bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluorescent BAPAD Dendrimeric Antigens Are Efficiently Internalized by Human Dendritic Cells
Authors: Mesa-Antunez Pablo , Collado Daniel , Vida Yolanda , Najera Francisco , Fernandez Tahia , Torres Maria , Perez-Inestrosa Ezequiel
Published: March 2016

A new fluorescent dendrimeric antigen (DeAn) based on a dendron with amoxicilloyl terminal groups was synthesized. The synthesis was carried out using a novel class of all-aliphatic polyamide dendrimer (BisAminoalkylPolyAmide Dendrimers, or BAPAD) involving the direct condensation of 3,3′-diazidopivalic acid as a building block. Iterative azide reduction/amide formation increases the dendrimer generation. The BAPAD dendrimer was designed with a cystamine core. Reduction of the disulfide bond allows the incorporation of BAPAD dendrons into a 1,8-naphthalimide functionalized with a maleimide group. The fluorescence properties of DeAn were studied in PBS and compared with the properties of an equivalent dendron possessing amino-terminal groups. Both molecules shown high fluorescence quantum yields in PBS and could readily be visualized by fluorescence microscopy. DeAn was used as a synthetic antigen in a biomedical assay that tests their potential as an amoxicillin carrier in drug internalization by dendritic cells (DC) from tolerant and allergic patients. Cytometry data suggest that the dendrons are non-toxic and easily internalized by DCs, while confocal microscopy images indicate that the compounds are preferentially accumulated in the cytoplasm. These results indicate that BAPAD dendrons are good candidates for synthetic scaffolds for biomedical applications.
PEG-Chitosan Hydrogel with Tunable Stiffness for Study of Drug Response of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Chang Fei-Chien , Tsao Ching-Ting , Lin Anqi , Zhang Mengying , Levengood Sheeny , Zhang Miqin
Published: March 2016

Mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix have a profound effect on the behavior of anchorage-dependent cells. However, the mechanisms that define the effects of matrix stiffness on cell behavior remains unclear. Therefore, the development and fabrication of synthetic matrices with well-defined stiffness is invaluable for studying the interactions of cells with their biophysical microenvironment in vitro. We demonstrate a methoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG)-modified chitosan hydrogel network where hydrogel stiffness can be easily modulated under physiological conditions by adjusting the degree of mPEG grafting onto chitosan (PEGylation). We show that the storage modulus of the hydrogel increases as PEGylation decreases and the gels exhibit instant self-recovery after deformation. Breast cancer cells cultured on the stiffest hydrogels adopt a more malignant phenotype with increased resistance to doxorubicin as compared with cells cultured on tissue culture polystyrene or Matrigel. This work demonstrates the utility of mPEG-modified chitosan hydrogel, with tunable mechanical properties, as an improved replacement of conventional culture system for in vitro characterization of breast cancer cell phenotype and evaluation of cancer therapies.
Studies of Grafted and Sulfonated Spiro Poly(isatin-ethersulfone) Membranes by Super Acid-Catalyzed Reaction
Authors: Jin Lei , Jang Hohyoun , Yoo Jiho , Ha Jaeseong , Choi Kunyoung , Ryu Taewook , Lee Sungkwun , Kim Whangi
Published: March 2016

Spiro poly(isatin-ethersulfone) polymers were prepared from isatin and bis-2,6-dimethylphenoxyphenylsulfone by super acid catalyzed polyhydroxyalkylation reactions. We designed and synthesized bis-2,6-dimethylphenoxyphenylsulfone, which is structured at the meta position steric hindrance by two methyl groups, because this structure minimized crosslinking reaction during super acid catalyzed polymerization. In addition, sulfonic acid groups were structured in both side chains and main chains to form better polymer chain morphology and improve proton conductivity. The sulfonation reactions were performed in two steps which are: in 3-bromo-1-propanesulfonic acid potassium salt and in con. sulfuric acid. The membrane morphology was studied by tapping mode atomic force microscope (AFM). The phase difference between the hydrophobic polymer main chain and hydrophilic sulfonated units of the polymer was shown to be the reasonable result of the well phase separated structure. The correlations of proton conductivity, ion exchange capacity (IEC) and single cell performance were clearly described with the membrane morphology.
Syncopated Beats and the History of Sadness: The Affective Fusion of Audience and Film through Music
Authors: Callaway Kutter
Published: March 2016

Recent developments in the disciplines of cinema studies, theology, and religion and film have generated renewed interest in the experiential dimensions of filmgoing. More specifically, those contributing to theological scholarship have begun to explore these cinematic experiences as theologically significant. With these developments in mind, this essay offers a close reading of the principal musical theme in the 2010 film Beginners, noting in particular the ways in which this music is distributed throughout the narrative. In doing so, it suggests that the music in this film expresses in concrete terms one of the key insights from emerging neuropsychological research, namely, that our affective, pre-cognitive, “wordless knowledge” of the world is the foundation upon which human consciousness is constructed. But the essay goes one step further by making an explicitly theological claim. That is, when located within the framework of a lived theology (i.e., a “poetic theology”), the film and its music shed light on the ways in which aesthetic modes of awareness (i.e., intuitive, embodied forms of knowledge) open up spaces in the contemporary world where our affections, the goods of late-modern society, and our spiritual longings are able to meet and interact.
Spectral Reflectance of Polar Bear and Other Large Arctic Mammal Pelts; Potential Applications to Remote Sensing Surveys
Authors: Leblanc George , Francis Charles , Soffer Raymond , Kalacska Margaret , De Gea Julie
Published: March 2016

Spectral reflectance within the 350–2500 nm range was measured for 17 pelts of arctic mammals (polar bear, caribou, muskox, and ringed, harp and bearded seals) in relation to snow. Reflectance of all pelts was very low at the ultraviolet (UV) end of the spectrum (<10%), increased through the visual and near infrared, peaking at 40%–60% between 1100 and 1400 nm and then gradually dropped, though remaining above 20% until at least 1800 nm. In contrast, reflectance of snow was very high in the UV range (>90%), gradually dropped to near zero at 1500 nm, and then fluctuated between zero and 20% up to 2500 nm. All pelts could be distinguished from clean snow at many wavelengths. The polar bear pelts had higher and more uniform averaged reflectance from about 600–1100 nm than most other pelts, but discrimination was challenging due to variation in pelt color and intensity among individuals within each species. Results suggest promising approaches for using remote sensing tools with a broad spectral range to discriminate polar bears and other mammals from clean snow. Further data from live animals in their natural environment are needed to develop functions to discriminate among species of mammals and to determine whether other environmental elements may have similar reflectance.
Assessing the Capability of a Downscaled Urban Land Surface Temperature Time Series to Reproduce the Spatiotemporal Features of the Original Data
Authors: Sismanidis Panagiotis , Keramitsoglou Iphigenia , Kiranoudis Chris , Bechtel Benjamin
Published: March 2016

The downscaling of frequently-acquired geostationary Land Surface Temperature (LST) data can compensate the lack of high spatiotemporal LST data for urban climate studies. In order to be usable, the generated datasets must accurately reproduce the spatiotemporal features of the coarse-scale LST time series with greater spatial detail. This work concerns this issue and exploits the high temporal resolution of the data to address it. Specifically, it assesses the accuracy, correct pattern formation and the spatiotemporal inter-relationships of an urban three-month-long downscaled geostationary LST time series. The results suggest that the downscaling process operated in a consistent manner and preserved the radiometry of the original data. The exploitation of the data inter-relationships for evaluation purposes revealed that the downscaled time series reproduced the smooth diurnal cycle, but the autocorrelation of the downscaled data was higher than the original coarse-scale data. Overall, the evaluation process showed that the generation of high spatiotemporal LST data for urban areas is very challenging, and to deem it successful, it is mandatory to assess the temporal evolution of the urban thermal patterns. The results suggest that the proposed tests can facilitate the evaluation process.
Capacity of Heterogeneous Mobile Wireless Networks with D-Delay Transmission Strategy
Authors: Wu Feng , Zhu Jiang , Xi Zhipeng , Gao Kai
Published: March 2016

This paper investigates the capacity problem of heterogeneous wireless networks in mobility scenarios. A heterogeneous network model which consists of n normal nodes and m helping nodes is proposed. Moreover, we propose a D-delay transmission strategy to ensure that every packet can be delivered to its destination nodes with limited delay. Different from most existing network schemes, our network model has a novel two-tier architecture. The existence of helping nodes greatly improves the network capacity. Four types of mobile networks are studied in this paper: i.i.d. fast mobility model and slow mobility model in two-dimensional space, i.i.d. fast mobility model and slow mobility model in three-dimensional space. Using the virtual channel model, we present an intuitive analysis of the capacity of two-dimensional mobile networks and three-dimensional mobile networks, respectively. Given a delay constraint D, we derive the asymptotic expressions for the capacity of the four types of mobile networks. Furthermore, the impact of D and m to the capacity of the whole network is analyzed. Our findings provide great guidance for the future design of the next generation of networks.
Investigation on the Mechanical and Electrical Behavior of a Tuning Fork-Shaped Ionic Polymer Metal Composite Actuator with a Continuous Water Supply Mechanism
Authors: Feng Guo-Hua , Huang Wei-Lun
Published: March 2016

This paper presents an innovative tuning fork-shaped ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) actuator. With an integrated soft strain gauge and water supply mechanism (WSM), the surface strain of the actuator can be sensed in situ, and providing a continuous water supply maintains the water content inside the IPMC for long-term operation in air. The actuator was fabricated using a micromachining technique and plated with a nickel electrode. The device performance was experimentally characterized and compared with an actuator without a WSM. A large displacement of 1.5 mm was achieved for a 6 mm-long prong with 7-V dc actuation applied for 30 s. The measured current was analyzed using an electrochemical model. The results revealed that the faradaic current plays a crucial role during operation, particularly after 10 s. The measured strain confirms both the bending and axial strain generation during the open-and-close motion of the actuator prongs. Most of the water loss during device operation was due to evaporation rather than hydrolysis. The constructed WSM effectively maintained the water content inside the IPMC for long-term continuous operation.
Balance Improvement Effects of Biofeedback Systems with State-of-the-Art Wearable Sensors: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ma Christina , Wong Duo , Lam Wing , Wan Anson , Lee Winson
Published: March 2016

Falls and fall-induced injuries are major global public health problems. Balance and gait disorders have been the second leading cause of falls. Inertial motion sensors and force sensors have been widely used to monitor both static and dynamic balance performance. Based on the detected performance, instant visual, auditory, electrotactile and vibrotactile biofeedback could be provided to augment the somatosensory input and enhance balance control. This review aims to synthesize the research examining the effect of biofeedback systems, with wearable inertial motion sensors and force sensors, on balance performance. Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials were included in this review. All studies were evaluated based on the methodological quality. Sample characteristics, device design and study characteristics were summarized. Most previous studies suggested that biofeedback devices were effective in enhancing static and dynamic balance in healthy young and older adults, and patients with balance and gait disorders. Attention should be paid to the choice of appropriate types of sensors and biofeedback for different intended purposes. Maximizing the computing capacity of the micro-processer, while minimizing the size of the electronic components, appears to be the future direction of optimizing the devices. Wearable balance-improving devices have their potential of serving as balance aids in daily life, which can be used indoors and outdoors.
A Simple Interface for 3D Position Estimation of a Mobile Robot with Single Camera
Authors: Chao Chun-Tang , Chung Ming-Hsuan , Chiou Juing-Shian , Wang Chi-Jo
Published: March 2016

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of mobile robots controlled by a smart phone or tablet. This paper proposes a visual control interface for a mobile robot with a single camera to easily control the robot actions and estimate the 3D position of a target. In this proposal, the mobile robot employed an Arduino Yun as the core processor and was remote-controlled by a tablet with an Android operating system. In addition, the robot was fitted with a three-axis robotic arm for grasping. Both the real-time control signal and video transmission are transmitted via Wi-Fi. We show that with a properly calibrated camera and the proposed prototype procedures, the users can click on a desired position or object on the touchscreen and estimate its 3D coordinates in the real world by simple analytic geometry instead of a complicated algorithm. The results of the measurement verification demonstrates that this approach has great potential for mobile robots.
Penetration Depth Measurement of Near-Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging Light for Milk Powder
Authors: Huang Min , Kim Moon , Chao Kuanglin , Qin Jianwei , Mo Changyeun , Esquerre Carlos , Delwiche Stephen , Zhu Qibing
Published: March 2016

The increasingly common application of the near-infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging technique to the analysis of food powders has led to the need for optical characterization of samples. This study was aimed at exploring the feasibility of quantifying penetration depth of NIR hyperspectral imaging light for milk powder. Hyperspectral NIR reflectance images were collected for eight different milk powder products that included five brands of non-fat milk powder and three brands of whole milk powder. For each milk powder, five different powder depths ranging from 1 mm–5 mm were prepared on the top of a base layer of melamine, to test spectral-based detection of the melamine through the milk. A relationship was established between the NIR reflectance spectra (937.5–1653.7 nm) and the penetration depth was investigated by means of the partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) technique to classify pixels as being milk-only or a mixture of milk and melamine. With increasing milk depth, classification model accuracy was gradually decreased. The results from the 1-mm, 2-mm and 3-mm models showed that the average classification accuracy of the validation set for milk-melamine samples was reduced from 99.86% down to 94.93% as the milk depth increased from 1 mm–3 mm. As the milk depth increased to 4 mm and 5 mm, model performance deteriorated further to accuracies as low as 81.83% and 58.26%, respectively. The results suggest that a 2-mm sample depth is recommended for the screening/evaluation of milk powders using an online NIR hyperspectral imaging system similar to that used in this study.
A Sensitive Secondary Users Selection Algorithm for Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Li Aohan , Han Guangjie , Wan Liangtian , Shu Lei
Published: March 2016

Secondary Users (SUs) are allowed to use the temporarily unused licensed spectrum without disturbing Primary Users (PUs) in Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks (CRAHNs). Existing architectures for CRAHNs impose energy-consuming Cognitive Radios (CRs) on SUs. However, the advanced CRs will increase energy cost for their cognitive functionalities, which is undesirable for the battery powered devices. A new architecture referred to as spectral Requirement-based CRAHN (RCRAHN) is proposed to enhance energy efficiency for CRAHNs in this paper. In RCRAHNs, only parts of SUs are equipped with CRs. SUs equipped with CRs are referred to as Cognitive Radio Users (CRUs). To further enhance energy efficiency of CRAHNs, we aim to select minimum CRUs to sense available spectrum. A non-linear programming problem is mathematically formulated under the constraints of energy efficiency and real-time. Considering the NP-hardness of the problem, a framework of a heuristic algorithm referred to as Sensitive Secondary Users Selection (SSUS) was designed to compute the near-optimal solutions. The simulation results demonstrate that SSUS not only improves the energy efficiency, but also achieves satisfied performances in end-to-end delay and communication reliability.
Strategic Aspects of an Eco-Logistic Chain Optimization
Authors: Korczak Jerzy , Kijewska Kinga , Iwan Stanisław
Published: March 2016

The result of ecological aspects being taken into consideration in human activities and aiming at an optimization of the chains of deliveries is an intention to close the loop of deliveries. One of the ways to achieve this aim is an application of the concept of ecologistics. While waste constitutes one of the main elements of ecologistics, it poses the most serious threat to the natural environment. The state’s ecologic policy for the years of 2002–2010 was a document to support the activities of communes aimed at environmental protection. Long-term objectives are to be realized within the framework of the Strategy of the Sustainable Development of Poland by the Year 2025. In this article, an attempt was undertaken of a critical interpretation of American and European views in this area. The possibilities of the optimization and polyoptimization of the behaviors of individual and group inhabitants in the context of logistics chains modelling were highlighted. Standardized indexes will permit an effective assessment of the behaviors of a human or a given society referred to the economic (business) values in an area determined by the necessity of the functioning of ecologistic chains (this activity is proper to the objectives of designing and an objective assessment of the functioning of ecologistic chains).
Opportunities for Underutilised Crops in Southern Africa’s Post–2015 Development Agenda
Authors: Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe , O’Reilly Patrick , Walker Sue , Mwale Simon
Published: March 2016

Underutilised crops represent an important component of Southern Africa’s agro–biodiversity that has potential to contribute to the region’s post–2015 development discourse. We reviewed the potential of underutilised crops with respect to how they can contribute to topical challenges, such as food and nutrition security, human health and well–being, climate change adaptation, the environment, and employment creation in poor rural communities. The fact that underutilised crops are the product of generations of landrace agriculture supports the idea that they are resilient and adapted to the needs of farmers in marginal agricultural environments. In addition, underutilised crops are also seen as offering economic advantages due to their uniqueness, suitability to environments in which they are grown and low input requirements. In certain cases, underutilised crops are associated with specific gender roles with women being seen as particularly significant in their production. Evidence also suggests that the inclusion of underutilised crops in cropping systems contributes to dietary diversity and improved nutrition. In the context of the post–2015 agenda, the potential of underutilised crops to generate income, address food security and their status as a “subset of biodiversity” links with a number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) addressing social, economic and environmental issues.
Modeling on Regional Atmosphere-Soil-Land Plant Carbon Cycle Dynamic System
Authors: Fu Min , Tian Lixin , Dong Gaogao , Du Ruijin , Zhou Peipei , Wang Minggang
Published: March 2016

This paper establishes a nonlinear carbon cycle model based on the analysis of the carbon flux relationship among the atmosphere cycle, soil cycle and land cycle. By using nonlinear dynamics method, we examine the regional carbon cycle evolution along with the temporal evolution of the regional carbon flux. A neural network has been employed to identify the parameters of the proposed model, accordingly. In the numerical study, we propose the atmosphere-soil-land cycle model for Nanjing city of China. Then, the carbon cycle evolution of Nanjing has been simulated with the given model and actual data.
Sustainability Benefits and Challenges of Inter-Organizational Collaboration in Bio-Based Business: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Nuhoff-Isakhanyan Gohar , Wubben Emiel , Omta S.W.F.
Published: March 2016

Bio-based businesses are often considered to be sustainable. However, they are also linked to sustainability challenges such as deforestation and soil erosion. Encouraged to exploit innovative solutions and enhance sustainability, organizations engaged in bio-based activities extensively explore collaboration possibilities with external partners. The objective of this paper is to integrate the available knowledge on sustainability of inter-organisational collaborations in bio-based businesses, while considering the three aspects of sustainability: environmental, economic, and social. We collected data from three academic sources—Web of Science, Scopus, and EconLit—and conducted a systematic literature review. The results show the importance of geographical proximity and complementarity in creating sustainability benefits such as reduced emissions, reduced waste, economic synergies, and socio-economic activities. Based on the findings, we have developed a framework that illustrates sustainability benefits and challenges. Interestingly, the studies emphasize sustainability benefits more in emerging than in industrialised economies, especially relating to the social aspects of sustainability. In conclusion, although the scholars have not discussed mitigation of several sustainability challenges in bio-based businesses, such as land use conflicts, they have found evidence of vital sustainability benefits, such as energy availability, lower emissions, improved socio-economic life, and poverty reduction, which are essential in emerging economies.
Valuation of Haze Management and Prevention Using the Contingent Valuation Method with the Sure Independence Screening Algorithm
Authors: Wang Guizhi , Song Yingxi , Chen Jibo , Yu Jun
Published: March 2016

Haze has caused the deterioration of air quality and has ultimately affected the ecological environment. The contingent valuation method (CVM) is an important assessment method that is widely used in ecological economics. The public’s willingness to pay (WTP) for haze management and prevention can be analyzed using dichotomous choices. Here, the method is applied to study the valuation of haze management and prevention. Taking Jiangsu Province as an example, the non-market value is calculated by constructing the binary logistic model from questionnaire data, combined with a data-processing method: the sure independence screening (SIS) algorithm. The conclusions are as follows: (1) The public’s WTP for haze management and prevention is closely related to the monthly income of families and transport modality; (2) According to the CVM, the non-market value for haze management and prevention in Jiangsu is 7.645 billion yuan; (3) By the average estimate method (AEM), this value is 12.529 billion yuan, about 1.64 times the estimate from the CVM. This is because the AEM ignores the correlation among the influence factors and, therefore, overestimates the valuation of the services; (4) The CVM, combined with the SIS algorithm, does a better job in estimating the valuation of the services.
Neutralization of the Principal Toxins from the Venoms of Thai Naja kaouthia and Malaysian Hydrophis schistosus: Insights into Toxin-Specific Neutralization by Two Different Antivenoms
Authors: Tan Kae , Tan Choo , Fung Shin , Tan Nget
Published: March 2016

Antivenom neutralization against cobra venoms is generally low in potency, presumably due to poor toxin-specific immunoreactivity. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of two elapid antivenoms to neutralize the principal toxins purified from the venoms of the Thai monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia, Nk-T) and the Malaysian beaked sea snake (Hydrophis schistosus, Hs-M). In mice, N. kaouthia Monovalent Antivenom (NKMAV) neutralization against Nk-T long neurotoxin (LNTX) and cytotoxin was moderate (potency of 2.89–6.44 mg toxin/g antivenom protein) but poor against the short neurotoxin (SNTX) (1.33 mg/g). Its cross-neutralization against Hs-M LNTX of Hs-M is compatible (0.18 mg/g) but much weaker against Hs-M SNTX (0.22 mg/g). Using CSL (Seqirus Limited) Sea Snake Antivenom (SSAV), we observed consistently weak neutralization of antivenom against SNTX of both species, suggesting that this is the limiting factor on the potency of antivenom neutralization against venoms containing SNTX. Nevertheless, SSAV outperformed NKMAV in neutralizing SNTXs of both species (0.61–2.49 mg/g). The superior efficacy of SSAV against SNTX is probably partly attributable to the high abundance of SNTX in sea snake venom used as immunogen in SSAV production. The findings indicate that improving the potency of cobra antivenom may be possible with a proper immunogen formulation that seeks to overcome the limitation on SNTX immunoreactivity.
The Tip of the Four N-Terminal α-Helices of Clostridium sordellii Lethal Toxin Contains the Interaction Site with Membrane Phosphatidylserine Facilitating Small GTPases Glucosylation
Authors: Varela Chavez Carolina , Haustant Georges , Baron Bruno , England Patrick , Chenal Alexandre , Pauillac Serge , Blondel Arnaud , Popoff Michel-Robert
Published: March 2016

Clostridium sordellii lethal toxin (TcsL) is a powerful virulence factor responsible for severe toxic shock in man and animals. TcsL belongs to the large clostridial glucosylating toxin (LCGT) family which inactivates small GTPases by glucosylation with uridine-diphosphate (UDP)-glucose as a cofactor. Notably, TcsL modifies Rac and Ras GTPases, leading to drastic alteration of the actin cytoskeleton and cell viability. TcsL enters cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis and delivers the N-terminal glucosylating domain (TcsL-cat) into the cytosol. TcsL-cat was found to preferentially bind to phosphatidylserine (PS)-containing membranes and to increase the glucosylation of Rac anchored to the lipid membrane. We have previously reported that the N-terminal four helical bundle structure (1–93 domain) recognizes a broad range of lipids, but that TcsL-cat specifically binds to PS and phosphatidic acid. Here, we show using mutagenesis that the PS binding site is localized on the tip of the four-helix bundle which is rich in positively-charged amino acids. Residues Y14, V15, F17, and R18 on loop 1, between helices 1 and 2, in coordination with R68 from loop 3, between helices 3 and 4, form a pocket which accommodates L-serine. The functional PS-binding site is required for TcsL-cat binding to the plasma membrane and subsequent cytotoxicity. TcsL-cat binding to PS facilitates a high enzymatic activity towards membrane-anchored Ras by about three orders of magnitude as compared to Ras in solution. The PS-binding site is conserved in LCGTs, which likely retain a common mechanism of binding to the membrane for their full activity towards membrane-bound GTPases.
Intravesical OnabotulinumtoxinA Injection for Overactive Bladder Patients with Frailty, Medical Comorbidities or Prior Lower Urinary Tract Surgery
Authors: Liao Chun-Hou , Wang Chung-Cheng , Jiang Yuan-Hong
Published: March 2016

Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms increase with age and involve several comorbidities. OnabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT-A) intravesical injection is a treatment choice for patients who are intolerant of or refractory to antimuscarinics. However, the increased risk of urinary tract infection and elevated post-void residual (PVR) volume post-treatment require resolution. Male sex, baseline PVR > 100 mL, and comorbidities are independent risk factors of adverse events (AEs) such as acute urinary retention (AUR). Intravesical BoNT-A injection is safe and effective for OAB patients with frailty, medical comorbidities such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), chronic cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), dementia, or diabetes, or a history of prior lower urinary tract surgery (prostate or transvaginal sling surgery). Post-treatment, 60% of frail elderly patients had a PVR volume > 150 mL and 11% had AUR. Although intravesical BoNT-A injection is safe for PD patients, CVA patients had higher strain voiding rates. Diabetic patients were at increased risk of large PVR urine volume and general weakness post-treatment. Treatment results were similar between patients with and without a history of prostate or transvaginal sling surgery. Possible AEs and bladder management strategies should be conveyed to patients before treatment. Careful patient selection is important, and therapeutic safety and efficacy should be carefully balanced.
Rapid Detection of Escherichia coli O157 and Shiga Toxins by Lateral Flow Immunoassays
Authors: Wang Jinliang , Katani Robab , Li Lingling , Hegde Narasimha , Roberts Elisabeth , Kapur Vivek , DebRoy Chitrita
Published: March 2016

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (STEC) cause food-borne illness that may be fatal. STEC strains enumerate two types of potent Shiga toxins (Stx1 and Stx2) that are responsible for causing diseases. It is important to detect the E. coli O157 and Shiga toxins in food to prevent outbreak of diseases. We describe the development of two multi-analyte antibody-based lateral flow immunoassays (LFIA); one for the detection of Stx1 and Stx2 and one for the detection of E. coli O157 that may be used simultaneously to detect pathogenic E. coli O157:H7. The LFIA strips were developed by conjugating nano colloidal gold particles with monoclonal antibodies against Stx1 and Stx2 and anti-lipid A antibodies to capture Shiga toxins and O157 antigen, respectively. Our results indicate that the LFIA for Stx is highly specific and detected Stx1 and Stx2 within three hours of induction of STEC with ciprofloxacin at 37 °C. The limit of detection for E. coli O157 LFIA was found to be 105 CFU/mL in ground beef spiked with the pathogen. The LFIAs are rapid, accurate and easy to use and do not require sophisticated equipment or trained personnel. Following the assay, colored bands on the membrane develop for end-point detection. The LFIAs may be used for screening STEC in food and the environment.
Hemorrhage Caused by Snake Venom Metalloproteinases: A Journey of Discovery and Understanding
Authors: Gutiérrez José , Escalante Teresa , Rucavado Alexandra , Herrera Cristina
Published: March 2016

The historical development of discoveries and conceptual frames for understanding the hemorrhagic activity induced by viperid snake venoms and by hemorrhagic metalloproteinases (SVMPs) present in these venoms is reviewed. Histological and ultrastructural tools allowed the identification of the capillary network as the main site of action of SVMPs. After years of debate, biochemical developments demonstrated that all hemorrhagic toxins in viperid venoms are zinc-dependent metalloproteinases. Hemorrhagic SVMPs act by initially hydrolyzing key substrates at the basement membrane (BM) of capillaries. This degradation results in the weakening of the mechanical stability of the capillary wall, which becomes distended owing of the action of the hemodynamic biophysical forces operating in the circulation. As a consequence, the capillary wall is disrupted and extravasation occurs. SVMPs do not induce rapid toxicity to endothelial cells, and the pathological effects described in these cells in vivo result from the mechanical action of these hemodynamic forces. Experimental evidence suggests that degradation of type IV collagen, and perhaps also perlecan, is the key event in the onset of microvessel damage. It is necessary to study this phenomenon from a holistic, systemic perspective in which the action of other venom components is also taken into consideration.
Frequency of Natural Resistance within NS5a Replication Complex Domain in Hepatitis C Genotypes 1a, 1b: Possible Implication of Subtype-Specific Resistance Selection in Multiple Direct Acting Antivirals Drugs Combination Treatment
Authors: Bagaglio Sabrina , Andolina Andrea , Merli Marco , Uberti-Foppa Caterina , Morsica Giulia
Published: March 2016

Different HCV subtypes may naturally harbor different resistance selection to anti-NS5a inhibitors. 2761 sequences retrieved from the Los Alamos HCV database were analyzed in the NS5a domain 1, the target of NS5a inhibitors. The NS5a resistance-associated polymorphisms (RAPs) were more frequently detected in HCV G1b compared to G1a. The prevalence of polymorphisms associated with cross-resistance to compounds in clinical use (daclatasvir, DCV, ledipasvir, LDV, ombitasvir, and OMV) or scheduled to come into clinical use in the near future (IDX719, elbasvir, and ELV) was higher in G1b compared to G1a (37/1552 (2.4%) in 1b sequences and 15/1209 (1.2%) in 1a isolates, p = 0.040). Interestingly, on the basis of the genotype-specific resistance pattern, 95 (6.1%) G1b sequences had L31M RAP to DCV/IDX719, while 6 sequences of G1a (0.5%) harbored L31M RAP, conferring resistance to DCV/LDV/IDX719/ELV (p < 0.0001). Finally, 28 (2.3%) G1a and none of G1b isolates harbored M28V RAP to OMV (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the pattern of subtype-specific resistance selection in the naturally occurring strains may guide the treatment option in association with direct acting antivirals (DAAs) targeting different regions, particularly in patients that are difficult to cure, such as those with advanced liver disease or individuals who have failed previous DAAs.
Vaccine Delivery Methods into the Future
Authors: Apostolopoulos Vasso
Published: March 2016

Several modes of vaccine delivery have been developed in the last 25 years, which induce strong immune responses in pre-clinical models and in human clinical trials. Some modes of delivery include, adjuvants (aluminum hydroxide, Ribi formulation, QS21), liposomes, nanoparticles, virus like particles, immunostimulatory complexes (ISCOMs), dendrimers, viral vectors, DNA delivery via gene gun, electroporation or Biojector 2000, cell penetrating peptides, dendritic cell receptor targeting, toll-like receptors, chemokine receptors and bacterial toxins. There is an enormous amount of information and vaccine delivery methods available for guiding vaccine and immunotherapeutics development against diseases.
Explore, Synthesize, and Repeat: Unraveling Complex Water Management Issues through the Stakeholder Engagement Wheel
Authors: Mott Lacroix Kelly , Megdal Sharon
Published: March 2016

Effective stakeholder engagement is fundamental to water management, yet there are as many approaches to consultation as there are efforts. This paper provides an evaluation of, and lessons learned from three water management engagement processes, and uses this assessment to offer a framework for stakeholder engagement. The Stakeholder Engagement Wheel framework is centered on a bridging organization that ensures that the process continues to move forward, and a steering committee that guides and changes activities according to stakeholder interests and concerns. Around the Stakeholder Engagement Wheel are four steps designed to examine iteratively the water management issue driving the engagement process and expand the sphere of interests involved. Many engagement processes have limited effectiveness because of: (1) paucity of time; (2) complexity of water resources management; (3) difficulty of engaging diverse stakeholders; and (4) lack of methods for engagement that are centered on empowerment, equity, trust, and learning. In this study, we have encountered all four of these issues and have addressed all but the first through a deliberate, iterative, and flexible approach. By cycling through activities and actions as proposed in the Stakeholder Engagement Wheel, we can build a community of practitioners with the nuanced and shared understanding needed for cohesive action and robust decisions in the face our considerable challenges.
Monthly Rainfall Erosivity: Conversion Factors for Different Time Resolutions and Regional Assessments
Authors: Panagos Panos , Borrelli Pasquale , Spinoni Jonathan , Ballabio Cristiano , Meusburger Katrin , Beguería Santiago , Klik Andreas , Michaelides Silas , Petan Sašo , Hrabalíková Michaela , Olsen Preben , Aalto Juha , Lakatos Mónika , Rymszewicz Anna , Dumitrescu Alexandru , Perčec Tadić Melita , Diodato Nazzareno , Kostalova Julia , Rousseva Svetla , Banasik Kazimierz , Alewell Christine
Published: March 2016

As a follow up and an advancement of the recently published Rainfall Erosivity Database at European Scale (REDES) and the respective mean annual R-factor map, the monthly aspect of rainfall erosivity has been added to REDES. Rainfall erosivity is crucial to be considered at a monthly resolution, for the optimization of land management (seasonal variation of vegetation cover and agricultural support practices) as well as natural hazard protection (landslides and flood prediction). We expanded REDES by 140 rainfall stations, thus covering areas where monthly R-factor values were missing (Slovakia, Poland) or former data density was not satisfactory (Austria, France, and Spain). The different time resolutions (from 5 to 60 min) of high temporal data require a conversion of monthly R-factor based on a pool of stations with available data at all time resolutions. Because the conversion factors show smaller monthly variability in winter (January: 1.54) than in summer (August: 2.13), applying conversion factors on a monthly basis is suggested. The estimated monthly conversion factors allow transferring the R-factor to the desired time resolution at a European scale. The June to September period contributes to 53% of the annual rainfall erosivity in Europe, with different spatial and temporal patterns depending on the region. The study also investigated the heterogeneous seasonal patterns in different regions of Europe: on average, the Northern and Central European countries exhibit the largest R-factor values in summer, while the Southern European countries do so from October to January. In almost all countries (excluding Ireland, United Kingdom and North France), the seasonal variability of rainfall erosivity is high. Very few areas (mainly located in Spain and France) show the largest from February to April. The average monthly erosivity density is very large in August (1.67) and July (1.63), while very small in January and February (0.37). This study addresses the need to develop monthly calibration factors for seasonal estimation of rainfall erosivity and presents the spatial patterns of monthly rainfall erosivity in European Union and Switzerland. Moreover, the study presents the regions and seasons under threat of rainfall erosivity.
Exploring the Non-Stationary Effects of Forests and Developed Land within Watersheds on Biological Indicators of Streams Using Geographically-Weighted Regression
Authors: An Kyoung-Jin , Lee Sang-Woo , Hwang Soon-Jin , Park Se-Rin , Hwang Sun-Ah
Published: March 2016

This study examined the non-stationary relationship between the ecological condition of streams and the proportions of forest and developed land in watersheds using geographically-weighted regression (GWR). Most previous studies have adopted the ordinary least squares (OLS) method, which assumes stationarity of the relationship between land use and biological indicators. However, these conventional OLS models cannot provide any insight into local variations in the land use effects within watersheds. Here, we compared the performance of the OLS and GWR statistical models applied to benthic diatom, macroinvertebrate, and fish communities in sub-watershed management areas. We extracted land use datasets from the Ministry of Environment LULC map and data on biological indicators in Nakdong river systems from the National Aquatic Ecological Monitoring Program in Korea. We found that the GWR model had superior performance compared with the OLS model, as assessed based on R2, Akaike’s Information Criterion, and Moran’s I values. Furthermore, GWR models revealed specific localized effects of land use on biological indicators, which we investigated further. The results of this study can be used to inform more effective policies on watershed management and to enhance ecological integrity by prioritizing sub-watershed management areas
The assessment algorithm of technological feasibility of SOx scrubber installation
Authors: Panasiuk Irina , Lebedevas Sergejus , Čerka Jonas
Published: March 2016

The problematics of installation of sulphur oxides (SOx) scrubber becomes much relevant for today due to the new Annex VI of MARPOL 73/78 requirements, which sets 0.1% SOx limits by 2015 in Emission Control Area (ECA) and globally to 0.5% in 2020. The research in this field becomes more significant for ship-owners. SOx scrubber is most promising alternative because of lower operating costs and suitability to existing ships. Despite the fact that exhausts gas scrubbing is a common and proven technology on land, the conditions on ships differ significantly and still there are not enough practical knowledge of installation of mentioned equipment. In addition, speaking about existing ships there are some limitation factors of SOx scrubber installation on-board, which will be discussed in the paper. Taking into account the size and mass of the SOx scrubber, it can be assumed that the recalculation of ship stability will be required for most ships. Therefore, the most important task for equipment designers is selection of scrubber system location with the minimum impact on ship stability and identification of necessary changes (deadweight, additional space, etc.) in accordance with ship safety requirements. For this reason, the research was carried-out in order to create the algorithm of ship stability assessment and selection of optimal scrubber location on-board.
EARTH’S ROTATIONAL DECELERATION: DETERMINATION OF TIDAL FRICTION INDEPENDENT OF TIMESCALES
Authors: Deines Steven D. , Williams Carol A.
Published: March 2016

This paper determines Earth's rotational deceleration without relying on atomic or ephemeris timescales. Earth's rotation defines the civil time standard called Universal Time (UT). Our previous paper did not examine tidal friction in depth when analyzing the timescale divergence between UT and International Atomic Time (TAI). We examine all available paleontological fossils and deposits for the direct measurements of Earth's past rotation rates, because that record includes all contributing effects. We examine paleontological reports that date Earth's rotation rate using corals, bivalves, brachiopods, rhythmites, and stromatolites. Contributions that vary Earth's moment of inertia, such as continental plate drifts, coastline changes, ice age formations, and viscous glacial rebounds, are superimposed with the secular deceleration. The average deceleration of Earth's rotation rate from all available fossil data is found to be (5.969 ± 1.762) × 10−7 rad yr−2. Our value is 99.8% of the total rotational deceleration determined by Christodoulidis et al., who used artificial satellite data, and our value is 96.6% of the expected tidal friction value obtained by Stephenson and Morrison. Taking the derivative of conserved angular momentum, the predicted lunar orbital deceleration caused by the average rotational deceleration corresponds closely to lunar models. When evaluating the significant time gaps between UT and TAI, Earth's rotational deceleration is a minor contributing factor. Also, the secular deceleration rate is necessary to correctly date ancient astronomical events. We strongly encourage that more ocean paleontological evidence be found to supplement the record to separate the many periodic variations embedded in these data.
ON THE INCONSISTENCY BETWEEN COSMIC STELLAR MASS DENSITY AND STAR FORMATION RATE UP TO z ∼ 8
Authors: Yu H. , Wang F. Y.
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we test the discrepancy between the stellar mass density (SMD) and instantaneous star formation rate in the redshift range 0 < z < 8 using a large observational data sample. We first compile the measurements of SMDs up to z ∼ 8. Comparing the observed SMDs with the time-integral of instantaneous star formation history (SFH), we find that the observed SMDs are lower than that implied from the SFH at z < 4. We also use the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method to derive the best-fitting SFH from the observed SMD data. At 0.5 < z < 6, the observed star formation rate densities are larger than the best-fitting one, especially at z ∼ 2 where they are larger by a factor of about two. However, at lower (z < 0.5) and higher redshifts (z > 6), the derived SFH is consistent with the observations. This is the first time that the discrepancy between the observed SMD and instantaneous star formation rate has been tested up to very high redshift z ≈ 8 using the MCMC method and a varying recycling factor. Several possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed, such as underestimation of SMD, initial mass function, and evolution of cosmic metallicity.
ON THE FORMATION OF AMIDE POLYMERS VIA CARBONYL–AMINO GROUP LINKAGES IN ENERGETICALLY PROCESSED ICES OF ASTROPHYSICAL RELEVANCE
Authors: Förstel Marko , Maksyutenko Pavlo , Jones Brant M. , Sun Bing J. , Lee Huan C. , Chang Agnes H. H. , Kaiser Ralf I.
Published: March 2016

We report on the formation of organic amide polymers via carbonyl–amino group linkages in carbon monoxide and ammonia bearing energetically processed ices of astrophysical relevance. The first group comprises molecules with one carboxyl group and an increasing number of amine moieties starting with formamide (45 u), urea (60 u), and hydrazine carboxamide (75 u). The second group consists of species with two carboxyl (58 u) and up to three amine groups (73 u, 88 u, and 103 u). The formation and polymerization of these linkages from simple inorganic molecules via formamide und urea toward amide polymers is discussed in an astrophysical and astrobiological context. Our results show that long chain molecules, which are closely related to polypeptides, easily form by energetically processing simple, inorganic ices at very low temperatures and can be released into the gas phase by sublimation of the ices in star-forming regions. Our experimental results were obtained by employing reflectron time-of-flight mass spectroscopy, coupled with soft, single photon vacuum ultraviolet photoionization; they are complemented by theoretical calculations.