bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
S-Adenosylmethionine Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation Induced by Amyloid-β Through Modulation of Glutathione Metabolism
Authors: Li Qian , Cui Jing , Fang Chen , Liu Min , Min Guowen , Li Liang
Published: April 2017

Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are mainly involved in the pathogenic mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Amyloid-β (Aβ), the main component of senile plaques, is a kind of strong inducer of oxidative stress. Glutathione is an endogenous antioxidant protecting cells from oxidative injury. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) produced in the methionine cycle is the primary methyl donor and the precursor of glutathione. In this study, the Aβ intrahippocampal injection rat model and cultured SH-SY5Y cells were used to explore the neuroprotective effect of SAM. We found that SAM could protect cells against Aβ-induced cellular injury by inhibition of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. SAM administration could increase the endogenous antioxidant glutathione and potentiate the antioxidant enzymes activities. SAM might act as an antioxidant and be a potential candidate therapy for AD patients.
Marking 15 years of the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center
Authors: Lewis Janine , Snyder Michelle , Hyatt-Knorr Henrietta
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND:

The Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD), a program of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, was established in 2002 to assist the public in finding reliable, timely, and easy-to-understand information about genetic and/or rare diseases in English or Spanish.

OBJECTIVE:

A review of longitudinal data on GARD inquiries from 2002 to 2016 and assessment of the results of two user satisfaction surveys were conducted to understand the demographics and needs of GARD customers over time.

METHODS:

Since 2002, GARD has collected anonymized data while responding to questions received via e-mail, website, telephone, fax, letter, or TTY. Between 2002 and 2016 GARD received a total of 60,106 inquiries. User satisfaction surveys were conducted in 2006 and 2014, in which users self-selected to participate.

RESULTS:

The annual number of inquiries has risen steadily since 2002. Inquiries are overwhelmingly from educated female patients, family, and friends seeking disease-specific information, treatment options, referrals, and research studies. Most users report satisfaction with the experience.

CONCLUSIONS:

Rare disease patients and their families face challenges in finding information about their symptoms or diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options, significance for family members, and research opportunities. Lack of available clinical expertise can leave patients, their family, and friends with little choice but to become knowledgeable on their own. GARD fills a critical need by providing the public with vetted, evidence-based information that empowers people to engage in their own health care and seek research studies of relevance.
Role of Diabetic Dyslipidemia on Coronary Atherosclerotic Severity in Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Rabbani Golam Mahfuz , Rahman Afzalur , Khan Anisur Rahman , Hossain Nur , Alam Muhammad Badrul , Khan Amiruzzaman , Asaduzzaman Khondoker
Published: April 2017

Aims: To evaluate the association of coronary atherosclerotic severity in diabetic dyslipidemic patients of acute coronary syndrome.Methods: This was a cross sectional comparative analytical study, done in the Department of Cardiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital and Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital & Research Institute, Dhaka, during September 2009 to August 2010.Results: Most of the patients (57.5%) were in the age range of 40-70 years. Atherosclerotic severity in diabetic ACS patients was significantly higher with low HDL, high TC/HDL and high LDL/HDL ratio. Low HDL, high TC/HDL and high LDL/HDL ratio are indicators of the extent and severity of coronary artery disease. More frequent dyslipidemia in diabetic ACS patients were low HDL and it was about 54%.Conclusion: Atherosclerotic severity in diabetic acute coronary syndrome patients was significantly more in dyslipidemic group than non dyslipidemic group.Bangladesh Heart Journal 2016; 31(2) : 65-69
Cardiovascular Disease in Bangladesh: A Review
Authors: Islam AKM Monwarul , Mohibullah AKM , Paul Timir
Published: April 2017

Like elsewhere, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an increasingly important cause of morbidity and mortality in Bangladesh. Over the past few decades, because of epidemiological transition, the prevailing disease pattern in this country changed from predominantly communicable to predominantly non- communicable disease, CVD contributes to the latter a lot. Actually, CVD particularly coronary artery disease (CAD) is getting epidemic proportion day by day. Hypertension and heart failure are on the rise, whereas the prevalence of acute rheumatic fever is declining. However, despite some efforts, reliable data concerning various aspects of CVD is inadequate at present. The current prevalence of hypertension, CAD, rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease and stroke may be 20-25%, 4-6%, <1/1000, 0.3- 1.0% respectively. Besides conventional risk factors for different CVD, genetic predisposition and some novel issues like high salt intake, arsenicosis, hypovitaminosis D and air pollution may play important role in the aetiopathogenesis of CVD in this population. Formulation of appropriate policy and more emphasis on preventive strategy may help combat CVD in Bangladesh.Bangladesh Heart Journal 2016; 31(2) : 80-99
Using Acoustic Emission Methods to Monitor Cement Composites during Setting and Hardening
Authors: Topolář Libor , Pazdera Luboš , Kucharczyková Barbara , Smutný Jaroslav , Mikulášek Karel
Published: April 2017

Cement-based composites belong among the basic building materials used in civil engineering. Their properties are given not only by their composition but also by their behaviour after mixing, as well as by the methods of curing. Monitoring the processes and phenomena during the early stages of setting is vital for determining the resulting properties and durability. The acoustic emission method is a unique non-destructive method that can detect structural changes as a cement-based composite is setting. It can also detect the onset and growth of cracks during the service life of a cement-based composite since the moment it has been mixed. The paper discusses the use of the acoustic emission method with a focus on the early stage of the lifespan of a cement-based composite including the measures necessary for its use and description of the parameters of acoustic emission signals.
Damage Index Calibration of Frame-Supported Concealed Multi-Ribbed Wall Panels with Energy-Efficient Blocks
Authors: Jia Suizi , Cao Wanlin , Zhang Yuchen
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we carry out low-reversed cyclic loading tests on differently-structured frame-supported concealed multi-ribbed wall panels with energy-efficient blocks. Models for evaluating damage performance are introduced for comparative study, in an effort to identify the preferable model for such a structure. To this end, the paper uses OpenSees, a nonlinear finite element software that can accurately depict the mechanical performance of a structure, both to calculate the necessary mechanical parameters and to verify the damage model of interest. In this paper, we determine the numerical ranges for the damage index at different stages of accumulative damage, attaching detailed descriptions on a stage-by-stage basis. Then, we offer suggestions for structure restoration according to these indices.
Engineering of CHO Cells for the Production of Recombinant Glycoprotein Vaccines with Xylosylated N-glycans
Authors: Sandig Grit , Von Horsten Hans , Radke Lars , Blanchard Véronique , Frohme Marcus , Giese Christoph , Sandig Volker , Hinderlich Stephan
Published: April 2017

Xylose is a general component of O-glycans in mammals. Core-xylosylation of N-glycans is only found in plants and helminth. Consequently, xylosylated N-glycans cause immunological response in humans. We have used the F-protein of the human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), one of the main causes of respiratory tract infection in infants and elderly, as a model protein for vaccination. The RSV-F protein was expressed in CHO-DG44 cells, which were further modified by co-expression of β1,2-xylosyltransferase from Nicotiana tabacum. Xylosylation of RSV-F N-glycans was shown by monosaccharide analysis and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. In immunogenic studies with a human artificial lymph node model, the engineered RSV-F protein revealed improved vaccination efficacy.
KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A, SMAD4, BRCA1, and BRCA2 Mutations in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Cicenas Jonas , Kvederaviciute Kotryna , Meskinyte Ingrida , Meskinyte-Kausiliene Edita , Skeberdyte Aiste , Cicenas Jonas
Published: April 2017

Pancreatic cancer is a disease that has a very high fatality rate and one of the highest mortality ratios among all major cancers, remaining the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in developed countries. The major treatment of pancreatic cancer is surgery; however, only 15–20% of patients are candidates for it at the diagnosis of disease. On the other hand, survival in patients, who undergo surgery, is less than 30%. In most cancers, genome stability is disturbed and pancreatic cancer is not the exception. Approximately 97% of pancreatic cancers have gene derangements, defined by point mutations, amplifications, deletions, translocations, and inversions. This review describes the most frequent genetic alterations found in pancreatic cancer.
A Study of Low-Temperature CO Oxidation over Mesoporous CuO-TiO2 Nanotube Catalysts
Authors: Zedan Abdallah , Allam Nageh , AlQaradawi Siham
Published: April 2017

Supported copper oxide nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention as active and non-precious catalysts for many catalytic oxidation reactions. Herein, mesoporous xCuO-TiO2 nanotube catalysts were fabricated, and their activity and kinetics toward CO oxidation were studied. The morphology and structure of the prepared catalysts were systematically studied using SEM, TEM, EDS, EDX, XRD, TGA, BET, XPS, H2-TPR, and Raman techniques. The BET surface area study revealed the effect of the large surface area of the mesoporous TiO2 nanotubes on promoting the catalytic activity of prepared catalysts. The results also revealed the existence of strong metal-support interactions in the CuO-TiO2 nanotube catalyst, as indicated by the up-shift of the E2g vibrational mode of TiO2 from 144 cm−1 to 145 cm−1 and the down-shift of the binding energy (BE) of Ti 2p3/2 from 458.3 eV to 458.1 eV. The active phase of the catalyst consists of fine CuO nanoparticles dispersed on a mesoporous anatase TiO2 nanotube support. The 50-CuO-TiO2 nanotube catalyst demonstrated the highest catalytic activity with 100% CO conversion at T100 = 155 °C and a reaction rate of 36 µmole s−1 g−1. Furthermore, the catalyst demonstrated excellent long-term stability with complete CO conversion that was stable for 60 h under a continuous stream. The enhanced catalytic activity is attributed to the interplay at the interface between the active CuO phase and the TiO2 nanotubes support.
Ultrasound Monitoring of Extant Adnexal Masses in the Era of Type 1 and Type 2 Ovarian Cancers: Lessons Learned From Ovarian Cancer Screening Trials
Authors: Ormsby Eleanor , Pavlik Edward , McGahan John
Published: April 2017

Women that are positive for an ovarian abnormality in a clinical setting can have either a malignancy or a benign tumor with probability favoring the benign alternative. Accelerating the abnormality to surgery will result in a high number of unnecessary procedures that will place cost burdens on the individual and the health delivery system. Surveillance using serial ultrasonography is a reasonable alternative that can be used to discover if changes in the ovarian abnormality will occur that favor either a malignant or benign interpretation. Several ovarian cancer screening trials have had extensive experiences with changes in subclinical ovarian abnormalities in normal women that can define growth, stability or resolution and give some idea of the time frame over which changes occur. The present report examines these experiences and relates them to the current understanding of ovarian cancer ontology, presenting arguments related to the benefits of surveillance.
Symbolic Analysis of Brain Dynamics Detects Negative Stress
Authors: García-Martínez Beatriz , Martínez-Rodrigo Arturo , Zangróniz Roberto , Pastor José , Alcaraz Raúl
Published: April 2017

The electroencephalogram (EEG) is the most common tool used to study mental disorders. In the last years, the use of this recording for recognition of negative stress has been receiving growing attention. However, precise identification of this emotional state is still an interesting unsolved challenge. Nowadays, stress presents a high prevalence in developed countries and, moreover, its chronic condition often leads to concomitant physical and mental health problems. Recently, a measure of time series irregularity, such as quadratic sample entropy (QSEn), has been suggested as a promising single index for discerning between emotions of calm and stress. Unfortunately, this index only considers repetitiveness of similar patterns and, hence, it is unable to quantify successfully dynamics associated with the data temporal structure. With the aim of extending QSEn ability for identification of stress from the EEG signal, permutation entropy (PEn) and its modification to be amplitude-aware (AAPEn) have been analyzed in the present work. These metrics assess repetitiveness of ordinal patterns, thus considering causal information within each one of them and obtaining improved estimates of predictability. Results have shown that PEn and AAPEn present a discriminant power between emotional states of calm and stress similar to QSEn, i.e., around 65%. Additionally, they have also revealed complementary dynamics to those quantified by QSEn, thus suggesting a synchronized behavior between frontal and parietal counterparts from both hemispheres of the brain. More precisely, increased stress levels have resulted in activation of the left frontal and right parietal regions and, simultaneously, in relaxing of the right frontal and left parietal areas. Taking advantage of this brain behavior, a discriminant model only based on AAPEn and QSEn computed from the EEG channels P3 and P4 has reached a diagnostic accuracy greater than 80%, which improves slightly the current state of the art. Moreover, because this classification system is notably easier than others previously proposed, it could be used for continuous monitoring of negative stress, as well as for its regulation towards more positive moods in controlled environments.
Control Strategy of Single-Phase Three Level Neutral Point Clamped Cascaded Rectifier
Authors: He Xiaoqiong , Lin Xiaolan , Peng Xu , Han Pengcheng , Shu Zeliang , Gao Shibin
Published: April 2017

Single-phase 3-level neutral point clamped cascaded rectifier (3LNPC-CR) has been successfully made its way into traction drive system as a high-voltage traction converter. In this passage, the control issue of the 3LNPC-CR is considered. A transient current control strategy, combined with proportional integral (PI) controllers, is adopted to achieve unity power factor, satisfactory sinusoidal grid current, regulated overall dc voltage, and even efficient voltage balance between each module. Besides, with regard to the instinct voltage fluctuation problem among dc-link capacitors in one 3-level neutral point clamped (3LNPC) rectifier module, a phase shift carrier space vector pulse width modulation (PSC-SVPWM) worked along with a reasonable redundancy selection scheme is addressed. In addition, two auxiliary balancing circuits for a single-phase 3LNPC rectifier is proposed. The voltage balancing capacity of these internal-module balancing schemes are analyzed and compared. Finally, the control performance of these proposed strategies are verified by simulations and experiments.
People, Forests, and Change: Lessons from the Pacific Northwest. Edited by Deanna H. Olson and Beatrice Van Horne, Island Press, 2017; 350 Pages. Price: Hardback $90, ISBN 9781610917667; Paperback $45, ISBN 9781610917674
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: April 2017

From the timber we use to the oxygen in the air we breathe, humans are intimately connected to the complex forested ecosystems that many of us take for granted.[...]
Uncovering Distribution Patterns of High Performance Taxis from Big Trace Data
Authors: Tang Luliang , Sun Fei , Kan Zihan , Ren Chang , Cheng Luling
Published: April 2017

The unbalanced distribution of taxi passengers in space and time affects taxi driver performance. Existing research has studied taxi driver performance by analyzing taxi driver strategies when the taxi is occupied. However, searching for passengers when vacant is costly for drivers, and it limits operational efficiency and income. Few researchers have taken the costs during vacant status into consideration when evaluating taxi driver performance. In this paper, we quantify taxi driver performance using the taxi’s average efficiency. We propose the concept of a high-efficiency single taxi trip and then develop a quantification and evaluation model for taxi driver performance based on single trip efficiency. In a case study, we first divide taxi drivers into top drivers and ordinary drivers, according to their performance as calculated from their GPS traces over a week, and analyze the space-time distribution and operating patterns of the top drivers. Then, we compare the space-time distribution of top drivers to ordinary drivers. The results show that top drivers usually operate far away from downtown areas, and the distribution of top driver operations is highly correlated with traffic conditions. We compare the proposed performance-based method with three other approaches to taxi operation evaluation. The results demonstrate the accuracy and feasibility of the proposed method in evaluating taxi driver performance and ranking taxi drivers. This paper could provide empirical insights for improving taxi driver performance.
A Review: Proteomics in Retinal Artery Occlusion, Retinal Vein Occlusion, Diabetic Retinopathy and Acquired Macular Disorders
Authors: Cehofski Lasse , Honoré Bent , Vorum Henrik
Published: April 2017

Retinal artery occlusion (RAO), retinal vein occlusion (RVO), diabetic retinopathy (DR) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are frequent ocular diseases with potentially sight-threatening outcomes. In the present review we discuss major findings of proteomic studies of RAO, RVO, DR and AMD, including an overview of ocular proteome changes associated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatments. Despite the severe outcomes of RAO, the proteome of the disease remains largely unstudied. There is also limited knowledge about the proteome of RVO, but proteomic studies suggest that RVO is associated with remodeling of the extracellular matrix and adhesion processes. Proteomic studies of DR have resulted in the identification of potential therapeutic targets such as carbonic anhydrase-I. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is the most intensively studied stage of DR. Proteomic studies have established VEGF, pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and complement components as key factors associated with AMD. The aim of this review is to highlight the major milestones in proteomics in RAO, RVO, DR and AMD. Through large-scale protein analyses, proteomics is bringing new important insights into these complex pathological conditions.
Estrogen Modulates Specific Life and Death Signals Induced by LH and hCG in Human Primary Granulosa Cells In Vitro
Authors: Casarini Livio , Riccetti Laura , De Pascali Francesco , Gilioli Lisa , Marino Marco , Vecchi Eugenia , Morini Daria , Nicoli Alessia , La Sala Giovanni , Simoni Manuela
Published: April 2017

Luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are glycoprotein hormones used for assisted reproduction acting on the same receptor (LHCGR) and mediating different intracellular signaling. We evaluated the pro- and anti-apoptotic effect of 100 pM LH or hCG, in the presence or in the absence of 200 pg/mL 17β-estradiol, in long-term, serum-starved human primary granulosa cells (hGLC) and a transfected granulosa cell line overexpressing LHCGR (hGL5/LHCGR). To this purpose, phospho-extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2), protein kinase B (pAKT), cAMP-responsive element binding protein (pCREB) activation and procaspase 3 cleavage were evaluated over three days by Western blotting, along with the expression of target genes by real-time PCR and cell viability by colorimetric assay. We found that LH induced predominant pERK1/2 and pAKT activation STARD1, CCND2 and anti-apoptotic XIAP gene expression, while hCG mediated more potent CREB phosphorylation, expression of CYP19A1 and procaspase 3 cleavage than LH. Cell treatment by LH is accompanied by increased (serum-starved) cell viability, while hCG decreased the number of viable cells. The hCG-specific, pro-apoptotic effect was blocked by a physiological dose of 17β-estradiol, resulting in pAKT activation, lack of procaspase 3 cleavage and increased cell viability. These results confirm that relatively high levels of steroidogenic pathway activation are linked to pro-apoptotic signals in vitro, which may be counteracted by other factors, i.e., estrogens.
Adverse Health Effects of Thirdhand Smoke: From Cell to Animal Models
Authors: Hang Bo , Wang Pin , Zhao Yue , Sarker Altaf , Chenna Ahmed , Xia Yankai , Snijders Antoine , Mao Jian-Hua
Published: April 2017

The newly identified smoke hazard, thirdhand smoke (THS), has gained public attention in recent years but its health impact and biological effects are largely unknown. THS may be defined by “the four Rs”: tobacco chemicals that remain, react, re-emit, and/or are resuspended long after active smoking has ceased. This review summarizes recent research progress in the effects of THS on genotoxicity, metabolism and early life development using cellular and animal models. We first reported that THS generated in laboratory systems caused significant DNA damage in human cell lines. Our finding that THS significantly induces oxidative base lesions has been confirmed in skin wounds of mice models exposed to THS. THS also induced metabolomic changes in human reproductive cell lines. Furthermore, we demonstrated that early exposure to THS not only negatively impacts body weight in both male and female mice, but also induces persistent changes to immunological parameters in peripheral blood in these mice. These results indicate that THS is genotoxic at realistic experimental doses and that there may be a window of susceptibility for some forms of cellular damage induced by THS.
The Design and Implementation of a Low-Power Gating Scan Element in 32/28 nm CMOS Technology
Authors: Naeini Mahshid , Dass Sreedharan , Ooi Chia
Published: April 2017

Excessive power consumption during test application time has severely negative effects on chip reliability since it has an inevitable role in hot spots that appear, degradation of performance, circuit premature destruction, and functional failures. In scan-based designs, rippling transitions caused by test patterns shifting along the scan chain not only elevate power consumption in the scan chain but also introduce spurious switching activities in the combinational logic. In this work, a new low power gating scan cell for scan based designs has been proposed in order to reduce power consumption in the scan chain as well as the combinational part during shifting. We have modified the conventional scan cell and augmented it with state preserving and gating logic that enables an average power reduction in combinational logic during shift mode. The new scan cell mitigates the number of transitions during shift and capture cycles. Thus, it reduces the average power consumption inside the scan cell and as a result the scan chain during scan shifting with a low impact on peak power during the capture cycle. Furthermore, due to introducing a new shorter shift path, improvements are observed in terms of propagation delay and power consumption in the scan chain during shifting. This leads to higher feasible shift frequency whereby the shift frequency is limited by the maximum power budget and hence results in reducing the test application time. The post-layout spice simulation results show a 7.21% reduction in total power consumption, an average 12.25% reduction of shift power consumption, and a 50.7% improvement in the clock (CLK)-to-shift propagation delay over the conventional scan cell in Synopsys 32/28 nm standard CMOS technology.
In Vitro versus In Vivo Phase Instability of Zirconia-Toughened Alumina Femoral Heads: A Critical Comparative Assessment
Authors: Pezzotti Giuseppe , Affatato Saverio , Rondinella Alfredo , Yorifuji Makiko , Marin Elia , Zhu Wenliang , McEntire Bryan , Bal Sonny , Yamamoto Kengo
Published: April 2017

A clear discrepancy between predicted in vitro and actual in vivo surface phase stability of BIOLOX®delta zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) femoral heads has been demonstrated by several independent research groups. Data from retrievals challenge the validity of the standard method currently utilized in evaluating surface stability and raise a series of important questions: (1) Why do in vitro hydrothermal aging treatments conspicuously fail to model actual results from the in vivo environment? (2) What is the preponderant microscopic phenomenon triggering the accelerated transformation in vivo? (3) Ultimately, what revisions of the current in vitro standard are needed in order to obtain consistent predictions of ZTA transformation kinetics in vivo? Reported in this paper is a new in toto method for visualizing the surface stability of femoral heads. It is based on CAD-assisted Raman spectroscopy to quantitatively assess the phase transformation observed in ZTA retrievals. Using a series of independent analytical probes, an evaluation of the microscopic mechanisms responsible for the polymorphic transformation is also provided. An outline is given of the possible ways in which the current hydrothermal simulation standard for artificial joints can be improved in an attempt to reduce the gap between in vitro simulation and reality.
Thermoelectric Properties of Poly(3-Hexylthiophene) Nanofiber Mat with a Large Void Fraction
Authors: Hiura Shogo , Okada Naoki , Wakui Junma , Narita Hikari , Kanehashi Shinji , Shimomura Takeshi
Published: April 2017

The thermoelectric properties of a poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) nanofiber mat which has higher crystallinity—and thus exhibits larger carrier mobility—than a non-fibrous P3HT film, were investigated. No significant difference was observed in the maximum values of the power factor between the P3HT nanofiber mat and the P3HT film. However, the thermal conductivity of the nanofiber mat was less than half that of the film despite having almost the same electrical conductivity. This higher thermoelectric property of the nanofiber mat than the film is attributed to the existence of highly effective conducting pathways and a large void fraction, and the result means that the nanofiber mat was a good candidate for use as a thermoelectric material.
Synthesis and Study of the Effect of Ba2+ Cations Substitution with Sr2+ Cations on Structural and Optical Properties of Ba2−xSrxZnWO6 Double Perovskite Oxides (x = 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00)
Authors: Alsabah Yousef , AlSalhi Mohamad , Elbadawi Abdelrahman , Mustafa Eltayeb
Published: April 2017

The effect of Sr2+ substitution on the morphology, crystal structure, and optical properties of double perovskite oxide Ba2−xSrxZnWO6 (x = 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00) were investigated. Scanning electronic microscopy demonstrated that all samples have similar microstructure morphology but differ in the range of grain sizes. X-ray diffraction measurements indicated that these materials crystallize in a (Fm-3m) cubic crystal structure, and also confirmed the tolerance factor. Rietveld analysis revealed that the lattice parameter decreased from 8.11834 to 8.039361 Å when the substitution of Ba2+ with Sr2+ cations increased from zero to 100%. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies displayed a symmetric stretching vibration of WO6 octahedra at 825 cm−1, and an anti-symmetric stretching mode of WO6 was observed by FTIR at 620 cm−1. A strong peak at 420 cm−1 was also observed in the Raman spectra and is due to the W–O–W bending vibration modes. UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy was carried out for the series, and the band gap energy decreased from 3.27 eV for Ba2ZnWO6 to 3.02 and 3.06 eV for Ba1.75Sr0.25ZnWO6 and Ba1.5Sr0.5ZnWO6, respectively. The excitation and emission photoluminescence properties were investigated at room temperature.
Understanding the Stress Relaxation Behavior of Polymers Reinforced with Short Elastic Fibers
Authors: Obaid Numaira , Kortschot Mark , Sain Mohini
Published: April 2017

Although it has been experimentally shown that the addition of short-fibers slows the stress relaxation process in composites, the underlying phenomenon is complex and not well understood. Previous studies have proposed that fibers slow the relaxation process by either hindering the movement of nearby polymeric chains or by creating additional covalent bonds at the fiber-matrix interface that must be broken before bulk relaxation can occur. In this study, we propose a simplified analytical model that explicitly accounts for the influence of polymer viscoelasticity on shear stress transfer to the fibers. This model adequately explains the effect of fiber addition on the relaxation behavior without the need to postulate structural changes at the fiber-matrix interface. The model predictions were compared to those from Monte Carlo finite-element simulations, and good agreement between the two was observed.
Rare Earth Element Yttrium Modified Mg-Al-Zn Alloy: Microstructure, Degradation Properties and Hardness
Authors: Liu Long , Yuan Fulai , Zhao Mingchun , Gao Chengde , Feng Pei , Yang Youwen , Yang Sheng , Shuai Cijun
Published: April 2017

The overly-fast degradation rates of magnesium-based alloys in the biological environment have limited their applications as biodegradable bone implants. In this study, rare earth element yttrium (Y) was introduced into AZ61 magnesium alloy (Mg-6Al-1Zn wt %) to control the degradation rate by laser rapid melting. The results showed that the degradation rate of AZ61 magnesium alloy was slowed down by adding Y. This was attributed to the reduction of Mg17Al12 phase and the formation of Al2Y phase that has a more active potential, which decreased galvanic corrosion resulting from its coupling with the anodic matrix phase. Meanwhile, the hardness increased as Y contents increased due to the uniform distribution of the Al2Y and Mg17Al12 phases. However, as the Y contents increased further, the formation of excessive Al2Y phase resulted in the increasing of degradation rate and the decreasing of hardness due to its agglomeration.
Relationship of the Reported Intakes of Fat and Fatty Acids to Body Weight in US Adults
Authors: Raatz Susan , Conrad Zach , Johnson LuAnn , Picklo Matthew , Jahns Lisa
Published: April 2017

Dietary fat composition may modulate energy expenditure and body weight. Little is known about the relationship between fatty acid intake and body weight at a population level. The purposes of this study were to compare intakes of energy, macronutrients, and individual fatty acids across BMI categories (1) for the US adult population and, (2) by sociodemographic groups. Reported dietary intake data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and What We Eat in America (WWEIA) surveys in the years 2005–2012 were analyzed. Overall, we found that the reported intake of carbohydrate, protein, total fat, total saturated fat (as well as long-chain saturated fatty acids 14:0–18:0), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) were positively associated with BMI; while lauric acid (a medium-chain saturated fatty acid, 12:0) and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (as well as all individual PUFAs) were not associated with BMI. Non-Hispanic black individuals demonstrated a negative association between BMI and energy intake and a positive association between total PUFAs, linoleic acid (LA), α-linolenic acid (ALA) and BMI. Individuals with less than a high school education showed a negative association between BMI and DHA. Mexican-Americans reported intakes with no association between BMI and energy, any macronutrient, or individual fatty acids. These findings support those of experimental studies demonstrating fatty acid-dependent associations between dietary fatty acid composition and body weight. Notably, we observed divergent results for some sociodemographic groups which warrant further investigation.
Palmitoleic Acid Inhibits RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis and Bone Resorption by Suppressing NF-κB and MAPK Signalling Pathways
Authors: Van Heerden Bernadette , Kasonga Abe , Kruger Marlena , Coetzee Magdalena
Published: April 2017

Osteoclasts are large, multinucleated cells that are responsible for the breakdown or resorption of bone during bone remodelling. Studies have shown that certain fatty acids (FAs) can increase bone formation, reduce bone loss, and influence total bone mass. Palmitoleic acid (PLA) is a 16-carbon, monounsaturated FA that has shown anti-inflammatory properties similar to other FAs. The effects of PLA in bone remain unexplored. Here we investigated the effects of PLA on receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast formation and bone resorption in RAW264.7 murine macrophages. PLA decreased the number of large, multinucleated tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) positive osteoclasts and furthermore, suppressed the osteolytic capability of these osteoclasts. This was accompanied by a decrease in expression of resorption markers (Trap, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (Mmp9), cathepsin K (Ctsk)). PLA further decreased the expression of genes involved in the formation and function of osteoclasts. Additionally, PLA inhibited NF-κB activity and the activation of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK). Moreover, PLA induced apoptosis in mature osteoclasts. This study reveals that PLA inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast formation in RAW264.7 murine macrophages through suppression of NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways. This may indicate that PLA has potential as a therapeutic for bone diseases characterized by excessive osteoclast formation.
CAGW Peptide Modified Biodegradable Cationic Copolymer for Effective Gene Delivery
Authors: Duo Xinghong , Wang Jun , Li Qian , Neve Agnaldo , Akpanyung Mary , Nejjari Abdelilah , Ali Zaidi , Feng Yakai , Zhang Wencheng , Shi Changcan
Published: April 2017

In recent years, gene therapy has become a promising technology to enhance endothelialization of artificial vascular grafts. The ideal gene therapy requires a gene carrier with low cytotoxicity and high transfection efficiency. In this paper, we prepared a biodegradable cationic copolymer poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide)-graft-PEI (PLGA-g-PEI), grafted Cys-Ala-Gly-Trp (CAGW) peptide onto this copolymer via the thiol-ene Click-reaction, and then prepared micelles by a self-assembly method. pEGFP-ZNF580 plasmids (pDNA) were condensed by these micelles via electrostatic interaction to form gene complexes. The CAGW peptide enables these gene complexes with special recognition for endothelial cells, which could enhance their transfection. As a gene carrier system, the PLGA-g-PEI-g-CAGW/pDNA gene complexes were evaluated and the results showed that they had suitable diameter and zeta potential for cellular uptake, and exhibited low cytotoxicity and high transfection efficiency for EA.hy926 cells.
Multiangular Observation of Canopy Sun-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence by Combining Imaging Spectroscopy and Stereoscopy
Authors: Pinto Francisco , Müller-Linow Mark , Schickling Anke , Cendrero-Mateo M. , Ballvora Agim , Rascher Uwe
Published: April 2017

The effect that the canopy structure and the viewing geometry have on the intensity and the spatial distribution of passively measured sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence at canopy scale is still not well understood. These uncertainties constrain the potential use of fluorescence to quantify photosynthesis at this level. Using a novel technique, we evaluated the diurnal changes in the spatial distribution of sun-induced fluorescence at 760 nm (F760) within the canopy as a consequence of the spatial disposition of the leaves and the viewing angle of the sensor. High resolution spectral and stereo images of a full sugar beet canopy were recorded simultaneously in the field to estimate maps of F760 and the surface angle distribution, respectively. A dedicated algorithm was used to align both maps in the post-processing and its accuracy was evaluated using a sensitivity test. The relative angle between sun and the leaf surfaces primarily determined the amount of incident Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR), which in turn was reflected in different values of F760, with the highest values occurring in leaf surfaces that are perpendicularly oriented to the sun. The viewing angle of the sensor also had an impact in the intensity of the recorded F760. Higher viewing angles generally resulted in higher values of F760. We attribute these changes to a direct effect of the vegetation directional reflectance response on fluorescence retrieval. Consequently, at leaf surface level, the spatio-temporal variations of F760 were mainly explained by the sun–leaf–sensor geometry rather than directionality of the fluorescence emission. At canopy scale, the diurnal patterns of F760 observed on the top-of-canopy were attributed to the complex interplay between the light penetration into the canopy as a function of the display of the various leaves and the fluorescence emission of each leaf which is modulated by the exposure of the individual leaf patch to the incoming light and the functional status of photosynthesis. We expect that forward modeling can help derive analytical simplified skeleton assumptions to scale canopy measurements to the leaf functional properties.
An Authentication Protocol for Future Sensor Networks
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Kang Shin-Gak
Published: April 2017

Authentication is one of the essential security services in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) for ensuring secure data sessions. Sensor node authentication ensures the confidentiality and validity of data collected by the sensor node, whereas user authentication guarantees that only legitimate users can access the sensor data. In a mobile WSN, sensor and user nodes move across the network and exchange data with multiple nodes, thus experiencing the authentication process multiple times. The integration of WSNs with Internet of Things (IoT) brings forth a new kind of WSN architecture along with stricter security requirements; for instance, a sensor node or a user node may need to establish multiple concurrent secure data sessions. With concurrent data sessions, the frequency of the re-authentication process increases in proportion to the number of concurrent connections. Moreover, to establish multiple data sessions, it is essential that a protocol participant have the capability of running multiple instances of the protocol run, which makes the security issue even more challenging. The currently available authentication protocols were designed for the autonomous WSN and do not account for the above requirements. Hence, ensuring a lightweight and efficient authentication protocol has become more crucial. In this paper, we present a novel, lightweight and efficient key exchange and authentication protocol suite called the Secure Mobile Sensor Network (SMSN) Authentication Protocol. In the SMSN a mobile node goes through an initial authentication procedure and receives a re-authentication ticket from the base station. Later a mobile node can use this re-authentication ticket when establishing multiple data exchange sessions and/or when moving across the network. This scheme reduces the communication and computational complexity of the authentication process. We proved the strength of our protocol with rigorous security analysis (including formal analysis using the BAN-logic) and simulated the SMSN and previously proposed schemes in an automated protocol verifier tool. Finally, we compared the computational complexity and communication cost against well-known authentication protocols.
Neuroprotective and Cognitive Enhancement Potentials of Angelica gigas Nakai Root: A Review
Authors: Sowndhararajan Kandhasamy , Kim Songmun
Published: April 2017

Angelica gigas Nakai is an important medicinal plant with health promoting properties that is used to treat many disorders. In traditional herbal medicine, the root of this plant is used to promote blood flow, to treat anemia, and is used as sedative or tonic agent. The root contains various bioactive metabolites; in particular, decursin and decursinol (pyranocoumarin type components) have been reported to possess various pharmacological properties. Recently, several in vitro and in vivo studies have reported that the crude extracts and isolated components from the root of A. gigas exhibited neuroprotective and cognitive enhancement effects. Neuronal damage or death is the most important factor for many neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, recent studies have clearly demonstrated the possible mechanisms behind the neuroprotective action of extracts/compounds from the root of A. gigas. In the present review, we summarized the neuroprotective and cognitive enhancement effects of extracts and individual compounds from A. gigas root.
Risk Assessment of China’s Overseas Oil Refining Investment Using a Fuzzy-Grey Comprehensive Evaluation Method
Authors: Li Hui , Dong Kangyin , Jiang Hongdian , Sun Renjin , Guo Xiaoyue , Fan Yiqiao
Published: April 2017

Following the “going out” strategy, Chinese oil and gas companies have been widely involved in investing and operating business abroad to mitigate the increasing energy imbalance between supply and demand. Overseas oil investment, characterized by high risks and high returns, plays a significant role in ensuring energy security and strengthening global competitiveness in China. However, compared with overseas upstream projects, the downstream oil refining investment is still in the preliminary development stage, with limited experience for references, which further increases the risk surrounding such multibillion-dollar ventures. Hence, it is significant to assess the investment risks so as to help investors be fully aware of them and then make optimal investment decisions. To this end, this paper successfully identifies the main risk factors, including the local investment environment risk, technical risk, organization management risk, health, safety and environment (HSE) and social responsibility risk, and economic risk. Then, a qualitative-quantitative comprehensive risk evaluation method, combining the fuzzy mathematics and the grey system theory, is proposed and applied to analyze the investment risks of one Chinese overseas oil refining project as a case study. The assessment results are basically in accordance with the practical conditions, which validate the reliability and reasonability of the proposed risk assessment model in regard to the overseas oil refining project. The findings of this research provide the theoretical foundation and practical methodology of the risk analysis for future investment in oil refining areas.
Interplay between the Hepatitis B Virus and Innate Immunity: From an Understanding to the Development of Therapeutic Concepts
Authors: Faure-Dupuy Suzanne , Lucifora Julie , Durantel David
Published: April 2017

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects hepatocytes, which are the main cell type composing a human liver. However, the liver is enriched with immune cells, particularly innate cells (e.g., myeloid cells, natural killer and natural killer T-cells (NK/NKT), dendritic cells (DCs)), in resting condition. Hence, the study of the interaction between HBV and innate immune cells is instrumental to: (1) better understand the conditions of establishment and maintenance of HBV infections in this secondary lymphoid organ; (2) define the role of these innate immune cells in treatment failure and pathogenesis; and (3) design novel immune-therapeutic concepts based on the activation/restoration of innate cell functions and/or innate effectors. This review will summarize and discuss the current knowledge we have on this interplay between HBV and liver innate immunity.
Expert Decision Support Technique for Algal Bloom Governance in Urban Lakes Based on Text Analysis
Authors: Bai Yu-Ting , Zhang Bai-Hai , Wang Xiao-Yi , Jin Xue-Bo , Xu Ji-Ping , Wang Zhao-Yang
Published: April 2017

As a typical phenomenon of eutrophication pollution, algal bloom threatens public health and water security. The governance of algal bloom is largely affected by administrators’ knowledge and experience, which may lead to a subjective and one-sided decision-making result. Meanwhile, experts in the specific field can provide professional support. How to utilize expert resources adequately and automatically has been a problem. This paper proposes an expert decision support technique for algal bloom governance based on text analysis methods. Firstly, the decision support mechanism is introduced to form a general decision-making framework. Secondly, the expert classification method is proposed to help with choosing suitable experts. Thirdly, a multi-criteria group decision-making method is presented based on the automatic analysis of experts’ decision opinions. Finally, an experiment is conducted to verify the expert decision support technique. The results show the technique’s feasibility and rationality. This paper describes experts’ information and opinions with natural language, which can intuitively reflect the natural meaning. The expert decision support technique based on text analysis broadens the management thought of water pollution in urban lakes.
Valorization of Microalgae Biomass by Its Use for the Removal of Paracetamol from Contaminated Water
Authors: Escapa Carla , Coimbra Ricardo , Nuevo Cristina , Vega Samuel , Paniagua Sergio , García Ana , Calvo Luis , Otero Marta
Published: April 2017

Microalgae are aquatic photosynthetic prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms which cultivation for the fixation of CO2 and the production of biofuels has received large attention. However, the sustainable development of an algal biorefinery is still a challenge. In this context, the valorization of microalgae biomass for a wastewater adsorptive treatment may be an option to explore. Recently, the presence of emerging contaminants (ECs) in natural waters and the associated risks have led to a great concern, especially in the case of pharmaceuticals. In the present work, the elimination of paracetamol from water by biosorption onto microalgae, namely Synechocystis sp., has been studied. Kinetic and equilibrium parameters have been determined and compared with those obtained when using a commercial activated carbon under the same experimental conditions. Although the adsorption kinetics are very similar onto both materials, at the equilibrium, the Langmuir maximum capacity of the activated carbon (278 mg g−1) is five times higher than that of Synechocystis sp. (53 mg g−1). In any case, it must be considered that the utilization of microalgae may be considered an environmentally friendly process with important associated savings.