bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Inflammatory Index and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Adults: The Diabetes Mellitus Survey of Mexico City
Authors: Denova-Gutiérrez Edgar , Muñoz-Aguirre Paloma , Shivappa Nitin , Hébert James , Tolentino-Mayo Lizbeth , Batis Carolina , Barquera Simón
Published: March 2018

Diet and inflammation are both associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In the present study, we aimed to assess the relation between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and the presence of T2DM in Mexican adults participating in the Diabetes Mellitus Survey administered in Mexico City (DMS-MC). The study involved 1174 subjects (48.5% men) between 20–69 years of age. A validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was employed to evaluate dietary intake and to compute DII. The DII is based on scientific evidence about the association between dietary compounds and six established inflammatory biomarkers. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of DII in relation to T2DM. Our results suggest that subjects in the highest quintile of the DII had higher odds of T2DM (OR = 3.02; 95% CI: 1.39, 6.58; p = 0.005) compared to subjects in the lowest quintile of DII scores. Assessing possible effect modification, an association with T2DM was evident when comparing DII quintile 5 to quintile 1 for participants aged ≥ 55 years (OR = 9.77; 95% CI: 3.78, 25.50; p = 0.001). These results suggest that a pro-inflammatory diet is associated with significantly higher odds of T2DM among adult Mexicans.
Dietary Niacin and Open-Angle Glaucoma: The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Jung Kyoung , Kim Yong , Park Chan
Published: March 2018

Glaucoma is a leading cause of loss of sight. High intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most critical risk factor. However, glaucoma develops even within a normal IOP range. Normal tension glaucoma (NTG) is more common in Asia, whereas high tension glaucoma is more common in Western countries. The pathogenesis of glaucoma, especially NTG, is poorly understood. We evaluated the correlation between dietary nutrient intake and glaucoma using data from subjects ≥40 years old from the ongoing, nationwide, population-based study, the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V (2008–2012). Dietary intake was determined using the 24 h recall method. Fiber (g/day), ash (g/day), calcium (mg/day), phosphorus (mg/day), iron (mg/day), sodium (mg/day), potassium (mg/day), β-Carotene (μg/day), retinol (μg/day), vitamin A (μg Retinol Equivalents/day), thiamine (mg/day), riboflavin (mg/day), niacin (mg/day), and vitamin C (mg/day) were included in nutrient intake data. All nutrient intake was divided into quartiles. The mean IOP did not differ according to quartiles from any nutrients (all p > 0.05). After adjusting for age, gender, income status, education level, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, diabetes, hypertension, IOP, and total energy, the intake of niacin was associated with glaucoma (p = 0.013). Among subjects with IOP ≤ 21 mmHg, only niacin was related to glaucoma in a multivariate analysis (p = 0.022). Dietary nutrient intake was associated with open-angle glaucoma independent of IOP. Individuals with NTG showed lower intake of niacin among nutrients. This finding suggests the possibility that proper diet counseling may be another modifiable factor, aside from IOP, particularly among patients with NTG.
Social Gradients and Physical Activity Trends in an Obesogenic Dietary Pattern: Cross-Sectional Analysis of the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2008–2014
Authors: Johnson Laura , Toumpakari Zoi , Papadaki Angeliki
Published: March 2018

An energy-dense, high-fat, low-fibre dietary pattern has been prospectively associated with the development of obesity in childhood but is population-specific, which limits translating the pattern into interventions. We explored the generalisability and correlates of this obesogenic dietary pattern in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) for the first time. Data came from participants (n = 4636 children and n = 4738 adults) with 4-day food diaries in NDNS 2008–2014. Reduced rank regression was applied to 51 food groups to explain variation in energy density, fibre and fat intake. Consistency of the pattern in population subgroups (according to sex, age, occupation and income) was compared with the whole sample pattern using coefficients of congruence (COC). Pattern correlates (sociodemographic, survey year, physical activity and eating related behaviours) were explored using multiple linear regression. Food group loadings were similar to the previously identified obesogenic dietary pattern and were generalisable across all sub-groups (COC: 0.93–0.99). An obesogenic diet was associated with eating takeaways, being omnivorous, a manual household occupation and lower household income in both adults and children (p < 0.0001). Dieting for weight loss, being older, more physically active and less sedentary was associated with a less obesogenic diet among adults (p < 0.0001). Future experimental studies should investigate if changes in this obesogenic pattern could be used to monitor the effectiveness of obesity prevention policies or develop personalised interventions.
The Influence of Place of Residence, Gender and Age Influence on Food Group Choices in the Spanish Population: Findings from the ANIBES Study
Authors: Samaniego-Vaesken María , Partearroyo Teresa , Ruiz Emma , Aranceta-Bartrina Javier , Gil Ángel , González-Gross Marcela , Ortega Rosa , Serra-Majem Lluis , Varela-Moreiras Gregorio
Published: March 2018

Socioeconomic factors (SEF) can exert a great impact on food choices. However, limited data are available from the Spanish population. Our aim was to describe the influence of place of residence and habitat size on food group intakes. Data were obtained from the ANIBES study. A 3-day dietary record provided information on food and beverage consumption. Data analysis compared gender, age, Nielsen geographic areas, and habitat population size (urban, semi-urban, and rural). Place of residence did not appear to be a determinant for specific food group consumption during childhood and adolescence, as only higher intakes of non-alcoholic beverages were observed among children aged 9 to 12 years living in the East, when compared to those from the Northwest of Spain (p < 0.05). Food choices within adults (18 to 64 years) and seniors (65 to 75 years) were conditioned: sugar and sweets intake was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for adult men living in the Northwest than those from the South, and senior males from North Central areas had significantly higher consumption of eggs (p < 0.05) compared to the Northeast. Basic food group consumption was only affected during childhood and aging. Adults who inhabited rural areas consumed greater quantities of fats and oils than those from higher population densities (p < 0.01). Our results indicate that place of residence and habitat size have a limited influence on food choices, regardless of age and gender in the ANIBES study population. It is fundamental to acknowledge that other SEF variables are important and further studies are needed to monitor and assess these influences are warranted.
Chitosan Glutamate-Coated Niosomes: A Proposal for Nose-to-Brain Delivery
Authors: Rinaldi Federica , Hanieh Patrizia , Chan Lik , Angeloni Livia , Passeri Daniele , Rossi Marco , Wang Julie , Imbriano Anna , Carafa Maria , Marianecci Carlotta
Published: March 2018

The aim of this in vitro study is to prepare and characterize drug free and pentamidine loaded chitosan glutamate coated niosomes for intranasal drug delivery to reach the brain through intranasal delivery. Mucoadhesive properties and stability testing in various environments were evaluated to examine the potential of these formulations to be effective drug delivery vehicles for intranasal delivery to the brain. Samples were prepared using thin film hydration method. Changes in size and ζ-potential of coated and uncoated niosomes with and without loading of pentamidine in various conditions were assessed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), while size and morphology were also studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Bilayer properties and mucoadhesive behavior were investigated by fluorescence studies and DLS analyses, respectively. Changes in vesicle size and ζ-potential values were shown after addition of chitosan glutamate to niosomes, and when in contact with mucin solution. In particular, interactions with mucin were observed in both drug free and pentamidine loaded niosomes regardless of the presence of the coating. The characteristics of the proposed systems, such as pentamidine entrapment and mucin interaction, show promising results to deliver pentamidine or other possible drugs to the brain via nasal administration.
Compression Properties of Interlayer and Intralayer Carbon/Glass Hybrid Composites
Authors: Wang Qingtao , Wu Weili , Li Wei
Published: March 2018

The compression properties and mechanisms of interlayer and intralayer Carbon/Glass (C/G) hybrid composites were investigated in this work. As revealed from the experimental results, the compression modulus increases linearly with the increase of carbon fiber content, following the rule of mixtures (ROM). The C/G hybrid ratio is regarded as the decisive factor for the compression modulus of hybrid composites. The positive mixing effect exists on compression strength for interlayer and intralayer hybrid composites, whereas the experimental values are above the theoretical calculation values. The compressive strength of interlayer hybrid composites taking on various hybrid structures differs largely at the same mixed ratio, at which the compressive strength of glass fiber sandwiching carbon fiber is higher than that of carbon fiber sandwiching glass fiber. Through comparing interlayer and intralayer hybrid composites, the impact exerted by layer structures on the compressive strength of interlayer hybrid composites is higher than that of intralayer hybrid composites, which leads to more designable characteristics for interlayer hybrid composites. This work makes it possible to optimize the compression strength of interlayer hybrid structures so that it achieves or basically exceeds pure carbon fiber composites.
Photonic Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Film for the Detection of Testosterone in Aqueous Samples
Authors: Kadhem Abbas , Xiang Shuting , Nagel Susan , Lin Chung-Ho , Fidalgo de Cortalezzi Maria
Published: March 2018

The detection of testosterone in aqueous solutions is a difficult task due to the low concentration levels that are relevant in environmental and physiological samples. Current analytical methods are expensive and/or complex. To address this issue, we fabricated a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) photonic film for the detection of testosterone in water. The films were obtained using colloidal crystals as templates for the pore morphology. Monodispersed silica particles with an average diameter 330 nm were used to obtain the colloidal crystal by vertical deposition. A solution of acrylic acid with testosterone as the imprinted template was infiltrated in the colloidal crystal and polymerized via bulk polymerization; the particles were then removed by acid etching and the testosterone eluted by a suitable solvent. The material was characterized by FTIR, swelling experiments and microscopy; MIPs were investigated by equilibrium rebinding, kinetics and reuse experiments. The results showed that the MIPs exhibited selectivity to the template, a 30-min equilibration time and stability after at least six cycles of use and regeneration. After incubation, the reflectance spectra of the films showed a shift of the Bragg diffraction peak that correlated with testosterone concentration in the 5–100 ppb range.
Novel Processing Technique to Produce Three Dimensional Polyvinyl Alcohol/Maghemite Nanofiber Scaffold Suitable for Hard Tissues
Authors: Ngadiman Nor , Yusof Noordin , Idris Ani , Fallahiarezoudar Ehsan , Kurniawan Denni
Published: March 2018

Fabrication of three dimensional (3D) tissue engineering scaffolds, particularly for hard tissues remains a challenge. Electrospinning has been used to fabricate scaffolds made from polymeric materials which are suitable for hard tissues. The electrospun scaffolds also have structural arrangement that mimics the natural extracellular matrix. However, electrospinning has a limitation in terms of scaffold layer thickness that it can fabricate. Combining electrospinning with other processes is the way forward, and in this proposed technique, the basic shape of the scaffold is obtained by a fused deposition modelling (FDM) three dimensional (3D) printing machine using the partially hydrolysed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the filament material. The 3D printed PVA becomes a template to be placed inside a mould which is then filled with the fully hydrolysed PVA/maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) solution. After the content in the mould solidified, the mould is opened and the content is freeze dried and immersed in water to dissolve the template. The 3D structure made of PVA/maghemite is then layered by electrospun PVA/maghemite fibers, resulting in 3D tissue engineering scaffold made from PVA/maghemite. The morphology and mechanical properties (strength and stiffness) were analysed and in vitro tests by degradation test and cell penetration were also performed. It was revealed that internally, the 3D scaffold has milli- and microporous structures whilst externally; it has a nanoporous structure as a result of the electrospun layer. The 3D scaffold has a compressive strength of 78.7 ± 0.6 MPa and a Young’s modulus of 1.43 ± 0.82 GPa, which are within the expected range for hard tissue engineering scaffolds. Initial biocompatibility tests on cell penetration revealed that the scaffold can support growth of human fibroblast cells. Overall, the proposed processing technique which combines 3D printing process, thermal inversion phase separation (TIPS) method and electrospinning process has the potential for producing hard tissue engineering 3D scaffolds.
Surface Modification of Wood Flour via ARGET ATRP and Its Application as Filler in Thermoplastics
Authors: Kaßel Martin , Gerke Julia , Ley Adrian , Vana Philipp
Published: March 2018

Wood flour is particularly suitable as a filler in thermoplastics because it is environmentally friendly, readily available, and offers a high strength-to-density ratio. To overcome the insufficient interfacial adhesion between hydrophilic wood and a hydrophobic matrix, a thermoplastic polymer was grafted from wood flour via surface-initiated activators regenerated by electron transfer-atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ARGET ATRP). Wood particles were modified with an ATRP initiator and subsequently grafted with methyl acrylate for different polymerization times in the absence of a sacrificial initiator. The successful grafting of poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) was demonstrated using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and water contact angle (WCA) measurements. To confirm the control over the polymerization, a cleavable ATRP initiator was immobilized on the particles, allowing the detachment of the grafted polymer under mild conditions. The grafted particles were incorporated into a PMA matrix using solvent casting and their influence on the mechanical properties (Young’s modulus, yield strength, and toughness) of the composite was investigated. Tensile testing showed that the mechanical properties improved with increasing polymerization time and increasing ratio of incorporated grafted particles.
Quality Assessment of Sea Surface Temperature from ATSRs of the Climate Change Initiative (Phase 1)
Authors: Tsamalis Christoforos , Saunders Roger
Published: March 2018

Sea Surface Temperature (SST) observations from space have been made by the Along Track Scanning Radiometers (ATSRs) providing 20 years (August 1991–April 2012) of high quality data. As part of the ESA Climate Change Initiative (CCI) project, SSTs have been retrieved from the ATSRs. Here, the quality of CCI SST (Phase 1) from ATSRs is validated against drifting buoys. Only CCI ATSR SSTs (Version 1.1) are considered, to facilitate the comparison with the precursor dataset ATSR Reprocessing for Climate (ARC). The CCI retrievals compared with drifting buoys have a median difference slightly larger than 0.1 K. The median SST difference is larger in the tropics (∼0.3 K) during the day, with the night time showing a spatially homogeneous pattern. ATSR-2 and AATSR show similar performance in terms of Robust Standard Deviation (RSD) being 0.2–0.3 K during night and about 0.1 K higher during day. On the other hand, ATSR-1 shows increasing RSD with time from 0.3 K to over 0.6 K. Triple collocation analysis has been applied for the first time on TMI/ATSR-2 observations and for daytime conditions when the wind speed is greater than 10 m/s. Both day and night results indicate that since 2004, the random uncertainty of drifting buoys and CCI AATSR is rather stable at about 0.22 K. Before 2004, drifting buoys have larger values (∼0.3 K), while ATSR-2 shows slightly lower values (∼0.2 K). The random uncertainty for AMSR-E is about 0.47 K, also rather stable with time, while as expected, the TMI has higher values of ∼0.55 K. It is shown for the first time that the AMSR-E random uncertainty changes with latitude, being ∼0.3 K in the tropics and about double this value at mid-latitudes. The SST uncertainties provided with the CCI data are slightly overestimated above 0.45 K and underestimated below 0.3 K during the day. The uncertainty model does not capture correctly the periods with instrument problems after the ATSR-1 3.7 μ m channel failed and the gyro failure of ERS-2. During the night, the uncertainties are slightly underestimated. The CCI SSTs (Phase 1) do not yet match the quality of the ARC dataset when comparing to drifting buoys. The value of the ARC median bias is closer to zero than for CCI, while the RSD is about 0.05 K lower for ARC. ARC also shows a more homogeneous geographical distribution of median bias and RSD, although the differences between the two datasets are small. The observed discrepancies between CCI and ARC during the period of ATSR-1 are unexplained given that both datasets use the same retrieval method.
An Internet of Things System for Underground Mine Air Quality Pollutant Prediction Based on Azure Machine Learning
Authors: Jo ByungWan , Khan Rana
Published: March 2018

The implementation of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for monitoring the complex, dynamic, and harsh environment of underground coal mines (UCMs) is sought around the world to enhance safety. However, previously developed smart systems are limited to monitoring or, in a few cases, can report events. Therefore, this study introduces a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective internet of things (IoT) system for air quality monitoring with newly added features of assessment and pollutant prediction. This system is comprised of sensor modules, communication protocols, and a base station, running Azure Machine Learning (AML) Studio over it. Arduino-based sensor modules with eight different parameters were installed at separate locations of an operational UCM. Based on the sensed data, the proposed system assesses mine air quality in terms of the mine environment index (MEI). Principal component analysis (PCA) identified CH4, CO, SO2, and H2S as the most influencing gases significantly affecting mine air quality. The results of PCA were fed into the ANN model in AML studio, which enabled the prediction of MEI. An optimum number of neurons were determined for both actual input and PCA-based input parameters. The results showed a better performance of the PCA-based ANN for MEI prediction, with R2 and RMSE values of 0.6654 and 0.2104, respectively. Therefore, the proposed Arduino and AML-based system enhances mine environmental safety by quickly assessing and predicting mine air quality.
Optical Graphene Gas Sensors Based on Microfibers: A Review
Authors: Wu Yu , Yao Baicheng , Yu Caibin , Rao Yunjiang
Published: March 2018

Graphene has become a bridge across optoelectronics, mechanics, and bio-chemical sensing due to its unique photoelectric characteristics. Moreover, benefiting from its two-dimensional nature, this atomically thick film with full flexibility has been widely incorporated with optical waveguides such as fibers, realizing novel photonic devices including polarizers, lasers, and sensors. Among the graphene-based optical devices, sensor is one of the most important branch, especially for gas sensing, as rapid progress has been made in both sensing structures and devices in recent years. This article presents a comprehensive and systematic overview of graphene-based microfiber gas sensors regarding many aspects including sensing principles, properties, fabrication, interrogating and implementations.
Aerial Mapping of Forests Affected by Pathogens Using UAVs, Hyperspectral Sensors, and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Sandino Juan , Pegg Geoff , Gonzalez Felipe , Smith Grant
Published: March 2018

The environmental and economic impacts of exotic fungal species on natural and plantation forests have been historically catastrophic. Recorded surveillance and control actions are challenging because they are costly, time-consuming, and hazardous in remote areas. Prolonged periods of testing and observation of site-based tests have limitations in verifying the rapid proliferation of exotic pathogens and deterioration rates in hosts. Recent remote sensing approaches have offered fast, broad-scale, and affordable surveys as well as additional indicators that can complement on-ground tests. This paper proposes a framework that consolidates site-based insights and remote sensing capabilities to detect and segment deteriorations by fungal pathogens in natural and plantation forests. This approach is illustrated with an experimentation case of myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) on paperbark tea trees (Melaleuca quinquenervia) in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The method integrates unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), hyperspectral image sensors, and data processing algorithms using machine learning. Imagery is acquired using a Headwall Nano-Hyperspec ® camera, orthorectified in Headwall SpectralView ® , and processed in Python programming language using eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Geospatial Data Abstraction Library (GDAL), and Scikit-learn third-party libraries. In total, 11,385 samples were extracted and labelled into five classes: two classes for deterioration status and three classes for background objects. Insights reveal individual detection rates of 95% for healthy trees, 97% for deteriorated trees, and a global multiclass detection rate of 97%. The methodology is versatile to be applied to additional datasets taken with different image sensors, and the processing of large datasets with freeware tools.
A Review of the European Union Landing Obligation Focusing on Its Implications for Fisheries and the Environment
Authors: Guillen Jordi , Holmes Steven , Carvalho Natacha , Casey John , Dörner Hendrik , Gibin Maurizio , Mannini Alessandro , Vasilakopoulos Paraskevas , Zanzi Antonella
Published: March 2018

Discarding is a common practice in fisheries. Total discards are estimated to be about 30 million tons, representing around 23% of worldwide catches. Discarding is an undesirable practice, not only because of the waste of resources, but also because of its contribution to the overexploitation of fish stocks. Several countries have already established discard bans, to different extents (e.g., Norway, Iceland, Chile, New Zealand). The EU’s landing obligation (discard ban) is a major measure of the latest reform of the Common Fisheries Policy for EU fisheries. It aims to reduce unwanted catches in EU fisheries, by incentivizing improved selectivity and restoring fish stocks to levels that can sustain the maximum production over time without harming the biodiversity and the capacity of future generations to obtain fish. However, banning discards will inevitably induce diverse short- and long-term ecological, economic, and social impacts, which may determine whether the landing obligation’s objectives will be achieved.
Plant-Extract-Assisted Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Origanum vulgare L. Extract and Their Microbicidal Activities
Authors: Shaik Mohammed , Khan Mujeeb , Kuniyil Mufsir , Al-Warthan Abdulrahman , Alkhathlan Hamad , Siddiqui Mohammed , Shaik Jilani , Ahamed Anis , Mahmood Adeem , Khan Merajuddin , Adil Syed
Published: March 2018

Plant-mediated green synthesis of nanomaterials has been increasingly gaining popularity due to its eco-friendly nature and cost-effectiveness. In the present study, we synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by using an aqueous solution of Saudi Origanum vulgare L. plant extract as a bioreducing agent. The as-synthesized AgNPs were characterized using various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. The results indicated the formation of crystalline face-centered cubic (fcc) AgNPs. Additionally, FT-IR study confirmed that the O. vulgare L. extract not only functioned as a bioreductant but also stabilized the surface of the AgNPs by acting as a capping agent. Moreover, the effect of the amount of the plant extract on the size and the antimicrobial activity of the NPs was also assessed. It was found that with increasing amounts of plant extract, the size of the NPs was decreased. Moreover, as-synthesized AgNPs as well as O. vulgare L. plant extract were separately tested to examine their antimicrobial activities. The activities were tested against various bacterial and fungal microorganisms including Shigella sonnei, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria alternate, Paecilomyces variotii, Phialophora alba, and so on. These results evidently show that the inclusion of O. vulgare L. extracts improves the solubility of AgNPs, which led to a significant enhancement in the toxicity of the NPs against the assessed microorganisms.
Parameter Uncertainty Analysis of the Life Cycle Inventory Database: Application to Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Brown Rice Production in IDEA
Authors: Baek Chun-Youl , Tahara Kiyotaka , Park Kyu-Hyun
Published: March 2018

The objective of this paper is to develop a simple method for analyzing the parameter uncertainty of the Japanese life cycle inventory database (LCI DB), termed the inventory database for environmental analysis (IDEA). The IDEA has a weakness of poor data quality because over 60% of datasets in IDEA were compiled based on secondary data (non-site-specific data sources). Three different approaches were used to estimate the uncertainty of the brown rice production dataset, including the stochastic modeling approach, the semi-quantitative DQI (Data Quality Indicator) approach, and a modification of the semi-quantitative DQI approach (including two alternative approaches for modification). The stochastic modeling approach provided the best estimate of the true mean of the sample space and its results were used as the reference for comparison with the other approaches. A simple method for the parameter uncertainty analysis of the agriculture industry DB was proposed by modifying the beta distribution parameters (endpoint range, shape parameter) in the semi-quantitative DQI approach using the results from the stochastic modeling approach. The effect of changing the beta distribution parameters in the semi-quantitative DQI approach indicated that the proposed method is an efficient method for the quantitative parameter uncertainty analysis of the brown rice production dataset in the IDEA.
Cyanobacteria Scytonema javanicum and Scytonema ocellatum Lipopolysaccharides Elicit Release of Superoxide Anion, Matrix-Metalloproteinase-9, Cytokines and Chemokines by Rat Microglia In Vitro
Authors: Klemm Lucas , Czerwonka Evan , Hall Mary , Williams Philip , Mayer Alejandro
Published: March 2018

Cosmopolitan Gram-negative cyanobacteria may affect human and animal health by contaminating terrestrial, marine and freshwater environments with toxins, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The cyanobacterial genus Scytonema (S) produces several toxins, but to our knowledge the bioactivity of genus Scytonema LPS has not been investigated. We recently reported that cyanobacterium Oscillatoria sp. LPS elicited classical and alternative activation of rat microglia in vitro. Thus, we hypothesized that treatment of brain microglia in vitro with either cyanobacteria S. javanicum or S. ocellatum LPS might stimulate classical and alternative activation with concomitant release of superoxide anion (O2−), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), cytokines and chemokines. Microglia were isolated from neonatal rats and treated in vitro with either S. javanicum LPS, S. ocellatum LPS, or E. coli LPS (positive control), in a concentration-dependent manner, for 18 h at 35.9 °C. We observed that treatment of microglia with either E. coli LPS, S. javanicum or S. ocellatum LPS generated statistically significant and concentration-dependent O2−, MMP-9 and pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, pro-inflammatory chemokines MIP-2/CXCL-2, CINC-1/CXCL-1 and MIP-1α/CCL3, and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Thus, our results provide experimental support for our working hypothesis because both S. javanicum and S. ocellatum LPS elicited classical and alternative activation of microglia and concomitant release of O2−, MMP-9, cytokines and chemokines in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro. To our knowledge this is the first report on the toxicity of cyanobacteria S. javanicum and S. ocellatum LPS to microglia, an immune cell type involved in neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity in the central nervous system.
Epibenthic Communities on Artificial Reefs in Greece, Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Achilleos Katerina , Patsalidou Maria , Jimenez Carlos , Kamidis Nikolaos , Georgiou Andreas , Petrou Antonis , Kallianiotis Argyris
Published: March 2018

The marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean are in alarming condition due to the complex and cumulative impacts of anthropogenic activities and natural disturbances. Management, conservation, and restoration of resources in these impacted ecosystems are among the priorities set by Mediterranean countries. Artificial reefs (ARs) are one of the countermeasures widely promoted. The present study describes the hard substrate epibenthic communities found on three ARs (Ierisssos, Kalymnos, and Preveza) located in the Aegean and Ionian Seas (Greece). Samples were collected from the ARs seasonally (four times/year), during 2013 and 2014. Overall, 117 species were identified and a multivariate analysis showed that each area holds a distinct diversity. Serpulid polychaetes dominate Ierissos and Preveza communities, while gastropods were identified as the prevailing taxa in Kalymnos. No seasonal effects were detected, suggesting “stability” and good adaptation of the communities to the local environmental conditions. Salinity was found to affect the community structure. The results of this study illustrate the need for comparative research on ecological processes under contrasting environmental abiotic and biotic local conditions affecting epibenthic communities.
Assessing Aquifer Salinization with Multiple Techniques along the Southern Caspian Sea Shore (Iran)
Authors: Golshan Mohammad , Colombani Nicolò , Mastrocicco Micòl
Published: March 2018

This study focuses on the salinization of the coastal aquifer in the Mazandaran Province (Iran) within four different sites. Many factors can lead to declining groundwater quality, but this study focuses on the seawater intrusion area. Therefore, locating the interface between saltwater and freshwater is very important. For this purpose, three characterization methods with different accuracies have been employed: the Verruijt equation, vertical resistivity sounding, and an electromagnetic survey. Vertical resistivity sounding and the electromagnetic survey were performed near existing exploration boreholes and were used to determine the saltwater interface. The results showed that the Verruijt equation provides a reliable localization in two of the sites, but in the other two sites, the determined interface is lower than the observed data. The geoelectrical method showed acceptable results, but often this method cannot distinguish between the saltwater and saline aquitard boundary. The electromagnetic method showed a high accuracy in all the study sites and proved to be the most reliable method compared with the other techniques employed in this study. The results from this study are useful in helping to identify the most suitable technique for locating the freshwater/saltwater interface, especially in those sites where a detailed characterization via multilevel sampling is not feasible for technical or economic reasons.
Evaluating Water Use for Agricultural Intensification in Southern Amazonia Using the Water Footprint Sustainability Assessment
Authors: Lathuillière Michael , Coe Michael , Castanho Andrea , Graesser Jordan , Johnson Mark
Published: March 2018

We performed a Water Footprint Sustainability Assessment (WFSA) in the Xingu Basin of Mato Grosso (XBMT), Brazil, with the objectives of (1) tracking blue (as surface water) and green water (as soil moisture regenerated by precipitation) consumption in recent years (2000, 2014); and (2) evaluating agricultural intensification options for future years (2030, 2050) considering the effects of deforestation and climate change on water availability in the basin. The agricultural sector was the largest consumer of water in the basin despite there being almost no irrigation of cropland or pastures. In addition to water use by crops and pasture grass, water consumption attributed to cattle production included evaporation from roughly 9463 ha of small farm reservoirs used to provide drinking water for cattle in 2014. The WFSA showed that while blue and green water consumptive uses were within sustainable limits in 2014, deforestation, cattle confinement, and the use of irrigation to increase cropping frequency could drive water use to unsustainable levels in the future. While land management policies and practices should strive for protection of the remaining natural vegetation, increased agricultural production will require reservoir and irrigation water management to reduce the potential threat of blue water scarcity in the dry season. In addition to providing general guidance for future water allocation decisions in the basin, our study offers an interpretation of blue and green water scarcities with changes in land use and climate in a rapidly evolving agricultural frontier.
Physical Model-Based Investigation of Reservoir Sedimentation Processes
Authors: Huang Cheng-Chia , Lai Jihn-Sung , Lee Fong-Zuo , Tan Yih-Chi
Published: March 2018

Sedimentation is a serious problem in the operations of reservoirs. In Taiwan, the situation became worse after the Chi-Chi Earthquake recorded on 21 September 1999. The sediment trap efficiency in several regional reservoirs has been sharply increased, adversely affecting the operations on water supplies. According to the field record, the average annual sediment deposition observed in several regional reservoirs in Taiwan has been increased. For instance, the typhoon event recorded in 2008 at the Wushe Reservoir, Taiwan, produced a 3 m sediment deposit upstream of the dam. The remaining storage capacity in the Wushe Reservoir was reduced to 35.9% or a volume of 53.79 million m3 for flood water detention in 2010. It is urgent that research should be conducted to understand the sediment movement in the Wushe Reservoir. In this study, a scale physical model was built to reproduce the flood flow through the reservoir, investigate the long-term depositional pattern, and evaluate sediment trap efficiency. This allows us to estimate the residual life of the reservoir by proposing a modification of Brune’s method. It can be presented to predict the lifespan of Taiwan reservoirs due to higher applicability in both the physical model and the observed data.
Influence of Meander Confinement on Hydro-Morphodynamics of a Cohesive Meandering Channel
Authors: Parsapour-Moghaddam Parna , Rennie Colin
Published: March 2018

Despite several decades of intensive study of the morphological changes in meandering rivers, less attention has been paid to confined meanders. This paper studies the hydro-morphodynamics of two adjacent sub-reaches of a meandering creek, located in the City of Ottawa, Canada. Both of these sub-reaches are meandering channels with cohesive bed and banks, but one is confined by a railway embankment. Field reconnaissance revealed distinct differences in the morphological characteristics of the sub-reaches. To further study this, channel migration and morphological changes of the channel banks along each of these sub-reaches were analyzed by comparing the historical aerial photography (2004, 2014), light detection and ranging (LIDAR) data (2006), bathymetric data obtained from a total station survey (2014), and field examination. Moreover, two different spatially intensive acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) surveys were conducted in the study area to find the linkage between the hydrodynamics and morphological changes in the two different sub-reaches. The unconfined sub-reach is shown to have a typical channel migration pattern with deposition on the inner bank and erosion on the outer bank of the meander bend. The confined sub-reach, on the other hand, experienced greater bank instabilities than the unconfined sub-reach. The average rate of bank retreat was 0.2 m/year in the confined sub-reach whereas it was lower (0.08 m/year) in the unconfined sampling reach. In the confined sub-reach, an irregular meandering pattern occurred by the evolution of a concave-bank bench, which was caused by reverse flow eddies. The sinuosity of the confined sub-reach decreased from 1.55 to 1.49 in the 10-year study period. The results of the present study demonstrate the physical mechanisms by which meander confinement can change the meandering pattern and morphological characteristics of a cohesive clay bed creek.
Crop Upgrading Strategies and Modelling for Rainfed Cereals in a Semi-Arid Climate—A Review
Authors: Silungwe Festo , Graef Frieder , Bellingrath-Kimura Sonoko , Tumbo Siza , Kahimba Frederick , Lana Marcos
Published: March 2018

Spatiotemporal rainfall variability and low soil fertility are the primary crop production challenges facing poor farmers in semi-arid environments. However, there are few solutions for addressing these challenges. The literature provides several crop upgrading strategies (UPS) for improving crop yields, and biophysical models are used to simulate these strategies. However, the suitability of UPS is limited by systemization of their areas of application and the need to cope with the challenges faced by poor farmers. In this study, we reviewed 187 papers from peer-reviewed journals, conferences and reports that discuss UPS suitable for cereals and biophysical models used to assist in the selection of UPS in semi-arid areas. We found that four UPS were the most suitable, namely tied ridges, microdose fertilization, varying sowing dates, and field scattering. The DSSAT, APSIM and AquaCrop models adequately simulate these UPS. This work provides a systemization of crop UPS and models in semi-arid areas that can be applied by scientists and planners.
Copula-Based Stochastic Simulation for Regional Drought Risk Assessment in South Korea
Authors: Azam Muhammad , Maeng Seung , Kim Hyung , Murtazaev Ardasher
Published: March 2018

In South Korea, meteorological droughts are becoming frequently-occurring phenomena in different parts of the country, because precipitation varies significantly in both space and time. In this study, the quantiles of four identified homogeneous regions were estimated by incorporating major drought variables (e.g., duration and severity) based on the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). The regional frequency analysis of drought was performed by evaluating a variety of probability distributions and copulas, using graphical comparisons and goodness-of-fit test statistics. Results indicate that the Pearson type III (PE3) and Kappa marginal distributions, as well as Gaussian and Frank copulas, are better able to simulate the drought variables across the region. Bivariate stochastic simulation of selected copulas showed that the behavior of simulated data may change when the degree of association (e.g., Kendall’s τ) between the drought variables was considered. Results showed that the south-west coast and east coastal areas are under high drought risk, and inland mid-latitude areas (surrounding areas of Yeongju station) and northwest parts are under low drought risk. The joint distributions were used to compute conditional probabilities, as well as primary, secondary, and conditional return periods, which can be useful for designing and managing water demand and the supply system on a regional scale.
Heat Pain Threshold Measurement Using Akabane's method and Problems Associated with it and Potential Improvements in Clinical Practice
Authors: Emelyanov Artem N. , Akhtyrsky Vladimir I. , Gamaunov Konstantin P. , Kiryanova Vera V.
Published: March 2018

The basis of Akabane's method is the evaluation of latent periods (LPs) of heat pain in the fingertips skin where there are acupuncture channels. Each of these LPs is the period elapsing between the application of a heat stimulus and the caused heat pain. The evaluation allows identifying
acupuncture channels lesions. Thereby, acupuncture treatment for many diseases may easily be prescribed. Unfortunately, the boundaries of reliability and the error of one measurement by this method have not yet been exactly determined. These circumstances do not allow the method to be improved.
The purpose of this work was to overcome the above-mentioned problems. 47 healthy subjects were examined. LPs were determined 3 times with 20-minute interval. The patterns of changes in heat sensations during LP were also studied. Results: We defined by statistical investigation the
LPs are valid in ranging from 6 to 55 seconds when the first measurement. The value of LP measurement error is increased during this period from ± 3 to ± 5.5 seconds in accordance with the formula of S-shaped curve. Re-measurement in 20 minutes at the same loci is not reliable.
We confirmed the presence of the skin stable zones which differ in thermal pain sensitivity. We found wavelike changes of thermal sensitivity during heating with a half-cycle of 60-90 seconds when painful stimuli and 120-150 seconds when closely to pain. We have determined the ratio of LPs
and the sensitivity states of the respective receptive zones are linear in the area of strong thermal sensations. This ratio may be named the generalized basic law of psychophysics since the Weber-Fechner law is its particular case. Conclusions: Akabane's method in its classic form
is not significant because many LPs obtained by it are either very short or very long. However, using the LP errors and other regularities obtained by us it can be developed into significant. This will improve the examination of patients, specify and individualize their treatments, and will
also allow the method to be used for scientific researches. In addition, the examination time will be reduced from 15-30 to 8-15 minutes.
Tourism Development in the Russian Arctic: Reproducing or Challenging Hegemomic Masculinities of the Frontier?
Authors: Heldt Cassel Susanna , Pashkevich Albina
Published: March 2018

The image of the Arctic can be understood as a part of a larger discourse of the north as an uncivilized, untamed frontier, not suitable or accessible for modern, urban people, but a place for strong adventurers, hunters, and explorers. In this study, we seek to understand how hegemonic
masculinities of the north both inform and are challenged by tourism and its representations and practices in the Russian Arctic, in particular the Nenets Autonomous District (NAD). The study is based on the analysis of data collected during several field trips to the region during the period
of 2012–2013 and 2014, including semistructured interviews with key stakeholders and observations of tourism practices, as well as content analysis of promotional images of selected tourism companies. Tourism in the NAD is typically adventure based: snowmobile safaris, fishing, hunting,
and white-water rafting. There are also different types of indigenous tourism, such as living with reindeer herders for a period of time. The tourism industry covered herein consisted of microfirms and small businesses. The entrepreneurs were all middle-aged Russian men and the tourists were
predominantly male middle class Russians from metropolitan regions, traveling as groups of friends or colleagues. The results show that despite the willingness of the tourism entrepreneurs to broaden their customer groups and offerings, the products reproduce the destination as a playground
for (male) "hook and bullet" tourists. However, there are also examples of how tourism may challenge or reconstruct the understandings of typically masculine or feminine duties or roles in some specific local contexts.
Comparative study of sculptured metallic thin films deposited by oblique angle deposition at different temperatures
Authors: Liedtke Susann , Grüner Christoph , Gerlach Jürgen W , Rauschenbach Bernd
Published: March 2018

Metals with a wide range of melting points are deposited by electron beam evaporation under oblique deposition geometry on thermally oxidized Si substrates. During deposition the sample holder is cooled down to 77 K. It is observed that all obliquely deposited metals grow as tilted, high aspect ratio columns and hence with a similar morphology. A comparison of such columns with those deposited at room temperature (300 K) reveals that shadowing dominates the growth process for columns deposited at 77 K, while the impact of surface diffusion is significantly increased at elevated substrate temperatures. Furthermore, it is discussed how the incidence angle of the incoming particle flux and the substrate temperature affect the columnar tilt angles and the porosity of the sculptured thin films. Exemplarily for tilted Al columns deposited at 77 K and at 300 K, in-plane pole figure measurements are carried out. A tendency to form a biaxial texture as well as a change in the crystalline structure depending on the substrate temperature is found for those films.
AuBr3-catalyzed azidation of per-O-acetylated and per-O-benzoylated sugars
Authors: Rajput Jayashree , Hotha Srinivas , Vangala Madhuri
Published: March 2018

Herein we report, for the first time, the successful anomeric azidation of per-O-acetylated and per-O-benzoylated sugars by catalytic amounts of oxophilic AuBr3 in good to excellent yields. The method is applicable to a wide range of easily accessible per-O-acetylated and per-O-benzoylated sugars. While reaction with per-O-acetylated and per-O-benzoylated monosaccharides was complete within 1–3 h at room temperature, the per-O-benzoylated disaccharides needed 2–3 h of heating at 55 °C.