bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zinc Ion-Dependent Peptide Nucleic Acid-Based Artificial Enzyme that Cleaves RNA—Bulge Size and Sequence Dependence
Authors: Murtola Merita , Ghidini Alice , Virta Pasi , Strömberg Roger
Published: October 2017

In this report, we investigate the efficiency and selectivity of a Zn2+-dependent peptide nucleic acid-based artificial ribonuclease (PNAzyme) that cleaves RNA target sequences. The target RNAs are varied to form different sizes (3 and 4 nucleotides, nt) and sequences in the bulge formed upon binding to the PNAzyme. PNAzyme-promoted cleavage of the target RNAs was observed and variation of the substrate showed a clear dependence on the sequence and size of the bulge. For targets that form 4-nt bulges, we identified systems with an improved efficacy (an estimated half-life of ca 7–8 h as compared to 11–12 h for sequences studied earlier) as well as systems with an improved site selectivity (up to over 70% cleavage at a single site as compared to 50–60% with previous targets sequences). For targets forming 3-nt bulges, the enhancement compared to previous systems was even more pronounced. Compared to a starting point of targets forming 3-nt AAA bulges (half-lives of ca 21–24 h), we could identify target sequences that were cleaved with half-lives three times lower (ca 7–8 h), i.e., at rates similar to those found for the fastest 4-nt bulge system. In addition, with the 3-nt bulge RNA target site selectivity was improved even further to reach well over 80% cleavage at a specific site.
Olive (Olea europaea L.) Biophenols: A Nutriceutical against Oxidative Stress in SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Omar Syed , Kerr Philip , Scott Christopher , Hamlin Adam , Obied Hassan
Published: October 2017

Plant biophenols have been shown to be effective in the modulation of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology resulting from free radical-induced oxidative stress and imbalance of the redox chemistry of transition metal ions (e.g., iron and copper). On the basis of earlier reported pharmacological activities, olive biophenols would also be expected to have anti-Alzheimer’s activity. In the present study, the antioxidant activity of individual olive biophenols (viz. caffeic acid, hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, verbascoside, quercetin, rutin and luteolin) were evaluated using superoxide radical scavenging activity (SOR), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging activity, and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assays. The identification and antioxidant activities in four commercial olive extracts—Olive leaf extractTM (OLE), Olive fruit extractTM (OFE), Hydroxytyrosol ExtremeTM (HTE), and Olivenol plusTM (OLP)—were evaluated using an on-line HPLC-ABTS•+ assay, and HPLC-DAD-MS analysis. Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol were the predominant biophenols in all the extracts. Among the single compounds examined, quercetin (EC50: 93.97 μM) and verbascoside (EC50: 0.66 mM) were the most potent SOR and H2O2 scavengers respectively. However, OLE and HTE were the highest SOR (EC50: 1.89 μg/mL) and H2O2 (EC50: 115.8 μg/mL) scavengers among the biophenol extracts. The neuroprotection of the biophenols was evaluated against H2O2-induced oxidative stress and copper (Cu)-induced toxicity in neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. The highest neuroprotection values (98% and 92%) against H2O2-induced and Cu-induced toxicities were shown by the commercial extract HTETM. These were followed by the individual biophenols, caffeic acid (77% and 64%) and verbascoside (71% and 72%). Our results suggest that olive biophenols potentially serve as agents for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD, and other neurodegenerative ailments that are caused by oxidative stress.
A Survey on the Procedural Generation of Virtual Worlds
Authors: Freiknecht Jonas , Effelsberg Wolfgang
Published: October 2017

This survey presents algorithms for the automatic generation of content for virtual worlds, in particular for games. After a definition of the term procedural content generation, the algorithms to generate realistic objects such as landscapes and vegetation, road networks, buildings, living beings and stories are introduced in detail. In our discussion, we emphasize a good compromise between the realism of the objects and the performance of the algorithms. The survey also assesses each generated object type in terms of its applicability in games and simulations of virtual worlds.
Doxorubicin-Wrapped Zinc Oxide Nanoclusters for the Therapy of Colorectal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kim Sungyun , Lee Song Yi , Cho Hyun-Jong
Published: October 2017

Doxorubicin (DOX)-wrapped zinc oxide nanoclusters (ZnO NCs) were developed for the therapy of colorectal cancer. DOX was coated onto the agglomerates of ZnO nanoparticles using a facile coating process. DOX-ZnO NCs with a hydrodynamic size of 170 nm, narrow size distribution, and positive zeta potential were fabricated. The aggregated shape of developed DOX-ZnO NCs was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging. The result of Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis suggested the interaction between DOX and ZnO in DOX-ZnO NCs. The existence of DOX in the outer surface of DOX-ZnO NCs was further identified by X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. Cellular uptake efficiency and antiproliferation efficacy of developed DOX-ZnO NCs were tested in Caco-2 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma) cells. The cellular accumulated amount of DOX-ZnO NCs was 3.19-fold higher than that of free DOX (p < 0.05). The DOX-ZnO NCs group also exhibited improved antiproliferation potentials, compared with the DOX and ZnO groups, in Caco-2 cells at 0.5 and 1 μg/mL DOX concentrations. All these findings imply that developed DOX-ZnO NCs can be efficient hybrid nanoformulations for the therapy of colorectal cancers.
Specific Surface Modifications of Silica Nanoparticles Diminish Inflammasome Activation and In Vivo Expression of Selected Inflammatory Genes
Authors: Marzaioli Viviana , Groß Christina , Weichenmeier Ingrid , Schmidt-Weber Carsten , Gutermuth Jan , Groß Olaf , Alessandrini Francesca
Published: October 2017

Silica (SiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) usage includes, but is not limited to, industrial and biomedical applications. Toxic effects of SiO2 NPs have been explored either in vitro or in vivo, assessing different surface modifications to reduce their harmful effects. Here, murine bone marrow-derived dendritic (BMDC) and a mouse model of mild allergic inflammation were used to study inflammasome activation and lung inflammation. Our results showed that SiO2 plain NPs induced NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation, increasing interleukin (IL)-1β release in vitro, and, to a lesser extent, in vivo. In addition, SiO2 plain NPs triggered a pulmonary inflammatory milieu in both non-sensitized (NS) and sensitized (S) mice, by inducing the expression of key inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Electron microscopy showed that SiO2 NPs were mostly localized in alveolar macrophages, within vesicles and/or in phagolysosomes. Both the in vitro and the in vivo effects of SiO NPs were attenuated by coating NPs with phosphonate or amino groups, whereas PEGylation, although it mitigated inflammasome activation in vitro, was not a successful coating strategy in vivo. These findings highlight that multiple assays are required to determine the effect of surface modifications in limiting NPs inflammatory potential. Taken together, these data are obtained by comparing in vitro and in vivo effects of SiO2 NPs suggest the use of amino and phosphonate coating of silica NPs for commercial purposes and targeted applications, as they significantly reduce their proinflammatory potential.
Determination of Verapamil HCl in Pharmaceutical Preparations by a Fluorescent Nano Probe Based on CdTe/CdS/ZnS Quantum Dots
Authors: Muhammad Sohail , Xu Guanhong , Wei Fangdi , Ma Yujie , Ma Yunsu , Song Yueyue , Shi Menglan , Xu Xiaoman , Cen Yao , Hu Qin
Published: October 2017

An analytical technique based on fluorescence quenching of CdTe/CdS/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) was developed to quantify verapamil in commercially available preparations. Various reaction parameters were optimized and the method developed was validated. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc tests at a 5% significance level were performed to justify the significance of the variation in observations. The linear range of the verapamil concentration was 0.25–5 µg/mL while the limit of detection was 20 µg/mL. Recovery and relative standard deviations were not more than ±10% of the actual amount and <5.9%, respectively. Foreign materials, common metal ions and pharmaceutical excipients of dosage forms caused little interference. To verify the application of the analytical method, the quantity of verapamil in commercially available dosage forms was measured. Verapamil content in the tablets and injections was not more than ±10% of the stated amount and it conformed to the specifications of both the British and the United States pharmacopoeias. In the case of statistical analysis, p-value was <0.05 in almost all levels of all parameters except for the optimized level of system. It can be concluded from the results that the designed method is simple, reliable, cost effective, selective, rapid and sensitive enough to be used for quantitative measurement of the verapamil HCl in dosage forms for quality control purposes.
Dietary and Endogenous Sphingolipid Metabolism in Chronic Inflammation
Authors: Norris Gregory , Blesso Christopher
Published: October 2017

Chronic inflammation is a common underlying factor in many major metabolic diseases afflicting Western societies. Sphingolipid metabolism is pivotal in the regulation of inflammatory signaling pathways. The regulation of sphingolipid metabolism is in turn influenced by inflammatory pathways. In this review, we provide an overview of sphingolipid metabolism in mammalian cells, including a description of sphingolipid structure, biosynthesis, turnover, and role in inflammatory signaling. Sphingolipid metabolites play distinct and complex roles in inflammatory signaling and will be discussed. We also review studies examining dietary sphingolipids and inflammation, derived from in vitro and rodent models, as well as human clinical trials. Dietary sphingolipids appear to influence inflammation-related chronic diseases through inhibiting intestinal lipid absorption, altering gut microbiota, activation of anti-inflammatory nuclear receptors, and neutralizing responses to inflammatory stimuli. The anti-inflammatory effects observed with consuming dietary sphingolipids are in contrast to the observation that most cellular sphingolipids play roles in augmenting inflammatory signaling. The relationship between dietary sphingolipids and low-grade chronic inflammation in metabolic disorders is complex and appears to depend on sphingolipid structure, digestion, and metabolic state of the organism. Further research is necessary to confirm the reported anti-inflammatory effects of dietary sphingolipids and delineate their impacts on endogenous sphingolipid metabolism.
Use of Novel High-Protein Functional Food Products as Part of a Calorie-Restricted Diet to Reduce Insulin Resistance and Increase Lean Body Mass in Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Johnston Carol , Sears Barry , Perry Mary , Knurick Jessica
Published: October 2017

Significant reductions in insulin resistance (IR) can be achieved by either calorie restriction or by the increase of lean mass. However, calorie restriction usually results in significant loss of lean mass. A 6-week randomized controlled feeding trial was conducted to determine if a calorie-restricted, high-protein diet (~125 g protein/day consumed evenly throughout the day) using novel functional foods would be more successful for reducing IR in comparison to a conventional diet (~80 g protein/day) with a similar level of calorie restriction. Healthy adults (age 20–75 years; body mass index, 20–42 kg/m2) with raised triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein ratios were randomly assigned to the control group (CON: test foods prepared using gluten-free commercial pasta and cereal) or to the high-protein group (HPR: test foods prepared using novel high-protein pasta and cereal both rich in wheat gluten). Mean weight loss did not differ between groups (−2.7 ± 2.6 and −3.2 ± 3.0 kg for CON (n = 11) and HPR (n = 10) respectively, p = 0.801); however, the 6-week change in fat-free mass (FFM) differed significantly between groups (−0.5 ± 1.5 and +1.5 ± 3.8 kg for CON and HPR respectively, p = 0.008). IR improved in HPR vs. CON participants (homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance [HOMAIR] change: −1.7 ± 1.4 and −0.7 ± 0.7 respectively; p = 0.020). The change in HOMA-IR was related to the change in FFM among participants (r = −0.511, p = 0.021). Thus, a high-protein diet using novel functional foods combined with modest calorie restriction was 140% more effective for reducing HOMA-IR in healthy adults compared to a lower protein, standard diet with an equal level of calorie restriction.
Improving the Triple-Carrier Ambiguity Resolution with a New Ionosphere-Free and Variance-Restricted Method
Authors: Jia Chun , Zhao Lin , Li Liang , Li Hui , Cheng Jianhua , Li Zishen
Published: October 2017

The ionospheric bias and the combined observation noise are two crucial factors affecting the reliability of the triple-carrier ambiguity resolution (TCAR). In order to obtain a better reliability of TCAR, a new ionosphere-free and variance-restricted TCAR method is proposed through exploring the ambiguity link between each step of TCAR. The method constructs an ionosphere-free combination and simultaneously restricts the combined observation noise with respect to the wavelength to a sufficiently low level for each step of TCAR. The performance of the proposed method is tested by the datasets from the BeiDou navigation satellite system (BDS), with the baseline varying from 7.7 km to 68.8 km. Comparing with the state-of-the-art TCAR methods, the experimental results indicate that the proposed method can obtain a better performance of ambiguity resolution, even though the double-differenced ionospheric delay increases up to 72.4 cm at the baseline of 68.8 km.
Hyperspectral Imaging: A Review on UAV-Based Sensors, Data Processing and Applications for Agriculture and Forestry
Authors: Adão Telmo , Hruška Jonáš , Pádua Luís , Bessa José , Peres Emanuel , Morais Raul , Sousa Joaquim
Published: October 2017

Traditional imagery—provided, for example, by RGB and/or NIR sensors—has proven to be useful in many agroforestry applications. However, it lacks the spectral range and precision to profile materials and organisms that only hyperspectral sensors can provide. This kind of high-resolution spectroscopy was firstly used in satellites and later in manned aircraft, which are significantly expensive platforms and extremely restrictive due to availability limitations and/or complex logistics. More recently, UAS have emerged as a very popular and cost-effective remote sensing technology, composed of aerial platforms capable of carrying small-sized and lightweight sensors. Meanwhile, hyperspectral technology developments have been consistently resulting in smaller and lighter sensors that can currently be integrated in UAS for either scientific or commercial purposes. The hyperspectral sensors’ ability for measuring hundreds of bands raises complexity when considering the sheer quantity of acquired data, whose usefulness depends on both calibration and corrective tasks occurring in pre- and post-flight stages. Further steps regarding hyperspectral data processing must be performed towards the retrieval of relevant information, which provides the true benefits for assertive interventions in agricultural crops and forested areas. Considering the aforementioned topics and the goal of providing a global view focused on hyperspectral-based remote sensing supported by UAV platforms, a survey including hyperspectral sensors, inherent data processing and applications focusing both on agriculture and forestry—wherein the combination of UAV and hyperspectral sensors plays a center role—is presented in this paper. Firstly, the advantages of hyperspectral data over RGB imagery and multispectral data are highlighted. Then, hyperspectral acquisition devices are addressed, including sensor types, acquisition modes and UAV-compatible sensors that can be used for both research and commercial purposes. Pre-flight operations and post-flight pre-processing are pointed out as necessary to ensure the usefulness of hyperspectral data for further processing towards the retrieval of conclusive information. With the goal of simplifying hyperspectral data processing—by isolating the common user from the processes’ mathematical complexity—several available toolboxes that allow a direct access to level-one hyperspectral data are presented. Moreover, research works focusing the symbiosis between UAV-hyperspectral for agriculture and forestry applications are reviewed, just before the paper’s conclusions.
Road Lane Detection Robust to Shadows Based on a Fuzzy System Using a Visible Light Camera Sensor
Authors: Hoang Toan Minh , Baek Na Rae , Cho Se Woon , Kim Ki Wan , Park Kang Ryoung
Published: October 2017

Recently, autonomous vehicles, particularly self-driving cars, have received significant attention owing to rapid advancements in sensor and computation technologies. In addition to traffic sign recognition, road lane detection is one of the most important factors used in lane departure warning systems and autonomous vehicles for maintaining the safety of semi-autonomous and fully autonomous systems. Unlike traffic signs, road lanes are easily damaged by both internal and external factors such as road quality, occlusion (traffic on the road), weather conditions, and illumination (shadows from objects such as cars, trees, and buildings). Obtaining clear road lane markings for recognition processing is a difficult challenge. Therefore, we propose a method to overcome various illumination problems, particularly severe shadows, by using fuzzy system and line segment detector algorithms to obtain better results for detecting road lanes by a visible light camera sensor. Experimental results from three open databases, Caltech dataset, Santiago Lanes dataset (SLD), and Road Marking dataset, showed that our method outperformed conventional lane detection methods.
Distributed Channel Allocation and Time Slot Optimization for Green Internet of Things
Authors: Ding Kaiqi , Zhao Haitao , Hu Xiping , Wei Jibo
Published: October 2017

In sustainable smart cities, power saving is a severe challenge in the energy-constrained Internet of Things (IoT). Efficient utilization of limited multiple non-overlap channels and time resources is a promising solution to reduce the network interference and save energy consumption. In this paper, we propose a joint channel allocation and time slot optimization solution for IoT. First, we propose a channel ranking algorithm which enables each node to rank its available channels based on the channel properties. Then, we propose a distributed channel allocation algorithm so that each node can choose a proper channel based on the channel ranking and its own residual energy. Finally, the sleeping duration and spectrum sensing duration are jointly optimized to maximize the normalized throughput and satisfy energy consumption constraints simultaneously. Different from the former approaches, our proposed solution requires no central coordination or any global information that each node can operate based on its own local information in a total distributed manner. Also, theoretical analysis and extensive simulations have validated that when applying our solution in the network of IoT: (i) each node can be allocated to a proper channel based on the residual energy to balance the lifetime; (ii) the network can rapidly converge to a collision-free transmission through each node’s learning ability in the process of the distributed channel allocation; and (iii) the network throughput is further improved via the dynamic time slot optimization.
Determination of Chloride Content in Cementitious Materials: From Fundamental Aspects to Application of Ag/AgCl Chloride Sensors
Authors: Pargar Farhad , Koleva Dessi , Van Breugel Klaas
Published: October 2017

This paper reports on the advantages and drawbacks of available test methods for the determination of chloride content in cementitious materials in general, and the application of Ag/AgCl chloride sensors in particular. The main factors that affect the reliability of a chloride sensor are presented. The thermodynamic behaviour of silver in the presence or absence of chloride ions is described and kinetic restrictions are addressed. The parameters that can affect the activity of chloride ions in the medium and/or the rate of ion exchange and dissolution/precipitation processes at the sensor’s surface are also considered. In this regard, the contribution of morphology and microstructure of the AgCl layer, binding of chloride ions and the compactness of hydration products around the chloride sensor are highlighted. The important parameters for a reliable sensor’s response are discussed and the possible causes of inaccuracies are evaluated.
Erratum: Al-Fandi, M.; et al. Novel Selective Detection Method of Tumor Angiogenesis Factors Using Living Nano-Robots. Sensors 2017, 17, 1580
Authors: Al-Fandi Mohamed , Alshraiedeh Nida , Oweis Rami , Alshdaifat Hala , Al-Mahaseneh Omamah , Al-Tall Khadijah , Alawneh Rawan
Published: October 2017

The authors wish to correct the spelling of the third author’s name from Rami Owies to Rami Oweis in their paper published in Sensors [1], doi:10.3390/s17071580, http://www.mdpi.com/1424- 8220/17/7/1580.[...]
Multi-Source Cooperative Data Collection with a Mobile Sink for the Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Han Changcai , Yang Jinsheng
Published: October 2017

The multi-source cooperation integrating distributed low-density parity-check codes is investigated to jointly collect data from multiple sensor nodes to the mobile sink in the wireless sensor network. The one-round and two-round cooperative data collection schemes are proposed according to the moving trajectories of the sink node. Specifically, two sparse cooperation models are firstly formed based on geographical locations of sensor source nodes, the impairment of inter-node wireless channels and moving trajectories of the mobile sink. Then, distributed low-density parity-check codes are devised to match the directed graphs and cooperation matrices related with the cooperation models. In the proposed schemes, each source node has quite low complexity attributed to the sparse cooperation and the distributed processing. Simulation results reveal that the proposed cooperative data collection schemes obtain significant bit error rate performance and the two-round cooperation exhibits better performance compared with the one-round scheme. The performance can be further improved when more source nodes participate in the sparse cooperation. For the two-round data collection schemes, the performance is evaluated for the wireless sensor networks with different moving trajectories and the variant data sizes.
Reference Evapotranspiration Retrievals from a Mesoscale Model Based Weather Variables for Soil Moisture Deficit Estimation
Authors: Srivastava Prashant , Han Dawei , Yaduvanshi Aradhana , Petropoulos George , Singh Sudhir , Mall Rajesh , Prasad Rajendra
Published: October 2017

Reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) and soil moisture deficit (SMD) are vital for understanding the hydrological processes, particularly in the context of sustainable water use efficiency in the globe. Precise estimation of ETo and SMD are required for developing appropriate forecasting systems, in hydrological modeling and also in precision agriculture. In this study, the surface temperature downscaled from Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is used to estimate ETo using the boundary conditions that are provided by the European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF). In order to understand the performance, the Hamon’s method is employed to estimate the ETo using the temperature from meteorological station and WRF derived variables. After estimating the ETo, a range of linear and non-linear models is utilized to retrieve SMD. The performance statistics such as RMSE, %Bias, and Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) indicates that the exponential model (RMSE = 0.226; %Bias = −0.077; NSE = 0.616) is efficient for SMD estimation by using the Observed ETo in comparison to the other linear and non-linear models (RMSE range = 0.019–0.667; %Bias range = 2.821–6.894; NSE = 0.013–0.419) used in this study. On the other hand, in the scenario where SMD is estimated using WRF downscaled meteorological variables based ETo, the linear model is found promising (RMSE = 0.017; %Bias = 5.280; NSE = 0.448) as compared to the non-linear models (RMSE range = 0.022–0.707; %Bias range = −0.207–−6.088; NSE range = 0.013–0.149). Our findings also suggest that all the models are performing better during the growing season (RMSE range = 0.024–0.025; %Bias range = −4.982–−3.431; r = 0.245–0.281) than the non−growing season (RMSE range = 0.011–0.12; %Bias range = 33.073–32.701; r = 0.161–0.244) for SMD estimation.
Land Use Alters the Plant-Derived Carbon and Nitrogen Pools in Terraced Rice Paddies in a Mountain Village
Authors: Shimoda Seiji , Koyanagi Tomoyo F.
Published: October 2017

In Japan, terraced paddies in mountain villages are symbolic of the traditional landscape, but they are gradually being abandoned. To compare plant-derived C and N among land uses, we compared adjacent forest floor (FF), agricultural paddy (AP), and post-agricultural paddy (PP) sites. Long-term litter accumulation could explain the significantly higher litter C and belowground biomass C in FF than in AP and PP. The low-density-fraction (LF) soil C was significantly higher in FF than in PP and better reflected land use than the whole-soil C. The AP soil held more N than FF and PP at 20–30 cm, associated with higher LF soil N. Periodic tillage in AP maintains the LF soil N, but N supplied to the surface soil reduced with depth following abandonment. Differences in recycling of organic matter and nutrients among land uses are crucial to plant-derived C and N contents of soil.
Thermodynamic Analysis of ORC and Its Application for Waste Heat Recovery
Authors: Javanshir Alireza , Sarunac Nenad , Razzaghpanah Zahra
Published: October 2017

The analysis and optimization of an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) used as a bottoming cycle in the Brayton/ORC and steam Rankine/ORC combined cycle configurations is the main focus of this study. The results show that CO2 and air are the best working fluids for the topping (Brayton) cycle. Depending on the exhaust temperature of the topping cycle, Iso-butane, R11 and ethanol are the preferred working fluids for the bottoming (ORC) cycle, resulting in the highest efficiency of the combined cycle. Results of the techno-economic study show that combined Brayton/ORC cycle has significantly lower total capital investment and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) compared to the regenerative Brayton cycle. An analysis of a combined steam Rankine/ORC cycle was performed to determine the increase in power output that would be achieved by adding a bottoming ORC to the utility-scale steam Rankine cycle, and determine the effect of ambient conditions (heat sink temperature) on power increase. For the selected power plant location, the large difference between the winter and summer temperatures has a considerable effect on the ORC power output, which varies by more than 60% from winter to summer.
Estimating the “Forgone” ESVs for Small-Scale Gold Mining Using Historical Image Data
Authors: Asamoah Ernest , Zhang Lixiao , Liu Gengyuan , Owusu-Prempeh Nat , Rukundo Emmanuel
Published: October 2017

Ghana’s economic development relies largely on the mining industry, but the ecological cost is very high, particularly for the small-scale sector. To ascertain and give an account of the ecological pressures from the small-scale gold mining sector, we quantified and appraised the ecosystems (land cover types) degradation due to mining land use along portions of the renowned Pra River basin of Ghana. The study classified and analysed high-quality Landsat image data (1986–2016) to monitor processes and changes in the river basin and adopted the Ecosystem Service Value (ESV) model to quantify the forgone value in monetary term. The results revealed that the initial ESV of 17.69 million US$ in 1986 increased to 18.40 million US$ in 2002 for the study landscape with the small-scale mining sector accounting for 8.4% of the trade-off costs. The expansion of forest areas and its higher value coefficient (VC) was, however, prevalent and this resulted in a net positive change during this period. However, in 2016, out of the total ESV of 14.63 million US$ obtained, the small-scale mining activities accounted for 36.8% of the trade-off costs. The substantial increase in trade-off costs with a subsequent decrease in ESV in the study landscape, following the intensification of small-scale gold mining, indicates that their activities have been degrading the watershed ecosystem and are, therefore, unsustainable. The study affirms the need for policymakers/government to review the laws, particularly on post-mining monitoring schemes to deter illegal miners and support the registered small-scale miners who are willing to implement land rehabilitation activities.
Optimization of Emergency Material Dispatch from Multiple Depot Locations to Multiple Disaster Sites
Authors: Wang Wei , Huang Li , Guo Zhaoxia
Published: October 2017

This study establishes an optimization model of emergency material dispatch with the objectives of the highest reliability and lowest cost when the time frame is uncertain and the emergency material must be dispatched from multiple depot locations to multiple disaster sites. Because the two objectives are not consistent with one another, we propose an algorithm for solving the model by introducing the concept of ideal points, whereby the ideal point between the two objectives is considered the best plan. The study also proves the feasibility and validity of the algorithm with real-life examples.
Confusion and Misunderstanding—Interpretations and Definitions of Local Food
Authors: Granvik Madeleine , Joosse Sofie , Hunt Alan , Hallberg Ingela
Published: October 2017

Developing a more resilient food system based on sustainable food production and consumption is of major concern in creating food security. One issue in this complex field concerns the scale of the food system. Trends and tendencies show that the interest for local food has increased the last decade in Sweden, as well as in other parts of the world. Although the concept “local food” is commonly used, research shows that there is no single definition of it, instead definitions and meanings vary widely. This has led to a need by consumers of clearer information when buying “local food”. Several main actors in the Swedish food sector have joined forces to meet this issue. This paper contributes to knowledge on definitions, interpretations, and practice on local food by presenting views and opinions among different actors in the food chain in a Swedish context, but also in the light of an international pilot study. Main findings concern how the meaning of “local food” related to production, processing, raw material, and distance differs among stakeholders in the food chain. A majority stated that the basic meaning of “local food” concerns both the production and consumption within a certain geographical area.
Antibody Cross-Reactivity between Porcine Cytomegalovirus (PCMV) and Human Herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6)
Authors: Fiebig Uwe , Holzer Angela , Ivanusic Daniel , Plotzki Elena , Hengel Hartmut , Neipel Frank , Denner Joachim
Published: October 2017

Porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV) infection is widely prevalent among pigs, and PCMV is one of the viruses which may be transmitted during xenotransplantation using pig cells, tissues, or organs. While human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a major risk factor for allotransplantation, it is still unclear whether PCMV is able to infect human cells or pose a risk for xenotransplantation. Previously, it was shown that transmission of PCMV after pig kidney to non-human primate transplantations resulted in a significantly reduced survival time of the transplanted organ. To detect PCMV, PCR-based and immunological methods were used. Screening of pigs by Western blot analyses using recombinant viral proteins revealed up to 100% of the tested animals to be infected. When the same method was applied to screen human sera for PCMV-reactive antibodies, positive Western blot results were obtained in butchers and workers in the meat industry as well as in normal blood donors. To exclude an infection of humans with PCMV, the sera were further investigated. PCMV is closely related to human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) and human herpesvirus-7 (HHV-7), and a sequence alignment of glycoprotein B suggests that the antibodies may cross-react with identical epitope sequences. HCMV is not related with PCMV, and no correlation between antibody reactivity against PCMV and HCMV was detected. These data indicate that antibodies against PCMV found in humans are cross-reactive antibodies against HHV-6.
Development of a Lethal Intranasal Exposure Model of Ebola Virus in the Cynomolgus Macaque
Authors: Alfson Kendra , Avena Laura , Worwa Gabriella , Carrion Ricardo , Griffiths Anthony
Published: October 2017

Ebola virus (EBOV) is a filovirus that can cause Ebola virus disease (EVD). No approved vaccines or therapies exist for filovirus infections, despite an urgent need. The development and testing of effective countermeasures against EBOV requires use of animal models and a thorough understanding of how the model aligns with EVD in humans. The majority of published studies report outcomes of parenteral exposures for emulating needle stick transmission. However, based on data from EVD outbreaks, close contact exposures to infected bodily fluid seems to be one of the primary routes of EBOV transmission. Thus, further work is needed to develop models that represent mucosal exposure. To characterize the outcome of mucosal exposure to EBOV, cynomolgus macaques were exposed to EBOV via intranasal (IN) route using the LMA® mucosal atomization device (LMA® MAD). For comparison, four non-human primates (NHPs) were exposed to EBOV via intramuscular (IM) route. This IN exposure model was uniformly lethal and correlated with a statistically significant delay in time to death when compared to exposure via the IM route. This more closely reflects the timeframes observed in human infections. An IN model of exposure offers an attractive alternative to other models as it can offer insight into the consequences of exposure via a mucosal surface and allows for screening countermeasures via a different exposure route.
Participatory Irrigation Management and Irrigation Water Use Efficiency in Maize Production: Evidence from Zhangye City, Northwestern China
Authors: Zhou Qing , Deng Xiangzheng , Wu Feng , Li Zhihui , Song Wei
Published: October 2017

Water has become increasingly scarce in northwestern China due to climate change, economic growth and burgeoning population. Improving agriculture water use efficiency is of strategic significance in promoting socio-economic water productivity for arid and semi-arid inland river basins. Based on the household-level data collected in Zhangye City, which is located in the middle reaches of Heihe River Basin (HRB) in northwestern China, irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) of maize is estimated based on stochastic frontier analysis. The impacts of influential factors, especially the participatory irrigation management (PIM) through water user associations (WUAs), on IWUE were further examined. Results show that the estimated average Technical efficiency (TE) and IWUE of maize production are 0.74 and 0.24, respectively. The participation level in irrigation management is very low, with only 40% of the respondents participating in WUA meetings. In addition, most have a relatively superficial understanding of the roles and management scheme of WUAs. Empirical results show that though significantly positive, the magnitude of the impact of PIM on IWUE is relatively small. Households that participated in WUA meetings achieved only 0.002% higher IWUEs than those have never participated in. WUAs are not operating with their designed objectives. Consequently, reform of the traditional management form of WUAs to make them more transparent, fair, and extensively participated in among farmers is in urgently need. In addition, we also find that water price, source of irrigation water, irrigation technology adoption and famers’ education level and farming experience also have significant positive impacts on IWUE.
Informing National Food and Water Security Policy through Water Footprint Assessment: the Case of Iran
Authors: Karandish Fatemeh , Hoekstra Arjen.
Published: October 2017

Iran’s focus on food self-sufficiency has led to an emphasis on increasing water volumes available for irrigation with little attention to water use efficiency, and no attention at all to the role of consumption and trade. To better understand the development of water consumption in relation to food production, consumption, and trade, we carried out the first comprehensive water footprint assessment (WFA) for Iran, for the period 1980–2010, and estimated the water saving per province associated with interprovincial and international crop trade. Based on the AquaCrop model, we estimated the green and blue water footprint (WF) related to both the production and consumption of 26 crops, per year and on a daily basis, for 30 provinces of Iran. We find that, in the period 1980–2010, crop production increased by 175%, the total WF of crop production by 122%, and the blue WF by 20%. The national population grew by 92%, and the crop consumption per capita by 20%, resulting in a 130% increase in total food consumption and a 110% increase in the total WF of national crop consumption. In 2010, 26% of the total water consumption in the semi-arid region served the production of crops for export to other regions within Iran (mainly cereals) or abroad (mainly fruits and nuts). Iran’s interprovincial virtual water trade grew by a factor of 1.6, which was mainly due to increased interprovincial trade in cereals, nuts, and fruits. Current Iranian food and water policy could be enriched by reducing the WFs of crop production to certain benchmark levels per crop and climatic region and aligning cropping patterns to spatial differences in water availability and productivities, and by paying due attention to the increasing food consumption per capita in Iran.
Effects of vitamin E succinate on the expression of Fas and PCNA proteins in human gastric carcinoma cells and its clinical significance
Authors: Wu Kun
Published: October 2017

Laparoscopic surgery is the main treatment method for patients with gastrointestinal malignant tumors. Although laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, its tool stimulation and pneumoperitoneum pressure often cause strong stress reactions in patients. On the other hand, gastrointestinal surgery can cause stronger pain in patients, compared to other surgeries. Transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) can effectively inhibit the transmission of nerve impulses caused by surgical stimulation, alleviate patient pain, and thus alleviate stress reactions. Remazolam is an acting, safe, and effective sedative, which has little effect on hemodynamics and is suitable for most patients. TAPB combined with remazolam can reduce the dosage of total anesthetic drugs, reduce adverse reactions, reduce stress reactions, and facilitate the rapid postoperative recovery of patients.
ALMA Observations of the Protostar L1527 IRS: Probing Details of the Disk and the Envelope Structures
Authors: Aso Yusuke , Ohashi Nagayoshi , Aikawa Yuri , Machida Masahiro N. , Saigo Kazuya , Saito Masao , Takakuwa Shigehisa , Tomida Kengo , Tomisaka Kohji , Yen Hsi-Wei
Published: October 2017

We have recently observed the Class 0/I protostar L1527 IRS using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) during its Cycle 1 in 220 GHz dust continuum and C18O (

J
=
2
−
1

) line emissions with a ∼2 times higher angular resolution (

∼
0
.″
5

) and ∼4 times better sensitivity than our ALMA Cycle 0 observations. Continuum emission shows elongation perpendicular to the associated outflow, with a deconvolved size of

0
.″
53
×
0
.″
15

. C18O emission shows similar elongation, indicating that both emissions trace the disk and the flattened envelope surrounding the protostar. The velocity gradient of the C18O emission along the elongation due to rotation of the disk/envelope system is reanalyzed, identifying Keplerian rotation proportional to

r

−
0.5

more clearly than the Cycle 0 observations. The Keplerian-disk radius and the dynamical stellar mass are kinematically estimated to be ∼74 au and

∼
0.45

M

☉

, respectively. The continuum visibility is fitted by models without any annulus averaging, revealing that the disk is in hydrostatic equilibrium. The best-fit model also suggests a density jump by a factor of ∼5 between the disk and the envelope, suggesting that disks around protostars can be geometrically distinguishable from the envelope from a viewpoint of density contrast. Importantly, the disk radius geometrically identified with the density jump is consistent with the kinematically estimated radius. Possible origin of the density jump due to the mass accretion from the envelope to the disk is discussed. C18O observations can be reproduced by the same geometrical structures derived from the dust observations, with possible C18O freeze-out and localized C18O desorption.
Virgo Redux: The Masses and Stellar Content of Nuclei in Early-type Galaxies from Multiband Photometry and Spectroscopy
Authors: Spengler Chelsea , Côté Patrick , Roediger Joel , Ferrarese Laura , Sánchez-Janssen Rubén , Toloba Elisa , Liu Yiqing , Guhathakurta Puragra , Cuillandre Jean-Charles , Gwyn Stephen , Zirm Andrew , Muñoz Roberto , Puzia Thomas , Lançon Ariane , Peng Eric W. , Mei Simona , Powalka Mathieu
Published: October 2017

We present an analysis of 39 nuclei and their early-type hosts in the Virgo Cluster using 10 broadband filters: F300W, F475W, F850LP, F160W,

u

*

griz

, and K

s
. We describe the Virgo Redux program, which provides high-resolution UV and NIR imaging. Combining this data with optical and NIR imaging from the ACS Virgo Cluster Survey and the Next Generation Virgo Cluster Survey, we estimate masses, metallicities, and ages using simple stellar population (SSP) models. For 19 nuclei, we compare to SSP parameters derived from Keck and Gemini spectra and find reasonable agreement between the photometric and spectroscopic metallicity: the rms scatter is 0.3 dex. We reproduce the nucleus–galaxy mass fraction of

0.33

−
0.07

+
0.09

% for galaxy stellar masses

10

8.4

–

10

10.3

M

⊙

with a typical precision of ∼35% for the nuclei masses. Based on available model predictions, there is no single preferred formation scenario for nuclei, suggesting that nuclei are formed stochastically through a mix of processes. Nuclei metallicities are statistically identical to those of their hosts, appearing 0.07 ± 0.3 dex more metal-rich on average; however, omitting galaxies with unusual origins, nuclei are 0.20 ± 0.28 dex more metal-rich. Nuclei appear to be 0.56 ± 0.12 dex more metal-rich than ultracompact dwarf galaxies (UCDs) at fixed mass. We find no clear age difference between nuclei and their galaxies, with nuclei displaying a broad range of ages. Interestingly, we find that the most massive nuclei may be flatter and more closely aligned with the semimajor axes of their hosts, suggesting that they formed through predominantly dissipative processes.
Hyperaccreting Black Hole as Gamma-Ray Burst Central Engine. II. Temporal Evolution of the Central Engine Parameters during the Prompt and Afterglow Phases
Authors: Lei Wei-Hua , Zhang Bing , Wu Xue-Feng , Liang En-Wei
Published: October 2017

A hyperaccreting stellar-mass black hole (BH) has been proposed as the candidate central engine of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). The rich observations of GRBs by Fermi and Swift make it possible to constrain the central engine model by comparing the model predictions against data. This paper is dedicated to studying the temporal evolution of the central engine parameters for both the prompt emission and afterglow phases. We consider two jet-launching mechanisms, i.e.,

ν

ν

¯

annihilations and the Blandford–Znajek (BZ) process, and obtain analytical solutions to these two models. We then investigate the BH central engine parameters, such as the jet power, the dimensionless entropy η, and the central engine parameter μ
0 = η (1 + σ
0) (where σ
0 is the initial magnetization of the engine) at the base of the jet. The BH may be spun up by accretion or spun down by the BZ process, leaving imprints in the GRB light curves. Usually, a BZ jet is more powerful and is likely responsible for the late-time central engine activities. However, an initially non-spinning BH central engine may first launch a thermal “fireball” via neutrino annihilations, and then launch a Poynting-flux-dominated jet via the BZ process. Multiple flares, giant bumps, and plateaus in GRB afterglows can be produced as the result of late-time accretion onto the BH.
Les « enfants de Madame Massu ». Œuvre sociale, politique et citoyenneté pendant et après la guerre d’Algérie (1957-1980)
Authors: Denéchère Yves
Published: October 2017

L’Association pour la formation de la jeunesse (AFJ) est créée à Alger en 1957 dans le but de recueillir des enfants musulmans isolés et de leur apporter une formation dans un contexte de guerre où les enjeux autour de l’enfance et de la jeunesse sont exacerbés. Présidée par Suzanne Massu – épouse du général qui mène alors la « bataille d’Alger » – l’association gère plusieurs établissements accueillant des centaines de yaouleds . L’entreprise sociale n’est pas exempte de dimensions politiques et de motivations idéologiques : il s’agit aussi de préparer ces garçons à devenir des citoyens français à part entière dans une Algérie nouvelle. Confrontée à l’évolution politique de la question algérienne, l’association s’adapte. Profitant d’une colonie de vacances organisée en Béarn durant l’été 1961, des dizaines d’enfants restent en France, d’autres sont amenés d’Alger au printemps 1962. Dans les années 1960 et 1970, les adolescents grandissent, entrent en formation professionnelle puis s’insèrent dans la vie active, se marient et gardent un lien personnel fort avec Suzanne Massu. Les jeunes sont invités à changer leurs prénoms arabes ou berbères pour des prénoms français, à confirmer leur nationalité française. Aujourd’hui encore ils entretiennent une mémoire ténue des « enfants de Madame Massu » comme ils aiment s’appeler eux-mêmes. Des sources inédites et très diverses permettent d’éclairer la réponse politique et sociale à la situation des yaouleds . Le prolongement de l’action au-delà de la guerre d’Algérie permet de mieux cerner les intentions biopolitiques et les modalités pratiques qui transforment des enfants nécessiteux d’Alger en citoyens français, comme si c’était une victoire symbolique et ultime au-delà de l’Algérie française.