bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietitians’ Attitudes and Beliefs Regarding Peer Education in Nutrition
Authors: Dworatzek Paula D. N. , Stier Joanne
Published: July 2016

Purpose: Peer education (PE) has been used effectively in nutrition; however, research examining dietitians’ attitudes regarding PE is lacking.

Methods: An online survey was sent to a random sample of 1198 Dietitians of Canada members to assess attitudes regarding PE by practice area.

Results: A representative sample of dietitians by practice area and location was obtained (n = 229; 19%). Their total attitude score (TAS) was 226 ± 26 (mean ± SD) out of 295 (maximum). Community/public health dietitians had significantly higher TASs compared with clinical dietitians (234 ± 23 vs. 221 ± 27, respectively; P = 0.03). Dietitians believed PE to be most useful in community settings (P < 0.001), with cultural groups or adolescents (P < 0.001), and for healthy eating program goals (P < 0.001). The barrier most agreed with was limited financial resources, whereas the highest perceived benefits were social support and experience/employment for participants and peer educators, respectively. Overall, 63% agreed PE is an effective model, and 59% agreed that PE should be used more often in nutrition.

Conclusions: Dietitians have a positive attitude towards PE, with community/public health dietitians having the most positive attitudes. Dietitians believe PE is useful with specific target populations and particular program goals/strategies; however, they could be challenged to consider PE in a greater variety of programs.
Nutrient and Food Group Intakes of Manitoba Children and Youth: A Population-Based Analysis by Pulse and Soy Consumption Status
Authors: Mudryj Adriana N. , Aukema Harold M. , Fieldhouse Paul , Yu B. Nancy
Published: July 2016

Poor eating habits among children are associated with negative health outcomes. The objective of this study was to use pulse/soy consumption as an indicator to evaluate the eating profile of young Manitobans. Data from the Canadian Community Health Survey Cycle 2.2 were used for analysis and restricted to Manitoba residents aged 2 to 18 years (n = 1840). Consumers were identified as individuals who reported eating at least 1 pulse/soy product during their recall. On any given day, 8.2% of Manitobans reported consumption of pulses/soy. Intakes of fibre, protein, magnesium, and zinc were higher in consumers only when expressed relative to total caloric intake. Consumers also reported increased intakes of meat and alternatives. Total intakes of vitamin D, fibre, and fruit and vegetable consumption were low among all groups. Sodium intakes in both groups were high when compared with levels recommended by health professionals. These results indicate that there are many dietary issues affecting Manitoba children, suggesting the need for more research targeting dietary habits of children and youth, the quality of the food supply, and effective strategies in nutrition education.
Bone Mineral Density and Fat-Soluble Vitamin Status in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis Undergoing Lung Transplantation: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hubert Grace , Chung Theresa Tam , Prosser Connie , Lien Dale , Weinkauf Justin , Brown Neil , Goodvin Marianne , Jackson Kathy , Tabak Joan , Salgado Josette , Alzaben Abeer Salman , Mager Diana R.
Published: July 2016

Purpose: Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) often experience low bone mineral density (BMD) pre- and post-lung transplantation (LTX). The study purpose was to describe BMD and micronutrient status in adults with CF pre- and post-LTX.

Methods: Twelve patients with CF (29 ± 8 years) were recruited from the CF clinic at the University of Alberta Lung Transplant Program. BMD and vitamins A, D, E, K status, and parathyroid hormone were measured pre- and post-LTX.

Results: No significant differences pre- and post-LTX were observed at the different bone sites measured (lumber–spine, femoral–neck (FN), hip, and femoral–trochlea) (P > 0.05). BMD T-scores (<−2) was present in lumbar–spine, FN, hip, and femoral–trochlea in 33%, 17%, 17%, and 25% of individuals pre-LTX and 58%, 33%, 58%, and 33% of individuals post-LTX, respectively. More than 50% of patients had suboptimal vitamin K levels (PIVKA-II values >3 ng/mL) pre- and post-LTX.

Conclusion: Adults with CF pre- and post-LTX had reduced BMD and suboptimal vitamin K status.
Spatial Patterns of Thermidor: Protest and Voting in East Germany's Revolution, 1989-1990
Authors: Grdešic Marko
Published: July 2016

This article engages in a spatial analysis of the link between protest and voting
during the Wende, East Germany’s revolution of 1989. Are the same places
that protested more also the places that decided the revolution’s fate by supporting
CDU’s ticket of quick reunification? The revolution is approached
through the conceptual metaphor of Thermidor, a conservative backlash to
the revolution’s initial radical impulse. Spatial methods are used to investigate
the local-level relationships between protest and voting. The article finds a
weak link between protest and voting, which suggests that something akin to
Thermidor occurred in East Germany. While certain towns initiated the revolution
with their protests, other localities stepped in at a later stage and finished
the revolution by voting for reunification, the revolution’s main
outcome. The article pays special attention to the divide between East Germany’s
north (Berlin, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-West Pomerania) and
south (Saxony and Thuringia).
Heterodyne Angle Deviation Interferometry in Vibration and Bubble Measurements
Authors: Chiu Ming-Hung , Shen Jia-Ze , Huang Jian-Ming
Published: July 2016

We proposed heterodyne angle deviation interferometry (HADI) for angle deviation measurements. The phase shift of an angular sensor (which can be a metal film or a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) prism) is proportional to the deviation angle of the test beam. The method has been demonstrated in bubble and speaker’s vibration measurements in this paper. In the speaker’s vibration measurement, the voltage from the phase channel of a lock-in amplifier includes the vibration level and frequency. In bubble measurement, we can count the number of bubbles passing through the cross section of the laser beam and measure the bubble size from the phase pulse signal.
The Role of Odor-Evoked Memory in Psychological and Physiological Health
Authors: Herz Rachel
Published: July 2016

This article discusses the special features of odor-evoked memory and the current state-of-the-art in odor-evoked memory research to show how these unique experiences may be able to influence and benefit psychological and physiological health. A review of the literature leads to the conclusion that odors that evoke positive autobiographical memories have the potential to increase positive emotions, decrease negative mood states, disrupt cravings, and reduce physiological indices of stress, including systemic markers of inflammation. Olfactory perception factors and individual difference characteristics that would need to be considered in therapeutic applications of odor-evoked-memory are also discussed. This article illustrates how through the experimentally validated mechanisms of odor-associative learning and the privileged neuroanatomical relationship that exists between olfaction and the neural substrates of emotion, odors can be harnessed to induce emotional and physiological responses that can improve human health and wellbeing.
Zr-Based MOF-808 as Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley Reduction Catalyst for Challenging Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Plessers Eva , Fu Guangxia , Tan Collin , De Vos Dirk , Roeffaers Maarten
Published: July 2016

In the fine chemical industry, transfer hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds is an important route to selectively form the corresponding allyl alcohol. The Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley reduction (MPV) is catalyzed by a Lewis acid catalyst and easily oxidizable alcohols serve as hydrogen donor. We successfully used the Zr-based metal-organic framework (MOF) MOF-808-P as MPV-catalyst with isopropyl alcohol as solvent and hydride donor. After only 2 h, 99% yield of cinnamyl alcohol was obtained. The highly active MOF-808-P is also a good catalyst for the selective reduction of more challenging substrates such as R-carvone and β-ionone. Two strategies were successfully used to shift the equilibrium towards the desired allylic alcohol products: (1) evaporation of formed acetone and (2) the use of the more strongly reducing 1-indanol. Carveol yield was increased to >70%. These results highlight the great potential of this recently discovered Zr-MOF as a chemically and thermally stable catalyst.
A Novel Method to Magnetic Flux Linkage Optimization of Direct-Driven Surface-Mounted Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator Based on Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis
Authors: Xie Qian , Zhang Yanbin , Yu Yanan , Si Gangquan , Yang Ningning , Luo Longfei
Published: July 2016

This paper pays attention to magnetic flux linkage optimization of a direct-driven surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous generator (D-SPMSG). A new compact representation of the D-SPMSG nonlinear dynamic differential equations to reduce system parameters is established. Furthermore, the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of new D-SPMSG equations in the process of varying magnetic flux linkage are considered, which are illustrated by Lyapunov exponent spectrums, phase orbits, Poincaré maps, time waveforms and bifurcation diagrams, and the magnetic flux linkage stable region of D-SPMSG is acquired concurrently. Based on the above modeling and analyses, a novel method of magnetic flux linkage optimization is presented. In addition, a 2 MW D-SPMSG 2D/3D model is designed by ANSYS software according to the practical design requirements. Finally, five cases of D-SPMSG models with different magnetic flux linkages are simulated by using the finite element analysis (FEA) method. The nephograms of magnetic flux density are agreement with theoretical analysis, which both confirm the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Battery Grouping with Time Series Clustering Based on Affinity Propagation
Authors: He Zhiwei , Gao Mingyu , Ma Guojin , Liu Yuanyuan , Tang Lijun
Published: July 2016

Battery grouping is a technology widely used to improve the performance of battery packs. In this paper, we propose a time series clustering based battery grouping method. The proposed method utilizes the whole battery charge/discharge sequence for battery grouping. The time sequences are first denoised with a wavelet denoising technique. The similarity matrix is then computed with the dynamic time warping distance, and finally the time series are clustered with the affinity propagation algorithm according to the calculated similarity matrices. The silhouette index is utilized for assessing the performance of the proposed battery grouping method. Test results show that the proposed battery grouping method is effective.
Analysis of Dynamic Complexity of the Cyber Security Ecosystem of Colombia
Authors: Flórez Angélica , Serrano Lenin , Gómez Urbano , Suárez Luis , Villarraga Alejandro , Rodríguez Hugo
Published: July 2016

This paper presents two proposals for the analysis of the complexity of the Cyber security Ecosystem of Colombia (CEC). This analysis shows the available knowledge about entities engaged in cyber security in Colombia and the relationships between them, which allow an understanding of the synergy between the different existing components. The complexity of the CEC is detailed from the view of the Influence Diagram of System Dynamics and the Domain Diagram of Software Engineering. The resulting model makes cyber security evident as a strategic component of national security.
Geographical Inequalities in Surgical Treatment for Localized Female Breast Cancer, Queensland, Australia 1997–2011: Improvements over Time but Inequalities Remain
Authors: Baade Peter , Dasgupta Paramita , Youl Philippa , Pyke Christopher , Aitken Joanne
Published: July 2016

The uptake of breast conserving surgery (BCS) for early stage breast cancer varies by where women live. We investigate whether these geographical patterns have changed over time using population-based data linkage between cancer registry records and hospital inpatient episodes. The study cohort consisted of 11,631 women aged 20 years and over diagnosed with a single primary invasive localised breast cancer between 1997 and 2011 in Queensland, Australia who underwent either BCS (n = 9223, 79%) or mastectomy (n = 2408, 21%). After adjustment for socio-demographic and clinical factors, compared to women living in very high accessibility areas, women in high (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.58 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.49, 0.69)), low (OR 0.47 (0.41, 0.54)) and very low (OR 0.44 (0.34, 0.56)) accessibility areas had lower odds of having BCS, while the odds for women from middle (OR 0.81 (0.69, 0.94)) and most disadvantaged (OR 0.87 (0.71, 0.98)) areas was significantly lower than women living in affluent areas. The association between accessibility and the type of surgery reduced over time (interaction p = 0.028) but not for area disadvantage (interaction p = 0.209). In making informed decisions about surgical treatment, it is crucial that any geographical-related barriers to implementing their preferred treatment are minimised.
Exploring the Molecular Basis for Binding of Inhibitors by Threonyl-tRNA Synthetase from Brucella abortus: A Virtual Screening Study
Authors: Li Ming , Wen Fang , Zhao Shengguo , Wang Pengpeng , Li Songli , Zhang Yangdong , Zheng Nan , Wang Jiaqi
Published: July 2016

Targeting threonyl-tRNA synthetase (ThrRS) of Brucella abortus is a promising approach to developing small-molecule drugs against bovine brucellosis. Using the BLASTp algorithm, we identified ThrRS from Escherichia coli (EThrRS, PDB ID 1QF6), which is 51% identical to ThrRS from Brucella abortus (BaThrRS) at the amino acid sequence level. EThrRS was used as the template to construct a BaThrRS homology model which was optimized using molecular dynamics simulations. To determine the residues important for substrate ATP binding, we identified the ATP-binding regions of BaThrRS, docked ATP to the protein, and identified the residues whose side chains surrounded bound ATP. We then used the binding site of ATP to virtually screen for BaThrRS inhibitors and got seven leads. We further characterized the BaThrRS-binding site of the compound with the highest predicted inhibitory activity. Our results should facilitate future experimental effects to find novel drugs for use against bovine brucellosis.
The Conserved Arginine Cluster in the Insert of the Third Cytoplasmic Loop of the Long Form of the D2 Dopamine Receptor (D2L-R) Acts as an Intracellular Retention Signal
Authors: Kubale Valentina , Blagotinšek Kaja , Nøhr Jane , Eidne Karin , Vrecl Milka
Published: July 2016

This study examined whether the conserved arginine cluster present within the 29-amino acid insert of the long form of the D2 dopamine receptor (D2L-R) confers its predominant intracellular localization. We hypothesized that the conserved arginine cluster (RRR) located within the insert could act as an RXR-type endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention signal. Arginine residues (R) within the cluster at positions 267, 268, and 269 were charge-reserved to glutamic acids (E), either individually or in clusters, thus generating single, double, and triple D2L-R mutants. Through analyses of cellular localization by confocal microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), radioligand binding assay, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET2) β-arrestin 2 (βarr2) recruitment assay, and cAMP signaling, it was revealed that charge reversal of the R residues at all three positions within the motif impaired their colocalization with ER marker calnexin and led to significantly improved cell surface expression. Additionally, these data demonstrate that an R to glutamic acid (E) substitution at position 2 within the RXR motif is not functionally permissible. Furthermore, all generated D2L-R mutants preserved their functional integrity regarding ligand binding, agonist-induced βarr2 recruitment and Gαi-mediated signaling. In summary, our results show that the conserved arginine cluster within the 29-amino acid insert of third cytoplasmic loop (IC3) of the D2L-R appears to be the ER retention signal.
Carbon Sources for Polyhydroxyalkanoates and an Integrated Biorefinery
Authors: Jiang Guozhan , Hill David , Kowalczuk Marek , Johnston Brian , Adamus Grazyna , Irorere Victor , Radecka Iza
Published: July 2016

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a group of bioplastics that have a wide range of applications. Extensive progress has been made in our understanding of PHAs’ biosynthesis, and currently, it is possible to engineer bacterial strains to produce PHAs with desired properties. The substrates for the fermentative production of PHAs are primarily derived from food-based carbon sources, raising concerns over the sustainability of their production in terms of their impact on food prices. This paper gives an overview of the current carbon sources used for PHA production and the methods used to transform these sources into fermentable forms. This allows us to identify the opportunities and restraints linked to future sustainable PHA production. Hemicellulose hydrolysates and crude glycerol are identified as two promising carbon sources for a sustainable production of PHAs. Hemicellulose hydrolysates and crude glycerol can be produced on a large scale during various second generation biofuels’ production. An integration of PHA production within a modern biorefinery is therefore proposed to produce biofuels and bioplastics simultaneously. This will create the potential to offset the production cost of biofuels and reduce the overall production cost of PHAs.
Immunomodulation Induced by Stem Cell Mobilization and Harvesting in Healthy Donors: Increased Systemic Osteopontin Levels after Treatment with Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor
Authors: Melve Guro , Ersvaer Elisabeth , Akkök Çiğdem , Ahmed Aymen , Kristoffersen Einar , Hervig Tor , Bruserud Øystein
Published: July 2016

Peripheral blood stem cells from healthy donors mobilized by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and harvested by leukapheresis are commonly used for allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The frequency of severe graft versus host disease is similar for patients receiving peripheral blood and bone marrow allografts, even though the blood grafts contain more T cells, indicating mobilization-related immunoregulatory effects. The regulatory phosphoprotein osteopontin was quantified in plasma samples from healthy donors before G-CSF treatment, after four days of treatment immediately before and after leukapheresis, and 18–24 h after apheresis. Myeloma patients received chemotherapy, combined with G-CSF, for stem cell mobilization and plasma samples were prepared immediately before, immediately after, and 18–24 h after leukapheresis. G-CSF treatment of healthy stem cell donors increased plasma osteopontin levels, and a further increase was seen immediately after leukapheresis. The pre-apheresis levels were also increased in myeloma patients compared to healthy individuals. Finally, in vivo G-CSF exposure did not alter T cell expression of osteopontin ligand CD44, and in vitro osteopontin exposure induced only small increases in anti-CD3- and anti-CD28-stimulated T cell proliferation. G-CSF treatment, followed by leukapheresis, can increase systemic osteopontin levels, and this effect may contribute to the immunomodulatory effects of G-CSF treatment.
Argon Induces Protective Effects in Cardiomyocytes during the Second Window of Preconditioning
Authors: Mayer Britta , Soppert Josefin , Kraemer Sandra , Schemmel Sabrina , Beckers Christian , Bleilevens Christian , Rossaint Rolf , Coburn Mark , Goetzenich Andreas , Stoppe Christian
Published: July 2016

Increasing evidence indicates that argon has organoprotective properties. So far, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the effect of argon preconditioning in cardiomyocytes within the first and second window of preconditioning. Primary isolated cardiomyocytes from neonatal rats were subjected to 50% argon for 1 h, and subsequently exposed to a sublethal dosage of hypoxia (<1% O2) for 5 h either within the first (0–3 h) or second window (24–48 h) of preconditioning. Subsequently, the cell viability and proliferation was measured. The argon-induced effects were assessed by evaluation of mRNA and protein expression after preconditioning. Argon preconditioning did not show any cardioprotective effects in the early window of preconditioning, whereas it leads to a significant increase of cell viability 24 h after preconditioning compared to untreated cells (p = 0.015) independent of proliferation. Argon-preconditioning significantly increased the mRNA expression of heat shock protein (HSP) B1 (HSP27) (p = 0.048), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) (p = 0.001), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (p < 0.001) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (p = 0.001). No difference was found with respect to activation of pro-survival kinases in the early and late window of preconditioning. The findings provide the first evidence of argon-induced effects on the survival of cardiomyocytes during the second window of preconditioning, which may be mediated through the induction of HSP27, SOD2, VEGF and iNOS.
Hypercholesterolemia Tunes Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells for Inflammation and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Ma Xiaojuan , Feng Yingmei
Published: July 2016

As the pathological basis of cardiovascular disease (CVD), atherosclerosis is featured as a chronic inflammation. Hypercholesterolemia is an independent risk factor for CVD. Accumulated studies have shown that hypercholesterolemia is associated with myeloid cell expansion, which stimulates innate and adaptive immune responses, strengthens inflammation, and accelerates atherosclerosis progression. Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) in bone marrow (BM) expresses a panel of lipoprotein receptors to control cholesterol homeostasis. Deficiency of these receptors abrogates cellular cholesterol efflux, resulting in HSPC proliferation and differentiation in hypercholesterolemic mice. Reduction of the cholesterol level in the lipid rafts by infusion of reconstituted high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or its major apolipoprotein, apoA-I, reverses hypercholesterolemia-induced HSPC expansion. Apart from impaired cholesterol metabolism, inhibition of reactive oxygen species production suppresses HSPC activation and leukocytosis. These data indicate that the mechanisms underlying the effects of hypercholesterolemia on HSPC proliferation and differentiation could be multifaceted. Furthermore, dyslipidemia also regulates HSPC-neighboring cells, resulting in HSPC mobilization. In the article, we review how hypercholesterolemia evokes HSPC activation and mobilization directly or via its modification of BM microenvironment. We hope this review will bring light to finding key molecules to control HSPC expansion, inflammation, and atherosclerosis for the treatment of CVD.
Current Stem Cell Biomarkers and Their Functional Mechanisms in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Zhang Kaile , Zhou Shukui , Wang Leilei , Wang Jianlong , Zou Qingsong , Zhao Weixin , Fu Qiang , Fang Xiaolan
Published: July 2016

Currently there is little effective treatment available for castration resistant prostate cancer, which is responsible for the majority of prostate cancer related deaths. Emerging evidence suggested that cancer stem cells might play an important role in resistance to traditional cancer therapies, and the studies of cancer stem cells (including specific isolation and targeting on those cells) might benefit the discovery of novel treatment of prostate cancer, especially castration resistant disease. In this review, we summarized major biomarkers for prostate cancer stem cells, as well as their functional mechanisms and potential application in clinical diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Tissue-Specific Effects of Vitamin E Supplementation
Authors: Jansen Eugene , Viezeliene Dale , Beekhof Piet , Gremmer Eric , Ivanov Leonid
Published: July 2016

A multivitamin and mineral supplementation study of 6 weeks was conducted with male and female mice. The control group received a standard dose of vitamins and minerals of 1× the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI), whereas a second group received 3× RDI. A third group received a high dose of vitamin E (25× RDI), close to the upper limit of toxicity (UL), but still recommended and considered to be harmless and beneficial. The high dose of vitamin E caused a number of beneficial, but also adverse effects. Different biomarkers of tissue toxicity, oxidative stress related processes and inflammation were determined. These biomarkers did not change in plasma and erythrocytes to a large extent. In the liver of male mice, some beneficial effects were observed by a lower concentration of several biomarkers of inflammation. However, in the kidney of male mice, a number of biomarkers increased substantially with the higher dose of vitamin E, indicating tissue toxicity and an increased level of inflammation. Since this dose of vitamin E, which is lower than the UL, cause some adverse effects, even after a short exposure period, further studies are required to reconsider the UL for vitamin E.
Solvent-Induced Polymorphism of Iron(II) Spin Crossover Complexes
Authors: Šalitroš Ivan , Fuhr Olaf , Ruben Mario
Published: July 2016

Two new mononuclear iron(II) compounds (1) and (2) of the general formula [Fe(L)2](BF4)2·nCH3CN (L = 4-(2-bromoethyn-1-yl)-2,6-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine, n = 1 for (1) and n = 2 for compound (2)), were synthesized. The room temperature crystallization afforded concomitant formation of two different solvent analogues: compound (1) exhibiting triclinic P-1 and compound (2) monoclinic C2/c symmetry. Single-crystal X-ray studies confirmed the presence of the LS (low-spin) state for both compounds at 180 K and of the HS (high-spin) state for compound (2) at 293 K, in full agreement with the magnetic investigations for both solvent polymorphs. Compound (1) exhibits spin transition above 293 K followed by subsequent solvent liberation, while the spin transition of (2) takes already place at 237 K. After complete solvent removal from the crystal lattice, compound (1d) (the desolvated polymorph derived from (1)) exhibits spin transition centered at 342 K accompanied by a thermal hysteresis loop, while the analogous compound (2d) (the desolvated derivate of compound (2)) remains blocked in the HS state over all the investigated temperature range.
Binary Alkali-Metal Silicon Clathrates by Spark Plasma Sintering: Preparation and Characterization
Authors: Veremchuk Igor , Beekman Matt , Antonyshyn Iryna , Schnelle Walter , Baitinger Michael , Nolas George , Grin Yuri
Published: July 2016

The binary intermetallic clathrates K8-xSi46 (x = 0.4; 1.2), Rb6.2Si46, Rb11.5Si136 and Cs7.8Si136 were prepared from M4Si4 (M = K, Rb, Cs) precursors by spark-plasma route (SPS) and structurally characterized by Rietveld refinement of PXRD data. The clathrate-II phase Rb11.5Si136 was synthesized for the first time. Partial crystallographic site occupancy of the alkali metals, particularly for the smaller Si20 dodecahedra, was found in all compounds. SPS preparation of Na24Si136 with different SPS current polarities and tooling were performed in order to investigate the role of the electric field on clathrate formation. The electrical and thermal transport properties of K7.6Si46 and K6.8Si46 in the temperature range 4–700 K were investigated. Our findings demonstrate that SPS is a novel tool for the synthesis of intermetallic clathrate phases that are not easily accessible by conventional synthesis techniques.
Protocatechualdehyde Induces S-Phase Arrest and Apoptosis by Stimulating the p27KIP1-Cyclin A/D1-CDK2 and Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathways in HT-29 Cells
Authors: Zhong Shi , Li You-Gui , Ji Dong-Feng , Lin Tian-Bao , Lv Zhi-Qiang
Published: July 2016

Protocatechualdehyde (PCA) extracted from Phellinus gilvus exhibits anti-cancer activity in human colorectal carcinoma cells (HT-29). However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We performed an in vitro study involving MTT, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and western blot analyses to investigate the effects of PCA treatment on cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, and expression of several cell cycle-related genes in HT-29 cells. The treatment enhanced S-phase cell cycle and apoptosis in HT-29 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot results showed that PCA treatment decreased the expression levels of cyclin A, cyclin D1, and p27KIP1 but increased those of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) in HT-29 cells. Furthermore, the expression levels of B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) and B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-xL (Bcl-xL) were down-regulated, whereas the levels of BH3-interacting domain death agonist (Bid), Bcl-2 homologous antagonist/killer (Bak), and cytosolic cytochrome c were significantly upregulated. Thus, the enzymes caspases-9, -3, -8, and -6 were found to be activated in HT-29 cells with PCA treatment. These results indicate that PCA-induced S-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis involve p27KIP1-mediated activation of the cyclin-A/D1-Cdk2 signaling pathway and the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.
Synthesis, Spectral Characterization of Several Novel Pyrene-Derived Aminophosphonates and Their Ecotoxicological Evaluation Using Heterocypris incongruens and Vibrio fisheri Tests
Authors: Lewkowski Jarosław , Rodriguez Moya Maria , Chmielak Marta , Rogacz Diana , Lewicka Kamila , Rychter Piotr
Published: July 2016

Four diphenyl pyrene-derived aminophosphonates were synthesized. Attempts were made to synthesize diphenyl N-(R)-α-methylbenzylamino(pyren-1-yl)methylphosphonate (3e) in order to obtain the chiral aminophosphonate bearing a pyrene moiety. Because these attempts failed, dimethyl and dibenzyl N-(R)-α-methylbenzyl substituted aminophosphonates 4 and 5 were synthesized and the predominant diastereoisomer of dimethyl aminophosphonate 4 was isolated. The resolution of the diastereomeric mixture of 5 failed. Aminophosphonates 3a–d and the predominant diastereoisomer of 4 were investigated in terms of their ecotoxicity using tests performed on the ostracode Heterocypris incongruens and the fluorescent bacterium Vibrio fisheri. The tests confirmed the moderate-to-high ecotoxicity of aminophosphonates 3a–d and 4, but no evident correlation between the structure and toxicity has been found.
9-cis β-Carotene Increased Cholesterol Efflux to HDL in Macrophages
Authors: Bechor Sapir , Zolberg Relevy Noa , Harari Ayelet , Almog Tal , Kamari Yehuda , Ben-Amotz Ami , Harats Dror , Shaish Aviv
Published: July 2016

Cholesterol efflux from macrophages is a key process in reverse cholesterol transport and, therefore, might inhibit atherogenesis. 9-cis-β-carotene (9-cis-βc) is a precursor for 9-cis-retinoic-acid (9-cis-RA), which regulates macrophage cholesterol efflux. Our objective was to assess whether 9-cis-βc increases macrophage cholesterol efflux and induces the expression of cholesterol transporters. Enrichment of a mouse diet with βc from the alga Dunaliella led to βc accumulation in peritoneal macrophages. 9-cis-βc increased the mRNA levels of CYP26B1, an enzyme that regulates RA cellular levels, indicating the formation of RA from βc in RAW264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, 9-cis-βc, as well as all-trans-βc, significantly increased cholesterol efflux to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) by 50% in RAW264.7 macrophages. Likewise, food fortification with 9-cis-βc augmented cholesterol efflux from macrophages ex vivo. 9-cis-βc increased both the mRNA and protein levels of ABCA1 and apolipoprotein E (APOE) and the mRNA level of ABCG1. Our study shows, for the first time, that 9-cis-βc from the diet accumulates in peritoneal macrophages and increases cholesterol efflux to HDL. These effects might be ascribed to transcriptional induction of ABCA1, ABCG1, and APOE. These results highlight the beneficial effect of βc in inhibition of atherosclerosis by improving cholesterol efflux from macrophages.
Strengthening of RC Beams Using Externally Bonded Reinforcement Combined with Near-Surface Mounted Technique
Authors: Darain Kh , Jumaat Mohd , Shukri Ahmad , Obaydullah M. , Huda Md. , Hosen Md. , Hoque Nusrat
Published: July 2016

This study investigates the flexural behaviour of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened through the combined externally bonded and near-surface mounted (CEBNSM) technique. The externally bonded reinforcement (EBR) and near-surface mounted (NSM) techniques are popular strengthening solutions, although these methods often demonstrate premature debonding failure. The proposed CEBNSM technique increases the bond area of the concrete–carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) interface, which can delay the debonding failure. This technique is appropriate when any structure has a narrow cross-sectional width or is in need of additional flexural capacity that an individual technique or material cannot attain. An experimental test matrix was designed with one control and five strengthened RC beams to verify the performance of the proposed technique. The strengthening materials were CFRP bar as NSM reinforcement combined with CFRP fabric as EBR material. The test variables were the diameter of the NSM bars (8 and 10 mm), the thickness of the CFRP fabrics (one and two layers) and the U-wrap anchorage. The strengthened beams showed enhancement of ultimate load capacity, stiffness, cracking behaviour, and strain compatibility. The ultimate capacity of the CEBNSM-strengthened beams increased from 71% to 105% compared to that of the control beam. A simulation method based on the moment-rotation approach was also presented to predict the behaviour of CEBNSM-strengthened RC beams.
Land Degradation States and Trends in the Northwestern Maghreb Drylands, 1998–2008
Authors: Del Barrio Gabriel , Sanjuan Maria , Hirche Azziz , Yassin Mohamed , Ruiz Alberto , Ouessar Mohamed , Martinez Valderrama Jaime , Essifi Bouajila , Puigdefabregas Juan
Published: July 2016

States of ecological maturity and temporal trends of drylands in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia north of 28°N are reported for 1998–2008. The input data were Normalized Difference Vegetation Index databases and corresponding climate fields, at a spatial resolution of 1 km and a temporal resolution of one month. States convey opposing dynamics of human exploitation and ecological succession. They were identified synchronically for the full period by comparing each location to all other locations in the study area under equivalent aridity. Rain Use Efficiency (RUE) at two temporal scales was used to estimate proxies for biomass and turnover rate. Biomass trends were determined for every location by stepwise regression using time and aridity as predictors. This enabled human-induced degradation to be separated from simple responses to interannual climate variation. Some relevant findings include large areas of degraded land, albeit improving over time or fluctuating with climate, but rarely degrading further; smaller, but significant areas of mature and reference vegetation in most climate zones; very low overall active degradation rates throughout the area during the decade observed; biomass accumulation over time exceeding depletion in most zones; and negative feedback between land states and trends suggesting overall landscape persistence. Semiarid zones were found to be the most vulnerable. Those results can be disaggregated by country or province. The combination with existing land cover maps and national forest inventories leads to the information required by the two progress indicators associated with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification strategic objective to improve the conditions of ecosystems and with the Sustainable Development Goal Target 15.3 to achieve land degradation neutrality. Beyond that, the results are also useful as a basis for land management and restoration.
Telecommunication Platforms for Transmitting Sensor Data over Communication Networks—State of the Art and Challenges
Authors: Staniec Kamil , Habrych Marcin
Published: July 2016

The importance of constructing wide-area sensor networks for holistic environmental state evaluation has been demonstrated. A general structure of such a network has been presented with distinction of three segments: local (based on ZigBee, Ethernet and ModBus techniques), core (base on cellular technologies) and the storage/application. The implementation of these techniques requires knowledge of their technical limitations and electromagnetic compatibility issues. The former refer to ZigBee performance degradation in multi-hop transmission, whereas the latter are associated with the common electromagnetic spectrum sharing with other existing technologies or with undesired radiated emissions generated by the radio modules of the sensor network. In many cases, it is also necessary to provide a measurement station with autonomous energy source, such as solar. As stems from measurements of the energetic efficiency of these sources, one should apply them with care and perform detailed power budget since their real performance may turn out to be far from expected. This, in turn, may negatively affect—in particular—the operation of chemical sensors implemented in the network as they often require additional heating.
Estimation of Electrically-Evoked Knee Torque from Mechanomyography Using Support Vector Regression
Authors: Ibitoye Morufu , Hamzaid Nur , Abdul Wahab Ahmad , Hasnan Nazirah , Olatunji Sunday , Davis Glen
Published: July 2016

The difficulty of real-time muscle force or joint torque estimation during neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in physical therapy and exercise science has motivated recent research interest in torque estimation from other muscle characteristics. This study investigated the accuracy of a computational intelligence technique for estimating NMES-evoked knee extension torque based on the Mechanomyographic signals (MMG) of contracting muscles that were recorded from eight healthy males. Simulation of the knee torque was modelled via Support Vector Regression (SVR) due to its good generalization ability in related fields. Inputs to the proposed model were MMG amplitude characteristics, the level of electrical stimulation or contraction intensity, and knee angle. Gaussian kernel function, as well as its optimal parameters were identified with the best performance measure and were applied as the SVR kernel function to build an effective knee torque estimation model. To train and test the model, the data were partitioned into training (70%) and testing (30%) subsets, respectively. The SVR estimation accuracy, based on the coefficient of determination (R2) between the actual and the estimated torque values was up to 94% and 89% during the training and testing cases, with root mean square errors (RMSE) of 9.48 and 12.95, respectively. The knee torque estimations obtained using SVR modelling agreed well with the experimental data from an isokinetic dynamometer. These findings support the realization of a closed-loop NMES system for functional tasks using MMG as the feedback signal source and an SVR algorithm for joint torque estimation.
Modeling and Compensating Temperature-Dependent Non-Uniformity Noise in IR Microbolometer Cameras
Authors: Wolf Alejandro , Pezoa Jorge , Figueroa Miguel
Published: July 2016

Images rendered by uncooled microbolometer-based infrared (IR) cameras are severely degraded by the spatial non-uniformity (NU) noise. The NU noise imposes a fixed-pattern over the true images, and the intensity of the pattern changes with time due to the temperature instability of such cameras. In this paper, we present a novel model and a compensation algorithm for the spatial NU noise and its temperature-dependent variations. The model separates the NU noise into two components: a constant term, which corresponds to a set of NU parameters determining the spatial structure of the noise, and a dynamic term, which scales linearly with the fluctuations of the temperature surrounding the array of microbolometers. We use a black-body radiator and samples of the temperature surrounding the IR array to offline characterize both the constant and the temperature-dependent NU noise parameters. Next, the temperature-dependent variations are estimated online using both a spatially uniform Hammerstein-Wiener estimator and a pixelwise least mean squares (LMS) estimator. We compensate for the NU noise in IR images from two long-wave IR cameras. Results show an excellent NU correction performance and a root mean square error of less than 0.25 ∘ C, when the array’s temperature varies by approximately 15 ∘ C.
Foreground and Background Components in Separable Complex Systems
Authors: Sen Mihir , Jáuregui-Correa Juan , López-Cajún Carlos
Published: July 2016

Complex systems are composed of a large number of individual components. Many of these systems are separable, i.e., they can be split into two coupled subsystems: one with foreground components and another with background components. The former leads to narrow peaks in the frequency spectrum of the system and the latter gives the broad-band part. There is coupling between the two subsystems, but they can be studied separately for purposes of modeling and for analysis of experimental data. Examples from the literature are given from the area of mechanical vibrations, but the approach is quite general and can be adapted to other kinds of problems.
Consideration of Water Uses for Its Sustainable Management, the Case of Issyk-Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Alymkulova Burul , Abuduwaili Jilili , Issanova Gulnur , Nahayo Lamek
Published: July 2016

Water is an essential element for life, and development would not be possible without its availability. This study identified the main water consumers and their likely impact on water lake level for the case of Issyk-Kul Lake Basin, Kyrgyzstan. Data on precipitation, lake level, irrigation, household and industrial water consumption from 1980 to 2014 were provided by the Department of Water Resources and Irrigation, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation of the Kyrgyz Republic. The input data was analyzed with OriginPro 8.5 for Statistical Analysis. The results indicated a decreasing irrigation water consumption from 2029.42 to 461.76 million·m3 in 1980 and 2014, respectively. Likewise, households consumed 27.02 million·m3 in 1980 falling to 16.55 million·m3 in 2014, similar to the manufacture’s water consumption. However, it was noted that agriculture is a high water consumer, whose water demand for irrigation rises from April to August, the period during which the precipitation also increases. Nevertheless, manufactures and household water consumption do not have timed limits of use like in agriculture, which in turn affects the lake water level. Therefore, as the rainfall increases by April to August, we suggest to harvest and only use the rainfall water during its abundance period. This would help in restoring the lake’s water level during the time of rainwater uses, and leads to water consumption balance, flood management and lake biodiversity conservation as well.
Ecosystem Services Valuation of Lakeside Wetland Park beside Chaohu Lake in China
Authors: Li Tan , Gao Xiang
Published: July 2016

Wetland ecosystems are one of the three great ecosystems on Earth. With a deepening of research on wetland ecosystems, researchers have paid more and more attention to wetland ecosystem services such as flood mitigation, climate control, pollution prevention, soil-erosion prevention, biodiversity maintenance, and bio-productivity protection. This study focuses on a lakeside wetland ecosystem in Hefei, a city in central China, and estimates the value of ecosystem services such as material production, air purification, water conservation, biodiversity, recreation, species conservation, education and scientific research. We adopted the market value method, carbon tax method, afforestation cost method, shadow engineering method and contingent value method (CVM) using questionnaire survey data during the study period. The results show that the total value of the ecosystem services of Lakeside Wetland Park was 144 million CNY in 2015. Among these services, the value of society service is the maximum at 91.73 million CNY, followed by ecological service and material production service (42.23 million CNY and 10.43 billion CNY in 2015 respectively). When considering wetland ecosystems for economic development, other services must be considered in addition to material production to obtain a longer-term economic value. This research reveals that there is scope for more comprehensive and integrated model development, including multiple wetland ecosystem services and appropriate handling of wetland ecosystem management impacts.
Les origines médiévales de la ville de Douai ; rapport provisoire des fouilles de la "fonderie de canons"
Authors: Demolon Pierre , Barbieux J.
Published: July 2016

En 1976, des projets de constructions au centre du Castrum Duacum, là où les textes situent le premier noyau urbain de Douai (centre politique, religieux), ont incité à une reconnaissance archéologique, puis à une fouille complète.

Sept périodes principales ont été distinguées.

Période I : Époque mérovingienne ; deux cabanes excavées ont été découvertes. Période II : Époque carolingienne où l'on relève essentiellement des trous de poteaux et des fosses. Période III : Agglomération IXème-Xème siècles, où l'activité agricole prédomine. Les structures sont très nombreuses et souvent enchevêtrées. Les éléments organiques (bois, végétaux, insectes, grains, cuirs...) sont dans un état de conservation exceptionnel.

Période IV : Ensemble de structures (bâtiment en bois partiellement emmotté, fossé puits...) correspondant au Castrum du Comte de Flandres (Xème-XIème siècles).

Période V : Donjon en pierres sur motte, bâtiment annexe et rempart urbain (état du XIIème siècle). Période VI : Château du Bas Moyen Age et de la période moderne. Période VII : Fonderie de canons créée par Louis XIV en 1669, et qui subsistera jusque vers 1870.

Une série stratigraphique continue du VIème siècle jusqu'à l'époque contemporaine, des éléments organiques exceptionnellement conservés, donnent à cette fouille un intérêt particulier pour l'étude de l'origine et du développement du phénomène urbain en Flandres.
La maison douaisienne de Louis XIV à Louis XVIII
Authors: Guillouet Jacques
Published: July 2016

Jacques Guillouet, "The Douai house from Louis XIV to Louis XVIII".

Since Parent's study, quoted in reference, about 70 years have passed during which the architectural heritage of Douai has suffered from many destructions caused mostly by the two world wars.

The author of this study tries to reckon what is left of the private houses of Douai and to underline what characterizes those which were built after the union of the town to France.

From the year 1690, the general outlook of the Douai house evolves toward more simplicity with the disappearance of the Baroque adornments and the adoption of a sterner type of architecture with its harmonious blend of sandstone, limestone and brick. A regulation, issued in 1718 by the "Magistrate", imposes standards of height for the storeys and the cornices which still impart to the rows of houses a straightness of lines which has yet nothing to do with a strict architectural unity.

The Louis XV adornments will only enrich a few private mansions and the neo-classical style will alter with but a few details the aspect of the house.

One may say that the architectural type which has remodelled Douai between 1690 and 1820 is still the type which gives its particular character to the city.
De Douai à Rome et Athènes : un architecte oublié, Florimond Boulanger (1807-1875)
Authors: Hanoune Roger
Published: July 2016

Présentation de la vie d'un architecte oublié, Florimond Boulanger (1807-1875), Grand-Prix de Rome, dont l'oeuvre a été triple : études d'architecture antique surtout en Italie (Rome, Pompéi, Agrigente...) participation aux constructions modernes d'Athènes dans le troisième quart du XIXème siècle, propagande fouriériste. L'Université de Lille III possède un dossier de dessins de Boulanger.