bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying Novice and Expert Differences in Visual Diagnostic Reasoning in Veterinary Pathology Using Eye-Tracking Technology
Authors: Warren Amy L. , Donnon Tyrone L. , Wagg Catherine R. , Priest Heather , Fernandez Nicole J.
Published: January 2018

Visual diagnostic reasoning is the cognitive process by which pathologists reach a diagnosis based on visual stimuli (cytologic, histopathologic, or gross imagery). Currently, there is little to no literature examining visual reasoning in veterinary pathology. The objective of the study was to use eye tracking to establish baseline quantitative and qualitative differences between the visual reasoning processes of novice and expert veterinary pathologists viewing cytology specimens. Novice and expert participants were each shown 10 cytology images and asked to formulate a diagnosis while wearing eye-tracking equipment (10 slides) and while concurrently verbalizing their thought processes using the think-aloud protocol (5 slides). Compared to novices, experts demonstrated significantly higher diagnostic accuracy (p <.017), shorter time to diagnosis (p <.017), and a higher percentage of time spent viewing areas of diagnostic interest (p <.017). Experts elicited more key diagnostic features in the think-aloud protocol and had more efficient patterns of eye movement. These findings suggest that experts' fast time to diagnosis, efficient eye-movement patterns, and preference for viewing areas of interest supports system 1 (pattern-recognition) reasoning and script-inductive knowledge structures with system 2 (analytic) reasoning to verify their diagnosis.
Interactive Effects of Cultivation, Insect Control, and Fungal Disease Control in Organic Peanut Production
Authors: Johnson W. Carroll , Culbreath Albert K. , Luo Xuelin
Published: January 2018

During previous organic peanut weed management trials, maintenance pesticides were not applied and it was observed that insect infestations and disease epidemics were not problematic. This was surprising considering that conventional peanut are routinely treated with insecticides and fungicides to control common pests. It was hypothesized that components of the organic peanut production system could be integrated into conventional peanut production to reduce inputs. Structured research trials were conducted from 2012 through 2014 to determine interactions among three levels of weed control, two levels of insect control, and three levels of fungal disease control in organic peanut production using a factorial arrangement of treatments. Weed control treatments were weed-free using handweeding, cultivation with a tine weeder repeated weekly for six weeks, and a non-cultivated (weedy) control. Insect control treatments were two early-season applications of spinosad (Organic Materials Review Institute approved) and a nontreated control. Fungal disease control treatments were applications of cupric oxide plus sulfur (Cu+S) at three-week intervals, the conventional fungicide azoxystrobin at three-week intervals, and a nontreated control. The peanut cultivar Georgia-04S was planted each year of the study. The crop rotation at the research sites was corn grown in alternating years between peanut experiments. There were no interactions among the main effects. Compared to the non-cultivated control, cultivation with a tine weeder consistently reduced weed densities, and yields were equivalent to handweeded peanut two years of three. Intensive cultivation with a tine weeder did not increase disease epidemics or reduce peanut yield, which is contradictory to long-standing peanut production recommendations. Spinosad applications did not affect any of the parameters measured, including incidence of thrips-vectored spotted wilt and peanut yield. Cupric oxide plus sulfur controlled peanut diseases equal to azoxystrobin two years out of three, but peanut yields did not consistently respond to improved disease control from the conventional fungicide. We speculate that ideal crop rotations to reduce disease inoculum and modern peanut cultivars with improved disease tolerance are also factors that allow the use of reduced pest control inputs.
Registration of STARS 1501B and STARS 1502B Barley Germplasm with Rsg2 Resistance to Greenbug
Authors: Mornhinweg Dolores W. , Armstrong J. Scott , Carver Brett F. , Springer Timothy L.
Published: January 2018

STARS 1501B (Reg. No. GP‐210, PI 675335) spring and STARS 1502B (Reg. No. GP‐211, PI 675336) winter greenbug‐resistant, six‐rowed, feed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) germplasm, tested as GR 001 and GR 010, respectively, were developed and released by USDA–ARS, Stillwater, OK as sources of resistance to greenbug [Schizaphis graminum (Rondani)]. STARS 1501B was a selection from PI 426756, and STARS 1502B was developed by repeated backcrossing of STARS 1501B into ‘Weskan’. STARS 1501B had greater grain yield than ‘Morex’ in the greenhouse, and STARS 1502B was comparable to Weskan in grain yield, plant height, and test weight in the field, in the absence of greenbug. These lines are the first barley germplasm with Rsg2 greenbug resistance, and they offer genetic diversity from currently used Rsg1 greenbug‐resistant cultivars vital to ensure protection from yield loss as greenbug biotypes continue to shift.
Responses of Different Panicum miliaceum L. Genotypes to Saline and Water Stress in a Marginal Mediterranean Environment
Authors: Caruso Caterina , Maucieri Carmelo , Berruti Andrea , Borin Maurizio , Barbera Antonio
Published: January 2018

The aims of this study were to evaluate: (1) the effect of sodium chloride (NaCl) and mannitol at different osmotic pressures on the germination of three proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) genotypes (VIR 9181, Unikum, and Kinelskoje) under controlled laboratory conditions; and (2) the effects of irrigation water salinity, maximum crop evapotranspiration (ETm) restitution regimes, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation on forage production in a marginal Mediterranean soil for the genotypes that showed the highest and lowest seed germination. In the laboratory experiment, the Unikum genotype showed the highest seed germination (95.1%), whereas the lowest was found for Kinelskoje (80.4%). Regardless of the osmoticum type, germination was significantly reduced by osmotic pressure increases. Unikum showed a higher fresh biomass yield (FBY) (620.4 ± 126.3 g m−2) than Kinelskoje (340.0 ± 73.5 g m−2). AMF inoculation did not influence FBY under salt conditions, while in the absence of salt conditions it significantly increased the Unikum FBY (+50.7%) as compared to the uninoculated treatment (552.5 ± 269 g m−2). The 25% ETm significantly reduced FBY in both genotypes (−86.2% and −84.1% for Unikum and Kinelskoje, respectively) sd compared to the 100% ETm treatments (1090.3 ± 49.7 g m−2 in Unikum and 587 ± 72.2 g m−2 in Kinelskoje). The obtained results give novel information about proso millet forage production in low-input agriculture in marginal semi-arid Mediterranean land.
Diversity of Maize Kernels from a Breeding Program for Protein Quality III: Ionome Profiling
Authors: Jaradat Abdullah , Goldstein Walter
Published: January 2018

Densities of single and multiple macro- and micronutrients were estimated in the mature kernels of 1348 accessions in 13 maize genotypes. The germplasm belonged to stiff stalk (SS) and non-stiff stalk (NS) heterotic groups (HGs) with one (S1) to four (S4) years of inbreeding (IB), or open pollination (OP), and with opaque or translucent endosperm (OE and TE, respectively). Indices were calculated for macronutrients (M-Index), micronutrients (m-Index) and an index based on Fe and Zn densities (FeZn-Index). The objectives were to (1) build predictive models and quantify multivariate relationships between single and multiple nutrients with physical and biochemical constituents of the maize kernel; (2) quantify the effects of IB stages and endosperm textures, in relation to carbon and nitrogen allocation, on nutrients and their indices; and (3) develop and test the utility of hierarchical multi-way classification of nutrients with kernel color space coordinates. Differences among genotypes and among IB stages accounted for the largest amount of variation in most nutrients and in all indices, while genotypic response to IB within HGs explained 52.4, 55.9, and 76.0% of variation in the M-Index, m-Index, and FeZn-Index, respectively. Differences in C and N allocation among HGs explained more variation in all indices than respective differences in allocation among endosperm (E) textures, while variation decreased with sequential inbreeding compared to OP germplasm. Specific color space coordinates indicated either large macronutrient densities and M-Index, or large micronutrient densities, m-Index, and FeZn-Index. These results demonstrated the importance of genotypes and the C:N ratio in nutrient allocation, as well as bivariate and multiple interrelationships.
A Case Study in Citizen Science: The Effectiveness of a Trap-Neuter-Return Program in a Chicago Neighborhood
Authors: Spehar Daniel , Wolf Peter
Published: January 2018

The use of trap-neuter-return (TNR) as a method of managing free-roaming cat populations has increased in the United States in recent decades. Historically, TNR has been conducted most often at a grassroots level, which has led to inconsistent data collection and assessment practices. Consequently, a paucity of analyzable data exists. An initiative is underway to standardize TNR program data collection and assessment. However, it could be some time before scientifically sound protocols are implemented on a broad scale. In the interim, sets of data collected by nascent citizen scientists offer valid opportunities to evaluate grassroots TNR programs. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of a TNR program conducted by a citizen scientist located in Chicago, Illinois, where a county law permitting TNR was enacted in 2007. Colony populations, when grouped by the number of years enrolled in the program, declined by a mean of 54% from entry and 82% from peak levels. Results from coexistent TNR programs in the Chicago area are consistent with these findings.
A Phase Change Material for Reconfigurable Circuit Applications
Authors: Tomer Dushyant , Coutu Ronald
Published: January 2018

The large resistance contrast between amorphous and crystalline states of phase change materials (PCM) makes them a promising candidate for data-storage applications. Germanium telluride (GeTe), an early member of the PCM family, shows ~6 orders of magnitude difference in resistivity upon phase transition. In this paper, two different heating methods, direct (Joule) and indirect thermal heating, were applied to induce a phase transition in vertical and horizontal GeTe resistors. In the electrical measurements, it was observed that thermal heating produces a two orders of magnitude larger difference in GeTe resistivity that the Joule heating, irrespective of the resistor’s geometry and orientation. It was also found that the large inter-electrode distances in horizontal resistors make them impractical for low voltage applications. In addition, a correlation in between crystallization voltage and resistor’s geometrical parameters (i.e., inter-electrode distance and cross-sectional area) was also established. Here, it was found that the threshold voltage increases with resistor length, while it remains unaffected with a change in cross-sectional area. This work provides design guidelines to make use of not only GeTe but also other phase change materials in reconfigurable circuit applications.
Combined Effects of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles and Chemotherapeutic Agents on Prostate Cancer Cells In Vitro
Authors: Kojima Kanako , Takahashi Sanai , Saito Shungo , Endo Yoshihiro , Nittami Tadashi , Nozaki Tadashige , Sobti Ranbir , Watanabe Masatoshi
Published: January 2018

Patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) have poor outcomes. Docetaxel (DTX)-based therapy is a current standard treatment for patients with mCRPC. Approaches combining conventional chemotherapeutic agents and nanoparticles (NPs), particularly iron oxide NPs, may overcome the serious side effects and drug resistance, resulting in the establishment of new therapeutic strategies. We previously reported the combined effects of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) with DTX on prostate cancer cells in vitro. In this study, we investigated the combined effects of Fe3O4 NPs and rapamycin or carboplatin on prostate cancer cells in vitro. Treatment of DU145 and PC-3 cells with Fe3O4 NPs increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in a concentration-dependent manner. Treatment of both cell lines with 100 μg/mL Fe3O4 NPs for 72 h resulted in significant inhibition of cell viability with a different inhibitory effect. Combination treatments with 100 µg/mL Fe3O4 NPs and 10 µM carboplatin or 10 nM rapamycin in DU145 and PC-3 cells significantly decreased cell viability. Synergistic effects on apoptosis were observed in PC-3 cells treated with Fe3O4 NPs and rapamycin and in DU145 cells with Fe3O4 NPs and carboplatin. These results suggest the possibility of combination therapy with Fe3O4 NPs and various chemotherapeutic agents as a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with mCRPC.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Healthy and Diseased Human Gingiva Support Osteogenesis on Electrospun Polycaprolactone Scaffolds
Authors: Jauregui Catherine , Yoganarasimha Suyog , Madurantakam Parthasarathy
Published: January 2018

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting almost half of the adult US population. Gingiva is an integral part of the periodontium and has recently been identified as a source of adult gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs). Given the prevalence of periodontitis, the purpose of this study is to evaluate differences between GMSCs derived from healthy and diseased gingival tissues and explore their potential in bone engineering. Primary clonal cell lines were established from harvested healthy and diseased gingival and characterized for expression of known stem-cell markers and multi-lineage differentiation potential. Finally, they were cultured on electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds and evaluated for attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Flow cytometry demonstrated cells isolated from healthy and diseased gingiva met the criteria defining mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, GMSCs from diseased tissue showed decreased colony-forming unit efficiency, decreased alkaline phosphatase activity, weaker osteoblast mineralization, and greater propensity to differentiate into adipocytes than their healthy counterparts. When cultured on electrospun PCL scaffolds, GMSCs from both sources showed robust attachment and proliferation over a 7-day period; they exhibited high mineralization as well as strong expression of alkaline phosphatase. Our results show preservation of ‘stemness’ and osteogenic potential of GMSC even in the presence of disease, opening up the possibility of using routinely discarded, diseased gingival tissue as an alternate source of adult MSCs.
Comparison of the Response of Male BALB/c and C57BL/6 Mice in Behavioral Tasks to Evaluate Cognitive Function
Authors: Garcia Yenela , Esquivel Nashelly
Published: January 2018

To evaluate several cognitive parameters during the execution of behavioral tasks assessing cognitive function in laboratory animals, the parameters are reported within a range. This situation entails that each laboratory must establish the conditions under which the behavioral task to evaluate the cognitive function can be carried out. C57BL/6 and BALB/c inbred strains are used more often in behavioral studies relating to anxiety, stress, fear and cognitive function. The aim of this work was to compare the behavioral response of mice of the strains BALB/c and C57BL/6 to evaluate memory and learning as cognitive functions. Young male mice, 7–8 weeks of age, from each strain were used. Y maze, object recognition and passive avoidance tasks were performed. Both strains of mice showed differences in the response to the passive avoidance and Y maze task. This study advances knowledge about the baseline behavior of laboratory mice strains and their response during the experimental procedures, which are due to the treatment, genetic influence, procedural differences, genetic background variance, or any combination of these elements.
Chloroperoxidase-Mediated Halogenation of Selected Pharmaceutical Micropollutants
Authors: García-Zamora José , León-Aguirre Karina , Quiroz-Morales René , Parra-Saldívar Roberto , Gómez-Patiño Mayra , Arrieta-Baez Daniel , Rebollar-Pérez Georgette , Torres Eduardo
Published: January 2018

The oxidation of eight pharmaceutical micropollutants by chloroperoxidase derived from Caldaromyces fumago using hydrogen peroxide as an electron acceptor is reported. All the tested compounds, namely trazadone, sulfamethoxazole, naproxen, tetracycline, estradiol, ketoconazole, ketorolac, and diclofenac, were found to be substrates for oxidation by chloroperoxidase. The respective oxidation products were identified by electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry. All the products contain at least one chloride atom in their structure after the enzymatic oxidation. Degradability experiments indicated that most of the reaction products are more biodegradable than the corresponding unmodified compounds. The enzyme was found to be catalytically active in effluent from a water treatment facility, transforming the micropollutants with high reaction rates and conversions. The enzyme was immobilized in chitosan macrospheres, which allowed the catalyst to be recycled for up to three treatment cycles in simulated samples of treated residual water. The conversion was high in the first two cycles; however, in the third, a 50% reduction in the capacity of the enzyme to oxidize ketorolac was observed. Additionally, immobilization improved the performance of the enzyme over a wider pH range, achieving the conversion of ketorolac at pH 5, while the free enzyme was not active at this pH. Overall, the results of this study suggest that chloroperoxidase represents a powerful potential catalyst in terms of its catalytic activity for the transformation of pharmaceutical micropollutants.
The Value of Food Allergy Prevention in Clinical Practice in Pediatrics: Targeting Early Life
Authors: Anagnostou Katherine , Orange Jordan
Published: January 2018

Food allergies are common and increasing in prevalence, representing a major health concern in many countries around the world. In an effort to diminish the burden of food allergy, many research studies have focused on prevention, and recent findings have revolutionized the way we introduce allergenic foods in early life. We discuss the role of early allergenic food introduction and the value of food allergy prevention in this manuscript.
A 12-Fold ThSi2 Interpenetrated Network Utilizing a Glycine-Based Pseudopeptidic Ligand
Authors: Loukopoulos Edward , Michail Alexandra , Kostakis George
Published: January 2018

We report the synthesis and characterization of a 3D Cu(II) coordination polymer, [Cu3(L1)2(H2O)8]·8H2O (1), with the use of a glycine-based tripodal pseudopeptidic ligand (H3L1 = N,N′,N″-tris(carboxymethyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide or trimesoyl-tris-glycine). This compound presents the first example of a 12-fold interpenetrated ThSi2 (ths) net. We attempt to justify the unique topology of 1 through a systematic comparison of the synthetic parameters in all reported structures with H3L1 and similar tripodal pseudopeptidic ligands. We additionally explore the catalytic potential of 1 in the A3 coupling reaction for the synthesis of propargylamines. The compound acts as a very good heterogeneous catalyst with yields up to 99% and loadings as low as 3 mol %.
Two Supramolecular Inorganic–Organic Hybrid Crystals Based on Keggin Polyoxometalates and Crown Ethers
Authors: Xiong Jun , Luo Teng , Zhang Jun , Li Xiao-Xia , Lv Shao-Fang , Peng Jun-Jun , Li Ming , Li Wei , Nakamura Takayoshi
Published: January 2018

New supramolecular structures were designed in this work using large-sized polyoxometalates (POMs) and crown-ether-based supramolecular cations selected as building blocks. Two novel supramolecular inorganic–organic hybrids [(3-F-4-MeAnis)([18]crown-6)]2[SMo12O40]•CH3CN (1) and [(4-IAnis)([18]crown-6)]3[PMo12O40]•4CH3CN (2) (3-F-4-MeAnis = 3-fluoro-4-methylanilinium and 4-IAnis = 4-iodoanilinium) were synthesized. Crystals 1 and 2 have been characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and elemental analysis (EA). Based on X-ray diffraction analysis, Crystals 1 and 2 were constructed through noncovalent bonding interactions and belong to different space groups due to the difference of the building blocks used. Supramolecular cations formed due to strong N–H···O hydrogen bonding interactions between the six oxygen atoms of [18]crown-6 molecules and nitrogen atoms of anilinium derivatives. Crystal 1 has two different supramolecular cations with an anti-paralleled arrangement that forms a dimer through weak hydrogen bonding interactions between adjacent [18]crown-6 molecules. Crystal 2 has three independent supramolecular cations that fill large spaces between the [PMo12O40] polyoxoanions forming a rhombus-shape packing arrangement in the ac plane. Crystals 1 and 2 are unstable at room temperature.
Improving Communicative Competence through Synchronous Communication in Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning Environments: A Systematic Review
Authors: Huang Xi
Published: January 2018

Computer-supported collaborative learning facilitates the extension of second language acquisition into social practice. Studies on its achievement effects speak directly to the pedagogical notion of treating communicative practice in synchronous computer-mediated communication (SCMC): real-time communication that takes place between human beings via the instrumentality of computers in forms of text, audio and video communication, such as live chat and chatrooms as socially-oriented meaning construction. This review begins by considering the adoption of social interactionist views to identify key paradigms and supportive principles of computer-supported collaborative learning. A special focus on two components of communicative competence is then presented to explore interactional variables in synchronous computer-mediated communication along with a review of research. There follows a discussion on a synthesis of interactional variables in negotiated interaction and co-construction of knowledge from psycholinguistic and social cohesion perspectives. This review reveals both possibilities and disparities of language socialization in promoting intersubjective learning and diversifying the salient use of interactively creative language in computer-supported collaborative learning environments in service of communicative competence.
Engineering Attractiveness in the European Educational Environment: Can Distance Education Approaches Make a Difference?
Authors: Katzis Konstantinos , Dimopoulos Christos , Meletiou-Mavrotheris Maria , Lasica Ilona-Elefteryja
Published: January 2018

The recent phenomenon of worldwide declining enrolments in engineering-related degrees has led to the gradual decrease in the number of engineering graduates. This decrease occurs at a time of increasing demand in the labour market for highly qualified engineers, who are necessary for the implementation of fundamental societal functions. This paper initially presents a survey of practices, which are currently employed by academic institutions in Europe in order to increase the attractiveness of their engineering studies. It then provides a detailed analysis of the benefits and proliferation of distance education to increase attractiveness of engineering studies based on a set of interviews. Results of this study, highlight a lack of a distance-learning dimension in the implementation of engineering studies in the European Area and discusses in detail ways in which distance learning can be utilised in engineering studies for the benefit of increasing their attractiveness. It has also been noted that institutions employing distance learning as part of their engineering studies, see this as highly beneficial for their students but also for the academic institution itself with some reservations in terms of the pedagogical adequacy of materials and instructional approaches used in distance education courses.
Automatic EMI Filter Design for Power Electronic Converters Oriented to High Power Density
Authors: Giglia Graziella , Ala Guido , Di Piazza Maria , Giaconia Giuseppe , Luna Massimiliano , Vitale Gianpaolo , Zanchetta Pericle
Published: January 2018

In this paper, a complete computer aided procedure based on the power density concept and aimed at the automatic design of EMI filters for power electronic converters is presented. It is rule-based, and it uses suitable databases built-up by considering information on passive components available from commercial datasheets. The power density constraint is taken into consideration by imposing the minimization of the filter volume and/or weight; nevertheless, the system in which the automatically designed filter is included satisfies the electromagnetic compatibility standards limits. Experimental validations of the proposed procedure are presented for two real case studies, for which the performance and the size of the best filter design are compared with those related to a conventionally designed one.
Estimating Preferences for Wood Products with Environmental Attributes
Authors: Sakagami Masaji , Sakaguchi Daishi
Published: January 2018

Tropical deforestation and forest degradation are serious problems for the global environment; as a result, sustainable forest management and forest certification have become important. In this study, using a choice experiment, we investigated, on the demand side, consumers’ preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for certified wood products that attempt to address public concerns regarding deforestation and forest degradation. Specifically, we investigated how estimates of consumers’ preferences and WTP were influenced by product attributes such as quality, certification, and price. To the authors’ knowledge, few studies of this kind have been conducted, particularly in Japan. The study’s main finding was that Japanese consumers were willing to pay a premium for certified wood products with attributes related to sustainable forest management; most preferred were products with attributes related to preserving biodiversity. These findings indicate that consumers are willing to pay a premium for products that contribute to solving the problems of deforestation and forest degradation.
Emancipating Intellectual Property from Proprietarianism: Drahos, Foucault, and a Quasi-Genealogy of IP
Authors: Luna Wendyl
Published: January 2018

This paper argues that Peter Drahos undertakes a partial Foucauldian genealogy by emancipating intellectual property (IP) from proprietarianism. He demonstrates the dominance of proprietarianism in IP by drawing sample practices from trademark, copyright, and patent laws, and then seeks to displace the proprietarian dominance with instrumentalism, which reconstitutes IP as a “liberty-intruding privilege.” Ironically, despite doing a genealogy, Drahos does not eradicate sovereignty altogether as Michel Foucault insists, but instead determines IP as a “sovereignty mechanism” that has a “sovereignty effect.” After explaining what Foucauldian genealogy is, the paper will explain how Drahos undertakes a genealogy of IP, while highlighting the limitations of Drahos’ analysis from a Foucauldian perspective.
The Sustainable Development Assessment of Reservoir Resettlement Based on a BP Neural Network
Authors: Huang Li , Huang Jian , Wang Wei
Published: January 2018

Resettlement affects not only the resettlers’ production activities and life but also, directly or indirectly, the normal operation of power stations, the sustainable development of the resettlers, and regional social stability. Therefore, a scientific evaluation index system for the sustainable development of reservoir resettlement must be established that fits Chinese national conditions and not only promotes reservoir resettlement research but also improves resettlement practice. This essay builds an evaluation index system for resettlers’ sustainable development based on a back-propagation (BP) neural network, which can be adopted in China, taking the resettlement necessitated by step hydropower stations along the Wujiang River cascade as an example. The assessment results show that the resettlement caused by step power stations along the Wujiang River is sustainable, and this evaluation supports the conclusion that national policies and regulations, which are undergoing constant improvement, and resettlement has increasingly improved. The results provide a reference for hydropower reservoir resettlement in developing countries.
Differences between Outdoor and Indoor Sound Levels for Open, Tilted, and Closed Windows
Authors: Locher Barbara , Piquerez André , Habermacher Manuel , Ragettli Martina , Röösli Martin , Brink Mark , Cajochen Christian , Vienneau Danielle , Foraster Maria , Müller Uwe , Wunderli Jean
Published: January 2018

Noise exposure prediction models for health effect studies normally estimate free field exposure levels outside. However, to assess the noise exposure inside dwellings, an estimate of indoor sound levels is necessary. To date, little field data is available about the difference between indoor and outdoor noise levels and factors affecting the damping of outside noise. This is a major cause of uncertainty in indoor noise exposure prediction and may lead to exposure misclassification in health assessments. This study aims to determine sound level differences between the indoors and the outdoors for different window positions and how this sound damping is related to building characteristics. For this purpose, measurements were carried out at home in a sample of 102 Swiss residents exposed to road traffic noise. Sound pressure level recordings were performed outdoors and indoors, in the living room and in the bedroom. Three scenarios—of open, tilted, and closed windows—were recorded for three minutes each. For each situation, data on additional parameters such as the orientation towards the source, floor, and room, as well as sound insulation characteristics were collected. On that basis, linear regression models were established. The median outdoor–indoor sound level differences were of 10 dB(A) for open, 16 dB(A) for tilted, and 28 dB(A) for closed windows. For open and tilted windows, the most relevant parameters affecting the outdoor–indoor differences were the position of the window, the type and volume of the room, and the age of the building. For closed windows, the relevant parameters were the sound level outside, the material of the window frame, the existence of window gaskets, and the number of windows.
Tissue Engineering to Improve Immature Testicular Tissue and Cell Transplantation Outcomes: One Step Closer to Fertility Restoration for Prepubertal Boys Exposed to Gonadotoxic Treatments
Authors: Del Vento Federico , Vermeulen Maxime , De Michele Francesca , Giudice Maria , Poels Jonathan , Des Rieux Anne , Wyns Christine
Published: January 2018

Despite their important contribution to the cure of both oncological and benign diseases, gonadotoxic therapies present the risk of a severe impairment of fertility. Sperm cryopreservation is not an option to preserve prepubertal boys’ reproductive potential, as their seminiferous tubules only contain spermatogonial stem cells (as diploid precursors of spermatozoa). Cryobanking of human immature testicular tissue (ITT) prior to gonadotoxic therapies is an accepted practice. Evaluation of cryopreserved ITT using xenotransplantation in nude mice showed the survival of a limited proportion of spermatogonia and their ability to proliferate and initiate differentiation. However, complete spermatogenesis could not be achieved in the mouse model. Loss of germ cells after ITT grafting points to the need to optimize the transplantation technique. Tissue engineering, a new branch of science that aims at improving cellular environment using scaffolds and molecules administration, might be an approach for further progress. In this review, after summarizing the lessons learned from human prepubertal testicular germ cells or tissue xenotransplantation experiments, we will focus on the benefits that might be gathered using bioengineering techniques to enhance transplantation outcomes by optimizing early tissue graft revascularization, protecting cells from toxic insults linked to ischemic injury and exploring strategies to promote cellular differentiation.
Exploring Mechanisms in Ni Terpyridine Catalyzed C–C Cross-Coupling Reactions—A Review
Authors: Budnikova Yulia , Vicic David , Klein Axel
Published: January 2018

In recent years, nickel has entered the stage for catalyzed C–C cross-coupling reactions, replacing expensive palladium, and in some cases enabling the use of new substrate classes. Polypyridine ligands have played an important role in this development, and the prototypical tridentate 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine (tpy) stands as an excellent example of these ligands. This review summarizes research that has been devoted to exploring the mechanistic details in catalyzed C–C cross-coupling reactions using tpy-based nickel systems.
Cyclic Nucleotide-Directed Protein Kinases in Cardiovascular Inflammation and Growth
Authors: Holland Nathan , Francisco Jake , Johnson Sean , Morgan Joshua , Dennis Troy , Gadireddy Nishitha , Tulis David
Published: January 2018

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including myocardial infarction (MI) and peripheral or coronary artery disease (PAD, CAD), remains the number one killer of individuals in the United States and worldwide, accounting for nearly 18 million (>30%) global deaths annually. Despite considerable basic science and clinical investigation aimed at identifying key etiologic components of and potential therapeutic targets for CVD, the number of individuals afflicted with these dreaded diseases continues to rise. Of the many biochemical, molecular, and cellular elements and processes characterized to date that have potential to control foundational facets of CVD, the multifaceted cyclic nucleotide pathways continue to be of primary basic science and clinical interest. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cyclic GMP) and their plethora of downstream protein kinase effectors serve ubiquitous roles not only in cardiovascular homeostasis but also in the pathogenesis of CVD. Already a major target for clinical pharmacotherapy for CVD as well as other pathologies, novel and potentially clinically appealing actions of cyclic nucleotides and their downstream targets are still being discovered. With this in mind, this review article focuses on our current state of knowledge of the cyclic nucleotide-driven serine (Ser)/threonine (Thr) protein kinases in CVD with particular emphasis on cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG). Attention is given to the regulatory interactions of these kinases with inflammatory components including interleukin 6 signals, with G protein-coupled receptor and growth factor signals, and with growth and synthetic transcriptional platforms underlying CVD pathogenesis. This article concludes with a brief discussion of potential future directions and highlights the importance for continued basic science and clinical study of cyclic nucleotide-directed protein kinases as emerging and crucial controllers of cardiac and vascular disease pathologies.
Speculations on the Role of Successful Intelligence in Solving Contemporary World Problems †
Authors: Sternberg Robert
Published: January 2018

In this article, I argue that conventional views of intelligence and its measurement have contributed toward at least some of the societal problems of today. I suggest that to escape from a degenerative process, society needs to consider the importance not only of intelligence, as conventionally defined but also of successful intelligence, involving in addition to conventional analytical intelligence, common sense, creativity, and wisdom.
Biofilm Formation and Resistance to Fungicides in Clinically Relevant Members of the Fungal Genus Fusarium
Authors: Sav Hafize , Rafati Haleh , Öz Yasemin , Dalyan-Cilo Burcu , Ener Beyza , Mohammadi Faezeh , Ilkit Macit , Van Diepeningen Anne , Seyedmousavi Seyedmojtaba
Published: January 2018

Clinically relevant members of the fungal genus, Fusarium, exhibit an extraordinary genetic diversity and cause a wide spectrum of infections in both healthy individuals and immunocompromised patients. Generally, Fusarium species are intrinsically resistant to all systemic antifungals. We investigated whether the presence or absence of the ability to produce biofilms across and within Fusarium species complexes is linked to higher resistance against antifungals. A collection of 41 Fusarium strains, obtained from 38 patients with superficial and systemic infections, and three infected crops, were tested, including 25 species within the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex, 14 from the Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC), one Fusarium dimerum species complex, and one Fusarium oxysporum species complex isolate. Of all isolates tested, only seven strains from two species of FSSC, five F. petroliphilum and two F. keratoplasticum strains, recovered from blood, nail scrapings, and nasal biopsy samples, could produce biofilms under the tested conditions. In the liquid culture tested, sessile biofilm-forming Fusarium strains exhibited elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for amphotericin B, voriconazole, and posaconazole, compared to their planktonic counterparts, indicating that the ability to form biofilm may significantly increase resistance. Collectively, this suggests that once a surface adherent biofilm has been established, therapies designed to kill planktonic cells of Fusarium are ineffective.
The Effects of Grazing Systems on Plant Communities in Steppe Lands—A Case Study from Mongolia’s Pastoralists and Inner Mongolian Settlement Areas
Authors: Na Yintai , Bao Saixiyalt , Hashimoto Kanji , McCarthy Christopher , Hoshino Buho
Published: January 2018

This study examines the effects of different grazing systems in two neighboring regions with similar biotic and abiotic factors, Nalan Soum in Mongolia and Naren Soum in Inner Mongolia, China. We employed the quadrat sampling method and remote sensing to set three perpendicular lines that dissect the boundary between the two countries, and seven lines parallel to the boundary to form a rectangular shape as a means to compare plant community response to different grazing systems under natural conditions. NDVI data is included in discussing the causes of Mongolian grassland degradation. The results of quadrat sampling and NDVI analysis show that rotational grazing has greater values for the quadrat’s average height, total coverage, total individual density, and total aboveground biomass (p < 0.05), but has lower species richness than continuous grazing (p > 0.05). The NVDI values of rotational grazing in 1989, 2005, 2011, and 2016 were higher those of continuous grazing, and significant difference was shown in 2011 and 2016; the NDVI value of continuous grazing in 1993 was higher than that of rotational grazing, but did not show a significant difference. This indicates that different grazing approaches affect steppe ecological systems in different ways, despite their similar biotic and abiotic factors, as well as grazing intensity. Nonetheless, we find rotational grazing to be better for ecosystem vitality than continuous grazing, to some degree.
Hydroxytyrosol: Health Benefits and Use as Functional Ingredient in Meat
Authors: Martínez Lorena , Ros Gaspar , Nieto Gema
Published: January 2018

Hydroxytyrosol (HXT) is a phenolic compound drawn from the olive tree and its leaves as a by-product obtained from the manufacturing of olive oil. It is considered the most powerful antioxidant compound after gallic acid and one of the most powerful antioxidant compounds between phenolic compounds from olive tree followed by oleuropein, caffeic and tyrosol. Due to its molecular structure, its regular consumption has several beneficial effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and as a protector of skin and eyes, etc. For these reasons, the use of HXT extract is a good strategy for use in meat products to replace synthetics additives. However, this extract has a strong odour and flavour, so it is necessary to previously treat this compound in order to not alter the organoleptic quality of the meat product when is added as ingredient. The present review exposes the health benefits provided by HXT consumption and the latest research about its use on meat. In addition, new trends about the application of HXT in the list of ingredients of healthier meat products will be discussed.
Zinc Tantalum Oxynitride (ZnTaO2N) Photoanode Modified with Cobalt Phosphate Layers for the Photoelectrochemical Oxidation of Alkali Water
Authors: Arunachalam Prabhakarn , Shaddad Maged , Ghanem Mohamed , Al-Mayouf Abdullah , Weller Mark
Published: January 2018

Photoanodes fabricated by the electrophoretic deposition of a thermally prepared zinc tantalum oxynitride (ZnTaO2N) catalyst onto indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates show photoactivation for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline solutions. The photoactivity of the OER is further boosted by the photodeposition of cobalt phosphate (CoPi) layers onto the surface of the ZnTaO2N photoanodes. Structural, morphological, and photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of the modified ZnTaO2N photoanodes are studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet visible (UV−Vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and electrochemical techniques. The presence of the CoPi layer significantly improved the PEC performance of water oxidation in an alkaline sulphate solution. The photocurrent-voltage behavior of the CoPi-modified ZnTaO2N anodes was improved, with the influence being more prominent at lower oxidation potentials. A stable photocurrent density of about 2.3 mA·cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE was attained upon visible light illumination. Relative to the ZnTaO2N photoanodes, an almost three-fold photocurrent increase was achieved at the CoPi/ZnTaO2N photoelectrode. Perovskite-based oxynitrides are modified using an oxygen-evolution co-catalyst of CoPi, and provide a new dimension for enhancing the photoactivity of oxygen evolution in solar-assisted water-splitting reactions.
A Computational Approach for Understanding the Interactions between Graphene Oxide and Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase with Implications for Heart Failure
Authors: Ray Anushka , Macwan Isaac , Singh Shrishti , Silwal Sushila , Patra Prabir
Published: January 2018

During a heart failure, an increased content and activity of nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) in the sarcolemmal membrane is responsible for suppressing the formation of the second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)—a key component required for calcium ion homeostasis for the proper systolic and diastolic functions. Typically, this increased NDPK content lets the surplus NDPK react with a mutated G protein in the beta-adrenergic signal transduction pathway, thereby inhibiting cAMP synthesis. Thus, it is thus that inhibition of NDPK may cause a substantial increase in adenylate cyclase activity, which in turn may be a potential therapy for end-stage heart failure patients. However, there is little information available about the molecular events at the interface of NDPK and any prospective molecule that may potentially influence its reactive site (His118). Here we report a novel computational approach for understanding the interactions between graphene oxide (GO) and NDPK. Using molecular dynamics, it is found that GO interacts favorably with the His118 residue of NDPK to potentially prevent its binding with adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which otherwise would trigger the phosphorylation of the mutated G protein. Therefore, this will result in an increase in cAMP levels during heart failure.
Integration of Heterogeneous Materials for Wearable Sensors
Authors: Haddara Yaser , Howlader Matiar
Published: January 2018

Wearable sensors are of interest for several application areas, most importantly for their potential to allow for the design of personal continuous health monitoring systems. For wearable sensors, flexibility is required and imperceptibility is desired. Wearable sensors must be robust to strain, motion, and environmental exposure. A number of different strategies have been utilized to achieve flexibility, imperceptibility, and robustness. All of these approaches require the integration of materials having a range of chemical, mechanical, and thermal properties. We have given a concise review of the range of materials that must be incorporated in wearable sensors regardless of the strategies adopted to achieve wearability. We first describe recent advances in the range of wearable sensing materials and their processing requirements and then discuss the potential routes to the integration of these heterogeneous materials.
A More Efficient Transportable and Scalable System for Real-Time Activities and Exercises Recognition
Authors: Chapron Kévin , Plantevin Valère , Thullier Florentin , Bouchard Kévin , Duchesne Elise , Gaboury Sébastien
Published: January 2018

Many people in the world are affected by muscle wasting, especially the population hits by myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Those people are usually given a program of multiple physical exercises to do. While DM1 and many other people have difficulties attending commercial centers to realize their program, a solution is to develop such a program completable at home. To this end, we developed a portable system that patients could bring home. This prototype is an improved version of the previous one using Wi-Fi, as this new prototype runs on BLE technology. This new prototype conceptualized induces great results.
Motion Tracking System for Robust Non-Contact Blood Perfusion Sensor
Authors: Hashimoto Masaaki , Taguchi Yoshihiro
Published: January 2018

We propose a motion-robust laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) system that can be used as a non-contact blood perfusion sensor for medical diagnosis. Endoscopic LDF systems are typically limited in their usefulness in clinical contexts by the need for the natural organs to be immobilized, as serious motion artifacts due to the axial surface displacement can interfere with blood perfusion measurements. In our system, the focusing lens moves to track the motion of the target using a low-frequency reference signal in the optical data, enabling the suppression of these motion artifacts in the axial direction. This paper reports feasibility tests on a prototype of this system using a microfluidic phantom as a measurement target moving in the direction of the optical axis. The frequency spectra detected and the perfusion values calculated from those spectra show that the motion tracking system is capable of suppressing motion artifacts in perfusion readings. We compared the prototype LDF system’s measurements with and without motion feedback, and found that motion tracking improves the fidelity of the perfusion signal by as much as 87%.