bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypoglycemic effect of poly-herbal combination in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Kurian Gino A.
Published: March 2016

The present study evaluates the combinatorial effect of a poly-herbal combination with multiple therapeutic effects as a hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic agent. Herbal combination of Salacia oblonga, Tinospora cordifolia, Emblica officinalis, Curcuma longa and Gymnema sylvestre was prepared and administered to streptozotocin (55 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced diabetic rats, at a dose of 100 mg/kg, for four weeks. The poly-herbal combination significantly elevated the plasma insulin (90%) and reduced serum glucose (42%), cholesterol (49%), triglycerides (43%), LDL cholesterol (62.5%) and plasma apo B/apo A in the diabetic rats. The liver lipogenic enzymes like HMG CoA reductase and glucose-6-phosphatase significantly declined (p<0.05) in their activity while glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and malic enzymes showed higher activity compared to the diabetic control. The results suggest a significant hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic property for the poly-herbal combination.

 
A Unified Cropland Layer at 250 m for Global Agriculture Monitoring
Authors: Waldner François , Fritz Steffen , Di Gregorio Antonio , Plotnikov Dmitry , Bartalev Sergey , Kussul Nataliia , Gong Peng , Thenkabail Prasad , Hazeu Gerard , Klein Igor , Löw Fabian , Miettinen Jukka , Dadhwal Vinay , Lamarche Céline , Bontemps Sophie , Defourny Pierre
Published: March 2016

Accurate and timely information on the global cropland extent is critical for food security monitoring, water management and earth system modeling. Principally, it allows for analyzing satellite image time-series to assess the crop conditions and permits isolation of the agricultural component to focus on food security and impacts of various climatic scenarios. However, despite its critical importance, accurate information on the spatial extent, cropland mapping with remote sensing imagery remains a major challenge. Following an exhaustive identification and collection of existing land cover maps, a multi-criteria analysis was designed at the country level to evaluate the fitness of a cropland map with regards to four dimensions: its timeliness, its legend, its resolution adequacy and its confidence level. As a result, a Unified Cropland Layer that combines the fittest products into a 250 m global cropland map was assembled. With an evaluated accuracy ranging from 82% to 95%, the Unified Cropland Layer successfully improved the accuracy compared to single global products.
Evaluation of Gas Production from Marine Hydrate Deposits at the GMGS2-Site 8, Pearl River Mouth Basin, South China Sea
Authors: Wang Yi , Feng Jing-Chun , Li Xiao-Sen , Zhang Yu , Li Gang
Published: March 2016

Natural gas hydrate accumulations were confirmed in the Dongsha Area of the South China Sea by the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey 2 (GMGS2) scientific drilling expedition in 2013. The drilling sites of GMGS2-01, -04, -05, -07, -08, -09, -11, -12, and -16 verified the existence of a hydrate-bearing layer. In this work gas production behavior was evaluated at GMGS2-8 by numerical simulation. The hydrate reservoir in the GMGS2-8 was characterized by dual hydrate layers and a massive hydrate layer. A single vertical well was considered as the well configuration, and depressurization was employed as the dissociation method. Analyses of gas production sensitivity to the production pressure, the thermal conductivity, and the intrinsic permeability were investigated as well. Simulation results indicated that the total gas production from the reference case is approximately 7.3 × 107 ST m3 in 30 years. The average gas production rate in 30 years is 6.7 × 103 ST m3/day, which is much higher than the previous study in the Shenhu Area of the South China Sea performed by the GMGS-1. Moreover, the maximum gas production rate (9.5 × 103 ST m3/day) has the same order of magnitude of the first offshore methane hydrate production test in the Nankai Trough. When production pressure decreases from 4.5 to 3.4 MPa, the volume of gas production increases by 20.5%, and when production pressure decreases from 3.4 to 2.3 MPa, the volume of gas production increases by 13.6%. Production behaviors are not sensitive to the thermal conductivity. In the initial 10 years, the higher permeability leads to a larger rate of gas production, however, the final volume of gas production in the case with the lowest permeability is the highest.
Reduced-Capacity Inrush Current Suppressor Using a Matrix Converter in a Wind Power Generation System with Squirrel-Cage Induction Machines
Authors: Shibata Sho , Yamada Hiroaki , Tanaka Toshihiko , Okamoto Masayuki
Published: March 2016

This paper describes the reduced capacity of the inrush current suppressor using a matrix converter (MC) in a large-capacity wind power generation system (WPGS) with two squirrel-cage induction machines (SCIMs). These SCIMs are switched over depending on the wind speed. The input side of the MC is connected to the source in parallel. The output side of the MC is connected in series with the SCIM through matching transformers. The modulation method of the MC used is direct duty ratio pulse width modulation. The reference output voltage of the MC is decided by multiplying the SCIM current with the variable control gain. Therefore, the MC performs as resistors for the inrush current. Digital computer simulation is implemented to confirm the validity and practicability of the proposed inrush current suppressor using PSCAD/EMTDC (power system computer-aided design/electromagnetic transients including DC). Furthermore, the equivalent resistance of the MC is decided by the relationship between the equivalent resistance and the capacity of the MC. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed inrush current suppressor can suppress the inrush current perfectly.
Analysis of the Nonlinear Trends and Non-Stationary Oscillations of Regional Precipitation in Xinjiang, Northwestern China, Using Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition
Authors: Guo Bin , Chen Zhongsheng , Guo Jinyun , Liu Feng , Chen Chuanfa , Liu Kangli
Published: March 2016

Changes in precipitation could have crucial influences on the regional water resources in arid regions such as Xinjiang. It is necessary to understand the intrinsic multi-scale variations of precipitation in different parts of Xinjiang in the context of climate change. In this study, based on precipitation data from 53 meteorological stations in Xinjiang during 1960–2012, we investigated the intrinsic multi-scale characteristics of precipitation variability using an adaptive method named ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD). Obvious non-linear upward trends in precipitation were found in the north, south, east and the entire Xinjiang. Changes in precipitation in Xinjiang exhibited significant inter-annual scale (quasi-2 and quasi-6 years) and inter-decadal scale (quasi-12 and quasi-23 years). Moreover, the 2–3-year quasi-periodic fluctuation was dominant in regional precipitation and the inter-annual variation had a considerable effect on the regional-scale precipitation variation in Xinjiang. We also found that there were distinctive spatial differences in variation trends and turning points of precipitation in Xinjiang. The results of this study indicated that compared to traditional decomposition methods, the EEMD method, without using any a priori determined basis functions, could effectively extract the reliable multi-scale fluctuations and reveal the intrinsic oscillation properties of climate elements.
Predicting the Cytotoxic Potency of Cigarette Smoke by Assessing the Thioredoxin Reductase Inhibitory Capacity of Cigarette Smoke Extract
Authors: Zhang Longjie , Ning Min , Xu Yingbo , Wang Chenghui , Zhao Guangshan , Cao Qingqing , Zhang Jinsong
Published: March 2016

The present study investigated the influence of the cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on mammalian thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activity. TrxR is a selenoenzyme with a selenocysteine (Sec) residue exposed on the enzyme’s surface. This unique Sec residue is particularly susceptible to modification by numerous types of electrophiles, leading to inactivation of TrxR and consequent cytotoxicity. Cigarette smoke contains various electrophiles, and the present study showed that CSE could inhibit intracellular TrxR through causing crosslinking and alkylation of TrxR1. TrxR inhibitory capacities of various CSEs were evaluated by using mouse-liver homogenate. Among the CSEs prepared from 18 commercial cigarette brands, TrxR inhibitory capacities of the maximum and the minimum had a 2.5-fold difference. Importantly, CSE’s inhibitory capacity greatly paralleled its cytotoxic potency in all cell lines used. Compared to cytotoxic assays, which have been widely used for evaluating cigarette toxicity but are not suitable for simultaneously examining a large number of cigarette samples, the present method was simple and rapid with a high-throughput feature and thus could be used as an auxiliary means to predict the cytotoxicity of a large number of cigarette samples, making it possible to extensively screen numerous agricultural and industrial measures that potentially affect cigarette safety.
Announcing the International Journal of Molecular Sciences Junior Scientists Travel Awards 2016
Authors:   International Journal of Molecular Sciences Editorial Office
Published: March 2016

With the goal of recognizing outstanding contributions to the field of molecular sciences by early-career investigators, including assistant professors, postdoctoral students and PhD students, [...]
Synthesis of Porous Carbon Monoliths Using Hard Templates
Authors: Klepel Olaf , Danneberg Nina , Dräger Matti , Erlitz Marcel , Taubert Michael
Published: March 2016

The preparation of porous carbon monoliths with a defined shape via template-assisted routes is reported. Monoliths made from porous concrete and zeolite were each used as the template. The porous concrete-derived carbon monoliths exhibited high gravimetric specific surface areas up to 2000 m2·g−1. The pore system comprised macro-, meso-, and micropores. These pores were hierarchically arranged. The pore system was created by the complex interplay of the actions of both the template and the activating agent as well. On the other hand, zeolite-made template shapes allowed for the preparation of microporous carbon monoliths with a high volumetric specific surface area. This feature could be beneficial if carbon monoliths must be integrated into technical systems under space-limited conditions.
One-Dimensional Haptic Rendering Using Audio Speaker with Displacement Determined by Inductance
Authors: Khera Avin , Lee Randy , Marcovici Avi , Yu Zhixuan , Klatzky Roberta , Siegel Mel , Shroff Sanjeev , Stetten George
Published: March 2016

We report overall design considerations and preliminary results for a new haptic rendering device based on an audio loudspeaker. Our application models tissue properties during microsurgery. For example, the device could respond to the tip of a tool by simulating a particular tissue, displaying a desired compressibility and viscosity, giving way as the tissue is disrupted, or exhibiting independent motion, such as that caused by pulsations in blood pressure. Although limited to one degree of freedom and with a relatively small range of displacement compared to other available haptic rendering devices, our design exhibits high bandwidth, low friction, low hysteresis, and low mass. These features are consistent with modeling interactions with delicate tissues during microsurgery. In addition, our haptic rendering device is designed to be simple and inexpensive to manufacture, in part through an innovative method of measuring displacement by existing variations in the speaker’s inductance as the voice coil moves over the permanent magnet. Low latency and jitter are achieved by running the real-time simulation models on a dedicated microprocessor, while maintaining bidirectional communication with a standard laptop computer for user controls and data logging.
Integrated (Meta) Genomic and Synthetic Biology Approaches to Develop New Biocatalysts
Authors: Parages María , Gutiérrez-Barranquero José , Reen F. , Dobson Alan , O’Gara Fergal
Published: March 2016

In recent years, the marine environment has been the subject of increasing attention from biotechnological and pharmaceutical industries as a valuable and promising source of novel bioactive compounds. Marine biodiscovery programmes have begun to reveal the extent of novel compounds encoded within the enormous bacterial richness and diversity of the marine ecosystem. A combination of unique physicochemical properties and spatial niche-specific substrates, in wide-ranging and extreme habitats, underscores the potential of the marine environment to deliver on functionally novel biocatalytic activities. With the growing need for green alternatives to industrial processes, and the unique transformations which nature is capable of performing, marine biocatalysts have the potential to markedly improve current industrial pipelines. Furthermore, biocatalysts are known to possess chiral selectivity and specificity, a key focus of pharmaceutical drug design. In this review, we discuss how the explosion in genomics based sequence analysis, allied with parallel developments in synthetic and molecular biology, have the potential to fast-track the discovery and subsequent improvement of a new generation of marine biocatalysts.
Investigation on Hot Deformation Behavior and Hot Processing Map of BSTMUF601 Super-Alloy
Authors: Sun Chaoyang , Zuo Xun , Xiang Yu , Yang Jing
Published: March 2016

Isothermal compression tests of BSTMUF601 super-alloy in the temperature range of 950 °C–1200 °C and at the strain rates of 0.2 s−1, 5 s−1, 10 s−1 were performed on a Gleeble-1500D thermo-mechanical simulator. Based on the hyperbolic sine function, the unified constitutive equations and hot processing maps during the hot deformation process were established. The flow stress predicted by the constitutive equations shows good agreement with the corrected stress. Hot processing maps for hot working conditions were established based on exploring the effect of power dissipation efficiency and the instability coefficient associated with various kinds of temperatures and stain rates. Subsequently, power dissipation efficiency and the instability coefficient were interpreted based on hot processing maps under a series of strains, temperatures and strain rates. The results show that power dissipation efficiency increases gradually with the increasing temperature and the decreasing stain rate, and instability domains reduce first, then increase with the increase of true strain. The optimum hot working condition of BSTMUF601 super-alloy was obtained.
Isoquercitrin Inhibits Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Apoptosis of EA.hy926 Cells via the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhu Meixia , Li Jiankuan , Wang Ke , Hao Xuliang , Ge Rui , Li Qingshan
Published: March 2016

Oxidative stress plays a critical role in endothelial injury and the pathogenesis of diverse cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. Isoquercitrin (quercetin-3-glucoside), a flavonoid distributed widely in plants, exhibits many biological activities, including anti-allergic, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative effects. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of isoquercitrin on H2O2-induced apoptosis of EA.hy926 cells was evaluated. MTT assays showed that isoquercitrin significantly inhibited H2O2-induced loss of viability in EA.hy926 cells. Hoechst33342/PI and Annexin V-FITC/PI fluorescent double staining indicated that isoquercitrin inhibited H2O2-induced apoptosis of EA.hy926 cells. Western blotting demonstrated that isoquercitrin prevented H2O2-induced increases in cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3 expression, while increasing expression of anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1. Additionally, isoquercitrin significantly increased the expression of p-Akt and p-GSK3β in a dose-dependent manner in EA.hy926 cells. LY294002, a PI3K/Akt inhibitor, inhibited isoquercitrin-induced GSK3β phosphorylation and increase of Mcl-1 expression, which indicated that regulation of isoquercitrin on Mcl-1 expression was likely related to the modulation of Akt activation. These results demonstrated that the anti-apoptotic effect of isoquercitrin on H2O2-induced EA.hy926 cells was likely associated with the regulation of isoquercitrin on Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway and that isoquercitrin could be used clinically to interfere with the progression of endothelial injury-associated cardiovascular disease.
Screening of Satureja subspicata Vis. Honey by HPLC-DAD, GC-FID/MS and UV/VIS: Prephenate Derivatives as Biomarkers
Authors: Jerković Igor , Kranjac Marina , Marijanović Zvonimir , Zekić Marina , Radonić Ani , Tuberoso Carlo
Published: March 2016

The samples of Satureja subspicata Vis. honey were confirmed to be unifloral by melissopalynological analysis with the characteristic pollen share from 36% to 71%. Bioprospecting of the samples was performed by HPLC-DAD, GC-FID/MS, and UV/VIS. Prephenate derivatives were shown to be dominant by the HPLC-DAD analysis, particularly phenylalanine (167.8 mg/kg) and methyl syringate (MSYR, 114.1 mg/kg), followed by tyrosine and benzoic acid. Higher amounts of MSYR (3–4 times) can be pointed out for distinguishing S. subspicata Vis. honey from other Satureja spp. honey types. GC-FID/MS analysis of ultrasonic solvent extracts of the samples revealed MSYR (46.68%, solvent pentane/Et2O 1:2 (v/v); 52.98%, solvent CH2Cl2) and minor abundance of other volatile prephenate derivatives, as well as higher aliphatic compounds characteristic of the comb environment. Two combined extracts (according to the solvents) of all samples were evaluated for their antioxidant properties by FRAP and DPPH assay; the combined extracts demonstrated higher activity (at lower concentrations) in comparison with the average honey sample. UV/VIS analysis of the samples was applied for determination of CIE Lab colour coordinates, total phenolics (425.38 mg GAE/kg), and antioxidant properties (4.26 mmol Fe2+/kg (FRAP assay) and 0.8 mmol TEAC/kg (DDPH assay)).
Deoxyelephantopin from Elephantopus scaber Inhibits HCT116 Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cell Growth through Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest
Authors: Chan Chim , Chan Gomathi , Awang Khalijah , Abdul Kadir Habsah
Published: March 2016

Deoxyelephantopin (DET), one of the major sesquiterpene lactones derived from Elephantopus scaber was reported to possess numerous pharmacological functions. This study aimed to assess the apoptosis inducing effects and cell cycle arrest by DET followed by elucidation of the mechanisms underlying cell death in HCT116 cells. The anticancer activity of DET was evaluated by a MTT assay. Morphological and biochemical changes were detected by Hoescht 33342/PI and Annexin V/PI staining. The results revealed that DET and isodeoxyelephantopin (isoDET) could be isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of E. scaber leaves via a bioassay-guided approach. DET induced significant dose- and time-dependent growth inhibition of HCT116 cells. Characteristics of apoptosis including nuclear morphological changes and externalization of phosphatidylserine were observed. DET also significantly resulted in the activation of caspase-3 and PARP cleavage. Additionally, DET induced cell cycle arrest at the S phase along with dose-dependent upregulation of p21 and phosphorylated p53 protein expression. DET dose-dependently downregulated cyclin D1, A2, B1, E2, CDK4 and CDK2 protein expression. In conclusion, our data showed that DET induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HCT116 colorectal carcinoma, suggesting that DET has potential as an anticancer agent for colorectal carcinoma.
A Solvent-Free Surface Suspension Melt Technique for Making Biodegradable PCL Membrane Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Suntornnond Ratima , An Jia , Tijore Ajay , Leong Kah , Chua Chee , Tan Lay
Published: March 2016

In tissue engineering, there is limited availability of a simple, fast and solvent-free process for fabricating micro-porous thin membrane scaffolds. This paper presents the first report of a novel surface suspension melt technique to fabricate a micro-porous thin membrane scaffolds without using any organic solvent. Briefly, a layer of polycaprolactone (PCL) particles is directly spread on top of water in the form of a suspension. After that, with the use of heat, the powder layer is transformed into a melted layer, and following cooling, a thin membrane is obtained. Two different sizes of PCL powder particles (100 µm and 500 µm) are used. Results show that membranes made from 100 µm powders have lower thickness, smaller pore size, smoother surface, higher value of stiffness but lower ultimate tensile load compared to membranes made from 500 µm powder. C2C12 cell culture results indicate that the membrane supports cell growth and differentiation. Thus, this novel membrane generation method holds great promise for tissue engineering.
Antibacterial Activity and Action Mechanism of the Essential Oil from Enteromorpha linza L. against Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Patra Jayanta , Baek Kwang-Hyun
Published: March 2016

Foodborne illness and disease caused by foodborne pathogenic bacteria is continuing to increase day by day and it has become an important topic of concern among various food industries. Many types of synthetic antibacterial agents have been used in food processing and food preservation; however, they are not safe and have resulted in various health-related issues. Therefore, in the present study, essential oil from an edible seaweed, Enteromorpha linza (AEO), was evaluated for its antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens, along with the mechanism of its antibacterial action. AEO at 25 mg/disc was highly active against Bacillus cereus (12.3–12.7 mm inhibition zone) and Staphylococcus aureus (12.7–13.3 mm inhibition zone). The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values of AEO ranged from 12.5–25 mg/mL. Further investigation of the mechanism of action of AEO revealed its strong impairing effect on the viability of bacterial cells and membrane permeability, as indicated by a significant increase in leakage of 260 nm absorbing materials and K+ ions from the cell membrane and loss of high salt tolerance. Taken together, these data suggest that AEO has the potential for use as an effective antibacterial agent that functions by impairing cell membrane permeability via morphological alternations, resulting in cellular lysis and cell death.
n-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation and Leukocyte Telomere Length in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Barden Anne , O’Callaghan Nathan , Burke Valerie , Mas Emile , Beilin Lawrence , Fenech Michael , Irish Ashley , Watts Gerald , Puddey Ian , Huang Rae-Chi , Mori Trevor
Published: March 2016

DNA telomere shortening associates with the age-related increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Reducing oxidative stress, could modify telomere erosion during cell replication, and CVD risk in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The effect of n-3 fatty acids and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) on telomere length was studied in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial in CKD. Eighty-five CKD patients were randomized to: n-3 fatty acids (4 g); CoQ (200 mg); both supplements; or control (4 g olive oil), daily for 8 weeks. Telomere length was measured in neutrophils and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) at baseline and 8 weeks, with and without correction for cell counts. Main and interactive effects of n-3 fatty acids and CoQ on telomere length were assessed adjusting for baseline values. F2-isoprostanes were measured as markers of oxidative stress. There was no effect of n-3 fatty acids or CoQ on neutrophil or PBMC telomere length. However, telomere length corrected for neutrophil count was increased after n-3 fatty acids (p = 0.015). Post-intervention plasma F2-isoprostanes were negative predictors of post-intervention telomere length corrected for neutrophil count (p = 0.025).The effect of n-3 fatty acids to increased telomere length corrected for neutrophil count may relate to reduced oxidative stress and increased clearance of neutrophils with shorter telomeres from the circulation. This may be a novel mechanism of modifying CVD risk in CKD patients.
Increasing Surface Plasmons Propagation via Photonic Nanojets with Periodically Spaced 3D Dielectric Cuboids
Authors: Pacheco-Peña Victor , Minin Igor , Minin Oleg , Beruete Miguel
Published: March 2016

A structure based on periodically arranged 3D dielectric cuboids connected by photonic nanojets (PNJs) is proposed with the aim of increasing the propagation distance of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) at the telecom wavelength of 1550 nm. The performance of the structure is evaluated and compared with the case without the cuboids demonstrating that the SPPs propagation length is enhanced by a factor greater than 2, reaching a value of approximately 19λ0, when the gap between the cuboids is 2.5λ0. Also, the dependence of the propagation length with the height of the cubes is evaluated, showing that this parameter is critical for a good performance of the chain. A subwavelength resolution is obtained for all the jets generated at the output of the cuboids.
Relational Inquiry—Attending to the Spirit of Nursing Students
Authors: Spadoni Michelle , Sevean Patricia
Published: March 2016

The impetus for this paper came from our experiences as learner-teachers of re-considering the epistemological and ontological roots of our undergraduate-nursing curriculum. It began as an earnest dialogue regarding particular aspects of first year undergraduate-nursing theory content, specifically, caring and compassion, self-concept and nursing identity, spirituality and culture, a simple question—how could we better engage first year nursing students with what they frequently considered to be “abstract” and “soft” concepts? An organic need to be “good teachers” and introduce learners to fundamental concepts in nursing, and have them understand, in meaningful ways, the complexity of “caring and compassion” with respect to what it is that nurses do, think, and enact. To this end, we enlisted Relational Inquiry, as articulated by Gweneth Hartrick Doane and Colleen Varcoe, as a means of creating an epistemological and ontological foundation for our teaching practice in order to better support the development of critically reflective, community orientated, caring relational practitioners. Initially, we thought relational inquiry was an epistemological endeavor and found that it is an ontological undertaking. We discovered that practicing from a relational caring perspective shifted our focus from the content to the student as a developing practitioner and human being. Through the process of re-imagining our teaching practice, we have begun to re-consider the importance of “attending to the spirit” of nursing students.
Theoretical and Experimental Analysis of an Induction Planar Actuator with Different Secondaries—A Planar Driver Application for Metallic Surface Inspection
Authors: Treviso Felipe , Silveira Marilia , Flores Filho Aly , Dorrell David
Published: March 2016

This paper presents a study on an induction planar actuator concept. The device uses the same principles as a linear induction motor in which the interaction between a travelling magnetic field and a conducting surface produces eddy currents that leads to the generation of a thrust force and can result in movement over a metallic surface. This can benefit the inspection of metallic surfaces based on the driving platform provided by the induction planar actuator. Equations of the magnetic and electric fields are presented and, by means of these equations, the forces involved were calculated. The behaviour of thrust and normal forces was analysed through the equations and by numerical models, and compared with the results obtained by measurements on a device prototype built in the laboratory as part of the study. With relation to the surface under inspection that forms the secondary, three cases were analysed: (1) a double-layered secondary formed by aluminium and ferromagnetic slabs; (2) a single aluminium layer and (3) a single ferromagnetic layer. Theoretical and measured values of thrust and normal forces showed good correlation.
An Innovative Optical Sensor for the Online Monitoring and Control of Biomass Concentration in a Membrane Bioreactor System for Lactic Acid Production
Authors: Fan Rong , Ebrahimi Mehrdad , Quitmann Hendrich , Aden Matthias , Czermak Peter
Published: March 2016

Accurate real-time process control is necessary to increase process efficiency, and optical sensors offer a competitive solution because they provide diverse system information in a noninvasive manner. We used an innovative scattered light sensor for the online monitoring of biomass during lactic acid production in a membrane bioreactor system because biomass determines productivity in this type of process. The upper limit of the measurement range in fermentation broth containing Bacillus coagulans was ~2.2 g·L−1. The specific cell growth rate (µ) during the exponential phase was calculated using data representing the linear range (cell density ≤ 0.5 g·L−1). The results were consistently and reproducibly more accurate than offline measurements of optical density and cell dry weight, because more data were gathered in real-time over a shorter duration. Furthermore, µmax was measured under different filtration conditions (transmembrane pressure 0.3–1.2 bar, crossflow velocity 0.5–1.5 m·s−1), showing that energy input had no significant impact on cell growth. Cell density was monitored using the sensor during filtration and was maintained at a constant level by feeding with glucose according to the fermentation kinetics. Our novel sensor is therefore suitable for integration into control strategies for continuous fermentation in membrane bioreactor systems.
Planning Support Systems (PSS)-Based Spatial Plan Alternatives and Environmental Assessment
Authors: Choi Hee-Sun , Lee Gil-Sang
Published: March 2016

Spatial planning is at the core of national land and urban development. Many countries and cities seek sustainable development through various means such as coordinated environmental planning, environmental assessment, and internalization of environmental analysis and planning. A Planning Support System (PSS) is a GIS (Geographic Information System)-based, spatial decision-making support system that incorporates a variety of theories and pertinent models. This study adopted the “What if?” model to design an alternative spatial plan that includes generation of predictive scenarios and is relatively easy to use. In the cities studied, we identified a total of six scenarios based on the main drivers of development—namely, population and spatial policies. Subsequently, we assessed the alternatives for their environmental impact, preparing sensitivity maps for each major environmental issue in the target area (natural ecosystem, air and microclimate, natural disasters). One projected advantage of the “What if?” model is that its digital visualization of proposed plans may improve public awareness and involvement. Furthermore, the tool is expected to be highly useful in ensuring the objectivity of quantitative analyses. However, it is necessary to develop a PSS that is both standardized and tailored to the particular needs of each area. Finally, the development of an e-governance system will be beneficial in ensuring public access to the decision making process.
Searching for Common Mammalian Retroviruses in Pediatric Idiopathic Diseases
Authors: Jeziorski Eric , Foulongne Vincent , Ludwig Catherine , Louhaem Djamel , Rodiere Michel , Sitbon Marc , Courgnaud Valérie
Published: March 2016

Mammalian retroviruses cause a variety of diseases in their hosts, including hematological and immunodeficiency disorders. Both human T-cell leukemia (HTLV) and human immunodeficiency (HIV) viruses originated from several independent zoonotic transmissions, indicating that cross-species transmissions from animal to humans may still occur. Thus, as the risk for retroviral transmissions from animals to humans increase, we investigated whether mammalian retroviruses are involved in selected pediatric idiopathic diseases whose symptoms evoke retroviral infections. Blood samples, sera, and synovial fluids, or bone marrow cells were collected from pediatric patients under 18 years of age with different autoimmune idiopathic diseases. Overall, we screened clinical samples from 110 children using sensitive nested and semi-nested PCR strategies targeting env genes, and a C-type retrovirus reverse transcriptase (RT) activity kit. All clinical samples were free of retroviral signatures, indicating the unlikelihood of an etiological role of the retroviruses we assessed in the pediatric diseases we tested.
Les subdélégués de l'intendant Taboureau et le commerce des grains en Hainaut à l'époque de Terray (1769-1774).
Authors: Cerisier Patrick
Published: March 2016

A la fin de la décennie 1760, la concomitance entre la nomination de l'abbé Terray au Contrôle Général des finances et une période de difficultés frumentaires entraîne une inflexion de la politique annonaire libérale inaugurée par Bertin en 1763. Par une grande enquête auprès des intendants, répercutée dans les subdélégations, Terray s'informe de la situation des grains dans les provinces et des conditions générales de leur marché. Le Hainaut frontalier présente à cet égard des caractéristiques intéressantes par la juxtaposition de terroirs aux aptitudes agricoles différentes sinon opposées. Le Hainaut est déficitaire en grains et dépend des régions voisines pour la couverture de ses besoins, assurée grâce à une multitude de blatiers plutôt que par de grands marchands. Les réponses des subdélégués font aussi entrevoir leurs inclinations personnelles et permettent de mesurer l'influence des idées nouvelles sur ces administrateurs locaux.
La Révolution française et la presse de Suède.
Authors: Chevaucherie Eric
Published: March 2016

French Revolution and the Swedish Press.

The Swedish crown reacted vigorously to the news of the July 1789 events in Paris. Stockholm had been francophile and the ally of Ancien Régime France for more than a century. But what about the reaction of the Swedish population in the peripheral areas of the kingdom ? The reading of the articles published in Gävle's weekly, a small town in northern Sweden, allows us to measure better the real diffusion and reception of the events and the ideas reaching them from France over the 1789-1799 period. Although all the Swedish press drew its information from newspapers and gazettes written in German, the relation of the facts and the critical comments read in the columns of Weckoblad för Gefleborgs Lan are characterized by various factors. Censorship, reestablished in 1792, and the dependence on the Stockholm press, which had a monopoly on foreign policy information, limit in practice the expression of provincial public opinion. Finally, the time and distance factors, which separate Paris from the Scandinavians confines of Europe, as well as the idealization or diabolization of France and its revolution make the understanding of the events quite haphazard.
Effect of Occupational Cadmium Exposure on Parathyroid Gland
Authors: Ibrahim Khadiga S. , Beshir Safia , Shahy Eman M. , Shaheen Weam
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Cadmium (Cd) is used in many industries. High-level exposure is associated with severe kidney and bone damage.AIM: This study investigates the possible effect of occupational cadmium exposure on parathyroid gland and some minerals in workers.METHODS: Environmental air monitoring of cadmium was done. Serum and urine cadmium levels, kidney function, some minerals, and plasma parathormone were estimated in the studied groups. RESULTS: The exposed workers had significantly higher Cd concentration in serum and urine than controls. The mean levels of plasma parathyroid hormone, serum phosphorus and magnesium were significantly lower among the exposed group. However, the mean levels of serum creatinine and calcium were significantly higher in the same group when compared to referents. There was a significant positive correlation between Cd concentration in the serum and urine for the exposed group. The biological Cd exposure indices correlated positively with serum calcium and negatively with plasma PTH level. The prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints, bone ache, joint pain and muscle spasm were more prevalent among the exposed workers compared with the controls with odds ratio 4.316, 3.053 and 3.103 respectively.CONCLUSIONS: Occupational cadmium exposure has an adverse effect on PTH level and serum human minerals.
Influence of environmental conditions on insect reproduction and chemical composition of escamoles (Liometopum apiculatum M)
Authors: Melo-Ruíz V. , Sánchez-Herrera K. , Sandoval-Trujillo H. , Díaz-García R. , Quirino-Barreda T.
Published: March 2016

Escamoles, ant eggs (Liometopum apiculatum M), are edible insects consumed in great numbers and appreciated for their sensory characteristics, but not for their nutritional value. In Mexico, they reproduce in arid and semi-arid zones of Mexico and several states (Puebla, Tlaxcala, Hidalgo). Samples were gathered to determine reproduction conditions and perform an insect analysis to generate data composition in macronutrients, on dry basis, according to AOAC methods. The obtained data were: proteins: 42.12-50.63%; lipids: 30.27-34.96%; minerals: 6.53-7.85%; fibres: 1.91-2.56%; and soluble carbohydrates: 6.80-18.27%. Entomological material was collected in spring 2014, 3 nests for each zone, all from different altitudes and agroclimatic regions. Samples were representative for the insect supply in the areas studied. Insects are high in proteins and lipids, compared with most of the commonly consumed food, due to their high content of fatty acids; they must be refrigerated for later consumption. Minerals are moderated. Fibre and soluble carbohydrate levels are low, but an excess of proteins can be converted into carbohydrates via gluconeogenesis. Escamoles reproduce once a year in the spring, but sometimes one nest can provide escamoles eggs twice in the same season, once at the beginning and again at the end, depending on the biotic and abiotic conditions of their environment. Escamoles are a good source of nutrients; however, some rural people sell them to obtain extra income rather than consume them to improve their nutritional condition and welfare.
Proyecto SYMBCITY del Solar Decathlon Europe 2014: redensificación sostenible como forma de intervención urbana en tiempos de crisis
Authors: Baño Nieva A. , Castilla Pascual F. , Estirado Oliet F.
Published: March 2016

Partiendo del concepto de «redensificación sostenible» se propone la colonización o reordenación de espacios disponibles sobre la cubierta, bajos o entre medianeras de edificaciones existentes, para usos demandados en cada barrio, y el desarro-llo de sus fachadas, generando un nuevo conjunto urbano que en su asociación origina un organismo simbiótico benefician-do a todas las partes implicadas. Este aumento de edificabilidad y su explotación permitirá la financiación de las mejoras energéticas y de accesibilidad de la edificación ocupada que cede su terreno. Este proyecto forma parte del desarrollo del prototipo del equipo Plateau Team, formado por las Universidades de Alcalá y Castilla-La Mancha, seleccionado para la competición «Solar Decathlon 2014». Esta apuesta innovadora de regeneración urbana incluye el análisis urbano, social, técnico y económico, busca nuevos lugares de oportunidad y crea una simbiosis entre lo nuevo y lo antiguo mejorando la eficiencia energética del parque de viviendas existente.
Enhancing and Restoring Habitat for the Desert Tortoise
Authors: Abella Scott R. , Berry Kristin H.
Published: March 2016

Habitat has changed unfavorably during the past 150 y for the desert tortoise Gopherus agassizii, a federally threatened species with declining populations in the Mojave Desert and western Sonoran Desert. To support recovery efforts, we synthesized published information on relationships of desert tortoises with three habitat features (cover sites, forage, and soil) and candidate management practices for improving these features for tortoises. In addition to their role in soil health and facilitating recruitment of annual forage plants, shrubs are used by desert tortoises for cover and as sites for burrows. Outplanting greenhouse-grown seedlings, protected from herbivory, has successfully restored (>50% survival) a variety of shrubs on disturbed desert soils. Additionally, salvaging and reapplying topsoil using effective techniques is among the more ecologically beneficial ways to initiate plant recovery after severe disturbance. Through differences in biochemical composition and digestibility, some plant species provide better-quality forage than others. Desert tortoises selectively forage on particular annual and herbaceous perennial species (e.g., legumes), and forage selection shifts during the year as different plants grow or mature. Nonnative grasses provide low-quality forage and contribute fuel to spreading wildfires, which damage or kill shrubs that tortoises use for cover. Maintaining a diverse “menu” of native annual forbs and decreasing nonnative grasses are priorities for restoring most desert tortoise habitats. Reducing herbivory by nonnative animals, carefully timing herbicide applications, and strategically augmenting annual forage plants via seeding show promise for improving tortoise forage quality. Roads, another disturbance, negatively affect habitat in numerous ways (e.g., compacting soil, altering hydrology). Techniques such as recontouring road berms to reestablish drainage patterns, vertical mulching (“planting” dead plant material), and creating barriers to prevent trespasses can assist natural recovery on decommissioned backcountry roads. Most habitat enhancement efforts to date have focused on only one factor at a time (e.g., providing fencing) and have not included proactive restoration activities (e.g., planting native species on disturbed soils). A research and management priority in recovering desert tortoise habitats is implementing an integrated set of restorative habitat enhancements (e.g., reducing nonnative plants, improving forage quality, augmenting native perennial plants, and ameliorating altered hydrology) and monitoring short- and long-term indicators of habitat condition and the responses of desert tortoises to habitat restoration.
Roadmap to Ensure the Consistency of WIL with the Projects of Companies and Learners
Authors: Nuninger Walter , Conflant Bernard , Châtelet Jean-Marie
Published: March 2016

The challenge for Higher Education providers is first to guarantee flow and satisfaction of stakeholders; thus funding. Therefore, any training device has to ensure consistency with learners' projects; i.e. adaptability to individuals and companies if one considers lifelong learning. Second, training should satisfy a set of quality criteria and be cost efficient. The key factors are the joint design of the training (required skills), adapted monitoring of the realization (control, follow-up, corrective action, support) with continuous adjustment and joint assessment. But, the keystone is the training of the parties (among whom the tutors and mentors) to develop innovative pedagogical devices. The expected roadmap is presented to create sustainable training projects that meaningfully integrate past and current work experience to develop learning abilities. These prospects put questions to pedagogical teams and executive boards about the lifetime of specific trainings and potential transferability of the core business (skilled workforce, leading model).
Economic Broadband Development through Infrastructure Sharing
Authors: Bouras Christos , Antonis Konstantinos , Diles Georgios , Kokkinos Vasileios , Loukopoulos Leonidas
Published: March 2016

Broadband is a public utility with positive effects on competitiveness, employment and growth. Although evidence shows that broadband development is increasing, this increment is not homogeneous between urban and rural areas. The main factor is the high cost for deploying next generation networks in rural areas, and especially the cost linked to civil engineering works. In order to overcome the investment challenges arising in the context of broadband deployment, the European Commission made mandatory the sharing of existing telecommunication and non-telecommunication infrastructures and facilities. This manuscript proposes and presents a novel tool that enables the estimation of the expected savings from exploiting existing infrastructures when deploying a broadband network. This is followed by a number of general principles and recommendations that policy makers and national authorities could embrace to diminish deployment costs and promote broadband deployment.
Energy-Accuracy Trade-off in Wireless Sensor Network Localization
Authors: Baba Asif Iqbal , Wu Fan
Published: March 2016

In Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN), research on localization is very common. Localization is a process of achieving the location information using nodes which already have location information. WSN's generally have limited nodes with given location information or a capability of getting their locations using Global Positioning System (GPS). Therefore, it is important that wireless nodes have capability to localize. In this work the authors use Time of Flight (TOF) ranging technique to measure distances between nodes. These distance measurements are then used by trilateration/multi-lateration techniques which require distance measurements between three or more nodes to estimate location. Focus is to a find a trade-off between energy consumption and the location accuracy. For experiments we use SIDnet-SWANS simulator to two different WSN topologies. Experimental results show that accuracy achieved is relatively better without significantly draining the batteries. The results show the trade-off between accuracy and energy, which can be efficiently used by different applications.
A Novel Application Offloading Algorithm and an Optimized Application Servers Placement for Mobile Cloud Computing
Authors: Ellouze Amal , Gagnaire Maurice
Published: March 2016

An application's offloading algorithm to over go the limitations of mobile terminals, namely their lack of computing capacity and limited battery autonomy is introduced. The proposed Mobile Application's Offloading algorithm enables to shift applicative jobs from mobile handsets to remote servers. The novelty of MAO consists in considering the Quality of Experience as an additional decision test before proceeding to application offloading. Based on various traffic scenarios, researchers study the efficiency of the MAO algorithm and show its performance in terms of rejected jobs and energy savings. First, the researchers consider the case where the application servers were placed systematically at the antenna's site. For a more realistic context of Mobile Cloud Computing, they extend the analysis by considering the case where the remote servers can be placed at different splitting points of the infrastructure. They assess by means of closed-forms fitting functions the performance of the MAO algorithm. Authors end this article with proposing an optimized applications servers placement.