bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chitin-Hyaluronan Nanoparticles: A Multifunctional Carrier to Deliver Anti-Aging Active Ingredients through the Skin
Authors: Morganti Pierfrancesco , Palombo Marco , Tishchenko Galina , Yudin Vladimir , Guarneri Fabrizio , Cardillo Maria , Del Ciotto Paola , Carezzi Francesco , Morganti Gianluca , Fabrizi Giuseppe
Published: July 2014

The paper describes the process to produce Chitin Nanofibril-Hyaluronan nanoparticles (CN-HA), showing their ability to easily load active ingredients, facilitate penetration through the skin layers, and increase their effectiveness and safety as an anti-aging agent. Size and characterization of CN-HA nanoparticles were determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Zetasizer, while encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of the entrapped ingredients were controlled by chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods. Safeness was evidenced on fibroblasts and keratinocytes culture viability by the MTT (Methylthiazol) assay; anti-aging activity was evaluated in vitro measuring antioxidant capacity, anti-collagenase activity, and metalloproteinase and pro-inflammatory release; efficacy was shown in vivo by a double-blind vehicle-controlled study for 60 days on 60 women affected by photo-aging. In addition, the CN-HA nanoparticles have shown interesting possibility to be used as active ingredients, for designing and making advanced medication by the electrospinning technology, as well as to produce transparent films for food packaging, by the casting method, and can be used also in their dry form as tissues or films without adding preservatives. These unusual CN-HA nanoparticles obtained from the use of raw materials of waste origin may offer an unprecedented occasion for making innovative products, ameliorating the quality of life, reducing pollution and safeguarding the environment’s integrity.
Employing Measures of Heterogeneity and an Object-Based Approach to Extrapolate Tree Species Distribution Data
Authors: Jones Trevor , Coops Nicholas , Gergel Sarah , Sharma Tara
Published: July 2014

Information derived from high spatial resolution remotely sensed data is critical for the effective management of forested ecosystems. However, high spatial resolution data-sets are typically costly to acquire and process and usually provide limited geographic coverage. In contrast, moderate spatial resolution remotely sensed data, while not able to provide the spectral or spatial detail required for certain types of products and applications, offer inexpensive, comprehensive landscape-level coverage. This study assessed using an object-based approach to extrapolate detailed tree species heterogeneity beyond the extent of hyperspectral/LiDAR flightlines to the broader area covered by a Landsat scene. Using image segments, regression trees established ecologically decipherable relationships between tree species heterogeneity and the spectral properties of Landsat segments. The spectral properties of Landsat bands 4 (i.e., NIR: 0.76–0.90 µm), 5 (i.e., SWIR: 1.55–1.75 µm) and 7 (SWIR: 2.08–2.35 µm) were consistently selected as predictor variables, explaining approximately 50% of variance in richness and diversity. Results have important ramifications for ongoing management initiatives in the study area and are applicable to wide range of applications.
The Role of Vegetation on the Ecosystem Radiative Entropy Budget and Trends Along Ecological Succession
Authors: Stoy Paul , Lin Hua , Novick Kimberly , Siqueira Mario , Juang Jehn-Yih
Published: July 2014

Ecosystem entropy production is predicted to increase along ecological succession and approach a state of maximum entropy production, but few studies have bridged the gap between theory and data. Here, we explore radiative entropy production in terrestrial ecosystems using measurements from 64 Free/Fair-Use sites in the FLUXNET database, including a successional chronosequence in the Duke Forest in the southeastern United States. Ecosystem radiative entropy production increased then decreased as succession progressed in the Duke Forest ecosystems, and did not exceed 95% of the calculated empirical maximum entropy production in the FLUXNET study sites. Forest vegetation, especially evergreen needleleaf forests characterized by low shortwave albedo and close coupling to the atmosphere, had a significantly higher ratio of radiative entropy production to the empirical maximum entropy production than did croplands and grasslands. Our results demonstrate that ecosystems approach, but do not reach, maximum entropy production and that the relationship between succession and entropy production depends on vegetation characteristics. Future studies should investigate how natural disturbances and anthropogenic management—especially the tendency to shift vegetation to an earlier successional state—alter energy flux and entropy production at the surface-atmosphere interface.
Unit Commitment Considering Interruptible Load for Power System Operation with Wind Power
Authors: Park Hyeon-Gon , Lyu Jae-Kun , Kang YongCheol , Park Jong-Keun
Published: July 2014

A high wind-power penetration level causes increased uncertainty in power system operation because of the variability and limited predictability of wind generation. This paper proposes a novel type of unit commitment (UC) considering spinning reserve and interruptible load (IL) as operating reserve facilities to increase system flexibility for reliable, economical operation. Two uncertainty sources, load and wind generation, were modeled via autoregressive moving averages (ARMA). The formulation of interruptible load was considered in the implementation of unit commitments. Lagrangian relaxation-dynamic programming (LR-DP) was used to solve the unit commitment problem efficiently. The expected energy not supplied (EENS) was regarded as a probabilistic reliability criterion. The effectiveness of the proposed unit commitment was evaluated using an IEEE 118-bus system. The simulation results clearly demonstrated that with demand-side participation, the operating cost was significantly reduced when handling the increased uncertainty due to wind power integration within the required reliability criteria.
Methods for Rapid Screening in Woody Plant Herbicide Development
Authors: Stanley William , Zedaker Shepard , Seiler John , Burch Patrick
Published: July 2014

Methods for woody plant herbicide screening were assayed with the goal of reducing resources and time required to conduct preliminary screenings for new products. Rapid screening methods tested included greenhouse seedling screening, germinal screening, and seed screening. Triclopyr and eight experimental herbicides from Dow AgroSciences (DAS 313, 402, 534, 548, 602, 729, 779, and 896) were tested on black locust, loblolly pine, red maple, sweetgum, and water oak. Screening results detected differences in herbicide and species in all experiments in much less time (days to weeks) than traditional field screenings and consumed significantly less resources (<500 mg acid equivalent per herbicide per screening). Using regression analysis, various rapid screening methods were linked into a system capable of rapidly and inexpensively assessing herbicide efficacy and spectrum of activity. Implementation of such a system could streamline early-stage herbicide development leading to field trials, potentially freeing resources for use in development of beneficial new herbicide products.
Maternally Perceived Barriers to and Facilitators of Establishing and Maintaining Tooth-Brushing Routines with Infants and Preschoolers
Authors: Elison Sarah , Norgate Sarah , Dugdill Lindsey , Pine Cynthia
Published: July 2014

Establishing effective toothbrushing routines using fluoridated toothpaste in infancy has been suggested as important to dental health throughout childhood and into adulthood. However, previous studies have revealed a number of potential barriers to, and facilitators of caregivers ability to establish early dyadic toothbrushing routines with pre-schoolers. However, as yet no qualitative research has been conducted to ascertain potential barriers and facilitators of the earliest dyadic toothbrushing in infancy, and nor has any previous research specifically focused on how novice mothers of first-born infants and preschoolers manage this task. This study therefore outlines findings from a qualitative interview study with first-time mothers of children aged 24–30 months (n = 16) exploring perceived barriers to and facilitators of early dyadic toothbrushing routines with infants and preschoolers. A number of key themes were identified from interview transcripts and an ‘ecological’ approach conceptualised maternally perceived barriers to and facilitators of dyadic toothbrushing. Proximal influences were found to be located within the caregiver-child relationship (‘micro-system’), including parental cognitions (e.g., PSE), parental behaviours (e.g., parenting practices) and infant and preschooler temperament and behaviours (e.g., tantrums). Distal factors were also identified as relevant to the establishment and maintenance of these routines, such as social support (‘exosystem’) and family history of tooth-brushing (‘chronosystem’).
Multilevel Analysis of Air Pollution and Early Childhood Neurobehavioral Development
Authors: Lin Ching-Chun , Yang Shih-Kuan , Lin Kuan-Chia , Ho Wen-Chao , Hsieh Wu-Shiun , Shu Bih-Ching , Chen Pau-Chung
Published: July 2014

To investigate the association between the ambient air pollution levels during the prenatal and postnatal stages and early childhood neurobehavioral development, our study recruited 533 mother-infant pairs from 11 towns in Taiwan. All study subjects were asked to complete childhood neurobehavioral development scales and questionnaires at 6 and 18 months. Air pollution, including particulate matter ≤10 μm (PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and hydrocarbons, was measured at air quality monitoring stations in the towns where the subjects lived. Multilevel analyses were applied to assess the association between air pollution and childhood neurobehavioral development during pregnancy and when the children were 0 to 6 months, 7 to 12 months, and 13 to 18 months old. At 18 months, poor subclinical neurodevelopment in early childhood is associated with the average SO2 exposure of prenatal, during all trimesters of pregnancy and at postnatal ages up to 12 months (first trimester β = −0.083, se = 0.030; second and third trimester β = −0.114, se = 0.045; from birth to 12 months of age β = −0.091, se = 0.034). Furthermore, adverse gross motor below average scores at six months of age were associated with increased average non-methane hydrocarbon, (NMHC) levels during the second and third trimesters (β = −8.742, se = 3.512). Low-level SO2 exposure prenatally and up to twelve months postnatal could cause adverse neurobehavioral effects at 18 months of age. Maternal NMHC exposure during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy would be also associated with poor gross motor development in their children at 6 months of age.
Rapid Prototyping — A Tool for Presenting 3-Dimensional Digital Models Produced by Terrestrial Laser Scanning
Authors: Virtanen Juho-Pekka , Hyyppä Hannu , Kurkela Matti , Vaaja Matti , Alho Petteri , Hyyppä Juha
Published: July 2014

Rapid prototyping has received considerable interest with the introduction of affordable rapid prototyping machines. These machines can be used to manufacture physical models from three-dimensional digital mesh models. In this paper, we compare the results obtained with a new, affordable, rapid prototyping machine, and a traditional professional machine. Two separate data sets are used for this, both of which were acquired using terrestrial laser scanning. Both of the machines were able to produce complex and highly detailed geometries in plastic material from models based on terrestrial laser scanning. The dimensional accuracies and detail levels of the machines were comparable, and the physical artifacts caused by the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique used in the rapid prototyping machines could be found in both models. The accuracy of terrestrial laser scanning exceeded the requirements for manufacturing physical models of large statues and building segments at a 1:40 scale.
Biodegradable and Multifunctional Polymer Micro-Tubes for Targeting Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Wang Xin , Yu Guoping , Han Xiyu , Zhang Hua , Ren Jing , Wu Xia , Qu Yanfeng
Published: July 2014

We describe an innovative form of polymer micro-tubes with diverse functions including biodegradation, magnetic manipulation, and photothermal effect that employs and activates photothermal therapy to target cancer cells. The micro-tube comprised soybean protein isolate, poly-l-glutamic acid, magnetite nanoparticles, plus gold nanoparticles. Through electrostatic force, these components, with opposite charges, formed pairs of layers in the pores of the template, various bilayers of soybean protein isolate and poly-l-glutamic acid served as the biodegradable building wall to each micro-tube. The layers of magnetite nanoparticle functionalized micro-tubes enabled the micro-tube manipulate to target the cancer cells by using an external magnetic field. The photo-thermal effect of the layer of gold nanoparticles on the outer surface of the micro-tubes, when under irradiation and when brought about by the near infrared radiation, elevated each sample’s temperature. In addition, and when under the exposure of the near infrared radiation, the elevated temperature of the suspension of the micro-tubes, likewise with a concentration of 0.2 mg/mL, and similarly with a power of 2 W and as well maintained for 10 min, elevated the temperature of the suspension beyond 42 °C. Such temperatures induced apoptosis of target cancer cells through the effect of photothermal therapy. The findings assert that structured micro-tubes have a promising application as a photothermal agent. From this assertion, the implications are that this multifunctional agent will significantly improve the methodology for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Paeonol Suppresses Chondrosarcoma Metastasis through Up-Regulation of miR-141 by Modulating PKCδ and c-Src Signaling Pathway
Authors: Horng Chi-Ting , Shieh Po-Chuen , Tan Tzu-Wei , Yang Wei-Hung , Tang Chih-Hsin
Published: July 2014

Chondrosarcoma, a primary malignant bone cancer, has potential for local invasion and distant metastasis, especially to the lungs. Patients diagnosed with it show poor prognosis. Paeonol (2'-hydroxy-4'-methoxyacetophenone), the main active compound of traditional Chinese remedy Paeonia lactiflora Pallas, exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activity; whether paeonol regulates metastatic chondrosarcoma is largely unknown. Here, we find paeonol do not increase apoptosis. By contrast, at non-cytotoxic concentrations, paeonol suppresses migration and invasion of chondrosarcoma cells. We also demonstrate paeonol enhancing miR-141 expression and miR-141 inhibitor reversing paeonol-inhibited cell motility; paeonol also reduces protein kinase C (PKC)d and c-Src kinase activity. Since paeonol inhibits migration and invasion of human chondrosarcoma via up-regulation of miR-141 via PKCd and c-Src pathways, it thus might be a novel anti-metastasis agent for treatment of metastatic chondrosarcoma.
Inhibition of TRPM7 Channels Reduces Degranulation and Release of Cytokines in Rat Bone Marrow-Derived Mast Cells
Authors: Huang Linjie , Ng Ngai-Mui , Chen Ming , Lin Xiaoling , Tang Tiantian , Cheng Huihua , Yang Cheng , Jiang Shanping
Published: July 2014

Background: mast cells play an important role in airway inflammation in asthma. The transient receptor potential melastatin-like 7 (TRPM7) channel is expressed in primary human lung mast cells and plays a critical role for cell survival. This study aimed to investigate the role of TRPM7 on degranulation and release of cytokines in rat bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs). Methods: the expression levels of TRPM7 were observed by immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR between normal and asthmatic rat BMMCs. TRPM7-specific shRNA and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) and specific shTRPM7 were used to inhibit the function of TRPM7. Degranulation levels were analyzed by beta-hexosaminidase assay. Histamine, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-13 levels were measured by ELISA. Results: the expression of TRPM7 was significantly higher in asthmatic rat BMMCs than in the normal control group. After application of 2-APB and down-regulation of TRPM7, the beta-hexosaminidase activity and secretion of histamine, IL-6, IL-13 and TNF-α were significantly decreased in the asthmatic group compared to the control group. Conclusion: this study indicates that TRPM7 channels may be involved in the process of degranulation and release of cytokines in rat bone marrow-derived mast cells.
Microstructural Study of IF-WS2 Failure Modes
Authors: Cook Jamie , Rhyans Steven , Roncase Lou , Hobson Garth , Luhrs Claudia
Published: July 2014

This manuscript summarizes the failure mechanisms found in inorganic fullerene-type tungsten disulfide (IF-WS2) nanoparticles treated with diverse pressure loading methods. The approaches utilized to induce failure included: the use of an ultrasonic horn, the buildup of high pressures inside a shock tube which created a shock wave that propagated and impinged in the sample, and impact with military rounds. After treatment, samples were characterized using electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and surface area analysis. The microstructural changes observed in the IF-WS2 particulates as a consequence of the treatments could be categorized in two distinct fracture modes. The most commonly observed was the formation of a crack at the particles surface followed by a phase transformation from the 3D cage-like structures into the 2D layered polymorphs, with subsequent agglomeration of the plate-like sheets to produce larger particle sizes. The secondary mechanism identified was the incipient delamination of IF-WS2. We encountered evidence that the IF-WS2 structure collapse initiated in all cases at the edges and vertices of the polyhedral particles, which acted as stress concentrators, independent of the load application mode or its duration.
Impacts of Logging Road Networks on Dung Beetles and Small Mammals in a Malaysian Production Forest: Implications for Biodiversity Safeguards
Authors: Yamada Toshihiro , Niino Masahiro , Yoshida Satoru , Hosaka Tetsuro , Okuda Toshinori
Published: July 2014

Various international bodies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have proposed guidelines for safeguarding biodiversity. Nevertheless, quantitative criteria for safeguarding biodiversity should first be established to measure the attainment of biodiversity conservation if biodiversity is to be safeguarded effectively. We conducted research on the impact of logging on biodiversity of dung beetles and small mammals in a production forest in Temengor Forest Reserve, Perak, Malaysia. This was done to develop such quantitative criteria for Malaysian production forests while paying special attention to the effects of road networks, such as skid trails, logging roads, and log yards, on biodiversity. Species assemblages of dung beetles as well as small mammals along and adjacent to road networks were significantly different from those in forest interiors. Therefore, minimizing the road network density will contribute to retaining biodiversity; this will allow us to use road network density as a quantitative criterion for safeguarding biodiversity in production forests. Additionally, road network density is easily measurable and verifiable by remote sensing, which enables us to check the implementation of the criteria.
Influence of Control Structures and Load Parameters on Performance of a Pseudo Direct Drive
Authors: Bouheraoua Mohammed , Wang Jiabin , Atallah Kais
Published: July 2014

The paper describes an in-depth and systematic analysis of a pseudo direct drive permanent magnet machine in closed loop control. Due to the torque being transmitted from the high-speed rotor (HSR) to the low-speed rotor (LSR), through a relatively low stiffness magnetic gear with non-linear characteristics, speed oscillations appear in the drive output with a conventional proportional integral (PI) controller. Therefore two candidate controllers have been proposed as an alternative to the PI control and all controllers have been optimally tuned with a genetic algorithm against a defined criterion. Furthermore, closed loop models are established in the complex frequency domain to determine the system damping and the cause of the oscillations. Consequently, the best controller structure that improves the dynamic behaviour of the system in terms of speed tracking and disturbance rejection could be identified, based on the frequency domain analysis. Experimental results are presented to validate the analysis and the proposed control technique.
Design and Performance Analysis of Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer Linear Array
Authors: Wang Hongliang , Wang Xiangjun , He Changde , Xue Chenyang
Published: July 2014

An ultrasonic transducer is a key component to achieve ultrasonic imaging. This paper designs a new type of Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) based capacitive ultrasonic transducer and a linear array based on the transducer. Through directivity analysis, it can be found that its directivity is weak due to the small size of the designed transducer, but the directivity of the designed linear array is very strong. In order to further suppress the sidelobe interference and improve the resolution of the imaging system and imaging quality, the Dolph-Chebyshev weighting method and the Taylor weighting method are used to process −40dB sidelobe suppression, and satisfactory results are obtained, which can meet actual requirements.
The Effect of Some 4,2 and 5,2 Bisthiazole Derivatives on Nitro-Oxidative Stress and Phagocytosis in Acute Experimental Inflammation
Authors: Araniciu Cătălin , Pârvu Alina , Palage Mariana , Oniga Smaranda , Benedec Daniela , Oniga Ilioara , Oniga Ovidiu
Published: July 2014

Nineteen bisthiazoles were tested in order to assess their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. First, we evaluated the in vitro direct antioxidant capacity of the bisthiazoles using the DPPH radical scavenging method. Then, the anti-inflammatory effect was tested in acute rat experimental inflammation by measuring the acute phase bone marrow response, the phagocytic capacity and the serum nitro-oxidative stress status. Although none of the substances showed significant direct antioxidant potential in the DPPH assay, most of them improved serum oxidative status, when administered to rats with inflammation. Four of the bisthiazoles proved to have good anti-inflammatory properties, similar or superior to that of equal doses meloxicam.
Protective Effects of Baccharis dracunculifolia Leaves Extract against Carbon Tetrachloride- and Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Experimental Animals
Authors: Rezende Túlio , Corrêa José , Aarestrup Beatriz , Aarestrup Fernando , De Sousa Orlando , Da Silva Filho Ademar
Published: July 2014

In this work we investigated the in vivo protective effects of Baccharis dracunculifolia leaves extract (BdE) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)- and acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity. Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant DPPH radical scavenging activity, and HPLC analysis were performed. Our results showed that pretreatment with BdE significantly reduced the damage caused by CCl4 and APAP on the serum markers of hepatic injury, AST, ALT, and ALP. Results were confirmed by histopathological analysis. Phytochemical analysis, performed by HPLC, showed that BdE was rich in p-coumaric acid derivatives, caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids. BdE also showed DPPH antioxidant activity (EC50 of 15.75 ± 0.43 μg/mL), and high total phenolic (142.90 ± 0.77 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (51.47 ± 0.60 mg RE/g) contents. This study indicated that B. dracunculifolia leaves extract has relevant in vivo hepatoprotective properties.
Chitosan-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles Prepared in One-Step by Precipitation in a High-Aqueous Phase Content Reverse Microemulsion
Authors: Pineda María , Torres Silvia , López Luis , Enríquez-Medrano Francisco , De León Ramón , Fernández Salvador , Saade Hened , López Raúl
Published: July 2014

Chitosan-coated magnetic nanoparticles (CMNP) were prepared in one-step by precipitation in a high-aqueous phase content reverse microemulsion in the presence of chitosan. The high-aqueous phase concentration led to productivities close to 0.49 g CMNP/100 g microemulsion; much higher than those characteristic of precipitation in reverse microemulsions for preparing magnetic nanoparticles. The obtained nanoparticles present a narrow particle size distribution with an average diameter of 4.5 nm; appearing to be formed of a single crystallite; furthermore they present superparamagnetism and high magnetization values; close to 49 emu/g. Characterization of CMNP suggests that chitosan is present as a non-homogeneous very thin layer; which explains the slight reduction in the magnetization value of CMNP in comparison with that of uncoated magnetic nanoparticles. The prepared nanoparticles show high heavy ion removal capability; as demonstrated by their use in the treatment of Pb2+ aqueous solutions; from which lead ions were completely removed within 10 min.
New Potentially Active Pyrazinamide Derivatives Synthesized Under Microwave Conditions
Authors: Jandourek Ondrej , Dolezal Martin , Kunes Jiri , Kubicek Vladimir , Paterova Pavla , Pesko Matus , Buchta Vladimir , Kralova Katarina , Zitko Jan
Published: July 2014

A series of 18 N-alkyl substituted 3-aminopyrazine-2-carboxamides was prepared in this work according to previously experimentally set and proven conditions using microwave assisted synthesis methodology. This approach for the aminodehalogenation reaction was chosen due to higher yields and shorter reaction times compared to organic reactions with conventional heating. Antimycobacterial, antibacterial, antifungal and photosynthetic electron transport (PET) inhibiting in vitro activities of these compounds were investigated. Experiments for the determination of lipophilicity were also performed. Only a small number of substances with alicyclic side chain showed activity against fungi which was the same or higher than standards and the biological efficacy of the compounds increased with rising lipophilicity. Nine pyrazinamide derivatives also inhibited PET in spinach chloroplasts and the IC50 values of these compounds varied in the range from 14.3 to 1590.0 μmol/L. The inhibitory activity was connected not only with the lipophilicity, but also with the presence of secondary amine fragment bounded to the pyrazine ring. Structure-activity relationships are discussed as well.
Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Modified Adenosines Joined to Mono-Functional Platinum Moieties
Authors: D'Errico Stefano , Oliviero Giorgia , Borbone Nicola , Piccialli Vincenzo , Pinto Brunella , De Falco Francesca , Maiuri Maria , Carnuccio Rosa , Costantino Valeria , Nici Fabrizia , Piccialli Gennaro
Published: July 2014

The synthesis of four novel platinum complexes, bearing N6-(6-amino-hexyl)adenosine or a 1,6-di(adenosin-N6-yl)-hexane respectively, as ligands of mono-functional cisplatin or monochloro(ethylendiamine)platinum(II), is reported. The chemistry exploits the high affinity of the charged platinum centres towards the N7 position of the adenosine base system and a primary amine of an alkyl chain installed on the C6 position of the purine. The cytotoxic behaviour of the synthesized complexes has been studied in A549 adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial and MCF7 human breast adenocarcinomic cancer cell lines, in order to investigate their effects on cell viability and proliferation.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic and Theoretical Studies of New Dimeric Quaternary Alkylammonium Conjugates of Sterols
Authors: Brycki Bogumił , Koenig Hanna , Kowalczyk Iwona , Pospieszny Tomasz
Published: July 2014

New dimeric quaternary alkylammonium conjugates of sterols were obtained by two step reactions of ergosterol, cholesterol and cholestanol with bromoacetic acid bromide, followed by bimolecular nucleophilic substitution with N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-1,3-propanediamine, N,N,N',N'',N''-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine and 3,3'-iminobis- (N,N-dimethylpropylamine). The product structures were conﬁrmed by spectral (1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, FT-IR) analysis, mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and PM5 semiempirical methods. Additionally in silico studies have been conducted for the synthesized compounds on the basis of Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS).
Measuring Scientific Misconduct—Lessons from Criminology
Authors: Hesselmann Felicitas , Wienefoet Verena , Reinhart Martin
Published: July 2014

This article draws on research traditions and insights from Criminology to elaborate on the problems associated with current practices of measuring scientific misconduct. Analyses of the number of retracted articles are shown to suffer from the fact that the distinct processes of misconduct, detection, punishment, and publication of a retraction notice, all contribute to the number of retractions and, hence, will result in biased estimates. Self-report measures, as well as analyses of retractions, are additionally affected by the absence of a consistent definition of misconduct. This problem of definition is addressed further as stemming from a lack of generally valid definitions both on the level of measuring misconduct and on the level of scientific practice itself. Because science is an innovative and ever-changing endeavor, the meaning of misbehavior is permanently shifting and frequently readdressed and renegotiated within the scientific community. Quantitative approaches (i.e., statistics) alone, thus, are hardly able to accurately portray this dynamic phenomenon. It is argued that more research on the different processes and definitions associated with misconduct and its detection and sanctions is needed. The existing quantitative approaches need to be supported by qualitative research better suited to address and uncover processes of negotiation and definition.
Local Illumination Influence on Vegetation Indices and Plant Area Index (PAI) Relationships
Authors: Ponzoni Flávio , Silva Clayton , Santos Sandra , Montanher Otávio , Santos Thiago
Published: July 2014

Relationships between biophysical parameters and radiometric data have been tested and evaluated by several professionals using empirical and/or physical approaches. Remote sensing data collected from airborne or orbital platforms are, of course, influenced by different factors, such as illumination/observation geometry (data collection geometry), atmospheric effects, etc., rather than by target spectral properties. Besides that, the target topographic positioning actually defines the amount of incident energy, as well as the amount of energy that is reflected toward the sensor. The sum of both data collection geometry and topographic positioning defines the so-called “local illumination”. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the influence of local illumination on empirical relationships between a biophysical variable (plant area index, PAI) and two vegetation indices calculated from Resourcesat/Linear Imaging Self-Scanner sensor (LISS-3) orbital data. Local illumination was expressed by the cosine factor (Fcos) and calculated from topographic and solar position data at three different dates. The study area was based on a typical Brazilian southeastern forest fragment located in the Augusto Ruschi municipal preservation park dispersed on roughhouse topography. PAI was estimated by hemispherical photographs taken under the forest canopy from sample points arbitrarily dispersed on the forest fragment. Results confirmed a stronger relationship between vegetation indices and local illumination conditions.
Engineering Genetically Encoded FRET Sensors
Authors: Lindenburg Laurens , Merkx Maarten
Published: July 2014

Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) between two fluorescent proteins can be exploited to create fully genetically encoded and thus subcellularly targetable sensors. FRET sensors report changes in energy transfer between a donor and an acceptor fluorescent protein that occur when an attached sensor domain undergoes a change in conformation in response to ligand binding. The design of sensitive FRET sensors remains challenging as there are few generally applicable design rules and each sensor must be optimized anew. In this review we discuss various strategies that address this shortcoming, including rational design approaches that exploit self-associating fluorescent domains and the directed evolution of FRET sensors using high-throughput screening.
NAVIS-An UGV Indoor Positioning System Using Laser Scan Matching for Large-Area Real-Time Applications
Authors: Tang Jian , Chen Yuwei , Jaakkola Anttoni , Liu Jinbing , Hyyppä Juha , Hyyppä Hannu
Published: July 2014

Laser scan matching with grid-based maps is a promising tool for real-time indoor positioning of mobile Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs). While there are critical implementation problems, such as the ability to estimate the position by sensing the unknown indoor environment with sufficient accuracy and low enough latency for stable vehicle control, further development work is necessary. Unfortunately, most of the existing methods employ heuristics for quick positioning in which numerous accumulated errors easily lead to loss of positioning accuracy. This severely restricts its applications in large areas and over lengthy periods of time. This paper introduces an efficient real-time mobile UGV indoor positioning system for large-area applications using laser scan matching with an improved probabilistically-motivated Maximum Likelihood Estimation (IMLE) algorithm, which is based on a multi-resolution patch-divided grid likelihood map. Compared with traditional methods, the improvements embodied in IMLE include: (a) Iterative Closed Point (ICP) preprocessing, which adaptively decreases the search scope; (b) a totally brute search matching method on multi-resolution map layers, based on the likelihood value between current laser scan and the grid map within refined search scope, adopted to obtain the global optimum position at each scan matching; and (c) a patch-divided likelihood map supporting a large indoor area. A UGV platform called NAVIS was designed, manufactured, and tested based on a low-cost robot integrating a LiDAR and an odometer sensor to verify the IMLE algorithm. A series of experiments based on simulated data and field tests with NAVIS proved that the proposed IMEL algorithm is a better way to perform local scan matching that can offer a quick and stable positioning solution with high accuracy so it can be part of a large area localization/mapping, application. The NAVIS platform can reach an updating rate of 12 Hz in a feature-rich environment and 2 Hz even in a feature-poor environment, respectively. Therefore, it can be utilized in a real-time application.
Severity of spinal cord dysfunction and pain associated with hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusion in dogs
Authors: Hamilton T. , Glass E. , Drobatz K. , Agnello K. A.
Published: July 2014

Objective: To identify the severity of neurological deficits, presence of signs of cervical pain, and the site of intervertebral disc space extrusion in 21 dogs diagnosed via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusion (HNPE) and compare those findings to dogs with other compressive cervical myelopathies.

Methods: Medical records and MRI findings were reviewed in dogs that were presented to two veterinary hospitals between 2006 and 2012 and subsequently diagnosed by MRI to have a HNPE (n = 21) or other compressive cervical myelopathies originating from the intervertebral disc (n = 174). Information obtained included signalment, severity of neurological deficits, presence of signs of neck pain, and site of HNPE. The severity of clinical neurological spinal cord dysfunction was determined for each dog in both groups using the Frankel scoring system (0–4). The MRI were reviewed for confirmation of diagnosis and site of HNPE. An ANOVA was used to compare age between groups and a Mann-Whitney test for pairwise comparisons of the Frankel score between groups. Values of p <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: Significantly more severe Frankel scores and less severe signs of cervical pain detected on palpation were observed in dogs with a HNPE as compared to dogs with other compressive myelopathies. The sites of HNPE were C3-C4 (8/21), C4-C5 (12/21), and C5-C6 (1/21).

Clinical significance: Dogs affected with HNPE have more severe clinical neurological deficits and less severe signs of cervical pain as compared to dogs with other compressive cervical myelopathies.
Tibial displacement with stifle joint flexion and cranial cruciate ligament transection in the dog
Authors: Hara Y. , Fukano S. , Fujie H. , Ochi H. , Fujita Y. , Yasuji H. , Nezu Y. , Yogo T. , Tagawa M. , Kanno N.
Published: July 2014

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanical effects of cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) transection on stifle stability at three different stifle joint flexion angles using a robotic system.

Methods: This was an ex vivo biomechanical study. Stifles (n = 6) were collected from the cadavers of Beagles weighing 10.5–12.0 kg. Six stifle joints were dissected, potted, and secured to the manipulator arms of a robotic simulator. With the stifle joint angle maintained at either hyperextension (151°), 135° or 90°, stability was assessed by application of a 50 N load in either the cranial-caudal (CrCd test) or proximal-distal (PD test) directions. The stifle was given a cranial-caudal load of 50 N (CrCd test). A proximal-distal compression load of 50 N was then administered by the manipulator (proximal-distal test: PD test). The change in three-dimensional kinematics of the intact and the CrCL-transected stifles was compared between hyperextension, and 135° and 90° flexion for the CrCd and PD load conditions. A value of p <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The cranial tibial displacements in the PD tests of the CrCL-transected stifles at 135° (8.4 ± 1.2 mm) and at 90° (8.1 ± 1.9 mm) were significantly greater than the displacement at 151.5° (5.1 ± 1.6 mm) (p = 0.004 and p = 0.012 respectively).

Clinical significance: The canine stifle exhibited the most instability when the stifle flexion angle was 135°.
Ganglion cyst arising from the composite occipito-atlanto-axial joint cavity in a cat
Authors: Sadahiro S. , Nishimura M. , Miyazaki Y. , Shibata M. , Aikawa T.
Published: July 2014

A four-year-old, female spayed Domestic Longhaired cat was referred for evaluation with a two month history of initial inability to jump progressing to ambulatory tetraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging studies demonstrated a cystic lesion arising from the composite occipito-atlanto-axial joint cavity and extending to the region of the occipital bone and the axis. The lesion surrounded the spinal canal, causing moderate dorsal spinal cord compression at the atlanto-occipital joint. A dynamic myelographic study demonstrated attenuation of the dorsal contrast column at the atlanto-occipital joint when the cervical spine was positioned in extension. Partial excision of the cyst capsule by a ventral approach resulted in long-term (64 months) resolution of clinical signs. Histological evaluation was consistent with a ganglion cyst. An intra-spinal ganglion cyst arising from the composite occipito-atlanto-axial joint cavity may be considered as an uncommon differential diagnosis for cats with cervical myelopathy.
GROUTABILITY PREDICTION OF MICROFINE CEMENT BASED SOIL IMPROVEMENT USING EVOLUTIONARY LS-SVM INFERENCE MODEL
Authors: Cheng Min-Yuan , Hoang Nhat-Duc
Published: July 2014

Permeation grouting is a widely used technique for soil improvement in construction engineering. Thus, predicting the results of the grouting activity is a particularly interesting topic that has drawn the attention of researchers both from the academic field and industry. Recent literature has indicated that artificial intelligence (AI) approaches for groutability prediction are capable of delivering better performance than traditional formula-based ones. In this study, a novel AI method, evolutionary Least Squares Support Vector Machine Inference Model for groutability prediction (ELSIM-GP), is proposed to forecast the result of grouting activity that utilizes microfine cement grout. In the model, Least Squares Support Vector Machine (LS-SVM) is a supervised machine learning technique that is employed to learn the decision boundary for classifying high dimensional data. Differential Evolution (DE) is integrated into ELSIM-GP for automatically optimizing its tuning parameters. 240 historical cases of grouting process for sandy silt soil have been collected to train, validate, and test the inference model. Experimental results demonstrated that ELSIM-GP can overcome other benchmark approaches in terms of forecasting accuracy. Therefore, the proposed approach is a promising alternative for predicting groutability.
SUSTAINABILITY INDEX WITH INTEGRATED INDICATOR DEPENDENCIES
Authors: Wagenhals Sabine , Garner Wendy , Duckers Les , Kuhn Katja
Published: July 2014

Sustainability is a growing concern worldwide. While companies used to focus on financial performance, now the focus has shifted to considering envi- ronmental and social performance as well. This trend is not only based on ‘image’, but recent research has proven that a complex approach regarding sustainability could significantly increase a company’s performance. The selection of sustainability indicators as well as the development of sustainabil- ity frameworks has been analysed by researchers already. The authors argue that interdependencies exist between different sustainability indicators and concepts. To address this issue, the fuzzy set method has been used and integrated into as- sessment methods, making it possible to develop a sustainability index which is able to consider the dependencies of the integrated variables. The proposed method can prove that indicator dependencies have a significant influence on the sustain - ability performance of a company and therefore on its overall performance.
Atazanavir Exposure is Effective during Pregnancy Regardless of Tenofovir Use
Authors: Colbers Angela , Hawkins David , Hidalgo-Tenorio Carmen , Van Der Ende Marchina , Gingelmaier Andrea , Weizsäcker Katharina , Kabeya Kabamba , Taylor Graham , Rockstroh Jürgen , Lambert John , Moltó José , Wyen Christoph , Sadiq S Tariq , Ivanovic Jelena , Giaquinto Carlo , Burger David ,   the PANNA network
Published: July 2014

Background

We studied the effect of pregnancy on atazanavir pharmacokinetics in the presence and absence of tenofovir.

Methods

This was a non-randomized, open-label, multicentre Phase IV study in HIV-infected pregnant women recruited from European HIV treatment centres. HIV-infected pregnant women treated with boosted atazanavir (300/100 mg or 400/100 mg atazanavir/ ritonavir) as part of their combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) were included in the study. 24 h pharmacokinetic curves were recorded in the third trimester and postpartum. Collection of a cord blood and maternal sample at delivery was optional.

Results

31 patients were included in the analysis, 21/31 patients used tenofovir as part of cART. Median (range) gestational age at delivery was 39 weeks (36–42). Approaching delivery 81% (25 patients) had an HIV viral load <50 copies/ml, all <1,000 copies/ml. Least squares means ratios (90% CI) of atazanavir pharmacokinetic parameters third trimester/postpartum were: 0.66 (0.57, 0.75) for AUC0-24h, 0.70 (0.61, 0.80) for Cmax and 0.59 (0.48, 0.72) for C24h. No statistical difference in pharmacokinetic parameters was found between patients using tenofovir versus no tenofovir. None of the patients showed atazanavir concentrations <0.15 mg/l (target for treatment-naive patients). One baby had a congenital abnormality, which was not likely to be related to atazanavir/ritonavir use. None of the children were HIV-infected.

Conclusions

Despite 34% lower atazanavir exposure during pregnancy, atazanavir/ritonavir 300/100 mg once daily generates effective concentrations for protease inhibitor (PI)-naive patients, even if co-administered with tenofovir. For treatment-experienced patients (with relevant PI resistance mutations) therapeutic drug monitoring of atazanavir should be considered to adapt the atazanavir/ritonavir dose on an individual basis. ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00825929.
La Commission européenne et l'enseignement supérieur
Authors: Ravinet Pauline
Published: July 2014

Cet article retrace l’évolution de la stratégie discursive de la Commission européenne en matière d’enseignement supérieur, en cherchant à expliquer si et comment un discours néo-libéralisé lui a permis de prendre le pouvoir dans un secteur où elle est dépourvue de compétences claires. L’article analyse le lien initial entre enseignement supérieur et marché, puis la façon dont ce lien s’est façonné au gré de la configuration institutionnelle et du travail politique des acteurs, pour arriver à la situation actuelle d’un discours assez clairement néo-libéralisé, qui ne permet néanmoins pas une prise de pouvoir aussi unilatérale qu’on l’entend parfois : la Commission doit composer avec l’institutionnalisation d’un dispositif de coordination intergouvernemental à la marge de l’Union européenne, le processus de Bologne, dont le positionnement idéologique est légèrement différent (c’est-à-dire moins orienté autour d’une logique de compétition et de marché), et au sein duquel on a pu voir se développer une identité et une culture de travail propres.
L'art du grand écart
Authors: Fontan Clément
Published: July 2014

Cet article a pour but de répondre à deux questions centrales : pourquoi la Banque centrale européenne a-t-elle continué à défendre un modèle orthodoxe de politique monétaire alors qu’elle s’en est éloignée dans sa réponse à la crise de la zone euro ; et comment a-t-elle pu le faire ? Il explore d’abord les racines idéelles de la BCE, dont la création a été permise par la diffusion des idées liées à la nouvelle macro-économie classique et par le modèle orthodoxe de politique monétaire incarné par la Bundesbank. Or, la mise en œuvre d’instruments hétérodoxes pour répondre à la crise des dettes souveraines de la zone euro a engendré des tensions internes et externes qui constituaient un véritable danger pour la Banque. Le dilemme posé par la crise à la BCE consistait donc à mettre en œuvre les mesures nécessaires pour stabiliser la zone euro tout en préservant sa réputation orthodoxe originelle. L’art de la BCE à effectuer ce grand écart est l’objet d’analyse de cet article qui adopte une démarche constructiviste pour étudier l’instrumentation de sa politique monétaire, sa communication organisationnelle et la réception de ce jeu parmi les membres d’une enceinte cruciale de la gouvernance de la zone euro.
Décision managériale et neurosciences : une nouvelle vision de la gouvernance ?
Authors: Roullet Bernard , Droulers Olivier
Published: July 2014

De manière subtile et discrète, l’invention puis la maîtrise grandissante de l’imagerie cérébrale fonctionnelle depuis 1990, ont bouleversé la façon d’aborder la cognition dans le vivant. Les progrès des neurosciences (affectives et cognitives) ont progressivement mais massivement infusé les sciences humaines et sociales. Aujourd’hui, un chercheur en sciences humaines et sociales (SHS), en particulier en sciences politiques, en sociologie ou en sciences de gestion, ne peut faire l’impasse sur certains acquis des neurosciences qui renouvellent notre vision de la gouvernance au travers du processus de prise de décision.