bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic Regulation of Bone Remodeling and Its Impacts in Osteoporosis
Authors: Ghayor Chafik , Weber Franz
Published: September 2016

Epigenetics describes mechanisms which control gene expression and cellular processes without changing the DNA sequence. The main mechanisms in epigenetics are DNA methylation in CpG-rich promoters, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). DNA methylation modifies the function of the DNA and correlates with gene silencing. Histone modifications including acetylation/deacetylation and phosphorylation act in diverse biological processes such as transcriptional activation/inactivation and DNA repair. Non-coding RNAs play a large part in epigenetic regulation of gene expression in addition to their roles at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. Osteoporosis is the most common skeletal disorder, characterized by compromised bone strength and bone micro-architectural deterioration that predisposes the bones to an increased risk of fracture. It is most often caused by an increase in bone resorption that is not sufficiently compensated by a corresponding increase in bone formation. Nowadays it is well accepted that osteoporosis is a multifactorial disorder and there are genetic risk factors for osteoporosis and bone fractures. Here we review emerging evidence that epigenetics contributes to the machinery that can alter DNA structure, gene expression, and cellular differentiation during physiological and pathological bone remodeling.
Toxin-Induced Experimental Models of Learning and Memory Impairment
Authors: More Sandeep , Kumar Hemant , Cho Duk-Yeon , Yun Yo-Sep , Choi Dong-Kug
Published: September 2016

Animal models for learning and memory have significantly contributed to novel strategies for drug development and hence are an imperative part in the assessment of therapeutics. Learning and memory involve different stages including acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval and each stage can be characterized using specific toxin. Recent studies have postulated the molecular basis of these processes and have also demonstrated many signaling molecules that are involved in several stages of memory. Most insights into learning and memory impairment and to develop a novel compound stems from the investigations performed in experimental models, especially those produced by neurotoxins models. Several toxins have been utilized based on their mechanism of action for learning and memory impairment such as scopolamine, streptozotocin, quinolinic acid, and domoic acid. Further, some toxins like 6-hydroxy dopamine (6-OHDA), 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and amyloid-β are known to cause specific learning and memory impairment which imitate the disease pathology of Parkinson’s disease dementia and Alzheimer’s disease dementia. Apart from these toxins, several other toxins come under a miscellaneous category like an environmental pollutant, snake venoms, botulinum, and lipopolysaccharide. This review will focus on the various classes of neurotoxin models for learning and memory impairment with their specific mechanism of action that could assist the process of drug discovery and development for dementia and cognitive disorders.
Lactate as a Metabolite and a Regulator in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Proia Patrizia , Di Liegro Carlo , Schiera Gabriella , Fricano Anna , Di Liegro Italia
Published: September 2016

More than two hundred years after its discovery, lactate still remains an intriguing molecule. Considered for a long time as a waste product of metabolism and the culprit behind muscular fatigue, it was then recognized as an important fuel for many cells. In particular, in the nervous system, it has been proposed that lactate, released by astrocytes in response to neuronal activation, is taken up by neurons, oxidized to pyruvate and used for synthesizing acetyl-CoA to be used for the tricarboxylic acid cycle. More recently, in addition to this metabolic role, the discovery of a specific receptor prompted a reconsideration of its role, and lactate is now seen as a sort of hormone, even involved in processes as complex as memory formation and neuroprotection. As a matter of fact, exercise offers many benefits for our organisms, and seems to delay brain aging and neurodegeneration. Now, exercise induces the production and release of lactate into the blood which can reach the liver, the heart, and also the brain. Can lactate be a beneficial molecule produced during exercise, and offer neuroprotection? In this review, we summarize what we have known on lactate, discussing the roles that have been attributed to this molecule over time.
Effect of Novel Compound LX519290, a Derivative of l-allo Threonine, on Antioxidant Potential in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Chun Kun , Alam Md , Son Hyeong-U , Lee Sang-Han
Published: September 2016

We investigated the antioxidative activity of LX519290, a derivative of l-allo threonine, in vitro and in vivo. To evaluate the antioxidative activity of LX519290, we performed several in vitro assays (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical-scavenging assays, a ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay) and evaluated inhibition against the generation of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in murine macrophage (RAW264.7) cells. The results showed that LX519290 possessed very strong radical scavenging activity and reducing power, and inhibited NO and ROS generation in a dose-dependent manner without showing any cytotoxicity. LX519290 treatment also increased the total thiol content and glutathione S-transferases (GST) activities in RAW264.7 cells. Finally, we also determined whether LX519290 affects the mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes in vitro and in vivo. The expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) were markedly higher in the sample-treated group than in the oxidative stress group. LX519290 treatment also increased the transcriptional and translational activities of NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf-2) with corresponding increases in the transcriptional and translational activities of haeme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Collectively, the data demonstrated that LX519290 has potent antioxidative activity, decreases NO and ROS generation, increases total thiol content and GST activities in RAW264.7 cells, and increases the transcriptional and translational levels of antioxidant enzymes in vitro and in vivo.
Controlled Synthesis of Polyions of Heavy Main-Group Elements in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Groh Matthias , Wolff Alexander , Grasser Matthias , Ruck Michael
Published: September 2016

Ionic liquids (ILs) have been proven to be valuable reaction media for the synthesis of inorganic materials among an abundance of other applications in different fields of chemistry. Up to now, the syntheses have remained mostly “black boxes”; and researchers have to resort to trial-and-error in order to establish a new synthetic route to a specific compound. This review comprises decisive reaction parameters and techniques for the directed synthesis of polyions of heavy main-group elements (fourth period and beyond) in ILs. Several families of compounds are presented ranging from polyhalides over carbonyl complexes and selenidostannates to homo and heteropolycations.
Isothiocyanates Are Promising Compounds against Oxidative Stress, Neuroinflammation and Cell Death that May Benefit Neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Sita Giulia , Hrelia Patrizia , Tarozzi Andrea , Morroni Fabiana
Published: September 2016

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is recognized as the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and is characterized by a slow and progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Despite intensive research, the mechanisms involved in neuronal loss are not completely understood yet; however, misfolded proteins, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity and inflammation play a pivotal role in the progression of the pathology. Neuroinflammation may have a greater function in PD pathogenesis than initially believed, taking part in the cascade of events that leads to neuronal death. To date, no efficient therapy, able to arrest or slow down PD, is available. In this context, the need to find novel strategies to counteract neurodegenerative progression by influencing diseases’ pathogenesis is becoming increasingly clear. Isothiocyanates (ITCs) have already shown interesting properties in detoxification, inflammation, apoptosis and cell cycle regulation through the induction of phase I and phase II enzyme systems. Moreover, ITCs may be able to modulate several key points in oxidative and inflammatory evolution. In view of these considerations, the aim of the present review is to describe ITCs as pleiotropic compounds capable of preventing and modulating the evolution of PD.
Evaluation of Anthelmintic Activity and Composition of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) Seed Extracts—In Vitro and in Vivo Studies
Authors: Grzybek Maciej , Kukula-Koch Wirginia , Strachecka Aneta , Jaworska Aleksandra , Phiri Andrew , Paleolog Jerzy , Tomczuk Krzysztof
Published: September 2016

A significant number of studies report growing resistance in nematodes thriving in both humans and livestock. This study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic efficiency of Curcubita pepo (C. pepo) L. hot water extract (HWE), cold water extract (CWE) or ethanol extract (ETE) on two model nematodes: Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and Heligmosoides bakeri (H. bakeri). Methods: Raman, IR and LC-MS spectroscopy analyses were performed on the studied plant material to deliver qualitative and quantitative data on the composition of the obtained extracts: ETE, HWE and CWE. The in vitro activity evaluation showed an impact of C. pepo extracts on C. elegans and different developmental stages of H. bakeri. The following in vivo experiments on mice infected with H. bakeri confirmed inhibitory properties of the most active pumpkin extract selected by the in vitro study. All of the extracts were found to contain cucurbitine, aminoacids, fatty acids, and-for the first time-berberine and palmatine were identified. All C. pepo seed extracts exhibited a nematidicidal potential in vitro, affecting the survival of L1 and L2 H. bakeri larvae. The ETE was the strongest and demonstrated a positive effect on H. bakeri eggs hatching and marked inhibitory properties against worm motility, compared to a PBS control. No significant effects of pumpkin seed extracts on C. elegans integrity or motility were found. The EtOH extract in the in vivo studies showed anthelmintic properties against both H. bakeri fecal egg counts and adult worm burdens. The highest egg counts reduction was observed for the 8 g/kg dose (IC50 against H. bakeri = 2.43; 95% Cl = 2.01–2.94). A decrease in faecal egg counts (FEC) was accompanied by a significant reduction in worm burden of the treated mice compared to the control group. Conclusions: Pumpkin seed extracts may be used to control of Gastrointestinal (G.I.) nematode infections. This relatively inexpensive alternative to the currently available chemotherapeutic should be considered as a novel drug candidate in the nearest future.
Liquid Hybridization and Solid Phase Detection: A Highly Sensitive and Accurate Strategy for MicroRNA Detection in Plants and Animals
Authors: Li Fosheng , Mei Lanju , Zhan Cheng , Mao Qiang , Yao Min , Wang Shenghua , Tang Lin , Chen Fang
Published: September 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in nearly every aspect of biology, including physiological, biochemical, developmental and pathological processes. Therefore, a highly sensitive and accurate method of detection of miRNAs has great potential in research on theory and application, such as the clinical approach to medicine, animal and plant production, as well as stress response. Here, we report a strategic method to detect miRNAs from multicellular organisms, which mainly includes liquid hybridization and solid phase detection (LHSPD); it has been verified in various species and is much more sensitive than traditional biotin-labeled Northern blots. By using this strategy and chemiluminescent detection with digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled or biotin-labeled oligonucleotide probes, as low as 0.01–0.25 fmol [for DIG-CDP Star (disodium2-chloro-5-(4-methoxyspiro{1,2-dioxetane-3,2′-(5′-chloro)tricyclo[3.3.1.13,7]decan}-4-yl)phenyl phosphate) system], 0.005–0.1 fmol (for biotin-CDP Star system), or 0.05–0.5 fmol (for biotin-luminol system) of miRNA can be detected and one-base difference can be distinguished between miRNA sequences. Moreover, LHSPD performed very well in the quantitative analysis of miRNAs, and the whole process can be completed within about 9 h. The strategy of LHSPD provides an effective solution for rapid, accurate, and sensitive detection and quantitative analysis of miRNAs in plants and animals.
Older People Using e-Health Services—Exploring Frequency of Use and Associations with Perceived Benefits for Spouse Caregivers
Authors: Blusi Madeleine , Jong Mats , Dalin Rolf
Published: September 2016

ICT, information- and communication technologies, and e-health services are essential for meeting future care demands. Greater knowledge regarding the implementation of e-health services in long-term care for older people is needed. The purpose of the study was to explore older people’s use of e-health services and associations between frequency of use and perceived benefits. In the longitudinal comparative intervention study (n = 65), intervention group participants (n = 42) used an e-health service for 1.5 years. A control group (n = 23) used similar services provided in a traditional manner. Data was collected through questionnaires and analyzed using linear and logistic regressions. Although general use of the Internet was similar in both groups, the e-health group perceived significantly higher benefits. The component information- and education programs, developed specifically for the e-health service, had the highest association with benefits. Conclusion: e-health services targeted at supporting older people who care for a spouse at home can provide benefits which most likely will not be obtained without participation in an organized e-service. Care professionals play an essential role in encouraging spouse caregivers to become e-service users.
Why do We Find It so Hard to Discuss Spirituality? A Qualitative Exploration of Attitudinal Barriers
Authors: Best Megan , Butow Phyllis , Olver Ian
Published: September 2016

Background: Despite known health benefits of spiritual care and high patient interest in discussing spirituality with their physicians, the frequency of spiritual discussions in the medical consultation is low. We investigated spiritual conversations for doctors caring for patients with advanced cancer; why these conversations so difficult; and what the underlying challenges are for discussing spirituality with patients; Methods: Participants were contacted through the Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine and the Medical Oncology Group of Australia, including physicians from two secular countries. Semi-structured interviews were taped and transcribed verbatim. The text was analyzed using thematic analysis; Results: Thematic saturation was reached after 23 participants had been interviewed. The following themes were identified: (1) confusing spirituality with religion; (2) peer pressure; (3) personal spirituality; (4) institutional factors; (5) historical factors; Conclusion: This study explored the underlying attitudes contributing to the reluctance doctors have to discuss spirituality in the medical consultation. Underlying confusion regarding the differences between religion and spirituality, and the current suspicion with which religion is regarded in medicine needs to be addressed if discussion of spirituality in the medical consultation is to become routine. Historical opposition to a biopsychosocial-spiritual model of the human being is problematic.
Application of an Unstructured Grid-Based Water Quality Model to Chesapeake Bay and Its Adjacent Coastal Ocean
Authors: Xia Meng , Jiang Long
Published: September 2016

To provide insightful information on water quality management, it is crucial to improve the understanding of the complex biogeochemical cycles of Chesapeake Bay (CB), so a three-dimensional unstructured grid-based water quality model (ICM based on the finite-volume coastal ocean model (FVCOM)) was configured for CB. To fully accommodate the CB study, the water quality simulations were evaluated by using different horizontal and vertical model resolutions, various wind sources and other hydrodynamic and boundary settings. It was found that sufficient horizontal and vertical resolution favored simulating material transport efficiently and that winds from North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) generated stronger mixing and higher model skill for dissolved oxygen simulation relative to observed winds. Additionally, simulated turbulent mixing was more influential on water quality dynamics than that of bottom friction: the former considerably influenced the summer oxygen ventilation and new primary production, while the latter was found to have little effect on the vertical oxygen exchange. Finally, uncertainties in riverine loading led to larger deviation in nutrient and phytoplankton simulation than that of benthic flux, open boundary loading and predation. Considering these factors, the model showed reasonable skill in simulating water quality dynamics in a 10-year (2003–2012) period and captured the seasonal chlorophyll-a distribution patterns. Overall, this coupled modeling system could be utilized to analyze the spatiotemporal variation of water quality dynamics and to predict their key biophysical drivers in the future.
Drilling of Hybrid Titanium Composite Laminate (HTCL) with Electrical Discharge Machining
Authors: Ramulu M. , Spaulding Mathew
Published: September 2016

An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the application of die sinker electrical discharge machining (EDM) as it applies to a hybrid titanium thermoplastic composite laminate material. Holes were drilled using a die sinker EDM. The effects of peak current, pulse time, and percent on-time on machinability of hybrid titanium composite material were evaluated in terms of material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate, and cut quality. Experimental models relating each process response to the input parameters were developed and optimum operating conditions with a short cutting time, achieving the highest workpiece MRR, with very little tool wear were determined to occur at a peak current value of 8.60 A, a percent on-time of 36.12%, and a pulse time of 258 microseconds. After observing data acquired from experimentation, it was determined that while use of EDM is possible, for desirable quality it is not fast enough for industrial application.
Specific Metabolome Profile of Exhaled Breath Condensate in Patients with Shock and Respiratory Failure: A Pilot Study
Authors: Fermier Brice , Blasco Hélène , Godat Emmanuel , Bocca Cinzia , Moënne-Loccoz Joseph , Emond Patrick , Andres Christian , Laffon Marc , Ferrandière Martine
Published: September 2016

Background: Shock includes different pathophysiological mechanisms not fully understood and remains a challenge to manage. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) may contain relevant biomarkers that could help us make an early diagnosis or better understand the metabolic perturbations resulting from this pathological situation. Objective: we aimed to establish the metabolomics signature of EBC from patients in shock with acute respiratory failure in a pilot study. Material and methods: We explored the metabolic signature of EBC in 12 patients with shock compared to 14 controls using LC-HRMS. We used a non-targeted approach, and we performed a multivariate analysis based on Orthogonal Partial Least Square-Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) to differentiate between the two groups of patients. Results: We optimized the procedure of EBC collection and LC-HRMS detected more than 1000 ions in this fluid. The optimization of multivariate models led to an excellent model of differentiation for both groups (Q2 > 0.4) after inclusion of only 6 ions. Discussion and conclusion: We validated the procedure of EBC collection and we showed that the metabolome profile of EBC may be relevant in characterizing patients with shock. We performed well in distinguishing these patients from controls, and the identification of relevant compounds may be promising for ICC patients.
Investigation of Antireflection Nb2O5 Thin Films by the Sputtering Method under Different Deposition Parameters
Authors: Chen Kun-Neng , Hsu Chao-Ming , Liu Jing , Liou Yu-Chen , Yang Cheng-Fu
Published: September 2016

In this study, Nb2O5 ceramic was used as the target to deposit the Nb2O5 thin films on glass substrates with the radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering method. Different deposition temperatures and O2 ratios were used as parameters to investigate the optical properties of Nb2O5 thin films. The deposition parameters were a pressure of 5 × 10−3 Torr, a deposition power of 100 W, a deposition time of 30 min, an O2 ratio (O2/(O2 + Ar), in sccm) of 10% and 20%, and deposition temperatures of room temperature (RT), 200, 300 and 400 °C, respectively. We found that even if the deposition temperature was 400 °C, the deposited Nb2O5 thin films revealed an amorphous phase and no crystallization phase was observed. The optical properties of transmittance of Nb2O5 thin films deposited on glass substrates were determined by using a ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometer (transmittance) and reflectance spectra transmittance (reflectance, refractive index, and extinction coefficient) in the light wavelength range of 250–1000 nm. When the O2 ratio was 10% and the deposition temperature increased from RT to 200 °C, the red-shift was clearly observed in the transmittance curve and the transmission ratio had no apparent change with the increasing deposition temperature. When the O2 ratio was 20%, the red-shift was not observed in the transmittance curve and the transmission ratio apparently decreased with the increasing deposition temperature. The variations in the optical band gap (Eg) values of Nb2O5 thin films were evaluated from the Tauc plot by using the quantity hν (the photon energy) on the abscissa and the quantity (αhν)r on the ordinate, where α is the optical absorption coefficient, c is the constant for direct transition, h is Planck’s constant, ν is the frequency of the incident photon, and the exponent r denotes the nature of the transition. As the O2 ratio of 10% or 20% was used as the deposition atmosphere, the measured Eg values decreased with the increase of the deposition temperature. The reflectance ratio, extinction coefficient, and refractive index curves of Nb2O5 thin films were also investigated in this study. We would show that those results were influenced by the deposition temperature and O2 ratio.
Investigation of the Influence of Glucose Concentration on Cancer Cells by Using a Microfluidic Gradient Generator without the Induction of Large Shear Stress
Authors: Ishida Tadashi , Shimamoto Takuya , Ozaki Nobuya , Takaki Satoshi , Kuchimaru Takahiro , Kizaka-Kondoh Sinae , Omata Toru
Published: September 2016

A microfluidic device capable of precise chemical control is helpful to mimic tumor microenvironments in vitro, which are closely associated with malignant progression, including metastasis. Cancer cells under a concentration gradient of oxygen and other sustenance materials inside a tumor in vivo have recently been reported to increase the probability of metastasis. The influence of glucose concentration on cancer cells has not been measured well, whereas that of oxygen concentration has been thoroughly examined using microfluidic devices. This is because glucose concentrations can be controlled using microfluidic concentration gradient generators, which trade off temporal stability of the glucose concentration and shear stress on the cells; by contrast, oxygen concentration can be easily controlled without microfluidic device-induced shear stresses. To study cell division and migration responses as a function of glucose concentration, we developed a microfluidic device to observe cell behaviors under various chemical conditions. The device has small-cross-section microchannels for generating a concentration gradient and a large-cross-section chamber for cell culture. With this design, the device can achieve both a cell culture with sufficiently low shear stress on cell activity and a stable glucose concentration gradient. Experiments revealed that a low glucose concentration increased the total migration length of HeLa cells and that HeLa cells under a glucose concentration gradient exhibit random motion rather than chemotaxis.
The Cedrolina Chromitite, Goiás State, Brazil: A Metamorphic Puzzle
Authors: Portella Yuri , Zaccarini Federica , Luvizotto George , Garuti Giorgio , Bakker Ronald , Angeli Nelson , Thalhammer Oskar
Published: September 2016

The Cedrolina chromitite body (Goiás-Brazil) is concordantly emplaced within talc-chlorite schists that correspond to the poly-metamorphic product of ultramafic rocks inserted in the Pilar de Goiás Greenstone Belt (Central Brazil). The chromite ore displays a nodular structure consisting of rounded and ellipsoidal orbs (up to 1.5 cm in size), often strongly deformed and fractured, immersed in a matrix of silicates (mainly chlorite and talc). Chromite is characterized by high Cr# (0.80–0.86), high Fe2+# (0.70–0.94), and low TiO2 (av. = 0.18 wt %) consistent with variation trends of spinels from metamorphic rocks. The chromitite contains a large suite of accessory phases, but only irarsite and laurite are believed to be relicts of the original igneous assemblage, whereas most accessory minerals are thought to be related to hydrothermal fluids that emanated from a nearby felsic intrusion, metamorphism and weathering. Rutile is one of the most abundant accessory minerals described, showing an unusually high Cr2O3 content (up to 39,200 ppm of Cr) and commonly forming large anhedral grains (>100 µm) that fill fractures (within chromite nodules and in the matrix) or contain micro-inclusions of chromite. Using a trace element geothermometer, the rutile crystallization temperature is estimated at 550–600 °C (at 0.4–0.6 GPa), which is in agreement with P and T conditions proposed for the regional greenschist to low amphibolite facies metamorphic peak of the area. Textural, morphological, and compositional evidence confirm that rutile did not crystallize at high temperatures simultaneously with the host chromitite, but as a secondary metamorphic mineral. Rutile may have been formed as a metamorphic overgrowth product following deformation and regional metamorphic events, filling fractures and incorporating chromite fragments. High Cr contents in rutile very likely are due to Cr remobilization from Cr-spinel during metamorphism and suggest that Ti was remobilized to form rutile. This would imply that the magmatic composition of chromite had originally higher Ti content, pointing to a stratiform origin. Another possible interpretation is that the Ti-enrichment was caused by external metasomatic fluids which lead to crystallization of rutile. If this was the case, the Cedrolina chromitites could be classified as podiform, possibly representing a sliver of tectonically dismembered Paleoproterozoic upper mantle. However, the strong metamorphic overprint that affected the studied chromitites makes it extremely difficult to establish which of the above processes were active, if not both (and to what extent), and, therefore, the chromitite’s original geodynamic setting.
Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Taxus yunnanensis Callus and Their Antibacterial Activity and Cytotoxicity in Human Cancer Cells
Authors: Xia Qian , Ma Yan , Wang Jian
Published: September 2016

Plant constituents could act as chelating/reducing or capping agents for synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The green synthesis of AgNPs has been considered as an environmental friendly and cost-effective alternative to other fabrication methods. The present work described the biosynthesis of AgNPs using callus extracts from Taxus yunnanensis and evaluated their antibacterial activities in vitro and potential cytotoxicity in cancer cells. Callus extracts were able to reduce silver nitrate at 1 mM in 10 min. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) indicated the synthesized AgNPs were spherical with the size range from 6.4 to 27.2 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the AgNPs were in the form of nanocrystals. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) suggested phytochemicals in callus extracts were possible reducing and capping agents. The AgNPs exhibited effective inhibitory activity against all tested human pathogen bacteria and the inhibition against Gram-positive bacteria was stronger than that of Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, they exhibited stronger cytotoxic activity against human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells and induced noticeable apoptosis in SMMC-7721 cells, but showed lower cytotoxic against normal human liver cells (HL-7702). Our results suggested that biosynthesized AgNPs could be an alternative measure in the field of antibacterial and anticancer therapeutics.
“None Come Closer to Us than These:” Augustine and the Platonists
Authors: Kenney John
Published: September 2016

This paper reflects on the importance of pagan Platonism to one of its most sympathetic Christian interpreters, Augustine of Hippo. Its goal is to uncover what Platonism meant to Augustine and why it mattered so much to him throughout his long career. To that end the essay begins by considering salient developments in the study of Platonism over the last fifty years, with particular attention to several crucial shifts in interpretation and consequent changes in its contemporary representation. It then follows those leads into the study of Augustine, considering closely how he himself described the import of Platonism and what it contributed to his development. Brief consideration is first given to Augustine’s earliest works. Attention then turns to his definitive treatment of the conversionary power of Platonism in Book VII of the Confessions and his later assessment of Platonism in City of God VIII. That inquiry will offer a basis to conclude with some final observations on the interpretation of Platonism in the study of Augustine.
Edge Detection and Feature Line Tracing in 3D-Point Clouds by Analyzing Geometric Properties of Neighborhoods
Authors: Ni Huan , Lin Xiangguo , Ning Xiaogang , Zhang Jixian
Published: September 2016

This paper presents an automated and effective method for detecting 3D edges and tracing feature lines from 3D-point clouds. This method is named Analysis of Geometric Properties of Neighborhoods (AGPN), and it includes two main steps: edge detection and feature line tracing. In the edge detection step, AGPN analyzes geometric properties of each query point’s neighborhood, and then combines RANdom SAmple Consensus (RANSAC) and angular gap metric to detect edges. In the feature line tracing step, feature lines are traced by a hybrid method based on region growing and model fitting in the detected edges. Our approach is experimentally validated on complex man-made objects and large-scale urban scenes with millions of points. Comparative studies with state-of-the-art methods demonstrate that our method obtains a promising, reliable, and high performance in detecting edges and tracing feature lines in 3D-point clouds. Moreover, AGPN is insensitive to the point density of the input data.
Study of the Variations of Archaeological Marks at Neolithic Site of Lucera, Italy Using High-Resolution Multispectral Datasets
Authors: Agapiou Athos , Lysandrou Vasiliki , Lasaponara Rosa , Masini Nicola , Hadjimitsis Diofantos
Published: September 2016

Satellite images have been systematically explored by archaeologists to detect crop marks, which are considered as a proxy for the identification of buried archaeological remains. Even though several existing algorithms are frequently applied, such as histogram enhancements and vegetation indices, the detection of crop marks still remains a difficult task, while the final interpretation results can be very poor. This paper aims to present some of the current difficulties of “remote sensing archaeology” in terms of detection and interpretation of crop marks due to the crops’ phenological variations. At the same time, the presented work seeks to evaluate the recently proposed linear equations for the enhancement of crop marks, initially developed for the eastern Mediterranean region. These linear equations re-project the initial n-space spectral into a new 3D orthogonal space determined by three components: a crop mark component, a vegetation component, and a soil component. For the aims of this study, the Lucera archaeological site (southern Italy), where several Neolithic trenches have been identified, was selected. QuickBird and GeoEye high-resolution satellite images were analysed, indicating that vegetation indices may mismatch some crop marks depending on the phenological stage of the vegetation cultivated in the area of the archaeological site. On the contrary, ratios from linear equations were able to spot these crop marks even in shadow areas, indicating that improvements and developments of novel methodologies and equations based on remote sensing datasets can further assist archaeological research.
Sea Surface Temperature Retrieval from MODIS Radiances Using Truncated Total Least Squares with Multiple Channels and Parameters
Authors: Koner Prabhat , Harris Andy
Published: September 2016

Global sea-surface temperatures (SST) from MODIS measured brightness temperatures generated using the regression methods, have been available to users for more than a decade, and are used extensively for a wide range of atmospheric and oceanic studies. However, as evidenced by a number of studies, there are indications that the retrieval quality and cloud detection are somewhat sub-optimal. To improve the performance of both of these aspects, we endorse a new physical deterministic algorithm, based on truncated total least squares (TTLS), using multiple channels and parameters, in conjunction with a hybrid cloud detection scheme using a radiative transfer model atop a functional spectral difference method. The TTLS method is a new addition that improves the information content of the retrieval compared to our previous work using modified total least squares (MTLS), which is feasible because more measurements are available, allowing a larger retrieval vector. A systematic study is conducted to ascertain the appropriate channel selection for SST retrieval from the 16 thermal infrared channels available from the MODIS instrument. Additionally, since atmospheric aerosol is a well-known source of degraded quality of SST retrieval, we include aerosol profiles from numerical weather prediction in the forward simulation and include the total column density of all aerosols in the retrieval vector of our deterministic inverse method. We used a slightly modified version of our earlier reported cloud detection algorithm, namely CEM (cloud and error mask), for this study. Time series analysis of more than a million match-ups shows that our new algorithm (TTLS+CEM) can reduce RMSE by ~50% while increasing data coverage by ~50% compared to the operationally available MODIS SST.
Concurrent Reflectance Confocal Microscopy and Laser Doppler Flowmetry to Improve Skin Cancer Imaging: A Monte Carlo Model and Experimental Validation
Authors: Mowla Alireza , Taimre Thomas , Lim Yah , Bertling Karl , Wilson Stephen , Prow Tarl , Soyer H. , Rakić Aleksandar
Published: September 2016

Optical interrogation of suspicious skin lesions is standard care in the management of skin cancer worldwide. Morphological and functional markers of malignancy are often combined to improve expert human diagnostic power. We propose the evaluation of the combination of two independent optical biomarkers of skin tumours concurrently. The morphological modality of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is combined with the functional modality of laser Doppler flowmetry, which is capable of quantifying tissue perfusion. To realize the idea, we propose laser feedback interferometry as an implementation of RCM, which is able to detect the Doppler signal in addition to the confocal reflectance signal. Based on the proposed technique, we study numerical models of skin tissue incorporating two optical biomarkers of malignancy: (i) abnormal red blood cell velocities and concentrations and (ii) anomalous optical properties manifested through tissue confocal reflectance, using Monte Carlo simulation. We also conduct a laboratory experiment on a microfluidic channel containing a dynamic turbid medium, to validate the efficacy of the technique. We quantify the performance of the technique by examining a signal to background ratio (SBR) in both the numerical and experimental models, and it is shown that both simulated and experimental SBRs improve consistently using this technique. This work indicates the feasibility of an optical instrument, which may have a role in enhanced imaging of skin malignancies.
Development of Hybrid Model for Estimating Construction Waste for Multifamily Residential Buildings Using Artificial Neural Networks and Ant Colony Optimization
Authors: Lee Dongoun , Kim Seungho , Kim Sangyong
Published: September 2016

Due to the increasing costs of construction waste disposal, an accurate estimation of the amount of construction waste is a key factor in a project’s success. Korea has been burdened by increasing construction waste as a consequence of the growing number of construction projects and a lack of construction waste management (CWM) strategies. One of the problems associated with predicting the amount of waste is that there are no suitable estimation strategies currently available. Therefore, we developed a hybrid estimation model to predict the quantity and cost of waste in the early stage of construction. The proposed approach can be used to address cost overruns and improve CWM in the subsequent stages of construction. The proposed hybrid model uses artificial neural networks (ANNs) and ant colony optimization (ACO). It is expected to provide an accurate waste estimate by applying historical data from multifamily residential buildings.
“Generatie Schierbeek”. Lyricisering in de jaren vijftig
Authors: Vandevoorde Hans
Published: September 2016

« Génération Schierbeek » . Lyricisation dans les années cinquante.

Het boek ik (1951) est considéré par H. R. Heite comme « l’unique oeuvre de prose des Vijftigers » . Selon lui, la poésie des Vijftigers, libérée de toute convention poétique et grammaticale, est également pratiquée par le prosateur Bert Schierbeek. Seul Lucebert, avec lequel il a collaboré, semble faire quelque chose de similaire sans toutefois démembrer la syntaxe de sa prose. Dans cet article, je vais tout d’abord tenter, en me fondant sur les idées de Werner Wolf, de comprendre en quoi consiste la lyricisation de la prose de Schierbeek et pourquoi cette prose ne peut être qualifiée de poésie et est appelée «proésie » . Ensuite, j’examinerai si Schierbeek a été effectivement le seul à lyriciser. J’estime que la poésie en prose, qui a été utilisée par bon nombre de poètes expérimentaux, est le principal domaine où la lyricisation doit être discernée. Tant la prose poétique de Schierbeek que la poésie en prose des années cinquante s’avèrent tributaires du surréalisme français, qui a permis une libéralisation de la littérature après la Seconde Guerre mondiale.
De hausse van het experiment. Lyricisering in de jaren zestig
Authors: Bernaerts Lars
Published: September 2016

De jaren zestig zijn een periode van verhevigde literaire vernieuwing in de Nederlandse literatuur. Door defictionalisering en denarrativisering wijken schrijvers af van traditioneler, rechtlijnig en conventioneel proza. Een van de strategieën van denarrativisering is de introductie van lyrische middelen. In het artikel wordt de lyrische dimensie van het vernieuwende proza van de jaren zestig gecontextualiseerd en vervolgens gedifferentieerd. De gevalstudies laten deze soorten, hun gradaties en functies zien in het werk van een reeks vernieuwende schrijvers.
“Klankmuziek - poëzie plus anti-poëzie ineen”. Lyricisering in de jaren zeventig
Authors: Vitse Sven
Published: September 2016

« Musicalité des sons & poésie et antipoésie réunies » . Lyricisation dans les années soixante-dix.

Cet article aborde l’application de techniques lyriques dans la prose expérimentale flamande et néerlandaise des années soixante-dix. Les oeuvres de dix auteurs, cinq flamands et cinq néerlandais, permettront de démontrer le rôle joué par les stratégies lyriques dans la modernisation de la narration et l’utilisation de la langue. Avant de traiter de chacun des auteurs séparément, cet article donnera un bref aperçu du contexte littéraire dans les années soixante-dix en Flandre et aux Pays-Bas. Deux auteurs seront étudiés de manière plus approfondie : le Flamand Claude Van de Berge et la Néerlandaise Lidy van Marissing. L’abstraction et le montage sont des tendances importantes de la prose lyrique des années soixante-dix. L’abstraction implique la minimalisation de l’élément narratif et de la référence à un monde narratif reconnaissable. La technique de montage consiste à rassembler des blocs de textes hétérogènes en une mosaïque, ce qui confère au texte un caractère très fragmentaire. Ensuite, les auteurs étudieront la polysémie linguistique au moyen de la métaphore et d’expériences syntactiques. Une dernière tendance est la musicalisation de la prose : le fait de jouer avec les sons et le rythme accentue la qualité musicale de la langue et transforme l’oeuvre littéraire en une performance orale.
Thoughts on the linguistic history of Curaçao: how Papiamentu got the better of Dutch
Authors: Jacobs Bart
Published: September 2016

30% de son vocabulaire est d’origine néerlandaise. Cependant, une question historique et sociolinguistique qui a jusqu’à ce jour été relativement peu ou insuffisamment débatue est pourquoi le néerlandais lui-même ne s’est pas creolisé a Curaçao, ou au moins n’est pas devenu la langue principale de la société locale, quand bien même il a été la langue européenne principale sur l’île du début de son histoire coloniale jusqu’à aujourd’hui (dès les années 160) et sa présence est plus ancienne que celle du papiamentu (attesté dès les années 1650). La plupart des puissances coloniales européennes dans les Caraïbes eu un vaste et durable impact linguistique local, soit en produisant des créoles (e. g. l’anglais en Jamaïque ou le français à Haïti), ou autrement en devenant le principal biais de communication (e. g. l’espagnol à Cuba). Ce ne fut pas le cas à Curaçao. Sur cette île, la langue socialement et ethniquement la plus répandue est le papiamentu, un créole de base lexicale ibérienne. Le présent article tente de répondre à la question (le ‘ Paradoxe de Curaçao’) pourquoi la langue coloniale, le néerlandais, n’a pas été approprié par la population locale, et pourquoi, au lieu de cela, le papiamentu a pu prendre forme, se diffuser et consolider sa position sur l’île.
EMPIRICALLY ESTIMATED FAR-UV EXTINCTION CURVES FOR CLASSICAL T TAURI STARS
Authors: McJunkin Matthew , France Kevin , Schindhelm Rebecca N. , Herczeg Gregory , Schneider P. Christian , Brown Alex
Published: September 2016

Measurements of extinction curves toward young stars are essential for calculating the intrinsic stellar spectrophotometric radiation. This flux determines the chemical properties and evolution of the circumstellar region, including the environment in which planets form. We develop a new technique using H2 emission lines pumped by stellar Lyα photons to characterize the extinction curve by comparing the measured far-ultraviolet H2 line fluxes with model H2 line fluxes. The difference between model and observed fluxes can be attributed to the dust attenuation along the line of sight through both the interstellar and circumstellar material. The extinction curves are fit by a Cardelli et al. (1989) model and the A

V
(H2) for the 10 targets studied with good extinction fits range from 0.5 to 1.5 mag, with R

V
values ranging from 2.0 to 4.7. A

V
and R

V
are found to be highly degenerate, suggesting that one or the other needs to be calculated independently. Column densities and temperatures for the fluorescent H2 populations are also determined, with averages of log10(N(H2)) = 19.0 and T = 1500 K. This paper explores the strengths and limitations of the newly developed extinction curve technique in order to assess the reliability of the results and improve the method in the future.
Safety of Biologic Agents in Elderly Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Murota Atsuko , Kaneko Yuko , Yamaoka Kunihiro , Takeuchi Tsutomu
Published: September 2016

Objective.

To clarify the safety of biologics in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods.

Biologics were analyzed for safety in relation to age in 309 patients.

Results.

Young (< 65 yrs old, n = 174), elderly (65–74 yrs old, n = 86), and older elderly patients (≥ 75 yrs old, n = 49) were enrolled. Although the incidence of adverse events causing treatment withdrawal was significantly higher in elderly and old elderly compared with young patients, no difference was found between elderly and older elderly patients. Pulmonary complications were independent risk factors.

Conclusion.

Old patients require special attention, although the safety of biologics in those ≥ 75 years old and 65–74 was comparable.
Differences in Predictive Factors for Sustained Clinical Remission with Abatacept Between Younger and Elderly Patients with Biologic-naive Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results from the ABROAD Study
Authors: Sekiguchi Masahiro , Fujii Takao , Matsui Kiyoshi , Murakami Kosaku , Morita Satoshi , Ohmura Koichiro , Kawahito Yutaka , Nishimoto Norihiro , Mimori Tsuneyo , Sano Hajime ,   The ABROAD Study Investigators
Published: September 2016

Objective.

To differentiate predictive factors for sustained clinical remission between elderly and younger patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving abatacept (ABA) as an initial biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug.

Methods.

The study involved 277 biologic-naive patients with RA with high or moderate disease activity, who were treated with intravenous ABA and evaluated for 48 weeks in 43 Japanese hospitals and rheumatology clinics (the ABatacept Research Outcomes as a First-line Biological Agent in the Real WorlD study: UMIN000004651). Predictive factors associated with sustained clinical remission defined by the 28-joint Disease Activity Score with C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) during the 24–48–week or 36–48–week periods were determined in elderly (≥ 65 yrs, n = 148) and younger patient groups (< 65 yrs, n = 129) using logistic regression analysis.

Results.

Clinical remission was achieved at 24 and 48 weeks in 35.1% and 36.5% of patients in the elderly group and 34.9% and 43.4% in the younger group, respectively. In elderly patients, anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) positivity and a lower DAS28-CRP score were significantly associated with sustained clinical remission; however, a lower Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) score was not related to sustained clinical remission. In younger patients, lower DAS28-CRP and HAQ-DI scores were predictive factors for sustained clinical remission, whereas ACPA positivity was not a useful predictive factor for sustained clinical remission.

Conclusion.

Although the effectiveness of ABA in biologic-naive patients with RA was equally recognized in elderly and younger patients, the baseline clinical characteristics associated with sustained clinical remission were substantially different.