bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of melt mixing on the stability of cellulose acetate and its carbon nanotube composites
Authors: Delgado-Lima Ana , Paiva Maria C. , Machado Ana Vera
Published: January 2016

Cellulose derivatives, such as cellulose acetate (CA), are commonly used due to their ease of processing. These polymers present interesting mechanical properties and biodegradability, but low thermal stability under melt processing conditions. Composites of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and cellulose derivatives are expected to present enhanced properties, depending on the effect of nanotubes on polymer structure and thermal properties. This work aims to investigate the influence of melt mixing on the stability of CA and its CNT composites. Composites with 0 wt%, 0.1 wt% and 0.5 wt% CNTs, as received and functionalized with pyrrolidine groups, were prepared using a batch mixer and an extruder. Chain scission of CA occurred during processing, but the effect was considerably reduced in the presence of CNTs. The incorporation of small amounts of CNTs (with or without functionalization) decreased polymer degradation by thermomechanical effects induced during polymer processing.
Domestic incense use and lung cancer in Asia: a review
Authors: Seow Wei Jie , Lan Qing
Published: January 2016

While there is strong evidence for the association between household air pollution and lung cancer among non-smoking women, the association between domestic incense use and lung cancer risk has been inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review of PubMed articles authored between 1969 and August 25, 2015 before performing a manual review of each study, and found a total of seven published studies on this topic. Most of the studies are case-control in design and did not further stratify by sex and smoking status. Of the seven studies, three reported positive associations, three reported null associations and one study found a negative association between incense use and lung cancer. Only one study reported estimates for non-smoking women. Future studies should be larger in sample size, stratify by both sex and smoking status in their analyses, and collect more detailed information on incense use in order to facilitate the understanding of the association between domestic incense use and lung cancer risk among non-smoking women in Asia.
Effects of manufacturing environments on the residual stresses in a SiC/Ti metal-matrix composite
Authors: Aghdam Mohammad Mohammadi , Morsali Seyed Reza
Published: January 2016

A three-dimensional micromechanical finite element model is developed to study the effects of a manufacturing environment on thermal residual stresses in a SiC/Ti-6Al-4V metal-matrix composite. The model includes a representative volume element consisting of a quarter of SiC fiber covered by relatively thick coating and an interaction layer all of which are surrounded by the Ti-6Al-4V matrix. Stress relaxation due to the viscoplastic behavior of the matrix is accounted for different manufacturing environments, that is, air and nitrogen. The results show that the presented model provides accurate predictions when compared with experimental data. It is possible to use the presented results for appropriate selection of manufacturing parameters. The results suggest that to delay the onset of interface debonding, the best choice is to use cooling rates higher than 0.64 and 0.1°C/s, respectively, for air and nitrogen environments. In order to use simple elastic-plastic models to predict residual stresses within the composite, detailed equivalent stress-free temperatures for various environments, cooling rates, and fiber volume fractions are presented.
A Framework for Enhancing Competitive Intelligence Capabilities using Decision Support System based on Web Mining Techniques
Authors: Anica-Popa Ionuț , Cucui Gabriel
Published: January 2016

Nowadays Competitive Intelligence (CI) represents one of the most important pieces in strategic management of organizations in order to sustain and enhance competitive advantage over competitors. There are some studies that claim that a successful strategic management is influenced by the accuracy of external environment’s evaluation and, in the same time, in order to have correct and complete business strategies it is necessary to be sustained by competitive advantage. But till at the beginning of ’80 the things were totally different. This paper will present the evolution and the objectives of CI, the results of using CI in organizations and how can be improved the CI process using tools and techniques provided by business intelligence (BI). The study will propose a framework of a decision support system based on web mining techniques in order to enhance capabilities of organization’s competitive intelligence.
3D Virtual Spaces Supporting Engineering Learning Activities
Authors: Popovici Dorin-Mircea , Gerval Jean-Pierre , Hamza-Lup Felix G. , Querrec Ronan , Polceanu Mihai , Popovici Norina , Zăgan Remus
Published: January 2016

Virtual environments constitute the support platform for various teaching and learning activities. Instead of a local application for this purpose, this paper explores the effects of using distributed virtual reality environments in the educational process. The architecture of the presented system is based on the recently developed web-based technology called AJAX (Asynchronous Javascript And XML), implemented on a Linux operating system configured to run Apache with PHP and MySQL support; i.e., LAMP architecture, which contributes to the portability and ease of installation of the application. The platform is designed to support the integration of lesson modules such as the EngView environment which is discussed in more detail in this contribution. Pedagogical, technical, and implementation-related aspects are presented in conjunction with the virtual environment used in the engineering training curriculum. Statistical information resulted from the training shows a significant increase in task completion time when the virtual setup is used.
The Relationship Between Dating Violence and Bystander Behavior: An Initial Investigation
Authors: Woods William C. , Shorey Ryan C. , Strauss Catherine V. , Cornelius Tara L. , Rowland Theresa
Published: January 2016

Preliminary research has demonstrated the utility of bystander interventions in reducing sexual assault (Coker et al., 2011; Moynihan & Banyard, 2008), and initial research has begun extending this type of intervention to dating violence broadly (i.e., physical and psychological aggression). However, there are many unexplored factors that may increase or decrease the likelihood that individuals will engage in bystander behavior. One such factor is previous experiences with dating violence and sexual assault. Thus, this study examined prior dating violence and sexual assault experiences and endorsement of bystander behaviors in a large sample of college students (N = 2,430). We hypothesized that individuals with a history of dating and sexual assault victimization would be more likely to report engaging in bystander behaviors relative to nonvictims. The relationship between prior dating violence perpetration on bystander behavior was also explored. Results demonstrated that individuals with physical and sexual, but not psychological, victimization histories reported more frequent bystander behavior. Furthermore, perpetrators of physical violence were more likely than nonperpetrators to report bystander behavior, particularly among females. Findings provide preliminary evidence that prior experiences with dating violence and sexual assault may impact bystander behavior. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Application of Rn-222 isotope for the interaction between surface water and groundwater in the Source Area of the Yellow River
Authors: Zheng M. J. , Wan C. W. , Du M. D. , Zhou X. D. , Yi P. , Aldahan A. , Jin H. J. , Luo D. L. , Yu Z. B. , Gong M.
Published: January 2016

A pioneering rapid and direct measurement of dissolved 222Rn in the field has been used here to explore interaction between surface and groundwater in the source area of the Yellow River (SAYR). The results indicate average 222Rn activity of 2,371 Bq/m3 in surface water and 27,835 Bq/m3 in groundwater. The high 222Rn activity (up to 9,133 Bq/m3) found in the southeast part of the SAYR suggests possible influence of permafrost on the exchange between surface water and groundwater. The remarkable contrast among the different samples of a stream in the Shuangchagou basin, a typical basin in the SAYR, clearly indicates groundwater infiltration along the north tributary and occurrence of groundwater end-member in the south tributary. Considering no 222Rn decay and atmospheric evasion, the daily average fraction of groundwater input to the surface water through the end-member in a location (S1) is estimated at 19%. Despite the up to 40% uncertainty, this is the first estimate of a reference value for groundwater input in this basin and which can be improved in the future with more samples and measurements. 222Rn can be a rapid and easily measured tracer of surface water–groundwater interaction for future investigation in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Study of low-threshold and high-intensity random lasing in dye doped liquid crystals
Authors: Ye Lihua , Wang Yan , Feng Yangyang , Zhao Chong , Hu Guohua , Lu Changgui , Cui Yiping
Published: January 2016

Random lasers in dye-doped nematic liquid crystal (DDNLC) cells with different structures are studied. By choosing the cell gap and the cells rubbing methods, the DDNLC random laser obtains lower energy threshold. The DDNLC random laser energy threshold can also be decreased with an Al mirror as the external feedback from 4.2 μJ/pulse to 1.5 μJ/pulse. It is worth mentioning that the random laser shifts red and intensity increases with the Al mirror. The study of the DDNLC random laser with cell structure is aimed to obtain a low power consumption laser at a lower cost.
Laser ablation in liquids of germanium in externally applied electric fields
Authors: Li Y. , Musaev O. R. , Wrobel J. M. , Kruger M. B.
Published: January 2016

Ultraviolet light from a XeF excimer laser was used to ablate a germanium target which was immersed in either distilled water or ethanol. Two electrodes in the processing container were used to produce an electric field with the strength ranging from 0 to 9.5 V/cm. The effect of externally applied electric fields on the fabricated nanoparticles was studied. The size and morphology of the obtained products were investigated using transmission electron microscopy. In each liquid, spherical nanoparticles were fabricated. It was observed that the electric field affects their size distribution. With increased electric field strength, the fabricated particles were smaller. However, in the same electric field, particles obtained in water were larger than those in ethanol, except for the 9.5 V/cm field. Additionally, spindle-shaped ablation products have been observed for ablation in ethanol under an electric field of 9.5 V/cm, while ablation in water in all studied fields resulted in filamentary webs.
Zika virus infection in a traveller returning from the Maldives, June 2015
Authors: Korhonen Essi Marjana , Huhtamo Eili , Smura Teemu , Kallio-Kokko Hannimari , Raassina Markku , Vapalahti Olli
Published: January 2016

We report a Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in a patient with fever and rash after returning to Finland from Maldives, June 2015. The patient had dengue virus (DENV) IgG and IgM antibodies but pan-flavivirus RT-PCR and subsequent sequencing showed presence of ZIKV RNA in urine. Recent association of ZIKV with microcephaly highlights the need for laboratory differentiation of ZIKV from DENV infection and the circulation of ZIKV in areas outside its currently known distribution range.
Multidrug-resistant bacteria in unaccompanied refugee minors arriving in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, October to November 2015
Authors: Heudorf Ursel , Krackhardt Bernhard , Karathana Maria , Kleinkauf Niels , Zinn Christian
Published: January 2016

Many refugees arriving in Germany originate or have travelled through countries with high prevalence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative organisms. Therefore, all unaccompanied refugee minors (<18 years-old) arriving in Frankfurt am Main between 12 October and 6 November 2015, were screened for multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in stool samples. Enterobacteriaceae with extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) were detected in 42 of 119 (35%) individuals, including nine with additional resistance to fluoroquinolones (8% of total screened), thus exceeding the prevalences in the German population by far.
Diurnal Variation of Early Springtime Vertical Wind over the Tufan Dada Mountain Range of Far-Western Nepal
Authors: Regmi Ram P.
Published: January 2016

Early springtime diurnal variation of vertical wind over the 60 km long Tufan Danda mountain range located in the Far-Western Nepal has been numerically simulated with the application of WRF modeling system. Temporal and spatial distribution of vertical wind over the mountain range has been discussed up to tropospheric height. The study reveals that strong vertical wind gradient prevails throughout the troposphere of the area. The mountain wave excitations from the western edge of the mountain range appear to be propagated beyond the eastern edge of the mountain range enhancing regular bands of up- and downdrafts. The up- and downdrafts may extend beyond the tropospheric height during the late afternoon time in fair weather situations. The speed of the up- and downdrafts over the Tufan Dada may reach more than 180 cm s-1 and 200 cm s-1, respectively. High speed and great vertical extension of vertical wind over the area can significantly contribute in coupling the upper and lower atmospheric air masses and hence exchange of constituents. Tufan Danda mountain range could be one of the suitable site to monitor exchange of upper and lower atmospheric constituents.

Journal of Nepal Physical Society Vol.3(1) 2015: 41-49
First Principles Investigations on the Electronic and Magnetic Properties of La4Ba2Cu2O10
Authors: Bhandari Shalika Ram , Thapa Ram Kumar , Ghimire Madhav Prasad
Published: January 2016

Electronic and magnetic properties of La4Ba2Cu2O10 had been studied by first-principles density functional theory (DFT). Based on the DFT calculation La4Ba2Cu2O10 is found to have a ferromagnetic (FM) ground state. The material undergo charge-transfer type insulator to Mott-Hubbard type insulator transition which happens due to strong correlation in La-4f and Cu-3d states. Our results show that the 3d electrons of Cu hybridize strongly with O-2p states near the Fermi level giving rise to the insulating state of La4Ba2Cu2O10. Our study suggests that the enhanced magnetic moment is a result of itinerant exchange rather than the exchange interaction involving individual ions of Cu atoms. The total magnetic moment calculated in the present studies is 2 μB per unit cell for La4Ba2Cu2O10.

Journal of Nepal Physical Society Vol.3(1) 2015: 89-96
The Economy and the Constitution under the SNP, 2007–2016
Authors: Kenealy Daniel
Published: January 2016

Since coming to power in 2007 the SNP have had to govern in two significant shadows. The first shadow is that of the financial crisis and the austerity programme of the UK's coalition government. The second shadow is that of ongoing constitutional change. This article considers both the economy and the constitution. It argues that, whilst the SNP in office have taken some measures to mitigate the effects of the crisis and the policies of the UK coalition government, they have introduced a number of policies that represent a triumph of style over substance. The article also raises questions about the additional powers that will be coming to Holyrood, especially regarding the practicalities of these powers and their ability to allow the Scottish Government to create a dramatically different welfare system to that in operation in the rest of the UK.
It's Our Environment: Two Terms of SNP Environmental Policy
Authors: Hinde Dominic
Published: January 2016

Under the SNP, Scotland has sought to develop a reputation for itself as a renewables powerhouse and a counterweight to the perceived anti-green Conservative party in Westminster. From the ‘Saudi Arabia of Renewables’ to ‘the land of food and drink’, the last eight years have seen the development of a self-consciously Scottish environmental framework. This article is intended as a brief critique of the SNP's environmental record in government in both rhetorical and policy terms, looking not only at policy outcomes but the discursive limitations within which the Scottish Government has constrained itself. It argues that nationalist governance strategies are limited in their ability to fully deal with both local and global environmental challenges. It concludes that, although the SNP have a fair record on ‘shallow’ environmentalism, there is still no policy agenda present within the government to radically modernise Scotland in the way that is necessary to protect the environment and guarantee higher quality of life for its people in the long term.
2015 and all that
Authors: Edwards Owen Dudley
Published: January 2016

The UK General Election of 2015, in which the Scottish National Party won 56 of the 59 seats, is likely to be a landmark in Scottish history. Moreover, for the first time since 1886, the victor in the predominant country in the Union – the Conservative Party in England – seemed to gain electoral victory in part by hostility to one of the partners of the Union. The article discusses the origins of this electoral tsunami. The immediate origin of the SNP landslide commenced with the disillusion with Scottish Liberalism, but its main victim was the Scottish Labour Party, seemingly fatally damaged by its alliance with the Conservatives during the campaign for a No vote in the 2014 referendum on Scottish independence. But whoever lost the election of 2015, it was won by Nicola Sturgeon, setting an example of civil debate untarnished by Westminster politics. Analogies with the politics of Ireland in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century cast helpful light on the present situation.
From the Editors (English)
Authors: Namli Elena
Published: January 2016

Not Available.
‘Justice and Right’: Biblical Ethics and the Regulation of Capitalism
Authors: Houston Walter
Published: January 2016

The Hebrew expression in the Old Testament mishpat u-tsedaqa, conventionally translated ‘justice and righteousness’, has a particular application to the social responsibility of the king. The state, in the person of the king, is seen in the Old Testament as having an obligation to exercise its power on behalf of the most vulnerable. This may be illustrated by the widespread evidence from the ancient Near East of administrative and judicial action undertaken by kings to cancel debts, provide for the release of debt slaves, remit taxes, order the return of distrained property, and so forth. Although the impact of such measures would have been limited, and the tradition is attenuated in later levels of the text, the ideal of the state as the protector of the poor may be applied to the state’s relationship with the modern capitalist economy. It demands that the economy should be regulated to protect the most vulnerable against the impoverishment resulting from its transformation by globalized capitalism. The reality, however, especially in the UK and the US, is that the state colludes with capitalism to increase inequality and deepen poverty.
Identification of a Fragment-Based Scaffold that Inhibits the Glycosyltransferase WaaG from Escherichia coli
Authors: Muheim Claudio , Bakali Amin , Engström Olof , Wieslander Åke , Daley Daniel , Widmalm Göran
Published: January 2016

WaaG is a glycosyltransferase that is involved in the biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharide in Gram-negative bacteria. Inhibitors of WaaG are highly sought after as they could be used to inhibit the biosynthesis of the core region of lipopolysaccharide, which would improve the uptake of antibiotics. Herein, we establish an activity assay for WaaG using 14C-labeled UDP-glucose and LPS purified from a ∆waaG strain of Escherichia coli. We noted that addition of the lipids phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and cardiolipin (CL), as well as the detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS) increased activity. We then use the assay to determine if three molecular scaffolds, which bind to WaaG, could inhibit its activity in vitro. We show that 4-(2-amino-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)phenol inhibits WaaG (IC50 1.0 mM), but that the other scaffolds do not. This study represents an important step towards an inhibitor of WaaG by fragment-based lead discovery.
Parallel Dynamic Analysis of a Large-Scale Water Conveyance Tunnel under Seismic Excitation Using ALE Finite-Element Method
Authors: Wang Xiaoqing , Jin Xianlong , Wang Puyong , Yang Zhihao
Published: January 2016

Parallel analyses about the dynamic responses of a large-scale water conveyance tunnel under seismic excitation are presented in this paper. A full three-dimensional numerical model considering the water-tunnel-soil coupling is established and adopted to investigate the tunnel’s dynamic responses. The movement and sloshing of the internal water are simulated using the multi-material Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) method. Nonlinear fluid–structure interaction (FSI) between tunnel and inner water is treated by using the penalty method. Nonlinear soil-structure interaction (SSI) between soil and tunnel is dealt with by using the surface to surface contact algorithm. To overcome computing power limitations and to deal with such a large-scale calculation, a parallel algorithm based on the modified recursive coordinate bisection (MRCB) considering the balance of SSI and FSI loads is proposed and used. The whole simulation is accomplished on Dawning 5000 A using the proposed MRCB based parallel algorithm optimized to run on supercomputers. The simulation model and the proposed approaches are validated by comparison with the added mass method. Dynamic responses of the tunnel are analyzed and the parallelism is discussed. Besides, factors affecting the dynamic responses are investigated. Better speedup and parallel efficiency show the scalability of the parallel method and the analysis results can be used to aid in the design of water conveyance tunnels.
A Systematic Study of Separators in Air-Breathing Flat-Plate Microbial Fuel Cells—Part 1: Structure, Properties, and Performance Correlations
Authors: Kazemi Sona , Mohseni Madjid , Fatih Khalid
Published: January 2016

Passive air-breathing microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising technology for energy recovery from wastewater and their performance is highly dependent on characteristics of the separator that isolates the anaerobic anode from the air-breathing cathode. The goal of the present work is to systematically study the separator characteristics and its effect on the performance of passive air-breathing flat-plate MFCs (FPMFCs). This was performed through characterization of structure, properties, and performance correlations of eight separators in Part 1 of this work. Eight commercial separators were characterized, in non-inoculated and inoculated setups, and were examined in passive air-breathing FPMFCs with different electrode spacing. The results showed a decrease in the peak power density as the oxygen and ethanol mass transfer coefficients in the separators increased, due to the increase of mixed potentials especially at smaller electrode spacing. Increasing the electrode spacing was therefore desirable for the application of diaphragms. The highest peak power density was measured using Nafion®117 with minimal electrode spacing, whereas using Nafion®117 or Celgard® with larger electrode spacing resulted in similar peak powers. Part 2 of this work focuses on numerical modelling of the FPMFCs based on mixed potential theory, implementing the experimental data from Part 1.
Effects of Forest Gaps on Litter Lignin and Cellulose Dynamics Vary Seasonally in an Alpine Forest
Authors: Li Han , Wu Fuzhong , Yang Wanqin , Xu Liya , Ni Xiangyin , He Jie , Tan Bo , Hu Yi
Published: January 2016

To understand how forest gaps and the associated canopy control litter lignin and cellulose dynamics by redistributing the winter snow coverage and hydrothermal conditions in the growing season, a field litterbag trial was conducted in the alpine Minjiang fir (Abies faxoniana Rehder and E.H. Wilson) forest in a transitional area located in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Over the first year of litter decomposition, the litter exhibited absolute cellulose loss and absolute lignin accumulation except for the red birch litter. The changes in litter cellulose and lignin were significantly affected by the interactions among gap position, period and species. Litter cellulose exhibited a greater loss in the winter with the highest daily loss rate observed during the snow cover period. Both cellulose and lignin exhibited greater changes under the deep snow cover at the gap center in the winter, but the opposite pattern occurred under the closed canopy in the growing season. The results suggest that decreased snowpack seasonality due to winter warming may limit litter cellulose and lignin degradation in alpine forest ecosystems, which could further inhibit litter decomposition. As a result, the ongoing winter warming and gap vanishing would slow soil carbon sequestration from foliar litter in cold biomes.
Context-Based Energy Disaggregation in Smart Homes
Authors: Paradiso Francesca , Paganelli Federica , Giuli Dino , Capobianco Samuele
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we address the problem of energy conservation and optimization in residential environments by providing users with useful information to solicit a change in consumption behavior. Taking care to highly limit the costs of installation and management, our work proposes a Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) approach, which consists of disaggregating the whole-house power consumption into the individual portions associated to each device. State of the art NILM algorithms need monitoring data sampled at high frequency, thus requiring high costs for data collection and management. In this paper, we propose an NILM approach that relaxes the requirements on monitoring data since it uses total active power measurements gathered at low frequency (about 1 Hz). The proposed approach is based on the use of Factorial Hidden Markov Models (FHMM) in conjunction with context information related to the user presence in the house and the hourly utilization of appliances. Through a set of tests, we investigated how the use of these additional context-awareness features could improve disaggregation results with respect to the basic FHMM algorithm. The tests have been performed by using Tracebase, an open dataset made of data gathered from real home environments.
Revenue Implications of Strategic and External Auction Risk
Authors: Robbett Andrea , Graham Michael , Matthews Peter
Published: January 2016

Two experimental treatments are used to study the effects of auction risk across five mechanisms. The first canonical, baseline treatment features only strategic risk and replicates the standard results that overbidding relative to the risk neutral Nash equilibrium is prevalent in all common auction mechanisms except for the English auction. We do not find evidence that bidders’ measured risk preferences can explain these patterns of overbidding. To enhance salience, we introduce a second novel treatment with external risk. This treatment captures the risk, prevalent in online auctions, that winners will not receive a good of value. We find that dynamic auctions—including the English—are particularly susceptible to overbidding in this environment. We note that overbidding is somewhat diminished in later periods and that our results may thus have particular relevance for bidders who are not highly experienced or who have not directly experienced losses. We conclude with a brief discussion of research implications.
Patterns of Bacillary Dysentery in China, 2005–2010
Authors: Zhang Han , Si Yali , Wang Xiaofeng , Gong Peng
Published: January 2016

Although the incidence of bacillary dysentery in China has been declining progressively, a considerable disease burden still exists. Few studies have analyzed bacillary dysentery across China and knowledge gaps still exist in the aspects of geographic distribution and ecological drivers, seasonality and its association with meteorological factors, urban-rural disparity, prevalence and distribution of Shigella species. Here, we performed nationwide analyses to fill the above gaps. Geographically, we found that incidence increased along an east-west gradient which was inversely related to the economic conditions of China. Two large endemically high-risk regions in western China and their ecological drivers were identified for the first time. We characterized seasonality of bacillary dysentery incidence and assessed its association with meteorological factors, and saw that it exhibits north-south differences in peak duration, relative amplitude and key meteorological factors. Urban and rural incidences among China’s cities were compared, and disparity associated with urbanization level was invariant in most cities. Balanced decrease of urban and rural incidence was observed for all provinces except Hunan. S. flexneri and S. sonnei were identified as major causative species. Increasing prevalence of S. sonnei and geographic distribution of Shigella species were associated with economic status. Findings and inferences from this study draw broader pictures of bacillary dysentery in mainland China and could provide useful information for better interventions and public health planning.
Interactions of Six SNPs in ABCA1gene and Obesity in Low HDL-C Disease in Kazakh of China
Authors: Yao Ming-hong , Guo Heng , He Jia , Yan Yi-zhong , Ma Ru-lin , Ding Yu-song , Zhang Jing-yu , Liu Jia-ming , Zhang Mei , Li Shu-gang , Xu Shang-zhi , Niu Qiang , Ma Jiao-long , Guo Shu-xia
Published: January 2016

Objective: To detect the interactions between six functional polymorphisms in ABCA1 and obesity in Kazakhs with low HDL-C levels. Methods: A total of 204 patients with low HDL-C and 207 health control subjects, which were randomly selected from among 5692 adult Kazakhs, were matched for age and sex. We genotyped ABCA1 single nucleotide polymorphisms of rs2515602, rs3890182, rs2275542, rs2230806, rs1800976, and rs4149313. Results: (1) The genotypic and allelic frequencies of rs2515602, rs2230806 and rs4149313 were different between normal HDL-C and low HDL-C subjects, the genotypic frequency of rs2275542 was also different between normal HDL-C and low HDL-C subjects (p < 0.05); (2) the level of HDL-C (rs2515602 and rs2275542) in normal HDL-C subjects were different among the genotypes (p < 0.05); the levels of TC, LDL-C (rs2515602, rs4149313); TG (rs2515602, rs1800976, rs4149313) in low HDL-C patients were different among the genotypes (p < 0.05); (3) interactions between the rs3890182, rs2275542, rs180096, and rs4149313 polymorphisms in ABCA1 gene and obesity may be associated with low HDL-C disease; (4) the C-C-C-A-A-G, T-C-C-A-A-A, T-C-C-A-A-G, C-C-C-A-A-A, C-T-G-G-A-A, and T-T-C-G-A-A haplotypes were significant between the subjects with normal HDL-C and low HDL-C level (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The differences in serum lipid levels between normal HDL-C and low HDL-C subjects among Kazakhs might partly result from ABCA1 gene polymorphisms; ABCA1 gene polymorphisms may be associated with low HDL-C disease; the low HDL-C disease might partly result from interactions between ABCA1 gene polymorphisms and obesity; the C-C-C-A-A-G, T-C-C-A-A-A, and T-C-C-A-A-G haplotypes may serve as risk factors of low HDL-C disease among Kazakhs, the C-C-C-A-A-A, C-T-G-G-A-A, and T-T-C-G-A-A haplotypes may serve as protective factor of low HDL-C disease among Kazakhs.
Usefulness of Intratracheal Instillation Studies for Estimating Nanoparticle-Induced Pulmonary Toxicity
Authors: Morimoto Yasuo , Izumi Hiroto , Yoshiura Yukiko , Fujishima Kei , Yatera Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Kazuhiro
Published: January 2016

Inhalation studies are the gold standard for the estimation of the harmful effects of respirable chemical substances, while there is limited evidence of the harmful effects of chemical substances by intratracheal instillation. We reviewed the effectiveness of intratracheal instillation studies for estimating the hazards of nanoparticles, mainly using papers in which both inhalation and intratracheal instillation studies were performed using the same nanoparticles. Compared to inhalation studies, there is a tendency in intratracheal instillation studies that pulmonary inflammation lasted longer in the lungs. A difference in pulmonary inflammation between high and low toxicity nanoparticles was observed in the intratracheal instillation studies, as in the inhalation studies. Among the endpoints of pulmonary toxicity, the kinetics of neutrophil counts, percentage of neutrophils, and chemokines for neutrophils and macrophages, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), reflected pulmonary inflammation, suggesting that these markers may be considered the predictive markers of pulmonary toxicity in both types of study. When comparing pulmonary inflammation between intratracheal instillation and inhalation studies under the same initial lung burden, there is a tendency that the inflammatory response following the intratracheal instillation of nanoparticles is greater than or equal to that following the inhalation of nanoparticles. If the difference in clearance in both studies is not large, the estimations of pulmonary toxicity are close. We suggest that intratracheal instillation studies can be useful for ranking the hazard of nanoparticles through pulmonary inflammation.
Mitotic Diversity in Homeostatic Human Interfollicular Epidermis
Authors: Nöske Katharina , Stark Hans-Jürgen , Nevaril Leonard , Berning Manuel , Langbein Lutz , Goyal Ashish , Diederichs Sven , Boukamp Petra
Published: January 2016

Despite decades of skin research, regulation of proliferation and homeostasis in human epidermis is still insufficiently understood. To address the role of mitoses in tissue regulation, we utilized human long-term skin equivalents and systematically assessed mitoses during early epidermal development and long-term epidermal regeneration. We now demonstrate four different orientations: (1) horizontal, i.e., parallel to the basement membrane (BM) and suggestive of symmetric divisions; (2) oblique with an angle of 45°–70°; or (3) perpendicular, suggestive of asymmetric division. In addition, we demonstrate a fourth substantial fraction of suprabasal mitoses, many of which are committed to differentiation (Keratin K10-positive). As verified also for normal human skin, this spatial mitotic organization is part of the regulatory program of human epidermal tissue homeostasis. As a potential marker for asymmetric division, we investigated for Numb and found that it was evenly spread in almost all undifferentiated keratinocytes, but indeed asymmetrically distributed in some mitoses and particularly frequent under differentiation-repressing low-calcium conditions. Numb deletion (stable knockdown by CRISPR/Cas9), however, did not affect proliferation, neither in a three-day follow up study by life cell imaging nor during a 14-day culture period, suggesting that Numb is not essential for the general control of keratinocyte division.
Icaritin Inhibits Collagen Degradation-Related Factors and Facilitates Collagen Accumulation in Atherosclerotic Lesions: A Potential Action for Plaque Stabilization
Authors: Zhang Zong-Kang , Li Jie , Yan De-Xin , Leung Wing-Nang , Zhang Bao-Ting
Published: January 2016

Most acute coronary syndromes result from rupture of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. The collagen content of plaques may critically affect plaque stability. This study tested whether Icaritin (ICT), an intestinal metabolite of Epimedium-derived flavonoids, could alter the collagen synthesis/degradation balance in atherosclerotic lesions. Rabbits were fed with an atherogenic diet for four months. Oral administration of ICT (10 mg·kg−1·day−1) was started after two months of an atherogenic diet and lasted for two months. The collagen degradation-related parameters, including macrophages accumulation, content and activity of interstitial collagenase-1 (MMP-1), and the collagen synthesis-related parameters, including amount and distribution of smooth muscle cells (SMC) and collagen mRNA/protein levels, were evaluated in the aorta. ICT reduced plasma lipid levels, inhibited macrophage accumulation, lowered MMP-1 mRNA and protein expression, and suppressed proteolytic activity of pro-MMP-1 and MMP-1 in the aorta. ICT changed the distribution of the SMCs towards the fibrous cap of lesions without increasing the amount of SMCs. Higher collagen protein content in lesions and aorta homogenates was observed with ICT treatment compared with the atherogenic diet only, without altered collagen mRNA level. These results suggest that ICT could inhibit the collagen degradation-related factors and facilitate collagen accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions, indicating a new potential of ICT in atherosclerotic plaques.
Which is the Best Physical Treatment for Osteoarthritis?
Authors: Castrogiovanni Paola , Musumeci Giuseppe
Published: January 2016

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease of the articular cartilage, and it represents one of the most common causes of disability in the world. It leads to social, psychological and economic costs with financial consequences. Different OA treatments are usually considered in relation to the stage of the disease, such as surgical management, pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments. In relation to mild OA, non-pharmacologic and behavioral treatments are recommended because they are less invasive and better tolerated by patients. All of these treatments used to manage OA are problematic, but solutions to these problems are on the horizon. For this reason, we decided to realize this report because until today, there has been very little information regarding the physical treatment of this important disease to help medical doctors and patients in the choice of the best adapted training to manage pain and disability limitations in patients with OA. The aim of this review is to find some answer in the management of OA through physical therapy treatment. In the present review, we analyze data from the most recent literature in relation to the effects of physical exercise on mild OA. All data suggest that training exercise is considered an effective instruments for the treatment of mild OA. The literature search was conducted on PubMed, using appropriate keywords in relation to exercise and osteoarthritis.
Deep Drawing of High-Strength Tailored Blanks by Using Tailored Tools
Authors: Mennecart Thomas , Ul Hassan Hamad , Güner Alper , Ben Khalifa Noomane , Hosseini Mohamad
Published: January 2016

In most forming processes based on tailored blanks, the tool material remains the same as that of sheet metal blanks without tailored properties. A novel concept of lightweight construction for deep drawing tools is presented in this work to improve the forming behavior of tailored blanks. The investigations presented here deal with the forming of tailored blanks of dissimilar strengths using tailored dies made of two different materials. In the area of the steel blank with higher strength, typical tool steel is used. In the area of the low-strength steel, a hybrid tool made out of a polymer and a fiber-reinforced surface replaces the steel half. Cylindrical cups of DP600/HX300LAD are formed and analyzed regarding their formability. The use of two different halves of tool materials shows improved blank thickness distribution, weld-line movement and pressure distribution compared to the use of two steel halves. An improvement in strain distribution is also observed by the inclusion of springs in the polymer side of tools, which is implemented to control the material flow in the die. Furthermore, a reduction in tool weight of approximately 75% can be achieved by using this technique. An accurate finite element modeling strategy is developed to analyze the problem numerically and is verified experimentally for the cylindrical cup. This strategy is then applied to investigate the thickness distribution and weld-line movement for a complex geometry, and its transferability is validated. The inclusion of springs in the hybrid tool leads to better material flow, which results in reduction of weld-line movement by around 60%, leading to more uniform thickness distribution.
Effect of Gum Arabic karroo as a Water-Reducing Admixture in Concrete
Authors: Mbugua Rose , Salim Ramadhan , Ndambuki Julius
Published: January 2016

Concrete is one of the most popular construction materials in the world. Chemical admixtures are ingredients added to concrete to enhance its properties. However, most chemical admixtures on the market today are expensive, thereby making them out of reach for small consumers of concrete. In Africa, use of chemical admixtures is rare despite the harsh weather conditions. In the current study, Gum from Acacia karroo (GAK) was used as a water-reducing admixture in concrete. A slump test, density and compressive strength were studied using different dosages of GAK while neat concrete was the control. Results showed that slump increased by 200% at a 2% dosage of GAK. This enabled reduction of water-to-binder (w/b) ratio from 0.61 to 0.48 for samples with a 3% dosage. Reduction in w/b resulted in increased compressive strength of 37.03% above the control after 180 days of curing for a 3% dosage. XRD studies also showed a decreased rate of hydration in the presence of GAK in concrete. It was concluded that GAK can be used in concrete as a water-reducing admixture, which is environmentally-friendly, thus producing sustainable and greener concrete.
Visualization of Microfloral Metabolism for Marine Waste Recycling
Authors: Ogura Tatsuki , Hoshino Reona , Date Yasuhiro , Kikuchi Jun
Published: January 2016

Marine biomass including fishery products are precious protein resources for human foods and are an alternative to livestock animals in order to reduce the virtual water problem. However, a large amount of marine waste can be generated from fishery products and it is not currently recycled. We evaluated the metabolism of digested marine waste using integrated analytical methods, under anaerobic conditions and the fertilization of abandoned agricultural soils. Dynamics of fish waste digestion revealed that samples of meat and bony parts had similar dynamics under anaerobic conditions in spite of large chemical variations in input marine wastes. Abandoned agricultural soils fertilized with fish waste accumulated some amino acids derived from fish waste, and accumulation of l-arginine and l-glutamine were higher in plant seedlings. Therefore, we have proposed an analytical method to visualize metabolic dynamics for recycling of fishery waste processes.
Design and Characterization of a Novel p1025 Peptide-Loaded Liquid Crystalline System for the Treatment of Dental Caries
Authors: Calixto Giovana , Garcia Matheus , Cilli Eduardo , Chiavacci Leila , Chorilli Marlus
Published: January 2016

Dental caries, mainly caused by the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans to pellicle-coated tooth surfaces, is an important public health problem worldwide. A synthetic peptide (p1025) corresponding to residues 1025–1044 of the adhesin can inhibit this binding. Peptides are particularly susceptible to the biological environment; therefore, a p1025 peptide-loaded liquid crystalline system (LCS) consisting of tea tree oil as the oil phase, polyoxypropylene-(5)-polyoxyethylene-(20)-cetyl alcohol as the surfactant, and water or 0.5% polycarbophil polymer dispersions as the aqueous phase was employed as a drug delivery platform. This system exhibited anticaries and bioadhesive properties and provided a protective environment to p1025 at the site of action, thereby modulating its action, prolonging its contact with the teeth, and decreasing the frequency of administration. LCSs were characterized by polarized light microscopy (PLM), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and rheological, texture, and bioadhesive tests. PLM and SAXS revealed the presence of hexagonal liquid crystalline phases and microemulsions. Rheological analyses demonstrated that the addition of polymer dispersions favored characteristics such as shear thinning and thixotropy, hence improving buccal application. Bioadhesion tests showed that polymer dispersions contributed to the adhesion onto the teeth. Taken together, LCS could provide a novel pharmaceutical nanotechnology platform for dental caries treatment.
Novel Strategies in the Prevention and Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Lüthje Petra , Brauner Annelie
Published: January 2016

Urinary tract infections are one of the most common bacterial infections, especially in women and children, frequently treated with antibiotics. The alarming increase in antibiotic resistance is a global threat to future treatment of infections. Therefore, alternative strategies are urgently needed. The innate immune system plays a fundamental role in protecting the urinary tract from infections. Antimicrobial peptides form an important part of the innate immunity. They are produced by epithelial cells and neutrophils and defend the urinary tract against invading bacteria. Since efficient resistance mechanisms have not evolved among bacterial pathogens, much effort has been put into exploring the role of antimicrobial peptides and possibilities to utilize them in clinical practice. Here, we describe the impact of antimicrobial peptides in the urinary tract and ways to enhance the production by hormones like vitamin D and estrogen. We also discuss the potential of medicinal herbs to be used in the prophylaxis and the treatment of urinary tract infections.
Efficient Disinfection of Tap and Surface Water with Single High Power 285 nm LED and Square Quartz Tube
Authors: Hessling Martin , Gross Andrej , Hoenes Katharina , Rath Monika , Stangl Felix , Tritschler Hanna , Sift Michael
Published: January 2016

A small water disinfection system based on the combination of a strong single 25 mW LED with a wavelength of 285 nm and a short quartz tube with an outer rectangular cross section is presented. For the disinfection tests clear tap water and slightly turbid and yellow pond water are contaminated with high concentrations of Escherichia coli bacteria. These water samples are exposed to the germicidal 285 nm LED radiation while they flow through the quartz tube. The portion of surviving germs is determined by membrane filtration for different water qualities and flow rates. For clear tap water the bacteria concentration can be reduced by at least three orders of magnitude up to flow rates of about 20 L/h. In pond water the maximum flow rate for such a reduction is less than 3 L/h. These high disinfection capabilities and the small size of this system, allow its integration in medical systems for point of use disinfection or even its application in the Third World for decentralized water disinfection powered by small solar cells, because this disinfection capacity should be sufficient for small groups or families.