bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geochemical Characteristics of Soils on Ellis Island, New York-New Jersey, Sixty Years after the Abandonment of the Hospital Complex
Authors: Bu Kaixuan , Freile Deborah , Cizdziel James , Richards Jena , Sidhu Virinder , Duzgoren-Aydin Nurdan
Published: January 2018

Soil plays many critical roles in ecosystem health. As urbanization expands into once industrial and commercial lands, there is increased potential for human exposure to soil contaminants, including heavy metals introduced by past anthropogenic activities. Thus, it is important to assess soil contamination in such areas for public health concerns. In this study, we investigated the physico-chemical characteristics of soils from an abandoned hospital complex on Ellis Island, New York (NY) – New Jersey (NJ) to assess the geochemical conditions of the local soil environment and metal contamination from historical activities, including coal-burning and use of lead arsenate insecticide and lead paint. The soil texture, nutrient content and heavy metal (As, Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu and Hg) concentrations were determined and their impact was evaluated. Soils were mostly sandy loam with C:N ratios of about 20:1. Heavy metals were elevated compared to background soils. Concentrations of acid extractable As and Pb ranged from 8.12 to 26.3 mg·kg−1 and 257 to 1008 mg·kg−1, respectively. Total-Hg concentrations varied from 0.191 to 0.899 mg·kg−1, with the higher levels likely from local coal-burning and deposition from the prevailing westerly winds. Overall, we find that even after 60 years of abandonment, the impact to Ellis Island soil from past human activities can still be observed.
Generation of Spatially Heterogeneous Flood Events in an Alpine Region—Adaptation and Application of a Multivariate Modelling Procedure
Authors: Schneeberger Klaus , Steinberger Thomas
Published: January 2018

Flooding often has a negative impact on society. In particular, widespread flood events can cause a lot of damage. These events are often spatially and temporally heterogeneous and should be duly considered for an appropriate analysis of flooding. Therefore, a conditional multivariate approach is adapted and applied in order to (i) contribute to a better understanding of the spatial characteristics of fluvial floods and (ii) to deliver sets of synthetically generated flood events. The present paper focuses on a simulation procedure consisting of careful data preparation and selection and the application of a conditional multivariate approach. The conditional approach is adapted to account for the seasonality of runoff data. Model checks attuned to the model are presented to ensure the consistence of simulated and observed data. The Austrian Province Vorarlberg was chosen as the study area. A thorough data analysis of runoff time series showed that the hydrological behaviour is characterized by a strong seasonality that was considered within the applied modelling procedure. The analysis of the spatial dependence of high river flows identified regions where floods likely occur simultaneously and regions with low spatial dependence. The main result of the modelling procedure, a large set of widespread flood events, was successfully generated.
Self-Medication Practice and Associated Factors among Residents in Wuhan, China
Authors: Lei Xiaosheng , Jiang Heng , Liu Chaojie , Ferrier Adamm , Mugavin Janette
Published: January 2018

Background: This study aims to examine the prevalence and predictors associated with self-medication, and related consequences in Wuhan, China. Methods: Two-hundred-sixty residents were interviewed from randomly selected four districts of Wuhan, China. A modified version of Anderson’s health behavioral model was used in the survey to collect information of self-medication behavior. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to measure correlates of the prevalence of self-medication. Results: Nearly half of the respondents would select self-medication, and 39.1% would see a doctor if they felt sick. The most common self-medicated illnesses were cold and cough, cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal disease. The main reasons for self-medication were that the illness was not severe (enough) to see the doctor (45%); the patient did not think that the trouble of seeing a doctor was worth the effort (23%); the patient had no time to see the doctor (12%), and the patient did not want to pay high medical costs (15%). Logistic regression results suggested that respondents tended to select self-medication if the illness was minor or short-term (less than seven days). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that more strict regulation on over-the-counter medicines may be required to reduce health risks related to self-medication. Targeted health education on the risks of self-medication should be considered.
Dynamic Impact of Online Word-of-Mouth and Advertising on Supply Chain Performance
Authors: Feng Jian , Liu Bin
Published: January 2018

Cooperative (co-op) advertising investments benefit brand goodwill and further improve supply chain performance. Meanwhile, online word-of-mouth (OWOM) can also play an important role in supply chain performance. On the basis of co-op advertising, this paper considers a single supply chain structure led by a manufacturer and examines a fundamental issue concerning the impact of OWOM on supply chain performance. Firstly, by the method of differential game, this paper analyzes the dynamic impact of OWOM and advertising on supply chain performance (i.e., brand goodwill, sales, and profits) under three different supply chain decisions (i.e., only advertising, and manufacturers with and without sharing cost of OWOM with retailers). We compare and analyze the optimal strategies of advertising and OWOM under the above different supply chain decisions. Secondly, the system dynamics model is established to reflect the dynamic impact of OWOM and advertising on supply chain performance. Finally, three supply chain decisions under two scenarios, strong brand and weak brand, are analyzed through the system dynamics simulation. The results show that the input of OWOM can enhance brand goodwill and improve earnings. It further promotes the OWOM reputation and improves the supply chain performance if manufacturers share the cost of OWOM with retailers. Then, in order to eliminate the retailers from word-of-mouth fraud and establish a fair competition mechanism, the third parties (i.e., regulators or e-commerce platforms) should take appropriate punitive measures against retailers. Furthermore, the effect of OWOM on supply chain performance under a strong brand differed from those under a weak brand. Last but not least, if OWOM is improved, there would be more remarkable performance for the weak brand than that for the strong brand in the supply chain.
Implicit Messages Regarding Unhealthy Foodstuffs in Chinese Television Advertisements: Increasing the Risk of Obesity
Authors: Chang Angela , Schulz Peter , Schirato Tony , Hall Brian
Published: January 2018

Previous studies indicated that television (TV) advertising is associated with higher rates of obesity. The rate of obesity and overweight continues to rise in mainland China, bringing into question whether TV advertising to young audiences might be partly to blame. This study investigated messaging delivered through TV advertisements regarding healthy and unhealthy foodstuffs. A total of 42 major food brands and 480 advertisements were analysed for content in this study. The results showed that the majority of TV spots advertised products with poor nutritional content and had a potential to mislead audiences concerning products’ actual nutritional value. The tactics of repetition and appeals of premium offerings on food brands have a potential to influence the purchase intentions. Additional qualitative observation involving the social bond, social context and cultural factors pertaining to mood alterations were highlighted. The discussion addressed product attributes reflected by culture and the implicit messages of marketing claims may increase the risk of obesity. Thus, public health policymakers and researchers were encouraged to act urgently to evaluate the obesity risks of unhealthy food advertised in the media and to support healthy foods.
Using Monte Carlo Simulation to Improve the Performance of Semivariograms for Choosing the Remote Sensing Imagery Resolution for Natural Resource Surveys: Case Study on Three Counties in East, Central, and West China
Authors: Wang Juanle , Zhu Junxiang , Han Xuehua
Published: January 2018

Semivariograms have been widely used in research to obtain optimal resolutions for ground features. To obtain the semivariogram curve and its attributes (range and sill), parameters including sample size (SS), maximum distance (MD), and group number (GN) have to be defined, as well as a mathematic model for fitting the curve. However, a clear guide on parameter setting and model selection is currently not available. In this study, a Monte Carlo simulation-based approach (MCS) is proposed to enhance the performance of semivariograms by optimizing the parameters, and case studies in three regions are conducted to determine the optimal resolution for natural resource surveys. Those parameters are optimized one by one through several rounds of MCS. The result shows that exponential model is better than sphere model; sample size has a positive relationship with R2, while the group number has a negative one; increasing the simulation number could improve the accuracy of estimation; and eventually the optimized parameters improved the performance of semivariogram. In case study, the average sizes for three general ground features (grassland, farmland, and forest) of three counties (Ansai, Changdu, and Taihe) in different geophysical locations of China were acquired and compared, and imagery with an appropriate resolution is recommended. The results show that the ground feature sizes acquired by means of MCS and optimized parameters in this study match well with real land cover patterns.
A Geometric Framework for Detection of Critical Points in a Trajectory Using Convex Hulls
Authors: Hosseinpoor Milaghardan Amin , Ali Abbaspour Rahim , Claramunt Christophe
Published: January 2018

Large volumes of trajectory-based data require development of appropriate data manipulation mechanisms that will offer efficient computational solutions. In particular, identification of meaningful geometric points of such trajectories is still an open research issue. Detection of these critical points implies to identify self-intersecting, turning and curvature points so that specific geometric characteristics that are worth identifying could be denoted. This research introduces an approach called Trajectory Critical Point detection using Convex Hull (TCP-CH) to identify a minimum number of critical points. The results can be applied to large trajectory data sets in order to reduce storage costs and complexity for further data mining and analysis. The main principles of the TCP-CH algorithm include computing: convex areas, convex hull curvatures, turning points, and intersecting points. The experimental validation applied to Geolife trajectory dataset reveals that the proposed framework can identify most of intersecting points in reasonable computing time. Finally, comparison of the proposed algorithm with other methods, such as turning function shows that our approach performs relatively well when considering the overall detection quality and computing time.
Chemical Composition and Bioactivity of Essential Oil from Blepharocalyx salicifolius
Authors: Furtado Fabiana , Borges Bruna , Teixeira Thaise , Garces Hans , Almeida Junior Luiz , Alves Fernanda , Silva Claudio , Fernandes Junior Ary
Published: January 2018

Natural products represent a source of biologically active molecules that have an important role in drug discovery. The aromatic plant Blepharocalyx salicifolius has a diverse chemical constitution but the biological activities of its essential oils have not been thoroughly investigated. The aims of this paper were to evaluate in vitro cytotoxic, antifungal and antibacterial activities of an essential oil from leaves of B. salicifolius and to identify its main chemical constituents. The essential oil was extracted by steam distillation, chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and biological activities were performed by a microdilution broth method. The yield of essential oil was 0.86% (w/w), and the main constituents identified were bicyclogermacrene (17.50%), globulol (14.13%), viridiflorol (8.83%), γ-eudesmol (7.89%) and α-eudesmol (6.88%). The essential oil was cytotoxic against the MDA-MB-231 (46.60 μg·mL−1) breast cancer cell line, being more selective for this cell type compared to the normal breast cell line MCF-10A (314.44 μg·mL−1). Flow cytometry and cytotoxicity results showed that this oil does not act by inducing cell death, but rather by impairment of cellular metabolism specifically of the cancer cells. Furthermore, it presented antifungal activity against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (156.25 μg·mL−1) but was inactive against other fungi and bacteria. Essential oil from B. salicifolius showed promising biological activities and is therefore a source of molecules to be exploited in medicine or by the pharmaceutical industry.
Identification and Antithrombotic Activity of Peptides from Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis) Protein
Authors: Qiao Meiling , Tu Maolin , Wang Zhenyu , Mao Fengjiao , Chen Hui , Qin Lei , Du Ming
Published: January 2018

The blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) reportedly contains many bioactive components of nutritional value. Water-, salt- and acid-soluble M. edulis protein fractions were obtained and the proteins were trypsinized. The resultant peptides were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). 387 unique peptides were identified that matched 81 precursor proteins. Molecular mass distributions of the proteins and peptides were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacryl amide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The differences between the three protein samples were studied by Venn diagram of peptide and protein compositions. Toxicity, allergic and antithrombotic activity of peptides was predicted using database website and molecular docking respectively. The antithrombotic activity of enzymatic hydrolysate from water-, salt- and acid-soluble M. edulis protein were 40.17%, 85.74%, 82.00% at 5 mg/mL, respectively. Active mechanism of antithrombotic peptide (ELEDSLDSER) was also research about amino acid binding sites and interaction, simultaneously.
Allyl Isothiocyanate Exhibits No Anticancer Activity in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Sayeed Md. , Bracci Massimo , Ciarapica Veronica , Malavolta Marco , Provinciali Mauro , Pieragostini Ernesta , Gaetani Simona , Monaco Federica , Lucarini Guendalina , Rapisarda Venerando , Di Primio Roberto , Santarelli Lory
Published: January 2018

It was reported recently that allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) could inhibit various types of cancer cell growth. In the present study, we further investigated whether AITC could inhibit the growth of human breast cancer cells. Unexpectedly, we found that AITC did not inhibit, rather slightly promoted, the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, although it did have inhibitory effect on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Cytofluorimetric analysis revealed that AITC (10 µM) did not induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, AITC significantly (p < 0.05) increased the expression of BCL-2 and mTOR genes and Beclin-1 protein in MDA-MB-231 cells. No significant changes in expression of PRKAA1 and PER2 genes, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, PARP, p-mTOR, and NF-κB p65 proteins were observed in these AITC-treated cells. Importantly, AITC displayed cytotoxic effect on MCF-10A human breast epithelial cell line. These observations suggest that AITC may not have inhibitory activity in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. This in vitro study warrants more preclinical and clinical studies on the beneficial and harmful effects of AITC in healthy and cancer cells.
Understanding the Progression of Bone Metastases to Identify Novel Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Schmid-Alliana Annie , Schmid-Antomarchi Heidy , Al-Sahlanee Rasha , Lagadec Patricia , Scimeca Jean-Claude , Verron Elise
Published: January 2018

Bone is one of the most preferential target site for cancer metastases, particularly for prostate, breast, kidney, lung and thyroid primary tumours. Indeed, numerous chemical signals and growth factors produced by the bone microenvironment constitute factors promoting cancer cell invasion and aggression. After reviewing the different theories proposed to provide mechanism for metastatic progression, we report on the gene expression profile of bone-seeking cancer cells. We also discuss the cross-talk between the bone microenvironment and invading cells, which impacts on the tumour actions on surrounding bone tissue. Lastly, we detail therapies for bone metastases. Due to poor prognosis for patients, the strategies mainly aim at reducing the impact of skeletal-related events on patients’ quality of life. However, recent advances have led to a better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying bone metastases progression, and therefore of novel therapeutic targets.
Estimation of Whole Plant Photosynthetic Rate of Irwin Mango under Artificial and Natural Lights Using a Three-Dimensional Plant Model and Ray-Tracing
Authors: Jung Dae , Lee Joon , Kang Woo , Hwang In , Son Jung
Published: January 2018

Photosynthesis is an important physiological response for determination of CO2 fertilization in greenhouses and estimation of crop growth. In order to estimate the whole plant photosynthetic rate, it is necessary to investigate how light interception by crops changes with environmental and morphological factors. The objectives of this study were to analyze plant light interception using a three-dimensional (3D) plant model and ray-tracing, determine the spatial distribution of the photosynthetic rate, and estimate the whole plant photosynthetic rate of Irwin mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. Irwin) grown in greenhouses. In the case of mangoes, it is difficult to measure actual light interception at the canopy level due to their vase shape. A two-year-old Irwin mango tree was used to measure the whole plant photosynthetic rate. Light interception and whole plant photosynthetic rate were measured under artificial and natural light conditions using a closed chamber (1 × 1 × 2 m). A 3D plant model was constructed and ray-tracing simulation was conducted for calculating the photosynthetic rate with a two-variable leaf photosynthetic rate model of the plant. Under artificial light, the estimated photosynthetic rate increased from 2.0 to 2.9 μmolCO2·m−2·s−1 with increasing CO2 concentration. On the other hand, under natural light, the photosynthetic rate increased from 0.2 μmolCO2·m−2·s−1 at 06:00 to a maximum of 7.3 μmolCO2·m−2·s−1 at 09:00, then gradually decreased to −1.0 μmolCO2·m−2·s−1 at 18:00. In validation, simulation results showed good agreement with measured results with R2 = 0.79 and RMSE = 0.263. The results suggest that this method could accurately estimate the whole plant photosynthetic rate and be useful for pruning and adequate CO2 fertilization.
FOLFIRINOX Chemotherapy in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Retrospective and Phase II Studies
Authors: Thibodeau Stephane , Voutsadakis Ioannis
Published: January 2018

The introduction of the FOLFIRINOX regimen within the last decade marked the first progress in the clinical field of metastatic pancreatic cancer which had not seen any improvements in treatment availability for several years. In a phase III randomized clinical trial, FOLFIRINOX showed superior efficacy compared to the previous standard treatment of gemcitabine monotherapy. Nevertheless, it is unknown whether the superior results observed in this single phase III clinical trial can be translated more broadly to clinical practice. Our investigation sought to analyze all published evidence of the FOLFIRINOX regimen in series and phase II trials and compare it to the experience of the phase III study. Survival analysis revealed that FOLFIRINOX was associated with an Overall Survival of 10–11 months both in the trials and in off-trial settings, with response rates also similar in both settings. The adverse effect profile was consistent between the pooled phase II and off-trial experience and the FOLFIRINOX regimen arm observed in the randomized phase III trial.
Freedom of Opinion and Expression: From the Perspective of Psychosocial Disability and Madness
Authors: Beaupert Fleur
Published: January 2018

This article argues that civil mental health laws operate to constrict how people think, understand, and speak about psychosocial disability, madness, and mental distress. It does so with reference to views and experiences of mental health service users and psychiatric survivors (users and survivors) and their/our accounts of disability, madness, and distress, such as those articulated by the emerging field of Mad studies. The analysis considers the application of the rights to freedom of opinion and expression that are enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and other international human rights instruments to the mental health context. The article explores the suppression of freedom of opinion and expression that is effected through the symbolic violence of psychiatry and the mental health paradigm. Focusing on Australian legal frameworks, the article discusses how the material violence and coercion characterising mental health laws compound this process. It is further argued that civil mental health laws, by codifying the tenets of psychiatry and the mental health paradigm so as to render them largely unassailable, validate the ontological nullification of users and survivors. The foregoing analysis exposes dangers of adopting a functional test of mental capacity as the pre-eminent legal standard for authorising involuntary mental health interventions. It is suggested that considering freedom of opinion and expression from the perspective of psychosocial disability and madness reinforces the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities’ interpretation that such interventions are incompatible with international human rights standards.
Influence of Embedding SMA Fibres and SMA Fibre Surface Modification on the Mechanical Performance of BFRP Composite Laminates
Authors: Liu Yanfei , Wang Zhenqing , Li Hao , Sun Min , Wang Fangxin , Chen Bingjie
Published: January 2018

In this paper, a new shape memory alloy (SMA) hybrid basalt fibre reinforced polymer (BFRP) composite laminate was fabricated and a new surface modification method with both silane coupling agent KH550 and Al2O3 nanoparticles was conducted to enhance the interface performance. The mechanical performance of BFRP composite laminates with and without SMA fibres and the influence of SMA surface modification were studied in this paper. Different SMA fibre surface treatment methods, including etching with both H2SO4 and NaOH, modification with the silane coupling agent KH550 and new modification method with both KH550 and Al2O3 nanoparticles, were conducted to enhance the bonding between the SMA fibres and polymer matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the micromorphology of the SMA fibre surfaces exposed to different treatments and the damage morphology of composite laminates. The mechanical performance of the composites was investigated with tensile, three-point bending and low-velocity impact tests to study the influence of embedded SMA fibres and the different surface modifications of the SMA fibres. The results demonstrated that the embedded Ni-Ti SMA fibres can significantly enhance the mechanical performance of BFRP composite laminates. SMA fibres modified with both the silane coupling agent KH550 and Al2O3 nanoparticles illustrate the best mechanical performance among all samples.
Supported Ni Catalyst for Liquid Phase Hydrogenation of Adiponitrile to 6-Aminocapronitrile and Hexamethyenediamine
Authors: Wang Chengqiang , Jia Zekun , Zhen Bin , Han Minghan
Published: January 2018

Supported Ni catalysts prepared under different conditions, for liquid phase hydrogenation of adiponitrile (ADN) to 6-aminocapronitrile (ACN) and hexamethyenediamine (HMD), were investigated. The highly reactive imine intermediate can form condensation byproducts with primary amine products (ACN and HMD), which decreased the yield coefficient of primary amines. The catalysts support, condition of catalyst preparation and dosage of additive were studied to improve the yield. A highly dispersed Ni/SiO2 catalyst prepared by the direct reduction of Ni(NO3)2/SiO2 suppressed the condensation reactions by promoting the hydrogenation of adsorbed imines, and it gave the improved hydrogenation activity of 0.63 mol·kgcat−1·min−1 and primary amine selectivity of 94% when NaOH was added into the reactor.
Synergistic Promotion on Tyrosinase Inhibition by Antioxidants
Authors: Wang Yan , Hao Mi-Mi , Sun Ying , Wang Li-Feng , Wang Hao , Zhang Yan-Jun , Li Hong-Yan , Zhuang Peng-Wei , Yang Zhen
Published: January 2018

When exposed to ultraviolet radiation, the human skin produces profuse reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in turn activate a variety of biological responses. Mounting ROS levels activate tyrosinase by mobilizing α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone in the epidermis and finally stimulates the melanocytes to produce melanin. Meanwhile, the Keap1-Nrf2/ARE pathway, which removes ROS, is activated at increased ROS levels, and antioxidant compounds facilitates the dissociation of Nrf2. In this study, we explored the possible suppressing effects of antioxidant compounds and tyrosine inhibitors on melanin formation and the promotory effects of these compounds on ROS scavenging. The antioxidant activity of glabridin (GLA), resveratrol (RES), oxyresveratrol (OXYR), and phenylethylresorcinol (PR) were investigated via the stable free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method. The inhibitory effects of the four compounds and their mixtures on tyrosinase were evaluated. l-Tyrosine or 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-l-alanine (l-DOPA) was used as a substrate. The results showed that all mixtures did not exhibit synergistic effects with the l-tyrosine as a substrate, suggesting that l-tyrosine is not suitable as a substrate. However, the mixtures of “GLA:RES,” “GLA:OXYR,” “OXYR:RES,” and “PR:RES” demonstrated synergistic effects (CI < 0.9, p < 0.05), whereas “GLA:RES” and “PR:OXYR” indicated an additive effect (0.9 ditive1, p < 0.05). Furthermore, we used a molecular docking strategy to study the interactions of the four compounds with tyrosinase and l-DOPA. The molecular docking result is consistent with that of the experiment. Finally, we selected RES + OXYR and used PIG1 cells to verify whether OXYR synergistically promotes RES activity on tyrosinase. The two agents had a synergistic inhibitory effect on tyrosinase activity. These results provided a novel synergistic strategy for antioxidants and tyrosinase inhibitors, and this strategy is useful in skin injury treatment.
Biomolecule-Functionalized Smart Polydiacetylene for Biomedical and Environmental Sensing
Authors: Cho Eunae , Jung Seunho
Published: January 2018

Polydiacetylene (PDA) has attracted interest for use as a sensing platform in biomedical, environmental, and chemical engineering applications owing to its capacity for colorimetric and fluorescent transition in response to external stimuli. Many researchers have attempted to develop a tailor-made PDA sensor via conjugation of chemical or biological substances to PDA. Here, we review smart bio-conjugates of PDA with various biomolecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins. In addition, materialization and signal amplification strategies to improve handling and sensitivity are described.
In-Silico Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of a Nanostructured Hydrogel as a Dimethoate Removal Agent
Authors: Avila-Salas Fabian , Marican Adolfo , Villaseñor Jorge , Arenas-Salinas Mauricio , Argandoña Yerko , Caballero Julio , Durán-Lara Esteban
Published: January 2018

This study describes the in-silico design, synthesis, and evaluation of a cross-linked PVA hydrogel (CLPH) for the absorption of organophosphorus pesticide dimethoate from aqueous solutions. The crosslinking effectiveness of 14 dicarboxilic acids was evaluated through in-silico studies using semiempirical quantum mechanical calculations. According to the theoretical studies, the nanopore of PVA cross-linked with malic acid (CLPH-MA) showed the best interaction energy with dimethoate. Later, using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, three hydrogels with different proportions of PVA:MA (10:2, 10:4, and 10:6) were used to evaluate their interactions with dimethoate. These results showed that the suitable crosslinking degree for improving the affinity for the pesticide was with 20% (W%) of the cross-linker. In the experimental absorption study, the synthesized CLPH-MA20 recovered 100% of dimethoate from aqueous solutions. Therefore, the theoretical data were correlated with the experimental studies. Surface morphology of CLPH-MA20 by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was analyzed. In conclusion, the ability of CLPH-MA20 to remove dimethoate could be used as a technological alternative for the treatment of contaminated water.
Soy Consumption and the Risk of Prostate Cancer: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Applegate Catherine , Rowles Joe , Ranard Katherine , Jeon Sookyoung , Erdman John
Published: January 2018

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, accounting for 15% of all cancers in men worldwide. Asian populations consume soy foods as part of a regular diet, which may contribute to the lower PCa incidence observed in these countries. This meta-analysis provides a comprehensive updated analysis that builds on previously published meta-analyses, demonstrating that soy foods and their isoflavones (genistein and daidzein) are associated with a lower risk of prostate carcinogenesis. Thirty articles were included for analysis of the potential impacts of soy food intake, isoflavone intake, and circulating isoflavone levels, on both primary and advanced PCa. Total soy food (p < 0.001), genistein (p = 0.008), daidzein (p = 0.018), and unfermented soy food (p < 0.001) intakes were significantly associated with a reduced risk of PCa. Fermented soy food intake, total isoflavone intake, and circulating isoflavones were not associated with PCa risk. Neither soy food intake nor circulating isoflavones were associated with advanced PCa risk, although very few studies currently exist to examine potential associations. Combined, this evidence from observational studies shows a statistically significant association between soy consumption and decreased PCa risk. Further studies are required to support soy consumption as a prophylactic dietary approach to reduce PCa carcinogenesis.
Effect of Dendrigraft Generation on the Interaction between Anionic Polyelectrolytes and Dendrigraft Poly(l-Lysine)
Authors: Lounis Feriel , Chamieh Joseph , Leclercq Laurent , Gonzalez Philippe , Rossi Jean-Christophe , Cottet Hervé
Published: January 2018

In this present work, three generations of dendrigraft poly(l-Lysine) (DGL) were studied regarding their ability to interact with linear poly (acrylamide-co-2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonate) (PAMAMPS) of different chemical charge densities (30% and 100%). Frontal analysis continuous capillary electrophoresis (FACCE) was successfully applied to determine binding constants and binding stoichiometries. The effect of DGL generation on the interaction was evaluated for the first three generations (G2, G3, and G4) at different ionic strengths, and the effect of ligand topology (linear PLL vs. dendrigraft DGL) on binding parameters was evaluated. An increase of the biding site constants accompanied with a decrease of the DGL-PAMAMPS (n:1) stoichiometry was observed for increasing DGL generation. The logarithm of the global binding constants decreased linearly with the logarithm of the ionic strength. This double logarithmic representation allowed determining the extent of counter-ions released from the association of DGL molecules onto one PAMAMPS chain that was compared to the total entropic reservoir constituted by the total number of condensed counter-ions before the association.
On the Thermal Self-Initiation Reaction of n-Butyl Acrylate in Free-Radical Polymerization
Authors: Riazi Hossein , Shamsabadi Ahmad , Corcoran Patrick , Grady Michael , Rappe Andrew , Soroush Masoud
Published: January 2018

This experimental and theoretical study deals with the thermal spontaneous polymerization of n-butyl acrylate (n-BA). The polymerization was carried out in solution (n-heptane as the solvent) at 200 and 220 °C without adding any conventional initiators. It was studied with the five different n-BA/n-heptane volume ratios: 50/50, 70/30, 80/20, 90/10, and 100/0. Extensive experimental data presented here show significant monomer conversion at all temperatures and concentrations confirming the occurrence of the thermal self-initiation of the monomer. The order, frequency factor, and activation energy of the thermal self-initiation reaction of n-BA were estimated from n-BA conversion, using a macroscopic mechanistic model. The estimated reaction order agrees well with the order obtained via our quantum chemical calculations. Furthermore, the frequency factor and activation energy estimates agree well with the corresponding values that we already reported for bulk polymerization of n-BA.
Using a MODIS Index to Quantify MODIS-AVHRRs Spectral Differences in the Visible Band
Authors: Fan Xingwang , Liu Yuanbo
Published: January 2018

Spectral band differences are a critical issue for progressing into an integrated earth observation framework and in particular, in sensor intercalibration. The differences are currently normalized using spectral band adjustment factor (SBAF) that is generated from hyperspectral data. In this context, the current study proposes a method for calculating moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS)-advanced very high resolution radiometers (AVHRRs) SBAF in the visible band, using the MODIS surface reflectance data. The method involves a uniform ratio index calculated using the MODIS 552-nm and 645-nm bands, and a sensor-specific quadratic equation, producing SBAF data at 500-m spatial resolution. The calculated SBAFs are in good agreement at site scale with literature reported data (relative error < 1.0%), and at local scale with Hyperion-derived data (total uncertainty ≈ 0.001), and significantly improve MODIS-AVHRR surface reflectance data consistency in the visible band (better than 1.0% reflectance units). The calculation is more sensitive to atmospheric effects over the vegetated areas. At global scale, MODIS-AVHRRs SBAFs are generally large (>1.0) over densely vegetated areas and extremely low over deserts and barren lands (0.96–0.98), indicative of large MODIS-AVHRRs differences. Deserts show temporally stable SBAF values, while still suffer from intra-annual BRDF effects and short-term cloud contamination. By means of daily MODIS data, the proposed method can produce ongoing SBAF data at a spatial scale that is comparable to AVHRRs. It increases the sampling of MODIS-AVHRRs image pairs for intercalibration, and offers insight into spectral band conversion, finally contributing to an integrated earth observation at moderate spatial resolutions.
Plasmonic Refractive Index Sensor with High Figure of Merit Based on Concentric-Rings Resonator
Authors: Zhang Zhaojian , Yang Junbo , He Xin , Zhang Jingjing , Huang Jie , Chen Dingbo , Han Yunxin
Published: January 2018

A plasmonic refractive index (RI) sensor based on metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide coupled with concentric double rings resonator (CDRR) is proposed and investigated numerically. Utilizing the novel supermodes of the CDRR, the FWHM of the resonant wavelength can be modulated, and a sensitivity of 1060 nm/RIU with high figure of merit (FOM) 203.8 is realized in the near-infrared region. The unordinary modes, as well as the influence of structure parameters on the sensing performance, are also discussed. Such plasmonic sensor with simple framework and high optical resolution could be applied to on-chip sensing systems and integrated optical circuits. Besides, the special cases of bio-sensing and triple rings are also discussed.
High-Power DFB Diode Laser-Based CO-QEPAS Sensor: Optimization and Performance
Authors: Ma Yufei , Tong Yao , He Ying , Yu Xin , Tittel Frank
Published: January 2018

A highly sensitive carbon monoxide (CO) trace gas sensor based on quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) was demonstrated. A high-power distributed feedback (DFB), continuous wave (CW) 2.33 μm diode laser with an 8.8 mW output power was used as the QEPAS excitation source. By optimizing the modulation depth and adding an optimum micro-resonator, compared to a bare quartz tuning fork (QTF), a 10-fold enhancement of the CO-QEPAS signal amplitude was achieved. When water vapor acting as a vibrational transfer catalyst was added to the target gas, the signal was further increased by a factor of ~7. A minimum detection limit (MDL) of 11.2 ppm and a calculated normalized noise equivalent absorption (NNEA) coefficient of 1.8 × 10−5 cm−1W/√Hz were obtained for the reported CO-QEPAS sensor.
Application of Hyperspectral Imaging to Detect Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on Oilseed Rape Stems
Authors: Kong Wenwen , Zhang Chu , Huang Weihao , Liu Fei , He Yong
Published: January 2018

Hyperspectral imaging covering the spectral range of 384–1034 nm combined with chemometric methods was used to detect Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (SS) on oilseed rape stems by two sample sets (60 healthy and 60 infected stems for each set). Second derivative spectra and PCA loadings were used to select the optimal wavelengths. Discriminant models were built and compared to detect SS on oilseed rape stems, including partial least squares-discriminant analysis, radial basis function neural network, support vector machine and extreme learning machine. The discriminant models using full spectra and optimal wavelengths showed good performance with classification accuracies of over 80% for the calibration and prediction set. Comparing all developed models, the optimal classification accuracies of the calibration and prediction set were over 90%. The similarity of selected optimal wavelengths also indicated the feasibility of using hyperspectral imaging to detect SS on oilseed rape stems. The results indicated that hyperspectral imaging could be used as a fast, non-destructive and reliable technique to detect plant diseases on stems.
Pure-Connection Gravity and Anisotropic Singularities
Authors: Krasnov Kirill , Shtanov Yuri
Published: January 2018

In four space-time dimensions, there exists a special infinite-parameter family of chiral modified gravity theories. They are most properly described by a connection field, with space-time metric being a secondary and derived concept. All these theories have the same number of degrees of freedom as general relativity, which is the only parity-invariant member of this family. Modifications of general relativity can be arranged so as to become important in regions with large curvature. In this paper, we review how a certain simple modification of this sort can resolve the Schwarzschild black-hole and Kasner anisotropic singularities of general relativity. In the corresponding solutions, the fundamental connection field is regular in space-time.
miR-202 Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion by Targeting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Human Bladder Cancer
Authors: Zhang Liqing , Xu Jianjiang , Yang Gaodi , Li Heng , Guo Xiuxia
Published: January 2018

Recent studies have demonstrated that miR-202 is associated with several types of cancer; however, the expression and function of miR-202 have not been investigated in bladder cancer. We analyzed the expression of miR-202 in bladder cancer tissues and adjacent noncancerous tissues.
The effect of miR-202 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion was evaluated by in vitro assays. The target gene of miR-202 was assessed by luciferase reporter assay. In this study, miR-202 was found to be significantly downregulated in bladder cancer cell lines and tissues and was highly
correlated with the T classification, N classification, grade, and recurrence. Ectopic expression of miR-202 suppressed cell viability, colony formation, cell migration, and invasion in vitro and inhibited xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Inversely, downregulation of miR-202 had contradictory
effects. The 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was identified as a direct target of miR-202 using luciferase reporter assays, and knockdown of EGFR enhanced miR-202-inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In conclusion, miR-202
suppresses bladder cancer carcinogenesis and progression by targeting EGFR, thereby representing a potential target for miRNA-based therapy for bladder cancer in the future.
Verticillium dahliaeDisease Resistance and the Regulatory Pathway for Maturity and Tuberization in Potato
Authors: Tai Helen H. , De Koeyer David , Sønderkær Mads , Hedegaard Sanne , Lagüe Martin , Goyer Claudia , Nolan Lana , Davidson Charlotte , Gardner Kyle , Neilson Jonathan , Paudel Jamuna Risal , Murphy Agnes , Bizimungu Benoit , Wang Hui Ying , Xiong Xingyao , Halterman Dennis , Nielsen Kåre Lehmann
Published: January 2018

Verticillium dahliaeKleb. is a pathogenic fungus causing wilting, chlorosis, and early dying in potato (Solanum tuberosumL.). Genetic mapping of resistance toV. dahliaewas done using a diploid population of potato. The major quantitative trait locus (QTL) forVerticilliumresistance was found on chromosome 5. TheStCDF1gene, controlling earliness of maturity and tuberization, was mapped within the interval. Another QTL on chromosome 9 co‐localized with theVe2 Verticilliumwilt resistance gene marker. Epistasis analysis indicated that the loci on chromosomes 5 and 9 had a highly significant interaction, and thatStCDF1functioned downstream ofVe2. TheStCDF1alleles were sequenced and found to encode StCDF1.1 and StCDF1.3. Interaction between theVe2resistance allele and theStCDF1.3was demonstrated, but not forStCDF1.1. Genome‐wide expression QTL (eQTL) analysis was performed and genes with eQTL at theStCDF1andVe2loci were both found to have similar functions involving the chloroplast, including photosynthesis, which declines in both maturity andVerticilliumwilt. Among the gene ontology (GO) terms that were specific to genes with eQTL at theVe2, but not theStCDF1locus, were those associated with fungal defense. These results suggest thatVe2controls fungal defense and reduces early dying inVerticilliumwilt through affecting genetic pathway controlling tuberization timing.
Mapping the Tidal Destruction of the Hercules Dwarf: A Wide-field DECam Imaging Search for RR Lyrae Stars
Authors: Garling Christopher , Willman Beth , Sand David J. , Hargis Jonathan , Crnojević Denija , Bechtol Keith , Carlin Jeffrey L. , Strader Jay , Zou Hu , Zhou Xu , Nie Jundan , Zhang Tianmeng , Zhou Zhimin , Peng Xiyan
Published: January 2018

We investigate the hypothesized tidal disruption of the Hercules ultra-faint dwarf galaxy (UFD). Previous tidal disruption studies of the Hercules UFD have been hindered by the high degree of foreground contamination in the direction of the dwarf. We bypass this issue by using RR Lyrae stars, which are standard candles with a very low field-volume density at the distance of Hercules. We use wide-field imaging from the Dark Energy Camera on CTIO to identify candidate RR Lyrae stars, supplemented with observations taken in coordination with the Beijing–Arizona Sky Survey on the Bok Telescope. Combining color, magnitude, and light-curve information, we identify three new RR Lyrae stars associated with Hercules. All three of these new RR Lyrae stars lie outside its published tidal radius. When considered with the nine RR Lyrae stars already known within the tidal radius, these results suggest that a substantial fraction of Hercules’ stellar content has been stripped. With this degree of tidal disruption, Hercules is an interesting case between a visibly disrupted dwarf (such as the Sagittarius dwarf spheroidal galaxy) and one in dynamic equilibrium. The degree of disruption also shows that we must be more careful with the ways we determine object membership when estimating dwarf masses in the future. One of the three discovered RR Lyrae stars sits along the minor axis of Hercules, but over two tidal radii away. This type of debris is consistent with recent models that suggest Hercules’ orbit is aligned with its minor axis.
Neutrino Spectra from Nuclear Weak Interactions in sd-Shell Nuclei under Astrophysical Conditions
Authors: Misch G. Wendell , Sun Yang , Fuller George M.
Published: January 2018

We present shell model calculations of nuclear neutrino energy spectra for 70 sd-shell nuclei over the mass number range A = 21–35. Our calculations include nuclear excited states as appropriate for the hot and dense conditions characteristic of pre-collapse massive stars. We consider neutrinos produced by charged lepton captures and decays, and for the first time in tabular form, neutral current nuclear deexcitation, providing neutrino energy spectra on the Fuller–Fowler–Newman temperature–density grid for these interaction channels for each nucleus. We use the full sd-shell model space to compute initial nuclear states up to 20 MeV excitation with transitions to final states up to 35–40 MeV, employing a modification of the Brink-Axel hypothesis to handle high-temperature population factors and the nuclear partition functions.
Contributions of Mirror and Ion Bernstein Instabilities to the Scattering of Pickup Ions in the Outer Heliosheath
Authors: Min Kyungguk , Liu Kaijun
Published: January 2018

Maintaining the stability of pickup ions in the outer heliosheath is a critical element for the secondary energetic neutral atom (ENA) mechanism, a theory put forth to explain the nearly annular band of ENA emission observed by the Interstellar Boundary EXplorer. A recent study showed that a pickup ion ring can remain stable to the Alfvén/ion cyclotron (AC) instability at propagation parallel to the background magnetic field when the parallel thermal spread of the ring is comparable to that of a background population. This study investigates the potential role that the mirror or ion Bernstein (IB) instabilities can play in the stability of pickup ions when conditions are such that the AC instability is suppressed. Linear Vlasov theory predicts relatively fast mirror and IB instability growth even though AC instability growth is suppressed. For a few such cases, two-dimensional hybrid and macroscopic quasi-linear simulations are carried out to examine how the unstable mirror and IB modes evolve and affect the pickup ion ring beyond the linear theory picture. For the parameters used, the mirror mode dominates initially and leads to a rapid parallel heating of the pickup ions in excess of the parallel temperature of the background protons. The heated pickup ions subsequently trigger onset of the AC mode, which grows sufficiently large to be the dominant pitch angle scattering agent after the mirror mode has decayed away. The present results indicate that the pickup ion stability needed may not be guaranteed once the mirror and IB instabilities are taken into account.