bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Granular flow in static mixers by coupled DEM/CFD approach
Authors: Pezo Lato , Pezo Milada , Jovanovic Aca , Kosanic Nenad , Petrovic Aleksandar , Levic Ljubinko
Published: November 2015

The mixing process greatly influence the mixing efficiency, as well as the
quality and the price of the intermediate and/or the final product. Static
mixer is used for premixing action before the main mixing process, for
significant reduction of mixing time and energy consumption. This type of
premixing action is not investigated in detail in the open literature. In
this article, the novel numerical approach called Discrete Element Method is
used for modelling of granular flow in multiple static mixer applications (1
- 3 Komax or Ross mixing elements were utilized), while the Computational
Fluid Dynamic method was chosen for fluid flow modelling, using the Eulerian
multiphase model. The main aim of this article is to predict the behaviour
of granules being gravitationally transported in different mixer
configuration and to choose the best configuration of the mixer taking into
account the total particle path, the number of mixing elements and the
quality of the obtained mixture. The results of the numerical simulations in
the static mixers were compared to experimental results, the mixing quality
is examined by RSD (relative standard deviation) criterion, and the effects
on the mixer type and the number of mixing elements on mixing process were
studied. The effects of the mixer type and the number of mixing elements on
mixing process were studied using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Mathematical
modelling is used for optimization of number of Ross and Komax segments in
mixer in order to gain desirable mixing results.
Neue Randschichtgefüge carbonitrierter Bauteile und deren Festigkeitseigenschaften*
Authors: Lombardo S. , Tobie T. , Stahl K. , Steinbacher M. , Hoffmann F.
Published: November 2015

Kurzfassung

Ein noch nicht übliches Verfahren zum Einsatzhärten von z. B. Zahnrädern ist das Carbonitrieren. In der Vergangenheit wurde das Carbonitrieren vorwiegend zur Steigerung der Härtbarkeit von unlegierten Stählen, aber nicht zur gezielten Steigerung der Zahnradtragfähigkeit eingesetzt. Im Rahmen umfassender experimenteller sowie theoretischer Arbeiten wurde daher der Einfluss des Carbonitrierens auf die Tragfähigkeit von Zahnrädern untersucht. Hierzu wurden Stirnräder aus drei unterschiedlichen Einsatzstählen mit unterschiedlichen Wärmebehandlungsparametern carbonitriert und anschließend in Zahnradlauf- und Pulsatorversuchen systematisch geprüft. Dabei wurden die unterschiedlichen Hauptschadensarten von Zahnrädern (Zahnfußbruch, Grübchen, Verschleiß, Grauflecken und Fressen) analysiert, die Ergebnisse in Korrelation mit den erzeugten Gefügezuständen und Werkstoffeigenschaften weitergehend bewertet und die Ergebnisse in den Stand des Wissens eingeordnet. Der Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die maßgebenden Ergebnisse der Zahnradtragfähigkeitsuntersuchungen. ▪
Process Optimization for an Energy Efficient Heat Treatment of ADI*
Authors: Hepp E. , Dzusov M. , Schäfer W.
Published: November 2015

Austempered ductile iron (ADI) materials show a good combination of mechanical properties, with high tensile strength levels (800-1600 MPa) and an elongation at fracture of up to 10 %. Due to its high fracture toughness as well as high fatigue resistance, ADI is a very attractive material group for applications under cyclic loads. However, the material properties are very sensitive to the applied process conditions during heat treatment. The basis for a substantial increase in the application of ADI materials in the industry requires the establishment of a predictable and robust process design. Here, an integrated process simulation of the heat treatment process coupled to required information about the as-cast quality of the component would aid in understanding process dependencies and defining a robust process window. For the austenitization step, the simulation can be used to determine the needed treatment times and temperatures. In the process simulation software MAGMA5, a new fast and efficient algorithm for heat exchange between thermally coupled diffusely radiating interfaces has been implemented and can be used for heat treatment simulation. The accuracy and computational performance of this new radiation model for the heat treatment of ADI is illustrated here for a real industrial suspension part. The steering knuckle is heated in a typical heat treatment box. Surface-to-surface radiation between the parts and with the surrounding furnace results in inhomogeneous temperature distributions. Integrated capabilities to perform virtual experiments and automatic optimization are used to determine optimal process conditions to meet both the quality requirements and the minimum required treatment time during austenitization. ▪
Chiral Acylic Synthetic Intermediates from Readily Available Monoterpenoids
Authors: Hanson James R.
Published: November 2015

The preparation of some acyclic chiral synthetic intermediates from readily available monoterpenoids including citronellol, linalool and limonene, is reviewed. Some applications of these synthons are described.
Stability of Tungsten Oxide Nanoparticles in Different Media
Authors: Ragunathan Abirami , Krishnan Rajasekar , Kamaludeen Balkis Ameen
Published: November 2015

Tungsten oxide (WO3) nanoparticles were synthesised by a simple chemical precipitation method in various media, such as acidic, basic and neutral. Hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide were used to maintain the different pH levels and tungstic acid was used as the precursor for the synthesis of tungsten oxide. The resultant nanoparticles were studied by different characterisation techniques. Powder X-ray diffraction shows that the average crystallite size of the WO3 is about 13 nm and exhibits stable orthorhombic phase for different pH values. Particle size and the surface morphology of the synthesised material were studied by TEM analysis. Chemical composition and surface area of the nanoparticles were studied by FTIR and BET measurements. Optical properties of the synthesised nanoparticles were studied by UV-Vis absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Band gap (~2.7 eV) of the synthesised WO3 was investigated from the optical absorption spectra. At room temperature, a strong PL blue emission peak at ~440 nm was observed for the synthesised tungsten oxide nanomaterials. Thermal stability of the synthesised material was studied by TG/DTA analysis. Cyclic voltammetry illustrated the electrochemical response of the WO3 nanoparticles using KCl as electrolyte. The peak separation of 182 mV, 153 mV and 77 mV for the acidic, basic and neutral media were observed. Thus it was confirmed that, tungsten oxide has a low peak separation, a fast reaction rate and electron transfer rate in neutral medium.
Synthesis of Cyanamides from Isoselenocyanates Promoted by Recyclable Ionic Liquid-Supported (Diacetoxyiodo)Benzene
Authors: Li Xue , Huang Yingyi , Gan Bin , Mi Zhisheng , Xie Yuanyuan
Published: November 2015

One-pot synthesis of cyanamides from isoselenocyanates through deselenisation promoted by ionic liquid-supported hypervalent iodine(III) reagent 1-(4-diacetoxyiodobenzyl)-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([dibmim]+[BF4]−) was developed. This approach provided a simple, mild and environmentally benign way to construct cyanamides in good yields. Moreover, powder Se and [dibmim]+[BF4]− could be easily recycled. It was the first example of [dibmim]+[BF4]− to be used as a deselenising agent.
Effect of Steric Congestion on the Stepwise Character and Synchronicity of a 1,3-Dipolar Reaction of a Nitrile Ylide and an Olefin
Authors: Siadati Seyyed Amir
Published: November 2015

It has been hypothesised that steric congestion could play a key role in directing the 1,3-dipolar reaction mechanism in its shift from a concerted to a stepwise model. An example is given of the influence of steric congestion on the concertedness of a 1,3-dipolar reaction mechanism. Keeping other influences untouched, including the effects of electron-withdrawing or electron-donating groups, the nature of the dipole or dipolarophile, solvent, as well as the catalytic effects which have been kept fixed, this study focuses on the steric effect. At least in the case of the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrile ylide and common olefins, when steric congestion serves as the only influence, it is unable to change the reaction mechanism from concerted into stepwise.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Fluorescent Properties of a Novel Benzothiazole-Derived Fluorescent Probe for Zn2+
Authors: Fang-Lu Fan , Jin-Qiu Jing , Xue-Mei Chen
Published: November 2015

A novel turn-on fluorescent probe containing a benzothiazole fluorophore has been synthesised and its structure confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The probe exhibited high selectivity to Zn2+ over other metal ions and demonstrated high sensitivity for Zn2+ with a 12-fold fluorescence enhancement. It also showed a fast response to Zn2+ and a complexation ratio towards Zn2+ of 1:1.
The Influence of Sandstorms and Long-Range Transport on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PM2.5 in the High-Altitude Atmosphere of Southern China
Authors: Yang Minmin , Wang Yan , Liu Qiang , Ding Aijun , Li Yuhua
Published: November 2015

PM2.5 (Particulate Matter 2.5) samples were collected at Mount Heng and analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). During sampling, a sandstorm from northern China struck Mount Heng and resulted in a mean PM2.5 concentration of 150.61 μg/m3, which greatly exceeded the concentration measured under normal conditions (no sandstorm: 58.50 μg/m3). The average mass of PAHs in PM2.5 was 30.70 μg/g, which was much lower than in the non-sandstorm samples (80.80 μg/g). Therefore, the sandstorm increased particle levels but decreased PAH concentrations due to dilution and turbulence. During the sandstorm, the concentrations of 4- and 5-ring PAHs were below their detection limits, and 6-ring PAHs were the most abundant. Under normal conditions, the concentrations of 2-, 3- and 6-ring PAHs were higher, and 4- and 5-ring PAHs were lower relative to the other sampling sites. In general, the PAH contamination was low to medium at Mount Heng. Higher LMW (low molecular weight) concentrations were primarily linked to meteorological conditions, and higher HMW (high molecular weight) concentrations primarily resulted from long-range transport. Analysis of diagnostic ratios indicated that PM2.5 PAHs had been emitted during the combustion of coal, wood or petroleum. The transport characteristics and origins of the PAHs were investigated using backwards Lagrangian particle dispersion modeling. Under normal conditions, the “footprint” retroplumes and potential source contributions of PAHs for the highest and lowest concentrations indicated that local sources had little effect. In contrast, long-range transport played a vital role in the levels of PM2.5 and PAHs in the high-altitude atmosphere.
The Key to Individualized Addiction Treatment is Comprehensive Assessment and Monitoring of Symptoms and Behavioral Change
Authors: Hilton Thomas , Pilkonis Paul
Published: November 2015

Modern health services now strive for individualized treatment. This approach has been enabled by the increase in knowledge derived from neuroscience and genomics. Substance use disorders are no exception to individualized treatment even though there are no gene-specific medications yet available. What is available is the ability to quickly and precisely assess and monitor biopsychosocial variables known to vary during addiction recovery and which place addicts at increased risk of relapse. Monitoring a broad spectrum of biopsychosocial health enables providers to address diverse genome-specific changes that might trigger withdrawal from treatment or recovery relapse in time to prevent that from occurring. This paper describes modern measurement tools contained in the NIH Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and the NIH Toolbox and suggests how they might be applied to support recovery from alcohol and other substance use disorders in both pharmacological and abstinence-oriented modalities of care.
Copolymerization of Ethylene and Vinyl Amino Acidic Ester Catalyzed by Titanium and Zirconium Complexes
Authors: Wang Jing , Shi Xianghui , Chen Yang , Li Hongming , Zhang Runcong , Yi Jianjun , Wang Jian , Huang Qigu , Yang Wantai
Published: November 2015

A series of titanium and zirconium complexes with ligands based on di-isopropyl phosphorus-phenylamine and their derivatives were synthesized and characterized. These catalysts were utilized to catalyze the copolymerization of ethylene with N-acetyl-O-(dec-9-enyl)-L-tyrosine ethyl ester with high catalytic activity of 6.63 × 104 g P (mol Ti)−1 h−1 after activation by methylaluminoxane (MAO). The effects of ligand structure, metal atoms (Ti, Zr) and polymerization conditions were investigated in detail. The obtained polymers were characterized by 13C-NMR, DSC, FT-IR, and GPC. The results showed that the obtained copolymer had a high comonomer incorporation rate of 2.56 mol % within the copolymer chain. The melting temperature of the copolymer was up to 138.9 °C, higher than that of the obtained homopolyethylene.
Prediction of Peak Shape and Characterization of Column Performance in Liquid Chromatography as a Function of Flow Rate
Authors: Baeza-Baeza Juan , Ortiz-Bolsico Casandra , García-Alvarez-Coque María
Published: November 2015

Traditionally, column performance in liquid chromatography has been studied using information from the elution of probe compounds at different flow rates through van Deemter plots, which relate the column plate height to the linear mobile phase velocity. A more recent approach to characterize columns is the representation of the peak widths (or the right and left peak half-widths) for a set of compounds versus their retention times, which, for isocratic elution, give rise to almost linear plots. In previous work, these plots have been shown to facilitate the prediction of peak profiles (width and asymmetry) with optimization purposes. In this work, a detailed study on the dependence of the peak widths (or half-widths) on the flow rate is reported. A new approach to quantify the deterioration of column performance for slow and fast flow rates and to characterize chromatographic columns is proposed. The approach makes use of the width (or half-widths) for a set of compounds with similar interaction kinetics and does not require knowledge of the extra-column contributions to the total variance. The chromatographic data of two sets of compounds of different natures (sulfonamides and β-blockers), eluted from Spherisorb and Chromolith columns with acetonitrile-water mixtures, are used to illustrate the approach.
Predicting Future European Breeding Distributions of British Seabird Species under Climate Change and Unlimited/No Dispersal Scenarios
Authors: Russell Deborah , Wanless Sarah , Collingham Yvonne , Huntley Brian , Hamer Keith
Published: November 2015

Understanding which traits make species vulnerable to climatic change and predicting future distributions permits conservation efforts to be focused on the most vulnerable species and the most appropriate sites. Here, we combine climate envelope models with predicted bioclimatic data from two emission scenarios leading up to 2100, to predict European breeding distributions of 23 seabird species that currently breed in the British Isles. Assuming unlimited dispersal, some species would be “winners” (increase the size of their range), but over 65% would lose range, some by up to 80%. These “losers” have a high vulnerability to low prey availability, and a northerly distribution meaning they would lack space to move into. Under the worst-case scenario of no dispersal, species are predicted to lose between 25% and 100% of their range, so dispersal ability is a key constraint on future range sizes. More globally, the results indicate, based on foraging ecology, which seabird species are likely to be most affected by climatic change. Neither of the emissions scenarios used in this study is extreme, yet they generate very different predictions for some species, illustrating that even small decreases in emissions could yield large benefits for conservation.
A Truncation Scheme for the BBGKY2 Equation
Authors: Chliamovitch Gregor , Malaspinas Orestis , Chopard Bastien
Published: November 2015

In recent years, the maximum entropy principle has been applied to a wide range of different fields, often successfully. While these works are usually focussed on cross-disciplinary applications, the point of this letter is instead to reconsider a fundamental point of kinetic theory. Namely, we shall re-examine the Stosszahlansatz leading to the irreversible Boltzmann equation at the light of the MaxEnt principle. We assert that this way of thinking allows to move one step further than the factorization hypothesis and provides a coherent—though implicit—closure scheme for the two-particle distribution function. Such higher-order dependences are believed to open the way to a deeper understanding of fluctuating phenomena.
Choice Overload and Height Ranking of Menus in Partially-Ordered Sets
Authors: Basili Marcello , Vannucci Stefano
Published: November 2015

When agents face incomplete information and their knowledge about the objects of choice is vague and imprecise, they tend to consider fewer choices and to process a smaller portion of the available information regarding their choices. This phenomenon is well-known as choice overload and is strictly related to the existence of a considerable amount of option-pairs that are not easily comparable. Thus, we use a finite partially-ordered set (poset) to model the subset of easily-comparable pairs within a set of options/items. The height ranking, a new ranking rule for menus, namely subposets of a finite poset, is then introduced and characterized. The height ranking rule ranks subsets of options in terms of the size of the longest chain that they include and is therefore meant to assess menus of available options in terms of the maximum number of distinct and easily-comparable alternative options that they offer.
Park, H.S.; et al. CO2 Fixation by Membrane Separated NaCl Electrolysis. Energies 2015, 8, 8704–8715
Authors: Energies Editorial Office
Published: November 2015

The Energies Editorial Office wishes to make the following erratum to this paper [1].[...]
Outbreak of Phoracantha semipunctata in Response to Severe Drought in a Mediterranean Eucalyptus Forest
Authors: Seaton Stephen , Matusick George , Ruthrof Katinka , Hardy Giles
Published: November 2015

Extreme climatic events, including droughts and heatwaves, can trigger outbreaks of woodboring beetles by compromising host defenses and creating habitat conducive for beetle development. As the frequency, intensity, and duration of droughts are likely to increase in the future, beetle outbreaks are expected to become more common. The combination of drought and beetle outbreaks has the potential to alter ecosystem structure, composition, and function. Our aim was to investigate a potential outbreak of the native Eucalyptus longhorned borer, Phoracantha semipunctata (P. semipunctata), following one of the most severe droughts on record in the Northern Jarrah Forest of Southwestern Australia. Beetle damage and tissue moisture were examined in trees ranging from healthy to recently killed. Additionally, beetle population levels were examined in adjacent forest areas exhibiting severe and minimal canopy dieback. Severely drought-affected forest was associated with an unprecedented outbreak of P. semipunctata, with densities 80 times higher than those observed in surrounding healthier forest. Trees recently killed by drought had significantly lower tissue moisture and higher feeding damage and infestation levels than those trees considered healthy or in the process of dying. These results confirm the outbreak potential of P. semipunctata in its native Mediterranean-climate Eucalyptus forest under severe water stress, and indicate that continued drying will increase the likelihood of outbreaks.
Aboveground Biomass Estimation Using Structure from Motion Approach with Aerial Photographs in a Seasonal Tropical Forest
Authors: Ota Tetsuji , Ogawa Miyuki , Shimizu Katsuto , Kajisa Tsuyoshi , Mizoue Nobuya , Yoshida Shigejiro , Takao Gen , Hirata Yasumasa , Furuya Naoyuki , Sano Takio , Sokh Heng , Ma Vuthy , Ito Eriko , Toriyama Jumpei , Monda Yukako , Saito Hideki , Kiyono Yoshiyuki , Chann Sophal , Ket Nang
Published: November 2015

We investigated the capabilities of a canopy height model (CHM) derived from aerial photographs using the Structure from Motion (SfM) approach to estimate aboveground biomass (AGB) in a tropical forest. Aerial photographs and airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data were simultaneously acquired under leaf-on canopy conditions. A 3D point cloud was generated from aerial photographs using the SfM approach and converted to a digital surface model (DSMP). We also created a DSM from airborne LiDAR data (DSML). From each of DSMP and DSML, we constructed digital terrain models (DTM), which are DTMP and DTML, respectively. We created four CHMs, which were calculated from (1) DSMP and DTMP (CHMPP); (2) DSMP and DTML (CHMPL); (3) DSML and DTMP (CHMLP); and (4) DSML and DTML (CHMLL). Then, we estimated AGB using these CHMs. The model using CHMLL yielded the highest accuracy in four CHMs (R2 = 0.94) and was comparable to the model using CHMPL (R2 = 0.93). The model using CHMPP yielded the lowest accuracy (R2 = 0.79). In conclusion, AGB can be estimated from CHM derived from aerial photographs using the SfM approach in the tropics. However, to accurately estimate AGB, we need a more accurate DTM than the DTM derived from aerial photographs using the SfM approach.
Characterizing the Height Structure and Composition of a Boreal Forest Using an Individual Tree Crown Approach Applied to Photogrammetric Point Clouds
Authors: St-Onge Benoît , Audet Félix-Antoine , Bégin Jean
Published: November 2015

Photogrammetric point clouds (PPC) obtained by stereomatching of aerial photographs now have a resolution sufficient to discern individual trees. We have produced such PPCs of a boreal forest and delineated individual tree crowns using a segmentation algorithm applied to the canopy height model derived from the PPC and a lidar terrain model. The crowns were characterized in terms of height and species (spruce, fir, and deciduous). Species classification used the 3D shape of the single crowns and their reflectance properties. The same was performed on a lidar dataset. Results show that the quality of PPC data generally approaches that of airborne lidar. For pixel-based canopy height models, viewing geometry in aerial images, forest structure (dense vs. open canopies), and composition (deciduous vs. conifers) influenced the quality of the 3D reconstruction of PPCs relative to lidar. Nevertheless, when individual tree height distributions were analyzed, PPC-based results were very similar to those extracted from lidar. The random forest classification (RF) of individual trees performed better in the lidar case when only 3D metrics were used (83% accuracy for lidar, 79% for PPC). However, when 3D and intensity or multispectral data were used together, the accuracy of PPCs (89%) surpassed that of lidar (86%).
Detecting Stems in Dense and Homogeneous Forest Using Single-Scan TLS
Authors: Xia Shaobo , Wang Cheng , Pan Feifei , Xi Xiaohuan , Zeng Hongcheng , Liu He
Published: November 2015

Stem characteristics of plants are of great importance to both ecology study and forest management. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) may provide an effective way to characterize the fine-scale structures of vegetation. However, clumping plants, dense foliage and thin structure could intensify the shadowing effect and pose a series of problems in identifying stems, distinguishing neighboring stems, and merging disconnected stem parts in point clouds. This paper presents a new method to automatically detect stems in dense and homogeneous forest using single-scan TLS data. Stem points are first identified with a two-scale classification method. Then a clustering approach is used to group the candidate stem points. Finally, a direction-growing algorithm based on a simple stem curve model is applied to merge stem points. Field experiments were carried out in two different bamboo plots with a stem density of about 7500 stems/ha. Overall accuracy of the stem detection is 88% and the quality of detected stems is mainly affected by the shadowing effect. Results indicate that the proposed method is feasible and effective in detection of bamboo stems using TLS data, and can be applied to other species of single-stem plants in dense forests.
Transcriptome Analysis of Two Vicia sativa Subspecies: Mining Molecular Markers to Enhance Genomic Resources for Vetch Improvement
Authors: Kim Tae-Sung , Raveendar Sebastin , Suresh Sundan , Lee Gi-An , Lee Jung-Ro , Cho Joon-Hyeong , Lee Sok-Young , Ma Kyung-Ho , Cho Gyu-Taek , Chung Jong-Wook
Published: November 2015

The vetch (Vicia sativa) is one of the most important annual forage legumes globally due to its multiple uses and high nutritional content. Despite these agronomical benefits, many drawbacks, including cyano-alanine toxin, has reduced the agronomic value of vetch varieties. Here, we used 454 technology to sequence the two V. sativa subspecies (ssp. sativa and ssp. nigra) to enrich functional information and genetic marker resources for the vetch research community. A total of 86,532 and 47,103 reads produced 35,202 and 18,808 unigenes with average lengths of 735 and 601 bp for V. sativa sativa and V. sativa nigra, respectively. Gene Ontology annotations and the cluster of orthologous gene classes were used to annotate the function of the Vicia transcriptomes. The Vicia transcriptome sequences were then mined for simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. About 13% and 3% of the Vicia unigenes contained the putative SSR and SNP sequences, respectively. Among those SSRs, 100 were chosen for the validation and the polymorphism test using the Vicia germplasm set. Thus, our approach takes advantage of the utility of transcriptomic data to expedite a vetch breeding program.
Delayed Response of Lake Area Change to Climate Change in Siling Co Lake, Tibetan Plateau, from 2003 to 2013
Authors: Yi Guihua , Zhang Tingbin
Published: November 2015

The Tibetan Plateau is a key area for research on global environmental changes. During the past 50 years, the climate in the Siling Co lake area has become continuously warmer and wetter, which may have further caused the increase in Siling Co lake area. Based on the Siling Co lake area (2003 to 2013) and climate data acquired from the Xainza and Baingoin meteorological stations (covering 1966 to 2013), we analyzed the delayed responses of lake area changes to climate changes through grey relational analysis. The following results were obtained: (1) The Siling Co lake area exhibited a rapid expansion trend from 2003 to 2013. The lake area increased to 2318 km2, with a growth ratio of 14.6% and an annual growth rate of 26.84 km2·year−1; (2) The rate of air temperature increase was different in the different seasons. The rate in the cold season was about 0.41 °C per ten years and 0.32 °C in hot season. Precipitation evidently increased, with a change rate of 17.70 mm per ten years in the hot season and a slight increase with a change rate of 2.36 mm per ten years in the cold season. Pan evaporation exhibited evidently decreasing trends in both the hot and cold seasons, with rates of −33.35 and −14.84 mm per ten years, respectively; (3) An evident delayed response of lake area change to climate change is observed, with a delay time of approximately one to two years.
Associations of MMP1, MMP2 and MMP3 Genes Polymorphism with Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis in Chinese Han Population
Authors: Ji Xiaoming , Wang Lijuan , Wu Baiqun , Han Ruhui , Han Lei , Wang Ting , Yang Jingjin , Ni Chunhui
Published: November 2015

Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) has been associated with abnormalities in the extracellular matrix remodeling, as well as aberrant matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in lung tissues. We investigated the association of three functional polymorphisms in MMP gene promoters (MMP1 rs1799750, MMP2 rs2285053 and MMP3 rs522616) with the risk of CWP. A total of 693 CWP cases and 690 controls were included in a case-control study. Genotype analysis was performed by the TaqMan method. Statistically significant differences were found in distributions of MMP3 rs522616 under a recessive model (p = 0.047) between CWP cases and controls. In the stratification analysis, individuals with MMP3 rs522616 GG genotype decreased the risk of CWP (adjusted OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.52–0.99) compared to those with AA/AG genotype obviously, particularly among subgroups of no smokers (adjusted OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.41–1.00). Furthermore, serum MMP3 protein levels measured with enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay in the control group was significantly lower than that in the CWP groups (p = 0.02). Extremely lower MMP3 among subjects with the rs522616 GG or AG genotype compared with the AA genotype carriers (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 respectively) in the normal serum. These findings indicate that the MMP3 rs522616 polymorphism may contribute to the etiology of CWP in the Chinese population and MMP3 might be a potential diagnostic biomarker for CWP, additional independent studies are warranted to validate our findings in different populations as well as in a larger series.
Relationship between Objectively Measured Transportation Behaviors and Health Characteristics in Older Adults
Authors: Takemoto Michelle , Carlson Jordan , Moran Kevin , Godbole Suneeta , Crist Katie , Kerr Jacqueline
Published: November 2015

This study used objective Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to investigate the relationship between pedestrian and vehicle trips to physical, cognitive, and psychological functioning in older adults living in retirement communities. Older adults (N = 279; mean age = 83 ± 6 years) wore a GPS and accelerometer for 6 days. Participants completed standard health measures. The Personal Activity and Location Measurement System (PALMS) was used to calculate the average daily number of trips, distance, and minutes traveled for pedestrian and vehicle trips from the combined GPS and accelerometer data. Linear mixed effects regression models explored relationships between these transportation variables and physical, psychological and cognitive functioning. Number, distance, and minutes of pedestrian trips were positively associated with physical and psychological functioning but not cognitive functioning. Number of vehicle trips was negatively associated with fear of falls; there were no other associations between the vehicle trip variables and functioning. Vehicle travel did not appear to be related to functioning in older adults in retirement communities except that fear of falling was related to number of vehicle trips. Pedestrian trips had moderate associations with multiple physical and psychological functioning measures, supporting a link between walking and many aspects of health in older adults.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Passive Smoking among Women in Jilin Province, China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Li Zhijun , Yao Yan , Yu Yaqin , Shi Jieping , Liu Yawen , Tao Yuchun , Kou Changgui , Zhang Huiping , Han Weiqing , Yin Yutian , Jiang Lingling , Li Bo
Published: November 2015

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated socio-demographic factors of passive smoking among women in Jilin Province, China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012, using a self-reported questionnaire interview. A representative sample of 9788 non-smoking women aged 18–79 years was collected in Jilin Province of China by a multistage stratified random cluster sampling design. Descriptive data analysis and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of prevalence/frequency were conducted. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine the associated socio-demographic factors of passive smoking. Results: The overall prevalence of passive smoking among non-smoking women in Jilin Province was 60.6% (95% CI: 59.3–61.8), 58.3% (95% CI: 56.7–59.9) from urban areas, and 63.4% (95% CI: 61.6–65.3) from rural areas. Twenty-six percent (95% CI: 24.9–27.1) of the non-smoking women reported daily passive smoking, of which 42.9% (95% CI: 41.6–44.1) reported passive smoking at home, and 5.1% (95% CI: 4.5–5.7) reported passive smoking in restaurants. Women in urban areas were less likely to be passive smokers than those in rural ones (OR-Odds Ratio: 0.825, 95% CI: 0.729–0.935), elderly women were less likely to be passive smokers than younger women (55–64 years OR: 0.481, 95% CI: 0.342–0.674; 65–79 years OR: 0.351, 95% CI: 0.241–0.511). Seperated/divorced women were less likely to be passive smokers (OR: 0.701, 95% CI: 0.500–0.982), and widowed women (OR: 0.564, 95%CI: 0.440–0.722), as the married were the reference group. Retired women second-hand smoked due to environmental causes significantly less than manual workers (OR: 0.810, 95% CI: 0.708–0.928). Women with a monthly family income of more than 5000 RMB were less likely to be passive smokers than those with an income less than 500 RMB (OR: 0.615, 95% CI: 0.432–0.876). Conclusions: The prevalence of passive smoking is lower than that reported in 2010 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) China, but passive smoking is still prevalent and has been an acute public health problem among non-smoking women in Jilin Province, China. Our findings suggest an urgent need for tobacco control and the efforts of public health should be both comprehensive and focus on high-risk populations in Jilin Province, China.
MicroRNAs in Breastmilk and the Lactating Breast: Potential Immunoprotectors and Developmental Regulators for the Infant and the Mother
Authors: Alsaweed Mohammed , Hartmann Peter , Geddes Donna , Kakulas Foteini
Published: November 2015

Human milk (HM) is the optimal source of nutrition, protection and developmental programming for infants. It is species-specific and consists of various bioactive components, including microRNAs, small non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. microRNAs are both intra- and extra-cellular and are present in body fluids of humans and animals. Of these body fluids, HM appears to be one of the richest sources of microRNA, which are highly conserved in its different fractions, with milk cells containing more microRNAs than milk lipids, followed by skim milk. Potential effects of exogenous food-derived microRNAs on gene expression have been demonstrated, together with the stability of milk-derived microRNAs in the gastrointestinal tract. Taken together, these strongly support the notion that milk microRNAs enter the systemic circulation of the HM fed infant and exert tissue-specific immunoprotective and developmental functions. This has initiated intensive research on the origin, fate and functional significance of milk microRNAs. Importantly, recent studies have provided evidence of endogenous synthesis of HM microRNA within the human lactating mammary epithelium. These findings will now form the basis for investigations of the role of microRNA in the epigenetic control of normal and aberrant mammary development, and particularly lactation performance.
Short-Term Impact of a Comprehensive Smoke-Free Law Following a Partial Smoke-Free Law on PM2.5 Concentration Levels at Hospitality Venues on the Peripheries of College Campuses
Authors: Yu Sol , Yang Wonho , Lee Kiyoung , Kim Sungcheon , Ha Kwonchul , Kim Sungroul
Published: November 2015

Tobacco-free policies on college campuses are spreading in Korea. However, the impact of the smoking ban legislation at venues on the boundary of a college campus is still limited. This study aimed to assess short-term changes in PM2.5 concentrations before and after the enactment of the smoking ban legislation to evaluate the impact. In this cross-sectional study, PM2.5 measurements (pre-ban: n = 99, post-ban: n = 64) were conducted in randomly selected billiards, pubs, and computer game rooms on the peripheries of college campuses in October 2013, prior to implementation of the smoking ban, and in May 2014, after the ban. The median (interquartile range, IQR) of the PM2.5 concentration for all venues was 31 μg/m3 (0–80 μg/m3) in the pre-ban period and 11 μg/m3 (0–36 μg/m3) in the post-ban period implying indoor PM2.5 concentration levels of the peripheries of college campuses likely decreased one year after implementation of the ban. However, the differences were not significant yet. The results support the introduction of more rigorous monitoring of SHS exposure levels toward the ultimate goal of encouraging a complete smoking ban in hospitality venues, including billiards, pubs, and computer game rooms located on the peripheries of college campuses.
Carotenoid Content in Organically Produced Wheat: Relevance for Human Nutritional Health on Consumption
Authors: Hussain Abrar , Larsson Hans , Kuktaite Ramune , Olsson Marie , Johansson Eva
Published: November 2015

In this study, 33 spring and winter wheat genotypes were analyzed for carotenoid content and composition. Investigated genotypes were divided into four genotype groups i.e., spelt, landraces, old cultivars and primitive wheat. The results showed a high level of variation among the genotypes in amount of carotenoids in the grain with high values (around 4 mg/Kg) especially in one of the genotypes—Öland 8. Lutein was the most common carotenoid in all the investigated genotypes, contributing 70%–90% of the carotenoids in the grain. Variation in carotenoid content and composition was found not only among genotypes, but also between genotype groups and wheat type, although there is a need to analyze more genotypes to confirm the differences found between groups and types. This study showed that 40% of the daily requirements of lutein can be achieved from the genotypes with the highest lutein content (Öland 8) produced using organic farming through the average human consumption of 200 grams of wheat per day. Furthermore, this study showed, by the use of principal component analyses, an opportunity to select genotypes combining high values of certain nutritional compounds. By a further breeding and commercial production of such genotypes, the nutritional value of wheat flour for human consumption can be improved.
Innovation in OGC: The Interoperability Program
Authors: Percivall George , Idol Terry , Alameh Nadine , Harrison Jeff
Published: November 2015

The OGC Interoperability Program is a source of innovation in the development of open standards. The approach to innovation is based on hands-on; collaborative engineering leading to more mature standards and implementations. The process of the Interoperability Program engages a community of sponsors and participants based on an economic model that benefits all involved. Each initiative begins with an innovative approach to identify interoperability needs followed by agile software development to advance the state of technology to the benefit of society. Over eighty initiatives have been conducted in the Interoperability Program since the breakthrough Web Mapping Testbed began the program in 1999. OGC standards that were initiated in Interoperability Program are the basis of two thirds of the certified compliant products.
Improving Post-Earthquake Insurance Claim Management: A Novel Approach to Prioritize Geospatial Data Collection
Authors: Pittore Massimiliano , Wieland Marc , Errize Mustafa , Kariptas Cagatay , Güngör Ismet
Published: November 2015

With a population exceeding 14 million and a GDP of more than 300 billion USD, Istanbul dominates the Turkish economy. Unfortunately, this concentration of social and economic assets is permanently threatened by potentially devastating earthquakes, given the city’s close proximity to several well-known fault systems. As a measure to mitigate the consequences of such events, and to increase the resilience of the exposed communities, the Turkish Catastrophe Insurance Pool (TCIP) has been set up to provide affordable and reliable earthquake insurance to households all over the country. In the aftermath of a damaging event, especially in Istanbul, the operational capacity of TCIP will be seriously challenged by the high number of claims whose settlement would have to be swift and fair in order to kick-start the recovery process. In this paper we explore an integrated approach based on mobile mapping and ad hoc prioritization techniques to streamline the data collection and analysis process, with application to both the pre-event and post-event phases. Preliminary results obtained in Besiktas, a populous district of Istanbul, are presented and discussed.
Changes in Ultrastructure and Cytoskeletal Aspects of Human Normal and Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes Exposed to Interleukin-1β and Cyclical Hydrostatic Pressure
Authors: Pascarelli Nicola , Collodel Giulia , Moretti Elena , Cheleschi Sara , Fioravanti Antonella
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study was to examine the ultrastructure and cytoskeletal organization in human normal and Osteoarhritic (OA) chondrocytes, exposed to interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and cyclic hydrostatic pressure (HP). Morphological examination by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed differences between normal and OA chondrocytes at the nuclear and cytoplasmic level. IL-1β (5 ng/mL) induced a decrease of the number of mitochondria and Golgi bodies and a significant increase on the percentage of cells rich in vacuolization and in marginated chromatin. Cyclical HP (1–5 MPa, 0.25 Hz, for 3 h) did not change the morphology of normal chondrocytes, but had a beneficial effect on OA chondrocytes increasing the number of organelles. Normal and OA cells subjected to IL-1β and HP recovered cytoplasmic ultrastructure. Immunofluorescence (IF) examination of normal chondrocytes showed an actin signal polarized on the apical sides of the cytoplasm, tubulin and vimentin uniformly distributed throughout cytoplasm and vinculin revealed a punctuated pattern under the plasma membrane. In OA chondrocytes, these proteins partially lost their organization. Stimulation with IL-1β caused, in both type of cells, modification in the cytoskeletal organization; HP counteracted the negative effects of IL-1β. Our results showed structural differences at nuclear, cytoplasmic and cytoskeletal level between normal and OA chondrocytes. IL-1β induced ultrastructural and cytoskeletal modifications, counteracted by a cyclical low HP.
Evaluation of New Fluorescent Lipophosphoramidates for Gene Transfer and Biodistribution Studies after Systemic Administration
Authors: Belmadi Nawal , Berchel Mathieu , Denis Caroline , Berthe Wilfried , Sibiril Yann , Le Gall Tony , Haelters Jean-Pierre , Jaffres Paul-Alain , Montier Tristan
Published: November 2015

The objective of lung gene therapy is to reach the respiratory epithelial cells in order to deliver a functional nucleic acid sequence. To improve the synthetic carrier’s efficacy, knowledge of their biodistribution and elimination pathways, as well as cellular barriers faced, depending on the administration route, is necessary. Indeed, the in vivo fate guides the adaptation of their chemical structure and formulation to increase their transfection capacity while maintaining their tolerance. With this goal, lipidic fluorescent probes were synthesized and formulated with cationic lipophosphoramidate KLN47 (KLN: Karine Le Ny). We found that such formulations present constant compaction properties and similar transfection results without inducing additional cytotoxicity. Next, biodistribution profiles of pegylated and unpegylated lipoplexes were compared after systemic injection in mice. Pegylation of complexes led to a prolonged circulation in the bloodstream, whereas their in vivo bioluminescent expression profiles were similar. Moreover, systemic administration of pegylated lipoplexes resulted in a transient liver toxicity. These results indicate that these new fluorescent compounds could be added into lipoplexes in small amounts without perturbing the transfection capacities of the formulations. Such additional properties allow exploration of the in vivo biodistribution profiles of synthetic carriers as well as the expression intensity of the reporter gene.
The Role of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants in Liver Diseases
Authors: Li Sha , Tan Hor-Yue , Wang Ning , Zhang Zhang-Jin , Lao Lixing , Wong Chi-Woon , Feng Yibin
Published: November 2015

A complex antioxidant system has been developed in mammals to relieve oxidative stress. However, excessive reactive species derived from oxygen and nitrogen may still lead to oxidative damage to tissue and organs. Oxidative stress has been considered as a conjoint pathological mechanism, and it contributes to initiation and progression of liver injury. A lot of risk factors, including alcohol, drugs, environmental pollutants and irradiation, may induce oxidative stress in liver, which in turn results in severe liver diseases, such as alcoholic liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Application of antioxidants signifies a rational curative strategy to prevent and cure liver diseases involving oxidative stress. Although conclusions drawn from clinical studies remain uncertain, animal studies have revealed the promising in vivo therapeutic effect of antioxidants on liver diseases. Natural antioxidants contained in edible or medicinal plants often possess strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging abilities as well as anti-inflammatory action, which are also supposed to be the basis of other bioactivities and health benefits. In this review, PubMed was extensively searched for literature research. The keywords for searching oxidative stress were free radicals, reactive oxygen, nitrogen species, anti-oxidative therapy, Chinese medicines, natural products, antioxidants and liver diseases. The literature, including ours, with studies on oxidative stress and anti-oxidative therapy in liver diseases were the focus. Various factors that cause oxidative stress in liver and effects of antioxidants in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases were summarized, questioned, and discussed.