bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Long-Range Regional Safety with Scenario Planning Analysis
Authors: Siddiqui Chowdhury , Watkins Kendra
Published: February 2016

This study attempted to evaluate the long-range regional safety of alternative growth scenarios. In doing so, a scenario planning process was undertaken for the midregion of New Mexico. This paper discusses the manifold aspects of data preparation that went into a scenario planning process. The study used land use and travel demand models to parameterize future scenarios and applied these parameters as covariates to model total and severe crashes separately for the future planning horizon with the use of three statistical modeling techniques: a negative binomial model, a Bayesian Poisson–lognormal model without accounting for spatial heterogeneity, and a spatial Bayesian Poisson–lognormal model. These models were investigated and compared for their forecasts for three alternative scenarios that were developed during the scenario planning process. The method adopted for generating and assembling future covariates from the land use and travel demand model accounted for their intricate nature and complexity to be geographically appropriate so that they might reliably synthesize future scenarios. The widest band of increase in crashes was observed from nonspatial Bayesian models. Despite their better predictive fit compared with the negative binomial models, they provided similar or worse safety forecasts for the alternative scenarios. The spatial models provided the least variability in their forecasts for all the alternative scenarios and had the best goodness of fit values. It was concluded that the approach of a safety forecast (short term versus long term) can be dictated by the accuracy of the predictability needed and expected from a regional safety model.
Lordoplasty: midterm outcome of an alternative augmentation technique for vertebral fractures
Authors: Hoppe Sven , Budmiger Mathias , Bissig Philipp , Aghayev Emin , Benneker Lorin M.
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVE

Vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty are effective treatment options for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures but are limited in correction of kyphotic deformity. Lordoplasty has been reported as an alternative, cost-effective, minimally invasive, percutaneous cement augmentation technique with good restoration of vertebral body height and alignment. The authors report on its clinical and radiological midterm results.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of patients treated with lordoplasty from 2002 to 2014. Inclusion criteria were clinical and radiological follow-up evaluations longer than 24 months. Radiographs were accessed regarding initial correction and progressive loss of reduction. Complications and reoperations were recorded. Actual pain level, pain relief immediately after surgery, autonomy, and subjective impression of improvement of posture were assessed by questionnaire.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients (46 women, 19 men, age range 38.9–86.2 years old) were treated with lordoplasty for 69 vertebral compression and insufficiency fractures. A significant correction of the vertebral kyphotic angle (mean 13°) and segmental kyphotic angle (mean 11°) over a mean follow-up of 33 months (range 24–108 months) was achieved (p < 0.001). On average, pain was relieved to 90% of the initial pain level. In 24% of the 65 patients a second spinal intervention was necessary: 16 distant (24.6%) and 7 adjacent (10.8%) new osteoporotic fractures, 4 instrumented stabilizations (6.2%), 1 new adjacent traumatic fracture (1.5%), and 1 distant microsurgical decompression (1.5%). Cement leakage occurred in 10.4% but was only symptomatic in 1 case.

CONCLUSIONS

Lordoplasty appeared safe and effective in midterm pain alleviation and restoration of kyphotic deformity in osteoporotic compression and insufficiency fractures. The outcomes of lordoplasty are consistent with other augmentation techniques.
Introducing a critical dialogical model for vocational teacher education
Authors: Alvunger Daniel , Adolfsson Carl-Henrik
Published: February 2016

The purpose with this article is to conceptualise and present what is referred to as a critical dialogical model for vocational teacher education that takes into account the interaction between theory/research and practice/experiential knowledge. The theoretical framework for the model is based on critical hermeneutics and the methodology of dialogue seminars with the aim to promote the development of a ‘critical self’ among the vocational teacher students. The model enacts an interface between theory and practice where a number of processes are identified: a reflective-analogical process, a critical-analytical process and an interactive critical self-building process. In order to include a theoretical argument concerning the issue of content, the concept of ‘learning capital’ and its four sub-categories in terms of curricular capital, instructional capital, moral capital and venture capital is used. We point at content-related aspects of student learning and how a critical self has the potential to promote various kinds of ‘capital’ and capacity building that may be of importance in the future work-life of the vocational teacher student.
Validation of a Discontinuous Galerkin Implementation of the Time-Domain Linearized Navier–Stokes Equations for Aeroacoustics
Authors: Arina Renzo
Published: February 2016

The propagation of small perturbations in complex geometries can involve hydrodynamic-acoustic interactions, coupling acoustic waves and vortical modes. A propagation model, based on the linearized Navier–Stokes equations, is proposed. It includes the mechanism responsible for the generation of vorticity associated with the hydrodynamic modes. The linearized Navier–Stokes equations are discretized in space using a discontinuous Galerkin formulation for unstructured grids. Explicit time integration and non-reflecting boundary conditions are described. The linearized Navier–Stokes (LNS) model is applied to two test cases. The first one is the time-harmonic source line in an incompressible inviscid two-dimensional mean shear flow in an infinite domain. It is shown that the proposed model is able to capture the trailing vorticity field developing behind the mass source and to represent the redistribution of the vorticity. The second test case deals with the analysis of the acoustic propagation of an incoming perturbation inside a circular duct with a sudden area expansion in the presence of a mean flow and the evaluation of its scattering matrix. The computed coefficients of the scattering matrix are compared to experimental data for three different Mach numbers of the mean flow, M0 = 0.08, 0.19 and 0.29. The good agreement with the experimental data shows that the proposed method is suitable for characterizing the acoustic behavior of this kind of network.
Guidance, Navigation and Control of Unmanned Airships under Time-Varying Wind for Extended Surveillance
Authors: Atmeh Ghassan , Subbarao Kamesh
Published: February 2016

This paper deals with the control of lighter-than-air vehicles, more specifically the design of an integrated guidance, navigation and control (GNC) scheme that is capable of navigating an airship through a series of constant-altitude, planar waypoints. Two guidance schemes are introduced, a track-specific guidance law and a proportional navigation guidance law, that provide the required signals to the corresponding controllers based on the airship position relative to a target waypoint. A novel implementation of the extended Kalman filter, namely the scheduled extended Kalman filter, estimates the required states and wind speed to enhance the performance of the track-specific guidance law in the presence of time-varying wind. The performance of the GNC system is tested using a high fidelity nonlinear dynamic simulation for a variety of flying conditions. Representative results illustrate the performance of the integrated system for chosen flight conditions.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Spotlight on Fatty Acid Oxidation and Lipoperoxidation Products
Authors: Barrera Giuseppina , Gentile Fabrizio , Pizzimenti Stefania , Canuto Rosa , Daga Martina , Arcaro Alessia , Cetrangolo Giovanni , Lepore Alessio , Ferretti Carlo , Dianzani Chiara , Muzio Giuliana
Published: February 2016

In several human diseases, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), produced mainly by mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, is increased. In cancer cells, the increase of ROS production has been associated with mtDNA mutations that, in turn, seem to be functional in the alterations of the bioenergetics and the biosynthetic state of cancer cells. Moreover, ROS overproduction can enhance the peroxidation of fatty acids in mitochondrial membranes. In particular, the peroxidation of mitochondrial phospholipid cardiolipin leads to the formation of reactive aldehydes, such as 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) and malondialdehyde (MDA), which are able to react with proteins and DNA. Covalent modifications of mitochondrial proteins by the products of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the course of oxidative cell stress are involved in the mitochondrial dysfunctions observed in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Such modifications appear to affect negatively mitochondrial integrity and function, in particular energy metabolism, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, antioxidant defenses and stress responses. In neurodegenerative diseases, indirect confirmation for the pathogenetic relevance of LPO-dependent modifications of mitochondrial proteins comes from the disease phenotypes associated with their genetic alterations.
A Review of Time-Scale Modification of Music Signals
Authors: Driedger Jonathan , Müller Meinard
Published: February 2016

Time-scale modification (TSM) is the task of speeding up or slowing down an audio signal’s playback speed without changing its pitch. In digital music production, TSM has become an indispensable tool, which is nowadays integrated in a wide range of music production software. Music signals are diverse—they comprise harmonic, percussive, and transient components, among others. Because of this wide range of acoustic and musical characteristics, there is no single TSM method that can cope with all kinds of audio signals equally well. Our main objective is to foster a better understanding of the capabilities and limitations of TSM procedures. To this end, we review fundamental TSM methods, discuss typical challenges, and indicate potential solutions that combine different strategies. In particular, we discuss a fusion approach that involves recent techniques for harmonic-percussive separation along with time-domain and frequency-domain TSM procedures.
Insights to Achieve a Better Control of Silicon-Aluminum Ratio and ZSM-5 Zeolite Crystal Morphology through the Assistance of Biomass
Authors: Silva Alessandra , Miranda Leandro , Nele Márcio , Louis Benoit , Pereira Marcelo
Published: February 2016

The present study attempts to provide insights for both the chemical composition (Si/Al) and the crystal morphology of ZSM-5 zeolites while using biomass template compounds in the synthesis. The solution containing biomass-derivative compounds was obtained after treating biomass in a sodium hydroxide aqueous solution under reflux. The latter alkaline solution was used as a solvent for zeolite nuclei ingredients to form the gel phase under hydrothermal conditions (170 °C during 24, 48 or 72 h). This approach allowed for preparing MFI zeolites having a broad range of Si/Al ratio, i.e., from 25 to 150. Likewise, MFI crystals with different morphologies could be obtained, being different from the pristine zeolite formed in the absence of biomass.
Impact of Cosmetic Lotions on Nanoparticle Penetration through ex Vivo C57BL/6 Hairless Mouse and Human Skin: A Comparison Study
Authors: Jatana Samreen , Callahan Linda , Pentland Alice , DeLouise Lisa
Published: February 2016

Understanding the interactions of nanoparticles (NPs) with skin is important from a consumer and occupational health and safety perspective, as well as for the design of effective NP-based transdermal therapeutics. Despite intense efforts to elucidate the conditions that permit NP penetration, there remains a lack of translatable results from animal models to human skin. The objectives of this study are to investigate the impact of common skin lotions on NP penetration and to quantify penetration differences of quantum dot (QD) NPs between freshly excised human and mouse skin. QDs were mixed in seven different vehicles, including five commercial skin lotions. These were topically applied to skin using two exposure methods; a petri dish protocol and a Franz diffusion cell protocol. QD presence in the skin was quantified using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. Results show that the commercial vehicles can significantly impact QD penetration in both mouse and human skin. Lotions that contain alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) facilitated NP penetration. Lower QD signal was observed in skin studied using a Franz cell. Freshly excised human skin was also studied immediately after the sub-cutaneous fat removal process, then after 24 h rest ex vivo. Resting human skin 24 h prior to QD exposure significantly reduced epidermal presence. This study exemplifies how application vehicles, skin processing and the exposure protocol can affect QD penetration results and the conclusions that maybe drawn between skin models.
Antioxidants and Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Pellegrino Daniela
Published: February 2016

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), the world’s primary cause of death and disability, represents a global health problem and involves a great public financial commitment in terms of both inability to work and pharmaceutical costs. CVD is characterized by a cluster of disorders, associated with complex interactions between multiple risk factors. The early identification of high cardiovascular risk subjects is one of the main targets of primary prevention in order to reduce the adverse impact of modifiable factors, from lifestyle changes to pharmacological treatments. The cardioprotective effect of food antioxidants is well known. Indeed, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables results in an increase in serum antioxidant capacity and a decrease in oxidative stress. In contrast, studies on antioxidant supplementation, even those that are numerically significant, have revealed no clear benefit in prevention and therapy of CVD. Both short- and long-term clinical trials have failed to consistently support cardioprotective effects of supplemental antioxidant intake. The aim of this review is to evaluate the antioxidant effects on the main cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes.
Ice Storage Air-Conditioning System Simulation with Dynamic Electricity Pricing: A Demand Response Study
Authors: Lo Chi-Chun , Tsai Shang-Ho , Lin Bor-Shyh
Published: February 2016

This paper presents an optimal dispatch model of an ice storage air-conditioning system for participants to quickly and accurately perform energy saving and demand response, and to avoid the over contact with electricity price peak. The schedule planning for an ice storage air-conditioning system of demand response is mainly to transfer energy consumption from the peak load to the partial-peak or off-peak load. Least Squares Regression (LSR) is used to obtain the polynomial function for the cooling capacity and the cost of power consumption with a real ice storage air-conditioning system. Based on the dynamic electricity pricing, the requirements of cooling loads, and all technical constraints, the dispatch model of the ice-storage air-conditioning system is formulated to minimize the operation cost. The Improved Ripple Bee Swarm Optimization (IRBSO) algorithm is proposed to solve the dispatch model of the ice storage air-conditioning system in a daily schedule on summer. Simulation results indicate that reasonable solutions provide a practical and flexible framework allowing the demand response of ice storage air-conditioning systems to demonstrate the optimization of its energy savings and operational efficiency and offering greater energy efficiency.
Ultraviolet Irradiation Effect on Apple Juice Bioactive Compounds during Shelf Storage
Authors: Juarez-Enriquez Edmundo , Salmerón Ivan , Gutierrez-Mendez Nestor , Ortega-Rivas Enrique
Published: February 2016

Clarified and standardized apple juice was ultraviolet-irradiated to inactivate polyphenol oxidase enzyme and microbiota, and its effect on bioactive compounds and stability during storage was also evaluated. Apple juice was irradiated with 345.6 J/cm2 and treatment effect was evaluated in terms of color, antioxidant capacity, polyphenol content, pH, titratable acidity and total soluble solids. Using a linear regression design, inactivation kinetic of polyphenol oxidase enzyme was also described. In addition, a repeated measures design was carried out to evaluate apple juice during 24 days of storage at 4 °C and 20 °C. After irradiation, reduction of antioxidant capacity was observed while during storage, ascorbic acid content decreased up to 40% and total polyphenol content remain stable. Ultraviolet irradiation achieved a complete inactivation of polyphenol oxidase enzyme and microbiota, keeping apple juice antioxidants during ultraviolet treatment and storage available until juice consumption. UV-treated apple juice can be used as a regular beverage, ensuring antioxidant intake.
Model-Based Attribution of High-Resolution Streamflow Trends in Two Alpine Basins of Western Austria
Authors: Kormann Christoph , Bronstert Axel , Francke Till , Recknagel Thomas , Graeff Thomas
Published: February 2016

Several trend studies have shown that hydrological conditions are changing considerably in the Alpine region. However, the reasons for these changes are only partially understood and trend analyses alone are not able to shed much light. Hydrological modelling is one possible way to identify the trend drivers, i.e., to attribute the detected streamflow trends, given that the model captures all important processes causing the trends. We modelled the hydrological conditions for two alpine catchments in western Austria (a large, mostly lower-altitude catchment with wide valley plains and a nested high-altitude, glaciated headwater catchment) with the distributed, physically-oriented WaSiM-ETH model, which includes a dynamical glacier module. The model was calibrated in a transient mode, i.e., not only on several standard goodness measures and glacier extents, but also in such a way that the simulated streamflow trends fit with the observed ones during the investigation period 1980 to 2007. With this approach, it was possible to separate streamflow components, identify the trends of flow components, and study their relation to trends in atmospheric variables. In addition to trends in annual averages, highly resolved trends for each Julian day were derived, since they proved powerful in an earlier, data-based attribution study. We were able to show that annual and highly resolved trends can be modelled sufficiently well. The results provide a holistic, year-round picture of the drivers of alpine streamflow changes: Higher-altitude catchments are strongly affected by earlier firn melt and snowmelt in spring and increased ice melt throughout the ablation season. Changes in lower-altitude areas are mostly caused by earlier and lower snowmelt volumes. All highly resolved trends in streamflow and its components show an explicit similarity to the local temperature trends. Finally, results indicate that evapotranspiration has been increasing in the lower altitudes during the study period.
Statistical Analysis of the Raindrop Size Distribution Using Disdrometer Data
Authors: Baltas Evangelos , Panagos Dimitris , Mimikou Maria
Published: February 2016

The present study utilizes nine years of measurements taken from a Joss–Waldvogel disdrometer (JWD). From this dataset, thirty six rainfall events, were selected and categorized, respectively, in convective and stratiform types, according to specific criteria. Six statistical distributions namely the one- and two-parameter exponential, the two- and three-parameter lognormal and finally the two- and three-parameter gamma were fitted on the observed drop size distributions (DSDs). The goodness-of-fit between each statistical and the observed distribution was determined based on the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. The results show that 72% of the stratiform events are best described by the three-parameter lognormal distribution while 28% are best described by the three-parameter gamma distribution. In the case of convective events, the results are more diversified; the two- and three-parameter gamma distribution fits best in 39% and 17% of the events, respectively, while the two- and three-parameter lognormal distribution fits best in 6% and 39% of the events. The one- and two-parameter exponential distribution was not the best fit in any case. Moreover, initial steps have already been taken in order for these findings to be used for calibration purposes of a recently employed X-band rainscanner in the Attica region in Greece.
Drosophila in the Heart of Understanding Cardiac Diseases: Modeling Channelopathies and Cardiomyopathies in the Fruitfly
Authors: Taghli-Lamallem Ouarda , Plantié Emilie , Jagla Krzysztof
Published: February 2016

Cardiovascular diseases and, among them, channelopathies and cardiomyopathies are a major cause of death worldwide. The molecular and genetic defects underlying these cardiac disorders are complex, leading to a large range of structural and functional heart phenotypes. Identification of molecular and functional mechanisms disrupted by mutations causing channelopathies and cardiomyopathies is essential to understanding the link between an altered gene and clinical phenotype. The development of animal models has been proven to be efficient for functional studies in channelopathies and cardiomyopathies. In particular, the Drosophila model has been largely applied for deciphering the molecular and cellular pathways affected in these inherited cardiac disorders and for identifying their genetic modifiers. Here we review the utility and the main contributions of the fruitfly models for the better understanding of channelopathies and cardiomyopathies. We also discuss the investigated pathological mechanisms and the discoveries of evolutionarily conserved pathways which reinforce the value of Drosophila in modeling human cardiac diseases.
HoxA Genes and the Fin-to-Limb Transition in Vertebrates
Authors: Leite-Castro João , Beviano Vanessa , Rodrigues Pedro , Freitas Renata
Published: February 2016

HoxA genes encode for important DNA-binding transcription factors that act during limb development, regulating primarily gene expression and, consequently, morphogenesis and skeletal differentiation. Within these genes, HoxA11 and HoxA13 were proposed to have played an essential role in the enigmatic evolutionary transition from fish fins to tetrapod limbs. Indeed, comparative gene expression analyses led to the suggestion that changes in their regulation might have been essential for the diversification of vertebrates’ appendages. In this review, we highlight three potential modifications in the regulation and function of these genes that may have boosted appendage evolution: (1) the expansion of polyalanine repeats in the HoxA11 and HoxA13 proteins; (2) the origin of +a novel long-non-coding RNA with a possible inhibitory function on HoxA11; and (3) the acquisition of cis-regulatory elements modulating 5’ HoxA transcription. We discuss the relevance of these mechanisms for appendage diversification reviewing the current state of the art and performing additional comparative analyses to characterize, in a phylogenetic framework, HoxA11 and HoxA13 expression, alanine composition within the encoded proteins, long-non-coding RNAs and cis-regulatory elements.
Modulation of Myotilin and Fylamin C in Various Muscle Diseases: A Microarray Analysis
Authors: Sanfilippo Cristina , Di Rosa Michelino
Published: February 2016

The cytoskeletal protein plays a significant role in the stability of thin filaments during muscle contraction. Mutations in these genes have been associated with various muscles diseases. Myotilin (MYOT) and Fylamin C (FLNC) belong to the cytoskeleton protein family and are associated with different myopathies. We analyzed two microarray datasets obtained from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus databank (accession number GDS2855 and GDS1956) in order to verify the modulation of MYOT and FLNC in eight human skeletal muscle diseases. For these studies we also used: the open source tools the Human Protein Atlas to confirm by Immunohistochemistry (IH) the MYOT and FLNC tissue expression; Genome-scale Integrated Analysis of gene Networks in Tissues (GIANT) to identify the genes network; COMPARTMENT to identify the localization in cells. We showed that both MYOT and FLNC were significantly modulated in various muscle diseases. In particular, MYOT and FLNC mRNA were significantly downregulated in Acute quadriplegic myopathy (AQM) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) compared to normal human skeletal muscle. Furthermore, the GIANT analysis showed a relationship confidence of 0.23 to MYOT and FLNC, confirming their strong correlation. These data provide to support our hypothesis that a positive correlation exists between MYOT and FLNC. Larger studies are needed to evaluate if MYOT and FLNC may be a promising clinical biomarker in subjects with diseases of the muscle.
Tribo-Mechanical Properties of HVOF Deposited Fe3Al Coatings Reinforced with TiB2 Particles for Wear-Resistant Applications
Authors: Amiriyan Mahdi , Blais Carl , Savoie Sylvio , Schulz Robert , Gariépy Mario , Alamdari Houshang
Published: February 2016

This study reveals the effect of TiB2 particles on the mechanical and tribological properties of Fe3Al-TiB2 composite coatings against an alumina counterpart. The feedstock was produced by milling Fe3Al and TiB2 powders in a high energy ball mill. The high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) technique was used to deposit the feedstock powder on a steel substrate. The effect of TiB2 addition on mechanical properties and dry sliding wear rates of the coatings at sliding speeds ranging from 0.04 to 0.8 m·s−1 and loads of 3, 5 and 7 N was studied. Coatings made from unreinforced Fe3Al exhibited a relatively high wear rate. The Vickers hardness, elastic modulus and wear resistance of the coatings increased with increasing TiB2 content in the Fe3Al matrix. The wear mechanisms strongly depended on the sliding speed and the presence of TiB2 particles but were less dependent on the applied load.
A High Pressure Investigation of the Order-Disorder Phase Transition and Accompanying Spin Crossover in [FeL12](ClO4)2 (L1 = 2,6-bis{3-methylpyrazol-1-yl}-pyrazine)
Authors: Shepherd Helena , Tonge George , Hatcher Lauren , Bryant Mathew , Knichal Jane , Raithby Paul , Halcrow Malcolm , Kulmaczewski Rafal , Gagnon Kevin , Teat Simon
Published: February 2016

A high pressure single crystal X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy study has revealed a similar mechanism for both thermal and pressure-induced spin crossover in [FeL12](ClO4)2 (L1 = 2,6-bis{3-methylpyrazol-1-yl}-pyrazine) and the concomitant anion order-disorder transition.
Nevanlinna’s Five Values Theorem on Annuli
Authors: Xu Hong-Yan , Wang Hua
Published: February 2016

By using the second main theorem of the meromorphic function on annuli, we investigate the problem on two meromorphic functions partially sharing five or more values and obtain some theorems that improve and generalize the previous results given by Cao and Yi.
Screening and Analysis of the Potential Bioactive Components of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf by HPLC and HPLC-MSn with the Aid of Chemometrics
Authors: Wu Ling-Fang , Wang Kun-Feng , Mao Xin , Liang Wen-Yi , Chen Wen-Jing , Li Shi , Qi Qi , Cui Ya-Ping , Zhang Lan-Zhen
Published: February 2016

The aim of the present study was to establish a new method based on Similarity Analysis (SA), Cluster Analysis (CA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to determine the quality of different samples of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf obtained from Yunnan, Hubei, Guizhou, Fujian, Henan, Guangxi, Anhui and Sichuan in China. For this purpose 15 samples from the different habitats were analyzed by HPLC-PAD and HPLC-MSn. Twenty-three compounds were detected by HPLC-MSn, of which twenty compounds were tentatively identified by comparing their retention times and mass spectrometry data with that of reference compounds and reviewing the literature. The characteristic fragmentations were summarized. 3-epi-Dehydrotumulosic acid (F13), 3-oxo-16α,25-dihydroxylanosta-7,9(11),24(31)-trien-21-oic acid (F4), 3-oxo-6,16α-dihydroxylanosta-7,9(11),24(31)-trien-21-oic acid (F7) and dehydropachymic acid (F15) were deemed to be suitable marker compounds to distinguish between samples of different quality according to CA and PCA. This study provides helpful chemical information for further anti-tumor activity and active mechanism research on P. cocos. The results proved that fingerprint combined with a chemometric approach is a simple, rapid and effective method for the quality discrimination of P. cocos.
Bioadhesive Surfactant Systems for Methotrexate Skin Delivery
Authors: Cintra Giovana , Pinto Larissa , Calixto Giovana , Soares Christiane , Von Zuben Eliete , Scarpa Maria , Gremião Maria , Chorilli Marlus
Published: February 2016

Methotrexate (MTX) is an immunosuppressive drug for systemic use in the treatment of skin diseases, however, MTX presents a number of side effects, such as hepatotoxicity. To overcome this limitation, this study developed skin MTX delivery surfactant systems, such as a microemulsion (ME) and a liquid crystalline system (LCS), consisting of a glycol copolymer-based silicone fluid (SFGC) as oil phase, polyether functional siloxane (PFS) as surfactant, and carbomer homopolymer type A (C971) dispersion at 0.5% (wt/wt) as aqueous phase. Polarized light microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering evidenced the presence of hexagonal and lamellar LCSs, and also a ME. Texture profile and in vitro bioadhesion assays showed that these formulations are suitable for topical application, showing interesting hardness, adhesiveness and compressibility values. Rheology analysis confirmed the Newtonian behaviour of the ME, whereas lamellar and hexagonal LCSs behave as pseudoplastic and dilatant non-Newtonian fluids, respectively. In vitro release profiles indicated that MTX could be released in a controlled manner from all the systems, and the Weibull model showed the highest adjusted coefficient of determination. Finally, the formulations were not cytotoxic to the immortalized human keratinocyte line HaCaT. Therefore, these bioadhesive surfactant systems established with PFS and C971 have great potential as skin delivery systems.
Beyond Effectiveness—The Adversities of Implementing a Fortification Program. A Case Study on the Quality of Iron Fortification of Fish and Soy Sauce in Cambodia
Authors: Laillou Arnaud , Pfanner Simon , Chan Theary , Chea Chantum , Mam Borath , Sambath Pol , Vonthanak Saphoon , Wieringa Frank
Published: February 2016

Fortification of fish and soy sauces is a cost-effective strategy to deliver and increase iron intake in the Cambodian diet, as both are widely consumed by the entire population. In order to qualify as fortified sauces recognized by international regulations, iron content must be between 230 and 460 mg/L, whilst nitrogen and salt should contain no less than 10 g/L and 200 g/L respectively. This survey aims to analyze the progress of the fortification program. Through a better understanding of its obstacles and successes, the paper will then consider approaches to strengthen the program. Two hundred and fifty two samples were collected from 186 plants and 66 markets in various provinces. They were then analyzed for iron, nitrogen and salt content. The study demonstrates that 74% of fortified fish and soy sauces comply with Cambodian regulations on iron content. 87% and 53.6% of the collected samples do not have adequate level of nitrogen and salt content, respectively. The paper will discuss additional efforts that need to be implemented to ensure the sustainability of the project, including the need to: (i) comply with International Codex; (ii) adopt mandatory legislation; and (iii) ensure enforcement.
Allomyrina Dichotoma Larvae Regulate Food Intake and Body Weight in High Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice Through mTOR and Mapk Signaling Pathways
Authors: Kim Jongwan , Yun Eun-Young , Park Seong-Won , Goo Tae-Won , Seo Minchul
Published: February 2016

Recent evidence has suggested that the Korean horn beetle (Allomyrina dichotoma) has anti-hepatofibrotic, anti-neoplastic, and antibiotic effects and is recognized as a traditional medicine. In our previous works, Allomyrina dichotoma larvae (ADL) inhibited differentiation of adipocytes both in vitro and in vivo. However, the anorexigenic and endoplasmic reticulum(ER) stress-reducing effects of ADL in obesity has not been examined. In this study, we investigated the anorexigenic and ER stress-reducing effects of ADL in the hypothalamus of diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of ethanol extract of ADL (ADE) suggested that an antagonizing effect on ghrelin-induced feeding behavior through the mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways. Especially, ADE resulted in strong reduction of ER stress both in vitro and in vivo. These findings strongly suggest that ADE and its constituent bioactive compounds are available and valuable to use for treatment of various diseases driven by prolonged ER stress.
Cysteic Acid in Dietary Keratin is Metabolized to Glutathione and Liver Taurine in a Rat Model of Human Digestion
Authors: Wolber Frances , McGrath Michelle , Jackson Felicity , Wylie Kim , Broomfield Anne
Published: February 2016

Poultry feathers, consisting largely of keratin, are a low-value product of the poultry industry. The safety and digestibility of a dietary protein produced from keratin (KER) was compared to a cysteine-supplemented casein-based diet in a growing rat model for four weeks. KER proved to be an effective substitute for casein at 50% of the total dietary protein, with no changes in the rats’ food intake, weight gain, organ weight, bone mineral density, white blood cell counts, liver glutathione, or blood glutathione. Inclusion of KER in the diet reduced total protein digestibility from 94% to 86% but significantly increased total dietary cysteine uptake and subsequent liver taurine levels. The KER diet also significantly increased caecum weight and significantly decreased fat digestibility, resulting in a lower proportion of body fat, and induced a significant increase in blood haemoglobin. KER is therefore a safe and suitable protein substitute for casein, and the cysteic acid in keratin is metabolised to maintain normal liver and blood glutathione levels.
Correction: Lozano-Baena, M.-D.; et al. Cancer Prevention and Health Benefices of Traditionally Consumed Borago officinalis Plants. Nutrients 2016, 8(1), 48
Authors:   Nutrients Editorial Office
Published: February 2016

Due to mistake during the conversion process, the Figure 1a,b in the original published version were the same [1].[...]
Social Milieu Oriented Routing: A New Dimension to Enhance Network Security in WSNs
Authors: Liu Lianggui , Chen Li , Jia Huiling
Published: February 2016

In large-scale wireless sensor networks (WSNs), in order to enhance network security, it is crucial for a trustor node to perform social milieu oriented routing to a target a trustee node to carry out trust evaluation. This challenging social milieu oriented routing with more than one end-to-end Quality of Trust (QoT) constraint has proved to be NP-complete. Heuristic algorithms with polynomial and pseudo-polynomial-time complexities are often used to deal with this challenging problem. However, existing solutions cannot guarantee the efficiency of searching; that is, they can hardly avoid obtaining partial optimal solutions during a searching process. Quantum annealing (QA) uses delocalization and tunneling to avoid falling into local minima without sacrificing execution time. This has been proven a promising way to many optimization problems in recently published literatures. In this paper, for the first time, with the help of a novel approach, that is, configuration path-integral Monte Carlo (CPIMC) simulations, a QA-based optimal social trust path (QA_OSTP) selection algorithm is applied to the extraction of the optimal social trust path in large-scale WSNs. Extensive experiments have been conducted, and the experiment results demonstrate that QA_OSTP outperforms its heuristic opponents.
An Effective Collaborative Mobile Weighted Clustering Schemes for Energy Balancing in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Tang Chengpei , Shokla Sanesy , Modhawar George , Wang Qiang
Published: February 2016

Collaborative strategies for mobile sensor nodes ensure the efficiency and the robustness of data processing, while limiting the required communication bandwidth. In order to solve the problem of pipeline inspection and oil leakage monitoring, a collaborative weighted mobile sensing scheme is proposed. By adopting a weighted mobile sensing scheme, the adaptive collaborative clustering protocol can realize an even distribution of energy load among the mobile sensor nodes in each round, and make the best use of battery energy. A detailed theoretical analysis and experimental results revealed that the proposed protocol is an energy efficient collaborative strategy such that the sensor nodes can communicate with a fusion center and produce high power gain.
All-Terrain Vehicle Safety―Potential Effectiveness of the Quadbar as a Crush Prevention Device
Authors: Myers Melvin
Published: February 2016

A total of 10,561 all-terrain vehicle (ATV) related deaths have been documented for the years 1985 through 2009 in the United States, most of which were associated with overturns of the machine. The current analysis addresses the question, “How effective is the QuadbarTM (QB) as a crush prevention device (CPD) in preventing ATV overturn-related injuries?” A CPD is designed as a guard against crushing injuries to the ATV rider in the event of an overturn. The analysis used a prevention effectiveness model to address this question. Based on this analysis, the CPD and more specifically the QB were found to potentially prevent serious injuries and death to ATV riders that result from overturns. Systematic real-life studies are needed to evaluate the prevention potential of CPDs that are in use to guide the implementation of policies to better protect the public from these injuries.
Damage Survivability of Passenger Ships—Re-Engineering the Safety Factor
Authors: Cichowicz Jakub , Tsakalakis Nikolaos , Vassalos Dracos , Jasionowski Andrzej
Published: February 2016

This paper presents a brief summary of the work carried out by SSRC and Brookes Bell Safety at Sea within the EC-funded project GOALDS on the development of a new formulation for assessing the survivability of damaged ships in waves. The proposed formula is meant to be an alternative or replacement to the s-factor in use within the current SOLAS regulations for probabilistic damage stability. The authors briefly discuss concerns related to the current survivability model and present the process of development that led to the re-engineered formulation.
Sustaining Competitiveness: Moving Towards Upstream Manufacturing in Specialized-Market-Based Clusters in the Chinese Toy Industry
Authors: Zhu Huasheng , Huang Xue , He Qingcan , Li Jie , Ren Lingzhi
Published: February 2016

Western industrial cluster literature pays little attention to specialized markets (SMs) and the geographical agglomeration of distributors or sale agencies (SAs). This paper takes Linyin, Shandong, a famous commodity city in Northeastern China, as an example, to discuss the determinants that make SAs in SMs of the toy industry move towards upstream manufacturing. A structured questionnaire survey and subsequent interviews were carried out during 2011 and 2012 to collect data, and a Binary Logistic Regression Model was used to process the data. This paper looks from the perspective of global production networks theory, establishes an analytical framework that combines individual motivations of intra-firm coordination, local inter-firm relationships and dynamic cross-regional level relationships. The findings indicate that the expansion of SAs towards manufacturing allows them to sustain competitiveness under changing circumstances. The local inter-firm relationships within SM-based clusters not only makes it easy to obtain material and human resources with lower manufacturing costs, but also facilitates the access to production knowledge and technologies for an expansion of production scale. Cross-regional relationships with suppliers provide an informal channel for SAs to obtain skills, which is fundamental for an expansion into manufacturing. In addition, it is a preference for strengthening competitiveness rather than the simple pursuit of economic profit that encourages SAs to invest in manufacturing.
Evaluation of Factors Influencing Lab-Scale Studies to Determine Heavy Metal Removal by Six Sorbents for Stormwater Treatment
Authors: Huber Maximilian , Badenberg Sophia , Wulff Moritz , Drewes Jörg , Helmreich Brigitte
Published: February 2016

For the development of decentralized treatment systems for road runoff, the determination of pollutant removal capacities is essential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of boundary conditions on the simultaneous removal of copper, nickel, and zinc by six sorbents used for urban stormwater treatment (i.e., granular activated alumina, anthracite, granular reactivated carbon, granular ferric hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and granular activated lignite). For batch experiments, capacities were determined at initial concentrations within the range of 2.5–180 mg/L with a rotary shaker. Further influences were investigated: the use of a horizontal shaker for concentrations of up to 1080 mg/L, a variation of the initial pH value (5 and 7), and the presence of a buffer. Furthermore, the influences of the filtration process on the capacities were studied. Kinetic experiments were conducted for contact times between 5 min and 120 min. Lab-scale column experiments with inflow concentrations of 2.5 mg/L (copper and nickel) and 5.0 mg/L (zinc) at an initial pH of 5 and a contact time of 11 min were performed for comparison. Selected experiments were subsequently carried out with changes in initial concentrations and contact time. One result is that it is essential to conduct batch experiments with the metals of interest. The capacities determined by column experiments deviated from batch experiments. Batch experiments under well-defined conditions can be used to evaluate different production batches. Column experiments give a more faithful capacity by considering realistic boundary conditions and should be preferred to determine efficiencies and service lives.
Constraining Parameter Uncertainty in Simulations of Water and Heat Dynamics in Seasonally Frozen Soil Using Limited Observed Data
Authors: Wu Mousong , Jansson Per-Erik , Tan Xiao , Wu Jingwei , Huang Jiesheng
Published: February 2016

Water and energy processes in frozen soils are important for better understanding hydrologic processes and water resources management in cold regions. To investigate the water and energy balance in seasonally frozen soils, CoupModel combined with the generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) method was used. Simulation work on water and heat processes in frozen soil in northern China during the 2012/2013 winter was conducted. Ensemble simulations through the Monte Carlo sampling method were generated for uncertainty analysis. Behavioral simulations were selected based on combinations of multiple model performance index criteria with respect to simulated soil water and temperature at four depths (5 cm, 15 cm, 25 cm, and 35 cm). Posterior distributions for parameters related to soil hydraulic, radiation processes, and heat transport indicated that uncertainties in both input and model structures could influence model performance in modeling water and heat processes in seasonally frozen soils. Seasonal courses in water and energy partitioning were obvious during the winter. Within the day-cycle, soil evaporation/condensation and energy distributions were well captured and clarified as an important phenomenon in the dynamics of the energy balance system. The combination of the CoupModel simulations with the uncertainty-based calibration method provides a way of understanding the seasonal courses of hydrology and energy processes in cold regions with limited data. Additional measurements may be used to further reduce the uncertainty of regulating factors during the different stages of freezing–thawing.
Targeting Leukemia Stem Cells: Which Pathways Drive Self-Renewal Activity in T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia?
Authors: Belmonte M. , Hoofd C. , Weng A.P. , Giambra V.
Published: February 2016

T-Cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a malignancy of white blood cells, characterized by an uncontrolled accumulation of T-cell progenitors. During leukemic progression, immature T cells grow abnormally and crowd into the bone marrow, preventing it from making normal blood cells and spilling out into the bloodstream. Recent studies suggest that only discrete cell populations that possess the ability to recreate the entire tumour might be responsible for the initiation and propagation of T-ALL. Those unique cells are commonly called “cancer stem cells” or, in the case of hematopoietic malignancies, “leukemia stem cells” (LSCs). Like normal hematopoietic stem cells, LSCs are thought to be capable of self-renewal, during which, by asymmetrical division, they give rise to an identical copy of themselves as well as to a daughter cell that is no longer capable of self-renewal activity and represents a more “differentiated” progeny. Here, we review the main pathways of self-renewal activity in LSCs, focusing on their involvement in the maintenance and development of T-ALL. New stem cell–directed therapies and LSC-targeted agents are also discussed.
Cancer Evolution–Development: Experience of Hepatitis B Virus–Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Liu W.B. , Wu J.F. , Du Y. , Cao G.W.
Published: February 2016

Here, we present the basic concept and theoretical framework of a scientific hypothesis called Cancer Evolution–Development (“Cancer Evo-Dev”), based on our recent studies of the molecular mechanisms by which chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus induces hepatocarcinogenesis, together with related advances in that field. Several aspects central to our hypothesis are presented: ■ Immune imbalance—caused by the interaction of genetic predispositions and environmental exposures such as viral infection—is responsible for the maintenance of chronic non-resolving inflammation. Non-resolving inflammation promotes the occurrence and progression of cancers, characterized by an evolutionary process of “mutation–selection–adaptation” for both viruses and host cells. ■ Under a microenvironment of non-resolving inflammation, proinflammatory factors promote mutations in viral or host genomes by transactivation of the expression of cytidine deaminases and their analogues. Most cells with genomic mutations and mutated viruses are eliminated in the competition for survival in the inflammatory microenvironment. Only a small percentage of the mutated cells that alter their survival signal pathways and exhibit the characteristics of “stem-ness” can survive and function as cancer-initiating cells. ■ Cancers generally develop with properties of “backward evolution” and “retro-differentiation,” indicating the indispensability of stem-like signal pathways in the evolution and development of cancers.