bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth, Survival and Spore Formation of the Pathogenic Aquatic Oomycete Aphanomyces astaci and Fungus Fusarium avenaceum Are Inhibited by Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Bark Extracts In Vitro
Authors: Pagliarulo Caterina , Sateriale Daniela , Scioscia Elisa , De Tommasi Nunziatina , Colicchio Roberta , Pagliuca Chiara , Scaglione Elena , Jussila Japo , Makkonen Jenny , Salvatore Paola , Paolucci Marina
Published: February 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro activity of Zanthoxylum rhoifolium bark (Zr-b) extracts against pathogenic aquatic oomycete/fungal isolates that cause different diseases in native European crayfish resulting in an elevated mortality rate and severe economic repercussions. n-hexane, chloroform, chloroform–methanol (9:1) and methanol extracts of Zr-b were used to evaluate the antifungal activity against the strain UEF88662 of Aphanomyces astaci (oomycete) and the strain SMM2 of Fusarium avenaceum (fungus). The anti-oomycete and antifungal activity was quantitatively evaluated by growth, survival and sporulation microbiological assays. The extracts tested demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on oomycete and fungal growth and survival, as well as on the production of oomycete and fungal spores. This work presents alternatives for the treatment and prevention of the spreading of Aphanomyces astaci and Fusarium avenaceum, the etiological agents of the diseases crayfish plague and brown spot disease, respectively. The antifungal properties of Zanthoxylum rhoifolium bark extracts warrant further research on their use in the prevention and treatment of both oomycete and fungal diseases. The antifungal properties of Zanthoxylum rhoifolium bark extracts, shown in vitro, indicate the possibility of their use in new therapeutic and prophylactic strategies, providing perspectives for the design of in vivo studies.
Italian Opuntia ficus-indica Cladodes as Rich Source of Bioactive Compounds with Health-Promoting Properties
Authors: Rocchetti Gabriele , Pellizzoni Marco , Montesano Domenico , Lucini Luigi
Published: February 2018

Natural by-products, especially phenolic compounds, are in great demand by the nutra-pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. An analytical study was performed to investigate, for the first time, the presence of antioxidant constituents and the corresponding in vitro antioxidant activity in the extract of cladodes from Ficodindia di San Cono (Opuntia ficus-indica) protected designation of origin (PDO). The cladode extracts were analysed for target determination of selected constituents, i.e., β-polysaccharides and total phenolic content. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of hydro-alcoholic extracts was assessed by means of two different methods: α, α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. An untargeted UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS profiling approach was used to depict the phenolic profile of hydro-alcoholic cladode extracts. Interestingly, over 2 g/kg of polyphenols were detected in this matrix, and these compounds were mainly responsible for the antioxidant properties, as shown by the strong correlation between phenolic classes and antioxidant scores. Finally, this study provides basic information on the presence of bioactive compounds and in vitro antioxidant activities in cladode extracts from cactus that might recommend their novel applications at the industrial level in the field of nutraceutical products.
A Fractional B-spline Collocation Method for the Numerical Solution of Fractional Predator-Prey Models
Authors: Pitolli Francesca
Published: February 2018

We present a collocation method based on fractional B-splines for the solution of fractional differential problems. The key-idea is to use the space generated by the fractional B-splines, i.e., piecewise polynomials of noninteger degree, as approximating space. Then, in the collocation step the fractional derivative of the approximating function is approximated accurately and efficiently by an exact differentiation rule that involves the generalized finite difference operator. To show the effectiveness of the method for the solution of nonlinear dynamical systems of fractional order, we solved the fractional Lotka-Volterra model and a fractional predator-pray model with variable coefficients. The numerical tests show that the method we proposed is accurate while keeping a low computational cost.
Physical Health Care for People with Severe Mental Illness: the Attitudes, Practices, and Training Needs of Nurses in Three Asian Countries
Authors: Bressington Daniel , Badnapurkar Ashish , Inoue Sachiko , Ma Hin Yeung , Chien Wai Tong , Nelson Deborah , Gray Richard
Published: February 2018

People with severe mental illness (SMI) have considerable unmet physical health needs and an increased risk of early mortality. This cross-sectional survey utilized the Physical Health Attitude Scale (PHASe) to examine the attitudes, practices, and training needs of nurses towards physical health care of people with SMI in three Asian countries (Hong Kong, Japan, Qatar). Cross-country differences were explored and linear regression was used to investigate if nurses’ attitudes and confidence were associated with their level of involvement in physical health care. A total of 481 questionnaires were returned. Hong Kong nurses were less involved in physical health care than those from Japan and Qatar. Nurses’ attitudes and confidence were significant predictors of their participation in managing physical health. Compared with western countries, more nurses in this study felt that mental illness was a barrier to improving physical health. Three-quarters reported that they needed additional training in promoting cardiometabolic health. The perceived need for additional training in physical health care was held by Mental Health Nurses (MHN) irrespective of their type of nursing registration and nationality. Nurse educators and service providers should reconsider the physical health care training requirements of nurses working in mental health settings in order to improve the physical health of people with SMI.
Evaluating the Impacts of Health, Social Network and Capital on Craft Efficiency and Productivity: A Case Study of Construction Workers in China
Authors: Yuan Jingfeng , Yi Wen , Miao Mengyi , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2018

The construction industry has been recognized, for many years, as among those having a high likelihood of accidents, injuries and occupational illnesses. Such risks of construction workers can lead to low productivity and social problems. As a result, construction workers’ well-being should be highly addressed to improve construction workers’ efficiency and productivity. Meanwhile, the social support from a social network and capital (SNC) of construction workers has been considered as an effective approach to promote construction workers’ physical and mental health (P&M health), as well as their work efficiency and productivity. Based on a comprehensive literature review, a conceptual model, which aims to improve construction workers’ efficiency and productivity from the perspective of health and SNC, was proposed. A questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the construction workers’ health, SNC and work efficiency and productivity in Nanjing, China. A structural equation model (SEM) was employed to test the three hypothetical relationships among construction workers’ P&M health, SNC and work efficiency and productivity. The results indicated that the direct impacts from construction workers’ P&M health on work efficiency and productivity were more significant than that from the SNC. In addition, the construction workers’ social capital and the network can indirectly influence the work efficiency and productivity by affecting the construction workers’ P&M health. Therefore, strategies for enhancing construction workers’ efficiency and productivity were proposed. Furthermore, many useable suggestions can be drawn from the research findings from the perspective of a government. The identified indicators and relationships would contribute to the construction work efficiency and productivity assessment and health management from the perspective of the construction workers.
Working towards More Effective Implementation, Dissemination and Scale-Up of Lower-Limb Injury-Prevention Programs: Insights from Community Australian Football Coaches
Authors: McGlashan Angela , Verrinder Glenda , Verhagen Evert
Published: February 2018

Disseminating lower-limb injury-prevention exercise programs (LL-IPEPs) with strategies that effectively reach coaches across sporting environments is a way of preventing lower-limb injuries (LLIs) and ensuring safe and sustainable sport participation. The aim of this study was to explore community-Australian Football (community-AF) coaches’ perspectives on the strategies they believed would enhance the dissemination and scale-up of LL-IPEPs. Using a qualitative multiple case study design, semi-structured interviews with community-AF coaches in Victoria, Australia, were conducted. Overall, coaches believed a range of strategies were important including: coach education, policy drivers, overcoming potential problem areas, a ‘try before you buy approach’, presenting empirical evidence and guidelines for injury-prevention exercise programs (IPEPs), forming strategic collaboration and working in partnership, communication and social marketing, public meetings, development of a coach hotline, and targeted multi-focused approaches. A shift to a culture whereby evidence-based IPEP practices in community-AF will take time, and persistent commitment by all involved in the sport is important. This will support the creation of strategies that will enhance the dissemination and scale-up of LL-IPEPs across community sport environments. The focus of research needs to continue to identify effective, holistic and multi-level interventions to support coaches in preventing LLIs. This could lead to the determination of successful strategies such as behavioural regulation strategies and emotional coping resources to implement LL-IPEPs into didactic curricula and practice. Producing changes in practice will require attention to which strategies are a priority and the most effective.
The Use of Biomass for Electricity Generation: A Scoping Review of Health Effects on Humans in Residential and Occupational Settings
Authors: Freiberg Alice , Scharfe Julia , Murta Vanise C. , Seidler Andreas
Published: February 2018

The utilization of biomass for power generation has become more prevalent globally. To survey the status of evidence concerning resulting health impacts and to depict potential research needs, a scoping-review was conducted. Biomass life cycle phases of interest were the conversion and combustion phases. Studies from occupational and residential settings were considered. The scoping review was conducted systematically, comprising an extensive literature search, a guided screening process, in-duplicate data extraction, and critical appraisal. Two reviewers executed most review steps. Nine articles of relevance were identified. In occupational settings of biomass plants, exposure to endotoxins and fungi might be associated with respiratory disorders. An accidental leakage of hydrogen sulfide in biogas plants may lead to fatalities or severe health impacts. Living near biomass power plants (and the accompanied odorous air pollution) may result in an increased risk for several symptoms and odor annoyance, mediated by perception about air pollution or an evaluation of a resulting health risk. The methodological quality of included studies varied a lot. Overall, the body of evidence on the topic is sparse and future high-quality research is strongly recommended.
Exploration of Rice Husk Compost as an Alternate Organic Manure to Enhance the Productivity of Blackgram in Typic Haplustalf and Typic Rhodustalf
Authors: Thiyageshwari Subramanium , Gayathri Pandurangan , Krishnamoorthy Ramasamy , Anandham Rangasamy , Paul Diby
Published: February 2018

The present study was aimed at using cellulolytic bacterium Enhydrobacter and fungi Aspergillus sp. for preparing compost from rice husk (RH). Further, the prepared compost was tested for their effect on blackgram growth promotion along with different levels of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) in black soil (typic Haplustalf) and red soil (typic Rhodustalf) soil. The results revealed that, inoculation with lignocellulolytic fungus (LCF) Aspergillus sp. @ 2% was considered as the most efficient method of composting within a short period. Characterization of composted rice husk (CRH) was examined through scanning electron microscope (SEM) for identifying significant structural changes. At the end of composting, N, P and K content increased with decrease in CO2 evolution, C:N and C:P ratios. In comparison to inorganic fertilization, an increase in grain yield of 16% in typic Haplustalf and 17% in typic Rhodustalf soil over 100% RDF was obtained from the integrated application of CRH@ 5 t ha−1 with 50% RDF and biofertilizers. The crude protein content was maximum with the combined application of CRH, 50% RDF and biofertilizers of 20% and 21% in typic Haplustalf and typic Rhodustalf soils, respectively. Nutrient rich CRH has proved its efficiency on crop growth and soil fertility.
Associations between Ambient Particulate Matter and Nitrogen Dioxide and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases in Adults and Effect Modification by Demographic and Lifestyle Factors
Authors: Lamichhane Dirga Kumar , Leem Jong Han , Kim Hwan Cheol
Published: February 2018

This study was undertaken to investigate the associations between chronic exposure to particulate matter of medium aerodynamic diameter ≤10 or ≤2.5 µm (PM10 or PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels and lung function and to examine a possible change in these relationships by demographic and lifestyle factors. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was defined using the Global Initiative for COPD criteria (forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) of <70%). Associations of lung function and COPD with PM10 or PM2.5 or NO2 were examined using linear and logistic regression analyses among 1264 Korean adults. The highest tertiles of PM2.5 (≥37.1 μg/m3) and NO2 (≥53.8 μg/m3) exposure were significantly associated with COPD (highest versus lowest tertile of PM2.5: adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.02–3.13; highest versus lowest tertile of NO2: adjusted OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.04–3.21). A 10 μg/m3 increase in PM10 concentration was associated with a 1.85 L (95% CI –3.65 to –0.05) decrease in FEV1 and a 1.73 L (95% CI –3.35 to –0.12) decrease in FVC, with the strongest negative association among older people and those with less education. Reduced lung function was associated with PM2.5 exposure in subjects with no physical activity. This study provides evidence that exposure to ambient air pollution has adverse effects on lung function in adults.
Molecular Cloning and Characterization of a Wild Eggplant Solanum aculeatissimum NBS-LRR Gene, Involved in Plant Resistance to Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Zhou Xiaohui , Liu Jun , Bao Shengyou , Yang Yan , Zhuang Yong
Published: February 2018

Root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp., cause considerable damage in eggplant production. Transferring of resistance genes from wild relatives would be valuable for the continued improvement of eggplant. Solanum aculeatissimum, a wild relative of eggplant possessing resistance to Meloidogyne incognita, is potentially useful for genetically enhancing eggplant. In the present study, we have isolated and characterized a nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) resistance gene, designated as SacMi. The full-length cDNA of the SacMi gene was obtained using the technique of rapid-amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The open reading frame of the SacMi gene was 4014 bp and encoded a protein of 1338 amino acids. Sequence analysis indicated that SacMi belong to the non- Toll/Interleukin-1 receptor (TIR)-NBS-LRR type disease-resistance genes. Interestingly, quantitative RT-PCR showed that SacMi is expressed at low levels in uninfected roots, but was up-regulated by infection with M. incognita. To investigate the role of SacMi in S. aculeatissimum resistance against M. incognica, the tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-mediated virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) system was used. Silencing of SacMi enhanced susceptibility of S. aculeatissimum plants to M. incognita, suggesting the possible involvement of SacMi in resistance against M. incognita infection.
New Insights into the Immune Molecular Regulation of the Pathogenesis of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Yang Chin-Yao , Chen Chien-Sheng , Yiang Giou-Teng , Cheng Yeung-Leung , Yong Su-Boon , Wu Meng-Yu , Li Chia-Jung
Published: February 2018

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is an inﬂammatory disease characterized by dysfunction of pulmonary epithelial and capillary endothelial cells, infiltration of alveolar macrophages and neutrophils, cell apoptosis, necroptosis, NETosis, and fibrosis. Inflammatory responses have key effects on every phase of acute respiratory distress syndrome. The severe inflammatory cascades impaired the regulation of vascular endothelial barrier and vascular permeability. Therefore, understanding the relationship between the molecular regulation of immune cells and the pulmonary microenvironment is critical for disease management. This article reviews the current clinical and basic research on the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome, including information on the microenvironment, vascular endothelial barrier and immune mechanisms, to offer a strong foundation for developing therapeutic interventions.
Overexpression of the Vitronectin V10 Subunit in Patients with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Implications for Noninvasive Diagnosis of NASH
Authors: Del Ben Maria , Overi Diletta , Polimeni Licia , Carpino Guido , Labbadia Giancarlo , Baratta Francesco , Pastori Daniele , Noce Valeria , Gaudio Eugenio , Angelico Francesco , Mancone Carmine
Published: February 2018

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the critical stage of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The persistence of necroinflammatory lesions and fibrogenesis in NASH is the leading cause of liver cirrhosis and, ultimately, hepatocellular carcinoma. To date, the histological examination of liver biopsies, albeit invasive, remains the means to distinguish NASH from simple steatosis (NAFL). Therefore, a noninvasive diagnosis by serum biomarkers is eagerly needed. Here, by a proteomic approach, we analysed the soluble low-molecular-weight protein fragments flushed out from the liver tissue of NAFL and NASH patients. On the basis of the assumption that steatohepatitis leads to the remodelling of the liver extracellular matrix (ECM), NASH-specific fragments were in silico analysed for their involvement in the ECM molecular composition. The 10 kDa C-terminal fragment of the ECM protein vitronectin (VTN) was then selected as a promising circulating biomarker in discriminating NASH. The analysis of sera of patients provided these major findings: the circulating VTN fragment (i) is overexpressed in NASH patients and positively correlates with the NASH activity score (NAS); (ii) originates from the disulfide bond reduction between the V10 and the V65 subunits. In conclusion, V10 determination in the serum could represent a reliable tool for the noninvasive discrimination of NASH from simple steatosis.
The Significance of MMP-1 in EGFR-TKI–Resistant Lung Adenocarcinoma: Potential for Therapeutic Targeting
Authors: Saito Ryoko , Miki Yasuhiro , Ishida Naoya , Inoue Chihiro , Kobayashi Masayuki , Hata Shuko , Yamada-Okabe Hisafumi , Okada Yoshinori , Sasano Hironobu
Published: February 2018

Epidermal growth factor receptor–tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) resistance is one of the most important problems in lung cancer therapy. Lung adenocarcinoma with EGFR-TKI resistance was reported to have higher abilities of invasion and migration than cancers sensitive to EGFR-TKI, but the function of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has not been explored in EGFR-TKI–resistant lung adenocarcinoma. This study aims to clarify the significance of MMP-1 in EGFR-TKI–resistant lung adenocarcinoma. From the results of in vitro studies of migration and invasion assays using EGFR-TKI–sensitive and –resistant cell lines and phosphorylation antibody arrays using EGF and rapamycin, we first demonstrate that overexpression of MMP-1, which might follow activation of a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, plays an important role in the migration and invasion abilities of EGFR-TKI–resistant lung adenocarcinoma. Additionally, immunohistochemical studies using 89 cases of lung adenocarcinoma demonstrate that high expression of MMP-1 is significantly correlated with poor prognosis and factors such as smoking history and the subtype of invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma. These are consistent with the results of this in vitro study. To conclude, this study provides insights into the development of a possible alternative therapy manipulating MMP-1 and the mTOR signaling pathway in EGFR-TKI–resistant lung adenocarcinoma.
Synthesis, Structural Property, Photophysical Property, Photocatalytic Property of Novel ZnBiErO4 under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Luan Jingfei , Zhuang Yan
Published: February 2018

A novel photocatalyst ZnBiErO4 was firstly synthesized by solid-state reaction method and its structural and photocatalytic properties were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance. The results demonstrated that ZnBiErO4 crystallized with tetragonal crystal structure with space group I41/A. The lattice parameters for ZnBiErO4 were proved to be a = b = 10.255738 Å and c = 9.938888 Å. The band gap of ZnBiErO4 was estimated to be about 1.69 eV. Compared with nitrogen doped TiO2, ZnBiErO4 showed excellent photocatalytic activities for degrading methyl blue during visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic degradation of methyl blue with ZnBiErO4 or N-doped TiO2 as catalyst followed the first-order reaction kinetics. Moreover, the apparent first-order rate constant of ZnBiErO4 or N-doped TiO2 was 0.01607 min−1 or 0.00435 min−1. The reduction of total organic carbon, formation of inorganic products, such as SO42− and NO3− and the evolution of CO2 revealed the continuous mineralization of methyl blue during the photocatalytic process. ZnBiErO4 photocatalyst had great potential to purify textile industry wastewater.
Antiproliferative Activity of Glycosaminoglycan-Like Polysaccharides Derived from Marine Molluscs
Authors: Aldairi Abdullah Faisal , Ogundipe Olanrewaju Dorcas , Pye David Alexander
Published: February 2018

Despite the increasing availability of new classes of cancer treatment, such as immune- and targeted therapies, there remains a need for the development of new antiproliferative/cytotoxic drugs with improved pharmacological profiles that can also overcome drug resistant forms of cancer. In this study, we have identified, and characterised, a novel marine polysaccharide with the potential to be developed as an anticancer agent. Sulphated polysaccharides isolated from the common cockle (Cerastoderma edule) were shown to have antiproliferative activity on chronic myelogenous leukaemia and relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cell lines. Disaccharide and monosaccharide analysis of these marine polysaccharides confirmed the presence of glycosaminoglycan-like structures that were enriched in ion-exchange purified fractions containing antiproliferative activity. The antiproliferative activity of these glycosaminoglycan-like marine polysaccharides was shown to be susceptible to heparinase but not chondrotinase ABC digestion. This pattern of enzymatic and antiproliferative activity has not previously been seen, with either marine or mammalian glycosaminoglycans. As such, our findings suggest we have identified a new type of marine derived heparan sulphate/heparin-like polysaccharide with potent anticancer properties.
Exopolysaccharides from Marine and Marine Extremophilic Bacteria: Structures, Properties, Ecological Roles and Applications
Authors: Casillo Angela , Lanzetta Rosa , Parrilli Michelangelo , Corsaro Maria Michela
Published: February 2018

The marine environment is the largest aquatic ecosystem on Earth and it harbours microorganisms responsible for more than 50% of total biomass of prokaryotes in the world. All these microorganisms produce extracellular polymers that constitute a substantial part of the dissolved organic carbon, often in the form of exopolysaccharides (EPS). In addition, the production of these polymers is often correlated to the establishment of the biofilm growth mode, during which they are important matrix components. Their functions include adhesion and colonization of surfaces, protection of the bacterial cells and support for biochemical interactions between the bacteria and the surrounding environment. The aim of this review is to present a summary of the status of the research about the structures of exopolysaccharides from marine bacteria, including capsular, medium released and biofilm embedded polysaccharides. Moreover, ecological roles of these polymers, especially for those isolated from extreme ecological niches (deep-sea hydrothermal vents, polar regions, hypersaline ponds, etc.), are reported. Finally, relationships between the structure and the function of the exopolysaccharides are discussed.
Hyperpolarized Amino Acid Derivatives as Multivalent Magnetic Resonance pH Sensor Molecules
Authors: Hundshammer Christian , Düwel Stephan , Ruseckas David , Topping Geoffrey , Dzien Piotr , Müller Christoph , Feuerecker Benedikt , Hövener Jan B. , Haase Axel , Schwaiger Markus , Glaser Steffen J. , Schilling Franz
Published: February 2018

pH is a tightly regulated physiological parameter that is often altered in diseased states like cancer. The development of biosensors that can be used to non-invasively image pH with hyperpolarized (HP) magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging has therefore recently gained tremendous interest. However, most of the known HP-sensors have only individually and not comprehensively been analyzed for their biocompatibility, their pH sensitivity under physiological conditions, and the effects of chemical derivatization on their logarithmic acid dissociation constant (pKa). Proteinogenic amino acids are biocompatible, can be hyperpolarized and have at least two pH sensitive moieties. However, they do not exhibit a pH sensitivity in the physiologically relevant pH range. Here, we developed a systematic approach to tailor the pKa of molecules using modifications of carbon chain length and derivatization rendering these molecules interesting for pH biosensing. Notably, we identified several derivatives such as [1-13C]serine amide and [1-13C]-2,3-diaminopropionic acid as novel pH sensors. They bear several spin-1/2 nuclei (13C, 15N, 31P) with high sensitivity up to 4.8 ppm/pH and we show that 13C spins can be hyperpolarized with dissolution dynamic polarization (DNP). Our findings elucidate the molecular mechanisms of chemical shift pH sensors that might help to design tailored probes for specific pH in vivo imaging applications.
Calcium Imaging of GPCR Activation Using Arrays of Reverse Transfected HEK293 Cells in a Microfluidic System
Authors: Roelse Margriet , Henquet Maurice G.L. , Verhoeven Harrie A. , De Ruijter Norbert C.A. , Wehrens Ron , Van Lenthe Marco S. , Witkamp Renger F. , Hall Robert D. , Jongsma Maarten A.
Published: February 2018

Reverse-transfected cell arrays in microfluidic systems have great potential to perform large-scale parallel screening of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) activation. Here, we report the preparation of a novel platform using reverse transfection of HEK293 cells, imaging by stereo-fluorescence microscopy in a flowcell format, real-time monitoring of cytosolic calcium ion fluctuations using the fluorescent protein Cameleon and analysis of GPCR responses to sequential sample exposures. To determine the relationship between DNA concentration and gene expression, we analyzed cell arrays made with variable concentrations of plasmid DNA encoding fluorescent proteins and the Neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor. We observed pronounced effects on gene expression of both the specific and total DNA concentration. Reverse transfected spots with NK1 plasmid DNA at 1% of total DNA still resulted in detectable NK1 activation when exposed to its ligand. By varying the GPCR DNA concentration in reverse transfection, the sensitivity and robustness of the receptor response for sequential sample exposures was optimized. An injection series is shown for an array containing the NK1 receptor, bitter receptor TAS2R8 and controls. Both receptors were exposed 14 times to alternating samples of two ligands. Specific responses remained reproducible. This platform introduces new opportunities for high throughput screening of GPCR libraries.
Recent Advances in Active Infrared Thermography for Non-Destructive Testing of Aerospace Components
Authors: Ciampa Francesco , Mahmoodi Pooya , Pinto Fulvio , Meo Michele
Published: February 2018

Active infrared thermography is a fast and accurate non-destructive evaluation technique that is of particular relevance to the aerospace industry for the inspection of aircraft and helicopters’ primary and secondary structures, aero-engine parts, spacecraft components and its subsystems. This review provides an exhaustive summary of most recent active thermographic methods used for aerospace applications according to their physical principle and thermal excitation sources. Besides traditional optically stimulated thermography, which uses external optical radiation such as flashes, heaters and laser systems, novel hybrid thermographic techniques are also investigated. These include ultrasonic stimulated thermography, which uses ultrasonic waves and the local damage resonance effect to enhance the reliability and sensitivity to micro-cracks, eddy current stimulated thermography, which uses cost-effective eddy current excitation to generate induction heating, and microwave thermography, which uses electromagnetic radiation at the microwave frequency bands to provide rapid detection of cracks and delamination. All these techniques are here analysed and numerous examples are provided for different damage scenarios and aerospace components in order to identify the strength and limitations of each thermographic technique. Moreover, alternative strategies to current external thermal excitation sources, here named as material-based thermography methods, are examined in this paper. These novel thermographic techniques rely on thermoresistive internal heating and offer a fast, low power, accurate and reliable assessment of damage in aerospace composites.
Feature-Level Fusion of Surface Electromyography for Activity Monitoring
Authors: Xi Xugang , Tang Minyan , Luo Zhizeng
Published: February 2018

Surface electromyography (sEMG) signals are commonly used in activity monitoring and rehabilitation applications as they reflect effectively the motor intentions of users. However, real-time sEMG signals are non-stationary and vary to a large extent within the time frame of signals. Although previous studies have focused on the issues, their results have not been satisfactory. Therefore, we present a new method of conducting feature-level fusion to obtain a new feature space for sEMG signals. Eight activities of daily life (ADLs), including falls, were performed to obtain raw data from EMG signals from the lower limb. A feature set combining the time domain, time–frequency domain, and entropy domain was applied to the raw data to establish an initial feature space. A new projection method, the weighting genetic algorithm for GCCA (WGA-GCCA), was introduced to obtain the final feature space. Different tests were carried out to evaluate the performance of the new feature space. The new feature space created with the WGA-GCCA effectively reduced the dimensions and selected the best feature vectors dynamically while improving monotonicity. The Davies–Bouldin index (DBI) based on fuzzy c-means algorithms of the space obtained the lowest value compared with several fusion methods. It also achieved the highest accuracy when applied to support vector machine classifier.
Evaluating the Influence of Chromatic and Luminance Stimuli on SSVEPs from Behind-the-Ears and Occipital Areas
Authors: Floriano Alan , F. Diez Pablo , Freire Bastos-Filho Teodiano
Published: February 2018

This work presents a study of chromatic and luminance stimuli in low-, medium-, and high-frequency stimulation to evoke steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) in the behind-the-ears area. Twelve healthy subjects participated in this study. The electroencephalogram (EEG) was measured on occipital (Oz) and left and right temporal (TP9 and TP10) areas. The SSVEP was evaluated in terms of amplitude, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and detection accuracy using power spectral density analysis (PSDA), canonical correlation analysis (CCA), and temporally local multivariate synchronization index (TMSI) methods. It was found that stimuli based on suitable color and luminance elicited stronger SSVEP in the behind-the-ears area, and that the response of the SSVEP was related to the flickering frequency and the color of the stimuli. Thus, green-red stimulus elicited the highest SSVEP in medium-frequency range, and green-blue stimulus elicited the highest SSVEP in high-frequency range, reaching detection accuracy rates higher than 80%. These findings will aid in the development of more comfortable, accurate and stable BCIs with electrodes positioned on the behind-the-ears (hairless) areas.
Sensor-Based Assessment of Soil Salinity during the First Years of Transition from Flood to Sprinkler Irrigation
Authors: Casterad Mª Auxiliadora , Herrero Juan , Betrán Jesús A. , Ritchie Glen
Published: February 2018

A key issue for agriculture in irrigated arid lands is the control of soil salinity, and this is one of the goals for irrigated districts when changing from flood to sprinkling irrigation. We combined soil sampling, proximal electromagnetic induction, and satellite data to appraise how soil salinity and its distribution along a previously flood-irrigated field evolved after its transformation to sprinkling. We also show that the relationship between NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) and ECe (electrical conductivity of the soil saturation extracts) mimics the production function between yield and soil salinity. Under sprinkling, the field had a double crop of barley and then sunflower in 2009 and 2011. In both years, about 50% of the soil of the entire studied field—45 ha—had ECe < 8 dS m−1, i.e., allowing barley cultivation, while the percent of surface having ECe ≥ 16 dS m−1 increased from 8.4% in 2009 to 13.7% in 2011. Our methodology may help monitor the soil salinity oscillations associated with irrigation management. After quantifying and mapping the soil salinity in 2009 and 2011, we show that barley was stunted in places of the field where salinity was higher. Additionally, the areas of salinity persisted after the subsequent alfalfa cropping in 2013. Application of differential doses of water to the saline patches is a viable method to optimize irrigation water distribution and lessen soil salinity in sprinkler-irrigated agriculture.
Research on the Additional Secondary Phase Factor for Automatic Identification System Signals Transmitted over a Rough Sea Surface
Authors: Wang Xiaoye , Zhang Shufang , Sun Xiaowen
Published: February 2018

This paper investigates the Additional Secondary Phase Factor (ASF) characteristics of Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals spreading over a rough sea surface. According to the change of the ASFs for AIS signals in different signal form, the influences of the different propagation conditions on the ASFs are analyzed. The expression, numerical calculation, and simulation analysis of the ASFs of AIS signal are performed in the rough sea surface. The results contribute to the high-accuracy propagation delay measurement of AIS signals spreading over the rough sea surface as, well as providing a reference for reliable communication link design in marine engineering for Very High Frequency (VHF) signals.
The Prediction of the Gas Utilization Ratio based on TS Fuzzy Neural Network and Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Zhang Sen , Jiang Haihe , Yin Yixin , Xiao Wendong , Zhao Baoyong
Published: February 2018

Gas utilization ratio (GUR) is an important indicator that is used to evaluate the energy consumption of blast furnaces (BFs). Currently, the existing methods cannot predict the GUR accurately. In this paper, we present a novel data-driven model for predicting the GUR. The proposed approach utilized both the TS fuzzy neural network (TS-FNN) and the particle swarm algorithm (PSO) to predict the GUR. The particle swarm algorithm (PSO) is applied to optimize the parameters of the TS-FNN in order to decrease the error caused by the inaccurate initial parameter. This paper also applied the box graph (Box-plot) method to eliminate the abnormal value of the raw data during the data preprocessing. This method can deal with the data which does not obey the normal distribution which is caused by the complex industrial environments. The prediction results demonstrate that the optimization model based on PSO and the TS-FNN approach achieves higher prediction accuracy compared with the TS-FNN model and SVM model and the proposed approach can accurately predict the GUR of the blast furnace, providing an effective way for the on-line blast furnace distribution control.
Three-Level De-Multiplexed Dual-Branch Complex Delta-Sigma Transmitter
Authors: Arfi Anis Ben , Elsayed Fahmi , Aflaki Pouya M. , Morris Brad , Ghannouchi Fadhel M.
Published: February 2018

In this paper, a dual-branch topology driven by a Delta-Sigma Modulator (DSM) with a complex quantizer, also known as the Complex Delta Sigma Modulator (CxDSM), with a 3-level quantized output signal is proposed. By de-multiplexing the 3-level Delta-Sigma-quantized signal into two bi-level streams, an efficiency enhancement over the operational frequency range is achieved. The de-multiplexed signals drive a dual-branch amplification block composed of two switch-mode back-to-back power amplifiers working at peak power. A signal processing technique known as quantization noise reduction with In-band Filtering (QNRIF) is applied to each of the de-multiplexed streams to boost the overall performances; particularly the Adjacent Channel Leakage Ratio (ACLR). After amplification, the two branches are combined using a non-isolated combiner, preserving the efficiency of the transmitter. A comprehensive study on the operation of this topology and signal characteristics used to drive the dual-branch Switch-Mode Power Amplifiers (SMPAs) was established. Moreover, this work proposes a highly efficient design of the amplification block based on a back-to-back power topology performing a dynamic load modulation exploiting the non-overlapping properties of the de-multiplexed Complex DSM signal. For experimental validation, the proposed de-multiplexed 3-level Delta-Sigma topology was implemented on the BEEcube™ platform followed by the back-to-back Class-E switch-mode power amplification block. The full transceiver is assessed using a 4th-Generation mobile communications standard LTE (Long Term Evolution) standard 1.4 MHz signal with a peak to average power ratio (PAPR) of 8 dB. The dual-branch topology exhibited a good linearity and a coding efficiency of the transmitter chain higher than 72% across the band of frequency from 1.8 GHz to 2.7 GHz.
Analyzing the Effects of Car Sharing Services on the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
Authors: Jung Jiyeon , Koo Yoonmo
Published: February 2018

This study examines the environmental impacts of roundtrip car sharing services by investigating transportation behavior. Car sharing should contribute to reduced greenhouse gas GHG emissions; however, such schemes include both positive and negative environmental effects, including: (1) reduced CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) from substituting private vehicle use for more fuel-efficient car sharing vehicles, (2) increased CO2e as car-less individuals switch from public transit to car sharing vehicles and (3) reduced CO2e due to fewer vehicles. This study examines the impacts of this modal shift on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using three types of models: a mixed logit model to analyze car sharing service preferences; a binary logit model to analyze whether individuals are willing to forgo vehicle ownership or planned purchases to use car sharing services; and a linear regression to determine how much private vehicle or public transportation use would be replaced by car sharing and the resulting effects on mobility. Total emissions from the current car sharing market equal 1,025,589.36 t CO2e/year. However, an increase in electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to 50% of the number of gasoline-fuel stations would increase the probability of electric car sharing vehicle use, thereby reducing emissions by 655,773 t CO2e. This study shows that forgoing vehicle purchases does not offset the increased GHG emissions caused by the shift from public transportation or private vehicle use to car sharing.
A Low-Complexity Model-Free Approach for Real-Time Cardiac Anomaly Detection Based on Singular Spectrum Analysis and Nonparametric Control Charts
Authors: Lang Michael
Published: February 2018

While the importance of continuous monitoring of electrocardiographic (ECG) or photoplethysmographic (PPG) signals to detect cardiac anomalies is generally accepted in preventative medicine, there remain numerous challenges to its widespread adoption. Most notably, difficulties arise regarding crucial characteristics such as real-time capability, computational complexity, the amount of required training data, and the avoidance of too-restrictive modeling assumptions. We propose a lightweight and model-free approach for the online detection of cardiac anomalies such as ectopic beats in ECG or PPG signals on the basis of the change detection capabilities of singular spectrum analysis (SSA) and nonparametric rank-based cumulative sum (CUSUM) control charts. The procedure is able to quickly detect anomalies without requiring the identification of fiducial points such as R-peaks, and it is computationally significantly less demanding than previously proposed SSA-based approaches. Therefore, the proposed procedure is equally well suited for standalone use and as an add-on to complement existing (e.g., heart rate (HR) estimation) procedures.
Melioidosis in Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Pande Ketan , Abd Kadir Khairul Azmi , Asli Rosmonaliza , Chong Vui Heng
Published: February 2018

Melioidosis continues to be a major health care problem in Brunei Darussalam. The age of patients, gender distribution, risk factors, and clinical presentations are similar to those reported from other countries in the region. The incidence of melioidosis was high during the wet months and in the Temburong district, which has the highest annual rainfall. In spite of adequate facilities for diagnosis and treatment, the mortality remains high (27%). Women and those presenting with septic shock had higher mortality. There is a case for making melioidosis a notifiable disease in Brunei Darussalam. Coordinated efforts between policy-makers and various stakeholders are required to effectively combat the disease.
Mechanistic insights into plasmonic photocatalysts in utilizing visible light
Authors: Leong Kah Hon , Aziz Azrina Abd , Sim Lan Ching , Saravanan Pichiah , Jang Min , Bahnemann Detlef
Published: February 2018

The utilisation of sunlight as an abundant and renewable resource has motivated the development of sustainable photocatalysts that can collectively harvest visible light. However, the bottleneck in utilising the low energy photons has led to the discovery of plasmonic photocatalysts. The presence of noble metal on the plasmonic photocatalyst enables the harvesting of visible light through the unique characteristic features of the noble metal nanomaterials. Moreover, the formation of interfaces between noble metal particles and semiconductor materials further results in the formation of a Schottky junction. Thereby, the plasmonic characteristics have opened up a new direction in promoting an alternative path that can be of value to the society through sustainable development derived through energy available for all for diverse applications. We have comprehensively prepared this review to specifically focus on fundamental insights into plasmonic photocatalysts, various synthesis routes, together with their strengths and weaknesses, and the interaction of the plasmonic photocatalyst with pollutants as well as the role of active radical generation and identification. The review ends with a pinnacle insight into future perspectives regarding realistic applications of plasmonic photocatalysts.
Approximation of the Set of Trajectories of the
Nonlinear Control System with Limited Control
Resources
Authors: Huseyin Nesir , Huseyin Anar , Guseinov Khalik
Published: February 2018

In this paper the control system described by a Urysohn type integral
equation is studied. It is assumed that the control functions have integral constraint.
Approximation of the set of trajectories generated by all admissible control functions
is considered. Step by step way, the set of admissible control functions is replaced
by a set consisting of a finite number of control functions which generates a finite
number of trajectories. An evaluation of the Hausdorff distance between the set of
trajectories of the system and the set, consisting of a finite number of trajectories is
obtained.
Castellanización y afrancesamiento de los nombres de los municipios catalanes
Authors: Burgueño Jesús
Published: February 2018

Se analiza la evolución de los nombres de los municipios catalanes en el marco del proceso de centralización política contemporánea. Se compara la grafía catalana anterior a la Nueva Planta (1715) con la forma escrita oficial a mediados del s. XIX, para comprobar el grado de castellanización experimentado. La misma metodología se aplica en la Cataluña francesa. En total se analizan 1.304 topónimos. Se llega a la conclusión que en la Cataluña española hubo una mayoritaria continuidad de la grafía (76 %), frente a un escaso 33 % en la parte anexionada a Francia. Se distinguen 4 grados de alteración de los topónimos; la distorsión máxima alcanza sólo un 3,3 % de los casos del lado español frente al 51,2 % del francés. La abundante cartografía francesa referida a Cataluña muestra la misma proliferación de topónimos deformados.
Contingent Strategies for Mitigating Supply Disruptions With Backup Supplier and Information Acquirement
Authors: Xin-jun Li , Lin-qi Zhang , Xing-hua Liu
Published: February 2018

This article describes pervasive supply disruptions and their impacts on supply chain performance. The retailer sources from two suppliers, one supplier is subject to disruptions and the other supplier is perfectly reliable, but more expensive. According to availability of the disruption information, the authors present four information acquirement models. The research conclusions are as follows: The effect of backup supplier is reduced with the increases of reliability coefficient; The value of information is more sensitive to reliability coefficient but less sensitive to potential market capacity; The earlier the information is available, the higher the profit of vendor is; The value of information is lower when reliability coefficient is close to 0 or 1, while information value is significant when reliability coefficient is 0.5; predetermined amount of backup supplier has nothing to do with the cost of strategic supplier, and predetermined amount of strategic supplier is also no connection with backup supplier's predetermined cost and execution cost.