bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study of the application of Brain Atlas with and without +Gz acceleration conditions
Authors: Li Yifeng , Zhang Lihui , Zhang Tao , Li Baohui
Published: June 2017

The purposes of this study were to utilize Brain Atlas to investigate the fluctuations in the characteristics of human EEG, with and without +Gz acceleration produced by human centrifuge, and also to examine the G load endurance of human body. The Brain Atlas of the EEG signal with and without +Gz acceleration in a static state were compared in order to reveal the correlation and differences. When compared with those in a static state, it was found that for the EEG readings of the subjects undergoing +Gz acceleration conditions, the energy and gray scale values of the low-frequency component-delta rhythm showed significant increases, while the energy and gray scale values of the high-frequency component-beta rhythm showed significant decreases. Among these, the beta2 rhythm was determined to be significantly inhibited. These fluctuations suggested that the ischemia conditions of brain had been improved. Also, the recoveries in the energy and gray-scale values were determined to be faster, which suggested that the G load endurance of human body had been enhanced. The Brain Atlas was found to show observable changes in color. The experimental results indicated that the Brain Atlas was able to provide assistance during the exploration of the fluctuations in the characteristics of EEG, and provided a criterion to assist in the observations of the function state fluctuations of human brain with +Gz acceleration. It also assisted in the evaluations of the G load endurance of human body.
The diagnostic value of susceptibility-weighted imaging for ischemic penumbra in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Wang Tianle , Zhu Li , Hu Chunhong , Gong Shenchu , Jiang Hongbiao , Chen Haitao , Li Jia
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND:

The ischemia penumbra area is not easy to be detected accurately using noninvasive imaging methods.

OBJECTIVE:

We aim to assess the diagnostic value of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) for ischemic penumbra in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS:

A retrospective analysis was carried out in 47 patients with ischemic stroke involving the middle cerebral artery. Mean transit time (MTT), time to peak, relative cerebral blood flow, and relative cerebral blood volume maps were created after image processing.

RESULTS:

No significant difference was found in the mismatch between the SWI and diffusion-weighted imaging (SWI-DWI) or in the MTT-DWI mismatch scores ([Formula: see text] 0.056, Kappa [Formula: see text] 0.864).

CONCLUSIONS:

SWI provides information comparable to PWI and, thus, could serve as a reliable magnetic resonance technique for assessing ischemic penumbrae.
Floyd
Authors: Eeauthor Eeauthor
Published: May 2017

Steinberg
Dogs with Acute Myeloid Leukemia Have Clonal Rearrangements in T and B Cell Receptors
Authors: Stokol Tracy , Nickerson Gabrielle A. , Shuman Martha , Belcher Nicole
Published: May 2017

Clonality testing for rearrangements in the complementarity-determining region 3 of the immunoglobulin heavy chain of B lymphocytes (B cell receptor) and the T cell receptor of T lymphocytes helps distinguish between clonal and non-clonal expansions of lymphocytes. There are rare reports of clonally rearranged T and B cell receptors in dogs with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Our objective was to determine the frequency of clonally rearranged T and B cell receptors in dogs with AML. Archived slides from historical cases of AML (from January 2010 to June 2013) and slides or liquid specimens [blood, bone marrow (BM), body cavity fluid, or tissue aspirates] from cases of AML diagnosed between June 2013 and February 2017 were used in the study. A diagnosis of AML was made on the basis of more than 20% immature neoplastic cells (“blasts”) in blood, BM, or extramedullary tissues, displaying features of myeloid differentiation. Myeloid differentiation was based on a combination of morphologic criteria, positive flow cytometric labeling for surface antigens typical of myeloid origin (e.g., CD11b, CD11c, CD14 with a general lack of expression of T or B cell markers), or positive cytochemical staining reactions for myeloid-associated enzymes (e.g., alkaline phosphatase, chloroacetate esterase). There were 63 cases of AML diagnosed during this period; however, slides or liquid specimens with sufficient DNA for testing were only obtained from 25 dogs. Affected dogs represented various breeds and were a median of 8 years old, with more male (64%) than female (36%) dogs. Common clinical signs were peripheral or internal lymphadenopathy (10/25 dogs, 40%) and hepatomegaly or splenomegaly (10/25 dogs combined, 40%). Typical hematologic findings were bi- or pancytopenia (23/25 dogs, 92%), with circulating blasts (21/25, 84%). Solitary clonal (4 B cell, 6 T cell) and biclonal (6 B and T cell) rearrangements in B or T cell receptors were found in 16 dogs (64%). Our results indicate that dogs with AML can have a high frequency of clonally rearranged T or B cell receptors, including biclonality, and clonality testing should not be used as a tool to distinguish between acute leukemia of myeloid or lymphoid origin.
Dimerized Domain V of Beta2-Glycoprotein I Is Sufficient to Upregulate Procoagulant Activity in PMA-Treated U937 Monocytes and Require Intact Residues in Two Phospholipid-Binding Loops
Authors: Kolyada Alexey , Barrios David , Beglova Natalia
Published: June 2017

Upregulation of the procoagulant activity of monocytes by antibodies to beta2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) is one of the mechanisms contributing to thrombosis in antiphospholipid syndrome. Current knowledge about receptors responsible for the upregulation of procoagulant activity by β2GPI/anti-β2GPI complexes and their binding sites on β2GPI is far from complete. We quantified the procoagulant activity expressed by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-differentiated U937 cells by measuring clotting kinetics in human plasma exposed to stimulated cells. Cells stimulated with anti-β2GPI were compared to cells treated with dimerized domain V of β2GPI (β2GPI-DV) or point mutants of β2GPI-DV. We demonstrated that dimerized β2GPI-DV is sufficient to induce procoagulant activity in monocytes. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we determined that the phospholipid-binding interface on β2GPI is larger than previously thought and includes Lys308 in β2GPI-DV. Intact residues in two phospholipid-binding loops of β2GPI-DV were important for the potentiation of procoagulant activity. We did not detect a correlation between the ability of β2GPI-DV variants to bind ApoER2 and potentiation of the procoagulant activity of cells. The region on β2GPI inducing procoagulant activity in monocytes can now be narrowed down to β2GPI-DV. The ability of β2GPI-DV dimers to come close to cell membrane and attach to it is important for the stimulation of procoagulant activity.
Influence of Road Excitation and Steering Wheel Input on Vehicle System Dynamic Responses
Authors: Wang Zhen-Feng , Dong Ming-Ming , Gu Liang , Rath Jagat-Jyoti , Qin Ye-Chen , Bai Bin
Published: June 2017

Considering the importance of increasing driving safety, the study of safety is a popular and critical topic of research in the vehicle industry. Vehicle roll behavior with sudden steering input is a main source of untripped rollover. However, previous research has seldom considered road excitation and its coupled effect on vehicle lateral response when focusing on lateral and vertical dynamics. To address this issue, a novel method was used to evaluate effects of varying road level and steering wheel input on vehicle roll behavior. Then, a 9 degree of freedom (9-DOF) full-car roll nonlinear model including vertical and lateral dynamics was developed to study vehicle roll dynamics with or without of road excitation. Based on a 6-DOF half-car roll model and 9-DOF full-car nonlinear model, relationship between three-dimensional (3-D) road excitation and various steering wheel inputs on vehicle roll performance was studied. Finally, an E-Class (SUV) level car model in CARSIM® was used, as a benchmark, with and without road input conditions. Both half-car and full-car models were analyzed under steering wheel inputs of 5°, 10° and 15°. Simulation results showed that the half-car model considering road input was found to have a maximum accuracy of 65%. Whereas, the full-car model had a minimum accuracy of 85%, which was significantly higher compared to the half-car model under the same scenario.
The Use of the Surface Roughness Value to Quantify the Extent of Supercritical CO2 Involved Geochemical Reaction at a CO2 Sequestration Site
Authors: Park Jinyoung , Baek Kyoungbae , Lee Minhee , Chung Chul-Woo , Wang Sookyun
Published: June 2017

Changes in the physical properties of the supercritical CO2 (scCO2) reservoir rock is one of the most important factors in controlling the storage safety at a scCO2 sequestration site. According to recent studies, it is probable that geochemical reactions influence changes in the rock properties after a CO2 injection in the subsurface, but quantitative data that reveal the interrelationship of the factors involved and the parameters needed to evaluate the extent of scCO2-rock-groundwater reactions have not yet been presented. In this study, the potential for employing the surface roughness value (SRRMS) to quantify the extent of the scCO2 involved reaction was evaluated by lab-scale experiments. For a total of 150 days of a simulation of the scCO2-sandstone-groundwater reaction at 100 bar and 50 °C, the trends in changes in the physical rock properties, pH change, and cation concentration change followed similar logarithmic patterns that were significantly correlated with the logarithmic increase in the SRRMS value. These findings suggest that changes in surface roughness can quantify the extent of the geochemical weathering process and can be used to evaluate leakage safety due to the progressive changes in rock properties at scCO2 storage sites.
Carbon-Modified Mesoporous Anatase/TiO2(B) Whisker for Enhanced Activity in Direct Synthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide by Palladium
Authors: Tu Rui , Li Licheng , Zhang Suoying , Chen Shuying , Li Jun , Lu Xiaohua
Published: June 2017

The regulation of the interaction between H2O2 and its catalysts is a promising route to achieve high productivity and selectivity towards H2O2. Herein, mesoporous anatase/TiO2(B) whisker (mb-TiO2) modified with heterogeneous carbon was prepared as the support of Pd-based catalysts for the direct synthesis of H2O2. The morphology and structure of the catalyst were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Brunner-Emmet-Teller measurements, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The interaction between H2O2 and the support was studied by isothermal calorimeter. The carbon heterogeneous modification can weaken the interaction between H2O2 and the support, then accelerate the desorption of H2O2 and reduce the re-adsorption of H2O2 in the reaction medium. Meanwhile, the synergistic effects between TiO2 and Pd nanoparticles are not influenced by the heterogeneous carbon distribution. The catalyst exhibits better performance for the synthesis of H2O2 compared with the corresponding unmodified catalyst; the productivity of H2O2 increases more than 40%, which can be ascribed to the decrease of further H2O2 conversion under the weakened interaction.
Zirconium Phosphate Heterostructures as Catalyst Support in Hydrodeoxygenation Reactions
Authors: Ballesteros-Plata Daniel , Infantes-Molina Antonia , Rodríguez-Aguado Elena , Braos-García Pilar , Jiménez-Jiménez José , Rodríguez-Castellón Enrique
Published: June 2017

A porous phosphate heterostructure (PPHs) formed by a layered zirconium(IV) phosphate expanded with silica galleries was prepared presenting a P/Zr molar ratio equal to 2 and a (Si + Zr)/P ratio equal to 3. This pillared zirconium phosphate heterostructure was used as a catalyst support for bi-functional catalysts based on noble metals (Pt or Pd) and molybdenum oxide containing a total metallic loading of 2 wt % and Pt(Pd)/Mo molar ratio equal to 1. The catalysts prepared were characterized by different experimental techniques and evaluated in the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reaction of dibenzofuran (DBF) as a model compound present in biomass derived bio-oil, at different reaction pressures. The catalyst characterization evidenced that a high dispersion of the active phase can be achieved by using these materials, as observed from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization, where the presence of small particles in the nanometric scale is noticeable. Moreover, the textural and acidic properties of the phosphate heterostructure are barely affected by the incorporation of metals into its structure. Characterization results evidenced that the presented material is a good candidate to be used as a material support. In both cases, high conversions and high selectivities to deoxygenated compounds were achieved and the active phase played an important role. Thus, Pt/Mo presented a better hydrogenolysis capability, being more selective to O-free products; whereas, Pd/Mo showed a greater hydrogenation ability being more affected by changes in pressure conditions.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Hirshfeld Topology Analysis of Polymeric Silver(I) Complex with s-Triazine-Type Ligand
Authors: Soliman Saied , El-Faham Ayman
Published: June 2017

The synthesis, single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) characterization and Hirshfeld topology analysis of molecular packing of the coordination polymer [Ag2L(H2O)2(ClO4)2]n, where L = 2,4,6-trimorpholino-1,3,5-triazine were discussed. The asymmetric unit comprises one Ag2L(H2O)2(ClO4)2 unit. The coordination geometries around the two silver atoms are different where Ag(1) is hexa-coordinated with one L, two bridged water, and two bridged perchlorate augmented with one strong Ag-O interaction from the morpholine O-atom of another ligand (L) unit. The coordination environment is more like to a distorted octahedral arrangement according to the criteria of continuous shape measurements. Ag(2) is coordinated to one L, one terminal water and one terminal perchlorate leading to a distorted trigonal planar arrangement around Ag(2). Hirshfeld analysis of molecular packing indicated that the most important intermolecular contacts affect the molecular packing of the studied complex are the H...H and the O...H interactions. Atoms in molecules (AIM) and natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses were used to describe the strength and nature of the Ag-O and Ag-N interactions.
Qualitative Versus Quantitative Mammographic Breast Density Assessment: Applications for the US and Abroad
Authors: Destounis Stamatia , Arieno Andrea , Morgan Renee , Roberts Christina , Chan Ariane
Published: May 2017

Mammographic breast density (MBD) has been proven to be an important risk factor for breast cancer and an important determinant of mammographic screening performance. The measurement of density has changed dramatically since its inception. Initial qualitative measurement methods have been found to have limited consistency between readers, and in regards to breast cancer risk. Following the introduction of full-field digital mammography, more sophisticated measurement methodology is now possible. Automated computer-based density measurements can provide consistent, reproducible, and objective results. In this review paper, we describe various methods currently available to assess MBD, and provide a discussion on the clinical utility of such methods for breast cancer screening.
Comparison of the Peripheral Reactive Hyperemia Index with Myocardial Perfusion Reserve by 82Rb PET/CT in HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: Ørbæk Mathilde , Hasbak Philip , Sejersten Ripa Rasmus , Kjær Andreas , Lebech Anne-Mette , Knudsen Andreas
Published: May 2017

After the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) the life expectancy of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is now approaching that of the general population and the importance of non-AIDS co-morbidities is increasing. Specifically, the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) seems to be higher in HIV-infected patients and an accurate risk prediction of CAD is of high importance for optimal long term treatment. In this study, we assessed the correlation of the endoPAT, which is an office-based CVD screening tool with the myocardial perfusion reserve by 82-rubidium PET/CT. We measured the reactive hyperemia index, which is a measure of the endothelial responsiveness, by the use of an endoPAT device (Itamar Medical, Caesarea, Israel) in 48 ART treated HIV-infected patients with high CD 4 cell counts and viral suppression (HIV-RNA < 20 copies/mL), who had previously undergone measurement of the myocardial perfusion reserve by 82-rubidium PET/CT for study purposes. We found an inverse correlation between the reactive hyperemia index and the myocardial perfusion reserve which most likely indicates different vascular physiology. This study did not find evidence to suggest the immediate implementation of the reactive hyperemia index as a screening tool for early coronary artery disease in well-treated HIV-infected patients pending further validation in larger prospective studies.
Mangrove Carbon Stocks and Ecosystem Cover Dynamics in Southwest Madagascar and the Implications for Local Management
Authors: Benson Lisa , Glass Leah , Jones Trevor , Ravaoarinorotsihoarana Lalao , Rakotomahazo Cicelin
Published: May 2017

Of the numerous ecosystem services mangroves provide, carbon storage is gaining particular attention for its potential role in climate change mitigation strategies. Madagascar contains 2% of the world’s mangroves, over 20% of which is estimated to have been deforested through charcoal production, timber extraction and agricultural development. This study presents a carbon stock assessment of the mangroves in Helodrano Fagnemotse in southwest Madagascar alongside an analysis of mangrove land-cover change from 2002 to 2014. Similar to other mangrove ecosystems in East Africa, higher stature, closed-canopy mangroves in southwest Madagascar were estimated to contain 454.92 (±26.58) Mg·C·ha−1. Although the mangrove extent in this area is relatively small (1500 ha), these mangroves are of critical importance to local communities and anthropogenic pressures on coastal resources in the area are increasing. This was evident in both field observations and remote sensing analysis, which indicated an overall net loss of 3.18% between 2002 and 2014. Further dynamics analysis highlighted widespread transitions of dense, higher stature mangroves to more sparse mangrove areas indicating extensive degradation. Harnessing the value that the carbon stored within these mangroves holds on the voluntary carbon market could generate revenue to support and incentivise locally-led sustainable mangrove management, improve livelihoods and alleviate anthropogenic pressures.
Dual-Filter Estimation for Rotating-Panel Sample Designs
Authors: Roesch Francis
Published: June 2017

Dual-filter estimators are described and tested for use in the annual estimation for national forest inventories. The dual-filter approach involves the use of a moving widow estimator in the first pass, which is used as input to Theil’s mixed estimator in the second pass. The moving window and dual-filter estimators are tested along with two other estimators in a sampling simulation of 152 simulated populations, which were developed from data collected in 38 states and Puerto Rico by the Forest Inventory and Analysis Program of the USDA Forest Service. The dual-filter estimators are shown to almost always provide some reduction in mean squared error (MSE) relative to the first pass moving window estimators.
The European Insurance Industry: A PEST Analysis
Authors: Barbara Charmaine , Cortis Dominic , Perotti Roberta , Sammut Claudia , Vella Antoine
Published: May 2017

The insurance industry plays an important role for European economic stability and the threats and opportunities it faces should be carefully determined. In this paper we highlight the main challenges by using a Political, Economic, Social and Technological (PEST) analysis. This work applies conventional actuarial thought on this area by focusing strictly on the European sector.
Plant Lectins and Lectin Receptor-Like Kinases: How Do They Sense the Outside?
Authors: Bellande Kevin , Bono Jean-Jacques , Savelli Bruno , Jamet Elisabeth , Canut Hervé
Published: May 2017

Lectins are fundamental to plant life and have important roles in cell-to-cell communication; development and defence strategies. At the cell surface; lectins are present both as soluble proteins (LecPs) and as chimeric proteins: lectins are then the extracellular domains of receptor-like kinases (LecRLKs) and receptor-like proteins (LecRLPs). In this review; we first describe the domain architectures of proteins harbouring G-type; L-type; LysM and malectin carbohydrate-binding domains. We then focus on the functions of LecPs; LecRLKs and LecRLPs referring to the biological processes they are involved in and to the ligands they recognize. Together; LecPs; LecRLKs and LecRLPs constitute versatile recognition systems at the cell surface contributing to the detection of symbionts and pathogens; and/or involved in monitoring of the cell wall structure and cell growth.
Expression Profiling of Strawberry Allergen Fra a during Fruit Ripening Controlled by Exogenous Auxin
Authors: Ishibashi Misaki , Yoshikawa Hiroki , Uno Yuichi
Published: June 2017

Strawberry fruit contain the allergenic Fra a proteins, members of the pathogenesis-related 10 protein family that causes oral allergic syndrome symptoms. Fra a proteins are involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, which might be important for color development in fruits. Auxin is an important plant hormone in strawberry fruit that controls fruit fleshiness and ripening. In this study, we treated strawberry fruits with exogenous auxin or auxin inhibitors at pre- and post-harvest stages, and analyzed Fra a transcriptional and translational expression levels during fruit development by real-time PCR and immunoblotting. Pre-harvest treatment with 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) alone did not affect Fra a expression, but applied in conjunction with achene removal NAA promoted fruit pigmentation and Fra a protein accumulation. The response was developmental stage-specific: Fra a 1 was highly expressed in immature fruit, whereas Fra a 2 was expressed in young to ripe fruit. In post-harvest treatments, auxin did not contribute to Fra a induction. Auxin inhibitors delayed fruit ripening; as a result, they seemed to influence Fra a 1 expression. Thus, Fra a expression was not directly regulated by auxin, but might be associated with the ripening process and/or external factors in a paralog-specific manner.
MIC Distributions and Evaluation of Fungicidal Activity for Amphotericin B, Itraconazole, Voriconazole, Posaconazole and Caspofungin and 20 Species of Pathogenic Filamentous Fungi Determined Using the CLSI Broth Microdilution Method
Authors: Borman Andrew , Fraser Mark , Palmer Michael , Szekely Adrien , Houldsworth Marian , Patterson Zoe , Johnson Elizabeth
Published: May 2017

For filamentous fungi (moulds), species-specific interpretive breakpoints and epidemiological cut-off values (ECVs) have only been proposed for a limited number of fungal species–antifungal agent combinations, with the result that clinical breakpoints are lacking for most emerging mould pathogens. In the current study, we have compiled minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) data for 4869 clinical mould isolates and present full MIC distributions for amphotericin B, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, and caspofungin with these isolates which comprise 20 species/genera. In addition, we present the results of an assessment of the fungicidal activity of these same five antifungal agents against a panel of 123 mould isolates comprising 16 of the same species.
The Preparation of Porous Sol-Gel Silica with Metal Organic Framework MIL-101(Cr) by Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Method for Adsorption Chillers
Authors: Uma Kasimayan , Pan Guan-Ting , Yang Thomas C-K.
Published: June 2017

Abstract: Metal organic framework (MOF) of MIL-101(Cr)-Silica (SiO2) composites with highly mesoporous and uniform dispersions were synthesized by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method followed by the sol-gel technique. Water vapor adsorption experiments were conducted on the MIL-101(Cr)-SiO2 composites for industrial adsorption chiller applications. The effects of MIL-101(Cr)-SiO2 mixing ratios (ranging from 0% to 52%), the surface area and amount of Lewis and Brønsted sites were comprehensively determined through water vapor adsorption experiments and the adsorption mechanism is also explained. The BET and Langmuir results indicate that the adsorption isotherms associated with the various MIL-101(Cr)-SiO2 ratios demonstrated Type I and IV adsorption behavior, due to the mesoporous structure of the MIL-101(Cr)-SiO2. It was observed that the increase in the amount of Lewis and Brønsted sites on the MIL-101(Cr)-SiO2 composites significantly improves the water vapor adsorption efficiency, for greater stability during the water vapor adsorption experiments.
Fabrication Method Study of ZnO Nanocoated Cellulose Film and Its Piezoelectric Property
Authors: Ko Hyun-U , Kim Hyun Chan , Kim Jung Woong , Zhai Lindong , Kim Jaehwan
Published: June 2017

Recently, a cellulose-based composite material with a thin ZnO nanolayer—namely, ZnO nanocoated cellulose film (ZONCE)—was fabricated to increase its piezoelectric charge constant. However, the fabrication method has limitations to its application in mass production. In this paper, a hydrothermal synthesis method suitable for the mass production of ZONCE (HZONCE) is proposed. A simple hydrothermal synthesis which includes a hydrothermal reaction is used for the production, and the reaction time is controlled. To improve the piezoelectric charge constant, the hydrothermal reaction is conducted twice. HZONCE fabricated by twice-hydrothermal reaction shows approximately 1.6-times improved piezoelectric charge constant compared to HZONCE fabricated by single hydrothermal reaction. Since the fabricated HZONCE has high transparency, dielectric constant, and piezoelectric constant, the proposed method can be applied for continuous mass production.
Metrization Theorem for Uniform Loops with the Invertibility Property
Authors: Markechová Dagmar , Vrábel Peter , Stehlíková Beáta
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we have proved a metrization theorem that gives the sufficient conditions for a uniform IP-loop X to be metrizable by a left-invariant metric. It is shown that by consideration of topological IP-loop dual to X we obtain an analogical theorem for the case of the right-invariant metric.
Image Interpolation via Scanning Line Algorithm and Discontinuous B-Spline
Authors: Liu Cheng-ming , Wang Ze-kun , Pang Hai-bo , Xue Jun-xiao
Published: May 2017

Image interpolation is a basic operation in image processing. Lots of methods have been proposed, including convolution-based methods, edge modeling methods, point spread function (PSF)-based methods or learning-based methods. Most of them, however, present a high computational complexity and are not suitable for real time applications. However, fast methods are not able to provide artifacts-free images. In this paper we describe a new image interpolation method by using scanning line algorithm which can generate C - 1 curves or surfaces. The C - 1 interpolation can truncate the interpolation curve at big skipping; hence, the image edge can be kept. Numerical experiments illustrate the efficiency of the novel method.
Characterization and Genome Analysis of a Nicotine and Nicotinic Acid-Degrading Strain Pseudomonas putida JQ581 Isolated from Marine
Authors: Li Aiwen , Qiu Jiguo , Chen Dongzhi , Ye Jiexu , Wang Yuhong , Tong Lu , Jiang Jiandong , Chen Jianmeng
Published: May 2017

The presence of nicotine and nicotinic acid (NA) in the marine environment has caused great harm to human health and the natural environment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to use efficient and economical methods to remove such pollutants from the environment. In this study, a nicotine and NA-degrading bacterium—strain JQ581—was isolated from sediment from the East China Sea and identified as a member of Pseudomonas putida based on morphology, physio-biochemical characteristics, and 16S rDNA gene analysis. The relationship between growth and nicotine/NA degradation suggested that strain JQ581 was a good candidate for applications in the bioaugmentation treatment of nicotine/NA contamination. The degradation intermediates of nicotine are pseudooxynicotine (PN) and 3-succinoyl-pyridine (SP) based on UV, high performance liquid chromatography, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses. However, 6-hydroxy-3-succinoyl-pyridine (HSP) was not detected. NA degradation intermediates were identified as 6-hydroxynicotinic acid (6HNA). The whole genome of strain JQ581 was sequenced and analyzed. Genome sequence analysis revealed that strain JQ581 contained the gene clusters for nicotine and NA degradation. This is the first report where a marine-derived Pseudomonas strain had the ability to degrade nicotine and NA simultaneously.
The Microstructure Evolution, Mechanical Properties and Densification Mechanism of TiAl-Based Alloys Prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Wang Dongjun , Yuan Hao , Qiang Jianming
Published: June 2017

The microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of a Ti-Al-Cr-Nb alloy prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at different temperatures and stresses were investigated in detail. Sintering temperature plays a key role in the densification process and phase transformation, which determines the microstructure. The mechanical properties of the sintered alloys depend on the microstructure caused by the sintering. Furthermore, the densification process and mechanism of TiAl-based metallic powders during SPS were studied based on experimental results and theoretical analysis, the results of which will help fabricate these kinds of intermetallic alloys using a powder metallurgy technique and accelerate their industrial applications.
A Novel Anti-Hepatitis C Virus and Antiproliferative Agent Alters Metabolic Networks in HepG2 and Hep3B Cells
Authors: Keogh Adrian , Şenkardeş Sevil , Idle Jeffrey , Küçükgüzel Ş. , Beyoğlu Diren
Published: June 2017

A series of novel diflunisal hydrazide-hydrazones has been reported together with their anti-hepatitis C virus and antiproliferative activities in a number of human hepatoma cell lines. However, the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of these agents remain unclear. It was chosen to investigate the lead diflunisal hydrazide-hydrazone, 2′,4′-difluoro-4-hydroxy-N′- [(pyridin-2-yl)methylidene]biphenyl-3-carbohydrazide (compound 3b), in two cultured human hepatoma cell lines—HepG2 and Hep3B—using a metabolomic protocol aimed at uncovering any effects of this agent on cellular metabolism. One sub-therapeutic concentration (2.5 μM) and one close to the IC50 for antimitotic effect (10 μM), after 72 h in cell culture, were chosen for both compound 3b and its inactive parent compound diflusinal as a control. A GCMS-based metabolomic investigation was performed on cell lysates after culture for 24 h. The intracellular levels of a total of 42 metabolites were found to be statistically significantly altered in either HepG2 or Hep3B cells, only eight of which were affected in both cell lines. It was concluded that compound 3b affected the following pathways—purine and pyrimidine catabolism, the glutathione cycle, and energy metabolism through glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway. Although the metabolomic findings occurred after 24 h in culture, significant cytotoxicity of compound 3b to both HepG2 and Hep3B cells at 10 μM were reported not to occur until 72 h in culture. These observations show that metabolomics can provide mechanistic insights into the efficacy of novel drug candidates prior to the appearance of their pharmacological effect.
Seasonal Variation of Triacylglycerol Profile of Bovine Milk
Authors: Liu Zhiqian , Wang Jianghui , Cocks Benjamin G. , Rochfort Simone
Published: June 2017

Milk contains 3–6% of fat, of which the dominant component is triacylglycerol (TAG). Over 100 TAG groups can be readily detected in any non-enriched milk sample by LC-MS; most TAG groups contain several isomers (TAG molecules with different fatty acid composition), which cannot be fully resolved chromatographically by any single stationary phase. TAG profile of mature milk from 19 cows was surveyed in this study for eight consecutive months using RP-LC-Orbitrap MS. It was found that TAG profile of milk was not constant throughout the milking season and the seasonal pattern varied with TAG groups. The overall unsaturation level of TAG was stable from October 2013 to January 2014, decreased in February/March 2014 and then increased from April and peaked in May 2014. In addition to the seasonal fluctuation in TAG profile, the proportion of different isomeric species within a TAG group also changed substantially across seasons. However, the proportion of different positional isomers within a given TAG group does not seem to vary during the milking season. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the seasonal change of milk lipid at the TAG group and isomer level.
Five New Limonoids from Peels of Satsuma Orange (Citrus reticulata)
Authors: Kikuchi Takashi , Ueno Yasuaki , Hamada Yoshino , Furukawa Chika , Fujimoto Takako , Yamada Takeshi , Tanaka Reiko
Published: May 2017

Five new: 21,23-dihydro-21-hydroxy-23-oxonomilin (1), 21,23-dihydro-23-methoxy-21-oxonomilin (2), 21,23-dihydro-21-hydroxy-23-oxonomilinic acid methyl ester (3), 21,23-dihydro-23-methoxy-21-oxolimonin (4), and 21,23-dihydro-21-oxolimonin (5), and seven known limonoids were isolated from peels of satsuma orange (Citrus reticulata). The isolated compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on macrophage activation by an inhibitory assay of nitric oxide (NO) production. Among them, compound (2) exhibited NO inhibitory activity without cytotoxicity.
Synthesis, Characterization and Protonation Behavior of Quinoxaline-Fused Porphycenes
Authors: Kuzuhara Daiki , Sakaguchi Mika , Furukawa Wataru , Okabe Takuya , Aratani Naoki , Yamada Hiroko
Published: May 2017

9,10-Quinoxaline-fused porphycenes 1a-H2 and 1b-H2 were synthesized by intramolecular McMurry coupling. As a result of the annulation of the quinoxaline moiety on the porphycene skeleton, 1a-H2 and 1b-H2 display absorption and fluorescence in the near infra-red (NIR) region. Additionally, the quinoxaline moieties of 1a-H2 and 1b-H2 act as electron-withdrawing groups, introducing lower reduction potentials than for pristine porphycene. The protonation occurred at the nitrogen atoms in the cavity of freebase porphycenes and at the quinoxaline moieties for their nickel complexes to give diprotonic species.
Characterization of Aliphatic Polyesters Synthesized via Enzymatic Ring-Opening Polymerization in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Piotrowska Urszula , Sobczak Marcin , Oledzka Ewa
Published: June 2017

To evaluate the effects of ionic liquids (ILs) on the microstructural features of aliphatic polyesters for biomedical applications, a series of copolymers were synthesized by lipase ring opening polymerization of rac-lactide (rac-LA) and ε-caprolactone (CL). The chemical structures of resulting polymers were characterized by 1H- and 13C-NMR and the average molecular weight (Mn) and dispersity index were characterized by gel permeation chromatography. The structure of the copolymers confirms the presence of linear polymer chains with end-functional hydroxyl groups allowing covalent coupling of the therapeutic agents. Chain microstructure of copolymers indicates the presence of both random and block copolymers depending on the synthesis conditions. Moreover, it was found that CL is the most active co-monomer during copolymerization which enhances the polymerizability of rac-LA and allows to obtain higher Mn of the copolymers. The results demonstrate that ILs could be promising solvents in synthesis of aliphatic esters for biomedical applications.
Leucine Supplementation Differently Modulates Branched-Chain Amino Acid Catabolism, Mitochondrial Function and Metabolic Profiles at the Different Stage of Insulin Resistance in Rats on High-Fat Diet
Authors: Liu Rui , Li Hui , Fan Wenjuan , Jin Qiu , Chao Tingting , Wu Yuanjue , Huang Junmei , Hao Liping , Yang Xuefeng
Published: June 2017

The available findings concerning the association between branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—particularly leucine—and insulin resistance are conflicting. BCAAs have been proposed to elicit different or even opposite effects, depending on the prevalence of catabolic and anabolic states. We tested the hypothesis that leucine supplementation may exert different effects at different stages of insulin resistance, to provide mechanistic insights into the role of leucine in the progression of insulin resistance. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a normal chow diet, high-fat diet (HFD), HFD supplemented with 1.5% leucine, or HFD with a 20% calorie restriction for 24 or 32 weeks. Leucine supplementation led to abnormal catabolism of BCAA and the incompletely oxidized lipid species that contributed to mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle in HFD-fed rats in the early stage of insulin resistance (24 weeks). However, leucine supplementation induced no remarkable alternations in BCAA catabolism, but did enhance mitochondrial biogenesis with a concomitant improvement in lipid oxidation and mitochondrial function during the hyperglycaemia stage (32 weeks). These findings suggest that leucine trigger different effects on metabolic signatures at different stages of insulin resistance, and the overall metabolic status of the organisms should be carefully considered to potentiate the benefits of leucine.
Feeding a Mixture of Choline Forms to Lactating Dams Improves the Development of the Immune System in Sprague-Dawley Rat Offspring
Authors: Richard Caroline , Lewis Erin , Goruk Susan , Wadge Emily , Curtis Jonathan , Jacobs René , Field Catherine
Published: June 2017

Dietary choline is essential during lactation, but few studies have examined the implications of feeding a mixture of choline forms on immune function. This study investigates the impact of feeding lactating dams different mixtures of choline forms, similar to those in human diets, on the development and later immune function of suckled offspring. Sprague-Dawley lactating dams (n = 6/diet) were randomized to consume one of three diets, containing 1 g/kg choline: Control (100% free choline (FC)), Mixed Choline (MC: 50% phosphatidylcholine (PC), 25% FC, 25% glycerophosphocholine (GPC)), or High GPC (HGPC: 75% GPC, 12.5% PC, 12.5% FC). At weaning, female pups (n = 2/dam) were fed the Control diet until 10 weeks. At 3 weeks, MC and HGPC pups were heavier and their splenocytes had a higher proportion of helper T cells expressing CD25 and CD28 and produced less interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor-necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) after Concanavalin A stimulation vs. Control pups (p < 0.05). At 10 weeks, MC and HGPC offspring had a lower proportion of macrophages and dendritic cells and produced less interleukin (IL)-1β but more IL-10 after lipopolysaccharide stimulation vs. Control pups (p < 0.05). In summary, feeding mixed choline diets during lactation improved T cell phenotype/function at the end of suckling and programmed a less inflammatory response later in life.
Measures of Spatial Autocorrelation Changes in Multitemporal SAR Images for Event Landslides Detection
Authors: Mondini Alessandro
Published: June 2017

Landslides cause damages and affect victims worldwide, but landslide information is lacking. Even large events may not leave records when they happen in remote areas or simply do not impact with vulnerable elements. This paper proposes a procedure to measure spatial autocorrelation changes induced by event landslides in a multi-temporal series of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) intensity Sentinel-1 images. The procedure first measures pixel-based changes between consecutive couples of SAR intensity images using the Log-Ratio index, then it follows the temporal evolution of the spatial autocorrelation inside the Log-Ratio layers using the Moran’s I index and the semivariance. When an event occurs, the Moran’s I index and the semivariance increase compared to the values measured before and after the event. The spatial autocorrelation growth is due to the local homogenization of the soil response caused by the event landslide. The emerging clusters of autocorrelated pixels generated by the event are localized by a process of optimal segmentation of the log-ratio layers. The procedure was used to intercept an event that occurred in August 2015 in Myanmar, Tozang area, when strong rainfall precipitations triggered a number of landslides. A prognostic use of the method promises to increase the availability of information about the number of events at the regional scale, and to facilitate the production of inventory maps, yielding useful results to study the phenomenon for model tuning, landslide forecast model validation, and the relationship between triggering factors and number of occurred events.
Adaptable Optical Fiber Displacement-Curvature Sensor Based on a Modal Michelson Interferometer with a Tapered Single Mode Fiber
Authors: Salceda-Delgado G. , Martinez-Rios A. , Selvas-Aguilar R. , Álvarez-Tamayo R. , Castillo-Guzman A. , Ibarra-Escamilla B. , Durán-Ramírez V. , Enriquez-Gomez L.
Published: June 2017

A compact, highly sensitive optical fiber displacement and curvature radius sensor is presented. The device consists of an adiabatic bi-conical fused fiber taper spliced to a single-mode fiber (SMF) segment with a flat face end. The bi-conical taper structure acts as a modal coupling device between core and cladding modes for the SMF segment. When the bi-conical taper is bent by an axial displacement, the symmetrical bi-conical shape of the tapered structure is stressed, causing a change in the refractive index profile which becomes asymmetric. As a result, the taper adiabaticity is lost, and interference between modes appears. As the bending increases, a small change in the fringe visibility and a wavelength shift on the periodical reflection spectrum of the in-fiber interferometer is produced. The displacement sensitivity and the spectral periodicity of the device can be adjusted by the proper selection of the SMF length. Sensitivities from around 1.93 to 3.4 nm/mm were obtained for SMF length between 7.5 and 12.5 cm. Both sensor interrogations, wavelength shift and visibility contrast, can be used to measure displacement and curvature radius magnitudes.
Innovative High-Throughput SAXS Methodologies Based on Photonic Lab-on-a-Chip Sensors: Application to Macromolecular Studies
Authors: Rodríguez-Ruiz Isaac , Radajewski Dimitri , Charton Sophie , Phamvan Nhat , Brennich Martha , Pernot Petra , Bonneté Françoise , Teychené Sébastien
Published: June 2017

The relevance of coupling droplet-based Photonic Lab-on-a-Chip (PhLoC) platforms and Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS) technique is here highlighted for the performance of high throughput investigations, related to the study of protein macromolecular interactions. With this configuration, minute amounts of sample are required to obtain reliable statistical data. The PhLoC platforms presented in this work are designed to allow and control an effective mixing of precise amounts of proteins, crystallization reagents and buffer in nanoliter volumes, and the subsequent generation of nanodroplets by means of a two-phase flow. Spectrophotometric sensing permits a fine control on droplet generation frequency and stability as well as on concentration conditions, and finally the droplet flow is synchronized to perform synchrotron radiation SAXS measurements in individual droplets (each one acting as an isolated microreactor) to probe protein interactions. With this configuration, droplet physic-chemical conditions can be reproducibly and finely tuned, and monitored without cross-contamination, allowing for the screening of a substantial number of saturation conditions with a small amount of biological material. The setup was tested and validated using lysozyme as a model of study. By means of SAXS experiments, the proteins gyration radius and structure envelope were calculated as a function of protein concentration. The obtained values were found to be in good agreement with previously reported data, but with a dramatic reduction of sample volume requirements compared to studies reported in the literature.
Fluorometric Index for Sensing Oil in the Sea Environment
Authors: Baszanowska Emilia , Otremba Zbigniew
Published: June 2017

Excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy (EEMS) was applied to determine the fluorometric index (FI) as a parameter indicating the presence of a source of oil pollution in a specific area of the sea. Seawater from the Polish coast (the Baltic Sea) and the same water combined with various amounts of crude oil extracted from the Baltic Sea shelf (Petrobaltic-type oil) were used in this study. The FI values were calculated for excitation and emission wavelengths found at the maximal peak, taking into account the natural seawater and the seawater artificially contaminated (for an oil-to-water ratio range of 0.5 × 10−6 − 500 × 10−6). The wavelength configurations (Ex/Em) (225/355 and 225/340) for the FI index were applied. It was found that, independent of the amount of oil, the FI achieves a higher value for natural seawater than for seawater that has had contact with oil. These results provide the basis to design a sensor signaling the appearance of oil in a defined sea area.
Word-of-Mouth of Cultural Products through Institutional Social Networks
Authors: Lee Eun , Kang Hyunjeong , Ahn Hyung
Published: May 2017

Recently, a number of cultural institutions such as museums, galleries, art auctions, events, and performance centers have been utilizing social network sites (SNS) for promoting and marketing their culture, art content, and events. The online social space is appropriate for cultural products to be viral, since users of SNS mainly share personal interest and spread hedonic consumption with close friends and acquaintances. If viral content drives strong emotions such as joy, arousal, pleasure, sorrow, or horror, it will be transmitted to more people, and rapidly. This study investigates how a certain type of motivation for using a social network service such as Facebook influences trust in art and culture exhibition information providers and the content of the information itself. Results show that people who have an informational motivation for using social media expressed a higher degree of trust in exhibition information provided by institutions such as museums. On the contrary, those who have relational motivation for using social media credited acquaintances such as friends, families, and colleagues more. Trust in the information provider resulted in trust in the content itself, and hence, increased the possibility of word-of-mouth for the corresponding information. An empirical survey was implemented, using followers of the Facebook page of a national museum and users who clicked “Like” on postings of exhibitions. Finally, the potential applications of the result for promotion and marketing of exhibitions of art and culture for public will be discussed.