bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Environmental Information Disclosure and Profitability: A Comparison between Different Disclosure Styles
Authors: Yin Hua , Li Mingyu , Ma Yuan , Zhang Qiang
Published: May 2019

Combined with the existing research gap, this paper divides firms’ environmental information disclosure styles into two types: Substantive style and symbolic style. This paper elaborates on the relationship between environmental information disclosure and firms’ profitability of these two disclosure types and tests this relationship using the data from 676 firms employed from the heave-polluting industry. Considering the endogenous and heteroscedasticity problems, 2-stage least squares method and weighted least square method were adopted. The results showed that (1) positive relationships exist between environmental information disclosure and profitability for both types; and (2) the contribution of symbolic-style disclosure to profitability is larger than that of substantive-style disclosure. These findings are important for corporate managers and highlight some policy implications in developing countries.
Synthesis and In Vitro Antitumor Activity of Naringenin Oxime and Oxime Ether Derivatives
Authors: Latif Ahmed Dhahir , Gonda Tímea , Vágvölgyi Máté , Kúsz Norbert , Kulmány Ágnes , Ocsovszki Imre , Zomborszki Zoltán Péter , Zupkó István , Hunyadi Attila
Published: May 2019

Naringenin is one of the most abundant dietary flavonoids exerting several beneficial biological activities. Synthetic modification of naringenin is of continuous interest. During this study our aim was to synthesize a compound library of oxime and oxime ether derivatives of naringenin, and to investigate their biological activities. Two oximes and five oxime ether derivatives were prepared; their structure has been elucidated by NMR and high-resolution mass spectroscopy. The antiproliferative activity of the prepared compounds was evaluated by MTT assay against human leukemia (HL-60) and gynecological cancer cell lines isolated from cervical (HeLa, Siha) and breast (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231) cancers. Tert-butyl oxime ether derivative exerted the most potent cell growth inhibitory activity. Moreover, cell cycle analysis suggested that this derivative caused a significant increase in the hypodiploid (subG1) phase and induced apoptosis in Hela and Siha cells, and induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in MCF-7 cells. The proapoptotic potential of the selected compound was confirmed by the activation of caspase-3. Antioxidant activities of the prepared molecules were also evaluated with xanthine oxidase, DPPH and ORAC assays, and the methyl substituted oxime ether exerted the most promising activity.
Modified Rice Straw Enhanced Cadmium (II) Immobilization in Soil and Promoted the Degradation of Phenanthrene in Co-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Elyamine Ali Mohamed , Moussa Mohamed G , Afzal Javaria , Rana Muhammad Shoaib , Imran Muhammad , Zhao Xiaohu , Hu Cheng Xiao
Published: May 2019

Very limited information is available about heavy metal-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) depollution involving the modified natural material in soil. Using phenanthrene and cadmium (Cd) as model, this study investigated the effect(s) of modified rice straw by a NaOH solution and on PAHs, heavy metal availability, and their interactions. Treatment included chemical contaminant with/without modified/unmodified rice straw. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed that certain functional groups including anionic matters groups, which can a complex with Cd2+, were exposed on the modified rice straw surfaces. Therefore, Cd concentration was significantly reduced by about 60%, 57%, 62.5 %, and, 64% in the root, shoot, CaCl2, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), and extractable Cd, respectively. Subsequently, the prediction of the functional profile of the soil metagenome using Clusters Orthologous Groups (COGs) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database revealed that the significantly changed individual COGs belonged to the carbohydrate metabolism, ion transports, and signaling (including cytochrome P450s) categories. This indicated that ion transports might be involved in Cd management, while carbohydrate metabolism, including bisphenol, benzoate, ethylbenzene degradation, and cytochrome P450s, were rather involved in phenanthrene metabolism. The exposed functional group might serve as an external substrate, and P450s might serve as a catalyst to activate and initiate phenanthrene metabolism process. These finding offer confirmation that modified straw could promote the reduction of heavy metal and the degradation of PAHs in soil.
Biocompatibility and Osteogenic Capacity of Mg-Zn-Ca Bulk Metallic Glass for Rabbit Tendon-Bone Interference Fixation
Authors: Wong Chin-Chean , Wong Pei-Chun , Tsai Pei-Hua , Jang Jason Shian-Ching , Cheng Cheng-Kung , Chen Hsiang-Ho , Chen Chih-Hwa
Published: May 2019

Mg-based alloys have great potential for development into fixation implants because of their highly biocompatible and biodegradable metallic properties. In this study, we sought to determine the biocompatibility of Mg60Zn35Ca5 bulk metallic glass composite (BMGC) with fabricated implants in a rabbit tendon–bone interference fixation model. We investigated the cellular cytotoxicity of Mg60Zn35Ca5 BMGC toward rabbit osteoblasts and compared it with conventional titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) and polylactic acid (PLA). The results show that Mg60Zn35Ca5 BMGC may be classed as slightly toxic on the basis of the standard ISO 10993-5. We further characterized the osteogenic effect of the Mg60Zn35Ca5 BMGC extraction medium on rabbit osteoblasts by quantifying extracellular calcium and mineral deposition, as well as cellular alkaline phosphatase activity. The results of these tests were found to be promising. The chemotactic effect of the Mg60Zn35Ca5 BMGC extraction medium on rabbit osteoblasts was demonstrated through a transwell migration assay. For the in vivo section of this study, a rabbit tendon–bone interference fixation model was established to determine the biocompatibility and osteogenic potential of Mg60Zn35Ca5 BMGC in a created bony tunnel for a period of up to 24 weeks. The results show that Mg60Zn35Ca5 BMGC induced considerable new bone formation at the implant site in comparison with conventional titanium alloy after 24 weeks of implantation. In conclusion, this study revealed that Mg60Zn35Ca5 BMGC demonstrated adequate biocompatibility and exhibited significant osteogenic potential both in vitro and in vivo. These advantages may be clinically beneficial to the development of Mg60Zn35Ca5 BMGC implants for future applications.
Characterization and Rapid Gene-Mapping of Leaf Lesion Mimic Phenotype of spl-1 Mutant in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)
Authors: Al Amin G , Kong Keke , Sharmin Ripa , Kong Jiejie , Bhat Javaid , Zhao Tuanjie
Published: May 2019

In plants, lesion mimic mutants (LMMs) reveal spontaneous disease-like lesions in the absence of pathogen that constitutes powerful genetic material to unravel genes underlying programmed cell death (PCD), particularly the hypersensitive response (HR). However, only a few LMMs are reported in soybean, and no related gene has been cloned until now. In the present study, we isolated a new LMM named spotted leaf-1 (spl-1) from NN1138-2 cultivar through ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) treatment. The present study revealed that lesion formation might result from PCD and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. The chlorophyll content was significantly reduced but antioxidant activities, viz., superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT), as well as the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, were detected higher in spl-1 than in the wild-type. According to segregation analysis of mutant phenotype in two genetic populations, viz., W82×spl-1 and PI378692×spl-1, the spotted leaf phenotype of spl-1 is controlled by a single recessive gene named lm1. The lm1 locus governing mutant phenotype of spl-1 was first identified in 3.15 Mb genomic region on chromosome 04 through MutMap analysis, which was further verified and fine mapped by simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker-based genetic mapping. Genetic linkage analysis narrowed the genomic region (lm1 locus) for mutant phenotype to a physical distance of ~76.23 kb. By searching against the Phytozome database, eight annotated candidate genes were found within the lm1 region. qRT-PCR expression analysis revealed that, among these eight genes, only Glyma.04g242300 showed highly significant expression levels in wild-type relative to the spl-1 mutant. However, sequencing data of the CDS region showed no nucleotide difference between spl-1 and its wild type within the coding regions of these genes but might be in the non-coding regions such as 5′ or 3′ UTR. Hence, the data of the present study are in favor of Glyma.04g242300 being the possible candidate genes regulating the mutant phenotype of spl-1. However, further validation is needed to prove this function of the gene as well as its role in PCD, which in turn would be helpful to understand the mechanism and pathways involved in HR disease resistance of soybean.
Programmed Cell Death 1 (PD-1) Inhibitors in Renal Transplant Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Double-Edged Sword?
Authors: Lai Hung-Chih , Lin Ji-Fan , Hwang Thomas I.S. , Liu Ya-Fang , Yang An-Hang , Wu Chung-Kuan
Published: May 2019

Given advancements in cancer immunity, cancer treatment has gained breakthrough developments. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors, are the most promising drugs in the field and have been approved to treat various types of cancer, such as metastatic melanoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and urothelial carcinoma. However, whether PD-1 inhibitors should be administered to renal transplant patients with advanced cancer remains unclear because the T-cells produced after administration of these inhibitors act against not only tumor antigens but also donor alloantigens. Thus, the use of PD-1 inhibitors in kidney-transplanted patients with advanced cancer is limited on account of the high risk of graft failure due to acute rejection. Hence, finding optimal treatment regimens to enhance the tumor-specific T-cell response and decrease T-cell-mediated alloreactivity after administration of a PD-1 inhibitor is necessary. Thus far, no recommendations for the use of PD-1 inhibitors to treat cancer in renal transplant patients are yet available, and very few cases reporting kidney-transplanted patients treated with PD-1 inhibitors are available in the literature. Therefore, in this work, we review the published cases and suggest feasible approaches for renal transplant patients with advanced malignancy treated by a PD-1 inhibitor. Of the 22 cases we obtained, four patients maintained intact grafts without tumor progression after treatment with a PD-1 inhibitor. Among these patients, one maintained steroid dose before initiation of anti-PD1, two received immunosuppressive regimens with low-dose steroid and calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-elimination with sirolimus before initiation of anti-PD-1 therapy, and one received combined anti-PD-1, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and chemotherapy with unchanged immunosuppressive regimens. mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors and anti-VEGF may act as regulators of tumor-specific and allogenic T-cells. However, more studies are necessary to explore the optimal therapy and ensure the safety and efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors in kidney-transplanted patients.
David Deamer: Five Decades of Research on the Question of How Life Can Begin
Authors: Damer Bruce
Published: May 2019

In commemoration of his 80th birthday, this interview article engages David Deamer in some personal and scientific insights into his fifty year quest surrounding the question of “how can life begin” on the Earth or other worlds.
Modeling of a Magnetoelectric Laminate Ring Using Generalized Hamilton’s Principle
Authors: Zhang Ru , Zhang Shengyao , Xu Yucheng , Zhou Lianying , Liu Futi , Xu Xunqian
Published: May 2019

The mathematical modeling of the magnetoelectric (ME) effect in ME laminates has been established for some simple structures. However, these methods, which are based on the differential equation approach, are difficult to use in other complex structures (e.g., ring structures). In this work, a new established approach based on the generalized Hamilton’s principle is used to analyze the ME effect in an ME laminated ring. Analytical expressions for ME voltage coefficients are derived. A comparison with the conventional method indicates that this approach is more convenient when the modeling analysis is performed on complex structures. Further, experimental data are also obtained to compare with the theoretical calculations in order to validate the new approach.
Bromoperoxidase Producing Bacillus spp. Isolated from the Hypobranchial Glands of A Muricid Mollusc Are Capable of Tyrian Purple Precursor Biogenesis
Authors: Ngangbam Ajit Kumar , Mouatt Peter , Smith Joshua , Waters Daniel L. E. , Benkendorff Kirsten
Published: May 2019

The secondary metabolite Tyrian purple, also known as shellfish purple and royal purple, is a dye with historical importance for humans. The biosynthetic origin of Tyrian purple in Muricidae molluscs is not currently known. A possible role for symbiotic bacteria in the production of tyrindoxyl sulphate, the precursor to Tyrian purple stored in the Australian species, Dicathais orbita, has been proposed. This study aimed to culture bacterial symbionts from the purple producing hypobranchial gland, and screen the isolates for bromoperoxidase genes using molecular methods. The ability of bromoperoxidase positive isolates to produce the brominated indole precursor to Tyrian purple was then established by extraction of the culture, and analysis by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). In total, 32 bacterial isolates were cultured from D. orbita hypobranchial glands, using marine agar, marine agar with hypobranchial gland aqueous extracts, blood agar, thiosulphate citrate bile salts sucrose agar, and cetrimide agar at pH 7.2. These included 26 Vibrio spp., two Bacillus spp., one Phaeobacter sp., one Shewanella sp., one Halobacillus sp. and one Pseudoalteromonas sp. The two Bacillus species were the only isolates found to have coding sequences for bromoperoxidase enzymes. LC–MS analysis of the supernatant and cell pellets from the bromoperoxidase producing Bacillus spp. cultured in tryptone broth, supplemented with KBr, confirmed their ability to produce the brominated precursor to Tyrian purple, tyrindoxyl sulphate. This study supports a potential role for symbiotic Bacillus spp. in the biosynthesis of Tyrian purple.
Exploration of a Method of Distinguishing Different Nongxiang Tieguanyin Tea Grades Based on Aroma Determined by GC-MS Combined with Chemometrics
Authors: Wang Wei , Jin Shan , Guo Yaling
Published: May 2019

An aroma-based method for distinguishing different grades of Nongxiang Tieguanyin was explored by taking special grade (K110) and 1–4 grades (K101, K102, K103, and K104) of this tea as samples. Tea samples were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) combined with chemometrics. Results showed differences in the types and relative contents of aroma components among different grades of Nongxiang Tieguanyin tea. In the principal component analysis (PCA) scoring plot, except for K102 and K103, tea samples of different grades were distributed in different regions. Components satisfying variable important for the projection (VIP) > 1 and peak areas with significant differences (p < 0.05) among different tea grades were screened. Finally, 18 differential variables were screened out from 143 volatiles. The clustering results of these variables were consistent with those of PCA. K102 and K103 were initially clustered into one group and then clustered with K101, K110, and K104 in turn. The clear PCA separation of these samples and uniform hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) clustering results suggests that GC-MS coupled with chemometrics analysis is a valid and accurate approach for discriminating different grades of Nongxiang Tieguanyin. The screened differential variables could represent a difference in aroma quality among five grades of Nongxiang Tieguanyin tea. Clear rules between peak area and the grade were also observed in some differential variables. 1-Ethylpyrrole and unknown-32 were positively correlated with grade. 2-Methylfuran, 2-ethylfuran, 2-methylidenecyclopentan-1-ol, mesityl oxide, 2-amylfuran, and D-limonene were negatively correlated with grade. The peak areas of methyl acetate, dimethyl sulfide, 6-methylhept-5-en-2-one, and (Z)-β-ocimene initially decreased but then increased with declining grade. The toluene content was especially high in K104 but only a negligible difference was observed among other grades. This study provides a potential method for differentiating Nongxiang Tieguanyin teas of different grades based on aroma. Unknown samples could be classified by comparison of their spatial distribution with those of known standard samples in PCA or HCA, as well as the peak area differences of differential variables between unknown samples and known standard samples.
Insights into the Regulation of Algal Proteins and Bioactive Peptides Using Proteomic and Transcriptomic Approaches
Authors: Beaulieu Lucie
Published: May 2019

Oceans abound in resources of various kinds for R&D and for commercial applications. Monitoring and bioprospecting allow the identification of an increasing number of key natural resources. Macroalgae are essential elements of marine ecosystems as well as a natural resource influenced by dynamic environmental factors. They are not only nutritionally attractive but have also demonstrated potential health benefits such as antioxidant, antihypertensive, and anti-inflammatory activities. Several bioactive peptides have been observed following enzymatic hydrolysis of macroalgal proteins. In addition, significant differences in protein bioactivities and peptide extracts of wild and cultivated macroalgae have been highlighted, but the metabolic pathways giving rise to these bioactive molecules remain largely elusive. Surprisingly, the biochemistry that underlies the environmental stress tolerance of macroalgae has not been well investigated and remains poorly understood. Proteomic and functional genomic approaches based on identifying precursor proteins and bioactive peptides of macroalgae through integrated multi-omics analysis can give insights into their regulation as influenced by abiotic factors. These strategies allow evaluating the proteomics profile of regulation of macroalgae in response to different growth conditions as well as establishing a comparative transcriptome profiling targeting structural protein-coding genes. Elucidation of biochemical pathways in macroalgae could provide an innovative means of enhancing the protein quality of edible macroalgae. This could be ultimately viewed as a powerful way to drive the development of a tailored production and extraction of high value molecules. This review provides an overview of algal proteins and bioactive peptide characterization using proteomics and transcriptomic analyses.
Proteinaceous Residue Removal from Oat β-Glucan Extracts Obtained by Alkaline Water Extraction
Authors: Harasym Joanna , Żyła Ewa , Dziendzikowska Katarzyna , Gromadzka-Ostrowska Joanna
Published: May 2019

Background: Wet methods of 1-3, 1-4 -β-D-glucan isolation from cereals differ mainly in the type of grain fraction used as raw material, the solid-liquid ratio of β-glucan in raw material vs. solvent used, and the type of aqueous solvent modification (alkali, neutral or acidic). All these factors impact the characterization of the residues finally found in extracts. Oat bran is a rich source of globulin fraction which can be transferred into the extracts, especially when a high pH is employed. Methods: A multi-stage (enzymatic and acidic) purification procedure was performed to remove the residues, especially starch and protein, from β-glucan isolates from oat of different molar mass. Pancreatin, thermostable α-amylase, amyloglucosidase, and papain were used for consecutive residue removal. Three levels of low pH = 4.5, 3.5 and 3.0 were also tested for effective protein precipitation. Results: The starch hydrolysis and liquefaction significantly facilitate the proteinaceous matter removal although papain usage showed an intensive unfavorable impact on β-glucan molar mass. Soluble protein content was significantly decreased after pancreatin and α-amylase treatment, while the significant reduction of amine nitrogen was noted after complete starch hydrolysis and a second acidification step. Conclusions: A complex procedure employing different enzymes is needed to successfully reduce the possibly bioactive residues in isolated oat β-glucan fractions.
Preparation of Large-Size, Superparamagnetic, and Highly Magnetic Fe3O4@PDA Core–Shell Submicrosphere-Supported Nano-Palladium Catalyst and Its Application to Aldehyde Preparation through Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Benzyl Alcohols
Authors: Guo Haichang , Zheng Renhua , Jiang Huajiang , Xu Zhenyuan , Xia Aibao
Published: May 2019

Large-size, superparamagnetic, and highly magnetic Fe3O4@PDA core–shell submicrosphere-supported nano-palladium catalysts were prepared in this study. Dopamine was encapsulated on the surface of Fe3O4 particles via self-polymerization and then protonated to positively charge the microspheres. PdCl42− was dispersed on the surface of the microspheres by positive and negative charge attraction and then reduced to nano-palladium. With air as oxidant, the catalyst can successfully catalyze the dehydrogenation of benzyl alcohols to produce the corresponding aldehydes at 120 °C.
Exploring Accuracy Limits of Predictions of the 1H NMR Chemical Shielding Anisotropy in the Solid State
Authors: Czernek Jiří , Brus Jiří
Published: May 2019

The 1H chemical shielding anisotropy (CSA) is an NMR parameter that is exquisitely sensitive to the local environment of protons in crystalline systems, but it is difficult to obtain it experimentally due to the need to concomitantly suppress other anisotropic interactions in the solid-state NMR (SSNMR) pulse sequences. The SSNMR measurements of the 1H CSA are particularly challenging if the fast magic-angle-spinning (MAS) is applied. It is thus important to confront the results of both the single-crystal (SC) and fast-MAS experiments with their theoretical counterparts. Here the plane-waves (PW) DFT calculations have been carried out using two functionals in order to precisely characterize the structures and the 1H NMR chemical shielding tensors (CSTs) of the solid forms of maleic, malonic, and citric acids, and of L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate. The level of agreement between the PW DFT and either SC or fast-MAS SSNMR 1H CSA data has been critically compared. It has been found that for the eigenvalues of the 1H CSTs provided by the fast-MAS measurements, an accuracy limit of current PW DFT predictions is about two ppm in terms of the standard deviation of the linear regression model, and sources of this error have been thoroughly discussed.
Are Fruit Juices Healthier Than Sugar-Sweetened Beverages? A Review
Authors: Pepin Alexandra , Stanhope Kimber L. , Imbeault Pascal
Published: May 2019

Free sugars overconsumption is associated with an increased prevalence of risk factors for metabolic diseases such as the alteration of the blood lipid levels. Natural fruit juices have a free sugar composition quite similar to that of sugar-sweetened beverages. Thus, could fruit juice consumption lead to the same adverse effects on health as sweetened beverages? We attempted to answer this question by reviewing the available evidence on the health effects of both sugar-sweetened beverages and natural fruit juices. We determined that, despite the similarity of fruits juices to sugar-sweetened beverages in terms of free sugars content, it remains unclear whether they lead to the same metabolic consequences if consumed in equal dose. Important discrepancies between studies, such as type of fruit juice, dose, duration, study design, and measured outcomes, make it impossible to provide evidence-based public recommendations as to whether the consumption of fruit juices alters the blood lipid profile. More randomized controlled trials comparing the metabolic effects of fruit juice and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption are needed to shape accurate public health guidelines on the variety and quantity of free sugars in our diet that would help to prevent the development of obesity and related health problems.
Consumption of Ready-to-Eat Cereal in Canada and Its Contribution to Nutrient Intake and Nutrient Density among Canadians
Authors: Vatanparast Hassan , Islam Naorin , Patil Rashmi Prakash , Shamloo Arash , Keshavarz Pardis , Smith Jessica , Chu Luan Manh , Whiting Susan
Published: May 2019

In recent years, ready-to-eat cereal (RTEC) has become a common breakfast option in Canada and worldwide. This study used the nationally representative cross-sectional data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) 2015-Nutrition to determine patterns of RTEC consumption in Canada and the contribution to nutrient intake among Canadians who were ≥2 years, of whom 22 ± 0.6% consumed RTEC on any given day. The prevalence of RTEC consumption was highest in children aged two to 12 years (37.6 ± 1.2%), followed by adolescents aged 13 to 18 years (28.8 ± 1.4%), and then by adults ≥19 years (18.9 ± 0.6%). RTEC consumers had higher intakes of “nutrients to encourage” compared to the RTEC non-consumers. More than 15% of the daily intake of some nutrients, such as folic acid, iron, thiamin, and vitamin B6, were contributed by RTEC. It was noted that nearly 66% of milk consumption was co-consumed with RTEC among RTEC consumers. The nutrient density of the diet, as defined by Nutrient-Rich Food Index (NRF 9.3), was significantly higher among RTEC consumers compared to non-consumers. RTEC consumption was not associated with overweight/obesity. RTEC consumption considerably contributed to the intake of some key nutrients among all age groups in Canada.
Paclitaxel Magnetic Core–Shell Nanoparticles Based on Poly(lactic acid) Semitelechelic Novel Block Copolymers for Combined Hyperthermia and Chemotherapy Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Christodoulou Evi , Nerantzaki Maria , Nanaki Stavroula , Barmpalexis Panagiotis , Giannousi Kleoniki , Dendrinou-Samara Catherine , Angelakeris Makis , Gounari Eleni , Anastasiou Antonis D. , Bikiaris Dimitrios N.
Published: May 2019

Magnetic hybrid inorganic/organic nanocarriers are promising alternatives for targeted cancer treatment. The present study evaluates the preparation of manganese ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (MnFe2O4 MNPs) encapsulated within Paclitaxel (PTX) loaded thioether-containing ω-hydroxyacid-co-poly(d,l-lactic acid) (TEHA-co-PDLLA) polymeric nanoparticles, for the combined hyperthermia and chemotherapy treatment of cancer. Initially, TEHA-co-PDLLA semitelechelic block copolymers were synthesized and characterized by 1H-NMR, FTIR, DSC, and XRD. FTIR analysis showed the formation of an ester bond between the two compounds, while DSC and XRD analysis showed that the prepared copolymers were amorphous. MnFe2O4 MNPs of relatively small crystallite size (12 nm) and moderate saturation magnetization (64 emu·g−1) were solvothermally synthesized in the sole presence of octadecylamine (ODA). PTX was amorphously dispersed within the polymeric matrix using emulsification/solvent evaporation method. Scanning electron microscopy along with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that the MnFe2O4 nanoparticles were effectively encapsulated within the drug-loaded polymeric nanoparticles. Dynamic light scattering measurements showed that the prepared nanoparticles had an average particle size of less than 160 nm with satisfactory yield and encapsulation efficiency. Diphasic PTX in vitro release over 18 days was observed while PTX dissolution rate was mainly controlled by the TEHA content. Finally, hyperthermia measurements and cytotoxicity studies were performed to evaluate the magnetic response, as well as the anticancer activity and the biocompatibility of the prepared nanocarriers.
Ultrasonography Features of the Plantar Fascia Complex in Patients with Chronic Non-Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Romero-Morales Carlos , Martín-Llantino Pedro Javier , Calvo-Lobo César , López-López Daniel , Sánchez-Gómez Rubén , De-La-Cruz-Torres Blanca , Rodríguez-Sanz David
Published: May 2019

Purpose: The goal of the present study was to assess, by ultrasound imaging (USI), the thickness of the plantar fascia (PF) at the insertion of the calcaneus, mid and forefoot fascial locations, and the calcaneal fat pad (CFP) in patients with Achilles tendinopathy (AT). Methods: An observational case-control study. A total sample of 143 individuals from 18 to 55 years was evaluated by USI in the study. The sample was divided into two groups: A group composed of the chronic non-insertional AT (n = 71) and B group comprised by healthy subjects (n = 72). The PF thicknesses at insertion on the calcaneus, midfoot, rearfoot and CFP were evaluated by USI. Results: the CFP and PF at the calcaneus thickness showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) with a decrease for the tendinopathy group with respect to the control group. For the PF midfoot and forefoot thickness, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed between groups. Conclusion: The thickness of the PF at the insertion and the CPF is reduced in patients with AT measured by USI.
Implementation of Distracted Estimation System based on Sensor Fusion through Correlation Analysis with Concentration
Authors: Seo Ji-Yun , Noh Yun-Hong , Jeong Do-Un
Published: May 2019

Sitting for an extended time may cause a serious chronic disease such as a musculoskeletal disorder, or a cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or obesity. Because a consistently improper posture from early childhood to adolescence can have a number of undesirable effects on the formation of the musculoskeletal structure, learning to maintain a correct posture should be emphasized. A consistently improper posture can not only cause physical problems, it may also lead to emotional issues such as distractions, an attention deficit, and hyperactivity, and the possibility of a low efficiency and performance on assignments is high when the students have a low concentration. The present study implemented a distracted estimation system based on sensor fusion through correlation analysis with concentration that could estimate the level of distraction and prevent musculoskeletal diseases caused by poor sitting posture habits in daily life. The implemented system was designed in the form of a sitting cushion to reflect the ethological movements and characteristics of a sitting position that modern people spend a large amount of time in, and can be easily applied to existing chairs. Both algorithms installed in the system detected the center of gravity of the seated person and displayed positional changes that occurred based on the intensity of the postural changes when moving; thus, simultaneous determination of posture and impulsive behavior was possible. To evaluate the system performance, a posture determination evaluation was conducted, along with distraction estimation according to the rate of changes in posture that occur in everyday life. In addition, to evaluate performance in daily life, a movie-watching scenario was set up, and the distracted-limit estimation and concentration indices according to the rate of changes in posture were comparatively evaluated by reviewing a video of the subjects. The results of the posture determination performance evaluation through 100 posture repetitions on 10 subjects showed a high detection performance of 99.04%. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient results showed a high correlation coefficient (inverse) of r = −0.975076 and a P-VALUE =   1.654 × 10 − 6 . This experiment objectively confirmed the correlation between the DLE Index (based on postural change) and the CI Index (based on EEG).
Novel Potentiometric 2,6-Dichlorophenolindo-phenolate (DCPIP) Membrane-Based Sensors: Assessment of Their Input in the Determination of Total Phenolics and Ascorbic Acid in Beverages
Authors: Elbehery Nada H. A. , Amr Abd El-Galil E. , Kamel Ayman H. , Elsayed Elsayed A. , Hassan Saad S. M.
Published: May 2019

In this work, we demonstrated proof-of-concept for the use of ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) as a promising tool for the assessment of total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Novel membrane sensors for 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenolate (DCPIP) ions were prepared and characterized. The sensors membranes were based on the use of either CuII-neocuproin/2,6-dichlorophenolindo-phenolate ([Cu(Neocup)2][DCPIP]2) (sensor I), or methylene blue/2,6-dichlorophenolindophenolate (MB/DCPIP) (sensor II) ion association complexes in a plasticized PVC matrix. The sensors revealed significantly enhanced response towards DCPIP ions over the concentration range 5.13 × 10−5–1.0 × 10−2 and 5.15 × 10−5–1.0 × 10−2 M at pH 7 with detection limits of 6.3 and 9.2 µg/mL with near-Nernstian slope of −56.2 ± 1.7 and −51.6 ± 2 mV/decade for sensors I and II, respectively. The effects of plasticizers and various foreign common ions were also tested. The sensors showed enhanced selectivity towards DCPIP over many other phenolic and inorganic ions. Long life span, high potential stability, high reproducibility, and fast response were also observed. Method validation was also verified by measuring the detection limit, linearity range, accuracy, precision, repeatability and between-day-variability. The sensors were introduced for direct determination of TAC in fresh and canned juice samples collected from local markets. The obtained results agreed fairly well with the data obtained by the standard method.
Development of SPR Imaging-Impedance Sensor for Multi-Parametric Living Cell Analysis
Authors: Yanase Yuhki , Yoshizaki Kyohei , Kimura Kaiken , Kawaguchi Tomoko , Hide Michihiro , Uno Shigeyasu
Published: May 2019

Label-free evaluation and monitoring of living cell conditions or functions by means of chemical and/or physical sensors in a real-time manner are increasingly desired in the field of basic research of cells and clinical diagnosis. In order to perform multi-parametric analysis of living cells on a chip, we here developed a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging (SPRI)-impedance sensor that can detect both refractive index (RI) and impedance changes on a sensor chip with comb-shaped electrodes. We then investigated the potential of the sensor for label-free and real-time analysis of living cell reactions in response to stimuli. We cultured rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells on the sensor chip, which was a glass slide coated with comb-shaped electrodes, and detected activation of RBL-2H3 cells, such as degranulation and morphological changes, in response to a dinitro-phenol-conjugated human serum albumin (DNP-HSA) antigen. Moreover, impedance analysis revealed that the changes of impedance derived from RBL-2H3 cell activation appeared in the range of 1 kHz–1 MHz. Furthermore, we monitored living cell-derived RI and impedance changes simultaneously on a sensor chip using the SPRI-impedance sensor. Thus, we developed a new technique to monitor both impedance and RI derived from living cells by using a comb-shaped electrode sensor chip. This technique may enable us to clarify complex living cell functions which affect the RI and impedance and apply this to medical applications, such as accurate clinical diagnosis of type I allergy.
Asymptotically Optimal Deployment of Drones for Surveillance and Monitoring
Authors: Savkin Andrey , Huang Hailong
Published: May 2019

This paper studies the problem of placing a set of drones for surveillance of a ground region. The main goal is to determine the minimum number of drones necessary to be deployed at a given altitude to monitor the region. An easily implementable algorithm to estimate the minimum number of drones and determine their locations is developed. Moreover, it is proved that this algorithm is asymptotically optimal in the sense that the ratio of the number of drones required by this algorithm and the minimum number of drones converges to one as the area of the ground region tends to infinity. The proof is based on Kershner’s theorem from combinatorial geometry. Illustrative examples and comparisons with other existing methods show the efficiency of the developed algorithm.
MODIS Derived Sea Surface Salinity, Temperature, and Chlorophyll-a Data for Potential Fish Zone Mapping: West Red Sea Coastal Areas, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Daqamseh Saleh , Al-Fugara A’kif , Pradhan Biswajeet , Al-Oraiqat Anas , Habib Maan
Published: May 2019

In this study, a multi-linear regression model for potential fishing zone (PFZ) mapping along the Saudi Arabian Red Sea coasts of Yanbu’ al Bahr and Jeddah was developed, using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite data derived parameters, such as sea surface salinity (SSS), sea surface temperature (SST), and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a). MODIS data was also used to validate the model. The model expanded on previous models by taking seasonal variances in PFZs into account, examining the impact of the summer, winter, monsoon, and inter-monsoon season on the selected oceanographic parameters in order to gain a deeper understanding of fish aggregation patterns. MODIS images were used to effectively extract SSS, SST, and Chl-a data for PFZ mapping. MODIS data were then used to perform multiple linear regression analysis in order to generate SSS, SST, and Chl-a estimates, with the estimates validated against in-situ data obtained from field visits completed at the time of the satellite passes. The proposed model demonstrates high potential for use in the Red Sea region, with a high level of congruence found between mapped PFZ areas and fish catch data (R2 = 0.91). Based on the results of this research, it is suggested that the proposed PFZ model is used to support fisheries in determining high potential fishing zones, allowing large areas of the Red Sea to be utilized over a short period. The proposed PFZ model can contribute significantly to the understanding of seasonal fishing activity and support the efficient, effective, and responsible use of resources within the fishing industry.
Transforming Consumer Behavior: Introducing Self-Inquiry-Based and Self-Experience-Based Learning for Building Personal Competencies for Sustainable Consumption
Authors: Frank Pascal , Stanszus Laura Sophie
Published: May 2019

Despite growing educational efforts in various areas of society and albeit expanding knowledge on the background and consequences of consumption, little has changed about individual consumer behavior and its detrimental impact. Against this backdrop, some scholars called for a stronger focus on personal competencies, especially affective–motivational ones to foster more sustainable consumption. Such competencies, however, are rarely addressed within the context of education for sustainable consumption. Responding to this gap, we suggest two new learning formats that allow students to systematically acquire affective–motivational competencies: self-inquiry-based learning (SIBL) and self-experience-based learning (SEBL). We developed these approaches at Leuphana University Lüneburg, Germany, since 2016, and applied them within the framework of two seminars called Personal Approaches to Sustainable Consumption. Conducting scholarship of teaching and learning, we investigated the potential of SIBL and SEBL for cultivating personal competencies for sustainable development in general and sustainable consumption in particular. Our results indicate that SIBL and SEBL are promising approaches for this purpose.
The Role of Education in the Sustainable Regeneration of Built Heritage: A Case Study of Malta
Authors: Wismayer Amber , Hayles Carolyn Susan , McCullen Nick
Published: May 2019

Vernacular architecture has great historical, cultural and architectonic value, but also much potential for reducing energy demand. However, the eco-refurbishment of heritage buildings within Mediterranean countries poses particular challenges. The research presented in this paper is part of a wider study aiming to develop an effective framework for the sustainable regeneration of heritage buildings in Malta, using the 17th-century Presidential Palace of San Anton, Attard, as a case study. This paper focuses on the role of education in this field. Through qualitative research, including workshops with stakeholders, a stakeholders focus group and a public questionnaire, the awareness levels, educational background and attitudes of key stakeholders were analysed and assessed, as was the policy framework within which they operate. Interventions were found to be required at all levels. Increased awareness and education, a supportive policy framework, and a shift in the perceptions and attitudes of several key stakeholders were identified as crucial in ensuring that interventions on heritage buildings do not negatively affect their environmental performance, and/or impact their architectural and cultural value. This paper features recommendations outlining a supportive strategy for improving the knowledge base of stakeholders, including students, professionals, the public, policy-makers and operators.
The Cognitive Framework of the Interaction between the Physical and Virtual Water and the Strategies for Sustainable Coupling Management
Authors: Gao Xuerui , Sun Miao , Zhao Yong , Wu Pute , Jiang Shan , Zhuo La
Published: May 2019

In the context of a changing environment and economic globalization, the evolution of regional hydrology and water resources systems has undergone profound changes. It is not enough to rely on traditional physical water resources planning, scheduling, and regulation methods to solve problems such as water shortages and imbalances in the water cycle associated with rapid economic development. The theory of virtual water expands the cognitive scope of hydrology and water resources and enriches the solutions to water problems. However, the academic community has not yet reached a consensus on how to build a unified framework of the virtual water theory and traditional hydrology and water resources recognition system, how to understand the new laws of water resources evolution in the natural–economic continuous system, and then how to realize efficient and sustainable usage of water resources through physical water–virtual water integrated management. This paper proposes a basic cognitive model of coupling of physical water–virtual water and discusses the evolution of hydrology and water resources in a natural–economic system, presenting the laws of the coupled flow of physical water–virtual water in natural systems and human economic systems. A quantitative expression equation is proposed for the flow process, and a basic theoretical framework for the coupled flow of physical water–virtual water is preliminarily constructed. At the end of the paper, the basic strategy for the regulation of a physical water–virtual water integrated management system is proposed, which provides a new perspective for the efficient and sustainable use of global water resources in a changing environment.
Bloch Analysis of Electromagnetic Waves in Twist-Symmetric Lines
Authors: Bagheriasl Mohammad , Valerio Guido
Published: May 2019

We discuss here under which conditions a periodic line with a twist-symmetric shape can be replaced by an equivalent non-twist symmetric structure having the same dispersive behavior. To this aim, we explain the effect of twist symmetry in terms of coupling among adjacent cells through higher-order waveguide modes. We use several waveguide modes to accurately derive the dispersion diagram of a line through a multimodal transmission matrix. With this method, we can calculate both the phase and attenuation constants of Bloch modes, both in shielded and open structures. In addition, we use the higher symmetry of these structures to further reduce the computational cost by restricting the analysis to a subunit cell of the structure instead of the entire unit cell. We confirm the validity of our analysis by comparing our results with those of a commercial software.
WisenetMD: Motion Detection Using Dynamic Background Region Analysis
Authors: Lee Sang-ha , Lee Gyu-cheol , Yoo Jisang , Kwon Soonchul
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we propose a method for calculating the dynamic background region in a video and removing false positives in order to overcome the problems of false positives that occur due to the dynamic background and frame drop at slow speeds. Therefore, we need an efficient algorithm with a robust performance value including processing speed. The foreground is separated from the background by comparing the similarities between false positives and the foreground. In order to improve the processing speed, the median filter was optimized for the binary image. The proposed method was based on a CDnet 2012/2014 dataset and we achieved precision of 76.68%, FPR of 0.90%, FNR of 18.02%, and an F-measure of 75.35%. The average ranking across categories is 14.36, which is superior to the background subtraction method. The proposed method was operated at 45 fps (CPU), 150 fps (GPU) at 320 × 240 resolution. Therefore, we expect that the proposed method can be applied to current commercialized CCTV without any hardware upgrades.
Is Handedness Information Critical for Discriminating Figure Pairs?
Authors: Kanbe Fumio
Published: May 2019

Mirror-reflected or axisymmetric (Ax) pairs of figures are known to be difficult to discriminate. If non-identical pairs of figures with specific feature values impede discrimination to the same extent as the discrimination of Ax pairs, the feature values concerned would be expected to cause discrimination difficulty and may be critical for figure recognition in general. In the present study, we examined whether handedness information (i.e., the left or right side of a disoriented figure) is critical for the discrimination of figure pairs with pairs of complex figures (Experiment 1) and simpler figures (Experiment 2). Participants performed a task requiring discrimination of whether the figures in a pair had the same shape regardless of orientation. Three basic pair types were prepared: identically shaped pairs, Ax pairs, and non-identical, non-axisymmetric (Nd) pairs. Non-axisymmetric pairs were further classified into same-handedness pairs and opposite-handedness pairs. The results revealed that discrimination latencies were longer for Ax pairs than for both same-handedness pairs and opposite-handedness pairs. These findings suggest that handedness information is not a critical feature in figure recognition.
Singly Diagonally Implicit Block Backward Differentiation Formulas for HIV Infection of CD4+T Cells
Authors: Jana Aksah Saufianim , Ibrahim Zarina Bibi
Published: May 2019

In this study, a singly diagonally implicit block backward differentiation formula (SDIBBDF) was proposed to approximate solutions for a dynamical HIV infection model of CD 4 + T cells. A SDIBBDF method was developed to overcome difficulty when implementing the fully implicit method by deriving the proposed method in lower triangular form with equal diagonal coefficients. A comparative analysis between the proposed method, BBDF, classical Euler, fourth-order Runge-Kutta (RK4) method, and a Matlab solver was conducted. The numerical results proved that the SDIBBDF method was more efficient in solving the model than the methods to be compared.