bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial Neural Network Modeling and Sensitivity Analysis of Performance and Emissions in a Compression Ignition Engine Using Biodiesel Fuel
Authors: Jaliliantabar Farzad , Ghobadian Barat , Najafi Gholamhassan , Yusaf Talal
Published: September 2018

In the present research work, a neural network model has been developed to predict the exhaust emissions and performance of a compression ignition engine. The significance and novelty of the work, with respect to existing literature, is the application of sensitivity analysis and an artificial neural network (ANN) simultaneously in order to predict the engine parameters. The inputs of the model were engine load (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%), engine speed (1700, 2100, 2500 and 2900 rpm) and the percent of biodiesel fuel derived from waste cooking oil in diesel fuel (B0, B5, B10, B15 and B20). The relationship between the input parameters and engine cylinder performance and emissions can be determined by the network. The global sensitivity analysis results show that all the investigated factors are effective on the created model and cannot be ignored. In addition, it is found that the most emissions decreased while using biodiesel fuel in the compression ignition engine.
Optimal Decision-Making Strategy of an Electric Vehicle Aggregator in Short-Term Electricity Markets
Authors: Rashidizadeh-Kermani Homa , Najafi Hamid Reza , Anvari-Moghaddam Amjad , Guerrero Josep M.
Published: September 2018

This paper proposes the problem of decision making of an electric vehicle (EV) aggregator in a competitive market in the presence of different uncertain resources. In the proposed model, a bi-level problem is formulated where, in the upper-level, the objective of the aggregator is to maximize its expected profit through its interactions and, in the lower-level, the EV owners minimize their payments. Therefore, the objectives of the upper and the lower-level are contrary. To solve the obtained nonlinear bi-level program, Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) optimality conditions and strong duality are applied to transform the initial problem into a linear single-level problem. Moreover, to deal with various uncertainties, including market prices, EVs charge/discharge demands and the prices offered by rivals, a risk measurement tool is incorporated into the problem. The proposed model is finally applied to a test system and its effectiveness is evaluated. Simulation results show that the proposed approach has the potential to offer significant benefits to the aggregator and EV owners for better decision-making in an uncertain environment. During different situations, it is observed that with increasing risk-aversion factor, as the aggregator tries to hedge against volatilities, its purchases from day-ahead and negative balancing markets decreases significantly. However, the participation of EV aggregator in the positive balancing market increases accordingly to make more profit.
In Vivo Genome Editing as a Therapeutic Approach
Authors: Ho Beatrice Xuan , Loh Sharon Jia Hui , Chan Woon Khiong , Soh Boon Seng
Published: September 2018

Genome editing has been well established as a genome engineering tool that enables researchers to establish causal linkages between genetic mutation and biological phenotypes, providing further understanding of the genetic manifestation of many debilitating diseases. More recently, the paradigm of genome editing technologies has evolved to include the correction of mutations that cause diseases via the use of nucleases such as zinc-finger nucleases (ZFN), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and more recently, Cas9 nuclease. With the aim of reversing disease phenotypes, which arise from somatic gene mutations, current research focuses on the clinical translatability of correcting human genetic diseases in vivo, to provide long-term therapeutic benefits and potentially circumvent the limitations of in vivo cell replacement therapy. In this review, in addition to providing an overview of the various genome editing techniques available, we have also summarized several in vivo genome engineering strategies that have successfully demonstrated disease correction via in vivo genome editing. The various benefits and challenges faced in applying in vivo genome editing in humans will also be discussed.
Ex Vivo and in Vivo Study of Sucrosomial® Iron Intestinal Absorption and Bioavailability
Authors: Fabiano Angela , Brilli Elisa , Mattii Letizia , Testai Lara , Moscato Stefania , Citi Valentina , Tarantino Germano , Zambito Ylenia
Published: September 2018

The present study aimed to demonstrate that Sideral® RM (SRM, Sucrosomial® Raw Material Iron) is transported across the excised intestine via a biological mechanism, and to investigate the effect that this transport route may produce on oral iron absorption, which is expected to reduce the gastrointestinal (GI) side effects caused by the bioavailability of non-absorbed iron. Excised rat intestine was exposed to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled SRM in Ussing chambers followed by confocal laser scanning microscopy to look for the presence of fluorescein-tagged vesicles of the FITC-labeled SRM. To identify FITC-labeled SRM internalizing cells, an immunofluorescence analysis for macrophages and M cells was performed using specific antibodies. Microscopy analysis revealed the presence of fluorescein positive particulate structures in tissues treated with FITC-labeled SRM. These structures do not disintegrate during transit, and concentrate in macrophage cells. Iron bioavailability was assessed by determining the time-course of Fe3+ plasma levels. As references, iron contents in liver, spleen, and bone marrow were determined in healthy rats treated by gavage with SRM or ferric pyrophosphate salt (FP). SRM significantly increased both area under the curve (AUC) and clearance maxima (Cmax) compared to FP, thus increasing iron bioavailability (AUCrel = 1.8). This led to increased iron availability in the bone marrow at 5 h after single dose gavage.
Chaperone-E3 Ligase Complex HSP70-CHIP Mediates Ubiquitination of Ribosomal Protein S3
Authors: Hwang Inwoo , Cho Sung-Woo , Ahn Jee-Yin
Published: September 2018

In addition to its role in ribosome biogenesis, ribosomal protein S3 (RPS3), a component of the 40S ribosomal subunit, has been suggested to possess several extraribosomal functions, including an apoptotic function. In this study, we demonstrated that in the mouse brain, the protein levels of RPS3 were altered by the degree of nutritional starvation and correlated with neuronal apoptosis. After endurable short-term starvation, the apoptotic function of RPS3 was suppressed by Akt activation and Akt-mediated T70 phosphorylation, whereas after prolonged starvation, the protein levels of RPS3 notably increased, and abundant neuronal death occurred. These events coincided with ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of RPS3, controlled by HSP70 and the cochaperone E3 ligase: carboxy terminus of heat shock protein 70-interacting protein (CHIP). Thus, our study points to an extraribosomal role of RPS3 in balancing neuronal survival or death depending on the degree of starvation through CHIP-mediated polyubiquitination and degradation.
The Significance of Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4) in Human Gliomas
Authors: Schiffer Davide , Mellai Marta , Boldorini Renzo , Bisogno Ilaria , Grifoni Silvia , Corona Cristiano , Bertero Luca , Cassoni Paola , Casalone Cristina , Annovazzi Laura
Published: September 2018

Neuron glial antigen 2 (NG2) is a chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4) that occurs in developing and adult central nervous systems (CNSs) as a marker of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) together with platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα). It behaves variably in different pathological conditions, and is possibly involved in the origin and progression of human gliomas. In the latter, NG2/CSPG4 induces cell proliferation and migration, is highly expressed in pericytes, and plays a role in neoangiogenesis. NG2/CSPG4 expression has been demonstrated in oligodendrogliomas, astrocytomas, and glioblastomas (GB), and it correlates with malignancy. In rat tumors transplacentally induced by N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU), NG2/CSPG4 expression correlates with PDGFRα, Olig2, Sox10, and Nkx2.2, and with new vessel formation. In this review, we attempt to summarize the normal and pathogenic functions of NG2/CSPG4, as well as its potential as a therapeutic target.
Air Pollution, Autophagy, and Skin Aging: Impact of Particulate Matter (PM10) on Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Park Seo-Yeon , Byun Eun Jung , Lee Jeong Deuk , Kim Sungjoo , Kim Hei Sung
Published: September 2018

A World Health Organization (WHO) report from 2016 states that over 3 million people die annually from air pollution, which places air pollution as the world’s largest single environmental health risk factor. Particulate matter (PM) is one of the main components of air pollution, and there is increasing evidence that PM exposure exerts negative effects on the human skin. To see the impact of air pollution on skin aging, we analyzed the effect of PM exposure on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) with Western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and gene analysis. Cultured HDFs were exposed to PM10 at a concentration of 30 µg/cm2 for 24 h, and their gene/protein expression of inflammatory cytokines, fibroblast chemical mediators, and autophagy were assessed. A total of 1977 genes were found to be differentially expressed following PM exposure. We observed a significantly increased expression of pro-inflammatory genes interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-33 in dermal fibroblasts exposed to PM10. Protein expression of IL-6 and IL-8 also significantly increased, which complemented our gene analysis results. In addition, there was a significant increase in cytochrome P450 (CYP1A1, CYP1B1), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1, MMP-3) mRNA expression, and significant decrease in transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, collagen type I alpha chain (COL1A1, COL1A2), and elastin (ELN) mRNA expression in PM-exposed dermal fibroblasts. Protein expression of MMP-1 was significantly increased and that of TGF-β and procollagen profoundly decreased, similar to the gene analysis results. Autophagy, an integrated cellular stress response, was also increased while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis provided evidence of PM internalization in the autolysosomes. Taken together, our results demonstrate that PM10 contributes to skin inflammation and skin aging via impaired collagen synthesis. Increased autophagy in our study suggests a reparative role of autophagy in HDFs stressed with PM, but its biological significance requires further research.
Regulatory Mechanism of ABA and ABI3 on Vegetative Development in the Moss Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Zhao Mengkai , Li Qilong , Chen Zhenhua , Lv Qiang , Bao Fang , Wang Xiaoqin , He Yikun
Published: September 2018

The moss Physcomitrella patens is a model system for studying plant developmental processes. ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE3 (ABI3), a transcription factor of the ABA signaling pathway, plays an important role in plant growth and development in vascular plant. To understand the regulatory mechanism of ABA and PpABI3 on vegetative development in Physcomitrella patens, we applied physiological, cellular, and RNA-seq analyses in wild type (WT) plants and ∆abi3 mutants. During ABA treatment, the growth of gametophytes was inhibited to a lesser extent ∆abi3 plants compared with WT plants. Microscopic observation indicated that the differentiation of caulonemata from chloronemata was accelerated in ∆abi3 plants when compared with WT plants, with or without 10 μM of ABA treatment. Under normal conditions, auxin concentration in ∆abi3 plants was markedly higher than that in WT plants. The auxin induced later differentiation of caulonemata from chloronemata, and the phenotype of ∆abi3 plants was similar to that of WT plants treated with exogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). RNA-seq analysis showed that the PpABI3-regulated genes overlapped with genes regulated by the ABA treatment, and about 78% of auxin-related genes regulated by the ABA treatment overlapped with those regulated by PpABI3. These results suggested that ABA affected vegetative development partly through PpABI3 regulation in P. patens; PpABI3 is a negative regulator of vegetative development in P. patens, and the vegetative development regulation by ABA and PpABI3 might occur by regulating the expression of auxin-related genes. PpABI3 might be associated with cross-talk between ABA and auxin in P. patens.
The Cancer Prevention, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidation of Bioactive Phytochemicals Targeting the TLR4 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chen Chung-Yi , Kao Chiu-Li , Liu Chi-Ming
Published: September 2018

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a well-known family of pattern recognition receptors that play an important role in a host immune system. TLR triggering leads to the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, driving the activation of both innate and adaptive immunity. Recently, an increasing number studies have shown the link between TLRs and cancer. Among them, the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway is associated with inflammatory response and cancer progression. Dietary phytochemicals are potential modulators of immunological status with various pharmacological properties including anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. Curcumin, 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, 1-dehydro-10-gingerdione, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), luteolin, quercetin, resveratrol, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, xanthohumol, genistein, berberine, and sulforaphane can inhibit TLR4 activation. The aim of the present review is to describe the role of the TLR4 signaling pathway between inflammatory response and cancer progression. We further introduce bioactive phytochemicals with potential anti-inflammation and chemoprevention by inhibiting TLR activation.
Microfluidic and Paper-Based Devices for Disease Detection and Diagnostic Research
Authors: Campbell Joshua M. , Balhoff Joseph B. , Landwehr Grant M. , Rahman Sharif M. , Vaithiyanathan Manibarathi , Melvin Adam T.
Published: September 2018

Recent developments in microfluidic devices, nanoparticle chemistry, fluorescent microscopy, and biochemical techniques such as genetic identification and antibody capture have provided easier and more sensitive platforms for detecting and diagnosing diseases as well as providing new fundamental insight into disease progression. These advancements have led to the development of new technology and assays capable of easy and early detection of pathogenicity as well as the enhancement of the drug discovery and development pipeline. While some studies have focused on treatment, many of these technologies have found initial success in laboratories as a precursor for clinical applications. This review highlights the current and future progress of microfluidic techniques geared toward the timely and inexpensive diagnosis of disease including technologies aimed at high-throughput single cell analysis for drug development. It also summarizes novel microfluidic approaches to characterize fundamental cellular behavior and heterogeneity.
NLRP3 Inflammasome and IL-33: Novel Players in Sterile Liver Inflammation
Authors: Neumann Katrin , Schiller Birgit , Tiegs Gisa
Published: September 2018

In sterile liver inflammation, danger signals are released in response to tissue injury to alert the immune system; e.g., by activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Recently, IL-33 has been identified as a novel type of danger signal or “alarmin”, which is released from damaged and necrotic cells. IL-33 is a pleiotropic cytokine that targets a broad range of immune cells and exhibits pro- and anti-inflammatory properties dependent on the disease. This review summarizes the immunomodulatory roles of the NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-33 in sterile liver inflammation and highlights potential therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways in liver disease.
Alterations of Signaling Pathways Related to the Immune System in Breast Cancer: New Perspectives in Patient Management
Authors: Nicolini Andrea , Ferrari Paola , Diodati Lucrezia , Carpi Angelo
Published: September 2018

In recent years, immune manipulation for cancer treatment, including breast cancer, has been increasingly gaining consent, and many attempts have been made, mainly by either strengthening the immune response (IR) or by inhibiting immune evasion. Therefore, elucidating the related mechanisms is of importance due to the potential to improve the management of cancer patients by immunotherapy. This review article summarized some recent experimental studies, which have discovered novel alterations of signaling pathways related to the immune system in breast cancer. These altered signaling pathways have been grouped according to the general biological mechanism involved: tumor-initiating cells (TICs), cancer stem cells (CSCs), immune evasion, tumor growth and progression, prediction of clinical outcome and prediction of response, or resistance to chemotherapy. These altered pathways related to the immune system open clinical opportunities for the prognosis or treatment of patients. Many of these pathways are related to the origin of breast cancer and immune evasion. We recommended development of new drugs which act on these molecular pathways, and the designing of clinical trials to be carried out mainly in breast cancer patients who required adjuvant treatment.
Norepinephrine Administration Is Associated with Higher Mortality in Dialysis Requiring Acute Kidney Injury Patients with Septic Shock
Authors: Chen Ying-Ying , Wu Vin-Cent , Huang Wei-Chieh , Yeh Yu-Chang , Wu Mai-Szu , Huang Chiu-Ching , Wu Kwan-Dun , Fang Ji-Tseng , Wu Chih-Jen ,   The NSARF,   CAKS Group
Published: September 2018

(1) Background: Norepinephrine (NE) is the first-line vasoactive agent used in septic shock patients; however, the effect of norepinephrine on dialysis-required septic acute kidney injury (AKI-D) patients is uncertain. (2) Methods: To evaluate the impact of NE on 90-day mortality and renal recovery in septic AKI-D patients, we enrolled patients in intensive care units from 30 hospitals in Taiwan. (3) Results: 372 patients were enrolled and were divided into norepinephrine users and non-users. After adjustment by Inverse probability of treatment weighted (IPTW), there was no significant difference of baseline comorbidities between the two groups. NE users had significantly higher 90-day mortality rate and using NE is a strong predictor of 90-day mortality in the multivariate Cox regression (HR = 1.497, p = 0.027) after adjustment. The generalized additive model disclosed norepinephrine alone exerted a dose–dependent effect on 90-day mortality, while other vasoactive agents were not. (4) Conclusion: Using norepinephrine in septic AKI-D patients is associated with higher 90-day mortality and the effect is dose-dependent. Further study to explore the potential mechanism is needed.
Association of Pre-Eclampsia with Carotid Artery Intima–Media Thickness and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Memari Behzad , Moghiseh Niloofar , Mohammadian Farnaz , Ghajarzadeh Mahsa , Ghoreishian Hadi
Published: September 2018

Atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are considered important complications of pre-eclampsia. This study was conducted to determine the association of pre-eclampsia with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and the association of pre-eclampsia with bilateral intima–media thickness (IMT; right and left), separately. Twenty-one pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and 21 normal pregnant women were enrolled in the present study. The right and left intima–media thicknesses of carotid arteries were evaluated using Doppler sonography. The diagnosis of NAFLD was based on sonography. Linear and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between pre-eclampsia and related outcomes. The mean right IMT was determined as 0.60 ± 0.07 mm in women with pre-eclampsia and 0.51 ± 0.08 mm in normal pregnant women (p = 0.001). On the other hand, the mean left IMT was 0.59 ± 0.09 mm in women with pre-eclampsia and 0.50 ± 0.10 mm in normal pregnant women (p = 0.003). The frequencies of NAFLD in women with pre-eclampsia and normal pregnant women were found to be 66.7% and 23.8% respectively (p = 0.006). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed an association between pre-eclampsia and right (p = 0.014) and left (p = 0.019) IMT, without removing the effects of other confounding variables. Binary regression analysis (multivariate) did not confirm an independent association between pre-eclampsia and NAFLD. Pre-eclampsia exhibited a direct and independent association with right and left IMT. Although the prevalence of NAFLD was significantly higher in women with pre-eclampsia, pre-eclampsia was not an independent predictor for NAFLD.
Fabrication of Dielectric Elastomer Composites by Locking a Pre-Stretched Fibrous TPU Network in EVA
Authors: Jiang Liang , Zhou Yanfen , Wang Yuhao , Jiang Zhiqing , Zhou Fang , Chen Shaojuan , Ma Jianwei
Published: September 2018

Dielectric elastomer (DE) composites with high electrical breakdown strength and large voltage-induced deformation were developed by retaining pre-stretched thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) fibers in ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). The microstructure of the candidate E-TPU fiber membrane and EVA coated E-TPU (E-TPU/EVA) film were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The quasi-static and dynamic mechanical property, and the electromechanical properties, including the dielectric constant, dielectric loss tangent, and electromechanical sensitivity, of the DE composites were evaluated. Initially, tensile tests demonstrated that the DE composites based on E-TPU/EVAs had a higher elongation at break of above 1000% but a low elastic modulus of approximately 1.7 MPa. Furthermore, dielectric spectroscopy showed that the E-TPU/EVA had a dielectric constant of 4.5 at the frequency of 1000 Hz, which was 1.2 times higher than that of pure EVA film. Finally, it was found from electromechanical test that the voltage induced strain of E-TPU/EVA rose to 6%, nearly 3 times higher than that of pure TPU film, indicating an excellent electromechanical property. The DE composites developed have demonstrated the potential to be good candidate materials in the fields of artificial intelligence, biomimicry and renewable energy.
New Antibacterial Bagremycins F and G from the Marine-Derived Streptomyces sp. ZZ745
Authors: Zhang Di , Shu Chenyan , Lian Xiaoyuan , Zhang Zhizhen
Published: September 2018

As part of our research to discover novel bioactive natural products from marine microorganisms, five bagremycin analogues, including the previously unreported bagremycins F (1) and G (2), were isolated from a marine actinomycete Streptomyces sp. ZZ745. The structures of these compounds were determined by means of NMR spectroscopic analysis, HRESIMS data, and optical rotation. Both bagremycins F (1) and G (2) showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, with MIC values of 41.8 and 61.7 μM, respectively.
Stress-Driven Discovery of New Angucycline-Type Antibiotics from a Marine Streptomyces pratensis NA-ZhouS1
Authors: Akhter Najeeb , Liu Yaqin , Auckloo Bibi Nazia , Shi Yutong , Wang Kuiwu , Chen Juanjuan , Wu Xiaodan , Wu Bin
Published: September 2018

Natural products from marine actinomycetes remain an important resource for drug discovery, many of which are produced by the genus, Streptomyces. However, in standard laboratory conditions, specific gene clusters in microbes have long been considered silent or covert. Thus, various stress techniques activated latent gene clusters leading to isolation of potential metabolites. This study focused on the analysis of two new angucycline antibiotics isolated from the culture filtrate of a marine Streptomyces pratensis strain NA-ZhouS1, named, stremycin A (1) and B (2) which were further determined based on spectroscopic techniques such as high resolution time of flight mass spectrometry (HR-TOF-MS), 1D, and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. In addition, four other known compounds, namely, 2-[2-(3,5-dimethyl-2-oxo-cyclohexyl)-6-oxo-tetrahydro-pyran-4yl]-acetamide (3), cyclo[l-(4-hydroxyprolinyl)-l-leucine] (4), 2-methyl-3H-quinazoline-4-one (5), and menthane derivative, 3-(hydroxymethyl)-6-isopropyl-10,12-dioxatricyclo[7.2.1.0]dodec-4-en-8-one (6) were obtained and elucidated by means of 1D NMR spectrometry. Herein, we describe the “Metal Stress Technique” applied in the discovery of angucyclines, a distinctive class of antibiotics that are commonly encoded in microbiomes but have never been reported in “Metal Stress” based discovery efforts. Novel antibiotics 1 and 2 exhibited antimicrobial activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella pneumonia, and Escherichia coli with equal minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 16 µg/mL, while these antibiotics showed inhibition against Bacillus subtilis at MIC value of approximately 8–16 µg/mL, respectively. As a result, the outcome of this investigation revealed that metal stress is an effective technique in unlocking the biosynthetic potential and resulting production of novel antibiotics.
LSS-RM: Using Multi-Mounted Devices to Construct a Lightweight Site-Survey Radio Map for WiFi Positioning
Authors: Yang Wei , Xiu Chundi , Ye Jiarui , Lin Zhixing , Wei Haisong , Yan Dayu , Yang Dongkai
Published: September 2018

A WiFi-received signal strength index (RSSI) fingerprinting-based indoor positioning system (WiFi-RSSI IPS) is widely studied due to advantages of low cost and high accuracy, especially in a complex indoor environment where performance of the ranging method is limited. The key drawback that limits the large-scale deployment of WiFi-RSSI IPS is time-consuming offline site surveys. To solve this problem, we developed a method using multi-mounted devices to construct a lightweight site-survey radio map (LSS-RM) for WiFi positioning. A smartphone was mounted on the foot (Phone-F) and another on the waist (Phone-W) to scan WiFi-RSSI and simultaneously sample microelectromechanical system inertial measurement-unit (MEMS-IMU) readings, including triaxial accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer measurements. The offline site-survey phase in LSS-RM is a client–server model of a data collection and preprocessing process, and a post calibration process. Reference-point (RP) coordinates were estimated using the pedestrian dead-reckoning algorithm. The heading was calculated with a corner detected by Phone-W and the preassigned site-survey trajectory. Step number and stride length were estimated using Phone-F based on the stance-phase detection algorithm. Finally, the WiFi-RSSI radio map was constructed with the RP coordinates and timestamps of each stance phase. Experimental results show that our LSS-RM method can reduce the time consumption of constructing a WiFi-RSSI radio map from 54 min to 7.6 min compared with the manual site-survey method. The average positioning error was below 2.5 m with three rounds along the preassigned site-survey trajectory. LSS-RM aims to reduce offline site-survey time consumption, which would cut down on manpower. It can be used in the large-scale implementation of WiFi-RSSI IPS, such as shopping malls, hospitals, and parking lots.
Resveratrol Suppresses Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Activation Induced by Lipopolysaccharide in Mouse Osteoblasts via Interactions with AMP-Activated Protein Kinase and Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1
Authors: Yu Yaqiong , Li Xiaolin , Mi Jing , Qu Liu , Yang Di , Guo Jiajie , Qiu Lihong
Published: September 2018

Porphyromonas endodontalis (P. endodontalis) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is associated with the progression of bone resorption in periodontal and periapical diseases. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression and activity are elevated in apical periodontitis and have been suggested to participate in bone resorption. Therefore, inhibiting MMP-2 activation may be considered a therapeutic strategy for treating apical periodontitis. Resveratrol is a natural non-flavonoid polyphenol that has been reported to have antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the capacity of resveratrol to protect osteoblast cells from P. endodontalis LPS insults and the mechanism of its inhibitory effects on MMP-2 activation is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that cell viability is unchanged when 10 mg L−1 P. endodontalis LPS is used, and MMP-2 expression is drastically induced by P. endodontalis LPS in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Twenty micromolar resveratrol did not reduce MC3T3-E1 cell viability. Resveratrol increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, and Compound C, a specific AMPK inhibitor, partially abolished the resveratrol-mediated phosphorylation of AMPK. In addition, AMPK inhibition blocked the effects of resveratrol on MMP-2 expression and activity in LPS-induced MC3T3-E1 cells. Treatment with resveratrol also induced suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) expression in MC3T3-E1 cells. SOCS1 siRNA negated the inhibitory effects of resveratrol on LPS-induced MMP-2 production. Additionally, resveratrol-induced SOCS1 upregulation was reduced by treatment with compound C. These results demonstrate that AMPK and SOCS1 activation are important signaling events during resveratrol-mediated inhibition of MMP-2 production in response to LPS in MC3T3-E1 cells, and there is crosstalk between AMPK and SOCS1 signaling.
Validation of Internal Control Genes for Quantitative Real-Time PCR Gene Expression Analysis in Morchella
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Liu Wei , Cai Yingli , Lan A-Feng , Bian Yinbing
Published: September 2018

The reliability of qRT-PCR results depend on the stability of reference genes used for normalization, suggesting the necessity of identification of reference genes before gene expression analysis. Morels are edible mushrooms well-known across the world and highly prized by many culinary kitchens. Here, several candidate genes were selected and designed according to the Morchella importuna transcriptome data. The stability of the candidate genes was evaluated with geNorm and NormFinder under three different experimental conditions, and several genes with excellent stability were selected. The extensive adaptability of the selected genes was tested in ten Morchella species. Results from the three experimental conditions revealed that ACT1 and INTF7 were the most prominent genes in Morchella, CYC3 was the most stable gene in different development stages, INTF4/AEF3 were the top-ranked genes across carbon sources, while INTF3/CYC3 pair showed the robust stability for temperature stress treatment. We suggest using ACT1, AEF3, CYC3, INTF3, INTF4 and INTF7 as reference genes for gene expression analysis studies for any of the 10 Morchella strains tested in this study. The stability and practicality of the gene, vacuolar protein sorting (INTF3), vacuolar ATP synthase (INTF4) and14-3-3 protein (INTF7) involving the basic biological processes were validated for the first time as the candidate reference genes for quantitative PCR. Furthermore, the stability of the reference genes was found to vary under the three different experimental conditions, indicating the importance of identifying specific reference genes for particular conditions.
Symmetry-Induced Structuring of Ultrathin FeO and Fe3O4 Films on Pt(111) and Ru(0001)
Authors: Michalak Natalia , Miłosz Zygmunt , Peschel Gina , Prieto Mauricio , Xiong Feng , Wojciechowski Paweł , Schmidt Thomas , Lewandowski Mikołaj
Published: September 2018

Iron oxide films epitaxially grown on close-packed metal single crystal substrates exhibit nearly-perfect structural order, high catalytic activity (FeO) and room-temperature magnetism (Fe3O4). However, the morphology of the films, especially in the ultrathin regime, can be significantly influenced by the crystalline structure of the used support. This work reports an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) low energy electron/synchrotron light-based X-ray photoemission electron microscopy (LEEM/XPEEM) and electron diffraction (µLEED) study of the growth of FeO and Fe3O4 on two closed-packed metal single crystal surfaces: Pt(111) and Ru(0001). The results reveal the influence of the mutual orientation of adjacent substrate terraces on the morphology of iron oxide films epitaxially grown on top of them. On fcc Pt(111), which has the same mutual orientation of adjacent monoatomic terraces, FeO(111) grows with the same in-plane orientation on all substrate terraces. For Fe3O4(111), one or two orientations are observed depending on the growth conditions. On hcp Ru(0001), the adjacent terraces of which are ‘rotated’ by 180° with respect to each other, the in-plane orientation of initial FeO(111) and Fe3O4(111) crystallites is determined by the orientation of the substrate terrace on which they nucleated. The adaptation of three-fold symmetric iron oxides to three-fold symmetric substrate terraces leads to natural structuring of iron oxide films, i.e., the formation of patch-like magnetite layers on Pt(111) and stripe-like FeO and Fe3O4 structures on Ru(0001).
Acute Effects of Dietary Carbohydrate Restriction on Glycemia, Lipemia and Appetite Regulating Hormones in Normal-Weight to Obese Subjects
Authors: Samkani Amirsalar , Skytte Mads J. , Thomsen Mads N. , Astrup Arne , Deacon Carolyn F. , Holst Jens J. , Madsbad Sten , Rehfeld Jens F. , Krarup Thure , Haugaard Steen B.
Published: September 2018

Postprandial responses to food are highly dependent on the macronutrient composition of the diet. We investigated the acute effects of transition from the recommended moderately high carbohydrate (HC) diet towards a carbohydrate-reduced high-protein (CRHP) diet on postprandial glycemia, insulinemia, lipemia, and appetite-regulating hormones in non-diabetic adults. Fourteen subjects, including five males (Mean ± SD: age 62 ± 6.5; BMI 32 ± 7.6 kg/m2; hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 40 ± 3.0 mmol/mol; HOMA2-IR 2.1 ± 0.9) were included in this randomized, cross-over study. Iso-caloric diets were consumed for two consecutive days with a median wash-out period of 21 days (range 2–8 weeks) between diets (macronutrient energy composition: CRHP/HC; 31%/54% carbohydrate, 29%/16% protein, 40%/30% fat). Postprandial glucose, insulin secretion rate (ISR), triglycerides (TGs), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), and satiety ratings were assessed after ingestion of breakfast (Br) and lunch (Lu), and gut hormones and glucagon were assessed after ingestion of Br. Compared with the HC diet, the CRHP diet reduced peak glucose concentrations (Br 11%, p = 0.024; Lu 11%, p < 0.001), glucose excursions (Br 80%, p = 0.20; Lu 85%, p < 0.001), and ISR (Br 31%; Lu 64%, both p < 0.001) whereas CRHP, as compared with HC, increased glucagon-like peptide-1 (Br 27%, p = 0.015) and glucagon values (Br 249%, p < 0.001). NEFA and TG levels increased in the CRHP diet as compared with the HC diet after Br, but no difference was found after Lu (NEFA Br 22%, p < 0.01; TG Br 42%, p = 0.012). Beta-cell glucose sensitivity, insulin clearance, cholecystokinin values, and subjective satiety ratings were unaffected. It is possible to achieve a reduction in postprandial glycemia and insulin without a deleterious effect on beta-cell glucose sensitivity by substituting part of dietary carbohydrate with iso-caloric protein and fat in subjects without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The metabolic effects are more pronounced after the second meal.
Wholegrain Intake and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Evidence from Epidemiological and Intervention Studies
Authors: Della Pepa Giuseppe , Vetrani Claudia , Vitale Marilena , Riccardi Gabriele
Published: September 2018

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common metabolic diseases and represents a leading cause of morbidity and mortality because of its related complications. The alarming rise in T2DM prevalence worldwide poses enormous challenges in relation to its social, economic, and a clinical burden requiring appropriate preventive strategies. Currently, lifestyle modifications—including approaches to promote a moderate body weight reduction and to increase regular physical exercise—are the first crucial intervention for T2DM prevention. In the light of the difficulty in reducing body weight and in long-term maintenance of weight loss, quality changes in dietary patterns—in terms of macro and micronutrient composition—can also strongly affect the development of T2DM. This may provide a more practical and suitable preventative approach than simply implementing caloric restriction. Along this line, there is increasing evidence that wholegrain consumption in substitution of refined grains is associated with a reduction of the incidence of several non-communicable chronic diseases. The aim of the present review is to summarize the current evidence from observational and randomized controlled clinical trials on the benefits of wholegrain on T2DM prevention and treatment. Plausible mechanisms by which wholegrain could act on glucose homeostasis and T2DM prevention are also evaluated. Altogether, the totality of the available evidence supports present dietary recommendations promoting wholegrain foods for the prevention and treatment of T2DM.
Excessive Weight Gain Followed by Catch-Down in Exclusively Breastfed Infants: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Larsson Melanie W. , Lind Mads V. , Larnkjær Anni , Due Anette P. , Blom Irina C. , Wells Jonathan , Lai Ching T. , Mølgaard Christian , Geddes Donna T. , Michaelsen Kim F.
Published: September 2018

Some infants experience excessive weight gain (EWG) during exclusive breastfeeding, but causes and consequences are unknown. The objective was to identify factors associated with early EWG. Infants with EWG (HW-group) were examined at 5, 9 and 18 mo and compared to a breastfed group with normal weight gain (NW-group). Anthropometry, body composition, milk and blood samples, and milk intake were measured. Mean body-mass-index-for-age z-scores (BAZ) increased 1.93 from birth to 5 mo in the HW-group (n = 13) while the NW-group (n = 17) was unchanged (−0.01). The HW-group had 70% more fat mass at 5 mo, and then showed marked catch-down in BAZ from 5 to 18 mo (−0.84). Milk intake at 5–6 mo did not differ between the groups. In the HW-group milk-leptin was lower at 5 mo and serum-leptin was considerably higher at 5 and 9 mo compared to the NW-group. Serum-leptin at 5 mo was positively associated with weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) and fat mass and negatively with WAZ change from 5 to 9 mo. In conclusion, breastfed infants with EWG had catch-down growth when other foods were introduced. Low milk-leptin in the HW-group may have stimulated appetite and milk intake when weight gain was high. High serum-leptin in the HW-group suggests early leptin resistance, which could impact cerebral regulation of energy intake. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results.
Dietary Cows’ Milk Protein A1 Beta-Casein Increases the Incidence of T1D in NOD Mice
Authors: Chia Joanne S. J. , McRae Jennifer L. , Enjapoori Ashwantha Kumar , Lefèvre Christophe M. , Kukuljan Sonja , Dwyer Karen M.
Published: September 2018

The contribution of cows’ milk containing beta-casein protein A1 variant to the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been controversial for decades. Despite epidemiological data demonstrating a relationship between A1 beta-casein consumption and T1D incidence, direct evidence is limited. We demonstrate that early life exposure to A1 beta-casein through the diet can modify progression to diabetes in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, with the effect apparent in later generations. Adult NOD mice from the F0 generation and all subsequent generations (F1 to F4) were fed either A1 or A2 beta-casein supplemented diets. Diabetes incidence in F0–F2 generations was similar in both cohorts of mice. However, diabetes incidence doubled in the F3 generation NOD mice fed an A1 beta-casein supplemented diet. In F4 NOD mice, subclinical insulitis and altered glucose handling was evident as early as 10 weeks of age in A1 fed mice only. A significant decrease in the proportion of non-conventional regulatory T cell subset defined as CD4+CD25−FoxP3+ was evident in the F4 generation of A1 fed mice. This feeding intervention study demonstrates that dietary A1 beta-casein may affect glucose homeostasis and T1D progression, although this effect takes generations to manifest.
New Digital Plug and Imaging Sensor for a Proton Therapy Monitoring System Based on Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: D’Ascenzo Nicola , Gao Min , Antonecchia Emanuele , Gnudi Paolo , Chen Hsien-Hsin , Chen Fang-Hsin , Hong Ji-Hong , Hsiao Ing-Tsung , Yen Tzu-Chen , Wang Weidong , Xi Daoming , Zhang Bo , Xie Qingguo
Published: September 2018

One of the most challenging areas of sensor development for nuclear medicine is the design of proton therapy monitoring systems. Sensors are operated in a high detection rate regime in beam-on conditions. We realized a prototype of a monitoring system for proton therapy based on the technique of positron emission tomography. We used the Plug and Imaging (P&I) technology in this application. This sensing system includes LYSO/silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) detection elements, fast digital multi voltage threshold (MVT) readout electronics and dedicated image reconstruction algorithms. In this paper, we show that the P&I sensor system has a uniform response and is controllable in the experimental conditions of the proton therapy room. The prototype of PET monitoring device based on the P&I sensor system has an intrinsic experimental spatial resolution of approximately 3 mm (FWHM), obtained operating the prototype both during the beam irradiation and right after it. The count-rate performance of the P&I sensor approaches 5 Mcps and allows the collection of relevant statistics for the nuclide analysis. The measurement of both the half life and the relative abundance of the positron emitters generated in the target volume through irradiation of 10 10 protons in approximately 15 s is performed with 0.5% and 5 % accuracy, respectively.
A Digital Shade-Matching Device for Dental Color Determination Using the Support Vector Machine Algorithm
Authors: Kim Minah , Kim Byungyeon , Park Byungjun , Lee Minsuk , Won Youngjae , Kim Choul-Young , Lee Seungrag
Published: September 2018

In this study, we developed a digital shade-matching device for dental color determination using the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. Shade-matching was performed using shade tabs. For the hardware, the typically used intraoral camera was modified to apply the cross-polarization scheme and block the light from outside, which can lead to shade-matching errors. For reliable experiments, a precise robot arm with ±0.1 mm position repeatability and a specially designed jig to fix the position of the VITA 3D-master (3D) shade tabs were used. For consistent color performance, color calibration was performed with five standard colors having color values as the mean color values of the five shade tabs of the 3D. By using the SVM algorithm, hyperplanes and support vectors for 3D shade tabs were obtained with a database organized using five developed devices. Subsequently, shade matching was performed by measuring 3D shade tabs, as opposed to real teeth, with three additional devices. On average, more than 90% matching accuracy and a less than 1% failure rate were achieved with all devices for 10 measurements. In addition, we compared the classification algorithm with other classification algorithms, such as logistic regression, random forest, and k-nearest neighbors, using the leave-pair-out cross-validation method to verify the classification performance of the SVM algorithm. Our proposed scheme can be an optimum solution for the quantitative measurement of tooth color with high accuracy.
Benefits of Multi-Constellation/Multi-Frequency GNSS in a Tightly Coupled GNSS/IMU/Odometry Integration Algorithm
Authors: Reuper Björn , Becker Matthias , Leinen Stefan
Published: September 2018

Localization algorithms based on global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) play an important role in automotive positioning. Due to the advent of autonomously driving cars, their importance is expected to grow even further in the next years. Simultaneously, the performance requirements for these localization algorithms will increase because they are no longer used exclusively for navigation, but also for control of the vehicle’s movement. These requirements cannot be met with GNSS alone. Instead, algorithms for sensor data fusion are needed. While the combination of GNSS receivers with inertial measurements units (IMUs) is a common approach, it is traditionally executed in a single-frequency/single-constellation architecture, usually with the Global Positioning System’s (GPS) L1 C/A signal. With the advent of new GNSS constellations and civil signals on multiple frequencies, GNSS/IMU integration algorithm performance can be improved by utilizing these new data sources. To achieve this, we upgraded a tightly coupled GNSS/IMU integration algorithm to process measurements from GPS (L1 C/A, L2C, L5) and Galileo (E1, E5a, E5b). After investigating various combination strategies, we chose to preferably work with ionosphere-free combinations of L5-L1 C/A and E5a-E1 pseudo-ranges. L2C-L1 C/A and E5b-E1 combinations as well as single-frequency pseudo-ranges on L1 and E1 serve as backup when no L5/E5a measurements are available. To be able to process these six types of pseudo-range observations simultaneously, the differential code biases (DCBs) of the employed receiver need to be calibrated. Time-differenced carrier-phase measurements on L1 and E1 provide the algorithm with pseudo-range-rate observations. To provide additional aiding, information about the vehicle’s velocity obtained by an odometry model fed with angular velocities from all four wheels as well as the steering wheel angle is incorporated into the algorithm. To evaluate the performance improvement provided by these new data sources, two sets of measurement data are collected and the resulting navigation solutions are compared to a higher-grade reference system, consisting of a geodetic GNSS receiver for real-time kinematic positioning (RTK) and a navigation grade IMU. The multi-frequency/multi-constellation algorithm with odometry aiding achieves a 3-D root mean square (RMS) position error of 3.6 m / 2.1 m in these data sets, compared to 5.2 m / 2.9 m for the single-frequency GPS algorithm without odometry aiding. Odometry is most beneficial to positioning accuracy when GNSS measurement quality is poor. This is demonstrated in data set 1, resulting in a reduction of the horizontal position error’s 95% quantile from 6.2 m without odometry aiding to 4.2 m with odometry aiding.
Semi-Supervised Segmentation Framework Based on Spot-Divergence Supervoxelization of Multi-Sensor Fusion Data for Autonomous Forest Machine Applications
Authors: Kong Jian-lei , Wang Zhen-ni , Jin Xue-bo , Wang Xiao-yi , Su Ting-li , Wang Jian-li
Published: September 2018

In this paper, a novel semi-supervised segmentation framework based on a spot-divergence supervoxelization of multi-sensor fusion data is proposed for autonomous forest machine (AFMs) applications in complex environments. Given the multi-sensor measuring system, our framework addresses three successive steps: firstly, the relationship of multi-sensor coordinates is jointly calibrated to form higher-dimensional fusion data. Then, spot-divergence supervoxels representing the size-change property are given to produce feature vectors covering comprehensive information of multi-sensors at a time. Finally, the Gaussian density peak clustering is proposed to segment supervoxels into sematic objects in the semi-supervised way, which non-requires parameters preset in manual. It is demonstrated that the proposed framework achieves a balancing act both for supervoxel generation and sematic segmentation. Comparative experiments show that the well performance of segmenting various objects in terms of segmentation accuracy (F-score up to 95.6%) and operation time, which would improve intelligent capability of AFMs.