bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A GIS-Based Fuzzy Decision Making Model for Seismic Vulnerability Assessment in Areas with Incomplete Data
Authors: Sadrykia Mansoureh , Delavar Mahmoud , Zare Mehdi
Published: April 2017

Earthquakes are one of the natural disasters that threaten many lives every year. It is important to estimate seismic damages in advance to be able to reduce future losses. However, seismic vulnerability assessment is a complicated problem, especially in areas with incomplete data, due to incorporated uncertainties. Therefore, it is important to use adequate methods that take into account and handle the associated uncertainties. Although different seismic vulnerability assessment methods at the urban scale have been proposed, the purpose of this research is to introduce a new Geospatial Information System GIS-based model using a modified integration of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), fuzzy sets theory, and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) in a vector-based environment. The proposed method emphasizes handling one of the important uncertainties in areas with incomplete data, namely the ‘vagueness’ of the existing knowledge about influences of the criteria on seismic vulnerability, which is handled using fuzzy sets theory in this research. The applicability of the proposed method is tested in a municipality district of Tabriz, which is in a near vicinity to the fault system. It can be concluded that the proposed method contributes to a pragmatic and efficient assessment of physical seismic vulnerability under uncertainty, which provides useful information for assisting planners in mitigation and preparation stages in less-studied areas.
Spondyloarthritis: Matrix Metalloproteinasesas Biomarkers of Pathogenesis and Response to Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Inhibitors
Authors: Moz Stefania , Aita Ada , Basso Daniela , Ramonda Roberta , Plebani Mario , Punzi Leonardo
Published: April 2017

The term spondyloarthritis (SpA) is used to describe a group of multifactorial chronic inflammatory diseases characterized by a predisposing genetic background and clinical manifestations typically involving the sacroiliac joint. The absence of pathognomonic clinical and/or laboratory findings generally results in a delay in diagnosis and, consequently, in treatment. In addition, 20–40% of SpA patients are non-responders to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor therapies. Given these considerations, it is important to identify biomarkers that can facilitate the diagnosis and assessment of disease activity. As inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of SpA, inflammatory mediators have been investigated as potential biomarkers for diagnosing the disease and predicting response to therapy. Some investigators have focused their attention on the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are known to be markers of synovial inflammation that is generated in the joint in reaction to inflammatory stimuli. Several studies have been carried out to verify if serum MMPs levels could be useful to diagnose SpA, to assess disease severity, and to predict response to TNF inhibitor therapy. The current review focuses on MMPs’ role in SpA pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapeutic implications.
Clinical Outcomes of 217 Patients with Acute Erythroleukemia According to Treatment Type and Line: A Retrospective Multinational Study
Authors: Almeida Antonio , Prebet Thomas , Itzykson Raphael , Ramos Fernando , Al-Ali Haifa , Shammo Jamile , Pinto Ricardo , Maurillo Luca , Wetzel Jaime , Musto Pellegrino , Van De Loosdrecht Arjan , Costa Maria , Esteves Susana , Burgstaller Sonja , Stauder Reinhard , Autzinger Eva , Lang Alois , Krippl Peter , Geissler Dietmar , Falantes Jose , Pedro Carmen , Bargay Joan , Deben Guillermo , Garrido Ana , Bonanad Santiago , Diez-Campelo Maria , Thepot Sylvain , Ades Lionel , Sperr Wolfgang , Valent Peter , Fenaux Pierre , Sekeres Mikkael , Greil Richard , Pleyer Lisa
Published: April 2017

Acute erythroleukemia (AEL) is a rare disease typically associated with a poor prognosis. The median survival ranges between 3–9 months from initial diagnosis. Hypomethylating agents (HMAs) have been shown to prolong survival in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and AML, but there is limited data of their efficacy in AEL. We collected data from 210 AEL patients treated at 28 international sites. Overall survival (OS) and PFS were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test was used for subgroup comparisons. Survival between treatment groups was compared using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Eighty-eight patients were treated with HMAs, 44 front line, and 122 with intensive chemotherapy (ICT). ICT led to a higher overall response rate (complete or partial) compared to first-line HMA (72% vs. 46.2%, respectively; p ≤ 0.001), but similar progression-free survival (8.0 vs. 9.4 months; p = 0.342). Overall survival was similar for ICT vs. HMAs (10.5 vs. 13.7 months; p = 0.564), but patients with high-risk cytogenetics treated with HMA first-line lived longer (7.5 for ICT vs. 13.3 months; p = 0.039). Our results support the therapeutic value of HMA in AEL.
Applying Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS) for the Biophysical Characterization of Mammalian Tissues under a Variety of Cellular Stresses
Authors: Souli Maria , Klonos Panagiotis , Fragopoulou Adamantia , Mavragani Ifigeneia , Pateras Ioannis , Kostomitsopoulos Nikolaos , Margaritis Lukas , Zoumpoulis Pavlos , Kaklamanis Loukas , Kletsas Dimitris , Gorgoulis Vassilis , Kyritsis Apostolos , Pissis Polycarpos , Georgakilas Alexandros
Published: April 2017

The dielectric properties of biological tissues can contribute non-invasively to a better characterization and understanding of the structural properties and physiology of living organisms. The question we asked, is whether these induced changes are effected by an endogenous or exogenous cellular stress, and can they be detected non-invasively in the form of a dielectric response, e.g., an AC conductivity switch in the broadband frequency spectrum. This study constitutes the first methodological approach for the detection of environmental stress-induced damage in mammalian tissues by the means of broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) at the frequencies of 1–106 Hz. Firstly, we used non-ionizing (NIR) and ionizing radiation (IR) as a typical environmental stress. Specifically, rats were exposed to either digital enhanced cordless telecommunication (DECT) radio frequency electromagnetic radiation or to γ-radiation, respectively. The other type of stress, characterized usually by high genomic instability, was the pathophysiological state of human cancer (lung and prostate). Analyzing the results of isothermal dielectric measurements provided information on the tissues’ water fraction. In most cases, our methodology proved sufficient in detecting structural changes, especially in the case of IR and malignancy. Useful specific dielectric response patterns are detected and correlated with each type of stress. Our results point towards the development of a dielectric-based methodology for better understanding and, in a relatively invasive way, the biological and structural changes effected by radiation and developing lung or prostate cancer often associated with genomic instability.
Thioredoxin-Interacting Protein Mediates Apoptosis in Early Brain Injury after Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
Authors: Zhao Qing , Che Xudong , Zhang Hongxia , Tan Guanping , Liu Liu , Jiang Dengzhi , Zhao Jun , Xiang Xiang , Sun Xiaochuan , He Zhaohui
Published: April 2017

Early brain injury (EBI) is considered to be the major factor associated with high morbidity and mortality after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Apoptosis is the major pathological mechanism of EBI, and its pathogenesis has not been fully clarified. Here, we report that thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), which is induced by protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum (ER) kinase (PERK), participates in EBI by promoting apoptosis. By using adult male Sprague-Dawley rats to establish SAH models, as well as Terminal dexynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, immunofluorescence, and western blot, we found that TXNIP expression significantly increased after SAH in comparison to the sham group and peaked at 48 h (up to 3.2-fold). Meanwhile, TXNIP was widely expressed in neurons and colocalized with TUNEL-positive cells in the hippocampus and cortex of SAH rats. After administration of TXNIP inhibitor-resveratrol (60 mg/kg), TXNIP small interfering RNA (siRNA) and the PERK inhibitor GSK2656157, TXNIP expression was significantly reduced, accompanied by an attenuation of apoptosis and prognostic indicators, including SAH grade, neurological deficits, brain water content, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Collectively, these results suggest that TXNIP may participate in EBI after SAH by mediating apoptosis. The blockage of TXNIP induced by PERK could be a potential therapeutic strategy for SAH treatment.
Potassium C–F Interactions and the Structural Consequences in N,N′-Bis(2,6-difluorophenyl)formamidinate Complexes
Authors: Werner Daniel , Deacon Glen , Junk Peter
Published: April 2017

Treatment of K[N(SiMe3)2] with N,N′-bis(2,6-difluorophenyl)formamidine (DFFormH) in toluene, resulted in the formation of [K(DFForm)]∞ (1) as a poorly soluble material. Upon dissolution in thf and layering with n-hexane, 1 was crystallised and identified as a two-dimensional polymer, in which all fluorine and nitrogen atoms, and also part of one aryl group, bridge between four symmetry equivalent potassium ions, giving rise to a completely unique μ4-(N,N′,F,F′):(N,N′):η4(Ar-C(2,3,4,5,6)):(F″,F′′′) DFForm coordination. The two-dimensional nature of the polymer could be deconstructed to one dimension by crystallisation from neat thf at −35 °C, giving [K2(DFForm)2(thf)2]∞ (2), where the thf molecules bridge the monomeric units. Complete polymer dissociation was observed when 1 was crystallised from toluene/n-hexane mixtures in the presence of 18-crown-6, giving [K(DFForm)(18-crown-6)] (3), which showed unprecedented κ(N,Cispo,F) DFForm coordination, rather than the expected κ(N,N′) coordination.
The “Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology” Journal Club Series: Highlights on Recent Papers in Musculoskeletal Disorders
Authors: Szychlinska Marta , Yamakado Kotaro , Castorina Alessandro , Ljubisavljevic Milos
Published: April 2017

We are glad to introduce the fourth Journal Club. This edition is focused on several relevant studies published in the last few years in the field of musculoskeletal disorders, chosen by our Editorial Board members. We hope to stimulate your curiosity in this field. The Editorial Board members wish you an inspiring lecture.
Analysis of Urban Green Spaces Based on Sentinel-2A: Case Studies from Slovakia
Authors: Kopecká Monika , Szatmári Daniel , Rosina Konštantín
Published: April 2017

Urban expansion and its ecological footprint increases globally at an unprecedented scale and consequently, the importance of urban greenery assessment grows. The diversity and quality of urban green spaces (UGS) and human well-being are tightly linked, and UGS provide a wide range of ecosystem services (e.g., urban heat mitigation, stormwater infiltration, food security, physical recreation). Analyses and inter-city comparison of UGS patterns and their functions requires not only detailed information on their relative quantity but also a closer examination of UGS in terms of quality and land use, which can be derived from the land cover composition and spatial structure. In this study, we present an approach to UGS extraction from newly available Sentinel-2A satellite imagery, provided in the frame of the European Copernicus program. We investigate and map the spatial distribution of UGS in three cities in Slovakia: Bratislava, Žilina and Trnava. Supervised maximum likelihood classification was used to identify UGS polygons. Based on their function and physiognomy, each UGS polygon was assigned to one of the fifteen classes, and each class was further described by the proportion of tree canopy and its ecosystem services. Our results document that the substantial part of UGS is covered by the class Urban greenery in family housing areas (mainly including privately-owned gardens) with the class abundance between 17.7% and 42.2% of the total UGS area. The presented case studies showed the possibilities of semi-automatic extraction of UGS classes from Sentinel-2A data that may improve the transfer of scientific knowledge to local urban environmental monitoring and management.
The Maximal C3 Self-Complementary Trinucleotide Circular Code X in Genes of Bacteria, Archaea, Eukaryotes, Plasmids and Viruses
Authors: Michel Christian
Published: April 2017

In 1996, a set X of 20 trinucleotides was identified in genes of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes which has on average the highest occurrence in reading frame compared to its two shifted frames. Furthermore, this set X has an interesting mathematical property as X is a maximal C 3 self-complementary trinucleotide circular code. In 2015, by quantifying the inspection approach used in 1996, the circular code X was confirmed in the genes of bacteria and eukaryotes and was also identified in the genes of plasmids and viruses. The method was based on the preferential occurrence of trinucleotides among the three frames at the gene population level. We extend here this definition at the gene level. This new statistical approach considers all the genes, i.e., of large and small lengths, with the same weight for searching the circular code X . As a consequence, the concept of circular code, in particular the reading frame retrieval, is directly associated to each gene. At the gene level, the circular code X is strengthened in the genes of bacteria, eukaryotes, plasmids, and viruses, and is now also identified in the genes of archaea. The genes of mitochondria and chloroplasts contain a subset of the circular code X . Finally, by studying viral genes, the circular code X was found in DNA genomes, RNA genomes, double-stranded genomes, and single-stranded genomes.
Tortuosity of Aligned Channels in Alumina Membranes Produced by Vacuum-Induced Surface Directional Freezing
Authors: Großberger Sandra , Fey Tobias , Lee Geoffrey
Published: April 2017

Vacuum-induced surface freezing of colloidal alumina was used to produce membranes that have elongated, aligned channels and, hence, are tortuous in the direction perpendicular to ice crystal growth. The effective tortuosity of the membranes was measured by steady-state diffusion of a solute, methylene blue. The resulting diffusion profiles show an initial step-increase in amount of dye reaching the acceptor that is caused by capillarity drawing the donor solution through any non-wetted channels in the membrane. This is followed by a linear steady-state phase whose flux is proportional to dye concentration in the donor and inversely proportional to the colloid’s volume fraction of dispersed phase. From the steady-state flux, the effective tortuosity, τ* = (α/τ)−1, was calculated. This is the reciprocal quotient of the reduced available area for diffusion within the membrane, α = A*/A, where A* is the available area and A is the cross-sectional area of the membrane, and the increased mean diffusional path length, i.e., tortuosity = L * / L , where L* is the mean path length and L is the membrane thickness. The values of τ* lie in the range of 2–38 and increase as the volume fraction of dispersed phase is larger. This latter effect indicates that τ* > 1 results, to a larger extent, from the reduced available diffusion area, α, than from the lengthened pathway, τ, in these aligned porous membranes.
The Passive Film Growth Mechanism of New Corrosion-Resistant Steel Rebar in Simulated Concrete Pore Solution: Nanometer Structure and Electrochemical Study
Authors: Jiang Jin-yang , Wang Danqian , Chu Hong-yan , Ma Han , Liu Yao , Gao Yun , Shi Jinjie , Sun Wei
Published: April 2017

An elaborative study was carried out on the growth mechanism and properties of the passive film for a new kind of alloyed corrosion-resistant steel (CR steel). The passive film naturally formed in simulated concrete pore solutions (pH = 13.3). The corrosion resistance was evaluated by various methods including open circuit potential (OCP), linear polarization resistance (LPR) measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Meanwhile, the 2205 duplex stainless steel (SS steel) was evaluated for comparison. Moreover, the passive film with CR steel was studied by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), and the Mott‑Schottky approach. The results showed that the excellent passivity of CR steel could be detected in a high alkaline environment. The grain boundaries between the fine passive film particles lead to increasing Cr oxide content in the later passivation stage. The filling of cation vacancies in the later passivation stage as well as the orderly crystalized inner layer contributed to the excellent corrosion resistance of CR steel. A passive film growth model for CR steel was proposed.
Simulation of the Continuous Casting and Cooling Behavior of Metallic Glasses
Authors: Pei Zhipu , Ju Dongying
Published: April 2017

The development of melt spinning technique for preparation of metallic glasses was summarized. The limitations as well as restrictions of the melt spinning embodiments were also analyzed. As an improvement and variation of the melt spinning method, the vertical-type twin-roll casting (VTRC) process was discussed. As the thermal history experienced by the casting metals to a great extent determines the qualities of final products, cooling rate in the quenching process is believed to have a significant effect on glass formation. In order to estimate the ability to produce metallic glasses by VTRC method, temperature and flow phenomena of the melt in molten pool were computed, and cooling rates under different casting conditions were calculated with the simulation results. Considering the fluid character during casting process, the material derivative method based on continuum theory was adopted in the cooling rate calculation. Results show that the VTRC process has a good ability in continuous casting metallic glassy ribbons.
Tribological Properties of Plough Shares Made of Pearlitic and Martensitic Steels
Authors: Stawicki Tomasz , Białobrzeska Beata , Kostencki Piotr
Published: April 2017

Tribological properties of ploughshares made of pearlitic and martensitic steels were compared in field tests. Sectional ploughshares consisting of separate share-points and trapezoidal parts were subjected to examinations. Contours of the examined parts were similar, but the thickness of the parts made of pearlitic steel was 1 to 3 mm greater for the share-points and 0.5 to 2 mm greater for the trapezoidal parts. Within the tests, sandy loams, loams, and loamy sands with circa (ca.) 13% humidity were cultivated. A greater intensity of thickness reduction and mass wear of the parts made of pearlitic steel was found, which indicates a lower resistance of this steel to wear in soil. However, contour changes of the share-points and the trapezoidal parts made of pearlitic and martensitic steels were comparable, which was probably influenced by the greater thickness of the parts made of pearlitic steel. The roughness of the rake faces of the parts made of pearlitic steel was greater than that for the parts made of martensitic steel, which can be attributed to lower hardness of the former. The largest differences occurred between maximum peak heights of the roughness profile values (Rp), which indicates stronger ridging in the case of pearlitic steel. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations of the rake faces showed that martensitic steel was subjected to wear mostly by microcutting, but pearlitic steel was principally worn by microcutting and microploughing. During tillage, only one share-point made of pearlitic steel was broken. However, the main disadvantage of these parts was that their bending was related to the lower mechanical strength of pearlitic steel.
Dynamic Recovery and Superelasticity of Columnar-Grained Cu–Al–Mn Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: Xu Sheng , Huang Haiyou , Xie Jianxin , Kimura Yuta , Xu Xiao , Omori Toshihiro , Kainuma Ryosuke
Published: April 2017

The columnar-grained Cu71.5Al17.5Mn11 shape memory alloy was treated by single-pass hot rolling at 900 °C with a thickness reduction of 67.3% followed by immediate water quenching. Dynamic recovery other than discontinuous dynamic recrystallization occurred during the treatment process, bringing about retained columnar grains with <001> textures, as well as dislocations introduced into the parent matrix. As a result, a large maximum recoverable strain of more than 11% was maintained due to the retained beneficial grain characteristics. The critical stress for inducing martensitic transformation and stress hysteresis were enhanced mainly due to the existence of dislocations.
Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity of Novel All-Trans-Retinoic Acid-Podophyllotoxin Conjugate towards Human Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhang Lei , Wang Jing , Liu Lai , Zheng Chengyue , Wang Yang
Published: April 2017

With the purpose of creating a multifunctional drug for gastric cancer treatment, a novel all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) conjugate with podophyllotoxin (PPT) was designed and synthesized, and its in vitro antiproliferative activity was evaluated against human gastric cancer cell lines using CCK-8 assay. The conjugate, P-A, exhibited significant anticancer activity against MKN-45 and BGC-823 cells with IC50 values of 0.419 ± 0.032 and 0.202 ± 0.055 μM, respectively. Moreover, P-A efficiently triggered cell cycle arrest and induced apoptosis in MKN-45 and BGC-823 cells due to modulation of cell cycle arrest- (CDK1, CDK2, CyclinA and CyclinB1) and apoptosis- (cleaved caspase-3, -8 and -9) related proteins, respectively. Further mechanism studies revealed that P-A could increase the expression levels of RARα and RARβ, and decrease the level of RARγ in MKN-45 and BGC-823 cells. Finally, P-A inhibited the ERK1/2 and AKT signaling in the above two cancer cell lines. More importantly, the underlying mechanisms of P-A were similar to those of precursor PPT but different with the other precursor ATRA. Together, the conjugate P-A was a promising candidate for the potential treatment of human gastric cancer.
Discovery of an Octahedral Silicon Complex as a Potent Antifungal Agent
Authors: Fu Chen , Fu Bin , Peng Xixi , Liao Guojian
Published: April 2017

Octahedral transition metal complexes have been shown to have tremendous applications in chemical biology and medicinal chemistry. Meanwhile, structural transition metals can be replaced by inert octahedral silicon in a proof-of-principle study. We here introduce the first example of octahedral silicon complexes, which can very well serve as an efficient antimicrobial agent. The typical silicon arenediolate complex 1 {[(phen)2Si(OO)](PF6)2, with phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, OO = 9,10-phenanthrenediolate} exhibited significant inhibition towards the growth of Cryptococcus neoformans with MIC and MFC values of 4.5 and 11.3 μM, respectively. Moreover, it was fungicidal against both proliferative and quiescent Cryptococcus cells. This work may set the stage for the development of novel antifungal drugs based upon hexacoodinate silicon scaffolds.
Evaluation of Polyphenolic Content, Antioxidant and Diuretic Activities of Six Fumaria Species
Authors: Păltinean Ramona , Mocan Andrei , Vlase Laurian , Gheldiu Ana-Maria , Crișan Gianina , Ielciu Irina , Voștinaru Oliviu , Crișan Ovidiu
Published: April 2017

Romanian traditional medicine describes the use of aerial parts of Fumaria species to treat hepatobiliary diseases as well as diuretic agents. The present study aims to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant properties, and diuretic effects of several Fumaria species. LC/MS analysis revealed that Fumaria species contain phenolic acids and high amounts of flavonoids with rutin and isoquercitrin as main compounds. Concerning antioxidant capacity, the most significant results were obtained for F. capreolata and F. vailantii. Both species showed a good correlation between the antioxidant capacity and a high amount of flavonoids. Furthermore, the extracts of F. officinalis and F. schleicheri produced a strong increase in urinary volumetric excretion of saline-loaded rats, 24 h after the oral administration of a single dose of 250 mg/kg bw. Moreover, both extracts of F. officinalis and F. schleicheri increased the urinary excretion of Na+ and K+. Results from the present study offer a new perspective concerning the chemical composition and bioactivities of traditionally used fumitory species.
Expeditious Synthesis of Dianionic-Headed 4-Sulfoalkanoic Acid Surfactants
Authors: Jiang Jianhui , Xu Jiaxi
Published: April 2017

4-Sulfoalkanoic acids are a class of important dianionic-headed surfactants. Various 4-sulfoalkanoic acids with straight C8, C10, C12, C14, C16, and C18 chains were synthesized expeditiously through the radical addition of methyl 2-((ethoxycarbonothioyl)thio)acetate to linear terminal olefins and subsequent oxidation with peroxyformic acid. This is a useful and convenient strategy for the synthesis of dianionic-headed surfactants with a carboxylic acid and sulfonic acid functionalities in the head group region.
An Expedient Total Synthesis of Triciribine
Authors: Hu Chen , Ruan Zhizhong , Ding Haixin , Zhou Yirong , Xiao Qiang
Published: April 2017

In the present paper, we report an expedient total synthesis of triciribine, a tricyclic 7-deazapurine nucleoside and protein kinase B (AKT ) inhibitor, in 35% overall yield. Our synthesis route features a highly regioselective substitution of 1-N-Boc-2-methylhydrazine and a trifluoroacetic acid catalyzed one-pot transformation which combined the deprotection of the tert-butylcarbonyl (Boc) group and ring closure reaction together to give a tricyclic nucleobase motif.
Folate Decorated Nanomicelles Loaded with a Potent Curcumin Analogue for Targeting Retinoblastoma
Authors: Alsaab Hashem , Alzhrani Rami , Kesharwani Prashant , Sau Samaresh , Boddu Sai , Iyer Arun
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to develop a novel folate receptor-targeted drug delivery system for retinoblastoma cells using a promising anticancer agent, curcumin-difluorinated (CDF), loaded in polymeric micelles. Folic acid was used as a targeting moiety to enhance the targeting and bioavailability of CDF. For this purpose, amphiphilic poly(styrene-co-maleic acid)-conjugated-folic acid (SMA-FA) was synthesized and utilized to improve the aqueous solubility of a highly hydrophobic, but very potent anticancer compound, CDF, and its targeted delivery to folate overexpressing cancers. The SMA-FA conjugate was first synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, FTIR and DSC. Furthermore, the chromatographic condition (HPLC) for estimating CDF was determined and validated. The formulation was optimized to achieve maximum entrapment of CDF. The particle size of the micelles was measured and confirmed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cytotoxicity studies were conducted on (Y-79 and WERI-RB) retinoblastoma cells. Results showed that the solubility of CDF could be increased with the newly-synthesized polymer, and the entrapment efficiency was >85%. The drug-loaded nanomicelles exhibited an appropriate size of <200 nm and a narrow size distribution. The formulation did not show any adverse cytotoxicity on a human retinal pigment epithelial cell (ARPE-19), indicating its safety. However, it showed significant cell killing activity in both Y-79 and WERI-RB retinoblastoma cell lines, indicating its potency in killing cancer cells. In conclusion, the folic acid-conjugated SMA loaded with CDF showed promising potential with high safety and pronounced anticancer activity on the tested retinoblastoma cell lines. The newly-formulated targeted nanomicelles thus could be a viable option as an alternative approach to current retinoblastoma therapies.
The Impact of Economic Inequality on Children’s Development and Achievement
Authors: Walsh Mary E. , Theodorakakis Maria D.
Published: April 2017

Child poverty leads to many challenges at both societal and individual levels, and the two levels are interrelated. It is critical to recognize the complex implications of poverty, including short-term and long-term effects for children and families. After reviewing both the societal (e.g., economic costs, segregation, and unequal opportunity) and individual (e.g., effects on children’s health, development, learning, and academic achievement) implications of poverty, this paper will describe a framework for action that incorporates multiple existing approaches, and offer an example of one intervention that aims to address the challenges associated with economic inequality for children in the United States in a comprehensive, multifaceted manner.
Automatic UAV Image Geo-Registration by Matching UAV Images to Georeferenced Image Data
Authors: Zhuo Xiangyu , Koch Tobias , Kurz Franz , Fraundorfer Friedrich , Reinartz Peter
Published: April 2017

Recent years have witnessed the fast development of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles). As an alternative to traditional image acquisition methods, UAVs bridge the gap between terrestrial and airborne photogrammetry and enable flexible acquisition of high resolution images. However, the georeferencing accuracy of UAVs is still limited by the low-performance on-board GNSS and INS. This paper investigates automatic geo-registration of an individual UAV image or UAV image blocks by matching the UAV image(s) with a previously taken georeferenced image, such as an individual aerial or satellite image with a height map attached or an aerial orthophoto with a DSM (digital surface model) attached. As the biggest challenge for matching UAV and aerial images is in the large differences in scale and rotation, we propose a novel feature matching method for nadir or slightly tilted images. The method is comprised of a dense feature detection scheme, a one-to-many matching strategy and a global geometric verification scheme. The proposed method is able to find thousands of valid matches in cases where SIFT and ASIFT fail. Those matches can be used to geo-register the whole UAV image block towards the reference image data. When the reference images offer high georeferencing accuracy, the UAV images can also be geolocalized in a global coordinate system. A series of experiments involving different scenarios was conducted to validate the proposed method. The results demonstrate that our approach achieves not only decimeter-level registration accuracy, but also comparable global accuracy as the reference images.
Optical Backscattering Measured by Airborne Lidar and Underwater Glider
Authors: Churnside James , Marchbanks Richard , Lembke Chad , Beckler Jordon
Published: April 2017

The optical backscattering from particles in the ocean is an important quantity that has been measured by remote sensing techniques and in situ instruments. In this paper, we compare estimates of this quantity from airborne lidar with those from an in situ instrument on an underwater glider. Both of these technologies allow much denser sampling of backscatter profiles than traditional ship surveys. We found a moderate correlation (R = 0.28, p < 10−5), with differences that are partially explained by spatial and temporal sampling mismatches, variability in particle composition, and lidar retrieval errors. The data suggest that there are two different regimes with different scattering properties. For backscattering coefficients below about 0.001 m−1, the lidar values were generally greater than the glider values. For larger values, the lidar was generally lower than the glider. Overall, the results are promising and suggest that airborne lidar and gliders provide comparable and complementary information on optical particulate backscattering.
Recognition of the Duration and Prediction of Insect Prevalence of Stored Rough Rice Infested by the Red Flour Beetle (Tribolium castaneum Herbst) Using an Electronic Nose
Authors: Xu Sai , Zhou Zhiyan , Li Keliang , Jamir Sierra , Luo Xiwen
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this research is to explore the feasibility of applying an electronic nose for the intelligent monitoring of injurious insects in a stored grain environment. In this study, we employed an electronic nose to sample rough rice that contained three degrees of red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum Herbst) infestation for different durations—light degree (LD), middle degree (MD), and heavy degree (HD)—and manually investigated the insect situation at the same time. Manual insect situation investigation shows that, in all three rice treatments, the insect amounts gradually decreased after infestation. When the insect population of stored rough rice was under 13 insects per 60 g of rough rice, the natural speed of decrease of the insect population became very slow and reached the best artificial insect killing period. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) provided good performance for MD and HD insect harm duration identification, but performed poorly for LD insect harm duration identification. Both k-means clustering analysis (K-means) and fuzzy c-means analysis (FCM) effectively identified the insect harm duration for stored rough rice. The results from the back-propagation artificial neural network (BPNN) insect prevalence prediction for the three degrees of rough rice infestation demonstrated that the electronic nose could effectively predict insect prevalence in stored grain (fitting coefficients were larger than 0.89). The predictive ability was best for LD, second best for MD, and least accurate for HD. This experiment demonstrates the feasibility of electronic noses for detecting both the duration and prevalence of an insect infestation in stored grain and provides a reference for the intelligent monitoring of an insect infestation in stored grains.
The Modeling and Simulation of the Galvanic Coupling Intra-Body Communication via Handshake Channel
Authors: Li Maoyuan , Song Yong , Li Wansong , Wang Guangfa , Bu Tianpeng , Zhao Yufei , Hao Qun
Published: April 2017

Intra-body communication (IBC) is a technology using the conductive properties of the body to transmit signal, and information interaction by handshake is regarded as one of the important applications of IBC. In this paper, a method for modeling the galvanic coupling intra-body communication via handshake channel is proposed, while the corresponding parameters are discussed. Meanwhile, the mathematical model of this kind of IBC is developed. Finally, the validity of the developed model has been verified by measurements. Moreover, its characteristics are discussed and compared with that of the IBC via single body channel. Our results indicate that the proposed method will lay a foundation for the theoretical analysis and application of the IBC via handshake channel.
A Prosthetic Hand Body Area Controller Based on Efficient Pattern Recognition Control Strategies
Authors: Benatti Simone , Milosevic Bojan , Farella Elisabetta , Gruppioni Emanuele , Benini Luca
Published: April 2017

Poliarticulated prosthetic hands represent a powerful tool to restore functionality and improve quality of life for upper limb amputees. Such devices offer, on the same wearable node, sensing and actuation capabilities, which are not equally supported by natural interaction and control strategies. The control in state-of-the-art solutions is still performed mainly through complex encoding of gestures in bursts of contractions of the residual forearm muscles, resulting in a non-intuitive Human-Machine Interface (HMI). Recent research efforts explore the use of myoelectric gesture recognition for innovative interaction solutions, however there persists a considerable gap between research evaluation and implementation into successful complete systems. In this paper, we present the design of a wearable prosthetic hand controller, based on intuitive gesture recognition and a custom control strategy. The wearable node directly actuates a poliarticulated hand and wirelessly interacts with a personal gateway (i.e., a smartphone) for the training and personalization of the recognition algorithm. Through the whole system development, we address the challenge of integrating an efficient embedded gesture classifier with a control strategy tailored for an intuitive interaction between the user and the prosthesis. We demonstrate that this combined approach outperforms systems based on mere pattern recognition, since they target the accuracy of a classification algorithm rather than the control of a gesture. The system was fully implemented, tested on healthy and amputee subjects and compared against benchmark repositories. The proposed approach achieves an error rate of 1.6% in the end-to-end real time control of commonly used hand gestures, while complying with the power and performance budget of a low-cost microcontroller.
Measurement of Pressure Fluctuations inside a Model Thrust Bearing Using PVDF Sensors
Authors: Youssef Andrew , Matthews David , Guzzomi Andrew , Pan Jie
Published: April 2017

Thrust bearings play a vital role in propulsion systems. They rely on a thin layer of oil being trapped between rotating surfaces to produce a low friction interface. The “quality” of this bearing affects many things from noise transmission to the ultimate catastrophic failure of the bearing itself. As a result, the direct measure of the forces and vibrations within the oil filled interface would be very desirable and would give an indication of the condition of the bearing in situ. The thickness of the oil film is, however, very small and conventional vibration sensors are too cumbersome to use in this confined space. This paper solves this problem by using a piezoelectric polymer film made from Polyvinylidine Fluoride (PVDF). These films are very thin (50 m) and flexible and easy to install in awkward spaces such as the inside of a thrust bearing. A model thrust bearing was constructed using a 3D printer and PVDF films inserted into the base of the bearing. In doing so, it was possible to directly measure the force fluctuations due to the rotating pads and investigate various properties of the thrust bearing itself.
Detecting Single-Nucleotides by Tunneling Current Measurements at Sub-MHz Temporal Resolution
Authors: Morikawa Takanori , Yokota Kazumichi , Tanimoto Sachie , Tsutsui Makusu , Taniguchi Masateru
Published: April 2017

Label-free detection of single-nucleotides was performed by fast tunneling current measurements in a polar solvent at 1 MHz sampling rate using SiO2-protected Au nanoprobes. Short current spikes were observed, suggestive of trapping/detrapping of individual nucleotides between the nanoelectrodes. The fall and rise features of the electrical signatures indicated signal retardation by capacitance effects with a time constant of about 10 microseconds. The high temporal resolution revealed current fluctuations, reflecting the molecular conformation degrees of freedom in the electrode gap. The method presented in this work may enable direct characterizations of dynamic changes in single-molecule conformations in an electrode gap in liquid.
Older People, Mobile Communication and Risks
Authors: Ivan Loredana , Fernández-Ardèvol Mireia
Published: April 2017

Starting from Beck’s concept of reflexivity, the paper investigates differences in risk perception regarding wireless technologies expressed by older people living in Romania and Catalonia (Spain). We combine evidence from conversations held with older individuals in different research projects together with an ad-hoc media content analysis. Our research reveals that seniors’ discourses were consistent with the media prominence of different types of risks in each country. Results show that seniors’ discourses on health risks relate to the way the media discussed them, with Romanian participants, in contrast to older people from Catalonia, expressing no concerns about electromagnetic radiation. Also, Romanian seniors were more concerned about the risk to others—younger family members—whereas seniors in Catalonia were more concerned about their own risks. Seniors from Romania made more references to the country’s development. We discuss aging futures in societies with different risk perceptions. As the media presents the risks associated with digital technologies in differing lights, people’s perceptions are formed accordingly. Also, in countries where technology is perceived as good per se, the techno-optimistic discourse would be reinforced not only by the media but also by the groups exposed to the highest social pressure towards technology adoption—for example, seniors.
Adjustable Green Defaults Can Help Make Smart Homes More Sustainable
Authors: Sintov Nicole , Schultz P.
Published: April 2017

Smart home technologies offer exciting opportunities to promote more efficient uses of energy. For instance, programmable thermostats, centralized lighting controls, and rooftop solar panels all have potential for energy conservation and efficiency. However, these technologies alone will not guarantee energy savings. Whereas previous research on smart homes has focused on the technologies themselves, relatively little work has addressed the factors that shape the human-technology interface. In this review paper, we argue that in order to ensure any savings, smart home technologies must first be adopted by end-users, and once adopted, they must be used in ways that promote energy efficiency. We focus on three areas of behavioral research with implications for smart home technologies: (1) defaults; (2) perceived adjustability or control; and (3) trust in automation. Linking these areas, we propose a new concept for improving the efficiency gains of smart homes. First, although smart device controls can help save energy, considerably larger energy efficiency gains can be realized through smart automation. But importantly, the default settings of systems should be “green”, to maximize energy savings. Second, many people have concerns around relinquishing decision-making to technologies, which can reduce the likelihood of adoption. People want to be, or at least to feel, in control of their homes, even if they do not adjust settings post-installation. Further, consumer trust in technologies encourages adoption in the first place; trust also impacts consumer interactions with installed devices and can impact default acceptance. Combining these concepts, we recommend that smart home technologies build consumer trust and come pre-programmed with adjustable green defaults, which permit consumers to change initial green settings.
A Performance Evaluation Study of Human Resources in Low-Carbon Logistics Enterprises
Authors: Qu Qunzhen , Wang Wenjing , Tang Mengxue , Lu Youhu , Tsai Sang-Bing , Wang Jiangtao , Li Guodong , Yu Chih-Lang
Published: April 2017

With China’s rapid economic development, restructuring the economy will require a development model based on high-to-low carbon transition. The development of logistics enterprises has its own characteristics associated with the trend of low carbon. This article discusses the significance of structuring a human resource performance evaluation system for low-carbon logistics enterprises. We used an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and triangle-definite weighted functions as the technology platform to determine the performance evaluation and measure corporate status quo. The results can serve as a reference for companies to make the best talent decisions and achieve long-term development strategies. In addition, this study helps to make up for a lack of relevant research in this area.
Analysis of China’s Carbon Emissions Base on Carbon Flow in Four Main Sectors: 2000–2013
Authors: Li Xin , Cui Xiandan , Wang Minxi
Published: April 2017

Reducing carbon emissions is a major way to achieve green development and sustainability for China’s future. This paper elaborates the detailed features of China’s carbon flow for 2013 with the carbon flow chart and shows the changing characteristics of China’s CO2 flow from the viewpoint of specific sectors and energies from 2000 and 2013. The results show that (1) from 2000 to 2013, China’s CO2 emissions approximately grew by 9% annually, while the CO2 intensity of China diminished at different rates. (2) The CO2 emissions from the secondary industry are prominent from the perspective of four main sectors, accounting for 83.5% of emissions. Manufacturing plays an important part in the secondary industry with 45% of the emissions, in which the “smelting and pressing of metal” takes up a large percentage of about 50% of the emissions from manufacturing. (3) The CO2 emissions produced by coal consumption are dominant in energy-related emissions with a contribution of 65%, which will decrease in the future. (4) From the aspect of different sectors, the CO2 emissions mainly come from the “electricity and heating” sector and the “smelting, pressing and manufacturing of metals” sub-sector. It is essential and urgent to propose concrete recommendations for CO2 emissions mitigation. Firstly, the progression of creative technology is inevitable and undeniable. Secondly, the government should make different CO2 emissions reduction policies among different sectors. For example, the process emissions play an important role in “non-metallic minerals” while in “smelting and manufacturing of metals” it is energy emissions. Thirdly, the country can change the energy structure and promote renewable energy that is powered by wind or other low-carbon energy sources. Alternatively, coke oven gas can be a feasible substitution. Finally, policy makers should be aware that the emissions from residents have been growing at a fast rate. It is effective to involve the public in energy conservation and carbon emissions reduction, such as reducing the time of personal transportation.
Peri-Urban Matters. Changing Olive Growing Patterns in Central Italy
Authors: Palazzo Anna , Aristone Ottavia
Published: April 2017

For centuries, olive growing has played a major role in the central regions of Italy, with hectares of olive groves surrounding hill towns and hamlets as part of a strong deep-rooted farming tradition. With reference to Lazio and Abruzzo, this article makes use of historical documentation, geographical surveys and in-depth interviews with professionals and experts, in order to provide evidence of how olive growing, once of the mixed type, now with specialized cultivations, has somehow challenged the structural features of traditional landscapes. In some cases, this ancient farming tradition has been awarded the ‘Protected Designation of Origin Brand’ according to strict technical production policies. Besides intensive crops, today also practiced on flat ground, for some years now, olive trees have been cultivated by ‘hobby farmers’. This is frequent in fringe areas, threatened by urban sprawl, within small plots belonging to detached family homes conferring a sense of rural ‘revival’. Whether all these diverse settlement patterns are socially and economically sustainable is debatable. Definitely, such persistence in land use, which now and again can be read even as a material survival of certain tree specimens, allows for olive farming as an enduring cultural practice in the face of increasing urbanization.