bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective and Nerve Regenerative Approaches for Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction after Cavernous Nerve Injury
Authors: Campbell Jeffrey , Burnett Arthur
Published: August 2017

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a significant cause of reduced quality of life in men and their partners. Cavernous nerve injury (CNI) during pelvic surgery results in ED in greater than 50% of patients, regardless of additional patient factors. ED related to CNI is difficult to treat and typically poorly responsive to first- and second-line therapeutic options. Recently, a significant amount of research has been devoted to exploring neuroprotective and neuroregenerative approaches to salvage erectile function in patients with CNI. In addition, therapeutic options such as neuregulins, immunophilin ligands, gene therapy, stem cell therapy and novel surgical strategies, have shown benefit in pre-clinical, and limited clinical studies. In the era of personalized medicine, these new therapeutic technologies will be the future of ED treatment and are described in this review.
Aquaporin-4 Functionality and Virchow-Robin Space Water Dynamics: Physiological Model for Neurovascular Coupling and Glymphatic Flow
Authors: Nakada Tsutomu , Kwee Ingrid , Igarashi Hironaka , Suzuki Yuji
Published: August 2017

The unique properties of brain capillary endothelium, critical in maintaining the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and restricting water permeability across the BBB, have important consequences on fluid hydrodynamics inside the BBB hereto inadequately recognized. Recent studies indicate that the mechanisms underlying brain water dynamics are distinct from systemic tissue water dynamics. Hydrostatic pressure created by the systolic force of the heart, essential for interstitial circulation and lymphatic flow in systemic circulation, is effectively impeded from propagating into the interstitial fluid inside the BBB by the tightly sealed endothelium of brain capillaries. Instead, fluid dynamics inside the BBB is realized by aquaporin-4 (AQP-4), the water channel that connects astrocyte cytoplasm and extracellular (interstitial) fluid. Brain interstitial fluid dynamics, and therefore AQP-4, are now recognized as essential for two unique functions, namely, neurovascular coupling and glymphatic flow, the brain equivalent of systemic lymphatics.
FANCD2 and DNA Damage
Authors: Nepal Manoj , Che Raymond , Ma Chi , Zhang Jun , Fei Peiwen
Published: August 2017

Investigators have dedicated considerable effort to understanding the molecular basis underlying Fanconi Anemia (FA), a rare human genetic disease featuring an extremely high incidence of cancer and many congenital defects. Among those studies, FA group D2 protein (FANCD2) has emerged as the focal point of FA signaling and plays crucial roles in multiple aspects of cellular life, especially in the cellular responses to DNA damage. Here, we discuss the recent and relevant studies to provide an updated review on the roles of FANCD2 in the DNA damage response.
Single-Construct Polycistronic Doxycycline-Inducible Vectors Improve Direct Cardiac Reprogramming and Can Be Used to Identify the Critical Timing of Transgene Expression
Authors: Umei Tomohiko , Yamakawa Hiroyuki , Muraoka Naoto , Sadahiro Taketaro , Isomi Mari , Haginiwa Sho , Kojima Hidenori , Kurotsu Shota , Tamura Fumiya , Osakabe Rina , Tani Hidenori , Nara Kaori , Miyoshi Hiroyuki , Fukuda Keiichi , Ieda Masaki
Published: August 2017

Direct reprogramming is a promising approach in regenerative medicine. Overexpression of the cardiac transcription factors Gata4, Mef2c, and Tbx5 (GMT) or GMT plus Hand2 (GHMT) directly reprogram fibroblasts into cardiomyocyte-like cells (iCMs). However, the critical timing of transgene expression and the molecular mechanisms for cardiac reprogramming remain unclear. The conventional doxycycline (Dox)-inducible temporal transgene expression systems require simultaneous transduction of two vectors (pLVX-rtTA/pLVX-cDNA) harboring the reverse tetracycline transactivator (rtTA) and the tetracycline response element (TRE)-controlled transgene, respectively, leading to inefficient cardiac reprogramming. Herein, we developed a single-construct-based polycistronic Dox-inducible vector (pDox-cDNA) expressing both the rtTA and TRE-controlled transgenes. Fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analyses, quantitative RT-PCR, and immunostaining revealed that pDox-GMT increased cardiac reprogramming three-fold compared to the conventional pLVX-rtTA/pLVX-GMT. After four weeks, pDox-GMT-induced iCMs expressed multiple cardiac genes, produced sarcomeric structures, and beat spontaneously. Co-transduction of pDox-Hand2 with retroviral pMX-GMT increased cardiac reprogramming three-fold compared to pMX-GMT alone. Temporal Dox administration revealed that Hand2 transgene expression is critical during the first two weeks of cardiac reprogramming. Microarray analyses demonstrated that Hand2 represses cell cycle-promoting genes and enhances cardiac reprogramming. Thus, we have developed an efficient temporal transgene expression system, which could be invaluable in the study of cardiac reprogramming.
Signaling Cascade Involved in Rapid Stimulation of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) by Dexamethasone
Authors: Bossmann Miriam , Ackermann Benjamin , Thome Ulrich , Laube Mandy
Published: August 2017

Impairment of mucociliary clearance with reduced airway fluid secretion leads to chronically inflamed airways. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is crucially involved in airway fluid secretion and dexamethasone (dexa) has previously been shown to elevate CFTR activity in airway epithelial cells. However, the pathway by which dexa increases CFTR activity is largely unknown. We aimed to determine whether the increase of CFTR activity by dexa is achieved by non-genomic signaling and hypothesized that the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is involved in CFTR stimulation. Primary rat airway epithelial cells and human bronchial submucosal gland-derived Calu-3 cells were analyzed in Ussing chambers and kinase activation was determined by Western blots. Results demonstrated a critical involvement of PI3K and protein kinase B (AKT) signaling in the dexa-induced increase of CFTR activity, while serum and glucocorticoid dependent kinase 1 (SGK1) activity was not essential. We further demonstrated a reduced neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally downregulated 4-like (NEDD4L) ubiquitin E3 ligase activity induced by dexa, possibly responsible for the elevated CFTR activity. Finally, increases of CFTR activity by dexa were demonstrated within 30 min accompanied by rapid activation of AKT. In conclusion, dexa induces a rapid stimulation of CFTR activity which depends on PI3K/AKT signaling in airway epithelial cells. Glucocorticoids might thus represent, in addition to their immunomodulatory actions, a therapeutic strategy to rapidly increase airway fluid secretion.
Crosstalk between DNA Damage and Inflammation in the Multiple Steps of Carcinogenesis
Authors: Kawanishi Shosuke , Ohnishi Shiho , Ma Ning , Hiraku Yusuke , Murata Mariko
Published: August 2017

Inflammation can be induced by chronic infection, inflammatory diseases and physicochemical factors. Chronic inflammation is estimated to contribute to approximately 25% of human cancers. Under inflammatory conditions, inflammatory and epithelial cells release reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS), which are capable of causing DNA damage, including the formation of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine and 8-nitroguanine. We reported that 8-nitroguanine was clearly formed at the sites of cancer induced by infectious agents including Helicobacter pylori, inflammatory diseases including Barrett’s esophagus, and physicochemical factors including asbestos. DNA damage can lead to mutations and genomic instability if not properly repaired. Moreover, DNA damage response can also induce high mobility group box 1-generating inflammatory microenvironment, which is characterized by hypoxia. Hypoxia induces hypoxia-inducible factor and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which increases the levels of intracellular RNS and ROS, resulting DNA damage in progression with poor prognosis. Furthermore, tumor-producing inflammation can induce nuclear factor-κB, resulting in iNOS-dependent DNA damage. Therefore, crosstalk between DNA damage and inflammation may play important roles in cancer development. A proposed mechanism for the crosstalk may explain why aspirin decreases the long-term risk of cancer mortality.
Towards a Better Understanding of GABAergic Remodeling in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Govindpani Karan , Calvo-Flores Guzmán Beatriz , Vinnakota Chitra , Waldvogel Henry , Faull Richard , Kwakowsky Andrea
Published: August 2017

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate brain. In the past, there has been a major research drive focused on the dysfunction of the glutamatergic and cholinergic neurotransmitter systems in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, there is now growing evidence in support of a GABAergic contribution to the pathogenesis of this neurodegenerative disease. Previous studies paint a complex, convoluted and often inconsistent picture of AD-associated GABAergic remodeling. Given the importance of the GABAergic system in neuronal function and homeostasis, in the maintenance of the excitatory/inhibitory balance, and in the processes of learning and memory, such changes in GABAergic function could be an important factor in both early and later stages of AD pathogenesis. Given the limited scope of currently available therapies in modifying the course of the disease, a better understanding of GABAergic remodeling in AD could open up innovative and novel therapeutic opportunities.
Influence of Layer Thickness, Raster Angle, Deformation Temperature and Recovery Temperature on the Shape-Memory Effect of 3D-Printed Polylactic Acid Samples
Authors: Wu Wenzheng , Ye Wenli , Wu Zichao , Geng Peng , Wang Yulei , Zhao Ji
Published: August 2017

The success of the 3D-printing process depends upon the proper selection of process parameters. However, the majority of current related studies focus on the influence of process parameters on the mechanical properties of the parts. The influence of process parameters on the shape-memory effect has been little studied. This study used the orthogonal experimental design method to evaluate the influence of the layer thickness H, raster angle θ, deformation temperature Td and recovery temperature Tr on the shape-recovery ratio Rr and maximum shape-recovery rate Vm of 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA). The order and contribution of every experimental factor on the target index were determined by range analysis and ANOVA, respectively. The experimental results indicated that the recovery temperature exerted the greatest effect with a variance ratio of 416.10, whereas the layer thickness exerted the smallest effect on the shape-recovery ratio with a variance ratio of 4.902. The recovery temperature exerted the most significant effect on the maximum shape-recovery rate with the highest variance ratio of 1049.50, whereas the raster angle exerted the minimum effect with a variance ratio of 27.163. The results showed that the shape-memory effect of 3D-printed PLA parts depended strongly on recovery temperature, and depended more weakly on the deformation temperature and 3D-printing parameters.
Genetically Engineered Phage Induced Selective H9c2 Cardiomyocytes Patterning in PDMS Microgrooves
Authors: Kim Youngjun , Kwon Chunga , Jeon Hojeong
Published: August 2017

A micro-patterned cell adhesive surface was prepared for future design of medical devices. One-dimensional polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micro-patterns were prepared by a photolithography process. Afterwards, recombinant filamentous phages that displayed a short binding motif with a cell adhesive peptide (-RGD-) on p8 proteins were immobilized on PDMS microgrooves through simple contact printing to study the cellular response of rat H9c2 cardiomyocyte. While the cell density decreased on PDMS micro-patterns, we observed enhanced cell proliferation and cell to surface interaction on the RGD-phage coated PDMS microgrooves. The RGD-phage coating also supported a better alignment of cell spreading rather than isotropic cell growths as we observed on non-pattered PDMS surface.
Carbon Nanostructure of Kraft Lignin Thermally Treated at 500 to 1000 °C
Authors: Zhang Xuefeng , Yan Qiangu , Leng Weiqi , Li Jinghao , Zhang Jilei , Cai Zhiyong , Hassan El
Published: August 2017

Kraft lignin (KL) was thermally treated at 500 to 1000 °C in an inert atmosphere. Carbon nanostructure parameters of thermally treated KL in terms of amorphous carbon fraction, aromaticity, and carbon nanocrystallites lateral size (La), thickness (Lc), and interlayer space (d002) were analyzed quantitatively using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Experimental results indicated that increasing temperature reduced amorphous carbon but increased aromaticity in thermally treated KL materials. The Lc value of thermally treated KL materials averaged 0.85 nm and did not change with temperature. The d002 value decreased from 3.56 Å at 500 °C to 3.49 Å at 1000 °C. The La value increased from 0.7 to 1.4 nm as temperature increased from 500 to 1000 °C. A nanostructure model was proposed to describe thermally treated KL under 1000 °C. The thermal stability of heat treated KL increased with temperature rising from 500 to 800 °C.
Marine Lipids on Cardiovascular Diseases and Other Chronic Diseases Induced by Diet: An Insight Provided by Proteomics and Lipidomics
Authors: Méndez Lucía , Dasilva Gabriel , Taltavull Nùria , Romeu Marta , Medina Isabel
Published: August 2017

Marine lipids, especially ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have largely been linked to prevention of diet-induced diseases. The anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic properties of EPA and DHA supplementation have been well-described. However, there is still a significant lack of information about their particular mechanism of action. Furthermore, repeated meta-analyses have not shown conclusive results in support of their beneficial health effects. Modern “omics” approaches, namely proteomics and lipidomics, have made it possible to identify some of the mechanisms behind the benefits of marine lipids in the metabolic syndrome and related diseases, i.e., cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Although until now their use has been scarce, these “omics” have brought new insights in this area of nutrition research. The purpose of the present review is to comprehensively show the research articles currently available in the literature which have specifically applied proteomics, lipidomics or both approaches to investigate the role of marine lipids intake in the prevention or palliation of these chronic pathologies related to diet. The methodology adopted, the class of marine lipids examined, the diet-related disease studied, and the main findings obtained in each investigation will be reviewed.
The Association between Sleep and Theory of Mind in School Aged Children with ADHD
Authors: Tesfaye Rackeb , Gruber Reut
Published: August 2017

Theory of Mind (ToM) is defined as the ability to infer a range of internal mental states of others, including beliefs, intentions, desires, and emotions. These abilities are associated with children’s ability to socialize effectively with peers. ToM impairments are associated with peer rejection and psychiatric disorders such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Previous studies have found poor sleep negatively impacts executive functioning (EF) and emotional information processing, which are essential for the effective use of ToM. Youth with ADHD have EF deficits and sleep problems. However, the relationship between sleep, executive functioning, and ToM in children with ADHD has not been studied. In this review, we propose that the poor social and interpersonal skills characterizing individuals with ADHD could be explained by the impact of poor sleep on the emotional and cognitive mechanisms underlying ToM.
Significance of Resveratrol in Clinical Management of Chronic Diseases
Authors: Wahab Awais , Gao Kuo , Jia Caixia , Zhang Feilong , Tian Guihua , Murtaza Ghulam , Chen Jianxin
Published: August 2017

Resveratrol could be beneficial to health and provides protection against a wide array of pathologies and age-associated problems, as evident from preclinical studies. However, a comparison of animal and human studies reveals that this dietary polyphenol cannot protect against metabolic diseases and their associated complications. The clinical outcomes are affected by many factors such as sample size. This article not only presents a comprehensive review of the current advances concerning the dose, the extent of absorption, interaction and toxicity of resveratrol in human studies, but also describes its therapeutic effects against several chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and aging and the related diseases.
Phytochemicals of Euphorbia lathyris L. and Their Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Zhang Lizhen , Wang Chu , Meng Qiuxia , Tian Qin , Niu Yu , Niu Wei
Published: August 2017

The objectives of this study were to characterize the antioxidant capacities and phytochemicals such as phenolics and flavonoids in four parts of Euphorbia lathyris L. HPLC was employed to detect the type and content of phenolic acids and flavonoids in the root, stem, seed, and testa of the plant. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were different among various parts of E. lathyris. The highest TPC were found in the testa (290.46 ± 15.09 mg of gallic acid equiv/100 g dry weight (DW)). However, the root contained the highest TFC (215.68 ± 3.10 mg of rutin equiv/g DW). Of the different antioxidant activities detected, DPPH free radical scavenging activity was highest in the testa (61.29 ± 0.29 mmol Trolox/100 g DW), but the highest FRAP antioxidant activity was found in the seed (1131.25 ± 58.68 mg FeSO4/100 g DW of free compounds and 1927.43 ± 52.13 mg FeSO4/100 g DW of bound compounds). There was a positive correlation between the total phenolic contents and DPPH free radical scavenging activity in different parts of E. lathyris.
Tissue-Specific Accumulation of Sulfur Compounds and Saponins in Different Parts of Garlic Cloves from Purple and White Ecotypes
Authors: Diretto Gianfranco , Rubio-Moraga Angela , Argandoña Javier , Castillo Purificación , Gómez-Gómez Lourdes , Ahrazem Oussama
Published: August 2017

This study set out to determine the distribution of sulfur compounds and saponin metabolites in different parts of garlic cloves. Three fractions from purple and white garlic ecotypes were obtained: the tunic (SS), internal (IS) and external (ES) parts of the clove. Liquid Chromatography coupled to High Resolution Mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), together with bioinformatics including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Clustering (HCL) and correlation network analyses were carried out. Results showed that the distribution of these metabolites in the different parts of garlic bulbs was different for the purple and the white ecotypes, with the main difference being a slightly higher number of sulfur compounds in purple garlic. The SS fraction in purple garlic had a higher content of sulfur metabolites, while the ES in white garlic was more enriched by these compounds. The correlation network indicated that diallyl disulfide was the most relevant metabolite with regards to sulfur compound metabolism in garlic. The total number of saponins was almost 40-fold higher in purple garlic than in the white variety, with ES having the highest content. Interestingly, five saponins including desgalactotigonin-rhamnose, proto-desgalactotigonin, proto-desgalactotigonin-rhamnose, voghieroside D1, sativoside B1-rhamnose and sativoside R1 were exclusive to the purple variety. Data obtained from saponin analyses revealed a very different network between white and purple garlic, thus suggesting a very robust and tight coregulation of saponin metabolism in garlic. Findings in this study point to the possibility of using tunics from purple garlic in the food and medical industries, since it contains many functional compounds which can be exploited as ingredients.
Bioactive Compounds from Mexican Varieties of the Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris): Implications for Health
Authors: Chávez-Mendoza Celia , Sánchez Esteban
Published: August 2017

As Mexico is located within Mesoamerica, it is considered the site where the bean plant originated and where it was domesticated. Beans have been an integral part of the Mexican diet for thousands of years. Within the country, there are a number of genotypes possessing highly diverse physical and chemical properties. This review describes the major bioactive compounds contained on the Mexican varieties of the common bean. A brief analysis is carried out regarding the benefits they have on health. The effect of seed coat color on the nutraceutical compounds content is distinguished, where black bean stands out because it is high content of anthocyanins, polyphenols and flavonoids such as quercetin. This confers black bean with an elevated antioxidant capacity. The most prominent genotypes within this group are the “Negro San Luis”, “Negro 8025” and “Negro Jamapa” varieties. Conversely, the analyzed evidence shows that more studies are needed in order to expand our knowledge on the nutraceutical quality of the Mexican bean genotypes, either grown or wild-type, as well as their impact on health in order to be used in genetic improvement programs or as a strategy to encourage their consumption. The latter is based on the high potential it has for health preservation and disease prevention.
Biosynthesis of S-Adenosylmethionine by Magnetically Immobilized Escherichia coli Cells Highly Expressing a Methionine Adenosyltransferase Variant
Authors: Yin Chunli , Zheng Tao , Chang Xin
Published: August 2017

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM) is a natural metabolite having important uses in the treatment of various diseases. To develop a simple and effective way to produce SAM, immobilized Escherichia coli cells highly expressing an engineered variant of methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) were employed to synthesize SAM. The recombinant I303V MAT variant was successfully produced at approximately 900 mg/L in a 10-L bioreactor and exhibited significantly less product inhibition and had a four-fold higher specific activity (14.2 U/mg) than the wild-type MAT (3.6 U/mg). To reduce the mass transfer resistance, the free whole-cells were permeabilized and immobilized using gellan gum gel as support in the presence of 100 mg/L Fe3O4 nanoparticles, and the highest activity (4152.4 U/L support) was obtained, with 78.2% of the activity recovery. The immobilized cells were more stable than the free cells under non-reactive conditions, with a half-life of 9.1 h at 50 °C. Furthermore, the magnetically immobilized cells were employed to produce SAM at a 40-mM scale. The residual activity of the immobilized cells was 67% of its initial activity after 10 reuses, and the conversion rate of ATP was ≥95% in all 10 batches. These results indicated that magnetically immobilized cells should be a promising biocatalyst for the biosynthesis of SAM.
Metal-Based Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Infectious Diseases
Authors: Aderibigbe Blessing
Published: August 2017

Infectious diseases can be transmitted and they cause a significant burden on public health globally. They are the greatest world killers and it is estimated that they are responsible for the demise of over 17 million people annually. The impact of these diseases is greater in the developing countries. People with compromised immune systems and children are the most affected. Infectious diseases may be caused by bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. The treatment of infectious diseases is hampered by simultaneous resistance to multiple drugs, indicating that there is a serious and pressing need to develop new therapeutics that can overcome drug resistance. This review will focus on the recent reports of metal-based nanoparticles that are potential therapeutics for the treatment of infectious diseases and their biological efficacy (in vitro and in vivo).
BET & ELF Quantum Topological Analysis of Neutral 2-Aza-Cope Rearrangement of γ-Alkenyl Nitrones
Authors: Merino Pedro , Chiacchio Maria , Legnani Laura , Tejero Tomás
Published: August 2017

The 2-Aza-Cope rearrangement of γ-alkenyl nitrones is a rare example of the neutral thermal 2-aza-Cope process that usually takes place with cationic species. During the rearrangement, a redistribution of bonds and electronic density occurs in one kinetic step. However, the introduction of substituents with different steric requirements and electronic features might alter the activation energies and the synchronicity of the reaction. The electron localization function (ELF) analysis and its application to Bonding Evolution Theory (BET) analysis within the context of Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) is an excellent tool to monitor the electron density along the reaction coordinate and thus investigate in detail bond breaking and formation and the corresponding energy barriers. By analyzing topological ELF calculations of seventeen 2-aza-Cope nitrone rearrangements with selected substituents, the main factors influencing the synchronicity of the process were investigated. This MEDT study results revealed that the rearrangement is a non-polar process mostly influenced by steric factors rather than by electronic ones, and confirms the pseudoradical character of the process rather than any pericyclic electron-reorganization.
Pharmacological and Toxicological Screening of Novel Benzimidazole-Morpholine Derivatives as Dual-Acting Inhibitors
Authors: Can Nafiz , Çevik Ulviye Acar , Sağlık Begüm Nurpelin , Özkay Yusuf , Atlı Özlem , Baysal Merve , Özkay Ümide Demir , Can Özgür Devrim
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate acetylcholinesterase (AChE), monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme inhibitory, and antimicrobial activities of a new series of 2-(4-substituted phenyl)-1-[2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl]-1H-benzimidazole derivatives, for their possible use as multi-action therapeutic agents. Target compounds (n = 15) were synthesized under microwave irradiation conditions in two steps, and their structures were elucidated by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and high resolution mass spectroscopic analyses. Pharmacological screening studies revealed that two of the compounds (2b and 2j) have inhibitory potential on both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. In addition, cytotoxic and genotoxic properties of the compounds 2b, 2j and 2m were investigated via the well-known MTT and Ames tests, which revealed that the mentioned compounds are non-cytotoxic and non-genotoxic. As a concise conclusion, two novel compounds were characterized as potential candidates for treatment of frequently encountered inflammatory diseases.
Impact of Xanthylium Derivatives on the Color of White Wine
Authors: Bührle Franziska , Gohl Anita , Weber Fabian
Published: August 2017

Xanthylium derivatives are yellow to orange pigments with a glyoxylic acid bridge formed by dimerization of flavanols, which are built by oxidative cleavage of tartaric acid. Although their structure and formation under wine-like conditions are well established, knowledge about their color properties and their occurrence and importance in wine is deficient. Xanthylium cations and their corresponding esters were synthesized in a model wine solution and isolated via high-performance countercurrent chromatography (HPCCC) and solid phase extraction (SPE). A Three-Alternative-Forced-Choice (3-AFC) test was applied to reveal the color perception threshold of the isolated compounds in white wine. Their presence and color impact was assessed in 70 different wines (58 white and 12 rosé wines) by UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn and the storage stability in wine was determined. The thresholds in young Riesling wine were 0.57 mg/L (cations), 1.04 mg/L (esters) and 0.67 mg/L (1:1 (w/w) mixture), respectively. The low thresholds suggest a possible impact on white wine color, but concentrations in wines were below the threshold. The stability study showed the degradation of the compounds during storage under several conditions. Despite the low perception threshold, xanthylium derivatives might have no direct impact on white wine color, but might play a role in color formation as intermediate products in polymerization and browning.
Effects of Refined Xiaoyaosan on Depressive-Like Behaviors in Rats with Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress through Neurosteroids, Their Synthesis and Metabolic Enzymes
Authors: Guo Xiaoling , Qiu Wenqi , Liu Yueyun , Zhang Yifang , Zhao Hongbo , Chen Jiaxu
Published: August 2017

Abstract: To observe the effects of refined Xiaoyaosan (XYS) on the depressive-like behaviors in rats with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), and to explore the relationship between the changes of neurosteroids and mRNA expressions of their synthesis and metabolic enzymes, and the mechanism of XYS in the treatment of depression. Methods: Eighty-four healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, XYS group and fluoxetine group. The latter three groups were subjected to 21 days of CUMS to prepare the stress depression model. Rats in the XYS group, and fluoxetine group were given intragastric administration with refined XYS and fluoxetine, respectively. The behavioral changes of the rats were observed after 21 days. The contents of pregnenolone (PREG), progesterone (PROG) and alloprognanolone (ALLO) in the plasma of rats were measured by ELISA. The levels of PREG, PROG and ALLO in the hippocampus and amygdala tissues were measured by LC-MS/MS. The mRNA expressions of 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSD), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) and 5α-reductase (5a-R) in the hippocampus and amygdala were detected by RT-qPCR methods. Results: There were changes in the model rats. The contents of PREG, PROG and ALLO changed similarly, which reflected in the decrease of PROG and ALLO, and the increase of PREG. The mRNA expression of P450scc was increased, and the mRNA expressions of 3α-HSD, 3β-HSD and 5a-R were decreased. Refined XYS could improve the behaviors of rats and the biological indicators. Conclusions: There is a neurosteroid dysfunction in the brain region of depression rat model animals, and the mechanism of refined XYS depression treatment may be related to the regulation of the control of mRNA expression of related synthesis and metabolic enzymes in the hippocampus and amygdala, further affecting the contents of neurosteroids.
Choline Intake and Its Food Sources in the Diet of Romanian Kindergarten Children
Authors: Reinhard Prelicz Cristian , Lotrean Lucia
Published: August 2017

The objective of this study is to assess the usual intake and food sources of choline in a group of Romanian kindergarten children. A cross-sectional study was performed among 71 children aged 4–6 years from four kindergartens from Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Dietary intake data were collected by means of three-day food records. The mean (SD) daily intake of choline was 215 (32) mg/day, 22.5% of the participants fulfilling the adequate intake (AI) for children 4–6 years of age of 250 mg of choline per day. The main food sources were meat (mainly poultry), eggs, grains, cereals, and baked products (mainly bread), and dairy products (mainly milk). The results of the logistic regression analyses show that an appropriate consumption of choline/day was statistically significantly associated with the consumption of at least one egg per three days (OR = 7.5, p < 0.05), a minimum of two portions of milk or dairy products per day (500 mL milk or yoghurt, or 60 g of cheese/day) (OR = 4.4, p < 0.05), and at least one portion of meat/day (90 g/day) (OR = 14.4, p < 0.05). The results underline the need for future surveys in this field, as well as actions to encourage an appropriate diet for children, including an appropriate content of choline.
Genome-Wide Interaction Study of Omega-3 PUFAs and Other Fatty Acids on Inflammatory Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Health in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Veenstra Jenna , Kalsbeek Anya , Westra Jason , Disselkoen Craig , E. Smith Caren , Tintle Nathan
Published: August 2017

Numerous genetic loci have been identified as being associated with circulating fatty acid (FA) levels and/or inflammatory biomarkers of cardiovascular health (e.g., C-reactive protein). Recently, using red blood cell (RBC) FA data from the Framingham Offspring Study, we conducted a genome-wide association study of over 2.5 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 22 RBC FAs (and associated ratios), including the four Omega-3 FAs (ALA, DHA, DPA, and EPA). Our analyses identified numerous causal loci. In this manuscript, we investigate the extent to which polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels moderate the relationship of genetics to cardiovascular health biomarkers using a genome-wide interaction study approach. In particular, we test for possible gene–FA interactions on 9 inflammatory biomarkers, with 2.5 million SNPs and 12 FAs, including all Omega-3 PUFAs. We identified eighteen novel loci, including loci which demonstrate strong evidence of modifying the impact of heritable genetics on biomarker levels, and subsequently cardiovascular health. The identified genes provide increased clarity on the biological functioning and role of Omega-3 PUFAs, as well as other common fatty acids, in cardiovascular health, and suggest numerous candidate loci for future replication and biological characterization.
Influence of Droughts on Mid-Tropospheric CO2
Authors: Jiang Xun , Kao Angela , Corbett Abigail , Olsen Edward , Pagano Thomas , Zhai Albert , Newman Sally , Li Liming , Yung Yuk
Published: August 2017

Using CO2 data from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), it is found for the first time that the mid-tropospheric CO2 concentration is ~1 part per million by volume higher during dry years than wet years over the southwestern USA from June to September. The mid-tropospheric CO2 differences between dry and wet years are related to circulation and CO2 surface fluxes. During drought conditions, vertical pressure velocity from NCEP2 suggests that there is more rising air over most regions, which can help bring high surface concentrations of CO2 to the mid-troposphere. In addition to the circulation, there is more CO2 emitted from the biosphere to the atmosphere during droughts in some regions, which can contribute to higher concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere. Results obtained from this study demonstrate the significant impact of droughts on atmospheric CO2 and therefore on a feedback cycle contributing to greenhouse gas warming. It can also help us better understand atmospheric CO2, which plays a critical role in our climate system.
Technical Evaluation of Sentinel-1 IW Mode Cross-Pol Radar Backscattering from the Ocean Surface in Moderate Wind Condition
Authors: Huang Lanqing , Liu Bin , Li Xiaofeng , Zhang Zenghui , Yu Wenxian
Published: August 2017

The Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) allows sufficient resources for cross-pol wind speed retrievals over the ocean. In this paper, we present technical evaluation on wind retrieval from both Sentinel-1A and Sentinel-1B IW cross-pol images. Algorithms are based on the existing theoretical and empirical ones derived from the RADARSAT-2 cross-pol data. First, to better understand the Sentinel-1 observed normalized radar cross section (NRCS) values under various environmental conditions, we constructed a dataset that integrates SAR images with wind field information from scatterometer measurements. There are 11,883 matchup data in the experimental dataset. We then calculated the systemic noise floor of Sentinel-1 IW mode, and presented its unique noise characteristics among different sub-bands. Based on the calculated NESZ measurements, the noise is removed for all matchup data. Empirical relationships among the noise free NRCS σ VH 0 , wind speed, wind direction, and radar incidence angle are analyzed for each sub-band, and a piecewise model is proposed. We showed that a larger correlation coefficient, r, is achieved by including both wind direction and incidence terms in the model. Validation against scatterometer measurements showed the suitability of the proposed model.
A Hierarchical Extension of General Four-Component Scattering Power Decomposition
Authors: Quan Sinong , Xiang Deliang , Xiong Boli , Hu Canbin , Kuang Gangyao
Published: August 2017

The overestimation of volume scattering (OVS) is an intrinsic drawback in model-based polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) target decomposition. It severely impacts the accuracy measurement of scattering power and leads to scattering mechanism ambiguity. In this paper, a hierarchical extended general four-component scattering power decomposition method (G4U) is presented. The conventional G4U is first proposed by Singh et al. and it has advantages in full use of information and volume scattering characterization. However, the OVS still exists in the G4U and it causes a scattering mechanism ambiguity in some oriented urban areas. In the proposed method, matrix rotations by the orientation angle and the helix angle are applied. Afterwards, the transformed coherency matrix is applied to the four-component decomposition scheme with two refined models. Moreover, the branch condition applied in the G4U is substituted by the ratio of correlation coefficient (RCC), which is used as a criterion for hierarchically implementing the decomposition. The performance of this approach is demonstrated and evaluated with the Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (AIRSAR), Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR), Radarsat-2, and the Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) fully polarimetric data over different test sites. Comparison studies are carried out and demonstrated that the proposed method exhibits promising improvements in the OVS and scattering mechanism characterization.
Wave Height Estimation from Shadowing Based on the Acquired X-Band Marine Radar Images in Coastal Area
Authors: Wei Yanbo , Lu Zhizhong , Pian Gen , Liu Hong
Published: August 2017

In this paper, the retrieving significant wave height from X-band marine radar images based on shadow statistics is investigated, since the retrieving accuracy can not be seriously affected by environmental factors and the method has the advantage of without any external reference to calibrate. However, the accuracy of the significant wave height estimated from the radar image acquired at the near-shore area is not ideal. To solve this problem, the effect of water depth is considered in the theoretical derivation of estimated wave height based on the sea surface slope. And then, an improved retrieving algorithm which is suitable for both in deep water area and shallow water area is developed. In addition, the radar data are sparsely processed in advance in order to achieve high quality edge image for the requirement of shadow statistic algorithm, since the high resolution radar images will lead to angle-blurred for the image edge detection and time-consuming in the estimation of sea surface slope. The data acquired from Pingtan Test Base in Fujian Province were used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The experimental results demonstrate that the improved method which takes into account the water depth is more efficient and effective and has better performance for retrieving significant wave height in the shallow water area, compared to the in situ buoy data as the ground truth and that of the existing shadow statistic method.
A Dynamic Landsat Derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) Product for the Conterminous United States
Authors: Robinson Nathaniel , Allred Brady , Jones Matthew , Moreno Alvaro , Kimball John , Naugle David , Erickson Tyler , Richardson Andrew
Published: August 2017

Satellite derived vegetation indices (VIs) are broadly used in ecological research, ecosystem modeling, and land surface monitoring. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), perhaps the most utilized VI, has countless applications across ecology, forestry, agriculture, wildlife, biodiversity, and other disciplines. Calculating satellite derived NDVI is not always straight-forward, however, as satellite remote sensing datasets are inherently noisy due to cloud and atmospheric contamination, data processing failures, and instrument malfunction. Readily available NDVI products that account for these complexities are generally at coarse resolution; high resolution NDVI datasets are not conveniently accessible and developing them often presents numerous technical and methodological challenges. We address this deficiency by producing a Landsat derived, high resolution (30 m), long-term (30+ years) NDVI dataset for the conterminous United States. We use Google Earth Engine, a planetary-scale cloud-based geospatial analysis platform, for processing the Landsat data and distributing the final dataset. We use a climatology driven approach to fill missing data and validate the dataset with established remote sensing products at multiple scales. We provide access to the composites through a simple web application, allowing users to customize key parameters appropriate for their application, question, and region of interest.
Secure Localization in the Presence of Colluders in WSNs
Authors: Shi Wei , Barbeau Michel , Corriveau Jean-Pierre , Garcia-Alfaro Joaquin , Yao Meng
Published: August 2017

We address the challenge of correctly estimating the position of wireless sensor network (WSN) nodes in the presence of malicious adversaries. We consider adversarial situations during the execution of node localization under three classes of colluding adversaries. We describe a decentralized algorithm that aims at determining the position of nodes in the presence of such colluders. Colluders are assumed to either forge or manipulate the information they exchange with the other nodes of the WSN. This algorithm allows location-unknown nodes to successfully detect adversaries within their communication range. Numeric simulation is reported to validate the approach. Results show the validity of the proposal, both in terms of localization and adversary detection.
Combined Dynamic Time Warping with Multiple Sensors for 3D Gesture Recognition
Authors: Choi Hyo-Rim , Kim TaeYong
Published: August 2017

Cyber-physical systems, which closely integrate physical systems and humans, can be applied to a wider range of applications through user movement analysis. In three-dimensional (3D) gesture recognition, multiple sensors are required to recognize various natural gestures. Several studies have been undertaken in the field of gesture recognition; however, gesture recognition was conducted based on data captured from various independent sensors, which rendered the capture and combination of real-time data complicated. In this study, a 3D gesture recognition method using combined information obtained from multiple sensors is proposed. The proposed method can robustly perform gesture recognition regardless of a user’s location and movement directions by providing viewpoint-weighted values and/or motion-weighted values. In the proposed method, the viewpoint-weighted dynamic time warping with multiple sensors has enhanced performance by preventing joint measurement errors and noise due to sensor measurement tolerance, which has resulted in the enhancement of recognition performance by comparing multiple joint sequences effectively.
Ag Nanorods-Oxide Hybrid Array Substrates: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications in Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Ma Lingwei , Li Jianghao , Zou Sumeng , Zhang Zhengjun
Published: August 2017

Over the last few decades, benefitting from the sufficient sensitivity, high specificity, nondestructive, and rapid detection capability of the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique, numerous nanostructures have been elaborately designed and successfully synthesized as high-performance SERS substrates, which have been extensively exploited for the identification of chemical and biological analytes. Among these, Ag nanorods coated with thin metal oxide layers (AgNRs-oxide hybrid array substrates) featuring many outstanding advantages have been proposed as fascinating SERS substrates, and are of particular research interest. The present review provides a systematic overview towards the representative achievements of AgNRs-oxide hybrid array substrates for SERS applications from diverse perspectives, so as to promote the realization of real-world SERS sensors. First, various fabrication approaches of AgNRs-oxide nanostructures are introduced, which are followed by a discussion on the novel merits of AgNRs-oxide arrays, such as superior SERS sensitivity and reproducibility, high thermal stability, long-term activity in air, corrosion resistivity, and intense chemisorption of target molecules. Next, we present recent advances of AgNRs-oxide substrates in terms of practical applications. Intriguingly, the recyclability, qualitative and quantitative analyses, as well as vapor-phase molecule sensing have been achieved on these nanocomposites. We further discuss the major challenges and prospects of AgNRs-oxide substrates for future SERS developments, aiming to expand the versatility of SERS technique.
Topological Interference Management for K-User Downlink Massive MIMO Relay Network Channel
Authors: Selvaprabhu Poongundran , Chinnadurai Sunil , Li Jun , Lee Moon
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we study the emergence of topological interference alignment and the characterizing features of a multi-user broadcast interference relay channel. We propose an alternative transmission strategy named the relay space-time interference alignment (R-STIA) technique, in which a K -user multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) interference channel has massive antennas at the transmitter and relay. Severe interference from unknown transmitters affects the downlink relay network channel and degrades the system performance. An additional (unintended) receiver is introduced in the proposed R-STIA technique to overcome the above problem, since it has the ability to decode the desired signals for the intended receiver by considering cooperation between the receivers. The additional receiver also helps in recovering and reconstructing the interference signals with limited channel state information at the relay (CSIR). The Alamouti space-time transmission technique and minimum mean square error (MMSE) linear precoder are also used in the proposed scheme to detect the presence of interference signals. Numerical results show that the proposed R-STIA technique achieves a better performance in terms of the bit error rate (BER) and sum-rate compared to the existing broadcast channel schemes.