bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microcurrent stimulation promotes reverse remodelling in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Kapeller Barbara , Mueller Johannes , Losert Udo , Podesser Bruno K. , Macfelda Karin 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimsIt has been shown that electrical stimulation can improve tissue repair in patients. Imbalances in the extracellular matrix composition induce manifestation of heart failure. Here we investigated the application of microcurrent (MC) to modulate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in cardiomyocytes in vitro and in vivo to reverse remodelling in the heart in spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR).MethodsCardiomyocytes from young SHR (7 months) and old SHR (14 months) were stimulated in vitro and in vivo with MC. MMP and TIMP expression were analysed by qPCR and immunofluorescence to evaluate the modulation of MC treatment.ResultsModulation of cardiomyocytes with MC enhances proliferation with no morphological changes in vitro. By electrical stimulation dual effects, increase and decrease, on MMP‐2, MMP‐9, TIMP‐3, and TIMP‐4 mRNA as well as protein expression were observed, depending on the age of the cardiomyocytes. In our in vivo study, MC down‐regulated MMP‐2, MMP‐9, and TIMP‐4 and increased TIMP‐3 in young SHR. In old SHR MMP‐2, MMP‐9, and TIMP‐4 were up‐regulated, whereas TIMP‐3 was unaffected.ConclusionsOur data indicate that treatment of MC can modulate the expression of MMPs and TIMPs in vitro and in vivo in SHR. Based on these results new treatments for heart failure could be developed.
Morphology of the Discharge Product in Non‐aqueous Lithium–Oxygen Batteries: Furrowed Toroid Particles Correspond to a Lower Charge Voltage
Authors: Tan Peng , Shi Le , Shyy Wei , Zhao Tianshou 
Published: January 2016

AbstractA type of discharge particle morphology that closely resembles furrowed toroid particles, which are formed at high operating oxygen pressures, was discovered. It was also found that the charge voltage required to decompose furrowed toroid particles was lower than that to decompose toroid‐shaped particles. Combined experimental and density functional theory investigations showed that the formation of furrowed toroid particles could be attributed to an increase in the proportion of the intermediate discharge product LiO2, which gravitates toward adsorbing onto the surface of the Li2O2crystal layers rather than onto the carbon substrate. Moreover, the increased proportion of LiO2in the discharge product particles was found to improve the effective electrical conductivity, which thereby lowered the charge voltage. The findings suggest that the charge voltage can effectively be reduced and the efficiency of the battery can be improved by creating discharge products in the morphology of furrowed toroid particles.
Use of Particle Heat Carriers in the Stirling Engine Concept
Authors: Zhang Huili , Gowing Tim , Degrève Jan , Leadbeater Thomas , Baeyens Jan 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe Stirling engine has drawn new attention for its high efficiency and flexibility towards the application of different heat sources. A new Stirling engine application in a renewable energy combined heat and power (CHP) concept will be presented, in which powders are used as the heat carrier between the hot storage and the ultimate Stirling reuse. A fluidized bed of small particles (50–150 μm) is examined in this study. The outside heat transfer coefficient to the finned Stirling heat exchanger largely exceeds 1500 W m−2 K−1 at very low fluidization velocities, which is, therefore, not the heat transfer limitation. Positron emission particle tracking experiments demonstrated that the particle movement and mixing in the fluidized bed are not hampered by the presence of the finned heat transfer tube. As the Stirling engine can reach efficiencies in excess of 30 % and has the potential to be integrated in a CHP mode of operation, it should be considered as a hot research topic in the renewable energy sector.
β‐Carotene Induces Apoptosis in Human Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines via the Cav‐1/AKT/NF‐κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhu Xiangzhan , Zhang Yanting , Li Qinghua , Yang Lu , Zhang Nannan , Ma Shanshan , Zhang Kun , Song Jishi , Guan Fangxia 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTβ‐carotene, a type of terpenoid, has many metabolic and physiological functions. In particular, β‐carotene has an antitumor effect. However, the efficacy of β‐carotene against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. In our study, β‐carotene inhibited the growth of ESCC cells and downregulated expression of the Caveolin‐1 (Cav‐1) protein. Cav‐1 protein was expressed only in ESCC cells, not in Het‐1A cells. Moreover, β‐carotene triggered apoptosis, induced cell cycle G0⁄G1 phase arrest, and inhibited cell migration. To explore the mechanism involved in these processes, we further examined the effect of β‐carotene on the Cav‐1‐mediated AKT/NF‐κB pathway. The results showed that the level of AKT and NF‐κB phosphorylation was dramatically inhibited, which led to an increase in the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio. Correspondingly, the activity of Caspase‐3 was also enhanced. These data suggest that β‐carotene has an antiproliferative role in ESCC cells and may be a promising chemotherapeutic agent for use against ESCC cells.
A novel channel allocation method for time synchronization in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Kiani Farzad 
Published: January 2016

SummaryChannel allocation in the wireless sensor networks is one of the important issues, and these networks must allocate shared channels between sensor nodes in the transmission phase. This paper proposes a novel protocol for channel allocation, so it focuses on energy efficiency and collisions avoidance. The main idea of this protocol is based on the Guaranteed Time Slot approach by using novel high‐rate collaborative codes. The sum rate of the proposed collaborative codes is double than the conventional codes, thus increasing the capacity of codes and allowing more nodes to simultaneously transmit at a given time slot. The proposed protocol has a cluster‐based structure, so the sensor nodes of each cluster can communicate together only inside of the any cluster. The protocol performs clustering (grouping) of the nodes based on the geometric distance from the coordinator node and hence allocating different transmission power to each cluster. Because of the difference in transmission power among the groups, the same codes can be reused in the adjacent groups increasing the overall sum rate of the codes. The performance of a proposed protocol is evaluated through extensive simulation and analysis. It is shown from the results that the proposed scheme outperforms significantly the existing ZigBee Guaranteed Time Slot allocation schemes as well as the conventional collaborative codes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Online solid‐phase extraction with high‐performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry for the determination of five tannins in traditional Chinese medicine injections
Authors: Sun Meng , Lin Yuanyuan , Zhang Jie , Zheng Shaohua , Wang Sicen 
Published: January 2016

A rapid analytical method based on online solid‐phase extraction with high‐performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry has been established and applied to the determination of tannin compounds that may cause adverse effects in traditional Chinese medicine injections. Different solid‐phase extraction sorbents have been compared and the elution buffer was optimized. The performance of the method was verified by evaluation of recovery (≥40%), repeatability (RSD ≤ 6%), linearity (r2 ≥ 0.993), and limit of quantification (≤0.35 μg/mL). Five tannin compounds, gallic acid, cianidanol, gallocatechin gallate, ellagic acid, and penta‐O‐galloylglucose, were identified with concentrations ranging from 3.1–37.4 μg/mL in the analyzed traditional Chinese medicine injections.
Effects of Land Use and Wildfires on the Habitat Selection of Great Bustard (Otis tarda l.)—Implications for Species Conservation
Authors: Végvári Zsolt , Valkó Orsolya , Deák Balázs , Török Péter , Konyhás Sándor , Tóthmérész Béla 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIncreasing agricultural activities have been shown to affect soil and vegetation changes leading to serious biodiversity declines throughout the world. These effects are amplified in dry grassland areas, where resulting changes in habitat structure affect threatened animals on long temporal scales. Great bustards (Otis tarda) inhabit open landscapes where fire and grazing have been a part of the natural disturbance regime since historical times. Even fire and grazing are hypothesized to be important factors in the lifecycle of the species, studies are still missing on disturbance‐related lekking distribution patterns of great bustards. We analyzed the importance of fires and grazing on the spatial distribution of lekking bustards controlling for habitat types, habitat diversity, distance from roads and social effects. Our standardized dataset spanned 31 years, being one of the largest datasets on bustard lekking. During the 31 years we observed 10 118 individuals at 639 observation points in Hortobágy National Park, East‐Hungary. One of the most important predictors for total number of birds and number of males was the area burnt in previous years. We found that increased habitat diversity had a positive effect on female numbers. Models fit on second‐ and third‐year burn data detected no substantial role of burning on lekking distribution. Our results suggest that introduction of a patch‐burning management system in lekking areas could increase the availability of optimal lek sites for bustards. As an effective management tool, we suggest applying patch‐burning annually in a spatially mosaic structure inside the area occupied by each sub‐population unit. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organic Fertilization in Traditional Mediterranean Grapevine Orchards Mediates Changes in Soil Microbial Community Structure and Enhances Soil Fertility
Authors: García‐Orenes Fuensanta , Roldán Antonio , Morugán‐Coronado Alicia , Linares Carlos , Cerdà Artemi , Caravaca Fuensanta 
Published: January 2016

AbstractSoil microbial populations and their functions related to nutrient cycling contribute substantially to the regulation of soil fertility and the sustainability of agroecosystems. A field experiment was performed to assess the medium‐term effect of a mineral fertilizer and two organic fertilization systems with different nitrogen sources on the soil microbial community biomass, structure, and composition (phospholipid fatty acids, pattern, and abundance), microbial activity (basal respiration, dehydrogenase, protease, urease, β‐glucosidase, and total amount of phosphomonoesterase activities), and physical (aggregate stability) and chemical (total organic C, total N, available P and water‐soluble carbohydrates) properties in a vineyard under semiarid Mediterranean conditions after a period of 10 years. The three fertilization systems assayed were as follows: inorganic fertilization, addition of grapevine pruning with sheep manure (OPM), and addition of grapevine pruning with a legume cover crop (OPL). Both treatments, OPM and OPL, produced higher contents of total organic carbon, total N, available P, water‐soluble carbohydrates, and stable aggregates. The organic fertilization systems increased microbial biomass, shifted the structure and composition of the soil microbial community, and stimulated microbial activity, when compared with inorganic fertilization. The abundances of fungi and G+ bacteria were increased by treatments OPM and OPL, without significant differences between them. Organic and inorganic fertilization produced similar grapevine yields. The ability of the organic fertilization systems for promoting the sustainability and soil biological and chemical fertility of an agroecosystem under semiarid conditions was dependent of the organic N source. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dietary fat restriction increases fat taste sensitivity in people with obesity
Authors: Newman Lisa P. , Bolhuis Dieuwerke P. , Torres Susan J. , Keast Russell S.J. 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveIndividuals with obesity may be less sensitive to the taste of fat, and it is hypothesized that this is due to excess dietary fat intake. This study assessed the effect of a 6‐week low‐fat (LF) or portion control (PC) diet matched for weight loss on fat taste thresholds, fat perception, and preference in people with overweight/obesity.MethodsParticipants (n = 53) completed a randomized dietary intervention and consumed either a LF diet (25% fat) or PC diet (33% fat) for 6 weeks. Fat taste thresholds (lowest detectable fat concentration), fat perception (discrimination ability), preference, and anthropometry were assessed at baseline and week 6.ResultsConsumption of a LF diet (n = 26) and PC diet (n = 27) reduced participants' weight (P < 0.001), with no significant differences between groups (LF, −2.9%, PC, −2.7%). Both diets resulted in a decrease in fat taste thresholds (P = 0.014), and the effect tended to be stronger in the LF diet vs. the PC diet (P = 0.060). The ability to perceive different fat concentrations in foods was increased after the LF diet only (P = 0.017); however, food preference did not change on either diet.ConclusionsA PC and LF diet both increase fat taste sensitivity in people with overweight/obesity, with the strongest effect after the LF diet.
Efficacy of SDHI fungicides, including benzovindiflupyr, against Colletotrichum species
Authors: Ishii Hideo , Zhen Fan , Hu Mengjun , Li Xingpeng , Schnabel Guido 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDColletotrichum species cause anthracnose diseases on many plants and crops. A new generation of succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs) was developed recently. The inhibitory activity of the five SDHI fungicides against Colletotrichum species was determined in this study.RESULTSIsolates of C. gloeosporioides, C. acutatum, C. cereale and C. orbiculare were insensitive (naturally resistant) to boscalid, fluxapyroxad and fluopyram on YBA agar medium. In contrast, these isolates were relatively sensitive to penthiopyrad, except for C. orbiculare. Most interestingly, benzovindiflupyr showed highest inhibitory activity against all of these four species. Benzovindiflupyr was effective against C. gloeosporioides and C. acutatum on apple and peach fruit, as well as on cucumber plants inoculated with C. orbiculare. The sdhB, sdhC and sdhD genes encoding the subunits of fungicide‐targeted succinate dehydrogenase were sequenced, but, despite high polymorphisms, no apparent resistance mutations were found in Colletotrichum species.CONCLUSIONSThis is the first report on the activity of benzovindiflupyr against Colletotrichum species. The broad‐spectrum efficacy of benzovindiflupyr within the Colletotrichum genus might be exploited when designing disease management strategies against various pathogens on a wide range of crops. Other mechanism(s) than fungicide target‐site modification may be responsible for differential sensitivity of Colletotrichum species to SDHI fungicides. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Suicidal germination for parasitic weed control
Authors: Zwanenburg Binne , Mwakaboko Alinanuswe S , Kannan Chinnaswamy 
Published: January 2016

AbstractParasitic weeds of the genera Striga and Orobanche spp. cause severe yield losses in agriculture, especially in developing countries and the Mediterranean. Seeds of these weeds germinate by a chemical signal exuded by the roots of host plants. The radicle thus produced attaches to the root of the host plant, which can then supply nutrients to the parasite. There is an urgent need to control these weeds to ensure better agricultural production. The naturally occurring chemical signals are strigolactones (SLs), e.g. strigol and orobanchol. One option to control these weeds involves the use of SLs as suicidal germination agents, where germination takes place in the absence of a host. Owing to the lack of nutrients, the germinated seeds will die. The structure of natural SLs is too complex to allow multigram synthesis. Therefore, SL analogues are developed for this purpose. Examples are GR24 and Nijmegen‐1. In this paper, the SL analogues Nijmegen‐1 and Nijmegen‐1 Me were applied in the field as suicidal germination agents. Both SL analogues were formulated using an appropriate EC‐approved emulsifier (polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexaoleate) and applied to tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) fields infested by Orobanche ramosa L. (hemp broomrape), following a strict protocol. Four out of 12 trials showed a reduction in broomrape of ≥95%, two trials were negative, two showed a moderate result, one was unclear and in three cases there was no Orobanche problem in the year of the trials. The trial plots were ca 2000 m2; half of that area was treated with stimulant emulsion, the other half was not treated. The optimal amount of stimulant was 6.25 g ha−1. A preconditioning prior to the treatment was a prerequisite for a successful trial. In conclusion, the suicidal germination approach to reducing O. ramosa in tobacco fields using formulated SL analogues was successful. Two other options for weed control are discussed: deactivation of stimulants prior to action and biocontrol by Fusarium oxysporum. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Selection and characterization of resistance to the Vip3Aa20 protein from Bacillus thuringiensis in Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Bernardi Oderlei , Bernardi Daniel , Horikoshi Renato J , Okuma Daniela M , Miraldo Leonardo L , Fatoretto Julio , Medeiros Fernanda CL , Burd Tony , Omoto Celso 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDSpodoptera frugiperda is one the main target pests of maize events expressing Vip3Aa20 protein from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in Brazil. In this study, we selected a resistant strain of S. frugiperda on Bt maize expressing Vip3Aa20 protein and characterized the inheritance and fitness costs of the resistance.RESULTSThe resistance ratio of the Vip3Aa20‐resistant strain of S. frugiperda was >3200‐fold. Neonates of the Vip3Aa20‐resistant strain were able to survive and emerge as fertile adults on Vip3Aa20 maize, while larvae from susceptible and heterozygous strains did not survive. The inheritance of Vip3Aa20 resistance was autosomal recessive and monogenic. Life history studies to investigate fitness cost revealed an 11% reduction in the survival rate until adult stage and a ∼50% lower reproductive rate of the Vip3Aa20‐resistant strain compared with susceptible and heterozygous strains.CONCLUSIONThis is the first characterization of S. frugiperda resistance to Vip3Aa protein. Our results provide useful information for resistance management programs designed to prevent or delay resistance evolution to Vip3Aa proteins in S. frugiperda. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Sensor‐based variable‐rate fungicide application in winter wheat
Authors: Tackenberg Maria , Volkmar Christa , Dammer Karl‐Heinz 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDCurrently, no technology for the automatic detection of diseases while moving agricultural equipment through fields is available on the market. An alternative approach of target‐oriented fungicide spraying was tested to adapt the local dose rates of spray liquid in winter wheat to local differences in the plant surface and biomass by using a camera sensor.RESULTSA linear correlation was found between the sensor values and two plant parameters, namely the leaf area index and biomass. The spray volume was linearly adapted to the local sensor value in a field trial. The camera sensor was used to operate the dosing system (gauge) at the field boom sprayer. A total of 8% of spray liquid was saved compared with common uniform spraying.CONCLUSIONSBecause no differences exist in yield and disease incidence between the sensor‐based and uniformly sprayed plot, this new technology, which uses plants as targets for fungicide dosages, could be an alternative to the present common dosage practices on a hectare basis. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Robust passivity‐based H∞ control for uncertain switched nonlinear systems
Authors: Li Chensong , Zhao Jun 
Published: January 2016

SummaryIn this paper, we investigate the H∞ control problem for uncertain switched nonlinear systems with passive and non‐passive subsystems. For any given average dwell time, any given passivity rate and any given disturbance attenuation level, we design feedback controllers of subsystems, which may depend on the pre‐given constants, to solve the H∞ control problem for the uncertain switched nonlinear systems for all admissible uncertainties. For linear systems, the exponential small‐time norm‐observability is shown to be preserved under disturbance. Two examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design method. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self-Renewal and High Proliferative Colony Forming Capacity of Late-Outgrowth Endothelial Progenitors Is Regulated by Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitors Driven by Notch Signaling
Authors: Patel Jatin , Wong Ho Yi , Wang Weili , Alexis Josue , Shafiee Abbas , Stevenson Alexander J. , Gabrielli Brian , Fisk Nicholas M. , Khosrotehrani Kiarash 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Since the discovery of endothelial colony forming cells (ECFC), there has been significant interest in their therapeutic potential to treat vascular injuries. ECFC cultures display significant heterogeneity and a hierarchy among cells able to give rise to high proliferative versus low proliferative colonies. Here we aimed to define molecularly this in vitro hierarchy. Based on flow cytometry, CD34 expression levels distinguished two populations. Only CD34 + ECFC had the capacity to reproduce high proliferative potential (HPP) colonies on replating, whereas CD34− ECFCs formed only small clusters. CD34 + ECFCs were the only ones to self-renew in stringent single-cell cultures and gave rise to both CD34 + and CD34− cells. Upon replating, CD34 + ECFCs were always found at the centre of HPP colonies and were more likely in G0/1 phase of cell cycling. Functionally, CD34 + ECFC were superior at restoring perfusion and better engrafted when injected into ischemic hind limbs. Transcriptomic analysis identified cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) cell cycle inhibiting genes (p16, p21, and p57), the Notch signaling pathway (dll1, dll4, hes1, and hey1), and the endothelial cytokine il33 as highly expressed in CD34 + ECFC. Blocking the Notch pathway using a γ-secretase inhibitor (DAPT) led to reduced expression of cell cycle inhibitors, increased cell proliferation followed by a loss of self-renewal, and HPP colony formation capacity reflecting progenitor exhaustion. Similarly shRNA knockdown of p57 strongly affected self-renewal of ECFC colonies. ECFC hierarchy is defined by Notch signalling driving cell cycle regulators, progenitor quiescence and self-renewal potential.