bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on miRNA Profiles of Monocytes/Macrophages and Endothelial Cells—A Pilot Study
Authors: Roessler Claudia , Kuhlmann Kevin , Hellwing Christine , Leimert Anja , Schumann Julia
Published: January 2017

Alteration of miRNAs and dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) underlies vascular inflammation. PUFAs are known to be incorporated into the cell membrane of monocytes/macrophages or endothelial cells, the major cellular players of vascular diseases, thereby affecting cellular signal transduction. Nevertheless, there are no investigations concerning the PUFA impact on miRNA expression by these cells. With regard to the key role miRNAs play for overall cellular functionality, this study aims to elucidate whether PUFAs affect miRNA expression profiles. To this end, the monocyte/macrophage cell line RAW264.7 and the endothelial cell line TIME were enriched with either docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; n3-PUFA) or arachidonic acid (AA; n6-PUFA) until reaching a stable incorporation into the plasma membrane and, at least in part, exposed to an inflammatory milieu. Expressed miRNAs were determined by deep sequencing, and compared to unsupplemented/unstimulated controls. Data gained clearly show that PUFAs in fact modulate miRNA expression of both cell types analyzed regardless the presence/absence of an inflammatory stimulator. Moreover, certain miRNAs already linked to vascular inflammation were found to be affected by cellular PUFA enrichment. Hence, vascular inflammation appears to be influenced by dietary fatty acids, inter alia, via PUFA-mediated modulation of the type and amount of miRNAs synthesized by cells involved in the inflammatory process.
An Integrated View of Aristolochic Acid Nephropathy: Update of the Literature
Authors: Jadot Inès , Declèves Anne-Emilie , Nortier Joëlle , Caron Nathalie
Published: January 2017

The term “aristolochic acid nephropathy” (AAN) is used to include any form of toxic interstitial nephropathy that is caused either by ingestion of plants containing aristolochic acids (AA) as part of traditional phytotherapies (formerly known as “Chinese herbs nephropathy”), or by the environmental contaminants in food (Balkan endemic nephropathy). It is frequently associated with urothelial malignancies. Although products containing AA have been banned in most of countries, AAN cases remain regularly reported all over the world. Moreover, AAN incidence is probably highly underestimated given the presence of AA in traditional herbal remedies worldwide and the weak awareness of the disease. During these two past decades, animal models for AAN have been developed to investigate underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in AAN pathogenesis. Indeed, a more-in-depth understanding of these processes is essential to develop therapeutic strategies aimed to reduce the global and underestimated burden of this disease. In this regard, our purpose was to build a broad overview of what is currently known about AAN. To achieve this goal, we aimed to summarize the latest data available about underlying pathophysiological mechanisms leading to AAN development with a particular emphasis on the imbalance between vasoactive factors as well as a focus on the vascular events often not considered in AAN.
Polyphenolic Extract of Euphorbia supina Attenuates Manganese-Induced Neurotoxicity by Enhancing Antioxidant Activity through Regulation of ER Stress and ER Stress-Mediated Apoptosis
Authors: Bahar Entaz , Lee Geum-Hwa , Bhattarai Kashi , Lee Hwa-Young , Choi Min-Kyung , Rashid Harun-Or , Kim Ji-Ye , Chae Han-Jung , Yoon Hyonok
Published: January 2017

Manganese (Mn) is an important trace element present in human body, which acts as an enzyme co-factor or activator in various metabolic reactions. While essential in trace amounts, excess levels of Mn in human brain can produce neurotoxicity, including idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD)-like extrapyramidal manganism symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the protective role of polyphenolic extract of Euphorbia supina (PPEES) on Mn-induced neurotoxicity and the underlying mechanism in human neuroblastoma SKNMC cells and Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rat brain. PPEES possessed significant amount of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. PPEES also showed significant antioxidant activity in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and reducing power capacity (RPC) assays. Our results showed that Mn treatment significantly reduced cell viability and increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, which was attenuated by PPEES pretreatment at 100 and 200 µg/mL. Additionally, PPEES pretreatment markedly attenuated Mn-induced antioxidant status alteration by resolving the ROS, MDA and GSH levels and SOD and CAT activities. PPEES pretreatment also significantly attenuated Mn-induced mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and apoptosis. Meanwhile, PPEES pretreatment significantly reversed the Mn-induced alteration in the GRP78, GADD34, XBP-1, CHOP, Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3 activities. Furthermore, administration of PPEES (100 and 200 mg/kg) to Mn exposed rats showed improvement of histopathological alteration in comparison to Mn-treated rats. Moreover, administration of PPEES to Mn exposed rats showed significant reduction of 8-OHdG and Bax immunoreactivity. The results suggest that PPEES treatment reduces Mn-induced oxidative stress and neuronal cell loss in SKNMC cells and in the rat brain. Therefore, PPEES may be considered as potential treat-ment in Mn-intoxicated patients.
A Quick Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm for Image Thresholding
Authors: Li Linguo , Sun Lijuan , Guo Jian , Han Chong , Zhou Jian , Li Shujing
Published: January 2017

The computational complexity grows exponentially for multi-level thresholding (MT) with the increase of the number of thresholds. Taking Kapur’s entropy as the optimized objective function, the paper puts forward the modified quick artificial bee colony algorithm (MQABC), which employs a new distance strategy for neighborhood searches. The experimental results show that MQABC can search out the optimal thresholds efficiently, precisely, and speedily, and the thresholds are very close to the results examined by exhaustive searches. In comparison to the EMO (Electro-Magnetism optimization), which is based on Kapur’s entropy, the classical ABC algorithm, and MDGWO (modified discrete grey wolf optimizer) respectively, the experimental results demonstrate that MQABC has exciting advantages over the latter three in terms of the running time in image thesholding, while maintaining the efficient segmentation quality.
Effects of Nanoscale V-Shaped Pits on GaN-Based Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Chen Shuo-Wei , Li Heng , Chang Chia-Jui , Lu Tien-Chang
Published: January 2017

This paper reviews the formation of nanoscale V-shaped pits on GaN-based light emitting diodes (LEDs) grown by the metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) system and studies the effect of V-shaped pits on quantum efficiency. Since V-pits could provide potential barriers around threading dislocations to lessen non-radiative recombinations in such a high defect environment. In our study, multiple InGaN/GaN quantum well samples with different emission wavelengths of 380, 420, 460, and 500 nm were grown, each with different nanoscale V-shaped pits of three diameters for 150, 200, and 250 nm, respectively. It was found that the multiple quantum well (MQW) sample with larger V-pits had a lower pit density, but a relatively larger total V-pits defected area. The optimum diameter of V-pits showing the highest quantum efficiency from the MQW sample depended on the emission wavelength. MQW samples with wavelengths of 380 and 500 nm exhibited the best internal quantum efficiency (IQE) performance at the smallest V-pits area; however, the best performance for MQW samples with wavelength around 420 and 460 nm occurred when large V-pit areas were presented. Photoluminescence (PL) peak shifts and Raman shifts can provide a relationship between quantum-confined Stark effect (QCSE) and IQE, as well as a comparison between strain and IQE. The results obtained in this phenomenological study shall provide a useful guide line in making high-performance GaN-based LEDs with wide emission spectra.
Precipitation of T1 and θ′ Phase in Al-4Cu-1Li-0.25Mn During Age Hardening: Microstructural Investigation and Phase-Field Simulation
Authors: Häusler Ines , Schwarze Christian , Bilal Muhammad , Ramirez Daniela , Hetaba Walid , Kamachali Reza , Skrotzki Birgit
Published: January 2017

Experimental and phase field studies of age hardening response of a high purity Al-4Cu-1Li-0.25Mn-alloy (mass %) during isothermal aging are conducted. In the experiments, two hardening phases are identified: the tetragonal θ′ (Al2Cu) phase and the hexagonal T1 (Al2CuLi) phase. Both are plate shaped and of nm size. They are analyzed with respect to the development of their size, number density and volume fraction during aging by applying different analysis techniques in TEM in combination with quantitative microstructural analysis. 3D phase-field simulations of formation and growth of θ′ phase are performed in which the full interfacial, chemical and elastic energy contributions are taken into account. 2D simulations of T1 phase are also investigated using multi-component diffusion without elasticity. This is a first step toward a complex phase-field study of T1 phase in the ternary alloy. The comparison between experimental and simulated data shows similar trends. The still unsaturated volume fraction indicates that the precipitates are in the growth stage and that the coarsening/ripening stage has not yet been reached.
Feasibility of Reducing the Fiber Content in Ultra-High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete under Flexure
Authors: Park Jung-Jun , Yoo Doo-Yeol , Park Gi-Joon , Kim Sung-Wook
Published: January 2017

In this study, the flexural behavior of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) is examined as a function of fiber length and volume fraction. Straight steel fiber with three different lengths (lf) of 13, 19.5, and 30 mm and four different volume fractions (vf) of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% are considered. Test results show that post-cracking flexural properties of UHPFRC, such as flexural strength, deflection capacity, toughness, and cracking behavior, improve with increasing fiber length and volume fraction, while first-cracking properties are not significantly influenced by fiber length and volume fraction. A 0.5 vol % reduction of steel fiber content relative to commercial UHPFRC can be achieved without deterioration of flexural performance by replacing short fibers (lf of 13 mm) with longer fibers (lf of 19.5 mm and 30 mm).
Biogenic and Synthetic Peptides with Oppositely Charged Amino Acids as Binding Sites for Mineralization
Authors: Lemloh Marie-Louise , Altintoprak Klara , Wege Christina , Weiss Ingrid , Rothenstein Dirk
Published: January 2017

Proteins regulate diverse biological processes by the specific interaction with, e.g., nucleic acids, proteins and inorganic molecules. The generation of inorganic hybrid materials, such as shell formation in mollusks, is a protein-controlled mineralization process. Moreover, inorganic-binding peptides are attractive for the bioinspired mineralization of non-natural inorganic functional materials for technical applications. However, it is still challenging to identify mineral-binding peptide motifs from biological systems as well as for technical systems. Here, three complementary approaches were combined to analyze protein motifs consisting of alternating positively and negatively charged amino acids: (i) the screening of natural biomineralization proteins; (ii) the selection of inorganic-binding peptides derived from phage display; and (iii) the mineralization of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV)-based templates. A respective peptide motif displayed on the TMV surface had a major impact on the SiO2 mineralization. In addition, similar motifs were found in zinc oxide- and zirconia-binding peptides indicating a general binding feature. The comparative analysis presented here raises new questions regarding whether or not there is a common design principle based on acidic and basic amino acids for peptides interacting with minerals.
Ultrafast Laser Fabrication of Functional Biochips: New Avenues for Exploring 3D Micro- and Nano-Environments
Authors: Sima Felix , Xu Jian , Wu Dong , Sugioka Koji
Published: January 2017

Lab-on-a-chip biological platforms have been intensively developed during the last decade since emerging technologies have offered possibilities to manufacture reliable devices with increased spatial resolution and 3D configurations. These biochips permit testing chemical reactions with nanoliter volumes, enhanced sensitivity in analysis and reduced consumption of reagents. Due to the high peak intensity that allows multiphoton absorption, ultrafast lasers can induce local modifications inside transparent materials with high precision at micro- and nanoscale. Subtractive manufacturing based on laser internal modification followed by wet chemical etching can directly fabricate 3D micro-channels in glass materials. On the other hand, additive laser manufacturing by two-photon polymerization of photoresists can grow 3D polymeric micro- and nanostructures with specific properties for biomedical use. Both transparent materials are ideal candidates for biochips that allow exploring phenomena at cellular levels while their processing with a nanoscale resolution represents an excellent opportunity to get more insights on biological aspects. We will review herein the laser fabrication of transparent microfluidic and optofluidic devices for biochip applications and will address challenges associated with their potential. In particular, integrated micro- and optofluidic systems will be presented with emphasis on the functionality for biological applications. It will be shown that ultrafast laser processing is not only an instrument that can tailor appropriate 3D environments to study living microorganisms and to improve cell detection or sorting but also a tool to fabricate appropriate biomimetic structures for complex cellular analyses. New advances open now the avenue to construct miniaturized organs of desired shapes and configurations with the goal to reproduce life processes and bypass in vivo animal or human testing.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Benzimidazole Derivatives and Analogs Targeting the NLRP3 Inflammasome
Authors: Pan Liangkun , Hang Nan , Zhang Chao , Chen Yu , Li Shuchun , Sun Yang , Li Zhongjun , Meng Xiangbao
Published: January 2017

A series of benzo[d]imidazole analogues of thiabenzole were synthesized and their antiinflammatory activities toward NLRP3 (nucleotide‐binding domain leucine‐rich repeat containing protein family，pyrin domain‐containing 3，also known as cryopyrin or NALP3) inflammasome were evaluated in vitro. Two lead compounds, TBZ‐09 and TBZ‐21, were identified by antiproduction of IL‐1β. In the second round of biological evaluation, based on the lead, 34 more compounds were synthesized and their in vitro anti‐inflammatory activities were investigated. Several compounds were identified as anti‐inflammatory agents that can reduce IL‐1β expression in a dosedependent manner. A preliminary structure–activity relationship is also summarized here.
A High Power, Frequency Tunable Colloidal Quantum Dot (CdSe/ZnS) Laser
Authors: Prasad Saradh , AlHesseny Hanan , AlSalhi Mohamad , Devaraj Durairaj , Masilamai Vadivel
Published: January 2017

Tunable lasers are essential for medical, engineering and basic science research studies. Most conventional solid-state lasers are capable of producing a few million laser shots, but limited to specific wavelengths, which are bulky and very expensive. Dye lasers are continuously tunable, but exhibit very poor chemical stability. As new tunable, efficient lasers are always in demand, one such laser is designed with various sized CdSe/ZnS quantum dots. They were used as a colloid in tetrahydrofuran to produce a fluorescent broadband emission from 520 nm to 630 nm. The second (532 nm) and/or third harmonic (355 nm) of the Nd:YAG laser (10 ns, 10 Hz) were used together as the pump source. In this study, different sized quantum dots were independently optically pumped to produce amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) with 4 nm to 7 nm of full width at half-maximum (FWHM), when the pump power and focusing were carefully optimized. The beam was directional with a 7 mrad divergence. Subsequently, these quantum dots were combined together, and the solution was placed in a resonator cavity to obtain a laser with a spectral width of 1 nm and tunable from 510 to 630 nm, with a conversion efficiency of about 0.1%.
Consuming Two Eggs per Day, as Compared to an Oatmeal Breakfast, Decreases Plasma Ghrelin while Maintaining the LDL/HDL Ratio
Authors: Missimer Amanda , DiMarco Diana , Andersen Catherine , Murillo Ana , Vergara-Jimenez Marcela , Fernandez Maria
Published: January 2017

Eggs contain high quality protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, yet regular consumption is still met with uncertainty. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of consuming two eggs per day or a heart-healthy oatmeal breakfast on biomarkers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and satiety measures in a young, healthy population. Fifty subjects participated in a randomized crossover clinical intervention; subjects were randomly allocated to consume either two eggs or one packet of oatmeal per day for breakfast for four weeks. After a three-week washout period, participants were allocated to the alternative breakfast. Fasting blood samples were collected at the end of each intervention period to assess plasma lipids and plasma ghrelin. Subjects completed visual analog scales (VAS) concurrent to dietary records to assess satiety and hunger. Along with an increase in cholesterol intake, there were significant increases in both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol following the egg consumption period (p < 0.01). However, there was no difference in the LDL/HDL ratio, a recognized biomarker of CVD risk, nor in the plasma glucose, triglycerides or liver enzymes, between diet periods. Several self-reported satiety measures were increased following the consumption of eggs, which were associated with lower plasma ghrelin concentrations (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate that compared to an oatmeal breakfast, two eggs per day do not adversely affect the biomarkers associated with CVD risk, but increase satiety throughout the day in a young healthy population.
Dietary Sources of Phosphorus among Adults in the United States: Results from NHANES 2001–2014
Authors: McClure Scott , Chang Alex , Selvin Elizabeth , Rebholz Casey , Appel Lawrence
Published: January 2017

Interest in the health effects of dietary phosphorus is burgeoning, yet sources and trends in phosphorus consumption have not been well characterized. We describe trends in and primary sources of dietary phosphorus in a nationally representative sample of 34,741 US adults, 20+ years old (NHANES 2001–2014). Dietary sources of phosphorus were estimated in nine food groups and 26 food categories. Phosphorus consumption was expressed in absolute intake, phosphorus density, and proportion contributed by dietary sources. Between 2001 and 2014, dietary phosphorus intake increased from 1345 to 1399 mg/day (p-trend = 0.02), while calorie intake slightly declined (p-trend = 0.1). Grains were the largest dietary phosphorus source, followed by meats, and milk products. Soft drinks accounted for just 3.3% of total dietary phosphorus. Phosphorus intake from grains increased 68 mg/day (p < 0.001), 25 mg/day from meats (p = 0.02), and decreased 75 mg/day (p < 0.001) from milk products. Dietary phosphorus intake and the phosphorus density of the diet are increasing. Grains are an important dietary phosphorus source that has increased in total consumption and phosphorus density. Further research is needed to determine if this is due to individuals’ selection of grains or the composition of those available.
CK2 in Cancer: Cellular and Biochemical Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Target
Authors: Chua Melissa , Ortega Charina , Sheikh Ayesha , Lee Migi , Abdul-Rassoul Hussein , Hartshorn Kevan , Dominguez Isabel
Published: January 2017

CK2 genes are overexpressed in many human cancers, and most often overexpression is associated with worse prognosis. Site-specific expression in mice leads to cancer development (e.g., breast, lymphoma) indicating the oncogenic nature of CK2. CK2 is involved in many key aspects of cancer including inhibition of apoptosis, modulation of signaling pathways, DNA damage response, and cell cycle regulation. A number of CK2 inhibitors are now available and have been shown to have activity against various cancers in vitro and in pre-clinical models. Some of these inhibitors are now undergoing exploration in clinical trials as well. In this review, we will examine some of the major cancers in which CK2 inhibition has promise based on in vitro and pre-clinical studies, the proposed cellular and signaling mechanisms of anti-cancer activity by CK2 inhibitors, and the current or recent clinical trials using CK2 inhibitors.
Barriers to the Access of Bevacizumab in Patients with Solid Tumors and the Potential Impact of Biosimilars: A Physician Survey
Authors: Monk Bradley , Lammers Philip , Cartwright Thomas , Jacobs Ira
Published: January 2017

Access to bevacizumab, an important component of oncology treatment regimens, may be limited. This survey of oncologists in the US (n = 150), Europe (n = 230), and emerging markets (EM: Brazil, Mexico, and Turkey; n = 130) examined use of and barriers to accessing bevacizumab as treatment of advanced solid tumors. We also assessed the likelihood that physicians would prescribe a bevacizumab biosimilar, if available. Bevacizumab was frequently used as early-line therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer, metastatic non-squamous non–small-cell lung cancer, and metastatic ovarian cancer (all markets), and as a second-line therapy in glioblastoma multiforme (US, EM). A greater percentage of EM-based physicians cited access-related issues as a barrier to prescribing bevacizumab versus US and EU physicians. Lack of reimbursement and high out-of-pocket costs were cited as predominant barriers to prescribing and common reasons for reducing the number of planned cycles. Overall, ~50% of physicians reported they “definitely” or “probably” would prescribe a bevacizumab biosimilar, if available. Efficacy and safety data in specific tumor types and lower cost were factors cited that would increase likelihood to prescribe a bevacizumab biosimilar. A lower cost bevacizumab biosimilar could address the unmet needs of patients and physicians worldwide, and may have the greatest impact on patient outcomes in EM.
Engineering Cell Surfaces with Polyelectrolyte Materials for Translational Applications
Authors: Zhang Peipei , Bookstaver Michelle , Jewell Christopher
Published: January 2017

Engineering cell surfaces with natural or synthetic materials is a unique and powerful strategy for biomedical applications. Cells exhibit more sophisticated migration, control, and functional capabilities compared to nanoparticles, scaffolds, viruses, and other engineered materials or agents commonly used in the biomedical field. Over the past decade, modification of cell surfaces with natural or synthetic materials has been studied to exploit this complexity for both fundamental and translational goals. In this review we present the existing biomedical technologies for engineering cell surfaces with one important class of materials, polyelectrolytes. We begin by introducing the challenges facing the cell surface engineering field. We then discuss the features of polyelectrolytes and how these properties can be harnessed to solve challenges in cell therapy, tissue engineering, cell-based drug delivery, sensing and tracking, and immune modulation. Throughout the review, we highlight opportunities to drive the field forward by bridging new knowledge of polyelectrolytes with existing translational challenges.
Effects of Fumed Silica and Draw Ratio on Nanocomposite Polypropylene Fibers
Authors: Fambri Luca , Dabrowska Izabela , Ceccato Riccardo , Pegoretti Alessandro
Published: January 2017

Hydrophylic fumed silica AR974 was tested as a potential nanofiller for the production of composite isotactic polypropylene filaments/fibers (containing 0.25–2 vol % of nanoparticles) via melt compounding and subsequent hot drawing. The objectives of this study were as follows: (i) to investigate the effects of the composition and the processing conditions on the microstructure and the thermal and mechanical properties of the produced fibers; (ii) to separate the effects of silica addition from those produced by fiber drawing; and (iii) to interpret the changes in the matrix molecular mobility (produced by silica and/or drawing). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evidenced a good dispersion of nanoparticles at fractions up to 0.5 vol % of the nanofiller. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed the increase in crystallinity after drawing of both neat polypropylene (PP) and produced nanocomposite fibers. Consequently, tensile modulus and stress at break of the fibers were enhanced. Drawn fibers containing 0.25–0.5 vol % of nanofiller showed also a remarkable increase in the creep resistance. Loss modulus of drawn fibers showed a pronounced α-relaxation peak at about 65 °C; the higher the draw ratio, the higher the peak intensity. Thermal and mechanical properties of composite fibers were improved due to the combined effects of nanofiller reinforcement and fiber orientation produced during hot drawing. Both fumed silica and draw ratio were significantly effective on tensile modulus and tenacity of nanocomposite fibers up to 0.5 vol % of AR974.
Design of Dithiobenzoate RAFT Agent Bearing Hydroxyl Groups and Its Application in RAFT Polymerization for Telechelic Diol Polymers
Authors: Kinoshita Keita , Mori Yuta , Takami Taku , Uchida Yusuke , Murakami Yoshihiko
Published: January 2017

RAFT polymerization is attractive for its reliability, facile operation, and high tolerance to a wide variety of monomers, functional groups, solvents, and temperatures. Herein, we report the RAFT-based synthesis of well-defined polymers bearing hydroxyl groups at two terminals by using various monomers. We found that the molecular weight of obtained polymers was half that of a target value when a trithiocarbonate-type chain transfer agent (CTA) was used, suggesting that the polymers unexpectedly cleaved at the middle of the polymer chain as the reaction was proceeding. To address the problem, we synthesized a novel “dithiobenzoate”-type CTA, 2-[N-(2-hydroxyethyl)carbamoyl]prop-2-yl 4-hydroxydithiobenzoate (HECPHD), which bears hydroxyl groups at both terminals, and we succeeded in RAFT polymerization with various monomers without a cleavage of the polymers.
Theoretical Confirmation of the Quinone Methide Hypothesis for the Condensation Reactions in Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin Synthesis
Authors: Li Taohong , Cao Ming , Liang Jiankun , Xie Xiaoguang , Du Guanben
Published: January 2017

The mechanisms for the base-catalyzed condensation reactions in phenol-formaldehyde resin synthesis were investigated by using the density functional theory method. The structures of the intermediates and transition states, as well as the potential energy barriers of the involved reactions, were obtained. The hypothesis of quinine methide (QM) formation was theoretically confirmed. Two mechanisms were identified for QM formation, namely E1cb (elimination unimolecular conjugate base) and water-aided intra-molecular water elimination. The latter is energetically more favorable and is proposed for the first time in this work. Based on the QM mechanism, the condensation should be a unimolecular reaction because the following condensation between an ionized species (dissociated phenol or hydroxymethylphenol) with QM is much faster. The previously proposed SN2 condensation mechanism was found to be not competitive over the QM mechanism due to a much higher energy barrier. The condensation reaction between neutral phenol or hydroxymethylphenol and QM was also found to be possible. The energy barrier of this reaction is close to or higher than that of QM formation. Therefore, the overall condensation reaction may appear to be bimolecular if such a reaction is incorporated. The theoretical calculations in this work rationalized the discrepant results reported in previous kinetics studies well.
Using 3D Point Clouds Derived from UAV RGB Imagery to Describe Vineyard 3D Macro-Structure
Authors: Weiss Marie , Baret Frédéric
Published: January 2017

In the context of precision viticulture, remote sensing in the optical domain offers a potential way to map crop structure characteristics, such as vegetation cover fraction, row orientation or leaf area index, that are later used in decision support tools. A method based on the RGB color model imagery acquired with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is proposed to describe the vineyard 3D macro-structure. The dense point cloud is first extracted from the overlapping RGB images acquired over the vineyard using the Structure from Motion algorithm implemented in the Agisoft PhotoScan software. Then, the terrain altitude extracted from the dense point cloud is used to get the 2D distribution of height of the vineyard. By applying a threshold on the height, the rows are separated from the row spacing. Row height, width and spacing are then estimated as well as the vineyard cover fraction and the percentage of missing segments along the rows. Results are compared with ground measurements with root mean square error (RMSE) = 9.8 cm for row height, RMSE = 8.7 cm for row width and RMSE = 7 cm for row spacing. The row width, cover fraction, as well as the percentage of missing row segments, appear to be sensitive to the quality of the dense point cloud. Optimal flight configuration and camera setting are therefore mandatory to access these characteristics with a good accuracy.
Uncertainty in Terrestrial Laser Scanner Surveys of Landslides
Authors: Barbarella Maurizio , Fiani Margherita , Lugli Andrea
Published: January 2017

Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is a relatively new, versatile, and efficient technology for landslide monitoring. The evaluation of uncertainty of the surveyed data is not trivial because the final accuracy of the point position is unknown. An a priori evaluation of the accuracy of the observed points can be made based on both the footprint size and of the resolution, as well as in terms of effective instantaneous field of view (EIFOV). Such evaluations are surely helpful for a good survey design, but the further operations, such as cloud co-registration, georeferencing and editing, digital elevation model (DEM) creation, and so on, cause uncertainty which is difficult to evaluate. An assessment of the quality of the survey can be made evaluating the goodness of fit between the georeferenced point cloud and the terrain model built using it. In this article, we have considered a typical survey of a landsliding slope. We have presented an a priori quantitative assessment and we eventually analyzed how good the comparison is of the computed point cloud to the actual ground points. We have used the method of cross-validation to eventually suggest the use of a robust parameter for estimating the reliability of the fitting procedure. This statistic can be considered for comparing methods and parameters used to interpolate the DEM. Using kriging allows one to account for the spatial distribution of the data (including the typical anisotropy of the survey of a slope) and to obtain a map of the uncertainties over the height of the grid nodes. This map can be used to compute the estimated error over the DEM-derived quantities, and also represents an “objective” definition of the area of the survey that can be trusted for further use.
Mining Coastal Land Use Sequential Pattern and Its Land Use Associations Based on Association Rule Mining
Authors: Ding Zhi , Liao Xiaohan , Su Fenzhen , Fu Dongjie
Published: January 2017

Abstract: Research on the land use of the coastal zone in the sea–land direction will not only reveal its land use distribution, but may also indicate the interactions between inland land use and the ocean through associations between inland land use and seaward land use indirectly. However, in the existing research, few have paid attention to the land use in sea–land direction, let alone the sequential relationship between land-use types. The sequential relationship would be useful in land use planning and rehabilitation of the landscape in the sea–land direction, and the association between land-use types, particularly the inland land use and seaward land use, is not discussed. Therefore, This study presents a model named ARCLUSSM (Association Rules-based Coastal Land use Spatial Sequence Model) to mine the sequential pattern of land use with interesting associations in the sea–land direction of the coastal zone. As a case study, the typical coastal zone of Bohai Bay and the Yellow River delta in China was used. The results are as follows: firstly, 27 interesting association patterns of land use in the sea–land direction of the coastal zone were mined easily. Both sequential relationship and distance between land-use types for 27 patterns among six land-use types were mined definitely, and the sequence of the six land-use types tended to be tidal flat > shrimp pond > reservoir/artificial pond > settlement > river > dry land in sea–land direction. These patterns would offer specific support for land-use planning and rehabilitation of the coastal zone. There were 19 association patterns between seaward and landward land-use types. These patterns showed strong associations between seaward and landward land-use types. It indicated that the landward land use might have some impacts on the seaward land use, or in the other direction, which may help to reveal the interactions between inland land use and the ocean. Thus, the ARCLUSSM was an efficient tool to mine the sequential relationship and distance between land-use types with interesting association rules in the sea–land direction, which would offer practicable advice to appropriate coastal zone management and planning, and might reveal the interactions between inland land use and the ocean.
Physical Flood Vulnerability Mapping Applying Geospatial Techniques in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Rimba Andi , Setiawati Martiwi , Sambah Abu , Miura Fusanori
Published: January 2017

Flooding has been increasing since 2004 in Japan due to localized heavy rainfall and geographical conditions. Determining areas vulnerable to flooding as one element of flood hazard maps related to disaster management for urban development is necessary. This research integrated Remote Sensing data, the Geography Information System (GIS) method and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) calculation to determine the physical flood-vulnerable area in Okazaki City. We developed this research by applying data from the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI) to generate the slope map and drainage density; AMEDAS (Automated Meteorological Data Acquisition System) from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to generate the rainfall data; Soil map from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) data; and Sentinel-2 imagery to generate the land cover map. We applied the AHP calculation for weighting pairwise the parameters by comparing five iterations of the normalized matrix. We utilized the spatial analysis tool in ArcGIS to run the pairwise comparison to adjudicate the distribution of flooding according to the AHP procedure. The percentage of relative weight was slope (43%), drainage density (20%), rainfall intensity (17%), then both infiltration rate and land cover (10%). The consistency value was reasonable: consistency index (CI—0.007) and consistency ratio (CR—0.6%). We generated high accuracy for flood vulnerability prediction; 0.88 for Probability of Detection (POD), 0.28 for Probability of False Detection (POFD), 0.44 for Critical Success Index (CSI), 1.9 for Bias, and 95 of Area under Curve (AUC). The flood vulnerability was matched to the flood inundation survey of Okazaki City in August 2008 and indicated an excellent Relative Operating Characteristic (ROC).
The Characteristics of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection in Rhesus Macaques and the Associated Pathological Features
Authors: Fan Shengtao , Cai Hongzhi , Xu Xingli , Feng Min , Wang Lichun , Liao Yun , Zhang Ying , He Zhanlong , Yang Fengmei , Yu Wenhai , Wang Jingjing , Zhou Jumin , Li Qihan
Published: January 2017

As one of the major pathogens for human herpetic diseases, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) causes herpes labialis, genital herpes and herpetic encephalitis. Our aim here was to investigate the infectious process of HSV1 in rhesus macaques and the pathological features induced during this infection. Clinical symptoms that manifested in the rhesus macaque during HSV1 infection included vesicular lesions and their pathological features. Viral distribution in the nervous tissues and associated pathologic changes indicated the typical systematic pathological processes associated with viral distribution of HSV1.Interestingly, vesicular lesions recurred in oral skin or in mucosa associated with virus shedding in macaques within four to five months post‐infection,and viral latency‐associated transcript (LAT) mRNA was found in the trigeminal ganglia (TG)on day 365 post‐infection. Neutralization testing and enzyme‐linked immunospot (ELISpot) detection of specific T cell responses confirmed the specific immunity induced by HSV1 infection. Thus, rhesus macaques could serve as an infectious model for HSV1 due to their typical clinical symptoms and the pathological recurrence associated with viral latency in nervous tissues.
The Comparative Value of Feline Virology Research: Can Findings from the Feline Lentiviral Vaccine Be Translated to Humans?
Authors: Hosie Margaret , Techakriengkrai Navapon , Bęczkowski Paweł , Harris Matthew , Logan Nicola , Willett Brian
Published: January 2017

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus of domestic cats that shares several similarities with its human counterpart, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Their analogies include genomic organization, lymphocyte tropism, viral persistence and induction of immunodeficiency. FIV is the only lentivirus for which a commercial vaccine is registered for prevention in either human or veterinary medicine. This provides a unique opportunity to investigate the mechanisms of protection induced by lentivirus vaccines at the population level and might contribute to the development of efficacious HIV vaccines. As well as having comparative value for vaccine studies, FIV research has shed some light on the relationship between lentiviral tropism and pathogenesis. Recent studies in our laboratory demonstrated that the interaction between FIV and its primary receptor changes as disease progresses, reminiscent of the receptor switch observed as disease progresses in HIV infected individuals. Here we summarise findings illustrating that, in addition to its veterinary significance, FIV has comparative value, providing a useful model to explore lentivirus–host interactions and to examine potential immune correlates of protection against HIV infection.
Assessment of Optional Sediment Transport Functions via the Complex Watershed Simulation Model SWAT
Authors: Yen Haw , Lu Shenglan , Feng Qingyu , Wang Ruoyu , Gao Jungang , Brady Dawn , Sharifi Amirreza , Ahn Jungkyu , Chen Shien-Tsung , Jeong Jaehak , White Michael , Arnold Jeffrey
Published: January 2017

The Soil and Water Assessment Tool 2012 (SWAT2012) offers four sediment routing methods as optional alternatives to the default simplified Bagnold method. Previous studies compared only one of these alternative sediment routing methods with the default method. The proposed study evaluated the impacts of all four alternative sediment transport methods on sediment predictions: the modified Bagnold equation, the Kodoatie equation, the Molinas and Wu equation, and the Yang equation. The Arroyo Colorado Watershed, Texas, USA, was first calibrated for daily flow. The sediment parameters were then calibrated to monthly sediment loads, using each of the four sediment routing equations. An automatic calibration tool—Integrated Parameter Estimation and Uncertainty Analysis Tool (IPEAT)—was used to fit model parameters. The four sediment routing equations yielded substantially different sediment sources and sinks. The Yang equation performed best, followed by Kodoatie, Bagnold, and Molinas and Wu equations, according to greater model goodness-of-fit (represented by higher Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency coefficient and percent bias closer to 0) as well as lower model uncertainty (represented by inclusion of observed data within 95% confidence interval). Since the default method (Bagnold) does not guarantee the best results, modelers should carefully evaluate the selection of alternative methods before conducting relevant studies or engineering projects.
Spatial and Temporal Changes in Temperature, Precipitation, and Streamflow in the Miyun Reservoir Basin of China
Authors: Yan Tiezhu , Bai Zhenyao
Published: January 2017

With the influence of global climate warming, the responses of regional hydroclimatic variables to climate change are of great importance for water resource planning and management. The evolution of precipitation, mean temperature, and runoff at different timescales, was investigated using the Mann–Kendall test from 1969 to 2011 in the Miyun Reservoir Basin, China. In addition, three precipitation indices and different precipitation grades were also considered. Annual precipitation had a non-significant decreasing trend, flood precipitation trend was significantly decreasing with a magnitude of 18.50 mm/10 years, and non-flood precipitation trend was significantly increasing with a magnitude of 6.91 mm/10 years. Precipitation frequency in flood season featured a significantly decreasing trend. Meanwhile, flood precipitation intensity for large rain (25 ≤ p < 50 mm/day) and non-flood precipitation amount for medium rain (10 ≤ p < 25mm/day) also showed significant increasing trends. The mean temperature exhibited significant upward trends during the year, in flood season, and in non-flood season with rates of 0.36 °C/10 years, 0.32 °C/10 years and 0.38 °C/10 years, respectively. The magnitude of the mean temperature increase in the non-flood season was greater than in the flood season. Runoff experienced continuous and significant downward trends of 1.6 × 108 m3/10 years, 1.1 × 108 m3/10 years and 0.40 × 108 m3/10 years, respectively, during the year, in flood season, and in non-flood season. The decreased annual streamflow was more obvious after 2000 than before. The results obtained in this study could be used as references for decision-making regarding water resource management in the watershed.
Channel Planform Dynamics Monitoring and Channel Stability Assessment in Two Sediment-Rich Rivers in Taiwan
Authors: Kuo Cheng-Wei , Chen Chi-Farn , Chen Su-Chin , Yang Tun-Chi , Chen Chun-Wei
Published: January 2017

Recurrent flood events induced by typhoons are powerful agents to modify channel morphology in Taiwan’s rivers. Frequent channel migrations reflect highly sensitive valley floors and increase the risk to infrastructure and residents along rivers. Therefore, monitoring channel planforms is essential for analyzing channel stability as well as improving river management. This study analyzed annual channel changes along two sediment-rich rivers, the Zhuoshui River and the Gaoping River, from 2008 to 2015 based on satellite images of FORMOSAT-2. Channel areas were digitized from mid-catchment to river mouth (~90 km). Channel stability for reaches was assessed through analyzing the changes of river indices including braid index, active channel width, and channel activity. In general, the valley width plays a key role in braided degree, active channel width, and channel activity. These indices increase as the valley width expands whereas the braid index decreases slightly close to the river mouth due to the change of river types. This downstream pattern in the Zhuoshui River was interrupted by hydraulic construction which resulted in limited changes downstream from the weir, due to the lack of water and sediment supply. A 200-year flood, Typhoon Morakot in 2009, induced significant changes in the two rivers. The highly active landscape in Taiwan results in very sensitive channels compared to other regions. An integrated Sensitivity Index was proposed for identifying unstable reaches, which could be a useful reference for river authorities when making priorities in river regulation strategy. This study shows that satellite image monitoring coupled with river indices analysis could be an effective tool to evaluate spatial and temporal changes in channel stability in highly dynamic river systems.
Coléoptères Cerylonidae nouveaux ou peu connus
Authors: Dajoz Roger
Published: January 2017

In this article a few little known species of Cerylonidae are redescribed : Philothermus crampeli (Grouvelle) n. comb., Philothermus punctipenne (Pascoe) n. comb., Cerylon ovale Grouvelle, Philothermus torosum (Reitter) n. comb. Nine new species are described : Philothermus mussardi, Philothermus rubronigrum, Philothermus testaceorubrum, Philothermus javanicus, Philothermus nepalensis, Cerylon pressulum, Cerylon katmandu, Pseudocerylon compactum, Cerylonopsis saigonensis.
A STUDY OF CENTRAL GALAXY ROTATION WITH STELLAR MASS AND ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Oliva-Altamirano Paola , Brough Sarah , Tran Kim-Vy , Jimmy  , Miller Christopher , Bremer Malcom N. , Phillipps Steven , Sharp Rob , Colless Matthew , Lara-López Maritza A. , López-Sánchez Ángel R. , Pimbblet Kevin , Kafle Prajwal R. , Couch Warrick J.
Published: January 2017

We present a pilot analysis of the influence of galaxy stellar mass and cluster environment on the probability of slow rotation in 22 central galaxies at mean redshift z = 0.07. This includes new integral-field observations of five central galaxies selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, observed with the SPIRAL integral-field spectrograph on the Anglo-Australian Telescope. The composite sample presented here spans a wide range of stellar masses,

log(

, and are embedded in halos ranging from groups to clusters,

log(

. We find a mean probability of slow rotation in our sample of P(SR)

%. Our results show an increasing probability of slow rotation in central galaxies with increasing stellar mass. However, when we examine the dependence of slow rotation on host cluster halo mass, we do not see a significant relationship. We also explore the influence of cluster dominance on slow rotation in central galaxies. Clusters with low dominance are associated with dynamically younger systems. We find that cluster dominance has no significant effect on the probability of slow rotation in central galaxies. These results conflict with a paradigm in which halo mass alone predetermines central galaxy properties.
OBSERVED ASTEROID SURFACE AREA IN THE THERMAL INFRARED
Authors: Nugent C. R. , Mainzer A. , Masiero J. , Wright E. L. , Bauer J. , Grav T. , Kramer E. , Sonnett S.
Published: January 2017

The rapid accumulation of thermal infrared observations and shape models of asteroids has led to increased interest in thermophysical modeling. Most of these infrared observations are unresolved. We consider what fraction of an asteroid’s surface area contributes the bulk of the emitted thermal flux for two model asteroids of different shapes over a range of thermal parameters. The resulting observed surface in the infrared is generally more fragmented than the area observed in visible wavelengths, indicating high sensitivity to shape. For objects with low values of the thermal parameter, small fractions of the surface contribute the majority of thermally emitted flux. Calculating observed areas could enable the production of spatially resolved thermal inertia maps from non-resolved observations of asteroids.