bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sesame germplasm evaluation for reproductive period and harvest index
Authors: Monpara Bachubhai
Published: October 2016

In sesame, reproductive period is a component of crop maturity and harvest
index is a component of seed yield. Both are important traits in applied
plant breeding and associated with seed filling process, which helps
optimizing crop duration and maximizing sesame yield. The study was focused
on genetic control of these traits and to identify potential genotypes to use
as parents in breeding programme. Seventy sesame germplasm lines were
evaluated in randomized block design replicated thrice. Great variability for
reproductive period and harvest index was observed. High heritability
accompanied by high genetic gain for reproductive period, harvest index,
biological yield and seed yield. Reproductive period was associated
positively with days to maturity. Harvest index was associated positively
with seed yield and biological yield but negatively with days to maturity.
These circumstances suggest that increasing seed yield in sesame is possible
through breeding for reproductive period and harvest index. However,
performance data of selected genotypes demonstrate that it is wise to select
for yield in conjunction with high biological yield and greater proportion of
photosynthate partitioning together with optimum length of reproductive
period. Use of present genetic variation like MARGO-TALL in manipulating both
reproductive period and harvest index may be beneficial in sesame breeding
programme.
Analysis of T-786C and 4a/b endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms in retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Pantelic Jelica , Varljen Tatjana , Maksimovic Nela , Jekic Biljana , Oros Ana , Nikolic Tatjana , Stefanovic Ivan , Novakovic Ivana , Damnjanovic Tatjana
Published: October 2016

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vascular proliferative disorder of
retina, that causes visual impairment in premature children. Beside well
known risk factors such as short gestational age, low birth weight and early
oxygen exposure, genetic susceptibility is considered as a risk factor for
development of the disease. The aim of our study was to explore the
association of T-786C and 4a/b eNOS gene polymorphisms with the development
of severe ROP. Study included 174 preterm infants, 84 with ROP and 90 as a
control group. No differences have been observed in genotypes and alleles
distributions of eNOS T-786C and eNOS 4a/b polymorphisms between two analyzed
groups. There was significant difference in female infants by dominant model
for 4a/b genotypes (4bb/4ba+4aa). Namely, female infants in ROP group were
more frequently carriers of 4ba and 4aa genotypes than female infants in
control group (p=0.037). Analysis of association between 4a/b eNOS
polymorphism and ROP among preterm infants have not shown statistically
significant association (p=0.288). Gestational age values by recessive model
(4bb+4ba/4aa) were significantly lower in infants with 4aa genotype (t=2.034
p=0.044). Almost all detected 4aa genotypes were present in the group of
infants with gestational age under 30 weeks (p=0.032), but multivariate
linear regression analysis does not show association of 4a/b genotypes with
gestational age of premature infants. According to results of the present
study T-786C and 4a/b polymorphisms of the eNOS gene may not be the risk
factors for the manifestation of severe ROP in Serbian infants.
Yield and yield traits of durum wheat (Triticum durum desf.) and bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes under drought stress
Authors: Allahverdiyev Tofig
Published: October 2016

Field experiment was conducted to study the effect of water stress on yield
and yield traits of durum wheat and bread wheat genotypes. Water stress
caused significant reduction in plant height (PH), peduncle length (PL),
spike number/m2(SN), spike length (SL), spike width (SW), spikelets
number/spike (SNS), spike mass (SM), grain number/spike (GNS), grain
mass/spike (GMS), biological yield (BY), thousand kernel mass (TKM), grain
yield (GY) and harvest index (HI). Wheat traits such as SN, SM, BY, TKM, GY
were more vulnerable to drought stress. Positive significant correlation of
GY with SN, BY and HI under rain-fed condition was found. Genotypes of durum
wheat were more sensitive to drought than that bread wheat genotypes. The
significant and positive correlation of GY with Stress Tolerance Index (STI),
Mean Productivity (MP) and Geometric Mean Productivity (GMP) indicated that
these indices were more effective in identifying high yielding, drought
tolerance genotypes.
Anthropogenetic variability in groups of children from regular and special schools from different localities in Serbia
Authors: Brankovic Slavko , Cvjeticanin Suzana
Published: October 2016

This population-genetic study compares morpholophysiological and genetic
variability in five control groups of individuals (children from five regular
schools, N= 996) with children from that many special schools (N= 736) from
Serbia, by using a test of determination of homozygously recessive
characteristics in humans (HRC-test). Genetic homozygosity degree showed not
only statistically significant difference between the mean values obtained
for two groups of studied samples (control group 6.95? 0.07; children from
special schools 8.63? 0.08 HRCs, out of 30 analyzed characteristics), but
also differences in the type of distribution, as well as the presence of
specific combinations of such traits. Results of comparisons done in
different places (Kraljevo, Nis, Vranje, Leskovac, Pirot) showed the same
tendency- the increase of genetic homozygosity and relative decrease of
variability in samples of children from special schools. The number of HRCs
among individuals from control groups varied from 2 to 15/30, and from 3 to
16/30 among children from special schools. It is possible that increased
recessive homozygosity present in the group of children from special schools
leads to increase of genetic loads, what may cause easier expression of some
physiological and mental abilities that children from special schools have.A
great individual variation in amount of genetic homozygosity that exists
among human individuals may influence their potentials for different kinds of
adaptation, including their mental abilities, physical capacities or
resistance to different diseases.
Corrigendum: Jankovic et al., "Wilms tumor (WT)1 gene expression in children with acute leukemia in Serbia" published in Genetika 48(1):409-421
Authors: Editorial E
Published: October 2016

The authors of the above-referenced article have requested a corrigendum to it. The article
should include the following correction in affiliation of authors:
2Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of
Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.

 Link to the corrected article 10.2298/GENSR1601409J
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of diamond-coated strips
Authors: Lione Roberta , Gazzani Francesca , Pavoni Chiara , Guarino Stefano , Tagliaferri Vincenzo , Cozza Paola
Published: October 2016

Objective:

To test in vitro and in vivo the wear performance of diamond-coated strips by means of tribological testing and scanning electronic microscope (SEM).

Materials and Methods:

To evaluate the in vitro wear performance, a tribological test was performed by a standard tribometer. The abrasive strips slid against stationary, freshly extracted premolars fixed in resin blocks, at a 2-newton load. At the end of the tribological test, the residual surface of the strip was observed by means of SEM analysis, which was performed every 50 meters until reaching 300 meters. For the in vivo analysis, the strip was used for 300 seconds, corresponding to 250 meters.

Results:

The strips presented a fenestrated structure characterized by diamond granules alternating with voids. After the first 50 meters, it was possible to observe tooth material deposited on the surface of the strips and a certain number of abrasive grains detached. The surface of the strip after 250 meters appeared smoother and therefore less effective in its abrasive power. After 300 seconds of in vivo utilization of the strip, it was possible to observe the detachment of diamond abrasive grains, the near absence of the grains and, therefore, loss of abrasive power.

Conclusions:

Under ideal conditions, after 5 minutes (300 meters) of use, the strip loses its abrasive capacity by about 60%. In vivo, a more rapid loss of abrasive power was observed due to the greater load applied by the clinician in forcing the strip into the contact point.
BMI at Age 17 Years and Diabetes Mortality in Midlife: A Nationwide Cohort of 2.3 Million Adolescents
Authors: Twig Gilad , Tirosh Amir , Leiba Adi , Levine Hagai , Ben-Ami Shor Dana , Derazne Estela , Haklai Ziona , Goldberger Nehama , Kasher-Meron Michal , Yifrach Dror , Gerstein Hertzel C. , Kark Jeremy D.
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE

The sequelae of increasing childhood obesity are of major concern. We assessed the association of BMI in late adolescence with diabetes mortality in midlife.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The BMI values of 2,294,139 Israeli adolescents (age 17.4 ± 0.3 years), measured between 1967 and 2010, were grouped by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention age/sex percentiles and by ordinary BMI values. The outcome, obtained by linkage with official national records, was death attributed to diabetes mellitus (DM) as the underlying cause. Cox proportional hazards models were applied.

RESULTS

During 42,297,007 person-years of follow-up (median, 18.4 years; range <1–44 years) there were 481 deaths from DM (mean age at death, 50.6 ± 6.6 years). There was a graded increase in DM mortality evident from the 25th to the 49th BMI percentile group onward and from a BMI of 20.0–22.4 kg/m2 onward. Overweight (85th to 94th percentiles) and obesity (the 95th percentile or higher), compared with the 5th to 24th percentiles, were associated with hazard ratios (HRs) of 8.0 (95% CI 5.7–11.3) and 17.2 (11.9–24.8) for DM mortality, respectively, after adjusting for sex, age, birth year, height, and sociodemographic variables. The HR for the 50th through 74th percentiles was 1.6 (95% CI 1.1–2.3). Findings persisted in a series of sensitivity analyses. The estimated population-attributable fraction for DM mortality, 31.2% (95% CI 26.6–36.1%) for the 1967–1977 prevalence of overweight and obesity at age 17, rose to a projected 52.1% (95% CI 46.4–57.4%) for the 2012–2014 prevalence.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescent BMI, including values within the currently accepted “normal” range, strongly predicts DM mortality up to the seventh decade. The increasing prevalence of childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity points to a substantially increased future adult DM burden.
Biofeedback in Partial Weight Bearing: Validity of 3 Different Devices
Authors: van Lieshout Remko , Stukstette Mirelle J. , de Bie Rob A. , Vanwanseele Benedicte , Pisters Martijn F.
Published: October 2016

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study to assess criterion-related validity, with a cross-sectional within-subject design.

Background

Patients with orthopaedic conditions have difficulties complying with partial weight-bearing instructions. Technological advances have resulted in biofeedback devices that offer real-time feedback. However, the accuracy of these devices is mostly unknown. Inaccurate feedback can result in incorrect lower-limb loading and may lead to delayed healing.

Objectives

To investigate validity of peak force measurements obtained using 3 different biofeedback devices under varying levels of partial weight-bearing categories.

Methods

Validity of 3 biofeedback devices (OpenGo science, SmartStep, and SensiStep) was assessed. Healthy participants were instructed to walk at a self-selected speed with crutches under 3 different weight-bearing conditions, categorized as a percentage range of body weight: 1% to 20%, greater than 20% to 50%, and greater than 50% to 75%. Peak force data from the biofeedback devices were compared with the peak vertical ground reaction force measured with a force plate. Criterion validity was estimated using simple and regression-based Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement and weighted kappas.

Results

Fifty-five healthy adults (58% male) participated. Agreement with the gold standard was substantial for the SmartStep, moderate for OpenGo science, and slight for SensiStep (weighted ± = 0.76, 0.58, and 0.19, respectively). For the 1% to 20% and greater than 20% to 50% weight-bearing categories, both the OpenGo science and SmartStep had acceptable limits of agreement. For the weight-bearing category greater than 50% to 75%, none of the devices had acceptable agreement.

Conclusion

The OpenGo science and SmartStep provided valid feedback in the lower weight-bearing categories, and the SensiStep showed poor validity of feedback in all weight-bearing categories. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(11):-1. Epub 12 Oct 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6625
Knowledge, Travel, and Embodied Thought
Authors: Noyes John K.
Published: October 2016

In this article I examine Johann Gottfried Herder’s Journal of My Voyage in the Year 1769 as a radical experiment in travel writing. Herder understands travel as an alignment of the mobility of the mind with the mobility of the body, and the task of the travel writer (and the traveling reader) is to use language to explore this alignment. Th e experiment of 1769 was intended as a continuation of his studies on epistemology, which had been intent on finding an alternative understanding of knowledge to the dominant trends of the day, idealism and empiricism. Language and its actualization in reading and writing are the foundation upon which knowledge transfer can be built, and the Journal is an attempt to demonstrate how knowledge transfer is possible.
Bio-Inspired PVDF-Based, Mouse Whisker Mimicking, Tactile Sensor
Authors: Tiwana Mohsin , Tiwana Moazzam , Redmond Stephen , Lovell Nigel , Iqbal Javaid
Published: October 2016

The design and fabrication of a Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) based, mouse (or rodent) whisker mimicking, tactile sensor is presented. Unlike previous designs reported in the literature, this sensor mimics the mouse whisker not only mechanically, but it also makes macro movements just like a real mouse whisker in a natural environment. We have developed a mathematical model and performed finite element analysis using COMSOL, in order to optimise the whisker to have the same natural frequency as that of a biological whisker. Similarly, we have developed a control system that enables the whisker mimicking sensor to vibrate at variable frequencies and conducted practical experiments to validate the response of the sensor. The natural frequency of the whisker can be designed anywhere between 35 and 110 Hz, the same as a biological whisker, by choosing different materials and physical dimensions. The control system of this sensor enables the whisker to vibrate between 5 and 236 Hz.
Intra- and Extra-Cellular Events Related to Altered Glycosylation of MUC1 Promote Chronic Inflammation, Tumor Progression, Invasion, and Metastasis
Authors: Cascio Sandra , Finn Olivera
Published: October 2016

Altered glycosylation of mucin 1 (MUC1) on tumor cells compared to normal epithelial cells was previously identified as an important antigenic modification recognized by the immune system in the process of tumor immunosurveillance. This tumor form of MUC1 is considered a viable target for cancer immunotherapy. The importance of altered MUC1 glycosylation extends also to its role as a promoter of chronic inflammatory conditions that lead to malignant transformation and cancer progression. We review here what is known about the role of specific cancer-associated glycans on MUC1 in protein-protein interactions and intracellular signaling in cancer cells and in their adhesion to each other and the tumor stroma. The tumor form of MUC1 also creates a different landscape of inflammatory cells in the tumor microenvironment by controlling the recruitment of inflammatory cells, establishing specific interactions with dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, and facilitating tumor escape from the immune system. Through multiple types of short glycans simultaneously present in tumors, MUC1 acquires multiple oncogenic properties that control tumor development, progression, and metastasis at different steps of the process of carcinogenesis.
Biofouling-Resistant Impedimetric Sensor for Array High-Resolution Extracellular Potassium Monitoring in the Brain
Authors: Machado Ruben , Soltani Nima , Dufour Suzie , Salam Muhammad , Carlen Peter , Genov Roman , Thompson Michael
Published: October 2016

Extracellular potassium concentration, [K+]o, plays a fundamental role in the physiological functions of the brain. Studies investigating changes in [K+]o have predominantly relied upon glass capillary electrodes with K+-sensitive solution gradients for their measurements. However, such electrodes are unsuitable for taking spatio-temporal measurements and are limited by the surface area of their tips. We illustrate seizures invoked chemically and in optogenetically modified mice using blue light exposure while impedimetrically measuring the response. A sharp decrease of 1–2 mM in [K+]o before each spike has shown new physiological events not witnessed previously when measuring extracellular potassium concentrations during seizures in mice. We propose a novel approach that uses multichannel monolayer coated gold microelectrodes for in vivo spatio-temporal measurements of [K+]o in a mouse brain as an improvement to the conventional glass capillary electrode.
Antioxidant Activity during Tumor Progression: A Necessity for the Survival of Cancer Cells?
Authors: Hawk Mark , McCallister Chelsea , Schafer Zachary
Published: October 2016

Antioxidant defenses encompass a variety of distinct compounds and enzymes that are linked together through their capacity to neutralize and scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). While the relationship between ROS and tumorigenesis is clearly complex and context dependent, a number of recent studies have suggested that neutralizing ROS can facilitate tumor progression and metastasis in multiple cancer types through distinct mechanisms. These studies therefore infer that antioxidant activity may be necessary to support the viability and/or the invasive capacity of cancer cells during tumor progression and metastasis. Here, we discuss some of the accumulating evidence suggesting a role for antioxidant activity in facilitating tumor progression.
Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Properties of New Spin Crossover Fe(II) Complexes Forming Short Hydrogen Bonds with Substituted Dicarboxylic Acids
Authors: Nakanishi Takumi , Sato Osamu
Published: October 2016

We synthesized new Fe(II) compounds consisting of [Fe(L)2] (HL: 2-Acetylpyridine isonicotinoylhydrazone) and dicarboxylic acids. Single crystal analysis shows that short hydrogen bonds are formed between [Fe(L)2] and dicarboxylic acids. The hydrogen bonding interactions between metal complexes and dicarboxylic acids are complemented by π-π interactions, forming two-dimensional network structures. Magnetic properties show that the Fe(II) compounds exhibit gradual spin crossover behavior around room temperature and a T1/2 value is dependent on the halogen substituent on the dicarboxylic acids.
Lipids and Fatty Acids of the White Sea Herring Clupea pallasi marisalbi Berg (Clupeiformes, Clupeidae) from Different Habitats of the White Sea
Authors: Murzina Svetlana , Nefedova Zinaida , Pekkoeva Svetlana , Ruokolainen Tatiana , Ripatti Pauli , Semushin Andrey , Nemova Nina
Published: October 2016

Habitation conditions significantly affect the physiological and biochemical state of aquatic organisms, including the balance of lipids that performs important functions in cellular metabolism. The lipid and fatty acid profiles of White Sea herring in Dvina, Kandalaksha, and Onega bays, and in the waters of Tersky Shore (the mouth of the Varzuga River) in autumn (after the fattening period) were studied. Different methods—thin-layer, high-performance liquid and gas chromatography—were used for this purpose. Determined heterogeneity on studied parameters of lipid metabolism of fish from different habitats is associated with differences in trophic and hydrological conditions in these bays. Variations of lipid compositions of herring groups can be a reflection of qualitative and quantitative strategies of biochemical adaptations, aimed at compensating the lipid metabolism of fish under different trophic–ecological conditions of habitation in the White Sea.
Landslide Susceptibility Mapping Based on Particle Swarm Optimization of Multiple Kernel Relevance Vector Machines: Case of a Low Hill Area in Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Lin Yongliang , Xia Kewen , Jiang Xiaoqing , Bai Jianchuan , Wu Panpan
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we propose a multiple kernel relevance vector machine (RVM) method based on the adaptive cloud particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to map landslide susceptibility in the low hill area of Sichuan Province, China. In the multi-kernel structure, the kernel selection problem can be solved by adjusting the kernel weight, which determines the single kernel contribution of the final kernel mapping. The weights and parameters of the multi-kernel function were optimized using the PSO algorithm. In addition, the convergence speed of the PSO algorithm was increased using cloud theory. To ensure the stability of the prediction model, the result of a five-fold cross-validation method was used as the fitness of the PSO algorithm. To verify the results, receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) and landslide dot density (LDD) were used. The results show that the model that used a heterogeneous kernel (a combination of two different kernel functions) had a larger area under the ROC curve (0.7616) and a lower prediction error ratio (0.28%) than did the other types of kernel models employed in this study. In addition, both the sum of two high susceptibility zone LDDs (6.71/100 km2) and the sum of two low susceptibility zone LDDs (0.82/100 km2) demonstrated that the landslide susceptibility map based on the heterogeneous kernel model was closest to the historical landslide distribution. In conclusion, the results obtained in this study can provide very useful information for disaster prevention and land-use planning in the study area.
Granulometric Analysis on Remote Sensing Images: Application to Mapping Retrospective Changes in the Sahelian Ligneous Cover
Authors: San Emeterio José , Mering Catherine
Published: October 2016

This paper illustrates how the use of mathematical morphology can be a powerful tool for the mapping of ligneous cover in semi-arid lands. Ligneous cover plays a fundamental role in Sahel semi-arid regions since this resource is vital to the resilience of rural societies and can be used as an indicator of socio-environmental conditions. Grey tone vertical images from Sahelian villages in 1975 and 2010/2011 have been selected to perform a diachronic analysis to test the method. Granulometric profiles have been calculated for each pixel and then an unsupervised classification has been performed to obtain k classes that account for ligneous patches of different sizes. This method is particularly successful when the most recent images are used, given that these have better contrast and sharpness. Nested classifications were required to accomplish the ligneous mapping of images from 1975. The accuracy assessment for the most recent images classifications shows satisfactory results. The classification of ligneous cover according to different sizes is important for a better understanding of the ligneous dynamics.
A Benchmarking Analysis of Open-Source Business Intelligence Tools in Healthcare Environments
Authors: Brandão Andreia , Pereira Eliana , Esteves Marisa , Portela Filipe , Santos Manuel , Abelha António , Machado José
Published: October 2016

In recent years, a wide range of Business Intelligence (BI) technologies have been applied to different areas in order to support the decision-making process. BI enables the extraction of knowledge from the data stored. The healthcare industry is no exception, and so BI applications have been under investigation across multiple units of different institutions. Thus, in this article, we intend to analyze some open-source/free BI tools on the market and their applicability in the clinical sphere, taking into consideration the general characteristics of the clinical environment. For this purpose, six BI tools were selected, analyzed, and tested in a practical environment. Then, a comparison metric and a ranking were defined for the tested applications in order to choose the one that best applies to the extraction of useful knowledge and clinical data in a healthcare environment. Finally, a pervasive BI platform was developed using a real case in order to prove the tool viability.
Characterization and Effects of Fiber Pull-Outs in Hole Quality of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics Composite
Authors: Alizadeh Ashrafi Sina , Miller Peter , Wandro Kevin , Kim Dave
Published: October 2016

Hole quality plays a crucial role in the production of close-tolerance holes utilized in aircraft assembly. Through drilling experiments of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic composites (CFRP), this study investigates the impact of varying drilling feed and speed conditions on fiber pull-out geometries and resulting hole quality parameters. For this study, hole quality parameters include hole size variance, hole roundness, and surface roughness. Fiber pull-out geometries are quantified by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the mechanically-sectioned CFRP-machined holes, to measure pull-out length and depth. Fiber pull-out geometries and the hole quality parameter results are dependent on the drilling feed and spindle speed condition, which determines the forces and undeformed chip thickness during the process. Fiber pull-out geometries influence surface roughness parameters from a surface profilometer, while their effect on other hole quality parameters obtained from a coordinate measuring machine is minimal.
Improvement in Predicting the Post-Cracking Tensile Behavior of Ultra-High Performance Cementitious Composites Based on Fiber Orientation Distribution
Authors: Choi Myoung , Kang Su-Tae , Lee Bang , Koh Kyeong-Taek , Ryu Gum-Sung
Published: October 2016

In this paper, the post-cracking tensile behavior of Ultra-High Performance Cementitious Composites (UHPCC) was studied and an improved analytical model to predict the behavior depending on the fiber orientation distribution was proposed. Two different casting methods were adopted to estimate the influence of the casting method on the tensile behavior. The direct tensile test results showed that the post-cracking tensile behavior was considerably dependent on the casting method. The influence of the casting method was quantified by image analysis of the fiber distribution. The fiber orientation distribution obtained by image analysis may sometimes include considerable error according to the image resolution, which may cause inaccuracy when predicting the post-cracking tensile behavior based on the fiber orientation distribution. To overcome this dependency, the tensile bridging behavior by the fibers in UHPCC was simulated considering the obtained fiber orientation distribution as well as the number of fibers detected. The post-cracking behavior was then simulated by combining the bridging behavior and tension softening behavior of the matrix. The approach adopted in this study to simulate the post-cracking behavior of UHPCC showed good agreement with the experimental results.
Analysis of Mammalian Cell Proliferation and Macromolecule Synthesis Using Deuterated Water and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Foletta Victoria , Palmieri Michelle , Kloehn Joachim , Mason Shaun , Previs Stephen , McConville Malcolm , Sieber Oliver , Bruce Clinton , Kowalski Greg
Published: October 2016

Deuterated water (2H2O), a stable isotopic tracer, provides a convenient and reliable way to label multiple cellular biomass components (macromolecules), thus permitting the calculation of their synthesis rates. Here, we have combined 2H2O labelling, GC-MS analysis and a novel cell fractionation method to extract multiple biomass components (DNA, protein and lipids) from the one biological sample, thus permitting the simultaneous measurement of DNA (cell proliferation), protein and lipid synthesis rates. We have used this approach to characterize the turnover rates and metabolism of a panel of mammalian cells in vitro (muscle C2C12 and colon cancer cell lines). Our data show that in actively-proliferating cells, biomass synthesis rates are strongly linked to the rate of cell division. Furthermore, in both proliferating and non-proliferating cells, it is the lipid pool that undergoes the most rapid turnover when compared to DNA and protein. Finally, our data in human colon cancer cell lines reveal a marked heterogeneity in the reliance on the de novo lipogenic pathway, with the cells being dependent on both ‘self-made’ and exogenously-derived fatty acid.
Resveratrol Ameliorates the Depressive-Like Behaviors and Metabolic Abnormalities Induced by Chronic Corticosterone Injection
Authors: Li Yu-Cheng , Liu Ya-Min , Shen Ji-Duo , Chen Jun-Jie , Pei Yang-Yi , Fang Xiao-Yan
Published: October 2016

Chronic glucocorticoid exposure is known to cause depression and metabolic disorders. It is critical to improve abnormal metabolic status as well as depressive-like behaviors in patients with long-term glucocorticoid therapy. This study aimed to investigate the effects of resveratrol on the depressive-like behaviors and metabolic abnormalities induced by chronic corticosterone injection. Male ICR mice were administrated corticosterone (40 mg/kg) by subcutaneous injection for three weeks. Resveratrol (50 and 100 mg/kg), fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) and pioglitazone (10 mg/kg) were given by oral gavage 30 min prior to corticosterone administration. The behavioral tests showed that resveratrol significantly reversed the depressive-like behaviors induced by corticosterone, including the reduced sucrose preference and increased immobility time in the forced swimming test. Moreover, resveratrol also increased the secretion of insulin, reduced serum level of glucose and improved blood lipid profiles in corticosterone-treated mice without affecting normal mice. However, fluoxetine only reverse depressive-like behaviors, and pioglitazone only prevent the dyslipidemia induced by corticosterone. Furthermore, resveratrol and pioglitazone decreased serum level of glucagon and corticosterone. The present results indicated that resveratrol can ameliorate depressive-like behaviors and metabolic abnormalities induced by corticosterone, which suggested that the multiple effects of resveratrol could be beneficial for patients with depression and/or metabolic syndrome associated with long-term glucocorticoid therapy.
Exploiting 1,2,3-Triazolium Ionic Liquids for Synthesis of Tryptanthrin and Chemoselective Extraction of Copper(II) Ions and Histidine-Containing Peptides
Authors: Li Hsin-Yi , Chen Chien-Yuan , Cheng Hui-Ting , Chu Yen-Ho
Published: October 2016

Based on a common structural core of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro[1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine, a number of bicyclic triazolium ionic liquids 1–3 were designed and successfully prepared. In our hands, this optimized synthesis of ionic liquids 1 and 2 requires no chromatographic separation. Also in this work, ionic liquids 1, 2 were shown to be efficient ionic solvents for fast synthesis of tryptanthrin natural product. Furthermore, a new affinity ionic liquid 3 was tailor-synthesized and displayed its effectiveness in chemoselective extraction of both Cu(II) ions and, for the first time, histidine-containing peptides.
Three New Butenolides from the Fungus Aspergillus sp. CBS-P-2
Authors: An Xiao , Pei Yuehu , Chen Shaofei , Li Shengge , Hu Xiaolong , Chen Gang , Lin Bin , Wang Haifeng
Published: October 2016

Three new butenolides aspernolides H–J (1–3) together with seven known ones (4–10) were isolated from the fungus Aspergillus sp. CBS-P-2. Their chemical structures were established on the basis of 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic data, HR-ESI-MS analysis, and their absolute configuration were determined by circular dichroism (CD) analysis. All the compounds were evaluated for the antioxidant effects by DPPH and ABTS methods, the antitumor activities against four human tumor cell lines (HL-60, ASPC1, HCT-116 and PC-3) and antimicrobial activities. Compounds 4–10 showed significant activity against DPPH (IC50 = 15.9–34.3 μM) and compounds 1–10 exhibited significant ABTS free radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 2.8–33.1 μM). Compounds 2, 5 and 11 showed potent cytotoxic activities against HL-60 cell lines with IC50 values of 39.4, 13.2 and 16.3 μM, respectively. Compound 10 showed good antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 21.3 μM.
Chemical Components and Pharmacological Activities of Terpene Natural Products from the Genus Paeonia
Authors: Zhao Dan-Dan , Jiang Li-Li , Li Hong-Yi , Yan Peng-Fei , Zhang Yan-Long
Published: October 2016

Paeonia is the single genus of ca. 33 known species in the family Paeoniaceae, found in Asia, Europe and Western North America. Up to now, more than 180 compounds have been isolated from nine species of the genus Paeonia, including terpenes, phenols, flavonoids, essential oil and tannins. Terpenes, the most abundant naturally occurring compounds, which accounted for about 57% and occurred in almost every species, are responsible for the observed in vivo and in vitro biological activities. This paper aims to give a comprehensive overview of the recent phytochemical and pharmacological knowledge of the terpenes from Paeonia plants, and enlighten further drug discovery research.
GC-MS Analysis of Membrane-Graded Fulvic Acid and Its Activity on Promoting Wheat Seed Germination
Authors: Qin Yi , Zhu Hui , Zhang Mi , Zhang Huifen , Xiang Cheng , Li Baocai
Published: October 2016

The chemical composition of fulvic acid (FA) with a molecular weight below 500 (FA-500) was analyzed, and its activity on promoting the seed germination of wheat was studied in this paper. The FA-500 was obtained by membrane separation technology and qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with the retention index. Forty-seven constituents were identified, including structures with ester, acid and alcohol groups, which accounted for 95% of the total composition. The highest relative content of compounds was diethyl succinate and diethyl malonate, accounting for 29% and 17% of the total, respectively. Yannong 19 and Luyuan 301 wheat seeds were steeped with the FA-500 solution of different concentration respectively for two hours. Several markers were assessed: germination rate, coleoptile and radicle length, germination index, vitality index and the activity of α-amylase and (α+β) amylase. The results indicated that FA-500 had a significant effect on promoting seed germination within an appropriate concentration range. The best concentration was 0.5‰, and an inhibiting effect would appear with the increase of concentration. In the process of seed germination, FA-500 may affect the growth of the seed through influencing the amylase activity, which was related to respiration.
Focusing Translational Variant Bistatic Forward-Looking SAR Using Keystone Transform and Extended Nonlinear Chirp Scaling
Authors: Wu Junjie , Sun Zhichao , Li Zhongyu , Huang Yulin , Yang Jianyu , Liu Zhe
Published: October 2016

Bistatic Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) has attracted increasing attention in recent years due to its unique advantages, such as the ability of forward-looking imaging. In translational variant bistatic forward-looking SAR (TV-BFSAR), it is difficult to get a well focused image due to large range cell migration (RCM) and 2-D variation of both Doppler characteristics and RCM. In this paper, an extended azimuth nonlinear chirp scaling (NLCS) algorithm is proposed to deal with these problems. Firstly, Keystone Transform (KT) is introduced to remove the spatial-variant linear RCM, which is of great significance in TV-BFSAR. Secondly, a correction factor is multiplied to the signal in range frequency domain to compensate for the residual RCM. At last, a fourth-order filtering together with azimuth NLCS is performed in every range gate to equalize both the azimuth-variant Doppler centroid and frequency modulation rate based on the azimuth numerical fitting. The proposed method is verified by simulation and real data processing. Multiple targets are generated and focused by the method, of which the peak sidelobe ratio (PSLR) is around −13 dB and integrated sidelobe ratio (ISLR) is around −10 dB. The method is accurate and can achieve high-resolution focusing for TV-BFSAR data.
A High-Sensitivity Tunable Two-Beam Fiber-Coupled High-Density Magnetometer with Laser Heating
Authors: Savukov Igor , Boshier Malcolm
Published: October 2016

Atomic magnetometers (AM) are finding many applications in biomagnetism, national security, industry, and science. Fiber-coupled (FC) designs promise to make them compact and flexible for operation. Most FC designs are based on a single-beam configuration or electrical heating. Here, we demonstrate a two-beam FC AM with laser heating that has 5 fT/Hz1/2 sensitivity at low frequency (50 Hz), which is higher than that of other fiber-coupled magnetometers and can be improved to the sub-femtotesla level. This magnetometer is widely tunable from DC to very high frequencies (as high as 100 MHz; the only issue might be the application of a suitable uniform and stable bias field) with a sensitivity under 10 fT/Hz1/2 and can be used for magneto-encephalography (MEG), magneto-cardiography (MCG), underground communication, ultra-low MRI/NMR, NQR detection, and other applications.
Mapping Urban Environmental Noise Using Smartphones
Authors: Zuo Jinbo , Xia Hao , Liu Shuo , Qiao Yanyou
Published: October 2016

Noise mapping is an effective method of visualizing and accessing noise pollution. In this paper, a noise-mapping method based on smartphones to effectively and easily measure environmental noise is proposed. By using this method, a noise map of an entire area can be created using limited measurement data. To achieve the measurement with certain precision, a set of methods was designed to calibrate the smartphones. Measuring noise with mobile phones is different from the traditional static observations. The users may be moving at any time. Therefore, a method of attaching an additional microphone with a windscreen is proposed to reduce the wind effect. However, covering an entire area is impossible. Therefore, an interpolation method is needed to achieve full coverage of the area. To reduce the influence of spatial heterogeneity and improve the precision of noise mapping, a region-based noise-mapping method is proposed in this paper, which is based on the distribution of noise in different region types tagged by volunteers, to interpolate and combine them to create a noise map. To validate the effect of the method, a comparison of the interpolation results was made to analyse our method and the ordinary Kriging method. The result shows that our method is more accurate in reflecting the local distribution of noise and has better interpolation precision. We believe that the proposed noise-mapping method is a feasible and low-cost noise-mapping solution.
A Graphene Oxide-Based Fluorescent Method for the Detection of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
Authors: Xia Ning , Wang Xin , Liu Lin
Published: October 2016

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has been regarded as a biomarker for the diagnosis of pregnancy and some cancers. Because the currently used methods (e.g., disposable Point of Care Testing (POCT) device) for hCG detection require the use of many less stable antibodies, simple and cost-effective methods for the sensitive and selective detection of hCG have always been desired. In this work, we have developed a graphene oxide (GO)-based fluorescent platform for the detection of hCG using a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled hCG-specific binding peptide aptamer (denoted as FITC-PPLRINRHILTR) as the probe, which can be manufactured cheaply and consistently. Specifically, FITC-PPLRINRHILTR adsorbed onto the surface of GO via electrostatic interaction showed a poor fluorescence signal. The specific binding of hCG to FITC-PPLRINRHILTR resulted in the release of the peptide from the GO surface. As a result, an enhanced fluorescence signal was observed. The fluorescence intensity was directly proportional to the hCG concentration in the range of 0.05–20 IU/mL. The detection limit was found to be 20 mIU/mL. The amenability of the strategy to hCG analysis in biological fluids was demonstrated by assaying hCG in the urine samples.
Turning Points in the Lives of Chinese and Indian Women Leaders Working toward Social Justice
Authors: Hertz Rosanna
Published: October 2016

Institutional change has a human face. This paper explores how a select group of women in China and India experienced economic and political turmoil and why they chose to become change agents. Through in-depth interviews with 40 women from NGOs, government agencies and private business, four broad moments in the evolution of a change agent are identified and discussed: (1) awareness of a double-bind; (2) reframing the tension induced by that double-bind; (3) becoming an agent of change; and (4) building a vibrant network. To highlight these key features, four women’s narratives are discussed in greater depth from recognizing injustice to taking a non-traditional stand. The paper concludes with a call for further comparative work on the role of personal narratives in shaping a movement for change.
Transition Governance towards a Bioeconomy: A Comparison of Finland and The Netherlands
Authors: Bosman Rick , Rotmans Jan
Published: October 2016

In both Finland and The Netherlands strategies are being developed to switch from fossil to green resources in order to tackle the challenges of climate change and resource dependencies and to tap into the economic opportunities that arise. We investigated the similarities and differences in the transition process and governance strategies with respect to the transition towards a bioeconomy in both countries, using transition management as an evaluative lens. The research method involved comparative qualitative case study analysis through action research. We found that the governance approach in The Netherlands focusses on co-creating a long-term vision that informs for short-term action, on facilitating bottom-up regional clusters and promoting radical innovation through cooperation between vested players and frontrunners. Finland adopts a more traditional, top-down governance strategy, focussing on the shorter-term economic opportunities and incremental innovation that keep the overall structure of existing industries intact. We conclude that the Dutch government acts as a facilitator, while the Finnish government acts more as a director of the transition. We recommend that Finland’s governance for the bioeconomy be improved by applying insights from transition management, while the Dutch approach runs the risk of being captured by vested interests.
Learning from Stakeholder Pressure and Embeddedness: The Roles of Absorptive Capacity in the Corporate Social Responsibility of Dutch Agribusinesses
Authors: Ingenbleek Paul , Dentoni Domenico
Published: October 2016

In spite of much research on corporate social responsibility (CSR) responses to secondary stakeholders (i.e., social movements, activists, media, civil society and non-governmental organizations), the debate on how companies learn from pressure and collaboration with these societal groups is still open. Building upon stakeholder and knowledge management theories, this paper analyzes how secondary stakeholder pressure and embeddedness influence agribusiness companies’ absorptive capacity and their CSR strategies. Data are obtained from 152 Dutch agribusiness company managers. The results highlight that, first, absorptive capacity influences companies’ new product innovation, product positioning and organizational innovation to be more oriented towards CSR. Second, stakeholder embeddedness of agribusiness companies triggers absorptive capacity more than pressure from them. Third, stakeholder pressure and embeddedness also have direct (i.e., not mediated by companies’ absorptive capacity) yet weaker effects on CSR organizational innovation and product positioning. Findings corroborate the idea that firms develop innovative CSR strategies when they combine internal reflection processes and partnerships with secondary stakeholders.
Pertussis Toxin Exploits Host Cell Signaling Pathways Induced by Meningitis-Causing E. coli K1-RS218 and Enhances Adherence of Monocytic THP-1 Cells to Human Cerebral Endothelial Cells
Authors: Starost Laura , Karassek Sascha , Sano Yasuteru , Kanda Takashi , Kim Kwang , Dobrindt Ulrich , Rüter Christian , Schmidt Marcus
Published: October 2016

Pertussis toxin (PTx), the major virulence factor of the whooping cough-causing bacterial pathogen Bordetella pertussis, permeabilizes the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in vitro and in vivo. Breaking barriers might promote translocation of meningitis-causing bacteria across the BBB, thereby facilitating infection. PTx activates several host cell signaling pathways exploited by the neonatal meningitis-causing Escherichia coli K1-RS218 for invasion and translocation across the BBB. Here, we investigated whether PTx and E. coli K1-RS218 exert similar effects on MAPK p38, NF-κB activation and transcription of downstream targets in human cerebral endothelial TY10 cells using qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and ELISA in combination with specific inhibitors. PTx and E. coli K1-RS218 activate MAPK p38, but only E. coli K1-RS218 activates the NF-κB pathway. mRNA and protein levels of p38 and NF-κB downstream targets including IL-6, IL-8, CxCL-1, CxCL-2 and ICAM-1 were increased. The p38 specific inhibitor SB203590 blocked PTx-enhanced activity, whereas E. coli K1-RS218’s effects were inhibited by the NF-κB inhibitor Bay 11-7082. Further, we found that PTx enhances the adherence of human monocytic THP-1 cells to human cerebral endothelial TY10 cells, thereby contributing to enhanced translocation. These modulations of host cell signaling pathways by PTx and meningitis-causing E. coli support their contributions to pathogen and monocytic THP-1 cells translocation across the BBB.
Crystal Structure of Ribosome-Inactivating Protein Ricin A Chain in Complex with the C-Terminal Peptide of the Ribosomal Stalk Protein P2
Authors: Shi Wei-Wei , Tang Yun-Sang , Sze See-Yuen , Zhu Zhen-Ning , Wong Kam-Bo , Shaw Pang-Chui
Published: October 2016

Ricin is a type 2 ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP), containing a catalytic A chain and a lectin-like B chain. It inhibits protein synthesis by depurinating the N-glycosidic bond at α-sarcin/ricin loop (SRL) of the 28S rRNA, which thereby prevents the binding of elongation factors to the GTPase activation center of the ribosome. Here, we present the 1.6 Å crystal structure of Ricin A chain (RTA) complexed to the C-terminal peptide of the ribosomal stalk protein P2, which plays a crucial role in specific recognition of elongation factors and recruitment of eukaryote-specific RIPs to the ribosomes. Our structure reveals that the C-terminal GFGLFD motif of P2 peptide is inserted into a hydrophobic pocket of RTA, while the interaction assays demonstrate the structurally untraced SDDDM motif of P2 peptide contributes to the interaction with RTA. This interaction mode of RTA and P protein is in contrast to that with trichosanthin (TCS), Shiga-toxin (Stx) and the active form of maize RIP (MOD), implying the flexibility of the P2 peptide-RIP interaction, for the latter to gain access to ribosome.