers
Authors: Hsu Shan-hui , Chen Cheng-Wei , Hung Kun-Che , Tsai Yi-Chun , Li Suming
Published: July 2016

Waterborne polyurethane (PU) based on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) diol and an amphiphilic polylactide-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA-PEG) diblock copolymer was synthesized. The molar ratio of PCL/PLA-PEG was 9:1 with different PLA chain lengths. The PU nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and rheological analysis. The water contact angle measurement, infrared spectroscopy, wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), thermal and mechanical analyses were conducted on PU films. Significant changes in physio-chemical properties were observed for PUs containing 10 mol % of amphiphilic blocks. The water contact angle was reduced to 12°–13°, and the degree of crystallinity was 5%–10%. The PU dispersions underwent sol-gel transition upon the temperature rise to 37 °C. The gelation time increased as the PLA chain length increased. In addition, the fractal dimension of each gel was close to that of a percolation cluster. Moreover, PU4 with a solid content of 26% could support the proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Therefore, thermo-responsive hydrogels with tunable properties are promising injectable materials for cell or drug delivery.
Simulation of Forest Carbon Fluxes Using Model Incorporation and Data Assimilation
Authors: Yan Min , Tian Xin , Li Zengyuan , Chen Erxue , Wang Xufeng , Han Zongtao , Sun Hong
Published: July 2016

This study improved simulation of forest carbon fluxes in the Changbai Mountains with a process-based model (Biome-BGC) using incorporation and data assimilation. Firstly, the original remote sensing-based MODIS MOD_17 GPP (MOD_17) model was optimized using refined input data and biome-specific parameters. The key ecophysiological parameters of the Biome-BGC model were determined through the Extended Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test (EFAST) sensitivity analysis. Then the optimized MOD_17 model was used to calibrate the Biome-BGC model by adjusting the sensitive ecophysiological parameters. Once the best match was found for the 10 selected forest plots for the 8-day GPP estimates from the optimized MOD_17 and from the Biome-BGC, the values of sensitive ecophysiological parameters were determined. The calibrated Biome-BGC model agreed better with the eddy covariance (EC) measurements (R2 = 0.87, RMSE = 1.583 gC·m−2·d−1) than the original model did (R2 = 0.72, RMSE = 2.419 gC·m−2·d−1). To provide a best estimate of the true state of the model, the Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) was used to assimilate five years (of eight-day periods between 2003 and 2007) of Global LAnd Surface Satellite (GLASS) LAI products into the calibrated Biome-BGC model. The results indicated that LAI simulated through the assimilated Biome-BGC agreed well with GLASS LAI. GPP performances obtained from the assimilated Biome-BGC were further improved and verified by EC measurements at the Changbai Mountains forest flux site (R2 = 0.92, RMSE = 1.261 gC·m−2·d−1).
Mapping and Characterization of Hydrological Dynamics in a Coastal Marsh Using High Temporal Resolution Sentinel-1A Images
Authors: Cazals Cécile , Rapinel Sébastien , Frison Pierre-Louis , Bonis Anne , Mercier Grégoire , Mallet Clément , Corgne Samuel , Rudant Jean-Paul
Published: July 2016

In Europe, water levels in wetlands are widely controlled by environmental managers and farmers. However, the influence of these management practices on hydrodynamics and biodiversity remains poorly understood. This study assesses advantages of using radar data from the recently launched Sentinel-1A satellite to monitor hydrological dynamics of the Poitevin marshland in western France. We analyze a time series of 14 radar images acquired in VV and HV polarizations from December 2014 to May 2015 with a 12-day time step. Both polarizations are used with a hysteresis thresholding algorithm which uses both spatial and temporal information to distinguish open water, flooded vegetation and non-flooded grassland. Classification results are compared to in situ piezometric measurements combined with a Digital Terrain Model derived from LiDAR data. Results reveal that open water is successfully detected, whereas flooded grasslands with emergent vegetation and fine-grained patterns are detected with moderate accuracy. Five hydrological regimes are derived from the flood duration and mapped. Analysis of time steps in the time series shows that decreased temporal repetitivity induces significant differences in estimates of flood duration. These results illustrate the great potential to monitor variations in seasonal floods with the high temporal frequency of Sentinel-1A acquisitions.
Electrolyzer Performance Analysis of an Integrated Hydrogen Power System for Greenhouse Heating. A Case Study
Authors: Pascuzzi Simone , Anifantis Alexandros , Blanco Ileana , Scarascia Mugnozza Giacomo
Published: July 2016

A greenhouse containing an integrated system of photovoltaic panels, a water electrolyzer, fuel cells and a geothermal heat pump was set up to investigate suitable solutions for a power system based on solar energy and hydrogen, feeding a self-sufficient, geothermal-heated greenhouse. The electricity produced by the photovoltaic source supplies the electrolyzer; the manufactured hydrogen gas is held in a pressure tank. In these systems, the electrolyzer is a crucial component; the technical challenge is to make it work regularly despite the irregularity of the solar source. The focus of this paper is to study the performance and the real energy efficiency of the electrolyzer, analyzing its operational data collected under different operating conditions affected by the changeable solar radiant energy characterizing the site where the experimental plant was located. The analysis of the measured values allowed evaluation of its suitability for the agricultural requirements such as greenhouse heating. On the strength of the obtained result, a new layout of the battery bank has been designed and exemplified to improve the performance of the electrolyzer. The evaluations resulting from this case study may have a genuine value, therefore assisting in further studies to better understand these devices and their associated technologies.
Peer Effects and Voluntary Green Building Certification
Authors: Qiu Yueming , Yin Shuai , Wang Yi
Published: July 2016

Empirical evidence is provided to show that peer effects have statistically significant and positive impacts on the diffusion of green building certificates. Application and approval records of green certificates by commercial buildings in NY and AZ are used. The challenge of self-selection is addressed by the usage of fixed effects and the challenge of reflection is addressed by the time lag delay between a building’s application and its approval. Empirical results show that an additional approved LEED certificate within a zip code will increase the probability of a commercial building in the same zip code to apply for a LEED certificate by 3–4 percentage points; an additional approved Energy Star certificate within a zip code will increase the probability of a commercial building in the same zip code to apply for an Energy Star certificate by 1–2 percentage points.
The Stress Response Regulator AflSkn7 Influences Morphological Development, Stress Response, and Pathogenicity in the Fungus Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Zhang Feng , Xu Gaopo , Geng Longpo , Lu Xiaoyan , Yang Kunlong , Yuan Jun , Nie Xinyi , Zhuang Zhenhong , Wang Shihua
Published: July 2016

This study focused on AflSkn7, which is a stress response regulator in the aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus flavus. The ΔAflSkn7 mutants exhibited partially defective conidial formation and a complete inability to generate sclerotia, indicating AflSkn7 affects A. flavus asexual and sexual development. The mutants tolerated osmotic stress but were partially susceptible to the effects of cell wall stress. Additionally, the ΔAflSkn7 mutants were especially sensitive to oxidative stress. These observations confirmed that AflSkn7 influences oxidative stress responses rather than osmotic stress responses. Additionally, AflSkn7 was observed to increase aflatoxin biosynthesis and seed infection rates. These results indicate AflSkn7 affects A. flavus morphological development, stress response, aflatoxin production, and pathogenicity. The results of this study may facilitate the development of new methods to manage A. flavus infections.
Cloning a Chymotrypsin-Like 1 (CTRL-1) Protease cDNA from the Jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai
Authors: Heo Yunwi , Kwon Young , Bae Seong , Hwang Duhyeon , Yang Hye , Choudhary Indu , Lee Hyunkyoung , Yum Seungshic , Shin Kyoungsoon , Yoon Won , Kang Changkeun , Kim Euikyung
Published: July 2016

An enzyme in a nematocyst extract of the Nemopilema nomurai jellyfish, caught off the coast of the Republic of Korea, catalyzed the cleavage of chymotrypsin substrate in an amidolytic kinetic assay, and this activity was inhibited by the serine protease inhibitor, phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride. We isolated the full-length cDNA sequence of this enzyme, which contains 850 nucleotides, with an open reading frame of 801 encoding 266 amino acids. A blast analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence showed 41% identity with human chymotrypsin-like (CTRL) and the CTRL-1 precursor. Therefore, we designated this enzyme N. nomurai CTRL-1. The primary structure of N. nomurai CTRL-1 includes a leader peptide and a highly conserved catalytic triad of His69, Asp117, and Ser216. The disulfide bonds of chymotrypsin and the substrate-binding sites are highly conserved compared with the CTRLs of other species, including mammalian species. Nemopilema nomurai CTRL-1 is evolutionarily more closely related to Actinopterygii than to Scyphozoan (Aurelia aurita) or Hydrozoan (Hydra vulgaris). The N. nomurai CTRL1 was amplified from the genomic DNA with PCR using specific primers designed based on the full-length cDNA, and then sequenced. The N. nomurai CTRL1 gene contains 2434 nucleotides and four distinct exons. The 5′ donor splice (GT) and 3′ acceptor splice sequences (AG) are wholly conserved. This is the first report of the CTRL1 gene and cDNA structures in the jellyfish N. nomurai.
Impaired Expression of Cytokines as a Result of Viral Infections with an Emphasis on Small Ruminant Lentivirus Infection in Goats
Authors: Jarczak Justyna , Kaba Jarosław , Reczyńska Daria , Bagnicka Emilia
Published: July 2016

Knowing about the genes involved in immunity, and being able to identify the factors influencing their expressions, helps in gaining awareness of the immune processes. The qPCR method is a useful gene expression analysis tool, but studies on immune system genes are still limited, especially on the caprine immune system. Caprine arthritis encephalitis, a disease caused by small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV), causes economic losses in goat breeding, and there is no therapy against SRLV. The results of studies on vaccines against other viruses are promising. Moreover, the Marker-Assisted Selection strategy against SRLV is possible, as has been shown in sheep breeding. However, there are still many gaps in our knowledge on the caprine immune response to infection. All types of cytokines play pivotal roles in immunity, and SRLV infection influences the expression of many cytokines in different types of cells. This information encouraged the authors to examine the results of studies conducted on SRLV and other viral infections, with an emphasis on the expression of cytokine genes. This review attempts to summarize the results of studies on the expression of cytokines in the context of the SRLV infection.
La reconstruction de Cambrai après la seconde guerre mondiale.
Authors: Machon Jean-François
Published: July 2016

A la libération, la ville de Cambrai est détruite à 55 %. Il faut d'abord parer au plus pressé, déblayer les ruines, reloger les sinistrés. La reconstruction s'intègre dans les grands cadres posés par l'Etat et est menée pendant une quinzaine d'années selon les directives de deux plans d'urbanisme, élaborés chacun après les bombardements de 1940 et 1944. L'aménagement urbain s'inscrit dans la continuité de la reconstruction des années vingt et suscite une véritable effervescence. Le poids de grandes personnalités y est déterminant. La ville est pourvue d'un équipement performant et le modèle du logement individuel est préféré, tandis qu'a lieu un essor démographique sans précédent. La reconstruction bouleverse le quartier central de la place au Bois, dynamise les faubourgs, améliore la circulation mais la ville ne profite pas des nouvelles possibilités d'aménagement pour s'industrialiser.
Does Language Matter When Using a Graphical Method for Calculating the Speech Intelligibility Index?
Authors: Jin In-Ki , Kates James M. , Arehart Kathryn H.
Published: July 2016

Background:Graphical methods for calculating the speech intelligibility index (SII), such as the count-the-dot audiogram, are useful tools in quantifying how much weighted audibility is restored when amplification is used for individuals with hearing loss. The band-importance
function (BIF), which is an important component of the SII, depends on the language. Thus, language may affect the prediction of weighted audibility using the graphical SII.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to apply language-specific BIFs to develop and compare graphical SIIs for
English, Korean, and Mandarin.Research Design:The graphical SIIs were developed and compared using a research design that applied and analyzed existing datasets.Data Collection and Analysis:Language-specific BIFs and dynamic ranges were used to derive graphical SIIs for English,
Korean, and Mandarin. SII predictions were compared by calculating the language-specific predictions for the same audiometric configurations.Results:The graphical SIIs for English, Korean, and Mandarin yielded different unaided and aided predictions for the same audiogram configurations.Conclusions:A
graphical SII helps patients easily understand their weighted audibility for unaided and aided conditions; thus, it is a useful counseling tool in the clinic. The most accurate graphical SII’s will, however, be based on a patient’s spoken language.