bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interferon Crevicular Fluid Profile and Correlation with Periodontal Disease and Wound Healing: A Systemic Review of Recent Data
Authors: Fiorillo Luca , Cervino Gabriele , Herford Alan Scott , Lauritano Floriana , D’Amico Cesare , Lo Giudice Roberto , Laino Luigi , Troiano Giuseppe , Crimi Salvatore , Cicciù Marco
Published: June 2018

The purpose of the present study was to see if there is a correlation between the effect of interferons in crevicular fluid and periodontitis, evaluating literature. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) is an immunoregulatory cytokine that, when activated by its receptor, plays an important role in the activation of inflammatory processes, which are the basis of periodontal disease. Stem cells in the periodontal ligament, like stem cells from other tissues, have immunomodulatory capacity and are regulated by some cytokines such as interferon-γ (IFN-γ). The study searched MEDLINE databases from 2008 to 2018. Clinical human in vitro and in vivo studies had reported a correlation between interferon and periodontitis. The initial search obtained 359 citations. After screening and determination of eligibility, nine articles were included in the review. Significant (p < 0.05) increases in IFN-γ gene expression were observed in some studies in the chronic periodontitis group. In some cases it was suggested that molecular mechanisms underlie the possible roles of IFN-γ in the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. Neopterin belongs to the chemical group known as pteridines. It is synthesised by human macrophages upon stimulation with the interferon-gamma. Neopterin concentrations in body fluids are high in the case of infections, immune diseases or graft rejection. In the chronic periodontitis group, this marker is significantly higher. These studies underlined the clinical evidence between interferons in the crevicular fluid and inflammatory response of periodontitis. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence that could lead the clinician to an interferon-modulated therapy because of periodontitis.
The Curcumin Analog CH-5 Exerts Anticancer Effects in Human Osteosarcoma Cells via Modulation of Transcription Factors p53/Sp1
Authors: Lima Felipe Teixeira , Seba Viviane , Silva Gabriel , Torrezan Guilherme Silva , Polaquini Carlos Roberto , Pinhanelli Vitor Caressato , Baek Seung J. , Fachin Ana Lúcia , Regasini Luis Octavio , Marins Mozart
Published: June 2018

Curcumin is a potential anticancer drug with poor bioavailability, which limits its clinical use as a therapeutic agent. The aim of this study was a preliminary evaluation of the curcumin analogue CH-5 as a cytotoxic agent in human osteosarcoma cell lines U2OS, MG-63, and Saos-2. CH-5 inhibited cell viability at lower concentrations than curcumin, leading to the induction of apoptosis. The cellular levels of the transcription factors p53 and Sp1 affect the expression of cellular pathways that lead to apoptosis. CH-5 increased p53 protein levels in U2OS cells and reduced Sp1 levels, with a consequent effect on the expression of their target genes DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible 45 alpha gene (Gadd45a). CH-5 repressed DNMT1 and increased Gadd45a mRNA expression, which was dependent on p53, as this effect was only observed in the colorectal cancer cell line HCT116 with active p53, but not in the isogenic p53-deficient HCT116 cells. CH-5 also reduced the protein levels of DNMT1, which led to the upregulation of Gadd45a. These results suggest that CH-5 has potentially higher anticancer activity than curcumin, which is associated with the expression of apoptosis-associated genes regulated by the transcription factors Sp1 and p53. Future work on CH-5 will define the therapeutic potential of this compound in vivo.
De Novo Transcriptome Sequencing of the Deep-Sea-Derived Fungus Dichotomomyces cejpii and Analysis of Gliotoxin Biosynthesis Genes
Authors: Ye Wei , Zhang Weimin , Liu Taomei , Huang Zilei , Zhu Muzi , Chen Yuchan , Li Haohua , Li Saini
Published: June 2018

Gliotoxin, produced by fungi, is an epipolythiodioxopiperazine (ETP) toxin with bioactivities such as anti-liver fibrosis, antitumor, antifungus, antivirus, antioxidation, and immunoregulation. Recently, cytotoxic gliotoxins were isolated from a deep-sea-derived fungus, Dichotomomyces cejpii. However, the biosynthetic pathway for gliotoxins in D. cejpii remains unclear. In this study, the transcriptome of D. cejpii was sequenced using an Illumina Hiseq 2000. A total of 19,125 unigenes for D. cejpii were obtained from 9.73 GB of clean reads. Ten genes related to gliotoxin biosynthesis were annotated. The expression levels of gliotoxin-related genes were detected through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The GliG gene, encoding a glutathione S-transferase (DC-GST); GliI, encoding an aminotransferase (DC-AI); and GliO, encoding an aldehyde reductase (DC-AR), were cloned and expressed, purified, and characterized. The results suggested the important roles of DC-GST, DC-AT, and DC-AR in the biosynthesis of gliotoxins. Our study on the genes related to gliotoxin biosynthesis establishes a molecular foundation for the wider application of gliotoxins from D. cejpii in the biomedical industry in the future.
Cellular and Subcellular Phosphate Transport Machinery in Plants
Authors: Srivastava Sudhakar , Upadhyay Munish Kumar , Srivastava Ashish Kumar , Abdelrahman Mostafa , Suprasanna Penna , Tran Lam-Son Phan
Published: June 2018

Phosphorus (P) is an essential element required for incorporation into several biomolecules and for various biological functions; it is, therefore, vital for optimal growth and development of plants. The extensive research on identifying the processes underlying the uptake, transport, and homeostasis of phosphate (Pi) in various plant organs yielded valuable information. The transport of Pi occurs from the soil into root epidermal cells, followed by loading into the root xylem vessels for distribution into other plant organs. Under conditions of Pi deficiency, Pi is also translocated from the shoot to the root via the phloem. Vacuoles act as a storage pool for extra Pi, enabling its delivery to the cytosol, a process which plays an important role in the homeostatic control of cytoplasmic Pi levels. In mitochondria and chloroplasts, Pi homeostasis regulates ATP synthase activity to maintain optimal ATP levels. Additionally, the endoplasmic reticulum functions to direct Pi transporters and Pi toward various locations. The intracellular membrane potential and pH in the subcellular organelles could also play an important role in the kinetics of Pi transport. The presented review provides an overview of Pi transport mechanisms in subcellular organelles, and also discusses how they affect Pi balancing at cellular, tissue, and whole-plant levels.
The Roles of DNA Topoisomerase IIβ in Transcription
Authors: Madabhushi Ram
Published: June 2018

Type IIA topoisomerases allow DNA double helical strands to pass through each other by generating transient DNA double strand breaks βDSBs), and in so doing, resolve torsional strain that accumulates during transcription, DNA replication, chromosome condensation, chromosome segregation and recombination. Whereas most eukaryotes possess a single type IIA enzyme, vertebrates possess two distinct type IIA topoisomerases, Topo IIα and Topo IIβ. Although the roles of Topo IIα, especially in the context of chromosome condensation and segregation, have been well-studied, the roles of Topo IIβ are only beginning to be illuminated. This review begins with a summary of the initial studies surrounding the discovery and characterization of Topo IIβ and then focuses on the insights gained from more recent studies that have elaborated important functions for Topo IIβ in transcriptional regulation.
Regulation of Expression of CEBP Genes by Variably Expressed Vitamin D Receptor and Retinoic Acid Receptor α in Human Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cell Lines
Authors: Marchwicka Aleksandra , Marcinkowska Ewa
Published: June 2018

All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D) are potent inducers of differentiation of myeloid leukemia cells. During myeloid differentiation specific transcription factors are expressed at crucial developmental stages. However, precise mechanism controlling the diversification of myeloid progenitors is largely unknown, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) transcription factors have been characterized as key regulators of the development and function of the myeloid system. Past data point at functional redundancy among C/EBP family members during myeloid differentiation. In this study, we show that in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells, high expression of vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) is needed for strong and sustained upregulation of CEBPB gene, while the moderate expression of VDR is sufficient for upregulation of CEBPD in response to 1,25D. The high expression level of the gene encoding for retinoic acid receptor α (RARA) allows for high and sustained expression of CEBPB, which becomes decreased along with a decrease of RARA expression. Expression of CEBPB induced by ATRA is accompanied by upregulated expression of CEBPE with similar kinetics. Our results suggest that CEBPB is the major VDR and RARA-responsive gene among the CEBP family, necessary for expression of genes connected with myeloid functions.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Vitamin D Receptor Gene (VDR) May Have an Impact on Acute Pancreatitis (AP) Development: A Prospective Study in Populations of AP Patients and Alcohol-Abuse Controls
Authors: Cieślińska Anna , Kostyra Elżbieta , Fiedorowicz Ewa , Snarska Jadwiga , Kordulewska Natalia , Kiper Krzysztof , Savelkoul Huub F. J.
Published: June 2018

Vitamin D imbalance is suggested to be associated with the development of pancreatitis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), Apa-1, Bsm-1, Fok-1, and Taq-1, in the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) are known in various diseases, but not yet in pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to explore possible associations of the four SNPs in the VDR receptor gene in a population of acute pancreatitis patients and alcohol-abuse controls, and to investigate the association with acute pancreatitis (AP) susceptibility. The study population (n = 239) included acute pancreatitis patients (n = 129) and an alcohol-abuse control group (n = 110). All patients met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV) criteria for alcohol dependence. DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes and analyzed for VDR polymorphisms using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using logistic regression analysis. To date, we have found allele T in Taq-1 (OR = 2.61; 95% CI: 1.68–4.03; p < 0.0001) to be almost three times more frequent in the AP group compared to the alcohol-abuse control patients. Polymorphism Taq-1 occurring in the vitamin D receptor may have an impact on the development of acute pancreatitis due to the lack of the protective role of vitamin D.
Research on the Weighted Dynamic Evolution Model for Space Information Networks Based on Local-World
Authors: Yu Shaobo , Wu Lingda , Mu Xiuqing , Xiong Wei
Published: June 2018

As an important national strategy infrastructure, the Space Information Network (SIN) is a powerful platform for future information support, and it plays an important role in many aspects such as national defense, people’s livelihood, etc. In this paper, we review typical and mainstream topology evolution models in different periods, and analyze the demand for studying the dynamic evolution model of SIN. Combining the concept and characteristics, we analyze the topology structure and local-world phenomenon of SIN, and define the dynamic topology model. Based on the system’s discussion of dynamic evolution rules, we propose a weighted local-world dynamic evolution model of SIN including the construction algorithm and implementation process. We achieve the quantitative analysis from four indicators including the node degree, node strength, edge weight, and correlation of strength and degree. Through the univariate control method, we analyze the impact on the network topology features of parameters: local-world M and extra traffic load α. Simulation results show that they have similar topology structure features with the theoretical analysis and real networks, and also verify the validity and feasibility of the proposed model. Finally, we summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the weighted local-world dynamic evolution model of SIN, and look forward to the future work. The research aim of this paper is to provide some methods and techniques to support the construction and management of SIN.
Designing the Learning Experiences in Serious Games: The Overt and the Subtle—The Virtual Clinic Learning Environment
Authors: Peery Joshua G. , Pasalar Celen
Published: June 2018

Serious Games are becoming more common in the educational setting and must pass muster with both students and instructors for their learning experience and knowledge building. The Virtual Clinic Learning Environment has recently been developed and implemented at East Carolina University using a design framework based on Bloom’s variables, and in the process of refining those design questions, identifies the methods of how serious games provide an overt and subtle learning experience. The overt learning experience is based in the design questions defined and the subtle experience was derived by examining the idea of sense of place as it relates to the virtual environment. By considering these two streams of learning, designers can avoid pitfalls and build on these design elements of a virtual learning environment.
Implementation of Industrial Additive Manufacturing: Intelligent Implants and Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Akmal Jan Sher , Salmi Mika , Mäkitie Antti , Björkstrand Roy , Partanen Jouni
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the ability of additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, to produce effective drug delivery devices and implants that are both identifiable, as well as traceable. Drug delivery devices can potentially be used for drug release in the direct vicinity of target tissues or the selected medication route in a patient-specific manner as required. The identification and traceability of additively manufactured implants can be administered through radiofrequency identification systems. The focus of this study is to explore how embedded medication and sensors can be added in different additive manufacturing processes. The concept is extended to biomaterials with the help of the literature. As a result of this study, a patient-specific drug delivery device can be custom-designed and additively manufactured in the form of an implant that can identify, trace, and dispense a drug to the vicinity of a selected target tissue as a patient-specific function of time for bodily treatment and restoration.
Biological Roles of Protein-Coding Tandem Repeats in the Yeast Candida Albicans
Authors: Wilkins Matt , Zhang Ningxin , Schmid Jan
Published: June 2018

Tandem repeat (TR) DNA mutates faster than other DNA by insertion and deletion of repeats. Large parts of eukaryotic proteomes are encoded by ORFs containing protein-coding TRs (TR-ORFs, pcTRs) with largely unknown biological consequences. We explored these in the yeast Candida albicans, an opportunistic human pathogen. We found that almost half of C. albicans’ proteins are encoded by TR-ORFs. pcTR frequency differed only moderately between different gene (GO) categories. Bioinformatic predictions of genome-wide mutation rates and clade-specific differences in pcTR allele frequencies indicated that pcTRs (i) significantly increase the genome-wide mutation rate; (ii) significantly impact on fitness and (iii) allow the evolution of selectively advantageous clade-specific protein variants. Synonymous mutations reduced the repetitiveness of many amino acid repeat-encoding pcTRs. A survey, in 58 strains, revealed that in some pcTR regions in which repetitiveness was not significantly diminished by synonymous mutations the habitat predicted which alleles were present, suggesting roles of pcTR mutation in short-term adaptation and pathogenesis. In C. albicans pcTR mutation apparently is an important mechanism for mutational advance and possibly also rapid adaptation, with synonymous mutations providing a mechanism for adjusting mutation rates of individual pcTRs. Analyses of Arabidopsis and human pcTRs showed that the latter also occurs in other eukaryotes.
Effect of Ni Content on Microstructure and Characterization of Cu-Ni-Sn Alloys
Authors: Du Sanming , Wang Xiaochao , Li Zhen , Yang Zhenghai , Wang Jingbo
Published: June 2018

Cu-xNi-5Sn (wt %) alloys with a different Ni content were prepared by a powder metallurgy method. The effect of Ni content on the hardness and yield strength of Cu-xNi-5Sn (wt %) alloys was investigated. The microstructure, composition, and morphology of Cu-xNi-5Sn (wt %) alloys were observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and cold field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), respectively. Results indicate that the hardness and yield strength firstly increase and then decrease with the increase of Ni content and reach up to a maximum when Ni content is 12.5 wt %. Furthermore, the formation of the sandwich structure and needle-like phase is found in the grain, the grain boundary and intragranular precipitates are rich in both the Ni and Sn phase. The formation of the inerratic and suitable lamellar precipitates of sandwich structure and needle-like phase can be responsible for the good mechanical properties of the Cu-12.5Ni-5Sn alloy after aging treatment. The sandwich structure and need-like phase that were observed by FESEM can contribute to clarify the morphology of Cu-Ni-Sn alloys.
Pufferfish Saxitoxin and Tetrodotoxin Binding Protein (PSTBP) Analogues in the Blood Plasma of the Pufferfish Arothron nigropunctatus, A. hispidus, A. manilensis, and Chelonodon patoca
Authors: Yotsu-Yamashita Mari , Nagaoka Yuuma , Muramoto Koji , Cho Yuko , Konoki Keiichi
Published: June 2018

Pufferfish saxitoxin and tetrodotoxin (TTX) binding protein (PSTBP) is a glycoprotein that we previously isolated from the blood plasma of the pufferfish Takifugu pardalis; this protein was also detected in seven species of the genus Takifugu. We proposed that PSTBP is a carrier protein for TTX in pufferfish; however, PSTBP had not yet been found in genera other than Takifugu. In this study, we investigated the presence of PSTBP-like proteins in the toxic pufferfish Arothron nigropunctatus, A. hispidus, A. manilensis, and Chelonodon patoca. On the basis of ultrafiltration experiments, TTX was found to be present and partially bound to proteins in the plasma of these pufferfish, and Western blot analyses with anti-PSTBP antibody revealed one or two bands per species. The observed decreases in molecular mass following deglycosylation with glycopeptidase F suggest that these positive proteins are glycoproteins. The molecular masses of the deglycosylated proteins detected in the three Arothron species were larger than that of PSTBP in the genus Takifugu, whereas the two bands detected in C. patoca had molecular masses similar to that of tributyltin-binding protein-2 (TBT-bp2). The N-terminal amino acid sequences of 23–29 residues of these detected proteins were all homologous with those of PSTBP and TBT-bp2.
Factors influencing outcomes in patients with stroke
Authors: Milinavičienė Eglė , Rastenytė Daiva , Kriščiūnas Aleksandras
Published: June 2018

Outcomes of stroke result in long-term disability in most of the patients. It has been confirmed by scientific studies that rehabilitation can improve functional status and quality of life of poststroke patients. The effectiveness of rehabilitation and the outcomes often differ among patients. For effective utilization of the rehabilitation resources, it is important to prognosticate the possible outcomes of the disorder. Recently, studies are performed with the aim to determine and evaluate factors possibly influencing functional recovery in poststroke patients and helping to distinguish patients with good outcome from those with poor outcome. Age, gender, initial severity of the stroke, functional status at admission to hospital, urinary incontinence, impairment in cognitive function, unilateral neglect syndrome are most often analyzed in scientific studies as factors determining the outcomes of the disorder.
Public health and bioterrorism: renewed threat of anthrax and smallpox
Authors: Wallin Arūnė , Lukšienė Živilė , Žagminas Kęstutis , Šurkienė Genė
Published: June 2018

Bioterrorism is one of the main public health categorical domains. According to sociological analytics, in postmodern society terrorism is one of the real threats of the 21st century. While rare, the use of biological weapons has a long history. Recently, anthrax has been evaluated as one of the most dangerous biological weapons. Naturally occurring anthrax in humans is a disease acquired from contact with anthrax-infected animals or anthrax-contaminated animal products. Usually anthrax infection occurs in humans by three major routes: inhalational, cutaneous, and gastrointestinal. Inhalational anthrax is expected to account for most serious morbidity and most mortality. The clinical presentation of inhalation anthrax has been described as a two-stage illness. Many factors contribute to the pathogenesis of Bacillus anthracis. Antibiotics, anthrax globulin, corticosteroids, mechanical ventilation, vaccine are possible tools of therapy. Smallpox existed in two forms: variola major, which accounted for most morbidity and mortality, and a milder form, variola minor. Smallpox spreads from person to person primarily by droplet nuclei or aerosols expelled from the oropharynx of infected persons and by direct contact. In the event of limited outbreak with few cases, patients should be admitted to the hospital and confined to rooms that are under negative pressure and equipped with high-efficiency particulate air filtration. In larger outbreaks, home isolation and care should be the objective for most patients. Progress in detection, suitable vaccines, postexposure prophylaxis, infection control, and decontamination might be serious tools in fight against the most powerful biological weapon. To assure that the public health and healthcare system can respond to emergencies, the government should direct resources to strengthen the emergency-response system, create medication stockpiles, and improve the public health infrastructure.
Importance of prostate volume for detection of prostate cancer by first sextant biopsy in high-risk patients
Authors: Vaičiūnas Kęstutis , Auškalnis Stasys , Matjošaitis Aivaras , Trumbeckas Darius , Jievaltas Mindaugas
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relevance of prostate gland volume, transitional zone volume, and transitional zone index for the detection of prostate cancer by the first sextant biopsy. Material and methods. A total of 121 men with high risk of prostate cancer were included in our study (prostate-specific antigen level higher than 4 ng/mL and/or pathological digital rectal examination). We consulted the patients in Outpatient Department of Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital during 2003–2006. Total prostate volume and transition zone volume were measured, and all patients underwent transrectal ultrasoundguided sextant biopsy of the prostate. According to histological results of prostate biopsy, patients were divided into two groups: benign group (benign prostate hyperplasia and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia) and prostate cancer group. Statistical analysis was made by SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) 12.0.1 for Windows. Results. After histological examination, prostate cancer was detected in 20.7% of patients (n=25). Prostate cancer was found in 24.6% of patients with a total prostate volume of less than 60 cm3 and only in 8.2% of patients with a total prostate volume greater than 60 cm3 (P=0.026). Prostate cancer was found in 27.1% of patients with transition zone volume smaller than 30 cm3 and only in 7.5% of patients with transition zone volume greater than 30 cm3 (P=0.007). A statistically significant difference was found when patients were divided into the groups according to transition zone index: when transition zone index was lower than 0.45, prostate cancer was detected in 37.1% of patients, and when transition zone index was higher than 0.45, prostate cancer was observed in 9.1% of patients (P=0.001). The possibility to detect prostate cancer was 5.9 times higher in patients with transition zone index lower than 0.45. Conclusions. Prostate cancer detection rate by first sextant prostate biopsy in patients with elevated prostate-specific antigen level and/or pathological digital rectal examination was higher when total prostate volume was less than 60 cm3, transition zone was less than 30 cm3, and transition zone index was less than 0.45.
Examination and Simulation of Silicon Macrosegregation in A356 Wheel Casting
Authors: Fan Pan , Cockcroft Steve , Maijer Daan , Yao Lu , Reilly Carl , Phillion Andre
Published: June 2018

Macrosegregation is commonly seen and has been extensively studied in large ingots in a variety of alloy systems. In comparison, this defect is rarely investigated in small aluminum shape castings. To address this shortcoming, a numerical model was developed to investigate silicon macrosegregation during the low-pressure die casting of aluminum alloy (A356) automotive wheels. The model results were compared with silicon distribution maps measured using an optical, phase area-based technique. The model of the wheel casting process was implemented within FLUENT, a commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software package. In the formulation adopted, liquid metal flow is driven solely by solidification shrinkage due to the variation in density between the liquid and solid phases. Buoyancy and die filling have been ignored. Additionally, the model includes Darcy flow in the two-phase mushy zone, the release of latent heat, and solute redistribution at the micro-scale using the Scheil approximation. The model was validated against temperature and segregation data taken from a commercially cast wheel and shown to be qualitatively correct in predicting trends in temperature histories and segregation. A closer inspection of the data reveals that the model is quantitatively accurate within 10–30%, depending on the location.
Simulation of Compound Rolls Produced by Electroslag Remelting Cladding Method
Authors: Hou Zhiwen , Dong Yanwu , Jiang Zhouhua , Deng Xin , Cao Yulong , Cao Haibo , Medovar Lev , Stovpchenko Ganna
Published: June 2018

Electroslag remelting cladding (ESRC) with a t-shape current carrying mold was adopted to make a compound roll including a working layer and mandrel. A comprehensive coupled transient model was established to reveal the basic phenomena of electromagnetic fields, flow fields, temperature fields, and multiphase flow. Meanwhile, the movement of the mandrel and working layer relative to the slag pool was simulated by dynamic mesh technology to reveal the interface bonding mechanism. The mechanism is as follows: The temperature of the mandrel increases and the mandrel melts slightly when the mandrel passes through the slag pool. The fusion layer is a mixture of molten steel of mandrel and working layer that is the connector between the mandrel and the working layer. Therefore, the interface bonding quality is dependent on a fusion layer that is affected by the voltage/power. The investigation indicates that the fusion layer thickness is between 2 and 4 mm in the condition of 40 V that benefits from obtaining a good interface bonding quality.
Fatigue Response of As-Built DMLS Maraging Steel and Effects of Aging, Machining, and Peening Treatments
Authors: Croccolo Dario , De Agostinis Massimiliano , Fini Stefano , Olmi Giorgio , Robusto Francesco , Ćirić Kostić Snežana , Vranić Aleksandar , Bogojević Nebojša
Published: June 2018

The main motivations for this study arise from the need for an assessment of the fatigue performance of DMLS-produced Maraging Steel MS1, when it is used in the “as fabricated” state. The literature indicates a lack of knowledge from this point of view; moreover, the great potentials of the additive process may be more and more incremented, if an easier and cheaper procedure could be used after the building stage. The topic has been tackled experimentally, investigating the impact of heat treatment, machining, and micro-shot-peening on the fatigue strength with respect to the “as built state”. The results indicate that heat treatment may improve the fatigue response, as an effect of the relaxation of the process-induced tensile residual stresses. Machining can also be effective, but it must be followed (not preceded) by shot-peening, to benefit from the compressive residual stress state generated by the latter. Moreover, heat treatment and machining are related by a strong positive interaction, meaning their effects are synergistically magnified when they are applied together. The experimental study has been completed by fractographic as well as micrographic analyses, investigating the impact of the heat treatment on the actual microstructure induced by the stacking process.
Curcumin-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Enhanced Anticancer Efficiency in Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Wenrui , Chen Tiantian , Xu Henan , Ren Baihui , Cheng Xiaodan , Qi Rongrong , Liu Haibo , Wang Yueyue , Yan Lei , Chen Sulian , Yang Qingling , Chen Changjie
Published: June 2018

Curcumin (Cur) has been widely used in medicine, due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor effects. However, its clinic application is limited by its instability and poor solubility. In the present wok, curcumin was loaded into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), in order to improve the therapeutic efficacy for breast cancer. The results measured using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that Cur-SLNs have a well-defined spherical shape; the size was about 40 nm with a negative surface charge. The drug loading and encapsulation efficiency in SLNs reached 23.38% and 72.47%, respectively. The Cur-SLNs showed a stronger cytotoxicity against SKBR3 cells. In vitro cellular uptake study demonstrated a high uptake efficiency of the Cur-SLNs by SKBR3 cells. Moreover, Cur-SLNs induced higher apoptosis in SKBR3 cells, compared to cells treated by free drug. In addition, Western blot analysis revealed that Cur-SLNs could promote the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, but decreased the expression of cyclin D1 and CDK4. These results suggested that Cur-SLNs could be a potential useful chemotherapeutic formulation for breast cancer therapy.
Effects of Melatonin on Antioxidant Capacity in Naked Oat Seedlings under Drought Stress
Authors: Gao Wenying , Zhang Yujing , Feng Zheng , Bai Qingqing , He Jinjin , Wang Yingjuan
Published: June 2018

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, MT) is a molecule with pleiotropic effects including antioxidant activity, regulated plant growth, development, and reduced environmental stress in plants. However, only a few studies have analyzed the effect of exogenous MT on drought stress in naked oat seedlings. Therefore, in this study, we studied the effects of exogenous MT on the antioxidant capacity of naked oat under drought stress to understand the possible antioxidant mechanism. The results showed that a pretreatment of 100 μM MT reduced the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2−•) contents. MT also enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities in the leaves of naked oat seedlings under 20% PEG-6000 drought stress. MT upregulated the expression levels of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) Asmap1 and Aspk11, and the transcription factor (TF) genes (except for NAC), WRKY1, DREB2, and MYB increased in drought with MT pretreatment seedlings when compared with seedlings exposed to drought stress alone. These data indicated that the MT-mediated induction of the antioxidant response may require the activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and MAPK, followed by triggering a downstream MAPK cascade such as Asmap1 and Aspk11, to regulate the expression of antioxidant-related genes. This study demonstrated that MT could induce the expression of MAPKs and TFs and regulate the expression of downstream stress-responsive genes, thereby increasing the plant’s tolerance. This may provide a new idea for MT modulation in the regulation of plant antioxidant defenses. These results provide a theoretical basis for MT to alleviate drought stress in naked oat.
Recent Advances in Toll Like Receptor-Targeting Glycoconjugate Vaccines
Authors: Li Qingjiang , Guo Zhongwu
Published: June 2018

Many malignant cell surface carbohydrates resulting from abnormal glycosylation patterns of certain diseases can serve as antigens for the development of vaccines against these diseases. However, carbohydrate antigens are usually poorly immunogenic by themselves, thus they need to be covalently coupled with immunologically active carrier molecules to be functional. The most well established and commonly used carriers are proteins. In recent years, the use of toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands to formulate glycoconjugate vaccines has gained significant attention because TLR ligands can serve not only as carrier molecules but also as built-in adjuvants to form fully synthetic and self-adjuvanting conjugate vaccines, which have several advantages over carbohydrate-protein conjugates and formulated mixtures with external adjuvants. This article reviews recent progresses in the development of conjugate vaccines based on TLR ligands. Two major classes of TLR ligands, lipopeptides and lipid A derivatives will be covered with more focus on monophosohoryl lipid A (MPLA) and related analogs, which are TLR4 ligands demonstrated to be able to provoke T cell-dependent, adaptive immune responses. Corresponding conjugate vaccines have shown promising application potentials to multiple diseases including cancer.
Correction: El-kalyoubi, S.; et al. Novel 2-Thioxanthine and Dipyrimidopyridine Derivatives: Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity. Molecules, 2015, 20, 19263–19276
Authors: El-kalyoubi Samar , Agili Fatmah , Youssif Shaker
Published: June 2018

The authors wish to make the following changes to their paper [1].[...]
Dietary Intake and Food Sources of Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamin and Vitamin B6 in a Representative Sample of the Spanish Population. The ANIBES Study
Authors: Mielgo-Ayuso Juan , Aparicio-Ugarriza Raquel , Olza Josune , Aranceta-Bartrina Javier , Gil Ángel , Ortega Rosa , Serra-Majem Lluis , Varela-Moreiras Gregorio , González-Gross Marcela
Published: June 2018

Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6 are essential micronutrients that are mainly involved in energy metabolism; they may prevent the occurrence of developmental abnormalities and chronic degenerative and neoplastic diseases. The aim was to analyze dietary intake and food sources of those four nutrients in subjects (n = 2009) aged 9–75 years old from the Spanish ANIBES (Anthropometric data, macronutrients and micronutrients intake, practice of physical activity, socioeconomic data and lifestyles in Spain) study. Dietary data were collected by means of a validated, photo-based three-day dietary food record. Underreporting was analysed according to the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA, Parma, Italy) protocol. Mean (max–min) reported intake for the whole population of thiamin was 1.17 ± 0.02 mg/day, (0.30–3.44 mg/day), riboflavin 1.44 ± 0.02 mg/day, (0.37–3.54 mg/day), niacin 29.1 ± 0.2 mg/day (6.7–109 mg/day), and vitamin B6 1.54 ± 0.01 mg/day (0.28–9.30 mg/day). The main sources of intake for thiamin, niacin, and vitamin B6 were meat and meat products, and for riboflavin were milk and dairy products. An elevated percentage of the Spanish ANIBES population meets the EFSA recommended intakes for thiamin (71.2%), riboflavin (72.0%), niacin (99.0%), and vitamin B6 (77.2%).
Fat Mass Is Associated with Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentration Regardless of Body Size in Men
Authors: Yeum Kyung-Jin , Dawson-Hughes Bess , Joo Nam-Seok
Published: June 2018

There are no large community-based studies examining the association of body size vs. body fat with vitamin D status. Association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) with body weight and subcategories of body weight defined by fat mass were evaluated in a large, free living population. Out of a total of 29,235 subjects from the 2008–2010 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the relevant data included 6458 subjects over 50 years of age who were analyzed cross-sectionally. Serum 25OHD concentrations were compared in men (n = 3164) and in women (n = 3294) by tertiles of body weight and body fat mass, as measured by Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) within sex-specific tertiles of body weight. Serum 25OHD was weakly inversely correlated with body weight in the men and the women after adjustment for age (r = −0.075 and −0.073, respectively, p < 0.001 for both). Within each tertile of body weight, serum 25OHD decreased progressively as fat mass increased in men. This pattern was similar in the women but not consistently significant. Whereas body weight predicted a small decrease in serum 25OHD in the men and the women, greater adiposity, for any given weight, predicted larger decreases in the men, but not consistently in women.
Significantly Enhanced Electromechanical Performance of PDMS Crosslinked PVDF Hybrids
Authors: He Dan , Xie Yunchuan , Wang Xiao , Zhang Zhicheng
Published: June 2018

Poly(vinylidene fluoride)-based ferroelectric polymers have large and tunable dielectric permittivity (εr), but rather high Young’s modulus (Y), which limits its electromechanical response when used as actuators. In this work, a silicone oligomer involving amino groups is employed to crosslink a non-crystallized poly(vinylidene fluoride-chlorotrifluoroethylene) matrix bearing double bonds (P(VDF-CTFE-DB)) via addition reaction. Thanks to the flexible silicone molecules, the modulus of the hybrids is reduced over 30% when compared with the pristine matrix. Most interestingly, the εr of the hybrids is improved to nearly 100% higher than that of the matrix when the silicone content reaches 30 wt %. This may be due to the dilution effect of silicone molecules, which favors macromolecular chain rearrangement and dipole orientation of the hybrids under an applied electric field. As a result, electric-field activated displacements of the above hybrid increases to 0.73 mm from 0.48 mm of the matrix under 60 MV/m. The maximum electric field-induced thickness strain increases from 1% of the matrix to nearly 3% of the crosslinked hybrid. This work may provide a facile strategy to fabricate PVDF-based hybrids with enhanced electromechanical performance under low activating voltage.
Improving Landslide Detection from Airborne Laser Scanning Data Using Optimized Dempster–Shafer
Authors: Mezaal Mustafa Ridha , Pradhan Biswajeet , Rizeei Hossein Mojaddadi
Published: June 2018

A detailed and state-of-the-art landslide inventory map including precise landslide location is greatly required for landslide susceptibility, hazard, and risk assessments. Traditional techniques employed for landslide detection in tropical regions include field surveys, synthetic aperture radar techniques, and optical remote sensing. However, these techniques are time consuming and costly. Furthermore, complications arise for the generation of accurate landslide location maps in these regions due to dense vegetation in tropical forests. Given its ability to penetrate vegetation cover, high-resolution airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) is typically employed to generate accurate landslide maps. The object-based technique generally consists of many homogeneous pixels grouped together in a meaningful way through image segmentation. In this paper, in order to address the limitations of this approach, the final decision is executed using Dempster–Shafer theory (DST) rule combination based on probabilistic output from object-based support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and K-nearest neighbor (KNN) classifiers. Therefore, this research proposes an efficient framework by combining three object-based classifiers using the DST method. Consequently, an existing supervised approach (i.e., fuzzy-based segmentation parameter optimizer) was adopted to optimize multiresolution segmentation parameters such as scale, shape, and compactness. Subsequently, a correlation-based feature selection (CFS) algorithm was employed to select the relevant features. Two study sites were selected to implement the method of landslide detection and evaluation of the proposed method (subset “A” for implementation and subset “B” for the transferrable). The DST method performed well in detecting landslide locations in tropical regions such as Malaysia, with potential applications in other similarly vegetated regions.
An Enhanced Paradigm for Cognitive Cooperation Networks: Two-to-One Energy and Spectrum Dual-Cooperation
Authors: Liu Zhihui , Xu Wenjun , Wang Junyi , Dong Tao , Qiu Hongbing
Published: June 2018

In this paper, two-to-one energy and spectrum dual-cooperation (ESDC) is investigated for cognitive cooperation networks. Specifically, the energy and spectrum of two primary users (PUs) are both transferred or authorized to one multi-antenna secondary user (SU) in exchange for its aid in the signal relaying to guarantee the successful data transmission, whilst the SU, which originally owns no spectrum access privilege and limited energy storage, is also able to concurrently transmit its own data through spatial multiplexing. Moreover, network-coding is also adopted to further compress the data size and hence reduce the power consumption at SU. The formulated problem for the aforementioned two-to-one ESDC model is non-convex and intractable to solve directly. To solve the problem effectively, the Lagrangian dual methods plus fixed-point iteration methods and semidefinite relation methods are employed, and the optimal solution could be achieved through iterative optimization. Simulation results show that, compared with the traditional spectrum-only cooperation, the proposed two-to-one ESDC paradigms can greatly improve the successful transmission probability for PUs and achievable transmission rate for SU. Meanwhile, the proposed two-to-one dual-cooperation modes are significantly superior to the one-to-one cooperation mode, in terms of spectrum efficiency and energy efficiency.
Debonding Detection in Hidden Frame Supported Glass Curtain Walls Using the Nonlinear Ultrasonic Modulation Method with Piezoceramic Transducers
Authors: Hong Xiaobin , Liu Yuan , Liufu Yonghong , Lin Peisong
Published: June 2018

Debonding defects are common and they are the main reason for the failure of hidden frame supported glass curtain walls, which are widely used as an external enclosure and decorative structure. In this paper, a debonding detection method for hidden frame supported glass curtain walls is developed based on nonlinear ultrasonic modulation and piezoceramic transducers. First, the excitation frequency was determined according to the response characteristics. Then, empirical mode decomposition (EMD) was applied to extract the feature components. After discrete Fourier transform (DFT), the nonlinear coefficients were calculated to evaluate the debonding defect. Finally, the experimental setup was established and a series of experiments were carried out to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the nonlinear ultrasonic modulation method. The nonlinear harmonics detection method was also investigated and it was compared with the nonlinear ultrasonic modulation method. The detection effect at different temperatures and impact were studied. The results showed that the nonlinear coefficient increases with the debonding length. The mean squared error (MSE) of the nonlinear ultrasonic modulation method was improved by 41% compared with the nonlinear harmonics method. The nonlinear ultrasonic modulation method can successfully detect debonding defects in hidden frame supported glass curtain walls at different temperatures and impact.
Different Approaches Towards the Understanding of Socio-Environmental Conflicts in Protected Areas
Authors: García-Frapolli Eduardo , Ayala-Orozco Bárbara , Oliva Malena , Smith Robert J.
Published: June 2018

Conflicts are an inherent element in the establishment and management of protected areas. Even though there is ample literature about conflicts in protected areas and the field of conservation has investigated them for decades, no consensus exists about the object itself of analysis: the conflict. In this article, we describe three different approaches for understanding socio-environmental conflicts, and we illustrate them with cases from protected areas in Mexico. The principal objective of the article is to advance discussions about the importance of understanding the implications of the use of different approaches on socio-environmental conflicts, in the interest of providing elements to take better decisions about the management of the protected areas.
The Spatial Patterns of Land Surface Temperature and Its Impact Factors: Spatial Non-Stationarity and Scale Effects Based on a Geographically-Weighted Regression Model
Authors: Zhao Hongbo , Ren Zhibin , Tan Juntao
Published: June 2018

Understanding the spatial distribution of land surface temperature (LST) and its impact factors is crucial for mitigating urban heat island effect. However, few studies have quantitatively investigated the spatial non-stationarity and spatial scale effects of the relationships between LST and its impact factors at multi-scales. The main purposes of this study are as follows: (1) to estimate the spatial distributions of urban heat island (UHI) intensity by using hot spots analysis and (2) to explore the spatial non-stationarity and scale effects of the relationships between LST and related impact factors at multiple resolutions (30–1200 m) and to find appropriate scales for illuminating the relationships in a plain city. Based on the LST retrieved from Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS images, the Geographically-Weighted Regression (GWR) model is used to explore the scale effects of the relationships in Zhengzhou City between LST and six driving indicators: The Fractional Vegetation Cover (FVC), the Impervious Surface (IS), the Population Density (PD), the Fossil-fuel CO2 Emission data (FFCOE), the Shannon Diversity Index (SHDI) and the Perimeter-area Fractal Dimension (PAFRAC),which indicate the vegetation abundance, built-up, social-ecological variables and the diversity and shape complexity of land cover types. Our findings showed that the spatial patterns of LST show statistically significant hot spot zones in the center of the study area, partly extending to the western and southern industrial areas, indicating that the intensity of the urban heat island is significantly spatial clustering in Zhengzhou City. In addition, compared with the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model, the GWR model has a better ability to characterize spatial non-stationarity and analyze the relationships between the LST and its impact factors by considering the space-varying relationships of different variables, especially at the fine spatial scales (30–480 m). However, the strength of GWR model has become relatively weak with the increase of spatial scales (720–1200 m). This reveals that the GWR model is recommended to be applied in the analysis of UHI problems and related impact factors at scales finer than 480 m in the plain city. If the spatial scale is coarser than 720 m, both OLS and GWR models are suitable for illustrating the correct relationships between UHI effect and its influence factors in the plain city due to their undifferentiated performance. These findings can provide valuable information for urban planners and researchers to select appropriate models and spatial scales seeking to mitigate urban thermal environment effect.