bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the non condensable gas type during condensation of water vapor
Authors: Zine-Dine Kaoutar , El Hammami , Mir Rachid , Mediouni Touria , Armou Sara
Published: November 2016

In this paper, a numerical study is performed to investigate the influence of the non?condensable gas type in a vapor mixture of water gas (water vapor?krypton, water vapor?argon, water vapor?air, and water vapor?neon) during the condensation along a vertical pipe with a wall cooled by air-flow. The applied numerical method solves the coupled parabolic governing equations in both gas and liquid phases with the appropriate boundary and interfacial conditions. The equations systems, obtained by using an implicit finite difference method are solved by Thomas algorithm. The numerical results obtained show that the heat and mass transfer is influenced by increasing the molar mass of non?condensable gases. The comparisons of air mass fraction, bulk temperature, local condensate heat transfer coefficient, and average Nusselt number of sensible heat with the literature results and the available experimental data are in good agreement.
Association of Visit-to-Visit Variability of Systolic Blood Pressure With Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in Primary Care Chinese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes—A Retrospective Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Wan Eric Yuk Fai , Fung Colman Siu Cheung , Yu Esther Yee Tak , Fong Daniel Yee Tak , Chen Julie Yun , Lam Cindy Lo Kuen
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of visit-to-visit variability (VVV) of systolic blood pressure (SBP) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality among primary care Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 124,105 Chinese adult primary care patients with T2DM and without prior diagnosed CVD from August 2008 to December 2009. The VVV of SBP was evaluated using SDs of SBP over 24 months. The risks of CVD and all-cause mortality associated with variability in SBP were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression. Subgroup analysis was conducted by the stratification of age, sex, duration of diabetes, the presence of chronic kidney disease, baseline SBP and trend, and the number and class of antihypertensive drugs.

RESULTS

A positive linear relationship between the VVV of SBP and the first incidence of CVD and all-cause mortality was identified over a median follow-up time of 39.5 months. Patients with a low SD of SBP of <5 mmHg had the lowest risks of CVD and all-cause mortality, and patients with an SD of SBP of ≥10 mmHg had significantly higher risks. For every 1 SD increase in the SD of SBP, the risks of CVD, all-cause mortality, and the composite of both events increased by 2.9% (95% CI 2.4–3.4%), 4.0% (95% CI 3.5–4.6%), and 3.4% (95% CI 3.0–3.8%), respectively. A direct linear relationship was also observed in all selected subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

SBP variability, irrespective of the mean SBP level, is a potential predictor for the development of CVD and all-cause mortality in patients with diabetes. In addition to monitoring BP targets for their patients with diabetes, clinicians should also remain vigilant about the visit-to-visit fluctuation of BP.
“mus co shee”: Indigenous Plant Foods and Horticultural Imperialism in the Canadian Sub-Arctic
Authors: Soloway Beverly
Published: November 2016

The 17th-century arrival of the Hudson’s Bay Company in Rupert’s Land disrupted Mushkegowuk (Cree) hunter-gatherer society by replacing the collection of indigenous plant foods with a British planted-food model. Within a hundred years of British contact, new foodways relied upon hunting and gardening, bringing a loss in heritage plant food knowledge.

Mushkegowuk living in the sub-arctic today have minimal knowledge of edible indigenous plants. Dependence on limited local gardening or imported grocery store vegetables has affected diet, nutrition, and cultural systems. In addition to exploring plant food gathering and gardening history in the Hudson Bay Lowlands, this paper demonstrates how re-discovering lost foodway knowledge can contribute to the health and well-being of those living in the far north.
Ultrasound Navigation for Transcatheter Aortic Stent Deployment Using Global and Local Information
Authors: Chen Fang , Liu Jia , Liao Hongen
Published: November 2016

An ultrasound (US) navigation system using global and local information is presented for transcatheter aortic stent deployment. The system avoids the use of contrast agents and radiation required in traditional fluoroscopically-guided procedures and helps surgeons precisely visualize the surgical site. To obtain a global 3D (three-dimensional) navigation map, we use magnetic resonance (MR) to provide a 3D context to enhance 2D (two-dimensional) US images through image registration. The US images are further processed to obtain the trajectory of interventional catheter. A high-resolution aortic model is constructed by using trajectory and segmented intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images. The constructed model reflects morphological characteristics of the aorta to provide local navigation information. Our navigation system was validated using in vitro phantom of heart and aorta. The mean target registration error is 2.70 mm and the average tracking error of the multi-feature particle filter is 0.87 mm. These results confirm that key parts of our navigation system are effective. In the catheter intervention experiment, the vessel reconstruction error of local navigation is reduced by 80% compared to global navigation. Moreover, the targeting error of the navigation combining global and local information is reduced compared to global navigation alone (1.72 mm versus 2.87 mm). Thus, the US navigation system which integrates the large view of global navigation and high accuracy of local navigation can facilitate transcatheter stent deployment.
Probability of Interference-Optimal and Energy-Efficient Analysis for Topology Control in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Li Ning , Martínez-Ortega José-Fernán , Diaz Vicente , Meneses Chaus Juan
Published: November 2016

Because wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have been widely used in recent years, how to reduce their energy consumption and interference has become a major issue. Topology control is a common and effective approach to improve network performance, such as reducing the energy consumption and network interference, improving the network connectivity, etc. Many topology control algorithms reduce network interference by dynamically adjusting the node transmission range. However, reducing the network interference by adjusting the transmission range is probabilistic. Therefore, in this paper, we analyze the probability of interference-optimality for the WSNs and prove that the probability of interference-optimality increases with the increasing of the original transmission range. Under a specific transmission range, the probability reaches the maximum value when the transmission range is 0.85r in homogeneous networks and 0.84r in heterogeneous networks. In addition, we also prove that when the network is energy-efficient, the network is also interference-optimal with probability 1 both in the homogeneous and heterogeneous networks.
Advances in Animal Cognition
Authors: Vonk Jennifer
Published: November 2016

This editorial endorses a diverse approach to the study of animal cognition and emphasizes the theoretical and applied gains that can be made by embracing this approach. This diversity emerges from cross-talk among scientists trained in a variety of backgrounds and theoretical approaches, who study a variety of topics with a range of species. By shifting from an anthropocentric focus on humans and our closest living relatives, and the historic reliance on the lab rat or pigeon, modern students of animal cognition have uncovered many fascinating facets of cognition in species ranging from insects to carnivores. Diversity in both topic and species of study will allow researchers to better understand the complex evolutionary forces giving rise to widely shared and unique cognitive processes. Furthermore, this increased understanding will translate into more effective strategies for managing wild and captive populations of nonhuman species.
Continuous Packed Bed Reactor with Immobilized β-Galactosidase for Production of Galactooligosaccharides (GOS)
Authors: Rodriguez-Colinas Barbara , Fernandez-Arrojo Lucia , Santos-Moriano Paloma , Ballesteros Antonio , Plou Francisco
Published: November 2016

The β-galactosidase from Bacillus circulans was covalently attached to aldehyde-activated (glyoxal) agarose beads and assayed for the continuous production of galactooligosaccharides (GOS) in a packed-bed reactor (PBR). The immobilization was fast (1 h) and the activity of the resulting biocatalyst was 97.4 U/g measured with o-nitrophenyl-β-d-galactopyranoside (ONPG). The biocatalyst showed excellent operational stability in 14 successive 20 min reaction cycles at 45 °C in a batch reactor. A continuous process for GOS synthesis was operated for 213 h at 0.2 mL/min and 45 °C using 100 g/L of lactose as a feed solution. The efficiency of the PBR slightly decreased with time; however, the maximum GOS concentration (24.2 g/L) was obtained after 48 h of operation, which corresponded to 48.6% lactose conversion and thus to maximum transgalactosylation activity. HPAEC-PAD analysis showed that the two major GOS were the trisaccharide Gal-β(1→4)-Gal-β(1→4)-Glc and the tetrasaccharide Gal-β(1→4)-Gal-β(1→4)-Gal-β(1→4)-Glc. The PBR was also assessed in the production of GOS from milk as a feed solution. The stability of the bioreactor was satisfactory during the first 8 h of operation; after that, a decrease in the flow rate was observed, probably due to partial clogging of the column. This work represents a step forward in the continuous production of GOS employing fixed-bed reactors with immobilized β-galactosidases.
New Tailor-Made Alkyl-Aldehyde Bifunctional Supports for Lipase Immobilization
Authors: Alnoch Robson , Rodrigues de Melo Ricardo , Palomo Jose , Maltempi de Souza Emanuel , Krieger Nadia , Mateo Cesar
Published: November 2016

Immobilized and stabilized lipases are important biocatalytic tools. In this paper, different tailor-made bifunctional supports were prepared for the immobilization of a new metagenomic lipase (LipC12). The new supports contained hydrophobic groups (different alkyl groups) to promote interfacial adsorption of the lipase and aldehyde groups to react covalently with the amino groups of side chains of the adsorbed lipase. The best catalyst was 3.5-fold more active and 5000-fold more stable than the soluble enzyme. It was successfully used in the regioselective deacetylation of peracetylated d-glucal. The PEGylated immobilized lipase showed high regioselectivity, producing high yields of the C-3 monodeacetylated product at pH 5.0 and 4 °C.
Pain in School: Patterns of Pain-Related School Impairment among Adolescents with Primary Pain Conditions, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Pain, and Pain-Free Peers
Authors: Agoston Anna , Gray Laura , Logan Deirdre
Published: November 2016

Children with chronic pain frequently experience impairment in the school setting, but we do not yet understand how unique these struggles are to children with primary pain conditions compared to peers with disease-related pain or those without chronic pain symptoms. The objective of this study is to examine school functioning, defined as school attendance rates, overall quality of life in the school setting, and school nurse visits among adolescents with primary pain conditions, those with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-related pain, and healthy peers. Two hundred and sixty adolescents participated in the study, including 129 with primary pain conditions, 61 with JIA, and 70 healthy comparison adolescents. They completed self- and parent-reported measures of school function. Findings show that as a group, youth with primary pain conditions reported more school absences, lower quality of life in the school setting, and more frequent school nurse visits compared to both adolescents with JIA-related pain and healthy peers. We conclude that compared to those who experience pain specific to a disease process, adolescents with primary pain conditions may face unique challenges in the school setting and may require more support to help them succeed in school in spite of pain.
Experimental and Potential Analysis of a Single-Valve Expander for Waste Heat Recovery of a Gasoline Engine
Authors: Gao Wenzhi , He Wangbo , Wei Lifeng , Li Guanghua , Liu Ziqi
Published: November 2016

In this paper, a Rankine cycle test system is established to recover exhaust energy from a 2.0 L gasoline engine. Experiments on the system’s performance are carried out under various working conditions. The experimental results indicate that the recovery power of the expander is strongly related to the load and speed of the gasoline engine. It is found that when the output power of the gasoline engine is 39.8–76.6 kW, the net power of the expander is 1.8–2.97 kW, which is equivalent to 3.9%–4.9% of the engine power. The performance simulation shows that the mass flow rate, power output, and isentropic efficiency of the piston expander are directly determined by the intake valve timing. Selecting a suitable intake valve timing can optimize the performance of the expander. The simulation results show that a 1 kW increment in power can be obtained only by selecting an optimum intake open timing. The experimental results further verify that the single-valve piston expander, because of its small dimensions, simple structure, and high speed, is appropriate, and has great potential for energy recovery of gasoline engine exhaust and has good prospects for engineering applications.
Cost Analysis of Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Stacks for Mass Production
Authors: Sgroi Mauro , Zedde Furio , Barbera Orazio , Stassi Alessandro , Sebastián David , Lufrano Francesco , Baglio Vincenzo , Aricò Antonino , Bonde Jacob , Schuster Michael
Published: November 2016

Fuel cells are very promising technologies for efficient electrical energy generation. The development of enhanced system components and new engineering solutions is fundamental for the large-scale deployment of these devices. Besides automotive and stationary applications, fuel cells can be widely used as auxiliary power units (APUs). The concept of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is based on the direct feed of a methanol solution to the fuel cell anode, thus simplifying safety, delivery, and fuel distribution issues typical of conventional hydrogen-fed polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFCs). In order to evaluate the feasibility of concrete application of DMFC devices, a cost analysis study was carried out in the present work. A 200 W-prototype developed in the framework of a European Project (DURAMET) was selected as the model system. The DMFC stack had a modular structure allowing for a detailed evaluation of cost characteristics related to the specific components. A scale-down approach, focusing on the model device and projected to a mass production, was used. The data used in this analysis were obtained both from research laboratories and industry suppliers specialising in the manufacturing/production of specific stack components. This study demonstrates that mass production can give a concrete perspective for the large-scale diffusion of DMFCs as APUs. The results show that the cost derived for the DMFC stack is relatively close to that of competing technologies and that the introduction of innovative approaches can result in further cost savings.
Development of Correlations for Windage Power Losses Modeling in an Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine with Geometrical Features of the Magnets
Authors: Rasekh Alireza , Sergeant Peter , Vierendeels Jan
Published: November 2016

In this paper, a set of correlations for the windage power losses in a 4 kW axial flux permanent magnet synchronous machine (AFPMSM) is presented. In order to have an efficient machine, it is necessary to optimize the total electromagnetic and mechanical losses. Therefore, fast equations are needed to estimate the windage power losses of the machine. The geometry consists of an open rotor–stator with sixteen magnets at the periphery of the rotor with an annular opening in the entire disk. Air can flow in a channel being formed between the magnets and in a small gap region between the magnets and the stator surface. To construct the correlations, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations through the frozen rotor (FR) method are performed at the practical ranges of the geometrical parameters, namely the gap size distance, the rotational speed of the rotor, the magnet thickness and the magnet angle. Thereafter, two categories of formulations are defined to make the windage losses dimensionless based on whether the losses are mainly due to the viscous forces or the pressure forces. At the end, the correlations can be achieved via curve fittings from the numerical data. The results reveal that the pressure forces are responsible for the windage losses for the side surfaces in the air-channel, whereas for the surfaces facing the stator surface in the gap, the viscous forces mainly contribute to the windage losses. Additionally, the results of the parametric study demonstrate that the overall windage losses in the machine escalate with an increase in either the rotational Reynolds number or the magnet thickness ratio. By contrast, the windage losses decrease once the magnet angle ratio enlarges. Moreover, it can be concluded that the proposed correlations are very useful tools in the design and optimizations of this type of electrical machine.
Life Cycle Assessment of Horse Manure Treatment
Authors: Eriksson Ola , Hadin Åsa , Hennessy Jay , Jonsson Daniel
Published: November 2016

Horse manure consists of feces, urine, and varying amounts of various bedding materials. The management of horse manure causes environmental problems when emissions occur during the decomposition of organic material, in addition to nutrients not being recycled. The interest in horse manure undergoing anaerobic digestion and thereby producing biogas has increased with an increasing interest in biogas as a renewable fuel. This study aims to highlight the environmental impact of different treatment options for horse manure from a system perspective. The treatment methods investigated are: (1) unmanaged composting; (2) managed composting; (3) large-scale incineration in a waste-fired combined heat and power (CHP) plant; (4) drying and small-scale combustion; and (5) liquid anaerobic digestion with thermal pre-treatment. Following significant data uncertainty in the survey, the results are only indicative. No clear conclusions can be drawn regarding any preference in treatment methods, with the exception of their climate impact, for which anaerobic digestion is preferred. The overall conclusion is that more research is needed to ensure the quality of future surveys, thus an overall research effort from horse management to waste management.
Cucumber Metallothionein-Like 2 (CsMTL2) Exhibits Metal-Binding Properties
Authors: Pan Yu , Pan Yanglu , Zhai Junpeng , Xiong Yan , Li Jinhua , Du Xiaobing , Su Chenggang , Zhang Xingguo
Published: November 2016

We identified a novel member of the metallothionein (MT) family, Cucumis sativus metallothionein-like 2 (CsMTL2), by screening a young cucumber fruit complementary DNA (cDNA) library. The CsMTL2 encodes a putative 77-amino acid Class II MT protein that contains two cysteine (Cys)-rich domains separated by a Cys-free spacer region. We found that CsMTL2 expression was regulated by metal stress and was specifically induced by Cd2+ treatment. We investigated the metal-binding characteristics of CsMTL2 and its possible role in the homeostasis and/or detoxification of metals by heterologous overexpression in Escherichia coli cells. Furthermore, we produced a deletion mutant form of the protein, CsMTL2m, that contained the two Cys-rich clusters but lacked the spacer region, in E. coli. We compared the metal-binding properties of CsMTL2 with those of CsMTL2m, the β domain of human metallothionein-like protein 1 (HsMTXb), and phytochelatin-like (PCL) heterologously expressed in E. coli using metal-binding assays. We found that E. coli cells expressing CsMTL2 accumulated the highest levels of Zn2+ and Cd2+ of the four transformed cell types, with levels being significantly higher than those of control cells containing empty vector. E. coli cells expressing CsMTL2 had a higher tolerance for cadmium than for zinc ions. These findings show that CsMTL2 improves metal tolerance when heterologously expressed in E. coli. Future studies should examine whether CsMTL2 improves metal tolerance in planta.
Development and Preliminary Validation of a Comprehensive Questionnaire to Assess Women’s Knowledge and Perception of the Current Weight Gain Guidelines during Pregnancy
Authors: Ockenden Holly , Gunnell Katie , Giles Audrey , Nerenberg Kara , Goldfield Gary , Manyanga Taru , Adamo Kristi
Published: November 2016

The aim of this study was to develop and validate an electronic questionnaire, the Electronic Maternal Health Survey (EMat Health Survey), related to women’s knowledge and perceptions of the current gestational weight gain guidelines (GWG), as well as pregnancy-related health behaviours. Constructs addressed within the questionnaire include self-efficacy, locus of control, perceived barriers, and facilitators of physical activity and diet, outcome expectations, social environment and health practices. Content validity was examined using an expert panel (n = 7) and pilot testing items in a small sample (n = 5) of pregnant women and recent mothers (target population). Test re-test reliability was assessed among a sample (n = 71) of the target population. Reliability scores were calculated for all constructs (r and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC)), those with a score of >0.5 were considered acceptable. The content validity of the questionnaire reflects the degree to which all relevant components of excessive GWG risk in women are included. Strong test-retest reliability was found in the current study, indicating that responses to the questionnaire were reliable in this population. The EMat Health Survey adds to the growing body of literature on maternal health and gestational weight gain by providing the first comprehensive questionnaire that can be self-administered and remotely accessed. The questionnaire can be completed in 15–25 min and collects useful data on various social determinants of health and GWG as well as associated health behaviours. This online tool may assist researchers by providing them with a platform to collect useful information in developing and tailoring interventions to better support women in achieving recommended weight gain targets in pregnancy.
The Impact of CXCR4 Blockade on the Survival of Rat Brain Cortical Neurons
Authors: Merino José , Garcimartín Alba , López-Oliva María , Benedí Juana , González María
Published: November 2016

Background: Chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) plays a role in neuronal survival/cell repair and also contributes to the progression of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) binds to CXCR4. In this study, we have investigated whether CXCR4 blockade by AMD3100 (a CXCR4 antagonist, member of bicyclam family) may affect neuronal survival in the absence of insult. Thus, we have measured the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), Bax and Bcl-2 protein translocation, and cytochrome c release in AMD3100-treated brain cortical neurons at 7 DIV (days in vitro). Methods: For this aim, AMD3100 (200 nM) was added to cortical neurons for 24 h, and several biomarkers like cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, caspase-3/9 activity, proteins Bax and Bcl-2 translocation, and cytochrome c release were analyzed by immunoblot. Results: CXCR4 blockade by AMD3100 (200 nM, 24 h) induces mitochondrial hyperpolarization and increases caspase-3/9 hyperpolarization without affecting LDH release as compared to untreated controls. AMD3100 also increases cytochrome c release and promotes Bax translocation to the mitochondria, whereas it raises cytosolic Bcl-2 levels in brain cortical neurons. Conclusion: CXCR4 blockade induces cellular death via intrinsic apoptosis in rat brain cortical neurons in absence of insult.
Switching Roles of TGF-β in Cancer Development: Implications for Therapeutic Target and Biomarker Studies
Authors: Sun Nan , Taguchi Ayumu , Hanash Samir
Published: November 2016

TGF-β induces complicated and even opposite responses in numerous biological processes, e.g., tumor suppression in pre-malignant cells and metastasis promotion in cancer cells. However, the cellular contextual determinants of these different TGF-β roles remain elusive, and the driver genes triggering the determinants’ changes have not been identified. Recently, however, several findings have provided new insights on the contextual determinants of Smads in TGF-β’s biological processes. These novel switches and their effectors may serve as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets of TGF-β-mediated cancer progression.
Proteinase-Activated Receptor 2 Is a Novel Regulator of TGF-β Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Witte David , Zeeh Franziska , Gädeken Thomas , Gieseler Frank , Rauch Bernhard , Settmacher Utz , Kaufmann Roland , Lehnert Hendrik , Ungefroren Hendrik
Published: November 2016

TGF-β has a dual role in tumorigenesis, acting as a tumor suppressor in normal cells and in the early stages of tumor development while promoting carcinogenesis and metastasis in advanced tumor stages. The final outcome of the TGF-β response is determined by cell-autonomous mechanisms and genetic alterations such as genomic instability and somatic mutations, but also by a plethora of external signals derived from the tumor microenvironment, such as cell-to-cell interactions, growth factors and extracellular matrix proteins and proteolytic enzymes. Serine proteinases mediate their cellular effects via activation of proteinase-activated receptors (PARs), a subclass of G protein-coupled receptors that are activated by proteolytic cleavage. We have recently identified PAR2 as a factor required for TGF-β1-dependent cell motility in ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. In this article, we review what is known on the TGF-β-PAR2 signaling crosstalk and its relevance for tumor growth and metastasis. Since PAR2 is activated through various serine proteinases, it may couple TGF-β signaling to a diverse range of other physiological processes, such as local inflammation, systemic coagulation or pathogen infection. Moreover, since PAR2 controls expression of the TGF-β type I receptor ALK5, PAR2 may also impact signaling by other TGF-β superfamily members that signal through ALK5, such as myostatin and GDF15/MIC-1. If so, PAR2 could represent a molecular linker between PDAC development and cancer-related cachexia.
Hyaluronic Acid Gel-Based Scaffolds as Potential Carrier for Growth Factors: An In Vitro Bioassay on Its Osteogenic Potential
Authors: Fujioka-Kobayashi Masako , Schaller Benoit , Kobayashi Eizaburo , Hernandez Maria , Zhang Yufeng , Miron Richard
Published: November 2016

Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been utilized for a variety of regenerative medical procedures due to its widespread presence in connective tissue and perceived biocompatibility. The aim of the present study was to investigate HA in combination with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 9 (rhBMP9), one of the most osteogenic growth factors of the BMP family. HA was first combined with rhBMP9 and assessed for the adsorption and release of rhBMP9 over 10 days by ELISA. Thereafter, ST2 pre-osteoblasts were investigated by comparing (1) control tissue culture plastic, (2) HA alone, and (3) HA with rhBMP9 (100 ng/mL). Cellular proliferation was investigated by a MTS assay at one, three and five days and osteoblast differentiation was investigated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity at seven days, alizarin red staining at 14 days and real-time PCR for osteoblast differentiation markers. The results demonstrated that rhBMP9 adsorbed within HA scaffolds and was released over a 10-day period in a controlled manner. While HA and rhBMP9 had little effect on cell proliferation, a marked and pronounced effect was observed for cell differentiation. rhBMP9 significantly induced ALP activity, mRNA levels of collagen1α2, and ALP and osteocalcin (OCN) at three or 14 days. HA also demonstrated some ability to induce osteoblast differentiation by increasing mRNA levels of OCN and increasing alizarin red staining at 14 days. In conclusion, the results from the present study demonstrate that (1) HA may serve as a potential carrier for various growth factors, and (2) rhBMP9 is a potent and promising inducer of osteoblast differentiation. Future animal studies are now necessary to investigate this combination approach in vivo.
Virulence Factors as Targets for Anticryptococcal Therapy
Authors: Azevedo Renata , Rizzo Juliana , Rodrigues Marcio
Published: November 2016

The global mortality due to cryptococcosis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans or C. gattii is unacceptably high. Currently available therapies are decades old and may be impacted by drug resistance. Therefore, the need for more effective antifungal drugs for cryptococcosis is evident. A number of Cryptococcus virulence factors have been studied in detail, providing crucial information about the fungal biology and putative molecular targets for antifungals. This review focuses on the use of well-described virulence factors of Cryptococcus as potential anticryptococcal agents.
Microstructure, Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Friction Stir Welding High Nitrogen Martensitic Stainless Steel 30Cr15Mo1N
Authors: Geng Xin , Feng Hao , Jiang Zhouhua , Li Huabing , Zhang Binbin , Zhang Shucai , Wang Qi , Li Jizhong
Published: November 2016

High nitrogen martensitic stainless steel 30Cr15Mo1N plates were successfully welded by friction stir welding (FSW) at a tool rotation speed of 300 rpm with a welding speed of 100 mm/min, using W-Re tool. The sound joint with no significant nitrogen loss was successfully produced. Microstructure, mechanical and corrosion properties of an FSW joint were investigated. The results suggest that the grain size of the stir zone (SZ) is larger than the base metal (BM) and is much larger the case in SZ-top. Some carbides and nitrides rich in chromium were found in BM while not observed in SZ. The martensitic phase in SZ could transform to austenite phase during the FSW process and the higher peak temperature, the greater degree of transformation. The hardness of SZ is significantly lower than that of the BM. An abrupt change of hardness defined as hard zone (HZ) was found in the thermo-mechanically affected zone (TMAZ) on the advancing side (AS), and the HZ is attributed to a combination result of temperature, deformation, and material flow behavior. The corrosion resistance of SZ is superior to that of BM, which can be attributed to less precipitation and lower angle boundaries (LABs). The corrosion resistance of SZ-bottom is slight higher than that of SZ-top because of the finer grained structure.
Numerical Model of Streaming DEP for Stem Cell Sorting
Authors: Natu Rucha , Martinez-Duarte Rodrigo
Published: November 2016

Neural stem cells are of special interest due to their potential in neurogenesis to treat spinal cord injuries and other nervous disorders. Flow cytometry, a common technique used for cell sorting, is limited due to the lack of antigens and labels that are specific enough to stem cells of interest. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a label-free separation technique that has been recently demonstrated for the enrichment of neural stem/progenitor cells. Here we use numerical simulation to investigate the use of streaming DEP for the continuous sorting of neural stem/progenitor cells. Streaming DEP refers to the focusing of cells into streams by equilibrating the dielectrophoresis and drag forces acting on them. The width of the stream should be maximized to increase throughput while the separation between streams must be widened to increase efficiency during retrieval. The aim is to understand how device geometry and experimental variables affect the throughput and efficiency of continuous sorting of SC27 stem cells, a neurogenic progenitor, from SC23 cells, an astrogenic progenitor. We define efficiency as the ratio between the number of SC27 cells over total number of cells retrieved in the streams, and throughput as the number of SC27 cells retrieved in the streams compared to their total number introduced to the device. The use of cylindrical electrodes as tall as the channel yields streams featuring >98% of SC27 cells and width up to 80 µm when using a flow rate of 10 µL/min and sample cell concentration up to 105 cells/mL.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Aromatic Imide-Polyamine Conjugates
Authors: Li Ming , Wang Yuxia , Zhang Jianying , Xie Songqiang , Wang Chaojie , Wu Yingliang
Published: November 2016

Three types of conjugates in which aromatic imide scaffolds were coupled to diverse amine/polyamine motifs were synthesized, and their antitumor activities were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Results showed that the conjugate 11e of 1,8-naphthilimide with spermine had pronounced effects on inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and inducing tumor cell apoptosis via ROS-mediated mitochondrial pathway. The in vivo assays on three H22 tumor transplant models revealed that compound 11e exerted potent ability in preventing lung cancer metastasis and extending lifespan. Furthermore, the efficacy of 11e in inhibiting tumor growth and improving body weight index were better than that of positive control, amonafide. Our study demonstrates that compound 11e is a valuable lead compound for further investigation.
Associations of Vitamin D with Inter- and Intra-Muscular Adipose Tissue and Insulin Resistance in Women with and without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Scott David , Joham Anju , Teede Helena , Gibson-Helm Melanie , Harrison Cheryce , Cassar Samantha , Hutchison Samantha , Ebeling Peter , Stepto Nigel , De Courten Barbora
Published: November 2016

Low vitamin D and insulin resistance are common in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated with higher inter- and intra-muscular adipose tissue (IMAT). We investigated associations between vitamin D, IMAT and insulin resistance in a cross-sectional study of 40 women with PCOS and 30 women without PCOS, and pre- and post-exercise in a 12-week intervention in 16 overweight participants (10 with PCOS and six without PCOS). A non-classical body mass index (BMI) threshold was used to differentiate lean and overweight women (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2). Measurements included plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), insulin resistance (glucose infusion rate (GIR; mg/m2/min), fasting glucose and insulin, and glycated haemoglobin), visceral fat, mid-thigh IMAT (computed tomography) and total body fat (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). Women with both PCOS and low 25OHD levels had the lowest GIR (all p < 0.05). Higher IMAT was associated with lower 25OHD (B = −3.95; 95% CI −6.86, −1.05) and GIR (B = −21.3; 95% CI −37.16, −5.44) in women with PCOS. Overweight women with pre-exercise 25OHD ≥30 nmol/L had significant increases in GIR, and decreases in total and visceral fat (all p < 0.044), but no associations were observed when stratified by PCOS status. Women with PCOS and low 25OHD levels have increased insulin resistance which may be partly explained by higher IMAT. Higher pre-training 25OHD levels may enhance exercise-induced changes in body composition and insulin resistance in overweight women.
The Interaction between Dietary Fiber and Fat and Risk of Colorectal Cancer in the Women’s Health Initiative
Authors: Navarro Sandi , Neuhouser Marian , Cheng Ting-Yuan , Tinker Lesley , Shikany James , Snetselaar Linda , Martinez Jessica , Kato Ikuko , Beresford Shirley , Chapkin Robert , Lampe Johanna
Published: November 2016

Combined intakes of specific dietary fiber and fat subtypes protect against colon cancer in animal models. We evaluated associations between self-reported individual and combinations of fiber (insoluble, soluble, and pectins, specifically) and fat (omega-6, omega-3, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), specifically) and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in the Women’s Health Initiative prospective cohort (n = 134,017). During a mean 11.7 years (1993–2010), 1952 incident CRC cases were identified. Cox regression models computed multivariate adjusted hazard ratios to estimate the association between dietary factors and CRC risk. Assessing fiber and fat individually, there was a modest trend for lower CRC risk with increasing intakes of total and insoluble fiber (p-trend 0.09 and 0.08). An interaction (p = 0.01) was observed between soluble fiber and DHA + EPA, with protective effects of DHA + EPA with lower intakes of soluble fiber and an attenuation at higher intakes, however this association was no longer significant after correction for multiple testing. These results suggest a modest protective effect of higher fiber intake on CRC risk, but not in combination with dietary fat subtypes. Given the robust results in preclinical models and mixed results in observational studies, controlled dietary interventions with standardized intakes are needed to better understand the interaction of specific fat and fiber subtypes on colon biology and ultimately CRC susceptibility in humans.
Short-Range Vital Signs Sensing Based on EEMD and CWT Using IR-UWB Radar
Authors: Hu Xikun , Jin Tian
Published: November 2016

The radar sensor described realizes healthcare monitoring capable of detecting subject chest-wall movement caused by cardiopulmonary activities and wirelessly estimating the respiration and heartbeat rates of the subject without attaching any devices to the body. Conventional single-tone Doppler radar can only capture Doppler signatures because of a lack of bandwidth information with noncontact sensors. In contrast, we take full advantage of impulse radio ultra-wideband (IR-UWB) radar to achieve low power consumption and convenient portability, with a flexible detection range and desirable accuracy. A noise reduction method based on improved ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and a vital sign separation method based on the continuous-wavelet transform (CWT) are proposed jointly to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in order to acquire accurate respiration and heartbeat rates. Experimental results illustrate that respiration and heartbeat signals can be extracted accurately under different conditions. This noncontact healthcare sensor system proves the commercial feasibility and considerable accessibility of using compact IR-UWB radar for emerging biomedical applications.
A Multipurpose CMOS Platform for Nanosensing
Authors: Bonanno Alberto , Sanginario Alessandro , Marasso Simone , Miccoli Beatrice , Bejtka Katarzyna , Benetto Simone , Demarchi Danilo
Published: November 2016

This paper presents a customizable sensing system based on functionalized nanowires (NWs) assembled onto complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The Micro-for-Nano (M4N) chip integrates on top of the electronics an array of aluminum microelectrodes covered with gold by means of a customized electroless plating process. The NW assembly process is driven by an array of on-chip dielectrophoresis (DEP) generators, enabling a custom layout of different nanosensors on the same microelectrode array. The electrical properties of each assembled NW are singularly sensed through an in situ CMOS read-out circuit (ROC) that guarantees a low noise and reliable measurement. The M4N chip is directly connected to an external microcontroller for configuration and data processing. The processed data are then redirected to a workstation for real-time data visualization and storage during sensing experiments. As proof of concept, ZnO nanowires have been integrated onto the M4N chip to validate the approach that enables different kind of sensing experiments. The device has been then irradiated by an external UV source with adjustable power to measure the ZnO sensitivity to UV-light exposure. A maximum variation of about 80% of the ZnO-NW resistance has been detected by the M4N system when the assembled 5 μ m × 500 nm single ZnO-NW is exposed to an estimated incident radiant UV-light flux in the range of 1 nW–229 nW. The performed experiments prove the efficiency of the platform conceived for exploiting any kind of material that can change its capacitance and/or resistance due to an external stimulus.
A Topographical Atlas of Shiga Toxin 2e Receptor Distribution in the Tissues of Weaned Piglets
Authors: Steil Daniel , Bonse Robert , Meisen Iris , Pohlentz Gottfried , Vallejo German , Karch Helge , Müthing Johannes
Published: November 2016

Shiga toxin (Stx) 2e of Stx-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is the primary virulence factor in the development of pig edema disease shortly after weaning. Stx2e binds to the globo-series glycosphingolipids (GSLs) globotriaosylceramide (Gb3Cer, Galα1-4Galβ1-4Glcβ1-1Cer) and globotetraosylceramide (Gb4Cer, GalNAcβ1-3Galα1-4Galβ1-4Glcβ1-1Cer), the latter acting as the preferential Stx2e receptor. We determined Stx receptor profiles of 25 different tissues of a male and a female weaned piglet using immunochemical solid phase binding assays combined with mass spectrometry. All probed tissues harbored GSL receptors, ranging from high (category I) over moderate (category II) to low content (category III). Examples of Gb4Cer expression in category I tissues are small intestinal ileum, kidney pelvis and whole blood, followed by colon, small intestinal duodenum and jejunum belonging to category II, and kidney cortex, cerebrum and cerebellum as members of category III organs holding true for both genders. Dominant Gb3Cer and Gb4Cer lipoforms were those with ceramides carrying constant sphingosine (d18:1) and a variable C16:0, C22:0 or C24:1/C24:0 fatty acid. From the mapping data, we created a topographical atlas for Stx2e receptors in piglet tissues and organs, which might be helpful to further investigations on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie infections of Stx2e-producing STEC in pigs and their zoonotic potential for humans.
Antibiotic-Resistant Enteric Bacteria in Environmental Waters
Authors: Casanova Lisa , Sobsey Mark
Published: November 2016

Sources of antibiotic resistant organisms, including concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), may lead to environmental surface and groundwater contamination with resistant enteric bacteria of public health concern. The objective of this research is to determine whether Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Yersinia enterocolitica, and enterococci resistant to clinically relevant antibiotics are present in surface and groundwater sources in two eastern North Carolina counties, Craven and Wayne. 100 surface and groundwater sites were sampled for Salmonella, E. coli, and enterococci, and the bacteria isolated from these samples were tested for susceptibility to clinically relevant antibiotics. Salmonella were detected at low levels in some surface but not groundwater. E. coli were in surface waters but not ground in both counties. Enterococci were present in surface water and a small number of groundwater sites. Yersinia was not found. Bacterial densities were similar in both counties. For Salmonella in surface water, the most frequent type of resistance was to sulfamethoxazole. There was no ciprofloxacin resistance. There were a few surface water E. coli isolates resistant to chloramphenicol, gentamicin, and ampicillin. Enterococci in surface water had very low levels of resistance to vancomycin, chloramphenicol, ampicillin, and streptomycin. E. coli and enterococci are present more frequently and at higher levels in surface water than Salmonella, but groundwater contamination with any of these organisms was rare, and low levels of resistance can be found sporadically. Resistant bacteria are relatively uncommon in these eastern N.C. surface and groundwaters, but they could pose a risk of human exposure via ingestion or primary contact recreation.
Le genre Pteridomyces Jülich en Europe occidentale (Basidiomycotina)
Authors: Boidin Jacques , Duhem Bernard , Gilles Gérard
Published: November 2016

=Pteridomyces subsphaericosporus n. sp. est décrit d'Europe occidentale et Pt. bananisporus Boid. & Gilles, précédemment décrit de l'île de la Réunion, est signalé de France.
Confirmation du port arborescent de certains Glossopteris (Glossopteridaceae Préspermatophytes)
Authors: Lemoigne Yves
Published: November 2016

L'observation d'une empreinte dans une carrière d'Afrique du Sud permet de préciser que certains Glossopteris étaient des arbres, probablement ligneux.
La famille de Blumenstein et l'exploitation des mines du Forez aux XVIIIe et XIXe siècles
Authors: Chermette Alexis
Published: November 2016

D'origine autrichienne, la famille de Blumenstein devait jouer un rôle majeur dans l'exploitation des mines métalliques du département de la Loire aux XVIII8 et XIXe siècles.

Par le fait des circonstances dues aux guerres de l'époque, les Blumenstein avaient obtenu de larges concessions minières portant sur des ensembles filoniens de plomb argentifère situés d'une part sur le versant oriental du Mont Pilât et d'autre part dans les Monts du Forez ainsi que plus accessoirement aux environs de Vienne en Dauphiné.

Mineurs enthousiastes, les Blumenstein devaient réussir à maintenir en exploitation pendant plus d'un siècle des gisements à priori assez difficiles. Protégés par le pouvoir, ils avaient réussi à créer des industries nouvelles dans le Forez en fournissant du plomb aux armées de la République et de l'Empire.

Toute activité a cessé aujourd'hui sur ces gisements et ont laissé de larges traces bien visibles encore sur le terrain.
Dicranoplia demoflysi, nouvelle espèce de Tunisie (Coleoptera Scarabaeoidea Rutelidae)
Authors: Baraud Jacques
Published: November 2016

Description d'une nouvelle espèce de Tunisie du genre Dicranoplia Reitter, jusqu'à ce jour monospécifique. Elle diffère de l'espèce préexistante par divers caractères, en particulier la forme des pattes et celle des paramères.
Une nouvelle espèce européenne de Vararia (Basidiomycotina Lachnocladiaceae)
Authors: Boidin Jacques
Published: November 2016

Vararia hauerslevii nov. sp. récolté en 1966 au Danemark a été retrouvé en 1988 dans l'Ain. Ses affinités sont étroites avec le V. breviphysa tropical.
Les larves du genre Onthophagus Latreille, 1802. - 5. Les espèces des sous-genres Digitonthophagus, Trichonthophagus et «Incertae Seclis» (Coleoptera Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Ill Kim Jin , Lumaret Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2016

Larvae of the genus Onthophagus Latreille, 1802.

5. — Several species of both the Digitonthophagus and Trichonthophagus subgenera, and «incertae sedis» (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae).

The larvae of seven Onthophagus species are described. They are originated from France, Korea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Colombia, Mexico. Taxonomical affinities among species are discussed.