bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidation and Melanogenesis Inhibition of Various Dendrobium tosaense Extracts
Authors: Chan Chin-Feng , Wu Chin-Tung , Huang Wen-Ying , Lin Wen-Shin , Wu Han-Wei , Huang Teng-Kuan , Chang Min-Yun , Lin Yung-Sheng
Published: July 2018

This study investigated the polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, and inhibition ability of mushroom tyrosinase and melanogenesis of Dendrobium tosaense (DT) extract. Ground DT was extracted using deionized water (W) or 50% ethanol (50E) at room temperature (RT) or 50 °C (50T) for 20 min. The 50T + 50E extract exhibited the highest total phenol content 47.0 ± 4.0 mg gallic acid equivalent/g DT extract, the highest level of 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) free-radical scavenging 66.0 ± 3.0 mg Trolox equivalent/g DT extract, and the highest reducing power 12.00 ± 0.50 mg vitamin C equivalent/g DT extract. The RT + W extract had the highest total flavonoid content 110.0 ± 3.0 mg quercetin equivalent/g DT extract. The RT + 50E extract had the lowest half maximal inhibitory concentration 1.30 ± 0.00 mg/mL for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free-radical scavenging, and the lowest half maximal inhibitory concentration 6.40 ± 0.30 mg/mL for mushroom tyrosinase inhibition activity. DT extracts, especially RT + W and 50T + W, exhibited potent inhibitory effects on melanogenesis of B16/F10 cells. These results demonstrated the application potential of DT extract for skincare.
HPTLC Fingerprinting—Rapid Method for the Differentiation of Honeys of Different Botanical Origin Based on the Composition of the Lipophilic Fractions
Authors: Makowicz Ewa , Jasicka-Misiak Izabela , Teper Dariusz , Kafarski Paweł
Published: July 2018

Bee honey possess various nutritional and medicinal functions, which are the result of its diverse chemical composition. The numerous bioactive compounds in honey come from flower nectar; thus, the identification of the specific chemical profiles of honey samples is of great importance. The lipophilic compounds from eight monofloral honeys (rape, buckwheat, clover, willow, milk thistle, dandelion, raspberry and sweet yellow clover) were investigated. Analyses of the lipophilic fractions obtained by UAE (ultrasound assisted extraction) and SPE (solid phase extraction) extractions were performed using high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Chromatographic and cluster analyses allowed the identification of a unique, colorful pattern of separated compounds with specific Rf values on the HPTLC plate for each type of monofloral honey. HPTLC is a simple and effective visual method of analysis, and it can serve as a basis for authenticating different types of honey.
New Azaphilones from Nigrospora oryzae Co-Cultured with Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Zhang Zhuo-Xi , Yang Xue-Qiong , Zhou Qing-Yan , Wang Bang-Yan , Hu Ming , Yang Ya-Bin , Zhou Hao , Ding Zhong-Tao
Published: July 2018

In this study, the co-culture of Nigrospora oryzae and Beauveria bassiana, the endophytes in the seeds of Dendrobium officinale, were examined for metabolite diversity. Five new azaphilones were isolated, and their structures were determined by spectral analysis. In terms of azaphilones, compound 2 had an unprecedented skeleton, with a bicyclic oxygen bridge. The antifungal selectivities of the metabolite produced by N. oryzae against its co-culture fungus, B. bassiana, and common pathogens exhibited competitive interaction in this mix-culture. Compounds 1 and 2 showed obvious nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity with ratios of 37%, and 39%, respectively, at a concentration of 50 μM.
Formation of Lignin Nanoparticles by Combining Organosolv Pretreatment of Birch Biomass and Homogenization Processes
Authors: Matsakas Leonidas , Karnaouri Anthi , Cwirzen Andrzej , Rova Ulrika , Christakopoulos Paul
Published: July 2018

Valorization of lignocellulosic biomass into a biorefinery scheme requires the use of all biomass components; in this, the lignin fraction is often underutilized. Conversion of lignin to nanoparticles is an attractive solution. Here, we investigated the effect of different lignin isolation processes and a post-treatment homogenization step on particle formation. Lignin was isolated from birch chips by using two organosolv processes, traditional organosolv (OS) and hybrid organosolv-steam explosion (HOS-SE) at various ethanol contents. For post-treatment, lignin was homogenized at 500 bar using different ethanol:water ratios. Isolation of lignin with OS resulted in unshaped lignin particles, whereas after HOS-SE, lignin micro-particles were formed directly. Addition of an acidic catalyst during HOS-SE had a negative impact on the particle formation, and the optimal ethanol content was 50–60% v/v. Homogenization had a positive effect as it transformed initially unshaped lignin into spherical nanoparticles and reduced the size of the micro-particles isolated by HOS-SE. Ethanol content during homogenization affected the size of the particles, with the optimal results obtained at 75% v/v. We demonstrate that organosolv lignin can be used as an excellent starting material for nanoparticle preparation, with a simple method without the need for extensive chemical modification. It was also demonstrated that tuning of the operational parameters results in nanoparticles of smaller size and with better size homogeneity.
Assessing the Antioxidant Properties of Larrea tridentata Extract as a Potential Molecular Therapy against Oxidative Stress
Authors: Skouta Rachid , Morán-Santibañez Karla , Valenzuela Carlos A. , Vasquez Abimael H. , Fenelon Karine
Published: July 2018

Oxidative stress has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diseases. Larrea tridentata (LT) also known as Creosote Bush is an evergreen shrub found in the Chihuahuan desert which has been used medicinally by Native American tribes in southwestern North America and the Amerindians of South America. However, studies of the antioxidant capacity of the crude extract of LT towards the discovery of novel molecular therapies bearing antioxidants and drug-like properties are lacking. In this study, we assessed the antioxidant properties of Larrea tridentata, collected specifically from the Chihuahuan desert in the region of El Paso del Norte, TX, USA. LT phytochemicals were obtained from three different extracts (ethanol; ethanol: water (60:40) and water). Then the extracts were evaluated in eight different assays (DPPH, ABTS, superoxide; FRAP activity, nitric oxide, phenolic content, UV visible absorption and cytotoxicity in non-cancerous HS27 cells). The three extracts were not affecting the HS27 cells at concentrations up to 120 µg/mL. Among the three extracts, we found that the mixture of ethanol: water (60:40) LT extract has the most efficient antioxidant properties (IC50 (DPPH at 30 min) = 111.7 ± 3.8 μg/mL; IC50 (ABTS) = 8.49 ± 2.28 μg/mL; IC50 (superoxide) = 0.43 ± 0.17 μg/mL; IC50 (NO) = 230.4 ± 130.4 μg/mL; and the highest phenolic content was estimated to 212.46 ± 7.05 mg GAE/L). In addition, there was a strong correlation between phenolic content and the free-radical scavenging activity assays. HPLC-MS study identified nine compounds from the LT-ethanol: water extract including Justicidin B and Beta peltain have been previously reported as secondary metabolites of Larrea tridentata.
Interaction between Different Pharmaceutical Excipients in Liquid Dosage Forms—Assessment of Cytotoxicity and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Nemes Dániel , Kovács Renátó , Nagy Fruzsina , Mező Mirtill , Poczok Nikolett , Ujhelyi Zoltán , Pető Ágota , Fehér Pálma , Fenyvesi Ferenc , Váradi Judit , Vecsernyés Miklós , Bácskay Ildikó
Published: July 2018

Nowadays, the safety of parabens as pharmaceutical preservatives is debated. Recent studies investigated their interference with the oestrogen receptors, nevertheless their carcinogenic activity was also proved. That was the reason why the re-evaluation of the biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity of parabens is required using modern investigation methods. We aimed to test the cytotoxic, antifungal and antibacterial effect of parabens on Caco-2 cells, C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Two complex systems (glycerol—Polysorbate 20; ethanol—Capryol PGMC™) were formulated to study—with the MTT-assay and microdilution method, respectively—how other excipients may modify the biocompatibility and antimicrobial effect of parabens. In the case of cytotoxicity, the toxicity of these two systems was highly influenced by co-solvents and surfactants. The fungi and bacteria had significantly different resistance in the formulations and in some cases the excipients could highly modify the effectiveness of parabens both in an agonistic and in a counteractive way. These results indicate that with appropriate selection, non-preservative excipients can contribute to the antimicrobial safety of the products, thus they may decrease the required preservative concentration.
Identification of Potential Nematicidal Compounds against the Pine Wood Nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus through an In Silico Approach
Authors: Shanmugam Gnanendra , Lee Sun Keun , Jeon Junhyun
Published: July 2018

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is a destructive phytophagous nematode that mainly infects pine species and causes pine wilt disease (PWD). PWD is one of the most devastating diseases that has damaged the pine forests of eastern Asia and Portugal for the last four decades. B. xylophilus infects healthy pine trees through Monochamus beetles and its subsequent proliferation results in destruction of the infected pine trees. The poor water solubility and high cost of currently used trunk-injected chemicals such as avermectin and abamectin for the prevention of PWD are major concerns. Thus, for the identification of new compounds targeting the different targets, five proteins including cathepsin L-like cystein proteinase, peroxiredoxins, hsp90, venome allergen protein and tubulin that are known to be important for development and pathogenicity of B. xylophilus were selected. The compounds were virtually screened against five proposed targets through molecular docking into hypothetical binding sites located in a homology-built protein model. Of the fifteen nematicides screened, amocarzine, mebendazole and flubendazole were judged to bind best. For these best docked compounds, structural and electronic properties were calculated through density functional theory studies. The results emphasize that these compounds could be potential lead compounds that can be further developed into nematicidal chemical against B. xylophilus. However, further studies are required to ascertain the nematicidal activity of these compounds against phytophagous nematode.
Decomposing the Mechanism of Qishen Granules in the Treatment of Heart Failure by a Quantitative Pathway Analysis Method
Authors: Ren Weiquan , Gao Sheng , Zhang Huimin , Ren Yinglu , Yu Xue , Lin Weili , Guo Shuzhen , Zhu Ruixin , Wang Wei
Published: July 2018

Qishen granules (QSG) have beneficial therapeutic effects for heart failure, but the effects of decomposed recipes, including Wenyang Yiqi Huoxue (WYH) and Qingre Jiedu (QJ), are not clear. In this study, the efficacy of WYH and QJ on heart failure is evaluated by using transverse aortic constriction (TAC) induced mice and the significantly changed genes in heart tissues were screened with a DNA array. Furthermore, a new quantitative pathway analysis tool is developed to evaluate the differences of pathways in different groups and to identify the pharmacological contributions of the decomposed recipes. Finally, the related genes in the significantly changed pathways are verified by a real-time polymerase chain reaction and a Western blot. Our data show that both QJ and WYH improve the left ventricular ejection fraction, which explain their contributions to protect against heart failure. In the energy metabolism, QJ achieves the therapeutic effects of QSG through nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (Nnt)-mediated mechanisms. In ventricular remodeling and inflammation reactions, QJ and WYH undertake the therapeutic effects through 5′-nucleotidase ecto (Nt5e)-mediated mechanisms. Together, QJ and WYH constitute the therapeutic effects of QSG and play important roles in myocardial energy metabolism and inflammation, which can exert therapeutic effects for heart failure.
Shaping Rolling Circle Amplification Products into DNA Nanoparticles by Incorporation of Modified Nucleotides and Their Application to In Vitro and In Vivo Delivery of a Photosensitizer
Authors: Kim Kyoung-Ran , Röthlisberger Pascal , Kang Seong Jae , Nam Kihwan , Lee Sangyoup , Hollenstein Marcel , Ahn Dae-Ro
Published: July 2018

Rolling circle amplification (RCA) is a robust way to generate DNA constructs, which are promising materials for biomedical applications including drug delivery because of their high biocompatibility. To be employed as a drug delivery platform, however, the DNA materials produced by RCA need to be shaped into nanoparticles that display both high cellular uptake efficiency and nuclease resistance. Here, we showed that the DNA nanoparticles (DNPs) can be prepared with RCA and modified nucleotides that have side-chains appended on the nucleobase are capable of interacting with the DNA strands of the resulting RCA products. The incorporation of the modified nucleotides improved cellular uptake efficiency and nuclease resistance of the DNPs. We also demonstrated that these DNPs could be employed as carriers for the delivery of a photosensitizer into cancer cells to achieve photodynamic therapy upon irradiation at both the in vitro and in vivo levels.
Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor Gene and Environmental Interaction in the Development of Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Ishiguro Hiroki , Horiuchi Yasue , Tabata Koichi , Liu Qing-Rong , Arinami Tadao , Onaivi Emmanuel S.
Published: July 2018

CB2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) gene is associated with depression. We investigated the gene-environment interaction between CB2R function and diverse stressors. First, anxiety-like behavior during chronic-mild-stress (CMS) was evaluated in C57BL/6JJmsSlc mice following treatment with CB2R agonist JWH015 or inverse-agonist AM630. Second, locomotor activity and anxiety-like behavior were measured following exposure to an immune poly I:C stressor. Gene expressions of HPA axis related molecules, Fkbp5, Nr3c1 and Crf and pro-inflammatory cytokine Il-1b, as well as Bdnf as a key neurotrophin that supports neuron health, function, and synaptic plasticity, were determined in hippocampus of Cnr2 knockout mice, as indicators of stressful environment. CMS-induced anxiety-like behavior was enhanced by AM630 and reduced by JWH015 and fluvoxamine. Poly I:C reduced locomotor activity and increased anxiety-like behavior, and these effects were pronounced in the heterozygote than in the wild type mice. Fkbp5 and Nr3c1 expression were lower in the Cnr2 heterozygotes than in the wild type mice with Poly I:C treatment. These findings indicate that interaction between CB2R gene and stressors increases the risk of depression-like behaviors that may be linked with neuro-immune crosstalk. Further studies in human subjects are necessary to determine the role of CB2R and environmental interaction in the development of depression.
Visible-Light, Iodine-Promoted Formation of N-Sulfonyl Imines and N-Alkylsulfonamides from Aldehydes and Hypervalent Iodine Reagents
Authors: Hopkins Megan D. , Brandeburg Zachary C. , Hanson Andrew J. , Lamar Angus A.
Published: July 2018

Alternative synthetic methodology for the direct installation of sulfonamide functionality is a highly desirable goal within the domain of drug discovery and development. The formation of synthetically valuable N-sulfonyl imines from a range of aldehydes, sulfonamides, and PhI(OAc)2 under practical and mild reaction conditions has been developed. According to mechanistic studies described within, the reaction proceeds through an initial step involving a radical initiator (generated either by visible-light or heat) to activate the reacting substrates. The reaction provides a synthetically useful and operationally simple, relatively mild alternative to the traditional formation of N-sulfonyl imines that utilizes stable, widely available reagents.
Measurement of Cyanine Dye Photobleaching in Photosensitizer Cyanine Dye Conjugates Could Help in Optimizing Light Dosimetry for Improved Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer
Authors: James Nadine S. , Cheruku Ravindra R. , Missert Joseph R. , Sunar Ulas , Pandey Ravindra K.
Published: July 2018

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer is dependent on three primary components: photosensitizer (PS), light and oxygen. Because these components are interdependent and vary during the dynamic process of PDT, assessing PDT efficacy may not be trivial. Therefore, it has become necessary to develop pre-treatment planning, on-line monitoring and dosimetry strategies during PDT, which become more critical for two or more chromophore systems, for example, PS-CD (Photosensitizer-Cyanine dye) conjugates developed in our laboratory for fluorescence-imaging and PDT of cancer. In this study, we observed a significant impact of variable light dosimetry; (i) high light fluence and fluence rate (light dose: 135 J/cm2, fluence rate: 75 mW/cm2) and (ii) low light fluence and fluence rate (128 J/cm2 and 14 mW/cm2 and 128 J/cm2 and 7 mW/cm2) in photobleaching of the individual chromophores of PS-CD conjugates and their long-term tumor response. The fluorescence at the near-infrared (NIR) region of the PS-NIR fluorophore conjugate was assessed intermittently via fluorescence imaging. The loss of fluorescence, photobleaching, caused by singlet oxygen from the PS was mapped continuously during PDT. The tumor responses (BALB/c mice bearing Colon26 tumors) were assessed after PDT by measuring tumor sizes daily. Our results showed distinctive photobleaching kinetics rates between the PS and CD. Interestingly, compared to higher light fluence, the tumors exposed at low light fluence showed reduced photobleaching and enhanced long-term PDT efficacy. The presence of NIR fluorophore in PS-CD conjugates provides an opportunity of fluorescence imaging and monitoring the photobleaching rate of the CD moiety for large and deeply seated tumors and assessing PDT tumor response in real-time.
Extreme Energy Density Confined Inside a Transparent Crystal: Status and Perspectives of Solid-Plasma-Solid Transformations
Authors: Gamaly Eugene G. , Juodkazis Saulius , Rode Andrei V.
Published: July 2018

It was demonstrated during the past decade that an ultra-short intense laser pulse tightly-focused deep inside a transparent dielectric generates an energy density in excess of several MJ/cm3. Such an energy concentration with extremely high heating and fast quenching rates leads to unusual solid-plasma-solid transformation paths, overcoming kinetic barriers to the formation of previously unknown high-pressure material phases, which are preserved in the surrounding pristine crystal. These results were obtained with a pulse of a Gaussian shape in space and in time. Recently, it has been shown that the Bessel-shaped pulse could transform a much larger amount of material and allegedly create even higher energy density than what was achieved with the Gaussian beam (GB) pulses. Here, we present a succinct review of previous results and discuss the possible routes for achieving higher energy density employing the Bessel beam (BB) pulses and take advantage of their unique properties.
The Effect of Molecular Properties on Active Ingredient Release from Electrospun Eudragit Fibers
Authors: Burgess Kieran , Li Heyu , Abo-zeid Yasmin , Fatimah  , Williams Gareth R.
Published: July 2018

The formation of nanoscale fibers from pH-sensitive polymers is a route which has been widely explored for targeted drug delivery. In particular, the Eudragit L100 and S100 families of polymers have received significant attention for this purpose. However, while in some cases it is shown that making drug-loaded Eudragit polymers effectively prevents drug release in low-pH media where the polymer is insoluble, this is not always the case, and other studies have reported significant amounts of drug release at acidic pHs. In this study, we sought to gain insight into the factors influencing the release of active ingredients from Eudragit S100 (ES100) fibers. A family of materials was prepared loaded with the model active ingredients (AIs) benzoic acid, 1-naphthoic acid, 1-naphthylamine, and 9-anthracene carboxylic acid. Analogous systems were prepared with an AI-loaded core and an ES100 sheath. The resultant fibers were smooth and cylindrical in the majority of cases, and X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry showed them to comprise amorphous solid dispersions. When AI release from the monolithic fibers was probed, it was found that there was significant release at pH 1 in all cases except with 9-anthracene carboxylic acid. Analysis of the results indicated that both the molecular weight of the AI and its acidity/basicity are important in controlling release, with lower molecular weight AIs and basic species released more quickly. The same release trends are seen with the core/shell fibers, but AI release at pH 1 is attenuated. The most significant change between the monolithic and core/shell systems was observed in the case of 1-naphthylamine. Mathematical equations were devised to connect molecular properties and AI release under acidic conditions.
Improve the Performance of Mechanoelectrical Transduction of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites Based on Ordered Nafion Nanofibres by Electrospinning
Authors: Zhao Yang , Sheng Jiazheng , Xu Di , Gao Minzhong , Meng Qinglong , Wu Dezhi , Wang Lingyun , Lv Wenlong , Chen Qinnan , Xiao Jingjing , Sun Daoheng
Published: July 2018

An ionic polymer–metal composite (IPMC) is a kind of soft material. The applications of IPMC in actuators, environmental sensing, and energy harvesting are currently increasing rapidly. In this study, an ordered Nafion nanofibre mat prepared by electrospinning was used to investigate the characteristics of the mechanoelectrical transduction of IPMC. The morphologies of the Nafion nanofibre mat were characterized. The proton conductivity, ion exchange capacities, and water uptake potential of the Nafion nanofibre mat were compared to traditional IPMC, respectively. A novel mechanism of Nafion nanofibre IPMC was designed and the open circuit voltage and short circuit current were measured. The maximum voltage value reached 100 mv. The output power was 3.63 nw and the power density was up to 42.4 μW/Kg under the load resistance. The Nafion nanofibre mat demonstrates excellent mechanoelectrcical transduction behavior compared to traditional IPMC and could be used for the development of self-powered devices in the future.
Rational Development of a Novel Hydrogel as a pH-Sensitive Controlled Release System for Nifedipine
Authors: Avila-Salas Fabián , Rodriguez Nuñez Yeray A. , Marican Adolfo , Castro Ricardo I. , Villaseñor Jorge , Santos Leonardo S. , Wehinger Sergio , Durán-Lara Esteban F.
Published: July 2018

This work depicts the rational development (in-silico design, synthesis, characterization and in-vitro evaluation) of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels (PVAH) cross-linked with maleic acid (MA) and linked to γ-cyclodextrin molecules (γ-CDPVAHMA) as systems for the controlled and sustained release of nifedipine (NFD). Through computational studies, the structural blocks (PVA chain + dicarboxylic acid + γ-CD) of 20 different hydrogels were evaluated to test their interaction energies (ΔE) with NFD. According to the ΔE obtained, the hydrogel cross-linked with maleic acid was selected. To characterize the intermolecular interactions between NFD and γ-CDPVAHMA, molecular dynamics simulation studies were carried out. Experimentally, three hydrogel formulations with different proportions of γ-CD (2.43%, 3.61% and 4.76%) were synthesized and characterized. Both loading and release of NFD from the hydrogels were evaluated at acid and basic pH. The computational and experimental results show that γ-CDs linked to the hydrogels were able to form 1:1 inclusion complexes with NFD molecules. Finally, γ-CDPVAHMA-3 demonstrated to be the best pH-sensitive release platform for nifedipine. Its effectiveness could significantly reduce the adverse effects caused by the anticipated release of NFD in the stomach of patients.
Furanoate-Based Nanocomposites: A Case Study Using Poly(Butylene 2,5-Furanoate) and Poly(Butylene 2,5-Furanoate)-co-(Butylene Diglycolate) and Bacterial Cellulose
Authors: Matos Marina , F. Sousa Andreia , H. C. S. Silva Nuno , S. R. Freire Carmen , Andrade Márcia , Mendes Adélio , J. D. Silvestre Armando
Published: July 2018

Polyesters made from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) have been in the spotlight due to their renewable origins, together with the promising thermal, mechanical, and/or barrier properties. Following the same trend, (nano)composite materials based on FDCA could also generate similar interest, especially because novel materials with enhanced or refined properties could be obtained. This paper presents a case study on the use of furanoate-based polyesters and bacterial cellulose to prepare nanocomposites, namely acetylated bacterial cellulose/poly(butylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) and acetylated bacterial cellulose/poly(butylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate)-co-(butylene diglycolate)s. The balance between flexibility, prompted by the furanoate-diglycolate polymeric matrix; and the high strength prompted by the bacterial cellulose fibres, enabled the preparation of a wide range of new nanocomposite materials. The new nanocomposites had a glass transition between −25–46 °C and a melting temperature of 61–174 °C; and they were thermally stable up to 239–324 °C. Furthermore, these materials were highly reinforced materials with an enhanced Young’s modulus (up to 1239 MPa) compared to their neat copolyester counterparts. This was associated with both the reinforcing action of the cellulose fibres and the degree of crystallinity of the nanocomposites. In terms of elongation at break, the nanocomposites prepared from copolyesters with higher amounts of diglycolate moieties displayed higher elongations due to the soft nature of these segments.
Effect of Microfibrillated Cellulose on Microstructure and Properties of Poly(vinyl alcohol) Foams
Authors: Gentile Gennaro , Cocca Mariacristina , Avolio Roberto , Errico Maria Emanuela , Avella Maurizio
Published: July 2018

Poly(vinyl alcohol) foams, containing different amounts of microfibrillated cellulose, were prepared through an eco-friendly procedure based on high-speed mixing and freeze-drying. The effect of filler amount on cell shape and regularity was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the evolution of the microstructure was assessed through dynamic cryo-SEM. Fourier Transformed Infrared Analysis and Differential Scanning Calorimetry measurements revealed the presence of hydrogen bond interaction among cellulosic filler and the matrix. The modulus and compression deflection of neat PVA were significantly improved by increasing the amount of microfibrillated cellulose content with respect to foams realised with pulp cellulose fibers.
The “Jewish Blackness” Thesis Revisited
Authors: HaCohen Ran
Published: July 2018

The notion that in previous centuries Jews were considered to be black, or seen as blacks, has gained broad acceptance in scholarly discourse on the Jewish body since the early 1990s. The present article considers the notion analytically and then examines some of the evidence provided to support it. Much of this evidence does not stand critical examination. Therefore, arguably, the notion of Jewish blackness should be reconsidered.
Shamanism in Contemporary Norway: Concepts in Conflict
Authors: Fonneland Trude
Published: July 2018

To choose a terminology for an investigation of shamanism in contemporary Norway is not entirely without problems. Many shamans are adamant in rejecting the term religion in connection with their practices and choose broader rubrics when describing what they believe in. When shamanism was approved as an official religion by the Norwegian government in 2012, the tensions ran high, and many shamanic practitioners refused to accept the connection between religion and shamanism. This chapter provides an account of the emic categories and connections used today by shamanic entrepreneurs and others who share these types of spiritual beliefs. In particular, the advantages and disadvantages of the term religion and how it is deployed on the ground by shamans in Norway will be highlighted.
Estimation of Gap Fraction and Foliage Clumping in Forest Canopies
Authors: Kuusk Andres , Pisek Jan , Lang Mait , Märdla Silja
Published: July 2018

The gap fractions of three mature hemi-boreal forest stands in Estonia were estimated using the LAI-2000 plant canopy analyzer ( LI-COR Biosciences, Lincoln, NE, USA), the TRAC instrument (Edgewall, Miami, FL, USA), Cajanus’ tube, hemispherical photos, as well as terrestrial (TLS) and airborne (ALS) laser scanners. ALS measurements with an 8-year interval confirmed that changes in the structure of mature forest stands are slow, and that measurements in the same season of different years should be well comparable. Gap fraction estimates varied considerably depending on the instruments and methods used. None of the methods considered for the estimation of gap fraction of forest canopies proved superior to others. The increasing spatial resolution of new ALS devices allows the canopy structure to be analyzed in more detail than was possible before. The high vertical resolution of point clouds improves the possibility of estimating the stand height, crown length, and clumping of foliage in the canopy. The clumping/regularity of the foliage in a forest canopy is correlated with tree height, crown length, and basal area. The method suggested herein for the estimation of foliage clumping allows the leaf area estimates of forest canopies to be improved.
Global Estimation of Biophysical Variables from Google Earth Engine Platform
Authors: Campos-Taberner Manuel , Moreno-Martínez Álvaro , García-Haro Francisco Javier , Camps-Valls Gustau , Robinson Nathaniel P. , Kattge Jens , Running Steven W.
Published: July 2018

This paper proposes a processing chain for the derivation of global Leaf Area Index (LAI), Fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (FAPAR), Fraction Vegetation Cover (FVC), and Canopy water content (CWC) maps from 15-years of MODIS data exploiting the capabilities of the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform. The retrieval chain is based on a hybrid method inverting the PROSAIL radiative transfer model (RTM) with Random forests (RF) regression. A major feature of this work is the implementation of a retrieval chain exploiting the GEE capabilities using global and climate data records (CDR) of both MODIS surface reflectance and LAI/FAPAR datasets allowing the global estimation of biophysical variables at unprecedented timeliness. We combine a massive global compilation of leaf trait measurements (TRY), which is the baseline for more realistic leaf parametrization for the considered RTM, with large amounts of remote sensing data ingested by GEE. Moreover, the proposed retrieval chain includes the estimation of both FVC and CWC, which are not operationally produced for the MODIS sensor. The derived global estimates are validated over the BELMANIP2.1 sites network by means of an inter-comparison with the MODIS LAI/FAPAR product available in GEE. Overall, the retrieval chain exhibits great consistency with the reference MODIS product (R2 = 0.87, RMSE = 0.54 m2/m2 and ME = 0.03 m2/m2 in the case of LAI, and R2 = 0.92, RMSE = 0.09 and ME = 0.05 in the case of FAPAR). The analysis of the results by land cover type shows the lowest correlations between our retrievals and the MODIS reference estimates (R2 = 0.42 and R2 = 0.41 for LAI and FAPAR, respectively) for evergreen broadleaf forests. These discrepancies could be attributed mainly to different product definitions according to the literature. The provided results proof that GEE is a suitable high performance processing tool for global biophysical variable retrieval for a wide range of applications.
Giok the Alien: An AR-Based Integrated System for the Empowerment of Problem-Solving, Pragmatic, and Social Skills in Pre-School Children
Authors: Lorusso Maria Luisa , Giorgetti Marisa , Travellini Simona , Greci Luca , Zangiacomi Andrea , Mondellini Marta , Sacco Marco , Reni Gianluigi
Published: July 2018

The use of technology for educational purposes is a consolidated reality, and many new tools are constantly being devised and offered for use with both normally developing children and children with special needs. Nonetheless, a detailed analysis of the processes being stimulated and of the goals being pursued is often lacking or absent. In this work we describe the design, development and preliminary testing of an integrated system which combines the use of smart devices, a physical cube, augmented reality (AR) technology, a smart TV, and a software application especially designed to stimulate cognitive and social functions in pre-school children. The system was tested with three groups of children (25 children in total) during kindergarten activities. The results show that the system is easy to understand, elicits high levels of participation and social interaction, favors strategic behaviors, and can be used by the children with limited need of instruction and support by the adult. The implications for empowerment in typically developing children and the possibilities for use with children who have specific impairments in social communication are discussed.
Ambient Refractive-Index Measurement with Simultaneous Temperature Monitoring Based on a Dual-Resonance Long-Period Grating Inside a Fiber Loop Mirror Structure
Authors: Zawisza Renata , Eftimov Tinko , Mikulic Predrag , Bock Wojtek J. , Jaroszewicz Leszek R.
Published: July 2018

In this work, we report the experimental results on optimizing the optical structure for ambient refractive index measuring with temperature changes monitoring. The presented optical structure is based on a dual-resonance long-period grating embedded inside a fiber loop mirror, where the long-period grating acts as the head of the refractive-index sensor, whereas the section of polarization maintaining fiber in the loop mirror ensures suitable temperature sensing. The optimization process was comprised of tuning the resonance and interferometric peaks by changing the state of polarization of propagating beams. Experimental results establish that the response of the proposed sensor structure is linear and goes in opposite directions: an increase in the ambient refractive index reduces the signal response, whereas a temperature increase produces an increased response. This enables us to distinguish between the signals from changes in the refractive index and temperature. Due to the filtering properties of the interferometric structure, it is possible to monitor variation in these physical parameters by observing optical power changes instead of wavelength shifts. Hence, the refractive index sensitivity has been established up to 2375.8 dB/RIU in the narrow RI range (1.333–1.341 RIU) and temperature sensitivities up to 1.1 dBm/°C in the range of 23–41 °C. The proposed sensor is dedicated to advanced chemical and biological sensor applications.
The Influence of Radial Undersampling Schemes on Compressed Sensing in Cardiac DTI
Authors: Huang Jianping , Song Wenlong , Wang Lihui , Zhu Yuemin
Published: July 2018

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is known to suffer from long acquisition time, which greatly limits its practical and clinical use. Undersampling of k-space data provides an effective way to reduce the amount of data to acquire while maintaining image quality. Radial undersampling is one of the most popular non-Cartesian k-space sampling schemes, since it has relatively lower sensitivity to motion than Cartesian trajectories, and artifacts from linear reconstruction are more noise-like. Therefore, radial imaging is a promising strategy of undersampling to accelerate acquisitions. The purpose of this study is to investigate various radial sampling schemes as well as reconstructions using compressed sensing (CS). In particular, we propose two randomly perturbed radial undersampling schemes: golden-angle and random angle. The proposed methods are compared with existing radial undersampling methods, including uniformity-angle, randomly perturbed uniformity-angle, golden-angle, and random angle. The results on both simulated and real human cardiac diffusion weighted (DW) images show that, for the same amount of k-space data, randomly sampling around a random radial line results in better reconstruction quality for DTI indices, such as fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivities (MD), and that the randomly perturbed golden-angle undersampling yields the best results for cardiac CS-DTI image reconstruction.
Staged Incentive and Punishment Mechanism for Mobile Crowd Sensing
Authors: Tao Dan , Zhong Shan , Luo Hong
Published: July 2018

Having an incentive mechanism is crucial for the recruitment of mobile users to participate in a sensing task and to ensure that participants provide high-quality sensing data. In this paper, we investigate a staged incentive and punishment mechanism for mobile crowd sensing. We first divide the incentive process into two stages: the recruiting stage and the sensing stage. In the recruiting stage, we introduce the payment incentive coefficient and design a Stackelberg-based game method. The participants can be recruited via game interaction. In the sensing stage, we propose a sensing data utility algorithm in the interaction. After the sensing task, the winners can be filtered out using data utility, which is affected by time–space correlation. In particular, the participants’ reputation accumulation can be carried out based on data utility, and a punishment mechanism is presented to reduce the waste of payment costs caused by malicious participants. Finally, we conduct an extensive study of our solution based on realistic data. Extensive experiments show that compared to the existing positive auction incentive mechanism (PAIM) and reverse auction incentive mechanism (RAIM), our proposed staged incentive mechanism (SIM) can effectively extend the incentive behavior from the recruiting stage to the sensing stage. It not only achieves being a real-time incentive in both the recruiting and sensing stages but also improves the utility of sensing data.
Geometric Parameter Calibration for a Cable-Driven Parallel Robot Based on a Single One-Dimensional Laser Distance Sensor Measurement and Experimental Modeling
Authors: Jin XueJun , Jung Jinwoo , Ko Seong Young , Choi Eunpyo , Park Jong-Oh , Kim Chang-Sei
Published: July 2018

A cable-driven parallel robot has benefits of wide workspace, high payload, and high dynamic response owing to its light cable actuator utilization. For wide workspace applications, in particular, the body frame becomes large to cover the wide workspace that causes robot kinematic errors resulting from geometric uncertainty. However, appropriate sensors as well as inexpensive and easy calibration methods to measure the actual robot kinematic parameters are not currently available. Hence, we present a calibration sensor device and an auto-calibration methodology for the over-constrained cable-driven parallel robots using one-dimension laser distance sensors attached to the robot end-effector, to overcome the robot geometric uncertainty and to implement precise robot control. A novel calibration workflow with five phases—preparation, modeling, measuring, identification, and adjustment—is proposed. The proposed calibration algorithms cover the cable-driven parallel robot kinematics, as well as uncertainty modeling such as cable elongation and pulley kinematics. We performed extensive simulations and experiments to verify the performance of the suggested method using the MINI cable robot. The experimental results show that the kinematic parameters can be identified correctly with 0.92 mm accuracy, and the robot position control accuracy is increased by 58%. Finally, we verified that the developed calibration sensor devices and the calibration methodology are applicable to the massive-size cable-driven parallel robot system.
Impact of Node Speed on Energy-Constrained Opportunistic Internet-of-Things with Wireless Power Transfer
Authors: Ko Seung-Woo , Kim Seong-Lyun
Published: July 2018

Wireless power transfer (WPT) is a promising technology to realize the vision of Internet-of-Things (IoT) by powering energy-hungry IoT nodes by electromagnetic waves, overcoming the difficulty in battery recharging for massive numbers of nodes. Specifically, wireless charging stations (WCS) are deployed to transfer energy wirelessly to IoT nodes in the charging coverage. However, the coverage is restricted due to the limited hardware capability and safety issue, making mobile nodes have different battery charging patterns depending on their moving speeds. For example, slow moving nodes outside the coverage resort to waiting for energy charging from WCSs for a long time while those inside the coverage consistently recharge their batteries. On the other hand, fast moving nodes are able to receive energy within a relatively short waiting time. This paper investigates the above impact of node speed on energy provision and the resultant throughput of energy-constrained opportunistic IoT networks when data exchange between nodes are constrained by their intermittent connections as well as the levels of remaining energy. To this end, we design a two-dimensional Markov chain of which the state dimensions represent remaining energy and distance to the nearest WCS normalized by node speed, respectively. Solving this enables providing the following three insights. First, faster node speed makes the inter-meeting time between a node and a WCS shorter, leading to more frequent energy supply and higher throughput. Second, the above effect of node speed becomes marginal as the battery capacity increases. Finally, as nodes are more densely deployed, the throughput becomes scaling with the density ratio between mobiles and WCSs but independent of node speed, meaning that the throughput improvement from node speed disappears in dense networks. The results provide useful guidelines for IoT network provisioning and planning to achieve the maximum throughput performance given mobile environments.
Toward the Ultimate-High-Speed Image Sensor: From 10 ns to 50 ps
Authors: Nguyen Anh Quang , Dao Vu Truong Son , Shimonomura Kazuhiro , Takehara Kohsei , Etoh Takeharu Goji
Published: July 2018

The paper summarizes the evolution of the Backside-Illuminated Multi-Collection-Gate (BSI MCG) image sensors from the proposed fundamental structure to the development of a practical ultimate-high-speed silicon image sensor. A test chip of the BSI MCG image sensor achieves the temporal resolution of 10 ns. The authors have derived the expression of the temporal resolution limit of photoelectron conversion layers. For silicon image sensors, the limit is 11.1 ps. By considering the theoretical derivation, a high-speed image sensor designed can achieve the frame rate close to the theoretical limit. However, some of the conditions conflict with performance indices other than the frame rate, such as sensitivity and crosstalk. After adjusting these trade-offs, a simple pixel model of the image sensor is designed and evaluated by simulations. The results reveal that the sensor can achieve a temporal resolution of 50 ps with the existing technology.
Gradual vs. Maximal Acceleration: Their Influence on the Prescription of Maximal Speed Sprinting in Team Sport Athletes
Authors: Young Warren B. , Duthie Grant M. , James Lachlan P. , Talpey Scott W. , Benton Dean T. , Kilfoyle Anthony
Published: July 2018

The primary purpose of this study was to determine if a difference existed between peak speed attained when performing a sprint with maximal acceleration versus from a gradual build-up. Additionally, this investigation sought to compare the actual peak speed achieved when instructed to reach 75% and 90% of maximum speed. Field sport athletes (n = 21) performed sprints over 60 m under the experimental conditions, and the peak speed was assessed with a radar gun. The gradual build-up to maximum speed (8.30 ± 0.40 m∙s−1) produced the greater peak speed (effect size = 0.3, small) than the maximum acceleration run (8.18 ± 0.40 m∙s−1), and the majority of participants (62%) followed this pattern. For the sub-maximum runs, the actual mean percentage of maximum speed reached was 78 ± 6% for the 75% prescribed run and 89 ± 5% for the 90% prescription. The errors in attaining the prescribed peak speeds were large (~15%) for certain individuals, especially for the 75% trial. Sprint training for maximum speed should be performed with a gradual build-up of speed rather than a maximum acceleration. For sub-maximum interval training, the ability to attain the prescribed target peak speed can be challenging for field sport athletes, and therefore where possible, feedback on peak speeds reached should be provided after each repetition.
The Effect of Match Schedule on Accelerometry-Derived Exercise Dose during Training Sessions throughout a Competitive Basketball Season
Authors: Staunton Craig , Wundersitz Daniel , Gordon Brett , Custovic Edhem , Stanger Jonathan , Kingsley Michael
Published: July 2018

Accelerometry-derived exercise dose (intensity × duration) was assessed throughout a competitive basketball season. Nine elite basketballers wore accelerometers during a Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (Yo-Yo-IR1) and during three two-week blocks of training that represented phases of the season defined as easy, medium, and hard based on difficulty of match schedule. Exercise dose was determined using accumulated impulse (accelerometry-derived average net force × duration). Relative exercise intensity was quantified using linear relationships between average net force and oxygen consumption during the Yo-Yo-IR1. Time spent in different intensity zones was computed. Influences of match schedule difficulty and playing position were evaluated. Exercise dose reduced for recovery and pre-match tapering sessions during the medium match schedule. Exercise dose did not vary during the hard match schedule. Exercise dose was not different between playing positions. The majority of activity during training was spent performing sedentary behaviour or very light intensity activity (64.3 ± 6.1%). Front-court players performed a greater proportion of very light intensity activity (mean difference: 6.8 ± 2.8%), whereas back-court players performed more supramaximal intensity activity (mean difference: 4.5 ± 1.0%). No positional differences existed in the proportion of time in all other intensity zones. Objective evaluation of exercise dose might allow coaches to better prescribe and monitor the demands of basketball training.