bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic Effects of Copper Sites on Apparent Stability of Multicopper Oxidase, Fet3p
Authors: Sedlák Erik , Žoldák Gabriel , Wittung-Stafshede Pernilla
Published: January 2018

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Fet3p is a multicopper oxidase that contains three cupredoxin-like domains and four copper ions located in three distinct metal sites (T1 in domain 3; T2 and the binuclear T3 at the interface between domains 1 and 3). To probe the role of the copper sites in Fet3p thermodynamic stability, we performed urea-induced unfolding experiments with holo-, apo- and three partially-metallated (T1, T2 and T1/T2 sites depleted of copper) forms of Fet3p. Using a combination of spectroscopic probes (circular dichroism, fluorescence intensity and maximum, 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (ANS) emission, oxidase activity and blue color), we reveal that all forms of Fet3p unfold in a four-state reaction with two partially-folded intermediates. Using phase diagrams, it emerged that Fet3p with all copper sites filled had a significantly higher stability as compared to the combined contributions of the individual copper sites. Hence, there is long-range inter-domain communication between distal copper sites that contribute to overall Fet3p stability.
The Plant Growth-Promoting Fungus (PGPF) Alternaria sp. A13 Markedly Enhances Salvia miltiorrhiza Root Growth and Active Ingredient Accumulation under Greenhouse and Field Conditions
Authors: Zhou Li , Tang Kun , Guo Shun
Published: January 2018

Plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF) have attracted considerable interest as bio-fertilisers due to their multiple beneficial effects on plant quantity and quality and their positive relationship with the ecological environment. Advancements in the development of PGPF for crops and economic plant cultivation applications have been achieved, but such improvements for the use of PGPF with popular medicinal herbs, such as Salvia miltiorrhiza, are rare. In this study, we collected S. miltiorrhiza specimens inhabiting wild, semi-wild, farmland and pot-cultured areas in the Henan province of China and isolated endophytes from the roots, shoots and leaves of these samples. Twenty-eight strains of the dominant genus Alternaria were identified and selected as candidate PGPF. Under greenhouse conditions, Alternaria sp. A13 simultaneously enhanced the dry root biomass and secondary metabolite accumulation of S. miltiorrhiza as the optimal PGPF of the 28 candidate isolates. To further assess the interaction between S. miltiorrhiza and Alternaria sp. A13, the effects on seedlings growth, active ingredient accumulation, and the activity of key enzymes for effective biosynthetic pathways were investigated over a period of six months under field conditions. Compared to uninoculated seedlings, S. miltiorrhiza seedlings colonised by Alternaria sp. A13 showed significant increment of 140% in fresh weight, 138% in dry weight, and enhancement in the contents of total phenolic acid, lithospermic acids A and B (LAA and LAB, respectively) of 210%, 128% and 213%, respectively. Examination of the related enzyme activities showed that the elicitation effect of A13 on LAB accumulation correlated with cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase (C4H) activity in the phenylpropanoid pathway under field conditions. Our results confirmed that Alternaria sp. A13 not only contributes to the stimulation of S. miltiorrhiza root growth, but also boosts the secondary metabolism, thus demonstrating its application potential as a bio-fertiliser for S. miltiorrhiza cultivation, especially in areas outside of its native growth regions.
Adrenergic Agonists Bind to Adrenergic-Receptor-Like Regions of the Mu Opioid Receptor, Enhancing Morphine and Methionine-Enkephalin Binding: A New Approach to “Biased Opioids”?
Authors: Root-Bernstein Robert , Turke Miah , Subhramanyam Udaya , Churchill Beth , Labahn Joerg
Published: January 2018

Extensive evidence demonstrates functional interactions between the adrenergic and opioid systems in a diversity of tissues and organs. While some effects are due to receptor and second messenger cross-talk, recent research has revealed an extracellular, allosteric opioid binding site on adrenergic receptors that enhances adrenergic activity and its duration. The present research addresses whether opioid receptors may have an equivalent extracellular, allosteric adrenergic binding site that has similar enhancing effects on opioid binding. Comparison of adrenergic and opioid receptor sequences revealed that these receptors share very significant regions of similarity, particularly in some of the extracellular and transmembrane regions associated with adrenergic binding in the adrenergic receptors. Five of these shared regions from the mu opioid receptor (muOPR) were synthesized as peptides and tested for binding to adrenergic, opioid and control compounds using ultraviolet spectroscopy. Adrenergic compounds bound to several of these muOPR peptides with low micromolar affinity while acetylcholine, histamine and various adrenergic antagonists did not. Similar studies were then conducted with purified, intact muOPR with similar results. Combinations of epinephrine with methionine enkephalin or morphine increased the binding of both by about half a log unit. These results suggest that muOPR may be allosterically enhanced by adrenergic agonists.
Enhancement in Corneal Permeability of Dissolved Carteolol by Its Combination with Magnesium Hydroxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Nagai Noriaki , Yamaoka Sakie , Fukuoka Yuya , Ishii Miyu , Otake Hiroko , Kanai Kazutaka , Okamoto Norio , Shimomura Yoshikazu
Published: January 2018

We prepared magnesium hydroxide (MH) nanoparticles, and investigated their effect when combined with dissolved carteolol on the bioavailability and intraocular pressure (IOP)-reducing effect of carteolol. The carteolol was solved in saline containing additives (0.5% methylcellulose, 0.001% benzalkonium chloride, 0.5% mannitol; CRT-solution). MH nanoparticles were prepared by a bead mill method with additives. Then carteolol/MH microparticle and carteolol/MH nanoparticle fixed combinations (mCMFC and nCMFC) were prepared by mixing the CRT-solution and MH particles. The transcorneal penetration and IOP-reducing effect of carteolol was evaluated in rabbits. The mean particle size of mCMFC was 7.2 μm, and the particle size was reduced to 73.5–113.5 nm by the bead mill treatment. The MH particles in nCMFC remained in the nano size range for 8 days after preparation, and the amounts of lacrimal fluid and corneal damage were unchanged by repetitive instillation of nCMFC (twice a day for 4 weeks). The transcorneal penetration of carteolol was enhanced by the combination with MH nanoparticles, and the IOP-reducing effect of nCMFC was significantly higher than that of CRT-solution or mCMFC. In conclusion, we designed nCMFC, and showed that the high levels of dissolved carteolol can be delivered into the aqueous humor by the instillation of nCMFC. Combination with MH nanoparticles may achieve an enhancement of corneal penetration for water-soluble drugs. These findings provide significant information that can be used to design further studies aimed at developing anti-glaucoma eye drugs.
DNA-Based Single-Molecule Electronics: From Concept to Function
Authors: Wang Kun
Published: January 2018

Beyond being the repository of genetic information, DNA is playing an increasingly important role as a building block for molecular electronics. Its inherent structural and molecular recognition properties render it a leading candidate for molecular electronics applications. The structural stability, diversity and programmability of DNA provide overwhelming freedom for the design and fabrication of molecular-scale devices. In the past two decades DNA has therefore attracted inordinate amounts of attention in molecular electronics. This review gives a brief survey of recent experimental progress in DNA-based single-molecule electronics with special focus on single-molecule conductance and I–V characteristics of individual DNA molecules. Existing challenges and exciting future opportunities are also discussed.
Selective Laser Melting Produced Ti-6Al-4V: Post-Process Heat Treatments to Achieve Superior Tensile Properties
Authors: Ter Haar Gerrit , Becker Thorsten
Published: January 2018

Current post-process heat treatments applied to selective laser melting produced Ti-6Al-4V do not achieve the same microstructure and therefore superior tensile behaviour of thermomechanical processed wrought Ti-6Al-4V. Due to the growing demand for selective laser melting produced parts in industry, research and development towards improved mechanical properties is ongoing. This study is aimed at developing post-process annealing strategies to improve tensile behaviour of selective laser melting produced Ti-6Al-4V parts. Optical and electron microscopy was used to study α grain morphology as a function of annealing temperature, hold time and cooling rate. Quasi-static uniaxial tensile tests were used to measure tensile behaviour of different annealed parts. It was found that elongated α’/α grains can be fragmented into equiaxial grains through applying a high temperature annealing strategy. It is shown that bi-modal microstructures achieve a superior tensile ductility to current heat treated selective laser melting produced Ti-6Al-4V samples.
Synthesis and Characterization of WO3/Graphene Nanocomposites for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activities by One-Step In-Situ Hydrothermal Reaction
Authors: Hu Xiaoxiao , Xu Peiquan , Gong Hongying , Yin Guotao
Published: January 2018

Tungsten trioxide (WO3) nanorods are synthesized on the surface of graphene (GR) sheets by using a one-step in-situ hydrothermal method employing sodium tungstate (Na2WO4·2H2O) and graphene oxide (GO) as precursors. The resulting WO3/GR nanocomposites are characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results confirm that the interface between WO3 nanorod and graphene contains chemical bonds. The enhanced optical absorption properties are measured by UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The photocatalytic activity of the WO3/GR nanocomposites under visible light is evaluated by the photodegradation of methylene blue, where the degradation rate of WO3/GR nanocomposites is shown to be double that of pure WO3. This is attributed to the synergistic effect of graphene and the WO3 nanorod, which greatly enhances the photocatalytic performance of the prepared sample, reduces the recombination of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs and increases the visible light absorption efficiency. Finally, the photocatalytic mechanism of the WO3/GR nanocomposites is presented. The synthesis of the prepared sample is convenient, direct and environmentally friendly. The study reports a highly efficient composite photocatalyst for the degradation of contaminants that can be applied to cleaning up the environment.
Preparation and Characterization of TiB2-(Supra-Nano-Dual-Phase) High-Entropy Alloy Cermet by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Zhang Shulei , Sun Yuchen , Ke Boren , Li Yulin , Ji Wei , Wang Weimin , Fu Zhengyi
Published: January 2018

This paper introduces the preparation method and characterization results of TiB2 ceramics with CoCrFeNiAl high-entropy alloy (HEA) as a sintering aid by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). Good wettability between HEA and TiB2 was proved by the sessile drop method, indicating promising prospects for this composite. The sintering results showed that the addition of HEA could dramatically promote the sinterability of TiB2. TiB2-5 wt. % HEA dense ceramics prepared at the optimal temperature of 1650 °C showed fine morphology without formation of brittle phases. The liquid phase in the ceramics was highly consistent with the so-called “supra-nano-dual-phase materials (SNDPM)”, with near-ideal strength. This study represents the first time that a ceramic-SNDPM composite has been fabricated since the invention of such structures.
Current NMR Techniques for Structure-Based Drug Discovery
Authors: Sugiki Toshihiko , Furuita Kyoko , Fujiwara Toshimichi , Kojima Chojiro
Published: January 2018

A variety of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) applications have been developed for structure-based drug discovery (SBDD). NMR provides many advantages over other methods, such as the ability to directly observe chemical compounds and target biomolecules, and to be used for ligand-based and protein-based approaches. NMR can also provide important information about the interactions in a protein-ligand complex, such as structure, dynamics, and affinity, even when the interaction is too weak to be detected by ELISA or fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based high-throughput screening (HTS) or to be crystalized. In this study, we reviewed current NMR techniques. We focused on recent progress in NMR measurement and sample preparation techniques that have expanded the potential of NMR-based SBDD, such as fluorine NMR (19F-NMR) screening, structure modeling of weak complexes, and site-specific isotope labeling of challenging targets.
Design, Synthesis, and Safener Activity of Novel Methyl (R)-N-Benzoyl/Dichloroacetyl-Thiazolidine-4-Carboxylates
Authors: Zhao Li-Xia , Wu Hao , Zou Yue-Li , Wang Qing-Rui , Fu Ying , Li Chun-Yan , Ye Fei
Published: January 2018

A series of novel methyl (R)-N-benzoyl/dichloroacetyl-thiazolidine-4-carboxylates were designed by active substructure combination. The title compounds were synthesized using a one-pot route from l-cysteine methyl ester hydrochloride, acyl chloride, and ketones. All compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS. The structure of 4q was determined by X-ray crystallography. The biological tests showed that the title compounds protected maize from chlorimuron-ethyl injury to some extent. The ALS activity assay showed that the title compounds increased the ALS activity of maize inhibited by chlorimuron-ethyl. Molecular docking modeling demonstrated that Compound 4e competed against chlorimuron-ethyl to combine with the herbicide target enzyme active site, causing the herbicide to be ineffective.
Structural Determination of Ruthenium Complexes Containing Bi-Dentate Pyrrole-Ketone Ligands
Authors: Tsai Ya-Wen , Chen Yun-Fan , Li Yong-Jie , Chen Kuan-Hung , Lin Chia-Her , Huang Jui-Hsien
Published: January 2018

A series of ruthenium compounds containing a pyrrole-ketone bidentate ligand, 2-(2′-methoxybenzoyl)pyrrole (1), have been synthesized and characterized. Reacting 1 with [(η6-cymene)RuCl2]2 and RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)3 generated Ru(η6-cymene)[C4H3N-2-(CO-C6H4-2-OMe)]Cl (2) and {RuCl(CO)(PPh3)2[C4H3N-2-(COC6H4-2-OMe)]} (3), respectively, in moderate yields. Successively reacting 2 with sodium cyanate and sodium azide gave {Ru(η6-cymene)[C4H3N-2-(CO-C6H4-2-OMe)]X} (4, X=OCN; 5, X=N3) with the elimination of sodium chloride. Compounds 2–5 were all characterized by 1H and 13C-NMR spectra and their structures were also determined by X-ray single crystallography.
Multinuclear NMR Measurements and DFT Calculations for Capecitabine Tautomeric Form Assignment in a Solution
Authors: Cmoch Piotr , Krzeczyński Piotr , Leś Andrzej
Published: January 2018

The molecular structure of capecitabine (a widely applied prodrug of 5-fluorouracil) was studied by multinuclear NMR measurements and DFT quantum mechanical calculations. One or two tautomeric forms in a solution were detected depending on the solvent used. In the organic solvents, a mixture of two forms of capecitabine was observed: carbamate and imine tautomers. In the aqueous solution, only the carbamate form was found. The methylation of capecitabine yields mainly two products in different proportions: N3-methylcapecitabine and N7-methylcapecitabine. The protonation of capecitabine in organic solvents with perchloric acid occurs at the N3 nitrogen atom. DFT calculations strongly support the results coming from the analysis of the NMR spectra.
Structure Characterization of Honey-Processed Astragalus Polysaccharides and Its Anti-Inflammatory Activity In Vitro
Authors: Liao Jingzhu , Li Chanyi , Huang Jing , Liu Wuping , Chen Hongce , Liao Shuangye , Chen Hongyuan , Rui Wen
Published: January 2018

Honey-processed Astragalus is a dosage form of Radix Astragalus mixed with honey by a traditional Chinese medicine processing method which strengthens the tonic effect. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), perform its immunomodulatory effects by relying on the tonic effect of Radix Astragalus, therefore, the improved pharmacological activity of honey-processed Astragalus polysaccharide (HAPS) might be due to structural changes during processing. The molecular weights of HAPS and APS were 1,695,788 Da, 2,047,756 Da, respectively, as determined by high performance gel filtration chromatography combined with evaporative light scattering detection (HPGFC-ELSD). The monosaccharide composition was determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatogram quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/ESI-Q-TOF-MS) after pre-column derivatization with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (PMP). The results showed that the essential components were mannose, glucose, xylose, arabinose, glucuronic acid and rhamnose, is molar ratios of 0.06:28.34:0.58:0.24:0.33:0.21 and 0.27:12.83:1.63:0.71:1.04:0.56, respectively. FT-IR and NMR analysis of HAPS results showed the presence of uronic acid and acetyl groups. The anti-inflammatory activities of HAPS were more effective than those of APS according to the NO contents and the expression of IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-22 and TNF-α in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. This findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory and bioactivity improvement might be associated with molecular structure changes, bearing on the potential immunomodulatory action.
Pharmacokinetics of Schizandrin and Its Pharmaceutical Products Assessed Using a Validated LC–MS/MS Method
Authors: Li Chi-Lin , Cheng Yung-Yi , Hsieh Chen-Hsi , Tsai Tung-Hu
Published: January 2018

Schisandra chinensis has been used as an important component in various prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine and, more recently, in Western-based medicine for its anti-hepatotoxic effect. The aim of this study was to develop a selective, rapid, and sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for pharmacokinetic studies of schizandrin in rats. Liquid-liquid extraction was used for plasma sample preparation. A UHPLC reverse-phase C18e column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 2 μm) coupled with a mobile phase of methanol-0.1% formic acid (85:15, v/v) was used for sample separation. A triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer was used to detect the analytes in the selected reaction monitoring mode. The linear range of schizandrin in rat plasma was 5.0–1000 ng/mL (r2 > 0.999), with a lower limit of quantification of 5 ng/mL. The method was validated with regard to accuracy, intra-day and inter-day precision, linearity, stability, recovery, and matrix effects in rat plasma, which were acceptable according to the biological method validation guidelines developed by the FDA. This method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of 3 g/kg and 10 g/kg of Schisandra chinensis products, which yielded a maximum concentration of schizandrin of 0.08 ± 0.07 and 0.15 ± 0.09 μg/mL, respectively. A parallel study design was used to investigate the oral bioavailability of single compound of schizandrin and the herbal extract, the single compound of pure schizandrin (10 mg/kg, i.v.), pure schizandrin (10 mg/kg, p.o.), and the herbal extract of Schisandra chinensis (3 g/kg and 10 g/kg, p.o.) were given individually. The dose of Schisandra chinensis (3 g/kg) equivalent to schizandrin (5.2 mg/kg); the dose of Schisandra chinensis (10 g/kg) equivalent to schizandrin (17.3 mg/kg). The result demonstrated that the oral bioavailability of schizandrin was approximately 15.56 ± 10.47% in rats, however the oral bioavailability of herbal extract was higher than single compound. The method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of pure schizandrin after oral administration of its pharmaceutical industry products in rats.
Synthesis, Anti-Proliferative Activity Evaluation and 3D-QSAR Study of Naphthoquinone Derivatives as Potential Anti-Colorectal Cancer Agents
Authors: Acuña Julio , Piermattey Jhoan , Caro Daneiva , Bannwitz Sven , Barrios Luis , López Jairo , Ocampo Yanet , Vivas-Reyes Ricardo , Aristizábal Fabio , Gaitán Ricardo , Müller Klaus , Franco Luis
Published: January 2018

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a disease with high incidence and mortality, constituting the fourth most common cause of death from cancer worldwide. Naphthoquinones are attractive compounds due to their biological and structural properties. In this work, 36 naphthoquinone derivatives were synthesized and their activity evaluated against HT-29 cells. Overall, high to moderate anti-proliferative activity was observed in most members of the series, with 15 compounds classified as active (1.73 < IC50 < 18.11 μM). The naphtho[2,3-b]thiophene-4,9-dione analogs showed potent cytotoxicity, 8-hydroxy-2-(thiophen-2-ylcarbonyl)naphtho[2,3-b]thiophene-4,9-dione being the compound with the highest potency and selectivity. Our results suggest that the toxicity is improved in molecules with tricyclic naphtho[2,3-b]furan-4,9-dione and naphtho[2,3-b]thiophene-4,9-dione systems 2-substituted with an electron-withdrawing group. A 3D-QSAR study of comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) was carried out, resulting in the generation of a reliable model (r2 = 0.99 and q2 = 0.625). This model allowed proposing five new compounds with two-fold higher theoretical anti-proliferative activity, which would be worthwhile to synthesize and evaluate. Further investigations will be needed to determine the mechanism involved in the effect of most active compounds which are potential candidates for new anticancer agents.
Honokiol Improves Liver Steatosis in Ovariectomized Mice
Authors: Jeong Yeon-Hui , Hur Haeng , Jeon Eun-Joo , Park Su-Jin , Hwang Jin , Lee Ae , Lee Kyong , Sung Mi
Published: January 2018

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease, and is associated with the development of metabolic syndrome. Postmenopausal women with estrogen deficiency are at a higher risk of progression to NAFLD. Estrogen has a protective effect against the progression of the disease. Currently, there are no safe and effective treatments for these liver diseases in postmenopausal women. Honokiol (Ho), a bioactive natural product derived from Magnolia spp, has anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and anti-oxidative properties. In our study, we investigated the beneficial effects of Ho on NAFLD in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. We divided the mice into four groups, as follows: SHAM, OVX, OVX+β-estradiol (0.4 mg/kg of bodyweight), and OVX+Ho (50 mg/kg of diet). Mice were fed diets with/without Ho for 12 weeks. The bodyweight, epidermal fat, and weights of liver tissue were lower in the OVX group than in the other groups. Ho improved hepatic steatosis and reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels. Moreover, Ho markedly downregulated plasma lipid levels. Our results indicate that Ho ameliorated OVX-induced fatty liver and inflammation, as well as associated lipid metabolism. These findings suggest that Ho may be hepatoprotective against NAFLD in postmenopausal women.
Amaranthus caudatus Stimulates Insulin Secretion in Goto-Kakizaki Rats, a Model of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
Authors: Zambrana Silvia , Lundqvist Lena C. E. , Veliz Virginia , Catrina Sergiu-Bogdan , Gonzales Eduardo , Östenson Claes-Göran
Published: January 2018

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 prevalence is increasing worldwide; thus efforts to develop novel therapeutic strategies are required. Amaranthus caudatus (AC) is a pseudo-cereal with reported anti-diabetic effects that is usually consumed in food preparations in Bolivia. This study evaluated the anti-diabetic nutraceutical property of an AC hydroethanolic extract that contains mainly sugars and traces of polyphenols and amino acids (as shown by nalysis with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)), in type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats and healthy Wistar (W) rats. A single oral administration of AC extract (2000 mg/kg body weight) improved glucose tolerance during Oral Glucose Tolerance Tests (OGTT) in both GK rats and in W rats. Long-term treatment (21 days) with AC (1000 mg/kg b.w.) improved the glucose tolerance evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC) of glucose levels during the OGTT, in both GK and W rats. The HbA1c levels were reduced in both GK (19.83%) and W rats (10.7%). This effect was secondary to an increase in serum insulin levels in both GK and W rats and confirmed in pancreatic islets, isolated from treated animals, where the chronic AC exposure increased the insulin production 4.1-fold in GK and 3.7-fold in W rat islets. Furthermore, the effect of AC on in vitro glucose-dependent insulin secretion (16.7 mM glucose) was concentration-dependent up to 50 mg/mL, with 8.5-fold increase in GK and 5.7-fold in W rat islets, and the insulin secretion in perifused GK and W rat islets increased 31 and nine times, respectively. The mechanism of action of AC on insulin secretion was shown to involve calcium, PKA and PKC activation, and G-protein coupled-exocytosis since the AC effect was reduced 38% by nifedipine (L-type channel inhibitor), 77% by H89 (PKA inhibitor), 79% by Calphostine-C (PKC inhibitor) and 20% by pertussis toxin (G-protein suppressor).
Development of Databases on Iodine in Foods and Dietary Supplements
Authors: Ershow Abby , Skeaff Sheila , Merkel Joyce , Pehrsson Pamela
Published: January 2018

Iodine is an essential micronutrient required for normal growth and neurodevelopment; thus, an adequate intake of iodine is particularly important for pregnant and lactating women, and throughout childhood. Low levels of iodine in the soil and groundwater are common in many parts of the world, often leading to diets that are low in iodine. Widespread salt iodization has eradicated severe iodine deficiency, but mild-to-moderate deficiency is still prevalent even in many developed countries. To understand patterns of iodine intake and to develop strategies for improving intake, it is important to characterize all sources of dietary iodine, and national databases on the iodine content of major dietary contributors (including foods, beverages, water, salts, and supplements) provide a key information resource. This paper discusses the importance of well-constructed databases on the iodine content of foods, beverages, and dietary supplements; the availability of iodine databases worldwide; and factors related to variability in iodine content that should be considered when developing such databases. We also describe current efforts in iodine database development in the United States, the use of iodine composition data to develop food fortification policies in New Zealand, and how iodine content databases might be used when considering the iodine intake and status of individuals and populations.
A Natural Antibacterial-Antioxidant Film from Soy Protein Isolate Incorporated with Cortex Phellodendron Extract
Authors: Liang Shumin , Wang Lijuan
Published: January 2018

An active film was prepared by incorporating cortex Phellodendron extract (CPE, an active agent) into a soybean protein isolate (SPI). Different concentrations of CPE (0%, 10%, 12.5%, 15%, 17.5%, 20%, or 22.5%, w/w, based on SPI) were mixed into the films characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, tensile tests, and barrier properties. The rheological properties of the solutions were also tested. The effects of the CPE content on the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the films were examined. The results indicated that new hydrogen bonds formed between molecules in the films, and the crystallinity of the films decreased. The incorporation of CPE had no significant influence on the thermal stability of the films. Films containing 15% CPE had the maximum tensile strength of 6.00 MPa. The barrier properties against water vapor, oxygen, and light enhanced with the incorporation of CPE. The antioxidant activity of the SPI film was also improved. The films were effective against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, Gram-positive bacteria). These results suggest that the SPI/CPE film can potentially extend the shelf lives of foods.
Enhanced Oxidation Resistance of Polyphenylene Sulfide Composites Based on Montmorillonite Modified by Benzimidazolium Salt
Authors: Xing Jian , Xu Zhenzhen , Deng Bingyao
Published: January 2018

Organic montmorillonite (MMT) modified by 1,3-dihexadecyl-3H-benzimidazolium bromide (Bz) was used to prepare polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)/MMT composites by melting intercalation. The PPS/MMT composites showed mixed morphology, being comprised of exfoliated and intercalated structures with slight agglomerates. The tensile property of PPS/MMT composites was significantly improved due to the good dispersion of the MMT nanolayers. The test results showed that the tensile strength retention of PPS/MMT composites was higher than that of pure PPS after the oxidation treatment. Moreover, FTIR and XPS analyses were also used to evaluate the oxidation resistance of PPS composites. The FTIR analysis confirmed that adding MMT could better limit the damage of the C–S group and retard the generation of sulfuryl groups (–SO2–) during the oxidation treatment compared to pure PPS. The XPS analysis also suggested that the addition of MMT could reduce the chemical combination of the elements sulfur (S) and oxygen (O) during oxidation treatment. Furthermore, the MMT nanolayers could also promote the transfer of S from a C–S bond into an –SO2– group.
How is Chaplaincy Marginalised—By Our Faith Communities and by Our Institutions and Can We Change It?
Authors: Cohen Jeffrey
Published: January 2018

This paper reviews the issues confronting chaplaincy/spiritual care in the 21st century. It looks at how faith communities are changing their view of chaplaincy as well how institutions respond. The paper looks at two qualitative studies and what can be learned from them in confronting the questions raised at the beginning. It concludes with the question of how the evidence base can be expanded to make chaplaincy/spiritual care more relevant over the next few years.
Multispectral Image Denoising via Nonlocal Multitask Sparse Learning
Authors: Fan Ya-Ru , Huang Ting-Zhu , Zhao Xi-Le , Deng Liang-Jian , Fan Shanxiong
Published: January 2018

The goal of multispectral imaging is to obtain the spectrum for each pixel in the image of a scene and deliver much reliable information. It has been widely applied to several fields including mineralogy, oceanography and astronomy. However, multispectral images (MSIs) are often corrupted by various noises. In this paper, we propose a MSI denoising model based on nonlocal multitask sparse learning. The nonlocal self-similarity across space and the high correlation of the MSI along the spectrum via multitask sparse learning are fully exploited in the proposed model. A nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) based algorithm is developed to solve the proposed model. Experimental results on both simulated and real data demonstrate that the proposed method performs better than several existing state-of-the-art denoising methods.
Microwave Backscatter-Based Wireless Temperature Sensor Fabricated by an Alumina-Backed Au Slot Radiation Patch
Authors: Lu Fei , Wang Haixing , Guo Yanjie , Tan Qiulin , Zhang Wendong , Xiong Jijun
Published: January 2018

A wireless and passive temperature sensor operating up to 800 °C is proposed. The sensor is based on microwave backscatter RFID (radio frequency identification) technology. A thin-film planar structure and simple working principle make the sensor easy to operate under high temperature. In this paper, the proposed high temperature sensor was designed, fabricated, and characterized. Here the 99% alumina ceramic with a dimension of 40 mm × 40 mm × 1 mm was prepared in micromechanics for fabrication of the sensor substrate. The metallization of the Au slot patch was realized in magnetron sputtering with a slot width of 2 mm and a slot length of 32 mm. The measured resonant frequency of the sensor at 25 °C is 2.31 GHz. It was concluded that the resonant frequency decreases with the increase in the temperature in range of 25–800 °C. It was shown that the average sensor sensitivity is 101.94 kHz/°C.
Use of Accelerometer Activity Monitors to Detect Changes in Pruritic Behaviors: Interim Clinical Data on 6 Dogs
Authors: Wernimont Susan , Thompson Robin , Mickelsen Scott , Smith Spencer , Alvarenga Isabella , Gross Kathy
Published: January 2018

Veterinarians and pet owners have limited ability to assess pruritic behaviors in dogs. This pilot study assessed the capacity of the Vetrax® triaxial accelerometer to measure these behaviors in six dogs with pruritus likely due to environmental allergens. Dogs wore the activity monitor for two weeks while consuming their usual pet food (baseline), then for eight weeks while consuming a veterinary-exclusive pet food for dogs with suspected non-food-related skin conditions (Hill’s Prescription Diet® Derm DefenseTM Canine dry food). Veterinarians and owners completed questionnaires during baseline, phase 1 (days 1–28) and phase 2 (days 29–56) without knowledge of the activity data. Continuous 3-axis accelerometer data was processed using proprietary behavior recognition algorithms and analyzed using general linear mixed models with false discovery rate-adjusted p values. Veterinarian-assessed overall clinical signs of pruritus were significantly predicted by scratching (β 0.176, p = 0.008), head shaking (β 0.197, p < 0.001) and sleep quality (β −0.154, p < 0.001), while owner-assessed quality of life was significantly predicted by scratching (β −0.103, p = 0.013) and head shaking (β −0.146, p < 0.001). Among dogs exhibiting pruritus signs eating the veterinary-exclusive food, the Vetrax® sensor provided an objective assessment of clinically relevant pruritic behaviors that agreed with owner and veterinarian reports.
Social Incentive Mechanism Based Multi-User Sensing Time Optimization in Co-Operative Spectrum Sensing with Mobile Crowd Sensing
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Zhu Qi
Published: January 2018

Co-operative spectrum sensing emerging as a significant method to improve the utilization of the spectrum needs sufficient sensing users to participate. Existing related papers consider only the limited secondary users in current sensing system and assume that they will always perform the co-operative spectrum sensing out of obligation. However, this assumption is impractical in the realistic situation where the secondary users are rational and they will not join in the co-operative sensing process without a certain reward to compensate their sensing energy consumption, especially the ones who have no data transmitting in current time slot. To solve this problem, we take advantage of the mobile crowd sensing to supply adequate co-operative sensing candidates, in which the sensing users are not only the secondary users but also a crowd of widely distributed mobile users equipped with personal spectrum sensors (such as smartphones, vehicle sensors). Furthermore, a social incentive mechanism is also adapted to motivate the participations of mobile sensing users. In this paper, we model the interactions among the motivated sensing users as a co-operative game where they adjust their own sensing time strategies to maximize the co-operative sensing utility, which eventually guarantees the detection performance and prevents the global sensing cost being too high. We prove that the game based optimization problem is NP-hard and exists a unique optimal equilibrium. An improved differential evolution algorithm is proposed to solve the optimization problem. Simulation results prove the better performance in our proposed multi-user sensing time optimization model and the proposed improved differential evolution algorithm, respectively compared with the non-optimization model and the other two typical equilibrium solution algorithms.
Medlay: A Reconfigurable Micro-Power Management to Investigate Self-Powered Systems
Authors: Kokert Jan , Beckedahl Tobias , Reindl Leonhard
Published: January 2018

In self-powered microsystems, a power management is essential to extract, transfer and regulate power from energy harvesting sources to loads such as sensors. The challenge is to consider all of the different structures and components available and build the optimal power management on a microscale. The purpose of this paper is to streamline the design process by creating a novel reconfigurable testbed called Medlay. First, we propose a uniform interface for management functions e.g., power conversion, energy storing and power routing. This interface results in a clear layout because power and status pins are strictly separated, and inputs and outputs have fixed positions. Medlay is the ready-to-use and open-hardware platform based on the interface. It consists of a base board and small modules incorporating e.g., dc-dc converters, power switches and supercapacitors. Measurements confirm that Medlay represents a system on one circuit board, as parasitic effects of the interconnections are negligible. The versatility regarding different setups on the testbed is determined to over 250,000 combinations by layout graph grammar. Lastly, we underline the applicability by recreating three state-of-the-art systems with the testbed. In conclusion, Medlay facilitates building and testing power management in a very compact, clear and extensible fashion.
Income, Economic Structure and Trade: Impacts on Recent Water Use Trends in the European Union
Authors: Duarte Rosa , Pinilla Vicente , Serrano Ana
Published: January 2018

From the mid-1990s to the recent international economic crisis, the European Union (EU27) experienced a significant economic growth and a flat population increase. During these years, the water resources directly used by the EU countries displayed a growing but smooth trend. However, European activities intensively demanded water resources throughout the whole global supply chain. The growth rate of embodied water use was three times higher than the growth in water directly used by these economies. This was mainly due to the large upsurge of virtual water imports in the EU (e.g., about 25% of the change in water imports in the world was directly linked to the increasing imports in the EU27 countries). In this context, we analyze water use changes in the EU27 from 1995 to 2009, combining the production and consumption perspectives. To that aim, we use the environmentally extended input-output approach to obtain the volume of water embodied in domestic production and in trade flows at the sector and country levels. In the empirical analysis, we utilize multi-regional input-output data from the World Input Output Database. In addition, by means of a structural decomposition analysis we identify and quantify the factors explaining changes in these trends. We focus both on the role of domestic production and trade and estimate the associated intensity, technology and scale effects. This analysis is done for different clusters, identifying singular patterns depending on income criteria. Our results confirm the boost of demand growth in that period, the positive but negligible effect of structural change, and the decline in water intensity which, however, was not enough to compensate the effects on water associated to the economic expansion in the period. These findings also point at a gradual substitution of domestic water use for virtual water imports. More concretely, in most countries the food industry tended to reduce its backward linkages with the domestic agricultural sector, increasing the embodied water in agricultural imports from non-European regions.
Does Corporate Governance Affect Sustainability Disclosure? A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Mahmood Zeeshan , Kouser Rehana , Ali Waris , Ahmad Zubair , Salman Tahira
Published: January 2018

This research paper aims to understand the impact of corporate governance (CG) on economic, social, and environmental sustainability disclosures. This paper adopted an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach. The data regarding corporate governance and sustainability disclosure were collected from top 100 companies listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSE) for the period ranging from 2012 to 2015. In addition to the quantitative data, we collected qualitative data through interviews with five board members of different companies. Overall, our results indicate that CG elements enhance sustainability disclosures. This study concludes that a large board size consisting of a female director and a CSR committee (CSRC) is better able to check and control management decisions regarding sustainability issues (be they economic, environment, or social) and resulted in better sustainability disclosure. This paper, through quantitative and qualitative analysis, provides a methodological and empirical contribution to the literature on corporate governance and sustainability reporting in emerging and developing countries.
Evaluation and Planning of Urban Green Space Distribution Based on Mobile Phone Data and Two-Step Floating Catchment Area Method
Authors: Wu Hao , Liu Lingbo , Yu Yang , Peng Zhenghong
Published: January 2018

Urban green space is closely related to the quality of life of residents. However, the traditional approach to its planning often fails to address its actual service capacity and users’ demand. In this study, facilitated by mobile phone location data, more specific features of the spatial distribution of urban residents are identified. Further, population distribution in relation to traffic analysis zones is mapped. On this basis, the two-step floating catchment area method (2SFCA) is adopted in combination with urban green space planning to evaluate the per capita area of green space and its accessibility in practice. Subsequently, classification of per capita area and spatial distribution of green spaces within the study area are obtained; thus, urban districts currently with low accessibility to green areas are identified and can be deemed as key areas for the planning of green areas in the future. The study concludes that mobile phone data can be used to more accurately map the spatial distribution of residents; while, the 2SFCA offers a more comprehensive quantitative measuring of the supply and demand of green spaces. The two combined can be used as an important basis for decision-making in the planning of urban green spaces. Since urban green space can be regarded as a kind of public facility, the methodology of the present study is also believed to be applicable in studies of other types of urban facilities.
How Could Companies Engage in Sustainable Landscape Management? An Exploratory Perspective
Authors: Opdam Paul , Steingröver Eveliene
Published: January 2018

Current concepts that aim to align economic development with sustainability, such as the circular and green economy, often consider natural systems as externalities. We extend the green economy concept by including the landscape as the provider of social, economic and environmental values. Our aim is to explore how companies could engage in creating landscape-inclusive solutions for sustainable landscapes. We propose a conceptual model of the relationship between companies and landscape services based on a demand for landscape benefits by companies, implications for wider society. We present a short overview of how scientists addressed the role of companies in landscape-inclusive solutions. We also give some examples taken from the World Wide Web to illustrate the variety of ways in which companies already invest in landscape services. Our findings suggest that the relationship between companies and landscapes is not yet strongly recognized in sustainability science. However, examples from practice show that some companies do recognize the added values of landscape services, to the extent that they invest in landscape management. We conclude that future research should provide information on the added value of landscape-inclusive solutions to companies, and increase their capacity to engage in regional social–ecological networks.
Consumers’ and Retailers’ Attitudes Towards a Mexican Native Species of Aztec Lily as an Ornamental Plant
Authors: Mayett-Moreno Yesica , Popp Jennie , Sabogal-Salamanca Mauricio , Rodríguez-Piñeros Sandra , Salomé-Castañeda Edith , Flores-Alonso Daniel
Published: January 2018

The use of native ornamental plants in urban landscapes and ornamental consumers’ designs is one strategy to preserve biodiversity. Sprekelia formosissima (L.) Herb., known as Aztec lily (ALY), is one of the nearly 4000 species of native ornamental plants of Mexico. However, its domestic market is not yet developed and is virtually unknown. The objectives of this study were to: (1) compare consumers’ and retailers’ knowledge of ALY, and (2) to identify potential clusters of consumers and retailers based on their knowledge and preferences, such that marketing of the ALY could be best tailored to different market segments, leading to its sustainable commercialization. There were 464 interviews conducted in four nurseries in Mexico. Results showed only one consumer knew about the ALY; additionally, we found different behaviors in consumers and in retailers: those not interested in the ALY, but when they know it is Mexican they will acquire it; those interested no matter the ALY origin, and those who dislike the ALY because it is Mexican. Those answers suggest that improving consumers/retailers knowledge about this native flower could lead to a sustainable commercialization in Mexico, helping to ensure its conservation as well.
Affective Policy Performance Evaluation Model: A Case of an International Trade Policy Implementation
Authors: Kang Inwon , Jee Hae , Shin Matthew
Published: January 2018

Firms often superficially adopt policies because of governmental rules and regulations, so as to avoid penalties or to gain benefits. However, the evaluation and characterization of those kinds of adoptions as policy performance distorts the true level of policy performance: social sustainability. This study proposes an affective policy performance evaluation model. The attitudes of employees toward adopting a policy are characterized into genuine and superficial compliance. Their behaviors are explained through voluntary and opportunistic adoptions. In order to validate the proposed model, a survey was conducted on an international trade policy target group (n = 216) for the Strategic Trade Control System (STCS), in order to understand their attitudes toward adopting the policy. The survey data was analyzed by a structural equation modeling method. The measures of the factors in the proposed model are adopted and modified from existing studies. The most effective resources of policy implementation on the firms’ genuine and superficial compliance and ultimately on the firms’ voluntary policy adoption are revealed through the analysis. Based on the results, this study presents a strategy for allocating and managing policy implementation resources to exclusively encourage firms’ trade policy adoptions.