bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal Perfluorooctyl Sulfonate Exposure and Alu DNA Hypomethylation in Cord Blood
Authors: Liu Chen-Yu , Chen Pau-Chung , Lien Pei-Chen , Liao Yi-Peng
Published: May 2018

Background: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are stable and persistent in the environment, animals, and humans. PFASs can penetrate placenta and affect fetal growth. We investigated associations between prenatal exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctyl sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUA) and global methylation levels. Specific Aims and Methods: The study used the subjects from Taiwan Birth Panel birth cohort study, including all pregnant women who gave birth between July 2004 and June 2005 in four hospitals in Taipei city and New Taipei City. A total of 363 mother-infant pairs were included in the final analyses. PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, and PFUA were measured by UPLC-MS/MS in cord blood. LINE-1 and Alu repeated elements from cord blood was used to represent global DNA methylation levels. Multivariable regression models were used to adjust potential confounders. Results: After controlling for potential confounders, each unit increase in the natural log-transformed PFOS exposure was associated with an adjusted OR of 1.72 (95% CI: 1.03, 2.88) for low Alu methylation level when dichotomized methylation level by medium. No significant effects between PFOA, PFNA, PFUA and methylation levels in the multivariable regression models were observed. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that prenatal PFOS exposure may be associated with low Alu methylation level.
Recent Advances in Laser-Ablative Synthesis of Bare Au and Si Nanoparticles and Assessment of Their Prospects for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Al-Kattan Ahmed , Nirwan Viraj P. , Popov Anton , Ryabchikov Yury V. , Tselikov Gleb , Sentis Marc , Fahmi Amir , Kabashin Andrei V.
Published: May 2018

Driven by surface cleanness and unique physical, optical and chemical properties, bare (ligand-free) laser-synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) are now in the focus of interest as promising materials for the development of advanced biomedical platforms related to biosensing, bioimaging and therapeutic drug delivery. We recently achieved significant progress in the synthesis of bare gold (Au) and silicon (Si) NPs and their testing in biomedical tasks, including cancer imaging and therapy, biofuel cells, etc. We also showed that these nanomaterials can be excellent candidates for tissue engineering applications. This review is aimed at the description of our recent progress in laser synthesis of bare Si and Au NPs and their testing as functional modules (additives) in innovative scaffold platforms intended for tissue engineering tasks.
DsSWEET17, a Tonoplast-Localized Sugar Transporter from Dianthus spiculifolius, Affects Sugar Metabolism and Confers Multiple Stress Tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhou Aimin , Ma Hongping , Feng Shuang , Gong Shufang , Wang Jingang
Published: May 2018

Plant SWEETs (Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporters) affect the growth of plants by regulating the transport of sugar from source to sink and its intracellular transport between different organelles. In this study, DsSWEET17 from Dianthus spiculifolius was identified and characterized. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed that the expression of DsSWEET17 was affected by exogenous application of fructose and glucose as well as under salt, osmotic, and oxidation stress. Colocalization experiments showed that the DsSWEET17-GFP (green fluorescent protein) fusion protein was localized to the FM4-64-labeled tonoplasts in Arabidopsis. Compared to the wild type, the transgenic Arabidopsis seedlings overexpressing DsSWEET17 had longer roots, greater fresh weight, and a faster root growth upon exogenous application of fructose. Furthermore, transgenic Arabidopsis seedlings had significantly higher fructose accumulation than was observed for the wild-type seedlings. The analysis of root length revealed that transgenic Arabidopsis had higher tolerance to salt, osmotic, and oxidative stresses. Taken together, our results suggest that DsSWEET17 may be a tonoplast sugar transporter, and its overexpression affects sugar metabolism and confers multiple stress tolerance in Arabidopsis.
The Impact and Mechanism of Methylated Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors 1 and 5 in the Hippocampus on Depression-Like Behavior in Prenatal Stress Offspring Rats
Authors: Lin Tianwei , Dang Shaokang , Su Qian , Zhang Huiping , Zhang Junli , Zhang Lin , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Lu Yong , Li Hui , Zhu Zhongliang
Published: May 2018

An increasing number of epidemiological investigations and animal models research suggest that prenatal stress (PS) could cause depression-like behavior in the offspring, which is sex specific. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. This study is to investigate the promoter methylation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1) and metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 (mGluR5) gene modification on PS induced depression-like behavior in offspring rats (OR). PS models were established, with or without 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-azaD, decitabine) treatment. Animal behavior was assessed by the sucrose preference test (SPT), forced swimming test (FST), and open field test (OFT). The mRNA and protein expression levels of mGluR1 and mGluR5 in the hippocampus of offspring were detected with quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. The promoter methylation in the hippocampus of mGluR1 and mGluR5 OR were also analyzed. SPT showed significantly reduced sucrose preference in PS induced OR. FST showed significantly prolonged immobility time in PS induced OR. OFT showed significantly reduced central residence time in PS induced OR and no significantly influence in rearing as well as in frequency of micturition. Moreover, the mRNA, protein expression levels, and gene promoter methylation level of mGluR1 and mGluR5 in the hippocampus were significantly increased in the PS induced male OR, while no significantly influence in the PS induced female OR. Furthermore, the PS induced effects in male OR could be reversed by the microinjection of 5-azaD. In conclusion, our results showed that the promoter methylation of mGluR1 and mGluR5 gene modification is only involved in PS induced depression-like behavior in male OR in a sex-specific manner. These findings might contribute to the understanding of the disease pathogenesis and clinical treatment in future.
Facebook Addiction: Onset Predictors
Authors: Biolcati Roberta , Mancini Giacomo , Pupi Virginia , Mugheddu Valeria
Published: May 2018

Worldwide, Facebook is becoming increasingly widespread as a communication platform. Young people especially use this social networking site daily to maintain and establish relationships. Despite the Facebook expansion in the last few years and the widespread acceptance of this social network, research into Facebook Addiction (FA) is still in its infancy. Hence, the potential predictors of Facebook overuse represent an important matter for investigation. This study aimed to deepen the understanding of the relationship between personality traits, social and emotional loneliness, life satisfaction, and Facebook addiction. A total of 755 participants (80.3% female; n = 606) aged between 18 and 40 (mean = 25.17; SD = 4.18) completed the questionnaire packet including the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale, the Big Five, the short version of Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. A regression analysis was used with personality traits, social, family, romantic loneliness, and life satisfaction as independent variables to explain variance in Facebook addiction. The findings showed that Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Loneliness (Social, Family, and Romantic) were strong significant predictors of FA. Age, Openness, Agreeableness, and Life Satisfaction, although FA-related variables, were not significant in predicting Facebook overuse. The risk profile of this peculiar behavioral addiction is also discussed.
Projected 21st Century Coastal Flooding in the Southern California Bight. Part 1: Development of the Third Generation CoSMoS Model
Authors: O’Neill Andrea C. , Erikson Li H. , Barnard Patrick L. , Limber Patrick W. , Vitousek Sean , Warrick Jonathan A. , Foxgrover Amy C. , Lovering Jessica
Published: May 2018

Due to the effects of climate change over the course of the next century, the combination of rising sea levels, severe storms, and coastal change will threaten the sustainability of coastal communities, development, and ecosystems as we know them today. To clearly identify coastal vulnerabilities and develop appropriate adaptation strategies due to projected increased levels of coastal flooding and erosion, coastal managers need local-scale hazards projections using the best available climate and coastal science. In collaboration with leading scientists world-wide, the USGS designed the Coastal Storm Modeling System (CoSMoS) to assess the coastal impacts of climate change for the California coast, including the combination of sea-level rise, storms, and coastal change. In this project, we directly address the needs of coastal resource managers in Southern California by integrating a vast range of global climate change projections in a thorough and comprehensive numerical modeling framework. In Part 1 of a two-part submission on CoSMoS, methods and the latest improvements are discussed, and an example of hazard projections is presented.
Sporotrichosis: From KOH to Molecular Biology
Authors: Arenas Roberto , Sánchez-Cardenas Carlos D. , Ramirez-Hobak Lourdes , Ruíz Arriaga Leon Felipe , Vega Memije Ma. Elisa
Published: May 2018

Sporotrichosis is a cosmopolitan, chronic granulomatous mycosis, acquired by traumatic inoculation and caused by Sporothrix schenckii complex. Several methods of diagnostic are available, from KOH to molecular biology. In this review, we describe from the simplest (clinical diagnosis) to the most advanced diagnostic techniques (molecular biology).
The Effect of Dynamic Recrystallization on Monotonic and Cyclic Behaviour of Al-Cu-Mg Alloy
Authors: Tomczyk Adam , Seweryn Andrzej , Grądzka-Dahlke Małgorzata
Published: May 2018

The paper presents an investigation that was conducted to determine the possibility of the occurrence of the process of dynamic recrystallization in 2024 alloy during monotonic tensile and creep tests at the elevated temperatures of 100 °C, 200 °C, and 300 °C. As-extruded material was subjected to creep process with constant force at elevated temperatures, until two varying degrees of deformation were reached. After cooling at ambient temperature, the pre-deformed material was subjected to monotonic and fatigue tests as well as metallographic analysis. The process of dynamic recrystallization was determined in monotonic tests to occur at low strain rate (0.0015/s) only at the temperature of 300 °C. However, in the creep tests, this process occurred with varying efficiency, both during creep at 200 °C and 300 °C. Dynamic recrystallization was indicated to have a significant influence on the monotonic and cyclic properties of the material.
The In Vitro Anti-Tumor Activity of Phycocyanin against Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Hao Shuai , Yan Yan , Li Shuang , Zhao Lei , Zhang Chan , Liu Liyun , Wang Chengtao
Published: May 2018

Phycocyanin, a type of functional food colorant, is shown to have a potent anti-cancer property. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most aggressive form of cancers with few effective therapeutic options. Previous studies have demonstrated that phycocyanin exerts a growth inhibitory effect on NSCLC A549 cells. However, its biological function and underlying regulatory mechanism on other cells still remain unknown. Here, we investigated the in vitro function of phycocyanin on three typical NSCLC cell lines, NCI-H1299, NCI-H460, and LTEP-A2, for the first time. The results showed that phycocyanin could significantly induce apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, as well as suppress cell migration, proliferation, and the colony formation ability of NSCLC cells through regulating multiple key genes. Strikingly, phycocyanin was discovered to affect the cell phenotype through regulating the NF-κB signaling of NSCLC cells. Our findings demonstrated the anti-neoplastic function of phycocyanin and provided valuable information for the regulation of phycocyanin in NSCLC cells.
Investigations into the Surface Strain/Stress State in a Single-Crystal Superalloy via XRD Characterization
Authors: Duan Haodong , Qin Lu , Pei Yanling , Li Shusuo , Zhao Li-Dong , Ji Vincent , Gong Shengkai
Published: May 2018

The present study was aimed at determining the surface strain/stress state in an Ni-based single-crystal (SC) superalloy that was subjected to two different cooling rates from solid solution temperature through using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. The normal stresses σ 11 s and σ 22 s were determined, then the Von Mises stresses ( σ V M s ) were derived from them. Field emission gun scanning electron microscope (FEG-SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) micrographs were taken to illustrate the strain/stress state change. The precipitation of the secondary γ′ phases in the γ phase and the formation of the dislocation in the interphase upon a slower cooling rate caused the γ phase lattice distortion to increase, so a larger σ V M s of the γ phase was realized in comparison to the faster cooling sample. For both of the two cooling modes, we found that the σ V M s of the γ′ phase increased due to the growth of the γ′ phase during the aging process. Also, the aging process led to pronouncedly anisotropic lattice mismatches in the {331} and {004} planes. In addition, the surface strain/stress states of a cylinder sample and a tetragonal sample were also studied using a faster cooling rate, and σ 11 s and σ 22 s were analyzed to explain the influence of the shape factor on the stress anisotropy in the [001] and [ 1 1 ¯ 0 ] orientations. The strain in the [001] orientation of the γ phase is more sensitive to the shape change.
Polyionic Tags as Enhancers of Protein Solubility in Recombinant Protein Expression
Authors: Paraskevopoulou Vasiliki , Falcone Franco
Published: May 2018

Since the introduction of recombinant protein expression in the second half of the 1970s, the growth of the biopharmaceutical field has been rapid and protein therapeutics has come to the foreground. Biophysical and structural characterisation of recombinant proteins is the essential prerequisite for their successful development and commercialisation as therapeutics. Despite the challenges, including low protein solubility and inclusion body formation, prokaryotic host systems and particularly Escherichia coli, remain the system of choice for the initial attempt of production of previously unexpressed proteins. Several different approaches have been adopted, including optimisation of growth conditions, expression in the periplasmic space of the bacterial host or co-expression of molecular chaperones, to assist correct protein folding. A very commonly employed approach is also the use of protein fusion tags that enhance protein solubility. Here, a range of experimentally tested peptide tags, which present specific advantages compared to protein fusion tags and the concluding remarks of these experiments are reviewed. Finally, a concept to design solubility-enhancing peptide tags based on a protein’s pI is suggested.
Straightforward Synthesis of Bifunctional Phosphorus Phenols via Phosphination of In Situ Generated o-Quinone Methides
Authors: Chen Zhangpei , Shi Qinglong , Wang Gongshu , Chen Siwen , Hu Jianshe
Published: May 2018

An efficient and practical approach towards bifunctional phosphorus phenols has been developed through a reaction of diphenylphosphine oxide and the o-quinone methides in situ generated from 2-tosylalkyl phenols under basic conditions. This protocol features simple experimental procedures under mild conditions and is easily scaled up. With this method, a variety of diarylmethyl phosphine oxides can be produced with up to 92% yield.
Correction: Kim, D.-C.; et al. Steppogenin Isolated from Cudrania tricuspidata Shows Antineuroinflammatory Effects via NF-κB and MAPK Pathways in LPS-Stimulated BV2 and Primary Rat Microglial Cells. Molecules 2017, 22, 2130
Authors: Kim Dong-Cheol , Quang Tran , Oh Hyuncheol , Kim Youn-Chul
Published: May 2018

The author wishes to make the following correction to this paper [1].[...]
Characterization of the Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Buddleja colvilei and B. sessilifolia: Implications for the Taxonomy of Buddleja L.
Authors: Ge Jia , Cai Lei , Bi Gui-Qi , Chen Gao , Sun Weibang
Published: May 2018

Buddleja colvilei Hook.f. & Thomson (Scrophulariaceae) is a threatened alpine plant with a distribution throughout the Himalayas, also used as an ornamental plant. The name Buddleja sessilifolia B.S. Sun ex S.Y. Pao was assigned in 1983 to a plant distributed throughout the Gaoligong Mountains, but the name was later placed in synonymy with B. colvilei in the Flora of China. In this study we sequenced the complete chloroplast (cp) genomes of two individuals of B. colvilei and three individuals of B. sessilifolia from across the range. Both molecular and morphological analysis support the revision of B. sessilifolia. The phylogenetic analysis constructed with the whole cp genomes, the large single-copy regions (LSC), small single-copy regions (SSC), inverted repeat (IR) and the nuclear genes 18S/ITS1/5.8S/ITS2/28S all supported B. sessilifolia as a distinct species. Additionally, coalescence-based species delimitation methods (bGMYC, bPTP) using the whole chloroplast datasets also supported B. sessilifolia as a distinct species. The results suggest that the B. sessilifolia lineage was early diverging among the Asian Buddleja species. Overall gene contents were similar and gene arrangements were found to be highly conserved in the two species, however, fixed differences were found between the two species. A total of 474 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified between the two species. The Principal Coordinate Analysis of the morphological characters resolved two groups and supported B. sessilifolia as a distinct species. Discrimination of B. colvilei and B. sessilifolia using morphological characters and the redescription of B. sessilifolia are detailed here.
Leveraging Engineering of Indocyanine Green-Encapsulated Polymeric Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Han Ya-Hui , Kankala Ranjith Kumar , Wang Shi-Bin , Chen Ai-Zheng
Published: May 2018

In recent times, photo-induced therapeutics have attracted enormous interest from researchers due to such attractive properties as preferential localization, excellent tissue penetration, high therapeutic efficacy, and minimal invasiveness, among others. Numerous photosensitizers have been considered in combination with light to realize significant progress in therapeutics. Along this line, indocyanine green (ICG), a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved near-infrared (NIR, >750 nm) fluorescent dye, has been utilized in various biomedical applications such as drug delivery, imaging, and diagnosis, due to its attractive physicochemical properties, high sensitivity, and better imaging view field. However, ICG still suffers from certain limitations for its utilization as a molecular imaging probe in vivo, such as concentration-dependent aggregation, poor in vitro aqueous stability and photodegradation due to various physicochemical attributes. To overcome these limitations, much research has been dedicated to engineering numerous multifunctional polymeric composites for potential biomedical applications. In this review, we aim to discuss ICG-encapsulated polymeric nanoconstructs, which are of particular interest in various biomedical applications. First, we emphasize some attractive properties of ICG (including physicochemical characteristics, optical properties, metabolic features, and other aspects) and some of its current limitations. Next, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview highlighting recent reports on various polymeric nanoparticles that carry ICG for light-induced therapeutics with a set of examples. Finally, we summarize with perspectives highlighting the significant outcome, and current challenges of these nanocomposites.
A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study to Compare the Safety and Efficacy of Low Dose Enhanced Wild Blueberry Powder and Wild Blueberry Extract (ThinkBlue™) in Maintenance of Episodic and Working Memory in Older Adults
Authors: Whyte Adrian R. , Cheng Nancy , Fromentin Emilie , Williams Claire M.
Published: May 2018

Previous research has shown beneficial effects of polyphenol-rich diets in ameliorating cognitive decline in aging adults. Here, using a randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled chronic intervention, we investigated the effect of two proprietary blueberry formulations on cognitive performance in older adults; a whole wild blueberry powder at 500 mg (WBP500) and 1000 mg (WBP1000) and a purified extract at 100 mg (WBE111). One hundred and twenty-two older adults (65–80 years) were randomly allocated to a 6-month, daily regimen of either placebo or one of the three interventions. Participants were tested at baseline, 3, and 6 months on a battery of cognitive tasks targeting episodic memory, working memory and executive function, alongside mood and cardiovascular health parameters. Linear mixed model analysis found intervention to be a significant predictor of delayed word recognition on the Reys Auditory Verbal Learning Task (RAVLT), with simple contrast analysis revealing significantly better performance following WBE111 at 3 months. Similarly, performance on the Corsi Block task was predicted by treatment, with simple contrast analysis revealing a trend for better performance at 3 months following WBE111. Treatment also significantly predicted systolic blood pressure (SBP) with simple contrast analysis revealing lower SBP following intervention with WBE111 in comparison to placebo. These results indicate 3 months intervention with WBE111 can facilitate better episodic memory performance in an elderly population and reduce cardiovascular risk factors over 6 months.
Range Information Characterization of the Hokuyo UST-20LX LIDAR Sensor
Authors: Cooper Matthew A. , Raquet John F. , Patton Rick
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a study on the data measurements that the Hokuyo UST-20LX Laser Rangefinder produces, which compiles into an overall characterization of the LiDAR sensor relative to indoor environments. The range measurements, beam divergence, angular resolution, error effect due to some common painted and wooden surfaces, and the error due to target surface orientation are analyzed. It was shown that using a statistical average of sensor measurements provides a more accurate range measurement. It was also shown that the major source of errors for the Hokuyo UST-20LX sensor was caused by something that will be referred to as “mixed pixels”. Additional error sources are target surface material, and the range relative to the sensor. The purpose of this paper was twofold: (1) to describe a series of tests that can be performed to characterize various aspects of a LIDAR system from a user perspective, and (2) present a detailed characterization of the commonly-used Hokuyo UST-20LX LIDAR sensor.
Electrospun Polyethylene Terephthalate Nonwoven Reinforced Polypropylene Separator: Scalable Synthesis and Its Lithium Ion Battery Performance
Authors: Cai Haopeng , Tong Xing , Chen Kai , Shen Yafei , Wu Jiashun , Xiang Yinyu , Wang Zhao , Li Junsheng
Published: May 2018

A novel polyethylene terephthalate nonwoven reinforced polypropylene composite separator (PET/PP) with high thermal stability and low thermal shrinkage characteristic is developed through a scalable production process. In the composite separator, the electronspun polyethylene terephthalate nonwoven layer improves the electrolyte affinity and can sustain as the barrier layer after the shutdown of the polypropylene layer. Due to its high ionic conductivity, the PET/PP separator shows an excellent discharge capacity. In addition, the superior thermal stability of the separator significantly enhances the safety performance of the separator. Considering the feasibility of the large-scale production of the PET/PP separator and its superior battery performance, we expect that the novel separator could be a promising alternative to the existing commercial separators.
An Assessment of Airport Sustainability, Part 2—Energy Management at Copenhagen Airport
Authors: Baxter Glenn , Srisaeng Panarat , Wild Graham
Published: May 2018

Airports play a critical role in the air transport value chain. Each air transport value chain stakeholder requires energy to conduct their operations. Airports are extremely energy intensive. Greenhouse gases are a by-product from energy generation and usage. Consequently, airports are increasingly trying to sustainably manage their energy requirements as part of their environmental policies and strategies. This study used an exploratory qualitative and quantitative case study research approach to empirically examine Copenhagen Airport, Scandinavia’s major air traffic hub, sustainable airport energy management practices and energy-saving initiatives. For Copenhagen Airport, the most significant environmental impact factors occurring from energy usage are the CO2 emissions arising from both the air side and land side operations. Considering this, the airport has identified many ways to manage and mitigate the environmental impact from energy consumption on both the air and land side operations. Importantly, the application of technological solutions, systems and process enhancements and collaboration with key stakeholders has contributed to the airport’s success in mitigating the environmental impact from energy usage at the airport whilst at the same time achieving energy savings.
Experimental Study of the Thermal Infrared Emissivity Variation of Loaded Rock and Its Significance
Authors: Huang Jianwei , Liu Shanjun , Gao Xiang , Yang Zhengcang , Ni Qiang , Wu Lixin
Published: May 2018

Previous studies have shown that thermal infrared radiation (TIR) changes with stress for loaded rocks. TIR changes were mainly attributed to temperature change without considering the change in surface emissivity. And it remains unclear whether there was a change in emissivity during the rock loading process. Therefore, based on the spectral radiance observations in this paper, an experimental study involving the emissivity variation in the 8.0–13.0 μm range for elastic loaded quartz sandstone under outdoor conditions was conducted. The experiments yield the following results. First, a variation in the stress condition led to the emissivity change in addition to the temperature change. The spectral radiance change was the combined result of the temperature changes and emissivity changes. Second, the emissivity changes linearly with the stress change, and the amplitude is relatively large in the 8.0–10.0 μm range. The waveband features of emissivity variation are the main factor leading to the waveband features of stress-induced radiance change. Third, the explanations for the changes in temperature and emissivity during loading process are analyzed. And the significance and difficulty for further satellite remote sensing purpose is discussed. The experimental results provide an experimental foundation for crustal stress field monitoring.
FEM Analysis of Sezawa Mode SAW Sensor for VOC Based on CMOS Compatible AlN/SiO2/Si Multilayer Structure
Authors: Aslam Muhammad Zubair , Jeoti Varun , Karuppanan Saravanan , Malik Aamir Farooq , Iqbal Asif
Published: May 2018

A Finite Element Method (FEM) simulation study is conducted, aiming to scrutinize the sensitivity of Sezawa wave mode in a multilayer AlN/SiO2/Si Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) sensor to low concentrations of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), that is, trichloromethane, trichloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride and tetrachloroethene. A Complimentary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) compatible AlN/SiO2/Si based multilayer SAW resonator structure is taken into account for this purpose. In this study, first, the influence of AlN and SiO2 layers’ thicknesses over phase velocities and electromechanical coupling coefficients (k2) of two SAW modes (i.e., Rayleigh and Sezawa) is analyzed and the optimal thicknesses of AlN and SiO2 layers are opted for best propagation characteristics. Next, the study is further extended to analyze the mass loading effect on resonance frequencies of SAW modes by coating a thin Polyisobutylene (PIB) polymer film over the AlN surface. Finally, the sensitivity of the two SAW modes is examined for VOCs. This study concluded that the sensitivity of Sezawa wave mode for 1 ppm of selected volatile organic gases is twice that of the Rayleigh wave mode.
Defining Priority Land Covers that Secure the Livelihoods of Urban and Rural People in Ethiopia: a Case Study Based on Citizens’ Preferences
Authors: Elbakidze Marine , Gebrehiwot Mersha , Angelstam Per , Yamelynets Taras , Surová Diana
Published: May 2018

Securing land management systems that maintain land covers is important for sustaining human livelihoods in Africa; however, simultaneously maintaining a viable natural environment is a serious challenge. Aggravated by rapid population growth and biodiversity loss, Ethiopia is an illustrative example of this issue. Stressing the need for a bottom–up stakeholder perspective, we identify and map land covers that deliver multiple ecosystem services that are important for the livelihoods of rural and urban citizens in the southern part of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley. First, we interviewed 400 urban and rural residents to identify the land covers that deliver desired ecosystem services in three agroecological zones, representing a steep gradient in the livelihood conditions. Second, to support the inclusion of priority land covers in spatial planning, we located spatial concentrations of individual land covers providing bundles of desired ecosystem services. The majority of urban respondents selected homegarden agroforestry (92% of respondents from this group), freshwater lake (82%), river (70%), agroforestry shade-grown coffee (65%), natural old-growth forest (59%), rural settlement (52%), Afromontane undifferentiated forest (52%), and urban areas (73%) as important for their livelihood. In contrast, the majority of rural respondents selected three land covers: homegarden agroforestry (80% of respondents from this group), agroforestry shade-grown coffee (58%), and urban areas (65%). To maintain the identified natural and semi-natural priority land covers, at least two land management strategies are crucial to sustain the provision of ecosystem services for the livelihoods of both urban and rural people, and biodiversity conservation: (1) maintaining traditional agroforestry land-use practices, and (2) enhancing the protection and sustainable management of natural forest ecosystems. Additionally, integrated spatial planning is needed that considers both rural local community-based resource management that focuses on local needs for employment and products, and global demands to conserve biodiversity.
Consumers’ Preferences and Derived Willingness-to-Pay for Water Supply Safety Improvement: The Analysis of Pricing and Incentive Strategies
Authors: Wang Jia , Ge Jiaoju , Gao Zhifeng
Published: May 2018

With increasing water supply accidents and higher water demand, urban water supply safety (WSS) remains a crucial public policy issue in developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to investigate consumers’ willingness-to-pay (WTP) and their preferences to improve WSS in China, to support governments in water regulation policy design and water providers in investment-decisions. A discrete choice experiment method with the consideration of not only attributes of WSS but also attitudinal and demographic variables have been adopted to assess consumers’ WTP and preferences for WSS improvement. The results show that Chinese urban residents are willing to pay a significantly higher price for improved WSS. Demonstrated marginal mean WTP for the change of the attributes range from 0.18 RMB/m3 (0.03 USD/m3) (1 RMB was around 0.154 USD in 2016) for decreased water supply interruption to 2.33 Yuan RMB/m3 (0.35 USD/m3) for improved drinking water quality. Investments in water processing facilities and water distribution networks should come first. Cross-subsidy concerning different developing districts is the most efficient policy instrument. The study contributes to the recent literature not only by introducing attitudinal variables in choice experiment survey in water supply field, but also by revealing the correlation of choice modeling applications in WSS improvement programs.
Who Manages Space? Eco-DRR and the Local Community
Authors: Dalimunthe Syarifah Aini
Published: May 2018

The notion of ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (DRR) has only recently emerged in Indonesia. The Indonesian central government now adopts some policies related to ecosystem-based DRR with formal commitments from local administrations. At the implementation level, various activities have taken place, such as mangrove planting and restoration along the coastline to address the rising sea level and the “one billion trees” program to address the urgent issue of deforestation. These governmental activities have involved local communities that reside in the high-risk area, while nonlocal actors, particularly from the private and the nongovernmental sectors, have contributed as a third element to development. This paper examines space management in the context of Eco-DRR, paying special attention to uncertainty and anxiety in the local communities as the government and private sectors engage in development activities that have significant impacts on their present and future lives. The present study pursues this purpose by means of in-depth interview and focus group discussions (FGD) with local leaders in mangrove planting and restoration programs. The study took place in a small island community in a part of the Jakarta Megapolitan Region, Indonesia. The results point out that the community feels left behind due to lack of trust in managing the conservation space. Another issue to be addressed is how to improve the democratization of environment management and livelihood base of the local community. Therefore, building confidence and ameliorating relationships between actors within/without the local community should lead to a better Eco-DRR initiative.
Sustainability in Smart Farms: Its Impact on Performance
Authors: De-Pablos-Heredero Carmen , Montes-Botella Jose , García-Martínez Antón
Published: May 2018

In Spain, more than 30% of producers have run out of business because of a lack of sustainability. They search for managerial guidelines that allow them to reach the farm’s economic viability. When trying to improve the performance of farms and farming systems, a complementary consideration of sustainability dimensions is required. The aim of this paper consists of offering a complementary and integrative approach from the sustainability concept in four different dimensions: economic; technological; organizational; and training in Manchego Cheese Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). Sustainability through the putting into practice of some managerial concepts has been able to reach better results and smarter farms. To perform this study, metrics to analyze each of the mentioned dimensions of sustainability have been applied to a sample of 157 farms with the main objective to identify the sustainability dimensions and its impacts on farm’s final results promoting smarter farms. The Structural Equation Model (SEM) has been applied to measure the impact of each dimension of sustainability on final farm’s results. Results reported that the farm’s economic and organizational sustainability have been influenced by the returns on investment.
How Can It Be More Real? A Case Study to Present the Authenticity of a Local Heritage District from the Perspective of Regional Spatial Morphology
Authors: Zhao Huanxi
Published: May 2018

The discussion of authenticity has become an academic theme of great interest to scholars in the tourism and heritage fields. However, there have been relatively few studies related to the authenticity of the spatial morphology of a historical urban area. This paper is based on the approach of the theory of “constructive authenticity”, and takes a local historical district heritage in Beijing as an example to analyze the authenticity of the spatial morphology of a particular heritage site. This paper takes into account three aspects: (1) overall layout; (2) street landscape; and (3) the pattern inside the courtyards. It then analyzes the Nanluo area from the perspective of the change in spatial patterns from the past to the present, as an aspect of research on the protection and sustainable development of local historic districts. Through the analysis, it can be seen that from the point of view of spatial morphology, the Nanluo area is distant from its shape in the past, and the main differences are reflected in the above three aspects. It also can be seen that in today’s Nanluo area, the authenticity of the layout that is perceived by tourists is a “constructive authenticity” that has been developed over years.
Characteristics of Corporate Contributions to the Recovery of Regional Society from the Great East Japan Earthquake Disaster
Authors: Fukumoto Rui , Genda Yuji , Ishikawa Mikiko
Published: May 2018

Municipalities in areas along the northeast coast of Japan were severely affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. It was difficult for these municipalities to provide support to all devastated areas. It is important for communities in devastated areas to be resilient in order to autonomously and efficiently recover from natural disasters. This study focused on corporations, since they have various resources that can support disaster recovery. A postal questionnaire was sent to 1,020 corporations that included various industry types and small corporations located in Iwanuma and Natori, which were damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake. The response rate was 39.22%. We analyzed the data using a logistic regression model. The study findings are as follows: (1) a total of 32.75% of corporations provided support for recovery after the disaster; (2) the ratio of corporations that provided actual support was lower than that of those that only had awareness of contributions; (3) the strongest characteristic was having not only awareness but also the opportunity to conduct support activities before the occurrence of disasters to enhance the efficient recovery of regional society; and (4) the characteristics of support differed according to industry type, location, and number of employees under certain conditions.
Arcanobacterium haemolyticum Phospholipase D Enzymatic Activity Promotes the Hemolytic Activity of the Cholesterol-Dependent Cytolysin Arcanolysin
Authors: Gellings Patrick S. , McGee David J.
Published: May 2018

Arcanolysin, produced by the human pathogen Arcanobacterium haemolyticum, is a cholesterol-dependent cytolysin. To mediate the pore-formation process, arcanolysin is secreted by A. haemolyticum and then must interact with cholesterol embedded within a host membrane. However, arcanolysin must compete with membrane components, such as the phospholipid sphingomyelin, to interact with cholesterol and form pores. Cholesterol forms transient hydrogen bonds with the extracellular portion of sphingomyelin, shielding cholesterol from extracellular factors, including arcanolysin. A. haemolyticum also produces a sphingomyelin-specific phospholipase D, which removes the choline head from sphingomyelin, leaving cyclic-ceramide phosphate and eliminating the potential for cholesterol sequestration. We hypothesized that the enzymatic activity of phospholipase D decreases sphingomyelin-mediated cholesterol sequestration and increases cholesterol accessibility for arcanolysin. Using purified arcanolysin and phospholipase D, we demonstrate that the enzymatic activity of phospholipase D is necessary to promote arcanolysin-mediated hemolysis in both time- and concentration-dependent manners. Phospholipase D promotion of arcanolysin-mediated cytotoxicity was confirmed in Detroit 562 epithelial cells. Furthermore, we determined that incubating phospholipase D with erythrocytes corresponds with an increase in the amount of arcanolysin bound to host membranes. This observation suggests that phospholipase D promotes arcanolysin-mediated cytotoxicity by increasing the ability of arcanolysin to bind to a host membrane.
Clinical Advances in Viral-Vectored Influenza Vaccines
Authors: Sebastian Sarah , Lambe Teresa
Published: May 2018

Influenza-virus-mediated disease can be associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality, particularly in younger children and older adults. Vaccination is the primary intervention used to curb influenza virus infection, and the WHO recommends immunization for at-risk individuals to mitigate disease. Unfortunately, influenza vaccine composition needs to be updated annually due to antigenic shift and drift in the viral immunogen hemagglutinin (HA). There are a number of alternate vaccination strategies in current development which may circumvent the need for annual re-vaccination, including new platform technologies such as viral-vectored vaccines. We discuss the different vectored vaccines that have been or are currently in clinical trials, with a forward-looking focus on immunogens that may be protective against seasonal and pandemic influenza infection, in the context of viral-vectored vaccines. We also discuss future perspectives and limitations in the field that will need to be addressed before new vaccines can significantly impact disease levels.
Numerical Study of Spatial Behavior of Solute Particle Transport in Single Fracture with Variable Apertures
Authors: Jeong Yong-Wook , Jeong Woochang
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study is to numerically analyze spatial behaviors of solute particle transport in a single fracture with spatially correlated variable apertures under application of effective normal stress conditions. The numerical results show that solute particle transport in a single fracture is strongly affected by spatial correlation length of variable apertures and applied effective normal stress. As spatial correlation length increases, mean residence time of solute particles decreases and tortuosity and Peclet number (a dimensionless number representing the relationship between the rate of advection of solute particles by the flow and the rate of diffusion of solute particles) also decreases. These results indicate that the geometry of the aperture distribution is favorable to solute particle transport when the spatial correlation length is increased. However, as effective normal stress increases, the mean residence time and tortuosity tend to increase but the Peclet number decreases. The main reason for a decreasing Peclet number is that the solute particle is transported by one or two channels with relatively higher localized flow rates owing to increase in contact areas resulting from increasing effective normal stress. Based on the numerical results of the solute particle transport produced in this study, an exponential-type correlation formula between the mean residence time and the effective normal stress is proposed.
Application of Klebsiella oxytoca Biomass in the Biosorptive Treatment of PAH-Bearing Wastewater: Effect of PAH Hydrophobicity and Implications for Prediction
Authors: Zhang Dong , Lu Li , Zhao Hongting , Jin Meiqing , Lü Ting , Lin Jun
Published: May 2018

Biosorption has been widely recognized as a promising method to treat wastewater. However, few studies have investigated the impact of pollutants’ properties on wastewater treatment, as well as the underlying mechanisms and future predictions. In this study, the effects of pollutants’ hydrophobicity on the biosorptive removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were evaluated. The results showed that the inactive biomass of Klebsiella oxytoca effectively removes PAHs from aqueous solutions with a high biosorption capacity, high biosorption affinity, and short equilibrium time. The biosorption of seven PAHs achieved equilibrium rapidly (less than 2 h) and fitted well to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Sorption occurred with a predominantly linear partition process to the biomaterial with Kd values of 363.11, 1719.5, 2515.5, 7343.3, 6353.4, 22,806, and 19,541 L·kg−1 for naphthalene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, pyrene, and fluoranthene, respectively. An increase in temperature led to a decrease in the biosorption affinity, and the bacterial biosorption of PAHs was spontaneous and exothermic. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between the sorption affinity and the octanol partition coefficient (Kow) (logKd = 1.011logKow − 0.7369), indicating that hydrophobicity is the main factor influencing the biosorption efficiency. These results suggest that biosorption is an efficient and predictable treatment for micropollutant-bearing wastewater.
Evaluation of the Impact of Water Management Technologies on Water Savings in the Lower Chenab Canal Command Area, Indus River Basin
Authors: Rizwan Muhammad , Bakhsh Allah , Li Xin , Anjum Lubna , Jamal Kashif , Hamid Shanawar
Published: May 2018

Traditional irrigation practices, low crop productivity, unlevelled fields, water losses taking place during conveyance and application phases, as well as low irrigation efficiencies are the main problems of the common farmers in Pakistan. These problems are more noticeable in the command area of Lower Chenab Canal (LCC), which is the main portion of the Indus Basin Project in Pakistan. To overcome these problems, different water management technologies such as precision land levelling (PLL), bed planting, drip irrigation systems, and watercourse improvement were introduced to farmers to increase water savings and crop yields in the area of five distributaries—Khurrianwala, Shahkot, Mungi, Khikhi, Killianwala and Dijkot—during the cropping seasons of 2008 to 2015. The use of drip irrigation resulted in savings of water and fertilizer and increased the crop yields by 30–40%. Three watercourses, one on each site of 1200 m in length, were lined, which resulted in improved conveyance efficiency of 15–20%. If wheat, rice and cotton in the command area of LCC are sown on precisely levelled fields and on beds, then about 2768.1 million m3 and 3699.3 million m3 of irrigation water can be saved. These results show the potential of water-efficient technologies for saving water as well as increasing crop yields.
Émile Walter, Jean Callé et l’apport du groupement “Pteridophyta Exsiccata” à la connaissance des fougères européennes
Authors: Bange Christian
Published: May 2018

Le groupement «Pteridophyta Exsiccata » est une société d’échange de plantes fondée en 1937 par Émile Walter et Jean Callé, dans le but de faciliter l’étude des Fougères européennes en assurant la répartition de spécimens d’herbiers récoltés par ses membres. Il a fonctionné jusqu’en 1952, avec une interruption provoquée par la guerre, et cessa son activité par suite de la maladie (et de la mort) d’Émile Walter. L’abondant matériel distribué et les articles scientifiques publiés dans son bulletin autographié ont contribué à maintenir en France une activité significative dans le domaine de la ptéridologie. La communication décrit la composition du groupement et le travail accompli par ses membres, qui illustre le bénéfice de la collaboration entre professionnels et amateurs pour l’acquisition de données utiles à la connaissance de la biodiversité.