bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Oxidative Stress in Inflammation: Role of Melatonin
Authors: Sánchez Aroha , Calpena Ana , Clares Beatriz
Published: July 2015

Oxygen is used by eukaryotic cells for metabolic transformations and energy production in mitochondria. Under physiological conditions, there is a constant endogenous production of intermediates of reactive oxygen (ROI) and nitrogen species (RNI) that interact as signaling molecules in physiological mechanisms. When these species are not eliminated by antioxidants or are produced in excess, oxidative stress arises. Oxidative stress can damage proteins, lipids, DNA, and organelles. It is a process directly linked to inflammation; in fact, inflammatory cells secrete a large number of cytokines and chemokines responsible for the production of ROI and RNI in phagocytic and nonphagocytic cells through the activation of protein kinases signaling. Currently, there is a wide variety of diseases capable of producing inflammatory manifestations. While, in the short term, most of these diseases are not fatal they have a major impact on life quality. Since there is a direct relationship between chronic inflammation and many emerging disorders like cancer, oral diseases, kidney diseases, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal chronic diseases or rheumatics diseases, the aim of this review is to describe the use and role of melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland, that works directly and indirectly as a free radical scavenger, like a potent antioxidant.
miR-198 Represses the Proliferation of HaCaT Cells by Targeting Cyclin D2
Authors: Wang Jian , Dan Guorong , Shangguan Tao , Hao Han , Tang Ran , Peng Kaige , Zhao Jiqing , Sun Huiqin , Zou Zhongmin
Published: July 2015

Background: MiR-198 has been considered as an inhibitor of cell proliferation, invasion, migration and a promoter of apoptosis in most cancer cells, while its effect on non-cancer cells is poorly understood. Methods: The effect of miR-198 transfection on HaCaT cell proliferation was firstly detected using Cell Count Kit-8 and the cell cycle progression was analyzed by flow cytometry. Using bioinformatics analyses and luciferase assay, a new target of miR-198 was searched and identified. Then, the effect of the new target gene of miR-198 on cell proliferation and cell cycle was also detected. Results: Here we showed that miR-198 directly bound to the 3′-UTR of CCND2 mRNA, which was a key regulator in cell cycle progression. Overexpressed miR-198 repressed CCND2 expression at mRNA and protein levels and subsequently led to cell proliferation inhibition and cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. Transfection ofSiCCND2 in HaCaT cells showed similar inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. Conclusion: In conclusion, we have identified that miR-198 inhibited HaCaT cell proliferation by directly targeting CCND2.
Opportunities for Bio-Based Solvents Created as Petrochemical and Fuel Products Transition towards Renewable Resources
Authors: Clark James , Farmer Thomas , Hunt Andrew , Sherwood James
Published: July 2015

The global bio-based chemical market is growing in size and importance. Bio-based solvents such as glycerol and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran are often discussed as important introductions to the conventional repertoire of solvents. However adoption of new innovations by industry is typically slow. Therefore it might be anticipated that neoteric solvent systems (e.g., ionic liquids) will remain niche, while renewable routes to historically established solvents will continue to grow in importance. This review discusses bio-based solvents from the perspective of their production, identifying suitable feedstocks, platform molecules, and relevant product streams for the sustainable manufacturing of conventional solvents.
Protein Folding and Mechanisms of Proteostasis
Authors: Díaz-Villanueva José , Díaz-Molina Raúl , García-González Victor
Published: July 2015

Highly sophisticated mechanisms that modulate protein structure and function, which involve synthesis and degradation, have evolved to maintain cellular homeostasis. Perturbations in these mechanisms can lead to protein dysfunction as well as deleterious cell processes. Therefore in recent years the etiology of a great number of diseases has been attributed to failures in mechanisms that modulate protein structure. Interconnections among metabolic and cell signaling pathways are critical for homeostasis to converge on mechanisms associated with protein folding as well as for the preservation of the native structure of proteins. For instance, imbalances in secretory protein synthesis pathways lead to a condition known as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress which elicits the adaptive unfolded protein response (UPR). Therefore, taking this into consideration, a key part of this paper is developed around the protein folding phenomenon, and cellular mechanisms which support this pivotal condition. We provide an overview of chaperone protein function, UPR via, spatial compartmentalization of protein folding, proteasome role, autophagy, as well as the intertwining between these processes. Several diseases are known to have a molecular etiology in the malfunction of mechanisms responsible for protein folding and in the shielding of native structure, phenomena which ultimately lead to misfolded protein accumulation. This review centers on our current knowledge about pathways that modulate protein folding, and cell responses involved in protein homeostasis.
Unveiling the Mode of Action of Two Antibacterial Tanshinone Derivatives
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Zhang Wuxia , Wang Tingting , Li Na , Mu Haibo , Zhang Jiwen , Duan Jinyou
Published: July 2015

In this study, 2-(N-pyrrolidine-alkyl) tanshinones bearing pyrrolidine groups were synthesized and the antibacterial mechanism was explored. These derivatives selectively elicited antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Moreover, their antibacterial activities were time-, concentration-dependent and persistent. It appeared that Fenton-mediated hydroxyl radicals were involved, and the disruption of cell membranes was observed. This study indicates that 2-(N-pyrrolidine-alkyl) tanshinones might be potential candidates as antibacterial agents.
Sliding-Mode Speed Control of PMSM with Fuzzy-Logic Chattering Minimization—Design and Implementation
Authors: Hicham Fadil , Yousfi Driss , Youness Aite , Larbi Elhafyani , Rahim Nasrudin
Published: July 2015

In this paper a Sliding Mode Control scheme (SMC) applied to the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) speed control is designed and improved. A Fuzzy logic algorithm is added to mitigate chattering caused by discontinuous term in steady states, and to ensure good performances of the controller in transient states. The proposed Fuzzy-SMC performance is tested in simulation and experimental results are obtained using eZdsp F28335.
Development of a Site-Specific Kinetic Model for Chlorine Decay and the Formation of Chlorination By-Products in Seawater
Authors: Saeed Suhur , Prakash Shwet , Deb Nandita , Campbell Ross , Kolluru Venkat , Febbo Eric , Dupont Jennifer
Published: July 2015

Chlorine is used commonly to prevent biofouling in cooling water systems. The addition of chlorine poses environmental risks in natural systems due to its tendency to form chlorination by-products (CBPs) when exposed to naturally-occurring organic matter (NOM). Some of these CBPs can pose toxic risks to aquatic and benthic species in the receiving waters. It is, therefore, important to study the fate of residual chlorine and CBPs to fully understand the potential impacts of chlorination to the environment. The goal of this study was to develop improved predictions of how chlorine and CBP concentrations in seawater vary with time, chlorine dose and temperature. In the present study, chlorination of once-through cooling water at Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLIC), Qatar, was studied by collecting unchlorinated seawater from the RLIC cooling water system intake, treating it with chlorine and measuring time series of chlorine and CBP concentrations. Multiple-rate exponential curves were used to represent fast and slow chlorine decay and CBP formation, and site-specific chlorine kinetic relationships were developed. Through extensive analysis of laboratory measurements, it was found that only some of the control parameters identified in the literature were important for predicting residual chlorine and CBP concentrations for this specific location. The new kinetic relationships were able to significantly improve the predictability and validity of Generalized Environmental Modeling System for Surfacewaters (GEMSS)-chlorine kinetics module (CKM), a three-dimensional hydrodynamic and chlorine kinetics and transport model when applied for RLIC outfall studies using actual field measurements.
Lindgomycin, an Unusual Antibiotic Polyketide from a Marine Fungus of the Lindgomycetaceae
Authors: Wu Bin , Wiese Jutta , Labes Antje , Kramer Annemarie , Schmaljohann Rolf , Imhoff Johannes
Published: July 2015

An unusual polyketide with a new carbon skeleton, lindgomycin (1), and the recently described ascosetin (2) were extracted from mycelia and culture broth of different Lindgomycetaceae strains, which were isolated from a sponge of the Kiel Fjord in the Baltic Sea (Germany) and from the Antarctic. Their structures were established by spectroscopic means. In the new polyketide, two distinct domains, a bicyclic hydrocarbon and a tetramic acid, are connected by a bridging carbonyl. The tetramic acid substructure of compound 1 was proved to possess a unique 5-benzylpyrrolidine-2,4-dione unit. The combination of 5-benzylpyrrolidine-2,4-dione of compound 1 in its tetramic acid half and 3-methylbut-3-enoic acid pendant in its decalin half allow the assignment of a new carbon skeleton. The new compound 1 and ascosetin showed antibiotic activities with IC50 value of 5.1 (±0.2) µM and 3.2 (±0.4) μM, respectively, against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Mechanical Properties Analysis of an Al-Mg Alloy Connecting Rod with Submicrometric Structure
Authors: León Javier , Salcedo Daniel , Murillo Óscar , Luis Carmelo , Fuertes Juan , Puertas Ignacio , Luri Rodrigo
Published: July 2015

Over these last few years, there has been a growing interest in developing mechanical components from submicrometric materials due to the significant improvement that these materials present compared to their original state. This present research work deals with the study of the mechanical properties of a connecting rod isothermally forged from different starting materials. These materials are as follows: annealed aluminum alloy (AA) 5754, the same alloy previously deformed through equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) and a third case where the previously ECAP-processed material is subjected to a recovery heat treatment. A comparison is made between finite volume (FV) simulations and experimental tests with respect to hardness, plastic strain and forging force. Furthermore, the improvement in the mechanical properties of the connecting rod forged from predeformed material is evaluated in comparison to the connecting rod forged with annealed material. The microstructure of both cases is also compared at the end of the manufacturing process.
Inhibition of Oral Streptococci Growth Induced by the Complementary Action of Berberine Chloride and Antibacterial Compounds
Authors: Dziedzic Arkadiusz , Wojtyczka Robert , Kubina Robert
Published: July 2015

Synergistic interactions between natural bioactive compounds from medicinal plants and antibiotics may exhibit therapeutic benefits, acting against oral cariogenic and opportunistic pathogens. The aim of the presented work was to assess the antibacterial activity of berberine chloride (BECl) in light of the effect exerted by common antibiotics on selected reference strains of oral streptococci (OST), and to evaluate the magnitude of interactions. Three representative oral microorganisms were investigated: Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 (SM), S. sanguinis ATCC 10556 (SS), S. oralis ATCC 9811 (SO) and microdilution tests, along with disc diffusion assays were applied. Here, we report that growth (viability) of all oral streptococci was reduced by exposure to BECl and was dependent primarily on exposure/ incubation time. A minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of BECl against OST ranged from 512 µg/mL (SS) to 1024 µg/mL (SM, SO). The most noticeable antibacterial effects were observed for S. sanguinis (MIC 512 µg/mL) and the most significant synergistic action was found for the combinations BECl-penicillin, BECl-clindamycin and BECl-erythromycin. The S. oralis reflects the highest MBC value as assessed by the AlamarBlue assay (2058 µg/mL). The synergy between berberine and common antibiotics demonstrates its potential use as a novel antibacterial tool for opportunistic infections and also provides a rational basis for the use of berberine as an oral hygiene measure.
Phenolic Compounds from the Roots of Rhodiola crenulata and Their Antioxidant and Inducing IFN-γ Production Activities
Authors: Zhou Jiang-Tao , Li Chen-Yang , Wang Chun-Hua , Wang Yue-Fei , Wang Xiao-Dong , Wang Hong-Tao , Zhu Yan , Jiang Miao-Miao , Gao Xiu-Mei
Published: July 2015

In the present study, two new phenolic compounds 1 and 11, a pair of lignan isomers 12 and 13 with their absolute configurations established for the first time, were isolated from the ethanol extract of the roots of Rhodiola crenulata, together with 13 known phenolic compounds, and their structures were elucidated via NMR, HRESIMS, UV, IR and CD analyses. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activities using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays. Ten of them exhibited significant antioxidant activities compared to ascorbic acid. Furthermore, the inducibilities of the isolated compounds to IFN-γ production were also assessed. Compounds 1, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14 and 15 could moderately stimulate IFN-γ expression.
Identification of Eupatilin from Artemisia argyi as a Selective PPARα Agonist Using Affinity Selection Ultrafiltration LC-MS
Authors: Choi Yongsoo , Jung Yujung , Kim Su-Nam
Published: July 2015

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are key nuclear receptors and therapeutic targets for the treatment of metabolic diseases through the regulation of insulin resistance, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Although a few drugs that target PPARs have been approved, more diverse and novel PPAR ligands are necessary to improve the safety and efficacy of available drugs. To expedite the search for new natural agonists of PPARs, we developed a screening assay based on ultrafiltration liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) that is compatible with complex samples such as dietary foods or botanical extracts. The known PPARα and/or PPARγ ligands resveratrol and rosiglitazone were used as positive controls to validate the developed method. When applied to the screening of an Artemisia argyi extract, eupatilin was identified as a selective PPARα ligand. A PPAR competitive binding assay based on FRET detection also confirmed eupatilin as a selective PPARα agonist exhibiting a binding affinity of 1.18 μM (IC50). Furthermore, eupatilin activation of the transcriptional activity of PPARα was confirmed using a cell-based transactivation assay. Thus, ultrafiltration LC-MS is a suitable assay for the identification of PPAR ligands in complex matrixes such as extracts of dietary foods and botanicals.
Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link Fruiting Body Reduces the Growth of a Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Line by Increasing Cellular Levels of p53 and p21
Authors: Bizarro Ana , Ferreira Isabel , Soković Marina , Van Griensven Leo , Sousa Diana , Vasconcelos M. , Lima Raquel
Published: July 2015

Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link, an edible entomopathogenic fungus widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, has numerous potential medicinal properties including antitumor activity. The methanolic extract of C. militaris fruiting body was recently shown to have tumor cell growth inhibitory activity in several human tumor cell lines. Nonetheless, the mechanism of action involved is still not known. This work aimed at further studying the effect of the methanolic extract of C. militaris regarding its antitumor mechanism of action, using the non-small cell lung cancer cell line (NCI-H460) as a model. Results showed that treatment with the extract decreased cellular proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 and increased apoptosis. In addition, the extract increased the levels of p53 and p21. Moreover, an increase in p-H2A.X and 53BP1 levels, together with an increase in the number of 53BP1 foci/cell (all indicative of DNA damage), were also observed after treatment with the extract. This work suggests that this extract affected NCI-H460 cellular viability through a mechanism involving DNA damage and p53 activation. This further supports the potential of this extract as a source of bioactive compounds, which may be used in anticancer strategies.
Synthesis and Fungicidal Activity of β-Carboline Alkaloids and Their Derivatives
Authors: Li Zhibin , Chen Shaohua , Zhu Shaowen , Luo Jianjun , Zhang Yaomou , Weng Qunfang
Published: July 2015

A series of β-Carboline derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their fungicidal activities in this study. Several derivatives electively exhibited fungicidal activities against some fungi. Especially, compound F5 exhibited higher fungicidal activity against Rhizoctonia solani (53.35%) than commercial antiviral agent validamycin (36.4%); compound F16 exhibited high fungicidal activity against Oospora citriaurantii ex Persoon (43.28%). Some of the alkaloids and their derivatives (compounds F4 and F25) exhibited broad-spectrum fungicidal activity. Specifically, compound F4 exhibited excellent high broad-spectrum fungicidal activity in vitro, and the curative and protection activities against P. litchi in vivo reached 92.59% and 59.26%, respectively. The new derivative, F4, with optimized physicochemical properties, obviously exhibited higher activities both in vitro and in vivo; therefore, F4 may be used as a new lead structure for the development of fungicidal drugs.
Dietary Assessment on a Mobile Phone Using Image Processing and Pattern Recognition Techniques: Algorithm Design and System Prototyping
Authors: Probst Yasmine , Nguyen Duc , Tran Minh , Li Wanqing
Published: July 2015

Dietary assessment, while traditionally based on pen-and-paper, is rapidly moving towards automatic approaches. This study describes an Australian automatic food record method and its prototype for dietary assessment via the use of a mobile phone and techniques of image processing and pattern recognition. Common visual features including scale invariant feature transformation (SIFT), local binary patterns (LBP), and colour are used for describing food images. The popular bag-of-words (BoW) model is employed for recognizing the images taken by a mobile phone for dietary assessment. Technical details are provided together with discussions on the issues and future work.
Quantifying Gas Flaring CH4 Consumption Using VIIRS
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Scheving Beau , Shoghli Bahareh , Zygarlicke Chris , Wocken Chad
Published: July 2015

A method was developed to estimate the consumption of CH4 and the release of CO2 by gas flaring using VIIRS nighttime data. The results agreed with the field data collected at six stations in Bakken field, North Dakota, USA, within ±50%, as measured by mean relative errors and with a correlation coefficient of 0.75. This improved over the NOAA NightFire estimates, likely due to: (1) more stringent data selection using only the middle portion of cloud-free VIIRS nighttime imagery; (2) the use of a lower heating rate, which is more suitable for the field condition; and (3) more accurate efficiency factors in calculating completeness in combustion and conversion of total reaction energy into radiant energy that can be sensed by a satellite sensor. While using atmospherically-corrected data can further improve the estimate of CH4 consumption by ~10%, the major uncertainty remains as being the form factor of the flares, particularly the ratio of total surface area of a flare to the cross-section area that was seen by a satellite sensor.
Optical Characterization of Lorentz Force Based CMOS-MEMS Magnetic Field Sensor
Authors: Dennis John , Ahmad Farooq , Khir M. , Hamid Nor
Published: July 2015

Magnetic field sensors are becoming an essential part of everyday life due to the improvements in their sensitivities and resolutions, while at the same time they have become compact, smaller in size and economical. In the work presented herein a Lorentz force based CMOS-MEMS magnetic field sensor is designed, fabricated and optically characterized. The sensor is fabricated by using CMOS thin layers and dry post micromachining is used to release the device structure and finally the sensor chip is packaged in DIP. The sensor consists of a shuttle which is designed to resonate in the lateral direction (first mode of resonance). In the presence of an external magnetic field, the Lorentz force actuates the shuttle in the lateral direction and the amplitude of resonance is measured using an optical method. The differential change in the amplitude of the resonating shuttle shows the strength of the external magnetic field. The resonance frequency of the shuttle is determined to be 8164 Hz experimentally and from the resonance curve, the quality factor and damping ratio are obtained. In an open environment, the quality factor and damping ratio are found to be 51.34 and 0.00973 respectively. The sensitivity of the sensor is determined in static mode to be 0.034 µm/mT when a current of 10 mA passes through the shuttle, while it is found to be higher at resonance with a value of 1.35 µm/mT at 8 mA current. Finally, the resolution of the sensor is found to be 370.37 µT.
A Comparative Study on the Suitability of Smartphones and IMU for Mobile, Unsupervised Energy Expenditure Calculi
Authors: Ruiz-Zafra Angel , Orantes-González Eva , Noguera Manuel , Benghazi Kawtar , Heredia-Jimenez Jose
Published: July 2015

The metabolic equivalent of task (MET) is currently the most used indicator for measuring the energy expenditure (EE) of a physical activity (PA) and has become an important measure for determining and supervising a person’s state of health. The use of new devices which are capable of measuring inertial movements by means of built-in accelerometers enable the PA to be measured objectively on the basis of the reckoning of “counts”. These devices are also known as inertial measurement units (IMUs) and each count is an aggregated value indicating the intensity of a movement and can be used in conjunction with other parameters to determine the MET rate of a particular physical activity and thus it’s associated EE. Various types of inertial devices currently exist that enable count calculus and physical activity to be monitored. The advent of mobile devices, such as smartphones, with empowered computation capabilities and integrated inertial sensors, has enabled EE to be measure in a distributed, ubiquitous and natural way, thereby overcoming the reluctance of users and practitioners associated with in-lab studies. From the point of view of the process analysis and infrastructure needed to manage data from inertial devices, there are also various differences in count computing: extra devices are required, out-of-device processing, etc. This paper presents a study to discover whether the estimation of energy expenditure is dependent on the accelerometer of the device used in measurements and to discover the suitability of each device for performing certain physical activities. In order to achieve this objective, we have conducted several experiments with different subjects on the basis of the performance of various daily activities with different smartphones and IMUs.
AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistor-Based Biosensor for the Detection of C-Reactive Protein
Authors: Lee Hee , Bae Myunghan , Jo Sung-Hyun , Shin Jang-Kyoo , Son Dong , Won Chul-Ho , Jeong Hyun-Min , Lee Jung-Hee , Kang Shin-Won
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we propose an AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT)-based biosensor for the detection of C-reactive protein (CRP) using a null-balancing circuit. A null-balancing circuit was used to measure the output voltage of the sensor directly. The output voltage of the proposed biosensor was varied by antigen-antibody interactions on the gate surface due to CRP charges. The AlGaN/GaN HFET-based biosensor with null-balancing circuit applied shows that CRP can be detected in a wide range of concentrations, varying from 10 ng/mL to 1000 ng/mL. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was carried out to verify the immobilization of self-assembled monolayer with Au on the gated region.
Upper Limb Kinematics Using Inertial and Magnetic Sensors: Comparison of Sensor-to-Segment Calibrations
Authors: Bouvier Brice , Duprey Sonia , Claudon Laurent , Dumas Raphaël , Savescu Adriana
Published: July 2015

Magneto-Inertial Measurement Unit sensors (MIMU) display high potential for the quantitative evaluation of upper limb kinematics, as they allow monitoring ambulatory measurements. The sensor-to-segment calibration step, consisting of establishing the relation between MIMU sensors and human segments, plays an important role in the global accuracy of joint angles. The aim of this study was to compare sensor-to-segment calibrations for the MIMU-based estimation of wrist, elbow, and shoulder joint angles, by examining trueness (“close to the reference”) and precision (reproducibility) validity criteria. Ten subjects performed five sessions with three different operators. Three classes of calibrations were studied: segment axes equal to technical MIMU axes (TECH), segment axes generated during a static pose (STATIC), and those generated during functional movements (FUNCT). The calibrations were compared during the maximal uniaxial movements of each joint, plus an extra multi-joint movement. Generally, joint angles presented good trueness and very good precision in the range 5°–10°. Only small discrepancy between calibrations was highlighted, with the exception of a few cases. The very good overall accuracy (trueness and precision) of MIMU-based joint angle data seems to be more dependent on the level of rigor of the experimental procedure (operator training) than on the choice of calibration itself.
Robust Priority for Strategic Environmental Assessment with Incomplete Information Using Multi-Criteria Decision Making Analysis
Authors: Park Daeryong , Kim Yeonjoo , Um Myoung-Jin , Choi Sung-Uk
Published: July 2015

This study investigates how the priority rankings for dam construction sites vary with multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) techniques and generation approaches for incomplete information. Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) seeks to recommend sustainable dam construction sites based on their environmental and ecological impacts in a long-term plan for dam construction (LPDC) in South Korea. However, if specific information is missing, the SEA is less useful for choosing a dam construction site. In this study, we applied AHP, ELECTRE III, PROMETHEE II and Compromise Programming as MCDM techniques, and used binomial and uniform distributions to generate missing information. We considered five dam site selection situations and compared the results as they depended on both MCDM techniques and information generation methods. The binomial generation method showed the most obvious priorities. All MCDM techniques showed similar priorities in the dam site selection results except for ELECTREE III. The results demonstrate that selecting an appropriate MCDM technique is more important than the data generation method. However, using binomial distribution to generate missing information is more effective in providing a robust priority than uniform distribution, which is a commonly used technique.
REDD+ and Institutions
Authors: Kronenberg Jakub , Orligóra-Sankowska Ewa , Czembrowski Piotr
Published: July 2015

This paper investigates the relationship between payments made under the REDD+ umbrella (Reducing Emissions from Forest Degradation and Deforestation plus conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks) and the quality of institutions in countries that are expected to receive these payments. Using scatter plots and simple correlation analysis, we can see that countries receiving the most significant REDD+ payments (at least in relative terms) have the poorest quality of institutions. Although the REDD+ concept has evolved significantly since a similar analysis was carried out by Ebeling and Yasué in 2008, the institutional problems have remained equally important. This is also in line with the recently formulated “ecosystem service curse” and “REDD paradox” hypotheses, whereby payments for ecosystem services (including those offered within REDD+) might lead to socio-economic problems in recipient countries.
Partial Characterization of Venom from the Colombian Spider Phoneutria Boliviensis (Aranae:Ctenidae)
Authors: Estrada-Gomez Sebastian , Muñoz Leidy , Lanchero Paula , Latorre Cesar
Published: July 2015

We report on the first studies on the characterization of venom from Phoneutria boliviensis (Aranae:Ctenidae) (F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1897), done with Colombian species. After the electrostimulation extraction process, the venom showed physicochemical properties corresponding to a colorless and water-soluble liquid with a density of 0.86 mg/mL and 87% aqueous content. P. boliviensis venom and RP-HPLC fractions showed hemolytic activity and hydrolyzed the synthetic substrate 4-nitro-3-octanoyloxy-benzoic acid, indicating the presence of phospholipases A2 enzymes. The electrophoretic profile showed an important protein content with molecular masses below 14 kDa, and differences between male and female protein content were also revealed. The RP-HPLC venom profile exposes differences between males and female content consistent with the electrophoretic profile. Five fractions collected from the RP-HPLC displayed significant larvicidal activity. Mass analysis indicates the presence of peptides ranging from 1047.71 to 3278.07 Da. Two peptides, Ctenitoxin-Pb48 and Ctenitoxin-Pb53, were partially identified using HPLC-nESI-MS/MS, which showed a high homology with other Ctenitoxins (family Tx3) from Phoneutria nigriventer, Phoneutria keyserlingi and Phoneutria reidyi affecting voltage-gated calcium receptors (Cav 1, 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3) and NMDA-glutamate receptors.
Seawater and Freshwater Circulations through Coastal Forested Wetlands on a Caribbean Island
Authors: Lambs Luc , Bompy Félix , Imbert Daniel , Corenblit Dov , Dulormne Maguy
Published: July 2015

Structure and composition of coastal forested wetlands are mainly controlled by local topography and soil salinity. Hydrology plays a major role in relation with tides, seaward, and freshwater inputs, landward. We report here the results of a two-year study undertaken in a coastal plain of the Guadeloupe archipelago (FWI). As elsewhere in the Caribbean islands, the study area is characterized by a micro-tidal regime and a highly seasonal climate. This work aimed at understanding groundwater dynamics and origin (seawater/freshwater) both at ecosystems and stand levels. These hydrological processes were assessed through 18O/16O and 2H/1H isotopic analyses, and from monthly monitoring of water level and soil salinity at five study sites located in mangrove (3) and swamp forest (2). Our results highlight the importance of freshwater budget imbalance during low rainfall periods. Sustained and/or delayed dry seasons cause soil salinity to rise at the mangrove/swamp forest ecotone. As current models on climate change project decreasing rainfall amounts over the inner Caribbean region, one may expect for this area an inland progression of the mangrove forest to the expense of the nearby swamp forest.
Analysis of Urban Drainage Networks Using Gibbs’ Model: A Case Study in Seoul, South Korea
Authors: Seo Yongwon , Hwang Junshik , Noh Seong
Published: July 2015

Drainage networks are essential compartments in an urban infrastructure system for the efficient collection and prompt drainage of flood water. In addition to the advances in numerical techniques on urban flood simulation, the topological characteristics of urban drainage networks and their impacts on flooding have not been investigated thoroughly despite their importance. This study evaluated the urban drainage networks in Seoul, South Korea, in terms of the network configuration and its implication for peak flows and flood mitigation. Gibbs’ model was used to analyze the network configuration of 31 urban catchments with various slope ranges. The results showed that urban drainage networks can be less efficient than river in nature in terms of the drainage time, which is counter-intuitive. On the other hand, the analysis showed that efficient networks have risks of flood concentration and, hence, increase potential flood risks. This study showed that efficient networks tend to have higher peak flows at the outlet and vice versa. Therefore, an alternative drainage network layout, which is less efficient and more sinuous, was introduced and it resulted in reduced peak flows and flooding. This result shows managing a proper drainage network layout can contribute to flood mitigation in urban catchments.
Tree Diversity and Dynamics of the Forest of Seu Nico, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Gastauer Markus , Leyh Werner , Meira-Neto João
Published: July 2015

To understand future changes in community composition due to global changes, the knowledge about forest community dynamics is of crucial importance. To improve our understanding about processes and patterns involved in maintaining species rich Neotropical ecosystems, we provide here a dataset from the one hectare Forest of Seu Nico (FSN) Dynamics Plot from Southeastern Brazil.

We report diameter at breast height, basal area and height measurements of 2868 trees and treelets identified from two census spanning over a nine-year period. Furthermore, soil properties and understory light availability of all 100 10 x 10m subplots from the one hectare FSN Dynamics Plot during the second census are given.
Resolving Bottlenecks: Converting Three High-Enrollment Nursing Courses to an Online Format
Authors: Chen Ken-Zen , Anderson Jeff , Hannah Elizabeth Lyon , Bauer Christine , Provant-Robishaw Corinna
Published: July 2015

Background:

Converting large undergraduate classes from the classroom to online has been an effective way to increase enrollments in high-demand courses in undergraduate education. However, challenges exist to maintaining students’ high-quality learning interaction and engagement in large online courses. This article presents a collaborative model between faculty in health sciences and instructional designers to redesign and redevelop three high-enrollment courses to online at Boise State University.

Method:

Health studies course faculty and eCampus instructional designers conducted this study to reflect the collaborative online course development process at Boise State.

Results:

The offering of high-enrollment nursing courses met enrollment demand and maintained student retention. Challenges related to instruction were addressed by using a careful course redesign process and continuous improvement.

Conclusion:

Implications of this educational innovation for health science educators, instructional designers, and lessons learned are provided. [
J Nurs Educ
. 2015;54(7):404–408.
Preceptorship and the Nurse Practitioner Student: Navigating the Liminal Space
Authors: Billay Diane , Myrick Florence , Yonge Olive
Published: July 2015

Background:

The purpose of this study was to explore the process occurring in preceptorship to prepare nurse practitioner students for their future role in professional practice. The researchers examined this process through the eyes of the preceptors, nurse practitioner students, and faculty.

Method:

A grounded theory method was used to explore the process involved in preceptorship to prepare nurse practitioner students in the clinical setting.

Results:

The process of navigating the liminal space emerged from the data to explain what actually was occurring throughout the nurse practitioner student preceptorship. This process was reflected on three levels: (a) positioning in preceptorship, (b) repositioning on the threshold of nurse practitioner, and (c) embracing the new nurse practitioner role.

Conclusion:

As the data emerged, the researchers uncovered a multidimensional process that was occurring in preceptorship. This process was identified as navigating the liminal space. [
J Nurs Educ.
2015;54(8):430–437.]
Using Simulation to Promote Professional Development of Clinical Instructors
Authors: Hunt Caralise W. , Curtis Amy M. , Gore Teresa
Published: July 2015

Background:

Clinical instructors play an important role in the education of nursing students. Nursing faculty must provide orientation and support for clinical instructors to ensure quality clinical experiences for students. Simulation can be used as a teaching strategy to prepare clinical instructors for clinical teaching. The purpose of this article is to describe the use of simulation to prepare clinical instructors in the role of teaching and increase confidence to provide clinical education to students.

Method:

Clinical instructors attended an orientation program that included simulation. During the simulation, nursing student volunteers role-played situations that required instructors to intervene for patient safety. Following the simulation, clinical instructors completed an online survey to measure confidence in teaching students.

Results:

Twenty-six clinical instructors participated in the simulation with student volunteers and completed the survey.

Conclusion:

Clinical instructors thought the simulation prepared them for clinical teaching, increased their confidence, and assisted them to provide student feedback. [
J Nurs Educ.
2015;54(8):468–471.]
Variación sintáctica en las construcciones pasivas con ser. Las preposiciones introductoras del agente
Authors: Nieuwenhuijsen Dorien
Published: July 2015

El presente trabajo constituye un estudio diacrónico acerca de la pérdida de la preposición de como introductora del complemento agente y la subsiguiente propagación de la preposición por en construcciones pasivas perifrásticas con ser. Además de presentar datos cuantitativos acerca de la distribución de ambas preposiciones, se llevan a cabo unos análisis estadísticos para medir la influencia de la naturaleza del agente pasivo sobre la selección de la preposición. Las hipótesis que se someten a prueba en esta parte, fundadas en distintas jerarquías lingüisticas, permiten descubrir a través de qué contextos por extiende su uso a expensas de de.
mLUX: Usability and User Experience Development Framework for M-Learning
Authors: Dirin Amir , Nieminen Marko
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we propose the mLUX framework, a model based on the user-centered design (UCD) framework, which is specifically for the development of m-learning applications. We present the results of four case studies conducted to develop m-learning applications in which the proposed mLUX framework was applied. The main goal of the proposed mLUX framework is to ensure that the stakeholders, especially students, recognize that m-learning applications are learning media that fulfill their essential educational requirements. We begin by reviewing the literature on the contributions to mobile learning usability made in various conferences and journals from 2002 to 2010. This review helped identify and recognize the methodology used to develop mobile learning applications during this period. Based on the literature review, as the empirical case studies, four m-learning applications are examined to demonstrate the performance of the proposed framework for the development of m-learning applications. We apply three distinct measurement criteria to assess the performances of the mLUX framework. This paper also argues that emotional factors, such as the user’s enjoyment, adjustability, and reliability, are significant design issues in m-learning.
Annual Survival Rate Estimate of Satellite Transmitter–Marked Eastern Population Greater Sandhill Cranes
Authors: Fronczak David L. , Andersen David E. , Hanna Everett E. , Cooper Thomas R.
Published: July 2015

Several surveys have documented the increasing population size and geographic distribution of Eastern Population greater sandhill cranes Grus canadensis tabida since the 1960s. Sport hunting of this population of sandhill cranes started in 2012 following the provisions of the Eastern Population Sandhill Crane Management Plan. However, there are currently no published estimates of Eastern Population sandhill crane survival rate that can be used to inform harvest management. As part of two studies of Eastern Population sandhill crane migration, we deployed solar-powered global positioning system platform transmitting terminals on Eastern Population sandhill cranes (n  =  42) at key concentration areas from 2009 to 2012. We estimated an annual survival rate for Eastern Population sandhill cranes from data resulting from monitoring these cranes by using the known-fates model in the MARK program. Estimated annual survival rate for adult Eastern Population sandhill cranes was 0.950 (95% confidence interval  =  0.885–0.979) during December 2009–August 2014. All fatalities (n  =  5) occurred after spring migration in late spring and early summer. We were unable to determine cause of death for crane fatalities in our study. Our survival rate estimate will be useful when combined with other population parameters such as the population index derived from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fall survey, harvest, and recruitment rates to assess the effects of harvest on population size and trend and evaluate the effectiveness of management strategies.
Governance and Risk Management in the Cloud with Cloud Controls Matrix V3 and ISO/IEC 38500:2008
Authors: Chaudhuri Abhik
Published: July 2015

Cloud based services are gaining popularity across the globe and there is a growing interest to adopt the cloud for operational efficiency, green computing initiatives and service agility. However, concerns of security and risks in the Cloud are important constraints to reaping the benefits of Cloud Computing. Controlling the threats and vulnerabilities of Cloud based IT Services are prime necessities with proper policies and guidance from the Business Leadership or Board. While Business is concentrating on cost reduction as a primary enabler for adopting Cloud based Services, there is a growing need for exercising effective Governance and Risk Management to mitigate security risks and to exercise control over data in the Cloud. This chapter discusses how Governance and Risk Management domain (GRM) of Cloud Controls Matrix (CSA CCM) V3 Framework from Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) and the ISO/IEC 38500:2008 standard for IT Governance can be utilized together for an effective Governance and Risk Management of Cloud Services.
Advances in Information, Security, Privacy & Ethics
Authors: Woodside Joseph M.
Published: July 2015

The future of education lays in the hand of Cloud Computing given the benefits of learning delivery, costs reduction, and innovation. At the same time, the threat of cyber-attacks and security breaches are also mounting for education based organizations and are a prime target given the amount and type of personal information available. This manuscript discusses the cloud security, privacy, and ethical mechanisms required from a teacher, student, and administrator perspective.
Improving Privacy and Security in Multicloud Architectures
Authors: Shukla Piyush Kumar , Ahirwar Mahendra Kumar
Published: July 2015

In this chapter we described the concept of multicloud architecture in which locally distributed clouds are combined to provide combined services of locally distributed clouds to the users. We started with basic of cloud computing and reached to multicloud through single cloud. In this chapter have described four architectural models for multicloud. Architecture models are Repetition of applications, Partition of System architecture into layers, Partition of Security features into segments and Distributing of data into fragments with these models security of the data resides in the datacenters of the cloud computing must be increased which leads to reliability in data storing of data.
Hard Clues in Soft Environments
Authors: Atzeni Andrea , Smiraglia Paolo , Siringo Andrea
Published: July 2015

Cloud forensics is an open and important area of research due to the growing interest in cloud technology. The increasing frequency of digital investigations brings with it the need for studying specific scenarios in the area of forensics, both when evidence are inside the cloud and when the cloud can be used as platform to perform the investigations. In this chapter we highlight the problems digital forensics must deal with in the Cloud. We introduce historical roots of digital forensics, as well as an overall background about the Cloud and we provide possible meanings of cloud forensics, based on available definitions. Since the cloud introduces different architectural paradigm that affects all the phases of a forensics investigation, in this survey we detail many security issues digital forensics have to face in a cloud environment. We describe when and what available solutions exist and, on the contrary, the still open problems, and we discuss possible future directions in this field.
B Cell–Intrinsic IDO1 Regulates Humoral Immunity to T Cell–Independent Antigens
Authors: Shinde Rahul , Shimoda Michiko , Chaudhary Kapil , Liu Haiyun , Mohamed Eslam , Bradley Jillian , Kandala Sridhar , Li Xia , Liu Kebin , McGaha Tracy L.
Published: July 2015

Humoral responses to nonproteinaceous Ags (i.e., T cell independent [TI]) are a key component of the early response to bacterial and viral infection and a critical driver of systemic autoimmunity. However, mechanisms that regulate TI humoral immunity are poorly defined. In this study, we report that B cell–intrinsic induction of the tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme IDO1 is a key mechanism limiting TI Ab responses. When Ido1−/− mice were immunized with TI Ags, there was a significant increase in Ab titers and formation of extrafollicular Ab-secreting cells compared with controls. This effect was specific to TI Ags, as Ido1 disruption did not affect Ig production after immunization with protein Ags. The effect of IDO1 abrogation was confined to the B cell compartment, as adoptive transfer of Ido1−/− B cells to B cell–deficient mice was sufficient to replicate increased TI responses observed in Ido1−/− mice. Moreover, in vitro activation with TLR ligands or BCR crosslinking rapidly induced Ido1 expression and activity in purified B cells, and Ido1−/− B cells displayed enhanced proliferation and cell survival associated with increased Ig and cytokine production compared with wild-type B cells. Thus, our results demonstrate a novel, B cell–intrinsic, role for IDO1 as a regulator of humoral immunity that has implications for both vaccine design and prevention of autoimmunity.
Valanginian miospore and microplankton assemblages from the northern Richardson Mountains, District of Mackenzie, Canada
Authors: Brideaux W W , McIntyre D J
Published: July 2015

The taxonomy and biostratigraphy of pollen, spore, dinoflagellate and acritarch assemblages for the Bluish grey shale unit (lower to middle Yalanginian) of the Lowe r sandstone di vision are described from two outcrop sections from the northern end of the
Richardson Mountain s, west of Aklavik, Distric t of Mackenzie.
Fifty-five species of pollen and spores and forty-eight species of dinoflagellates and acritarchs are recognized. One new spore species, Triporoletes incertus, and ten new dinoflagellate species, Apteodinium apiatum, Apteodinium spongiosum, Millioudodinium saetigerum, Millioudodinium
spinoreticulateum, Palaeostomocystis senilis, Cleistosphaeridium separatum, Cleistosphaeridium spissum, Ctenidodinium sc issum, Goc hteodinia judilentinae and Kallosphaeridium? agglutinatum, are described.