bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geographic Information System Concept of Operations as a First Step Toward Total Enterprise Asset Management: Metro-North Commuter Railroad Case Study
Authors: Kizner Toby , Goldemberg Michael , Shapiro Marcia , ten Siethoff Brian , Wei Xiaojing , Fogel David , Kennard John , Lu Alex
Published: September 2016

For this enterprise geographic information system (GIS), Metro-North Commuter Railroad Company adopted the concept of operations (ConOps) process to define goals and objectives, inventory existing GIS assets, analyze data gaps, determine “as is” and “to be” business processes, define staffing and resource requirements and project initiatives, and provide a road map for a comprehensive, companywide GIS deployment. In contrast to the top-down approach typically employed in total enterprise asset management (TEAM) planning, Metro-North used a dynamic grassroots approach, holding 14 workshops, which were attended by 92 employees and were designed to collect GIS goals and objectives. The 122 goals generated from this process were distilled into eight companywide goals. These goals included increased efficiency, data sharing, and decision support. Initiatives were developed for five critical business areas that had the potential for demonstrating how enterprise GIS could help Metro-North accomplish its companywide and broader organizational goals. These pilot applications included visualizing straight-line diagrams, integrating property boundary data, retrieving drawings from the capital programs plan room, visualizing train tracking and delays, and visualizing ridership and demographics. This paper shows how a ConOps process could be used in railroad environments to think through GIS-related issues and to define concrete technology projects that provide tangible benefits to user departments and allow them to manage their assets and business issues. Although the focus of this study was on non-asset-related operations within the railroad, the ConOps process offers a user-centric systems planning approach that could be applied to TEAM efforts within the railroad industry or to the planning of corporate initiatives in any business environment.
Diastereo- and enantioselective preparation of oxazolines via the base-catalysed aldol reaction of isocyanoacetates with aldehydes using cinchona alkaloids
Authors: Diao Rui-Chuan , Zhao Wen-Tao , Li Shen
Published: September 2016

A diastereo- and enantioselective base-catalysed aldol reaction of t-butyl isocyanoacetate with aldehydes under phase-transfer catalytic conditions yielded 19 4,5-disubstituted oxazolines, 16 of which are novel. Key to success was the use of a free 9-OH-containing cinchona alkaloid-based quaternary ammonium salt bearing bulky and electron-withdrawing aryl groups on the N-benzyl moiety. This process tolerates both aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes, affording the corresponding chiral oxazoline products in diastereoselectivities up to 20:1 and enantioselectivities up to 78% ee.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of various new bis-isoxazoline derivatives as potential antioxidant additives
Authors: Zeng Yongming , Zhang Hongxi , Wang Bin , Zhang Lizhong , Xue laiqi , Zhao Xiufeng
Published: September 2016

1,4-Bis[4-(4-benzoyl-5-phenylisoxazol-3-yl)-3-methyl-1-phenylpyrazol-5-yloxy]benzene and its derivatives were synthesised. The antioxidant activities of these compounds were investigated in vitro assay systems, such as lipid peroxidation, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethyl-1,3-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), superoxide, hydroxyl radicals scavenging and reducing power assay. The results show that the target compounds with nitro- and chloro-substituents at the 4-position of the benzene ring had more effective antioxidant power and better radical scavenging activity (RSA) (%) values when compared to those of butylated hydroxytoluene, trolox, caffeic acid and ascorbic acid, respectively..
A highly enantioselective synthesis of (R)-salmeterol using a chiral auxiliary
Authors: Jiang Lijue , Lin Chenggang , Qiu Yinhua , Quan Xu , Zhu Jing , Shi Haijian
Published: September 2016

A facile strategy for enantioselective synthesis of ( R)-salmeterol is described via a chiral auxiliary starting from 2-bromo-1-(2,2-dimethyl-4 H-1,3-benzodioxin-6-yl)ethanone through four or five steps. The product was obtained in good purity, enantiomeric excess and yield.
Registration of Two Upland Cotton Germplasm Lines Possessing Superior Fiber Quality Traits
Authors: Percy R. G. , Campbell B. T. , Jones D. C.
Published: September 2016

The upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) germplasm lines PX06520‐42‐2‐1 (Reg. No. GP‐1005, PI 677343) and PX06520‐42‐2‐3 (Reg. No. GP‐1006, PI 677344) were jointly released by the USDA‐ARS and Cotton Incorporated in 2016. The lines were released to provide broadly adapted, high fiber quality resources for facilitating fiber improvement efforts across the US Cotton Belt. PX06520‐42‐2‐1 and PX06520‐42‐2‐3 originated from the cross SG747/NM49//AGC85/4364‐43, followed by individual plant selection in the F2, F3, and F4 generations. The two best progeny lines, determined from replicated tests conducted at College Station, TX, and Florence, SC, in 2011 and 2012, were entered into the Regional Breeders Testing Network tests across the US upland Cotton Belt in 2013 and 2014. In 2013, both PX06520‐42‐2‐1 and PX06520‐42‐2‐3 were superior to the check cultivars ‘DP 393’, ‘FM 958’, and ‘SG 105’ for fiber length, fiber length uniformity, fiber strength, and short fiber content. In 2014, PX06520‐42‐2‐1 produced a fiber length, fiber length uniformity, and fiber strength that were superior to the five check cultivars DP 393, FM 958, SG 105, ‘UA 222’, and ‘DP 491’. Fiber yield of PX06520‐42‐2‐1 did not differ significantly from any of the five check cultivars used in 2014. The two lines are excellent sources of fiber quality, with acceptable yield potentials that appear to be stable across production environments.
The effects of stabilizing exercises on pain and disability of patients with lumbar segmental instability
Authors: Javadian Yahya , Behtash Hamid , Akbari Mohammad , Taghipour-Darzi Mohammad , Zekavat Hajar
Published: September 2016

Background data:

Lumbar segmental instability (LSI) is one of the subgroups of non-specific chronic low back pain. Pain, functional disability and reduced muscle endurance are common in such patients.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of stabilization exercise on pain, functional disability and muscle endurance in patients with LSI.

Methods:

A randomized clinical trial was carried out on 30 patients who had LSI aged between 18–45 years. They were divided into two groups; the control group underwent routine exercise only while the experimental group performed routine exercise plus stabilization training for 8 weeks. Both had 3 months follow-up. The variables included pain intensity, functional disability and flexion and extension range of motion and flexor, extensor and lateral flexor muscles endurance which were evaluated 3 times; before, post treatment and after three months. The data were analyzed using repeated measurement ANOVA.

Results:

The results revealed that after treatment, the trunk muscle endurance and flexion range of motion increased significantly and the pain intensity and functional disability decreased significantly in both groups; however the rate of improvement was significantly higher in the experimental group. The process of decreasing pain intensity and functional disability in addition to increasing muscle endurance time were significantly faster in the experimental group during the three months follow up.

Conclusion:

Regarding the positive effects of stabilizing exercises with routine exercises in reduction of pain intensity, increasing functional ability and muscle endurance, it is recommended to use this method in treatment of patients with lumbar segmental instability.
Spastic paraparesis and sensorineural hearing loss in a patient with neurobrucellosis
Authors: Baykal Tuba , Baygutalp Fatih , Senel Kazim , Levent Akin , Erdal Akin , Ugur Mahir , Ozgocmen Salih
Published: September 2016

Objective:

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease and still a major public health problem in many geographic areas including Mediterranean basin and Middle East. Brucellosis causes multisystemic involvement and although rare central nervous system involvement causes serious manifestations. Neurobrucellosis occurs less than 5% of patients and presents with meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis, myelopathy, stroke, paraplegia, radiculoneuritis, intracerebral abscess, epidural abscess, demyelination and cranial nerve involvement or any combination of these manifestations. Spastic paraparesis and the sensorineural involvement are rarely reported in the literature.

Methods:

Herein we present a 28 years-old man with spastic paraparesis and sensorineural hearing loss due to neurobrucellosis.

Results:

The patient was treated with antibiotics combination for 6 months and underwent rehabilitation program.

Conclusions:

Neurobrucellosis should be ruled out in patients with unexplained neurological symptoms and/or sensorineural hearing loss particularly in those living in endemic areas.
A review of activity monitors as a new technology for objectifying function in lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Tomkins-Lane Christy C. , Haig Andrew J.
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this review article is to introduce the concept of activity monitoring, and to discuss the application of accelerometry in rehabilitation research and clinical practice using lumbar spinal stenosis as a model.

Function is a complex concept, and changes in function have historically been challenging to measure. The International Classification of Functioning (ICF) defines two distinct components of function: capacity and performance. Capacity, the ability to perform a given task in a controlled environment can be measured through any number of existing functional measures. Performance, defined as activities performed on a day to day basis in the context of real life is challenging to measure, yet important in identifying the impact of pathology on real life. Recent advances in technology have allowed us to begin to measure performance, using activity monitors (accelerometers). Activity monitoring has the potential to change our concepts of outcomes, and as a result, expand our ideas about appropriateness of interventions in rehabilitation. Researchers and clinicians might benefit from using the new technology of activity monitors to measure the impact of intervention and to assess function. Therefore, this review will discuss the concept of activity monitoring and highlight potential uses for activity monitors in spine research and clinical care.
Effect of scapular elevation taping on scapular depression syndrome: A case report
Authors: Lee Jung-Hoon , Yoo Won-Gyu
Published: September 2016

Objective:

This report describes the application of scapular elevation taping (SET) using kinesio tape to elevate the scapula and treat upper trapezius (UT) muscle tenderness in a patient with scapular depression syndrome.

Methods:

The patient was a 22-year-old man who had scapular depression and severe tenderness of the right UT. We performed SET for 2 months, 4 days a week, for an average of 9 h each day, to provide scapular elevation.

Results:

At the last assessment, the right superior angle of the scapula and the lateral border of the acromion were slightly elevated compared with the spinous process of the second thoracic vertebra. A chest X-ray showed that the right coracoid process was higher compared to the initial level and that the level of the first ribs was similar on both sides. The pressure-pain threshold in the UT increased from 1 to 8 kg and the tenderness at 3 kg, assessed on a numeric rating scale, decreased from 6 to 0. No tenderness occurred when carrying a bag with the right hand or slinging a bag over the right shoulder.

Conclusion:

Continuous application of SET may be used as a supplementary method for scapular elevation and reduction in patients with UT tenderness.
Trend and Homogeneity Analysis of Precipitation in Iran
Authors: Javari Majid
Published: September 2016

The main objective of this study is to examine trend and homogeneity through the analysis of rainfall variability patterns in Iran. The study presents a review on the application of homogeneity and seasonal time series analysis methods for forecasting rainfall variations. Trend and homogeneity methods are applied in the time series analysis from collecting rainfall data to evaluating results in climate studies. For the homogeneity analysis of monthly, seasonal and annual rainfall, homogeneity tests were used in 140 stations in the 1975–2014 period. The homogeneity of the monthly and annual rainfall at each station was studied using the autocorrelation (ACF), and the von Neumann (VN) tests at a significance level of 0.05. In addition, the nature of the monthly and seasonal rainfall series in Iran was studied using the Kruskal-Wallis (KW) test, the Thumb test (TT), and the least squares regression (LSR) test at a significance level of 0.05. The present results indicate that the seasonal patterns of rainfall exhibit considerable diversity across Iran. Rainfall seasonality is generally less spatially coherent than temporal patterns in Iran. The seasonal variations of rainfall decreased significantly throughout eastern and central Iran, but they increased in the west and north of Iran during the studied interval. The present study comparisons among variations of patterns with the seasonal rainfall series reveal that the variability of rainfall can be predicted by the non-trended and trended patterns.
Life Cycle Characteristics of Warm-Season Severe Thunderstorms in Central United States from 2010 to 2014
Authors: Liu Weibo , Li Xingong
Published: September 2016

Weather monitoring systems, such as Doppler radars, collect a high volume of measurements with fine spatial and temporal resolutions that provide opportunities to study many convective weather events. This study examines the spatial and temporal characteristics of severe thunderstorm life cycles in central United States mainly covering Kansas, Oklahoma, and northern Texas during the warm seasons from 2010 to 2014. Thunderstorms are identified using radar reflectivity and cloud-to-ground lightning data and are tracked using a directed graph model that can represent the whole life cycle of a thunderstorm. Thunderstorms were stored in a GIS database with a number of additional thunderstorm attributes. Spatial and temporal characteristics of the thunderstorms were analyzed, including the yearly total number of thunderstorms, their monthly distribution, durations, initiation time, termination time, movement speed and direction, and the spatial distributions of thunderstorm tracks, initiations, and terminations. Results revealed that thunderstorms were most frequent across the eastern part of the study area, especially at the borders between Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Finally, thunderstorm occurrence is linked to land cover, including a comparison of thunderstorms between urban and surrounding rural areas. Results demonstrated that thunderstorms would favor forests and urban areas. This study demonstrates that advanced GIS representations and analyses for spatiotemporal events provide effective research tools to meteorological studies.
Coupled Acoustic-Mechanical Bandgaps
Authors: Jensen Jakob , Kook Junghwan
Published: September 2016

In this work, we study the existence of coupled bandgaps for corrugated plate structures and acoustic channels. The study is motivated by the observation that the performance of traditional bandgap structures, such as periodic plates, may be compromised due to the coupling to a surrounding acoustic medium and the presence of acoustic resonances. It is demonstrated that corrugation of the plate structure can introduce bending wave bandgaps and bandgaps in the acoustic domain in overlapping and audible frequency ranges. This effect is preserved also when taking the physical coupling between the two domains into account. Additionally, the coupling is shown to introduce extra gaps in the band structure due to modal interaction and the appearance of a cut-on frequency for the fundamental acoustic mode.
Role of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Prognostication and Treatment Monitoring in Niemann-Pick Disease Type C1
Authors: Lau Meghann , Lee Ryan , Miyamoto Robin , Jung Eun , Yanjanin Farhat Nicole , Yoshida Shoko , Mori Susumu , Gropman Andrea , Baker Eva , Porter Forbes
Published: September 2016

Niemann-Pick Disease, type C1 (NPC1) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cholesterol sequestration within late endosomes and lysosomes, for which no reliable imaging marker exists for prognostication and management. Cerebellar volume deficits are found to correlate with disease severity and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the corpus callosum and brainstem, which has shown that microstructural disorganization is associated with NPC1 severity. This study investigates the utility of cerebellar DTI in clinical severity assessment. We hypothesize that cerebellar volume, fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) negatively correlate with NIH NPC neurological severity score (NNSS) and motor severity subscores. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained for thirty-nine NPC1 subjects, ages 1–21.9 years (mean = 11.1, SD = 6.1). Using an atlas-based automated approach, the cerebellum of each patient was measured for FA, MD and volume. Additionally, each patient was given an NNSS. Decreased cerebellar FA and volume, and elevated MD correlate with higher NNSS. The cognition subscore and motor subscores for eye movement, ambulation, speech, swallowing, and fine motor skills were also statistically significant. Microstructural disorganization negatively correlated with motor severity in subjects. Additionally, Miglustat therapy correlated with lower severity scores across ranges of FA, MD and volume in all regions except the inferior peduncle, where a paradoxical effect was observed at high FA values. These findings suggest that DTI is a promising prognostication tool.
Porous Skins and Tactile Bodies: Juxtaposition of the Affective and Sentimental Ideas of the Subject
Authors: Zolkos Magdalena
Published: September 2016

This article brings together two ideas that authors in theoretical humanities tend to consider in isolation—of affect and of sentiment—and investigates what conceptions or imaginaries of the subject these ideas have historically relied on and reproduced. When viewed from the lens of the theory of subjectivation, the contemporary notions of affect and the modern sentiment tradition not only reveal significant conceptual, epistemic and ideational overlaps, but they are both kinds of critique of the liberal individualistic subject. Engaging the methodology of juxtaposition, I bring together the affective porous subject (drawing on the work of Teresa Brennan) with the modern sentiment idea of the sensible body, focusing in particular on the 17th- and 18th-century neurological discourses of sensibility in the work of Albrecht von Haller, Georg Ernst Stahl and others. I argue that the modern sentiment tradition forms part of the genealogy of affect in that its ideas of sensibility and sympathy foreground one of the tenets of affective subjectivity: namely, that the subject emerges through (rather than predates) ecological exposure, membranous permeability and nervous responsiveness. In this sense, both the sentimental and affective notions of the subject operate as forms of critique of the idea of Cartesian self and of the disavowal of relational and/or dialogical subject in Western philosophy.
Cotton Dust Exposure and Respiratory Disorders among Textile Workers at a Textile Company in the Southern Part of Benin
Authors: Hinson Antoine , Lokossou Virgil , Schlünssen Vivi , Agodokpessi Gildas , Sigsgaard Torben , Fayomi Benjamin
Published: September 2016

The textile industry sector occupies a prominent place in the economy of Benin. It exposes workers to several occupational risks, including exposure to cotton dust. To assess the effect of exposure to cotton dust on the health of workers, this study was initiated and conducted in a Beninese cotton industry company. The objective of the study was to evaluate the respiratory disorders among the textile workers exposed to cotton dust and the cross-sectional study involved 656 subjects exposed to cotton dust and 113 non-exposed subjects. The methods used are mainly based on a survey using a questionnaire of organic dust designed by the International Commission of Occupational Health (ICOH); and on the measures of lung function parameters (FEV1 and FVC). The main results of the different analyzes revealed that subjects exposed to cotton dust have more respiratory symptoms than unexposed subjects (36.9% vs. 21.2%). The prevalence of chronic cough, expectorations, dyspnoea, asthma and chronic bronchitis are 16.8%, 9.8%, 17.3%, 2.6%, and 5.9% respectively among the exposed versus 2.6%, 0.8%, 16.8%, 0% and 0.8% among the unexposed subjects. The prevalence of byssinosis is 44.01%.The prevalence of symptoms is dependent on the sector of activity and the age of the subject. These results should encourage medical interventions and technical prevention especially since the textile industry occupies an important place in the Benin’s economy.
The Effects of Intensive Nutrition Education on Late Middle-Aged Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Li Ye , Xu Meihong , Fan Rui , Ma Xiaotao , Gu Jiaojiao , Cai Xiaxia , Liu Rui , Chen Qihe , Ren Jinwei , Mao Ruixue , Bao Lei , Zhang Zhaofeng , Wang Junbo , Li Yong
Published: September 2016

Objective: Many patients with type 2 diabetes find it difficult to maintain good glycemic control. Undesirable glycemic control occurs greatly due to deficiencies of nutritional knowledge and difficulty in obtaining dietary prescriptions. The late middle-aged and elder individuals are the main populations that are affected by type 2 diabetes. The main purpose of this study was to investigate whether intensive nutrition education would make benefits for late middle-aged patients with type 2 diabetes. Method: 196 patients between 50 to 65 years old meeting type 2 diabetes criteria and eligible for the program were included in a single-blinded, 30-day centralized management of an education program in China. Participants in the program were randomly divided into a usual nutrition education group or an intensive nutrition education group. The usual nutrition education group was used as a control group and received only basic health advice and principles of diabetic diets at the beginning and the end of the study. Participants in the intensive nutrition education group were arranged to receive intensive nutritional lectures about diabetes for 30 days. The primary outcomes were the changes in weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h postprandial plasma glucose (PG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total glycerin (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c). Results: After 30 days of intervention, FPG, PG, and HbA1c in the treatment group decreased significantly than the control group (p < 0.05). HbA1c reduced significantly by 0.6% in the intervention group. No significant differences in the change of blood lipids were observed between groups. However, TG, TC, and HDL-c made improvements compared with the baseline in the experimental group. Both groups had a reduction in weight and BMI within groups, especially in intensive nutrition education group. However, there was no statistical significance between groups. Conclusions: Intensive nutrition education has significant effects on blood glucose control in late middle-aged adults with type 2 diabetes. Intensive education can cultivate good diet habits and increase physical activity, which are important for diabetes patients in the short and long terms. These findings may contribute to improving education methodology and nutrition therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Downregulation of FOXP1 Inhibits Cell Proliferation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Inducing G1/S Phase Cell Cycle Arrest
Authors: Wang Xin , Sun Ji , Cui Meiling , Zhao Fangyu , Ge Chao , Chen Taoyang , Yao Ming , Li Jinjun
Published: September 2016

Forkhead box P1 (FOXP1) belongs to a family of winged-helix transcription factors that are involved in the processes of cellular proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and longevity. FOXP1 can affect cell proliferation and migratory ability in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vitro. However, little is known about the mechanism of FOXP1 in the proliferation of HCC cells. This study aimed to further explore the function of FOXP1 on the proliferation of HCC cells as well as the relevant mechanism involved. Western blot analysis, tumor xenograft models, and flow cytometry analysis were performed to elucidate the function of FOXP1 in the regulation of cell proliferation in human HCC. We observed that silencing FOXP1 significantly suppressed the growth ability of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, knockdown of FOXP1 induced G1/S phase arrest, and the expression of total and phosphorylated Rb (active type) as well as the levels of E2F1 were markedly decreased at 24 h; however, other proteins, including cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 and 6 and cyclin D1 did not show noticeable changes. In conclusion, downregulation of FOXP1 inhibits cell proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma by inducing G1/S phase cell cycle arrest, and the decrease in phosphorylated Rb is the main contributor to this G1/S phase arrest.
Six2 Is a Coordinator of LiCl-Induced Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis
Authors: Liu Jianing , Ju Pan , Zhou Yuru , Zhao Ya , Xie Yajun , Long Yaoshui , Gu Yuping , Ni Dongsheng , Lyv Zhongshi , Mao Zhaomin , Hao Jin , Li Yiman , Wan Qianya , Kanyomse Quist , Liu Yamin , Xiang Yue , Wang Ruoli , Chen Xiangling , Zhang Junman , Liu Xihan , Zhao Hui , Zhou Qin , Li Ge
Published: September 2016

The metanephric mesenchyme (MM) cells are a subset of kidney progenitor cells and play an essential role in mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), the key step of nephron generation. Six2, a biological marker related to Wnt signaling pathway, promotes the proliferation, inhibits the apoptosis and maintains the un-differentiation of MM cells. Besides, LiCl is an activator of Wnt signaling pathway. However, the role of LiCl in cellular regulation of MM cells remains unclear, and the relationship between LiCl and Six2 in this process is also little known. Here, we performed EdU assay and flow cytometry assay to, respectively, detect the proliferation and apoptosis of MM cells treated with LiCl of increasing dosages. In addition, reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and Western-blot were conducted to measure the expression of Six2 and some maker genes of Wnt and bone-morphogenetic-protein (BMP) signaling pathway. Furthermore, luciferase assay was also carried out to detect the transcriptional regulation of Six2. Then we found LiCl promoted MM cell proliferation at low-concentration (10, 20, 30, and 40 mM). The expression of Six2 was dose-dependently increased in low-concentration (10, 20, 30, and 40 mM) at both mRNA and protein level. In addition, both of cell proliferation and Six2 expression in MM cells declined when dosage reached high-concentration (50 mM). However, Six2 knock-down converted the proliferation reduction at 50 mM. Furthermore, Six2 deficiency increased the apoptosis of MM cells, compared with negative control cells at relative LiCl concentration. However, the abnormal rise of apoptosis at 30 mM of LiCl concentration implies that it might be the reduction of GSK3β that increased cell apoptosis. Together, these demonstrate that LiCl can induce the proliferation and apoptosis of MM cells coordinating with Six2.
Estimating Mangrove Biophysical Variables Using WorldView-2 Satellite Data: Rapid Creek, Northern Territory, Australia
Authors: Heenkenda Muditha , Maier Stefan , Joyce Karen
Published: September 2016

Mangroves are one of the most productive coastal communities in the world. Although we acknowledge the significance of ecosystems, mangroves are under natural and anthropogenic pressures at various scales. Therefore, understanding biophysical variations of mangrove forests is important. An extensive field survey is impossible within mangroves. WorldView-2 multi-spectral images having a 2-m spatial resolution were used to quantify above ground biomass (AGB) and leaf area index (LAI) in the Rapid Creek mangroves, Darwin, Australia. Field measurements, vegetation indices derived from WorldView-2 images and a partial least squares regression algorithm were incorporated to produce LAI and AGB maps. LAI maps with 2-m and 5-m spatial resolutions showed root mean square errors (RMSEs) of 0.75 and 0.78, respectively, compared to validation samples. Correlation coefficients between field samples and predicted maps were 0.7 and 0.8, respectively. RMSEs obtained for AGB maps were 2.2 kg/m2 and 2.0 kg/m2 for a 2-m and a 5-m spatial resolution, and the correlation coefficients were 0.4 and 0.8, respectively. We would suggest implementing the transects method for field sampling and establishing end points of these transects with a highly accurate positioning system. The study demonstrated the possibility of assessing biophysical variations of mangroves using remotely-sensed data.
Treatment of Primary Pulmonary Aspergillosis: An Assessment of the Evidence
Authors: Stewart Ethan , Thompson George
Published: September 2016

Aspergillus spp. are a group of filamentous molds that were first described due to a perceived similarity to an aspergillum, or liturgical device used to sprinkle holy water, when viewed under a microscope. Although commonly inhaled due to their ubiquitous nature within the environment, an invasive fungal infection (IFI) is a rare outcome that is often reserved for those patients who are immunocompromised. Given the potential for significant morbidity and mortality within this patient population from IFI due to Aspergillus spp., along with the rise in the use of therapies that confer immunosuppression, there is an increasing need for appropriate initial clinical suspicion leading to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Voriconazole remains the first line agent for therapy; however, the use of polyenes, novel triazole agents, or voriconazole in combination with an echinocandin may also be utilized. Consideration as to which particular agent and for what duration should be made in the individual context for each patient based upon underlying immunosuppression, comorbidities, and overall tolerance of therapy.
Preparation and Properties of Alkali Activated Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer
Authors: Chen Liang , Wang Zaiqin , Wang Yuanyi , Feng Jing
Published: September 2016

The effective activation and utilization of metakaolin as an alkali activated geopolymer precursor and its use in concrete surface protection is of great interest. In this paper, the formula of alkali activated metakaolin-based geopolymers was studied using an orthogonal experimental design. It was found that the optimal geopolymer was prepared with metakaolin, sodium hydroxide, sodium silicate and water, with the molar ratio of SiO2:Al2O3:Na2O:NaOH:H2O being 3.4:1.1:0.5:1.0:11.8. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were adopted to investigate the influence of curing conditions on the mechanical properties and microstructures of the geopolymers. The best curing condition was 60 °C for 168 h, and this alkali activated metakaolin-based geopolymer showed the highest compression strength at 52.26 MPa. In addition, hollow micro-sphere glass beads were mixed with metakaolin particles to improve the thermal insulation properties of the alkali activated metakaolin-based geopolymer. These results suggest that a suitable volume ratio of metakaolin to hollow micro-sphere glass beads in alkali activated metakaolin-based geopolymers was 6:1, which achieved a thermal conductivity of 0.37 W/mK and compressive strength of 50 MPa. By adjusting to a milder curing condition, as-prepared alkali activated metakaolin-based geopolymers could find widespread applications in concrete thermal protection.
On the Use of Classical and Quantum Fisher Information in Molecular Magnetism
Authors: Troiani Filippo
Published: September 2016

The present paper discusses the use of two information-theoretical quantities—namely, the classical and quantum Fisher information—in the context of molecular magnetism. These functions quantify the suitability of a given observable to the estimation of a physical parameter and provide the highest precision allowed by quantum mechanics in such an estimation process. The quantum Fisher information also quantifies the degree of macroscopicity of a quantum state. As illustrative examples of such applications, we compute the classical and quantum Fisher information of the Fe 4 molecular nanomagnet, used as a probe of an applied magnetic field or as a platform for generating Schrödinger cat states.
The Brown Alga Stypopodium zonale (Dictyotaceae): A Potential Source of Anti-Leishmania Drugs
Authors: Soares Deivid , Szlachta Marcella , Teixeira Valéria , Soares Angelica , Saraiva Elvira
Published: September 2016

This study evaluated the anti-Leishmania amazonensis activity of a lipophilic extract from the brown alga Stypopodium zonale and atomaric acid, its major compound. Our initial results revealed high inhibitory activity for intracellular amastigotes in a dose-dependent manner and an IC50 of 0.27 μg/mL. Due to its high anti-Leishmania activity and low toxicity toward host cells, we fractionated the lipophilic extract. A major meroditerpene in this extract, atomaric acid, and its methyl ester derivative, which was obtained by a methylation procedure, were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Both compounds inhibited intracellular amastigotes, with IC50 values of 20.2 μM (9 μg/mL) and 22.9 μM (10 μg/mL), and selectivity indexes of 8.4 μM and 11.5 μM. The leishmanicidal activity of both meroditerpenes was independent of nitric oxide (NO) production, but the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be at least partially responsible for the amastigote killing. Our results suggest that the lipophilic extract of S. zonale may represent an important source of compounds for the development of anti-Leishmania drugs.
Micromachined Resonators: A Review
Authors: Abdolvand Reza , Bahreyni Behraad , Lee Joshua , Nabki Frederic
Published: September 2016

This paper is a review of the remarkable progress that has been made during the past few decades in design, modeling, and fabrication of micromachined resonators. Although micro-resonators have come a long way since their early days of development, they are yet to fulfill the rightful vision of their pervasive use across a wide variety of applications. This is partially due to the complexities associated with the physics that limit their performance, the intricacies involved in the processes that are used in their manufacturing, and the trade-offs in using different transduction mechanisms for their implementation. This work is intended to offer a brief introduction to all such details with references to the most influential contributions in the field for those interested in a deeper understanding of the material.
Direct Growth of Carbon Nanotubes on New High-Density 3D Pyramid-Shaped Microelectrode Arrays for Brain-Machine Interfaces
Authors: Ghane Motlagh Bahareh , Choueib May , Hajhosseini Mesgar Alireza , Hasanuzzaman Md. , Sawan Mohamad
Published: September 2016

Silicon micromachined, high-density, pyramid-shaped neural microelectrode arrays (MEAs) have been designed and fabricated for intracortical 3D recording and stimulation. The novel architecture of this MEA has made it unique among the currently available micromachined electrode arrays, as it has provided higher density contacts between the electrodes and targeted neural tissue facilitating recording from different depths of the brain. Our novel masking technique enhances uniform tip-exposure for variable-height electrodes and improves process time and cost significantly. The tips of the electrodes have been coated with platinum (Pt). We have reported for the first time a selective direct growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the tips of 3D MEAs using the Pt coating as a catalyzer. The average impedance of the CNT-coated electrodes at 1 kHz is 14 kΩ. The CNT coating led to a 5-fold decrease of the impedance and a 600-fold increase in charge transfer compared with the Pt electrode.
NO-Releasing Enmein-Type Diterpenoid Derivatives with Selective Antiproliferative Activity and Effects on Apoptosis-Related Proteins
Authors: Li Dahong , Hu Xu , Han Tong , Liao Jie , Xiao Wei , Xu Shengtao , Li Zhanlin , Wang Zhenzhong , Hua Huiming , Xu Jinyi
Published: September 2016

A series of nine enmein-type ent-kaurane diterpenoid and furoxan-based nitric oxide (NO) donor hybrids (10a–i) were designed and synthesized from commercially available oridonin (1). These hybrids were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against Bel-7402, K562, MGC-803, and CaEs-17 human cancer cell lines and L-02 normal liver cells. The antiproliferative activity against tumor cells was stronger than the lead compound 1 and parent molecule 9 in most cases. Especially, compound 10f showed the strongest activity against human hepatocarcinoma Bel-7402 cell line with an IC50 of 0.81 μM and could also release 33.7 μmol/L NO at the time point of 60 min. Compounds 10a–i also showed cytotoxic selectivity between tumor and normal liver cells with IC50 ranging from 22.1 to 33.9 μM. Furthermore, the apoptotic properties on Bel-7402 cells revealed that 10f could induce S phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis at low micromolar concentrations. The effects of 10f on apoptosis-related proteins were also investigated. The potent antiproliferative activities and mechanistic studies warrant further preclinical investigations.
Cholesterol-Modified Amino-Pullulan Nanoparticles as a Drug Carrier: Comparative Study of Cholesterol-Modified Carboxyethyl Pullulan and Pullulan Nanoparticles
Authors: Tao Xiaojun , Xie Yongchao , Zhang Qiufang , Qiu Ximin , Yuan Liming , Wen Yi , Li Min , Yang Xiaoping , Tao Ting , Xie Minghui , Lv Yanwei , Wang Qinyi , Feng Xing
Published: September 2016

To search for nano-drug preparations with high efficiency in tumor treatment, we evaluated the drug-loading capacity and cell-uptake toxicity of three kinds of nanoparticles (NPs). Pullulan was grafted with ethylenediamine and hydrophobic groups to form hydrophobic cholesterol-modified amino-pullulan (CHAP) conjugates. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance were used to identify the CHAP structure and calculate the degree of substitution of the cholesterol group. We compared three types of NPs with close cholesterol hydrophobic properties: CHAP, cholesterol-modified pullulan (CHP), and cholesterol-modified carboxylethylpullulan (CHCP), with the degree of substitution of cholesterol of 2.92%, 3.11%, and 3.46%, respectively. As compared with the two other NPs, CHAP NPs were larger, 263.9 nm, and had a positive surface charge of 7.22 mV by dynamic light-scattering measurement. CHAP NPs showed low drug-loading capacity, 12.3%, and encapsulation efficiency of 70.8%, which depended on NP hydrophobicity and was affected by surface charge. The drug release amounts of all NPs increased in the acid media, with CHAP NPs showing drug-release sensitivity with acid change. Cytotoxicity of HeLa cells was highest with mitoxantrone-loaded CHAP NPs on MTT assay. CHAP NPs may have potential as a high-efficiency drug carrier for tumor treatment.
Water and Beverage Consumption among Children Aged 4–13 Years in Lebanon: Findings from a National Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jomaa Lamis , Hwalla Nahla , Constant Florence , Naja Farah , Nasreddine Lara
Published: September 2016

This study evaluates total water intake (TWI) from plain water, beverages and foods among Lebanese children and compares TWI to dietary reference intakes (DRIs). In a national cross-sectional survey, data on demographic, socioeconomic, anthropometric, and physical activity characteristics were obtained from 4 to 13-year-old children (n = 752). Food and beverage consumption patterns were assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire. TWI was estimated at 1651 mL/day, with beverages contributing 72% of the TWI compared to 28% from foods. Beverages with the highest contribution to TWI included plain water, fruit juice and soda. A significantly higher proportion of 9–13-year-old children failed to meet the DRIs compared to 4–8 years old (92%–98% vs. 74%). Gender differentials were observed with a significantly higher proportion of boys meeting the DRIs compared to girls. The water to energy ratio ranged between 0.84 and 0.87, which fell short of meeting the desirable recommendations. In addition, children from higher socioeconomic status had higher intakes of water from milk and bottled water, coupled with lower water intakes from sodas. The study findings show an alarming high proportion of Lebanese children failing to meet TWI recommendations, and call for culture-specific interventions to instill healthy fluid consumption patterns early in life.
What Institutional Dynamics Guide Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Refurbishment and Reuse in Urban China?
Authors: Steuer Benjamin
Published: September 2016

For over two decades China has faced a veritable e-waste challenge due to the continuous increase in quantities of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) coming from foreign and domestic sources. Over more than a decade, the government’s response has been focussed on developing large-scale recycling facilities so as to recover the valuable materials within WEEE. Simultaneously, China is home to a vast, informal segment, which engages in the collection, refurbishment, and processing (dismantling, extraction of components and materials) of obsolete electronics, thus directly competing with the formal system for devices and for the profits that they generate. The official discourse and most of the existing research concentrates primarily on WEEE recycling. However, project-based field research and interviews by the author in Beijing and Guangdong province have indicated that the repair, refurbishment, and reuse of discarded electronics are widespread and profitable practices of the informal domain. This paper aims to analyse the institutional, i.e., rule-based, mechanisms behind these activities and, via an institutional economics approach, to highlight how formal and informal rule-based practices structure WEEE refurbishment and reuse in China. The results show that informal activities are dominant due to the well-developed collection and transfer networks, the division of labour amongst informal actors, and the high responsiveness to market prices and consumer demand.
Assessment of Spatial Representativeness of Eddy Covariance Flux Data from Flux Tower to Regional Grid
Authors: Wang Hesong , Jia Gensuo , Zhang Anzhi , Miao Chen
Published: September 2016

Combining flux tower measurements with remote sensing or land surface models is generally regarded as an efficient method to scale up flux data from site to region. However, due to the heterogeneous nature of the vegetated land surface, the changing flux source areas and the mismatching between ground source areas and remote sensing grids, direct use of in-situ flux measurements can lead to major scaling bias if their spatial representativeness is unknown. Here, we calculate and assess the spatial representativeness of 15 flux sites across northern China in two aspects: first, examine how well a tower represents fluxes from the specific targeted vegetation type, which is called vegetation-type level; and, second, examine how representative is the flux tower footprint of the broader landscape or regional extents, which is called spatial-scale level. We select fraction of target vegetation type (FTVT) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as key indicators to calculate the spatial representativeness of 15 EC sites. Then, these sites were ranked into four grades based on FTVT or cluster analysis from high to low in order: (1) homogeneous; (2) representative; (3) acceptable; and (4) disturbed measurements. The results indicate that: (1) Footprint climatology for each site was mainly distributed in an irregular shape, had similar spatial pattern as spatial distribution of prevailing wind direction; (2) At vegetation-type level, the number of homogeneous, representative, acceptable and disturbed measurements is 8, 4, 1 and 2, respectively. The average FTVT was 0.83, grass and crop sites had greater representativeness than forest sites; (3) At spatial-scale level, flux sites with zonal vegetation had greater representativeness than non-zonal vegetation sites, and the scales were further divided into three sub-scales: (a) in flux site scale, the average of absolute NDVI bias was 4.34%, the number of the above four grades is 9, 4, 1 and 1, respectively; (b) in remote sensing pixel scale, the average of absolute NDVI bias was 8.27%, the number is 7, 2, 2 and 4, respectively; (c) in land model grid scale, the average of absolute NDVI bias was 12.13%, the number is 5, 4, 3 and 3. These results demonstrate the variation of spatial representativeness of flux measurements among different application levels and scales and highlighted the importance of proper interpretation of EC flux measurements. These results also suggest that source area of EC flux should be involved in model validation and/or calibration with EC flux measurements.
Planar Microwave Sensor for Theranostic Therapy of Organic Tissue Based on Oval Split Ring Resonators
Authors: Reimann Carolin , Puentes Margarita , Maasch Matthias , Hübner Frank , Bazrafshan Babak , Vogl Thomas , Damm Christian , Jakoby Rolf
Published: September 2016

Microwave sensors in medical environments play a significant role due to the contact-less and non-invasive sensing mechanism to determine dielectric properties of tissue. In this work, a theranostic sensor based on Split Ring Resonators (SRRs) is presented that provides two operation modes to detect and treat tumor cells, exemplary in the liver. For the detection mode, resonance frequency changes due to abnormalities are evaluated, and in the treatment mode, microwave ablation is performed. The planar sensor structure can be integrated into a needle like a surgery tool that evokes challenges concerning size limitations and biocompatibility. To meet the size requirements and provide a reasonable operating frequency, properties of oval shaped SRRs are investigated. By elongating the radius of the SRR in one direction, the resonance frequency can be decreased significantly compared to circular SRR by a factor of two below 12 GHz. In order to validate the detection and treatment characteristics of the sensor, full wave simulations and measurements are examined. Clear resonance shifts are detected for loading the sensor structures with phantoms mimicking healthy and malignant tissue. For treatment mode evaluation, ex vivo beef liver tissue was ablated leading to a lesion zone 1.2 cm × 1 cm × 0.3 cm with a three minute exposure of maximum 2.1 W.
Increased Short-Term Fluctuation in Optic Nerve Head Blood Flow in a Case of Normal-Tension Glaucoma by the Use of Laser Speckle Flowgraphy
Authors: Sugiyama Tetsuya , Nakamura Hajime
Published: September 2016

An 80-year-old woman with normal-tension glaucoma was transferred to our clinic 9 years ago. She exhibited progressive visual field defect despite intraocular pressure in both eyes remaining stable in the low teens after treatment with prostaglandin-derivative eye drops. Increased short-term fluctuation in optic nerve head (ONH) blood flow was detected using laser speckle flowgraphy. After the patient was administered kallidinogenase tablets, the fluctuation was reduced and her visual field defect was ameliorated. However, the fluctuation increased and the visual field defect deteriorated after the patient discontinued the medication. The increased short-term fluctuation in ONH blood flow seemed to be associated with the development of glaucomatous visual field defect in this case.