The genus Erythroxylum contains species used by indigenous people of South America long before the domestication of plants. Two species, E. coca and E. novogranatense, have been utilized for thousands of years specifically for their tropane alkaloid content. While abuse of the narcotic cocaine has impacted society on many levels, these species and their wild relatives contain untapped resources for the benefit of mankind in the form of foods, pharmaceuticals, phytotherapeutic products, and other high-value plant-derived metabolites. In this review, we describe the current state of knowledge of members within the genus and the recent advances in the realm of molecular biology and biochemistry. Full article

Human action recognition (HAR) is an important yet challenging task. This paper presents a novel method. First, fuzzy weight functions are used in computations of depth motion maps (DMMs). Multiple length motion information is also used. These features are referred to as fuzzy weighted multi-resolution DMMs (FWMDMMs). This formulation allows for various aspects of individual actions to be emphasized. It also helps to characterise the importance of the temporal dimension. This is important to help overcome, e.g., variations in time over which a single type of action might be performed. A deep convolutional neural network (CNN) motion model is created and trained to extract discriminative and compact features. Transfer learning is also used to extract spatial information from RGB and depth data using the AlexNet network. Different late fusion techniques are then investigated to fuse the deep motion model with the spatial network. The result is a spatial temporal HAR model. The developed approach is capable of recognising both human action and human–object interaction. Three public domain datasets are used to evaluate the proposed solution. The experimental results demonstrate the robustness of this approach compared with state-of-the art algorithms. Full article

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of the application of a nanoemulsion made of orange essential oil and Opuntia oligacantha extract on avocado quality during postharvest. The nanoemulsion was applied as a coating in whole fruits, and the following treatments were assessed: concentrated nanoemulsion (CN), 50% nanoemulsion (N50), 25% nanoemulsion (N25) and control (C). Weight loss, firmness, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, total soluble solids, pH, external and internal colour, total phenols, total flavonoids, antioxidant activity by 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), while the structural evaluation of the epicarp was assessed through histological cuts. Significant differences were found (p < 0.05) among the treatments in all the response variables. The best results were with the N50 and N25 treatments for firmness and weight loss, finding that the activity of the PPO was diminished, and a delay in the darkening was observed in the coated fruits. Furthermore, the nanoemulsion treatments maintained the total phenol and total flavonoid contents and potentiated antioxidant activity at 60 days. This histological study showed that the nanoemulsion has a delaying effect on the maturation of the epicarp. The results indicate that using this nanoemulsion as a coating is an effective alternative to improve the postharvest life of avocado. Full article

Consumption of rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) as herbal tea is growing in popularity worldwide and its health-promoting attributes are mainly ascribed to its phenolic composition, which may be affected by the brewing conditions used. An aspect so far overlooked is the impact of cold brewing vs regular brewing and microwave boiling on the poly(phenolic) profile and in vitro antioxidant capacity of infusions prepared from red (‘fermented’, oxidized) and green (‘unfermented’, unoxidized) rooibos, the purpose of the present study. By using an untargeted metabolomics-based approach (UHPLC-QTOF mass spectrometry), 187 phenolic compounds were putatively annotated in both rooibos types, with flavonoids, tyrosols, and phenolic acids the most represented type of phenolic classes. Multivariate statistics (OPLS-DA) highlighted the phenolic classes most affected by the brewing conditions. Similar antioxidant capacities (ORAC and ABTS assays) were observed between cold- and regular-brewed green rooibos and boiled-brewed red rooibos. However, boiling green and red rooibos delivered infusions with the highest antioxidant capacities and total polyphenol content. The polyphenol content strongly correlated with the in vitro antioxidant capacities, especially for flavonoids and phenolic acids. These results contribute to a better understanding of the impact of the preparation method on the potential health benefits of rooibos tea. Full article

25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is commonly measured to assess vitamin D status. Other vitamin D metabolites such as 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25(OH)₂D) provide additional insights into vitamin D status or metabolism. Earlier studies suggested that the vitamin D metabolite ratio (VMR), calculated as 24,25(OH)₂D/25(OH)D, could predict the 25(OH)D increase after vitamin D supplementation. However, the evidence for this additional value is inconclusive. Therefore, our aim was to assess whether the increase in 25(OH)D after supplementation was predicted by the VMR better than baseline 25(OH)D. Plasma samples of 106 individuals (25(OH)D < 75 nmol/L) with hypertension who completed the Styrian Vitamin D Hypertension Trial (NC.T.02136771) were analyzed. Participants received vitamin D (2800 IU daily) or placebo for 8 weeks. The treatment effect (ANCOVA) for 25(OH)D₃, 24,25(OH)₂D₃ and the VMR was 32 nmol/L, 3.3 nmol/L and 0.015 (all p < 0.001), respectively. Baseline 25(OH)D₃ and 24,25(OH)₂D₃ predicted the change in 25(OH)D₃ with comparable strength and magnitude. Correlation and regression analysis showed that the VMR did not predict the change in 25(OH)D₃. Therefore, our data do not support routine measurement of 24,25(OH)₂D₃ in order to individually optimize the dosage of vitamin D supplementation. Our data also suggest that activity of 24-hydroxylase increases after vitamin D supplementation. Full article

Melatonin is a hormone that is secreted by the pineal gland. To date, melatonin is known to regulate the sleep cycle by controlling the circadian rhythm. However, recent advances in neuroscience and molecular biology have led to the discovery of new actions and effects of melatonin. In recent studies, melatonin was shown to have antioxidant activity and, possibly, to affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In addition, melatonin has neuroprotective effects and affects neuroplasticity, thus indicating potential antidepressant properties. In the present review, the new functions of melatonin are summarized and a therapeutic target for the development of new drugs based on the mechanism of action of melatonin is proposed. Full article

In this study, a new series of assessments and evaluations of the Dual-Miller cycle is performed. Furthermore, the specified output power and the thermal performance associated with the engine are determined. Besides, multi-objective optimization of thermal efficiency, ecological coefficient of performance (ECOP) and ecological function ( $E_{un}$ ) by means of NSGA-II technique and thermodynamic analysis are presented. The Pareto optimal frontier obtaining the best optimum solution is identified by fuzzy Bellman-Zadeh, Linear Programming Technique for Multidimensional Analysis of Preference (LINMAP), and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) decision-making techniques. Based on the results, performances of dual-Miller cycles and their optimization are improved. For the results of the condition that (n < k) the best point has been LINMAP answer. The thermal efficiency for this point has been 0.5388. In addition, ECOP and $E_{un}$ have been 1.6899 and 279.221, respectively. For the results of the condition that (n > k) the best point has been LINMAP and TOPSIS answer. The thermal efficiency for this point has been 0.5385. Also, ECOP and $E_{un}$ have been 1.6875 and 279.7315, respectively. Furthermore, the errors are examined through comparison of the average and maximum errors of the two scenarios. Full article

Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction is observed in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), a common complication in CKD, is associated with poor clinical outcomes affecting mitochondrial function and exacerbating oxidative stress. Intravenous (iv) iron, that is used to treat anaemia, may lead to acute systemic oxidative stress. This study evaluated the impact of iv iron on mitochondrial function and oxidative stress. Methods: Uraemia was induced surgically in male Sprague-Dawley rats and studies were carried out 12 weeks later in two groups sham operated and uraemic (5/6 nephrectomy) rats not exposed to i.v. iron versus sham operated and uraemic rats with iv iron. Results: Induction of uraemia resulted in reduced iron availability (serum iron: 31.1 ± 1.8 versus 46.4 ± 1.4 µM), low total iron binding capacity (26.4 ± 0.7 versus 29.5 ± 0.8 µM), anaemia (haematocrit: 42.5 ± 3.0 versus 55.0 ± 3.0%), cardiac hypertrophy, reduced systemic glutathione peroxidase activity (1.12 ± 0.11 versus 1.48 ± 0.12 U/mL), tissue oxidative stress (oxidised glutathione: 0.50 ± 0.03 versus 0.36 ± 0.04 nmol/mg of tissue), renal mitochondrial dysfunction (proton/electron leak: 61.8 ± 8.0 versus 22.7 ± 5.77) and complex I respiration (134.6 ± 31.4 versus 267.6 ± 26.4 pmol/min/µg). Iron therapy had no effect on renal function and cardiac hypertrophy but improved anaemia and systemic glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. There was increased renal iron content and complex II and complex IV dysfunction. Conclusion: Iron therapy improved iron deficiency anaemia in CKD without significant impact on renal function or oxidant status. Full article

Gold nanoparticles are used in health-related research; however, their effectiveness appears to depend on how well they are internalized and where they are destined to travel. Internalization in cells is efficient if the gold nanoparticles are biocompatible, where one possible pathway of cell entry and processing is clathrin-mediated endocytosis. In this work we studied the co-localization of phospholipid-coated gold nanoparticles (PCAuNPs) with markers of the endocytic pathway (Rab and LAMP-1 proteins) in C2C12 and A549 cells and found that the internalization was consistent with clathrin-mediated endocytosis and was cell type dependent. We further found that the time evolution of uptake and disposal of these PCAuNPs was similar for both cell types, but aggregation was more significant in A549 cells. Our results support the use of these PCAuNPs as models for potential drug delivery platforms. Full article

Pipelines are exposed to the severe threat of natural disasters, where the damage caused by landslides are particularly bad. Hence, in the route arrangement and maintenance management of pipeline projects, it is particularly important to evaluate the regional landslide hazards in advance. However, most models are based on the subjective determination of evaluation factors and index weights; this study establishes a quantitative hazard assessment model based on the location of historical landslides and the Levenberg–Marquardt Back Propagation (LM-BP) Neural Network model was applied to the pipeline area. We established an evaluation index system by analyzing the spatial patterns of single assessment factors and the mechanism of landslides. Then, different from previous studies, we built the standard sample matrix of the LM-BP neural network by using interpolation theory to avoid the serious influence of human factors on the hazard assessment. Finally, we used the standard sample matrix and the historical data to learn, train, test, and simulate future results. Our results showed 33 slopes with low hazard (accounting for 10.48% of the total number of slopes and corresponding to approximately 32.63 km²), 62 slopes with moderate hazard (accounting for 19.68% of the total number of slopes and corresponding to approximately 65.53 km²), 112 slopes with high hazard (accounting for 35.56% of the total number of slopes and corresponding to approximately 123.55 km²), and 108 slopes with extremely high hazard (accounting for 34.29% of the total number of slopes and corresponding to approximately 150.65 km²). Local spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated that there are significant “high–high” and “low–low” aggregation of landslide hazards in the pipeline area. By comparing the model results with the past landslides, new landslides and landslide potential points, its prediction capability and accuracy were confirmed. On the basis of the results, our study has developed effective risk prevention and mitigation strategies in mountain areas to promote pipeline safety. Full article

Several yield monitors are available for use on cotton harvesters, but none are able to maintain yield measurement accuracy across cultivars and field conditions that vary spatially and/or temporally. Thus, the utility of yield monitors as tools for on-farm research is limited unless steps are taken to calibrate the systems as cultivars and conditions change. This technical note details the man-machine-interface software system design portion of a harvester-based yield monitor calibration system for basket-type cotton strippers. The system was based upon the use of pressure sensors to measure the weight of the basket by monitoring the static pressure in the hydraulic lift cylinder circuit. To ensure accurate weighing, the system automatically lifted the basket to a target lift height, allowed basket time to settle, then weighed the contents of the basket. The software running the system was split into two parts that were run on an embedded low-level micro-controller, and a mobile computer located in the harvester cab. The system was field tested under commercial conditions and found to measure basket load weights within 2.5% of the reference scale. As such, the system was proven to be capable of providing an on-board auto-correction to a yield monitor for use in multi-variety field trials. Full article

Mental imagery is the ability to generate images in the mind in the absence of sensory input. Both perceptual visual processing and internally generated imagery engage large, overlapping networks of brain regions. However, it is unclear whether they are characterized by similar temporal dynamics. Recent magnetoencephalography work has shown that object category information was decodable from brain activity during mental imagery, but the timing was delayed relative to perception. The current study builds on these findings, using electroencephalography to investigate the dynamics of mental imagery. Sixteen participants viewed two images of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and two images of Santa Claus. On each trial, they viewed a sequence of the four images and were asked to imagine one of them, which was cued retroactively by its temporal location in the sequence. Time-resolved multivariate pattern analysis was used to decode the viewed and imagined stimuli. Although category and exemplar information was decodable for viewed stimuli, there were no informative patterns of activity during mental imagery. The current findings suggest stimulus complexity, task design and individual differences may influence the ability to successfully decode imagined images. We discuss the implications of these results in the context of prior findings of mental imagery. Full article

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) are considered to be a useful tool for regenerative medicine, owing to their capabilities in differentiation, self-renewal, and immunomodulation. These cells have become a focus in the clinical setting due to their abundance and easy isolation. However, ASCs from different depots are not well characterized. Here, we analyzed the functional similarities and differences of subcutaneous and visceral ASCs. Subcutaneous ASCs have an extraordinarily directed mode of motility and a highly dynamic focal adhesion turnover, even though they share similar surface markers, whereas visceral ASCs move in an undirected random pattern with more stable focal adhesions. Visceral ASCs have a higher potential to differentiate into adipogenic and osteogenic cells when compared to subcutaneous ASCs. In line with these observations, visceral ASCs demonstrate a more active sonic hedgehog pathway that is linked to a high expression of cilia/differentiation related genes. Moreover, visceral ASCs secrete higher levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor α relative to subcutaneous ASCs. These findings highlight, that both ASC subpopulations share multiple cellular features, but significantly differ in their functions. The functional diversity of ASCs depends on their origin, cellular context and surrounding microenvironment within adipose tissues. The data provide important insight into the biology of ASCs, which might be useful in choosing the adequate ASC subpopulation for regenerative therapies. Full article

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors present a challenge when high sensitivity and small FWHM (full width at half maximum) are required to be achieved simultaneously. FWHM is defined by the difference between the two extreme values of the independent variable at which the value of the dependent variable is equal to half of its maximum. A smaller value of FWHM indicates better accuracy of SPR measurements. Theoretically, many authors have claimed the possibility of simultaneously achieving high sensitivity and small FWHM, which in most of the cases has been limited by experimental validation. In this report, an experimental study on the improved surface plasmon resonance (SPR) characteristics of gold over silver bimetallic sensor chips of different film thicknesses is presented. A comparative study of antigen–antibody interaction of the bimetallic chip using a custom-made, low-cost, and portable SPR device based on an angular interrogation scheme of Kretschmann configuration is performed. Pulsed direct current (DC) magnetron-sputtered bimetallic films of gold over silver were used in the construction of the SPR chip. The FWHM and sensitivity of the bimetallic sensors were firstly characterized using standard solutions of known refractive index which were later immobilized with monoclonal anti-immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the construction of the SPR biochip. Spectroscopic measurements such as ultraviolet–visible light spectroscopy (UV–Vis) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used for the confirmation of the immobilization of the antibody. The performance of the bimetallic SPR biochip was investigated by exposing the sensor to various concentrations of the target protein. The results indicated that the bimetallic sensors of silver/gold had a 3.5-fold reduced FWHM compared to pure gold-based sensors, indicating a higher detection accuracy. In addition, they exhibited a significant shift in resonance angle as high as 8.5 ± 0.2 due to antigen–antibody interaction, which was ~1.42-fold higher than observed for pure silver-based sensors. Full article