bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the Quality of Structural Concrete Design
Authors: de Boer Ane , Frissen Chantal , van der Veen Cornelis , Schreppers Gerd-Jan
Published: June 2013

Common practise in concrete design engineering is the sectional design approach. The model should be the most simple choice in this approach and will be often a 1D design model. The design process delivers the generalised moments, forces and displacements. The checks to the actual checking code is on a sectional base, where the section evaluation will be made nonlinear. In a more advantage design process the design model will be updated to a 2D design model. The 2D model results are distributed moments and forces, which give an overview of the results over the width of a 2D model. The distributed moments, forces can be integrated to the generalised moments and forces, so a check to the 1D model can be given too. Both models, the 1D and 2D models have a linear distribution over the height of the structure.

The full 3D design model isn’t a common model in practices engineering, but by integrating stresses or strains over the height of the 3D model, the similar results coming from 1D and 2D can be generated. Today checking codes like Eurocode2 and ModelCode2010 allow the designer to use nonlinear analysis as additional tool to the linear approach. For existing structures these nonlinear analysis can help by looking to the remaining capacity and the remaining lifetime of a concrete structure. In this way it is possible to keep ‘old’ structures in operation on the actual infrastructural network. For new structures it is obvious that at this moment nonlinear design steps of a concrete structure aren’t acceptable. It is a too new process in the actual civil engineering practise, where there are no direct failures to the common accepted linear design process. But this nonlinear accepted design process could be moved to a closed concrete design process, where the nonlinear analysis gets the status of controlling the linear design process. A control function could avoid failures in designing the reinforcement or prestressed reinforcement. The designer will be warned already in the concrete design stage for failures or mistakes.

However implementing a full nonlinear analysis isn’t an option, but the so-called sequential linear analysis, a quasi nonlinear analysis, is very robust and powerful to minimize the elapse time of this kind of control analysis. While the design process is setup in full 3D, BIM, inspection regime and maintenance are coming more together in an overall process in the near future.
Background of Target Reliability Levels for Existing Structures
Authors: Asp Olli , Laaksonen Anssi
Published: June 2013

The structural safety of existing bridges can be confirmed by a bearing capacity assessment. The conventional method of evaluating a bridge is the partial safety factor method. A more sophisticated way to assess bearing capacity is the reliability analysis. It allows calculating the reliability index of the structure. The calculated reliability index should be compared to the target reliability index to determine if the structure and related risks are acceptable. Values for target reliability indices are proposed in codes. Structure and load type specific target reliability indices can also be determined. For existing structures, it is possible to calculate more accurate target reliability indices related to the consequences of failure. Increased probability of failure due to lower reliability indices can be tolerated if the consequences of failure are limited and an economic benefit is gained.
Catenary Behaviour in Concrete Slabs: Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Structural Behaviour
Authors: Gouverneur Dirk , Caspeele Robby , Taerwe Luc
Published: June 2013

A very important property of concrete structures with regard to robustness is the rigid connectivity with neighbouring elements. When a hyperstatic concrete slab is excessively loaded or when a certain support is lost due to an accidental situation, membrane forces can be activated in order to establish a load transfer to the remaining supports. This favourable effect can considerably enhance the slab’s load-carrying capacity compared to predictions obtained from small deformation theories. Thus, membrane actions can prevent or delay a progressive collapse and increase the robustness of concrete structures.

A novel real-scale test set-up has been developed in order to assess the structural behaviour under catenary action in real-scale concrete slabs and the influence of reinforcement curtailment, since in current design practice the main flexural reinforcement is calculated for the slab’s critical sections and consequently the reinforcement is curtailed based on the envelope of the acting internal actions. The investigations include the testing of a reinforced concrete slab strip with continuous flexural reinforcement over the entire length and a second test differing only from the reinforcement arrangement, considering current design codes for reinforcement curtailment. The slab specimens were exposed to an artificial failure of the central support and subsequent vertical loading until collapse.

Furthermore, finite element methods allow to simulate the behaviour of concrete slabs under these large deformations. Numerical FEM analysis of the executed real-scale tests will be explained and compared with the experimental results. Finally, the influence of reinforcement curtailment on the overall performance under catenary action will be discussed.
System Identification of Multi-Story Buildings with a Pair of Seismic Recordings
Authors: Zhang Ruichong , Gargab Lotfi O.
Published: June 2013

This study presents system identification of ten-story Millikan Library in Pasadena, California with a pair of the Yorba Linda earthquake of September 3, 2002. The fundamental of the proposed approach is based on wave features of generalized impulse and frequency response function (GIRF or GFRF), i.e., wave response at one structural response location to an impulsive motion at another reference location in time and frequency domains respectively. With a pair of seismic recordings at the two locations, GIRF/GFRF is obtainable. With a continuous-discrete model for the structure, a closed-form solution of GFRF, and subsequent GIRF with Fourier transformation of GFRF, can also be found in terms of structural physical properties above the impulse location. Matching the two sets of GIRF/GFRF from recordings and the model helps identify system parameters such as wave velocity or shear modulus.
Ring Rail Line – Protection Structures Against Aggressive Fluids
Authors: Vuopio Jaakko , Einsalo Klaus , Törnqvist Jouko
Published: June 2013

During the excavations of railway tunnel of Ring Rail Line ground water leakages containing ad-verse compounds were found under the airport area. The investigations showed that ground water at a minimum pH under 5 is acidic and contains antifreeze agents as ethylene and propylene glycols which have been used decades in aviation. In aerobic conditions the glycol based fluid forms alco-hols and organic acids, most relevant of them acetic acid and propionic acid. The fluid is a nutrient for microbes and enables their growth in a tunnel. The microbe growth forms also distinctive odour, which is undesirable at underground railway used by passengers.

To isolate harmful aggressive leakages protection structures were designed for all tunnel sections and station areas where adverse substances were detected. Leakage has been found to be corrosive to steel structures and erode to cement-containing structures so polyethane membranes were de-signed to install around the railway tunnel structures and all materials which can be in contact with glycol based fluids were chosen for aggressive environments.
Progressive Collapse Analysis of Composite Framed Buildings with Encased in Concrete Steel Beams
Authors: Peltonen Simo , Iliopoulos Aristidis , Kiriakopoulos Panagiotis
Published: June 2013

Encased in concrete steel beams of trapezoidal shape (Deltabeams) are associated with high values of stiffness, strength and ductility. They can be considered as an appropriate solution for class 2b and 3 buildings according to EN 1991-1-7 with demanding robustness requirements. In this paper the dynamic response of a 30-storey steel-concrete composite building with Deltabeams after a sudden column loss is investigated through the implementation of non linear dynamic analysis (alternate path method). It is found that the catenary actions are highly depended from the type of connections and govern the design. They are also considerably higher than the required tying resistance provided by EN 199-1-7. Finally, unexpected failure modes which may endanger the stability of high-risk buildings are discussed and suggestions on the improvement of EN 1991-1-7 are proposed. This paper offers information from a research project on progressive collapse which is conducted by the R&D department of Peikko Group Corporation.
Robustness of Steel Building Structures Following a Column Loss
Authors: Huvelle Clara , Jaspart Jean-Pierre , Demonceau Jean-François
Published: June 2013

The present paper gives a global overview on recent developments performed at Liège University in the field of robustness of building structures for the specific scenario “loss of a column”. In particular, the static non-linear response of a steel building structure following a column loss will be first presented and then, a global overview of some recent achievements and ongoing researches will be given with the global strategy aiming at deriving design requirements for practitioners.
Quantifying Redundancy and Robustness of Structures
Authors: Cavaco Eduardo , Casas Joan R. , Neves Luis
Published: June 2013

The paper presents the different definitions proposed for structural robustness and redundancy, as well as the different measures to quantify them, according to the proposed definition. From this review, it is emphasized that almost all proposed definitions are related to sudden damages (impacts, explosions, ...) and unforeseen events. For this reason, in the present paper a new approach to robustness is defined in terms of the ability of the structure to respond to continuous deteriorating processess as corrosion. The paper also shows how most of the proposed measures of robustness are relative, in the sense that they may help identify which structure is more or less robust than another. However, a target or threshold value that defines the border between what is robust or not, normally does not exist. Finally, an example of application of the new proposed measure of robustness to an existing reinforced concrete bridge, in advanced state of deterioration due to corrosion attack, is presented.
Failures in Large-Span Roof Structures in Switzerland
Authors: Steiger René , Herwig Andrin , Widmann Robert , Piskoty Gabor
Published: June 2013

The present paper describes collapses and failures of three large-span roof structures in Switzerland:

In February 2009 the steel roof of a three years old gym in eastern Switzerland collapsed. Based on visual findings and on a detailed investigation it could be found that the cause of the collapse was a deficient detailing in each of the seven 26 m long, simply supported main steel plate girders. The collapse was triggered by increasing snow load although at the day of collapse the load was 25% lower than the characteristic value according to the Swiss design code.

In November 2003 the roof of a timber multi-purpose hall partly collapsed after a period of rain. The investigations showed that the most relevant reason for the collapse was the incorrect execution of welds at the joints of supporting shoes in conjunction with the marginal design of that detail. From other factors that contributed to the collapse an insufficient drainage system of the roof could be identified as having played an important role.

In 2011 a 180 x 1120 mm2 glued-laminated timber beam with a span of 18 m being part of the secondary structural system supporting the flat roof of a DIY superstore near Zurich failed in bending. The failure had been triggered to a considerable extent due to overloading of parts of the roof by a gravel layer compared to other parts of the roof being of higher depth and specific weight.

From all three incidents it could be concluded that a closer orientation of the design to available design codes and a strict quality control during design, execution and use of the building would have reduced the probability of collapse / failure of the roof structures considerably.
Extending Fatigue Life of Structures Beyond 100 Years Using Monitored Data
Authors: Brühwiler Eugen
Published: June 2013

A methodology inherent to existing structures is presented for the fatigue safety of bridges. The suggested approach allows for the determination of updated action effects explicit considering data from long term monitoring. Monitored data allow for accurate determination of fatigue relevant stresses in fatigue prone bridge structures. Also, uncertainties in the determination of updated action effects are reduced. By means of the presented approach, the fatigue safety of a riveted railway bridge of high cultural heritage value was verified also after 115 years of service duration. Monitored data were exploited by Rainflow analysis and served as the basis for the fatigue safety verification. As the locations of measurements are generally not identical with the cross sections of verification, measured strains were translated to the relevant verification cross section by means of factors that were determined by structural analysis. Sufficient fatigue safety could finally be verified for the entire riveted structure and additional service duration of at least 50 years for this riveted structure could be validated.
Capitalism, Socialism, and the Environment
Authors: Kelly David L.
Published: June 2013

Foster, John B., Brett Clark, and Richard York. 2010. The Ecological Rift: Capitalism’s War on the Earth. New York: Monthly Review Press.

Williams, Chris. 2010. Ecology and Socialism: Solutions to Capitalist Ecological Crisis. Chicago, IL: Haymarket Books.
Epidemiology of cervical spondylotic myelopathy and its risk of causing spinal cord injury: a national cohort study
Authors: Wu Jau-Ching , Ko Chin-Chu , Yen Yu-Shu , Huang Wen-Cheng , Chen Yu-Chun , Liu Laura , Tu Tsung-Hsi , Lo Su-Shun , Cheng Henrich
Published: July 2013

Object

This study aimed to determine the age- and sex-specific incidence of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and its associated risk of causing subsequent spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

Using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), a 12-year nationwide database in Taiwan, this retrospective cohort study analyzed the incidence of hospitalization caused by CSM. All patients diagnosed with and admitted for CSM were identified during the study period. The CSM patients were divided into 2 groups, a control group and an operated group. An incidence density method was used to estimate age- and sex-specific incidence rates of CSM. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analyses were performed to compare the risk of SCI between the 2 groups.

Results

From 1998 to 2009, covering 349.5 million person-years, 14,140 patients were hospitalized for CSM. The overall incidence of CSM-related hospitalization was 4.04 per 100,000 person-years. Specifically, males and older persons had a higher incidence rate of CSM. During the follow-up of these patients for 13,461 person-years, a total of 166 patients were diagnosed with SCI. The incidence of SCI was higher in the control group than the operated group (13.9 vs 9.4 per 1000 person-years, respectively). During the follow-up, SCI was more likely to occur in CSM patients who were treated conservatively (crude HR 1.48, p = 0.023; adjusted HR 1.57, p = 0.011) than in those who underwent surgery for CSM.

Conclusions

In a national cohort of eastern Asia, the incidence of CSM-caused hospitalization was 4.04 per 100,000 person-years, with higher incidences observed in older and male patients. Subsequent SCI was more likely to develop in patients who received nonoperative management than in those who underwent surgery. Therefore, patients with CSM managed without surgery should be cautioned about SCI. However, further investigations are still required to clarify the risks and complications associated with surgery for CSM.
Staged bilateral far-lateral approach for bilateral cervicomedullary junction neurenteric cysts in a 10-year-old girl
Authors: Patel Smruti K. , Liu James K.
Published: June 2013

Neurenteric cysts are rare and benign lesions that consist of ectopic alimentary tissue residing in the central nervous system. They tend to occur most frequently in an intraspinal rather than intracranial location. Intracranial neurenteric cysts are a rare occurrence in the pediatric population. These lesions typically present as unilateral cystic structures in the lower cerebellopontine angle and craniocervical junction. To the authors' knowledge, there have been no reported cases of bilateral localization of intracranial neurenteric cysts. In this report, they present an unusual case of a 10-year-old girl who was found to have bilateral intracranial neurenteric cysts at the pontomedullary junction. The patient was successfully treated with staged, bilateral far-lateral transcondylar resection of the cysts. The authors also provide a brief overview of the literature describing intracranial neurenteric cysts in children.
Cerebellar seizures
Authors: Boop Sarah , Wheless James , Van Poppel Katherine , McGregor Amy , Boop Frederick A.
Published: June 2013

Epilepsy, especially with refractory seizures, is thought to arise only from cortical lesions or substrate. The authors report on 2 patients with refractory epilepsy and cerebellar lesions. Depth electrodes were placed within the cerebellar lesions in both patients, and intracranial electroencephalographic recordings showed seizure origin from the cerebellar lesions. One patient eventually attained seizure control with antiepileptic drugs. The other case involved a child with generalized myoclonic epilepsy associated with a pilocytic astrocytoma of the cerebellum. This patient obtained seizure control following gross-total resection of the tumor.
eHealth Service Support in Future IPv6 Vehicular Networks
Authors: Imadali Sofiane , Karanasiou Athanasia , Petrescu Alexandru , Sifniadis Ioannis , Velidou Eleftheria , Vèque Véronique , Angelidis Pantelis
Published: June 2013

Recent vehicular networking activities include novel automotive applications, such as public vehicle to vehicle/infrastructure (V2X), large scale deployments, machine-to-machine (M2M) integration scenarios, and more. The platform described in this paper focuses on the integration of eHealth in a V2I setting. This is to allow the use of Internet from a vehicular setting to disseminate health-related information. From an eHealth viewpoint, the use of remote healthcare solutions to record and transmit a patient’s vital signs is a special telemedicine application that helps hospital resident health professionals to optimally prepare the patient’s admittance. From the automotive perspective, this is a typical vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication scenario. This proposal provides an IPv6 vehicular platform, which integrates eHealth devices and allows sending captured health-related data to a personal health record (PHR) application server in the IPv6 Internet. The collected data is viewed remotely by a doctor and supports his diagnostic decision. In particular, our work introduces the integration of vehicular and eHealth testbeds, describes related work and presents a lightweight auto-configuration method based on a DHCPv6 extension to provide IPv6 connectivity with a few numbers of messages.
Antimicrobial Resistance in the Food Chain: A Review
Authors: Verraes Claire , Van Boxstael Sigrid , Van Meervenne Eva , Van Coillie Els , Butaye Patrick , Catry Boudewijn , De Schaetzen Marie-Athénaïs , Van Huffel Xavier , Imberechts Hein , Dierick Katelijne , Daube Georges , Saegerman Claude , De Block Jan , Dewulf Jeroen , Herman Lieve
Published: June 2013

Antimicrobial resistant zoonotic pathogens present on food constitute a direct risk to public health. Antimicrobial resistance genes in commensal or pathogenic strains form an indirect risk to public health, as they increase the gene pool from which pathogenic bacteria can pick up resistance traits. Food can be contaminated with antimicrobial resistant bacteria and/or antimicrobial resistance genes in several ways. A first way is the presence of antibiotic resistant bacteria on food selected by the use of antibiotics during agricultural production. A second route is the possible presence of resistance genes in bacteria that are intentionally added during the processing of food (starter cultures, probiotics, bioconserving microorganisms and bacteriophages). A last way is through cross-contamination with antimicrobial resistant bacteria during food processing. Raw food products can be consumed without having undergone prior processing or preservation and therefore hold a substantial risk for transfer of antimicrobial resistance to humans, as the eventually present resistant bacteria are not killed. As a consequence, transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes between bacteria after ingestion by humans may occur. Under minimal processing or preservation treatment conditions, sublethally damaged or stressed cells can be maintained in the food, inducing antimicrobial resistance build-up and enhancing the risk of resistance transfer. Food processes that kill bacteria in food products, decrease the risk of transmission of antimicrobial resistance.
Land-Use Change and Emerging Infectious Disease on an Island Continent
Authors: McFarlane Rosemary , Sleigh Adrian , McMichael Anthony
Published: June 2013

A more rigorous and nuanced understanding of land-use change (LUC) as a driver of emerging infectious disease (EID) is required. Here we examine post hunter-gatherer LUC as a driver of infectious disease in one biogeographical region with a compressed and documented history—continental Australia. We do this by examining land-use and native vegetation change (LUCC) associations with infectious disease emergence identified through a systematic (1973–2010) and historical (1788–1973) review of infectious disease literature of humans and animals. We find that 22% (20) of the systematically reviewed EIDs are associated with LUCC, most frequently where natural landscapes have been removed or replaced with agriculture, plantations, livestock or urban development. Historical clustering of vector-borne, zoonotic and environmental disease emergence also follows major periods of extensive land clearing. These advanced stages of LUCC are accompanied by changes in the distribution and density of hosts and vectors, at varying scales and chronology. This review of infectious disease emergence in one continent provides valuable insight into the association between accelerated global LUC and concurrent accelerated infectious disease emergence.
Indoor Positioning for Smartphones Using Asynchronous Ultrasound Trilateration
Authors: Filonenko Viacheslav , Cullen Charlie , Carswell James
Published: June 2013

Modern smartphones are a great platform for Location Based Services (LBS). While outdoor LBS for smartphones has proven to be very successful, indoor LBS for smartphones has not yet fully developed due to the lack of an accurate positioning technology. In this paper we present an accurate indoor positioning approach for commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) smartphones that uses the innate ability of mobile phones to produce ultrasound, combined with Time-Difference-of-Arrival (TDOA) asynchronous trilateration. We evaluate our indoor positioning approach by describing its strengths and weaknesses, and determine its absolute accuracy. This is accomplished through a range of experiments that involve variables such as position of control point microphones, position of phone within the room, direction speaker is facing and presence of user in the signal path. Test results show that our Lok8 (locate) mobile positioning system can achieve accuracies better than 10 cm in a real-world environment.
Apoferritin Modified Magnetic Particles as Doxorubicin Carriers for Anticancer Drug Delivery
Authors: Blazkova Iva , Nguyen Hoai , Dostalova Simona , Kopel Pavel , Stanisavljevic Maja , Vaculovicova Marketa , Stiborova Marie , Eckschlager Tomas , Kizek Rene , Adam Vojtech
Published: June 2013

Magnetic particle mediated transport in combination with nanomaterial based drug carrier has a great potential for targeted cancer therapy. In this study, doxorubicin encapsulation into the apoferritin and its conjugation with magnetic particles was investigated by capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection (CE-LIF). The quantification of encapsulated doxorubicin was performed by fluorescence spectroscopy and compared to CE-LIF. Moreover, the significant enhancement of the doxorubicin signal was observed by addition of methanol into the sample solution.
Towards the Identification of New Genes Involved in ABA-Dependent Abiotic Stresses Using Arabidopsis Suppressor Mutants of abh1 Hypersensitivity to ABA during Seed Germination
Authors: Daszkowska-Golec Agata , Chorazy Edyta , Maluszynski Miroslaw , Szarejko Iwona
Published: June 2013

Abscisic acid plays a pivotal role in the abiotic stress response in plants. Although great progress has been achieved explaining the complexity of the stress and ABA signaling cascade, there are still many questions to answer. Mutants are a valuable tool in the identification of new genes or new alleles of already known genes and in elucidating their role in signaling pathways. We applied a suppressor mutation approach in order to find new components of ABA and abiotic stress signaling in Arabidopsis. Using the abh1 (ABA hypersensitive 1) insertional mutant as a parental line for EMS mutagenesis, we selected several mutants with suppressed hypersensitivity to ABA during seed germination. Here, we present the response to ABA and a wide range of abiotic stresses during the seed germination and young seedling development of two suppressor mutants—soa2 (suppressor of abh1 hypersensitivity to ABA 2) and soa3 (suppressor of abh1 hypersensitivity to ABA 3). Generally, both mutants displayed a suppression of the hypersensitivity of abh1 to ABA, NaCl and mannitol during germination. Both mutants showed a higher level of tolerance than Columbia-0 (Col-0—the parental line of abh1) in high concentrations of glucose. Additionally, soa2 exhibited better root growth than Col-0 in the presence of high ABA concentrations. soa2 and soa3 were drought tolerant and both had about 50% fewer stomata per mm2 than the wild-type but the same number as their parental line—abh1. Taking into account that suppressor mutants had the same genetic background as their parental line—abh1, it was necessary to backcross abh1 with Landsberg erecta four times for the map-based cloning approach. Mapping populations, derived from the cross of abh1 in the Landsberg erecta background with each suppressor mutant, were created. Map based cloning in order to identify the suppressor genes is in progress.
The Functions and Applications of RGD in Tumor Therapy and Tissue Engineering
Authors: Wang Fen , Li Yuanyuan , Shen Yingqiang , Wang Anming , Wang Shuling , Xie Tian
Published: June 2013

Arginine-Glycine-Aspartic (RGD), is the specific recognition site of integrins with theirs ligands, and regulates cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. The RGD motif can be combined with integrins overexpressed on the tumor neovasculature and tumor cells with a certain affinity, becoming the new target for imaging agents, and drugs, and gene delivery for tumor treatment. Further, RGD as a biomimetic peptide can also promote cell adherence to the matrix, prevent cell apoptosis and accelerate new tissue regeneration. Functionalizing material surfaces with RGD can improve cell/biomaterial interactions, which facilitates the generation of tissue-engineered constructs. This paper reviews the main functions and advantages of RGD, describes the applications of RGD in imaging agents, drugs, gene delivery for tumor therapy, and highlights the role of RGD in promoting the development of tissue engineering (bone regeneration, cornea repair, artificial neovascularization) in recent years.
miR-125b Regulates the Early Steps of ESC Differentiation through Dies1 in a TGF-Independent Manner
Authors: Battista Marica , Musto Anna , Navarra Angelica , Minopoli Giuseppina , Russo Tommaso , Parisi Silvia
Published: June 2013

Over the past few years, it has become evident that the distinctive pattern of miRNA expression seen in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) contributes to important signals in the choice of the cell fate. Thus, the identification of miRNAs and their targets, whose expression is linked to a specific step of differentiation, as well as the modulation of these miRNAs, may prove useful in the learning of how ESC potential is regulated. In this context, we have studied the expression profile of miRNAs during neural differentiation of ESCs. We have found that miR-125b is upregulated in the first steps of neural differentiation of ESCs. This miRNA targets the BMP4 co-receptor, Dies1, and, in turn, regulates the balance between BMP4 and Nodal/Activin signaling. The ectopic expression of miR-125b blocks ESC differentiation at the epiblast stage, and this arrest is rescued by restoring the expression of Dies1. Finally, opposite to miR-125a, whose expression is under the control of the BMP4, miR-125b is not directly regulated by Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFβ) signals. These results highlight a new important role of miR-125b in the regulation of the transition from ESCs to the epiblast stage and add a new level of control on TGFβ signaling in ESCs.
Voltammetry as a Tool for Characterization of CdTe Quantum Dots
Authors: Sobrova Pavlina , Ryvolova Marketa , Hubalek Jaromir , Adam Vojtech , Kizek Rene
Published: June 2013

Electrochemical detection of quantum dots (QDs) has already been used in numerous applications. However, QDs have not been well characterized using voltammetry, with respect to their characterization and quantification. Therefore, the main aim was to characterize CdTe QDs using cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry. The obtained peaks were identified and the detection limit (3 S/N) was estimated down to 100 fg/mL. Based on the convincing results, a new method for how to study stability and quantify the dots was suggested. Thus, the approach was further utilized for the testing of QDs stability.
Regulation of miRNA Expression by Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Authors: Kushibiki Toshihiro , Hirasawa Takeshi , Okawa Shinpei , Ishihara Miya
Published: June 2013

Applications of laser therapy, including low-level laser therapy (LLLT), phototherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT), have been proven to be beneficial and relatively less invasive therapeutic modalities for numerous diseases and disease conditions. Using specific types of laser irradiation, specific cellular activities can be induced. Because multiple cellular signaling cascades are simultaneously activated in cells exposed to lasers, understanding the molecular responses within cells will aid in the development of laser therapies. In order to understand in detail the molecular mechanisms of LLLT and PDT-related responses, it will be useful to characterize the specific expression of miRNAs and proteins. Such analyses will provide an important source for new applications of laser therapy, as well as for the development of individualized treatments. Although several miRNAs should be up- or down-regulated upon stimulation by LLLT, phototherapy and PDT, very few published studies address the effect of laser therapy on miRNA expression. In this review, we focus on LLLT, phototherapy and PDT as representative laser therapies and discuss the effects of these therapies on miRNA expression.
The Interstitial Interface within the Renal Stem/Progenitor Cell Niche Exhibits an Unique Microheterogeneous Composition
Authors: Minuth Will , Denk Lucia
Published: June 2013

Repair of parenchyma by stem/progenitor cells is seen as a possible alternative to cure acute and chronic renal failure in future. To learn about this therapeutic purpose, the formation of nephrons during organ growth is under focus of present research. This process is triggered by numerous morphogenetic interactions between epithelial and mesenchymal cells within the renal stem/progenitor cell niche. Recent data demonstrate that an astonishingly wide interstitial interface separates both types of stem/progenitor cells probably controlling coordinated cell-to-cell communication. Since conventional fixation by glutaraldehyde (GA) does not declare in transmission electron microscopy the spatial separation, improved contrasting procedures were applied. As a consequence, the embryonic cortex of neonatal rabbit kidneys was fixed in solutions containing glutaraldehyde in combination with cupromeronic blue, ruthenium red or tannic acid. To obtain a comparable view to the renal stem/progenitor cell niche, the specimens had to be orientated along the cortico-medullary axis of lining collecting ducts. Analysis of tissue samples fixed with GA, in combination with cupromeronic blue, demonstrates demasked extracellular matrix. Numerous braces of proteoglycans cover, as well, the basal lamina of epithelial stem/progenitor cells as projections of mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells crossing the interstitial interface. Fixation with GA containing ruthenium red or tannic acid illustrates strands of extracellular matrix that originate from the basal lamina of epithelial stem/progenitor cells and line through the interstitial interface. Thus, for the first time, improved contrasting techniques make it possible to analyze in detail a microheterogeneous composition of the interstitial interface within the renal stem/progenitor cell niche.
Stem Cells behind the Barrier
Authors: Cangkrama Michael , Ting Stephen , Darido Charbel
Published: June 2013

Epidermal stem cells sustain the adult skin for a lifetime through self-renewal and the production of committed progenitors. These stem cells generate progeny that will undergo terminal differentiation leading to the development of a protective epidermal barrier. Whereas the molecular mechanisms that govern epidermal barrier repair and renewal have been extensively studied, pathways controlling stem cell differentiation remain poorly understood. Asymmetric cell divisions, small non-coding RNAs (microRNAs), chromatin remodeling complexes, and multiple differentiation factors tightly control the balance of stem and progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation, and disruption of this balance leads to skin diseases. In this review, we summarize and discuss current advances in our understanding of the mechanisms regulating epidermal stem and progenitor cell differentiation, and explore new relationships for maintenance of skin barrier function.
N-(2-Chloro-5-cyanophenyl)-4,4,4-trifluorobutanamide
Authors: Manojkumar Karikere , Sreenivasa Swamy , Shivaraja Govindaiah , Rao Tadimety
Published: June 2013

N-(2-Chloro-5-cyanophenyl)-4,4,4-trifluorobutanamide (3) was synthesized by reacting 4,4,4-trifluorobutanoic acid (1) with 2-amino-4-chlorobenzonitrile (2) in the presence of triethylamine and propylphosphonic anhydride in ethyl acetate. Character­ization of the compound was done by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, LC-MS and CHN analysis.
Alternative Sources of n-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Marine Microalgae
Authors: Martins Dulce , Custódio Luísa , Barreira Luísa , Pereira Hugo , Ben-Hamadou Radhouan , Varela João , Abu-Salah Khalid
Published: June 2013

The main source of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) in human nutrition is currently seafood, especially oily fish. Nonetheless, due to cultural or individual preferences, convenience, geographic location, or awareness of risks associated to fatty fish consumption, the intake of fatty fish is far from supplying the recommended dietary levels. The end result observed in most western countries is not only a low supply of n-3 LC-PUFA, but also an unbalance towards the intake of n-6 fatty acids, resulting mostly from the consumption of vegetable oils. Awareness of the benefits of LC-PUFA in human health has led to the use of fish oils as food supplements. However, there is a need to explore alternatives sources of LC-PUFA, especially those of microbial origin. Microalgae species with potential to accumulate lipids in high amounts and to present elevated levels of n-3 LC-PUFA are known in marine phytoplankton. This review focuses on sources of n-3 LC-PUFA, namely eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, in marine microalgae, as alternatives to fish oils. Based on current literature, examples of marketed products and potentially new species for commercial exploitation are presented.
Effects of Combined Elicitors on Tanshinone Metabolic Profiling and SmCPS Expression in Salvia miltiorrhiza Hairy Root Cultures
Authors: Cheng Qiqing , He Yunfei , Li Geng , Liu Yujia , Gao Wei , Huang Luqi
Published: June 2013

Tanshinones are abietane-type norditerpenoid quinone natural products found in a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. The copalyl diphosphate synthase of S. miltiorrhiza (SmCPS) is the key enzyme in the first step for transformation of geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) into miltiradiene, which has recently been identified as the precursor of tanshinones. Based on previous gene-to-metabolite network, this study examined the influences of various combined elicitors on the expression of SmCPS and production of tanshinones in S. miltiorrhiza hairy root cultures. Combined elicitors were composed of three classes of elicitors, a heavy metal ion (Ag+), a polysaccharide (yeast extract, YE), and a plant response-signalling compound (methyl jasmonate, MJ). YE + Ag+, Ag+ + MJ, YE + MJ, and YE + Ag+ + MJ were the combinations we tested. The effect of elicitors on the SmCPS expression level was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and the tanshinones accumulation responses to elicitation were analysed by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) metabolite profiling. Of these combined elicitors, the expression of SmCPS was significantly enhanced by elicitation, especially at 24 h and 36 h. Of four tanshinones detected, the contents of cryptotanshinone and dihydrotanshinone I were enhanced by treatment with YE + Ag+, Ag+ + MJ, and YE + Ag+ + MJ. Our results indicate that appropriate combined elicitors can enhance tanshinones production in hairy root cultures.
Characterization of Total Phenolic Constituents from the Stems of Spatholobus suberectus Using LC-DAD-MSn and Their Inhibitory Effect on Human Neutrophil Elastase Activity
Authors: Huang Youwu , Chen Liang , Feng Li , Guo Fujiang , Li Yiming
Published: June 2013

Spatholobus suberectus Dunn, belonging to the legume family (Fabaceae), has been used as a Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of anemia, menoxenia and rheumatism. A limited number of studies report that various types of flavonoids are the main characteristic constituents of this herb. We have now found that S. suberectus contains about 2% phenolic components and characterized the major phenolic components as homogeneous B-type procyanidin conjugates using a liquid chromatography with diode-array detection-ESI mass spectrometry (LC-DAD/ESI-MS) method. This is the first report on occurrence of most B-type procyanidins in this herb. Moreover, the total phenolics extract was assayed for inhibitory activity on human neutrophil elastase and its IC50 was found to be 1.33 μg/mL.
Hepatotoxicity Evaluation of Aqueous Extract from Scutia buxifolia
Authors: De Freitas Robson , Rovani Bruno , Boligon Aline , De Brum Thiele , Piana Mariana , Da Silva Jesus Roberta , Veloso Carolina , Kober Helena , Moresco Rafael , Da Costa Araldi Isabel , De Freitas Bauermann Liliane , Athayde Margareth
Published: June 2013

Nowadays there is an increase in the number of people taking herbals worldwide. Scutia buxifolia is used for the treatment of hypertension, but little is known about its action on liver. Thirty-two Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control and groups treated during 30 days with 100, 200 and 400 mg of lyophilized aqueous extract of S. buxifolia (SBSB)/kg of body weight. This study was planned to explore hepatotoxic effect of SBSB, which was assessed by serum transaminases (ALT and AST). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels were determined in liver, along with thiols content (NPSH), catalase (CAT) activity and, superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes. Histopathological studies of liver tissue were performed. Flavonoids and phenolics were quantified in SBSB by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC/DAD). We did not observe alterations on redox status (TBARS, NPSH, CAT and, SOD) in the control and experimental groups. An increase on AST activity was only observed at 200 mg of SBSB, whereas ALT score was not affected by SBSB. Moreover, no morphological alterations were observed on the hepatocytes, matching the analysed biochemical parameters. This way, we conclude that SBSB was not toxic.
Isolation and Synthesis of a Bioactive Benzenoid Derivative from the Fruiting Bodies of Antrodia camphorata
Authors: Chen Pi-Yu , Wu Jen-Der , Tang Kai-Yih , Yu Chieh-Chou , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung , Zhong Wen-Bin , Lee Ching-Kuo
Published: June 2013

A new enynyl-benzenoid, antrocamphin O (1,4,7-dimethoxy-5-methyl-6-(3′-methylbut-3-en-1-ynyl)benzo[d][1,3]dioxide), and the known benzenoids antrocamphin A and 7-dimethoxy-5-methyl-1,3-benzodioxole, were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Antrodia camphorata (Taiwanofungus camphoratus). The structure of antrocamphin O was unambiguously assigned by the analysis of spectral data (including 1D and 2D NMR, high-resolution MS, IR, and UV) and total synthesis. Compound 1 was prepared through the Sonogashira reaction of 5-iodo-4,7-dimethoxy-6-methylbenzene and 2-methylbut-1-en-3-yne as the key step. The benzenoids were tested for cytotoxicity against the HT29, HTC15, DLD-1, and COLO 205 colon cancer cell lines, and activities are reported herein.
Multi-Copper Oxidases and Human Iron Metabolism
Authors: Vashchenko Ganna , MacGillivray Ross
Published: June 2013

Multi-copper oxidases (MCOs) are a small group of enzymes that oxidize their substrate with the concomitant reduction of dioxygen to two water molecules. Generally, multi-copper oxidases are promiscuous with regards to their reducing substrates and are capable of performing various functions in different species. To date, three multi-copper oxidases have been detected in humans—ceruloplasmin, hephaestin and zyklopen. Each of these enzymes has a high specificity towards iron with the resulting ferroxidase activity being associated with ferroportin, the only known iron exporter protein in humans. Ferroportin exports iron as Fe2+, but transferrin, the major iron transporter protein of blood, can bind only Fe3+ effectively. Iron oxidation in enterocytes is mediated mainly by hephaestin thus allowing dietary iron to enter the bloodstream. Zyklopen is involved in iron efflux from placental trophoblasts during iron transfer from mother to fetus. Release of iron from the liver relies on ferroportin and the ferroxidase activity of ceruloplasmin which is found in blood in a soluble form. Ceruloplasmin, hephaestin and zyklopen show distinctive expression patterns and have unique mechanisms for regulating their expression. These features of human multi-copper ferroxidases can serve as a basis for the precise control of iron efflux in different tissues. In this manuscript, we review the biochemical and biological properties of the three human MCOs and discuss their potential roles in human iron homeostasis.
Modulation of Immune Function by Polyphenols: Possible Contribution of Epigenetic Factors
Authors: Cuevas Alejandro , Saavedra Nicolás , Salazar Luis , Abdalla Dulcineia
Published: June 2013

Several biological activities have been described for polyphenolic compounds, including a modulator effect on the immune system. The effects of these biologically active compounds on the immune system are associated to processes as differentiation and activation of immune cells. Among the mechanisms associated to immune regulation are epigenetic modifications as DNA methylation of regulatory sequences, histone modifications and posttranscriptional repression by microRNAs that influences the gene expression of key players involved in the immune response. Considering that polyphenols are able to regulate the immune function and has been also demonstrated an effect on epigenetic mechanisms, it is possible to hypothesize that there exists a mediator role of epigenetic mechanisms in the modulation of the immune response by polyphenols.
Intestinal Iron Homeostasis and Colon Tumorigenesis
Authors: Xue Xiang , Shah Yatrik
Published: June 2013

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths in industrialized countries. Understanding the mechanisms of growth and progression of CRC is essential to improve treatment. Iron is an essential nutrient for cell growth. Iron overload caused by hereditary mutations or excess dietary iron uptake has been identified as a risk factor for CRC. Intestinal iron is tightly controlled by iron transporters that are responsible for iron uptake, distribution, and export. Dysregulation of intestinal iron transporters are observed in CRC and lead to iron accumulation in tumors. Intratumoral iron results in oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, protein modification and DNA damage with consequent promotion of oncogene activation. In addition, excess iron in intestinal tumors may lead to increase in tumor-elicited inflammation and tumor growth. Limiting intratumoral iron through specifically chelating excess intestinal iron or modulating activities of iron transporter may be an attractive therapeutic target for CRC.
Current Challenges and Future Directions in Recombinant AAV-Mediated Gene Therapy of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Okada Takashi , Takeda Shin'ichi
Published: June 2013

Various characteristics of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based vectors with long-term safe expression have made it an exciting transduction tool for clinical gene therapy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Although host immune reactions against the vector as well as transgene products were detected in some instances of the clinical studies, there have been promising observations. Methods of producing AAV vectors for considerable in vivo experimentation and clinical investigations have been developed and a number of studies with AAV vector-mediated muscle transduction were attempted. Notably, an intravenous limb perfusion transduction technique enables extensive transgene expression in the skeletal muscles without noticeable adverse events. Furthermore, cardiac transduction by the rAAV9-microdystrophin would be promising to prevent development of cardiac dysfunction. Recent achievements in transduction technology suggest that long-term transgene expression with therapeutic benefits in DMD treatment would be achieved by the rAAV-mediated transduction strategy with an adequate regimen to regulate host immune response.
On the Use of Simple Geometric Descriptors Provided by RGB-D Sensors for Re-Identification
Authors: Lorenzo-Navarro Javier , Castrillón-Santana Modesto , Hernández-Sosa Daniel
Published: June 2013

The re-identification problem has been commonly accomplished using appearance features based on salient points and color information. In this paper, we focus on the possibilities that simple geometric features obtained from depth images captured with RGB-D cameras may offer for the task, particularly working under severe illumination conditions. The results achieved for different sets of simple geometric features extracted in a top-view setup seem to provide useful descriptors for the re-identification task, which can be integrated in an ambient intelligent environment as part of a sensor network.