bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statement Networks to Condition Monitoring of the Sealless Pump
Authors: Rzydzik Sebastian , Amarowicz Marcin , Psiuk Krzysztof , Rogala Tomasz
Published: November 2014

This paper shows an application of multi-layer statement networks to condition monitoring of the sealless magnetic drive pump. In this case, statement networks are computed based on the use of Bayesian probabilities. Moreover, the tool called REx which allows implementing such networks is described. An example of created four-layer network as well as final results of the performed tests shows also.
Electronic and Photonic Systems Wilga 2014
Authors: Romaniuk Ryszard S.
Published: November 2014

Symposium Wilga 2014, in its 34th edition, was organized during the last week of May. Symposium is organized under the auspices of SPIE, IEEE, Photonics Society of Poland, WEiTI PW, and PKOpto SEP. The event gathered around 350 persons, mainly young researchers from the whole country. There were presented around 250 speeches and communications. The main book of Symposium Proceedings is Proc. SPIE vol.9290 which contains around 130 papers. A few tens of papers were also published in technical journals. The leading topics of Wilga 2014 were gathered in key sessions: nano-materials for photonics and electronics, astronomy and space technology, biomedicine, computational intelligence, visualization and multimedia, and large research experiments. The paper presents a digest of some topical tracks, and chosen work results presented during WILGA 2014 Symposium.
The 123 theorem of Probability Theory and Copositive Matrices
Authors: Kovačec Alexander , Moreira Miguel M. R. , Martins David P.
Published: November 2014

Alon and Yuster give for independent identically distributed real or vector valued random variablesX, Y combinatorially proved estimates of the form Prob(∥X − Y∥ ≤ b) ≤ c Prob(∥X − Y∥ ≤ a). We derivethese using copositive matrices instead. By the same method we also give estimates for the real valued case,involving X + Y and X − Y, due to Siegmund-Schultze and von Weizsäcker as generalized by Dong, Li andLi. Furthermore, we formulate a version of the above inequalities as an integral inequality for monotonefunctions.
Labor Market Returns to Sub-Baccalaureate Credentials
Authors: Dadgar Mina , Trimble Madeline Joy
Published: November 2014

This study provides one of the first estimates of the returns to different types of community college credentials—short-term certificates, long-term certificates, and associate degrees—across different fields of study. We exploit a rich data set that includes matched, longitudinal college transcripts and Unemployment Insurance records for students who entered a Washington State community college in 2001–2002. Our findings based on an individual fixed effect model suggest that earning an associate degree or a long-term certificate is associated with increased wages, particularly for women. We find that there is greater variation in returns to wages by the field of study than by degree type.
Plasmon enhanced scattering and fluorescence in amorphous matrix
Authors: Amjad Raja J. , Sahar Md. Rahim , Shaukat S. F. , Mahmood Hassan , Sattar Abdul , Dousti M. R. , Nawaz Fakhra
Published: November 2014

A melt-quench method is used to synthesize a series of tellurite glasses containing fixed concentration of Er2O3, with and without silver nanoparticles. The existence of metallic nanoparticles (average diameter ∼24–36 nm) inside the glass is confirmed by transmission electron microscope imaging. From UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, a surface plasmon resonance band is detected in the visible region (∼484 nm). Furthermore, the intensity of both fluorescence and Raman scattering is found to be enhanced by embedding silver nanoparticles inside the glass matrix. These enhancements are attributed to the surface plasmon resonance effect in which direct plasmon excitation enhances the local field at the surface of the nanostructures. Enhanced fluorescence influenced by silver nanoparticles may contribute towards the development of optical displays, laser and optical memory devices whereas amplification of the Raman signal is promising for Raman amplifiers.
800°C isothermal section of the Co–Cr–Mo–Si quaternary system
Authors: Jiang Songlin , Yin Fucheng , Zhang Minghua , Zhao Manxiu , Li Zhi
Published: November 2014

The 800°C isothermal section of the Co–Cr–Mo–Si quaternary system with the Co content fixed at 70 at.% and different contents of Cr, Mo and Si was determined by means of X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Twelve different phase regions could be identified; one of them being a wide (Co) + Co3Mo2Si phase field, but only one four-phase region consisting of (Co) + Co3Mo +Co7Mo6 + Co3Mo2Si was experimentally confirmed. The measured solubility of Si in the Co3Mo phase is rather limited but could reach up to 15.1 at.% in Co7Mo6. The solubility of Cr in Co3Mo and Co7Mo6 was measured to be as high as 13.4 and 23.3 at.%, respectively, and the maximum solubility of Cr in (Co), αCo2Si and Co3Mo2Si could reach 26.9, 5.6 and 12.5 at.%, respectively.
Intermetallic phase stabilized Al/Pb metallic emulsion
Authors: Budai István
Published: November 2014

In the present paper the stabilization of Al–Pb metallic emulsion was studied. The pure liquid Pb is dispersed in liquid Al-rich Al–Sr alloy which contains dispersed Al4Sr precipitates. The Sr is dissolved in the Al-rich liquid and it is redistributed into the Pb phase. By the emulsification method the new Pb3Sr phase droplets are homogeneously dispersed in the Al-rich matrix. The Al–Pb metallic emulsion is cooled spontaneously.
Textbooks, Identity Politics, and Lines of Conflict in South Asia
Authors: Ayaz Naseem Muhammad , Stöber Georg
Published: November 2014

The concept of identity has evolved from an essentialist notion of a dominant group (which largely disregards the existence of plural identities or “patchwork identities” and their contextuality)2 into a notion that recognizes the discursive and fluid constitution of identities that are “constantly in the process of change and transformation.”3 Beyond academic debate about definitions, identity remains a relevant category in politics and society. Identity politics mobilize followers and supporters and may foster nation building. They are seldom unchallenged, for different discourses of identity often struggle for supremacy.
Living in Harmony?
Authors: Khan Banerjee Basabi , Stöber Georg
Published: November 2014

Three societal lines of conflict, “casteism”, communalism, and regionalism, are regarded as severe challenges in present-day India. This article discusses and compares differences between presentations of these lines of conflict in six textbook series for social sciences prepared by the Indian states of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, and by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in New Delhi. The variations in perspective, scope, and approach are related to changing educational approaches and to specific discourses of identity politics, which may be explained in terms of the impact of different positions adopted by states and the union towards the issues, and in terms of the discursive dominance of specific sociopolitical viewpoints.
Grüber's ligament as a useful landmark for the abducens nerve in the transnasal approach
Authors: Tomio Ryosuke , Toda Masahiro , Sutiono Agung Budi , Horiguchi Takashi , Aiso Sadakazu , Yoshida Kazunari
Published: November 2014

OBJECT

Extended endoscopic transnasal surgeries for skull base lesions have recently been performed. Some expert surgeons have attempted to remove tumors such as chordomas, meningiomas, and pituitary adenomas in the clival region using the transnasal approach and have reported abducens nerve injury as a common complication. There have been many microsurgical anatomical studies of the abducens nerve, but none of these studies has described an anatomical landmark of the abducens nerve in the transnasal approach. In this study the authors used cadaver dissections to describe Grüber's ligament as the most reliable landmark of the abducens nerve in the transnasal transclival view.

METHODS

The petroclival segment of the abducens nerve was dissected in the interdural space—which is also called Dorello's canal, the petroclival venous gulf, or the sphenopetroclival venous confluence—using the transnasal approach in 20 specimens obtained from 10 adult cadaveric heads.

RESULTS

The petroclival segment of the abducens nerve clearly crossed and attached to Grüber's ligament in the interdural space, as noted in the transnasal view. The average length of the dural porus to the intersection on the abducens nerve was 5.2 ± 1.0 mm. The length of the posterior clinoid process (PCP) to the intersection on Grüber's ligament was 6.4 ± 2.6 mm. The average width of Grüber's ligament at the midsection was 1.6 ± 0.5 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

Grüber's ligament is considered a useful landmark, and it is visible in most adults. Thus, surgeons can find the abducens nerve safely by visualizing inferolaterally along Grüber's ligament from the PCP.
Influence of depression symptoms on patient expectations and clinical outcomes in the surgical management of spinal stenosis
Authors: Urban-Baeza Alejandro , Zárate-Kalfópulos Barón , Romero-Vargas Samuel , Obil-Chavarría Claudia , Brenes-Rojas Luis , Reyes-Sánchez Alejandro
Published: November 2014

OBJECT

This prospective cohort study was designed to determine the influence of depressive symptoms on patient expectations and the clinical outcomes of the surgical management of lumbar spinal stenosis.

METHODS

Patients with an age > 45 years, a diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis at one level, and an indication for decompressive surgery were included in this study. Data for all of the following parameters were recorded: age, sex, highest level of education, and employment status. Depression symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory), disability (Oswestry Disability Index), and back and leg pain (visual analog scale) were assessed before surgery and at 12 months thereafter. The reasons for surgery and patient expectations (North American Spine Society lumbar spine questionnaire) were noted before surgery. The global effectiveness of surgery (Likert scale) was assessed at the 1-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients were divided into two groups based on the presence (Group 1) or absence (Group 2) of depressive symptoms preoperatively; each group comprised 29 patients. Demographic data were similar in both groups before surgery. The main reason to undergo surgery was “fear of a worse situation” in 34% of the patients in Group 1 and “to reduce pain” in 24% of the patients in Group 2. The most prevalent expectation was to improve my social life and my mental health in both groups. Surgery had a relieving effect on the depressive symptoms in 14 patients (48%). Thus, in the postoperative period, the number of patients who were free of depressive symptoms was 43 compared with the 15 who were depressed (p = 0.001). The 15 patients with persistent depression symptoms after surgery had a worse clinical outcome compared with the 43 patients free of depression symptoms at the 1-year follow-up in terms of severe back pain (20% vs 0%, respectively), severe leg pain (40% vs 2.3%, respectively), and severe disability (53% vs 9.3%, respectively). Only 33% of patients with persistent depression symptoms after surgery chose the option “surgery helped a lot” compared with 76% of patients without depression symptoms. Moreover, in terms of expectations regarding improvement in back pain, leg pain, walking capacity, independence, physical duties, and social activities, fewer patients were “completely satisfied” in the group with persistent depression symptoms after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery for spinal stenosis had a relieving effect on preoperative depression symptoms at the 1-year follow-up. The persistence of depressive symptoms after surgery correlated with a worse clinical outcome and a higher rate of unmet expectations. Screening measures to detect and treat depression symptoms in the perioperative period could lead to better clinical results and increased patient satisfaction.
Infratentorial complications following preresection CSF diversion in children with posterior fossa tumors
Authors: El-Gaidi Mohamed Ali , El-Nasr Ashraf Hesham Abou , Eissa Ehab Mohamed
Published: November 2014

OBJECT

This report presents the incidence, causes, and morbidity and mortality of infratentorial complications following CSF diversion before resection in children with posterior fossa tumors.

METHODS

The medical records of 437 children admitted to Abo El-Reesh Pediatric University Hospital with a diagnosis of posterior fossa tumor between 2005 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Seven children developed neurological deterioration following CSF diversion due to infratentorial complications. Computed tomography scans revealed intratumoral hemorrhage (ITH) in 5 cases, while upward transtentorial herniation (UTH), as evidenced by obliteration of the quadrigeminal and ambient cisterns, was diagnosed in 2 cases.

RESULTS

Hydrocephalus was noted in 381 patients, and 301 patients underwent CSF diversion before resection. A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt was used in 214 patients, and 6 children (2.8% of shunted cases) deteriorated neurologically (4 due to ITH and 2 due to UTH). Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) was performed in 87 patients, 1 of whom developed ITH (1.1% of the patients undergoing ETV). Six patients deteriorated within 8 hours (85.7%), whereas 1 patient, the only survivor, deteriorated after 24 hours. The incidence of infratentorial complications between VP shunts and ETVs was not found to be significantly different (p = 0.659). There was a higher risk of such complications in large posterior fossa tumors (diameter ≥ 4 cm) extending close to the tentorial incisura, especially in patients with severe hydrocephalus and significant peritumoral edema.

CONCLUSIONS

Infratentorial complications (ITH and UTH) in children with posterior fossa tumors are not uncommon (2.3%) after preresection CSF diversion (VP shunt or ETV) and are associated with a very poor prognosis in most cases, even with surgical intervention.
A Polygeneration System Based on Multi-Input Chemical Looping Combustion
Authors: Zhang Xiaosong , Li Sheng , Jin Hongguang
Published: November 2014

This paper proposes a polygeneration system based on a multi-input chemical looping combustion system, which generates methanol and electricity, through the use of natural gas and coal. In this system, the chemical looping hydrogen (CLH) production system and the coal-based methanol production system are integrated. A high quality fuel, natural gas, is used to improve the conversion ratio of coal. The Gibbs energy of the two kinds of fuels is fully used. Benefitting from the chemical looping process, 27% CO2 can be captured without energy penalty. With the same outputs of methanol and electricity, the energy savings ratio of the new system is about 12%. Based on the exergy analyses, it is disclosed that the integration of synthetic utilization of natural gas and coal plays a significant role in reducing the exergy destruction of the new system. The promising results obtained in this paper may lead to a clean coal technology that will utilize natural gas and coal more efficiently and economically.
Spatial Analysis of the Distribution, Risk Factors and Access to Medical Resources of Patients with Hepatitis B in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Xi Yuliang , Ren Fu , Liang Shi , Zhang Jinghua , Lin De-Nan
Published: November 2014

Considering the high morbidity of hepatitis B in China, many epidemiological studies based on classic medical statistical analysis have been started but lack spatial information. However, spatial information such as the spatial distribution, autocorrelation and risk factors of the disease is of great help in studying patients with hepatitis B. This study examined 2851 cases of hepatitis B that were hospitalized in Shenzhen in 2010 and studied the spatial distribution, risk factors and spatial access to health services using spatial interpolation, Pearson correlation analysis and the improved two-step floating catchment area method. The results showed that the spatial distribution of hepatitis B, along with risk factors as well as spatial access to the regional medical resources, was uneven and mainly concentrated in the south and southwest of Shenzhen in 2010. In addition, the distribution characteristics of hepatitis B revealed a positive correlation between four types of service establishments and risk factors for the disease. The Pearson correlation coefficients are 0.566, 0.515, 0.626, 0.538 corresponding to bath centres, beauty salons, massage parlours and pedicure parlours (p < 0.05). Additionally, the allocation of medical resources for hepatitis B is adequate, as most patients could be treated at nearby hospitals.
Nrf2 and Redox Status in Prediabetic and Diabetic Patients
Authors: Jiménez-Osorio Angélica , Picazo Alejandra , González-Reyes Susana , Barrera-Oviedo Diana , Rodríguez-Arellano Martha , Pedraza-Chaverri José
Published: November 2014

The redox status associated with nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) was evaluated in prediabetic and diabetic subjects. Total antioxidant status (TAS) in plasma and erythrocytes, glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content and activity of antioxidant enzymes were measured as redox status markers in 259 controls, 111 prediabetics and 186 diabetic type 2 subjects. Nrf2 was measured in nuclear extract fractions from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Nrf2 levels were lower in prediabetic and diabetic patients. TAS, GSH and activity of glutamate cysteine ligase were lower in diabetic subjects. An increase of MDA and superoxide dismutase activity was found in diabetic subjects. These results suggest that low levels of Nrf2 are involved in the development of oxidative stress and redox status disbalance in diabetic patients.
Post-Transcriptional Up-Regulation of PDGF-C by HuR in Advanced and Stressed Breast Cancer
Authors: Luo Nian-An , Qu Ya-Qi , Yang Guo-Dong , Wang Tao , Li Ren-Li , Jia Lin-Tao , Dong Rui
Published: November 2014

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease characterized by multiple genetic alterations leading to the activation of growth factor signaling pathways that promote cell proliferation. Platelet-derived growth factor-C (PDGF-C) is overexpressed in various malignancies; however, the involvement of PDGF-C in breast cancers and the mechanisms underlying PDGF-C deregulation remain unclear. Here, we show that PDGF-C is overexpressed in clinical breast cancers and correlates with poor prognosis. PDGF-C up-regulation was mediated by the human embryonic lethal abnormal vision-like protein HuR, which stabilizes the PDGF-C transcript by binding to two predicted AU-rich elements (AREs) in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR). HuR is up-regulated in hydrogen peroxide-treated or ultraviolet-irradiated breast cancer cells. Clinically, HuR levels are correlated with PDGF-C expression and histological grade or pathological tumor-node-metastasis (pTNM) stage. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism underlying HuR-mediated breast cancer progression, and suggest that HuR and PDGF-C are potential molecular candidates for targeted therapy of breast cancers.
Structural Biology of DNA (6-4) Photoproducts Formed by Ultraviolet Radiation and Interactions with Their Binding Proteins
Authors: Yokoyama Hideshi , Mizutani Ryuta
Published: November 2014

Exposure to the ultraviolet component of sunlight causes DNA damage, which subsequently leads to mutations, cellular transformation, and cell death. DNA photoproducts with (6-4) pyrimidine-pyrimidone adducts are more mutagenic than cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers. These lesions must be repaired because of the high mutagenic potential of (6-4) photoproducts. We here reviewed the structures of (6-4) photoproducts, particularly the detailed structures of the (6-4) lesion and (6-4) lesion-containing double-stranded DNA. We also focused on interactions with their binding proteins such as antibody Fabs, (6-4) photolyase, and nucleotide excision repair protein. The (6-4) photoproducts that bound to these proteins had common structural features: The 5'-side thymine and 3'-side pyrimidone bases of the T(6-4)T segment were in half-chair and planar conformations, respectively, and both bases were positioned nearly perpendicularly to each other. Interactions with binding proteins showed that the DNA helices flanking the T(6-4)T segment were largely kinked, and the flipped-out T(6-4)T segment was recognized by these proteins. These proteins had distinctive binding-site structures that were appropriate for their functions.
α, ω-Cholesterol-Functionalized Low Molecular Weight Polyethylene Glycol as a Novel Modifier of Cationic Liposomes for Gene Delivery
Authors: Ma Cui-Cui , He Zhi-Yao , Xia Shan , Ren Ke , Hui Li-Wei , Qin Han-Xiao , Tang Ming-Hai , Zeng Jun , Song Xiang-Rong
Published: November 2014

Here, three novel cholesterol (Ch)/low molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugates, termed α, ω-cholesterol-functionalized PEG (Ch2-PEGn), were successfully synthesized using three kinds of PEG with different average molecular weight (PEG600, PEG1000 and PEG2000). The purpose of the study was to investigate the potential application of novel cationic liposomes (Ch2-PEGn-CLs) containing Ch2-PEGn in gene delivery. The introduction of Ch2-PEGn affected both the particle size and zeta potential of cationic liposomes. Ch2-PEG2000 effectively compressed liposomal particles and Ch2-PEG2000-CLs were of the smallest size. Ch2-PEG1000 and Ch2-PEG2000 significantly decreased zeta potentials of Ch2-PEGn-CLs, while Ch2-PEG600 did not alter the zeta potential due to the short PEG chain. Moreover, the in vitro gene transfection efficiencies mediated by different Ch2-PEGn-CLs also differed, in which Ch2-PEG600-CLs achieved the strongest GFP expression than Ch2-PEG1000-CLs and Ch2-PEG2000-CLs in SKOV-3 cells. The gene delivery efficacy of Ch2-PEGn-CLs was further examined by addition of a targeting moiety (folate ligand) in both folate-receptor (FR) overexpressing SKOV-3 cells and A549 cells with low expression of FR. For Ch2-PEG1000-CLs and Ch2-PEG2000-CLs, higher molar ratios of folate ligand resulted in enhanced transfection efficacies, but Ch2-PEG600-CLs had no similar in contrast. Additionally, MTT assay proved the reduced cytotoxicities of cationic liposomes after modification by Ch2-PEGn. These findings provide important insights into the effects of Ch2-PEGn on cationic liposomes for delivering genes, which would be beneficial for the development of Ch2-PEGn-CLs-based gene delivery system.
Circulating microRNA-19a as a Potential Novel Biomarker for Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhong Jianfeng , He Yuan , Chen Wenjiang , Shui Xiaorong , Chen Can , Lei Wei
Published: November 2014

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a serious cardiovascular disease. Investigating new susceptibility genes for effective methods of early diagnosis of AMI is important. In the current study, peripheral blood miR-19a levels were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Significant differences and logistic correlation analyses were carried out by grouping of disease types and stratification of risk factors. Receiver-operator characteristic curve analysis was used to compare the current common clinical biochemical markers and evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of miR-19a for diagnosing AMI. Circulating miR-19a expression in the AMI group was higher than that in controls. The diagnostic effect of circulating miR-19a levels was superior to current clinical biochemical indices, such as CK, CK-MB, MYO, hs-TnI, and BNP. Our results show that there is a close association of circulating miR-19a levels with susceptibility to AMI. Circulating miR-19a levels could be a candidate diagnostic biomarker for AMI.
Interactions of Borneol with DPPC Phospholipid Membranes: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Yin Qianqian , Shi Xinyuan , Ding Haiou , Dai Xingxing , Wan Guang , Qiao Yanjiang
Published: November 2014

Borneol, known as a “guide” drug in traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used as a natural penetration enhancer in modern clinical applications. Despite a large number of experimental studies on borneol’s penetration enhancing effect, the molecular basis of its action on bio-membranes is still unclear. We carried out a series of coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations with the borneol concentration ranging from 3.31% to 54.59% (v/v, lipid-free basis) to study the interactions of borneol with aDPPC(1,2-dipalmitoylsn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine) bilayer membrane, and the temperature effects were also considered. At concentrations below 21.89%, borneol’s presence only caused DPPC bilayer thinning and an increase in fluidity; A rise in temperature could promote the diffusing progress of borneol. When the concentration was 21.89% or above, inverted micelle-like structures were formed within the bilayer interior, which led to increased bilayer thickness, and an optimum temperature was found for the interaction of borneol with the DPPC bilayer membrane. These findings revealed that the choice of optimal concentration and temperature is critical for a given application in which borneol is used as a penetration enhancer. Our results not only clarify some molecular basis for borneol’s penetration enhancing effects, but also provide some guidance for the development and applications of new preparations containing borneol.
Pine Bark and Green Tea Concentrated Extracts: Antioxidant Activity and Comprehensive Characterization of Bioactive Compounds by HPLC–ESI-QTOF-MS
Authors: De la Luz Cádiz-Gurrea María , Fernández-Arroyo Salvador , Segura-Carretero Antonio
Published: November 2014

The consumption of polyphenols has frequently been associated with low incidence of degenerative diseases. Most of these natural antioxidants come from fruits, vegetables, spices, grains and herbs. For this reason, there has been increasing interest in identifying plant extract compounds. Polymeric tannins and monomeric flavonoids, such as catechin and epicatechin, in pine bark and green tea extracts could be responsible for the higher antioxidant activities of these extracts. The aim of the present study was to characterize the phenolic compounds in pine bark and green tea concentrated extracts using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI-QTOF-MS). A total of 37 and 35 compounds from pine bark and green tea extracts, respectively, were identified as belonging to various structural classes, mainly flavan-3-ol and its derivatives (including procyanidins). The antioxidant capacity of both extracts was evaluated by three complementary antioxidant activity methods: Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Higher antioxidant activity values by each method were obtained. In addition, total polyphenol and flavan-3-ol contents, which were determined by Folin–Ciocalteu and vanillin assays, respectively, exhibited higher amounts of gallic acid and (+)-catechin equivalents.
Spectroscopic Studies of R(+)-α-Lipoic Acid—Cyclodextrin Complexes
Authors: Ikuta Naoko , Tanaka Akira , Otsubo Ayako , Ogawa Noriko , Yamamoto Hiromitsu , Mizukami Tomoyuki , Arai Shoji , Okuno Masayuki , Terao Keiji , Matsugo Seiichi
Published: November 2014

α-Lipoic acid (ALA) has a chiral center at the C6 position, and exists as two enantiomers, R(+)-ALA (RALA) and S(−)-ALA (SALA). RALA is naturally occurring, and is a cofactor for mitochondrial enzymes, therefore playing a major role in energy metabolism. However, RALA cannot be used for pharmaceuticals or nutraceuticals because it readily polymerizes via a 1,2-dithiolane ring-opening when exposed to light or heat. So, it is highly desired to find out the method to stabilize RALA. The purpose of this study is to provide the spectroscopic information of stabilized RALA and SALA through complexation with cyclodextrins (CDs), α-CD, β-CD and γ-CD and to examine the physical characteristics of the resultant complexes in the solid state. The RALA-CD structures were elucidated based on the micro fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman analyses. The FT-IR results showed that the C=O stretching vibration of RALA appeared at 1717 cm−1 and then shifted on formation of the RALA-CD complexes. The Raman spectra showed that the S–S and C–S stretching vibrations for RALA at 511 cm−1 (S–S), 631 cm−1 (C–S) and 675 cm−1 (C–S) drastically weakened and almost disappeared upon complexation with CDs. Several peaks indicative of O–H vibrations also shifted or changed in intensity. These results indicate that RALA and CDs form host-guest complexes by interacting with one another.
MicroRNA-130b Promotes Cell Aggressiveness by Inhibiting Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Tu Kangsheng , Zheng Xin , Dou Changwei , Li Chao , Yang Wei , Yao Yingmin , Liu Qingguang
Published: November 2014

MircroRNA-130b (miR-130b) is proposed as a novel tumor-related miRNA and has been found to be significantly dysregulated in tumors. In this study, the expression level of miR-130b was found to be obviously higher in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues than that in nontumor tissues. Further, miR-130b was expressed at significantly higher levels in aggressive and recurrent tumor tissues. Clinical analysis indicated that high-expression of miR-130b was prominently correlated with venous infiltration, high Edmondson-Steiner grading and advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) tumor stage in HCC. Elevated miR-130b expression was observed in all HCC cell lines (HepG2, SMMC-7721, Huh7, Hep3B and MHCC97H) as compared with that in a nontransformed hepatic cell line (LO2). Furthermore, an inverse correlation between miR-130b and E-cadherin and a positive correlation between miR-130b and Vimentin were observed in HCC tissues. Down-regulation of miR-130b expression reduced invasion and migration in both Hep3B and MHCC97H cells. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) was inversely correlated with miR-130b expression in HCC tissues. In addition, down-regulation of miR-130b restored PPAR-γ expression and subsequently suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC cells. We identified PPARγ as a direct target of miR-130b in HCC in vitro. Notably, PPAR-γ knockdown abolished down-regulation of miR-130b-inhibited EMT in MHCC97H cells. In conclusion, miR-130b may promote HCC cell migration and invasion by inhibiting PPAR-γ and subsequently inducing EMT.
Multiple Mechanisms Mediate Resistance to Sorafenib in Urothelial Cancer
Authors: Knievel Judith , Schulz Wolfgang , Greife Annemarie , Hader Christiane , Lübke Tobias , Schmitz Ingo , Albers Peter , Niegisch Günter
Published: November 2014

Genetic and epigenetic changes in the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling render urothelial cancer a potential target for tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment. However, clinical trials of several TKIs failed to prove efficacy. In this context, we investigated changes in MAPK signaling activity, downstream apoptotic regulators and changes in cell cycle distribution in different urothelial cancer cell lines (UCCs) upon treatment with the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib. None of the classical sorafenib targets (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1/-receptor 2, VEGFR1/-R2; platelet-derived growth factor receptor α/-receptor β, PDGFR-α/-β; c-KIT) was expressed at significant levels leaving RAF proteins as its likely molecular target. Low sorafenib concentrations paradoxically increased cell viability, whereas higher concentrations induced G1 arrest and eventually apoptosis. MAPK signaling remained partly active after sorafenib treatment, especially in T24 cells with an oncogenic HRAS mutation. AKT phosphorylation was increased, suggesting compensatory activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. Sorafenib regularly down regulated the anti-apoptotic myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1) protein, but combinatorial treatment with ABT-737 targeting other B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family proteins did not result in synergistic effects. In summary, efficacy of sorafenib in urothelial cancer cell lines appears hampered by limited effects on MAPK signaling, crosstalk with further cancer pathways and an anti-apoptotic state of UCCs. These observations may account for the lack of efficacy of sorafenib in clinical trials and should be considered more broadly in the development of signaling pathway inhibitors for drug therapy in urothelial carcinoma.
Novel Flavonol Glycosides from the Aerial Parts of Lentil (Lens culinaris)
Authors: Żuchowski Jerzy , Pecio Łukasz , Stochmal Anna
Published: November 2014

While the phytochemical composition of lentil (Lens culinaris) seeds is well described in scientific literature, there is very little available data about secondary metabolites from lentil leaves and stems. Our research reveals that the aerial parts of lentil are a rich source of flavonoids. Six kaempferol and twelve quercetin glycosides were isolated, their structures were elucidated using NMR spectroscopy and chemical methods. This group includes 16 compounds which have not been previously described in the scientific literature: quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→2)-β-D-galactopyranoside-7-O-β-D-glucuropyranoside (1), kaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→2)-β-D-galacto-pyranoside-7-O-β-D-glucuropyranoside (3), their derivatives 4–10,12–15,17,18 acylated with caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, or 3,4,5-trihydroxycinnamic acid and kaempferol 3-O-{[(6-O-E-p-coumaroyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→2)]-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)}-β-D-galactopyranoside-7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (11). Their DPPH scavenging activity was also evaluated. This is probably the first detailed description of flavonoids from the aerial parts of lentil.
Spectroscopic Investigation of the Mechanism of Photocatalysis
Authors: Nosaka Yoshio , Nishikawa Masami , Nosaka Atsuko
Published: November 2014

Reaction mechanisms of various kinds of photocatalysts have been reviewed based on the recent reports, in which various spectroscopic techniques including luminol chemiluminescence photometry, fluorescence probe method, electron spin resonance (ESR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were applied. The reaction mechanisms elucidated for bare and modified TiO2 were described individually. The modified visible light responsive TiO2 photocatalysts, i.e., Fe(III)-deposited metal-doped TiO2 and platinum complex-deposited TiO2, were studied by detecting paramagnetic species with ESR, •O2− (or H2O2) with chemiluminescence photometry, and OH radicals with a fluorescence probe method. For bare TiO2, the difference in the oxidation mechanism for the different crystalline form was investigated by the fluorescence probe method, while the adsorption and decomposition behaviors of several amino acids and peptides were investigated by 1H-NMR spectroscopy.
The Impact of Vegetation on Lithological Mapping Using Airborne Multispectral Data: A Case Study for the North Troodos Region, Cyprus
Authors: Grebby Stephen , Cunningham Dickson , Tansey Kevin , Naden Jonathan
Published: November 2014

Vegetation cover can affect the lithological mapping capability of space- and airborne instruments because it obscures the spectral signatures of the underlying geological substrate. Despite being widely accepted as a hindrance, few studies have explicitly demonstrated the impact vegetation can have on remote lithological mapping. Accordingly, this study comprehensively elucidates the impact of vegetation on the lithological mapping capability of airborne multispectral data in the Troodos region, Cyprus. Synthetic spectral mixtures were first used to quantify the potential impact vegetation cover might have on spectral recognition and remote mapping of different rock types. The modeled effects of green grass were apparent in the spectra of low albedo lithologies for 30%–40% fractional cover, compared to just 20% for dry grass cover. Lichen was found to obscure the spectra for 30%–50% cover, depending on the spectral contrast between bare rock and lichen cover. The subsequent impact of vegetation on the remote mapping capability is elucidated by considering the outcomes of three airborne multispectral lithological classifications alongside the spectral mixing analysis and field observations. Vegetation abundance was found to be the primary control on the inability to classify large proportions of pixels in the imagery. Matched Filtering outperformed direct spectral matching algorithms owing to its ability to partially unmix pixel spectra with vegetation abundance above the modeled limits. This study highlights that despite the limited spectral sampling and resolution of the sensor and dense, ubiquitous vegetation cover, useful lithological information can be extracted using an appropriate algorithm. Furthermore, the findings of this case study provide a useful insight to the potential capabilities and challenges faced when utilizing comparable sensors (e.g., Landsat 8, Sentinel-2, WorldView-3) to map similar types of terrain.
Emissivity Measurements of Foam-Covered Water Surface at L-Band for Low Water Temperatures
Authors: Wei En-Bo , Liu Shu-Bo , Wang Zhen-Zhan , Tong Xiao-Lin , Dong Shuai , Li Bin , Liu Jing-Yi
Published: November 2014

For a foam-covered sea surface, it is difficult to retrieve sea surface salinity (SSS) with L-band brightness temperature (1.4 GHz) because of the effect of a foam layer with wind speeds stronger than 7 m/s, especially at low sea surface temperature (SST). With foam-controlled experiments, emissivities of a foam-covered water surface at low SST (−1.4 °C to 1.7 °C) are measured for varying SSS, foam thickness, incidence angle, and polarization. Furthermore, a theoretical model of emissivity is introduced by combining wave approach theory with the effective medium approximation method. Good agreement is obtained upon comparing theoretical emissivities with those of experiments. The results indicate that foam parameters have a strong influence on increasing emissivity of a foam-covered water surface. Increments of experimental emissivities caused by foam thickness of 1 cm increase from about 0.014 to 0.131 for horizontal polarization and 0.022 to 0.150 for vertical polarization with SSS increase and SST decrease. Contributions of the interface between the foam layer and water surface to the foam layer emissivity increments are discussed for frequencies between 1 and 37 GHz.
Service-Oriented Node Scheduling Scheme for Wireless Sensor Networks Using Markov Random Field Model
Authors: Cheng Hongju , Su Zhihuang , Lloret Jaime , Chen Guolong
Published: November 2014

Future wireless sensor networks are expected to provide various sensing services and energy efficiency is one of the most important criterions. The node scheduling strategy aims to increase network lifetime by selecting a set of sensor nodes to provide the required sensing services in a periodic manner. In this paper, we are concerned with the service-oriented node scheduling problem to provide multiple sensing services while maximizing the network lifetime. We firstly introduce how to model the data correlation for different services by using Markov Random Field (MRF) model. Secondly, we formulate the service-oriented node scheduling issue into three different problems, namely, the multi-service data denoising problem which aims at minimizing the noise level of sensed data, the representative node selection problem concerning with selecting a number of active nodes while determining the services they provide, and the multi-service node scheduling problem which aims at maximizing the network lifetime. Thirdly, we propose a Multi-service Data Denoising (MDD) algorithm, a novel multi-service Representative node Selection and service Determination (RSD) algorithm, and a novel MRF-based Multi-service Node Scheduling (MMNS) scheme to solve the above three problems respectively. Finally, extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed scheme efficiently extends the network lifetime.
Localisation of an Unknown Number of Land Mines Using a Network of Vapour Detectors
Authors: Chhadé Hiba , Abdallah Fahed , Mougharbel Imad , Gning Amadou , Julier Simon , Mihaylova Lyudmila
Published: November 2014

We consider the problem of localising an unknown number of land mines usingconcentration information provided by a wireless sensor network. A number of vapoursensors/detectors, deployed in the region of interest, are able to detect the concentrationof the explosive vapours, emanating from buried land mines. The collected data iscommunicated to a fusion centre. Using a model for the transport of the explosive chemicalsin the air, we determine the unknown number of sources using a Principal ComponentAnalysis (PCA)-based technique. We also formulate the inverse problem of determiningthe positions and emission rates of the land mines using concentration measurementsprovided by the wireless sensor network. We present a solution for this problem basedon a probabilistic Bayesian technique using a Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling scheme,and we compare it to the least squares optimisation approach. Experiments conducted onsimulated data show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Odometry for Ground Moving Agents by Optic Flow Recorded with Optical Mouse Chips
Authors: Dahmen Hansjürgen , Mallot Hanspeter
Published: November 2014

Optical mouse chips—equipped with adequate lenses—can serve as small, light, precise, fast, and cheap motion sensors monitoring optic flow induced by self motion of an agent in a contrasted environment. We present a device that extracts self motion parameters exclusively from flow in eight mouse sensors. Four pairs of sensors with opposite azimuth are mounted on a sensor head, each individual sensor looking down with \(-\)45\(^{\circ}\) elevation. The head is mounted on a carriage and is moved at constant height above a textured planar ground. The calibration procedure and tests on the precision of self motion estimates are reported.
Remote Sensing of Ecosystem Health: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Li Zhaoqin , Xu Dandan , Guo Xulin
Published: November 2014

Maintaining a healthy ecosystem is essential for maximizing sustainable ecological services of the best quality to human beings. Ecological and conservation research has provided a strong scientific background on identifying ecological health indicators and correspondingly making effective conservation plans. At the same time, ecologists have asserted a strong need for spatially explicit and temporally effective ecosystem health assessments based on remote sensing data. Currently, remote sensing of ecosystem health is only based on one ecosystem attribute: vigor, organization, or resilience. However, an effective ecosystem health assessment should be a comprehensive and dynamic measurement of the three attributes. This paper reviews opportunities of remote sensing, including optical, radar, and LiDAR, for directly estimating indicators of the three ecosystem attributes, discusses the main challenges to develop a remote sensing-based spatially-explicit comprehensive ecosystem health system, and provides some future perspectives. The main challenges to develop a remote sensing-based spatially-explicit comprehensive ecosystem health system are: (1) scale issue; (2) transportability issue; (3) data availability; and (4) uncertainties in health indicators estimated from remote sensing data. However, the Radarsat-2 constellation, upcoming new optical sensors on Worldview-3 and Sentinel-2 satellites, and improved technologies for the acquisition and processing of hyperspectral, multi-angle optical, radar, and LiDAR data and multi-sensoral data fusion may partly address the current challenges.
Citizen Assessment as Policy Tool of Urban Public Services: Empirical Evidence from Assessments of Urban Green Spaces in China
Authors: Shan Xi-Zhang , Yu Xijun
Published: November 2014

Efficient delivery and precision provision of urban public services concern quality of urban life and urban sustainability. Amid much debate regarding citizen assessments as a policy tool of public services, this study examines the validity of citizen assessments through user assessments of urban green spaces (UGSs) in Guangzhou, China. Users can distinguish the qualities of UGS across the dimensions and types, the assessment of individual UGSs matches the overall assessment of all UGSs in the city as a whole, and the overall assessment is only slightly influenced by personal backgrounds. Findings consistently support user assessments as a policy tool of UGSs and offer empirical evidence on the validity of citizen assessments. This positive evidence will encourage city managers to seriously consider citizen assessments and even institutionalize them as a standard management practice of (specific) urban public services, including UGSs, in China and abroad.
Optimized Renewable and Sustainable Electricity Generation Systems for Ulleungdo Island in South Korea
Authors: Yoo Kyeongsik , Park Eunil , Kim Heetae , Ohm Jay , Yang Taeyong , Kim Ki , Chang Hyun , Del Pobil Angel
Published: November 2014

The South Korean government has long been attempting to reduce the nation’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels and increase environmental safety by developing and installing renewable power generation infrastructures and implementing policies for promoting the green growth of Korea’s energy industry. This study focuses on the use of independent renewable power generation systems in the more than 3000 officially affirmed islands off Korea’s coast and proposes a simulated solution to the electricity load demand on Ulleungdo Island that incorporates several energy sources (including solar, batteries, and wind) as well as one hydro-electric and two diesel generators. Recommendations based on the simulation results and the limitations of the study are discussed.
Dynamiques géomorphologiques holocènes et contexte d'implantation des sites de l'âge du bronze dans la vallée de l'Halil Roud (bassin de Jiroft, SE de l'Iran) (Holocene geomorphological dynamics and Bronze Age settlement localisation along the Halil Roud valley (Jiroft basin, SE of Iran))
Authors: Fouache Éric , Garçon Damien
Published: November 2014

La région de Jiroft, située le long de la vallée de l'Halil Roud au sud-est de l'Iran en domaine semi-aride, a été un foyer culturel important au IIIe millénaire avant J.-C.. L 'aridité climatique, l'aléa sismique et les crues brutales sont des contraintes récurrentes qui pèsent sur toute implantation humaine dans cette région. En revanche la présence de puits artésiens et d'une nappe phréatique abondante, proche de la surface, ont constitué un atout inestimable malgré une salinité élevée. La reconstitution des emboîtements des dépôts fluviatiles, la recherche des lits fluviaux fossilisés sous plusieurs mètres d'alluvions holocènes sont une priorité pour reconstituer la paléotopographie de la région lors de l'implantation des sites.
L'expérience du voyage et son récit, à propos de L'usage du monde de Nicolas Bouvier (The experience of the travel and its account about l'usage du monde by Nicolas Bouvier)
Authors: Sivignon Michel
Published: November 2014

Nicolas Bouvier a publié en 1963 un très remarquable ouvrage L'usage du monde, récit d'un voyage de dix-huit mois (1953-1954) de Genève aux frontières du Pakistan. Plus qu'un récit de voyage classique, ce livre est une somme de réflexions où le géographe trouve des réponses à des questions qu 'il est nécessairement amené à se poser dans l'exercice de sa profession et dans son rapport au terrain : le rapport entre géographie et voyage, entre géographie et littérature et la place de l'expression du moi dans le discours scientifique.