bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A DNA Vaccine Encoding SA-4-1BBL Fused to HPV-16 E7 Antigen Has Prophylactic and Therapeutic Efficacy in a Cervical Cancer Mouse Model
Authors: Garza-Morales Rodolfo , Perez-Trujillo Jose J. , Martinez-Jaramillo Elvis , Saucedo-Cardenas Odila , Loera-Arias Maria J. , Garcia-Garcia Aracely , Rodriguez-Rocha Humberto , Yolcu Esma , Shirwan Haval , Gomez-Gutierrez Jorge G. , Montes-de-Oca-Luna Roberto
Published: January 2019

The SA-4-1BBL, an oligomeric novel form of the natural ligand for the 4-1BB co-stimulatory receptor of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily, as a recombinant protein has potent pleiotropic effects on cells of innate, adaptive, and regulatory immunity with demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in several tumor models. However, the production of soluble form of SA-4-1BBL protein and quality control is time and resource intensive and face various issues pertinent to clinical development of biologics. The present study sought to take advantage of the simplicity and translatability of DNA-based vaccines for the production and delivery of SA-4-1BBL for cancer immune prevention and therapy. A chimeric HPV-16 E7 DNA vaccine (SP-SA-E7-4-1BBL) was constructed that contains the signal peptide (SP) of calreticulin (CRT), streptavidin (SA) domain of SA-4-1BBL, HPV-16 E7 double mutant gene, and the extracellular domain of mouse 4-1BBL. Immunization by gene gun with SP-SA-E7-4-1BBL induced greater prophylactic as well as therapeutic effects in C57BL/6 mice against TC-1 tumor model compared with immunization with E7wt, SP-SA-4-1BBL or reference-positive control CRT-E7wt. The therapeutic efficacy of the DNA vaccine was associated with increased frequency of E7-specific T cells producing interferon (IFN)-γ. Overall, our data suggest that this DNA-based vaccine strategy might represent a translational approach because it provides a simpler and versatile alternative to a subunit vaccine based on SA-4-1BBL and E7 proteins.
Transected Tendon Treated with a New Fibrin Sealant Alone or Associated with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Frauz Katleen , Teodoro Luis , Carneiro Giane , Cristina da Veiga Fernanda , Lopes Ferrucci Danilo , Luis Bombeiro André , Waleska Simões Priscyla , Elvira Alvares Lúcia , Leite R. de Oliveira Alexandre , Pontes Vicente Cristina , Seabra Ferreira Rui , Barraviera Benedito , do Amaral Maria , Augusto M. Esquisatto Marcelo , de Campos Vidal Benedicto , Rosa Pimentel Edson , Aparecida de Aro Andrea
Published: January 2019

Tissue engineering and cell-based therapy combine techniques that create biocompatible materials for cell survival, which can improve tendon repair. This study seeks to use a new fibrin sealant (FS) derived from the venom of Crotalus durissus terrificus, a biodegradable three-dimensional scaffolding produced from animal components only, associated with adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) for application in tendons injuries, considered a common and serious orthopedic problem. Lewis rats had tendons distributed in five groups: normal (N), transected (T), transected and FS (FS) or ASC (ASC) or with FS and ASC (FS + ASC). The in vivo imaging showed higher quantification of transplanted PKH26-labeled ASC in tendons of FS + ASC compared to ASC on the 14th day after transection. A small number of Iba1 labeled macrophages carrying PKH26 signal, probably due to phagocytosis of dead ASC, were observed in tendons of transected groups. ASC up-regulated the Tenomodulin gene expression in the transection region when compared to N, T and FS groups and the expression of TIMP-2 and Scleraxis genes in relation to the N group. FS group presented a greater organization of collagen fibers, followed by FS + ASC and ASC in comparison to N. Tendons from ASC group presented higher hydroxyproline concentration in relation to N and the transected tendons of T, FS and FS + ASC had a higher amount of collagen I and tenomodulin in comparison to N group. Although no marked differences were observed in the other biomechanical parameters, T group had higher value of maximum load compared to the groups ASC and FS + ASC. In conclusion, the FS kept constant the number of transplanted ASC in the transected region until the 14th day after injury. Our data suggest this FS to be a good scaffold for treatment during tendon repair because it was the most effective one regarding tendon organization recovering, followed by the FS treatment associated with ASC and finally by the transplanted ASC on the 21st day. Further investigations in long-term time points of the tendon repair are needed to analyze if the higher tissue organization found with the FS scaffold will improve the biomechanics of the tendons.
Cellular and Structural Studies of Eukaryotic Cells by Cryo-Electron Tomography
Authors: Weber Miriam Sarah , Wojtynek Matthias , Medalia Ohad
Published: January 2019

The architecture of protein assemblies and their remodeling during physiological processes is fundamental to cells. Therefore, providing high-resolution snapshots of macromolecular complexes in their native environment is of major importance for understanding the molecular biology of the cell. Cellular structural biology by means of cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) offers unique insights into cellular processes at an unprecedented resolution. Recent technological advances have enabled the detection of single impinging electrons and improved the contrast of electron microscopic imaging, thereby significantly increasing the sensitivity and resolution. Moreover, various sample preparation approaches have paved the way to observe every part of a eukaryotic cell, and even multicellular specimens, under the electron beam. Imaging of macromolecular machineries at high resolution directly within their native environment is thereby becoming reality. In this review, we discuss several sample preparation and labeling techniques that allow the visualization and identification of macromolecular assemblies in situ, and demonstrate how these methods have been used to study eukaryotic cellular landscapes.
Effects of Yttrium Doping on a-IGZO Thin Films for Use as a Channel Layer in Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Cho Sanghyun , Kim Seohan , Kim Doyeong , Yi Moonsuk , Byun Junseok , Song Pungkeun
Published: January 2019

Amorphous In−Ga−Zn−O (a-IGZO) has been studied as a channel layer in thin-film transistors (TFTs). To improve the bias-induced instability of a-IGZO TFTs, we introduced yttrium with high bond enthalpy by magnetron co-sputtering system. The Y-doped a-IGZO (a-IGZO:Y) films show relatively lower carrier concentration and higher Hall mobility, which is due to the suppression of oxygen vacancies caused by Y doping. The a-IGZO:Y showed a relatively higher transmittance in the visible light region compared to non-doped IGZO, which could be due to the decrease of shallow defect levels caused by oxygen vacancy in the band gap. The a-IGZO without Y doping showed dramatic changes in electrical properties as times progressed (over 240 h); however, the a-IGZO:Y showed no significant changes. The a-IGZO:Y TFTs demonstrated a more stable driving mode as exhibited in the positive gate bias stress test even though the values of VTH and SS were slightly degraded.
A New Efficient Expression for the Conditional Expectation of the Blind Adaptive Deconvolution Problem Valid for the Entire Range ofSignal-to-Noise Ratio
Authors: Pinchas Monika
Published: January 2019

In the literature, we can find several blind adaptive deconvolution algorithms based on closed-form approximated expressions for the conditional expectation (the expectation of the source input given the equalized or deconvolutional output), involving the maximum entropy density approximation technique. The main drawback of these algorithms is the heavy computational burden involved in calculating the expression for the conditional expectation. In addition, none of these techniques are applicable for signal-to-noise ratios lower than 7 dB. In this paper, I propose a new closed-form approximated expression for the conditional expectation based on a previously obtained expression where the equalized output probability density function is calculated via the approximated input probability density function which itself is approximated with the maximum entropy density approximation technique. This newly proposed expression has a reduced computational burden compared with the previously obtained expressions for the conditional expectation based on the maximum entropy approximation technique. The simulation results indicate that the newly proposed algorithm with the newly proposed Lagrange multipliers is suitable for signal-to-noise ratio values down to 0 dB and has an improved equalization performance from the residual inter-symbol-interference point of view compared to the previously obtained algorithms based on the conditional expectation obtained via the maximum entropy technique.
Nondestructive Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Analysis of Oils on Wood Surfaces
Authors: Ito Noboru , Okubo Naoya , Kurata Yohei
Published: January 2019

The further use of wood resources is expected in an environmentally conscious society. Added-value, such as durability enhancement and preservation by painting, are needed to expand the applicability of wood. Assessment of wood properties such as surface and coat adhesion can be made by studying perviousness to liquid oils, with the aim of developing wood products that deter insects and are weather-resistant; hence, discriminant analysis of oil type is important. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for nondestructive characterization of organic materials and has been widely used in many industries. Here, NIR detection of oil on wood surfaces is applied for the distinguishing of three different types of oil (hereafter, “Oil_1”, “Oil_2” and “Oil_3”) via soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA). Oil_1 was antiseptic vehicle or cutting oil. Oil_2 was used as a motor oil for an oil pressure machine. Oil_3 was plant-derived oil. Two types of wood that are commonly used in Japanese construction (Cryptomeria japonica and Chamaecyparis obtuse) were analyzed after applying oil. The NIR spectra measured after the oil was applied were greater in the ranges 1700–1800 nm and 2300–2500 nm than spectra for the bare wood sample. As SIMCA analyses were performed by using spectral data that included the moving average, baseline correction and second derivatives, good results were obtained for Oil_3 for both wood samples. However, the correct classification percentages were low for Oil_1, and the percentage of samples classified within several categories was high. If the components are very different, such as those for Oil_3, NIRS can be a powerful non-destructive method for identifying oil in the context of wood products testing.
Genome-Wide Identification and Transcriptional Expression of the PAL Gene Family in Common Walnut (Juglans Regia L.)
Authors: Yan Feng , Li Huaizhu , Zhao Peng
Published: January 2019

Juglans regia L. is an economically important crop cultivated worldwide for its high quality and quantity of wood and nuts. Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) is the first enzyme in the phenylpropanoid pathway that plays a critical role in plant growth, development, and adaptation, but there have been few reports of the PAL gene family in common walnut. Here, we report a genome-wide study of J. regia PAL genes and analyze their phylogeny, duplication, microRNA, and transcriptional expression. A total of 12 PAL genes were identified in the common walnut and clustered into two subfamilies based on phylogenetic analysis. These common walnut PALs are distributed on eight different pseudo-chromosomes. Seven of the 12 PALs (JrPAL2-3, JrPAL4-2, JrPAL2-1, JrPAL4-1, JrPAL8, JrPAL9, and JrPAL6) were specific found in J. regia, and JrPAL3, JrPAL5, JrPAL1-2, JrPAL7, and JrPAL2-2 were found to be closely associated with the woody plant Populus trichocarpa. Additionally, the expression patterns of JrPAL3, JrPAL7, JrPAL9, and JrPAL2-1 showed that they had high expression in female and male flowers. The miRNA ath-miR830-5p regulates two genes, JrPAL5 and JrPAL1, such that they have low expression in the male and female flowers of the common walnut. Our research provides useful information for further research into the function of PAL genes in common walnut and Juglans.
m6A mRNA Destiny: Chained to the rhYTHm by the YTH-Containing Proteins
Authors: Hazra Ditipriya , Chapat Clément , Graille Marc
Published: January 2019

The control of gene expression is a multi-layered process occurring at the level of DNA, RNA, and proteins. With the emergence of highly sensitive techniques, new aspects of RNA regulation have been uncovered leading to the emerging field of epitranscriptomics dealing with RNA modifications. Among those post-transcriptional modifications, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent in messenger RNAs (mRNAs). This mark can either prevent or stimulate the formation of RNA-protein complexes, thereby influencing mRNA-related mechanisms and cellular processes. This review focuses on proteins containing a YTH domain (for YT521-B Homology), a small building block, that selectively detects the m6A nucleotide embedded within a consensus motif. Thereby, it contributes to the recruitment of various effectors involved in the control of mRNA fates through adjacent regions present in the different YTH-containing proteins.
Morphological Variability of Submarine Mass Movements in the Tectonically–Controlled Calabro–Tyrrhenian Continental Margin (Southern Italy)
Authors: Casalbore Daniele , Bosman Alessandro , Casas David , Chiocci Francesco , Martorelli Eleonora , Ridente Domenico
Published: January 2019

The analysis of high resolution morpho–bathymetric data on the Calabro Tyrrhenian continental margin (Southern Italy) enabled us to identify several morphological features originated by mass–wasting processes, including shallow gullies, shelf–indenting canyons and landslides. Specifically, we focus our attention on submarine landslides occurring from the coast down to −1700 m and affecting variable areas from thousands of square meters up to few tens of square kilometers. These landslides also show a large variability of geomorphic features which seems strictly related to the physiographic/morphological domains where the landslide formed. Tectonically–controlled scarps and canyon flanks are typically characterized by several coalescent and nested landslides, with diameters ranging from hundreds to a few thousands of meters. Canyon headwalls are commonly characterized by a cauliflower shape due to an array of small (diameters of tens of meters) and coalescent scars. In all these sectors, disintegrative–like landslides dominate and are generally characterized by a marked retrogressive evolution, as demonstrated by their morphology and comparison of repeated bathymetric surveys at the canyon headwall. Only in the lower part of tectonically–controlled scarps, a few cohesive–like and isolated landslides are present, indicating the main role of slope gradients and height drop in controlling the post–failure behavior of the mobilized material. Open slopes are generally characterized by large–scale (diameters of thousands of meters) and isolated scars, with associated landslide deposits. A peculiar case is represented by the Capo Vaticano Scar Complex that affected an area of about 18 km2 and is characterized by an impressive variability of landslide morphologies, varying also at short distance. The large extent and variability of such scar complex are thought to be associated with the occurrence of a mixed contouritic–turbidite system. By integrating the high–resolution morpho–bathymetric dataset with the results of previous studies, we discuss the main factors controlling the variability in size and morphology of submarine landslides developed in a tectonically–controlled setting and provide preliminary considerations on their potential geohazard in a densely populated coastal area.
Invasion Dynamics of A Termite, Reticulitermes flavipes, at Different Spatial Scales in France
Authors: Perdereau Elfie , Baudouin Guillaume , Bankhead-Dronnet Stéphanie , Chevalier Zoé , Zimmermann Marie , Dupont Simon , Dedeine Franck , Bagnères Anne-Geneviève
Published: January 2019

Termites are social insects that can also be major pests. A well-known problem species is the subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes. It is invasive in France and is thought to have arrived from Louisiana during the 18th century. While the putative source of French populations has been identified, little is known about how the termite spread following its establishment. Here, we examined expansion patterns at different spatial scales in urban areas to clarify how R. flavipes spread in France. Based on our analyses of phylogeography and population genetics, results suggest a scenario of successive introductions into the Charente-Maritime region, on the Atlantic Coast. Two major expansion fronts formed: one that spread toward the northeast and the other toward the southeast. At the regional scale, different spatial and genetic distribution patterns were observed: there was heterogeneity in Île-de-France and aggregation in Centre-Val de Loire. At the local scale, we found that our three focal urban sites each formed a single large colony that contained several secondary reproductives. Our findings represent a second step in efforts to reconstruct termite’s invasion dynamics. They also highlight the role that may have been played by the French railway network in transporting termites over long distances.
Magnetically Induced Flow Focusing of Non-Magnetic Microparticles in Ferrofluids under Inclined Magnetic Fields
Authors: Luo Laan , He Yongqing
Published: January 2019

The ability to focus biological particles into a designated position of a microchannel is vital for various biological applications. This paper reports particle focusing under vertical and inclined magnetic fields. We analyzed the effect of the angle of rotation (θ) of the permanent magnets and the critical Reynolds number (Rec) on the particle focusing in depth. We found that a rotation angle of 10° is preferred; a particle loop has formed when Re < Rec and Rec of the inclined magnetic field is larger than that of the vertical magnetic field. We also conducted experiments with polystyrene particles (10.4 μm in diameter) to prove the calculations. Experimental results show that the focusing effectiveness improved with increasing applied magnetic field strength or decreasing inlet flow rate.
Intrinsic Defect Engineering in Eu3 Doped ZnWO4 for Annealing Temperature Tunable Photoluminescence+
Authors: Zhai Bao-gai , Yang Long , Huang Yuan Ming
Published: January 2019

Eu3+ doped ZnWO4 phosphors were synthesized via the co-precipitation technique followed by subsequent thermal annealing in the range of 400–1000 ∘ C. The phase, morphology, elemental composition, chemical states, optical absorption, and photoluminescence (PL) of the phosphors were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectrometry, diffuse UV–vis reflectance spectroscopy, PL spectrophotometry, and PL lifetime spectroscopy, respectively. It is found that the PL from Eu3+ doped ZnWO4 is tunable through the control of the annealing temperature. Density functional calculations and optical absorption confirm that thermal annealing created intrinsic defects in ZnWO4 lattices play a pivotal role in the color tunable emissions of the Eu3+ doped ZnWO4 phosphors. These data have demonstrated that intrinsic defect engineering in ZnWO4 lattice is an alternative and effective strategy for tuning the emission color of Eu3+ doped ZnWO4. This work shows how to harness the intrinsic defects in ZnWO4 for the preparation of color tunable light-emitting phosphors.
Marketing Strategy, Serving Size, and Nutrition Information of Popular Children’s Food Packages in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Mei Chun , Chien Yi-Wen , Yang Hui-Ting , Chen Yi Chun
Published: January 2019

A content analysis was used to investigate the marketing strategies, serving size, and nutrition quality in Taiwan popular children’s snacks and drinks. A total of 361 snacks and 246 drinks were collected. It was found that 38.6% of snacks and 25.3% of drinks were child-targeted (CT) foods, and 78.1% and 85.4% of the snacks and drinks had health and nutrition marketing (HNM). Serving size was significantly positively correlated to calories among different food categories in this study. Only the CT breads, ready-to-eat cereals, and fruit/vegetable juice had smaller serving sizes than did the corresponding non-CT products. These CT products had significantly fewer calories than did the corresponding non-CT products. Approximately 30% of snacks and 18% of drinks had both CT and HNM. Moreover, 82.7% of CT snacks and 100.0% of CT drinks with HNM were high in sugar. About 95% of foods with no added sugar claim were high sugar. CT foods are not necessarily healthier than non-CT foods, even the CT food with HNM. Health professionals should help parents assess the nutrition quality of the popular children’s foods. Further research was needed to investigate the effect of these marketing strategies and serving size on children’s food consumption.
Ascorbic Acid Mitigates D-galactose-Induced Brain Aging by Increasing Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Improving Memory Function
Authors: Nam Sung Min , Seo Misun , Seo Jin-Seok , Rhim Hyewhon , Nahm Sang-Soep , Cho Ik-Hyun , Chang Byung-Joon , Kim Hyeon-Joong , Choi Sun-Hye , Nah Seung-Yeol
Published: January 2019

Ascorbic acid is essential for normal brain development and homeostasis. However, the effect of ascorbic acid on adult brain aging has not been determined. Long-term treatment with high levels of D-galactose (D-gal) induces brain aging by accumulated oxidative stress. In the present study, mice were subcutaneously administered with D-gal (150 mg/kg/day) for 10 weeks; from the seventh week, ascorbic acid (150 mg/kg/day) was orally co-administered for four weeks. Although D-gal administration alone reduced hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive functions, co-treatment of ascorbic acid with D-gal effectively prevented D-gal-induced reduced hippocampal neurogenesis through improved cellular proliferation, neuronal differentiation, and neuronal maturation. Long-term D-gal treatment also reduced expression levels of synaptic plasticity-related markers, i.e., synaptophysin and phosphorylated Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, while ascorbic acid prevented the reduction in the hippocampus. Furthermore, ascorbic acid ameliorated D-gal-induced downregulation of superoxide dismutase 1 and 2, sirtuin1, caveolin-1, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor and upregulation of interleukin 1 beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha in the hippocampus. Ascorbic acid-mediated hippocampal restoration from D-gal-induced impairment was associated with an enhanced hippocampus-dependent memory function. Therefore, ascorbic acid ameliorates D-gal-induced impairments through anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, and it could be an effective dietary supplement against adult brain aging.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake by Age, Gender, and Pregnancy Status in the United States: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2014
Authors: Thompson Maranda , Hein Nicholas , Hanson Corrine , Smith Lynette M. , Anderson-Berry Ann , Richter Chesney K. , Stessy Bisselou Karl , Kusi Appiah Adams , Kris-Etherton Penny , Skulas-Ray Ann C. , Nordgren Tara M.
Published: January 2019

Despite the importance of n-3 fatty acids for health, intakes remain below recommended levels. The objective of this study was to provide an updated assessment of fish and n-3 fatty acid intake (i.e., eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and EPA+DHA) in the United States using the 2003–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (n = 45,347)). Over this survey period, toddlers, children, and adolescents (aged 1–19) had significantly lower n-3 fatty acid intake (p < 0.001) compared to adults and seniors, which remained significant after adjusting for caloric intake. Females demonstrated lower n-3 fatty acid intake than males (p < 0.001), with adult and senior women having significantly lower intakes compared to men in the same age categories (p < 0.001) after adjustment for energy intake. Women also consumed less fish than men (5.8 versus 6.1 servings/month, p < 0.001). The estimated intakes of n-3 fatty acids in pregnant women did not differ from non-pregnant women (p = 0.6 for EPA+DHA), although pregnant women reported consuming less high n-3 fatty acid-containing fish than non-pregnant women (1.8 versus 2.6 servings/month, p < 0.001). Our findings indicate that subgroups of the population may be at higher risk of n-3 fatty acid intakes below recommended levels.
Microbiological Air Quality in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems of Surgical and Intensive Care Areas: The Application of a Disinfection Procedure for Dehumidification Devices
Authors: Totaro Michele , Costa Anna Laura , Casini Beatrice , Profeti Sara , Gallo Antonio , Frendo Lorenzo , Porretta Andrea , Valentini Paola , Privitera Gaetano , Baggiani Angelo
Published: January 2019

International literature data report that the increase of infectious risk may be due to heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems contaminated by airborne pathogens. Moreover, the presence of complex rotating dehumidification wheels (RDWs) may complicate the cleaning and disinfection procedures of the HVAC systems. We evaluated the efficacy of a disinfection strategy applied to the RDW of two hospitals’ HVAC systems. Hospitals have four RDW systems related to the surgical areas (SA1 and SA2) and to the intensive and sub-intensive care (IC and sIC) units. Microbiological air and surface analyses were performed in HVAC systems, before and after the disinfection treatment. Hydrogen peroxide (12%) with silver ions (10 mg/L) was aerosolized in all the air sampling points, located close to the RDW device. After the air disinfection procedure, reductions of total microbial counts at 22 °C and molds were achieved in SA2 and IC HVAC systems. An Aspergillus fumigatus contamination (6 CFU/500 L), detected in one air sample collected in the IC HVAC system, was eradicated after the disinfection. The surface samples proved to be of good microbiological quality. The results suggest the need for a disinfection procedure to improve the microbiological quality of the complex HVAC systems, mostly in surgical and intensive care areas.
Cholecystokinin-2 Receptor Targeting with Novel C-terminally Stabilized HYNIC-Minigastrin Analogs Radiolabeled with Technetium-99m
Authors: Klingler Maximilian , Rangger Christine , Summer Dominik , Kaeopookum Piriya , Decristoforo Clemens , von Guggenberg Elisabeth
Published: January 2019

The high overexpression of cholecystokinin-2 receptors (CCK2R) in tumors, such as medullary thyroid carcinoma, allows for highly specific diagnostic and therapeutic targeting with radiolabeled peptide probes derived from natural ligands for the receptor. Based on the ideal imaging characteristics, high availability and low cost of technetium-99m (99mTc)-labeled radiopharmaceuticals we have developed two hydrazinonicotinic acid (HYNIC) conjugated minigastrin analogs allowing labeling at high specific activity. The CCK2R targeting peptide conjugates show specific amino acid substitutions in the C-terminal receptor-specific sequence with the aim to increase stability and tumor targeting. The CCK2R affinity and the cell uptake of the new radioligands were analyzed using A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells stably transfected with human CCK2R and mock transfected cells. Metabolic studies in BALB/c mice revealed a high resistance against enzymatic degradation for both radioligands. Biodistribution studies in tumor-xenografted athymic BALB/c nude mice at 1 h and 4 h p.i. showed that the two 99mTc-labeled compounds showed varying uptake in receptor expressing organs, stomach and pancreas (1.3–10.4% IA/g), as well as kidneys, the main route of excretion (7.8–19.9% IA/g). The tumor uptake in A431-CCK2R xenografts was 24.75 ± 4.38% IA/g for [99mTc]Tc-HYNIC-MGS5 and 42.48 ± 6.99% IA/g for [99mTc]Tc-HYNIC-MGS11 at 4 h p.i., whereas the tumor-to-kidney ratio was comparable (2.6–3.3). On demand availability and potential application for radioguided surgery of a 99mTc-labeled minigastrin analog support the further evaluation of these highly promising new compounds.
The Effect of Direct-to-Plant Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene Block Copolymer Components on Bitumen Modification
Authors: Zhang Wengang , Jia Zhirong , Zhang Yixia , Hu Kui , Ding Longting , Wang Fang
Published: January 2019

Five types of material, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS), ethyl-vinyl-acetate (EVA), naphthenic oil, maleic anhydride grafted ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA-g-MAH) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) were used as the raw ingredients for manufacturing direct-to-plant SBS in this paper. Thirteen kinds of direct-to-plant SBS with different EVA/SBS and naphthenic oil/SBS were prepared as well as the processes diagrammatic sketch of dispersion and swelling of direct-to-plant SBS modifier in bitumen were discussed. Microscopic images of direct-to-plant SBS modified bitumen with different components were obtained using fluorescence microscopy. The micro-images were analysed and quantified with MATLAB software. The influence of key components on the micro-morphology of direct-to-plant SBS-modified bitumen is discussed, followed with the tests on melting points and the melting indexes of direct-to-plant SBS with different EVA/SBS and naphthenic oil/SBS. The performances test of bitumen and bituminous mixture modified by these direct-to-plant SBS were also conducted. Results show that, with the ratio improvement of EVA/SBS or naphthenic oil/SBS, the number of the pixel dot number of area (SBS) in microscopic images increased. Enlargement of the pixel dot number of centre line elongate and the structure fineness was observed, indicating that the dispersion and swelling effect of the SBS modifier in bitumen had been improved. Meanwhile, the macro index, such as the melting point and melting index of direct-to-plant SBS, was also improved corresponding to the increase of EVA/SBS ratio or naphthenic oil/SBS ratio. With the addition of EVA or naphthene oil content, penetration and ductility of direct-to-plant SBS modified bitumen received gradual enhancement, but the softening point and viscosity were found out to be decreased. The high-temperature and low-temperature performances of direct-to-plant SBS modified bituminous mixture can be effectively improved by adding EVA or naphthenic oil. By meeting the required performances of direct-to-plant SBS, modified bitumen and bituminous mixture, the component of direct-to-plant SBS is recommended as, SBS:EVA:naphthenic oil:EVA-g-MAH:BHT is 1:0.1–0.5:0.05–0.2:0.03:0.05. For the compatibleness of SBS with different bitumen are different, necessary tests verification is recommended to be carried out prior to usage.
Suitability of Satellite-Based Precipitation Products for Water Balance Simulations Using Multiple Observations in a Humid Catchment
Authors: Zhang Dan , Liu Xiaomang , Bai Peng , Li Xiang-Hu
Published: January 2019

This study assesses the suitability of five popular satellite-based precipitation products in modeling water balance in a humid region of China during the period 1998–2012. The satellite-based precipitation products show similar spatial patterns with varying degrees of overestimation or underestimation, compared with the gauged precipitation. A distributed hydrological model is used to evaluate the suitability of satellite-based precipitation products in simulating streamflow, evapotranspiration and soil moisture. The simulations of streamflow and evapotranspiration forced by the MSWEP precipitation perform best among the five satellite-based precipitation products, where the Kling-Gupta efficiency (KGE) between the simulated and observed streamflow ranges from 0.75 to 0.91, and the KGE between the simulated and observed evapotranspiration ranges from 0.46 to 0.61. However, the KGE between the simulated and observed soil moisture is negative, indicating that the performance of soil moisture simulation forced by satellite-based precipitation is poor. In addition, this study finds the spatial pattern of simulated streamflow is dominated by the distribution of precipitation, whereas the distribution of evapotranspiration and soil moisture is controlled by the parameters of the hydrological model. This study is useful for the improvement of hydrological modeling based on remote sensing and the monitoring of regional water resources.
A Wind Speed Retrieval Model for Sentinel-1A EW Mode Cross-Polarization Images
Authors: Gao Yuan , Guan Changlong , Sun Jian , Xie Lian
Published: January 2019

In contrast to co-polarization (VV or HH) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images, cross-polarization (CP for VH or HV) SAR images can be used to retrieve sea surface wind speeds larger than 20 m/s without knowing the wind directions. In this paper, a new wind speed retrieval model is proposed for European Space Agency (ESA) Sentinel-1A (S-1A) Extra-Wide swath (EW) mode VH-polarized images. Nineteen S-1A images under tropical cyclone condition observed in the 2016 hurricane season and the matching data from the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) radiometer are collected and divided into two datasets. The relationships between normalized radar cross-section (NRCS), sea surface wind speed, wind direction and radar incidence angle are analyzed for each sub-band, and an empirical retrieval model is presented. To correct the large biases at the center and at the boundaries of each sub-band, a corrected model with an incidence angle factor is proposed. The new model is validated by comparing the wind speeds retrieved from S-1A images with the wind speeds measured by SMAP. The results suggest that the proposed model can be used to retrieve wind speeds up to 35 m/s for sub-bands 1 to 4 and 25 m/s for sub-band 5.
Synthesis of Vegetation Indices Using Genetic Programming for Soil Erosion Estimation
Authors: Puente Cesar , Olague Gustavo , Trabucchi Mattia , Arjona-Villicaña P. David , Soubervielle-Montalvo Carlos
Published: January 2019

Vegetation Indices (VIs) represent a useful method for extracting vegetation information from satellite images. Erosion models like the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), employ VIs as an input to determine the RUSLE soil Cover factor (C). From the standpoint of soil conservation planning, the C factor is one of the most important RUSLE parameters because it measures the combined effect of all interrelated cover and management variables. Despite its importance, the results are generally incomplete because most indices recognize healthy or green vegetation, but not senescent, dry or dead vegetation, which can also be an important contributor to C. The aim of this research is to propose a novel approach for calculating new VIs that are better correlated with C, using field and satellite information. The approach followed by this research is to state the generation of new VIs in terms of a computer optimization problem and then applying a machine learning technique, named Genetic Programming (GP), which builds new indices by iteratively recombining a set of numerical operators and spectral channels until the best composite operator is found. Experimental results illustrate the efficiency and reliability of this approach to estimate the C factor and the erosion rates for two watersheds in Baja California, Mexico, and Zaragoza, Spain. The synthetic indices calculated using this methodology produce better approximation to the C factor from field data, when compared with state-of-the-art indices, like NDVI and EVI.
Rzeszow as a City Taking Steps Towards Developing Sustainable Public Transport
Authors: Smieszek Miroslaw , Dobrzanska Magdalena , Dobrzanski Pawel
Published: January 2019

The paper discusses problems related to the functioning of passenger transport in Rzeszow. The dynamic development of the city and the increase in the income of its inhabitants have led to significantly increased traffic within the city, which is detrimental both to the environment and the city’s inhabitants. It limits the quality of life in the city and in the end generates additional costs for businesses and people in urban areas due to the congestion. In compliance with the policies of the European Union, this harmful tendency needs to be limited. Developing sustainable transportation should largely contribute to this objective. With the city of Rzeszow as example, this article discusses selected actions and measures taken as part of the development of sustainable transportation and demonstrates changes in the functioning of public transport based on the author’s own research as well as data provided by the city’s authorities. The analyses show that the actions taken so far have had a positive impact.
Multi-Teaching Styles Approach and Active Reflection: Effectiveness in Improving Fitness Level, Motor Competence, Enjoyment, Amount of Physical Activity, and Effects on the Perception of Physical Education Lessons in Primary School Children
Authors: Invernizzi Pietro , Crotti Matteo , Bosio Andrea , Cavaggioni Luca , Alberti Giampietro , Scurati Raffaele
Published: January 2019

Physical education (PE) researchers sustain that the teaching styles adopted by PE teachers play a key role in defining children’s positive experiences during lessons and have a relevant impact on their psychophysical health. However, a limited number of studies has examined the effect of teaching styles on these aspects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an integrated approach mainly based on integration of multi-teaching styles and active reflection (MTA) on the fitness level, motor competence, enjoyment, self-perception, amount of physical activity (PA), and children’s perception of PE, in Italian primary school children. Participants were 121 children from three elementary schools. Children were randomly assigned into two groups: (a) an intervention group (IG) that received PE lessons based on MTA provided by specifically trained PE students, and (b) a control group (CG) that received standard PE lessons (S-PE) from primary school classroom teachers. Both groups engaged in two PE lessons per week lasting 1 h each for 12 weeks. The findings revealed an increase in the children’s fitness level, motor competence, enjoyment and amount of PA in the IG compared to those in the CG. Furthermore, the children of the IG spent more time being engaged on a task, reflecting on it, and wasted less time during PE compared to the children of the CG. Finally, the children of the IG reported higher levels of satisfaction with PE lessons and teaching styles compared to children of the CG. Integration of different teaching styles lead by specifically trained educators can be suggested as a valuable strategy to provide learning experiences of children of primary school to have positive effects on their physical literacy development promoting healthy lifestyles.
A Hybrid Process to Address Uncertainty and Changing Climate Risk in Coastal Areas Using Dynamic Adaptive Pathways Planning, Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis & Real Options Analysis: A New Zealand Application
Authors: Lawrence Judy , Bell Robert , Stroombergen Adolf
Published: January 2019

Decision makers face challenges in coastal areas about how to address the effects of ongoing and uncertain sea-level rise. Dynamic adaptive pathways planning (DAPP) and Real Options Analysis (ROA) can support decision makers to address irreducible uncertainties in coastal areas. This paper sets out what we learned by complementing multi-criteria decision analysis with DAPP and ROA when developing a 100-year coastal adaptation strategy in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. Lessons include the value of collaborative community and decision maker processes for increasing understanding about the changing risk over time, and the need to take early actions that enable a shift in pathway before those actions become ineffective. Modifications to the methods highlighted the importance of using several plausible scenarios for stress-testing options; considering costs and consent-ability early, to avoid the perception that hard protection will last; which criteria are appropriate for communities to assess; and making many pathways visible for future decision makers. We learned about the difficulties shifting thinking from short-term protection actions to longer-term anticipatory strategies. We found that a pathways system will require ongoing political leadership and governance with monitoring systems that can manage the adaptive process over long timeframes, by governments and their constituent communities.
The Spatial and Temporal Research on the Coupling and Coordinated Relationship between Social Economy and Energy Environment in the Belt and Road Initiatives
Authors: Wang Shuo , Song Junnian , Wang Xian’En , Yang Wei
Published: January 2019

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was presented by China’s central government to achieve regional economic cooperation under the background of economic globalization. Energy and environmental problems, as by-products of economic success, are fundamental concerns in this grand project. An integrated method that combined the coupling coordinated degree model, Moran’s I, and the spatial panel data model was used in the research zone. Results of the coupling coordinated degree model indicated that the statuses of the social economy and the energy environment of the countries in the research zone improved from 1997 to 2014, with the changes in China and Eastern Europe being particularly significant. From the spatial econometric perspective, the coupling coordinated degrees of the countries in the research zone appeared in the spatial cluster in accordance with Moran’s I. The result of the spatial panel data model indicated that the coupling coordinated degree of one country positively affected those of its neighboring countries.
Integrating a Hybrid Back Propagation Neural Network and Particle Swarm Optimization for Estimating Soil Heavy Metal Contents Using Hyperspectral Data
Authors: Liu Piao , Liu Zhenhua , Hu Yueming , Shi Zhou , Pan Yuchun , Wang Lu , Wang Guangxing
Published: January 2019

Soil heavy metals affect human life and the environment, and thus, it is very necessary to monitor their contents. Substantial research has been conducted to estimate and map soil heavy metals in large areas using hyperspectral data and machine learning methods (such as neural network), however, lower estimation accuracy is often obtained. In order to improve the estimation accuracy, in this study, a back propagation neural network (BPNN) was combined with the particle swarm optimization (PSO), which led to an integrated PSO-BPNN method used to estimate the contents of soil heavy metals: Cd, Hg, and As. This study was conducted in Guangdong, China, based on the soil heavy metal contents and hyperspectral data collected from 90 soil samples. The prediction accuracies from BPNN and PSO-BPNN were compared using field observations. The results showed that, 1) the sample averages of Cd, Hg, and As were 0.174 mg/kg, 0.132 mg/kg, and 9.761 mg/kg, respectively, with the corresponding maximum values of 0.570 mg/kg, 0.310 mg/kg, and 68.600 mg/kg being higher than the environment baseline values; 2) the transformed and combined spectral variables had higher correlations with the contents of the soil heavy metals than the original spectral data; 3) PSO-BPNN significantly improved the estimation accuracy of the soil heavy metal contents, with the decrease in the mean relative error (MRE) and relative root mean square error (RRMSE) by 68% to 71%, and 64% to 67%, respectively. This indicated that the PSO-BPNN provided great potential to estimate the soil heavy metal contents; and 4) with the PSO-BPNN, the Cd content could also be mapped using HuanJing-1A Hyperspectral Imager (HSI) data with a RRMSE value of 36%, implying that the PSO-BPNN method could be utilized to map the heavy metal content in soil, using both field spectral data and hyperspectral imagery for the large area.
Seeking Challenges, Individual Adaptability and Career Growth in the Relationship between Workload and Contextual Performance: A Two-Wave Study
Authors: Ingusci Emanuela , Spagnoli Paola , Zito Margherita , Colombo Lara , Cortese Claudio G.
Published: January 2019

Based on the theoretical approach of the psychology of sustainability and sustainable development and on the theoretical Job Demands-Resources model, this contribution aims to explore the mediating effect of seeking challenges on the relationship between workload and contextual performance and the moderating effects of individual adaptability and organizational career growth in this process. The study involved a convenience sample from different occupational sectors. Data from 178 employees were collected with a self-report questionnaire administered at times T1 and T2 (six months later) and then analyzed through conditional process analysis. Challenging job demands (T1) fully mediated the relationship between workload (T1) and contextual performance (T2); furthermore, individual adaptability (T1) moderated the relationship between workload (T1) and challenging job demands (T1), and organizational career growth (T2) moderated the relationship between challenging job demands (T1) and contextual performance (T2). The results imply that seeking challenges can represent an effective approach to promote sustainable development through improvement of performance at work, maintaining its sustainability over time. The present study is innovative because in the new framework of the psychology of sustainability and sustainable development is able to link workload, seeking challenges, career growth and performance in a two-wave study that not only has theoretical implications for organizations but also operative and practical spillovers.
Contest-Based and Norm-Based Interventions: (How) Do They Differ in Attitudes, Norms, and Behaviors?
Authors: Bergquist Magnus , Nilsson Andreas , Ejelöv Emma
Published: January 2019

Setting up a contest is a popular means to promote pro-environmental behaviors. Yet, research on contest-based interventions is scarce while norm-based interventions have gained much attention. In two field experiments, we randomly assigned 79 apartments to either a contest-based or a norm-based electricity conservation intervention and measured kWh usage for 2 and 4 weeks, respectively. Results from both studies showed that contest-based interventions promote intensive but short-lived electricity saving. In Study 1 apartments assigned to a norm-based intervention showed more stable electricity saving (low intensity and long-lasting). Study 2 did not replicate this finding, but supported that participants in the norm-based intervention also engaged in non-targeted behaviors. These results emphasize the importance of identifying how different intervention techniques may activate different goals, framing both how people think about and act upon targeted pro-environmental behaviors.