bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maximal Repetitions in Written Texts: Finite Energy Hypothesis vs. Strong Hilberg Conjecture
Authors: Dębowski Łukasz
Published: August 2015

The article discusses two mutually-incompatible hypotheses about the stochastic mechanism of the generation of texts in natural language, which could be related to entropy. The first hypothesis, the finite energy hypothesis, assumes that texts are generated by a process with exponentially-decaying probabilities. This hypothesis implies a logarithmic upper bound for maximal repetition, as a function of the text length. The second hypothesis, the strong Hilberg conjecture, assumes that the topological entropy grows as a power law. This hypothesis leads to a hyperlogarithmic lower bound for maximal repetition. By a study of 35 written texts in German, English and French, it is found that the hyperlogarithmic growth of maximal repetition holds for natural language. In this way, the finite energy hypothesis is rejected, and the strong Hilberg conjecture is partly corroborated.
Prebiotic Effects and Fermentation Kinetics of Wheat Dextrin and Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum in an In Vitro Batch Fermentation System
Authors: Carlson Justin , Hospattankar Ashok , Deng Ping , Swanson Kelly , Slavin Joanne
Published: August 2015

Scientific research demonstrates that two indigenous gut bacteria, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can contribute to human health. Although these bacteria can be consumed as probiotics, they can also be produced in the gut by bacteria, and are then called prebiotics. The primary objective of this in vitro study was to quantitatively analyze at the genus level how two dietary fibers, wheat dextrin (WD) and partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) changed the levels of these two gut bacteria at 12 and 24 h, via real time qualitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Secondary objectives were changes in fecal pH, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and total gas volume produced. At 12 h WD was more bifidogenic (9.50 CFU log10/mL) than PHGG (9.30 CFU log10/mL) (p = 0.052), and also at 24 h WD (9.41 CFU log10/mL) compared with PHGG (9.27 CFU log10/mL) (p = 0.043). WD produced less total SCFAs at both 12 and 24 h than PHGG, and produced significantly lower amounts of gas at 12 and 24 h (p < 0.001). Both PHGG and WD also promoted growth of Lactobacilli when measured at 12 and 24 h compared with the 0 h analysis, indicating that both fibers are lactogenic. These results demonstrate the prebiotic effect of WD and PHGG. Based on fermentation kinetics, PHGG is more rapidly fermented than WD, and both fibers show prebiotic effects as early as 12 h.
Monetary Valuation of PM10-Related Health Risks in Beijing China: The Necessity for PM10 Pollution Indemnity
Authors: Yin Hao , Xu Linyu , Cai Yanpeng
Published: August 2015

Severe health risks caused by PM10 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm) pollution have induced inevitable economic losses and have rendered pressure on the sustainable development of society as a whole. In China, with the “Polluters Pay Principle”, polluters should pay for the pollution they have caused, but how much they should pay remains an intractable problem for policy makers. This paper integrated an epidemiological exposure-response model with economics methods, including the Amended Human Capital (AHC) approach and the Cost of Illness (COI) method, to value the economic loss of PM10-related health risks in 16 districts and also 4 functional zones in Beijing from 2008 to 2012. The results show that from 2008 to 2012 the estimated annual deaths caused by PM10 in Beijing are around 56,000, 58,000, 63,000, 61,000 and 59,000, respectively, while the economic losses related to health damage increased from around 23 to 31 billion dollars that PM10 polluters should pay for pollution victims between 2008 and 2012. It is illustrated that not only PM10 concentration but also many other social economic factors influence PM10-related health economic losses, which makes health economic losses show a time lag discrepancy compared with the decline of PM10 concentration. In conclusion, health economic loss evaluation is imperative in the pollution indemnity system establishment and should be considered for the urban planning and policy making to control the burgeoning PM10 health economic loss.
Accelerating Aerobic Sludge Granulation by Adding Dry Sewage Sludge Micropowder in Sequencing Batch Reactors
Authors: Li Jun , Liu Jun , Wang Danjun , Chen Tao , Ma Ting , Wang Zhihong , Zhuo Weilong
Published: August 2015

Micropowder (20–250 µm) made from ground dry waste sludge from a municipal sewage treatment plant was added in a sequencing batch reactor (R2), which was fed by synthetic wastewater with acetate as carbon source. Compared with the traditional SBR (R1), aerobic sludge granulation time was shortened 15 days in R2. Furthermore, filamentous bacteria in bulking sludge were controlled to accelerate aerobic granulation and form large granules. Correspondingly, the SVI decreased from 225 mL/g to 37 mL/g. X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis demonstrated that Al and Si from the micropowder were accumulated in granules. A mechanism hypotheses for the acceleration of aerobic granulation by adding dry sludge micropowder is proposed: added micropowder acts as nuclei to induce bacterial attachment; dissolved matters from the micropowder increase abruptly the organic load for starved sludge to control overgrown filamentous bacteria as a framework for aggregation; increased friction from the movement of micropowder forces the filaments which extend outwards to shrink for shaping granules.
Regulatory Roles of Non-Coding RNAs in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wang Jun , Song Yong-Xi , Ma Bin , Wang Jia-Jun , Sun Jing-Xu , Chen Xiao-Wan , Zhao Jun-Hua , Yang Yu-Chong , Wang Zhen-Ning
Published: August 2015

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have recently gained attention because of their involvement in different biological processes. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that mutations or abnormal expression of ncRNAs are closely associated with various diseases including cancer. The present review is a comprehensive examination of the aberrant regulation of ncRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC) and a summary of the current findings on ncRNAs, including long ncRNAs, microRNAs, small interfering RNAs, small nucleolar RNAs, small nuclear RNAs, Piwi-interacting RNAs, and circular RNAs. These ncRNAs might become novel biomarkers and targets as well as potential therapeutic tools for the treatment of CRC in the near future and this review may provide important clues for further research on CRC and for the selection of effective therapeutic targets.
Inhibition of NF-κB in Tumor Cells Exacerbates Immune Cell Activation Following Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Broekgaarden Mans , Kos Milan , Jurg Freek , Van Beek Adriaan , Van Gulik Thomas , Heger Michal
Published: August 2015

Although photodynamic therapy (PDT) yields very good outcomes in numerous types of superficial solid cancers, some tumors respond suboptimally to PDT. Novel treatment strategies are therefore needed to enhance the efficacy in these therapy-resistant tumors. One of these strategies is to combine PDT with inhibitors of PDT-induced survival pathways. In this respect, the transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) has been identified as a potential pharmacological target, albeit inhibition of NF-κB may concurrently dampen the subsequent anti-tumor immune response required for complete tumor eradication and abscopal effects. In contrast to these postulations, this study demonstrated that siRNA knockdown of NF-κB in murine breast carcinoma (EMT-6) cells increased survival signaling in these cells and exacerbated the inflammatory response in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. These results suggest a pro-death and immunosuppressive role of NF-κB in PDT-treated cells that concurs with a hyperstimulated immune response in innate immune cells.
Exploiting Size-Dependent Drag and Magnetic Forces for Size-Specific Separation of Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Rogers Hunter , Anani Tareq , Choi Young , Beyers Ronald , David Allan
Published: August 2015

Realizing the full potential of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in nanomedicinerequires the optimization of their physical and chemical properties. Elucidation of the effectsof these properties on clinical diagnostic or therapeutic properties, however, requires thesynthesis or purification of homogenous samples, which has proved to be difficult. Whileinitial simulations indicated that size-selective separation could be achieved by flowingmagnetic nanoparticles through a magnetic field, subsequent in vitro experiments wereunable to reproduce the predicted results. Magnetic field-flow fractionation, however, wasfound to be an effective method for the separation of polydisperse suspensions of iron oxidenanoparticles with diameters greater than 20 nm. While similar methods have been used toseparate magnetic nanoparticles before, no previous work has been done with magneticnanoparticles between 20 and 200 nm. Both transmission electron microscopy (TEM) anddynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis were used to confirm the size of the MNPs. Furtherdevelopment of this work could lead to MNPs with the narrow size distributions necessary fortheir in vitro and in vivo optimization.
Land Change Regimes and the Evolution of the Maize-Cattle Complex in Neoliberal Mexico
Authors: Galvan-Miyoshi Yankuic , Walker Robert , Warf Barney
Published: August 2015

How globalization impacts native land cover has become an important issue in studies addressing environmental change, which draw explicit attention to processes of cause and effect operating over significant distances. The literature shows that globalization constitutes an important underlying driver of both deforestation and forest transition via demographic and economic phenomena such as migration and remittance flows. Yet, little is known about how global forces mold the spatial structure of agro-commodity production and how this impacts the balance of forces affecting land change at the meso-scale, within the boundaries of the nation-state. The research presented here fills this gap by examining production networks for Mexico, a large OECD country with complex land change dynamics that has recently experienced a dramatic opening to the world economy. Specifically, we consider how maize and beef commodity chains evolved over the past few decades into a highly interdependent maize-cattle complex, and suggest linkages to patterns of land change at the national scale. Using land cover maps for 1993, 2002, and 2012, at the national scale, governmental statistics and datasets, interviews with key informants, and field observations the article provides an analysis of the impact of neoliberal reforms on the changing geography of beef and maize production, and argues that this process underlies the evolution of Mexico’s land change regime, both before and after the NAFTA reforms. As such, the article presents an account, and a case for further research on the topic of how teleconnections are constituted by spatially-extensive food production networks.
On the Influence of the Sample Absorptivity when Studying the Thermal Degradation of Materials
Authors: Boulet Pascal , Brissinger Damien , Collin Anthony , Acem Zoubir , Parent Gilles
Published: August 2015

The change in absorptivity during the degradation process of materials is discussed, and its influence as one of the involved parameters in the degradation models is studied. Three materials with very different behaviors are used for the demonstration of its role: a carbon composite material, which is opaque, almost grey, a plywood slab, which is opaque and spectral-dependent and a clear PMMA slab, which is semitransparent. Data are analyzed for virgin and degraded materials at different steps of thermal degradation. It is seen that absorptivity and emissivity often reach high values in the range of 0.90–0.95 with a near-grey behavior after significant thermal aggression, but depending on the materials of interest, some significant evolution may be first observed, especially during the early stages of the degradation. Supplementary inaccuracy can come from the heterogeneity of the incident flux on the slab. As a whole, discrepancies up to 20% can be observed on the absorbed flux depending on the degradation time, mainly because of the spectral variations of the absorption and up to 10% more, depending on the position on the slab. Simple models with a constant and unique value of absorptivity may then lead to inaccuracies in the evaluation of the radiative flux absorption, with possible consequences on the pyrolysis analysis, especially for properties related to the early step of the degradation process, like the time to ignition, for example.
Isolation and Characterization of Nano-Hydroxyapatite from Salmon Fish Bone
Authors: Venkatesan Jayachandran , Lowe Baboucarr , Manivasagan Panchanathan , Kang Kyong-Hwa , Chalisserry Elna , Anil Sukumaran , Kim Dong , Kim Se-Kwon
Published: August 2015

Nano-Hydroxyapatite (nHA) was isolated from salmon bone by alkaline hydrolysis. The resulting nHA was characterized using several analytical tools, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), to determine the purity of the nHA sample. The removal of organic matter from the raw fish was confirmed by TGA. FT-IR confirmed the presence of a carbonated group and the similarities to synthetic Sigma HA. XRD revealed that the isolated nHA was amorphous. Microscopy demonstrated that the isolated nHA possessed a nanostructure with a size range of 6–37 nm. The obtained nHA interacted with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and was non-toxic. Increased mineralization was observed for nHA treated MSCs compared to the control group. These results suggest that nHA derived from salmon is a promising biomaterial in the field of bone tissue engineering.
X-Ray Spectroscopy of Ultra-Thin Oxide/Oxide Heteroepitaxial Films: A Case Study of Single-Nanometer VO2/TiO2
Authors: Quackenbush Nicholas , Paik Hanjong , Woicik Joseph , Arena Dario , Schlom Darrell , Piper Louis
Published: August 2015

Epitaxial ultra-thin oxide films can support large percent level strains well beyond their bulk counterparts, thereby enabling strain-engineering in oxides that can tailor various phenomena. At these reduced dimensions (typically < 10 nm), contributions from the substrate can dwarf the signal from the epilayer, making it difficult to distinguish the properties of the epilayer from the bulk. This is especially true for oxide on oxide systems. Here, we have employed a combination of hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) and angular soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to study epitaxial VO2/TiO2 (100) films ranging from 7.5 to 1 nm. We observe a low-temperature (300 K) insulating phase with evidence of vanadium-vanadium (V-V) dimers and a high-temperature (400 K) metallic phase absent of V-V dimers irrespective of film thickness. Our results confirm that the metal insulator transition can exist at atomic dimensions and that biaxial strain can still be used to control the temperature of its transition when the interfaces are atomically sharp. More generally, our case study highlights the benefits of using non-destructive XAS and HAXPES to extract out information regarding the interfacial quality of the epilayers and spectroscopic signatures associated with exotic phenomena at these dimensions.
Chern-Simons Path Integrals in S2 × S1
Authors: Lim Adrian
Published: August 2015

Using torus gauge fixing, Hahn in 2008 wrote down an expression for a Chern-Simons path integral to compute the Wilson Loop observable, using the Chern-Simons action \(S_{CS}^\kappa\), \(\kappa\) is some parameter. Instead of making sense of the path integral over the space of \(\mathfrak{g}\)-valued smooth 1-forms on \(S^2 \times S^1\), we use the Segal Bargmann transform to define the path integral over \(B_i\), the space of \(\mathfrak{g}\)-valued holomorphic functions over \(\mathbb{C}^2 \times \mathbb{C}^{i-1}\). This approach was first used by us in 2011. The main tool used is Abstract Wiener measure and applying analytic continuation to the Wiener integral. Using the above approach, we will show that the Chern-Simons path integral can be written as a linear functional defined on \(C(B_1^{\times^4} \times B_2^{\times^2}, \mathbb{C})\) and this linear functional is similar to the Chern-Simons linear functional defined by us in 2011, for the Chern-Simons path integral in the case of \(\mathbb{R}^3\). We will define the Wilson Loop observable using this linear functional and explicitly compute it, and the expression is dependent on the parameter \(\kappa\). The second half of the article concentrates on taking \(\kappa\) goes to infinity for the Wilson Loop observable, to obtain link invariants. As an application, we will compute the Wilson Loop observable in the case of \(SU(N)\) and \(SO(N)\). In these cases, the Wilson Loop observable reduces to a state model. We will show that the state models satisfy a Jones type skein relation in the case of \(SU(N)\) and a Conway type skein relation in the case of \(SO(N)\). By imposing quantization condition on the charge of the link \(L\), we will show that the state models are invariant under the Reidemeister Moves and hence the Wilson Loop observables indeed define a framed link invariant. This approach follows that used in an article written by us in 2012, for the case of \(\mathbb{R}^3\).
Potential Bioactive Compounds from Seaweed for Diabetes Management
Authors: Sharifuddin Yusrizam , Chin Yao-Xian , Lim Phaik-Eem , Phang Siew-Moi
Published: August 2015

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders of the endocrine system characterised by hyperglycaemia. Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) constitutes the majority of diabetes cases around the world and are due to unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, as well as rise of obesity in the population, which warrants the search for new preventive and treatment strategies. Improved comprehension of T2DM pathophysiology provided various new agents and approaches against T2DM including via nutritional and lifestyle interventions. Seaweeds are rich in dietary fibres, unsaturated fatty acids, and polyphenolic compounds. Many of these seaweed compositions have been reported to be beneficial to human health including in managing diabetes. In this review, we discussed the diversity of seaweed composition and bioactive compounds which are potentially useful in preventing or managing T2DM by targeting various pharmacologically relevant routes including inhibition of enzymes such as α-glucosidase, α-amylase, lipase, aldose reductase, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 (DPP-4). Other mechanisms of action identified, such as anti-inflammatory, induction of hepatic antioxidant enzymes’ activities, stimulation of glucose transport and incretin hormones release, as well as β-cell cytoprotection, were also discussed by taking into consideration numerous in vitro, in vivo, and human studies involving seaweed and seaweed-derived agents.
A Creep Damage Model for High-Temperature Deformation and Failure of 9Cr-1Mo Steel Weldments
Authors: Basirat Mehdi , Shrestha Triratna , Barannyk Lyudmyla , Potirniche Gabriel , Charit Indrajit
Published: August 2015

A dislocation-based creep model combined with a continuum damage formulation was developed and implemented in the finite element method to simulate high temperature deformation behavior in modified 9Cr-1Mo steel welds. The evolution of dislocation structures was considered as the main driving mechanism for creep. The effect of void growth, precipitate coarsening, and solid solution depletion were considered to be the operating damage processes. A semi-implicit numerical integration scheme was developed and implemented in the commercial finite element code ABAQUS-Standard as a user material subroutine. Furthermore, several creep tests of modified 9Cr-1Mo steel welded specimens were conducted at temperatures between 550–700 °C and stresses between 80–200 MPa. The accuracy of the model was verified by comparing the finite element results with experiments. The comparison between the experimental and computational results showed excellent agreement. The model can be used to simulate and predict the creep-damage behavior of Cr-Mo steel components used as structural applications in power plants.
Design and Synthesis of Imidazopyrazolopyridines as Novel Selective COX-2 Inhibitors
Authors: Badrey Mohamed , Abdel-Aziz Hassan , Gomha Sobhi , Abdalla Mohamed , Mayhoub Abdelrahman
Published: August 2015

The usefulness of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is hampered by their gastrointestinal side effects. Non-selective cyclooxygenases inhibitors interfere with both COX-1 and COX-2 isozymes. Since COX-1 mediates cytoprotection of gastric mucosa, its inhibition leads to the undesirable side effects. On the other hand, COX-2 is undetectable in normal tissues and selectively induced by inflammatory stimuli. Therefore, it is strongly believed that the therapeutic benefits derive from inhibition of COX-2 only. The presence of a strong connection between reported COX-2 inhibitors and cardiac toxicity encourages medicinal chemists to explore new scaffolds. In the present study, we introduced imidazopyrazolopyridines as new potent and selective COX-2 inhibitors that lack the standard pharmacophoric binding features to hERG. Starting from our lead compound 5a, structure-based drug-design was conducted and more potent analogues were obtained with high COX-2 selectivity and almost full edema protection, in carrageenan-induced edema assay, in case of compound 5e. Increased bulkiness around imidazopyrazolopyridines by adding a substituted phenyl ring(s) afforded less active compounds.
The Influence of Sesquiterpenes from Myrica rubra on the Antiproliferative and Pro-Oxidative Effects of Doxorubicin and Its Accumulation in Cancer Cells
Authors: Ambrož Martin , Boušová Iva , Skarka Adam , Hanušová Veronika , Králová Věra , Matoušková Petra , Szotáková Barbora , Skálová Lenka
Published: August 2015

The sesquiterpenes β-caryophyllene, β-caryophyllene oxide (CAO), α-humulene (HUM), trans-nerolidol (NER), and valencene (VAL) are substantial components of the essential oil from Myrica rubra leaves which has exhibited significant antiproliferative effects in several intestinal cancer cell lines, with CaCo-2 cells being the most sensitive. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of these sesquiterpenes on the efficacy and toxicity of the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) in CaCo-2 cancer cells and in primary culture of rat hepatocytes. Our results showed that HUM, NER, VAL and CAO inhibited proliferation of CaCo-2 cancer cells but they did not affect the viability of hepatocytes. CAO, NER and VAL synergistically potentiated the efficacy of DOX in cancer cells killing. All sesquiterpenes exhibited the ability to selectively increase DOX accumulation in cancer cells and did not affect DOX concentration in hepatocytes. Additionally, CAO and VAL were able to increase the pro-oxidative effect of DOX in CaCo-2 cells. Moreover, CAO mildly ameliorated DOX toxicity in hepatocytes. Based on all results, CAO seems to be the most promising compound for further testing.
Sources and Amounts of Animal, Dairy, and Plant Protein Intake of US Adults in 2007–2010
Authors: Pasiakos Stefan , Agarwal Sanjiv , Lieberman Harris , Fulgoni Victor
Published: August 2015

Dietary guidelines suggest consuming a mixed-protein diet, consisting of high-quality animal, dairy, and plant-based foods. However, current data on the distribution and the food sources of protein intake in a free-living, representative sample of US adults are not available. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2007–2010, were used in these analyses (n = 10,977, age ≥ 19 years). Several US Department of Agriculture (USDA) databases were used to partition the composition of foods consumed into animal, dairy, or plant components. Mean ± SE animal, dairy, and plant protein intakes were determined and deciles of usual intakes were estimated. The percentages of total protein intake derived from animal, dairy, and plant protein were 46%, 16%, and 30%, respectively; 8% of intake could not be classified. Chicken and beef were the primary food sources of animal protein intake. Cheese, reduced-fat milk, and ice cream/dairy desserts were primary sources of dairy protein intake. Yeast breads, rolls/buns, and nuts/seeds were primary sources of plant protein intake. This study provides baseline data for assessing the effectiveness of public health interventions designed to alter the composition of protein foods consumed by the American public.
Feasibility of Recruiting Families into a Heart Disease Prevention Program Based on Dietary Patterns
Authors: Schumacher Tracy , Burrows Tracy , Thompson Deborah , Spratt Neil , Callister Robin , Collins Clare
Published: August 2015

Offspring of parents with a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) inherit a similar genetic profile and share diet and lifestyle behaviors. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of recruiting families at risk of CVD to a dietary prevention program, determine the changes in diet achieved, and program acceptability. Families were recruited into a pilot parallel group randomized controlled trial consisting of a three month evidence-based dietary intervention, based on the Mediterranean and Portfolio diets. Feasibility was assessed by recruitment and retention rates, change in diet by food frequency questionnaire, and program acceptability by qualitative interviews and program evaluation. Twenty one families were enrolled over 16 months, with fourteen families (n = 42 individuals) completing the study. Post-program dietary changes in the intervention group included small daily increases in vegetable serves (0.8 ± 1.3) and reduced usage of full-fat milk (−21%), cheese (−12%) and meat products (−17%). Qualitative interviews highlighted beneficial changes in food purchasing habits. Future studies need more effective methods of recruitment to engage families in the intervention. Once engaged, families made small incremental improvements in their diets. Evaluation indicated that feedback on diet and CVD risk factors, dietetic counselling and the resources provided were appropriate for a program of this type.
Drinking Water Quality and Occurrence of Giardia in Finnish Small Groundwater Supplies
Authors: Pitkänen Tarja , Juselius Tiina , Isomäki Eija , Miettinen Ilkka , Valve Matti , Kivimäki Anna-Liisa , Lahti Kirsti , Hänninen Marja-Liisa
Published: August 2015

The microbiological and chemical drinking water quality of 20 vulnerable Finnish small groundwater supplies was studied in relation to environmental risk factors associated with potential sources of contamination. The microbiological parameters analyzed included the following enteric pathogens: Giardia and Cryptosporidium, Campylobacter species, noroviruses, as well as indicator microbes (Escherichia coli, intestinal enterococci, coliform bacteria, Clostridium perfringens, Aeromonas spp. and heterotrophic bacteria). Chemical analyses included the determination of pH, conductivity, TOC, color, turbidity, and phosphorus, nitrate and nitrite nitrogen, iron, and manganese concentrations. Giardia intestinalis was detected from four of the water supplies, all of which had wastewater treatment activities in the neighborhood. Mesophilic Aeromonas salmonicida, coliform bacteria and E. coli were also detected. None of the samples were positive for both coliforms and Giardia. Low pH and high iron and manganese concentrations in some samples compromised the water quality. Giardia intestinalis was isolated for the first time in Finland in groundwater wells of public water works. In Europe, small water supplies are of great importance since they serve a significant sector of the population. In our study, the presence of fecal indicator bacteria, Aeromonas and Giardia revealed surface water access to the wells and health risks associated with small water supplies.
Net Surface Shortwave Radiation from GOES Imagery—Product Evaluation Using Ground-Based Measurements from SURFRAD
Authors: Inamdar Anand , Guillevic Pierre
Published: August 2015

The Earth’s surface net radiation controls the energy and water exchanges between the Earth’s surface and the atmosphere, and can be derived from satellite observations. The ability to monitor the net surface radiation over large areas at high spatial and temporal resolution is essential for many applications, such as weather forecasting, short-term climate prediction or water resources management. The objective of this paper is to derive the net surface radiation in the shortwave domain at high temporal (half-hourly) and spatial resolution (~1 km) using visible imagery from Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES). The retrieval algorithm represents an adaptation to GOES data of a standard algorithm initially developed for the NASA-operated Clouds and Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) scanner. The methodology relies on: (1) the estimation of top of atmosphere shortwave radiation from GOES spectral measurements; and (2) the calculation of net surface shortwave (SW) radiation accounting for atmospheric effects. Comparison of GOES-retrieved net surface shortwave radiation with ground-measurements at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Surface Radiation (SURFRAD) stations yields very good agreement with average bias lower than 5 W·m−2 and root mean square difference around 70 W·m−2. The algorithm performance is usually higher over areas characterized by low spatial variability in term of land cover type and surface biophysical properties. The technique does not involve retrieval and assessment of cloud properties and can be easily adapted to other meteorological satellites around the globe.
The Extraction of Vegetation Points from LiDAR Using 3D Fractal Dimension Analyses
Authors: Yang Haiquan , Chen Wenlong , Qian Tianlu , Shen Dingtao , Wang Jiechen
Published: August 2015

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), a high-precision technique used for acquiring three-dimensional (3D) surface information, is widely used to study surface vegetation information. Moreover, the extraction of a vegetation point set from the LiDAR point cloud is a basic starting-point for vegetation information analysis, and an important part of its further processing. To extract the vegetation point set completely and to describe the different spatial morphological characteristics of various features in a LiDAR point cloud, we have used 3D fractal dimensions. We discovered that every feature has its own distinctive 3D fractal dimension interval. Based on the 3D fractal dimensions of tall trees, we propose a new method for the extraction of vegetation using airborne LiDAR. According to this method, target features can be distinguished based on their morphological characteristics. The non-ground points acquired by filtering are processed by region growing segmentation and the morphological characteristics are evaluated by 3D fractal dimensions to determine the features required for the determination of the point set for tall trees. Avon, New York, USA was selected as the study area to test the method and the result proves the method’s efficiency. Thus, this approach is feasible. Additionally, the method uses the 3D coordinate properties of the LiDAR point cloud and does not require additional information, such as return intensity, giving it a larger scope of application.
Evaluation of the Fourier Frequency Spectrum Peaks of Milk Electrical Conductivity Signals as Indexes to Monitor the Dairy Goats’ Health Status by On-Line Sensors
Authors: Zaninelli Mauro , Agazzi Alessandro , Costa Annamaria , Tangorra Francesco , Rossi Luciana , Savoini Giovanni
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study is a further characterization of the electrical conductivity (EC) signal of goat milk, acquired on-line by EC sensors, to identify new indexes representative of the EC variations that can be observed during milking, when considering not healthy (NH) glands. Two foremilk gland samples from 42 Saanen goats, were collected for three consecutive weeks and for three different lactation stages (LS: 0–60 Days In Milking (DIM); 61–120 DIM; 121–180 DIM), for a total amount of 1512 samples. Bacteriological analyses and somatic cells counts (SCC) were used to define the health status of the glands. With negative bacteriological analyses and SCC < 1,000,000 cells/mL, glands were classified as healthy. When bacteriological analyses were positive or showed a SCC > 1,000,000 cells/mL, glands were classified as NH. For each milk EC signal, acquired on-line and for each gland considered, the Fourier frequency spectrum of the signal was calculated and three representative frequency peaks were identified. To evaluate data acquired a MIXED procedure was used considering the HS, LS and LS × HS as explanatory variables in the statistical model.Results showed that the studied frequency peaks had a significant relationship with the gland’s health status. Results also explained how the milk EC signals’ pattern change in case of NH glands. In fact, it is characterized by slower fluctuations (due to the lower frequencies of the peaks) and by an irregular trend (due to the higher amplitudes of all the main frequency peaks). Therefore, these frequency peaks could be used as new indexes to improve the performances of algorithms based on multivariate models which evaluate the health status of dairy goats through the use of gland milk EC sensors.
Low Power Wireless Smoke Alarm System in Home Fires
Authors: Luis Juan , Galán Juan , Espigado Javier
Published: August 2015

A novel sensing device for fire detection in domestic environments is presented. The fire detector uses a combination of several sensors that not only detect smoke, but discriminate between different types of smoke. This feature avoids false alarms and warns of different situations. Power consumption is optimized both in terms of hardware and software, providing a high degree of autonomy of almost five years. Data gathered from the device are transmitted through a wireless communication to a base station. The low cost and compact design provides wide application prospects.
GPS/DR Error Estimation for Autonomous Vehicle Localization
Authors: Lee Byung-Hyun , Song Jong-Hwa , Im Jun-Hyuck , Im Sung-Hyuck , Heo Moon-Beom , Jee Gyu-In
Published: August 2015

Autonomous vehicles require highly reliable navigation capabilities. For example, a lane-following method cannot be applied in an intersection without lanes, and since typical lane detection is performed using a straight-line model, errors can occur when the lateral distance is estimated in curved sections due to a model mismatch. Therefore, this paper proposes a localization method that uses GPS/DR error estimation based on a lane detection method with curved lane models, stop line detection, and curve matching in order to improve the performance during waypoint following procedures. The advantage of using the proposed method is that position information can be provided for autonomous driving through intersections, in sections with sharp curves, and in curved sections following a straight section. The proposed method was applied in autonomous vehicles at an experimental site to evaluate its performance, and the results indicate that the positioning achieved accuracy at the sub-meter level.
Towards a Low-Cost Remote Memory Attestation for the Smart Grid
Authors: Yang Xinyu , He Xiaofei , Yu Wei , Lin Jie , Li Rui , Yang Qingyu , Song Houbing
Published: August 2015

In the smart grid, measurement devices may be compromised by adversaries, and their operations could be disrupted by attacks. A number of schemes to efficiently and accurately detect these compromised devices remotely have been proposed. Nonetheless, most of the existing schemes detecting compromised devices depend on the incremental response time in the attestation process, which are sensitive to data transmission delay and lead to high computation and network overhead. To address the issue, in this paper, we propose a low-cost remote memory attestation scheme (LRMA), which can efficiently and accurately detect compromised smart meters considering real-time network delay and achieve low computation and network overhead. In LRMA, the impact of real-time network delay on detecting compromised nodes can be eliminated via investigating the time differences reported from relay nodes. Furthermore, the attestation frequency in LRMA is dynamically adjusted with the compromised probability of each node, and then, the total number of attestations could be reduced while low computation and network overhead can be achieved. Through a combination of extensive theoretical analysis and evaluations, our data demonstrate that our proposed scheme can achieve better detection capacity and lower computation and network overhead in comparison to existing schemes.
Efficient Implementation of a Symbol Timing Estimator for Broadband PLC
Authors: Nombela Francisco , García Enrique , Mateos Raúl , Hernández Álvaro
Published: August 2015

Broadband Power Line Communications (PLC) have taken advantage of the research advances in multi-carrier modulations to mitigate frequency selective fading, and their adoption opens up a myriad of applications in the field of sensory and automation systems, multimedia connectivity or smart spaces. Nonetheless, the use of these multi-carrier modulations, such as Wavelet-OFDM, requires a highly accurate symbol timing estimation for reliably recovering of transmitted data. Furthermore, the PLC channel presents some particularities that prevent the direct use of previous synchronization algorithms proposed in wireless communication systems. Therefore more research effort should be involved in the design and implementation of novel and robust synchronization algorithms for PLC, thus enabling real-time synchronization. This paper proposes a symbol timing estimator for broadband PLC based on cross-correlation with multilevel complementary sequences or Zadoff-Chu sequences and its efficient implementation in a FPGA; the obtained results show a 90% of success rate in symbol timing estimation for a certain PLC channel model and a reduced resource consumption for its implementation in a Xilinx Kyntex FPGA.
A Management Framework for Municipal Solid Waste Systems and Its Application to Food Waste Prevention
Authors: Thyberg Krista , Tonjes David
Published: August 2015

Waste management is a complex task involving numerous waste fractions, a range of technological treatment options, and many outputs that are circulated back into society. A systematic, interdisciplinary systems management framework was developed to facilitate the planning, implementation, and maintenance of sustainable waste systems. It aims not to replace existing decision-making approaches, but rather to enable their integration to allow for inclusion of overall sustainability concerns and address the complexity of solid waste management. The framework defines key considerations for system design, steps for performance monitoring, and approaches for facilitating continual system improvements. It was developed by critically examining the literature to determine what aspects of a management framework would be most effective at improving systems management for complex waste systems. The framework was applied to food waste management as a theoretical case study to exemplify how it can serve as a systems management tool for complex waste systems, as well as address obstacles typically faced in the field. Its benefits include the integration of existing waste system assessment models; the inclusion of environmental, economic, and social priorities; efficient performance monitoring; and a structure to continually define, review, and improve systems. This framework may have broader implications for addressing sustainability in other disciplines.
Protective Effects of Bacillus subtilis ANSB060 on Serum Biochemistry, Histopathological Changes and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities of Broilers Fed Moldy Peanut Meal Naturally Contaminated with Aflatoxins
Authors: Fan Yu , Zhao Lihong , Ji Cheng , Li Xiaoying , Jia Ru , Xi Lin , Zhang Jianyun , Ma Qiugang
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the toxic effects of aflatoxins and evaluate the effectiveness of Bacillus subtilis ANSB060 in detoxifying aflatoxicosis in broilers. A total of 360 one-week-old male broilers (Ross 308) were assigned to six dietary treatments for five weeks. The treatment diets were: C0 (basal diet); C1.0 (C0 + 1.0 g B. subtilis ANSB060/kg diet); M0 (basal diet formulated with moldy peanut meal); M0.5, M1.0 and M2.0 (M0 + 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g B. subtilis ANSB060/kg diet, respectively). The contents of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 in the diets formulated with moldy peanut meal were 70.7 ± 1.3, 11.0 ± 1.5, 6.5 ± 0.8 and 2.0 ± 0.3 µg/kg, respectively. The results showed that aflatoxins increased (p < 0.05) serum aspartate transaminase activity, decreased (p < 0.05) serum glutathione peroxidase activity, and enhanced (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde contents in both the serum and liver. Aflatoxins also caused gross and histological changes in liver tissues, such as bile duct epithelium hyperplasia, vacuolar degeneration and lymphocyte infiltration. The supplementation of ANSB060 reduced aflatoxin levels in the duodenum and counteracted the negative effects of aflatoxins, leading to the conclusion that ANSB060 has a protective effect against aflatoxicosis and this protection is dose-related.
Etiopathogenesis of Basedow's disease
Authors: Leporati P. , Groppelli G. , Zerbini F. , Rotondi M. , Chiovato L.
Published: August 2015

Basedow's disease (BD) owes its name to the German physician Karl Adolph von Basedow, who described in 1840 the clinical picture of exophthalmic toxic goitre. More than one century after the seminal paper of Karl von Basedow, the ultimate cause of BD remains to be fully elucidated. In the last years, evidence was accumulated indicating that BD is a polygenic and multifactorial disease that develops as a result of a complex interplay between genetic susceptibility and environmental and endogenous factors, which leads to the loss of immune tolerance to thyroid antigens and in particular to the TSH receptor.

Our aim is to review the current knowledge on the pathogenesis of BD. To this purpose, we will firstly focus our attention on the role of genetic factors (the HLA complex, the genes encoding for thyroglobulin, the TSH receptor, CD40, CTLA-4 and PTPN22), and of environmental factors (iodine, infections, psychological stress, gender, smoking, thyroid damage, vitamin D, selenium, immune modulating agents) as possible causes of BD. Taking advantage of the experimental animal models of BD, we will then focus on the immunological mechanisms leading to the loss of tolerance in BD. The pathogenic role played by the chemokine system will be also reviewed.
Biomarkers Associated with Vascular Calcification in Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Ramirez-Sandoval Juan C. , Casanova Ivan , Villar Alejandro , Gomez F. Enrique , Cruz Cristino , Correa-Rotter Ricardo
Published: August 2015

Background

Vascular calcification is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality. However, some factors related to vascular calcification in patients with end-stage renal disease receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) remain unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteopontin (OPN), osteocalcin (OCN), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), magnesium, and phosphate clearance with vascular calcification in PD subjects, assessed by plain radiographs.

Methods

Simple vascular calcification scores (SVCS) obtained from plain X-rays of the pelvis and hands, and the Kauppila Index (KI) from lateral lumbar X-rays were assessed in 76 adults receiving PD for ≥ 6 months (43 women, median age 39 years, median time on PD 1.4 years). Levels of OPG, OPN, OCN, and FGF-23 were determined by luminometry.

Results

Serum OPG levels were higher in subjects with vascular calcification ( n = 22 with SVCS > 3; n = 19 with KI > 7) compared with those with less calcification ( p < 0.001). Spearman's correlation coefficients between OPG and SVCS and KI were r = 0.49 and r = 0.51, respectively (both p < 0.001). Subjects with vascular calcification had significantly lower renal phosphate clearance. Multiple regression analysis showed that vascular calcification assessed by SVCS was associated with age ( r = 0.2, p = 0.042), diabetes mellitus ( r = 2.4, p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) ( r = 0.09, p = 0.037), and OPG ( r = 0.22, p = 0.001). Vascular calcification assessed by KI was associated with age ( r = 0.16, p < 0.001), time on PD ( r = 0.54, p = 0.001) and OPG ( r = 0.08, p = 0.04). Osteocalcin, OPN, FGF-23, and magnesium were not associated with vascular calcification.

Conclusions

Higher levels of OPG were consistently associated with vascular calcification in subjects on PD.
Volume-Based Peritoneal Dialysis Prescription Guide to Achieve Adequacy Targets
Authors: Akonur Alp , Firanek Catherine A. , Gellens Mary E. , Hutchcraft Audrey M. , Kathuria Pranay , Sloand James A.
Published: August 2015

Background

The use of automated and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (APD and CAPD) prescriptions (Rxs) to achieve adequate uremic toxin and fluid removal targets is important for attaining optimal patient outcomes. One approach for predicting such Rxs is the use of kinetic modeling.

Methods

Demographic data and peritoneal membrane characteristics derived from a peritoneal equilibration test (PET) were available from 1,005 patients in North American centers who participated in a national adequacy initiative in 1999. Twelve patient subgroups were identified according to peritoneal membrane transport type and tertiles of total body water, assumed equal to urea distribution volume (Vurea). Each patient was then modeled using PD Adequest 2.0 to be treated by 12 CAPD and 34 APD Rxs using both glucose and icodextrin solutions to achieve adequacy targets of weekly urea Kt/V of 1.7 and 1 L of daily ultrafiltration (UF). Residual kidney function (RKF) was assumed to be 0, 2, 4, and 6 mL/min. Feasible peritoneal dialysis (PD) Rxs were identified where: 1) the 95% confidence limit achieved the goal of meeting the targets for urea Kt/V, daily UF, and both in 85%, 75%, and 70% of patients, respectively; 2) average PD solution dextrose concentration was < 2.5%; and 3) the number of daytime exchanges was minimized.

Results

Feasible PD Rxs were similar when RKF was ≥ 2 mL/min, allowing condensed recommendations based on RKF ≥ 2 mL/min or < 2 mL/min. Individuals with lower or slower membrane transport required relatively greater 24-h solution volumes to achieve adequacy targets when RKF fell below 2 mL/min. With increasing Vurea, there was disproportionately greater dependence on RKF to achieve targets. While multiple Rxs achieving urea Kt/V and daily UF goals were identified for all membrane transport types, use of icodextrin in the long dwell reduced the need for a midday exchange in APD, glucose exposure, required fill and 24-h dwell volumes, irrespective of RKF and Vurea. While these benefits were most notable in high and high-average transporters, similar results were also seen in low and low-average transporters.

Conclusions

Kinetic modeling identified multiple APD and CAPD Rxs that achieved adequate uremic solute and fluid removal for patients, irrespective of RKF and Vurea. Use of icodextrin rather than glucose in the long dwell reduced the complexity of the PD regimen, total glucose exposure, and 24-h total treatment solution volumes. Irrespective of modeling, adequacy of any PD prescription should be based upon individual clinical evaluation both for volume and solute removal.