bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nuclear lipid mediators: Role of nuclear sphingolipids and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate signaling in epigenetic regulation of inflammation and gene expression
Authors: Fu Panfeng , Ebenezer David L. , Ha Alison W. , Suryadevara Vidyani , Harijith Anantha , Natarajan Viswanathan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPhospholipids, sphingolipids, and cholesterol are integral components of eukaryotic cell organelles, including the nucleus. Recent evidence shows characteristic features of nuclear lipid composition and signaling, which are distinct from that of the cytoplasm and plasma membrane. While the nuclear phosphoinositol lipid signaling in cell cycle regulation and differentiation has been well described, there is a paucity on the role of nuclear sphingolipids and sphingolipid signaling in different physiological and pathophysiological human conditions. In this prospective, we describe the role of sphingolipids and specifically focus on the sphingoid bases, such as sphingosine, ceramide, and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) generation and catabolism in nuclear signaling and function. Particularly, S1P generated in the nucleus by phosphorylation of SPHK2 modulates HDAC activity either by direct binding or through activation of nuclear reactive oxygen species and regulates cell cycle and pro‐inflammatory gene expression. Potential implication of association of SPHK2 with the co‐repressor complexes and generation of S1P in the nucleus on chromatin remodeling under normal and pathological conditions is discussed. A better understanding of sphingolipid signaling in the nucleus will facilitate the design and development of new and novel therapeutic approaches to modulate expression of pro‐inflammatory and cell cycle dependent genes in human pathologies such as cancer, bacterial lung infection, neurodegeneration, and cystic fibrosis.
Hmox1 promotes osteogenic differentiation at the expense of reduced adipogenic differentiation induced by BMP9 in C3H10T1/2 cells
Authors: Liu Xiaohua , Ji Caixia , Xu Li , Yu TingTing , Dong Chaoqun , Luo Jinyong 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitors that can differentiate into a variety of cell types under proper stimuli. Bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) is able to simultaneously induce both adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs although the regulatory molecules involved remain to be fully identified and characterized. Heme oxygenase 1 (Hmox1) plays an essential role not only in fat metabolism, but also in bone development. In the present study, we investigated the functional role of Hmox1 in BMP9‐induced osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation in MSCs line C3H10T1/2 and probed the possible mechanism involved. We found that BMP9 promoted the endogenous expression of Hmox1 in C3H10T1/2 cells. Overexpression of Hmox1 or cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP), an inducer of Hmox1, increased BMP9‐induced osteogenic differentiation in vitro. Subcutaneous stem cell implantation in nude mice further confirmed that Hmox1 potentiated BMP9‐induced ectopic bone formation in vivo. In contrast, Hmox1 reduced BMP9‐induced adipogenic differentiation in C3H10T1/2 cells. Although had no obvious effect on BMP9‐induced Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation, Hmox1 enhanced phosphorylation of p38, and AKT, while decreased phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Furthermore, Hmox1 increased total β‐catenin protein level, and promoted the nuclear translocation of β‐catenin in C3H10T1/2 cells. Taken together, our study strongly suggests that Hmox1 is likely to potentiate osteogenic differentiation and yet decrease adipogenic differentiation induced by BMP9 possibly through regulation of multiple signaling pathways.
Exploring sand fly salivary proteins to design multiepitope subunit vaccine to fight against visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Pandey Rajan Kumar , Prajapati Vijay Kumar 
Published: January 2018

AbstractVisceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by the parasites of Leishmania donovani complex, leads to the death of 20 000 to 40 000 people from 56 affected countries, worldwide. Till date, there is not a single available vaccine candidate to prevent the VL infection, and treatment only relies upon expensive and toxic chemotherapeutic options. Consequently, immunoinformatics approach was applied to design a multiepitope‐based subunit vaccine to enhance the humoral as well as cell‐mediated immunity. Constructed vaccine candidate was further subjected to evaluation on allergenicity and antigenicity and physiochemical parameters. Later on, disulfide engineering was performed to increase the stability of vaccine construct. Also, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation study were performed to check the binding affinity and stability of toll‐like receptor‐4 to vaccine construct complex. Finally, codon optimization and in silico cloning were performed to ensure the expression of proposed vaccine construct in a microbial expression system.
Drosophila melanogaster: A model to study obesity effects on genes expression and developmental changes on descendants
Authors: de Paula Mariane T. , Silva Márcia R. P. , Araújo Stífani M. , Bortolotto Vandreza C. , Martins Illana K. , Macedo Giulianna E. , Franco Jeferson L. , Posser Thaís , Prigol Marina 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMaternal obesity and metabolic diseases are two of the most important potential dangers to offspring, given that impaired offspring may cause deficiencies that impair the adult life and health. This study evaluated the oxidative damage, the enzymatic antioxidant defenses, and the enzymes of fatty acid metabolism, such as Acyl‐CoA Synthetase and Acetyl‐CoA Synthetase (mRNA expression levels), as well as the modulation of cell stress signaling pathway, as Hsp83, and gene expression and insulin‐like peptide DILP6 in Drosophila melanogaster models that received a high fat diet (HFD) (10% and 20% of coconut oil) throughout their development period. After 7 days, the progenitor flies were removed and, the remaining eggs were monitored daily, until the eclosion. The descendants were then exposed to a regular diet (RD). The results revealed that the HFD caused a decrease in the proportion of eclosion, lifespan, MTT reduction in mitochondrial enriched fractions, AceCS1 levels, mRNA expression levels (SOD and CAT), and in catalase activity a decrease was only observed in the group that received the highest concentration of coconut oil. In parallel, it was demonstrated an increase in the upregulation of HSP83 mRNA levels, but only when 10% of coconut oil was added, and an increase in glucose and triglyceride levels, as well as in DILP6 mRNA levels in larger concentration of coconut oil tested (20%). In conclusion, flies that have progenitors fed with HFD can develop metabolic dysfunctions, causing oxidative insults, which are involved in the shortening of lifespan.
Effects of energy and thermoregulation time on physiological state and sexual signal in a lizard
Authors: Mészáros Boglárka , Herczeg Gábor , Bajer Katalin , Török János , Molnár Orsolya 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTheory of sexual selection states that males often develop showy signals, which reduce their survival but increase their reproductive success. During mate choice, these conspicuous signals can be honest indicators of individual quality conveying information about the signaler's physiological state. Sexually selected signals are influenced by many environmental factors; however, whether signals and physiological state are affected together is rarely studied. The ultraviolet‐blue throat color of male Lacerta viridis is an intra‐ and intersexually selected signal connected to blood parasite infection and influenced by environmental factors. The aim of this study was to experimentally investigate how ecologically relevant environmental factors affect color signal intensity and key physiological traits parallel. During the mating season, we exposed 40 adult male lizards infected with blood parasites to food and basking time treatments in a full factorial design. We measured color, amount of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs), hematocrit, immunocompetence, and blood parasite intensity before and after treatments. High basking time resulted in elevated immunocompetence coupled with increased ROMs. The high food treatment increased nuptial color brightness, but also increased ROMs and decreased immunocompetence. In summary, our study provides experimental evidence about environmentally induced parallel changes in an honest sexual signal and several quality‐indicator physiological traits. We showed that available energy and time for high metabolism have independent and sometimes opposite effects on individual state.
Foreign Banks and Financial Inclusion in Emerging and Developing Economies: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Gopalan Sasidaran , Rajan Ramkishen S. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAn important dimension of the effects of foreign bank presence on financial sector development relates to that of financial inclusion. Despite its significance, the empirical literature offers little evidence on the relationship between foreign banks and financial inclusion. We examine this relationship by focusing on impact of foreign banks on both the accessibility and usage dimensions of financial inclusion for a panel of 50 emerging and developing economies over 2004–2009. Our findings show that foreign banks have a strong positive impact in furthering financial access while tending to impede the usage dimension, which is robust to alternative methodologies and definitions. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impacts of the subarctic frontal zone on the North Pacific storm track in the cold season: an observational study
Authors: Yao Yao , Zhong Zhong , Yang Xiu‐Qun 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTIn this study, potential impacts of the North Pacific subarctic frontal zone (SAFZ) variation, including its intensity variation and meridional shift, upon the subseasonally varying North Pacific storm track are investigated by using the 100‐year reanalysis data sets. Regression analysis indicates that the changes in the SAFZ intensity and meridional position have significant influence on the North Pacific storm track, which intensifies with the strengthening of the SAFZ and moves northwards following the northwards shift of the SAFZ. However, the storm‐track response pattern exhibits distinct differences from one calendar month to another. Specifically, the storm‐track response to the SAFZ intensity variation is strongest in February and March; while its response to the SAFZ meridional shift is most pronounced in November and December. However, the storm‐track response is relatively weak in January. Further analysis shows that the intensified (or northwards shifted) SAFZ would result in changes in the near‐surface baroclinicity and hence affects the storm track, while the weak storm‐track response in January is not the result of the anomalous near‐surface baroclinicity. The investigation of the local energetics reveals that changes in the baroclinic energy conversion (BCEC) associated with the SAFZ variation are consistent with the storm‐track anomalies, indicating that the BCEC plays a crucial role in modulating the subseasonal changes in the storm‐track response. In January, the weakened BCEC contributes to the reduced storm‐track response to the SAFZ variation.
The influence of Aloe vera gel incorporation on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of banana starch‐chitosan edible films
Authors: Pinzon Magda I , Garcia Omar R , Villa Cristian C 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDAloe vera (AV) gel is a promising material in food conservation, given its widely reported antimicrobial and antioxidant activity; however, its application in the formation of edible films and coatings has been small owing its low film‐forming capability. The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical properties of film‐forming solutions and films prepared using unripe banana starch–chitosan and AV gel at different AV gel concentrations.RESULTSOur results showed that AV gel considerably affected the rheological and optical properties of the edible coatings, mainly due to increased amounts of solids brought by the AV gel. Film‐forming capacity and physicochemical properties were also studied; most of the film properties were affected by the inclusion of AV gel, with decreased water vapor permeability, tensile strength and elongation at break. Fourier transform infrared studies showed that the inclusion of AV gel disrupts the interaction between starch and chitosan molecules; however, further studies are needed to fully understand the specific interactions between the components of AV gel and both starch and chitosan molecules.CONCLUSIONOur results suggest that the addition of AV gel creates a crosslinking effect between the phenolic compounds in AV gel and starch molecules, which disrupts the starch–chitosan interaction and greatly affects the properties of both the film‐forming solution and edible films. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
3D computer vision based on machine learning with deep neural networks: A review
Authors: Vodrahalli Kailas , Bhowmik Achintya K. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractRecent advances in the field of computer vision can be attributed to the emergence of deep learning techniques, in particular convolutional neural networks. Neural networks, partially inspired by the brain's visual cortex, enable a computer to “learn” the most important features of the images it is shown in relation to a specific, specified task. Given sufficient data and time, (deep) convolutional neural networks offer more easily designed, more generalizable, and significantly more accurate end‐to‐end systems than is possible with previously employed computer vision techniques. This review paper seeks to provide an overview of deep learning in the field of computer vision with an emphasis on recent progress in tasks involving 3D visual data. Through a backdrop of the mammalian visual processing system, we hope to also provide inspiration for future advances in automated visual processing.
Electrowetting optical switch with large aperture tuning range
Authors: Li Yannanqi , Yuan Rong‐Ying , Li Lei , Rong Sheng , Wang Qiong‐Hua 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we propose an optical switch by deforming the shape of the liquid droplet. The optical switch consists of two immiscible liquids. The dye‐doped water is conductive, while the clear liquid is insulating. In the voltage‐off state, incident light can pass through the circular aperture formed of clear liquid. When the voltage is applied to the liquids, the surrounding dye‐doped water pushes to the side wall because of the effect of electric field force. So, the diameter of the circular aperture is rapidly reduced, and the incident light is absorbed by the dye‐doped water. Our results show that the device can obtain an optical attenuation (~350:1) and reasonable response time (~320 ms). The diameter of the aperture can be largely tuned from ~0.5 to ~6.2 mm as the applied voltage is changed from ~25 to ~65 V. The proposed optical switch has potential applications in light shutters, tunable irises, and variable optical attenuators.
Influencing altruistic tourist behaviour: Persuasive communication to affect attitudes and self‐efficacy beliefs
Authors: Shahzalal Md , Font Xavier 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis article studies the determinants of altruistic behaviour in a collectivistic country. A focus group discussion identified the determinants and their causal relationships. Partial least square and covariance‐based structural equation modelling provide similar results in 605 questionnaires, which support the model's fit. The tourists are likely to perform more altruistic behaviours if they are exposed to persuasive communication that enhances self‐efficacy beliefs, more than communication tapping into one's sustainability attitudes. The study shows the potential of focusing on altruistic messages in a collectivistic country (Bangladesh) in comparison to the individualistic messages typically shown to be more persuasive in Western countries.
Impact of stone bunds on temporal and spatial variability of soil physical properties: A field study from northern Ethiopia
Authors: Klik Andreas , Schürz Christoph , Strohmeier Stefan , Demelash Melaku Nigus , Ziadat Feras , Schwen Andreas , Zucca Claudio 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn the Ethiopian Highlands, stone bunds (SBs) are a common practice for soil and water conservation, influencing runoff and erosion processes from sloped agricultural areas. The objective of this study was to investigate how SBs affect spatiotemporal relationships of these processes to better understand their impacts on soil water development at the smallholder farmer's field level. Study area was the Gumara‐Maksegnit Watershed in northern Ethiopia, where two representative transects were investigated: One transect crossed a 71 m‐long field intersected by 2 SBs traced along the contour. The second transect crossed a similar hillslope without conservation structures at a length of 55 m representing baseline (untreated) conditions (no stone bund). During the rainy season of 2012, bulk density and volumetric water content were monitored, and tension disc infiltrometer experiments were performed to determine the saturated hydraulic conductivity and to derive soil water retention characteristics. Our observations show that SB decreased significantly soil bulk density in center and lower zones of SB transect compared with no stone bund. No temporal change was observed. Results targeting the surface soil moisture indicate that infiltration was higher with SB and happened earlier in the rainy season in the zones around the SBs. Saturated hydraulic conductivity was positively affected by SB and increased significantly. Improved soil hydrology by SB fields may increase crop yields by higher soil water contents but also by extending the growing season after the rainy season. Therefore, SBs are a successful measure to establish climate‐resilient agriculture in the Ethiopian Highlands.
Untargeted Metabolomic Screen Reveals Changes in Human Plasma Metabolite Profiles Following Consumption of Fresh Broccoli Sprouts
Authors: Housley Lauren , Magana Armando Alcazar , Hsu Anna , Beaver Laura M. , Wong Carmen P. , Stevens Jan F. , Choi Jaewoo , Jiang Yuan , Bella Deborah , Williams David E. , Maier Claudia S. , Shannon Jackilen , Dashwood Roderick H. , Ho Emily 
Published: January 2018

ScopeSeveral lines of evidence suggest that the consumption of cruciferous vegetables is beneficial to human health. Yet, underlying mechanisms and key molecular targets that are involved with achieving these benefits in humans are still not fully understood. To accelerate this research, we conduct a human study to identify potential molecular targets of crucifers for further study. This study aims to characterize plasma metabolite profiles in humans before and after consuming fresh broccoli sprouts (a rich dietary source of bioactive sulforaphane).Methods and resultsTen healthy adults consume fresh broccoli sprouts (containing 200 μmol sulforaphane equivalents) at time 0 and provide blood samples at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. An untargeted metabolomics screen reveals that levels of several plasma metabolites are significantly different before and after sprout intake, including fatty acids (14:0, 14:1, 16:0, 16:1, 18:0, and 18:1), glutathione, glutamine, cysteine, dehydroepiandrosterone, and deoxyuridine monophosphate. Evaluation of all time points is conducted using paired t‐test (R software) and repeated measures analysis of variance for a within‐subject design (Progenesis QI).ConclusionThis investigation identifies several potential molecular targets of crucifers that may aid in studying established and emerging health benefits of consuming cruciferous vegetables and related bioactive compounds.
A polynomial‐based method for topology optimization of phononic crystals with unknown‐but‐bounded parameters
Authors: Xie Longxiang , Liu Jian , Huang Guoliang , Zhu Wenqing , Xia Baizhan 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe design and analysis of phononic crystals (PnCs) are generally based on the deterministic models without considering the effects of uncertainties. However, uncertainties that existed in PnCs may have a nontrivial impact on their band structure characteristics. In this paper, a sparse point sampling–based Chebyshev polynomial expansion (SPSCPE) method is proposed to estimate the extreme bounds of the band structures of PnCs. In the SPSCPE, the interval model is introduced to handle the unknown‐but‐bounded parameters. Then, the sparse point sampling scheme and the finite element method are used to calculate the coefficients of the Chebyshev polynomial expansion. After that, the SPSCPE method is applied for the band structure analysis of PnCs. Meanwhile, the checkerboard and hinge phenomena are eliminated by the hybrid discretization model. In the end, the genetic algorithm is introduced for the topology optimization of PnCs with unknown‐but‐bounded parameters. The specific frequency constraint is considered. Two numerical examples are investigated to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Influence of Childhood and Adolescent Fat Development on Fat Mass Accrual During Emerging Adulthood: A 20‐Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Barbour‐Tuck Erin , Erlandson Marta , Muhajarine Nazeem , Foulds Heather , Baxter‐Jones Adam 
Published: January 2018

ObjectiveFat mass and the prevalence of overweight/obesity (OWO) increase during emerging adulthood (EA; 18‐25 years). The factors that contribute to the transition from having healthy weight to having OWO during EA are understudied. This study aimed to identify the independent effect of concurrent physical activity (PA) and energy intake (EI) and childhood/adolescent fat accrual, PA, and EI on EA fat accrual.MethodsOne hundred twenty‐six participants (59 male) were measured serially between 1991 and 2011. Measures included age, height, weight, total body and trunk fat mass (TBF and TrF, in grams) derived from dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry, and PA and EI. Composite childhood/adolescent z scores were calculated for each participant (average mean z score) for TBF, TrF, PA, and EI. Multilevel random‐effects models were developed.ResultsEA fat accrual was predicted by childhood and adolescent TBF and TrF z score (0.30 ± 0.05, P < 0.05), respectively, in both sexes. Concurrent PA (−0.06 ± 0.02, P < 0.05) was significant in males only.ConclusionsThese results underscore the importance of maintaining a lower TBF and TrF during childhood and adolescence, and a higher level of PA in order to mitigate TBF and TrF accrual and prevent the transition from having healthy weight to having OWO during EA.