bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative assessment of TPHs and bioaccumulation in some fresh fish species in the Qua lbeo River of Eket of Akwa lbom State in Nigeria
Authors: Okpashi VE , Ogugua VN , Onwurah INE , Ubani CS , Ezike TC
Published: June 2016

This investigation was carried out in four different locations mapped out along the river bank. Twelve water samples were collected and six different fresh fish species that are frequently consumed were caught. They include: African red snapper (Lutjanus agennes), Yellow tail (Seriola lalandi), Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), Atlantic Croker (Micropogonias undulates), Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Samples were subjected to screening using gas chromatography and flame ionization detector instrument. Results revealed presence of  total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) contaminant in all the fish samples and varies with species significantly at p >0.05. The profound TPH compound is Nonane with molecular formula C9H20. 9 x 10-9 mg/l was adapted as Nonane concentration in water samples. Nonane concentration in fish samples showed African red snapper 3.9565±4.64648 mg/l, Yellow tail 8.7243±2.15546 mg/l, Barracuda 6.2555±0.48889 mg/l, Atlantic Croker 9.3866±0.42208 mg/l, Catfish 4.1973±1.52959 mg/l and Tilapia 6.0039±0.96487 mg/l respectively. The bioaccumulation factor varies in fish species, where the Yellow tail have higher bioaccumulation factor 969,369061, followed by Barracuda 695,067209, Tilapia 667,101072, Catfish 466,368366, African red Sniper 439,616275 and Crocker fish 104,2956024 respectively. This investigation reveal considerably the extent of bioaccumulation of TPH contaminants in aquatic animal models and making unsafe for consumption as some fishes bio-accumulate nonane beyond permissible limitBangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 51(2), 147-154, 2016
Characterization and surface activity of soluble sulfonated butanone formaldehyde superplasticizer for cement
Authors: Sultana S , Yeasmin Z , Ahmed S , Nur HP , Samaddar PR
Published: June 2016

Water soluble sulfonated butanone formaldehyde (SBF) polycondensate superplasticizer was prepared according to a conventional method. UV-Vis, IR and TGA analyses were performed to analyze the target compound. The surface activity was evaluated. It showed a little surface activity with respect to water as the surface tension decreased very little with increasing the concentration of SBF. Thus there results indicate that SBF behaves like a typical polycondensate superplasticizer such as sulfonated acetone formaldehyde (SAF).Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 51(2), 155-158, 2016
Thermal diffusion and chemical reaction effects on unsteady flow past a vertical porous plate with heat source dependent in slip flow regime
Authors: Siva Kumar Narasu , Kumar Rushi , Vijaya Kumar A. G.
Published: June 2016

The present study investigates an analytical solution of free convective unsteady fluid flow in presence of thermal diffusion and chemical reaction effects past a vertical porous plate with heat source dependent in slip flow regime. The plate is assumed to move with a constant velocity in the direction of fluid flow, while free stream velocity is assumed to follow exponentially increasing small perturbation law. The velocity, temperature and concentration profiles are presented graphically for different values of the parameters entering into the problem. Finally the effects of pertinent parameters on the skin friction coefficient, Nusselt number and Sherwood numbers distributions are derived and have shown through graphs and tables by using perturbation technique.
Soret and Dufour effects on MHD heat and mass transfer flow of a micropolar fluid with thermophoresis particle deposition
Authors: Reddy Patakota Sudarsana , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: June 2016

The effect of thermophoresis on  heat and mass transfer flow of a micropolar fluid in the presence of Soret and Dufour effects past a vertical porous plate have been investigated . The transformed conservation equations are solved numerically using an optimized, extensively validated, variational finite element analysis. The influence of important non-dimensional parameter, Suction parameter ( ), Soret parameter (Sr), Dufour parameter (Du) and thermophoretic parameter (?) on velocity, angular velocity (micro-rotation), temperature and concentration fields as well as shear stress, Nusselt number and Sherwood number are examined in detail and the results are shown in graphically and in tabular form to know the physical importance of the problem. It is found  that the imposition of wall fluid suction (V0>0) in this present problem of flow has the effect of depreciating the  velocity, micro-rotation, temperature and concentration boundary layer thicknesses at every finite value of ?.
Data analysis methodologies for hydrodynamic experiments in waves
Authors: Islam Mohammed , Jahra Fatima , Hiscock Scott
Published: June 2016

This paper presents the methodologies developed in order to quality control and analyze the data acquired in hydrodynamic seakeeping experiments of physical models in waves. In such experiments, the data file consists of wave elevations and directions, loads, motions, velocities and accelerations of one or multiple bodies. Additionally, mooring, slamming, sea-fastening, fender and other vessel specific load data may be acquired, which requires special analysis technique. Data products of such experiments are primarily consist of the basic statistics of each of the acquired data channels selected segments. Various wave statistics are produced to estimate the significant and other percentile of peaks/troughs/heights of each relevant data signal. This is done for the wave segment using zero crossing analysis. The response amplitude operator analysis is done through spectral analysis. Weibull analysis is done to estimate the maximum and minimum of an occurrence in a projected time. Analysis routines are written to incorporate each of these analysis techniques to produce results both in tabular and graphical formats. Analysis technique for decay experiments in multiple directions of motion, which are integral parts of any sea-keeping experiments, is also presented. Examples of all such analysis are provided where appropriate.
Numerical simulation of turbulent boundary layers of surfaces covered with foul release and antifouling coatings
Authors: Kianejad Sadra , Ansarifard Naznin
Published: June 2016

In order to compare the frictional resistance of three kinds of ships hull coatings (Foul Release, SPC copper, SPC TBT) in the unfouled conditions, the numerical studies have been made. Simulations have been carried out for different Reynolds numbers in the range of 2.85 ×   5.5 ×  based on the plate length and flow velocity. Antifouling coatings have a larger mean roughness than Foul Release. The results have indicated that frictional resistance coefficient of Foul Release test plate is lower than SPC copper and SPC TBT test plates. The total resistance obtained by computational fluid dynamics has been compared with the experimental data and good agreement in results has been found which those have shown the ability of CFD modeling in calculating of fluid flow resistance by considering the coating characteristics.
Lithium Ion Cell/Batteries Electromagnetic Field Reduction in Phones for Hearing Aid Compliance
Authors: Maleki Hossein , Zurek Robert , Howard Jason , Hallmark Jerald
Published: June 2016

“The Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1988 (HAC Act) generally requires that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ensure that telephones manufactured or imported for use in the United States after August 1989, and all ‘essential’ telephones, are hearing aid-compatible”. The electromagnetic field (EMF) emission is generated by electrical currents in the phones’ circuit boards and components, including the battery. Here, we have investigated design changes to reduce the EMF from Lithium Ion (Li-ion) batteries. Changes mainly include: (1) Li-ion cell internal positive/negative tab location and length on cathode/anode layers; and (2) Li-ion cell external positive/negative connectors spacing. Results show that the cell’s internal tab locations and spacing between the cell’s external connectors play critical roles in reduction of battery EMF emissions. It is important that cells’ design changes are compatible with the manufacturing processes.
Evolution of Microbial Quorum Sensing to Human Global Quorum Sensing: An Insight into How Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication Might Be Linked to the Global Metabolic Disease Crisis
Authors: Trosko James
Published: June 2016

The first anaerobic organism extracted energy for survival and reproduction from its source of nutrients, with the genetic means to ensure protection of its individual genome but also its species survival. While it had a means to communicate with its community via simple secreted molecules (“quorum sensing”), the eventual shift to an aerobic environment led to multi-cellular metazoan organisms, with evolutionary-selected genes to form extracellular matrices, stem cells, stem cell niches, and a family of gap junction or “connexin” genes. These germinal and somatic stem cells responded to extracellular signals that triggered intra-cellular signaling to regulate specific genes out of the total genome. These extra-cellular induced intra-cellular signals also modulated gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in order to regulate the new cellular functions of symmetrical and asymmetrical cell division, cell differentiation, modes of cell death, and senescence. Within the hierarchical and cybernetic concepts, differentiated by neurons organized in the brain of the Homo sapiens, the conscious mind led to language, abstract ideas, technology, myth-making, scientific reasoning, and moral decision–making, i.e., the creation of culture. Over thousands of years, this has created the current collision between biological and cultural evolution, leading to the global “metabolic disease” crisis.
Crystal Growth and Associated Properties of a Nonlinear Optical Crystal—Ba2Zn(BO3)2
Authors: Zhang Weiguo , Yu Hongwei , Wu Hongping , Halasyamani P.
Published: June 2016

Crystals of Ba2Zn(BO3)2 were grown by the top-seeded solution growth (TSSG) method. The optimum flux system for growing Ba2Zn(BO3)2 crystals was 2BaF2:2.5B2O3. The transmission spectra of a (100)-orientated crystal indicated an absorption edge of 230 nm. Powder second-harmonic generation measurement revealed that Ba2Zn(BO3)2 can achieve type-I phase matching behavior at the fundamental wavelengths of 1064 and 532 nm respectively. The second-harmonic generating efficiency is around 0.85 and 0.58 times that of β-BaB2O4 when radiated with 1064 and 532 nm lasers.
On Extensions over Semigroups and Applications
Authors: Huang Wen , Jin Lei , Ye Xiangdong
Published: June 2016

Applying a theorem according to Rhemtulla and Formanek, we partially solve an open problem raised by Hochman with an affirmative answer. Namely, we show that if G is a countable torsion-free locally nilpotent group that acts by homeomorphisms on X, and S ⊂ G is a subsemigroup not containing the unit of G such that f ∈ 〈 1 , s f : s ∈ S 〉 for every f ∈ C ( X ) , then ( X , G ) has zero topological entropy.
Analyzing the Impact of Highways Associated with Farmland Loss under Rapid Urbanization
Authors: Song Jie , Ye Jintian , Zhu Enyan , Deng Jinsong , Wang Ke
Published: June 2016

Highway construction has accelerated urban growth and induced direct and indirect changes to land use. Although many studies have analyzed the relationship between highway construction and local development, relatively less attention has been paid to clarifying the various impacts of highways associated with farmland loss. This paper integrates GIS spatial analysis, remote sensing, buffer analysis and landscape metrics to analyze the landscape pattern change induced by direct and indirect highway impacts. This paper explores the interaction between the impact of highways and farmland loss, using the case of the highly urbanized traffic hubs in eastern China, Hang-Jia-Hu Plain. Our results demonstrate that the Hang-Jia-Hu Plain experienced extensive highway construction during 1990–2010, with a clear acceleration of expressway development since 2000. This unprecedented highway construction has directly fragmented the regional landscape and indirectly disturbed the regional landscape by attracting a large amount of built-up land transition from farmland during the last two decades. In the highway-effect zone, serious farmland loss initially occurred in the urban region and then spread to the rural region. Moreover, we found the discontinuous expansion of built-up land scattered the farmland in the rural region and expressway-effect zone. Furthermore, farmland protection policies in the 1990s had the effect of controlling the total area of farmland loss. However, the cohesive farmland structure was still fragmented by the direct and indirect impacts of highway construction. We suggest that an overall farmland protection system should be established to enhance spatial control and mitigate the adverse impacts caused by highway construction. This work improves the understanding of regional sustainable development, and provides a scientific basis for balanced urban development with farmland protection in decision-making processes.
The Role of miRNA in Papillary Thyroid Cancer in the Context of miRNA Let-7 Family
Authors: Perdas Ewelina , Stawski Robert , Nowak Dariusz , Zubrzycka Maria
Published: June 2016

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common endocrine malignancy. RET/PTC rearrangement is the most common genetic modification identified in this category of cancer, increasing proliferation and dedifferentiation by the activation of the RET/PTC-RAS-BRAF-MAPK-ERK signaling pathway. Recently, let-7 miRNA was found to reduce RAS levels, acting as a tumor suppressor gene. Circulating miRNA profiles of the let-7 family may be used as novel noninvasive diagnostic, prognostic, treatment and surveillance markers for PTC.
Meta-Analysis of Differential Connectivity in Gene Co-Expression Networks in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Creanza Teresa , Liguori Maria , Liuni Sabino , Nuzziello Nicoletta , Ancona Nicola
Published: June 2016

Differential gene expression analyses to investigate multiple sclerosis (MS) molecular pathogenesis cannot detect genes harboring genetic and/or epigenetic modifications that change the gene functions without affecting their expression. Differential co-expression network approaches may capture changes in functional interactions resulting from these alterations. We re-analyzed 595 mRNA arrays from publicly available datasets by studying changes in gene co-expression networks in MS and in response to interferon (IFN)-β treatment. Interestingly, MS networks show a reduced connectivity relative to the healthy condition, and the treatment activates the transcription of genes and increases their connectivity in MS patients. Importantly, the analysis of changes in gene connectivity in MS patients provides new evidence of association for genes already implicated in MS by single-nucleotide polymorphism studies and that do not show differential expression. This is the case of amiloride-sensitive cation channel 1 neuronal (ACCN1) that shows a reduced number of interacting partners in MS networks, and it is known for its role in synaptic transmission and central nervous system (CNS) development. Furthermore, our study confirms a deregulation of the vitamin D system: among the transcription factors that potentially regulate the deregulated genes, we find TCF3 and SP1 that are both involved in vitamin D3-induced p27Kip1 expression. Unveiling differential network properties allows us to gain systems-level insights into disease mechanisms and may suggest putative targets for the treatment.
Immune Mechanisms in Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Authors: Glenthøj Andreas , Ørskov Andreas , Hansen Jakob , Hadrup Sine , O’Connell Casey , Grønbæk Kirsten
Published: June 2016

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a spectrum of diseases, characterized by debilitating cytopenias and a propensity of developing acute myeloid leukemia. Comprehensive sequencing efforts have revealed a range of mutations characteristic, but not specific, of MDS. Epidemiologically, autoimmune diseases are common in patients with MDS, fueling hypotheses of common etiological mechanisms. Both innate and adaptive immune pathways are overly active in the hematopoietic niche of MDS. Although supportive care, growth factors, and hypomethylating agents are the mainstay of MDS treatment, some patients—especially younger low-risk patients with HLA-DR15 tissue type—demonstrate impressive response rates after immunosuppressive therapy. This is in contrast to higher-risk MDS patients, where several immune activating treatments, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, are in the pipeline. Thus, the dual role of immune mechanisms in MDS is challenging, and rigorous translational studies are needed to establish the value of immune manipulation as a treatment of MDS.
Bioavailability of an R-α-Lipoic Acid/γ-Cyclodextrin Complex in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Ikuta Naoko , Okamoto Hinako , Furune Takahiro , Uekaji Yukiko , Terao Keiji , Uchida Ryota , Iwamoto Kosuke , Miyajima Atsushi , Hirota Takashi , Sakamoto Norihiro
Published: June 2016

R-α-lipoic acid (R-LA) is a cofactor of mitochondrial enzymes and a very strong antioxidant. R-LA is available as a functional food ingredient but is unstable against heat or acid. Stabilized R-LA was prepared through complexation with γ-cyclodextrin (CD), yielding R-LA/CD. R-LA/CD was orally administered to six healthy volunteers and showed higher plasma levels with an area under the plasma concentration-time curve that was 2.5 times higher than that after oral administration of non-complexed R-LA, although the time to reach the maximum plasma concentration and half-life did not differ. Furthermore, the plasma glucose level after a single oral administration of R-LA/CD or R-LA was not affected and no side effects were observed. These results indicate that R-LA/CD could be easily absorbed in the intestine. In conclusion, γ-CD complexation is a promising technology for delivering functional but unstable ingredients like R-LA.
The Popeye Domain Containing Genes and Their Function in Striated Muscle
Authors: Schindler Roland , Scotton Chiara , French Vanessa , Ferlini Alessandra , Brand Thomas
Published: June 2016

The Popeye domain containing (POPDC) genes encode a novel class of cAMP effector proteins, which are abundantly expressed in heart and skeletal muscle. Here, we will review their role in striated muscle as deduced from work in cell and animal models and the recent analysis of patients carrying a missense mutation in POPDC1. Evidence suggests that POPDC proteins control membrane trafficking of interacting proteins. Furthermore, we will discuss the current catalogue of established protein-protein interactions. In recent years, the number of POPDC-interacting proteins has been rising and currently includes ion channels (TREK-1), sarcolemma-associated proteins serving functions in mechanical stability (dystrophin), compartmentalization (caveolin 3), scaffolding (ZO-1), trafficking (NDRG4, VAMP2/3) and repair (dysferlin) or acting as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rho-family GTPases (GEFT). Recent evidence suggests that POPDC proteins might also control the cellular level of the nuclear proto-oncoprotein c-Myc. These data suggest that this family of cAMP-binding proteins probably serves multiple roles in striated muscle.
Magnesium Modifies the Structural Features of Enzymatically Mineralized Collagen Gels Affecting the Retraction Capabilities of Human Dermal Fibroblasts Embedded within This 3D System
Authors: Boraldi Federica , Bartolomeo Angelica , Annovi Giulia , Debret Romain , Quaglino Daniela
Published: June 2016

Mineralized collagen gels have been developed as in vitro models to better understand the mechanisms regulating the calcification process and the behavior of a variety of cell types. The vast majority of data are related to stem cells and to osteoblast-like cells, whereas little information is available for dermal fibroblasts, although these cells have been associated with ectopic calcification and consequently to a number of pathological conditions. Therefore, we developed and characterized an enzymatically mineralized collagen gel in which fibroblasts were encapsulated within the 3D structure. MgCl2 was also added during gel polymerization, given its role as (i) modulator of ectopic calcification; (ii) component of biomaterials used for bone replacement; and (iii) constituent of pathological mineral deposits. Results demonstrate that, in a short time, an enzymatically mineralized collagen gel can be prepared in which mineral deposits and viable cells are homogeneously distributed. MgCl2 is present in mineral deposits and significantly affects collagen fibril assembly and organization. Consequently, cell shape and the ability of fibroblasts to retract collagen gels were modified. The development of three-dimensional (3D) mineralized collagen matrices with both different structural features and mineral composition together with the use of fibroblasts, as a prototype of soft connective tissue mesenchymal cells, may pave new ways for the study of ectopic calcification.
Anion Effects on the Ion Exchange Process and the Deformation Property of Ionic Polymer Metal Composite Actuators
Authors: Aoyagi Wataru , Omiya Masaki
Published: June 2016

An ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) actuator composed of a thin perfluorinated ionomer membrane with electrodes plated on both surfaces undergoes a large bending motion when a low electric field is applied across its thickness. Such actuators are soft, lightweight, and able to operate in solutions and thus show promise with regard to a wide range of applications, including MEMS sensors, artificial muscles, biomimetic systems, and medical devices. However, the variations induced by changing the type of anion on the device deformation properties are not well understood; therefore, the present study investigated the effects of different anions on the ion exchange process and the deformation behavior of IPMC actuators with palladium electrodes. Ion exchange was carried out in solutions incorporating various anions and the actuator tip displacement in deionized water was subsequently measured while applying a step voltage. In the step voltage response measurements, larger anions such as nitrate or sulfate led to a more pronounced tip displacement compared to that obtained with smaller anions such as hydroxide or chloride. In AC impedance measurements, larger anions generated greater ion conductivity and a larger double-layer capacitance at the cathode. Based on these mechanical and electrochemical measurements, it is concluded that the presence of larger anions in the ion exchange solution induces a greater degree of double-layer capacitance at the cathode and results in enhanced tip deformation of the IPMC actuators.
A Recommendation System for Execution Plans Using Machine Learning
Authors: Zahir Jihad , El Qadi Abderrahim
Published: June 2016

Generating execution plans is a costly operation for the DataBase Management System (DBMS). An interesting alternative to this operation is to reuse the old execution plans, that were already generated by the optimizer for past queries, to execute new queries. In this paper, we present an approach for execution plan recommendation in two phases. We firstly propose a textual representation of our SQL queries and use it to build a Features Extractor module. Then, we present a straightforward solution to identify query similarity.This solution relies only on the comparison of the SQL statements. Next, we show how to build an improved solution enabled by machine learning techniques. The improved version takes into account the features of the queries’ execution plans. By comparing three machine learning algorithms, we find that the improved solution using Classification Based on Associative Rules (CAR) identifies similarity in 91 % of the cases.
Extraction and Characterization of Tamarind (Tamarind indica L.) Seed Polysaccharides (TSP) from Three Difference Sources
Authors: Chawananorasest Khanittha , Saengtongdee Patsuda , Kaemchantuek Praphakorn
Published: June 2016

Tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP), a natural polysaccharide extracted from tamarind seeds is used in the pharmaceutical, textile and food industries as a mucoadhesive polymer. This work aimed to extract TSP from tamarind seeds from three sources with two methods and characterized its physical and chemical properties. Kernel powder of tamarind seeds was slurried into a clear solution, set aside overnight and then centrifuged at 6000 rpm for 20 min to separate all foreign matter. The supernatant was separated and poured into excess 95% ethanol with continuous stirring. The precipitate obtained was collected and dried in the oven and then the dried TSP polymer was stored in a desiccator. The dried TSP was analyzed by 1H-NMR, FT-IR and XRD. The results showed TSP from tamarind seeds taken from paddy farmland (A), a waste from the export tamarind juice industry (B) and the export tamarind powder industry(C) gave yields of 31.55%, 26.95% and 17.30%, respectively, using method 1 and 11.15%, 53.65% and 54.65%, with method 2, respectively, but method 2 gave purer TSP than method 1. The FT-IR spectra displayed peaks at 3351.95 cm−1, 2920.76 cm−1, 1018.85 cm−1 and 555.16 cm−1. The 1H-NMR showed polysaccharide peaks between δ 3.50–4.20 ppm and XRD diagrams indicated their amorphous nature. Future works will focus on the quantitative analysis, biological activity and possible use of TSP as a drug delivery system.
A New One-Pot Synthesis of Quinoline-2-carboxylates under Heterogeneous Conditions
Authors: Gabrielli Serena , Giardinieri Alessandra , Sampaolesi Susanna , Ballini Roberto , Palmieri Alessandro
Published: June 2016

Quinoline-2-carboxylates are an important subclass of quinoline derivatives largely present in a variety of biologically active molecules, as well as useful ligands in metal-catalyzed reactions. Herein, we present a new one-pot protocol for synthesizing this class of derivatives starting from β-nitroacrylates and 2-aminobenzaldehydes. In order to optimize the protocol, we investigated several reaction conditions, obtaining the best results using the 2-tert-Butylimino-2-diethylamino-1,3-dimethylperhydro-1,3,2-diazaphosphorine (BEMP) as solid base, in acetonitrile. Finally, we demonstrated the generality of our approach over several substrates which led to synthesize a plethora of functionalized quinolines-2-carboxylate derivatives in good overall yields.
Human Serum Albumin Nanoparticles for Use in Cancer Drug Delivery: Process Optimization and In Vitro Characterization
Authors: Lomis Nikita , Westfall Susan , Farahdel Leila , Malhotra Meenakshi , Shum-Tim Dominique , Prakash Satya
Published: June 2016

Human serum albumin nanoparticles (HSA-NPs) are widely-used drug delivery systems with applications in various diseases, like cancer. For intravenous administration of HSA-NPs, the particle size, surface charge, drug loading and in vitro release kinetics are important parameters for consideration. This study focuses on the development of stable HSA-NPs containing the anti-cancer drug paclitaxel (PTX) via the emulsion-solvent evaporation method using a high-pressure homogenizer. The key parameters for the preparation of PTX-HSA-NPs are: the starting concentrations of HSA, PTX and the organic solvent, including the homogenization pressure and its number cycles, were optimized. Results indicate a size of 143.4 ± 0.7 nm and 170.2 ± 1.4 nm with a surface charge of −5.6 ± 0.8 mV and −17.4 ± 0.5 mV for HSA-NPs and PTX-HSA-NPs (0.5 mg/mL of PTX), respectively. The yield of the PTX-HSA-NPs was ~93% with an encapsulation efficiency of ~82%. To investigate the safety and effectiveness of the PTX-HSA-NPs, an in vitro drug release and cytotoxicity assay was performed on human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The PTX-HSA-NPs showed dose-dependent toxicity on cells of 52%, 39.3% and 22.6% with increasing concentrations of PTX at 8, 20.2 and 31.4 μg/mL, respectively. In summary, all parameters involved in HSA-NPs’ preparation, its anticancer efficacy and scale-up are outlined in this research article.
pH- and Metal Ion- Sensitive Hydrogels based on N-[2-(dimethylaminoethyl)acrylamide]
Authors: Nebhani Leena , Choudhary Veena , Adler Hans-Jürgen , Kuckling Dirk
Published: June 2016

Smart hydrogels are promising materials for actuators and sensors, as they can respond to small changes in their environment with a large property change. Hydrogels can respond to a variety of stimuli, for example temperature, pH, metal ions, etc. In this article, the synthesis and characterization of polyampholyte hydrogels based on open chain ligands showing pH and metal ion sensitivity are described. Copolymer and terpolymer gels using different mixtures of monomers i.e., N-[2-(dimethylaminoethyl)acrylamide] (DMAEAAm), N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAAm), acrylic acid (AA) and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulphonic acid (AMPS), have been synthesized. The effect of copolymer composition, i.e., the ratio and amount of ionic monomers and the degree of crosslinking on the swelling characteristics, was evaluated as a function of pH. On this basis, metal ion sensitivity measurements were performed at selected pH values. The metal ion sensitivity was measured by varying the concentration of Cu2+, Zn2+ and Ag+ ions under acidic pH conditions.
Improving Streamflow Prediction Using Remotely-Sensed Soil Moisture and Snow Depth
Authors: Lü Haishen , Crow Wade , Zhu Yonghua , Ouyang Fen , Su Jianbin
Published: June 2016

The monitoring of both cold and warm season hydrologic processes in headwater watersheds is critical for accurate water resource monitoring in many alpine regions. This work presents a new method that explores the simultaneous use of remotely sensed surface soil moisture (SM) and snow depth (SD) retrievals to improve hydrological modeling in such areas. In particular, remotely sensed SM and SD retrievals are applied to filter errors present in both solid and liquid phase precipitation accumulation products acquired from satellite remote sensing. Simultaneously, SM and SD retrievals are also used to correct antecedent SM and SD states within a hydrological model. In synthetic data assimilation experiments, results suggest that the simultaneous correction of both precipitation forcing and SM/SD antecedent conditions is more efficient at improving streamflow simulation than data assimilation techniques which focus solely on the constraint of antecedent SM or SD conditions. In a real assimilation case, results demonstrate the potential benefits of remotely sensed SM and SD retrievals for improving the representation of hydrological processes in a headwater basin. In particular, it is demonstrated that dual precipitation/state correction represents an efficient strategy for improving the simulation of cold-region hydrological processes.
Security in Intelligent Transport Systems for Smart Cities: From Theory to Practice
Authors: Javed Muhammad , Ben Hamida Elyes , Znaidi Wassim
Published: June 2016

Connecting vehicles securely and reliably is pivotal to the implementation of next generation ITS applications of smart cities. With continuously growing security threats, vehicles could be exposed to a number of service attacks that could put their safety at stake. To address this concern, both US and European ITS standards have selected Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) algorithms to secure vehicular communications. However, there is still a lack of benchmarking studies on existing security standards in real-world settings. In this paper, we first analyze the security architecture of the ETSI ITS standard. We then implement the ECC based digital signature and encryption procedures using an experimental test-bed and conduct an extensive benchmark study to assess their performance which depends on factors such as payload size, processor speed and security levels. Using network simulation models, we further evaluate the impact of standard compliant security procedures in dense and realistic smart cities scenarios. Obtained results suggest that existing security solutions directly impact the achieved quality of service (QoS) and safety awareness of vehicular applications, in terms of increased packet inter-arrival delays, packet and cryptographic losses, and reduced safety awareness in safety applications. Finally, we summarize the insights gained from the simulation results and discuss open research challenges for efficient working of security in ITS applications of smart cities.
Studies of the Relationship between City Size and Urban Benefits in China Based on a Panel Data Model
Authors: Zhang Wenbiao , Yang Degang , Huo Jinwei
Published: June 2016

Policy regarding the size of cities is an important component of China’s urban policy prescription. We used a curvilinear regression model in this study to identify the optimal function and conducted curve panel data regression analysis on the panel data of the benefits of the economy, ecosystem services, and city size in China. In doing so, we obtained the regression relationship between city size and the benefits of the economy, environment, and resources of a city. Our main findings are as follows: (1) city size is not the most important factor determining a city’s benefits. However, there is a significant difference in the average city benefit between cities of various sizes; (2) city per capita GDP increase exhibited an inverted-N-shaped relationship with increasing city size, initially decreasing but subsequently increasing. The city size corresponding to the maximum value was usually higher than or close to the actual city size. Thus, it can be concluded that when a city’s population is more than 1 million, its per capita output increases; (3) a city’s resource services benefits all exhibited the trend of improving with increasing city size. This trend was particularly pronounced among cities with a population of less than 1 million; and (4) a city’s environmental services benefits exhibited an inverted-U-shaped relationship with city size, initially increasing but subsequently decreasing.
Identification of Vimentin as a Potential Therapeutic Target against HIV Infection
Authors: Fernández-Ortega Celia , Ramírez Anna , Casillas Dionne , Paneque Taimi , Ubieta Raimundo , Dubed Marta , Navea Leonor , Castellanos-Serra Lila , Duarte Carlos , Falcon Viviana , Reyes Osvaldo , Garay Hilda , Silva Eladio , Noa Enrique , Ramos Yassel , Besada Vladimir , Betancourt Lázaro
Published: June 2016

A combination of antiviral drugs known as antiretroviral therapy (ART) has shown effectiveness against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). ART has markedly decreased mortality and morbidity among HIV-infected patients, having even reduced HIV transmission. However, an important current disadvantage, resistance development, remains to be solved. Hope is focused on developing drugs against cellular targets. This strategy is expected to prevent the emergence of viral resistance. In this study, using a comparative proteomic approach in MT4 cells treated with an anti-HIV leukocyte extract, we identified vimentin, a molecule forming intermediate filaments in the cell, as a possible target against HIV infection. We demonstrated a strong reduction of an HIV-1 based lentivirus expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) in vimentin knockdown cells, and a noteworthy decrease of HIV-1 capsid protein antigen (CAp24) in those cells using a multiround infectivity assay. Electron micrographs showed changes in the structure of intermediate filaments when MT4 cells were treated with an anti-HIV leukocyte extract. Changes in the structure of intermediate filaments were also observed in vimentin knockdown MT4 cells. A synthetic peptide derived from a cytoskeleton protein showed potent inhibitory activity on HIV-1 infection, and low cytotoxicity. Our data suggest that vimentin can be a suitable target to inhibit HIV-1.
Microeconomics of Deficit Irrigation and Subjective Water Response Function for Intensive Olive Groves
Authors: Expósito Alfonso , Berbel Julio
Published: June 2016

This research paper analyzes the economics of deficit irrigation based on the use of subjective estimates of the crop yield–water relationship to determine water supply in irrigated olive groves. Interviewed farmers were asked to give three estimates for the yield-water relationship as a function of water supply (full irrigation, usual deficit irrigation and extreme deficit irrigation). Those responses are contrasted with the actual irrigation dose and the results appear to support the hypothesis that a majority of farmers use deficit irrigation as a strategy that maximizes the value of limited water input rather than the conventional microeconomic behavior of maximizing the return to land.
Autologous Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for the Treatment of Psoriasis Vulgaris and Psoriatic Arthritis: A Case Report
Authors: De Jesus Miguel M. , Santiago Jayson S. , Trinidad Camille V. , See Melvin E. , Semon Kimberly R. , Fernandez Manuel O. , Chung Francisco S.
Published: June 2016

Psoriasis is a dermatologic disease of immune origins with no definitive cure. We report the Makati Medical Center experience of utilizing autologous mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) for one patient with psoriasis vulgaris (PV) and another with psoriatic arthritis (PA). Patients were educated and gave informed consent, according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The protocol was approved by the Cellular Transplantation Ethics Committee of the Makati Medical Center. Autologous MSCs were cultured from lipoaspirate and expanded in a clean room class 100 facility (Cellular Therapeutics Center, Makati Medical Center). MSCs were infused intravenously at a dose of 0.5–3.1 million cells/kg after complying with quality control parameters. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) evaluations were conducted by third-party dermatologists. The PA patient, who was previously unresponsive to standard treatment modalities, demonstrated a decrease in PASI (from 21.6 to 9.0, mild state after two infusions). No improvements were noted in joint pain until further treatment with etanercept and infliximab. The PV patient, who was previously dependent on methotrexate, showed a decrease in PASI from 24.0 to 8.3 after three infusions; this clinical improvement was sustained for 292 days (9.7 months) without methotrexate. The PV patient illustrated a marginal reduction in serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), while significant (3.5- to 5-fold) decreases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity were noted. The ROS levels correlated with the clinical improvement of the PV patient. No serious adverse events were noted for either patient as a result of MSC infusions. This report demonstrates safe and tolerable transplantation of autologous MSCs for the treatment of psoriasis and warrants large clinical studies to investigate the long-term safety and efficacy of this approach.
Human Urinary Epithelial Cells as a Source of Engraftable Hepatocyte-Like Cells Using Stem Cell Technology
Authors: Sauer Vanessa , Tchaikovskaya Tatyana , Wang Xia , Li Yanfeng , Zhang Wei , Tar Krisztina , Polgar Zsuzsanna , Ding Jianqiang , Guha Chandan , Fox Ira J. , Roy-Chowdhury Namita , Roy-Chowdhury Jayanta
Published: June 2016

Although several types of somatic cells have been reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and then differentiated to hepatocyte-like cells (iHeps), the method for generating such cells from renal tubular epithelial cells shed in human urine and transplanting them into animal livers has not been described systematically. We report reprogramming of human urinary epithelial cells into iPSCs and subsequent hepatic differentiation, followed by a detailed characterization of the newly generated iHeps. The epithelial cells were reprogrammed into iPSCs by delivering the pluripotency factors OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4, and MYC using methods that do not involve transgene integration, such as nucleofection of episomal (oriP/EBNA-1) plasmids or infection with recombinant Sendai viruses. After characterization of stable iPSC lines, a three-step differentiation toward hepatocytes was performed. The iHeps expressed a large number of hepatocyte-preferred genes, including nuclear receptors that regulate genes involved in cholesterol homeostasis, bile acid transport, and detoxification. MicroRNA profile of the iHeps largely paralleled that of primary human hepatocytes. The iHeps engrafted into the livers of Scid mice transgenic for mutant human SERPINA1 after intrasplenic injection. Thus, urine is a readily available source for generating human iHeps that could be potentially useful for disease modeling, pharmacological development, and regenerative medicine.
Xenotransplanted Pig Sertoli Cells Inhibit Both the Alternative and Classical Pathways of Complement-Mediated Cell Lysis While Pig Islets Are Killed
Authors: Wright Kandis , Dziuk Rachel , Mital Payal , Kaur Gurvinder , Dufour Jannette M.
Published: June 2016

Xenotransplantation has vast clinical potential but is limited by the potent immune responses generated against xenogeneic tissue. Immune-privileged Sertoli cells (SCs) survive xenotransplantation long term (≥90 days) without immunosuppression, making SCs an ideal model to identify xenograft survival mechanisms. Xenograft rejection includes the binding of natural and induced antibodies and the activation of the complement cascade. Using an in vitro cytotoxicity assay, wherein cells were cultured with human serum and complement, we demonstrated that neonatal pig SCs (NPSCs) are resistant to complement-mediated cell lysis and express complement inhibitory factors, membrane cofactor protein (MCP; CD46), and decay- accelerating factor (DAF; CD55) at significantly higher levels than neonatal pig islets (NPIs), which served as non-immune-privileged controls. After xenotransplantation into naive Lewis rats, NPSCs survived throughout the study, while NPIs were rejected within 9 days. Serum antibodies, and antibody and complement deposition within the grafts were analyzed. Compared to preformed circulating anti-pig IgM antibodies, no significant increase in IgM production against NPSCs or NPIs was observed, while IgM deposition was detected from day 6 onward in both sets of grafts. A late serum IgG response was detected in NPSC (days 13 and 20) and NPI (day 20) recipients. Consistently, IgG deposition was first detected at days 9 and 13 in NPSC and NPI grafts, respectively. Interestingly, C3 was deposited at days 1 and 3 in NPI grafts and only at day 1 in NPSC grafts, while membrane attack complex (MAC) deposition was only detected in NPI grafts (at days 1–4). Collectively, these data suggest NPSCs actively inhibit both the alternative and classical pathways of complement-mediated cell lysis, while the alternative pathway plays a role in rejecting NPIs. Ultimately, inhibiting the alternative pathway along with transplanting xenogeneic tissue from transgenic pigs (expressing human complement inhibitory factors) could prolong the survival of xenogeneic cells without immunosuppression.
Identification and Expression Profiling of the Lectin Gene Superfamily in Mulberry
Authors: Saeed Bushra , Baranwal Vinay K. , Khurana Paramjit
Published: June 2016

Lectins are a diverse group of ubiquitously present, highly specific sugar‐binding proteins. Members of this large gene family have been assigned broad biological functions from defense to acting as storage proteins. Despite possessing several interesting characteristics, their functions remain essentially undefined. Mulberry (Morus spp.) known for its medicinal benefits is also a rich source of lectins. Using an exhaustive hidden Markov model (HMM)‐based search, we identified the lectin gene complement in M. notabilis C.K. Schneid with around 197 members. These putative lectin genes were classified into 12 distinct gene families based on the presence of characteristic sugar‐binding domains. Members of this superfamily were assigned varied gene ontologies (GOs) to identify putative functions and determine cellular localizations. Interestingly, characteristic expression patterns were observed across the lectin superfamily in response to a variety of environmental cues. This is suggestive of specialized functions under diverse conditions possibly by linking the specificity of sugar recognition with mediating precise stress responses in plants. The identification of putative gene family members from the genus Morus developed in this study can find wide applicability in lectin gene identification and characterization. It can also contribute immensely in the understanding of lectins from mulberry with potential medicinal uses.
Genomic Selection for Processing and End‐Use Quality Traits in the CIMMYT Spring Bread Wheat Breeding Program
Authors: Battenfield Sarah D. , Guzmán Carlos , Gaynor R. Chris , Singh Ravi P. , Peña Roberto J. , Dreisigacker Susanne , Fritz Allan K. , Poland Jesse A.
Published: June 2016

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars must possess suitable end‐use quality for release and consumer acceptability. However, breeding for quality traits is often considered a secondary target relative to yield largely because of amount of seed needed and expense. Without testing and selection, many undesirable materials are advanced, expending additional resources. Here, we develop and validate whole‐genome prediction models for end‐use quality phenotypes in the CIMMYT bread wheat breeding program. Model accuracy was tested using forward prediction on breeding lines (n = 5520) tested in unbalanced yield trials from 2009 to 2015 at Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico. Quality parameters included test weight, 1000‐kernel weight, hardness, grain and flour protein, flour yield, sodium dodecyl sulfate sedimentation, Mixograph and Alveograph performance, and loaf volume. In general, prediction accuracy substantially increased over time as more data was available to train the model. Reflecting practical implementation of genomic selection (GS) in the breeding program, forward prediction accuracies (r) for quality parameters were assessed in 2015 and ranged from 0.32 (grain hardness) to 0.62 (mixing time). Increased selection intensity was possible with GS since more entries can be genotyped than phenotyped and expected genetic gain was 1.4 to 2.7 times higher across all traits than phenotypic selection. Given the limitations in measuring many lines for quality, we conclude that GS is a powerful tool to facilitate early generation selection for end‐use quality in wheat, leaving larger populations for selection on yield during advanced testing and leading to better gain for both quality and yield in bread wheat breeding programs.