bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Rapid Method for the Determination of Caffeine in Coffee Grains by GC-FID—A Fully Validated Approach
Authors: Pasias Ioannis , Kiriakou I. , Proestos Charalampos
Published: August 2017

A simple method for the determination of caffeine in coffee grains by GC-FID (Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionisation Detector) is presented in the current work. The method was fully validated according to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 17025 requirements and European Commission regulations. The accuracy, as provided by recovery experiments, was higher than 93%, and the precision, as provided by the (%) relative standard deviation under reproducibility conditions, was lower than 5%. A vast number of independent parameters that lead in the increase of uncertainty of methods were investigated. The analysis was performed without use of an internal standard, which was proven to be reliable according to several validation methods. The method was applied in real samples, and possible health claims were investigated.
Solanum trilobatum L. Ameliorate Thioacetamide-Induced Oxidative Stress and Hepatic Damage in Albino Rats
Authors: Ganesan Kumar , Sukalingam Kumeshini , Xu Baojun
Published: August 2017

Solanum trilobatum L. (Solanaceae) has been well known as nightshade, commonly used by diverse populations to heal several disorders. Earlier studies in Solanum trilobatum were focused on different pharmacological activities and a few were concerned with antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. Thus, the current study was focused to evaluate the antioxidant potential and hepatoprotective effects of S. trilobatum L. on thioacetamide (TAA) intoxication in Wistar albino rats. The rats were kept into four groups and six animals each. Group A was normal control. Group B was the TAA treated control. Groups C and D were pretreated with the aqueous extract from the leaves of S. trilobatum (100 mg, 200 mg/kg bw p.o.) once daily for 10 consecutive days administration followed by a single dose infusion of TAA (100 mg/kg s.c.). After 10 days, blood and livers were collected. The biochemical assay was carried out in the GSH (reduced glutathione), TBARS(thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), Na+-K+-ATPase, and antioxidant enzymes viz., SOD (superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase), GPx (glutathione peroxidase), GST (glutathione-S-transferase), and GR (glutathione reductase) were analyzed in samples of blood and liver. Treatment with S. trilobatum reduced blood and liver TBARS, and Na+ K+ ATPase activity in TAA (thioacetamide)-induced hepatotoxicity rats. Furthermore, the above antioxidant enzymes were increased in the pretreatment of S. trilobatum in TAA intoxicated rats. Finally, we concluded that S. Trilobatum displayed potent antioxidant properties and alleviate oxidative stress induced hepatotoxic effects and possible engross mechanisms related to free radical scavenging properties.
Axial Fan Blade Vibration Assessment under Inlet Cross-Flow Conditions Using Laser Scanning Vibrometry
Authors: Heinemann Till , Becker Stefan
Published: August 2017

In thermal power plants equipped with air-cooled condensers (ACCs), axial cooling fans operate under the influence of ambient flow fields. Under inlet cross-flow conditions, the resultant asymmetric flow field is known to introduce additional harmonic forces to the fan blades. This effect has previously only been studied numerically or by using blade-mounted strain gauges. For this study, laser scanning vibrometry (LSV) was used to assess fan blade vibration under inlet cross-flow conditions in an adapted fan test rig inside a wind tunnel test section. Two co-rotating laser beams scanned a low-pressure axial fan, resulting in spectral, phase-resolved surface vibration patterns of the fan blades. Two distinct operating points with flow coefficients of 0.17 and 0.28 were examined, with and without inlet cross-flow influence. While almost identical fan vibration patterns were found for both reference operating points, the overall blade vibration increased by 100% at the low fan flow rate as a result of cross-flow, and by 20% at the high fan flow rate. While numerically predicted natural frequency modes could be confirmed from experimental data as minor peaks in the vibration amplitude spectrum, they were not excited significantly by cross-flow. Instead, primarily higher rotation-rate harmonics were amplified; that is, a synchronous blade-tip flapping was strongly excited at the blade-pass frequency.
In Quest for Improved Drugs against Diabetes: The Added Value of X-ray Powder Diffraction Methods
Authors: Karavassili Fotini , Valmas Alexandros , Fili Stavroula , Georgiou Christos , Margiolaki Irene
Published: August 2017

Human insulin (HI) is a well-characterized natural hormone which regulates glycose levels into the blood-stream and is widely used for diabetes treatment. Numerous studies have manifested that despite significant efforts devoted to structural characterization of this molecule and its complexes with organic compounds (ligands), there is still a rich diagram of phase transitions and novel crystalline forms to be discovered. Towards the improvement of drug delivery, identification of new insulin polymorphs from polycrystalline samples, simulating the commercially available drugs, is feasible today via macromolecular X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). This approach has been developed, and is considered as a respectable method, which can be employed in biosciences for various purposes, such as observing phase transitions and characterizing bulk pharmaceuticals. An overview of the structural studies on human insulin complexes performed over the past decade employing both synchrotron and laboratory sources for XRPD measurements, is reported herein. This review aims to assemble all of the recent advances in the diabetes treatment field in terms of drug formulation, verifying in parallel the efficiency and applicability of protein XRPD for quick and accurate preliminary structural characterization in the large scale.
Taking Behavioral Sciences Forward
Authors: Hunter Scott
Published: August 2017

It has been almost one year now since I agreed to become the Editor-in-Chief for this important open access journal, for which I have served as a member of the editorial board since its early inception.[...]
Practice of Environmentally Significant Behaviours in Rural China: From Being Motivated by Economic Gains to Being Motivated by Environmental Considerations
Authors: Chen Yanyan
Published: August 2017

A continuous and increasing crisis that present-day China is facing is environmental degradation. The cultivation of citizens who have environmentally friendly behaviours has been deemed as a fundamental way to solve environmental crises. However, the main focus of environmentalism studies has been urban residents, whereas rare research attention was put on rural Chinese. This paper focuses on environmentally significant behaviours in rural China and aims to clarify the practice of five environmentally significant behaviours and two motivations underlying these behaviours. In total, 508 rural residents in 51 villages of Ningyang county were interviewed. Analytical results derived from survey data showed that environmentally significant behaviours are widely conducted in rural areas. However, these behaviours are mainly motivated by economic gains rather than environmental considerations. In addition, based on the norm-activation theory and considering the influences of demographic factors, the formation of environmentally motivated behaviours were quantitatively analysed. Analytical results indicated that the more people worried about environmental deterioration, the more likely they were to form environmentally motivated behaviours, and people who ascribe the most important environmental responsibility to the government are less likely to form environmentally motivated behaviours. Increasing people’s anxiety towards the environment, decreasing people’s dependency on the government in protecting the environment, and using females, the elderly, and people with low income and education levels as the main targets of environmental education are suggested to promote environmentally motivated behaviours in rural China.
Galactooligosaccharide Production from Pantoea anthophila Strains Isolated from “Tejuino”, a Mexican Traditional Fermented Beverage
Authors: Yañez-Ñeco Claudia , Rodriguez-Colinas Barbara , Amaya-Delgado Lorena , Ballesteros Antonio , Gschaedler Anne , Plou Francisco , Arrizon Javier
Published: August 2017

Two Pantoea anthophila bacterial strains were isolated from “tejuino”, a traditional Mexican beverage, and studied as β-galactosidase producers for galactooligosaccharides synthesis. Using 400 g/L of lactose, 50 °C, and 15 U/mL of β-galactosidase activity with ethanol-permeabilized cells, the maximum galactooligosaccharides (GOS) yield determined by High performance anion exchange chromatography with pulse amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD) was 136 g/L (34% w/w of total sugars) at 96% of lactose conversion for Bac 55.2 and 145 g/L (36% w/w of total sugars) at 94% of lactose conversion for Bac 69.1. The main synthesized products were the disaccharides allolactose [Gal-β(1 → 6)-Glc] and 6-galactobiose [Gal-β(1 → 6)-Gal], as well as the trisaccharides 3′-galactosyl-lactose [Gal-β(1 → 3)-Gal-β(1 → 4)-Glc], 6-galactotriose [Gal-β(1 → 6)-Gal-β(1 → 6)-Gal], 3′-galactosyl-allolactose [Gal-β(1 → 3)-Gal-β(1 → 6)-Glc], and 6′-galactosyl-lactose [Gal-β(1 → 6)-Gal-β(1 → 4)-Glc]. The β-galactosidases present in both strains showed a high transgalactosylation activity and formed principally β(1 → 3) and β(1 → 6) linkages. Considering the stability and bifidogenic properties of GOS containing such types of bonds, P. anthophila strains Bac 55.2 and Bac 69.1 possess a high potential as novel biocatalysts for prebiotic industrial production.
An eDNA-Based SNP Assay for Ungulate Species and Sex Identification
Authors: Nichols Ruth , Spong Göran
Published: August 2017

Many processes in wild populations are difficult to study. Genetic data, often non-invasively collected, may provide a solution to these difficulties and are increasingly used to study behavioral, demographic, ecological, and evolutionary processes. Moreover, the improved sensitivity of genetic methods now allows analyses of trace amounts of DNA left by animals in their environment (e.g., saliva, urine, epithelial cells). Environmental DNA (eDNA) thus offers new opportunities to study a range of historic and contemporary questions. Here, we present a species and sex diagnostic kit for studying browsing in a multispecies temperate ungulate assemblage. Using mitochondrial sequences deposited in Genbank, we developed four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for identifying four temperate ungulate species. We also sequenced portions of the Amelogenin gene on the X- and Y-chromosomes and developed six SNPs (three on the X-chromosome and three on the Y-chromosome) for sex determination. We tested the SNP assays on high and low quality/quantity DNA samples.
Group-Constrained Maximum Correntropy Criterion Algorithms for Estimating Sparse Mix-Noised Channels
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Li Yingsong , Albu Felix , Yang Rui
Published: August 2017

A group-constrained maximum correntropy criterion (GC-MCC) algorithm is proposed on the basis of the compressive sensing (CS) concept and zero attracting (ZA) techniques and its estimating behavior is verified over sparse multi-path channels. The proposed algorithm is implemented by exerting different norm penalties on the two grouped channel coefficients to improve the channel estimation performance in a mixed noise environment. As a result, a zero attraction term is obtained from the expected l 0 and l 1 penalty techniques. Furthermore, a reweighting factor is adopted and incorporated into the zero-attraction term of the GC-MCC algorithm which is denoted as the reweighted GC-MCC (RGC-MMC) algorithm to enhance the estimation performance. Both the GC-MCC and RGC-MCC algorithms are developed to exploit well the inherent sparseness properties of the sparse multi-path channels due to the expected zero-attraction terms in their iterations. The channel estimation behaviors are discussed and analyzed over sparse channels in mixed Gaussian noise environments. The computer simulation results show that the estimated steady-state error is smaller and the convergence is faster than those of the previously reported MCC and sparse MCC algorithms.
Cointegration between Trends and Their Estimators in State Space Models and Cointegrated Vector Autoregressive Models
Authors: Johansen Søren , Tabor Morten
Published: August 2017

A state space model with an unobserved multivariate random walk and a linear observation equation is studied. The purpose is to find out when the extracted trend cointegrates with its estimator, in the sense that a linear combination is asymptotically stationary. It is found that this result holds for the linear combination of the trend that appears in the observation equation. If identifying restrictions are imposed on either the trend or its coefficients in the linear observation equation, it is shown that there is cointegration between the identified trend and its estimator, if and only if the estimators of the coefficients in the observation equations are consistent at a faster rate than the square root of sample size. The same results are found if the observations from the state space model are analysed using a cointegrated vector autoregressive model. The findings are illustrated by a small simulation study.
In Situ Produced Bacterial Cellulose Nanofiber-Based Hybrids for Nanocomposites
Authors: Qiu Kaiyan , Netravali Anil
Published: August 2017

Two high-performance bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofiber-based hybrid structures were produced using an in situ self-assembly approach, one with microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) and another with sisal fiber, by incorporating them in the fermentation media. The fabricated BC-MFC hybrid and BC-sisal hybrid fibers showed enhanced mechanical properties compared to pure BC and sisal fibers, respectively. Tensile tests indicated BC-MFC hybrid and their nanocomposites fabricated with soy protein isolate (SPI) resin had better tensile properties than corresponding BC and BC-SPI nanocomposites. This was because of the uniform distribution of MFC within the BC nanofiber network structure which reduced the defects such as pores and voids or intersections of the BC nanofibers. BC-sisal hybrid fibrous structures were obtained after BC nanofibers self-assembled on the surface of the sisal fibers during the fermentation. The results of the microbond tests indicated that the BC-sisal hybrid fiber/SPI resin bond strength was higher than the control sisal fiber/SPI resin bond with p value of 0.02 at the significance level of 0.05. Higher bond strength is preferred since it can potentially lead to better tensile properties of the composites. The presented work suggests a novel route to fabricate hybrid nanocomposites with higher functional properties.
Long Noncoding RNAs as Diagnostic and Therapeutic Targets in Type 2 Diabetes and Related Complications
Authors: Leti Fatjon , DiStefano Johanna
Published: August 2017

Protein-coding genes represent only a small fraction of the human genome. In the past, the majority of the genomic sequence has been considered transcriptionally silent, but recent large-scale studies have uncovered an array of functionally significant elements, including non-protein-coding transcripts, within these noncoding regions of the human genome. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of noncoding transcripts with lengths >200 nucleotides, are pervasively transcribed in the genome and function as signals, decoys, guides, or scaffolds to regulate gene expression. More than 200 diseases have been associated with dysregulated or dysfunctional lncRNAs, and new associations continue to accumulate in the literature. The role of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and related complications has only recently been recognized, but there is already evidence for their involvement in many of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the disease. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the functions and underlying mechanisms of lncRNA activity with a focus on type 2 diabetes mellitus and related renal and retinal complications of the disease. We also discuss the potential of lncRNAs to serve as therapeutic targets for drug development and diagnostic markers for clinical applications in the management of diabetes.
A Rare Form of Retinal Dystrophy Caused by Hypomorphic Nonsense Mutations in CEP290
Authors: Roosing Susanne , Cremers Frans , Riemslag Frans , Zonneveld-Vrieling Marijke , Talsma Herman , Klessens-Godfroy Francoise , Den Hollander Anneke , Van den Born L.
Published: August 2017

Purpose: To identify the gene defect and to study the clinical characteristics and natural course of disease in a family originally diagnosed with oligocone trichromacy (OT), a rare congenital cone dysfunction syndrome. Methods: Extensive clinical and ophthalmologic assessment was performed on two siblings with OT and long-term follow up data were analyzed. Subsequently, whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequence analysis of CEP290 was performed in the two siblings. Additionally, the identified CEP290 mutations were analyzed in persons with achromatopsia (ACHM) (n = 23) and autosomal recessive or isolated cone dystrophy (CD; n = 145). Results: In the first decade of life, the siblings were diagnosed with OT based on low visual acuity, photophobia, nystagmus, and absent cone response on electroretinography , but with normal color discrimination. Over time, the phenotype of OT evolved to a progressive degenerative disease without any CEP290-associated non-ocular features. In both siblings, two nonsense mutations (c.451C>T; p.(Arg151*) and c.4723A>T; p.(Lys1575*)) in CEP290 were found. Previously, p.(Arg151*) was demonstrated to induce nonsense-mediated alternative splicing events leading to intact open reading frames of the resulting mRNA products (p.(Leu148_Glu165del) and p.(Leu148_Lys172del)). mRNA analysis for p.(Lys1575*) confirmed a suspected hypomorphic character, as exon 36 skipping was observed in a small fraction of CEP290 mRNA, resulting in a 36 aa in-frame deletion (p.(Glu1569_Trp1604del)). No additional cases carrying these variants were identified in the ACHM and CD cohorts. Conclusions: Compound heterozygous hypomorphic mutations in CEP290 may lead to a rare form of cone-dominated retinal dystrophy, a novel phenotype belonging to the CEP290-associated spectrum of ciliopathies. These findings provide insight into the effect of CEP290 mutations on the clinical phenotype.
Nature Versus Nurture: Does Proteostasis Imbalance Underlie the Genetic, Environmental, and Age-Related Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease?
Authors: Kikis Elise
Published: August 2017

Aging is a risk factor for a number of “age-related diseases”, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD affects more than a third of all people over the age of 85, and is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Symptoms include forgetfulness, memory loss, and cognitive decline, ultimately resulting in the need for full-time care. While there is no cure for AD, pharmacological approaches to alleviate symptoms and target underlying causes of the disease have been developed, albeit with limited success. This review presents the age-related, genetic, and environmental risk factors for AD and proposes a hypothesis for the mechanistic link between genetics and the environment. In short, much is known about the genetics of early-onset familial AD (EO-FAD) and the central role played by the Aβ peptide and protein misfolding, but late-onset AD (LOAD) is not thought to have direct genetic causes. Nonetheless, genetic risk factors such as isoforms of the protein ApoE have been identified. Additional findings suggest that air pollution caused by the combustion of fossil fuels may be an important environmental risk factor for AD. A hypothesis suggesting that poor air quality might act by disrupting protein folding homeostasis (proteostasis) is presented.
Content Analysis of Student Essays after Attending a Problem-Based Learning Course: Facilitating the Development of Critical Thinking and Communication Skills in Japanese Nursing Students
Authors: Itatani Tomoya , Nagata Kyoko , Yanagihara Kiyoko , Tabuchi Noriko
Published: August 2017

The importance of active learning has continued to increase in Japan. The authors conducted classes for first-year students who entered the nursing program using the problem-based learning method which is a kind of active learning. Students discussed social topics in classes. The purposes of this study were to analyze the post-class essay, describe logical and critical thinking after attended a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) course. The authors used Mayring’s methodology for qualitative content analysis and text mining. In the description about the skills required to resolve social issues, seven categories were extracted: (recognition of diverse social issues), (attitudes about resolving social issues), (discerning the root cause), (multi-lateral information processing skills), (making a path to resolve issues), (processivity in dealing with issues), and (reflecting). In the description about communication, five categories were extracted: (simple statement), (robust theories), (respecting the opponent), (communication skills), and (attractive presentations). As the result of text mining, the words extracted more than 100 times included “issue,” “society,” “resolve,” “myself,” “ability,” “opinion,” and “information.” Education using PBL could be an effective means of improving skills that students described, and communication in general. Some students felt difficulty of communication resulting from characteristics of Japanese.
Current Advances in Thyroid Cancer Management. Are We Ready for the Epidemic Rise of Diagnoses?
Authors: Rusinek Dagmara , Chmielik Ewa , Krajewska Jolanta , Jarzab Michal , Oczko-Wojciechowska Malgorzata , Czarniecka Agnieszka , Jarzab Barbara
Published: August 2017

A rising incidence of thyroid cancers (TCs) mainly small tumors, observed during recent years, lead to many controversies regarding treatment strategies. TCs represent a distinct molecular background and clinical outcome. Although in most cases TCs are characterized by a good prognosis, there are some aggressive forms, which do not respond to standard treatment. There are still some questions, which have to be resolved to avoid dangerous simplifications in the clinical management. In this article, we focused on the current advantages in preoperative molecular diagnostic tests and histopathological examination including noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP). We discussed the controversies regarding the extent of thyroid surgery and adjuvant radioiodine therapy, as well as new treatment modalities for radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RR-DTC). Considering medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), we analyzed a clinical management based on histopathology and RET (ret proto-oncogene) mutation genotype, disease follow-up with a special attention to serum calcitonin doubling time as an important prognostic marker, and targeted therapy applied in advanced MTC. In addition, we provided some data regarding anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), a highly lethal neoplasm, which lead to death in nearly 100% of patients due to the lack of effective treatment options.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma with Residential Asbestos Exposure. Report of a Case with Long Survival (Seventeen Years) Analyzed by Cgh-Array
Authors: Serio Gabriella , Pezzuto Federica , Marzullo Andrea , Scattone Anna , Cavone Domenica , Punzi Alessandra , Fortarezza Francesco , Gentile Mattia , Buonadonna Antonia , Barbareschi Mattia , Vimercati Luigi
Published: August 2017

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive tumor with limited therapeutic options. We report a case of a malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) epithelioid type, with environmental asbestos exposure, in a 36-year-old man, with a long survival (17 years). The patient received standard treatment which included cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Methods and Results: Molecular analysis with comparative genomic hybridization (CGH)-array was performed on paraffin-embedded tumoral samples. Multiple chromosomal imbalances were detected. The gains were prevalent. Losses at 1q21, 2q11.1→q13, 8p23.1, 9p12→p11, 9q21.33→q33.1, 9q12→q21.33, and 17p12→p11.2 are observed. Chromosome band 3p21 (BAP1), 9p21 (CDKN2A) and 22q12 (NF2) are not affected. Conclusions: the defects observed in this case are uncommon in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Some chromosomal aberrations that appear to be random here, might actually be relevant events explaining the response to therapy, the long survival and, finally, may be considered useful prognostic factors in peritoneal malignant mesothelioma (PMM).
Identification of Reference and Biomarker Proteins in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Cultured under Different Stress Conditions
Authors: Shi Jianan , Huang Teng , Chai Shuaijie , Guo Yalu , Wei Jian , Dou Shijuan , Li Liyun , Liu Guozhen
Published: August 2017

Reference proteins and biomarkers are important for the quantitative evaluation of protein abundance. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was grown under five stress conditions (dark, cold, heat, salt, and glucose supplementation), and the OD750 and total protein contents were evaluated on days 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 of culture. Antibodies for 20 candidate proteins were generated, and the protein expression patterns were examined by western blotting. Reference protein(s) for each treatment were identified by calculating the Pearson’s correlation coefficient (PCC) between target protein abundance and total protein content. Histone H3, beta tubulin 1 (TUB-1), ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (RBCL), and mitochondrial F1F0 ATP synthase subunit 6 (ATPs-6) were the top reference proteins, because they were expressed stably under multiple stress conditions. The average relative-fold change (ARF) value of each protein was calculated to identify biomarkers. Heat shock protein 90B (HSP90B), flagellar associated protein (FAP127) and ATP synthase CF0 A subunit (ATPs-A) were suitable biomarkers for multiple treatments, while receptor of activated protein kinase C1 (RCK1), biotin carboxylase (BCR1), mitochondrial phosphate carrier protein (MPC1), and rubisco large subunit N-methyltransferase (RMT1) were suitable biomarkers for the dark, cold, heat, and glucose treatments, respectively.
MiR-30a-5p Inhibits Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Upregulates Expression of Tight Junction Protein Claudin-5 in Human Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Chung Yueh-Hua , Li Sung-Chou , Kao Ying-Hsien , Luo Hao-Lun , Cheng Yuan-Tso , Lin Pey-Ru , Tai Ming-Hong , Chiang Po-Hui
Published: August 2017

The involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer development and their potential as prognostic biomarkers are becoming increasingly known. However, the signature of miRNAs and their regulatory roles in tumorigenesis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to profile the miRNA expression pattern in UTUC tumor tissues and identify candidate miRNAs with prognostic and/or therapeutic functions. Methods and Results: We collected 22 UTUC tissue and adjacent normal tissues samples from patients who underwent nephroureterectomy. The miRNAs signatures of three selected UTUC samples using next-generation sequencing showed that miR-30a-5p was significantly downregulated in UTUC tumors compared to adjacent normal tissues. The differentially-expressed miRNAs were specifically validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the miRNA expression signatures were analyzed with the transcriptome profile characterized by microarray. Further in vitro studies indicated that overexpression of miR-30a-5p significantly suppressed proliferation, migration, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cultured BFTC-909 UTUC cells. As a potential target gene of miR-30a-5p in the tight junction pathway suggested by the pathway enrichment analysis, the reduced expression of tight junction protein claudin-5 in UTUC cells was demonstrated to be upregulated by miR-30a-5p genetic delivery. Conclusions: Taken together, our findings demonstrated that miR-30a-5p inhibits proliferation, metastasis, and EMT, and upregulates the expression of tight junction claudin-5 in UTUC cells. Thus, miR-30a-5p may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for UTUC treatment.
Systemic Chemokine Levels with “Gut-Specific” Vedolizumab in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease—A Pilot Study
Authors: Zwicker Stephanie , Lira-Junior Ronaldo , Höög Charlotte , Almer Sven , Boström Elisabeth A.
Published: August 2017

Vedolizumab, a gut-specific biological treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is an antibody that binds to the α4β7 integrin and blocks T-cell migration into intestinal mucosa. We aimed to investigate chemokine levels in serum of IBD-patients treated with vedolizumab. In this pilot study, we included 11 IBD patients (8 Crohn’s disease, 3 ulcerative colitis) previously non-respondent to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-agents. Patients received vedolizumab at week 0, 2 and 6 and were evaluated for clinical efficacy at week 10. Clinical characteristics and routine laboratory parameters were obtained and patients were classified as responders or non-responders. Expression of 21 chemokines in serum was measured using Proximity Extension Assay and related to clinical outcome. At week 10, 6 out of 11 patients had clinically responded. Overall expression of CCL13 increased after treatment. In non-responders, expression of CCL13 and CXCL8 increased after treatment, and CCL20 and CXCL1 expressions were higher compared to responders. In responders, CCL28 decreased after treatment. C-reactive protein (CRP) correlated negatively with 6 chemokines before therapy, but not after therapy. Systemic CCL13 expression increases in IBD-patients after vedolizumab therapy and several chemokine levels differ between responders and non-responders. An increased CCL13-level when starting vedolizumab treatment, might indicate potential prognostic value of measuring chemokine levels when starting therapy with vedolizumab. This study provides new information on modulation of systemic chemokine levels after vedolizumab treatment.
Empowering Mayo Clinic Individualized Medicine with Genomic Data Warehousing
Authors: Horton Iain , Lin Yaxiong , Reed Gay , Wiepert Mathieu , Hart Steven
Published: August 2017

Individualized medicine enables better diagnoses and treatment decisions for patients and promotes research in understanding the molecular underpinnings of disease. Linking individual patient’s genomic and molecular information with their clinical phenotypes is crucial to these efforts. To address this need, the Center for Individualized Medicine at Mayo Clinic has implemented a genomic data warehouse and a workflow management system to bring data from institutional electronic health records and genomic sequencing data from both clinical and research bioinformatics sources into the warehouse. The system is the foundation for Mayo Clinic to build a suite of tools and interfaces to support various clinical and research use cases. The genomic data warehouse is positioned to play a key role in enhancing the research capabilities and advancing individualized patient care at Mayo Clinic.
The Dynamics of Urban Land Rent in Italian Regional Capital Cities
Authors: Manganelli Benedetto , Murgante Beniamino
Published: August 2017

This research tries to interpret the results of the empirical analysis of urban land value variations from 1977 to 2012 in the regional Italian capital cities based on the well-known theory of urban land rent. The historical series to be analyzed were obtained as the difference between the market value of a property and its cost of production. The paper shows, in quantitative terms, how differential and absolute rents will be translated into the dynamics of land values in relation to local specificities. The analysis of urban land rent evolution and the comparative study of the phenomenon compared to urban geography highlighted the difference among the various urban systems investigated and the criticalities generated by processes of transformation that have affected some Italian urban contexts. The difference is essentially explained by the different weight of macroeconomic variables, related to national and international contexts, and microeconomic variables, closely related to local demand and supply, in the process of rent formation.
Drilling Rig Hoisting Platform Security Monitoring System Design and Application
Authors: He Junjiang , Luo Min
Published: August 2017

Drilling rig hoisting platform security monitoring system has played a very important role in oil exploration. And drilling parameters and working condition of workers are particularly important, because these parameters indicate that whether the drilling work is safe and effective directly. A security monitoring system is established to provide the real-time parameters for drilling safety is the purpose of this study. The monitoring system includes a top drive, a traveling block hook, an oil derrick and a driller room, and the controller of the system is programmable logic controller PLC. The procedure of the system is written by the RSLogix5000 software, the PC configuration is used force control monitor configuration software. According to the system, top drive, driller room and environment wind speed parameters in real-time are collected and displayed in the configuration of upper computer, the collected parameters can be used to determine the working conditions of the top drive and to send timely warnings for inspection maintenance to avoid drilling safety accidents. Work fatigue remind of driller and regularly remind of derrick check can be as much as possible to reduce safety accidents. And automatic operation of traveling block hook reached the default point faster and more smoothly than manual operation given the other uncontrollable factors in manual operation. The application of the system is successfully working in the drilling work site.
On Minimal Covolume Hyperbolic Lattices
Authors: Kellerhals Ruth
Published: August 2017

We study lattices with a non-compact fundamental domain of small volume in hyperbolic space H n . First, we identify the arithmetic lattices in Isom + H n of minimal covolume for even n up to 18. Then, we discuss the related problem in higher odd dimensions and provide solutions for n = 11 and n = 13 in terms of the rotation subgroup of certain Coxeter pyramid groups found by Tumarkin. The results depend on the work of Belolipetsky and Emery, as well as on the Euler characteristic computation for hyperbolic Coxeter polyhedra with few facets by means of the program CoxIter developed by Guglielmetti. This work complements the survey about hyperbolic orbifolds of minimal volume.
Past, Present and Future of Surgical Meshes: A Review
Authors: Baylón Karen , Rodríguez-Camarillo Perla , Elías-Zúñiga Alex , Díaz-Elizondo Jose , Gilkerson Robert , Lozano Karen
Published: August 2017

Surgical meshes, in particular those used to repair hernias, have been in use since 1891. Since then, research in the area has expanded, given the vast number of post-surgery complications such as infection, fibrosis, adhesions, mesh rejection, and hernia recurrence. Researchers have focused on the analysis and implementation of a wide range of materials: meshes with different fiber size and porosity, a variety of manufacturing methods, and certainly a variety of surgical and implantation procedures. Currently, surface modification methods and development of nanofiber based systems are actively being explored as areas of opportunity to retain material strength and increase biocompatibility of available meshes. This review summarizes the history of surgical meshes and presents an overview of commercial surgical meshes, their properties, manufacturing methods, and observed biological response, as well as the requirements for an ideal surgical mesh and potential manufacturing methods.
Crystallization and Beneficiation of Magnetite for Iron Recycling from Nickel Slags by Oxidation-Magnetic Separation
Authors: Ma Yongbo , Du Xueyan , Shen Yingying , Li Guozhou , Li Ming
Published: August 2017

The iron resources in nickel slag were recycled by oxidation and magnetic separation. The effects of holding time, temperature, air flow rate and basicity on the crystallization of magnetite were investigated systematically. Moreover, the influence of particle size and magnetic flux density on the recovery and grade of iron during the magnetic separation was also explored. Results showed that the magnetite particles were significantly influenced by holding time, and the average diameter size reached about 20 μm after holding for 20 min at 1623 K. The holding temperature obviously affected the microstructure of magnetite phases: with the increase in holding temperature, the shapes of the magnetite particles changed from polyhedral form to skeletal particles. As the air flow rate was increased to 170 mL/min, the magnetite developed into tiny spherical particles due to the strong stirring. It was also found that the crystallization of magnetite was slightly effected by basicity. The iron recovery reduced with the decrease of particle size, while the iron grade first increased to a maximal value of 38 μm, and then decreased. As the magnetic flux density increased, the iron recovery initially increased rapidly, reaching a maximal value at 120 mT, while the iron grade remained almost constant. The final iron recovery and grade were 75.99% and 54.08%, respectively, via multi-step magnetic separation instead of single magnetic separation. Iron in concentrate mainly exists in the form of magnetite and magnesium ferrite, and contents of siderophile elements (Ni, Co) in final concentrate were also higher than that of raw slags.
Extracellular Microbial Metabolomics: The State of the Art
Authors: Pinu Farhana , Villas-Boas Silas
Published: August 2017

Microorganisms produce and secrete many primary and secondary metabolites to the surrounding environment during their growth. Therefore, extracellular metabolites provide important information about the changes in microbial metabolism due to different environmental cues. The determination of these metabolites is also comparatively easier than the extraction and analysis of intracellular metabolites as there is no need for cell rupture. Many analytical methods are already available and have been used for the analysis of extracellular metabolites from microorganisms over the last two decades. Here, we review the applications and benefits of extracellular metabolite analysis. We also discuss different sample preparation protocols available in the literature for both types (e.g., metabolites in solution and in gas) of extracellular microbial metabolites. Lastly, we evaluate the authenticity of using extracellular metabolomics data in the metabolic modelling of different industrially important microorganisms.
Study on the Optimum Cutting Parameters of an Aluminum Mold for Effective Bonding Strength of a PDMS Microfluidic Device
Authors: Yousuff Caffiyar , Danish Mohd. , Ho Eric , Kamal Basha Ismail , Hamid Nor
Published: August 2017

Master mold fabricated using micro milling is an easy way to develop the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based microfluidic device. Achieving high-quality micro-milled surface is important for excellent bonding strength between PDMS and glass slide. The aim of our experiment is to study the optimal cutting parameters for micro milling an aluminum mold insert for the production of a fine resolution microstructure with the minimum surface roughness using conventional computer numerical control (CNC) machine systems; we also aim to measure the bonding strength of PDMS with different surface roughnesses. Response surface methodology was employed to optimize the cutting parameters in order to obtain high surface smoothness. The cutting parameters were demonstrated with the following combinations: 20,000 rpm spindle speed, 50 mm/min feed rate, depth of cut 5 µm with tool size 200 µm or less; this gives a fine resolution microstructure with the minimum surface roughness and strong bonding strength between PDMS–PDMS and PDMS–glass.
Cloning and Characterization of Two Iridoid Synthase Homologs from Swertia Mussotii
Authors: Xiang Beibei , Li Xiaoxue , Wang Yan , Tian Xiaoxuan , Yang Zhen , Ma Lin , Liu Xia , Wang Yong
Published: August 2017

Swertia mussotii is an important medicinal plant found on the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau that has great economic and medicinal value. This plant has enjoyed a long history of use as a curative for hepatitis. The biological activity of secoiridoids, including gentiopicroside and swertiamarin, has been mainly tested for its anti-hepatitis effects. Here, we identify two candidate genes (SmIS1 and SmIS2) that are homologues of iridoid synthase and that are components of the secoiridoid pathway in S. mussotii. Using sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, we confirm that SmIS1 and SmIS2 contain six conserved short-chain dehydrogenases/reductase (SDR) motifs and thus belong to the P5βRs group. The two purified Escherichia coli-expressed proteins reduced 8-oxogeranial to both nepetalactol and iridodials. A comparison of the kinetic parameters of SmIS1 and SmIS2 recombinant proteins revealed that SmIS2 has a lower affinity than SmIS1 for 8-oxogeranial. Transcript levels of the two genes were analysed in three different tissues of S. mussotii using semi-quantitative RT-PCR and RT-qPCR. SmIS1 and SmIS2 expression levels were more abundant in leaves and stems. This investigation adds to our knowledge of P5βRs genes in the secoiridoid synthesis pathway and provides candidate genes for genetically improving S. mussotii by enhancing secondary metabolite production.
Base-Mediated One-Pot Synthesis of Aliphatic Diazirines for Photoaffinity Labeling
Authors: Wang Lei , Tachrim Zetryana Puteri , Kurokawa Natsumi , Ohashi Fumina , Sakihama Yasuko , Hashidoko Yasuyuki , Hashimoto Makoto
Published: August 2017

Aliphatic diazirines have been widely used as prominent photophores for photoaffinity labeling owing to their relatively small size which can reduce the steric effect on the natural interaction between ligands and proteins. Based on our continuous efforts to develop efficient methods for the synthesis of aliphatic diazirines, we present here a comprehensive study about base-mediated one-pot synthesis of aliphatic diazirines. It was found that potassium hydroxide (KOH) can also promote the construction of aliphatic diazirine with good efficiency. Importantly, KOH is cheaper, highly available, and easily handled and stored compared with the previously used base, potassium tert-butoxide (t-BuOK). Gram-scale study showed that it owned great advantages in being used for the large-scale production of aliphatic diazirines. This protocol is highly neat and the desired products can be easily isolated and purified. As the first comprehensive study of the base-mediated one-pot synthesis of aliphatic diazirines, this work provided good insight into the preparation and utilization of diazirine-based photoaffinity labeling probes.
Strong Deep-Level-Emission Photoluminescence in NiO Nanoparticles
Authors: Gandhi Ashish , Wu Sheng
Published: August 2017

Nickel oxide is one of the highly promising semiconducting materials, but its large band gap (3.7 to 4 eV) limits its use in practical applications. Here we report the effect of nickel/oxygen vacancies and interstitial defects on the near-band-edge (NBE) and deep-level-emission (DLE) in various sizes of nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles. The ultraviolet (UV) emission originated from excitonic recombination corresponding near-band-edge (NBE) transition of NiO, while deep-level-emission (DLE) in the visible region due to various structural defects such as oxygen vacancies and interstitial defects. We found that the NiO nanoparticles exhibit a strong green band emission around ~2.37 eV in all samples, covering 80% integrated intensity of PL spectra. This apparently anomalous phenomenon is attributed to photogenerated holes trapped in the deep level oxygen vacancy recombining with the electrons trapped in a shallow level located just below the conducting band.
Probiotics Prevent Late-Onset Sepsis in Human Milk-Fed, Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Aceti Arianna , Maggio Luca , Beghetti Isadora , Gori Davide , Barone Giovanni , Callegari Maria , Fantini Maria , Indrio Flavia , Meneghin Fabio , Morelli Lorenzo , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo , Corvaglia Luigi ,   On behalf of the Italian Society of Neonatology.
Published: August 2017

Growing evidence supports the role of probiotics in reducing the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, time to achieve full enteral feeding, and late-onset sepsis (LOS) in preterm infants. As reported for several neonatal clinical outcomes, recent data have suggested that nutrition might affect probiotics’ efficacy. Nevertheless, the currently available literature does not explore the relationship between LOS prevention and type of feeding in preterm infants receiving probiotics. Thus, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of probiotics for LOS prevention in preterm infants according to type of feeding (exclusive human milk (HM) vs. exclusive formula or mixed feeding). Randomized-controlled trials involving preterm infants receiving probiotics and reporting on LOS were included in the systematic review. Only trials reporting on outcome according to feeding type were included in the meta-analysis. Fixed-effects models were used and random-effects models were used when significant heterogeneity was found. The results were expressed as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Twenty-five studies were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, probiotic supplementation resulted in a significantly lower incidence of LOS (RR 0.79 (95% CI 0.71–0.88), p < 0.0001). According to feeding type, the beneficial effect of probiotics was confirmed only in exclusively HM-fed preterm infants (RR 0.75 (95% CI 0.65–0.86), p < 0.0001). Among HM-fed infants, only probiotic mixtures, and not single-strain products, were effective in reducing LOS incidence (RR 0.68 (95% CI 0.57–0.80) p < 0.00001). The results of the present meta-analysis show that probiotics reduce LOS incidence in exclusively HM-fed preterm infants. Further efforts are required to clarify the relationship between probiotics supplementation, HM, and feeding practices in preterm infants.
An Acute Dose of Specific Grape and Apple Polyphenols Improves Endurance Performance: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind versus Placebo Controlled Study
Authors: Deley Gaëlle , Guillemet Damien , Allaert François-André , Babault Nicolas
Published: August 2017

Polyphenols are thought to be an interesting ergogenic aid for exercise and recovery. However, most studies regarding the effects of polyphenols investigated several days of supplementations. The present work aimed to study the effects of an acute intake of grape and apple polyphenols on the capacity to maintain intense exercise, here named endurance performance. Forty-eight physically active men (31 ± 6 years) were included in this study. During the two testing sessions, volunteers completed an endurance test at a high percentage of their maximal aerobic power and time to exhaustion was measured. Respiratory and pain parameters were also monitored. The preceding evening and 1 h before testing, volunteers had to absorb either 500 mg of polyphenols or placebo according to randomization. In comparison with the placebo, the mean duration of the maximal endurance test was significantly increased with polyphenols (+9.7% ± 6.0%, p < 0.05). The maximal perceived exertion was reached later with polyphenols (+12.8% ± 6.8%, p < 0.05). Practically, the present study showed the beneficial effects of grape and apple polyphenols for athletes looking for endurance performance improvements. The specifically designed profile of polyphenols appeared to enhance the capacity to maintain intensive efforts and delay perceived exertion.