bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metodologia de acreditação da gestão do capital intelectual
Authors: Matos Florinda , Lopes Albino
Published: October 2017

O fracasso do sistema económico internacional veio demonstrar que os sistemas financeiros tradicionais não fornecem informação suficiente para os gestores ou investidores tomarem decisões sólidas. O capital intelectual é hoje visto como um importante driver das organizações contemporâneas. Então se for possível criar mecanismos fiáveis e acessíveis que permitam avaliar, de forma consistente, a gestão do capital intelectual, podemos estar perante uma importante ferramenta de gestão. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar a metodologia de acreditação da gestão do capital intelectual – ICMA. Baseada numa pesquisa empírica, realizada em PMEs portuguesas, esta metodologia parece ser um instrumento importante de avaliação da capacidade de inovação sustentável das PMEs. A metodologia ICMA baseia-se na utilização do Modelo do Capital Intelectual – MCI e respetivos parâmetros de auditoria. Diversos Investigadores têm investigado e documentado a importância da gestão do capital intelectual, todavia, esta metodologia ganha importância porque apresenta uma forma inovadora de analisar a gestão do capital intelectual das PMEs, permitindo a criação de um sistema de acreditação. Em termos de implicação prática, podemos dizer que a criação de uma metodologia reconhecida, de acreditação da gestão do capital intelectual, poderá ser uma ferramenta muito importante na avaliação da capacidade de inovação sustentável das PMEs e portanto, na avaliação da sua sustentabilidade perante os diversos parceiros. Os capítulos seguintes deste artigo fazem a descrição pormenorizada das bases desta metodologia de acreditação, apresentando-a como uma ferramenta que permite medir a performance organizacional das PMEs.
Studi Deskriptif mengenai Coping Stress pada Ibu yang Memiliki Anak dengan Autism Sebuah Penelitian di Sekolah “X” Bandung
Authors: Armajayanthi Erika , Victoriana Evany , Ayu Kangga Liedia
Published: October 2017

Having a child with autism can make a mother stress so that mothers need to relieve stress using coping stress. This study uses the theory of coping stress of Lazarus & Folkman (1984) to describe the coping stress used by mothers of children with autism in Schools "X". The number of participants of this study are 17 mothers age 27 - 55. All the participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire called Ways of Coping, that has been modified and adapted to the characteristics of the participants. Scores obtained can give descriptions about the form and component of coping used by participants. Items using a Likert scale, with the scaling interval. Counting the validity using SPSS version 22, using Pearson Correlation. From the calculation, there is one item that is discarded. Calculation reliability using software SPSS version 22, using Cronbach Alpha. Based on the results, the reliability of "Ways of Coping" is 0.875, which means it has high reliability. Based on statistical data, of the 17 participants, 9 participants mostly use problem focused coping, 7 participants mostly use emotional focused coping, and  one participant use both forms of coping in a balanced manner. The conclusion is, most participants use problem focused coping more than emotional focused coping. Keywords: mother, autism, stress, coping stress.
Evaluation of a course to prepare international students for the United States Medical Licensing Examination step 2 clinical skills exam
Authors: Levine Rachel B. , Levy Andrew P. , Lubin Robert , Halevi Sarah , Rios Rebeca , Cayea Danelle
Published: October 2017

Purpose: United States (US) and Canadian citizens attending medical school abroad often desire to return to the US for residency, and therefore must pass US licensing exams. We describe a 2-day United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) step 2 clinical skills (CS) preparation course for students in the Technion American Medical School program (Haifa, Israel) between 2012 and 2016.Methods: Students completed pre- and post-course questionnaires. The paired t-test was used to measure students’ perceptions of knowledge, preparation, confidence, and competence in CS pre- and post-course. To test for differences by gender or country of birth, analysis of variance was used. We compared USMLE step 2 CS pass rates between the 5 years prior to the course and the 5 years during which the course was offered.Results: Ninety students took the course between 2012 and 2016. Course evaluations began in 2013. Seventy-three students agreed to participate in the evaluation, and 64 completed the pre- and post-course surveys. Of the 64 students, 58% were US-born and 53% were male. Students reported statistically significant improvements in confidence and competence in all areas. No differences were found by gender or country of origin. The average pass rate for the 5 years prior to the course was 82%, and the average pass rate for the 5 years of the course was 89%.Conclusion: A CS course delivered at an international medical school may help to close the gap between the pass rates of US and international medical graduates on a high-stakes licensing exam. More experience is needed to determine if this model is replicable.
Investigation of Sex Differences in the Microglial Response to Binge Ethanol and Exercise
Authors: Barton Emily , Baker Cassandra , Leasure J.
Published: October 2017

The female brain appears selectively vulnerable to the neurotoxic effects of alcohol, but the reasons for this are unclear. One possibility is an exaggerated neuroimmune response in the female brain, such that alcohol increases microglia number and reactivity to subsequent stimuli, such as exercise. It is important to better characterize the interactive neural effects of alcohol and exercise, as exercise is increasingly being used in the treatment of alcohol use disorders. The present study compared the number of microglia and evidence of their activation in alcohol-vulnerable regions of the brain (medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus) in male and female rats following binge alcohol and/or exercise. Binge alcohol increased microglia number and morphological characteristics consistent with their activation in the female brain but not the male, regardless of exercise. Binge alcohol followed by exercise did increase the number of MHC II+ (immunocompetent) microglia in females, although the vast majority of microglia did not express MHC II. These results indicate that binge alcohol exerts sex-specific effects on microglia that may result in enhanced reactivity to a subsequent challenge and in part underlie the apparent selective vulnerability of the female brain to alcohol.
Targeting PDK1 for Chemosensitization of Cancer Cells
Authors: Emmanouilidi Aikaterini , Falasca Marco
Published: October 2017

Despite the rapid development in the field of oncology, cancer remains the second cause of mortality worldwide, with the number of new cases expected to more than double in the coming years. Chemotherapy is widely used to decelerate or stop tumour development in combination with surgery or radiation therapy when appropriate, and in many cases this improves the symptomatology of the disease. Unfortunately though, chemotherapy is not applicable to all patients and even when it is, there are many cases where a successful initial treatment period is followed by chemotherapeutic drug resistance. This is caused by a number of reasons, ranging from the genetic background of the patient (innate resistance) to the formation of tumour-initiating cells (acquired resistance). In this review, we discuss the potential role of PDK1 in the development of chemoresistance in different types of malignancy, and the design and application of potent inhibitors which can promote chemosensitization.
An Exploration into the Origins and Pathogenesis of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK)-Positive
Authors: Turner Suzanne
Published: October 2017

T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a heterogeneous disease ranging from malignancies arising from thymic T cells halted in development, through to mature, circulating peripheral T cells. The latter cases are diagnostically problematic with many entering the category of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL, NOS). Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is one of the exceptions to this whereby aberrant expression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and the distinctive presence of cell surface CD30 places this entity in its own class. Besides the expression of a well-studied oncogenic translocation, ALCL, ALK+ may also have a unique pathogenesis with a thymic origin like T lymphoblastic lymphoma but a peripheral presentation akin to PTCL. This perspective discusses evidence towards the potential origin of ALCL, ALK+, and mechanisms that may give rise to its unique phenotype.
The Role of Platelet-Derived ADP and ATP in Promoting Pancreatic Cancer Cell Survival and Gemcitabine Resistance
Authors: Elaskalani Omar , Falasca Marco , Moran Niamh , Berndt Michael , Metharom Pat
Published: October 2017

Platelets have been demonstrated to be vital in cancer epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), an important step in metastasis. Markers of EMT are associated with chemotherapy resistance. However, the association between the development of chemoresistance, EMT, and the contribution of platelets to the process, is still unclear. Here we report that platelets regulate the expression of (1) human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) and (2) cytidine deaminase (CDD), markers of gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer. Human ENT1 (hENT1) is known to enable cellular uptake of gemcitabine while CDD deactivates gemcitabine. Knockdown experiments demonstrate that Slug, a mesenchymal transcriptional factor known to be upregulated during EMT, regulates the expression of hENT1 and CDD. Furthermore, we demonstrate that platelet-derived ADP and ATP regulate Slug and CDD expression in pancreatic cancer cells. Finally, we demonstrate that pancreatic cancer cells express the purinergic receptor P2Y12, an ADP receptor found mainly on platelets. Thus ticagrelor, a P2Y12 inhibitor, was used to examine the potential therapeutic effect of an ADP receptor antagonist on cancer cells. Our data indicate that ticagrelor negated the survival signals initiated in cancer cells by platelet-derived ADP and ATP. In conclusion, our results demonstrate a novel role of platelets in modulating chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer. Moreover, we propose ADP/ATP receptors as additional potential drug targets for treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Roles of microRNAs and RNA-Binding Proteins in the Regulation of Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Mukohyama Junko , Shimono Yohei , Minami Hironobu , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Suzuki Akira
Published: October 2017

Colorectal cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for the initiation, progression and metastasis of human colorectal cancers, and have been characterized by the expression of cell surface markers, such as CD44, CD133, CD166 and LGR5. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are differentially expressed between CSCs and non-tumorigenic cancer cells, and play important roles in the maintenance and regulation of stem cell properties of CSCs. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are emerging epigenetic regulators of various RNA processing events, such as splicing, localization, stabilization and translation, and can regulate various types of stem cells. In this review, we summarize current evidences on the roles of miRNA and RBPs in the regulation of colorectal CSCs. Understanding the epigenetic regulation of human colorectal CSCs will help to develop biomarkers for colorectal cancers and to identify targets for CSC-targeting therapies.
Correction: Hu, Z.; et al. Transport and Deposition of Carbon Nanoparticles in Saturated Porous Media. Energies 2017, 10, 1151
Authors: Hu Zhongliang , Zhao Jin , Gao Hui , Nourafkan Ehsan , Wen Dongsheng
Published: October 2017

The author wishes to correct Figure 1b in this paper [1][...]
Stokes’ First Problem for Viscoelastic Fluids with a Fractional Maxwell Model
Authors: Bazhlekova Emilia , Bazhlekov Ivan
Published: October 2017

Stokes’ first problem for a class of viscoelastic fluids with the generalized fractional Maxwell constitutive model is considered. The constitutive equation is obtained from the classical Maxwell stress–strain relation by substituting the first-order derivatives of stress and strain by derivatives of non-integer orders in the interval ( 0 , 1 ] . Explicit integral representation of the solution is derived and some of its characteristics are discussed: non-negativity and monotonicity, asymptotic behavior, analyticity, finite/infinite propagation speed, and absence of wave front. To illustrate analytical findings, numerical results for different values of the parameters are presented.
Genome-Wide Identification and Structural Analysis of bZIP Transcription Factor Genes in Brassica napus
Authors: Zhou Yan , Xu Daixiang , Jia Ledong , Huang Xiaohu , Ma Guoqiang , Wang Shuxian , Zhu Meichen , Zhang Aoxiang , Guan Mingwei , Lu Kun , Xu Xinfu , Wang Rui , Li Jiana , Qu Cunmin
Published: October 2017

The basic region/leucine zipper motif (bZIP) transcription factor family is one of the largest families of transcriptional regulators in plants. bZIP genes have been systematically characterized in some plants, but not in rapeseed (Brassica napus). In this study, we identified 247 BnbZIP genes in the rapeseed genome, which we classified into 10 subfamilies based on phylogenetic analysis of their deduced protein sequences. The BnbZIP genes were grouped into functional clades with Arabidopsis genes with similar putative functions, indicating functional conservation. Genome mapping analysis revealed that the BnbZIPs are distributed unevenly across all 19 chromosomes, and that some of these genes arose through whole-genome duplication and dispersed duplication events. All expression profiles of 247 bZIP genes were extracted from RNA-sequencing data obtained from 17 different B. napus ZS11 tissues with 42 various developmental stages. These genes exhibited different expression patterns in various tissues, revealing that these genes are differentially regulated. Our results provide a valuable foundation for functional dissection of the different BnbZIP homologs in B. napus and its parental lines and for molecular breeding studies of bZIP genes in B. napus.
Chromosome Evolution in Connection with Repetitive Sequences and Epigenetics in Plants
Authors: Li Shu-Fen , Su Ting , Cheng Guang-Qian , Wang Bing-Xiao , Li Xu , Deng Chuan-Liang , Gao Wu-Jun
Published: October 2017

Chromosome evolution is a fundamental aspect of evolutionary biology. The evolution of chromosome size, structure and shape, number, and the change in DNA composition suggest the high plasticity of nuclear genomes at the chromosomal level. Repetitive DNA sequences, which represent a conspicuous fraction of every eukaryotic genome, particularly in plants, are found to be tightly linked with plant chromosome evolution. Different classes of repetitive sequences have distinct distribution patterns on the chromosomes. Mounting evidence shows that repetitive sequences may play multiple generative roles in shaping the chromosome karyotypes in plants. Furthermore, recent development in our understanding of the repetitive sequences and plant chromosome evolution has elucidated the involvement of a spectrum of epigenetic modification. In this review, we focused on the recent evidence relating to the distribution pattern of repetitive sequences in plant chromosomes and highlighted their potential relevance to chromosome evolution in plants. We also discussed the possible connections between evolution and epigenetic alterations in chromosome structure and repatterning, such as heterochromatin formation, centromere function, and epigenetic-associated transposable element inactivation.
Psycho-Physiological Associates of Dyspnea in Hospitalized Patients with Interstitial Lung Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhou Yan , Mak Yim
Published: October 2017

Dyspnea has been found to be an independent predictor of mortality among patients with respiratory diseases and is often regarded as a difficult symptom to control in patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). Previous studies have found an association of psychological and physiological factors with dyspnea among patients with chronic obstructive airway diseases. However, symptom management of hospitalized patients with ILDs has been hampered by difficulty in priority, since they are often admitted with multiple psycho-physiological needs. This study examined the prevalence of dyspnea and the psycho-physiological factors associated with it among hospitalized Chinese patients with ILDs. We studied 165 hospitalized patients with ILDs recruited consecutively over three months in a public hospital in Guangzhou, China. Dyspnea and common psycho-physiological factors, including cough symptoms, activity capacity, lung function, physical and mental health status, and anxiety and depression symptoms, were measured. By ordered logistic regression, level of dyspnea statistically significantly affected performance in a six-minute walk test and physical functioning in work or other regular daily activities in hospitalized patients with ILDs. Respiratory rehabilitation with an appropriate intensity of exercise training or other strategies for enhancing the physical functioning of this population with moderate and severe levels of dyspnea should be prioritized.
The Assessment of Toxic Metals in Plants Used in Cosmetics and Cosmetology
Authors: Fischer Agnieszka , Brodziak-Dopierała Barbara , Loska Krzysztof , Stojko Jerzy
Published: October 2017

Heavy metals polluting the natural environment are absorbed by plants. The use of herbs as components of cosmetics may pose a health risk for humans. The aim of the study was to determine the concentrations of Pb, Cd and Hg in selected species of herbs (horsetail Equisetum arvense, nettle Urtica dioica, St. John’s wort Hypericum perforatum, wormwood Artemisia absinthium, yarrow Achillea millefolium, cottonwood Solidago virgaurea) self-collected from the natural environment in two different locations, and purchased in stores on the territory of Poland. The concentration of the metals studied was: 4.67–23.8 mg/kg Pb, 0.01–1.51 mg/kg Cd, 0.005–0.028 mg/kg Hg. Different concentrations of metals, depending on species and origin of plants, were found. The mean concentration of all studied metals was the lowest in St. John’s wort, and the highest in nettle. In herbs purchased in Polish stores, the concentration of Pb was higher than in plants self-collected in the natural environment.
Influence of Afforestation on the Species Diversity of the Soil Seed Bank and Understory Vegetation in the Hill-Gullied Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Wang Ning , Jiao Juying , Jia Yanfeng , Wang Dongli
Published: October 2017

The Chinese Loess Plateau region has long been suffering from serious soil erosion. Thus, large-scale afforestation has continued during the past decades in order to control soil erosion. Afforestation can dramatically alter nutrient cycles, affect soil-carbon storage, and change hydrology. However, it is unknown how afforestation influences species diversity of the soil seed bank and understory vegetation compared with spontaneous restoration of abandoned land. Forest land with trees planted 30 years ago, abandoned slope land restored spontaneously for 30 years, and the corresponding slopes with remnant natural vegetation were selected as sampling sites. The species richness both in the soil seed bank and vegetation was significantly higher on the afforested slope compared to the spontaneously restored abandoned land. The species similarity between the afforested slope and the remnant slope land was high both in the soil seed bank and standing vegetation compared to the abandoned land. The soil seed bank density varied from 1778 ± 187 to 3896 ± 221 seeds/m2, and more than half of it was constituted by annual and biennial species, with no significant difference among sampling habitats. However, the afforested slope had higher seed density of grass and shrub/subshrubs compared to the abandoned slope. The present study indicates that in the study region, characterized by serious soil erosion, afforestation can better facilitate vegetation succession compared to spontaneously restoration of abandoned slope land.
Coumestrol Epigenetically Suppresses Cancer Cell Proliferation: Coumestrol Is a Natural Haspin Kinase Inhibitor
Authors: Kim Jong-Eun , Lee Sung-Young , Jang Mi , Choi Hyo-Kyung , Kim Jong Hun , Chen Hanyong , Lim Tae-Gyu , Dong Zigang , Lee Ki Won
Published: October 2017

Targeting epigenetic changes in gene expression in cancer cells may offer new strategies for the development of selective cancer therapies. In the present study, we investigated coumestrol, a natural compound exhibiting broad anti-cancer effects against skin melanoma, lung cancer and colon cancer cell growth. Haspin kinase was identified as a direct target protein of coumestrol using kinase profiling analysis. Histone H3 is a direct substrate of haspin kinase. We observed haspin kinase overexpression as well as greater phosphorylation of histone H3 at threonine 3 (Thr-3) in the cancer cells compared to normal cells. Computer modeling using the Schrödinger Suite program identified the binding interface within the ATP binding site. These findings suggest that the anti-cancer effect of coumestrol is due to the direct targeting of haspin kinase. Coumestrol has considerable potential for further development as a novel anti-cancer agent.
Marine-Derived Penicillium Species as Producers of Cytotoxic Metabolites
Authors: Liu Sen , Su Mingzhi , Song Shao-Jiang , Jung Jee
Published: October 2017

Since the discovery of penicillin, Penicillium has become one of the most attractive fungal genera for the production of bioactive molecules. Marine-derived Penicillium has provided numerous excellent pharmaceutical leads over the past decades. In this review, we focused on the cytotoxic metabolites * (* Cytotoxic potency was referred to five different levels in this review, extraordinary (IC50/LD50: <1 μM or 0.5 μg/mL); significant (IC50/LD50: 1~10 μM or 0.5~5 μg/mL); moderate (IC50/LD50: 10~30 μM or 5~15 μg/mL); mild (IC50/LD50: 30~50 μM or 15~25 μg/mL); weak (IC50/LD50: 50~100 μM or 25~50 μg/mL). The comparative potencies of positive controls were referred when they were available). produced by marine-derived Penicillium species, and on their cytotoxicity mechanisms, biosyntheses, and chemical syntheses.
Accumulation and Tissue Distribution of Dinophysitoxin-1 and Dinophysitoxin-3 in the Mussel Crenomytilus grayanus Feeding on the Benthic Dinoflagellate Prorocentrum foraminosum
Authors: Kameneva Polina , Krasheninina Ekaterina , Slobodskova Valentina , Kukla Sergey , Orlova Tatiana
Published: October 2017

A DTX-1-producing microalga, Prorocentrum foraminosum, from Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan, was fed to Gray’s mussels, Crenomytilus grayanus, for 12 days. An increase in DTX-1 and 7-O-acyl-DTX-1 (DTX-3) was observed in the digestive gland, kidneys, and gills. The digestive gland accumulated 91–100% of DTX-1 + DTX-3; and kidneys and gills accumulated, up to 8.5% and 4.3%, respectively. The kidneys had a distinctive pattern of toxin accumulation where the concentration of DTX-1 did not grow significantly after the eighth day of feeding, indicating the potential of DTX-1 elimination. The digestive gland and gills predominantly accumulated DTX-1, with a dramatic increase between Days 8 and 12. The DTX-3 content was highest in the digestive gland. The composition of DTX-3 in the acyl groups was similar for the digestive gland and kidneys, and did not change during feeding. The total toxin uptake of mussels exceeded the total toxin content from ingested cells by 2.4 times, showing that toxins may have accumulated from the seawater. This assumption needs to be further proved. The muscle, gonads, and mantle remained free of toxins. No genotoxic effect was observed in the gills and digestive gland.
Growth, Toxin Production and Allelopathic Effects of Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries under Iron-Enriched Conditions
Authors: Sobrinho Bruna Fernanda , De Camargo Luana Mocelin , Sandrini-Neto Leonardo , Kleemann Cristian Rafael , Machado Eunice da Costa , Mafra Luiz Laureno
Published: October 2017

In order to assess the effects of Fe-enrichment on the growth and domoic acid (DA) production of the toxigenic diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries, static cultures that received the addition of different iron (Fe) concentrations were maintained for 30 days. Intra- and extracellular DA concentrations were evaluated over time, and growth and chain-formation were compared to those of non-toxic diatoms, Bacillaria sp. Growth rates of P. multiseries (μ = 0.45–0.73 d−1) were similar among cultures containing different Fe concentrations. Likewise, the similar incidence and length of P. multiseries stepped cell chains (usually 2–4; up to 8-cell long) among the treatments reinforces that the cultures were not growth-inhibited under any condition tested, suggesting an efficient Fe acquisition mechanism. Moreover, DA concentrations were significantly higher under the highest Fe concentration, indicating that Fe is required for toxin synthesis. Bacillaria sp. reached comparable growth rates under the same Fe concentrations, except when the dissolved cell contents from a P. multiseries culture was added. The 50–70% reduction in cell density and 70–90% decrease in total chlorophyll-a content of Bacillaria sp. at early stationary growth phase indicates, for the first time, an allelopathic effect of undetermined compounds released by Pseudo-nitzschia to another diatom species.
CO2 Permeability of Biological Membranes and Role of CO2 Channels
Authors: Endeward Volker , Arias-Hidalgo Mariela , Al-Samir Samer , Gros Gerolf
Published: October 2017

We summarize here, mainly for mammalian systems, the present knowledge of (a) the membrane CO2 permeabilities in various tissues; (b) the physiological significance of the value of the CO2 permeability; (c) the mechanisms by which membrane CO2 permeability is modulated; (d) the role of the intracellular diffusivity of CO2 for the quantitative significance of cell membrane CO2 permeability; (e) the available evidence for the existence of CO2 channels in mammalian and artificial systems, with a brief view on CO2 channels in fishes and plants; and, (f) the possible significance of CO2 channels in mammalian systems.
Modelling of Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography Stationary Phases Using Chemometric Approaches
Authors: Navarro-Reig Meritxell , Ortiz-Villanueva Elena , Tauler Romà , Jaumot Joaquim
Published: October 2017

Metabolomics is a powerful and widely used approach that aims to screen endogenous small molecules (metabolites) of different families present in biological samples. The large variety of compounds to be determined and their wide diversity of physical and chemical properties have promoted the development of different types of hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) stationary phases. However, the selection of the most suitable HILIC stationary phase is not straightforward. In this work, four different HILIC stationary phases have been compared to evaluate their potential application for the analysis of a complex mixture of metabolites, a situation similar to that found in non-targeted metabolomics studies. The obtained chromatographic data were analyzed by different chemometric methods to explore the behavior of the considered stationary phases. ANOVA-simultaneous component analysis (ASCA), principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares regression (PLS) were used to explore the experimental factors affecting the stationary phase performance, the main similarities and differences among chromatographic conditions used (stationary phase and pH) and the molecular descriptors most useful to understand the behavior of each stationary phase.
Synthesis and Antitumor Activity of Triazole-Containing Sorafenib Analogs
Authors: Ye Wenjing , Yao Qi , Yu Simiao , Gong Ping , Qin Mingze
Published: October 2017

Using a highly effective binuclear Cu complex as the catalyst, the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions between 16 alkynes and two azides were successfully performed and resulted in the production of 25 new triazole-containing sorafenib analogs. Several compounds were evaluated as potent antitumor agents. Among them, 4-(4-(4-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)phenoxy)-N-methylpicolinamide (8f) potently suppressed the proliferation of HT-29 cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and almost completely inhibited colony formation at a low micromolar concentration.
Pharmabiotics as an Emerging Medication for Metabolic Syndrome and Its Related Diseases
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thanh Binh , Jin Yan Yan , Chung Hea-Jong , Hong Seong-Tschool
Published: October 2017

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic risk factors associated with central obesity, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and high blood pressure. In recent decades, because of the remarkable increase in both prevalence and severity, MetS and its related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), obesity, hypertension and diabetes have become the main global burden and challenge in strategic management involving prevention and treatment. However, currently, the preventions and treatments based on pharmaceutical interventions do not provide a solution for MetS and its related diseases. Recently, gut microbiota showed clear evidence of preventing and/or treating MetS, shedding light on treating MetS and its related diseases through a completely different approach. In this review, we will interpret the effects of current pharmaceutical drugs used in preventing and treating MetS and its related diseases to understand remaining issues of those interventions. We will explore the possibility of developing gut microbiota as pharmabiotics in a completely new medication option for treating MetS and its related diseases.
Single Actin Bundle Rheology
Authors: Strehle Dan , Mollenkopf Paul , Glaser Martin , Golde Tom , Schuldt Carsten , Käs Josef A. , Schnauß Jörg
Published: October 2017

Bundled actin structures play an essential role in the mechanical response of the actin cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells. Although responsible for crucial cellular processes, they are rarely investigated in comparison to single filaments and isotropic networks. Presenting a highly anisotropic structure, the determination of the mechanical properties of individual bundles was previously achieved through passive approaches observing bending deformations induced by thermal fluctuations. We present a new method to determine the bending stiffness of individual bundles, by measuring the decay of an actively induced oscillation. This approach allows us to systematically test anisotropic, bundled structures. Our experiments revealed that thin, depletion force-induced bundles behave as semiflexible polymers and obey the theoretical predictions determined by the wormlike chain model. Thickening an individual bundle by merging it with other bundles enabled us to study effects that are solely based on the number of involved filaments. These thicker bundles showed a frequency-dependent bending stiffness, a behavior that is inconsistent with the predictions of the wormlike chain model. We attribute this effect to internal processes and give a possible explanation with regard to the wormlike bundle theory.
Enhanced Glucose Uptake in Human Liver Cells and Inhibition of Carbohydrate Hydrolyzing Enzymes by Nordic Berry Extracts
Authors: Ho Giang Thanh Thi , Nguyen Thi Kim Yen , Kase Eili Tranheim , Tadesse Margey , Barsett Hilde , Wangensteen Helle
Published: October 2017

A Western lifestyle with low physical activity and a diet rich in sugar, fat and processed food contribute to higher incidences of diabetes and obesity. Enhanced glucose uptake in human liver cells was observed after treatment with phenolic extracts from different Nordic berries. All berry extracts showed higher inhibition against α-amylase and α-glucosidase than the anti-diabetic agent acarbose. Total phenolic content and phenolic profiles in addition to antioxidant activities, were also investigated. The berries were extracted with 80% methanol on an accelerated solvent extraction system (ASE) and then purified by C-18 solid phase extraction (SPE). Among the ASE methanol extracts, black chokeberry, crowberry and elderberry extracts showed high stimulation of glucose uptake in HepG2 cells and also considerable inhibitory effect towards carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes. SPE extracts with higher concentrations of phenolics, resulted in increased glucose uptake and enhanced inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase compared to the ASE extracts. Crowberry and cloudberry were the most potent 15-lipoxygenase inhibitors, while bog whortleberry and lingonberry were the most active xanthine oxidase inhibitors. These results increase the value of these berries as a component of a healthy Nordic diet and have a potential benefit against diabetes.
Enhanced Efficiency in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells by Electron Transport and Light Scattering on Freestanding TiO2 Nanotube Arrays
Authors: Rho Won-Yeop , Song Da , Lee Sang , Jun Bong-Hyun
Published: October 2017

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated with closed- or open-ended freestanding TiO2 nanotube arrays as photoelectrodes that were decorated with carbon materials and large TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance energy conversion efficiency. The energy conversion efficiency of DSSCs based on open-ended freestanding TiO2 nanotube arrays increased from 4.47% to 5.39%, compared to the DSSCs based on closed-ended freestanding TiO2 nanotube arrays. In DSSCs based on the open-ended freestanding TiO2 nanotube arrays, the energy conversion efficiency with carbon materials increased from 5.39% to 6.19% due to better electron transport, and that with a scattering layer from 5.39% to 6.24% due to more light harvesting compared to the DSSCs without carbon materials or scattering layer. Moreover, the energy conversion efficiency of DSSCs based on the open-ended freestanding TiO2 nanotube arrays with both carbon materials and scattering layer increased from 5.39% to 6.98%, which is an enhancement of 29.50%. In DSSCs based on the TiO2 nanotube arrays, the carbon materials can improve electron transport by π-π conjugation, and the large TiO2 NPs can enhance the capacity to light-harvest by scattering.
Characterization of Three Ocular Clinical Isolates of P. aeruginosa: Viability, Biofilm Formation, Adherence, Infectivity, and Effects of Glycyrrhizin
Authors: Peng Xudong , Ekanayaka Sandamali , McClellan Sharon , Barrett Ronald , Vistisen Kerry , Hazlett Linda
Published: October 2017

We selectively characterized three isolates from Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis patients and how glycyrrhizin (GLY) affected them. Type III toxins were determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of GLY and assays for its effects on: time kill, bacterial permeability, and biofilm/adhesion were done. In vivo, C57BL/6 (B6) mice were treated topically with GLY after G81007 infection. Clinical score, photography with a slit lamp and RT-PCR were used to assess treatment effects. Isolates expressed exoS and exoT, but not exoU. MIC for all isolates was 40 mg/mL GLY and bacteriostatic effects were seen for G81007 after treatment using time kill assays. From viability testing, GLY treatment significantly increased the number of permeabilized bacteria (live/dead assay). Isolates 070490 and G81007 formed more biofilms compared with R59733 and PAO1 (control). GLY-treated bacteria had diminished biofilm compared with controls for all isolates. GLY reduced adherence of the G81007 isolate to cultured cells and affected specific biofilm associated systems tested by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). In vivo, after G81007 infection, GLY treatment reduced clinical score and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, CXCL2 and HMGB1. This study provides evidence that GLY is bacteriostatic for G81007. It also affects biofilm production, adherence to cultured cells, and an improved keratitis outcome.
Systemic Interleukin-4 Administration after Spinal Cord Injury Modulates Inflammation and Promotes Neuroprotection
Authors: Lima Rui , Monteiro Susana , Lopes José , Barradas Pedro , Vasconcelos Natália , Gomes Eduardo , Assunção-Silva Rita , Teixeira Fábio , Morais Mónica , Sousa Nuno , Salgado António , Silva Nuno
Published: October 2017

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) causes dramatic disability and dysfunction in the motor, sensory and autonomic systems. The severe inflammatory reaction that occurs after SCI is strongly associated with further tissue damage. As such, immunomodulatory strategies have been developed, aimed at reducing inflammation, but also at shaping the immune response in order to protect, repair and promote regeneration of spared neural tissue. One of those promising strategies is the intraspinal administration of the cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4) that was shown to promote a phenotype on specific immune cells associated with neuroprotection and repair. In this work, we evaluated if a systemic delivery of IL-4 for a 7-days period was also capable of promoting neuroprotection after SCI by analyzing different neural cells populations and motor recovery. IL-4 treatment promoted an elevation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in the serum both at 24 h and 7 days after injury. Locally, treatment with IL-4 led to a reduction on cells expressing markers associated with inflammation, CD11b/c and iNOS. Importantly, IL-4 treatment increased the neuronal markers βIII-tubulin and NeuN, and the oligodendrocyte marker O4, suggesting a neuroprotective effect. Moreover, 100% of the animals treated with IL-4 were able to recover weight support against only 33% of saline treated animals. Overall, these results show that systemic administration of IL-4 positively impacts different aspects of spinal cord injury, creating a more favorable environment for recovery to take place.
A Region-Based Hierarchical Cross-Section Analysis for Individual Tree Crown Delineation Using ALS Data
Authors: Zhao Yinghui , Hao Yuanshuo , Zhen Zhen , Quan Ying
Published: October 2017

In recent years, airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) that provided three-dimensional forest information has been widely applied in forest inventory and has shown great potential in automatic individual tree crown delineation (ITCD). Usually, ITCD algorithms include treetop detection and crown boundary delineation procedures. In this study, we proposed a novel method called region-based hierarchical cross-section analysis (RHCSA), which combined the two procedures together based on a canopy height model (CHM) derived from airborne LiDAR data for ITCD. This method considers the CHM as a three-dimensional topological surface, simulates stereoscopic scanning from top to bottom using an iterative process, and utilizes the individual crown and vertical structure of crowns to progressively detect individual treetops and delineate crown boundaries. The proposed method was tested in natural forest stands with high canopy densities in Liangshui National Nature Reserve and Maoershan Forest Farm, Heilongjiang Province, China. Its performance was evaluated by an accuracy procedure that considered both the relative position of treetops and overlapped area of crowns. The average overall accuracy achieved was 85.12% for coniferous plots, 83.86% for deciduous plots and 86.44% for coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest plots. The results revealed that the RHCSA method can detect and delineate individual tree crowns with little influence from forest types and crown size. It could provide technical support for individual tree crown delineation in coniferous, deciduous and mixed forests with high canopy densities.
Multi-Layer Model Based on Multi-Scale and Multi-Feature Fusion for SAR Images
Authors: Zhai Aobo , Wen Xianbin , Xu Haixia , Yuan Liming , Meng Qingxia
Published: October 2017

A multi-layer classification approach based on multi-scales and multi-features (ML–MFM) for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the SAR image is partitioned into superpixels, which are local, coherent regions that preserve most of the characteristics necessary for extracting image information. Following this, a new sparse representation-based classification is used to express sparse multiple features of the superpixels. Moreover, a multi-scale fusion strategy is introduced into ML–MFM to construct the dictionary, which allows complementation between sample information. Finally, the multi-layer operation is used to refine the classification results of superpixels by adding a threshold decision condition to sparse representation classification (SRC) in an iterative way. Compared with traditional SRC and other existing methods, the experimental results of both synthetic and real SAR images have shown that the proposed method not only shows good performance in quantitative evaluation, but can also obtain satisfactory and cogent visualization of classification results.
Planar Microstrip Ring Resonators for Microwave-Based Gas Sensing: Design Aspects and Initial Transducers for Humidity and Ammonia Sensing
Authors: Bogner Andreas , Steiner Carsten , Walter Stefanie , Kita Jaroslaw , Hagen Gunter , Moos Ralf
Published: October 2017

A planar microstrip ring resonator structure on alumina was developed using the commercial FEM software COMSOL. Design parameters were evaluated, eventually leading to an optimized design of a miniaturized microwave gas sensor. The sensor was covered with a zeolite film. The device was successfully operated at around 8.5 GHz at room temperature as a humidity sensor. In the next step, an additional planar heater will be included on the reverse side of the resonator structure to allow for testing of gas-sensitive materials under sensor conditions.
Fiber-Optic Point-Based Sensor Using Specklegram Measurement
Authors: Wang Jiao-Jiao , Yan Shao-Cheng , Ruan Ya-Ping , Xu Fei , Lu Yan-Qing
Published: October 2017

Here, we report a fiber-optic point-based sensor to measure temperature and weight based on correlated specklegrams induced by spatial multimode interference. The device is realized simply by splicing a multimode fiber (MMF) to a single-mode fiber (SMF) with a core offset. A series of experiments demonstrates the approximately linear relation between the correlation coefficient and variation. Furthermore, we show the potential applications of the refractive index sensing of our device by disconnecting the splicing point of MMF and SMF. A modification of the algorithm in order to improve the sensitivity of the sensor is also discussed at the end of the paper.
Detection of Stress Levels from Biosignals Measured in Virtual Reality Environments Using a Kernel-Based Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Cho Dongrae , Ham Jinsil , Oh Jooyoung , Park Jeanho , Kim Sayup , Lee Nak-Kyu , Lee Boreom
Published: October 2017

Virtual reality (VR) is a computer technique that creates an artificial environment composed of realistic images, sounds, and other sensations. Many researchers have used VR devices to generate various stimuli, and have utilized them to perform experiments or to provide treatment. In this study, the participants performed mental tasks using a VR device while physiological signals were measured: a photoplethysmogram (PPG), electrodermal activity (EDA), and skin temperature (SKT). In general, stress is an important factor that can influence the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Heart-rate variability (HRV) is known to be related to ANS activity, so we used an HRV derived from the PPG peak interval. In addition, the peak characteristics of the skin conductance (SC) from EDA and SKT variation can also reflect ANS activity; we utilized them as well. Then, we applied a kernel-based extreme-learning machine (K-ELM) to correctly classify the stress levels induced by the VR task to reflect five different levels of stress situations: baseline, mild stress, moderate stress, severe stress, and recovery. Twelve healthy subjects voluntarily participated in the study. Three physiological signals were measured in stress environment generated by VR device. As a result, the average classification accuracy was over 95% using K-ELM and the integrated feature (IT = HRV + SC + SKT). In addition, the proposed algorithm can embed a microcontroller chip since K-ELM algorithm have very short computation time. Therefore, a compact wearable device classifying stress levels using physiological signals can be developed.
Defect Detection of Adhesive Layer of Thermal Insulation Materials Based on Improved Particle Swarm Optimization of ECT
Authors: Wen Yintang , Jia Yao , Zhang Yuyan , Luo Xiaoyuan , Wang Hongrui
Published: October 2017

This paper studies the defect detection problem of adhesive layer of thermal insulation materials. A novel detection method based on an improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm of Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) is presented. Firstly, a least squares support vector machine is applied for data processing of measured capacitance values. Then, the improved PSO algorithm is proposed and applied for image reconstruction. Finally, some experiments are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method in defect detection for adhesive layer of thermal insulation materials. The performance comparisons demonstrate that the proposed method has higher precision by comparing with traditional ECT algorithms.
Decentralization and Polycentricity: Spatial Changes of Employment in Beijing Metropolitan Area, China
Authors: Lv Yongqiang , Zheng Xinqi , Zhou Lin , Zhang Lulu
Published: October 2017

Decentralization and polycentric spatial structure strategies are important ways to alleviate urban disease in China. However, whether the urban spatial structure is meeting expectations is still unknown. Taking the Beijing Metropolitan Area as a case, the author adopted a non-parametric method to identify the subcenters, then an employment density model was used to analyze the spatial changes of employment and the employment centers’ impacts on the urban spatial structure. The results show that the Beijing Metropolitan Area was undergoing processes of employment decentralization, the monocentric structure was obvious throughout this time, but the polycentric model prevailed. The spatial structure of the Beijing Metropolitan Area was characterized as depicting “all centers aggregation” and the spatial structure of the central district of Beijing can be described as “subcenter agglomeration” between 2004 and 2013. The spatial structure became increasingly polycentric in the Beijing Metropolitan Area, but became more scattered in the central district.