bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desalination of seawater through progressive freeze concentration using a coil crystallizer
Authors: Ab. Hamid Farah Hanim , Rahim Norfatiha A. , Johari Anwar , Ngadi Norzita , Zakaria Zaki Yamani , Jusoh Mazura
Published: June 2015

In this century, the shortage of clean water supply is an issue of concern and the problem is expected to become more serious in the future. Consequently, researchers are trying to find the best solution to address this problem by introducing new desalination technologies that are able to accommodate the increasing demand for clean water. One of the new technologies introduced is desalination of seawater through freeze concentration. In this study, progressive freeze concentration (PFC) was implemented to produce pure water in the form of an ice crystal block, leaving behind higher concentration seawater using a coil crystallizer. The effect of operating parameters such as initial concentration and coolant temperature were investigated. Meanwhile, the efficiency of the system was reviewed based on the value of the effective partition constant K which is defined by the ratio of solute in ice and liquid phase. A low value of K indicates when the system is most efficient. In addition, the results for the overall heat transfer coefficient are also presented to observe the heat transfer involved in the system.
Insulin Delivery Into the Peripheral Circulation: A Key Contributor to Hypoglycemia in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Gregory Justin M. , Kraft Guillaume , Scott Melanie F. , Neal Doss W. , Farmer Ben , Smith Marta S. , Hastings Jon R. , Allen Eric J. , Donahue E. Patrick , Rivera Noelia , Winnick Jason J. , Edgerton Dale S. , Nishimura Erica , Fledelius Christian , Brand Christian L. , Cherrington Alan D.
Published: June 2015

Hypoglycemia limits optimal glycemic control in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), making novel strategies to mitigate it desirable. We hypothesized that portal (Po) vein insulin delivery would lessen hypoglycemia. In the conscious dog, insulin was infused into the hepatic Po vein or a peripheral (Pe) vein at a rate four times of basal. In protocol 1, a full counterregulatory response was allowed, whereas in protocol 2, glucagon was fixed at basal, mimicking the diminished α-cell response to hypoglycemia seen in T1DM. In protocol 1, glucose fell faster with Pe insulin than with Po insulin, reaching 56 ± 3 vs. 70 ± 6 mg/dL (P = 0.04) at 60 min. The change in area under the curve (ΔAUC) for glucagon was similar between Pe and Po, but the peak occurred earlier in Pe. The ΔAUC for epinephrine was greater with Pe than with Po (67 ± 17 vs. 36 ± 14 ng/mL/180 min). In protocol 2, glucose also fell more rapidly than in protocol 1 and fell faster in Pe than in Po, reaching 41 ± 3 vs. 67 ± 2 mg/dL (P < 0.01) by 60 min. Without a rise in glucagon, the epinephrine responses were much larger (ΔAUC of 204 ± 22 for Pe vs. 96 ± 29 ng/mL/180 min for Po). In summary, Pe insulin delivery exacerbates hypoglycemia, particularly in the presence of a diminished glucagon response. Po vein insulin delivery, or strategies that mimic it (i.e., liver-preferential insulin analogs), should therefore lessen hypoglycemia.
Metabolic Effects of Exercise Training Among Fitness-Nonresponsive Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: The HART-D Study
Authors: Pandey Ambarish , Swift Damon L. , McGuire Darren K. , Ayers Colby R. , Neeland Ian J. , Blair Steven N. , Johannsen Neil , Earnest Conrad P. , Berry Jarett D. , Church Timothy S.
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of exercise training (ET) on metabolic parameters among participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who do not improve their cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with training.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied participants with T2DM participating in the Health Benefits of Aerobic and Resistance Training in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes (HART-D) trial who were randomized to a control group or one of three supervised ET groups for 9 months. Fitness response to ET was defined as a change in measured peak absolute oxygen uptake (ΔVO2peak, in liters per minute) from baseline to follow-up. ET participants were classified based on ΔVO2peak into fitness responders (ΔVO2peak ≥5%) and nonresponders (ΔVO2peak <5%), and changes in metabolic profiles were compared across control, fitness responder, and fitness nonresponder groups.

RESULTS

A total of 202 participants (mean age 57.1 ± 7.9 years, 63% women) were included. Among the exercise groups (n = 161), there was substantial heterogeneity in ΔVO2peak; 57% had some improvement in CRF (ΔVO2peak >0), with only 36.6% having a ≥5% increase in VO2peak. Both fitness responders and nonresponders (respectively) had significant improvements in hemoglobin A1c and measures of adiposity (ΔHbA1c: −0.26% [95% CI −0.5 to −0.01] and −0.26% [−0.45 to −0.08]; Δwaist circumference: −2.6 cm [−3.7 to −1.5] and −1.8 cm [−2.6 to −1.0]; Δbody fat: −1.07% [−1.5 to −0.62] and −0.75% [−1.09 to −0.41]). No significant differences were observed in the degree of change of these metabolic parameters between fitness responders and nonresponders. Control group participants had no significant changes in any of these metabolic parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

ET is associated with significant improvements in metabolic parameters irrespective of improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness.
Sclerostin and Insulin Resistance in Prediabetes: Evidence of a Cross Talk Between Bone and Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Daniele Giuseppe , Winnier Deidre , Mari Andrea , Bruder Jan , Fourcaudot Marcel , Pengou Zuo , Tripathy Devjit , Jenkinson Christopher , Folli Franco
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVE

A gene mutation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade is present in rare patients with the insulin resistance syndrome. Sclerostin is a circulating peptide inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Our aims were to evaluate serum sclerostin in subjects with prediabetes and to analyze its relationship with insulin resistance and β-cell function.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study including 43 healthy normal glucose-tolerant (NGT) individuals and 79 individuals with impaired glucose regulation (IGR), which included subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and combined IFG-IGT, undergoing oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. A subgroup of 18 with NGT and 30 with IGR also underwent a euglycemic–hyperinsulinemic clamp with tracer.

RESULTS

Sclerostin levels were higher in IGR compared with NGT (50.8 ± 2.4 vs. 38.7 ± 2.3 pmol/L; P = 0.01), positively correlated with HOMA-insulin resistance (IR) (r = 0.62; P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with insulin-mediated total body glucose disposal (r = −0.40; P < 0.001). Fasting endogenous glucose production (EGP) and hepatic and adipose tissue insulin resistance indexes were positively correlated with sclerostin levels (r = 0.48, r = 0.62, and r = 0.61, respectively; P < 0.001). Fasting and OGTT insulin clearance were inversely correlated with sclerostin serum levels (r = −0.52 and r = −0.44, respectively; both P < 0.001). Sclerostin levels were not correlated with β-cell function parameters. In multiple linear regression analysis, the addition of sclerostin levels to the traditional risk factors for insulin resistance improved the r2 associated with HOMA-IR (r2 change: 0.055; F change: 28.893; P = 0.001) and insulin-mediated total body glucose disposal (r2 change: 0.059; F change: 4.938; P = 0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

Sclerostin levels are increased in individuals with prediabetes and correlated with insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue. The correlation between sclerostin and insulin clearance at fasting state and during OGTT is novel; thus, studies are needed to explore the potential causal relationship.
Underwater cutting using a 1 μm laser source
Authors: Hilton P. A. , Khan A.
Published: June 2015

There are several potential benefits of using laser cutting in aspects of nuclear (and other) decommissioning processes. These include the speed of the cut, the light weight of the cutting head, the flexibility offered by optical fiber beam delivery, the minimal reaction force on the part being cut, and the high degree of remote automation possible with this process. Such benefits have already been described, for cutting in air, by TWI and others. This paper will focus on laser cutting underwater, where it will be shown that some of these benefits are just as applicable underwater as in air and indeed, particularly for the application of nuclear decommissioning, some additional benefits accrue for the case of underwater cutting. The cutting head used employed a series of jets of compressed air to remove water and maintain an effective dry area in the region of the interaction of the laser beam and the surface of the material being cut. An additional, more conventional, central gas jet was used to remove molten material from the kerf of the cut. A series of trials are described to investigate the effects of parameters used for cutting C-Mn steel and stainless steel underwater, using a 5 kW laser beam. The parameters investigated primarily involved optimization of the positions of the laser beam focus and the cutting nozzle tip, with respect to the surface of the material being cut and the relative pressures in the gas jets. With 5 kW of laser power, it was possible to cut 32 mm thick stainless steel underwater, at a speed of 100 mm/min.
Refinements of the Medicare Outpatient Therapy Annual Expenditure Limit Policy
Authors: Amico Peter , Pope Gregory C. , Pardasaney Poonam , Silver Ben , Dever Jill A. , Meadow Ann , West Pamela
Published: June 2015

Background

A Medicare beneficiary's annual outpatient therapy expenditures that exceed congressionally established caps are subject to extra documentation and review requirements. In 2011, these caps were $1,870 for physical therapy and speech-language pathology combined and $1,870 for occupational therapy separately.

Objective

This article considers the distributional effects of replacing current cap policy with equal caps by therapy discipline (physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology) or a single combined cap, and risk adjusting the physical therapy cap using beneficiary characteristics and functional status.

Methods

Alternative therapy cap policies are simulated with 100% Medicare claims for 2011 therapy users (N=4.9 million). A risk-adjusted cap for annual physical therapy expenditures is calculated from a quantile regression estimated on a sample of physical therapy users with diagnoses and clinician assessments of functional ability merged to their claims (n=4,210).

Results

Equal discipline-specific caps of $1,710 each for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology result in the same aggregate Medicare expenditures above the caps as 2011 cap policy. A single combined-disciplines cap of $2,485 also results in the same aggregate expenditures above the cap. Risk adjustment varies the physical therapy cap by as much as 5 to 1 across beneficiaries and equalizes the probability of exceeding the physical therapy cap across diagnosis and functional status groups.

Limitations

One limitation of the study was the assumption of no behavioral response on the part of beneficiaries or providers to a change in cap policy. Additionally, analysis of risk adjusting the therapy caps was limited by sample size.

Conclusions

Equal discipline-specific caps for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology are more equitable to high users of both physical therapy and speech-language pathology than current cap policy. Separating the physical therapy and speech-language pathology caps is a change that policy makers could consider. Risk adjustment of the therapy caps is a first step in incorporating beneficiary need for services into Medicare outpatient therapy payment policy.
Identification and Quantification of Andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees by RP-HPLC Method and Standardization of its Market Preparations
Authors: Sajeeb BK , Kumar Uttom , Halder Shimul , Bachar Sitesh C
Published: June 2015

Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees, commonly known as Kalmegh, is widely used as antimalarial drug in herbal and traditional systems. Andrographolide is the major triterpenoid present in the plant and responsible for its therapeutic activities. The identification and quantification of andrographolide were ascertained by various spectrophotometric and chromatographic analyses. The plant sample was extracted with methanol. The amorphous residue obtained from extraction was analyzed for identification of andrographolide by chemical method, TLC, UV-Vis, FT-IR and LCMS/MS analyses. The quantitative estimation of andrographolide content in plant sample was carried out by simple reversed phase HPLC method with C18 column using a mixture of water and methanol (35:65) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min, and the estimated concentration level of andrographolide was found as 38.36±0.42 ?g/mL in the solution of amorphous residue (50 ?g/mL). After quantitative determination of andrographolide, standardization of its market preparations was accomplished using the same RP-HPLC method. The estimated % potencies of andrographolide compared to reference standard in six market preparations were found to be 97.56, 98.37, 98.21, 95.60, 98.91 and 96.40.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 14(1): 71-78, 2015 (June)
Antidiarrhoeal Activity and Total Tannin Content of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Codiaeum variegatum
Authors: Labu Zubair Khalid , Laboni Farhina Rahman , Mamun Mir Md Abdullah Al , Howlader Md Sariful Islam
Published: June 2015

The present study was designed to investigate the antidiarrhoeal activity and determine the total tannin content of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Codiaeum variegatum (Family- Euphorbiaceae). The antidiarrhoeal activity was evaluated in castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice and the total tannin content was determined by using the Folin-Coicalteu phenol reagent. The ethanolic extract of leaves of C. variegatum showed a positive effect on castor oil induced diarrhoea in mice. In the antidiarrhoeal assay the extract inhibited the mean number of defecation by 40.81% and 59.18% (p<0.01 & p<0.001) at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight, respectively. The latent period for the extract treated group was (p<0.01 & p<0.001) increased as compared to control group. The total tannin content was quite significant and high in ethanolic extract (241.41 mg/g of tannic acid equivalent). Phytochemical screenings of the leaf extract indicated the presence of carbohydrate (reducing sugars), gums, steroids, alkaloids and tannins. Therefore, the results of the present study provide the scientific basis for the traditional uses of this plant as remedy for diarrhea.Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 14(1): 87-90, 2015 (June)
Coloured Dots and the Question of Regional Origins in Early Qur'ans (Part II)
Authors: George Alain
Published: June 2015

This is the second part of an article begun in the previous issue (17:1) of the Journal of Qur'anic Studies. Part I began with a study of remarks about regional patterns of vocalisation offered by the Andalusian scholar of the Qur'an, al-Dānī (371–444/982–1053); these were then confronted with extant manuscripts of the third to fourth/ninth to tenth centuries that can be ascribed to the region between Syria, Iraq, and Iran. This analysis largely confirmed al-Dānī’s observations, thereby suggesting the existence of a dominant norm for vocalisation in the area he calls the Mashriq. The same approach will now be applied to Qur'ans from the Islamic West, the Maghrib, before drawing some conclusions about the use of vocalisation as a marker of regional origins.
Lifestyle Behaviours Add to the Armoury of Treatment Options for Panic Disorder: An Evidence-Based Reasoning
Authors: Lambert Rod
Published: June 2015

This article presents an evidence-based reasoning, focusing on evidence of an Occupational Therapy input to lifestyle behaviour influences on panic disorder that also provides potentially broader application across other mental health problems (MHP). The article begins from the premise that we are all different. It then follows through a sequence of questions, examining incrementally how MHPs are experienced and classified. It analyses the impact of individual sensitivity at different levels of analysis, from genetic and epigenetic individuality, through neurotransmitter and body system sensitivity. Examples are given demonstrating the evidence base behind the logical sequence of investigation. The paper considers the evidence of how everyday routine lifestyle behaviour impacts on occupational function at all levels, and how these behaviours link to individual sensitivity to influence the level of exposure required to elicit symptomatic responses. Occupational Therapists can help patients by adequately assessing individual sensitivity, and through promoting understanding and a sense of control over their own symptoms. It concludes that present clinical guidelines should be expanded to incorporate knowledge of individual sensitivities to environmental exposures and lifestyle behaviours at an early stage.
Transcriptome-Wide Identification of miRNA Targets under Nitrogen Deficiency in Populus tomentosa Using Degradome Sequencing
Authors: Chen Min , Bao Hai , Wu Qiuming , Wang Yanwei
Published: June 2015

miRNAs are endogenous non-coding small RNAs with important regulatory roles in stress responses. Nitrogen (N) is an indispensable macronutrient required for plant growth and development. Previous studies have identified a variety of known and novel miRNAs responsive to low N stress in plants, including Populus. However, miRNAs involved in the cleavage of target genes and the corresponding regulatory networks in response to N stress in Populus remain largely unknown. Consequently, degradome sequencing was employed for global detection and validation of N-responsive miRNAs and their targets. A total of 60 unique miRNAs (39 conserved, 13 non-conserved, and eight novel) were experimentally identified to target 64 mRNA transcripts and 21 precursors. Among them, we further verified the cleavage of 11 N-responsive miRNAs identified previously and provided empirical evidence for the cleavage mode of these miRNAs on their target mRNAs. Furthermore, five miRNA stars (miRNA*s) were shown to have cleavage function. The specificity and diversity of cleavage sites on the targets and miRNA precursors in P. tomentosa were further detected. Identification and annotation of miRNA-mediated cleavage of target genes in Populus can increase our understanding of miRNA-mediated molecular mechanisms of woody plants adapted to low N environments.
Adsorption of Silver Nanoparticles onto Different Surface Structures of Chitin/Chitosan and Correlations with Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Ishihara Masayuki , Nguyen Vinh , Mori Yasutaka , Nakamura Shingo , Hattori Hidemi
Published: June 2015

Size-controlled spherical silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) can be simply prepared by autoclaving mixtures of glass powder containing silver with glucose. Moreover, chitins with varying degrees of deacetylation (DDAc < 30%) and chitosan powders and sheets (DDAc > 75%) with varying surface structure properties have been evaluated as Ag NP carriers. Chitin/chitosan-Ag NP composites in powder or sheet form were prepared by mixing Ag NP suspensions with each of the chitin/chitosan-based material at pH 7.3, leading to homogenous dispersion and stable adsorption of Ag NPs onto chitin carriers with nanoscale fiber-like surface structures, and chitosan carriers with nanoscale porous surface structures. Although these chitins exhibited mild antiviral, bactericidal, and antifungal activities, chitin powders with flat/smooth film-like surface structures had limited antimicrobial activities and Ag NP adsorption. The antimicrobial activities of chitin/chitosan-Ag NP composites increased with increasing amounts of adsorbed Ag NPs, suggesting that the surface structures of chitin/chitosan carriers strongly influence adsorption of Ag NPs and antimicrobial activities. These observations indicate that chitin/chitosan-Ag NPs with nanoscale surface structures have potential as antimicrobial biomaterials and anti-infectious wound dressings.
Leaf Age-Dependent Photoprotective and Antioxidative Response Mechanisms to Paraquat-Induced Oxidative Stress in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Moustaka Julietta , Tanou Georgia , Adamakis Ioannis-Dimosthenis , Eleftheriou Eleftherios , Moustakas Michael
Published: June 2015

Exposure of Arabidopsis thaliana young and mature leaves to the herbicide paraquat (Pq) resulted in a localized increase of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the leaf veins and the neighboring mesophyll cells, but this increase was not similar in the two leaf types. Increased H2O2 production was concomitant with closed reaction centers (qP). Thirty min after Pq exposure despite the induction of the photoprotective mechanism of non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) in mature leaves, H2O2 production was lower in young leaves mainly due to the higher increase activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Later, 60 min after Pq exposure, the total antioxidant capacity of young leaves was not sufficient to scavenge the excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) that were formed, and thus, a higher H2O2 accumulation in young leaves occurred. The energy allocation of absorbed light in photosystem II (PSII) suggests the existence of a differential photoprotective regulatory mechanism in the two leaf types to the time-course Pq exposure accompanied by differential antioxidant protection mechanisms. It is concluded that tolerance to Pq-induced oxidative stress is related to the redox state of quinone A (QA).
Is Correction of Iron Deficiency a New Addition to the Treatment of the Heart Failure?
Authors: Silverberg Donald , Wexler Dov , Schwartz Doron
Published: June 2015

Anemia is present in about 40% of heart failure (HF) patients. Iron deficiency (ID) is present in about 60% of the patients with anemia (about 24% of all HF patients) and in about 40% of patients without anemia (about 24% of all HF patients). Thus ID is present in about half the patients with HF. The ID in HF is associated with reduced iron stores in the bone marrow and the heart. ID is an independent risk factor for severity and worsening of the HF. Correction of ID with intravenous (IV) iron usually corrects both the anemia and the ID. Currently used IV iron preparations are very safe and effective in treating the ID in HF whereas little information is available on the effectiveness of oral iron. In HF IV iron correction of ID is associated with improvement in functional status, exercise capacity, quality of life and, in some studies, improvement in rate of hospitalization for HF, cardiac structure and function, and renal function. Large long-term adequately-controlled intervention studies are needed to clarify the effect of IV iron in HF. Several heart associations suggest that ID should be routinely sought for in all HF patients and corrected if present. In this paper we present our approach to diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency in heart failure.
Cell Surface and Membrane Engineering: Emerging Technologies and Applications
Authors: Saeui Christopher , Mathew Mohit , Liu Lingshui , Urias Esteban , Yarema Kevin
Published: June 2015

Membranes constitute the interface between the basic unit of life—a single cell—and the outside environment and thus in many ways comprise the ultimate “functional biomaterial”. To perform the many and often conflicting functions required in this role, for example to partition intracellular contents from the outside environment while maintaining rapid intake of nutrients and efflux of waste products, biological membranes have evolved tremendous complexity and versatility. This article describes how membranes, mainly in the context of living cells, are increasingly being manipulated for practical purposes with drug discovery, biofuels, and biosensors providing specific, illustrative examples. Attention is also given to biology-inspired, but completely synthetic, membrane-based technologies that are being enabled by emerging methods such as bio-3D printers. The diverse set of applications covered in this article are intended to illustrate how these versatile technologies—as they rapidly mature—hold tremendous promise to benefit human health in numerous ways ranging from the development of new medicines to sensitive and cost-effective environmental monitoring for pathogens and pollutants to replacing hydrocarbon-based fossil fuels.
Human Appropriation of Net Primary Production (HANPP) in an Agriculturally-Dominated Watershed, Southeastern USA
Authors: Andersen C. , Donovan R. , Quinn John
Published: June 2015

Human appropriation of net primary production (HANPP) quantifies alteration of the biosphere caused by land use change and biomass harvest. In global and regional scale assessments, the majority of HANPP is associated with agricultural biomass harvest. We adapted these methods to the watershed scale and calculated land cover change and HANPP in an agricultural watershed in 1968 and 2011. Between 1968 and 2011, forest cover remained near 50% of the watershed, but row crop decreased from 26% to 0.4%, pasture increased from 19% to 32%, and residential area increased from 2% to 10%. Total HANPP decreased from 35% of potential Net Primary Productivity (NPP) in 1968 to 28% in 2011. Aboveground HANPP remained constant at 42%. Land use change accounted for 86%–89% of HANPP. Aboveground HANPP did not change despite the major shift in agricultural land use from row crop and pasture. The HANPP and land use change in Doddies Creek watershed reflects changing land use patterns in the southeastern US, driven by a complex interaction of local to global scale processes including change in farm viability, industrialization of agriculture, and demographic shifts. In the future, urbanization and biofuel production are likely to become important drivers of HANPP in the region. At the watershed scale, HANPP can be useful for improving land use decisions and landscape management to decrease human impact on the ecosystem and ensure the flow of ecosystem services.
Plasmonic Light Trapping in Thin-Film Solar Cells: Impact of Modeling on Performance Prediction
Authors: Micco Alberto , Pisco Marco , Ricciardi Armando , Mercaldo Lucia , Usatii Iurie , Ferrara Vera , Veneri Paola , Cutolo Antonello , Cusano Andrea
Published: June 2015

We present a comparative study on numerical models used to predict the absorption enhancement in thin-film solar cells due to the presence of structured back-reflectors exciting, at specific wavelengths, hybrid plasmonic-photonic resonances. To evaluate the effectiveness of the analyzed models, they have been applied in a case study: starting from a U-shaped textured glass thin-film, µc-Si:H solar cells have been successfully fabricated. The fabricated cells, with different intrinsic layer thicknesses, have been morphologically, optically and electrically characterized. The experimental results have been successively compared with the numerical predictions. We have found that, in contrast to basic models based on the underlying schematics of the cell, numerical models taking into account the real morphology of the fabricated device, are able to effectively predict the cells performances in terms of both optical absorption and short-circuit current values.
Ecklonia cava Polyphenol Has a Protective Effect against Ethanol-Induced Liver Injury in a Cyclic AMP-Dependent Manner
Authors: Yamashita Haruka , Goto Mayu , Matsui-Yuasa Isao , Kojima-Yuasa Akiko
Published: June 2015

Previously, we showed that Ecklonia cava polyphenol (ECP) treatment suppressed ethanol-induced increases in hepatocyte death by scavenging intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and maintaining intracellular glutathione levels. Here, we examined the effects of ECP on the activities of alcohol-metabolizing enzymes and their regulating mechanisms in ethanol-treated hepatocytes. Isolated hepatocytes were incubated with or without 100 mM ethanol. ECP was dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide. ECP was added to cultured cells that had been incubated with or without ethanol. The cells were incubated for 0–24 h. In cultured hepatocytes, the ECP treatment with ethanol inhibited cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) expression and activity, which is related to the production of ROS when large quantities of ethanol are oxidized. On the other hand, ECP treatment with ethanol increased the activity of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase. These changes in activities of CYP2E1 and ADH were suppressed by treatment with H89, an inhibitor of protein kinase A. ECP treatment with ethanol enhanced cyclic AMP concentrations compared with those of control cells. ECP may be a candidate for preventing ethanol-induced liver injury via regulating alcohol metabolic enzymes in a cyclic AMP-dependent manner.
Understanding the Mechanism of Action of Triazine-Phosphonate Derivatives as Flame Retardants for Cotton Fabric
Authors: Nguyen Monique , Al-Abdul-Wahid M. , Fontenot Krystal , Graves Elena , Chang SeChin , Condon Brian , Grimm Casey , Lorigan Gary
Published: June 2015

Countless hours of research and studies on triazine, phosphonate, and their combination have provided insightful information into their flame retardant properties on polymeric systems. However, a limited number of studies shed light on the mechanism of flame retardancy of their combination on cotton fabrics. The purpose of this research is to gain an understanding of the thermal degradation process of two triazine-phosphonate derivatives on cotton fabric. The investigation included the preparation of diethyl 4,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylphosphonate (TPN1) and dimethyl (4,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yloxy) methyl phosphonate (TPN3), their application on fabric materials, and the studies of their thermal degradation mechanism. The studies examined chemical components in both solid and gas phases by using attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared (TGA-FTIR) spectroscopy, and 31P solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (31P solid state NMR), in addition to the computational studies of bond dissociation energy (BDE). Despite a few differences in their decomposition, TPN1 and TPN3 produce one common major product that is believed to help reduce the flammability of the fabric.
Enhancement and Tunability of Near-Field Radiative Heat Transfer Mediated by Surface Plasmon Polaritons in Thin Plasmonic Films
Authors: Boriskina Svetlana , Tong Jonathan , Huang Yi , Zhou Jiawei , Chiloyan Vazrik , Chen Gang
Published: June 2015

The properties of thermal radiation exchange between hot and cold objects can be strongly modified if they interact in the near field where electromagnetic coupling occurs across gaps narrower than the dominant wavelength of thermal radiation. Using a rigorous fluctuational electrodynamics approach, we predict that ultra-thin films of plasmonic materials can be used to dramatically enhance near-field heat transfer. The total spectrally integrated film-to-film heat transfer is over an order of magnitude larger than between the same materials in bulk form and also exceeds the levels achievable with polar dielectrics such as SiC. We attribute this enhancement to the significant spectral broadening of radiative heat transfer due to coupling between surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) on both sides of each thin film. We show that the radiative heat flux spectrum can be further shaped by the choice of the substrate onto which the thin film is deposited. In particular, substrates supporting surface phonon polaritons (SPhP) strongly modify the heat flux spectrum owing to the interactions between SPPs on thin films and SPhPs of the substrate. The use of thin film phase change materials on polar dielectric substrates allows for dynamic switching of the heat flux spectrum between SPP-mediated and SPhP-mediated peaks.
Estimating Leaf Bulk Density Distribution in a Tree Canopy Using Terrestrial LiDAR and a Straightforward Calibration Procedure
Authors: Pimont François , Dupuy Jean-Luc , Rigolot Eric , Prat Vincent , Piboule Alexandre
Published: June 2015

Leaf biomass distribution is a key factor for modeling energy and carbon fluxes in forest canopies and for assessing fire behavior. We propose a new method to estimate 3D leaf bulk density distribution, based on a calibration of indices derived from T-LiDAR. We applied the method to four contrasted plots in a mature Quercus pubescens forest. Leaf bulk densities were measured inside 0.7 m-diameter spheres, referred to as Calibration Volumes. Indices were derived from LiDAR point clouds and calibrated over the Calibration Volume bulk densities. Several indices were proposed and tested to account for noise resulting from mixed pixels and other theoretical considerations. The best index and its calibration parameter were then used to estimate leaf bulk densities at the grid nodes of each plot. These LiDAR-derived bulk density distributions were used to estimate bulk density vertical profiles and loads and above four meters compared well with those assessed by the classical inventory-based approach. Below four meters, the LiDAR-based approach overestimated bulk densities since no distinction was made between wood and leaf returns. The results of our method are promising since they demonstrate the possibility to assess bulk density on small plots at a reasonable operational cost.
Modeling Top of Atmosphere Radiance over Heterogeneous Non-Lambertian Rugged Terrain
Authors: Mousivand Alijafar , Verhoef Wout , Menenti Massimo , Gorte Ben
Published: June 2015

Topography affects the fraction of direct and diffuse radiation received on a pixel and changes the sun–target–sensor geometry, resulting in variations in the observed radiance. Retrieval of surface–atmosphere properties from top of atmosphere radiance may need to account for topographic effects. This study investigates how such effects can be taken into account for top of atmosphere radiance modeling. In this paper, a system for top of atmosphere radiance modeling over heterogeneous non-Lambertian rugged terrain through radiative transfer modeling is presented. The paper proposes an extension of “the four-stream radiative transfer theory” (Verhoef and Bach 2003, 2007 and 2012) mainly aimed at representing topography-induced contributions to the top of atmosphere radiance modeling. A detailed account for BRDF effects, adjacency effects and topography effects on the radiance modeling is given, in which sky-view factor and non-Lambertian reflected radiance from adjacent slopes are modeled precisely. The paper also provides a new formulation to derive the atmospheric coefficients from MODTRAN with only two model runs, to make it more computationally efficient and also avoiding the use of zero surface albedo as used in the four-stream radiative transfer theory. The modeling begins with four surface reflectance factors calculated by the Soil–Leaf–Canopy radiative transfer model SLC at the top of canopy and propagates them through the effects of the atmosphere, which is explained by six atmospheric coefficients, derived from MODTRAN radiative transfer code. The top of the atmosphere radiance is then convolved with the sensor characteristics to generate sensor-like radiance. Using a composite dataset, it has been shown that neglecting sky view factor and/or terrain reflected radiance can cause uncertainty in the forward TOA radiance modeling up to 5 (mW/m2·sr·nm). It has also been shown that this level of uncertainty can be translated into an over/underestimation of more than 0.5 in LAI (or 0.07 in fCover) in variable retrieval.
Digging the METEOSAT Treasure—3 Decades of Solar Surface Radiation
Authors: Müller Richard , Pfeifroth Uwe , Träger-Chatterjee Christine , Trentmann Jörg , Cremer Roswitha
Published: June 2015

Solar surface radiation data of high quality is essential for the appropriate monitoring and analysis of the Earth's radiation budget and the climate system. Further, they are crucial for the efficient planning and operation of solar energy systems. However, well maintained surface measurements are rare in many regions of the world and over the oceans. There, satellite derived information is the exclusive observational source. This emphasizes the important role of satellite based surface radiation data. Within this scope, the new satellite based CM-SAF SARAH (Solar surfAce RAdiation Heliosat) data record is discussed as well as the retrieval method used. The SARAH data are retrieved with the sophisticated SPECMAGIC method, which is based on radiative transfer modeling. The resulting climate data of solar surface irradiance, direct irradiance (horizontal and direct normal) and clear sky irradiance are covering 3 decades. The SARAH data set is validated with surface measurements of the Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) and of the Global Energy and Balance Archive (GEBA). Comparison with BSRN data is performed in order to estimate the accuracy and precision of the monthly and daily means of solar surface irradiance. The SARAH solar surface irradiance shows a bias of 1.3 \(W/m^2\) and a mean absolute bias (MAB) of 5.5 \(W/m^2\) for monthly means. For direct irradiance the bias and MAB is 1 \(W/m^2\) and 8.2 \(W/m^2\) respectively. Thus, the uncertainty of the SARAH data is in the range of the uncertainty of ground based measurements. In order to evaluate the uncertainty of SARAH based trend analysis the time series of SARAH monthly means are compared to GEBA. It has been found that SARAH enables the analysis of trends with an uncertainty of 1 \(W/m^2/dec\); a remarkable good result for a satellite based climate data record. SARAH has been also compared to its legacy version, the satellite based CM-SAF MVIRI climate data record. Overall, SARAH shows a significant higher accuracy and homogeneity than its legacy version. With its high accuracy and temporal and spatial resolution SARAH is well suited for regional climate monitoring and analysis as well as for solar energy applications.
Earth Observation for Ecosystems Monitoring in Space and Time: A Special Issue in Remote Sensing
Authors: Rocchini Duccio
Published: June 2015

This Editorial introduces the papers published in the special issue “Earth Observation for Ecosystems Monitoring in Space and Time” which includes the most important researchers in the field and the most challenging aspects of the application of remote sensing to study ecosystems.
Managing Emergency Situations in the Smart City: The Smart Signal
Authors: Asensio Ángel , Blanco Teresa , Blasco Rubén , Marco Álvaro , Casas Roberto
Published: June 2015

In a city there are numerous items, many of them unnoticed but essential; this is the case of the signals. Signals are considered objects with reduced technological interest, but in this paper we prove that making them smart and integrating in the IoT (Internet of Things) could be a relevant contribution to the Smart City. This paper presents the concept of Smart Signal, as a device conscious of its context, with communication skills, able to offer the best message to the user, and as a ubiquitous element that contributes with information to the city. We present the design considerations and a real implementation and validation of the system in one of the most challenging environments that may exist in a city: a tunnel. The main advantages of the Smart Signal are the improvement of the actual functionality of the signal providing new interaction capabilities with users and a new sensory mechanism of the Smart City.
Submersible Spectrofluorometer for Real-Time Sensing of Water Quality
Authors: Puiu Adriana , Fiorani Luca , Menicucci Ivano , Pistilli Marco , Lai Antonia
Published: June 2015

In this work, we present a newly developed submersible spectrofluorometer (patent pending) applied to real-time sensing of water quality, suitable for monitoring some important indicators of the ecological status of natural waters such as chlorophyll-a, oil and protein-like material. For the optomechanical realization of the apparatus, a novel conceptual design has been adopted in order to avoid filters and pumps while maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio. The elimination of filters and pumps has the advantage of greater system simplicity and especially of avoiding the risk of sample degradation. The use of light-emitting diodes as an excitation source instead of Xe lamps or laser diodes helped save on size, weight, power consumption and costs. For sensor calibration we performed measurements on water samples with added chlorophyll prepared in the laboratory. The sensor functionality was tested during field campaigns conducted at Albano Lake in Latium Region of Italy as well as in the Herzliya Harbor, a few kilometers North East of Tel Aviv in Israel. The obtained results are reported in the paper. The sensitivity achieved for chlorophyll-a detection was found to be at least 0.2 µg/L.
DEADS: Depth and Energy Aware Dominating Set Based Algorithm for Cooperative Routing along with Sink Mobility in Underwater WSNs
Authors: Umar Amara , Javaid Nadeem , Ahmad Ashfaq , Khan Zahoor , Qasim Umar , Alrajeh Nabil , Hayat Amir
Published: June 2015

Performance enhancement of Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSNs) in terms of throughput maximization, energy conservation and Bit Error Rate (BER) minimization is a potential research area. However, limited available bandwidth, high propagation delay, highly dynamic network topology, and high error probability leads to performance degradation in these networks. In this regard, many cooperative communication protocols have been developed that either investigate the physical layer or the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, however, the network layer is still unexplored. More specifically, cooperative routing has not yet been jointly considered with sink mobility. Therefore, this paper aims to enhance the network reliability and efficiency via dominating set based cooperative routing and sink mobility. The proposed work is validated via simulations which show relatively improved performance of our proposed work in terms the selected performance metrics.
The Role of Infrared Thermography as a Non-Invasive Tool for the Detection of Lameness in Cattle
Authors: Alsaaod Maher , Schaefer Allan , Büscher Wolfgang , Steiner Adrian
Published: June 2015

The use of infrared thermography for the identification of lameness in cattle has increased in recent years largely because of its non-invasive properties, ease of automation and continued cost reductions. Thermography can be used to identify and determine thermal abnormalities in animals by characterizing an increase or decrease in the surface temperature of their skin. The variation in superficial thermal patterns resulting from changes in blood flow in particular can be used to detect inflammation or injury associated with conditions such as foot lesions. Thermography has been used not only as a diagnostic tool, but also to evaluate routine farm management. Since 2000, 14 peer reviewed papers which discuss the assessment of thermography to identify and manage lameness in cattle have been published. There was a large difference in thermography performance in these reported studies. However, thermography was demonstrated to have utility for the detection of contralateral temperature difference and maximum foot temperature on areas of interest. Also apparent in these publications was that a controlled environment is an important issue that should be considered before image scanning.
Drugs and Protected Areas: Coca Cultivation and Social Acceptance of Bahuaja-Sonene National Park in Peru
Authors: Garcia-Yi Jaqueline
Published: June 2015

Cocaine is extracted from coca: a native bush from the Amazon rainforest. Coca is mostly grown in remote areas to avoid government intervention, and it has been increasingly cultivated inside protected areas (PAs). The effects of coca cultivation on the preservation of PAs are largely unknown. This research uses panel data (2006–2008) from a total of 684 farmers to evaluate the influence of coca growing on the acceptance of PAs, using as case study a farmer community located within the buffer zone of Bahuaja-Sonene National Park (Peru). All farmers are coffee growers and some complement their income with coca production. The area has not been subject of forced coca eradication activities. The data were analyzed using probit models with covariance matrix correction for cluster errors by year, with and without interaction effects. The results suggest that coca growers are more likely to state a positive opinion about the PA than non-coca growers. This may reflect the fact that non-coca growers need extensive areas of land for coffee cultivation in order to approach the economic benefits obtained by farmers who also grow coca. However the likelihood of stating a positive opinion by coca growers decreases the higher the perception that coca cultivation has increased in the region. Coca growers may be afraid that large coca areas would lead to the implementation of forced eradication activities. In such a case, the BSNP would restrict the access to remote land resources, which in turn decreases the support for this PA.
Ancient Venom Systems: A Review on Cnidaria Toxins
Authors: Jouiaei Mahdokht , Yanagihara Angel , Madio Bruno , Nevalainen Timo , Alewood Paul , Fry Bryan
Published: June 2015

Cnidarians are the oldest extant lineage of venomous animals. Despite their simple anatomy, they are capable of subduing or repelling prey and predator species that are far more complex and recently evolved. Utilizing specialized penetrating nematocysts, cnidarians inject the nematocyst content or “venom” that initiates toxic and immunological reactions in the envenomated organism. These venoms contain enzymes, potent pore forming toxins, and neurotoxins. Enzymes include lipolytic and proteolytic proteins that catabolize prey tissues. Cnidarian pore forming toxins self-assemble to form robust membrane pores that can cause cell death via osmotic lysis. Neurotoxins exhibit rapid ion channel specific activities. In addition, certain cnidarian venoms contain or induce the release of host vasodilatory biogenic amines such as serotonin, histamine, bunodosine and caissarone accelerating the pathogenic effects of other venom enzymes and porins. The cnidarian attacking/defending mechanism is fast and efficient, and massive envenomation of humans may result in death, in some cases within a few minutes to an hour after sting. The complexity of venom components represents a unique therapeutic challenge and probably reflects the ancient evolutionary history of the cnidarian venom system. Thus, they are invaluable as a therapeutic target for sting treatment or as lead compounds for drug design.