bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4A Down-Regulation Mediates Interleukin-24-Induced Apoptosis through Inhibition of Translation
Authors: Zhong Xuelin , Persaud Leah , Muharam Hilal , Francis Ashleigh , Das Dibash , Aktas Bertal Huseyin , Sauane Moira
Published: May 2018

Dysregulated activity of helicase eIF4A drives transformation to and maintenance of cancer cell phenotype by reprogramming cellular translation. Interleukin 24 (IL-24) is a tumor-suppressing protein, which has the ability to inhibit angiogenesis, sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy, and induce cancer cell-specific apoptosis. In this study, we found that eIF4A is inhibited by IL-24. Consequently, selective reduction of translation was observed for mRNAs harboring strong secondary structures in their 5′-untranslated regions (5′UTRs). These mRNAs encode proteins, which function in cell survival and proliferation. Consistently, overexpression of eIF4A conferred cancer cells with resistance to IL-24-induced cell death. It has been established that inhibition of eIF4A triggers mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. We showed that IL-24 induces eIF4A-dependent mitochondrial depolarization. We also showed that IL-24 induces Sigma 1 Receptor-dependent eIF4A down-regulation and mitochondrial depolarization. Thus, the progress of apoptosis triggered by IL-24 is characterized by a complex program of changes in regulation of several initiation factors, including the eIF4A.
Efficacy, Safety, and Usability of Remifentanil as Premedication for INSURE in Preterm Neonates
Authors: Audil Hadiyah , Tse Sara , Pezzano Chad , Mitchell-van Steele Amy , Pinheiro Joaquim
Published: May 2018

Background: We previously reported a 67% extubation failure with INSURE (Intubation, Surfactant, Extubation) using morphine as analgosedative premedication. Remifentanil, a rapid- and short-acting narcotic, might be ideal for INSURE, but efficacy and safety data for this indication are limited. Objectives: To assess whether remifentanil premedication increases extubation success rates compared with morphine, and to evaluate remifentanil’s safety and usability in a teaching hospital context. Methods: Retrospective review of remifentanil orders for premedication, at a large teaching hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We compared INSURE failure rates (needing invasive ventilation after INSURE) with prior morphine-associated rates. Additionally, we surveyed NICU staff to identify usability and logistic issues with remifentanil. Results: 73 remifentanil doses were administered to 62 neonates (mean 31.6 ± 3.8 weeks’ gestation). Extubation was successful in 88%, vs. 33% with morphine premedication (p < 0.001). Significant adverse events included chest wall rigidity (4%), one case of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) post-surfactant, naloxone reversal (5%), and notable transient desaturation (34%). Among 137 completed surveys, 57% indicated concerns, including delayed drug availability (median 1.1 h after order), rapid desaturations narrowing intubation timeframes and hindering trainee involvement, and difficulty with bag-mask ventilation after unsuccessful intubation attempts. Accordingly, 33% of ultimate intubators were attending neonatologists, versus 16% trainees. Conclusions: Remifentanil premedication was superior to morphine in allowing successful extubation, despite occasional chest wall rigidity and unfavorable conditions for trainees. We recommend direct supervision and INSURE protocols aimed at ensuring rapid intubation.
Microscopic Linear Response Theory of Spin Relaxation and Relativistic Transport Phenomena in Graphene
Authors: Offidani Manuel , Raimondi Roberto , Ferreira Aires
Published: May 2018

We present a unified theoretical framework for the study of spin dynamics and relativistic transport phenomena in disordered two-dimensional Dirac systems with pseudospin-spin coupling. The formalism is applied to the paradigmatic case of graphene with uniform Bychkov-Rashba interaction and shown to capture spin relaxation processes and associated charge-to-spin interconversion phenomena in response to generic external perturbations, including spin density fluctuations and electric fields. A controlled diagrammatic evaluation of the generalized spin susceptibility in the diffusive regime of weak spin-orbit interaction allows us to show that the spin and momentum lifetimes satisfy the standard Dyakonov-Perel relation for both weak (Gaussian) and resonant (unitary) nonmagnetic disorder. Finally, we demonstrate that the spin relaxation rate can be derived in the zero-frequency limit by exploiting the SU(2) covariant conservation laws for the spin observables. Our results set the stage for a fully quantum-mechanical description of spin relaxation in both pristine graphene samples with weak spin-orbit fields and in graphene heterostructures with enhanced spin-orbital effects currently attracting much attention.
Emerging Characterizing Techniques in the Fine Structure Observation of Metal Halide Perovskite Crystal
Authors: Shen Kongchao , Hu Jinping , Liang Zhaofeng , Hu Jinbang , Sun Haoliang , Jiang Zheng , Song Fei
Published: May 2018

Driven by its appealing application in the energy harvesting industry, metal halide perovskite solar cells are attracting increasing attention from various fields, such as chemistry, materials, physics, and energy-related industries. While the energy conversion efficiency of the perovskite solar cell is being investigated often by various research groups, the relationship between the surface structure and the property is still ambiguous and, therefore, becomes an urgent topic due to its wide application in the real environment. Recently, the fine structure characterization of perovskite crystals has been analysed by varying techniques, such as XRD, synchrotron-based grazing incidence XRD, XAFS, and STM, in addition to others. In this review article, we will summarize recent progresses in the monitoring of fine nanostructures of the surface and crystal structures of perovskite films, mainly by XAFS, XRD, and STM, focusing on the discussion of the relationship between the properties and the stability of perovskite solar cells. Furthermore, a prospective is given for the development of experimental approaches towards fine structure characterization.
Description of Four New Species of the Afrotropical Weevil Genus Afroryzophilus (Coleoptera, Curculionidae)
Authors: Caldara Roberto , Košťál Michael
Published: May 2018

Four new species belonging to the Afrotropical weevil genus Afroryzophilus Lyal, 1990 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Brachycerinae, Tanysphyrini) are described: A. centrafricanus n. sp. (Central African Republic), A. congoanus n. sp. (Democratic Republic of the Congo), A. kuscheli n. sp. (Senegal), and A. somalicus n. sp. (Somalia). Previously, this genus was monotypic, based only on A. djibai Lyal, 1990 from Senegal. The five species of this genus are very similar to each other in external morphology, varying only in the width of the forehead and that of the third tarsomere, the length of the fifth tarsomere and the pattern of dorsal seta-like scales. However, the male genitalia show clear interspecific differences.
Benthic Macroinvertebrate Diversity in the Middle Doce River Basin, Brazil
Authors: Aguila Gabriel Estevão Nogueira , Pujoni Diego Guimarães Florencio , Marques Maria Margarida , Santos Liss Gato Cupertino , Dornelas Natália Murta de Lima , Andrade Karine , Monteiro Ivan Menezes , Maia-Barbosa Paulina Maria , Barbosa Francisco Antônio Rodrigues
Published: May 2018

This resource contains a checklist of the benthic macroinvertebrate community sampled biannually from 1999 to 2010 in eight natural lakes from the middle Rio Doce Valley lake system and eight river segments in the Piracicaba River basin (sub-basin of Doce river), Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Three of the lakes are located inside a protected state park and are surrounded by preserved vegetation (Atlantic Forest). The other five lakes are in private properties, surrounded by Eucalyptus plantations. The seven stretches of rivers have a distinct degree of anthropogenic impacts. Samples were collected with a kick net and fixed with formaldehyde solution. Four phyla were represented: Mollusca, Annelida, Arthropoda, and Platyhelminthes. For Insecta, 76 families were identified, one family was identified for Crustacea, and nine families were identified for Mollusca. This subproject belongs to the International Long-Term Ecological Research Project (ILTER—Programa de Pesquisas Ecológicas de Longa Duração—PELD) site 4.
Maxwell’s Demon and the Problem of Observers in General Relativity
Authors: Herrera Luis
Published: May 2018

The fact that real dissipative (entropy producing) processes may be detected by non-comoving observers (tilted), in systems that appear to be isentropic for comoving observers, in general relativity, is explained in terms of the information theory, analogous with the explanation of the Maxwell’s demon paradox.
Regulation of Voltage and Frequency in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell-Based Autonomous Microgrids Using the Whales Optimisation Algorithm
Authors: Qazi Sajid Hussain , Mustafa Mohd Wazir , Sultana Umbrin , Mirjat Nayyar Hussain , Soomro Shakir Ali , Rasheed Nadia
Published: May 2018

This study explores the Whales Optimization Algorithm (WOA)-based PI controller for regulating the voltage and frequency of an inverter-based autonomous microgrid (MG). The MG comprises two 50 kW DGs (solid oxide fuel cells, SOFCs) interfaced using a power electronics-based voltage source inverter (VSI) with a 120-kV conventional grid. Four PI controller schemes for the MG are implemented: (i) stationary PI controller with fixed gain values (Kp and Ki), (ii) PSO tuned PI controller, (iii) GWO tuned PI controller, and (iv) WOA tuned PI controller. The performance of these controllers is evaluated by monitoring the system voltage and frequency during the transition of MG operation mode and changes in the load. The MATLAB/SIMULINK tool is utilised to design the proposed model of grid-tied MG alongside the MATLAB m-file to apply an optimisation technique. The simulation results show that the WOA-based PI controller which optimises the control parameters, achieve 62.7% and 59% better results for voltage and frequency regulation, respectively. The eigenvalue analysis is also provided to check the stability of the proposed controller. Furthermore, the proposed system also satisfies the limits specified in IEEE-1547-2003 for voltage and frequency.
Reconstruction of Hydraulic Fractures Using Passive Ultrasonic Travel-Time Tomography
Authors: Zhu Wei , Chang Xu , Wang Yibo , Zhai Hongyu , Yao Zhenxing
Published: May 2018

The knowledge of hydraulic fracture morphology is significant for the analysis of fracture mechanisms. This paper utilizes passive Ultrasonic Travel-time Tomography (UTT) to characterize the hydraulic fracture. We constructed a velocity model based on X-ray computerized tomography (X-CT) images scanned on a real hydraulically fractured shale column. Then, ray-paths and travel times corresponding to the source-receiver configuration were calculated by curved ray-tracing schemes. Lastly, we performed tomographic inversions using total variation regularization (TVR). The simulation results showed that 3D passive UTT based on TVR is an accurate, efficient, and stable method to reconstruct the velocity structures with fractures, even in the case of sparse ray-coverage or high noise level. Meanwhile, we also verified that the passive UTT is a valid alternative to X-CT in depicting the hydraulic fracturing rock via a proper interpretation method.
Characterization and Production of Extracellular Polysaccharides (EPS) by Bacillus Pseudomycoides U10
Authors: Solmaz Kubra Betul , Ozcan Yusuf , Mercan Dogan Nazime , Bozkaya Omer , Ide Semra
Published: May 2018

We aimed to determine the effect of Luria-Bertani (LB) medium, nutrient broth (NB) and tryptic soy broth (TSB), pH, temperature, and incubation time on the production of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS). The effect of glucose, whey and glycerol on bacterial EPS production by Bacillus pseudomycoides U10 was also tested. LB was better than NB and TSB for EPS production. Maximum EPS production was obtained when 1 g/L whey was added to the growth medium. The influence of incubation times (24–96 h), different pH values (6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0 and 9.0) and temperature (25, 30, 37 and 45 °C) were also tested. The optimum pH level was 7.0 and the highest EPS production was observed at 37 °C after 60 h of incubation. Glycerol was not a good carbon source for cell growth and EPS production. The difference in carbohydrate and protein amount was related to the different types of EPS (dissolved and particulate). In general, the uronic acid content in particulate EPS was lower than in dissolved EPS. The maximum uronic acid was obtained from dissolved EPS (16 mg uronic acid/g EPS). According to X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric EPS have a poorly crystalline nature and exhibit two-step degradations, corresponding to the weight loss of moisture and/or carboxyl group and the pyrolysis of EPS, without distinctive changes in different media conditions. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data indicate the layer thickness of the bacterial EPS is from 12.04 to 14.07 Å for whey and dissolved LB conditions, respectively. It was found that EPS structures changed with whey addition, such as higher d-values, lower weight losses and more filamentous structures which seemed to be related to increasing durability and/or stability.
Ultrashort Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogel for the Treatment of Fungal Infections
Authors: Albadr Alyaa A. , Coulter Sophie M. , Porter Simon L. , Thakur Raghu Raj Singh , Laverty Garry
Published: May 2018

The threat of antimicrobial resistance to society is compounded by a relative lack of new clinically effective licensed therapies reaching patients over the past three decades. This has been particularly problematic within antifungal drug development, leading to a rise in fungal infection rates and associated mortality. This paper highlights the potential of an ultrashort peptide, (naphthalene-2-ly)-acetyl-diphenylalanine-dilysine-OH (NapFFKK-OH), encompassing hydrogel-forming and antifungal properties within a single peptide motif, thus overcoming formulation (e.g., solubility, drug loading) issues associated with many currently employed highly hydrophobic antifungals. A range of fungal susceptibility (colony counts) and cell cytotoxicity (MTS cell viability, LIVE/DEAD staining® with fluorescent microscopy, haemolysis) assays were employed. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the nanofibrous architecture of our self-assembling peptide, existing as a hydrogel at concentrations of 1% w/v and above. Broad-spectrum activity was demonstrated against a range of fungi clinically relevant to infection (Aspergillus niger, Candida glabrata, Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis and Candida dubliniensis) with greater than 4 log10 CFU/mL reduction at concentrations of 0.5% w/v and above. We hypothesise antifungal activity is due to targeting of anionic components present within fungal cell membranes resulting in membrane disruption and cell lysis. NapFFKK-OH demonstrated reduced toxicity against mammalian cells (NCTC 929, ARPE-19) suggesting increased selectivity for fungal cells. However, further studies relating to safety for systemic administration is required, given the challenges toxicity has presented in the wider context of antimicrobial peptide drug development. Overall this study highlights the promise of NapFFKK-OH hydrogels, particularly as a topical formulation for the treatment of fungal infections relating to the skin and eyes, or as a hydrogel coating for the prevention of biomaterial related infection.
Identifying the Driving Factors of Water Quality in a Sub-Watershed of the Republican River Basin, Kansas USA
Authors: Burke Morgen W. V. , Shahabi Mojtaba , Xu Yeqian , Zheng Haochi , Zhang Xiaodong , VanLooy Jeffrey
Published: May 2018

Studies have shown that the agricultural expansion and land use changes in the Midwest of the U.S. are major drivers for increased nonpoint source pollution throughout the regional river systems. In this study, we empirically examined the relationship of planted area and production of three dominant crops with nitrate flux in the Republican River, Kansas, a sub-watershed of Mississippi River Basin. Our results show that land use in the region could not explain the observed changes in nitrate flux in the river. Instead, after including explanatory variables such as precipitation, growing degree days, and well water irrigation in the regression model we found that irrigation and spring precipitation could explain >85% of the variability in nitrate flux from 2000 to 2014. This suggests that changes in crop acreage and production alone cannot explain variability in nitrate flux. Future agricultural policy for the region should focus on controlling both the timing and amount of fertilizer applied to the field to reduce the potential leaching of excess fertilizer through spring time runoff and/or over-irrigation into nearby river systems.
The Social Basis of Vaccine Questioning and Refusal: A Qualitative Study Employing Bourdieu’s Concepts of ‘Capitals’ and ‘Habitus’
Authors: Attwell Katie , Meyer Samantha B. , Ward Paul R.
Published: May 2018

This article is an in-depth analysis of the social nature of vaccine decision-making. It employs the sociological theory of Bourdieu and Ingram to consider how parents experience non-vaccination as a valued form of capital in specific communities, and how this can affect their decision-making. Drawing on research conducted in two Australian cities, our qualitative analysis of new interview data shows that parents experience disjuncture and tugs towards ‘appropriate’ forms of vaccination behavior in their social networks, as these link to broader behaviors around food, school choices and birth practices. We show how differences emerge between the two cities based on study designs, such that we are able to see some parents at the center of groups valorizing their decisions, whilst others feel marginalized within their communities for their decisions to vaccinate. We draw on the work of philosopher Mark Navin to consider how all parents join epistemic communities that reward compliance and conformity with the status quo and consider what this means for interventions that seek to influence the flow of pro-vaccine information through vaccine-critical social groups.
Association of Plasma Lipids and Polar Metabolites with Low Bone Mineral Density in Singaporean-Chinese Menopausal Women: A Pilot Study
Authors: Cabrera Diana , Kruger Marlena , Wolber Frances M. , Roy Nicole C. , Totman John J. , Henry Christiani Jeyakumar , Cameron-Smith David , Fraser Karl
Published: May 2018

The diagnosis of osteoporosis is mainly based on clinical examination and bone mineral density assessments. The present pilot study compares the plasma lipid and polar metabolite profiles in blood plasma of 95 Singaporean-Chinese (SC) menopausal women with normal and low bone mineral density (BMD) using an untargeted metabolomic approach. The primary finding of this study was the association between lipids and femoral neck BMD in SC menopausal women. Twelve lipids were identified to be associated with low BMD by the orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) model. Plasma concentrations of eight glycerophospholipid, glycerolipid, and sphingolipid species were significantly lower in menopausal women with low BMD but higher in two glycerophospholipid species (phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidic acid). Further, this study found no significant differences in plasma amino acid metabolites. However, trends for lower 4-aminobutyric acid, turanose, proline, aminopropionitrile, threonine, and methionine were found in women with low BMD. This pilot study identified associations between lipid metabolism and femoral neck BMD in SC women. Further studies are required on larger populations for evaluating the bone health effect of these compounds and their usefulness as clinical biomarkers for osteoporosis prediction in women.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Roma and Non-Roma People in Slovakia
Authors: Drazilova Sylvia , Janicko Martin , Kristian Pavol , Schreter Ivan , Halanova Monika , Urbancikova Ingrid , Madarasova-Geckova Andrea , Marekova Maria , Pella Daniel , Jarcuska Peter ,   HepaMeta Team
Published: May 2018

Prevalence of Hepatitis B is relatively low in developed European countries. However specific subpopulations may exist within each country with markedly different Hepatitis B burden. Roma minority is very numerous in Slovakia and their lifestyle is completely different to non-Roma population. The aim of this study is to map Hepatitis B prevalence in Roma and compare it to non-Roma population and to explore potential socio-economic and health related risk factors. Cross-sectional epidemiology study was performed in Slovakia that included randomly sampled Roma population and geographically corresponding random sampled non-Roma population. Comprehensive questionnaire about risk factors was administered and blood samples were drawn for Hepatitis B serology and virology tests. Altogether 855 participants were included. Global Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) positivity rate was 7.7% (i.e., active Hepatitis B) and anti Hepatitis B core IgG antibody (antiHBcIgG) positivity rate was 34.6%. Roma population had significantly higher prevalence of Hepatitis B, both active chronic infection (12.4%; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 9.58%–15.97% versus 2.8%; 95% CI 1.56%–4.91%; p < 0.0001) and antiHBcIgG positivity (52.8%; 95% CI 48.17%–57.44% versus 25.9%; 95% CI 12.56%–20.02%; p < 0.0001) Main risk factors for HBsAg positivity were Roma ethnicity, male sex and tattoo. Conclusion: There is a very high prevalence of Hepatitis B in Roma communities in Slovakia, with potential for grave medical consequences.
From Evidence-Based Research to Practice-Based Evidence: Disseminating a Web-Based Computer-Tailored Workplace Sitting Intervention through a Health Promotion Organisation
Authors: Cocker Katrien De , Cardon Greet , Bennie Jason A. , Kolbe-Alexander Tracy , Meester Femke De , Vandelanotte Corneel
Published: May 2018

Prolonged sitting has been linked to adverse health outcomes; therefore, we developed and examined a web-based, computer-tailored workplace sitting intervention. As we had previously shown good effectiveness, the next stage was to conduct a dissemination study. This study reports on the dissemination efforts of a health promotion organisation, associated costs, reach achieved, and attributes of the website users. The organisation systematically registered all the time and resources invested to promote the intervention. Website usage statistics (reach) and descriptive statistics (website users’ attributes) were also assessed. Online strategies (promotion on their homepage; sending e-mails, newsletters, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn posts to professional partners) were the main dissemination methods. The total time investment was 25.6 h, which cost approximately 845 EUR in salaries. After sixteen months, 1599 adults had visited the website and 1500 (93.8%) completed the survey to receive personalized sitting advice. This sample was 38.3 ± 11.0 years, mainly female (76.9%), college/university educated (89.0%), highly sedentary (88.5% sat >8 h/day) and intending to change (93.0%) their sitting. Given the small time and money investment, these outcomes are positive and indicate the potential for wide-scale dissemination. However, more efforts are needed to reach men, non-college/university educated employees, and those not intending behavioural change.
Kudzu Leaf Extract Suppresses the Production of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase, Cyclooxygenase-2, Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha, and Interleukin-6 via Inhibition of JNK, TBK1 and STAT1 in Inflammatory Macrophages
Authors: Eom Seok , Jin So-Jung , Jeong Hee-Yeong , Song Youngju , Lim You , Kim Jong-In , Lee Youn-Hyung , Kang Hee
Published: May 2018

Kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata (Willd.) Sanjappa & Pradeep) is a perennial leguminous vine, and its root and flower have been used for herbal medicine in Asia for a long time. Most dietary flavonoids are reported to be concentrated in its root, not in its aerial parts including leaves. In this study, we investigated whether kudzu leaf and its major constituent, robinin (kaempferol-3-O-robinoside-7-O-rhanmoside) possessed anti-inflammatory activity. To test this hypothesis, we used peritoneal macrophages isolated from BALB/c mice and stimulated the cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or LPS plus interferon (IFN)-γ. Compared with kudzu root extract, its leaf extract was more potent in inhibiting the production of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6. Kudzu leaf extract decreased LPS-induced activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and TANK-binding kinase 1(TBK1) with no effects on nuclear factor-κB and activator protein 1 transcriptional activity. Also, kudzu leaf extract inhibited LPS/IFN-γ-induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) activation partly via an altered level of STAT1 expression. Robinin, being present in 0.46% of dry weight of leaf extract, but almost undetected in the root, decreased iNOS protein involving modulation of JNK and STAT1 activation. However, robinin showed no impact on other inflammatory markers. Our data provide evidence that kudzu leaf is an excellent food source of as yet unknown anti-inflammatory constituents.
Role for Cystathionine γ Lyase (CSE) in an Ethanol (E)-Induced Lesion in Fetal Brain GSH Homeostasis
Authors: Patel Dhyanesh , Rathinam Marylatha , Jarvis Courtney , Mahimainathan Lenin , Henderson George , Narasimhan Madhusudhanan
Published: May 2018

Earlier, we reported that gestational ethanol (E) can dysregulate neuron glutathione (GSH) homeostasis partially via impairing the EAAC1-mediated inward transport of Cysteine (Cys) and this can affect fetal brain development. In this study, we investigated if there is a role for the transulfuration pathway (TSP), a critical bio-synthetic point to supply Cys in E-induced dysregulation of GSH homeostasis. These studies utilized an in utero E binge model where the pregnant Sprague–Dawley (SD) rat dams received five doses of E at 3.5 g/kg by gastric intubation beginning embryonic day (ED) 17 until ED19 separated by 12 h. The postnatal day 7 (PN7) alcohol model employed an oral dosing of 4 g/kg body weight split into 2 feedings at 2 h interval and an iso-caloric and iso-volumic equivalent maltose-dextrin milk solution served as controls. The in vitro model consisted of cerebral cortical neuron cultures from embryonic day (ED) 16–17 fetus from SD rats and differentiated neurons from ED18 rat cerebral cortical neuroblasts. E concentrations were 4 mg/mL. E induced an accumulation of cystathionine in primary cortical neurons (PCNs), 2nd trimester equivalent in utero binge, and 3rd trimester equivalent PN7 model suggesting that breakdown of cystathionine, a required process for Cys supply is impaired. This was associated with a significant reduction in cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) protein expression in PCN (p < 0.05) and in fetal cerebral cortex in utero (53%, p < 0.05) without a change in the expression of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS). Concomitantly, E decreased Cse mRNA expression in PCNs (by 32% within 6 h of exposure, p < 0.05) and in fetal brain (33%, p < 0.05). In parallel, knock down of CSE in differentiated rat cortical neuroblasts exaggerated the E-induced ROS, GSH loss with a pronounced caspase-3 activation and cell death. These studies illustrate the importance of TSP in CSE-related maintenance of GSH and the downstream events via Cys synthesis in neurons and fetal brain.
Temperature Effects on Force and Actin–Myosin Interaction in Muscle: A Look Back on Some Experimental Findings
Authors: Ranatunga K. W.
Published: May 2018

Observations made in temperature studies on mammalian muscle during force development, shortening, and lengthening, are re-examined. The isometric force in active muscle goes up substantially on warming from less than 10 °C to temperatures closer to physiological (>30 °C), and the sigmoidal temperature dependence of this force has a half-maximum at ~10 °C. During steady shortening, when force is decreased to a steady level, the sigmoidal curve is more pronounced and shifted to higher temperatures, whereas, in lengthening muscle, the curve is shifted to lower temperatures, and there is a less marked increase with temperature. Even with a small rapid temperature-jump (T-jump), force in active muscle rises in a definitive way. The rate of tension rise is slower with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and faster with increased phosphate. Analysis showed that a T-jump enhances an early, pre-phosphate release step in the acto-myosin (crossbridge) ATPase cycle, thus inducing a force-rise. The sigmoidal dependence of steady force on temperature is due to this endothermic nature of crossbridge force generation. During shortening, the force-generating step and the ATPase cycle are accelerated, whereas during lengthening, they are inhibited. The endothermic force generation is seen in different muscle types (fast, slow, and cardiac). The underlying mechanism may involve a structural change in attached myosin heads and/or their attachments on heat absorption.
Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Inhibition and Glucose Uptake Potentials of Mulberrofuran G, Albanol B, and Kuwanon G from Root Bark of Morus alba L. in Insulin-Resistant HepG2 Cells: An In Vitro and In Silico Study
Authors: Paudel Pradeep , Yu Ting , Seong Su Hui , Kuk Eun Bi , Jung Hyun Ah , Choi Jae Sue
Published: May 2018

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most common form of diabetes and has become a major health problem across the world. The root bark of Morus alba L. is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treatment and management of diabetes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the enzyme inhibitory potentials of three principle components, mulberrofuran G (1), albanol B (2), and kuwanon G (3) in M. alba root bark against diabetes, establish their enzyme kinetics, carry out a molecular docking simulation, and demonstrate the glucose uptake activity in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. Compounds 1–3 showed potent mixed-type enzyme inhibition against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and α-glucosidase. In particular, molecular docking simulations of 1–3 demonstrated negative binding energies in both enzymes. Moreover, 1–3 were non-toxic up to 5 µM concentration in HepG2 cells and enhanced glucose uptake significantly and decreased PTP1B expression in a dose-dependent manner in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. Our overall results depict 1–3 from M. alba root bark as dual inhibitors of PTP1B and α-glucosidase enzymes, as well as insulin sensitizers. These active constituents in M. alba may potentially be utilized as an effective treatment for T2DM.
Fluorescent Proteins for Investigating Biological Events in Acidic Environments
Authors: Shinoda Hajime , Shannon Michael , Nagai Takeharu
Published: May 2018

The interior lumen of acidic organelles (e.g., endosomes, secretory granules, lysosomes and plant vacuoles) is an important platform for modification, transport and degradation of biomolecules as well as signal transduction, which remains challenging to investigate using conventional fluorescent proteins (FPs). Due to the highly acidic luminal environment (pH ~ 4.5–6.0), most FPs and related sensors are apt to lose their fluorescence. To address the need to image in acidic environments, several research groups have developed acid-tolerant FPs in a wide color range. Furthermore, the engineering of pH insensitive sensors, and their concomitant use with pH sensitive sensors for the purpose of pH-calibration has enabled characterization of the role of luminal ions. In this short review, we summarize the recent development of acid-tolerant FPs and related functional sensors and discuss the future prospects for this field.
Hybrid Visualization Approach to Show Documents Similarity and Content in a Single View
Authors: Andreotti Andre Luiz Dias , Silva Lenon Fachiano , Eler Danilo Medeiros
Published: May 2018

Multidimensional projection techniques can be employed to project datasets from a higher to a lower dimensional space (e.g., 2D space). These techniques can be used to present the relationships of dataset instances based on distance by grouping or separating clusters of instances in the projected space. Several works have used multidimensional projections to aid in the exploration of document collections. Even though the projection techniques can organize a dataset, the user needs to read each document to understand the cluster generation. Alternatively, techniques such as topic extraction or tag clouds can be employed to present a summary of the document contents. To minimize the exploratory work and to aid in cluster analysis, this work proposes a new hybrid visualization to show both document relationship and content in a single view, employing multidimensional projections to relate documents and tag clouds. We show the effectiveness of the proposed approach in the exploration of two document collections composed by world news.
Apolipoprotein E and Atherosclerosis: From Lipoprotein Metabolism to MicroRNA Control of Inflammation
Authors: Bouchareychas Laura , Raffai Robert L.
Published: May 2018

Apolipoprotein (apo) E stands out among plasma apolipoproteins through its unprecedented ability to protect against atherosclerosis. Although best recognized for its ability to mediate plasma lipoprotein clearance in the liver and protect against macrophage foam cell formation, our recent understanding of the influence that apoE can exert to control atherosclerosis has significantly widened. Among apoE’s newfound athero-protective properties include an ability to control exaggerated hematopoiesis, blood monocyte activation and aortic stiffening in mice with hyperlipidemia. Mechanisms responsible for these exciting new properties extend beyond apoE’s ability to prevent cellular lipid excess. Rather, new findings have revealed a role for apoE in regulating microRNA-controlled cellular signaling in cells of the immune system and vascular wall. Remarkably, infusions of apoE-responsive microRNA mimics were shown to substitute for apoE in protecting against systemic and vascular inflammation to suppress atherosclerosis in mice with hyperlipidemia. Finally, more recent evidence suggests that apoE may control the release of microvesicles that could modulate cellular signaling, inflammation and atherosclerosis at a distance. These exciting new findings position apoE within the emerging field of intercellular communication that could introduce new approaches to control atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease.
Using Coupled Hydrodynamic Biogeochemical Models to Predict the Effects of Tidal Turbine Arrays on Phytoplankton Dynamics
Authors: Schuchert Pia , Kregting Louise , Pritchard Daniel , Savidge Graham , Elsäßer Björn
Published: May 2018

The effects of large scale tidal energy device (TED) arrays on phytoplankton processes owing to the changes in hydrodynamic flows are unknown. Coupled two-dimensional biogeochemical and hydrodynamic models offer the opportunity to predict potential effects of large scale TED arrays on the local and regional phytoplankton dynamics in coastal and inshore environments. Using MIKE 21 Software by DHI (https://www.dhigroup.com), coupled two-dimensional biogeochemical and hydrodynamic models were developed with simulations including no turbines or an array of 55 turbines with four solar radiation scenarios to assess the temporal and spatial changes of phytoplankton dynamics in an idealised domain. Results suggest that the effect of TEDs on phytoplankton dynamics accounted for up to 25% of the variability in phytoplankton concentrations, most likely associated with an increased residence time in an inshore basin. However, natural variation, such as the intensity of photosynthetically active radiation, had a larger effect on phytoplankton dynamics than an array of TEDs.
In Vitro Evaluation of 2D-Printed Edible Films for the Buccal Delivery of Diclofenac Sodium
Authors: Eleftheriadis Georgios K. , Monou Paraskevi Kyriaki , Bouropoulos Nikolaos , Fatouros Dimitrios G.
Published: May 2018

Printing technologies have recently emerged in the development of novel drug delivery systems toward personalized medicine, to improve the performance of formulations, existing bioavailability patterns, and patients’ compliance. In the context of two-dimensional printing, this article presents the development of buccal films that are designed to efficiently deliver a class II compound (diclofenac sodium), according to the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS), to the oral cavity. The preparation of drug-loaded inks was carried out based on solubility studies and evaluation of rheological properties, combining ethanol and propylene glycol as optimal solvents. Deposition of the drug was achieved by increasing the number of printing layers onto edible substrates, to produce formulations with dose variance. Thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, and infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the developed films. Drug loading and water uptake studies complemented the initial assessment of the films, and preliminary in vitro studies were conducted to further evaluate their performance. The in vitro release profiles were recorded in simulated saliva, presenting the complete release of the incorporated active in a period of 10 min. The effect of multiple layers on the overall performance of films was completed with in vitro permeation studies, revealing the correlation between the number of printed layers and the apparent permeability coefficient.
A Continuum Model for the Effect of Dynamic Recrystallization on the Stress–Strain Response
Authors: Kooiker H. , Perdahcıoğlu E. , Van den Boogaard A.
Published: May 2018

Austenitic Stainless Steels and High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) steels show significant dynamic recovery and dynamic recrystallization (DRX) during hot forming. In order to design optimal and safe hot-formed products, a good understanding and constitutive description of the material behavior is vital. A new continuum model is presented and validated on a wide range of deformation conditions including high strain rate deformation. The model is presented in rate form to allow for the prediction of material behavior in transient process conditions. The proposed model is capable of accurately describing the stress–strain behavior of AISI 316LN in hot forming conditions, also the high strain rate DRX-induced softening observed during hot torsion of HSLA is accurately predicted. It is shown that the increase in recrystallization rate at high strain rates observed in experiments can be captured by including the elastic energy due to the dynamic stress in the driving pressure for recrystallization. Furthermore, the predicted resulting grain sizes follow the power-law dependence with steady state stress that is often reported in literature and the evolution during hot deformation shows the expected trend.
A New Analytical Procedure to Solve Two Phase Flow in Tubes
Authors: Moschandreou Terry E.
Published: May 2018

A new formulation for a proposed solution to the 3D Navier-Stokes Equations in cylindrical co-ordinates coupled to the continuity and level set convection equation is presented in terms of an additive solution of the three principle directions in the radial, azimuthal and z directions of flow and a connection between the level set function and composite velocity vector for the additive solution is shown. For the case of a vertical tube configuration with small inclination angle, results are obtained for the level set function defining the interface in both the radial and azimuthal directions. It is found that the curvature dependent part of the problem alone induces sinusoidal azimuthal interfacial waves whereas when the curvature together with the equation for the composite velocity is considered oscillating radial interfacial waves occur. The implications of two extremes indicate the importance of looking at the full equations including curvature.
Bioactive Pyridone Alkaloids from a Deep-Sea-Derived Fungus Arthrinium sp. UJNMF0008
Authors: Bao Jie , Zhai Huijuan , Zhu Kongkai , Yu Jin-Hai , Zhang Yuying , Wang Yinyin , Jiang Cheng-Shi , Zhang Xiaoyong , Zhang Yun , Zhang Hua
Published: May 2018

Eight new 4-hydroxy-2-pyridone alkaloids arthpyrones D–K (1–8), along with two known analogues apiosporamide (9) and arthpyrone B (10), were isolated from a deep-sea-derived fungus Arthrinium sp. UJNMF0008. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods with that of 1 being established by chemical transformation and X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 bore an ester functionality linking the pyridone and decalin moieties first reported in this class of metabolites, while 3 and 4 incorporated a rare natural hexa- or tetrahydrobenzofuro[3,2-c]pyridin-3(2H)-one motif. Compounds 3–6 and 9 exhibited moderate to significant antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis and Staphylococcus aureus with IC50 values ranging from 1.66–42.8 μM, while 9 displayed cytotoxicity against two human osteosarcoma cell lines (U2OS and MG63) with IC50 values of 19.3 and 11.7 μM, respectively.
Microfluidic Formation of Double-Stacked Planar Bilayer Lipid Membranes by Controlling the Water-Oil Interface
Authors: Shoji Kan , Kawano Ryuji
Published: May 2018

This study reports double-stacked planar bilayer lipid membranes (pBLMs) formed using a droplet contact method (DCM) for microfluidic formation with five-layered microchannels that have four micro guide pillars. pBLMs are valuable for analyzing membrane proteins and modeling cell membranes. Furthermore, multiple-pBLM systems have broadened the field of application such as electronic components, light-sensors, and batteries because of electrical characteristics of pBLMs and membrane proteins. Although multiple-stacked pBLMs have potential, the formation of multiple-pBLMs on a micrometer scale still faces challenges. In this study, we applied a DCM strategy to pBLM formation using microfluidic techniques and attempted to form double-stacked pBLMs in micro-meter scale. First, microchannels with micro pillars were designed via hydrodynamic simulations to form a five-layered flow with aqueous and lipid/oil solutions. Then, pBLMs were successfully formed by controlling the pumping pressure of the solutions and allowing contact between the two lipid monolayers. Finally, pore-forming proteins were reconstituted in the pBLMs, and ion current signals of nanopores were obtained as confirmed by electrical measurements, indicating that double-stacked pBLMs were successfully formed. The strategy for the double-stacked pBLM formation can be applied to highly integrated nanopore-based systems.
Fabrication Flexible and Luminescent Nanofibrillated Cellulose Films with Modified SrAl2O4: Eu, Dy Phosphors via Nanoscale Silica and Aminosilane
Authors: Zhang Longfei , Lyu Shaoyi , Chen Zhilin , Wang Siqun
Published: May 2018

Flexible 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO)-oxidized nanofibrillated cellulose (ONFC) films with long afterglow luminescence containing modified SrAl2O4: Eu2+, Dy3+ (SAOED) phosphors were fabricated by a template method. Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and (3-aminopropyl) trimethoxy-silane (APTMS) were employed cooperatively to improve the water resistance and compatibility of the SAOED particles in the ONFC suspension. The structure and morphology after modification evidenced the formation of a superior SiO2 layer and coarse amino-compounds on the surface of the phosphors. Homogeneous dispersions containing ONFC and the modified phosphors were prepared and the interface of composite films containing the amino-modified particles showed a more closely packed structure and had less voids at the interface between the cellulose and luminescent particles than that of silica-modified phosphors. The emission spectra for luminescent films showed a slight blue shift (3.2 nm) at around 512 nm. Such flexible films with good luminescence, thermal resistance, and mechanical properties can find applications in fields like luminous flexible equipment, night indication, and portable logo or labels.
Ionic Liquids Incorporating Polyamide 6: Miscibility and Physical Properties
Authors: Zheng Xin , Lin Qingqing , Jiang Pan , Li Yongjin , Li Jingye
Published: May 2018

The effects of 1-vinyl-3-butyl imidazole chloride (VBIM) on the structure and properties of Polyamide 6 (PA6) were investigated systematically. It was found that PA6/VBIM blends were homogeneous without phase separation. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of PA6 increased with small VBIM loadings followed by the decreasing in Tg with further increasing the amount of VBIM. The crystallization temperature decreased with the addition of VBIM because of the strong interactions between VBIM and the PA6 matrix, as well as the dilution effect when large amounts of VBIM was introduced to the matrix. According to rheological testing, small amounts of VBIM enhanced the storage modulus and melt viscosity of PA6. Tensile tests also show an increase in strength and modulus at relatively low loadings of VBIM. The strength of PA6 with only 1 wt % VBIM improved by 108% compared to that of neat PA6. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) investigations revealed that the ions of VBIM preferred to form hydrogen bonds with amide groups in PA6. Therefore, VBIM acts as physical connection point for the neighboring PA6 molecular chains. The specific interactions between VBIM and PA6 account not only for the enhanced melt viscosity of PA6, but also for the improved mechanical properties. Moreover, outstanding antistatic property was also observed. The surface resistivity of the sample with 1 wt % VBIM was 1.50 × 1010 Ω/sq, which means good electric dissipation property.
Supramolecular Hydrogel Based on pNIPAm Microgels Connected via Host–Guest Interactions
Authors: Antoniuk Iurii , Kaczmarek Daria , Kardos Attila , Varga Imre , Amiel Catherine
Published: May 2018

In this work, host–guest supramolecular hydrogels were prepared from poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAm) microgels utilizing electrostatic and host/guest self-assembly. First, pNIPAm microgels bearing a poly(acrylic acid) (pAAc) shell were coated with positively charged β-cyclodextrin polymers. Addition of adamantane-substituted dextrans (Dex-Ada) allowed us to establish interparticle connections through β-cyclodextrin-adamantane (βCD-Ada) inclusion complex formation, and thus to prepare hierarchical hydrogels. Under the conditions of hydrogel formation, close contact between the microgels was ensured. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of doubly crosslinked microgels prepared by noncovalent crosslinking via host–guest interactions. The prepared macrogels were studied with rheology, and fast mechanical response to temperature variation was found. Furthermore, the hydrogels exhibit fully reversible temperature-induced gel–sol transition at the physiological temperature range (37–41 °C), due to the synergetic effect between shrinking of the microgels and dissociation of βCD-Ada crosslinks at higher temperatures. This opens up attractive prospects of their potential use in biomedical applications.