bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Membrane Surface Features of Blastocystis Subtypes
Authors: Yason John Anthony , Tan Kevin Shyong Wei
Published: August 2018

Blastocystis is a common intestinal protistan parasite with global distribution. Blastocystis is a species complex composed of several isolates with biological and morphological differences. The surface coats of Blastocystis from three different isolates representing three subtypes were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. This structure contains carbohydrate components that are also present in surface glycoconjugates in other parasitic protozoa. Electron micrographs show variations in the surface coats from the three Blastocystis isolates. These differences could be associated with the differences in the pathogenic potential of Blastocystis subtypes. Apart from the surface coat, a plasma membrane-associated surface antigen has been described for Blastocystis ST7 and is associated with programmed cell death features of the parasite.
British-European Trade Relations and Brexit: An Empirical Analysis of the Impact of Economic and Financial Uncertainty on Exports
Authors: Belke Ansgar , Ptok Sebastian
Published: August 2018

Brexit, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU), has led to significant exchange rate fluctuations and to uncertainty in financial markets and in UK–EU trade relations. In this article, we use a non-linear model to study how this uncertainty affects export companies. Exports tend to react in spurts when exchange rate fluctuations go beyond a band of inaction, referred to here as a “play area”. We apply an algorithm to study this hysteretic relationship with ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions. We examine the export relationship between Europe (Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, and The Netherlands) and the UK. To guarantee the robustness of the results, we estimate a variety of specifications for modeling economic uncertainty: (a) constant uncertainty, (b) exchange rate volatility, (c) volatility in European equity markets, (d) the Treasury Bill EuroDollar Difference (TED-spread), (e) the Economic Policy Uncertainty Index (EPUI), and (f) a combination of exchange rate volatility and the EPUI. Since the results show little evidence of hysteretic effects on British exports, we focus on the European side. The specifications including exchange rate and equity market volatility show a significant effect of hysteresis.
Source Cell-Phone Identification in the Presence of Additive Noise from CQT Domain
Authors: Qin Tianyun , Wang Rangding , Yan Diqun , Lin Lang
Published: August 2018

With the widespread availability of cell-phone recording devices, source cell-phone identification has become a hot topic in multimedia forensics. At present, the research on the source cell-phone identification in clean conditions has achieved good results, but that in noisy environments is not ideal. This paper proposes a novel source cell-phone identification system suitable for both clean and noisy environments using spectral distribution features of constant Q transform (CQT) domain and multi-scene training method. Based on the analysis, it is found that the identification difficulty lies in different models of cell-phones of the same brand, and their tiny differences are mainly in the middle and low frequency bands. Therefore, this paper extracts spectral distribution features from the CQT domain, which has a higher frequency resolution in the mid-low frequency. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed feature, four classification techniques of Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Recurrent Neuron Network-Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network (RNN-BLSTM) are used to identify the source recording device. Experimental results show that the features proposed in this paper have superior performance. Compared with Mel frequency cepstral coefficient (MFCC) and linear frequency cepstral coefficient (LFCC), it enhances the accuracy of cell-phones within the same brand, whether the speech to be tested comprises clean speech files or noisy speech files. In addition, the CNN classification effect is outstanding. In terms of models, the model is established by the multi-scene training method, which improves the distinguishing ability of the model in the noisy environment than single-scenario training method. The average accuracy rate in CNN for clean speech files on the CKC speech database (CKC-SD) and TIMIT Recaptured Database (TIMIT-RD) databases increased from 95.47% and 97.89% to 97.08% and 99.29%, respectively. For noisy speech files with seen noisy types and unseen noisy types, the performance was greatly improved, and most of the recognition rates exceeded 90%. Therefore, the source identification system in this paper is robust to noise.
Dynamic Helicity Control of Oligo(salamo)-Based Metal Helicates
Authors: Akine Shigehisa
Published: August 2018

Much attention has recently focused on helical structures that can change their helicity in response to external stimuli. The requirements for the invertible helical structures are a dynamic feature and well-defined structures. In this context, helical metal complexes with a labile coordination sphere have a great advantage. There are several types of dynamic helicity controls, including the responsive helicity inversion. In this review article, dynamic helical structures based on oligo(salamo) metal complexes are described as one of the possible designs. The introduction of chiral carboxylate ions into Zn3La tetranuclear structures as an additive is effective to control the P/M ratio of the helix. The dynamic helicity inversion can be achieved by chemical modification, such as protonation/deprotonation or desilylation with fluoride ion. When (S)-2-hydroxypropyl groups are introduced into the oligo(salamo) ligand, the helicity of the resultant complexes is sensitively influenced by the metal ions. The replacement of the metal ions based on the affinity trend resulted in a sequential multistep helicity inversion. Chiral salen derivatives are also effective to bias the helicity; by incorporating the gauche/anti transformation of a 1,2-disubstituted ethylene unit, a fully predictable helicity inversion system was achieved, in which the helicity can be controlled by the molecular lengths of the diammonium guests.
Abnormal Plasma Cell Disorders in Refinery Waste Workers
Authors: Ledda Caterina , Loreto Carla , Filetti Vera , Matera Serena , Vitale Ermanno , Bracci Massimo , Rapisarda Venerando
Published: August 2018

A monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) may develop into a multiple myeloma or a correlated lymphoproliferative malignancy with a progress rate of 1% per year. The immune status, occupational-environmental risk factors, and hereditary factors may influence the risk of developing MGUS. We investigated the prevalence of MGUS in 77 refinery waste workers. They were all males, averagely aged 36, with a mean working history of 18.5 years and working in the dump for about 4.2 years. After analyzing the results of standard serum electrophoresis migrations, 16% of cases (n = 12) showed levels beyond the normal ranges. In all 12 samples we observed an increase of gamma component: 67%, IgG; 17%, IgM; 8%, IgA; 8%, oligoclonal. Workers were exposed to hazardous refinery waste. After the biological monitoring of urine samples for metals and t,t-muconic acid, no extra-range values were observed. The multivariate analysis shows, however, that cigarette smoking and residence near industrial sites are significantly (p < 0.001) associated with a high risk of MGUS development; while no association was found with occupational exposure. Additional attention might be paid in particular to these conditions in epidemiological studies and further larger, prospective, population-based researches appear warranted to evaluate the strength of any positive association.
Energy Efficiency Due to a Common Global Timebase—Synchronizing FlexRay to 802.1AS Networks as a Foundation
Authors: Milbredt Paul , Schick Efim , Hübner Michael
Published: August 2018

Modern automotive control applications require a holistic time-sensitive development. Nowadays, this is achieved by technologies specifically designed for the automotive domain, like FlexRay, which offer a fault-tolerant time synchronization mechanism built into the protocol. Currently, the automotive industry adopts the Ethernet within the car, not only for embedding consumer electronics, but also as a fast and reliable backbone for control applications. Still, low-cost but highly reliable sensors connected over the traditional Controller Area Network (CAN) deliver data needed for autonomous driving. To fusion the data efficiently among all, a common timebase is required. The alternative would be oversampling, which uses more time and energy, e.g., at least double the perception rates of sensors. Ethernet and CAN do require the latter by default. Hence, a global synchronization mechanism eases tremendously the design of a low power automotive network and is the foundation of a transparent global clock. In this article, we present the first step: Synchronizing legacy FlexRay networks to the upcoming Ethernet backbone, which will contain a precise clock over the generalized Precision Time Protocol (gPTP) defined in IEEE 802.1AS. FlexRay then could still drive its strengths with deterministic transmission behavior and possibly also serve as a redundant technology for fail-operational system design.
A 0.5 V 68 nW ECG Monitoring Analog Front-End for Arrhythmia Diagnosis
Authors: Kosari Avish , Breiholz Jacob , Liu NingXi , Calhoun Benton H. , Wentzloff David D.
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a power efficient analog front-end (AFE) for electrocardiogram (ECG) signal monitoring and arrhythmia diagnosis. The AFE uses low-noise and low-power circuit design methodologies and aggressive voltage scaling to satisfy both the low power consumption and low input-referred noise requirements of ECG signal acquisition systems. The AFE was realized with a three-stage fully differential AC-coupled amplifier, and it provides bio-signal acquisition with programmable gain and bandwidth. The AFE was implemented in a 130 nm CMOS process, and it has a measured tunable mid-band gain from 31 to 52 dB with tunable low-pass and high-pass corner frequencies. Under only 0.5 V supply voltage, it consumes 68 nW of power with an input-referred noise of 2.8 µVrms and a power efficiency factor (PEF) of 3.9, which makes it very suitable for energy-harvesting applications. The low-noise 68nW AFE was also integrated on a self-powered physiological monitoring System on Chip (SoC) that is used to capture ECG bio-signals. Heart rate extraction (R-R) detection algorithms were implemented and utilized to analyze the ECG data received by the AFE, showing the feasibility of <100 nW AFE for continuous ECG monitoring applications.
Fused Filament Fabrication of Small Ceramic Components
Authors: Nötzel Dorit , Eickhoff Ralf , Hanemann Thomas
Published: August 2018

With respect to rapid prototyping of ceramic components, there are known only a few processes (stereo lithography, binder jetting). In this work, a new process chain is described in detail, showing that ceramics can be printed in a very cost-efficient way. We developed a ceramic–polymer composite as filament material that can be printed on a low-cost fused filament fabrication (FFF) desktop printer, even with very small nozzle sizes enabling very small geometric feature sizes. The thermal post-processing, with debinding and sintering, is very close to the ceramic injection molding (CIM) process chain.
Progress in Methanol Steam Reforming Modelling via Membrane Reactors Technology
Authors: Iulianelli Adolfo , Ghasemzadeh Kamran , Basile Angelo
Published: August 2018

Hydrogen has attracted growing attention for various uses, and, particularly, for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) supply. However, PEMFCs need high grade hydrogen, which is difficult in storing and transportation. To solve these issues, hydrogen generation from alcohols and hydrocarbons steam reforming reaction has gained great consideration. Among the various renewable fuels, methanol is an interesting hydrogen source because at room temperature it is liquid, and then, easy to handle and to store. Furthermore, it shows a relatively high H/C ratio and low reforming temperature, ranging from 200 to 300 °C. In the field of hydrogen generation from methanol steam reforming reaction, a consistent literature is noticeable. Despite various reviews that are more devoted to describe from an experimental point of view the state of the art about methanol steam reforming reaction carried in conventional and membrane reactors, this work describes the progress in the last two decades about the modelling studies on the same reaction in membrane reactors.
Design and Fabrication of a Visible-Light-Compatible, Polymer-Based Photonic Crystal Resonator and Waveguide for Sensing Applications
Authors: Sun Jiayi , Maeno Kenichi , Aki Shoma , Sueyoshi Kenji , Hisamoto Hideaki , Endo Tatsuro
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we have proposed a polymer-based photonic crystal (PhC) resonator, with multiple sizes of cavities, and a waveguide to be used as highly sensitive optical sensor components. Properties of the proposed PhC were simulated by the finite-difference time-domain method, and the polymer-based PhC resonator and waveguide were fabricated on a photoresist (polymer) by electron beam lithography, which was prepared on an Au-layer-deposited Si substrate. We detected the resonant light that penetrated through the waveguide and was trapped in the PhC resonator. Optical characteristics of the fabricated PhC were evaluated by detecting the polymer layer deposition process by using the layer-by-layer (LbL) method to deposit polymer layers. As a result, by using an optimized design of a polymer-based PhC resonator with a long cavity (equivalent to a defect of three holes), the PhC structure changes caused by LbL deposition lead to changes in resonant light wavelength (peak shift: 5.26 nm/layer). Therefore, we suggest that a PhC resonator and a waveguide is applicable as an optical sensor.
Design of Ensemble Stacked Auto-Encoder for Classification of Horse Gaits with MEMS Inertial Sensor Technology
Authors: Lee Jae-Neung , Byeon Yeong-Hyeon , Kwak Keun-Chang
Published: August 2018

This paper discusses the classification of horse gaits for self-coaching using an ensemble stacked auto-encoder (ESAE) based on wavelet packets from the motion data of the horse rider. For this purpose, we built an ESAE and used probability values at the end of the softmax classifier. First, we initialized variables such as hidden nodes, weight, and max epoch using the options of the auto-encoder (AE). Second, the ESAE model is trained by feedforward, back propagation, and gradient calculation. Next, the parameters are updated by a gradient descent mechanism as new parameters. Finally, once the error value is satisfied, the algorithm terminates. The experiments were performed to classify horse gaits for self-coaching. We constructed the motion data of a horse rider. For the experiment, an expert horse rider of the national team wore a suit containing 16 inertial sensors based on a wireless network. To improve and quantify the performance of the classification, we used three methods (wavelet packet, statistical value, and ensemble model), as well as cross entropy with mean squared error. The experimental results revealed that the proposed method showed good performance when compared with conventional algorithms such as the support vector machine (SVM).
On the Chemical Composition and Possible Origin of Na–Cr-Rich Clinopyroxene in Silicocarbonatites from Samalpatti, Tamil Nadu, South India
Authors: Krátký Ondřej , Rapprich Vladislav , Racek Martin , Míková Jitka , Magna Tomáš
Published: August 2018

Mineralogical and chemical data are presented for a suite of Na–Cr-rich clinopyroxenes associated with chromite, winchite (sodium-calcium amphibole), titanite and calcite in Mg-Cr-rich silicocarbonatites from the Samalpatti carbonatite complex, Tamil Nadu, South India. The Mg-Cr-rich silicocarbonatites occur as 10–30 cm large enclaves in pyroxenites. The chemical composition of the pyroxenes differs among individual enclaves, with variable proportions of diopside, kosmochlor and jadeite-aegirine end-members. These compositions fill a previously unoccupied space in the kosmochlor-diopside-jadeite+aegirine ternary plot, indicating a distinct origin of kosmochlor-rich pyroxene compared with previous findings from diverse settings. The Na–Cr-rich clinopyroxene has low ΣREE = 9.2 ppm, with slight enrichment in LREE (LaN = 7), coupled with low HREE (YbN = 0.6), and flat HREE, paralleled by a significant fractionation of Nb/Ta (2408) and Th/U (26.5). Sodic metasomatism (fenitization) associated with either carbonatite emplacement at shallow levels or during carbonatite ascent through the upper mantle most likely was the major process operating in the area. We suggest two scenarios of the formation of Na–Cr-rich pyroxene: (1) from mantle-derived chromian mineral phases (spinel and/or garnet) through fenitization, with subsequent corrosion by growing winchite due to volatile influx; (2) via metasomatic reaction of Cr-rich garnet in mantle peridotite due to reaction with Na-rich carbonatite melt. Collectively, the appearance of kosmochlor may play an important role in deconvolving metasomatic processes, and fenitization in particular. If combined with petrologic experiments, it could improve our understanding of the origin and subsequent history of chemical signatures of carbonate-rich materials in the mantle.
Aqueous-Methanol Extracts of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Ameliorate Oxidative Stress and Modulate Type 2 Diabetes Associated Genes in Insulin Resistant C2C12 Cells
Authors: Ayeleso Taiwo Betty , Ramachela Khosi , Mukwevho Emmanuel
Published: August 2018

Edible plants such as sweet potato are sources of natural antioxidants that can be exploited in the management and treatment of insulin resistance. This present study investigated the effects of the extracts of an orange-fleshed sweet potato on oxidative stress biomarkers (glutathione status and lipid peroxidation) and activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, CAT and glutathione peroxidase, GPx) in palmitate-induced insulin resistant C2C12 cells. The intracellular antioxidant status of the cells was also measured using Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assays. Furthermore, this study determined the effect of the extracts on the regulation of some type 2 diabetes associated genes; glucose transporter 4 (glut4), Nuclear respiratory factor 1 (nrf1), Myocyte enhanced factor 2A (mef2a), Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (cpt1) and Acetyl-CoA carboxylase 2 (acc2). The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in intracellular GSH level, a significant reduction in the level of malonaldehyde and a significant improvement in the intracellular antioxidant status upon treatment of the insulin resistant cells with the extracts. The extracts were also able to positively modulate the expression levels of the type 2 diabetes associated genes. On the other hand, HPLC-MS analysis of the extracts showed the presence of polyphenols which could have contributed to the bioactivity of the extracts through their antioxidant effects.
Effect of Volatile Organic Chemicals in Chrysanthemum indicum Linné on Blood Pressure and Electroencephalogram
Authors: Kim Da-Som , Goo Young-Min , Cho Jinju , Lee Jookyeong , Lee Dong Yeol , Sin Seung Mi , Kil Young Sook , Jeong Won Min , Ko Keon Hee , Yang Ki Jeung , Kim Yun Geun , Kim Sang Gon , Kim Kiseong , Kim Young Jun , Kim Jae Kyeom , Shin Eui-Cheol
Published: August 2018

This study identified the volatile organic compounds in the essential oils that are extracted from Chrysanthemum indicum Linné (C. indicum Linné) and investigated the effects of the inhalation of these compounds. We detected a total of 41 volatile organic compounds, including 32 hydrocarbons, four acids, three alcohols, two ketones, and one aldehyde. In a sniffing test, seven types of volatile organic compounds were identified. Furthermore, the volatile organic compounds in C. indicum Linné that were identified were found to be derived from 1,8-cineole and camphor. After inhalation of the essential oils, the subjects’ systolic blood pressure and heart rate decreased. This indicates that inhalation of the essential oils extracted from C. indicum Linné provides mental and physical relaxation. We examined the changes in electroencephalogram findings that are observed after C. indicum Linné essential oil inhalation. An increase in theta and alpha waves, which usually appear during relaxation, as well as a decrease in beta and gamma waves, which appear during brain activity such as excessive attention, were noted. These results indicate that C. indicum Linné essential oil inhalation helps to reduce blood pressure and may provide mental and physical relaxation.
A Polyphenol Rich Extract from Solanum melongena L. DR2 Peel Exhibits Antioxidant Properties and Anti-Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Activity In Vitro
Authors: Di Sotto Antonella , Di Giacomo Silvia , Amatore Donatella , Locatelli Marcello , Vitalone Annabella , Toniolo Chiara , Rotino Giuseppe Leonardo , Lo Scalzo Roberto , Palamara Anna Teresa , Marcocci Maria Elena , Nencioni Lucia
Published: August 2018

DR2B and DR2C extracts, obtained by ethanolic maceration of peel from commercially and physiologically ripe aubergine berries, were studied for the antioxidative cytoprotective properties and anti-HSV-1 activity, in line with the evidence that several antioxidants can impair viral replication by maintaining reducing conditions in host cells. The antioxidative cytoprotective effects against tBOOH-induced damage were assessed in Caco2 cells, while antiviral activity was studied in Vero cells; polyphenolic fingerprints were characterized by integrated phytochemical methods. Results highlighted different compositions of the extracts, with chlorogenic acid and delphinidin-3-rutinoside as the major constituents; other peculiar phytochemicals were also identified. Both samples reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and exhibited scavenging and chelating properties. DR2C partly counteracted the tBOOH-induced cytotoxicity, with a remarkable lowering of lactate metabolism under both normoxia and hypoxia; interestingly, it increased intracellular GSH levels. Furthermore, DR2C inhibited the HSV-1 replication when added for 24 h after viral adsorption, as also confirmed by the reduction of many viral proteins’ expression. Since DR2C was able to reduce NOX4 expression during HSV-1 infection, its antiviral activity may be correlated to its antioxidant properties. Although further studies are needed to better characterize DR2C activity, the results suggest this extract as a promising new anti-HSV-1 agent.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic Analysis and Assessment of the Biological Activity of New Hydrazine and Hydrazide Derivatives of 3-Formylchromone
Authors: Słomiak Krzysztof , Łazarenkow Andrzej , Chęcińska Lilianna , Kusz Joachim , Ochocki Justyn , Nawrot-Modranka Jolanta
Published: August 2018

The hydrazine and hydrazide derivatives of benzo-γ-pyrones with fluorine substituents remain an unexplored group of chemical compounds. This preliminary study reports the synthesis, structural assessment, initial microbiological screening and biological testing of the synthesized compounds on cell lines using the XTT-assay. A series of 10 novel hydrazine and hydrazide derivatives of 3-formylchromone were synthesized and their structures determined. Structural assessment consisted of elemental analysis, IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, MS and crystallographic studies. Antimicrobial activity was tested on standard strains representing different groups of microorganisms. The tested compounds were found to inhibit microbial growth. Concentrations of 0.01–1250 µmol/L were found to influence cell proliferation, demonstrating antiproliferative and stimulation of proliferation against two cell lines: the L929 cell line (mouse fibroblast cell line) and the EA.hy926 cell line (the human umbilical vein, somatic cell hybrid).
Molecular Analysis of PKU-Associated PAH Mutations: A Fast and Simple Genotyping Test
Authors: Tolve Manuela , Artiola Cristiana , Pasquali Amelia , Giovanniello Teresa , D’Amici Sirio , Angeloni Antonio , Pizzuti Antonio , Carducci Claudia , Leuzzi Vincenzo , Carducci Carla
Published: August 2018

Neonatal screening for phenylketonuria (PKU, OMIM: 261600) was introduced at the end of the 1960s. We developed a rapid and simple molecular test for the most frequent phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH, Gene ID: 5053) mutations. Using this method to detect the 18 most frequent mutations, it is possible to achieve a 75% detection rate in Italian population. The variants selected also reach a high detection rate in other populations, for example, 70% in southern Germany, 68% in western Germany, 76% in Denmark, 68% in Sweden, 63% in Poland, and 60% in Bulgaria. We successfully applied this confirmation test in neonatal screening for hyperphenylalaninemias using dried blood spots and obtained the genotype in approximately 48 h. The method was found to be suitable as second tier test in neonatal screening for hyperphenylalaninemias in neonates with a positive screening test. This test can also be useful for carrier screening because it can bypass the entire coding sequence and intron–exon boundaries sequencing, thereby overcoming the questions that this approach implies, such as new variant interpretations.
Kinetics of Aggregation and Magnetic Separation of Multicore Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Effect of the Grafted Layer Thickness
Authors: Ezzaier Hinda , Marins Jéssica Alves , Claudet Cyrille , Hemery Gauvin , Sandre Olivier , Kuzhir Pavel
Published: August 2018

In this work, we have studied field-induced aggregation and magnetic separation—realized in a microfluidic channel equipped with a single magnetizable micropillar—of multicore iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) also called “nanoflowers” of an average size of 27 ± 4 nm and covered by either a citrate or polyethylene (PEG) monolayer having a thickness of 0.2–1 nm and 3.4–7.8 nm, respectively. The thickness of the adsorbed molecular layer is shown to strongly affect the magnetic dipolar coupling parameter because thicker molecular layers result in larger separation distances between nanoparticle metal oxide multicores thus decreasing dipolar magnetic forces between them. This simple geometrical constraint effect leads to the following important features related to the aggregation and magnetic separation processes: (a) Thinner citrate layer on the IONP surface promotes faster and stronger field-induced aggregation resulting in longer and thicker bulk needle-like aggregates as compared to those obtained with a thicker PEG layer; (b) A stronger aggregation of citrated IONPs leads to an enhanced retention capacity of these IONPs by a magnetized micropillar during magnetic separation. However, the capture efficiency Λ at the beginning of the magnetic separation seems to be almost independent of the adsorbed layer thickness. This is explained by the fact that only a small portion of nanoparticles composes bulk aggregates, while the main part of nanoparticles forms chains whose capture efficiency is independent of the adsorbed layer thickness but depends solely on the Mason number Ma. More precisely, the capture efficiency shows a power law trend Λ ∝ M a − n , with n ≈ 1.4–1.7 at 300 < Ma < 104, in agreement with a new theoretical model. Besides these fundamental issues, the current work shows that the multicore IONPs with a size of about 30 nm have a good potential for use in biomedical sensor applications where an efficient low-field magnetic separation is required. In these applications, the nanoparticle surface design should be carried out in a close feedback with the magnetic separation study in order to find a compromise between biological functionalities of the adsorbed molecular layer and magnetic separation efficiency.
Preparation of Hierarchically Porous Graphitic Carbon Spheres and Their Applications in Supercapacitors and Dye Adsorption
Authors: Li Saisai , Li Faliang , Wang Junkai , Tian Liang , Zhang Haijun , Zhang Shaowei
Published: August 2018

Hierarchical micro-/mesoporous graphitic carbon spheres (HGCS) with a uniform diameter of ~0.35 μm were synthesized by Fe-catalyzed graphitization of amorphous carbon spheres resultant from hydrothermal carbonization. The HGCS resultant from 3 h at 900 °C with 1.0 wt % Fe catalyst had a high graphitization degree and surface area as high as 564 m2/g. They also exhibited high specific capacitance of 140 F/g at 0.2 A/g and good electrochemical stability with 94% capacitance retention after consecutive 2500 cycles. The graphitization degree of the HGCS contributed to 60% of their specific capacitance, and their specific capacitance per unit surface area was as high as 0.2 F/m2, which was much higher than in the most cases of porous amorphous carbon materials reported before. In addition, the HGCS showed a high adsorption capacity of 182.8 mg/g for methylene blue (MB), which was 12 times as high as that in the case of carbon spheres before graphitization.
Adherence to the Chinese or American Dietary Guidelines is Associated with a Lower Risk of Primary Liver Cancer in China: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Chen Pei-Yan , Fang Ai-Ping , Wang Xiao-Yan , Lan Qiu-Ye , Liao Gong-Cheng , Liu Zhao-Yan , Zhang Dao-Ming , Zhang Yao-Yun , Chen Yu-Ming , Zhu Hui-Lian
Published: August 2018

Adherence to healthy dietary guidelines has been related to a lower risk of several cancers, but its role in primary liver cancer (PLC) has not been fully investigated, especially among Eastern populations. This study enrolled 720 PLC patients and 720 healthy controls who were frequency-matched by age and sex between September 2013 and October 2017 in South China. Dietary quality was assessed by the Chinese Healthy Eating Index (CHEI) and the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015), which manifests as scores of adhering to the 2016 Dietary Guidelines for Chinese and adhering to the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, respectively. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression models, adjusting for potential confounders. Higher scores in both the CHEI and HEI-2015 were associated with a lower risk of PLC (per 5-points increment of the total scores: OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.38–0.50 for CHEI; OR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.40–0.55 for HEI-2015). The protective associations persisted significantly in the stratified analyses by sex, smoker status, alcohol consumption, HBV infection, and histological types of PLC, without statistical evidence for heterogeneity (p-interaction > 0.05). Closer adherence to the most recent dietary guidelines for Chinese or Americans may protect against PLC.
Bioavailability of a Novel Form of Microencapsulated Bovine Lactoferrin and Its Effect on Inflammatory Markers and the Gut Microbiome: A Pilot Study
Authors: Dix Clare , Wright Olivia
Published: August 2018

Bovine lactoferrin, extracted from milk or whey, is used in a range of products to enhance immunity and support digestive health, iron absorption, and homeostasis. This study examined the absorption and effect of Progel (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) microencapsulated bovine lactoferrin (InferrinTM, Bega Bionutrients, Victoria, Australia) on immune markers and the microbiome. A double-blind randomised, cross-over trial was conducted with 12 healthy males randomised to one of two doses, equivalent to 200 mg or 600 mg lactoferrin, for two four-week supplementation arms, with a two-week washout period. Subjects received either standard bovine lactoferrin or InferrinTM for each arm. Baseline and post each trial arm, CD69+ activation on CD4+ and CD8+ cells was analysed, bovine and human lactoferrin contents of faecal and serum samples were reported, and the gut microbiome was analysed using 16S sequencing and metagenomic sequencing. The mean level of CD69+ activation on the CD4+ cells was lower after supplementation regardless of the form or dose of lactoferrin. This was statistically significant for the 200 mg dose. A higher level of bovine lactoferrin was found post-supplementation in those taking InferrinTM, although this was not statistically significant. Changes in phylum-level microbial community profiling were detected post-supplementation in the second trial arm, particularly in those receiving InferrinTM. Metagenomic sequencing showed changes in the volumes of the top 100 species of bacteria present before and after all treatment arms. Results suggest that lactoferrin supplementation may have beneficial effects on the microbiome and immune system, and that the use of InferrinTM improves absorption. Larger detailed studies are needed to ascertain the potential positive effects of bovine lactoferrin supplementation.
Health Insurance in Myanmar: The Views and Perception of Healthcare Consumers and Health System Informants on the Establishment of a Nationwide Health Insurance System
Authors: Van Rooijen Marjolein , Myint Chaw-Yin , Pavlova Milena , Groot Wim
Published: August 2018

(1) Background: Health insurance and social protection in Myanmar are negligible, which leaves many citizens at risk of financial hardship in case of a serious illness. The aim of this study is to explore the views of healthcare consumers and compare them to the views of key informants on the design and implementation of a nationwide health insurance system in Myanmar. (2) Method: Data were collected through nine focus group discussions with healthcare consumers and six semi-structured interviews with key health system informants. (3) Results: The consumers supported a mandatory basic health insurance and voluntary supplementary health insurance. Tax-based funding was suggested as an option that can help to enhance healthcare utilization among the poor and vulnerable groups. However, a fully tax-based funding was perceived to have limited chances of success given the low level of government resources available. Community-based insurance, where community members pool money in a healthcare fund, was seen as more appropriate for the rural areas. (4) Conclusion: This study suggests a healthcare financing mechanism based on a mixed insurance model for the creation of nationwide health insurance. Further inquiry into the feasibility of the vital aspects of the nationwide health insurance is needed.
Extraction of Sample Plot Parameters from 3D Point Cloud Reconstruction Based on Combined RTK and CCD Continuous Photography
Authors: Liu Jincheng , Feng Zhongke , Yang Liyan , Mannan Abdul , Khan Tauheed Ullah , Zhao Ziyu , Cheng Zhuxin
Published: August 2018

Enriching forest resource inventory is important to ensure the sustainable management of forest ecosystems. Obtaining forest inventory data from the field has always been difficult, laborious, time consuming, and expensive. Advances in integrating photogrammetry and computer vision have helped researchers develop some numeric algorithms and methods that can turn 2D (images) into 3D (point clouds) and are highly applicable to forestry. This paper aimed to develop a new, highly accurate methodology that extracts sample plot parameters based on continuous terrestrial photogrammetry. For this purpose, we designed and implemented a terrestrial observation instrument combining real-time kinematic (RTK) and charge-coupled device (CCD) continuous photography. Then, according to the set observation plan, three independent experimental plots were continuously photographed and the 3D point cloud of the plot was generated. From this 3D point cloud, the tree position coordinates, tree DBHs, tree heights, and other plot characteristics of the forest were extracted. The plot characteristics obtained from the 3D point cloud were compared with the measurement data obtained from the field to check the accuracy of our methodology. We obtained the position coordinates of the trees with the positioning accuracy (RMSE) of 0.162 m to 0.201 m. The relative root mean square error (rRMSE) of the trunk diameter measurements was 3.07% to 4.51%, which met the accuracy requirements of traditional forestry surveys. The hypsometrical measurements were due to the occlusion of the forest canopy and the estimated rRMSE was 11.26% to 11.91%, which is still good reference data. Furthermore, these image-based point cloud data also have portable observation instruments, low data collection costs, high field measurement efficiency, automatic data processing, and they can directly extract tree geographic location information, which may be interesting and important for certain applications such as the protection of registered famous trees. For forest inventory, continuous terrestrial photogrammetry with its unique advantages is a solution that deserves future attention in the field of tree detection and ecological construction.
Improving High-Throughput Phenotyping Using Fusion of Close-Range Hyperspectral Camera and Low-Cost Depth Sensor
Authors: Huang Peikui , Luo Xiwen , Jin Jian , Wang Liangju , Zhang Libo , Liu Jie , Zhang Zhigang
Published: August 2018

Hyperspectral sensors, especially the close-range hyperspectral camera, have been widely introduced to detect biological processes of plants in the high-throughput phenotyping platform, to support the identification of biotic and abiotic stress reactions at an early stage. However, the complex geometry of plants and their interaction with the illumination, severely affects the spectral information obtained. Furthermore, plant structure, leaf area, and leaf inclination distribution are critical indexes which have been widely used in multiple plant models. Therefore, the process of combination between hyperspectral images and 3D point clouds is a promising approach to solve these problems and improve the high-throughput phenotyping technique. We proposed a novel approach fusing a low-cost depth sensor and a close-range hyperspectral camera, which extended hyperspectral camera ability with 3D information as a potential tool for high-throughput phenotyping. An exemplary new calibration and analysis method was shown in soybean leaf experiments. The results showed that a 0.99 pixel resolution for the hyperspectral camera and a 3.3 millimeter accuracy for the depth sensor, could be achieved in a controlled environment using the method proposed in this paper. We also discussed the new capabilities gained using this new method, to quantify and model the effects of plant geometry and sensor configuration. The possibility of 3D reflectance models can be used to minimize the geometry-related effects in hyperspectral images, and to significantly improve high-throughput phenotyping. Overall results of this research, indicated that the proposed method provided more accurate spatial and spectral plant information, which helped to enhance the precision of biological processes in high-throughput phenotyping.
Traditional Dance as a Vehicle for Identity Construction and Social Engagement after Forced Migration
Authors: Smith Yda J.
Published: August 2018

The Karen are the largest non-Burman ethnic group in Burma. After decades of violence in their homeland, hundreds of thousands have fled into refugee camps on the Thai-Burma border. Over 73,000 Karen have been resettled in the United States. Karen youth in urban areas of the United States have been participating in traditional Karen dance, practicing and performing regularly. This study explored the reasons Karen youth choose to engage in this activity. Interviews were conducted and were analyzed using grounded theory qualitative research methods that were constructivist in nature. One over-arching theme, “If You Don’t Know Your Culture, You Don’t Know Who You Are”, and four sub-themes emerged from the data. Results demonstrate that group members are highly invested in maintaining their social engagement with their Karen community and find strength in Karen identity maintenance. This study demonstrates that those forced to migrate to a foreign country may face challenges to their sense of identity and belonging when immersed in a society that is unfamiliar to them. Local agencies can play an important role in the adaptation process by facilitating participation in meaningful activities that provide in-group social connections and opportunities to participate in familiar culturally relevant activities.
An Economical, Sustainable Pathway to Indole-Containing Oxindoles: Iron-Catalyzed 1,6-Conjugate Addition in Glycerol
Authors: Tan Lan , Rahman Abdul
Published: August 2018

The search for economical, sustainable and practical pathways in synthetic science would contribute to improving resource efficiency, developing a recycling economy and driving new-type urbanization. Green synthesis has established firm ground providing the right green yardstick for development of a sustainable approach to bioactive high-added value molecules and drug discovery, and further development of sustainable manufacturing processes in the pharmaceutical industry toward a green resource efficient economy. In this study, the combination of FeCl3 and glycerol exhibits a versatile and high catalytic activity in the atom economical 1,6-conjugated addition of para-quinone methides derived from isatins with indoles using the right green yardstick. The sustainable pathway provides the preparation of bioactive indole-containing oxindoles in excellent yields with superior advantages, such as the ready availability, low price and environmentally benign character of iron catalysis, easy product separation, cheap and safe bio-renewable glycerol as a green solvent, and catalytic system recycling under mild conditions.
Sensitivity Analysis in Socio-Ecological Models as a Tool in Environmental Policy for Sustainability
Authors: Banos-Gonzalez Isabel , Martínez-Fernández Julia , Esteve-Selma Miguel-Ángel , Esteve-Guirao Patricia
Published: August 2018

The assessment of environmental policies and sustainability in socio-ecological systems (SES) should be tackled from a holistic perspective, using methodologies such as dynamic system models. However, the integral assessment of SES generally suffers from high levels of uncertainty. In this work, the potential of sensitivity analysis (SA) to assess uncertainty and its implications in SES models, specifically in the Fuerteventura sustainability model, has been explored. An extensive SA was applied in different stages of model development and application. The different SA techniques applied allowed, besides a detailed assessment of robustness, the identification of leverage points and their application to define environmental policies and management measures intended to improve sustainability. The results suggest that measures based on leverage points identified by the SA in the model are more effective than others proposed so far by different agents. Furthermore, the assessment of uncertainty of measures thought to contribute to sustainability shows that, when uncertainty ranges are considered, the thresholds of some sustainability indicators might be exceeded, whereas mean values would not. Therefore, the surpassing of some sustainability thresholds might go unnoticed if uncertainties are not considered in the policy analysis. This work shows SA to be a powerful tool that provides important insights to policy makers and end users, with regard to improving environmental policies for sustainability.
What Drives the Rise of Metro Developments in China? Evidence from Nantong
Authors: Zhou Shutian , Zhai Guofang , Shi Yijun
Published: August 2018

This paper addresses to the rapid rise of metro developments in Chinese cities to reconsider the official justifications of such mega-projects and the underlying driving forces behind proposal and approval processes. Qualitative approaches were undertaken in this in-depth case study of Nantong’s metro project, through insights into planning documents and evidences gathered from interviews, together with relevant socioeconomic data. Our research findings reveal four major motivations to develop metro projects in China: the city’s expected improvements through the metro system, the local economic power as the essential requirement and source of confidence for project development, the inter-city competition as an invisible factor driving project proposals, and the changing domestic political economy as the direct cause of its approval. As a topic that is frequently studied in the relevant literature and often advocated by metro projects promoters, the local expected achievements in terms of modal shift to public transport, transit-oriented development, economic growth, and tax maximisation are highlighted in this case study. Additionally, in China, inter-city competition and economic-political reasons involved in initiating, promoting, and approving urban mega-projects are also vital to the whole process.
A Teledermatology Pilot Programme for the Management of Skin Diseases in Primary Health Care Centres: Experiences from a Resource-Limited Country (Mali, West Africa)
Authors: Faye Ousmane , Bagayoko Cheick , Dicko Adama , Cissé Lamissa , Berthé Siritio , Traoré Bekaye , Fofana Youssouf , Niang Mahamoudan , Traoré Seydou , Karabinta Yamoussa , Gassama Mamadou , Guindo Binta , Keita Alimata , Tall Koreissi , Keita Somita , Geissbuhler Antoine , Mahé Antoine ,   Teledermali Team
Published: August 2018

In sub-Saharan Africa, in particular in rural areas, patients have limited access to doctors with specialist skills in skin diseases. To address this issue, a teledermatology pilot programme focused on primary health centres was set up in Mali. This study was aimed at investigating the feasibility of this programme and its impact on the management of skin diseases. The programme was based on the store-and-forward model. Health care providers from 10 primary centres were trained to manage common skin diseases, to capture images of skin lesions, and to use an e-platform to post all cases beyond their expertise for dermatologists in order to obtain diagnosis and treatment recommendations. After training, the cases of 180 patients were posted by trained health workers on the platform. Ninety-six per cent of these patients were properly managed via the responses given by dermatologists. The mean time to receive the expert’s response was 32 h (range: 13 min to 20 days). Analysis of all diseases diagnosed via the platform revealed a wide range of skin disorders. Our initiative hugely improved the management of all skin diseases in the targeted health centres. In developing countries, Internet accessibility and connection quality represent the main challenges when conducting teledermatology programmes.