bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Serum Zinc Level and Preeclampsia: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ma Yue , Shen Xiaoli , Zhang Dongfeng
Published: September 2015

The association between serum zinc level and preeclampsia (PE) remains controversial. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science and Embase for relevant available articles. The articles were limited to those in English from January 1990 to April 2015. Observational studies evaluating the association between serum zinc level and PE were included. The I2 was used to assess heterogeneity and the random effect model (REM) was adopted as the pooling method. The pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to estimate the association between serum zinc level and PE. Seventeen observational studies were included. Compared with healthy pregnancy controls, PE patients have lower serum zinc level in 14 studies about total PE (SMD (95% CI): −0.587 (−0.963, −0.212), Z = 3.06, p for Z = 0.002; I2 = 88.4%, p for I2 < 0.0001). In subgroup analysis, a lower serum zinc level in PE patients compared with healthy pregnancy controls was observed in studies conducted in Asia, studies with zinc level measured in serum, and studies involving fasting participants. The SMD did not differ significantly between studies with healthy pregnancy controls matched by individual age (yes or no), and by individual gestational age (yes or no), respectively. Results from this meta-analysis indicate that serum zinc level in PE patients is significantly lower than that in healthy pregnancy controls. A moderate amount of zinc supplementation during pregnancy is advocated to reduce the incidence of PE.
Consumption of Polyphenol-Rich Zingiber Zerumbet Rhizome Extracts Protects against the Breakdown of the Blood-Retinal Barrier and Retinal Inflammation Induced by Diabetes
Authors: Tzeng Thing-Fong , Hong Tang-Yao , Tzeng Yu-Cheng , Liou Shorong-Shii , Liu I-Min
Published: September 2015

The present study investigates the amelioration of diabetic retinopathy (DR) by Zingiber zerumbet rhizome ethanol extracts (ZZRext) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ-diabetic rats). ZZRext contains high phenolic and flavonoid contents. STZ-diabetic rats were treated orally with ZZRext (200, 300 mg/kg per day) for three months. Blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown and increased vascular permeability were found in diabetic rats, with downregulation of occludin, and claudin-5. ZZRext treatment effectively preserved the expression of occludin, and claudin-5, leading to less BRB breakdown and less vascular permeability. Retinal histopathological observation showed that the disarrangement and reduction in thickness of retinal layers were reversed in ZZRext-treated diabetic rats. Retinal gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, vascular endothelial growth factor, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 were all decreased in ZZRext-treated diabetic rats. Moreover, ZZRext treatment not only inhibited the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation, but also downregulated the protein expression of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in diabetic retina. In conclusion, the results suggest that the retinal protective effects of ZZRext occur through improved retinal structural change and inhibiting retinal inflammation. The antiretinopathy property of ZZRext might be related to the downregulation of p38 MAPK and NF-κB signal transduction induced by diabetes.
Standardization of the Food Composition Database Used in the Latin American Nutrition and Health Study (ELANS)
Authors: Kovalskys Irina , Fisberg Mauro , Gómez Georgina , Rigotti Attilio , Cortés Lilia , Yépez Martha , Pareja Rossina , Herrera-Cuenca Marianella , Zimberg Ioná , Tucker Katherine , Koletzko Berthold , Pratt Michael , Group On
Published: September 2015

Between-country comparisons of estimated dietary intake are particularly prone to error when different food composition tables are used. The objective of this study was to describe our procedures and rationale for the selection and adaptation of available food composition to a single database to enable cross-country nutritional intake comparisons. Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS) is a multicenter cross-sectional study of representative samples from eight Latin American countries. A standard study protocol was designed to investigate dietary intake of 9000 participants enrolled. Two 24-h recalls using the Multiple Pass Method were applied among the individuals of all countries. Data from 24-h dietary recalls were entered into the Nutrition Data System for Research (NDS-R) program after a harmonization process between countries to include local foods and appropriately adapt the NDS-R database. A food matching standardized procedure involving nutritional equivalency of local food reported by the study participants with foods available in the NDS-R database was strictly conducted by each country. Standardization of food and nutrient assessments has the potential to minimize systematic and random errors in nutrient intake estimations in the ELANS project. This study is expected to result in a unique dataset for Latin America, enabling cross-country comparisons of energy, macro- and micro-nutrient intake within this region.
Nonhuman Primate Models of Chikungunya Virus Infection and Disease (CHIKV NHP Model)
Authors: Broeckel Rebecca , Haese Nicole , Messaoudi Ilhem , Streblow Daniel
Published: September 2015

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a positive-sense RNA virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. CHIKV is a reemerging Alphavirus that causes acute febrile illness and severe and debilitating polyarthralgia of the peripheral joints. Huge epidemics and the rapid spread of CHIKV seen in India and the Indian Ocean region established CHIKV as a global health concern. This concern was further solidified by the recent incursion of the virus into the Western hemisphere, a region without pre-existing immunity. Nonhuman primates (NHPs) serve as excellent animal models for understanding CHIKV pathogenesis and pre-clinical assessment of vaccines and therapeutics. NHPs present advantages over rodent models because they are a natural amplification host for CHIKV and they share significant genetic and physiological homology with humans. CHIKV infection in NHPs results in acute fever, rash, viremia and production of type I interferon. NHPs develop CHIKV-specific B and T-cells, generating neutralizing antibodies and CHIKV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells. CHIKV establishes a persistent infection in NHPs, particularly in cynomolgus macaques, because infectious virus could be recovered from spleen, liver, and muscle as late as 44 days post infection. NHPs are valuable models that are useful in preclinical testing of vaccines and therapeutics and uncovering the details of CHIKV pathogenesis.
Green Leaf Volatile Emissions during High Temperature and Drought Stress in a Central Amazon Rainforest
Authors: Jardine Kolby , Chambers Jeffrey , Holm Jennifer , Jardine Angela , Fontes Clarissa , Zorzanelli Raquel , Meyers Kimberly , De Souza Vinicius , Garcia Sabrina , Gimenez Bruno , Piva Luani , Higuchi Niro , Artaxo Paulo , Martin Scot , Manzi Antônio
Published: September 2015

Prolonged drought stress combined with high leaf temperatures can induce programmed leaf senescence involving lipid peroxidation, and the loss of net carbon assimilation during early stages of tree mortality. Periodic droughts are known to induce widespread tree mortality in the Amazon rainforest, but little is known about the role of lipid peroxidation during drought-induced leaf senescence. In this study, we present observations of green leaf volatile (GLV) emissions during membrane peroxidation processes associated with the combined effects of high leaf temperatures and drought-induced leaf senescence from individual detached leaves and a rainforest ecosystem in the central Amazon. Temperature-dependent leaf emissions of volatile terpenoids were observed during the morning, and together with transpiration and net photosynthesis, showed a post-midday depression. This post-midday depression was associated with a stimulation of C5 and C6 GLV emissions, which continued to increase throughout the late afternoon in a temperature-independent fashion. During the 2010 drought in the Amazon Basin, which resulted in widespread tree mortality, green leaf volatile emissions (C6 GLVs) were observed to build up within the forest canopy atmosphere, likely associated with high leaf temperatures and enhanced drought-induced leaf senescence processes. The results suggest that observations of GLVs in the tropical boundary layer could be used as a chemical sensor of reduced ecosystem productivity associated with drought stress.
Multi-Objective Stochastic Optimization Programs for a Non-Life Insurance Company under Solvency Constraints
Authors: Kaucic Massimiliano , Daris Roberto
Published: September 2015

In the paper, we introduce a multi-objective scenario-based optimization approach for chance-constrained portfolio selection problems. More specifically, a modified version of the normal constraint method is implemented with a global solver in order to generate a dotted approximation of the Pareto frontier for bi- and tri-objective programming problems. Numerical experiments are carried out on a set of portfolios to be optimized for an EU-based non-life insurance company. Both performance indicators and risk measures are managed as objectives. Results show that this procedure is effective and readily applicable to achieve suitable risk-reward tradeoff analysis.
The Financial Stress Index: Identification of Systemic Risk Conditions
Authors: Oet Mikhail , Dooley John , Ong Stephen
Published: September 2015

This paper develops a financial stress measure for the United States, the Cleveland Financial Stress Index (CFSI). The index is based on publicly available data describing a six-market partition of the financial system comprising credit, funding, real estate, securitization, foreign exchange, and equity markets. This paper improves upon existing stress measures by objectively selecting between several index weighting methodologies across a variety of monitoring frequencies through comparison against a volatility-based benchmark series. The resulting measure facilitates the decomposition of stress to identify disruptions in specific markets and provides insight into historical stress regimes.
Seasonal and Inter-Annual Analysis of Chlorophyll-a and Inherent Optical Properties from Satellite Observations in the Inner and Mid-Shelves of the South of Buenos Aires Province (Argentina)
Authors: Delgado Ana , Loisel Hubert , Jamet Cédric , Vantrepotte Vincent , Perillo Gerardo , Piccolo M.
Published: September 2015

The aim of this study is to describe and understand the seasonal and inter-annual physical and biological dynamics of the inner and mid shelves of the Southwestern Buenos Aires Province (Argentina). We used chlorophyll-a (chl-a) concentrations and inherent optical properties (IOPs), derived from ocean color products between 2002 and 2010, as a proxy for the physical and biological parameters of interest. This study focuses on the absorption by phytoplankton, aph(443), particulate backscattering, bbp(443), and absorption due to dissolved and particulate detrital matter, adg(443), and chl-a derived from a multiband quasi-analytical algorithm (QAA). A regionalization based on the coefficient of variation and the Census X-11 method were applied to define regions and to analyze the inter-annual and seasonal variability of the ocean color parameters, with regards to climate variability. The coastal zone presents the highest values of chl-a with two maxima in winter and autumn, while the mid-shelf shows a strong spring chl-a maximum. After 2009, all parameters under study shifted their seasonality and their magnitude changed over the entire area. In the coastal zone, mean values of aph(443) and bbp(443) increased, while in the mid-shelf, chl-a and aph(443) decreased. The observed inter-annual and seasonal behavior of the parameters is tightly related to climate variability of the study area.
An Uneven Illumination Correction Algorithm for Optical Remote Sensing Images Covered with Thin Clouds
Authors: Shen Xiaole , Li Qingquan , Tian Yingjie , Shen Linlin
Published: September 2015

The uneven illumination phenomenon caused by thin clouds will reduce the quality of remote sensing images, and bring adverse effects to the image interpretation. To remove the effect of thin clouds on images, an uneven illumination correction can be applied. In this paper, an effective uneven illumination correction algorithm is proposed to remove the effect of thin clouds and to restore the ground information of the optical remote sensing image. The imaging model of remote sensing images covered by thin clouds is analyzed. Due to the transmission attenuation, reflection, and scattering, the thin cloud cover usually increases region brightness and reduces saturation and contrast of the image. As a result, a wavelet domain enhancement is performed for the image in Hue-Saturation-Value (HSV) color space. We use images with thin clouds in Wuhan area captured by QuickBird and ZiYuan-3 (ZY-3) satellites for experiments. Three traditional uneven illumination correction algorithms, i.e., multi-scale Retinex (MSR) algorithm, homomorphic filtering (HF)-based algorithm, and wavelet transform-based MASK (WT-MASK) algorithm are performed for comparison. Five indicators, i.e., mean value, standard deviation, information entropy, average gradient, and hue deviation index (HDI) are used to analyze the effect of the algorithms. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively eliminate the influences of thin clouds and restore the real color of ground objects under thin clouds.
Developing Theoretical Marine Habitat Suitability Models from Remotely-Sensed Data and Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Authors: Olsen Patrick , Kolden Crystal , Gadamus Lily
Published: September 2015

There is a lack of information regarding critical habitats for many marine species, including the bearded seal, an important subsistence species for the indigenous residents of Arctic regions. A systematic approach to modeling marine mammal habitat in arctic regions using the lifetime and multi-generational Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) of Alaska Native hunters is developed to address this gap. The approach uses lifetime and cross-generational knowledge of subsistence hunters and their harvest data in the place of observational knowledge gained from Western scientific field surveys of marine mammal sightings. TEK information for mid-June to October was transformed to seal presence/pseudo-absence and used to train Classification Tree Analyses of environmental predictor variables to predict suitable habitat for bearded seals in the Bering Strait region. Predictor variables were derived from a suite of terrestrial, oceanic, and atmospheric remote sensing products, transformed using trend analysis techniques, and aggregated. A Kappa of 0.883 was achieved for habitat classifications. The TEK information used is spatially restricted, but provides a viable, replicable data source that can replace or complement Western scientific observational data.
Building a Better Urban Picture: Combining Day and Night Remote Sensing Imagery
Authors: Zhang Qingling , Li Bin , Thau David , Moore Rebecca
Published: September 2015

Urban areas play a very important role in global climate change. There is increasing need to understand global urban areas with sufficient spatial details for global climate change mitigation. Remote sensing imagery, such as medium resolution Landsat daytime multispectral imagery and coarse resolution Defense Meteorological Satellite Program/Operational Linescan System (DMSP/OLS) nighttime light imagery, has provided a powerful tool for characterizing and mapping cities, with advantages and disadvantages. Here we propose a framework to merge cloud and cloud shadow-free Landsat Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) composite and DMSP/OLS Night Time Light (NTL) to characterize global urban areas at a 30 m resolution, through a Normalized Difference Urban Index (NDUI) to make full use of them while minimizing their limitations. We modify the maximum NDVI value multi-date image compositing method to generate the cloud and cloud shadow-free Landsat NDVI composite, which is critical for generating a global NDUI. Evaluation results show the NDUI can effectively increase the separability between urban areas and bare lands as well as farmland, capturing large scale urban extents and, at the same time, providing sufficient spatial details inside urban areas. With advanced cloud computing facilities and the open Landsat data archives available, NDUI has the potential for global studies at the 30 m scale.
Performance Evaluation of Smartphone Inertial Sensors Measurement for Range of Motion
Authors: Mourcou Quentin , Fleury Anthony , Franco Céline , Klopcic Frédéric , Vuillerme Nicolas
Published: September 2015

Over the years, smartphones have become tools for scientific and clinical research. They can, for instance, be used to assess range of motion and joint angle measurement. In this paper, our aim was to determine if smartphones are reliable and accurate enough for clinical motion research. This work proposes an evaluation of different smartphone sensors performance and different manufacturer algorithm performances with the comparison to the gold standard, an industrial robotic arm with an actual standard use inertial motion unit in clinical measurement, an Xsens product. Both dynamic and static protocols were used to perform these comparisons. Root Mean Square (RMS) mean values results for static protocol are under 0.3° for the different smartphones. RMS mean values results for dynamic protocol are more prone to bias induced by Euler angle representation. Statistical results prove that there are no filter effect on results for both protocols and no hardware effect. Smartphones performance can be compared to the Xsens gold standard for clinical research.
INS/GPS/LiDAR Integrated Navigation System for Urban and Indoor Environments Using Hybrid Scan Matching Algorithm
Authors: Gao Yanbin , Liu Shifei , Atia Mohamed , Noureldin Aboelmagd
Published: September 2015

This paper takes advantage of the complementary characteristics of Global Positioning System (GPS) and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) to provide periodic corrections to Inertial Navigation System (INS) alternatively in different environmental conditions. In open sky, where GPS signals are available and LiDAR measurements are sparse, GPS is integrated with INS. Meanwhile, in confined outdoor environments and indoors, where GPS is unreliable or unavailable and LiDAR measurements are rich, LiDAR replaces GPS to integrate with INS. This paper also proposes an innovative hybrid scan matching algorithm that combines the feature-based scan matching method and Iterative Closest Point (ICP) based scan matching method. The algorithm can work and transit between two modes depending on the number of matched line features over two scans, thus achieving efficiency and robustness concurrently. Two integration schemes of INS and LiDAR with hybrid scan matching algorithm are implemented and compared. Real experiments are performed on an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) for both outdoor and indoor environments. Experimental results show that the multi-sensor integrated system can remain sub-meter navigation accuracy during the whole trajectory.
Wearable Sensing of In-Ear Pressure for Heart Rate Monitoring with a Piezoelectric Sensor
Authors: Park Jang-Ho , Jang Dae-Geun , Park Jung , Youm Se-Kyoung
Published: September 2015

In this study, we developed a novel heart rate (HR) monitoring approach in which we measure the pressure variance of the surface of the ear canal. A scissor-shaped apparatus equipped with a piezoelectric film sensor and a hardware circuit module was designed for high wearability and to obtain stable measurement. In the proposed device, the film sensor converts in-ear pulse waves (EPW) into electrical current, and the circuit module enhances the EPW and suppresses noise. A real-time algorithm embedded in the circuit module performs morphological conversions to make the EPW more distinct and knowledge-based rules are used to detect EPW peaks. In a clinical experiment conducted using a reference electrocardiogram (ECG) device, EPW and ECG were concurrently recorded from 58 healthy subjects. The EPW intervals between successive peaks and their corresponding ECG intervals were then compared to each other. Promising results were obtained from the samples, specifically, a sensitivity of 97.25%, positive predictive value of 97.17%, and mean absolute difference of 0.62. Thus, highly accurate HR was obtained from in-ear pressure variance. Consequently, we believe that our proposed approach could be used to monitor vital signs and also utilized in diverse applications in the near future.
Scalable Microfabrication Procedures for Adhesive-Integrated Flexible and Stretchable Electronic Sensors
Authors: Kang Dae , Kim Yun-Soung , Ornelas Gladys , Sinha Mridu , Naidu Keerthiga , Coleman Todd
Published: September 2015

New classes of ultrathin flexible and stretchable devices have changed the way modern electronics are designed to interact with their target systems. Though more and more novel technologies surface and steer the way we think about future electronics, there exists an unmet need in regards to optimizing the fabrication procedures for these devices so that large-scale industrial translation is realistic. This article presents an unconventional approach for facile microfabrication and processing of adhesive-peeled (AP) flexible sensors. By assembling AP sensors on a weakly-adhering substrate in an inverted fashion, we demonstrate a procedure with 50% reduced end-to-end processing time that achieves greater levels of fabrication yield. The methodology is used to demonstrate the fabrication of electrical and mechanical flexible and stretchable AP sensors that are peeled-off their carrier substrates by consumer adhesives. In using this approach, we outline the manner by which adhesion is maintained and buckling is reduced for gold film processing on polydimethylsiloxane substrates. In addition, we demonstrate the compatibility of our methodology with large-scale post-processing using a roll-to-roll approach.
An SINS/GNSS Ground Vehicle Gravimetry Test Based on SGA-WZ02
Authors: Yu Ruihang , Cai Shaokun , Wu Meiping , Cao Juliang , Zhang Kaidong
Published: September 2015

In March 2015, a ground vehicle gravimetry test was implemented in eastern Changsha to assess the repeatability and accuracy of ground vehicle SINS/GNSS gravimeter—SGA-WZ02. The gravity system developed by NUDT consisted of a Strapdown Inertial Navigation System (SINS), a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) remote station on test vehicle, a GNSS static master station on the ground, and a data logging subsystem. A south-north profile of 35 km along the highway in eastern Changsha was chosen and four repeated available measure lines were obtained. The average speed of a vehicle is 40 km/h. To assess the external ground gravity disturbances, precise ground gravity data was built by CG-5 precise gravimeter as the reference. Under relative smooth conditions, internal accuracy among repeated lines shows an average agreement at the level of 1.86 mGal for half wavelengths about 1.1 km, and 1.22 mGal for 1.7 km. The root-mean-square (RMS) of difference between calculated gravity data and reference data is about 2.27 mGal/1.1 km, and 1.74 mGal/1.7 km. Not all of the noises caused by vehicle itself and experiments environments were eliminated in the primary results. By means of selecting reasonable filters and improving the GNSS observation conditions, further developments in ground vehicle gravimetry are promising.
A Fixed-Pattern Noise Correction Method Based on Gray Value Compensation for TDI CMOS Image Sensor
Authors: Liu Zhenwang , Xu Jiangtao , Wang Xinlei , Nie Kaiming , Jin Weimin
Published: September 2015

In order to eliminate the fixed-pattern noise (FPN) in the output image of time-delay-integration CMOS image sensor (TDI-CIS), a FPN correction method based on gray value compensation is proposed. One hundred images are first captured under uniform illumination. Then, row FPN (RFPN) and column FPN (CFPN) are estimated based on the row-mean vector and column-mean vector of all collected images, respectively. Finally, RFPN are corrected by adding the estimated RFPN gray value to the original gray values of pixels in the corresponding row, and CFPN are corrected by subtracting the estimated CFPN gray value from the original gray values of pixels in the corresponding column. Experimental results based on a 128-stage TDI-CIS show that, after correcting the FPN in the image captured under uniform illumination with the proposed method, the standard-deviation of row-mean vector decreases from 5.6798 to 0.4214 LSB, and the standard-deviation of column-mean vector decreases from 15.2080 to 13.4623 LSB. Both kinds of FPN in the real images captured by TDI-CIS are eliminated effectively with the proposed method.
Application of a Terrestrial LIDAR System for Elevation Mapping in Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica
Authors: Cho Hyoungsig , Hong Seunghwan , Kim Sangmin , Park Hyokeun , Park Ilsuk , Sohn Hong-Gyoo
Published: September 2015

A terrestrial Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system has high productivity and accuracy for topographic mapping, but the harsh conditions of Antarctica make LIDAR operation difficult. Low temperatures cause malfunctioning of the LIDAR system, and unpredictable strong winds can deteriorate data quality by irregularly shaking co-registration targets. For stable and efficient LIDAR operation in Antarctica, this study proposes and demonstrates the following practical solutions: (1) a lagging cover with a heating pack to maintain the temperature of the terrestrial LIDAR system; (2) co-registration using square planar targets and two-step point-merging methods based on extracted feature points and the Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm; and (3) a georeferencing module consisting of an artificial target and a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. The solutions were used to produce a topographic map for construction of the Jang Bogo Research Station in Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica. Co-registration and georeferencing precision reached 5 and 45 mm, respectively, and the accuracy of the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) generated from the LIDAR scanning data was ±27.7 cm.
Selecting Eco-Friendly Thermal Systems for the “Vittoriale Degli Italiani” Historic Museum Building
Authors: Garcia Davide , Di Matteo Umberto , Cumo Fabrizio
Published: September 2015

Thermal systems installed in museums should guarantee the maintenance of the optimal hygrothermal parameters ranges for the conservation of their collection materials. Considering the preservation of historic buildings, according to their historical and landscaping constraints, not all the thermal system typologies could be installed in these buildings’ typologies. Therefore, the main aim of this paper is to present some indications for the choice of the best thermal system solutions for a considered historic museum building, called Vittoriale degli Italiani, in the north of Italy, taking into account their installation feasibility and their related environmental impacts. The methodology includes a monitoring of the current hygrothermal parameters as well as the assessment of design heat and cooling loads related to the maintenance of the optimal hygrothermal parameters ranges for the conservation of collection materials. In addition, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of each selected system typology is considered for highlighting the most eco-friendly solution among the suitable ones. The obtained results highlights the feasible thermal system solutions able to maintain the hygrothermal parameters between the optimal ranges with a lower environmental impact in the Vittoriale degli Italiani historic museum building.
Moving towards Sustainability: Road Grades and On-Road Emissions of Heavy-Duty Vehicles—A Case Study
Authors: Zhang Wendan , Lu Jian , Xu Ping , Zhang Yi
Published: September 2015

On-road vehicle emissions are one of the major sources of transport emissions. As a key design factor, road grades (or road slopes) have significant effects on on-road vehicle emissions, particularly on Heavy-Duty Vehicles (HDVs). However, the research into the relationship between road grades and on-road vehicle emissions is very rare in China. Taking a road network in Taiyuan, China, as a study area, this paper explored the influences of road grades on carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions of HDVs. Combining emissions data collected by Portable Emission Measurement System (PEMS) with Vehicle Specific Power (VSP), we developed an emission rate model of HDVs. Then, we integrated it with the traffic simulation model VISSIM to attain the emissions of HDVs on nine scenarios differentiated by road grades. The results showed that the three emissions are found to be highly correlated to road grades, among which the CO emissions are most sensitive to the change of road grades and the HC emissions least. Compared to the emissions at 0% grade, the emissions at 4% grade will be boosted from 39.0% to 60.6%. The CO and NOx emissions increase with the road grades in all nine scenarios, while the variations of HC emissions in different scenarios were complicated. The findings of this research will provide insights for policy-makers, scholars, and practitioners into strategies for improving road design to reduce traffic emissions and develop sustainable transportation in China.
Territorial Vulnerability Assessment Supporting Risk Managing Coastal Areas Due to Tsunami Impact
Authors: Barros José , Tavares Alexandre , Santos Angela , Fonte André
Published: September 2015

Portugal’s coastline extends 1187 km. It is characterized by social, economic and physical conditions that differentiate it from the rest of the territory, including population density, location of infrastructure and support of tourism activities. Therefore, it has a significant exposure if a tsunami occurs. Six coastal study sites with varying characteristics were selected for evaluation in this paper, including two core beach-use areas, two residential areas and two industrial areas. These sites are located in the municipalities of Figueira da Foz, Setúbal and Vila do Bispo. The analysis began with the calculation of the potential tsunami inundation area for each site using the 1755 Lisbon tsunami. Next, a methodology distinguished by its multidimensional character was applied to assess local vulnerability to tsunamis. This methodology assesses vulnerabilities associated with morphological, structural, social and tax factors. These four vulnerability components were combined to obtain a Composite Vulnerability Index (CVI), which enabled us to identify the most vulnerable areas and to determine the distinguishing characteristics of each area.
Lung‐derived exosome uptake into and epigenetic modulation of marrow progenitor/stem and differentiated cells
Authors: Aliotta Jason M. , Pereira Mandy , Sears Edmund H. , Dooner Mark S. , Wen Sicheng , Goldberg Laura R. , Quesenberry Peter J.
Published: September 2015

Background

Our group has previously demonstrated that murine whole bone marrow cells (WBM) that internalize lung‐derived extracellular vesicles (LDEVs) in culture express pulmonary epithelial cell–specific genes for up to 12 weeks. In addition, the lungs of lethally irradiated mice transplanted with lung vesicle–modulated marrow have 5 times more WBM‐derived type II pneumocytes compared to mice transplanted with unmanipulated WBM. These findings indicate that extracellular vesicle modification may be an important consideration in the development of marrow cell–based cellular therapies. Current studies were performed to determine the specific marrow cell types that LDEV stably modify.

Methods

Murine WBM‐derived stem/progenitor cells (Lin‐/Sca‐1+) and differentiated erythroid cells (Ter119+), granulocytes (Gr‐1+) and B cells (CD19+) were cultured with carboxyfluorescein N‐succinimidyl ester (CFSE)‐labelled LDEV. LDEV+ cells (CFSE+) and LDEV− cells (CFSE−) were separated by flow cytometry and visualized by fluorescence microscopy, analyzed by RT‐PCR or placed into long‐term secondary culture. In addition, murine Lin‐/Sca‐1+ cells were cultured with CFSE‐labelled LDEV isolated from rats, and RT‐PCR analysis was performed on LDEV+ and – cells using species‐specific primers for surfactant (rat/mouse hybrid co‐cultures).

Results

Stem/progenitor cells and all of the differentiated cell types studied internalized LDEV in culture, but heterogeneously. Expression of a panel of pulmonary epithelial cell genes was higher in LDEV+cells compared to LDEV− cells and elevated expression of these genes persisted in long‐term culture. Rat/mouse hybrid co‐cultures revealed only mouse‐specific surfactant B and C expression in LDEV+ Lin‐/Sca‐1+cells after 4 weeks of culture, indicating stable de novo gene expression.

Conclusions

LDEV can be internalized by differentiated and more primitive cells residing in the bone marrow in culture and can induce stable de novo pulmonary epithelial cell gene expression in these cells for several weeks after internalization. The gene expression represents a transcriptional activation of the target marrow cells. These studies serve as the basis for determining marrow cell types that can be used for cell‐based therapies for processes that injure the pulmonary epithelial surfaces.
An integrative approach to understanding the evolution and diversity of Copiapoa (Cactaceae), a threatened endemic Chilean genus from the Atacama Desert
Authors: Larridon Isabel , Walter Helmut E. , Guerrero Pablo C. , Duarte Milén , Cisternas Mauricio A. , Hernández Carol Peña , Bauters Kenneth , Asselman Pieter , Goetghebeur Paul , Samain Marie‐Stéphanie
Published: September 2015

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Species of the endemic Chilean cactus genus Copiapoa have cylindrical or (sub)globose stems that are solitary or form (large) clusters and typically yellow flowers. Many species are threatened with extinction. Despite being icons of the Atacama Desert and well loved by cactus enthusiasts, the evolution and diversity of Copiapoa has not yet been studied using a molecular approach.

METHODS:

Sequence data of three plastid DNA markers (rpl32‐trnL, trnH‐psbA, ycf1) of 39 Copiapoa taxa were analyzed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference approaches. Species distributions were modeled based on geo‐referenced localities and climatic data. Evolution of character states of four characters (root morphology, stem branching, stem shape, and stem diameter) as well as ancestral areas were reconstructed using a Bayesian and maximum likelihood framework, respectively.

KEY RESULTS:

Clades of species are revealed. Though 32 morphologically defined species can be recognized, genetic diversity between some species and infraspecific taxa is too low to delimit their boundaries using plastid DNA markers. Recovered relationships are often supported by morphological and biogeographical patterns. The origin of Copiapoa likely lies between southern Peru and the extreme north of Chile. The Copiapó Valley limited colonization between two biogeographical areas.

CONCLUSIONS:

Copiapoa is here defined to include 32 species and five heterotypic subspecies. Thirty species are classified into four sections and two subsections, while two species remain unplaced. A better understanding of evolution and diversity of Copiapoa will allow allocating conservation resources to the most threatened lineages and focusing conservation action on real biodiversity.
Bioinformatic identification and expression analysis of Nelumbo nucifera microRNA and their targets
Authors: Pan Lei , Wang Xiaolei , Jin Jing , Yu Xiaolu , Hu Jihong
Published: September 2015

Premise of the study:

Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is a perennial aquatic herbaceous plant of ecological, ornamental, and economic importance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in plant development. However, reports of miRNAs and their role in sacred lotus have been limited.

Methods:

Using the homology search of known miRNAs with genome and transcriptome contig sequences, we employed a pipeline to identify miRNAs in N. nucifera. We also predicted the targets of these miRNAs.

Results:

We found 106 conserved miRNAs in N. nucifera, and 456 of their miRNA targets were annotated. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) analysis revealed the different expression levels of the 10 selected conserved miRNAs in tissues of young leaves, stems, and flowers of N. nucifera. Negative correlation of expression level between five miRNAs and their target genes was also revealed.

Discussion:

Combining bioinformatics and experiment analysis, we identified the miRNAs in N. nucifera. The results can be used as a workbench for further investigation of the roles of miRNAs in N. nucifera.
Ketoacid Supplementation Partially Improves Metabolic Parameters in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Dong Jie , Li Yan-Jun , Xu Rong , Ikizler Talat Alp , Wang Hai-Yan
Published: September 2015

Background

A low protein diet supplemented with ketoacids has been shown to improve the metabolic profile, including insulin resistance, in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but whether ketoacids alone exert similar effects is unknown. In this prospective randomized controlled trial, we aimed to evaluate the effects of ketoacid supplementation on insulin resistance, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction among 100 CKD patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD).

Methods

Patients from one Chinese PD center were randomly assigned to take ketoacids (12 tablets per day) ( n = 50) versus a control group ( n = 50) for 6 months in an open-label parallel-arm design. Daily protein intake of 0.8 – 1.2 g/kg/d and daily energy intake of 25 – 35 kcal/kg/d was prescribed to both groups. Insulin resistance was evaluated using homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR) index as the primary outcome. We assessed systemic inflammation using high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), oxidative stress using plasma oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL), adipokines using leptin and adiponectin and endothelial dysfunction using serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM) and soluble vascular adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM) as secondary outcomes.

Results

There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the 2 groups except a slightly higher age in patients assigned to the intervention. A total of 89% of participants completed the 6-month intervention. There was no significant difference in the change of HOMA-IR values from baseline between groups after adjusting for baseline age, gender, body mass index and HOMA-IR. For secondary outcomes, hs-CRP varied significantly between groups ( p = 0.02), increasing over time for the control group while remaining stable for the ketoacid group. Similarly, the leptin/adiponectin ratio (LAR) differed between groups ( p < 0.001), remaining stable in the ketoacid group but increasing in the control group.

Conclusion

Ketoacid therapy administered for 6 months had no effect on HOMA-IR but resulted in improvements in hs-CRP and LAR, suggesting metabolic benefit. Future studies are needed to confirm these results and any potential benefit in vascular health of PD patients.
Exit-Site Dressing and Infection in Peritoneal Dialysis: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
Authors: Mushahar Lily , Mei Lim Wei , Yusuf Wan Shaariah , Sivathasan Sudhaharan , Kamaruddin Norilah , Idzham Nor Juliana Mohd
Published: September 2015

Objective

Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related infection is a common cause of catheter loss and the main reason for PD drop-out. Exit-site infection (ESI) is a pathway to developing tunnel infection and peritonitis, hence rigorous exit-site care has always been emphasized in PD therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of exit-site dressing vs non-dressing on the rate of PD-related infection.

Methods

A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in prevalent PD patients at the Hospital Tuanku Jaafar Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, from April 2011 until April 2013. All patients were required to perform daily washing of the exit site with antibacterial soap during a shower. In the dressing group ( n = 54), patients were required to clean their exit site using povidone-iodine after drying, followed by topical mupirocin antibiotic application to the exit site. The exit site was then covered with a sterile gauze dressing and the catheter immobilized with tape. In the non-dressing group ( n = 54), patients were not required to do any further dressing after drying. They were only required to apply mupirocin cream to the exit site and then left the exit site uncovered. The catheter was immobilized with tape. The primary outcome was ESI. The secondary outcomes were evidence of tunnel infection or peritonitis.

Results

A total of 97 patients completed the study. There were a total of 12 ESI episodes: 4 episodes in 4 patients in the dressing group vs 8 episodes in 4 patients in the non-dressing group. This corresponds to 1 episode per 241.3 patient-months vs 1 episode per 111.1 patient-months in the dressing and non-dressing groups respectively. Median time to first ESI episode was shorter in the non-dressing than in the dressing group, but not significant ( p = 0.25). The incidence of gram-positive ESI in both groups was similar. There were no gram-negative ESI in the non-dressing group compared with 2 in the dressing group. The peritonitis rate was 1 per 37.1 patient-month in the dressing group and 1 per 44.4 patient-months in the non-dressing group. Median time to first peritonitis episode was significantly shorter in the dressing group compared to non-dressing ( p = 0.03). There was no impact of dressing disruptions in the occurrence of major PD catheter-related infection.

Conclusion

Use of a non-dressing technique with only prophylactic topical mupirocin cream application is effective in preventing PD-related infection. The non-dressing technique is more cost-effective and convenient for PD patients, with fewer disposables.
Evaluating Hyponatremia in Non-Diabetic Uremic Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Yan Ming-Tso , Cheng Chih-Jen , Wang Hsiu-Yuan , Yang Chwei-Shiun , Peng Sheng-Jeng , Lin Shih-Hua
Published: September 2015

Background

An approach to hyponatremia in uremic patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) necessitates the assessment of intra-cellular fluid volume (ICV) and extracellular volume (ECV). The aim of the study was to evaluate the association of plasma sodium (Na+) concentration and body fluid composition and identify the causes of hyponatremia in non-diabetic PD patients.

Methods

Sixty non-diabetic uremic patients on PD were enrolled. Baseline body fluid composition, biochemistry, hand-grip test, peritoneal membrane characteristics, dialysis adequacy, Na+ and water balance, and residual renal function (RRF) were measured. These parameters were reevaluated for those who developed hyponatremia, defined as serum Na+ concentration < 132 mmol/L and a decline in serum Na+ > 7 mmol/L, during monthly visits for 1 year. Body fluid composition was determined by multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance (BIA).

Results

There was no significant correlation between serum Na+ concentrations and any other parameters except a negative correction with overnight ultrafiltration (UF) amount ( p = 0.02). The ICV/ECV ratio was positively correlated with serum albumin ( p < 0.005) and hand grip strength ( p < 0.05). Over 1 year, 9 patients (M:F = 3:6, aged 35 – 77) with 4 different etiologies of hyponatremia were identified. Hyponatremic patients with a body weight (BW) loss had either an increased ICV/ECV ratio associated with primarily a negative Na+ balance ( n = 2) or a reduced ratio of ICV/ECV associated with malnutrition ( n = 2). In contrast, hyponatremic patients with a BW gain had either a reduced ICV/ECV ratio associated with a rapid loss of RRF and a higher peritoneal permeability ( n = 2) or a normal to increased ICV/ECV ratio associated with high water intake ( n = 3).

Conclusion

Besides BW change and ultrafiltration rate, the assessment of ICV/ECV ratio is valuable in identifying the etiologies of hyponatremia in PD and provides a guide for optimal therapy.
Peritoneal Dialysis University for Surgeons: A Peritoneal Access Training Program
Authors: Crabtree John H. , Penner Todd , Armstrong Sean W. , Burkart John
Published: September 2015

Background

A functioning catheter is vital to the success of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Catheter complications related to the insertion procedure remain a major hindrance to PD utilization. Most catheters are placed by surgeons. Suboptimal catheter outcomes appear to be related to inadequate training and experience during surgical residency and the absence of educational opportunities to remedy this deficit once the surgeon is in practice.

Objective

The aim of this report is to describe a 1-day comprehensive surgeon training program in PD access surgery and to convey the results of the first 7 courses.

Methods

Needs assessment data served as the foundation for formulating course objectives and content. A disease-based approach to PD was taken to provide both didactic instruction and laboratory exercises. Surgical simulators permitted skills development for each key task in catheter placement. Educational outcomes were measured with pre- and post-tests, course evaluation, and follow-up survey.

Results

Seven courses were attended by 134 surgeons with an average faculty to participant ratio of 1:4 during hands-on laboratory sessions. Pre- and post-testing demonstrated a class-average normalized educational gain of 50%. On a 5-point Likert scale, the course was scored highly on 14 areas of evaluation with average responses ranging from 4.4 to 4.9. A follow-up survey conducted a mean of 28 months after the programs revealed significantly increased utilization of all 10 course-targeted PD access skills. Participants gave mean scores of 4.6 for improved confidence in case management and 4.4 for better catheter outcomes.

Conclusions

A comprehensive 1-day peritoneal access training course can produce long-term self-assessed improvement in surgical management and PD catheter outcomes.