bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Interprovincial Cooperative Energy Saving in China: An Electricity Utilization Perspective
Authors: Zeng Lijun , Zhao Laijun , Wang Qin , Wang Bingcheng , Ma Yuan , Cui Wei , Xie Yujing
Published: January 2018

As the world faces great challenges from climate change and environmental pollution, China urgently requires energy saving, emission reduction, and carbon reduction programmes. However, the non-cooperative energy saving model (NCESM), the simple regulation mode that is China’s main model for energy saving, is not beneficial for optimization of energy and resource distribution, and cannot effectively motivate energy saving at the provincial level. Therefore, we propose an interprovincial cooperative energy saving model (CESM) from the perspective of electricity utilization, with the object of maximizing the benefits from electricity utilization of the cooperation union based on achieving the energy saving goals of the union as a whole. The CESM consists of two parts: (1) an optimization model that calculates the optimal quantities of electricity consumption for each participating province to meet the joint energy saving goal; and (2) a model that distributes the economic benefits of the cooperation among the provinces in the cooperation based on the Shapley value method. We applied the CESM to the case of an interprovincial union of Shanghai, Sichuan, Shanxi, and Gansu in China. The results, based on the data from 2001–2014, show that cooperation can significantly increase the benefits of electricity utilization for each province in the union. The total benefits of the union from utilization of electricity increased 38.38%, or 353.98 billion CNY, while the benefits to Shanghai, Sichuan, Shanxi, and Gansu were 200.28, 58.37, 57.11, and 38.22 billion CNY respectively greater under the CESM than the NCESM. The implementation of the CESM provides the provincial governments not only a flexible and incentive way to achieve short-term goals, but also a feasible and effective path to realize long-term energy saving strategies. To test the impact of different parameter values on the results of the CESM, a sensitivity analysis was conducted. Some policy recommendations are made at the central government level and the provincial government level to promote the implementation of the CESM.
Brief Report: Lead Levels in Selected Electronic Cigarettes from Canada and the United States
Authors: Dunbar Zachary , Das Ananth , O’Connor Richard , Goniewicz Maciej , Wei Binnian , Travers Mark
Published: January 2018

Few published studies have investigated the presence of lead in the e-liquid of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Lead inhalation is associated with increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and other diseases. This study used a novel application of graphite furnace technology to compare the concentration of lead between e-liquids of different packaging and product designs using e-liquids that are or were commercially available in the United States and Canada. Eleven nicotine-free disposable ENDS devices and 12 bottled refill solutions that contained nicotine were purchased from retailers in Canada and the United States between 2015 and 2017. E-liquids extracted from the disposable products and individual containers were analyzed for lead content by graphite furnace using atomic absorption detection. The lead concentration of open-wick ENDS devices ranged from 25.2 ppb to 838.4 ppb, with a standard deviation of 187.4 ppb. None of the bottled e-liquids contained quantifiable levels of lead. This study found that quantifiable levels of lead are present in certain disposable e-cigarette devices, and there is evidence from this study that the design of ENDS devices may contribute to lead exposure. These findings suggest that lead testing should be incorporated into future chemical analyses of ENDS devices.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Fixed-Dose Combination Antiretroviral Drugs Adherence among HIV-Positive Pregnant Women on Option B Treatment in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
Authors: Ramlagan Shandir , Peltzer Karl , Ruiter Robert , Barylski Nicole , Weiss Stephen , Sifunda Sibusiso
Published: January 2018

The possibility for all babies to be born and remain HIV-negative for the first year of life is achievable in South Africa. HIV-positive mothers’ adherence to their antiretroviral medication is one of the crucial factors to achieve this target. Cross-sectional data were collected at 12 community health centres, over 12 months (2014–2015), from 673 HIV-positive women, less than 6 months pregnant, attending antenatal care, and on Option B treatment. Adherence measures included the Adults AIDS Clinical Trials Group (AACTG) four-day measure, as well as the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) seven-day measure. Bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regressions are presented. 78.8% of respondents were adherent on AACTG, while 68.8% reported VAS adherence. Bivariate analyses for increased adherence show significant associations with older age, less/no alcohol usage, disclosure of HIV status, higher HIV knowledge, no desire to avoid ARV side effects, low stigma, and low depression. AACTG showed a negative association with intimate partner violence. Multivariable logistic regression on AACTG and VAS adherence rates resulted in unique contributions to increased adherence of older age, less/no alcohol usage, higher HIV knowledge, lack of depression, and non-disclosure. Programs targeting closer side effect monitoring, HIV disclosure, pre-natal depression, alcohol intake, and HIV knowledge need consideration.
Arsenic Methylation Capacity and Metabolic Syndrome in the 2013–2014 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
Authors: Pace Clare , Smith-Gagen Julie , Angermann Jeff
Published: January 2018

Arsenic methylation capacity is associated with metabolic syndrome and its components among highly exposed populations. However, this association has not been investigated in low to moderately exposed populations. Therefore, we investigated arsenic methylation capacity in relation to the clinical diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in a low arsenic exposure population. Additionally, we compared arsenic methylation patterns present in our sample to those of more highly exposed populations. Using logistic regression models adjusted for relevant biological and lifestyle covariates, we report no association between increased arsenic methylation and metabolic syndrome in a population in which arsenic is regulated at 10 ppb in drinking water. However, we cannot rule out the possibility of a positive association between arsenic methylation and metabolic syndrome in a subsample of women with normal body mass index (BMI). To our knowledge this is the first investigation of arsenic methylation capacity with respect to metabolic syndrome in a low exposure population. We also report that methylation patterns in our sample are similar to those found in highly exposed populations. Additionally, we report that gender and BMI significantly modify the effect of arsenic methylation on metabolic syndrome. Future studies should evaluate the effectiveness of arsenic policy enforcement on subclinical biomarkers of cardiovascular disease.
Uncertainty in Upscaling In Situ Soil Moisture Observations to Multiscale Pixel Estimations with Kriging at the Field Level
Authors: Zhang Xiaohu , Zuo Wenjun , Zhao Shengli , Jiang Li , Chen Linhai , Zhu Yan
Published: January 2018

Upscaling in situ soil moisture observations (ISMO) to multiscale pixel estimations with kriging is a key step in the comprehensive usage of ISMO and remote sensing (RS) soil moisture data. Scale effects occur and introduce uncertainties during upscaling processes because of spatial heterogeneity and the kriging method. A nested hierarchical scale series was established at the field level, and upscaled estimations at each scale were obtained by block kriging (BK) to illustrate multiscale ISMO upscaling processes. Those uncertainties were described with the results of comparison analysis against RS data, statistical analysis, and spatial trend surface analysis on multiscale estimations and were explained from the spatial heterogeneity perspective with a semivariogram analysis on ISMO. The results show that uncertainties exist and vary in multiscale upscaling processes, and the range of the empirical semivariogram could indicate scale effects. When the target scale is shorter than the range, BK maintains similar scale effects and global trends during upscaling processes, and the direct pixel estimation by BK is relatively close to the average of nested pixel estimations. This has great implications for understanding the kriging method in similar works.
Preservation Method and Phosphate Buffered Saline Washing Affect the Acute Myeloid Leukemia Proteome
Authors: Wangen Rebecca , Aasebø Elise , Trentani Andrea , Døskeland Stein-Ove , Bruserud Øystein , Selheim Frode , Hernandez-Valladares Maria
Published: January 2018

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) primary cells can be isolated from peripheral blood, suspended with media containing bovine serum and cryoprotectant, and stored in liquid nitrogen before being processed for proteomic analysis by mass spectrometry (MS). The presence of bovine serum and human blood proteins in AML samples can hamper the identifications of proteins, and thereby reduce the proteome coverage of the study. Herein, we have established the effect of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) washing on AML patient samples stored in media. Although PBS washes effectively removed serum and blood contaminants, the saline wash resulted in cell burst and remarkable protein material loss. We also compared different methods to preserve the AML proteome from THP-1 and Molm-13 cell lines before MS analysis: (1) stored in media containing bovine serum and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); (2) stored as dried cell pellets; and (3) stored as cell lysates in 4% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). MS analysis of differently preserved AML cell samples shows that preservation with DMSO produce a high number of fragile cells that will burst during freezing and thawing. Our studies encourage the use of alternative preservation methods for future MS analysis of the AML proteome.
Changes in the Expression of AQP4 and AQP9 in the Hippocampus Following Eclampsia-Like Seizure
Authors: Han Xinjia , Huang Qian , Liu Lei , Sha Xiaoyan , Hu Bihui , Liu Huishu
Published: January 2018

Eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that is defined by the new onset of grand mal seizures on the basis of pre-eclampsia. Until now, the mechanisms underlying eclampsia were poorly understood. Brain edema is considered a leading cause of eclamptic seizures; aquaporins (AQP4 and AQP9), the glial water channel proteins mainly expressed in the nervous system, play an important role in brain edema. We studied AQP4 and AQP9 expression in the hippocampus of pre-eclamptic and eclamptic rats in order to explore the molecular mechanisms involved in brain edema. Using our previous animal models, we found several neuronal deaths in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions after pre-eclampsia and that eclampsia induced more neuronal deaths in both areas by Nissl staining. In the current study, RT-PCR and Western blotting data showed significant upregulation of AQP4 and AQP9 mRNA and protein levels after eclamptic seizures in comparison to pre-eclampsia and at the same time AQP4 and AQP9 immunoreactivity also increased after eclampsia. These findings showed that eclamptic seizures induced cell death and that upregulation of AQP4 and AQP9 may play an important role in this pathophysiological process.
Compatibility with Panax notoginseng and Rehmannia glutinosa Alleviates the Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity of Tripterygium wilfordii via Modulating the Pharmacokinetics of Triptolide
Authors: Zhang Qichun , Li Yiqun , Liu Mengzhu , Duan Jinao , Zhou Xueping , Zhu Huaxu
Published: January 2018

Tripterygium wilfordii (TW) and the representative active component triptolide show positive therapeutic effect on the autoimmune disorders and simultaneously ineluctable hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Combinational application of Panax notoginseng (PN) and Rehmannia glutinosa (RG) weakens the toxicity of TW according the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine. This article was aimed at the mechanism of decreasing toxicity of TW by the combinational application of PN and RG. Biochemical and pathohistological analysis were utilized to assess the toxicity on liver and kidney in rats administrated with TW, TW-PN, TW-RG and TW-PN-RG for 3 and 7 days. Meanwhile, the pharmacokinetics profiling of triptolide and wilforlide A was determined based on the plasma concentration analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). TW-induced alkaline phosphatase (ALP), the marker for liver injury, was enhanced from 22.83 ± 1.29 to 40.73 ± 1.42 King’s unit/100 mL (p < 0.01) at day 7. TW-PN-RG decreased the serum ALP of TW-treated rats at 30.15 ± 1.27 King’s unit/100 mL (p < 0.01). For nephrotoxicity, TW pronouncedly elevated serum creatinine (SCr) in rats from 20.33 ± 1.77 to 49.82 ± 2.35 μmol/L (p < 0.01). However, rats treated with TW-PN-RG showed lower SCr at 30.48 ± 1.98 μmol/L (p < 0.01). Moreover, TW-PN-RG significantly decreased the TW-induced elevation of total bilirubin (T-BIL), alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (Bun), and reversed the TW-resulted pathohistological characteristics of liver and kidney. The delayed time to reach Cmax (Tmax) and reduced maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of triptolide and wilforlide A were explored in rats with combinational formulas. Synergism of PN and RG obviously prolonged the half-life (t1/2) and apparent volume of distribution (Vd), but exerted no action on the clearance rate. The compatibility of TW, PN and RG influences intracorporal process of both triptolide and wilforlide A on the steps of absorption and tissue distribution contributing to less toxicity of TW on liver and kidney.
Post-Transcriptional Regulation of Anti-Apoptotic BCL2 Family Members
Authors: Cui Jia , Placzek William
Published: January 2018

Anti-apoptotic B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family members (BCL2, MCL1, BCLxL, BCLW, and BFL1) are key players in the regulation of intrinsic apoptosis. Dysregulation of these proteins not only impairs normal development, but also contributes to tumor progression and resistance to various anti-cancer therapies. Therefore, cells maintain strict control over the expression of anti-apoptotic BCL2 family members using multiple mechanisms. Over the past two decades, the importance of post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA in controlling gene expression and its impact on normal homeostasis and disease have begun to be appreciated. In this review, we discuss the RNA binding proteins (RBPs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) that mediate post-transcriptional regulation of the anti-apoptotic BCL2 family members. We describe their roles and impact on alternative splicing, mRNA turnover, and mRNA subcellular localization. We also point out the importance of future studies in characterizing the crosstalk between RBPs and miRNAs in regulating anti-apoptotic BCL2 family member expression and ultimately apoptosis.
Enhancing Flower Color through Simultaneous Expression of the B-peru and mPAP1 Transcription Factors under Control of a Flower-Specific Promoter
Authors: Kim Da-Hye , Park Sangkyu , Lee Jong-Yeol , Ha Sun-Hwa , Lim Sun-Hyung
Published: January 2018

Flower color is a main target for flower breeding. A transgenic approach for flower color modification requires a transgene and a flower-specific promoter. Here, we expressed the B-peru gene encoding a basic helix loop helix (bHLH) transcription factor (TF) together with the mPAP1 gene encoding an R2R3 MYB TF to enhance flower color in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), using the tobacco anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) promoter (PANS) to drive flower-specific expression. The transgenic tobacco plants grew normally and produced either dark pink (PANSBP_DP) or dark red (PANSBP_DR) flowers. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) revealed that the expression of five structural genes in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway increased significantly in both PANSBP_DP and PANSBP_DR lines, compared with the non-transformed (NT) control. Interestingly, the expression of two regulatory genes constituting the active MYB-bHLH-WD40 repeat (WDR) (MBW) complex decreased significantly in the PANSBP_DR plants but not in the PANSBP_DP plants. Total flavonol and anthocyanin abundance correlated with flower color, with an increase of 1.6–43.2 fold in the PANSBP_DP plants and 2.0–124.2 fold in the PANSBP_DR plants. Our results indicate that combinatorial expression of B-peru and mPAP1 genes under control of the ANS promoter can be a useful strategy for intensifying flower color without growth retardation.
Endothelium-Dependent Hyperpolarization (EDH) in Hypertension: The Role of Endothelial Ion Channels
Authors: Goto Kenichi , Ohtsubo Toshio , Kitazono Takanari
Published: January 2018

Upon stimulation with agonists and shear stress, the vascular endothelium of different vessels selectively releases several vasodilator factors such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin. In addition, vascular endothelial cells of many vessels regulate the contractility of the vascular smooth muscle cells through the generation of endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH). There is a general consensus that the opening of small- and intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (SKCa and IKCa) is the initial mechanistic step for the generation of EDH. In animal models and humans, EDH and EDH-mediated relaxations are impaired during hypertension, and anti-hypertensive treatments restore such impairments. However, the underlying mechanisms of reduced EDH and its improvement by lowering blood pressure are poorly understood. Emerging evidence suggests that alterations of endothelial ion channels such as SKCa channels, inward rectifier K+ channels, Ca2+-activated Cl− channels, and transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 channels contribute to the impaired EDH during hypertension. In this review, we attempt to summarize the accumulating evidence regarding the pathophysiological role of endothelial ion channels, focusing on their relationship with EDH during hypertension.
Human MHC-II with Shared Epitope Motifs Are Optimal Epstein-Barr Virus Glycoprotein 42 Ligands—Relation to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Trier Nicole , Izarzugaza Jose , Chailyan Anna , Marcatili Paolo , Houen Gunnar
Published: January 2018

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disorder of unknown etiology, which is characterized by inflammation in the synovium and joint damage. Although the pathogenesis of RA remains to be determined, a combination of environmental (e.g., viral infections) and genetic factors influence disease onset. Especially genetic factors play a vital role in the onset of disease, as the heritability of RA is 50–60%, with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles accounting for at least 30% of the overall genetic risk. Some HLA-DR alleles encode a conserved sequence of amino acids, referred to as the shared epitope (SE) structure. By analyzing the structure of a HLA-DR molecule in complex with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the SE motif is suggested to play a vital role in the interaction of MHC II with the viral glycoprotein (gp) 42, an essential entry factor for EBV. EBV has been repeatedly linked to RA by several lines of evidence and, based on several findings, we suggest that EBV is able to induce the onset of RA in predisposed SE-positive individuals, by promoting entry of B-cells through direct contact between SE and gp42 in the entry complex.
Identification of a Rare Germline Heterozygous Deletion Involving the Polycistronic miR-17–92 Cluster in Two First-Degree Relatives from a BRCA 1/2 Negative Chilean Family with Familial Breast Cancer: Possible Functional Implications
Authors: De Mayo Tomás , Ziegler Annemarie , Morales Sebastián , Jara Lilian
Published: January 2018

Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as novel gene expression regulators. Recent evidence strongly suggests a role for miRNAs in a large variety of cancer-related pathways. Different studies have shown that 18.7 to 37% of all human miRNA genes are clustered. miR-17–92 polycistronic cluster overexpression is associated with human hematolymphoid and solid malignancies including breast cancer (BC). Here, we report the identification of rs770419845, a rare 6 bp deletion located within the polycistronic miR-17–92 cluster, in two first-degree relatives from a Chilean family with familial BC and negative for point mutations in BRCA 1/2 genes. The deletion was identified by Sanger sequencing when 99 BRCA1/2 mutation-negative BC cases with a strong family history were initially screened. In silico analysis predicts that rs770419845 affects the secondary structure and stability of the pre-miR-17–pre-miR-18 region and the entire 17–92 cluster. The deletion was screened in 458 high-risk BRCA1/2-negative Chilean families and 480 controls. rs770419845 was not detected in any control but identified in a single family with two cases of BC and other cancers. Both BC cases, the mother and her daughter, carried the deletion. Based on bioinformatic analyses, the location of the deletion and its low frequency, we presume rs770419845 may be a pathogenic variant. Functional studies are needed to support this hypothesis.
The Community Land Act in Kenya Opportunities and Challenges for Communities
Authors: Alden Wily Liz
Published: January 2018

Kenya is the most recent African state to acknowledge customary tenure as producing lawful property rights, not merely rights of occupation and use on government or public lands. This paper researches this new legal environment. This promises land security for 6 to 10 million Kenyans, most of who are members of pastoral or other poorer rural communities. Analysis is prefaced with substantial background on legal trends continentally, but the focus is on Kenya’s Community Land Act, 2016, as the framework through which customary holdings are to be identified and registered. A main conclusion is that while Kenya’s law is positive and even cutting-edge in respects, legal loopholes place communities at risk of their lands not being as secure as promised ahead of formalization, and at risk of losing some of their most valuable lands during the formalization process. This is mainly due to overlapping claims by the national and local government authorities. Political will to apply the law is also weak. The truism that the law is never enough on its own to secure social change is illustrated. With or without legal protection, the assistance of non-state actors will be needed to help communities secure their lands under formal collective entitlements. The need for judicial interpretation of disputed legal provisions may also be required to ensure new constitutional principles are delivered.
Quadrilateral Micro-Hole Array Machining on Invar Thin Film: Wet Etching and Electrochemical Fusion Machining
Authors: Choi Woong-Kirl , Kim Seong-Hyun , Choi Seung-Geon , Lee Eun-Sang
Published: January 2018

Ultra-precision products which contain a micro-hole array have recently shown remarkable demand growth in many fields, especially in the semiconductor and display industries. Photoresist etching and electrochemical machining are widely known as precision methods for machining micro-holes with no residual stress and lower surface roughness on the fabricated products. The Invar shadow masks used for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) contain numerous micro-holes and are currently machined by a photoresist etching method. However, this method has several problems, such as uncontrollable hole machining accuracy, non-etched areas, and overcutting. To solve these problems, a machining method that combines photoresist etching and electrochemical machining can be applied. In this study, negative photoresist with a quadrilateral hole array pattern was dry coated onto 30-µm-thick Invar thin film, and then exposure and development were carried out. After that, photoresist single-side wet etching and a fusion method of wet etching-electrochemical machining were used to machine micro-holes on the Invar. The hole machining geometry, surface quality, and overcutting characteristics of the methods were studied. Wet etching and electrochemical fusion machining can improve the accuracy and surface quality. The overcutting phenomenon can also be controlled by the fusion machining. Experimental results show that the proposed method is promising for the fabrication of Invar film shadow masks.
Influence of Magnesium Ions in the Seawater Environment on the Improvement of the Corrosion Resistance of Low-Chromium-Alloy Steel
Authors: Song Sol-Ji , Kim Jung-Gu
Published: January 2018

This study examined the synergic effect of alloying the element Cr and the environmental element Mg2+ ions on the corrosion property of a low-alloy steel in seawater at 60 °C, by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), linear polarization resistance (LPR) tests and weight-loss tests. The Mg2+ ions in seawater played an important role in lowering the electron transfer of the rust layer in the Cr-containing steel. The corrosion resistance of the Cr-containing steel is superior to that of blank steel in Mg2+ ions containing seawater. XPS and XRD results indicated that the formation of MgFe2O4 and a mixed layer (Cr oxide + FeCr2O4 + MgCr2O4) improved the corrosion resistance of the low-alloy steel in the seawater.
Poly(hydroxyalkanoate)s-Based Hydrophobic Coatings for the Protection of Stone in Cultural Heritage
Authors: Andreotti Serena , Franzoni Elisa , Degli Esposti Micaela , Fabbri Paola
Published: January 2018

Reversibility is a mandatory requirement for materials used in heritage conservation, including hydrophobic protectives. Nevertheless, current protectives for stone are not actually reversible as they remain on the surfaces for a long time after their hydrophobicity is lost and can hardly be removed. Ineffective and aged coatings may jeopardise the stone re-treatability and further conservation interventions. This paper aims at investigating the performance of PHAs-based coatings for stone protection, their main potential being the ‘reversibility by biodegradation’ once water repellency ended. The biopolymer coatings were applied to three different kinds of stone, representative of lithotypes used in historic architecture: sandstone, limestone and marble. Spray, poultice and dip-coating were tested as coating techniques. The effectiveness and compatibility of the protectives were evaluated in terms of capillary water absorption, static and dynamic contact angles, water vapour diffusion, colour alteration and surface morphology. The stones’ wettability after application of two commercial protectives was investigated too, for comparison. Finally, samples were subjected to artificial ageing to investigate their solar light stability. Promising results in terms of efficacy and compatibility were obtained, although the PHAs-based formulations developed here still need improvement for increased durability and on-site applicability.
The NMR2 Method to Determine Rapidly the Structure of the Binding Pocket of a Protein–Ligand Complex with High Accuracy
Authors: Wälti Marielle , Orts Julien
Published: January 2018

Structural characterization of complexes is crucial for a better understanding of biological processes and structure-based drug design. However, many protein–ligand structures are not solvable by X-ray crystallography, for example those with low affinity binders or dynamic binding sites. Such complexes are usually targeted by solution-state NMR spectroscopy. Unfortunately, structure calculation by NMR is very time consuming since all atoms in the complex need to be assigned to their respective chemical shifts. To circumvent this problem, we recently developed the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Molecular Replacement (NMR2) method. NMR2 very quickly provides the complex structure of a binding pocket as measured by solution-state NMR. NMR2 circumvents the assignment of the protein by using previously determined structures and therefore speeds up the whole process from a couple of months to a couple of days. Here, we recall the main aspects of the method, show how to apply it, discuss its advantages over other methods and outline its limitations and future directions.
HnRNPA1 Specifically Recognizes the Base of Nucleotide at the Loop of RNA G-Quadruplex
Authors: Liu Xiao , Xu Yan
Published: January 2018

Human telomere RNA performs various cellular functions, such as telomere length regulation, heterochromatin formation, and end protection. We recently demonstrated that the loops in the RNA G-quadruplex are important in the interaction of telomere RNA with heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNPA1). Here, we report on a detailed analysis of hnRNPA1 binding to telomere RNA G-quadruplexes with a group of loop variants using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. We found that the hnRNPA1 binds to RNA G-quadruplexes with the 2’-O-methyl and DNA loops, but fails to bind with the abasic RNA and DNA loops. These results suggested that hnRNPA1 binds to the loop of the RNA G-quadruplex by recognizing the base of the loop’s nucleotides. The observation provides the first evidence that the base of the loop’s nucleotides is a key factor for hnRNPA1 specifically recognizing the RNA G-quadruplex.
Perspectives on Current Challenges and Opportunities for Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus Eradication in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Reichel Michael , Lanyon Sasha , Hill Fraser
Published: January 2018

This review outlines the history of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) and the current situation in Australia and New Zealand. BVDV has been reported as present in cattle from both countries for close to 60 years. It rates as the second most economically significant disease afflicting cattle, and is highly prevalent and spread throughout the beef and dairy industries. While other cattle diseases have been the subject of government control and eradication, infection with BVDV is presently not. Eradication has been undertaken in many other countries and been judged to be a good investment, resulting in positive economic returns. Presently, Australia and New Zealand have adopted a non-compulsory approach to control schemes, initiated and managed by farmers and veterinarians without the ultimate goal of eradication. Moving towards eradication is possible with the infrastructure both countries possess, but will require additional resources, coordination, and funding from stakeholders to move to full eradication.
Joint Bearing and Range Estimation of Multiple Objects from Time-Frequency Analysis
Authors: Liu Jeng-Cheng , Cheng Yuang-Tung , Hung Hsien-Sen
Published: January 2018

Direction-of-arrival (DOA) and range estimation is an important issue of sonar signal processing. In this paper, a novel approach using Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) is proposed for joint bearing and range estimation of multiple targets based on a uniform linear array (ULA) of hydrophones. The structure of this ULA based on micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology, and thus has attractive features of small size, high sensitivity and low cost, and is suitable for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) operations. This proposed target localization method has the following advantages: only a single snapshot of data is needed and real-time processing is feasible. The proposed algorithm transforms a very complicated nonlinear estimation problem to a simple nearly linear one via time-frequency distribution (TFD) theory and is verified with HHT. Theoretical discussions of resolution issue are also provided to facilitate the design of a MEMS sensor with high sensitivity. Simulation results are shown to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Game-Theoretical Design of an Adaptive Distributed Dissemination Protocol for VANETs
Authors: Iza-Paredes Cristhian , Mezher Ahmad , Aguilar Igartua Mónica , Forné Jordi
Published: January 2018

Road safety applications envisaged for Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) depend largely on the dissemination of warning messages to deliver information to concerned vehicles. The intended applications, as well as some inherent VANET characteristics, make data dissemination an essential service and a challenging task in this kind of networks. This work lays out a decentralized stochastic solution for the data dissemination problem through two game-theoretical mechanisms. Given the non-stationarity induced by a highly dynamic topology, diverse network densities, and intermittent connectivity, a solution for the formulated game requires an adaptive procedure able to exploit the environment changes. Extensive simulations reveal that our proposal excels in terms of number of transmissions, lower end-to-end delay and reduced overhead while maintaining high delivery ratio, compared to other proposals.
An Antibody-Immobilized Silica Inverse Opal Nanostructure for Label-Free Optical Biosensors
Authors: Lee Wang , Kang Taejoon , Kim Shin-Hyun , Jeong Jinyoung
Published: January 2018

Three-dimensional SiO2-based inverse opal (SiO2-IO) nanostructures were prepared for use as biosensors. SiO2-IO was fabricated by vertical deposition and calcination processes. Antibodies were immobilized on the surface of SiO2-IO using 3-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (APTMS), a succinimidyl-[(N-maleimidopropionamido)-tetraethyleneglycol] ester (NHS-PEG4-maleimide) cross-linker, and protein G. The highly accessible surface and porous structure of SiO2-IO were beneficial for capturing influenza viruses on the antibody-immobilized surfaces. Moreover, as the binding leads to the redshift of the reflectance peak, the influenza virus could be detected by simply monitoring the change in the reflectance spectrum without labeling. SiO2-IO showed high sensitivity in the range of 103–105 plaque forming unit (PFU) and high specificity to the influenza A (H1N1) virus. Due to its structural and optical properties, SiO2-IO is a promising material for the detection of the influenza virus. Our study provides a generalized sensing platform for biohazards as various sensing strategies can be employed through the surface functionalization of three-dimensional nanostructures.
Uncovering Discursive Framings of the Bangladesh Shipbreaking Industry
Authors: Rahman S. , Schelly Chelsea , Mayer Audrey , Norman Emma
Published: January 2018

Shipbreaking in the Chittagong region of Bangladesh supplies metal to meet the needs of the nation’s construction sector. The shipbreaking industry has received international attention for environmental contamination and workers’ insecurity. However, these issues have been framed without considering the actors that produce them and their associated motives. This paper illuminates the conflicting discourses regarding the industry between two divergent groups of actors. On the one hand, national and international NGOs collaborate to enforce a discourse focused on negative localized impacts. On the other hand, yard owners, yard workers, and local community members forge a counter discourse, focused on positive localized impacts and raising doubts about the origin of the environmental pollutants and occupational standards setting. National and international actors have so far missed the conflicting perspective of workers, yard owners, locals and NGOs. We contend that these divergent discourses involve scalar politics, with one discursive frame focused on localized impacts in order to leverage global resources, while the other situates local communities in the global world system; this confounding of scale leads to ineffective policy formulation. This shipbreaking case study provides a valuable lesson on the importance of listening to and including stakeholders at multiple scales when seeking policies to address localized impacts of a globalized industry.
Les grottes sanctuaires dans le SE de la France
Authors: Gauchon Christophe
Published: January 2018

This article is devoted to the study of around twenty underground sanc-

tuaries in Savoy , Dauphiné and Provence. Several historical factors can account for the sanctification of these caves. Many likenesses can be noted : accessibility , horizontality, the relative shortness of the galleries and the fact that they have often been adapted for this purpose. Even if most of these sanctuaries are currently abandoned, there is no denying the part they played in the discovery of subterranean world.
X-Ray Measurements of the Particle Acceleration Properties at Inward Shocks in Cassiopeia A
Authors: Sato Toshiki , Katsuda Satoru , Morii Mikio , Bamba Aya , Hughes John P. , Maeda Yoshitomo , Ishida Manabu , Fraschetti Federico
Published: January 2018

We present new evidence that the bright nonthermal X-ray emission features in the interior of the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant are caused by inward-moving shocks, based on Chandra and NuSTAR observations. Several bright inward-moving filaments were identified using monitoring data taken by Chandra in 2000–2014. These inward-moving shock locations are nearly coincident with hard X-ray (15–40 keV) hot spots seen by NuSTAR. From proper-motion measurements, the transverse velocities were estimated to be in the range of ∼2100–3800 km s−1 for a distance of 3.4 kpc. The shock velocities in the frame of the expanding ejecta reach values of ∼5100–8700 km s−1, which is slightly higher than the typical speed of the forward shock. Additionally, we find flux variations (both increasing and decreasing) on timescales of a few years in some of the inward-moving shock filaments. The rapid variability timescales are consistent with an amplified magnetic field of B ∼ 0.5–1 mG. The high speed and low photon cut-off energy of the inward-moving shocks are shown to imply a particle diffusion coefficient that departs from the Bohm regime (k
0 = D
0/D
0,Bohm ∼ 3–8) for the few simple physical configurations we consider in this study. The maximum electron energy at these shocks is estimated to be ∼8–11 TeV, which is smaller than the values of ∼15–34 TeV that were inferred for the forward shock. Cassiopeia A is dynamically too young for its reverse shock to appear to be moving inward in the observer frame. We propose instead that the inward-moving shocks are a consequence of the forward shock encountering a density jump of ≳5–8 in the surrounding material.
Evolução temporal de compostos fenólicos e atividade antioxidante de vinhos tintos brasileiros
Authors: Dullius Mariana , Pagno Carlos Henrique , Manfroi Vitor , Vale Maria Goreti Rodrigues , Hertz Plinho Francisco , Rios Alessandro De Oliveira
Published: January 2018

Com base no estudo de 90 amostras de vinhos provenientes de sete diferentes regiões brasileiras o índice de polifenóis totais e a atividade antioxidante apresentaram evolução distinta. As variáveis estudadas apresentaram correlações fortes e muito fortes no decorrer de 55 semanas. A região do Vale do São Francisco exibiu valores mais elevados de polifenóis em todos os tempos analisados, e maior atividade antioxidante até 45 semanas. A região Oeste do Paraná apresentou os mais baixos resultados para ambos os parâmetros em todos os tempos avaliados. A evolução temporal de compostos fenólicos e da atividade antioxidante mostrou que as diferenças entre vinhos procedentes de regiões de origem distintas diminuem com o decorrer do armazenamento. Características aportadas por variáveis meteorológicas podem ter favorecido as diferenças iniciais, enquanto que ao final de 55 semanas as condições de estocagem aproximaram ao máximo os grupos.
Avaliação da capacidade antioxidante de chá de erva-mate adicionado de casca seca de ameixa vermelha (Prunus sp.)
Authors: Salem Renata Dinnies Santos , Oliveira Rubiana Flávia Félex de
Published: January 2018

A erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) tem despertado grande interesse pelos pesquisadores por apresentar substâncias bioativas que possuem atividade antioxidante. Dessa forma, é de fundamental importância o detalhamento da composição química do chá desta erva levando em consideração o fornecimento de opções para novos estudos e produtos. A utilização da casca de Ameixa Vermelha faz-se uma alternativa de extrema significância para a melhoria da qualidade nutricional da erva-mate tradicional e, por conseguinte, do chá obtido a partir da mesma. Este trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar as propriedades físico-químicas e antioxidantes da casca de Ameixa Vermelha in natura e seca, além de avaliar o potencial antioxidante do chá de erva-mate adicionado da casca seca do referido fruto em diferentes proporções. A erva-mate e as ameixas utilizadas foram adquiridas no comércio local da região de Maringá-PR e as análises foram realizadas na Universidade Estadual de Maringá – PR, sendo que para as cascas seca e in natura de Ameixa Vermelha foram avaliados os teores de antocianinas, atividade antioxidante, carotenoides, cinzas, compostos fenólicos, fibra bruta e umidade. Já para caracterização dos chás, foram aplicados os mesmos procedimentos metodológicos, com exceção de cinzas e umidade. A partir dos resultados obtidos, observou-se que a aplicação de pequenas proporções de casca seca de ameixa elevou significativamente a capacidade antioxidante do chá de erva-mate. Conclui-se, dessa forma, que a casca de ameixa se faz um excelente alimento que reúne qualidade físico-química e potencial antioxidante, capazes de complementar as propriedades nutricionais e antioxidantes do chá de erva-mate.
Características químicas, físico-químicas e qualidade microbiológica de linguiça colonial produzida e comercializada na microrregião do município de Itapejara d’Oeste/PR
Authors: Sipp Maristela Dambros , Marchi João Francisco , Tonial Ivane Benedetti
Published: January 2018

O consumo de embutidos cárneos tem crescido nos últimos anos, tornando-se parte da mesa de muitos consumidores brasileiros. A Linguiça Colonial é um dos produtos cárneos mais consumidos por ser facilmente encontrado e possuir preço acessível. Estes produtos são comercializados em feiras livres e supermercados e não dispõem de padronização no processo de produção refletindo em características diversificadas, e muitas vezes sem atendimento à legislação. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as características nutricionais e microbiológicas de Linguiça Colonial produzida e comercializada por agroindústrias familiares da microrregião do município de Itapejara d’Oeste/PR. Foram selecionadas cinco agroindústrias de porte familiar de embutidos cárneos para coleta das amostras e foram avaliados: a denominação apresentada no rótulo, os parâmetros físico-químicos e microbiológicos, os quais foram comparados com a legislação para verificação da adequação quanto as normas legislativas. As lingüiças rotuladas como salames coloniais não atenderam a legislação para os teores de carboidratos e nitrito residual, exceto uma delas. As lingüiças rotuladas como salame tipo Italiano não atenderam a legislação quanto aos teores de umidade e nitrito residual e as lingüiças denominadas Salamito não atenderam a legislação para os índices de umidade, proteína e nitrito residual. Os resultados microbiológicos (Salmonella sp, coliformes termotolerantes 45 ºC e Staphylococcus aureus) apresentaram resultados satisfatórios e de acordo com a legislação. A diversidade dos resultados quanto aos parâmetros físico-químicos, dos quais alguns apresentam em desacordo com a legislação, sugere uma fiscalização mais intensa e uma padronização na produção de modo a garantir um alimento de qualidade.
Pré-tratamento com radiação UV-C: influencias sobre as propriedades tecnológicas e metabólitos em feijão armazenado
Authors: Ferreira Cristiano Dietrich , Ziegler Valmor , Cappelari Marcelo Ricardo , Peter Marcio , Oliveira Maurício
Published: January 2018

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do tratamento com UV-C (10J/cm2) em pré-armazenamento de grãos, seguido de armazenamento durante 6 meses, sobre as propriedades químicas, tecnológicas e de metabólicas. Os feijões com 14 e 16% de umidade foram submetidos a radiação UV-C, a uma dose de 10J/cm2, utilizando uma câmara com 4 lâmpadas germicida (30W Phillips®) com um comprimento de onda de 254nm, distância de 60cm da fonte e a temperatura durante a irradiação de 25°C. Os grãos foram irradiados em triplicata, sendo posteriormente armazenados em câmara B.O.D com temperatura de 30°C durante 6 meses. Foram realizadas as análises de umidade, tempo de cocção, acidez, pH, condutividade elétrica, sólidos lixiviados, fenóis totais, taninos, antocianinas, proantocianidinas, flavonoides totais, ABTS e DPPH. O uso de radiação UV-C em feijão é possível, porque promove mínimas mudanças nas propriedades tecnológicas e químicas.  A radiação UV-C tem mais influência sobre os metabólitos no tratamento de 16% de umidade, sendo os compostos fenólicos, proantocianidinas e flavonóides reduzidos quando a radiação UV-C é utilizada, enquanto que os taninos foram reduzidos em grãos não irradiados, estando diretamente relacionadas com o endurecimento dos grãos.
Monitoramento do binômio tempo e temperatura nos processos de produção de alimentos em um restaurante universitário
Authors: Correa Vanesa Gesser , Queiroz Francieli , Bonin Edinéia , Fatel Elis Carolina de Souza , Guedes Gabriela Bucaneve
Published: January 2018

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o binômio tempo e temperatura nas diversas etapas do processo produtivo, e analisar os riscos de sobrevivência e multiplicação de microrganismos nos alimentos oferecidos. Foram mensuradas durante cinco dias não consecutivos as temperaturas referentes ao recebimento, armazenamento, cocção e reaquecimento, distribuição e da cadeia de resfriamento, em um restaurante universitário localizado no oeste do Paraná. Observou-se que no processo de recebimento houve adequação em todas as mensurações. No armazenamento houve adequação total para as carnes congeladas, pass through frio e demais alimentos acondicionados no freezer, já os refrigeradores e o pass through quente obtiveram 60% de adequação e a câmara de hortifrútis e ovos 0% de conformidade. Em relação a cocção e reaquecimento notou-se que 66,6% das preparações estavam em conformidade e que dentre as não conformes houve grande participação de alimentos de risco como os cárneos. Na distribuição as inadequações relacionaram-se, principalmente, ao prato principal e as guarnições (13,3% e 26,6% de conformidade, respectivamente). Na cadeia de resfriamento observou-se que nenhum grupo de alimento apresentou o procedimento de forma correta. O controle do tempo e temperatura é fundamental para a qualidade do produto final, dessa forma, é aconselhável que medidas de controle do binômio sejam implantadas diariamente e em todos os processos.