bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic Estimation of the Losses Caused by Surface Water Pollution Accidents in China From the Perspective of Water Bodies’ Functions
Authors: Yao Hong , You Zhen , Liu Bo
Published: January 2016

The number of surface water pollution accidents (abbreviated as SWPAs) has increased substantially in China in recent years. Estimation of economic losses due to SWPAs has been one of the focuses in China and is mentioned many times in the Environmental Protection Law of China promulgated in 2014. From the perspective of water bodies’ functions, pollution accident damages can be divided into eight types: damage to human health, water supply suspension, fishery, recreational functions, biological diversity, environmental property loss, the accident’s origin and other indirect losses. In the valuation of damage to people’s life, the procedure for compensation of traffic accidents in China was used. The functional replacement cost method was used in economic estimation of the losses due to water supply suspension and loss of water’s recreational functions. Damage to biological diversity was estimated by recovery cost analysis and damage to environmental property losses were calculated using pollutant removal costs. As a case study, using the proposed calculation procedure the economic losses caused by the major Songhuajiang River pollution accident that happened in China in 2005 have been estimated at 2263 billion CNY. The estimated economic losses for real accidents can sometimes be influenced by social and political factors, such as data authenticity and accuracy. Besides, one or more aspects in the method might be overestimated, underrated or even ignored. The proposed procedure may be used by decision makers for the economic estimation of losses in SWPAs. Estimates of the economic losses of pollution accidents could help quantify potential costs associated with increased risk sources along lakes/rivers but more importantly, highlight the value of clean water to society as a whole.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of the International Journal of Financial Studies in 2015
Authors:   International Journal of Financial Studies Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of the International Journal of Financial Studies Editorial Office, would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information in 2015
Authors:   IJGI Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Unraveling Molecular Differences of Gastric Cancer by Label-Free Quantitative Proteomics Analysis
Authors: Dai Peng , Wang Qin , Wang Weihua , Jing Ruirui , Wang Wei , Wang Fengqin , Azadzoi Kazem , Yang Jing-Hua , Yan Zhen
Published: January 2016

Gastric cancer (GC) has significant morbidity and mortality worldwide and especially in China. Its molecular pathogenesis has not been thoroughly elaborated. The acknowledged biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, recurrence monitoring and treatment are lacking. Proteins from matched pairs of human GC and adjacent tissues were analyzed by a coupled label-free Mass Spectrometry (MS) approach, followed by functional annotation with software analysis. Nano-LC-MS/MS, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to validate dysregulated proteins. One hundred forty-six dysregulated proteins with more than twofold expressions were quantified, 22 of which were first reported to be relevant with GC. Most of them were involved in cancers and gastrointestinal disease. The expression of a panel of four upregulated nucleic acid binding proteins, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein hnRNPA2B1, hnRNPD, hnRNPL and Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX-1) were validated by Nano-LC-MS/MS, qRT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry assays in ten GC patients’ tissues. They were located in the keynotes of a predicted interaction network and might play important roles in abnormal cell growth. The label-free quantitative proteomic approach provides a deeper understanding and novel insight into GC-related molecular changes and possible mechanisms. It also provides some potential biomarkers for clinical diagnosis.
Structure Prediction: New Insights into Decrypting Long Noncoding RNAs
Authors: Yan Kun , Arfat Yasir , Li Dijie , Zhao Fan , Chen Zhihao , Yin Chong , Sun Yulong , Hu Lifang , Yang Tuanmin , Qian Airong
Published: January 2016

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which form a diverse class of RNAs, remain the least understood type of noncoding RNAs in terms of their nature and identification. Emerging evidence has revealed that a small number of newly discovered lncRNAs perform important and complex biological functions such as dosage compensation, chromatin regulation, genomic imprinting, and nuclear organization. However, understanding the wide range of functions of lncRNAs related to various processes of cellular networks remains a great experimental challenge. Structural versatility is critical for RNAs to perform various functions and provides new insights into probing the functions of lncRNAs. In recent years, the computational method of RNA structure prediction has been developed to analyze the structure of lncRNAs. This novel methodology has provided basic but indispensable information for the rapid, large-scale and in-depth research of lncRNAs. This review focuses on mainstream RNA structure prediction methods at the secondary and tertiary levels to offer an additional approach to investigating the functions of lncRNAs.
Column Selection for Biomedical Analysis Supported by Column Classification Based on Four Test Parameters
Authors: Plenis Alina , Rekowska Natalia , Bączek Tomasz
Published: January 2016

This article focuses on correlating the column classification obtained from the method created at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL), with the chromatographic resolution attained in biomedical separation. In the KUL system, each column is described with four parameters, which enables estimation of the FKUL value characterising similarity of those parameters to the selected reference stationary phase. Thus, a ranking list based on the FKUL value can be calculated for the chosen reference column, then correlated with the results of the column performance test. In this study, the column performance test was based on analysis of moclobemide and its two metabolites in human plasma by liquid chromatography (LC), using 18 columns. The comparative study was performed using traditional correlation of the FKUL values with the retention parameters of the analytes describing the column performance test. In order to deepen the comparative assessment of both data sets, factor analysis (FA) was also used. The obtained results indicated that the stationary phase classes, closely related according to the KUL method, yielded comparable separation for the target substances. Therefore, the column ranking system based on the FKUL-values could be considered supportive in the choice of the appropriate column for biomedical analysis.
Elucidating the Diversity of Aquatic Microdochium and Trichoderma Species and Their Activity against the Fish Pathogen Saprolegnia diclina
Authors: Liu Yiying , Zachow Christin , Raaijmakers Jos , De Bruijn Irene
Published: January 2016

Animals and plants are increasingly threatened by emerging fungal and oomycete diseases. Amongst oomycetes, Saprolegnia species cause population declines in aquatic animals, especially fish and amphibians, resulting in significant perturbation in biodiversity, ecological balance and food security. Due to the prohibition of several chemical control agents, novel sustainable measures are required to control Saprolegnia infections in aquaculture. Previously, fungal community analysis by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) revealed that the Ascomycota, specifically the genus Microdochium, was an abundant fungal phylum associated with salmon eggs from a commercial fish farm. Here, phylogenetic analyses showed that most fungal isolates obtained from salmon eggs were closely related to Microdochium lycopodinum/Microdochium phragmitis and Trichoderma viride species. Phylogenetic and quantitative PCR analyses showed both a quantitative and qualitative difference in Trichoderma population between diseased and healthy salmon eggs, which was not the case for the Microdochium population. In vitro antagonistic activity of the fungi against Saprolegnia diclina was isolate-dependent; for most Trichoderma isolates, the typical mycoparasitic coiling around and/or formation of papilla-like structures on S. diclina hyphae were observed. These results suggest that among the fungal community associated with salmon eggs, Trichoderma species may play a role in Saprolegnia suppression in aquaculture.
Cell Therapy Using Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cell Overexpressing BMP-7 for Degenerative Discs in a Rat Tail Disc Model
Authors: Liao Jen-Chung
Published: January 2016

Degenerative discs can cause low back pain. Cell-based transplantation or growth factors therapy have been suggested as a strategy to stimulate disc regeneration. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMDMSC) containing bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) gene were constructed. We evaluated the effectiveness of these BMP-7 overexpressing cells on degenerative discs in rat tails. In vitro and in vivo studies were designed. In the first stage, the rats were divided into two group according to discs punctured by different needle gauges (18 gauge and 22 gauge). In the second stage, the ideal size of needle was used to induce rat tail disc degeneration. These animals are divided into three groups according to timing of treatment (zero-week, two-week, four-week). Each group was divided into three treating subgroups: control group, BMDMSC group, and Baculo-BMP-7-BMDMSC group. Each rat undergoes radiography examination every two weeks. After eight weeks, the discs were histologically examined with hematoxylin and eosin stain and Alcian blue stain. The 18-gauge group exhibited significant decrease in disc height index (%) than 22-gauge group at eight weeks at both Co6-7 (58.1% ± 2.8% vs. 63.7% ± 1.0%, p = 0.020) and Co8-9 discs (62.7% ± 2.8% vs. 62.8% ± 1.5%, p = 0.010). Baculo-BMP-7-BMDMSCs group showed significant difference in disc height index compared to the BMDMSCs group at both Co6-7 (93.7% ± 1.5% vs. 84.8% ± 1.0%, p = 0.011) and Co8-9 (86.0% ± 2.1% vs. 81.8% ± 1.7%, p = 0.012). In Baculo-BMP-7-BMDMSCs group, the zero-week treatment subgroup showed significant better in disc height index compared to two-week treatment group (p = 0.044), and four-week treatment group (p = 0.011). The zero-week treatment subgroup in Baculo-BMP-7-BMDMSCs group also had significant lower histology score than two-week treatment (4.3 vs. 5.7, p = 0.045) and four-week treatment (4.3 vs. 6.0, p = 0.031). In conclusion, Baculo-BMP-7-BMDMSC can slow down the progression of disc degeneration, but could not provide evidence of regeneration. Early treatment might obtain more distinct results.
Oviposition by Female Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae): Description and Time Budget Analysis of Behaviors in Laboratory Studies
Authors: Sambaraju Kishan , Donelson Sarah , Bozic Janko , Phillips Thomas
Published: January 2016

The oviposition behavior of the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), a major insect pest of durable stored foods, was studied in small experimental arenas under laboratory conditions using videography, and a time budget analysis of its behaviors was documented. Resting gravid females typically became active shortly after the start of the scotophase. The characteristic behaviors exhibited by mated females prior to oviposition included antennal movement, grooming of antennae and mouth parts using the forelegs, walking or flying, and abdomen bending and dragging. Pre-oviposition behaviors such as antennal grooming and walking or flying were observed to alternate several times before females commenced the abdominal dragging behavior that preceded egg laying. Eggs were laid singly or sometimes in groups, either freely or stuck to food material. Gravid females showed little or no movement during the photophase; however, they actively flew and oviposited during the scotophase. Females allocated only a small portion of their time to oviposition while the rest of the time was spent away from food. Females oviposited on food material by making repeated visits, predominantly during the first four hours of the scotophase. Visits and time spent on food declined as the scotophase advanced.
Segregation of Central Ventricular Conduction System Lineages in Early SMA+ Cardiomyocytes Occurs Prior to Heart Tube Formation
Authors: Choquet Caroline , Marcadet Laetitia , Beyer Sabrina , Kelly Robert , Miquerol Lucile
Published: January 2016

The cardiac conduction system (CCS) transmits electrical activity from the atria to the ventricles to coordinate heartbeats. Atrioventricular conduction diseases are often associated with defects in the central ventricular conduction system comprising the atrioventricular bundle (AVB) and right and left branches (BBs). Conducting and contractile working myocytes share common cardiomyogenic progenitors, however the time at which the CCS lineage becomes specified is unclear. In order to study the fate and the contribution to the CCS of cardiomyocytes during early heart tube formation, we performed a genetic lineage analysis using a Sma-CreERT2 mouse line. Lineage tracing experiments reveal a sequential contribution of early Sma expressing cardiomyocytes to different cardiac compartments, labeling at embryonic day (E) 7.5 giving rise to the interventricular septum and apical left ventricular myocardium. Early Sma expressing cardiomyocytes contribute to the AVB, BBs and left ventricular Purkinje fibers. Clonal analysis using the R26-confetti reporter mouse crossed with Sma-CreERT2 demonstrates that early Sma expressing cardiomyocytes include cells exclusively fated to give rise to the AVB. In contrast, lineage segregation is still ongoing for the BBs at E7.5. Overall this study highlights the early segregation of the central ventricular conduction system lineage within cardiomyocytes at the onset of heart tube formation.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2015
Authors:   Journal of Clinical Medicine Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of Journal of Clinical Medicine would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Cell Fate Decisions During Breast Cancer Development
Authors: Gross Kayla , Wronski Ania , Skibinski Adam , Phillips Sarah , Kuperwasser Charlotte
Published: January 2016

During the formation of breast cancer, many genes become altered as cells evolve progressively from normal to a pre-malignant to a malignant state of growth. How mutations in genes lead to specific subtypes of human breast cancer is only partially understood. Here we review how initial genetic or epigenetic alterations within mammary epithelial cells (MECs) can alter cell fate decisions and put pre-malignant cells on a path towards cancer development with specific phenotypes. Understanding the early stages of breast cancer initiation and progression and how normal developmental processes are hijacked during transformation has significant implications for improving early detection and prevention of breast cancer. In addition, insights gleaned from this understanding may also be important for developing subtype-specific treatment options.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Journal of Functional Biomaterials in 2015
Authors:   Biomaterials Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of Journal of Functional Biomaterials would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Biobanking of a Marine Invertebrate Model Organism: The Sea Urchin
Authors: Paredes Estefania
Published: January 2016

The sea urchin has long been used as an invertebrate model organism in developmental biology, membrane transport and sperm oocyte interactions, and for the assessment of marine pollution. This review explores the effects of cryopreservation and biobanking in the biology and development of sea urchins, all the way from germaplasm through to juveniles. This review will provide an integral view of the process and all that is known so far about the biology of cryopreserved sea urchins, as well as provide an insight on the applications of the biobanking of these model organisms.
The Information Technology Infrastructure for the Translational Genomics Core and the Partners Biobank at Partners Personalized Medicine
Authors: Boutin Natalie , Holzbach Ana , Mahanta Lisa , Aldama Jackie , Cerretani Xander , Embree Kevin , Leon Irene , Rathi Neeta , Vickers Matilde
Published: January 2016

The Biobank and Translational Genomics core at Partners Personalized Medicine requires robust software and hardware. This Information Technology (IT) infrastructure enables the storage and transfer of large amounts of data, drives efficiencies in the laboratory, maintains data integrity from the time of consent to the time that genomic data is distributed for research, and enables the management of complex genetic data. Here, we describe the functional components of the research IT infrastructure at Partners Personalized Medicine and how they integrate with existing clinical and research systems, review some of the ways in which this IT infrastructure maintains data integrity and security, and discuss some of the challenges inherent to building and maintaining such infrastructure.
Dynamic Contact between a Wire Rope and a Pulley Using Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation
Authors: Takehara Shoichiro , Kawarada Masaya , Hase Kazunori
Published: January 2016

Wire rope and pulley devices are used in various machines. To use these machines more safely, it is necessary to analyze the behavior of the contact between them. In this study, we represent a wire rope by a numerical model of a flexible body. This flexible body is expressed in the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF), and the model includes the normal contact force and the frictional force between the wire rope and the pulley. The normal contact force is expressed by spring-damper elements, and the frictional force is expressed by the Quinn method. The advantage of the Quinn method is that it reduces the numerical problems associated with the discontinuities in Coulomb friction at zero velocity. By using the numerical model, simulations are performed, and the validity of this model is shown by comparing its results with those of an experiment. Through numerical simulations, we confirm the proposed model for the contact between the wire rope and the pulley. We confirmed that the behavior of the wire rope changes when both the bending elastic modulus of the wire rope and the mass added to each end of the wire rope are changed.
Heteroleptic Iron(III) Spin Crossover Complexes; Ligand Substitution Effects
Authors: Phonsri Wasinee , Macedo David , Moubaraki Boujemaa , Cashion John , Murray Keith
Published: January 2016

Heteroleptic iron(III) complexes of formula [Fe(qsal-Cl)(thsa)]∙nMeCN have been synthesized; [Fe(qsal-Cl)(thsa)]∙MeCN, 1 and [Fe(qsal-Cl)(thsa)], 2. The latter can be obtained by slow evaporation of solutions of compound 1 under ambient conditions, a rare occurrence in nonporous compounds. 1 interestingly shows a unique magnetic profile over the de-solvation temperature range, 300-350 K, in the first cycle, and becomes stable after the third cycle with a hysteresis width of about 20 K. Different de-solvation techniques used on compound 1 give rise to various stable de-solvated phases. Consequently, distinct magnetic profiles, with a larger hysteresis width of about 30 K, are present. Cl substitution on the qsal− ligand introduces C–H∙∙∙Cl and P4AE interactions into the structure which are absent in the related unsubstituted compound, [Fe(qsal)(thsa)]∙0.5MeCN, 3. Comparisons in structural packing, as well as spin crossover properties between unsubstituted and Cl-substituted ligand compounds, are discussed.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Marine Drugs in 2015
Authors:   Marine Drugs Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of Marine Drugs would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compounds in Xiaoyan Lidan Tablets: Fingerprint and Quantitative Analysis Using UPLC-MS
Authors: Yang Na , Xiong Aizhen , Wang Rui , Yang Li , Wang Zhengtao
Published: January 2016

XiaoyanLidan tablets (XYLDTs) are traditional Chinese medicines frequently used for syndromes of the liver and gallbladder, cholecystitis and cholangitis. To evaluate the consistency of the quality of commercial XYLDT preparations, we established a simple and reliable ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method with a photodiode array (PDA) detector and mass spectrometry (MS), including a fingerprint analysis and quantification of the main pharmacologically-active markers. In the UPLC-PDA detection-based fingerprint analysis of XYLDTs, approximately 39 peaks were found in the XYLDT chromatogram, 26 of which were attributed to Picrasmaquassioides, nine to Andrographis and four to Isodonserra. Subsequently, the structures of these bioactive markers were identified through ESI-MS analyses. Using the chemometricmethods of similarity analysis and principal component analysis, the five significant herbal componentswere determined as 4-methoxy-5-hydroxycanthin-6-one, andrographolide, dehydroandrographolide, neoandrographolide and rosmarinic acid, and these components were qualitatively assessed. Our experimental results demonstrated that combining the fingerprint analysis with UPLC-MS and multi-ingredient determination is useful for rapid pharmaceutical quality evaluation. Moreover, the combined approach can potentially differentiate the origin, determine the authenticity and assess the overall quality of the formulae.
New α-Methylene-γ-Butyrolactone Derivatives as Potential Fungicidal Agents: Design, Synthesis and Antifungal Activities
Authors: Wu Yongling , Wang Delong , Gao Yanqing , Feng Juntao , Zhang Xing
Published: January 2016

In consideration of the fact that the α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone moiety is a major bio-functional group in the structure of carabrone and possesses some agricultural biological activity, forty-six new ester and six new ether derivatives containing α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone moieties were synthesized, and their fungicidal activities against Colletotrichum lagenarium and Botrytis cinerea were investigated. Most of the synthesized compounds showed moderate to significant fungicidal activity. Among them, halogen atom-containing derivatives showed better activity than others, especially compounds 6a,d which exhibited excellent fungicidal activity against C. lagenarium, with IC50 values of 7.68 and 8.17 μM. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis indicated that ester derivatives with electron-withdrawing groups on the benzene ring showed better fungicidal activity than those with electron-donating groups. A quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model (R2 = 0.9824, F = 203.01, S2 = 0.0083) was obtained through the heuristic method. The built model revealed a strong correlation of fungicidal activity against C. lagenarium with the molecular structures of these compounds. These results are expected to prove helpful in the design and exploration of low toxicity and high efficiency α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone-based fungicides.
Protective Effect of Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala Fruit Extract against Oxidative Renal Damage Caused by Cadmium
Authors: Poontawee Warut , Natakankitkul Surapol , Wongmekiat Orawan
Published: January 2016

Cadmium nephrotoxicity is a serious environmental health problem as it will eventually end up with end stage renal disease. The pathobiochemical mechanism of this toxic heavy metal is related to oxidative stress. This study investigated whether Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala fruit extract (CNFE) could protect the kidney against oxidative injury caused by cadmium. Initial analysis of the extract revealed antioxidant abilities and high levels of polyphenols, particularly catechin. Its potential renal benefits was further explored in rats treated with vehicle, CNFE, cadmium (2 mg/kg), and cadmium plus CNFE (0.5, 1, 2 g/kg) for four weeks. Oxidative renal injury was developed after cadmium exposure as evidenced by blood urea nitrogen and creatinine retention, glomerular filtration reduction, renal structural damage, together with increased nitric oxide and malondialdehyde, but decreased antioxidant thiols, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in renal tissues. Cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity was diminished in rats supplemented with CNFE, particularly at the doses of 1 and 2 g/kg. It is concluded that CNFE is able to protect against the progression of cadmium nephrotoxicity, mostly via its antioxidant power. The results also point towards a promising role for this naturally-occurring antioxidant to combat other human disorders elicited by disruption of redox homeostasis.
The Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability of Lignans and Malabaricones from the Seeds of Myristica fragrans in the MDCK-pHaMDR Cell Monolayer Model
Authors: Wu Ni , Xu Wei , Cao Gui-Yun , Yang Yan-Fang , Yang Xin-Bao , Yang Xiu-Wei
Published: January 2016

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability of twelve lignans and three phenolic malabaricones from the seeds of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) were studied with the MDCK-pHaMDR cell monolayer model. The samples were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and the apparent permeability coefficients (Papp) were calculated. Among the fifteen test compounds, benzonfuran-type, dibenzylbutane-type and arylnaphthalene-type lignans showed poor to moderate permeabilities with Papp values at 10−8–10−6 cm/s; those of 8-O-4′-neolignan and tetrahydrofuran-lignan were at 10−6–10−5 cm/s, meaning that their permeabilities are moderate to high; the permeabilities of malabaricones were poor as their Papp values were at 10−8–10−7 cm/s. To 5-methoxy-dehydrodiisoeugenol (2), erythro-2-(4-allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenoxy)-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-propan-1-ol acetate (6), verrucosin (8), and nectandrin B (9), an efflux way was involved and the main transporter for 6, 8 and 9 was demonstrated to be P-glycoprotein. The time and concentration dependency experiments indicated the main transport mechanism for neolignans dehydrodiisoeugenol (1), myrislignan (7) and 8 was passive diffusion. This study summarized the relationship between the BBB permeability and structure parameters of the test compounds, which could be used to preliminarily predict the transport of a compound through BBB. The results provide a significant molecular basis for better understanding the potential central nervous system effects of nutmeg.
Fish, Long-Chain n-3 PUFA and Incidence of Elevated Blood Pressure: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Yang Bo , Shi Mei-Qi , Li Zi-Hao , Yang Jian-Jun , Li Duo
Published: January 2016

Results from prospective cohort studies on fish or long-chain (LC) n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake and elevated blood pressure (EBP) are inconsistent. We aimed to investigate the summary effects. Pertinent studies were identified from PubMed and EMBASE database through October 2015. Multivariate-adjusted risk ratios (RRs) for incidence of EBP in the highest verses the bottom category of baseline intake of fish or LC n-3 PUFA were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis. Over the follow-up ranging from 3 to 20 years, 20,497 EBP events occurred among 56,204 adults from eight prospective cohort studies. The summary RR (SRR) was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.81, 1.14; I2 = 44.70%) for fish in four studies, and 0.73 (95% CI: 0.60, 0.89; I2 = 75.00%) for LC n-3 PUFA in six studies (three studies for biomarker vs. three studies for diet). Circulating LC n-3 PUFA as biomarker was inversely associated with incidence of EBP (SRR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.83), especially docosahexaenoic acid (SRR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.45, 0.88), whereas no significant association was found for dietary intake (SRR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.58, 1.10). The present finding suggests that increased intake of docosahexaenoic acid to improve its circulating levels may benefit primary prevention of EBP.
Effect of Cudrania tricuspidata and Kaempferol in Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Induced Inflammation and Hepatic Insulin Resistance in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Kim Ok-Kyung , Jun Woojin , Lee Jeongmin
Published: January 2016

In this study, we quantitated kaempferol in water extract from Cudrania tricuspidata leaves (CTL) and investigated its effects on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced inflammation and insulin resistance in HepG2 cells. The concentration of kaempferol in the CTL was 5.07 ± 0.08 mg/g. The HepG2 cells were treated with 300 µg/mL of CTL, 500 µg/mL of CTL, 1.5 µg/mL of kaempferol or 2.5 µg/mL of kaempferol, followed immediately by stimulation with 100 nM of thapsigargin for ER stress induction for 24 h. There was a marked increase in the activation of the ER stress and inflammation response in the thapsigargin-stimulated control group. The CTL treatment interrupted the ER stress response and ER stress-induced inflammation. Kaempferol partially inhibited the ER stress response and inflammation. There was a significant increase in serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and the expression of C/EBPα and gluconeogenic genes in the thapsigargin-stimulated control group compared to the normal control. Both CTL and kaempferol suppressed serine phosphorylation of IRS-1, and the treatments did not interrupt the C/EBPα/gluconeogenic gene pathway. These results suggest that kaempferol might be the active compound of CTL and that it might protect against ER stress-induced inflammation and hyperglycemia.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Nutrients in 2015
Authors:   Nutrients Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of Nutrients would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Photonics in 2015
Authors:   Photonics Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of Photonics would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Effect of the Statistical Nature of Fiber Strength on the Predictability of Tensile Properties of Polymer Composites Reinforced with Bamboo Fibers: Comparison of Linear- and Power-Law Weibull Models
Authors: Li Xue , Wang Fang
Published: January 2016

In fibrous composites, tensile strength of reinforcements exhibits a stochastic nature, and the mechanical properties of the composites are significantly influenced by such strength variability. The present study aims at providing a comparative investigation of the influence of the statistical variation in fiber strength on the tensile properties of unidirectional composites reinforced by bamboo fibers. Monte-Carlo simulations coupled with the linear- and power-law Weibull distributions are performed to conduct numerical predictions for damage evolution and strength variability of the composites, and the predicted mean strength and failure strain are compared with the experimental results. The Weibull parameters used are achieved through the Maximum Likelihood Estimation with multiple data sets of fiber lengths. Fiber strength statistics is found to have an effect on composite mechanical properties. The results further indicate that the use of the power-law model is relatively efficient for modeling purposes in comparison to the linear-law model, which could be attributed to fiber diameter variation.
A Review of Functional Motifs Utilized by Viruses
Authors: Sobhy Haitham
Published: January 2016

Short linear motifs (SLiM) are short peptides that facilitate protein function and protein-protein interactions. Viruses utilize these motifs to enter into the host, interact with cellular proteins, or egress from host cells. Studying functional motifs may help to predict protein characteristics, interactions, or the putative cellular role of a protein. In virology, it may reveal aspects of the virus tropism and help find antiviral therapeutics. This review highlights the recent understanding of functional motifs utilized by viruses. Special attention was paid to the function of proteins harboring these motifs, and viruses encoding these proteins. The review highlights motifs involved in (i) immune response and post-translational modifications (e.g., ubiquitylation, SUMOylation or ISGylation); (ii) virus-host cell interactions, including virus attachment, entry, fusion, egress and nuclear trafficking; (iii) virulence and antiviral activities; (iv) virion structure; and (v) low-complexity regions (LCRs) or motifs enriched with residues (Xaa-rich motifs).
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Religions in 2015
Authors:   Religions Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of Religions would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Evaluation of ASTER-Like Daily Land Surface Temperature by Fusing ASTER and MODIS Data during the HiWATER-MUSOEXE
Authors: Yang Guijun , Weng Qihao , Pu Ruiliang , Gao Feng , Sun Chenhong , Li Hua , Zhao Chunjiang
Published: January 2016

Land surface temperature (LST) is an important parameter that is highly responsive to surface energy fluxes and has become valuable to many disciplines. However, it is difficult to acquire satellite LSTs with both high spatial and temporal resolutions due to tradeoffs between them. Thus, various algorithms/models have been developed to enhance the spatial or the temporal resolution of thermal infrared (TIR) data or LST, but rarely both. The Spatial and Temporal Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model (STARFM) is the widely-used data fusion algorithm for Landsat and MODIS imagery to produce Landsat-like surface reflectance. In order to extend the STARFM application over heterogeneous areas, an enhanced STARFM (ESTARFM) approach was proposed by introducing a conversion coefficient and the spectral unmixing theory. The aim of this study is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the ESTARFM algorithm for generating ASTER-like daily LST by three approaches: simulated data, ground measurements and remote sensing products, respectively. The datasets of LST ground measurements, MODIS, and ASTER images were collected in an arid region of Northwest China during the first thematic HiWATER-Multi-Scale Observation Experiment on Evapotranspiration (MUSOEXE) over heterogeneous land surfaces in 2012 from May to September. Firstly, the results of the simulation test indicated that ESTARFM could accurately predict background with temperature variations, even coordinating with small ground objects and linear ground objects. Secondly, four temporal ASTER and MODIS data fusion LSTs (i.e., predicted ASTER-like LST products) were highly consistent with ASTER LST products. Here, the four correlation coefficients were greater than 0.92, root mean square error (RMSE) reached about 2 K and mean absolute error (MAE) ranged from 1.32 K to 1.73 K. Finally, the results of the ground measurement validation indicated that the overall accuracy was high (R2 = 0.92, RMSE = 0.77 K), and the ESTARFM algorithm is a highly recommended method to assemble time series images at ASTER spatial resolution and MODIS temporal resolution due to LST estimation error less than 1 K. However, the ESTARFM method is also limited in predicting LST changes that have not been recorded in MODIS and/or ASTER pixels.
Vision-Based Georeferencing of GPR in Urban Areas
Authors: Barzaghi Riccardo , Cazzaniga Noemi , Pagliari Diana , Pinto Livio
Published: January 2016

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveying is widely used to gather accurate knowledge about the geometry and position of underground utilities. The sensor arrays need to be coupled to an accurate positioning system, like a geodetic-grade Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) device. However, in urban areas this approach is not always feasible because GNSS accuracy can be substantially degraded due to the presence of buildings, trees, tunnels, etc. In this work, a photogrammetric (vision-based) method for GPR georeferencing is presented. The method can be summarized in three main steps: tie point extraction from the images acquired during the survey, computation of approximate camera extrinsic parameters and finally a refinement of the parameter estimation using a rigorous implementation of the collinearity equations. A test under operational conditions is described, where accuracy of a few centimeters has been achieved. The results demonstrate that the solution was robust enough for recovering vehicle trajectories even in critical situations, such as poorly textured framed surfaces, short baselines, and low intersection angles.
A Two Fiber Bragg Gratings Sensing System to Monitor the Torque of Rotating Shaft
Authors: Wang Yongjiao , Liang Lei , Yuan Yinquan , Xu Gang , Liu Fang
Published: January 2016

By fixing two FBGs on the surface of a rotating shaft along the direction of ±45° and using dynamic wavelength demodulation technology, we propose an optical fiber sensing system to monitor the driving torque and torsion angle of the rotating shaft. In theory, the dependence relation of the dynamic difference of central wavelengths on the torque and torsion angle of the rotating shaft has been deduced. To verify an optical fiber sensing system, a series of sensing experiments have been completed and the measured data are approximately consistent with the theoretical analysis. The difference of two central wavelengths can be expressed as the sum of two parts: a “DC” part and a harmonic “AC” part. The driving torque or torsion angle is linear with the “DC” part of the difference of two central wavelengths, the harmonic “AC” part, meaning the torsion angle vibration, illustrates that periodic vibration torque may be caused by inhomogeneous centrifugal forces or inhomogeneous additional torques produced by the driving system and the load.
A Novel Pedestrian Navigation Algorithm for a Foot-Mounted Inertial-Sensor-Based System
Authors: Ren Mingrong , Pan Kai , Liu Yanhong , Guo Hongyu , Zhang Xiaodong , Wang Pu
Published: January 2016

This paper proposes a novel zero velocity update (ZUPT) method for a foot-mounted pedestrian navigation system (PNS). First, the error model of the PNS is developed and a Kalman filter is built based on the error model. Second, a novel zero velocity detection algorithm based on the variations in speed over a gait cycle is proposed. A finite state machine including three states is employed to model a gait cycle. The state transition conditions are determined based on speed using a sliding window. Third, the ZUPT software flow is illustrated and described. Finally, the performances of the proposed method and other methods are examined and compared experimentally. The experimental results show that the mean relative accuracy of the proposed method is 0.89% under various motion modes.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Sports in 2015
Authors:   Sports Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of Sports would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Possible Futures towards a Wood-Based Bioeconomy: A Scenario Analysis for Germany
Authors: Hagemann Nina , Gawel Erik , Purkus Alexandra , Pannicke Nadine , Hauck Jennifer
Published: January 2016

Driven by the growing awareness of the finite nature of fossil raw materials and the need for sustainable pathways of industrial production, the bio-based economy is expected to expand worldwide. Policy strategies such as the European Union Bioeconomy Strategy and national bioeconomy strategies foster this process. Besides the advantages promised by a transition towards a sustainable bioeconomy, these processes have to cope with significant uncertainties as many influencing factors play a role, such as climate change, technological and economic development, sustainability risks, dynamic consumption patterns and policy and governance issues. Based on a literature review and an expert survey, we identify influence factors for the future development of a wood-based bioeconomy in Germany. Four scenarios are generated based on different assumptions about the development of relevant influence factors. We discuss what developments in politics, industry and society have a central impact on shaping alternative futures. As such, the paper provides a knowledge base and orientation for decision makers and practitioners, and contributes to the scientific discussion on how the bioeconomy could develop. We conclude that the wood-based bioeconomy has a certain potential to develop further, if adequate political framework conditions are implemented and meet voter support, if consumers exhibit an enhanced willingness to pay for bio-based products, and if among companies, a chance-oriented advocacy coalition of bioeconomy supporters dominates over proponents of fossil pathways.
Local Residents’ Attitude toward Sustainable Rural Tourism Development
Authors: Muresan Iulia , Oroian Camelia , Harun Rezhen , Arion Felix , Porutiu Andra , Chiciudean Gabriela , Todea Alexandru , Lile Ramona
Published: January 2016

Tourism is a multi-faced activity that links the economic, social and environmental components of sustainability. This research analyzes rural residents’ perceptions of the impact of tourism development and examines the factors that influence the support for sustainable tourism development in the region of Nord-Vest in Romania. Residents’ perceptions towards tourism development were measured using 22 items, while their support for tourism development was determined using 8 items. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Principal component analysis grouped the first 22 variables into 4 factors, and the following 8 variables into 2 factors (sustainable development, destination development). Findings indicate that residents see tourism as a development factor. The natural, economic, and social-cultural environment as well as infrastructure, age, gender and education are factors that influence the sustainable development of tourism.
Sustainable Acoustic Metasurfaces for Sound Control
Authors: Gori Paola , Guattari Claudia , Asdrubali Francesco , De Lieto Vollaro Roberto , Monti Alessio , Ramaccia Davide , Bilotti Filiberto , Toscano Alessandro
Published: January 2016

Sound attenuation with conventional acoustic materials is subject to the mass law and requires massive and bulky structures at low frequencies. A possible alternative solution is provided by the use of metamaterials, which are artificial materials properly engineered to obtain properties and characteristics that it is not possible to find in natural materials. Theory and applications of metamaterials, already consolidated in electromagnetism, can be extended to acoustics; in particular, they can be applied to improve the properties of acoustical panels. The design of acoustic metasurfaces that could effectively control transmitted sound in unconventional ways appears a significant subject to be investigated, given its wide-ranging possible applications. In this contribution, we investigate the application of a metasurface-inspired technique to achieve the acoustical insulation of an environment. The designed surface has subwavelength thickness and structuring and could be realized with cheap, lightweight and sustainable materials. We present a few examples of such structures and analyze their acoustical behavior by means of full-wave simulations.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Symmetry in 2015
Authors:   Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of Symmetry would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Technologies in 2015
Authors:   Technologies Editorial Office
Published: January 2016

The editors of Technologies would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Effects of the “Run-of-River” Hydro Scheme on Macroinvertebrate Communities and Habitat Conditions in a Mountain River of Northeastern China
Authors: Wang Haoran , Chen Yongcan , Liu Zhaowei , Zhu Dejun
Published: January 2016

The main objective of this study was to quantify the impacts of the run of river (ROR) scheme on the instream habitat and macroinvertebrate community. We sampled the macroinvertebrate assemblages and collected the habitat variables above and below an ROR hydropower plant: Aotou plant in the Hailang River, China. The effects of the ROR scheme on habitat conditions were examined using regulation-related variables, most of which, particularly the hydrological variables and substrate composition, presented spatial variations along the downstream direction, contributing to heterogeneous conditions between reaches. The macroinvertebrate richness, the density and the diversity metrics showed significant decreases in the “depleted” reach compared with the upper and lower reaches. Approximately 75% of reach-averaged densities and 50% of taxa richness suffered decreases in the “depleted” reach compared with the upper reach. Furthermore, functional feeding groups also showed distinct site differences along the channel. The relative abundance of both collector-gatherers and the scrapers reduced considerably at the “depleted” sites, particularly at the site immediately downstream of the weir. The total variance in the the functional feeding group (FFG) data explained by Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) was more than 81.4% and the high-loadings factors were depth, flow velocity, DO and substrate composition. We demonstrated that flow diversion at the 75% level and an in-channel barrier, due to the ROR scheme, are likely to lead to poor habitat conditions and decrease both the abundance and the diversity of macroinvertebrates in reaches influenced by water diversion.
1790 : la révolution de vingt-huit millions de Français ?
Authors: Langlois Claude
Published: January 2016

La population française de 1790 n'est connue que par trois sources : Young, Pinteville de Cernon et le Comité des Contributions publiques (et non le Comité de Division). La comparaison entre ces trois évaluations et les recensements suivant de Van II et de 1806 conduit à écarter les chiffres de Young, mais surtout permet de mettre en lumière, pour les deux autres sources, l'aspect composite des renseignements fournis. Pour partie, le Comité des Contributions et Pinteville utilisent les résultats du recensement du Comité de Division, pour partie, ils proposent des évaluations en multipliant la population active par un coefficient. Dans ce dernier cas, s'agissant le plus souvent de départements peuplés à faible taux de population active, les estimations aboutissent à d'importantes sous-évaluations. Aussi, grâce aux papiers du Comité de Division (DIV bis 48-53), il est possible de préciser les départements pour lesquels le recensement a été fait (80 °/o) ; à partir de ces renseignements, une reconstitution de la population française pour 1790 a été tentée : la France dans les limites de 1790 compterait 28,1 M h. — avec une marge d'erreur de ± 100 000 h. — . Dans cette perspective, de 1790 à 1806 la croissance serait de l'ordre de 800 000 h., à territoire constant, mais cette croissance globale de l'ordre de 2,5 % apparaît comme très inégalement répartie : à la croissance forte de la France du Nord et de l'Est (+ 10 %) s'oppose le déficit net, même s'il est un peu surévalué, du Sud-Ouest (— 6 %).