bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forest Certification and Country of Origin: Choice Experiment Analysis of Outdoor Decking Material Selection in E-Commerce Market in Finland
Authors: Holopainen Jani , Toppinen Anne , Lähtinen Katja , Rekola Mika
Published: November 2017

Since the early 1990s, there has been hope that the uptake of certified forest products would ensure more sustainable forest management and also deliver business benefits along the value chain. Our study applies a Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) to model an e-commerce purchase in the case of multiple products with various attribute and certification combinations in the Finnish retail outdoor decking material market. We received 2772 responses from 231 participants in an online survey. Applying conditional logit and latent class models, we were able to assess the relative importance of attributes, identify various consumer segments, and simulate various scenarios for communicating the certification and origin of forest products and competing materials. Our results show that the most important attribute for consumer decision-making was the outdoor decking material followed by price, origin, and certification. Some consumer segments showed a habit of only choosing certain materials or domestic products, while paying less attention to other product attributes. Simulations for an e-commerce purchase situation also implied that communications concerning intangible product attributes, such as domestic origin and environmental certifications, could be used in the brand building of the forest sector to gain competitive advantage and increased market shares over other sectors. The results suggest that the conventional and constantly developing e-commerce marketing tools should be harnessed also in forest product and more general environmental marketing.
Lab and Field Warming Similarly Advance Germination Date and Limit Germination Rate for High and Low Elevation Provenances of Two Widespread Subalpine Conifers
Authors: Kueppers Lara , Faist Akasha , Ferrenberg Scott , Castanha Cristina , Conlisk Erin , Wolf Jennifer
Published: November 2017

Accurately predicting upslope shifts in subalpine tree ranges with warming requires understanding how future forest populations will be affected by climate change, as these are the seed sources for new tree line and alpine populations. Early life history stages are particularly sensitive to climate and are also influenced by genetic variation among populations. We tested the climate sensitivity of germination and initial development for two widely distributed subalpine conifers, using controlled-environment growth chambers with one temperature regime from subalpine forest in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and one 5 °C warmer, and two soil moisture levels. We tracked germination rate and timing, rate of seedling development, and seedling morphology for two seed provenances separated by ~300 m elevation. Warming advanced germination timing and initial seedling development by a total of ~2 weeks, advances comparable to mean differences between provenances. Advances were similar for both provenances and species; however, warming reduced the overall germination rate, as did low soil moisture, only for Picea engelmannii. A three-year field warming and watering experiment planted with the same species and provenances yielded responses qualitatively consistent with the lab trials. Together these experiments indicate that in a warmer, drier climate, P. engelmannii germination, and thus regeneration, could decline, which could lead to declining subalpine forest populations, while Pinus flexilis forest populations could remain robust as a seed source for upslope range shifts.
Origin and Evolution of the Neo-Sex Chromosomes in Pamphagidae Grasshoppers through Chromosome Fusion and Following Heteromorphization
Authors: Jetybayev Ilyas , Bugrov Alexander , Buleu Olesya , Bogomolov Anton , Rubtsov Nikolay
Published: November 2017

In most phylogenetic lineages, the evolution of sex chromosomes is accompanied by their heteromorphization and degradation of one of them. The neo-sex chromosomes are useful model for studying early stages of these processes. Recently two lineages of the neo-sex chromosomes on different stages of heteromorphization was discovered in Pamphagidae family. The neo-sex chromosome heteromorphization was analyzed by generation of DNA probes derived from the neo-Xs and neo-Ys followed with chromosome painting in nineteen species of Pamphagidae family. The homologous regions of the neo-sex chromosomes were determined in closely related species with the painting procedure and image analysis with application of the Visualization of the Specific Signal in Silico software package. Results of these analyses and distribution of C-positive regions in the neo-sex chromosomes revealed details of the heteromorphization of the neo-sex chromosomes in species from both phylogenetic lineages of Pamphagidae grasshoppers. The hypothetical mechanism of the neo-Y degradation was suggested. It includes expansion of different repeats from the proximal neo-Y chromosome region by inversions, spreading them towards distal region. Amplification of these repeats leads to formation of C-positive regions and elimination of the C-negative regions located between them.
Farmers’ Responses to Changing Hydrological Trends in the Niger Basin Parts of Benin
Authors: Oyerinde Ganiyu Titilope , Lawin Emmanuel Agnidé , Odofin Ayo J.
Published: November 2017

Sub-Saharan Africa is highly vulnerable to climate change given its low capacities of resilience to the enormous challenges climate change will pose. Research aimed at evaluating changes in hydrological trends and methods of adaptation was conducted in the Niger Basin parts of Benin at the peak of the rainy season in the year 2012. Rainfall and river discharge were analyzed from 1950–2010 in order to generate patterns of changes in the region. Structured questionnaires were used to evaluate the perceptions of 14 farming communities on climate-related issues and their methods of adaptations. Mann-Kendall and Pettit trend analyses were conducted for rainfall and river discharge. The findings indicated that significant decreases characterized rainfall and river discharge in the period of study. Flash flood was considered the major challenge faced in the region according to more than 90% of crop, animal, and fish farmers. Aside from that, decrease in water availability was identified as an additional challenge. Irrigation, diversification, water treatment, drainage, small dams, and dikes were reported as the common adaptation mechanisms in the catchments. This study will help in designing sustainable adaptation mechanisms to abrupt changes in the hydrology of the region.
Effect of Age on Glasgow Coma Scale in Patients with Moderate and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: An Approach with Propensity Score-Matched Population
Authors: Rau Cheng-Shyuan , Wu Shao-Chun , Chen Yi-Chun , Chien Peng-Chen , Hsieh Hsiao-Yun , Kuo Pao-Jen , Hsieh Ching-Hua
Published: November 2017

Background: The most widely used methods of describing traumatic brain injury (TBI) are the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS). Recent evidence suggests that presenting GCS in older patients may be higher than that in younger patients for an equivalent anatomical severity of TBI. This study aimed to assess these observations with a propensity-score matching approach using the data from Trauma Registry System in a Level I trauma center. Methods: We included all adult patients (aged ≥20 years old) with moderate to severe TBI from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2016. Patients were categorized into elderly (aged ≥65 years) and young adults (aged 20–64 years). The severity of TBI was defined by an AIS score in the head (AIS 3‒4 and 5 indicate moderate and severe TBI, respectively). We examined the differences in the GCS scores by age at each head AIS score. Unpaired Student’s t- and Mann–Whitney U-tests were used to analyze normally and non-normally distributed continuous data, respectively. Categorical data were compared using either the Pearson chi-square or two-sided Fisher’s exact tests. Matched patient populations were allocated in a 1:1 ratio according to the propensity scores calculated using NCSS software with the following covariates: sex, pre-existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, sodium, glucose, and alcohol level. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the effects of age on the GCS score in each head AIS stratum. Results: The study population included 2081 adult patients with moderate to severe TBI. These patients were categorized into elderly (n = 847) and young adults (n = 1234): each was exclusively further divided into three groups of patients with head AIS of 3, 4, or 5. In the 162 well-balanced pairs of TBI patients with head AIS of 3, the elderly demonstrated a significantly higher GCS score than the young adults (14.1 ± 2.2 vs. 13.1 ± 3.3, respectively; p = 0.002). In the 362 well-balanced pairs of TBI patients with head AIS of 4, the elderly showed a significantly higher GCS score than the young adults (13.1 ± 3.3 vs. 12.2 ± 3.8, respectively; p = 0.002). In the 89 well-balance pairs of TBI patients with head AIS of 5, no significant differences were observed for the GCS scores. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that elderly patients with moderate TBI present higher GCS score than younger patients. This study underscores the importance of determining of TBI severity in this group of elderly patients based on the GCS score alone. A lower threshold of GCS cutoff should be adopted in the management of the elderly patients with TBI.
Web-Scale Normalization of Geospatial Metadata Based on Semantics-Aware Data Sources
Authors: Fugazza Cristiano , Tagliolato Paolo , Frigerio Luca , Carrara Paola
Published: November 2017

Geospatial metadata are largely denormalized inasmuch as resource descriptions typically accommodate property values as plain text. Hence, it is not possible to bring multiple references to the same entity (say, a keyword from a controlled vocabulary) under the same umbrella. This practice is ultimately the main source for the heterogeneities in metadata descriptions by which geospatial discovery is hampered. In this paper, we elaborate on ex-post semantic augmentation of metadata, a technique generally referred to as semantic lift, which complements our previous research on semantic characterization of metadata via transparent association of uniform resource identifiers with metadata items at editing time. The latter is accomplished by means of a template-based metadata editor that can be tailored to any XML-based metadata schema. By repurposing the template language previously defined for metadata editing, we broaden the expressiveness of the former and integrate heterogeneous, XML-based resource descriptions in our semantics-aware metadata management workflow. URI-based indirection in metadata provision not only entails normalization of individual information items and allows one to overcome the aforementioned heterogeneities, but also elicits decentralized, multi-tenanted management of metadata.
Steroid and Xenobiotic Receptor Signalling in Apoptosis and Autophagy of the Nervous System
Authors: Wnuk Agnieszka , Kajta Małgorzata
Published: November 2017

Apoptosis and autophagy are involved in neural development and in the response of the nervous system to a variety of insults. Apoptosis is responsible for cell elimination, whereas autophagy can eliminate the cells or keep them alive, even in conditions lacking trophic factors. Therefore, both processes may function synergistically or antagonistically. Steroid and xenobiotic receptors are regulators of apoptosis and autophagy; however, their actions in various pathologies are complex. In general, the estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), and mineralocorticoid (MR) receptors mediate anti-apoptotic signalling, whereas the androgen (AR) and glucocorticoid (GR) receptors participate in pro-apoptotic pathways. ER-mediated neuroprotection is attributed to estrogen and selective ER modulators in apoptosis- and autophagy-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and retinopathies. PR activation appeared particularly effective in treating traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries and ischemic stroke. Except for in the retina, activated GR is engaged in neuronal cell death, whereas MR signalling appeared to be associated with neuroprotection. In addition to steroid receptors, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) mediates the induction and propagation of apoptosis, whereas the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) inhibit this programmed cell death. Most of the retinoid X receptor-related xenobiotic receptors stimulate apoptotic processes that accompany neural pathologies. Among the possible therapeutic strategies based on targeting apoptosis via steroid and xenobiotic receptors, the most promising are the selective modulators of the ER, AR, AHR, PPARγ agonists, flavonoids, and miRNAs. The prospective therapies to overcome neuronal cell death by targeting autophagy via steroid and xenobiotic receptors are much less recognized.
Impact of Labile Zinc on Heart Function: From Physiology to Pathophysiology
Authors: Turan Belma , Tuncay Erkan
Published: November 2017

Zinc plays an important role in biological systems as bound and histochemically reactive labile Zn2+. Although Zn2+ concentration is in the nM range in cardiomyocytes at rest and increases dramatically under stimulation, very little is known about precise mechanisms controlling the intracellular distribution of Zn2+ and its variations during cardiac function. Recent studies are focused on molecular and cellular aspects of labile Zn2+ and its homeostasis in mammalian cells and growing evidence clarified the molecular mechanisms underlying Zn2+-diverse functions in the heart, leading to the discovery of novel physiological functions of labile Zn2+ in parallel to the discovery of subcellular localization of Zn2+-transporters in cardiomyocytes. Additionally, important experimental data suggest a central role of intracellular labile Zn2+ in excitation-contraction coupling in cardiomyocytes by shaping Ca2+ dynamics. Cellular labile Zn2+ is tightly regulated against its adverse effects through either Zn2+-transporters, Zn2+-binding molecules or Zn2+-sensors, and, therefore plays a critical role in cellular signaling pathways. The present review summarizes the current understanding of the physiological role of cellular labile Zn2+ distribution in cardiomyocytes and how a remodeling of cellular Zn2+-homeostasis can be important in proper cell function with Zn2+-transporters under hyperglycemia. We also emphasize the recent investigations on Zn2+-transporter functions from the standpoint of human heart health to diseases together with their clinical interest as target proteins in the heart under pathological condition, such as diabetes.
Antidepressants and Mood Stabilizers: Novel Research Avenues and Clinical Insights for Bipolar Depression
Authors: Shim In , Woo Young , Kim Moon-Doo , Bahk Won-Myong
Published: November 2017

The concept of the bipolar-spectrum and of mixed features being a bridge between major depressive disorders and bipolar disorders (BDs) has become increasingly important in mood-disorder diagnoses. Under these circumstances, antidepressants (ADs) and mood stabilizers (MSs) should be used with caution in the treatment of major depressive episodes (MDEs) and to obtain long-term stability in BDs. Before treating MDEs, screening tools, specific symptom evaluation and medical history should be used to distinguish between bipolarity and mixed features in patients for whom AD monotherapy may present a risk. In these patients, a combination of ADs plus MSs or atypical antipsychotics is recommended, rather than AD monotherapy. Studies evaluating MSs for bipolar depression suggest that lamotrigine is the most reliable treatment and lithium has modest effects; there is a lack of clear evidence regarding the efficacy of valproate and carbamazepine. Recently, significant progress has been made with respect to the pathophysiology of mood disorders and the application of potential biomarkers. There is an opportunity to study novel drug mechanisms through the rediscovery of fast-acting drugs such as ketamine. It is anticipated that future research developments will involve the discovery of potential targets for new drugs and their application to personalized treatments.
End-to-End Delay Model for Train Messaging over Public Land Mobile Networks
Authors: Mazzenga Franco , Giuliano Romeo , Vizzarri Alessandro
Published: November 2017

Modern train control systems rely on a dedicated radio network for train to ground communications. A number of possible alternatives have been analysed to adopt the European Rail Traffic Management System/European Train Control System (ERTMS/ETCS) control system on local/regional lines to improve transport capacity. Among them, a communication system based on public networks (cellular&satellite) provides an interesting, effective and alternative solution to proprietary and expensive radio networks. To analyse performance of this solution, it is necessary to model the end-to-end delay and message loss to fully characterize the message transfer process from train to ground and vice versa. Starting from the results of a railway test campaign over a 300 km railway line for a cumulative 12,000 traveled km in 21 days, in this paper, we derive a statistical model for the end-to-end delay required for delivering messages. In particular, we propose a two states model allowing for reproducing the main behavioral characteristics of the end-to-end delay as observed experimentally. Model formulation has been derived after deep analysis of the recorded experimental data. When it is applied to model a realistic scenario, it allows for explicitly accounting for radio coverage characteristics, the received power level, the handover points along the line and for the serving radio technology. As an example, the proposed model is used to generate the end-to-end delay profile in a realistic scenario.
TGF-β1-Dependent Downregulation of HDAC9 Inhibits Maturation of Human Osteoblasts
Authors: Ehnert Sabrina , Heuberger Elisabeth , Linnemann Caren , Nussler Andreas , Pscherer Stefan
Published: November 2017

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is a key regulator of bone density. Recently, we have shown that TGF-β1 effectively blocks bone morphogenetic protein-induced maturation of human osteoblasts (hOBs) in a histone deacetylase (HDAC)-dependent manner. To better understand the underlying mechanisms and to identify possible therapeutic targets, the current study aimed at characterizing the expression changes of different HDACs in hOBs following recombinant human TGF-β1 treatment and investigating the effect of the altered HDACs on both the proliferation and maturation of hOBs and osteogenic cell lines. As expected from our previous work, exposure to rhTGF-β1 induced the expression of HDACs (HDAC1, -2, -3, -6). However, to our surprise, rhTGF-β1 treatment strongly suppressed the expression of HDAC9 during osteogenic differentiation. HDAC9 is reported to suppress osteoclastogenesis; however, little is known about the role of HDAC9 in osteogenesis. Chemical inhibition of HDAC9 with TMP269 increased cell numbers of hOBs, but significantly decreased their osteogenic function (alkaline phosphatase activity and matrix mineralization). In osteogenic cell lines (MG-63, CAL-72 and SAOS-2), the expression of HDAC9 negatively correlates with their proliferation capacity and positively correlates with their osteogenic differentiation potential. Being able to boost osteoclasts while inhibiting osteoblasts makes HDAC9 an interesting therapeutic target to support fracture healing and bone metabolisms.
Fiber-Optic Thermal Sensor for TiN Film Crack Monitoring
Authors: Hsu Hsiang-Chang , Hsieh Tso-Sheng , Chen Yi-Chian , Chen Hung-En , Tsai Liren , Chiang Chia-Chin
Published: November 2017

The study focuses on the thermal and temperature sensitivity behavior of an optical fiber sensor device. In this article, a titanium nitride (TiN)-coated fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor fabricated using an ion beam sputtering system was investigated. The reflection spectra of the FBG sensor were tested using R-soft optical software to simulate the refractive index sensitivity. In these experiments, the temperature sensitivity of the TiN FBG was measured at temperatures ranging from 100 to 500 °C using an optical spectrum analyzer (OSA). The results showed that the temperature sensitivity of the proposed TiN FBG sensor reached 12.8 pm/°C for the temperature range of 100 to 300 °C and 20.8 pm/°C for the temperature range of 300 to 500 °C. Additionally, we found that the produced oxidation at temperatures of 400-500 °C caused a crack, with the crack becoming more and more obvious at higher and higher temperatures.
Fluorescent Magnetopolymersomes: A Theranostic Platform to Track Intracellular Delivery
Authors: Bixner Oliver , Gal Noga , Zaba Christoph , Scheberl Andrea , Reimhult Erik
Published: November 2017

We present a potential theranostic delivery platform based on the amphiphilic diblock copolymer polybutadiene-block-poly (ethylene oxide) combining covalent fluorescent labeling and membrane incorporation of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for multimodal imaging. A simple self-assembly and labeling approach to create the fluorescent and magnetic vesicles is described. Cell uptake of the densely PEGylated polymer vesicles could be altered by surface modifications that vary surface charge and accessibility of the membrane active species. Cell uptake and cytotoxicity were evaluated by confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, iron content and metabolic assays, utilizing multimodal tracking of membrane fluorophores and nanoparticles. Cationic functionalization of vesicles promoted endocytotic uptake. In particular, incorporation of cationic lipids in the polymersome membrane yielded tremendously increased uptake of polymersomes and magnetopolymersomes without increase in cytotoxicity. Ultrastructure investigations showed that cationic magnetopolymersomes disintegrated upon hydrolysis, including the dissolution of incorporated iron oxide nanoparticles. The presented platform could find future use in theranostic multimodal imaging in vivo and magnetically triggered delivery by incorporation of thermorepsonsive amphiphiles that can break the membrane integrity upon magnetic heating via the embedded superparamagnetic nanoparticles.
New 2-Methoxy Acetylenic Acids and Pyrazole Alkaloids from the Marine Sponge Cinachyrella sp.
Authors: Mokhlesi Amin , Hartmann Rudolf , Kurtán Tibor , Weber Horst , Lin Wenhan , Chaidir Chaidir , Müller Werner , Daletos Georgios , Proksch Peter
Published: November 2017

Three new 2-methoxy acetylenic acids (1–3) and a known derivative (4), in addition to three new natural pyrazole alkaloids (5–7) were isolated from an Indonesian marine sponge of the genus Cinachyrella. Compounds 5 and 6 have previously been reported as synthetic compounds. The structures of the new compounds were established on the basis of one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy as well as by mass spectrometric data. The absolute configuration of the new acetylenic acid derivatives (1–3) was established by ECD spectroscopy. All isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against L5178Y mouse lymphoma cells. Compounds 1–4 exhibited strong activity with an IC50 value of 0.3 µM. A plausible biosynthetic pathway for the pyrazole metabolites 5–7 is proposed.
Reduced Graphene Oxide Reinforced 7075 Al Matrix Composites: Powder Synthesis and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Sun Youhong , Zhang Chi , Liu Baochang , Meng Qingnan , Ma Shaoming , Dai Wenhao
Published: November 2017

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) reinforced 7075 Al matrix composites were fabricated by electrostatic self-assembly and powder metallurgy. 7075 Al powders were surface modified by introducing a cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) membrane on the surface, which was able to form a strong bonding with graphene oxide (GO) through electrostatic interaction. During the vacuum sintering process, CTAB was effectively removed and GO was thermally reduced into rGO. Morphologies of GO nanosheets, GO/7075 Al powders, microstructures, and tensile fractographs of the composites were observed. The effect of rGO content on mechanical properties of rGO/7075 Al composites was investigated. The results show that a good bonding between rGO and matrix is achieved. With the rGO content increasing, the hardness increases gradually, while the ultimate tensile strength and yield strength initially increase and later decrease. The improvement in strength of rGO/7075 Al composites was attributed to stress transfer and dislocation strengthening. With rGO content reaching 0.50 wt %, the excessive addition of rGO gave rise to a weakening in the enhancement of the tensile properties due to the increasing amounts of brittle Al4C3 and cracks.
Microstructure and Properties of Porous Si3N4/Dense Si3N4 Joints Bonded Using RE–Si–Al–O–N (RE = Y or Yb) Glasses
Authors: Li Ling , Sun Liangbo , Liu Chunfeng , Wang Xinhua , Wang Xuanzhi , Zhang Jie
Published: November 2017

The joining of porous Si3N4 to dense Si3N4 ceramics has been successfully performed using mixed RE2O3 (RE = Y or Yb), Al2O3, SiO2, and α-Si3N4 powders. The results suggested that the α-Si3N4 powders partly transformed into β-SiAlON and partly dissolved into oxide glass to form oxynitride glass. Thus, composites of glass/β-SiAlON-ceramic formed in the seam of joints. Due to the capillary action of the porous Si3N4 ceramic, the molten glass solder infiltrated into the porous Si3N4 ceramic side during the joining process and formed the “infiltration zone” with a thickness of about 400 μm, which contributed to the heterogeneous distribution of the RE–Si–Al–O–N glasses in the porous Si3N4 substrate. In-situ formation of β-SiAlON in the seam resulted in a high bonding strength. The maximum bending strength of 103 MPa and 88 MPa was reached for the porous Si3N4/dense Si3N4 joints using Y–Si–Al–O–N and Yb–Si–Al–O–N glass solders, respectively.
Natural Cyclopeptide RA-XII, a New Autophagy Inhibitor, Suppresses Protective Autophagy for Enhancing Apoptosis through AMPK/mTOR/P70S6K Pathways in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Song Lihua , Wang Zhe , Wang Yurong , Guo Di , Yang Jianhong , Chen Lijuan , Tan Ninghua
Published: November 2017

Liver cancer is a progressive, irreversible and aggressive malignant disease, which has no effective chemotherapeutic drugs. RA-XII, a natural cyclopeptide isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Rubia yunnanensis, exerts anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities. This work aimed to investigate the effects of RA-XII on a hepatic tumor and its underlying mechanisms in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. The results showed that RA-XII effectively inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells. Consistently, RA-XII significantly induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells by decreasing the expression of caspase 3, 8, 9, and promoting the Cleavage of PARP. Moreover, RA-XII-induced apoptosis was attenuated in the presence of apoptosis inhibitor N-Benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp (O-Me) fluoromethyl keton, suggesting that RA-XII induced apoptosis-cell-death in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, autophagy-related proteins and mRNA levels were dramatically reduced after RA-XII treatment. Meanwhile, we observed that autophagy inhibitor chloroquine could enhance apoptosis in RA-XII-treated HepG2 cells, indicating that autophagy played a protective role in HepG2 cells and RA-XII might inhibit protective autophagy. Further analysis showed that RA-XII inhibited AMPK phosphorylation and led to the mTOR/P70S6K pathway activation, suggesting that RA-XII inhibited autophagy through AMPK/mTOR/P70S6K pathways. This study demonstrated that RA-XII promoted apoptosis and inhibited protective autophagy through AMPK/mTOR/P70S6K pathways in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, these findings suggest that RA-XII might potentially be a candidate as an autophagy inhibitor agent for further therapy of liver cancer.
Peptide Nucleic Acid-Based Biosensors for Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: D’Agata Roberta , Giuffrida Maria , Spoto Giuseppe
Published: November 2017

The monitoring of DNA and RNA biomarkers freely circulating in the blood constitutes the basis of innovative cancer detection methods based on liquid biopsy. Such methods are expected to provide new opportunities for a better understanding of cancer disease at the molecular level, thus contributing to improved patient outcomes. Advanced biosensors can advance possibilities for cancer-related nucleic acid biomarkers detection. In this context, peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) play an important role in the fabrication of highly sensitive biosensors. This review provides an overview of recently described PNA-based biosensors for cancer biomarker detection. One of the most striking features of the described detection approaches is represented by the possibility to detect target nucleic acids at the ultra-low concentration with the capability to identify single-base mutations.
Two Sulfur Glycoside Compounds Isolated from Lepidium apetalum Willd Protect NRK52e Cells against Hypertonic-Induced Adhesion and Inflammation by Suppressing the MAPK Signaling Pathway and RAAS
Authors: Yuan Peipei , Zheng Xiaoke , Li Meng , Ke Yingying , Fu Yang , Zhang Qi , Wang Xiaolan , Feng Weisheng
Published: November 2017

Lepidium apetalum Willd has been used to reduce edema and promote urination. Cis-desulfoglucotropaeolin (cis-DG) and trans-desulfoglucotropaeolin (trans-DG) were isolated from Lepidium apetalum Willd, and caused a significant increase in cell viability in a hypertonic model in NRK52e cells. In the hypertonic model, cis-DG and trans-DG significantly promoted the cell viability of NRK52e cells and inhibited the elevation of Na+ in the supernatant, inhibited the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAAS) system, significantly reduced the levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) and aldosterone (ALD), and lowered aquaporin-2 (AQP2) and Na+–K+ ATP content in renal medulla. After treatment with cis-DG and trans-DG, expression of calcineurin (CAN) and Ca/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II) was decreased in renal tissue and Ca2+ influx was inhibited, thereby reducing the secretion of transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ), reversing the increase in adhesion and inflammatory factor E-selectin and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) induced by high NaCl, while reducing oxidative stress status and decreasing the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2). Furthermore, inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) expression also contributed to these improvements. The cis-DG and trans-DG reduced the expression of p-p44/42 MAPK, p-JNK and p-p38, inhibited the phosphorylation of the MAPK signaling pathway in NRN52e cells induced by high salt, decreased the overexpression of p-p38 and p-HSP27, and inhibited the overactivation of the p38-MAPK signaling pathway, suggesting that the p38-MAPK pathway may play a vital role in the hypertonic-induced adhesion and inflammatory response. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the mechanism of cis-DG and trans-DG may mainly be through inhibiting the p38-MAPK signaling pathway, inhibiting the excessive activation of the RAAS system, and thereby reducing adhesion and inflammatory factors.
The Influence of Toothpaste Containing Australian Melaleuca alternifolia Oil and Ethanolic Extract of Polish Propolis on Oral Hygiene and Microbiome in Patients Requiring Conservative Procedures
Authors: Piekarz Tomasz , Mertas Anna , Wiatrak Karolina , Rój Rafał , Kownacki Patryk , Śmieszek-Wilczewska Joanna , Kopczyńska Ewelina , Wrzoł Maciej , Cisowska Maria , Szliszka Ewelina , Czuba Zenon , Niedzielska Iwona , Morawiec Tadeusz
Published: November 2017

The study was based on the use of a toothpaste with antiphlogistic activity, containing Australian Melaleuca alternifolia oil (tea tree oil—TTO) and ethanolic extract of Polish propolis (EEP). Fifty-one patients with varying conditions of the gingiva were divided into two groups. The study group received the toothpaste with TTO and EEP, while the control group received the same toothpaste but without TTO and EEP. Approximal plaque index (API), simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-s) and modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI) were assessed in three subsequent stages. During each examination, swabs were employed for microbiological inoculation. During the period of use of toothpastes with TTO and EEP, a significant reduction of the API was observed, as assessed upon the control visit after 7 days and after 28 days, compared to baseline. A statistically significant reduction of mSBI was observed after 7 and 28 days of using the toothpaste with TTO and EEP, as compared to the value upon the initial visit. Statistically significant differences in the OHI-s value were observed in the study group, which was using the active toothpaste. The use of a toothpaste containing TTO and EEP helps to maintain microbiome balance. The observed stabilisation of bacterial microflora confirms the beneficial activity of toothpaste containing EEP and TTO compared to the control group, where the lack of these substances contributed to the emergence of qualitative and quantitative changes in oral microbiome.
Carbon Nanotubes’ Effect on Mitochondrial Oxygen Flux Dynamics: Polarography Experimental Study and Machine Learning Models using Star Graph Trace Invariants of Raman Spectra
Authors: González-Durruthy Michael , Monserrat Jose , Rasulev Bakhtiyor , Casañola-Martín Gerardo , Barreiro Sorrivas José , Paraíso-Medina Sergio , Maojo Víctor , González-Díaz Humberto , Pazos Alejandro , Munteanu Cristian
Published: November 2017

This study presents the impact of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on mitochondrial oxygen mass flux (Jm) under three experimental conditions. New experimental results and a new methodology are reported for the first time and they are based on CNT Raman spectra star graph transform (spectral moments) and perturbation theory. The experimental measures of Jm showed that no tested CNT family can inhibit the oxygen consumption profiles of mitochondria. The best model for the prediction of Jm for other CNTs was provided by random forest using eight features, obtaining test R-squared (R2) of 0.863 and test root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 0.0461. The results demonstrate the capability of encoding CNT information into spectral moments of the Raman star graphs (SG) transform with a potential applicability as predictive tools in nanotechnology and material risk assessments.
Dietary Pea Fiber Supplementation Improves Glycemia and Induces Changes in the Composition of Gut Microbiota, Serum Short Chain Fatty Acid Profile and Expression of Mucins in Glucose Intolerant Rats
Authors: Hashemi Zohre , Fouhse Janelle , Im Hyun , Chan Catherine , Willing Benjamin
Published: November 2017

Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial impact of dried peas and their components on glucose tolerance; however, the role of gut microbiota as a potential mediator is not fully examined. In this study, we investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with raw and cooked pea seed coats (PSC) on glucose tolerance, microbial composition of the gut, select markers of intestinal barrier function, and short chain fatty acid profile in glucose intolerant rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed high fat diet (HFD) for six weeks to induce glucose intolerance, followed by four weeks of feeding PSC-supplemented diets. Cooked PSC improved glucose tolerance by approximately 30% (p < 0.05), and raw and cooked PSC diets reduced insulin response by 53% and 56% respectively (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01), compared to HFD (containing cellulose as the source of dietary fiber). 16S rRNA gene sequencing on fecal samples showed a significant shift in the overall microbial composition of PSC groups when compared to HFD and low fat diet (LFD) controls. At the family level, PSC increased the abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Prevotellaceae (p < 0.001), and decreased Porphyromonadaceae (p < 0.01) compared with HFD. This was accompanied by increased mRNA expression of mucin genes Muc1, Muc2, and Muc4 in ileal epithelium (p < 0.05). Serum levels of acetate and propionate increased with raw PSC diet (p < 0.01). These results indicate that supplementation of HFD with PSC fractions can improve glycemia and may have a protective role against HFD-induced alterations in gut microbiota and mucus layer.
Evaluation of a Mass-Media Campaign to Increase the Awareness of the Need to Reduce Discretionary Salt Use in the South African Population
Authors: Wentzel-Viljoen Edelweiss , Steyn Krisela , Lombard Carl , De Villiers Anniza , Charlton Karen , Frielinghaus Sabine , Crickmore Christelle , Mungal-Singh Vash
Published: November 2017

The South African strategic plan to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes reducing population salt intake to less than 5 g/day. A mass media campaign was undertaken to increase public awareness of the association between high salt intake, blood pressure and CVD, and focused on the reduction of discretionary salt intake. Community based surveys, before and after the campaign, were conducted in a cohort of black women aged 18–55 years. Questions on knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding salt use were asked. Current interest in engaging with salt reduction behaviors was assessed using the “stage of change” model. Five hundred fifty women participated in the baseline study and 477 in the follow-up survey. Most of the indicators of knowledge, attitudes and behavior change show a significant move towards considering and initiating reduced salt consumption. Post intervention, significantly more participants reported that they were taking steps to control salt intake (38% increased to 59.5%, p < 0.0001). In particular, adding salt while cooking and at the table occurred significantly less frequently. The findings suggest that mass media campaigns may be an effective tool to use as part of a strategy to reduce discretionary consumption of salt among the population along with other methods.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Nutrient Intake and Health Status among Older Adults in Yogyakarta Indonesia
Authors: Arjuna Tony , Soenen Stijn , Hasnawati Rasita , Lange Kylie , Chapman Ian , Luscombe-Marsh Natalie
Published: November 2017

Many communities around the world, particularly developing countries including Indonesia, are experiencing population ageing. There is little knowledge regarding the impact of malnutrition, or its prevalence within rural compared to urban areas, on the nutritional, functional and mental status of community-living older residents in these countries. Hence, a cross-sectional study was conducted to determine socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics, nutritional, mental and functional status, and energy and nutrient intake of community-dwelling Indonesians from both rural and urban areas of Yogyakarta. Older individuals were included in the study if they had been living in Yogyakarta for the last year and were aged ≥65 years (n = 527; mean ± SD age of 74 ± 7 years). Rural compared with urban participants had a lower level of education and income, more hospital admissions, less dietary protein intake, lower cognitive function, poorer nutritional status and grip strength, but faster gait speed while being more dependent on assistance to perform daily activities (all p < 0.05). Cognitive function was more strongly associated than nutritional status with physical function. Rural older Indonesians living in Yogyakarta were more likely than urban older people to be malnourished and cognitively impaired, and to have associated reductions in functional capacity and independence. Strategies to improve cognitive function and nutritional status are therefore important for the wellbeing of Indonesian citizens.
Microscopic and Molecular Tracing of Cryptosporidium Oocysts: Identifying a Possible Reservoir of Infection in Red Grouse
Authors: Baines David , Giles Michaela , Richardson Michael
Published: November 2017

Infection by Cryptosporidium baileyi causes respiratory cryptosporidiosis in red grouse Lagopus lagopus scotica. First diagnosed in 2010, it has since been detected across half of moors managed for grouse shooting in northern England. We hypothesised that contaminated grouse faeces within communal trays visited by grouse containing grit coated with flubendazole, provided to control Trichostrongylus tenuis parasites of grouse, is a reservoir of infection. To establish the basis to this hypothesis, contents of 23 trays from a grouse moor were examined for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Contents were subjected to Immuno Magnetic Separation oocyst concentration techniques prior to examination by Immuno Fluorescence Antibody Test microscopy and molecular analysis on the 18S rRNA gene. Seven of 13 (54%) grit trays known to be used by infected grouse were positive for Cryptosporidium by IMS-IFAT, compared to two of 10 (20%) random background trays. Ten of the 13 (77%) trays used by infected birds amplified positive for Cryptosporidium by Polymerase Chain Reaction and three of the 10 (30%) random trays. All PCR amplified products sequenced matched with C. baileyi, with C. parvum also present in one tray. These data suggest that trays used to “worm” grouse may act as reservoirs of Cryptosporidium infection and their future design may need to be reconsidered to minimise contamination.
Durability and Mechanical Performance of PMMA/Stone Sludge Nanocomposites for Acrylic Solid Surface Applications
Authors: EL-Bashir Samah , Althumairi Nouf , Alzayed Naser
Published: November 2017

Acrylic solid surface sheets were prepared by mixing different kinds of stone sludge fillers (SSF) in Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposites. PMMA nanocomposite syrups were made using free radical polymerization of methylmethacrylate (MMA), then two kinds of nanofillers were added, namely, hydrophilic nanosilica and clay Halloysite nanotubules (HNTs). Acrylic solid surface sheets were manufactured by mixing the syrups with SSFs. The morphology of the produced sheets was studied using optical, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) that revealed the uniform distribution of stone sludge in the polymeric matrix. The study of the physical properties showed promising mechanical performance and durability of PMMA/SSF nanocomposites for acrylic solid surface applications.
The Cross-Calibration of Spectral Radiances and Cross-Validation of CO2 Estimates from GOSAT and OCO-2
Authors: Kataoka Fumie , Crisp David , Taylor Thomas , O’Dell Chris , Kuze Akihiko , Shiomi Kei , Suto Hiroshi , Bruegge Carol , Schwandner Florian , Rosenberg Robert , Chapsky Lars , Lee Richard
Published: November 2017

The Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) launched in January 2009 has provided radiance spectra with a Fourier Transform Spectrometer for more than eight years. The Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2 (OCO-2) launched in July 2014, collects radiance spectra using an imaging grating spectrometer. Both sensors observe sunlight reflected from Earth’s surface and retrieve atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations, but use different spectrometer technologies, observing geometries, and ground track repeat cycles. To demonstrate the effectiveness of satellite remote sensing for CO2 monitoring, the GOSAT and OCO-2 teams have worked together pre- and post-launch to cross-calibrate the instruments and cross-validate their retrieval algorithms and products. In this work, we first compare observed radiance spectra within three narrow bands centered at 0.76, 1.60 and 2.06 µm, at temporally coincident and spatially collocated points from September 2014 to March 2017. We reconciled the differences in observation footprints size, viewing geometry and associated differences in surface bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF). We conclude that the spectral radiances measured by the two instruments agree within 5% for all bands. Second, we estimated mean bias and standard deviation of column-averaged CO2 dry air mole fraction (XCO2) retrieved from GOSAT and OCO-2 from September 2014 to May 2016. GOSAT retrievals used Build 7.3 (V7.3) of the Atmospheric CO2 Observations from Space (ACOS) algorithm while OCO-2 retrievals used Version 7 of the OCO-2 retrieval algorithm. The mean biases and standard deviations are −0.57 ± 3.33 ppm over land with high gain, −0.17 ± 1.48 ppm over ocean with high gain and −0.19 ± 2.79 ppm over land with medium gain. Finally, our study is complemented with an analysis of error sources: retrieved surface pressure (Psurf), aerosol optical depth (AOD), BRDF and surface albedo inhomogeneity. We found no change in XCO2 bias or standard deviation with time, demonstrating that both instruments are well calibrated.
Generation of Radiometric, Phenological Normalized Image Based on Random Forest Regression for Change Detection
Authors: Seo Dae , Kim Yong , Eo Yang , Park Wan , Park Hyun
Published: November 2017

Efforts have been made to detect both naturally occurring and anthropogenic changes to the Earth’s surface by using satellite remote sensing imagery. There is a need to maintain the homogeneity of radiometric and phenological conditions to ensure accuracy in change detection, but images to assess long-term changes in time-series data that satisfy such conditions are difficult to obtain. For this reason, image normalization is essential. In particular, the normalizing compositive conditions require nonlinear modeling, and random forest (RF) techniques can be utilized for this normalization. This study employed Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper satellite images with temporal, radiometric and phenological differences, and obtained Radiometric Control Set Samples by selecting no-change pixels between the subject image and reference image using scattergrams. In the obtained no-change regions, RF regression was modeled, and normalized images were obtained. Next, normalization performance was evaluated by comparing the results against the following conventional linear regression methods: mean-standard deviation regression, simple regression, and no-change regression. The normalization performance of RF regression was much higher. In addition, for an additional usefulness evaluation in normalization, the normalization performance was compared with other nonlinear ensemble regressions, i.e. Adaptive Boosting regression and Stochastic Gradient Boosting regression, which confirmed that the normalization performance of RF regression was significantly higher. In other words, it was found to be highly useful for normalization when compared to other nonlinear ensemble regressions. Finally, as a result of performing change detection, normalized subject images generated by RF regression showed the highest accuracy, which indicated that the proposed method (where the image was normalized using RF regression) may be useful in change detection between multi-temporal image datasets.