bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A low-cost system for coil tracking during transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Washabaugh Edward P. , Krishnan Chandramouli
Published: March 2016

Purpose: Accurate coil placement over a target area is critical during transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), as small deviations can alter testing outcomes. Accordingly, frameless stereotaxic systems (FSS) are recommended for reliable coil placement during TMS applications. However, FSS is not practical due to the cost associated with procuring such systems. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a low-cost TMS coil tracking approach using simple webcams and an image processing algorithm in LabVIEW Vision Assistant.

Methods: A system was created using two webcams, retroreflective markers, and computer stereovision, for tracking the TMS coil over a target area. Accuracy of the system was validated in both the global and local reference frames, while repeatability was measured within- and between-days for placement of the TMS coil over the target area relative to the head. The feasibility of our system was also verified by collecting motor evoked potentials (MEPs) of first dorsal interosseous muscle from human subjects.

Results: The results of this study indicated that the system was highly accurate and repeatable, and could track the coil position with <5 mm error and orientation <1.1° error from the target. We also observed larger and more consistent MEPs when stimulating the brain using feedback from the coil tracking system than when the examiner attempted to stimulate without any feedback.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that webcam-based coil tracking is a feasible low-cost solution to track coil positions during TMS procedures.
Conversations for providers caring for patients with rectal cancer: Comparison of long‐term patient‐centered outcomes for patients with low rectal cancer facing ostomy or sphincter‐sparing surgery
Authors: Herrinton Lisa J. , Altschuler Andrea , McMullen Carmit K. , Bulkley Joanna E. , Hornbrook Mark C. , Sun Virginia , Wendel Christopher S. , Grant Marcia , Baldwin Carol M. , Demark‐Wahnefried Wendy , Temple Larissa K. F. , Krouse Robert S.
Published: March 2016

For some patients with low rectal cancer, ostomy (with elimination into a pouch) may be the only realistic surgical option. However, some patients have a choice between ostomy and sphincter‐sparing surgery. Sphincter‐sparing surgery has been preferred over ostomy because it offers preservation of normal bowel function. However, this surgery can cause incontinence and bowel dysfunction. Increasingly, it has become evident that certain patients who are eligible for sphincter‐sparing surgery may not be well served by the surgery, and construction of an ostomy may be better. No validated assessment tool or decision aid has been published to help newly diagnosed patients decide between the two surgeries or to help physicians elicit long‐term surgical outcomes. Furthermore, comparison of long‐term outcomes and late effects after the two surgeries has not been synthesized. Therefore, this systematic review summarizes controlled studies that compared long‐term survivorship outcomes between these two surgical groups. The goals are: 1) to improve understanding and shared decision‐making among surgeons, oncologists, primary care providers, patients, and caregivers; 2) to increase the patient's participation in the decision; 3) to alert the primary care provider to patient challenges that could be addressed by provider attention and intervention; and 4) ultimately, to improve patients' long‐term quality of life. This report includes discussion points for health care providers to use with their patients during initial discussions of ostomy and sphincter‐sparing surgery as well as questions to ask during follow‐up examinations to ascertain any long‐term challenges facing the patient. CA Cancer J Clin 2016;66:387–397. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) induces inhibition of Col-II and COMP expression in the chondrocytes
Authors: Li Tao , Yang Guang , Dong Chang-jun , Li Bin , Zhang Li-ting
Published: March 2016

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the disease of joints which results in articular cartilage degradation and remodeling of bones accompanied by joint pain and stiffness. Chloroquine (CQ) analogs like hydroxychloroquine have been used for the treatment of systemic lupus rheumatoid polyarthritis and erythematosus. The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) on the level of collagen type II (Col-II) and oligo­meric matrix protein COMP expression in chondrocytes of knee osteoarthritis. The rate of growth in cartilage cells was analyzed using MTT assay where as the Col-2 and COMP expression levels were detected by RT-PCR and western blotting analyses. For the determination of MMP-13 expression, ELISA test was used. The results revealed a no significant change in the rate of cartilage cell proliferation in HCQ treated compared to the untreated cells. HCQ treatment exhibited concentration and time-dependent effect on the inhibition of Col-2 and COMP expression in chondrocytes. However, its treatment caused a significant enhancement in the expression levels of MMP-13 compared to the untreated cells. Therefore, HCQ promotes expression of MMP-13 and reduces Col-2 and COMP expression levels in the chondrocytes without any significant change in the growth of the cells.

 
Multistable Perception in Older Adults: Constructing a Whole from Fragments
Authors: Patel Khushi , Reed Maureen
Published: March 2016

Visual perception is constructive in nature; that is, a coherent whole is generated from ambiguous fragments that are encountered in dynamic visual scenes. Creating this coherent whole from fragmented sensory inputs requires one to detect, identify, distinguish and organize sensory input. The organization of fragments into a coherent whole is facilitated by the continuous interactions between lower level sensory inputs and higher order processes. However, age-related declines are found in both neural structures and cognitive processes (e.g., attention and inhibition). The impact of these declines on the constructive nature of visual processing was the focus of this study. Here we asked younger adults, young-old (65–79 years), and old-old adults (80+ years) to view a multistable figure (i.e., Necker cube) under four conditions (free, priming, volition, and adaptation) and report, via a button press, when percepts spontaneously changed. The oldest-olds, unlike young-olds and younger adults, were influenced by priming, had less visual stability during volition and showed less ability to adapt to multistable stimuli. These results suggest that the ability to construct a coherent whole from fragments declines with age. More specifically, vision is constructed differently in the old-olds, which might influence environmental interpretations and navigational abilities in this age group.
Erratum: Fitton, J.H., et al. Topical Benefits of Two Fucoidan-Rich Extracts from Marine Macroalgae. Cosmetics 2015, 2, 66–81
Authors:   Cosmetics Editorial Office
Published: March 2016

Due to a production error, Figure 3 was published twice in article [1] and Figure 4 was missing.[...]
Thermally Activated Paramagnets from Diamagnetic Polymers of Biphenyl-3,5-diyl Bis(tert-butyl Nitroxides) Carrying Methyl and Fluoro Groups at the 2’- and 5’-Positions
Authors: Yoshitake Toru , Kudo Hiroki , Ishida Takayuki
Published: March 2016

Three new biradicals—2’,5’-dimethyl-, 2’-fluoro-5’-methyl-, and 5’-fluoro-2’-methyl- biphenyl-3,5-diyl bis(tert-butyl nitroxides)—were synthesized. The magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed their diamagnetism below and around room temperature. The nitroxide groups are located close to each other in an intermolecular fashion to form a weakly covalent head-to-tail (NO)2 ring. Biradical molecules are connected on both radical sites, constructing a diamagnetic chain. The dimethyl derivative underwent a structural phase transition at 83 °C, clarified via differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction, and a paramagnetic solid phase with S = 1 irreversibly appeared. The other analogues exhibited a similar irreversible upsurge of the magnetic susceptibility on heating, but the transition was characterized as the melting.
Theoretical Studies on Hydrogen Bonds in Anions Encapsulated by an Azamacrocyclic Receptor
Authors: Wang Jing , Gu Jiande , Hossain Md. , Leszczynski Jerzy
Published: March 2016

Hydrogen bonds in two halides encapsulated by an azamacrocyclic receptor were studied in detail by the density functional theory (DFT) approaches at B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) and M06-2X/6-311++G(d,p) levels. The atoms in molecules (AIM) theory and the electron density difference maps were applied for characterizing the hydrogen bond patterns. The results suggest that the fluoride complex has a unique binding pattern which shows a hydrogen bond augmented with ionic bond characteristics.
Direct Quantification of Rare Earth Elements Concentrations in Urine of Workers Manufacturing Cerium, Lanthanum Oxide Ultrafine and Nanoparticles by a Developed and Validated ICP-MS
Authors: Li Yan , Yu Hua , Zheng Siqian , Miao Yang , Yin Shi , Li Peng , Bian Ying
Published: March 2016

Rare earth elements (REEs) have undergone a steady spread in several industrial, agriculture and medical applications. With the aim of exploring a sensitive and reliable indicator of estimating exposure level to REEs, a simple, accurate and specific ICP-MS method for simultaneous direct quantification of 15 REEs (89Y, 139La, 140Ce, 141Pr, 146Nd, 147Sm, 153Eu, 157Gd, 159Tb, 163Dy, 165Ho, 166Er, 169Tm, 172Yb and 175Lu) in human urine has been developed and validated. The method showed good linearity for all REEs in human urine in the concentrations ranging from 0.001–1.000 μg∙L−1 with r2 > 0.997. The limits of detection and quantification for this method were in the range of 0.009–0.010 μg∙L−1 and 0.029–0.037 μg∙L−1, the recoveries on spiked samples of the 15 REEs ranged from 93.3% to 103.0% and the relative percentage differences were less than 6.2% in duplicate samples, and the intra- and inter-day variations of the analysis were less than 1.28% and less than 0.85% for all REEs, respectively. The developed method was successfully applied to the determination of 15 REEs in 31 urine samples obtained from the control subjects and the workers engaged in work with manufacturing of ultrafine and nanoparticles containing cerium and lanthanum oxide. The results suggested that only the urinary levels of La (1.234 ± 0.626 μg∙L−1), Ce (1.492 ± 0.995 μg∙L−1), Nd (0.014 ± 0.009 μg∙L−1) and Gd (0.023 ± 0.010 μg∙L−1) among the exposed workers were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the levels measured in the control subjects. From these, La and Ce were the primary components, and accounted for 88% of the total REEs. Lanthanum comprised 27% of the total REEs while Ce made up the majority of REE content at 61%. The remaining elements only made up 1% each, with the exception of Dy which was not detected. Comparison with the previously published data, the levels of urinary La and Ce in workers and the control subjects show a higher trend than previous reports.
Disrupted Homeostatic Cytokines Expression in Secondary Lymph Organs during HIV Infection
Authors: Zhao Lintao , Gao Jianbao , Li Yan , Liu Lina , Yang Yang , Guo Bo , Zhu Bo
Published: March 2016

Research has firmly established that infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) leads to structural disruption in secondary lymph organs (SLOs) and that IL-7 expression by SLOs is downregulated in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected rhesus macaques. However, the foregoing has not been demonstrated in HIV-infected patients. As well, SLO-produced chemokines and cytokines, other than IL-7, have not been tested. In this study, SLOs in HIV-infected patients exhibit decreased levels of lymphoid cytokines, such as IL-7 and C–C motif chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21), due to lower expression of lymphotoxin (LT)-β. Previous research has shown that LT-β is produced mainly by CD4+T cells in rhesus macaques, while our study found the same level of LT-β expressed by CD4+T and CD8+T cells in humans. CD8+T cells substitute for depleted CD4+T cells LT-β production. Only the total number of CD3+T cells can account for the majority of LT-β in human SLOs. This study indicates a possible mechanism and a potential target for improvement of SLO function in HIV-infected patients, a novel adjuvant therapy for AIDS.
LARP6 Meets Collagen mRNA: Specific Regulation of Type I Collagen Expression
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Stefanovic Branko
Published: March 2016

Type I collagen is the most abundant structural protein in all vertebrates, but its constitutive rate of synthesis is low due to long half-life of the protein (60–70 days). However, several hundred fold increased production of type I collagen is often seen in reparative or reactive fibrosis. The mechanism which is responsible for this dramatic upregulation is complex, including multiple levels of regulation. However, posttranscriptional regulation evidently plays a predominant role. Posttranscriptional regulation comprises processing, transport, stabilization and translation of mRNAs and is executed by RNA binding proteins. There are about 800 RNA binding proteins, but only one, La ribonucleoprotein domain family member 6 (LARP6), is specifically involved in type I collagen regulation. In the 5′untranslated region (5’UTR) of mRNAs encoding for type I and type III collagens there is an evolutionally conserved stem-loop (SL) structure; this structure is not found in any other mRNA, including any other collagen mRNA. LARP6 binds to the 5′SL in sequence specific manner to regulate stability of collagen mRNAs and their translatability. Here, we will review current understanding of how is LARP6 involved in posttranscriptional regulation of collagen mRNAs. We will also discuss how other proteins recruited by LARP6, including nonmuscle myosin, vimentin, serine threonine kinase receptor associated protein (STRAP), 25 kD FK506 binding protein (FKBP25) and RNA helicase A (RHA), contribute to this process.
A Review of Ribonuclease 7’s Structure, Regulation, and Contributions to Host Defense
Authors: Becknell Brian , Spencer John
Published: March 2016

The Ribonuclease A Superfamily is composed of a group of structurally similar peptides that are secreted by immune cells and epithelial tissues. Several members of the Ribonuclease A Superfamily demonstrate antimicrobial activity, and it has been suggested that some of these ribonucleases play an essential role in host defense. Ribonuclease 7 (RNase 7) is an epithelial-derived secreted peptide with potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. This review summarizes the published literature on RNase 7’s antimicrobial properties, structure, regulation, and contributions to host defense. In doing so, we conclude by highlighting key knowledge gaps that must be investigated to completely understand the potential of developing RNase 7 as a novel therapeutic for human infectious diseases.
Targeted Delivery Systems for Molecular Therapy in Skeletal Disorders
Authors: Dang Lei , Liu Jin , Li Fangfei , Wang Luyao , Li Defang , Guo Baosheng , He Xiaojuan , Jiang Feng , Liang Chao , Liu Biao , Badshah Shaikh , He Bing , Lu Jun , Lu Cheng , Lu Aiping , Zhang Ge
Published: March 2016

Abnormalities in the integral components of bone, including bone matrix, bone mineral and bone cells, give rise to complex disturbances of skeletal development, growth and homeostasis. Non-specific drug delivery using high-dose systemic administration may decrease therapeutic efficacy of drugs and increase the risk of toxic effects in non-skeletal tissues, which remain clinical challenges in the treatment of skeletal disorders. Thus, targeted delivery systems are urgently needed to achieve higher drug delivery efficiency, improve therapeutic efficacy in the targeted cells/tissues, and minimize toxicities in non-targeted cells/tissues. In this review, we summarize recent progress in the application of different targeting moieties and nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery in skeletal disorders, and also discuss the advantages, challenges and perspectives in their clinical translation.
Molecular Insight into Gut Microbiota and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Wu Xiaohao , He Bing , Liu Jin , Feng Hui , Ma Yinghui , Li Defang , Guo Baosheng , Liang Chao , Dang Lei , Wang Luyao , Tian Jing , Zhu Hailong , Xiao Lianbo , Lu Cheng , Lu Aiping , Zhang Ge
Published: March 2016

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, inflammatory, and autoimmune disorder. Gut microbiota play an important role in the etiology of RA. With the considerable progress made in next-generation sequencing techniques, the identified gut microbiota difference between RA patients and healthy individuals provides an updated overview of the association between gut microbiota and RA. We reviewed the reported correlation and underlying molecular mechanisms among gut microbiota, the immune system, and RA. It has become known that gut microbiota contribute to the pathogenesis of RA via multiple molecular mechanisms. The progressive understanding of the dynamic interaction between gut microbiota and their host will help in establishing a highly individualized management for each RA patient, and achieve a better efficacy in clinical practice, or even discovering new drugs for RA.
Modeling, Simulation and Control of the Walking of Biped Robotic Devices—Part III: Turning while Walking
Authors: Menga Giuseppe , Ghirardi Marco
Published: March 2016

In part II of this group of papers, the control of the gait of a biped robot during rectilinear walk was considered. The modeling approach and simulation, using Kane’s method with implementation leveraged by Autolev, a symbolic computational environment that is complementary, was discussed in part I. Performing turns during the walk is technically more complex than the rectilinear case and deserves further investigation. The problem is solved in the present part III as an extension of part II. The robot executes a rectilinear walk on a local reference frame whose progression axis is always tangent, and its origin performs the involute of the path curve. The curve is defined by its curvature (osculating circle) and center of curvature (evolute) along the path. Radius of curvature and center can change continuously (in practice at every sampling time). For postural equilibrium, Center of Gravity and Zero Moment Point (COG/ZMP) follow the same preview reference proposed for rectilinear walk (c o g R e f x ( t ) , c o g ˙ R e f x ( t ), c o g R e f y ( t ) , c o g ˙ R e f y ( t )). The effect of the turn on the sagittal plane is negligible and is ignored, while on the frontal plane it is accounted for by an offset on COG reference to compensate for the centrifugal acceleration. The body trunk and local frame rotation, and the generation of the references on this moving frame of the free foot trajectory during the swing deserve attention.
Probing the Electrophysiology of the Developing Heart
Authors: Watanabe Michiko , Rollins Andrew , Polo-Parada Luis , Ma Pei , Gu Shi , Jenkins Michael
Published: March 2016

Many diseases that result in dysfunction and dysmorphology of the heart originate in the embryo. However, the embryonic heart presents a challenging subject for study: especially challenging is its electrophysiology. Electrophysiological maturation of the embryonic heart without disturbing its physiological function requires the creation and deployment of novel technologies along with the use of classical techniques on a range of animal models. Each tool has its strengths and limitations and has contributed to making key discoveries to expand our understanding of cardiac development. Further progress in understanding the mechanisms that regulate the normal and abnormal development of the electrophysiology of the heart requires integration of this functional information with the more extensively elucidated structural and molecular changes.
Development of Wax-Incorporated Emulsion Gel Beads for the Encapsulation and Intragastric Floating Delivery of the Active Antioxidant from Tamarindus indica L.
Authors: Soradech Sitthiphong , Petchtubtim Intira , Thongdon-A Jeerayu , Muangman Thanchanok
Published: March 2016

In this study, tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) seed extracts with potential antioxidant activity and toxicity to cancer cells were developed as functional foods and nutraceutical ingredients in the form of emulsion gel beads. Three extracts were obtained from ethanol and water: TSCH50, TSCH95 and TSCH. All extracts exhibited high potential for superoxide anion scavenging activity over the IC50 range < 5–11 µg/mL and had no toxic effects on normal cells, however, the water extract (TSCH) was the most effective due to its free radical scavenging activity and toxicity in mitochondrial membranes of cancer cells. Next a study was designed to develop a new formulation for encapsulation and intragastric floating delivery of tamarind seed extract (TSCH) using wax-incorporated emulsion gel beads, which were prepared using a modified ionotropic gelation technique. Tamarind seed extract at 1% (w/w) was used as the active ingredient in all formulations. The effect of the types and amounts of wax on the encapsulation efficiency and percentage of the active release of alginate gel beads was also investigated. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of both waxes into the gel beads had an effect on the percentage of encapsulation efficiency (%) and the percentage of the active ingredient release. Furthermore, the addition of water insoluble waxes (carnauba and bee wax) significantly retarded the release of the active ingredient. The addition of both waxes had a slight effect on drug release behavior. Nevertheless, the increase in incorporated waxes in all formulations could sustain the percentage of active ingredient release. In conclusion, wax-incorporated emulsion gel beads using a modified ionotropic gelation technique could be applied for the intragastric floating delivery and controlled release of functional food and nutraceutical products for their antioxidant and anticancer capacity.
Preparation of Pd-Loaded Hierarchical FAU Membranes and Testing in Acetophenone Hydrogenation
Authors: Molinari Raffaele , Lavorato Cristina , Mastropietro Teresa , Argurio Pietro , Drioli Enrico , Poerio Teresa
Published: March 2016

Pd-loaded hierarchical FAU (Pd-FAU) membranes, containing an intrinsic secondary non-zeolitic (meso)porosity, were prepared and tested in the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone (AP) to produce phenylethanol (PE), an industrially relevant product. The best operating conditions were preliminarily identified by testing different solvents and organic hydrogen donors in a batch hydrogenation process where micron-sized FAU seeds were employed as catalyst support. Water as solvent and formic acid as hydrogen source resulted to be the best choice in terms of conversion for the catalytic hydrogenation of AP, providing the basis for the design of a green and sustainable process. The best experimental conditions were selected and applied to the Pd-loaded FAU membrane finding enhanced catalytic performance such as a five-fold higher productivity than with the unsupported Pd-FAU crystals (11.0 vs. 2.2 mgproduct gcat−1·h−1). The catalytic performance of the membrane on the alumina support was also tested in a tangential flow system obtaining a productivity higher than that of the batch system (22.0 vs. 11.0 mgproduct gcat−1·h−1).
Porphyrin-Based Nanostructures for Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Chen Yingzhi , Li Aoxiang , Huang Zheng-Hong , Wang Lu-Ning , Kang Feiyu
Published: March 2016

Well-defined organic nanostructures with controllable size and morphology are increasingly exploited in optoelectronic devices. As promising building blocks, porphyrins have demonstrated great potentials in visible-light photocatalytic applications, because of their electrical, optical and catalytic properties. From this perspective, we have summarized the recent significant advances on the design and photocatalytic applications of porphyrin-based nanostructures. The rational strategies, such as texture or crystal modification and interfacial heterostructuring, are described. The applications of the porphyrin-based nanostructures in photocatalytic pollutant degradation and hydrogen evolution are presented. Finally, the ongoing challenges and opportunities for the future development of porphyrin nanostructures in high-quality nanodevices are also proposed.
Polyelectrolyte Complex Based Interfacial Drug Delivery System with Controlled Loading and Improved Release Performance for Bone Therapeutics
Authors: Vehlow David , Schmidt Romy , Gebert Annett , Siebert Maximilian , Lips Katrin , Müller Martin
Published: March 2016

An improved interfacial drug delivery system (DDS) based on polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) coatings with controlled drug loading and improved release performance was elaborated. The cationic homopolypeptide poly(l-lysine) (PLL) was complexed with a mixture of two cellulose sulfates (CS) of low and high degree of substitution, so that the CS and PLL solution have around equal molar charged units. As drugs the antibiotic rifampicin (RIF) and the bisphosphonate risedronate (RIS) were integrated. As an important advantage over previous PEC systems this one can be centrifuged, the supernatant discarded, the dense pellet phase (coacervate) separated, and again redispersed in fresh water phase. This behavior has three benefits: (i) Access to the loading capacity of the drug, since the concentration of the free drug can be measured by spectroscopy; (ii) lower initial burst and higher residual amount of drug due to removal of unbound drug and (iii) complete adhesive stability due to the removal of polyelectrolytes (PEL) excess component. It was found that the pH value and ionic strength strongly affected drug content and release of RIS and RIF. At the clinically relevant implant material (Ti40Nb) similar PEC adhesive and drug release properties compared to the model substrate were found. Unloaded PEC coatings at Ti40Nb showed a similar number and morphology of above cultivated human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) compared to uncoated Ti40Nb and resulted in considerable production of bone mineral. RIS loaded PEC coatings showed similar effects after 24 h but resulted in reduced number and unhealthy appearance of hMSC after 48 h due to cell toxicity of RIS.
Macronutrient Distribution and Dietary Sources in the Spanish Population: Findings from the ANIBES Study
Authors: Ruiz Emma , Ávila José , Valero Teresa , Del Pozo Susana , Rodriguez Paula , Aranceta-Bartrina Javier , Gil Ángel , González-Gross Marcela , Ortega Rosa , Serra-Majem Lluis , Varela-Moreiras Gregorio
Published: March 2016

Our aim was to analyze dietary macronutrient intake and its main sources according to sex and age. Results were derived from the ANIBES (“Anthropometry, Intake and Energy Balance in Spain”) cross-sectional study using a nationally-representative sample of the Spanish population (9–75 years old). Mean dietary protein intake was 74.5 ± 22.4 g/day, with meat and meat products as the main sources (33.0%). Mean carbohydrate intake was 185.4 ± 60.9 g/day and was higher in children and adolescents; grains (49%), mainly bread, were the main contributor. Milk and dairy products (23%) ranked first for sugar intake. Mean lipid intake was 78.1 ± 26.1 g/day and was higher in younger age groups; contributions were mainly from oils and fats (32.5%; olive oil 25.6%) and meat and meat products (22.0%). Lipid profiles showed relatively high monounsaturated fatty acid intake, of which olive oil contributed 38.8%. Saturated fatty acids were mainly (>70%) combined from meat and meat products, milk and dairy products and oils and fats. Polyunsaturated fatty acids were mainly from oils and fats (31.5%). The macronutrient intake and distribution in the Spanish population is far from population reference intakes and nutritional goals, especially for children and adolescents.
High Risk of Metabolic and Adipose Tissue Dysfunctions in Adult Male Progeny, Due to Prenatal and Adulthood Malnutrition Induced by Fructose Rich Diet
Authors: Alzamendi Ana , Zubiría Guillermina , Moreno Griselda , Portales Andrea , Spinedi Eduardo , Giovambattista Andrés
Published: March 2016

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of a fructose rich diet (FRD) consumed by the pregnant mother on the endocrine-metabolic and in vivo and in vitro adipose tissue (AT) functions of the male offspring in adulthood. At 60 days of age, rats born to FRD-fed mothers (F) showed impaired glucose tolerance after glucose overload and high circulating levels of leptin (LEP). Despite the diminished mass of retroperitoneal AT, this tissue was characterized by enhanced LEP gene expression, and hypertrophic adipocytes secreting in vitro larger amounts of LEP. Analyses of stromal vascular fraction composition by flow cytometry revealed a reduced number of adipocyte precursor cells. Additionally, 60 day-old control (C) and F male rats were subjected to control diet (CC and FC animals) or FRD (CF and FF rats) for three weeks. FF animals were heavier and consumed more calories. Their metabolic-endocrine parameters were aggravated; they developed severe hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperleptinemia and augmented AT mass with hypertrophic adipocytes. Our study highlights that manipulation of maternal diet induced an offspring phenotype mainly imprinted with a severely unhealthy adipogenic process with undesirable endocrine-metabolic consequences, putting them at high risk for developing a diabetic state.
Water-Dispersible Silica-Polyelectrolyte Nanocomposites Prepared via Acid-Triggered Polycondensation of Silicic Acid and Directed by Polycations
Authors: Overton Philip , Danilovtseva Elena , Karjalainen Erno , Karesoja Mikko , Annenkov Vadim , Tenhu Heikki , Aseyev Vladimir
Published: March 2016

The present work describes the acid-triggered condensation of silicic acid, Si(OH)4, as directed by selected polycations in aqueous solution in the pH range of 6.5–8.0 at room temperature, without the use of additional solvents or surfactants. This process results in the formation of silica-polyelectrolyte (S-PE) nanocomposites in the form of precipitate or water-dispersible particles. The mean hydrodynamic diameter (dh) of size distributions of the prepared water-dispersible S-PE composites is presented as a function of the solution pH at which the composite formation was achieved. Poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) and block copolymers of DMAEMA and oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA) were used as weak polyelectrolytes in S-PE composite formation. The activity of the strong polyelectrolytes poly(methacryloxyethyl trimethylammonium iodide) (PMOTAI) and PMOTAI-b-POEGMA in S-PE formation is also examined. The effect of polyelectrolyte strength and the OEGMA block on the formation of the S-PE composites is assessed with respect to the S-PE composites prepared using the PDMAEMA homopolymer. In the presence of the PDMAEMA60 homopolymer (Mw = 9400 g/mol), the size of the dispersible S-PE composites increases with solution pH in the range pH 6.6–8.1, from dh = 30 nm to dh = 800 nm. S-PDMAEMA60 prepared at pH 7.8 contained 66% silica by mass (TGA). The increase in dispersible S-PE particle size is diminished when directed by PDMAEMA300 (Mw = 47,000 g/mol), reaching a maximum of dh = 75 nm. S-PE composites formed using PDMAEMA-b-POEGMA remain in the range dh = 20–30 nm across this same pH regime. Precipitated S-PE composites were obtained as spheres of up to 200 nm in diameter (SEM) and up to 65% mass content of silica (TGA). The conditions of pH for the preparation of dispersible and precipitate S-PE nanocomposites, as directed by the five selected polyelectrolytes PDMAEMA60, PDMAEMA300, PMOTAI60, PDMAEMA60-b-POEGMA38 and PMOTAI60-b-POEGMA38 is summarized.
Influence of Electrospinning Parameters on Fiber Diameter and Mechanical Properties of Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and Polyanilines (PANI) Blends
Authors: El-hadi Ahmed , Al-Jabri Fatma
Published: March 2016

Random and oriented fibers of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and their blends were manufactured using electrospinning using a co-solvent. The kind and the concentration of the co-solvent affected the diameter of electrospun fibers. The morphology, thermal analysis, and crystalline structure of electrospun fibers was studied using polarized optical microscop (POM), Differential scanning colametry (DSC), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), and FT-IR analysis. The diameter of the electrospun fibers decreases with increasing collector speed for the blends compared to pure PHB, which are about 6 µm in diameter. The fibers obtained from blends reduce to 2 µm. The aligned electrospun fiber mats obtained from pure PHB showed no signs of necking at different take-up speeds, but the blends show multiple necking. It was found by FT-IR that the peak intensity at 1379 cm−1 was lower by take up speed than in casting films; this peak is sensitive to crystallinity of PHB. The addition of polyanilines (PANIs) to (PHB) with a plasticizer decreases the diameter of the electrospun fiber.
Amphiphilic Fluorinated Block Copolymer Synthesized by RAFT Polymerization for Graphene Dispersions
Authors: Lee Hyang , Perumal Suguna , Cheong In
Published: March 2016

Despite the superior properties of graphene, the strong π–π interactions among pristine graphenes yielding massive aggregation impede industrial applications. For non-covalent functionalization of highly-ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), poly(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate)-block-poly(4-vinyl pyridine) (PTFEMA-b-PVP) block copolymers were prepared by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and used as polymeric dispersants in liquid phase exfoliation assisted by ultrasonication. The HOPG graphene concentrations were found to be 0.260–0.385 mg/mL in methanolic graphene dispersions stabilized with 10 wt % (relative to HOPG) PTFEMA-b-PVP block copolymers after one week. Raman and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyses revealed that HOPG could not be completely exfoliated during the sonication. However, on-line turbidity results confirmed that the dispersion stability of HOPG in the presence of the block copolymer lasted for one week and that longer PTFEMA and PVP blocks led to better graphene dispersibility. Force–distance (F–d) analyses of AFM showed that PVP block is a good graphene-philic block while PTFEMA is methanol-philic.
Novel Approach to Unsupervised Change Detection Based on a Robust Semi-Supervised FCM Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Shao Pan , Shi Wenzhong , He Pengfei , Hao Ming , Zhang Xiaokang
Published: March 2016

This study presents a novel approach for unsupervised change detection in multitemporal remotely sensed images. This method addresses the problem of the analysis of the difference image by proposing a novel and robust semi-supervised fuzzy C-means (RSFCM) clustering algorithm. The advantage of the RSFCM is to further introduce the pseudolabels from the difference image compared with the existing change detection methods; these methods, mainly use difference intensity levels and spatial context. First, the patterns with a high probability of belonging to the changed or unchanged class are identified by selectively thresholding the difference image histogram. Second, the pseudolabels of these nearly certain pixel-patterns are jointly exploited with the intensity levels and spatial information in the properly defined RSFCM classifier in order to discriminate the changed pixels from the unchanged pixels. Specifically, labeling knowledge is used to guide the RSFCM clustering process to enhance the change information and obtain a more accurate membership; information on spatial context helps to lower the effect of noise and outliers by modifying the membership. RSFCM can detect more changes and provide noise immunity by the synergistic exploitation of pseudolabels and spatial context. The two main contributions of this study are as follows: (1) it proposes the idea of combining the three information types from the difference image, namely, (a) intensity levels, (b) labels, and (c) spatial context; and (2) it develops the novel RSFCM algorithm for image segmentation and forms the proposed change detection framework. The proposed method is effective and efficient for change detection as confirmed by six experimental results of this study.
Anatomy of Subsidence in Tianjin from Time Series InSAR
Authors: Liu Peng , Li Qingquan , Li Zhenhong , Hoey Trevor , Liu Guoxiang , Wang Chisheng , Hu Zhongwen , Zhou Zhiwei , Singleton Andrew
Published: March 2016

Groundwater is a major source of fresh water in Tianjin Municipality, China. The average rate of groundwater extraction in this area for the last 20 years fluctuates between 0.6 and 0.8 billion cubic meters per year. As a result, significant subsidence has been observed in Tianjin. In this study, C-band Envisat (Environmental Satellite) ASAR (Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar) images and L-band ALOS (Advanced Land Observing Satellite) PALSAR (Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar) data were employed to recover the Earth’s surface evolution during the period between 2007 and 2009 using InSAR time series techniques. Similar subsidence patterns can be observed in the overlapping area of the ASAR and PALSAR mean velocity maps with a maximum radar line of sight rate of ~170 mm·year−1. The west subsidence is modeled for ground water volume change using Mogi source array. Geological control by major faults on the east subsidence is analyzed. Storage coefficient of the east subsidence is estimated by InSAR displacements and temporal pattern of water level changes. InSAR has proven a useful tool for subsidence monitoring and displacement interpretation associated with underground water usage.
Blending Satellite Observed, Model Simulated, and in Situ Measured Soil Moisture over Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zeng Yijian , Su Zhongbo , Van der Velde Rogier , Wang Lichun , Xu Kai , Wang Xing , Wen Jun
Published: March 2016

The inter-comparison of different soil moisture (SM) products over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) reveals the inconsistency among different SM products, when compared to in situ measurement. It highlights the need to constrain the model simulated SM with the in situ measured data climatology. In this study, the in situ soil moisture networks, combined with the classification of climate zones over the TP, were used to produce the in situ measured SM climatology at the plateau scale. The generated TP scale in situ SM climatology was then used to scale the model-simulated SM data, which was subsequently used to scale the SM satellite observations. The climatology-scaled satellite and model-simulated SM were then blended objectively, by applying the triple collocation and least squares method. The final blended SM can replicate the SM dynamics across different climatic zones, from sub-humid regions to semi-arid and arid regions over the TP. This demonstrates the need to constrain the model-simulated SM estimates with the in situ measurements before their further applications in scaling climatology of SM satellite products.
Comparison of Computer Vision and Photogrammetric Approaches for Epipolar Resampling of Image Sequence
Authors: Kim Jae-In , Kim Taejung
Published: March 2016

Epipolar resampling is the procedure of eliminating vertical disparity between stereo images. Due to its importance, many methods have been developed in the computer vision and photogrammetry field. However, we argue that epipolar resampling of image sequences, instead of a single pair, has not been studied thoroughly. In this paper, we compare epipolar resampling methods developed in both fields for handling image sequences. Firstly we briefly review the uncalibrated and calibrated epipolar resampling methods developed in computer vision and photogrammetric epipolar resampling methods. While it is well known that epipolar resampling methods developed in computer vision and in photogrammetry are mathematically identical, we also point out differences in parameter estimation between them. Secondly, we tested representative resampling methods in both fields and performed an analysis. We showed that for epipolar resampling of a single image pair all uncalibrated and photogrammetric methods tested could be used. More importantly, we also showed that, for image sequences, all methods tested, except the photogrammetric Bayesian method, showed significant variations in epipolar resampling performance. Our results indicate that the Bayesian method is favorable for epipolar resampling of image sequences.
On-Demand Sensor Node Wake-Up Using Solar Panels and Visible Light Communication
Authors: Carrascal Carolina , Demirkol Ilker , Paradells Josep
Published: March 2016

To significantly reduce, or eliminate completely, the energy waste caused by the standby (idle) mode of wireless sensor nodes, we propose a novel on-demand wake-up system, which allows the nodes to be put into sleep mode unless their activation is truly necessary. Although there have been many studies proposing RF-based wake-up radio systems, in this work, we develop the first visible light communication (VLC)-based wake-up system. The developed system can extend the existing VLC systems and can be exploited to derive new application areas such as VLC tags. The system uses an off-the-shell indoor solar panel as receptor device of the wake-up signal as well as for energy harvesting purposes, through which it is able to harvest enough energy for its autonomous work. The design, implementation details and the experimental evaluation results are presented, which include flickering characterization and wake-up range evaluations. The results show that the developed system achieve reasonable wake-up distances for indoor environments, mainly where the use of VLC systems are considered.
Life Cycle Assessment in Building: A Case Study on the Energy and Emissions Impact Related to the Choice of Housing Typologies and Construction Process in Spain
Authors: Rodríguez Serrano Antonio , Porras Álvarez Santiago
Published: March 2016

While there exists an international trend to develop zero or near zero emissions building solutions by 2020, and European governments continuously update their building regulations to optimize the building envelope and energy systems to achieve this during the building use stage, at least in Spain the building regulations do not take into account the impact of emissions resulting from urbanization and construction activities prior to building use. This research studies in detail the entire emissions balance (and how it may be related to energy efficiency) in a newly built residential cluster project in Mancha Real (Jaén, Spain), and influences due to the choice of different urban typologies. For comparison, terraced housing and low-density, four-floor, multi-family housing alternatives have been studied. The present work assessed the life cycle of the building with the help of commercial software (CYPE), and the energy efficiency and emissions according to the legal regulations in Spain with the official software LIDER and CALENER VYP. After a careful choice of building and systems alternatives and their comparison, the study concludes that the major emissions impact and energy costs of urbanization and building activity occurs during construction, while later savings due to reductions in building use emissions are very modest in comparison. Therefore, deeper analysis is suggested to improve the efficiency of the construction process for a significantly reduced emission footprint on the urban environment.
Finite Element Simulation of Total Nitrogen Transport in Riparian Buffer in an Agricultural Watershed
Authors: Lin Xiaosheng , Tang Jie , Li Zhaoyang , Li Haiyi
Published: March 2016

Riparian buffers can influence water quality in downstream lakes or rivers by buffering non-point source pollution in upstream agricultural fields. With increasing nitrogen (N) pollution in small agricultural watersheds, a major function of riparian buffers is to retain N in the soil. A series of field experiments were conducted to monitor pollutant transport in riparian buffers of small watersheds, while numerical model-based analysis is scarce. In this study, we set up a field experiment to monitor the retention rates of total N in different widths of buffer strips and used a finite element model (HYDRUS 2D/3D) to simulate the total N transport in the riparian buffer of an agricultural non-point source polluted area in the Liaohe River basin. The field experiment retention rates for total N were 19.4%, 26.6%, 29.5%, and 42.9% in 1,3,4, and 6m-wide buffer strips, respectively. Throughout the simulation period, the concentration of total N of the 1mwide buffer strip reached a maximum of 1.27 mg/cm3 at 30 min, decreasing before leveling off. The concentration of total N about the 3mwide buffer strip consistently increased, with a maximum of 1.05 mg/cm3 observed at 60 min. Under rainfall infiltration, the buffer strips of different widths showed a retention effect on total N transport, and the optimum effect was simulated in the 6mwide buffer strip. A comparison between measured and simulated data revealed that finite element simulation could simulate N transport in the soil of riparian buffer strips.
The Vietnamese State and Administrative Co-Management of Nature Reserves
Authors: KimDung Nguyen , Bush Simon , Mol Arthur
Published: March 2016

The Vietnamese government has introduced co-management in its national system of special-use forests (SUFs) to improve the effectiveness of nature and biodiversity conservation. One of the major challenges is to allow flexibility and local adaptability of co-management coordinated by SUF management boards within the overall still-rigid structure of vertical state networks. Using a critical institutional perspective, this paper examines the influence of the vertical and horizontal linkages that underline the form and function of SUF co-management. Data is presented from a nation-wide survey of 113 SUFs, 22 random in-depth interviews, and four in-depth case studies of SUFs. The results show that the success of co-management in centralized states like Vietnam depends on the greater devolution of allocative power from central to district governments to facilitate horizontal networked collaboration with local communities. Yet the results also indicate that the central state maintains an important role in setting the conditions that allow for the success of these networked collaborations. Based on these findings the conclusions reflect on the need to further develop a critical institutional approach for understanding the purpose, interests, and resources of co-management in the context of centralized states.