bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial and Temporal Variation in Triglyceride Concentration in the Blood of Nestling Blue Tits Cyanistes Caeruleus
Authors: Kaliński Adam , Bańbura Mirosława , Glądalski Michał , Markowski Marcin , Skwarska Joanna , Wawrzyniak Jarosław , Zieliński Piotr , Bańbura Jerzy
Published: March 2017

Plasma biochemistry values are useful tools for ecophysiological research of birds and other vertebrates. They provide data on the physiological and nutritional state of individuals in various life stages. We predicted that blood triglyceride levels correlate with nutritional state of birds and that this trait is temporally variable. Therefore, we studied the effects of year and distinct habitat type (urban parkland vs woodland) on triglyceride concentration in the blood of nestling Blue Tits Cyanistes caeruleus. We ascertained both seasonal and inter-habitat variation within the trait. Specifically, (1) nestlings from trophic rich forest site were characterised with significantly higher mean triglyceride levels, and (2) mean triglyceride content was significantly higher in one out of three breeding seasons. These results suggest that the studied trait may be used as a robust indicator of habitat trophic abundance and quality.
Registration of ‘UA 5814HP’ Soybean with High Yield and High Seed‐Protein Content
Authors: Chen P. , Florez-Palacios L. , Orazaly M. , Manjarrez-Sandoval P. , Wu C. , Rupe J. C. , Dombek D. G. , Kirkpatrick T. , Robbins R. T.
Published: March 2017

‘UA 5814HP’ (Reg. No. CV‐522, PI 679957) soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] was developed and released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in 2014 as a high‐yielding and high‐protein late maturity group V conventional cultivar adapted to Arkansas and other southern states. UA 5814HP is an F4 selection from the cross of ‘R95‐1705’ and ‘S00‐9980‐22’. In the 2013–2014 Regional Quality Traits Tests for maturity group V, UA 5814HP was tested in 15 environments and yielded 4277 kg ha−1, which is comparable to the check (‘5601T’, ‘5002T’/‘Ellis’, and ‘Osage’) mean across 2 yr, 4374 kg ha−1. In the 2015 State Variety Tests conducted in Arkansas and other southern states (31 environments), UA 5814HP had an average yield (3723 kg ha−1) similar to that of ‘REV 57R21’ (Terral Seed) (3798 kg ha−1). In the Arkansas Soybean Breeding trials (12 environments; 2011–2015), UA 5814HP had higher seed‐protein content (455 g kg−1) than the check cultivars, ‘AG 5606’ (415 g kg−1, 2011–2013) and ‘AG 5831’ (395 g kg−1, 2014). UA 5814HP has a determinate growth habit, purple flowers, tawny pubescence, tan pod walls, and brown seed hilum. It is resistant to stem canker, frogeye leaf spot, and charcoal rot and is susceptible to races 2 and 5 of soybean cyst nematode, southern root‐knot nematode, and reniform nematode.
RETRACTED: Pharmacist-strengthen adherence to antiretroviral therapy and the contributing factors among HIVinfected paediatric patients in Nigeria
Authors: Ashraf Irfan , Ashraf Saima , Mohammad Nasir , Alam Mohammad Khursheed
Published: March 2017

Retraction Notice:The article "Pharmacist-strengthen adherence to antiretroviral therapy and the contributing factors among HIV-infected paediatric patients in Nigeria" DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v16i2.31942 was published on April 2017. There was a printing mistake in the authorline which was absolutely unintentional. To avoid any misunderstanding, the Editorial Board of BJSM retracted it on August 2017.See Retraction Notice DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v16i4.33644
Quantitative Analysis of Velopharyngeal Movement by Applying Principal Component Analysis to Range Images Produced by a Three-Dimensional Endoscope
Authors: Nakano Asuka , Mishima Katsuaki , Shiraishi Mami , Umeda Hirotsugu , Nakano Hiroyuki , Ueyama Yoshiya
Published: March 2017

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to develop a new technique for analyzing velopharyngeal movement and to investigate its utility. Materials and Methods: Velopharyngeal motion of 20 normal individuals was analyzed. A three-dimensional (3D) endoscope was inserted into the oral cavity, and the movement of the soft palate was measured using an exclusive fixation device. Range images of the soft palate were produced during phonation of the Japanese vowel /a/, and virtual grids were then overlaid on these images. Principal component analyses were applied to the 3D coordinates of the intersections of the virtual grids. The centers of gravity of the virtual grids were calculated, and the magnitude of the shift of the grid intersections during phonation was calculated. Results: The first and the second principal component scores were responsible for the upper posterior direction and the upper direction, respectively. The average magnitude of the shift of the center of gravity was 4.75 mm in males and 4.33 mm in females. Conclusions: Quantitative analysis of velopharyngeal movement was achieved by a method of applying principal component analysis (PCA) to the range images obtained from a 3D endoscope. There was no sex difference in velopharyngeal movement.
Optimal Energy Management Strategy for a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Based on Road Grade Information
Authors: Liu Yonggang , Li Jie , Ye Ming , Qin Datong , Zhang Yi , Lei Zhenzhen
Published: March 2017

Energy management strategies (EMSs) are critical for the improvement of fuel economy of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). However, conventional EMSs hardly consider the influence of uphill terrain on the fuel economy and battery life, leaving vehicles with insufficient battery power for continuous uphill terrains. Hence, in this study, an optimal control strategy for a PHEV based on the road grade information is proposed. The target state of charge (SOC) is estimated based on the road grade information as well as the predicted driving cycle on uphill road obtained from the GPS/GIS system. Furthermore, the trajectory of the SOC is preplanned to ensure sufficient electricity for the uphill terrain in the charge depleting (CD) and charge sustaining (CS) modes. The genetic algorithm is applied to optimize the parameters of the control strategy to maintain the SOC of battery in the CD mode. The pre-charge mode is designed to charge the battery in the CS mode from a reasonable distance before the uphill terrain. Finally, the simulation model of the powertrain system for the PHEV is established using MATLAB/Simulink platform. The results show that the proposed control strategy based on road-grade information helps successfully achieve better fuel economy and longer battery life.
Image Recognition of Icing Thickness on Power Transmission Lines Based on a Least Squares Hough Transform
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Wang Junhua , Shao Jianwei , Li Jiangui
Published: March 2017

In view of the shortcomings of current image detection methods for icing thickness on power transmission lines, an image measuring method for icing thickness based on remote online monitoring was proposed. In this method, a Canny operator is used to get the image edge, in addition, a Hough transform and least squares are combined to solve the problems of traditional Hough transform in the parameter space whereby it is easily disturbed by the image background and noises, and eventually the edges of iced power transmission lines and un-iced power transmission lines are accurately detected in images which have low contrast, complex grayscale, and many noises. Furthermore, based on the imaging principle of the camera, a new geometric calculation model for icing thickness is established by using the radius of power transmission line as a reference, and automatic calculation of icing thickness is achieved. The results show that proposed image recognition method is rarely disturbed by noises and background, the image recognition results show good agreement with the real edges of iced power transmission lines and un-iced power transmission lines, and is simple and easy to program, which suggests that the method can be used for image recognition and calculation of icing thickness.
A Novel Multi-Objective Optimal Approach for Wind Power Interval Prediction
Authors: Hu Mengyue , Hu Zhijian , Yue Jingpeng , Zhang Menglin , Hu Meiyu
Published: March 2017

Numerous studies on wind power forecasting show that random errors found in the prediction results cause uncertainty in wind power prediction and cannot be solved effectively using conventional point prediction methods. In contrast, interval prediction is gaining increasing attention as an effective approach as it can describe the uncertainty of wind power. A wind power interval forecasting approach is proposed in this article. First, the original wind power series is decomposed into a series of subseries using variational mode decomposition (VMD); second, the prediction model is established through kernel extreme learning machine (KELM). Three indices are taken into account in a novel objective function, and the improved artificial bee colony algorithm (IABC) is used to search for the best wind power intervals. Finally, when compared with other competitive methods, the simulation results show that the proposed approach has much better performance.
A 3-D Coupled Magneto-Fluid-Thermal Analysis of a 220 kV Three-Phase Three-Limb Transformer under DC Bias
Authors: Gong Ruohan , Ruan Jiangjun , Chen Jingzhou , Quan Yu , Wang Jian , Jin Shuo
Published: March 2017

This paper takes a typical 220 kV three-phase three-limb oil-immersed transformer as an example, this paper building transient field-circuit coupled model and 3D coupled magneto -fluid-thermal model. Considering a nonlinear B–H curve, the magneto model uses the field-circuit coupled finite element method (FEM) to calculate the magnetic flux distribution of the core and the current distribution of the windings when the transformer is at a rated current and under direct current (DC) bias. Taking the electric power losses of the core and windings as a heat source, the temperature inside the transformer and the velocity of the transformer oil are analyzed by the finite volume method (FVM) in a fluid-thermal field. In order to improve the accuracy of the calculation results, the influence of temperature on the electrical resistivity of the windings and the physical parameter of the transformer oil are taken into account in the paper. Meanwhile, the convective heat transfer coefficient of the FVM model boundary is determined by its temperature. By iterative computations, the model is updated according to the thermal field calculation result until the maximum difference in hot spot temperature between the two adjacent steps is less than 0.01 K. The result calculated by the coupling method agrees well with the empirical equation result according to IEC 60076-7.
Predictive Direct Flux Control—A New Control Method of Voltage Source Inverters in Distributed Generation Applications
Authors: Hu Jiefeng
Published: March 2017

Voltage source inverters (VSIs) have been widely utilized in electric drives and distributed generations (DGs), where electromagnetic torque, currents and voltages are usually the control objectives. The inverter flux, defined as the integral of the inverter voltage, however, is seldom studied. Although a conventional flux control approach has been developed, it presents major drawbacks of large flux ripples, leading to distorted inverter output currents and large power ripples. This paper proposes a new control strategy of VSIs by controlling the inverter flux. To improve the system’s steady-state and transient performance, a predictive control scheme is adopted. The flux amplitude and flux angle can be well regulated by choosing the optimum inverter control action according to formulated selection criteria. Hence, the inverter flux can be controlled to have a specified magnitude and a specified position relative to the grid flux with less ripples. This results in a satisfactory line current performance with a fast transient response. The proposed predictive direct flux control (PDFC) method is tested in a 3 MW high-power grid-connected VSI system in the MATLAB/Simulink environment, and the results demonstrate its effectiveness.
Modeling and Targeting MYC Genes in Childhood Brain Tumors
Authors: Hutter Sonja , Bolin Sara , Weishaupt Holger , Swartling Fredrik
Published: March 2017

Brain tumors are the second most common group of childhood cancers, accounting for about 20%–25% of all pediatric tumors. Deregulated expression of the MYC family of transcription factors, particularly c-MYC and MYCN genes, has been found in many of these neoplasms, and their expression levels are often correlated with poor prognosis. Elevated c-MYC/MYCN initiates and drives tumorigenesis in many in vivo model systems of pediatric brain tumors. Therefore, inhibition of their oncogenic function is an attractive therapeutic target. In this review, we explore the roles of MYC oncoproteins and their molecular targets during the formation, maintenance, and recurrence of childhood brain tumors. We also briefly summarize recent progress in the development of therapeutic approaches for pharmacological inhibition of MYC activity in these tumors.
Perceptions and Experiences with Flavored Non-Menthol Tobacco Products: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies
Authors: Kowitt Sarah , Meernik Clare , Baker Hannah , Osman Amira , Huang Li-Ling , Goldstein Adam
Published: March 2017

Although a few countries have banned flavored cigarettes (except menthol), flavors in most tobacco products remain unregulated across the globe. We conducted a systematic review of qualitative studies examining perceptions of and experiences with flavored non-menthol tobacco products. Of 20 studies on flavored tobacco products included in our qualitative systematic review, 10 examined hookah, six examined e-cigarettes, two examined little cigars and cigarillos (LCCs), and three examined other tobacco products, including cigarettes. The majority of studies, regardless of product type, reported positive perceptions of flavored tobacco products, particularly among young adults and adolescents. In six studies that assessed perceptions of harm (including hookah, LCCs, and other flavored tobacco products), participants believed flavored tobacco products to be less harmful than cigarettes. In studies that examined the role of flavors in experimentation and/or initiation (including three studies on e-cigarettes, one hookah study and one LCC study), participants mentioned flavors as specifically leading to their experimentation and/or initiation of flavored tobacco products. Given that many countries have not yet banned flavors in tobacco products, these findings add to existing research on why individuals use flavored tobacco products and how they perceive harm in flavored tobacco products, providing further support for banning non-menthol flavors in most tobacco products.
Understanding the Psychosocial Correlates of the Intention to Use Condoms among Young Men in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Manyaapelo Thabang , Nyembezi Anam , Ruiter Robert , Borne Bart , Sifunda Sibusiso , Reddy Priscilla
Published: March 2017

South Africa leads the world with the number of people infected with HIV. Even with all attempts that have been made to curb HIV, it is still evident that new infections are on the rise. Condom use remains one of the best tools against this challenge yet a small number of sexually active men use them. This study investigates the psychosocial correlates of the intention to use condoms among young men in KwaZulu-Natal province. Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour as a framework, hierarchical linear regression models were used to determine the unique contribution of the study measures in explaining the overall variance of intention to consistently use condoms. Subjective norms and perceived behavioural control towards consistent condom use explained 46% of the variance in the intention to use a condom, suggesting that health behaviour interventions should focus on targeting the normative beliefs as well as control beliefs of the target population. Furthermore, subjective norms and intentions towards reducing alcohol and marijuana use explained an additional 7% to the final model in intentions to condom use, implying that substance use and condom usage may influence each other. No significant contributions were found for beliefs underlying cultural aspects of responsible manhood.
Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells Using Negative Enrichment Immunofluorescence and an In Situ Hybridization System in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Xu Yu , Qin Tai , Li Jing , Wang Xiuchao , Gao Chuntao , Xu Chao , Hao Jihui , Liu Jingcheng , Gao Song , Ren He
Published: March 2017

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the most lethal type of gastrointestinal cancer, and early detection and monitoring is an urgent problem. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are emerging as a non-invasive biomarker for tumor detection. However, the low sensitivity is a main problem in the traditional CellSearch System for detecting CTCs, especially in patients with PC. In this study, we used negative enrichment (NE), immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization (FISH) of chromosome 8 (NE-iFISH) to capture and identify CTCs in PC patients. We showed that the NE-iFISH system exhibited a dramatically high detection rate of CTCs in PC patients (90%). The diagnostic rate of PC reached 97.5% when combining CTCs ≥ 2 and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) > 37 µmol/L. The 1-year survival in the group of CTCs < 3 was significantly higher than that of CTCs ≥ 3 (p = 0.043). In addition, we analyzed the role of chromosomal instability in CTCs detection. The group of triploid (three hybridization signals of chromosome 8) CTCs ≥ 3 showed a shorter 1-year survival (p = 0.0279) and overall survival (p = 0.0188) than the group with triploid CTCs < 3. Importantly, the triploid CTC number but not the overall CTC counts could be a predictor of chemo-sensitivity. Moreover, circulating tumor microembolus (CTMs) were found in stage IV patients, and were positively related to the poor response to chemotherapy. In conclusion, the NE-iFISH system significantly improved the positive detection rate of CTCs and triploid CTC could be used to predict prognosis or the response to the chemotherapy of PC patients. CTM is a potential indicator of the chemotherapeutic effect in advanced PC patients.
Biological Effect of Licochalcone C on the Regulation of PI3K/Akt/eNOS and NF-κB/iNOS/NO Signaling Pathways in H9c2 Cells in Response to LPS Stimulation
Authors: Franceschelli Sara , Pesce Mirko , Ferrone Alessio , Gatta Daniela Maria Pia , Patruno Antonia , Lutiis Maria Anna De , Quiles José Luis , Grilli Alfredo , Felaco Mario , Speranza Lorenza
Published: March 2017

Polyphenols compounds are a group molecules present in many plants. They have antioxidant properties and can also be helpful in the management of sepsis. Licochalcone C (LicoC), a constituent of Glycyrrhiza glabra, has various biological and pharmacological properties. In saying this, the effect of LicoC on the inflammatory response that characterizes septic myocardial dysfunction is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine whether LicoC exhibits anti-inflammatory properties on H9c2 cells that are stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. Our results have shown that LicoC treatment represses nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) translocation and several downstream molecules, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Moreover, LicoC has upregulated the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling pathway. Finally, 2-(4-Morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-1(4H)-benzopyran-4-one hydrochloride (LY294002), a specific PI3K inhibitor, blocked the protective effects of LicoC. These findings indicate that LicoC plays a pivotal role in cardiac dysfunction in sepsis-induced inflammation.
Molecular Identification and Antifungal Susceptibility Patterns of Clinical Dermatophytes Following CLSI and EUCAST Guidelines
Authors: Dabas Yubhisha , Xess Immaculata , Singh Gagandeep , Pandey Mragnayani , Meena Suneeta
Published: March 2017

Dermatophytes are associated with superficial infections in humans worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine the species distribution and susceptibility patterns of clinical dermatophytes. Samples received for routine mycological processing from 124 suspected cases attending a dermatologic clinic in a tertiary care hospital were included in the study. On direct microscopy, 74.1% (92/124) were positive and 53.2% (66/124) grew on culture. The isolates were comprised of Trichophyton interdigitale (56%) followed by Trichophyton tonsurans (25.7%), Trichophyton rubrum (7.5%), Trichophyton violaceum (4.5%), Microsporum gypseum (4.5%), and Trichophyton verrucosum (1.5%). Conventional mycological identification was concordant with ITS sequencing except for T. mentagrophytes. High minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values (geometric mean, >1 µg/mL) were observed for T. tonsurans and T. rubrum to terbinafine and griseofulvin. This study highlights the shift in epidemiology from T. rubrum to T. interdigitale. It also raises a concern of high MICs of terbinafine and griseofulvin among our isolates. Surveillance of antifungal susceptibility patterns can provide clinicians with local MIC data that can further aid in guiding better management in relapse cases of dermatomycosis.
F-Harmonic Maps between Doubly Warped Product Manifolds
Authors: Torbaghan Seyed , Rezaii Morteza
Published: March 2017

In this paper, some properties of F -harmonic and conformal F -harmonic maps between doubly warped product manifolds are studied and new examples of non-harmonic F -harmonic maps are constructed.
Marine Cyclic Guanidine Alkaloids Monanchomycalin B and Urupocidin A Act as Inhibitors of TRPV1, TRPV2 and TRPV3, but not TRPA1 Receptors
Authors: Korolkova Yuliya , Makarieva Tatyana , Tabakmakher Kseniya , Shubina Larisa , Kudryashova Ekaterina , Andreev Yaroslav , Mosharova Irina , Lee Hyi-Seung , Lee Yeon-Ju , Kozlov Sergey
Published: March 2017

Marine sponges contain a variety of low-molecular-weight compounds including guanidine alkaloids possessing different biological activities. Monanchomycalin B and urupocidin A were isolated from the marine sponge Monanchora pulchra. We found that they act as inhibitors of the TRPV1, TRPV2, and TRPV3 channels, but are inactive against the TRPA1 receptor. Monanchomycalin B is the most active among all published marine alkaloids (EC50 6.02, 2.84, and 3.25 μM for TRPV1, TRPV2, and TRPV3, correspondingly). Moreover, monanchomycalin B and urupocidin A are the first samples of marine alkaloids affecting the TRPV2 receptor. Two semi-synthetic urupocidin A derivatives were also obtained and tested against TRP (Transient Receptor Potential) receptors that allowed us to collect some data concerning the structure-activity relationship in this series of compounds. We showed that the removal of one of three side chains or double bonds in the other side chains in urupocidin A led to a decrease of the inhibitory activities. New ligands specific to the TRPV subfamily may be useful for the design of medicines as in the study of TRP channels biology.
Experimental Study of Montmorillonite Structure and Transformation of Its Properties under Treatment with Inorganic Acid Solutions
Authors: Krupskaya Victoria , Zakusin Sergey , Tyupina Ekaterina , Dorzhieva Olga , Zhukhlistov Anatoliy , Belousov Petr , Timofeeva Maria
Published: March 2017

This paper discusses the mechanism of montmorillonite structural alteration and modification of bentonites’ properties (based on samples from clay deposits Taganskoye, Kazakhstan and Mukhortala, Buriatia) under thermochemical treatment (treatment with inorganic acid solutions at different temperatures, concentrations and reaction times). Treatment conditions were chosen according to those accepted in chemical industry for obtaining acid modified clays as catalysts or sorbents. Also, more intense treatment was carried out to simulate possible influence at the liquid radioactive site repositories. A series of methods was used: XRD, FTIR, ICP-AES, TEM, nitrogen adsorption, and particle size analysis. It allowed revealing certain processes: transformation of montmorillonite structure which appears in the leaching of interlayer and octahedral cations and protonation of the interlayer and –OH groups at octahedral sheets. In turn, changes in the structure of the 2:1 layer of montmorillonite and its interlayer result in significant alterations in the properties: reduction of cation exchange capacity and an increase of specific surface area. Acid treatment also leads to a redistribution of particle sizes and changes the pore system. The results of the work showed that bentonite clays retain a significant portion of their adsorption properties even after a prolonged and intense thermochemical treatment (1 M HNO3, 60 °C, 108 h).
Angiotensin-I-Converting Enzyme (ACE)-Inhibitory Peptides from Plants
Authors: Daskaya-Dikmen Ceren , Yucetepe Aysun , Karbancioglu-Guler Funda , Daskaya Hayrettin , Ozcelik Beraat
Published: March 2017

Hypertension is an important factor in cardiovascular diseases. Angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors like synthetic drugs are widely used to control hypertension. ACE-inhibitory peptides from food origins could be a good alternative to synthetic drugs. A number of plant-based peptides have been investigated for their potential ACE inhibitor activities by using in vitro and in vivo assays. These plant-based peptides can be obtained by solvent extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis with or without novel food processing methods, and fermentation. ACE-inhibitory activities of peptides can be affected by their structural characteristics such as chain length, composition and sequence. ACE-inhibitory peptides should have gastrointestinal stability and reach the cardiovascular system to show their bioactivity. This paper reviews the current literature on plant-derived ACE-inhibitory peptides including their sources, production and structure, as well as their activity by in vitro and in vivo studies and their bioavailability.
The Effect of Regular Intake of Dry-Cured Ham Rich in Bioactive Peptides on Inflammation, Platelet and Monocyte Activation Markers in Humans
Authors: Martínez-Sánchez Sara María , Minguela Alfredo , Prieto-Merino David , Zafrilla-Rentero María Pilar , Abellán-Alemán José , Montoro-García Silvia
Published: March 2017

Background and aims: Dietary studies have shown that active biopeptides provide protective health benefits, although the mediating pathways are somewhat uncertain. To throw light on this situation, we studied the effects of consuming Spanish dry-cured ham on platelet function, monocyte activation markers and the inflammatory status of healthy humans with pre-hypertension. Methods: Thirty-eight healthy volunteers with systolic blood pressure of >125 mmHg were enrolled in a two-arm crossover randomized controlled trial. Participants received 80 g/day dry-cured pork ham of >11 months proteolysis or 100 g/day cooked ham (control product) for 4 weeks followed by a 2-week washout before “crossing over” to the other treatment for 4 more weeks. Soluble markers and cytokines were analyzed by ELISA. Platelet function was assessed by measuring P-selectin expression and PAC-1 binding after ADP (adenosine diphosphate) stimulation using whole blood flow cytometry. Monocyte markers of the pathological status (adhesion, inflammatory and scavenging receptors) were also measured by flow cytometry in the three monocyte subsets after the interventional period. Results: The mean differences between dry-cured ham and cooked ham followed by a time period adjustment for plasmatic P-selectin and interleukin 6 proteins slightly failed (p = 0.062 and p = 0.049, respectively), notably increased for MCP-1 levels (p = 0.023) while VCAM-1 was not affected. Platelet function also decreased after ADP stimulation. The expression of adhesion and scavenging markers (ICAM1R, CXCR4 and TLR4) in the three subsets of monocytes was significantly higher (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: The regular consumption of biopeptides contained in the dry-cured ham but absent in cooked ham impaired platelet and monocyte activation and the levels of plasmatic P-selectin, MCP-1 and interleukin 6 in healthy subjects. This study strongly suggests the existence of a mechanism that links dietary biopeptides and beneficial health effects.
Plenty of Fish in the Academy: On Marshall McLuhan’s Prose as an Anti-Environment
Authors: Gromova Kate
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this synthesis is to deconstruct the medium of Marshall McLuhan’s prose as an anti-environment for the medium of traditional academic writing. By placing McLuhan’s own theory in dialogue with the founding principles of linguistic anthropology, I will argue that McLuhan’s authorial tactics—a subject of his long-term repudiation by the academic community on the whole—adhered to the tenets of the Electric Age, and were thus inherently incomprehensible to those who negotiated academic prose as a medium locked within the media environment of the Print Age.
Minimizing Blocking Probability in Elastic Optical Networks by Varying the Bandwidth Granularity Based on Optical Path Fragmentation
Authors: Al-Tarawneh Luae , Taebi Sareh
Published: March 2017

Elastic optical networks (EONs) based on orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) are considered a promising solution for the next optical network’s generation. These networks make it possible to choose an adequate portion of the available spectrum to satisfy the requested capacity. In this paper, we consider the impact of spectrum fragmentation along the optical single/multipath routing transmission on the efficiency of the EONs. This involves reducing the fragmentation effects by dynamically updating and controlling the minimum bandwidth allocation granularity (ɡ). We adopt linear and nonlinear dynamic mechanisms, which are denoted as LDAɡ and NLDAɡ, respectively, to choose proper bandwidth granularities that are proportional to the optical link/path bandwidth fragmentation status. In order to avoid either splitting the capacity request over many routing paths, which would increase the management complexity, or encouraging single path transmission, the proposed schemes aim to choose a proper bandwidth allocation granularity (ɡ) for a predefined set of suggested values. Simulation results show that varying the bandwidth granularity based on the optical path fragmentation status can offer an improved performance over fixed granularity with respect to the bandwidth blocking probability, the number of path splitting actions, the throughput, and the differential delay constraint issue in terms of: the network bandwidth utilization and multipath distribution.
Dynamics of the MnAs α/β-Striped Microstructure and of the Fe Magnetization Reversal in Fe/MnAs/GaAs(001): An Optical-Laser Pump–Free-Electron-Laser Probe Scattering Experiment
Authors: Vidal Franck , Lounis Lounès , Spezzani Carlo , Ferrari Eugenio , Delaunay Renaud , Ciavardini Alessandra , Popescu Horia , Eddrief Mahmoud , Zheng Yunlin , Capotondi Flavio , Pedersoli Emanuele , Svetina Cristian , Raimondi Lorenzo , Zangrando Marco , Ivanov Rosen , Nikolov Ivaylo , Demidovich Alexander , Danailov Miltcho , De Ninno Giovanni , Allaria Enrico , Kiskinova Maya , Sacchi Maurizio
Published: March 2017

It was shown recently that the Fe magnetization reversal in the Fe/MnAs/GaAs(001) epitaxial system, attained by temperature control of the regular stripe pattern of the MnAs α- and β-phases, can also be driven by an ultrashort optical laser pulse. In the present time-resolved scattering experiment, we address the dynamics of the MnAs α-β self-organized stripe pattern induced by a 100 fs optical laser pulse, using as a probe the XUV radiation from the FERMI free-electron laser. We observe a loss in the diffraction intensity from the ordered α-β stripes that occurs at two characteristic timescales in the range of ~10−12 and ~10−10 s. We associate the first intensity drop with ultrafast electron-lattice energy exchange processes within the laser-MnAs interaction volume and the second with thermal diffusion towards the MnAs/GaAs interface. With the support of model calculations, the observed dynamics are interpreted in terms of the formation of a laterally homogeneous MnAs overlayer, the thickness of which evolves in time, correlating the MnAs microstructure dynamics with the Fe magnetization response.
Transient EUV Reflectivity Measurements of Carbon upon Ultrafast Laser Heating
Authors: Mincigrucci Riccardo , Principi Emiliano , Bencivenga Filippo , Foglia Laura , Gessini Alessandro , Kurdi Gabor , Simoncig Alberto , Masciovecchio Claudio
Published: March 2017

Time resolved extreme ultraviolet (EUV) transient reflectivity measurements on non-equilibrium amorphous carbon (a-C) have been carried out by combining optical and free electron laser (FEL) sources. The EUV probing was specifically sensitive to lattice dynamics, since the EUV reflectivity is essentially unaffected by the photo-excited surface plasma. Data have been interpreted in terms of the dynamics of an expanding surface, i.e., a density gradient rapidly forming along the normal surface. This allowed us to determine the characteristic time ( τ ≲ 1 ps) for hydrodynamic expansion in photo-excited a-C. This finding suggests an extremely narrow time window during which the system can be assumed to be in the isochoric regime, a situation that may complicate the study of photo-induced metastable phases of carbon. Data also showed a weak dependence on the probing EUV wavelength, which was used to estimate the electronic temperature ( T e ≈ 0.8 eV) of the excited sample. This experimental finding compares fairly well with the results of calculations, while a comparison of our data and calculations with previous transient optical reflectivity measurements highlights the complementarities between optical and EUV probing.
Preparation and Characterization of Antibacterial Cellulose/Chitosan Nanofiltration Membranes
Authors: Weng Rengui , Chen Lihui , Lin Shan , Zhang Hui , Wu Hui , Liu Kai , Cao Shilin , Huang Liulian
Published: March 2017

Abstract: Presently, most nanofiltration membranes are prepared with non-biodegradable petrochemical materials. This process is harmful to the ecosystem and consumes a large amount of non-renewable energy. In this study, biodegradable and biocompatible antibacterial cellulose/chitosan nanofiltration membranes (BC/CS-NFMs) were fabricated and characterized for their mechanical strength, antimicrobial activity, salt and dye filtration performance, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) retention using Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Field emission scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The BC/CS-NFMs were obtained by the hydrolysis and carboxymethylation of dense cellulose/chitosan membranes (BC/CSMs). The tensile strength of the BC/CS-NFMs decreased as the chitosan content increased. In addition, the thermal stability and antibacterial ability of the BC/CS-NFMs improved. The pore size is less than 1 nm, and a spongy, layered structure is observed in the cross-sectional FE-SEM images. FT-IR analysis shows that a part of the hydroxyl in cellulose transforms to carboxymethyl during the hydrolysis and carboxymethylation of the BC/CSMs. No obvious changes can be observed in the cellulose and chitosan after the blend membrane formation from the XRD measurements. Based on the experimental results on the permeation and rejection of BC/CS-NFMs, different proportions of cellulose and chitosan nanofiltration membranes almost did not affect the water flux and rejection rate. The BC/CS-NFMs showed better water flux and a higher rejection rate in aqueous dye-salt solutions.
Application of Bivariate and Multivariate Statistical Techniques in Landslide Susceptibility Modeling in Chittagong City Corporation, Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Bayes , Dewan Ashraf
Published: March 2017

The communities living on the dangerous hillslopes in Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) in Bangladesh recurrently experience landslide hazards during the monsoon season. The frequency and intensity of landslides are increasing over time because of heavy rainfall occurring over a few days. Furthermore, rapid urbanization through hill-cutting is another factor, which is believed to have a significant impact on the occurrence of landslides. This study aims to develop landslide susceptibility maps (LSMs) through the use of Dempster-Shafer weights of evidence (WoE) and the multiple regression (MR) method. Three different combinations with principal component analysis (PCA) and fuzzy membership techniques were used and tested. Twelve factor maps (i.e., slope, hill-cutting, geology, geomorphology, NDVI, soil moisture, precipitation and distance from existing buildings, stream, road and drainage network, and faults-lineaments) were prepared based on their association with historical landslide events. A landslide inventory map was prepared through field surveys for model simulation and validation purposes. The performance of the predicted LSMs was validated using the area under the relative operating characteristic (ROC) curve method. The overall success rates were 87.3%, 90.9%, 91.3%, and 93.9%, respectively for the WoE, MR with all the layers, MR with PCA layers, and MR with fuzzy probability layers.
No-Reference Hyperspectral Image Quality Assessment via Quality-Sensitive Features Learning
Authors: Yang Jingxiang , Zhao Yongqiang , Yi Chen , Chan Jonathan Cheung-Wai
Published: March 2017

Assessing the quality of a reconstructed hyperspectral image (HSI) is of significance for restoration and super-resolution. Current image quality assessment methods such as peak signal-noise-ratio require the availability of pristine reference image, which is often not available in reality. In this paper, we propose a no-reference hyperspectral image quality assessment method based on quality-sensitive features extraction. Difference of statistical properties between pristine and distorted HSIs is analyzed in both spectral and spatial domains, then multiple statistics features that are sensitive to image quality are extracted. By combining all these statistics features, we learn a multivariate Gaussian (MVG) model as benchmark from the pristine hyperspectral datasets. In order to assess the quality of a reconstructed HSI, we partition it into different local blocks and fit a MVG model on each block. A modified Bhattacharyya distance between the MVG model of each reconstructed HSI block and the benchmark MVG model is computed to measure the quality. The final quality score is obtained by average pooling over all the blocks. We assess five state-of-the-art super-resolution methods on Airborne Visible Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) and Hyperspec-VNIR-C (HyperspecVC) data using our proposed method. It is verified that the proposed quality score is consistent with current reference-based assessment indices, which demonstrates the effectiveness and potential of the proposed no-reference image quality assessment method.
A Passive Temperature-Sensing Antenna Based on a Bimetal Strip Coil
Authors: Shi Xianwei , Yang Fan , Xu Shenheng , Li Maokun
Published: March 2017

A passive temperature-sensing antenna is presented in this paper, which consists of a meandering dipole, a bimetal strip and a back cavity. The meandering dipole is divided into two parts: the lower feeding part and the upper radiating part, which maintain electric contact during operation. As a sensing component, a bimetal strip coil offers a twisting force to rotate the lower feeding part of the antenna when the temperature varies. As a result, the effective length of the dipole antenna changes, leading to a shift of the resonant frequency. Furthermore, a metal back cavity is added to increase the antenna’s quality factor Q, which results in a high-sensitivity design. An antenna prototype is designed, fabricated, and measured, which achieves a sensitivity larger than 4.00 MHz/°C in a temperature range from 30 °C to 50 °C and a read range longer than 4 m. Good agreement between the simulation and measurement results is obtained.
Design of a Pressurized Smokeproof Enclosure: CFD Analysis and Experimental Tests
Authors: Gai Giordana , Cancelliere Piergiacomo
Published: March 2017

Pressure differential systems have the purpose of maintaining tenable conditions in protected spaces for different types of building safe places, like escape routes, firefighting access routes, lobbies, stairwells and refuge areas. The aim of pressure differential systems is to establish airflow paths from protected spaces at high pressure to spaces at lower or ambient pressure, preventing the spread of toxic gas released during a fire. This strategy ought to be supported by a detailed design of the necessary air supply, considering also the cycle of opening and closing doors during the egress phase. The paper deals with the design of a simple pressure differential system intended to be used in a building as a pressurized smokeproof enclosure. Specifically, experimental tests and numerical modelling are conducted with the objective of characterizing the pressure evolution in a small compartment under different conditions and through a cycle of door opening. Experimental tests are conducted in a simple 3-m side cubic enclosure with two doors and no vent openings. While a centrifugal fan blows constant airflow inside the structure, the pressure trend in time is recorded during steady state and transient conditions; additionally, the velocity of the airflow across the doors has been measured by means of an anemometer. Numerical CFD (computational fluid dynamics) simulations are carried out to reproduce the same smokeproof enclosure configuration (both geometrical and boundary conditions) using the fire dynamics simulator (FDS). Furthermore, specific attention is paid to the modelling of the leakage across the doors, directly inserted in the model through a localized HVAC (heating and venting air conditioning) advanced leakage function. Comparisons between experimental tests and numerical simulations are provided. Once the model was correctly calibrated, other geometrical and mechanical configurations have been studied, looking for convenient and efficient positions of the fan in order to fulfill the requirements of the pressure differential, airflow velocity and door handle force. The paper highlights some fundamental aspects on the pressurization and depressurization during steady state and transient phases, trying to identify if there are airflow profiles typical of some geometrical configurations.
Optimization of Lactoperoxidase and Lactoferrin Separation on an Ion-Exchange Chromatography Step
Authors: Faraji Naeimeh , Zhang Yan , Ray Ajay
Published: March 2017

Lactoperoxidase (LP), which is a high-value minor whey protein, has recently drawn extensive attention from research scientists and industry due to its multiplicity of function and potential therapeutic applications. In this study, the separation and optimization of two similar-sized proteins, LP and lactoferrin (LF) were investigated using strong cation exchange column chromatography. A two-step optimization strategy was developed for the separation of LP and LF. Optimization was started with central composite design-based experiments to characterize the influences of different decision variables, namely, flow rate, length of gradient, and final salt concentration in the linear elution gradient step on the yield of LP. This was followed by a more accurate optimization of ion-exchange chromatography (IEC) separation of LP and LF based on an experimentally verified chromatographic model. The optimal operating points were found and the results were compared with validation experiments. Predictions respecting yield confirmed a very good agreement with experimental results with improved product purity.
The Biology of Pichia membranifaciens Killer Toxins
Authors: Belda Ignacio , Ruiz Javier , Alonso Alejandro , Marquina Domingo , Santos Antonio
Published: March 2017

The killer phenomenon is defined as the ability of some yeast to secrete toxins that are lethal to other sensitive yeasts and filamentous fungi. Since the discovery of strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae capable of secreting killer toxins, much information has been gained regarding killer toxins and this fact has substantially contributed knowledge on fundamental aspects of cell biology and yeast genetics. The killer phenomenon has been studied in Pichia membranifaciens for several years, during which two toxins have been described. PMKT and PMKT2 are proteins of low molecular mass that bind to primary receptors located in the cell wall structure of sensitive yeast cells, linear (1→6)-β-d-glucans and mannoproteins for PMKT and PMKT2, respectively. Cwp2p also acts as a secondary receptor for PMKT. Killing of sensitive cells by PMKT is characterized by ionic movements across plasma membrane and an acidification of the intracellular pH triggering an activation of the High Osmolarity Glycerol (HOG) pathway. On the contrary, our investigations showed a mechanism of killing in which cells are arrested at an early S-phase by high concentrations of PMKT2. However, we concluded that induced mortality at low PMKT2 doses and also PMKT is indeed of an apoptotic nature. Killer yeasts and their toxins have found potential applications in several fields: in food and beverage production, as biocontrol agents, in yeast bio-typing, and as novel antimycotic agents. Accordingly, several applications have been found for P. membranifaciens killer toxins, ranging from pre- and post-harvest biocontrol of plant pathogens to applications during wine fermentation and ageing (inhibition of Botrytis cinerea, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, etc.).
Inflammatory Cytokines as Uremic Toxins: “Ni Son Todos Los Que Estan, Ni Estan Todos Los Que Son”
Authors: Castillo-Rodríguez Esmeralda , Pizarro-Sánchez Soledad , Sanz Ana , Ramos Adrian , Sanchez-Niño Maria , Martin-Cleary Catalina , Fernandez-Fernandez Beatriz , Ortiz Alberto
Published: March 2017

Chronic kidney disease is among the fastest growing causes of death worldwide. An increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death is thought to depend on the accumulation of uremic toxins when glomerular filtration rate falls. In addition, the circulating levels of several markers of inflammation predict mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease. Indeed, a number of cytokines are listed in databases of uremic toxins and uremic retention solutes. They include inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, TNFα), chemokines (IL-8), and adipokines (adiponectin, leptin and resistin), as well as anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10). We now critically review the cytokines that may be considered uremic toxins. We discuss the rationale to consider them uremic toxins (mechanisms underlying the increased serum levels and evidence supporting their contribution to CKD manifestations), identify gaps in knowledge, discuss potential therapeutic implications to be tested in clinical trials in order to make this knowledge useful for the practicing physician, and identify additional cytokines, cytokine receptors and chemokines that may fulfill the criteria to be considered uremic toxins, such as sIL-6R, sTNFR1, sTNFR2, IL-2, CXCL12, CX3CL1 and others. In addition, we suggest that IL-10, leptin, adiponectin and resistin should not be considered uremic toxins toxins based on insufficient or contradictory evidence of an association with adverse outcomes in humans or preclinical data not consistent with a causal association.