bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Instruction and Curriculum in Veterinary Medical Education: A 50-Year Perspective
Authors: Fletcher Oscar J. , Hooper Billy E. , Schoenfeld-Tacher Regina
Published: December 2015

Our knowledge of veterinary medicine has expanded greatly over the past 50 years. To keep pace with these changes and produce competent professionals ready to meet evolving societal needs, instruction within veterinary medical curricula has undergone a parallel evolution. The curriculum of 1966 has given way, shifting away from lecture–laboratory model with few visual aids to a program of active learning, significant increases in case- or problem-based activities, and applications of technology, including computers, that were unimaginable 50 years ago. Curricula in veterinary colleges no longer keep all students in lockstep or limit clinical experiences to the fourth year, and instead have moved towards core electives with clinical activities provided from year 1. Provided here are examples of change within veterinary medical education that, in the view of the authors, had positive impacts on the evolution of instruction and curriculum. These improvements in both how and what we teach are now being made at a more rapid pace than at any other time in history and are based on the work of many faculty and administrators over the past 50 years.
History of the Journal of Veterinary Medical Education
Authors: Fletcher Oscar J. , Hooper Billy E. , Schoenfeld-Tacher Regina
Published: December 2015

The Journal of Veterinary Medical Education (JVME), with the leadership of seven editors and two interim editors, grew from 33 pages of mostly news and commentary to become the premier source for information exchange in veterinary medical education. The first national publication of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) was a 21-page newsletter published in December 1973. This one-time newsletter was followed by volume 1, issue 1 of JVME, published in spring 1974 and edited by William W. Armistead. Richard Talbot was the second and longest serving editor, and under his leadership, JVME grew in the number and quality of papers. Lester Crawford and John Hubbell served as interim editors, maintaining quality and keeping JVME on track until a new editor was in place. Robert Wilson, Billy Hooper, Donal Walsh, Henry Baker, and the current editor, Daryl Buss, are major contributors to the success of JVME. The early history of the journal is described by Billy Hooper and followed by a brief history of the periods of each of the editors. This history concludes with objective and subjective evaluations of the impacts of JVME.
Changing the Face of Veterinary Medicine: Research and Clinical Developments at AAVMC Institutions
Authors: Smith Donald F. , Hagstrom Melena R.
Published: December 2015

This paper provides a 50-year overview of research and clinical advances in AAVMC member colleges in four representative fields of veterinary medicine: oncology, vaccine development, production medicine, and public health. Though emphasis is on the progress since the mid-1960s, the salient background and associated personnel in each field are also identified to the extent that their description informs more recent events. Advances in board certification and post-graduate clinical and research educational opportunities are also described.
Animals Used in Research and Education, 1966–2016: Evolving Attitudes, Policies, and Relationships
Authors: Lairmore Michael D. , Ilkiw Jan
Published: December 2015

Since the inception of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), the use of animals in research and education has been a central element of the programs of member institutions. As veterinary education and research programs have evolved over the past 50 years, so too have societal views and regulatory policies. AAVMC member institutions have continually responded to these events by exchanging best practices in training their students in the framework of comparative medicine and the needs of society. Animals provide students and faculty with the tools to learn the fundamental knowledge and skills of veterinary medicine and scientific discovery. The study of animal models has contributed extensively to medicine, veterinary medicine, and basic sciences as these disciplines seek to understand life processes. Changing societal views over the past 50 years have provided active examination and continued refinement of the use of animals in veterinary medical education and research. The future use of animals to educate and train veterinarians will likely continue to evolve as technological advances are applied to experimental design and educational systems. Natural animal models of both human and animal health will undoubtedly continue to serve a significant role in the education of veterinarians and in the development of new treatments of animal and human disease. As it looks to the future, the AAVMC as an organization will need to continue to support and promote best practices in the humane care and appropriate use of animals in both education and research.
Development of Innovative Antifreeze Grout Mortar for Anchor Applications in Cold Regions
Authors: Lin Chuang , Liu Jenny , Zhang Xiong
Published: December 2015

Ground anchors and anchored systems have been successfully used as cost-effective soil supporting systems for highway safety considerations for decades. However, some unique challenges exist when these systems are used in Alaska and other cold regions. One challenge associated with anchor installation could be potential thawing of the warm permafrost as a result of grout mortar hydration; this thawing might undermine the capacity of the anchor. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an innovative antifreeze grout mortar for successful application of anchors in cold regions. A testing matrix of different combinations of chemical admixtures was developed, and workability, early-age strength, and freezing point of the mix water of mixes were evaluated to determine the optimum mix designs. Test results showed that the antifreeze grout mortar achieved three primary objectives: ( a) it depressed the freezing point of the mix water available for the hydration process, ( b) it accelerated the early-age strength gain at low temperature, and ( c) it enhanced excellent flowability for grouting. The laboratory results were further validated through fieldwork in a test section located inside the Cold Region Research and Engineering Laboratory permafrost tunnel.
Monopoly Rents in Motorcycle Taxi Services in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Ratanawaraha Apiwat , Chalermpong Saksith
Published: December 2015

This paper examines the market for motorcycle taxi services in Bangkok, Thailand, in terms of economic rent and the effects of such rent on fares. Three sources of monopoly rent in motorcycle taxi services are identified. Locational rent is attributed to the level of accessibility that is specific to the location of a motorcycle taxi stand. Such locations are limited in terms of accessibility, with few locations that can be substituted with another. The quota rent is arbitrarily created by rent-seeking activities, that is, by setting a quota on the number of operators in each location. Territorial rent is created by restricting the service area for each operator group. Depending on the behavior of the so-called influential people, the monopoly can be either enforced or eroded. A regression analysis of fare data provides evidence that supports the hypothesis of locational and territorial rents. Locational rent decreases as a motorcycle taxi stand is located farther away from a rail transit station. Motorcycle taxi groups with demarcated territories command a fare premium, which may indicate territorial rent. Some stands enjoy a degree of monopoly where there are limited substitute feeder transport modes; stands located near bus stops also command a fare premium because of accessibility. This situation implies that bus services do not compete with motorcycle taxis but provide complementary services. The additional economic rent created by new transit systems is unfairly captured by operator groups and influential people. It is suggested that a competitive market be created for motorcycle taxi services, with value-capture measures that are intended to create a more efficient and fairer feeder transport system.
High Power Diode-Side-Pumped Q-Switched Nd:YAG Solid-State Laser with a Thermoelectric Cooler
Authors: Dong Jian , Liu Xue-Sheng , Peng Chao , Liu You-Qiang , Wang Zhi-Yong
Published: December 2015

A diode-side-pumped, high-energy, high-beam-quality, pulsed solid-state Nd3+:Y3Al5O12 (Nd:YAG) laser with a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) is investigated in this study. The pump laser was a pulsed laser diode array with maximum peak power of 15 kW. A 350 mJ laser pulse was obtained with a wavelength of 1064 nm, a pulse duration of 10 ns, a total electrical-to-optical efficiency of 7.5%, a relative stability of output energy of 5%, and a beam quality of M2 < 4.
Design and Implementation of an IoT Access Point for Smart Home
Authors: Chang Chih-Yung , Kuo Chin-Hwa , Chen Jian-Cheng , Wang Tzu-Chia
Published: December 2015

Network communication and micro-electro-mechanical embedded technologies have attracted much attention in recent years. Through these technologies, the capabilities of sensing, identification, and communication can be embedded in various smart devices. These smart devices can automatically connect to the Internet and form an intelligent network called Internet of Things (IoT). However, these devices are embedded with different wireless communication interfaces such as Wi-Fi and ZigBee. This paper presents the design and implementation of an IoT access point that supports functionalities of coordination of various wireless transmission protocols. Based on the existing Wi-Fi access point, we have embedded a ZigBee module and implemented ZigBee and UPnP protocols into the designed IoT access point, which supports ZigBee communication capabilities over the Internet.
Using a New Approach to Design Innovative Tools for Monitoring and Evaluating Water Policy of Burkina Faso in Response to Climate Risks
Authors: Gahi Narcisse , Dongo Kouassi , Badolo Mathieu
Published: December 2015

Climate change impacts on water resources have jeopardized human security in the Sahel countries for many decades, especially in achieving food security. Many strategies and policies have been made to address such impacts. However, there are still difficulties to measure progress and the effectiveness of these policies and strategies with regard to climate risks. The lack of practical and consensual monitoring tool is one of the factors that can explain gaps in policies and initiatives to overcome these impacts. To move towards filling this gap, using ClimProspect model and a participatory approach, and based on in-depth vulnerability analysis, this paper makes available some innovative integrated and coherent resilience indicators and a new index for Burkina Faso’s water resources. Taking into account both climate and disaster risks, the indicators and index developed are related to warning, responses, recovery and long term resilience. The indicators-based index applied to three sites shows that agriculture water is less resilient to a changing climate with a score varying from 22.66% to 24%. These tools can help in formulating, implementation and reviewing water policy to secure water resources under the stress of climate change. The approach and findings bring together, on one hand, social and ecological resilience to climate risks, and sciences and policy on the other.
Some New Properties for Degree-Based Graph Entropies
Authors: Lu Guoxiang , Li Bingqing , Wang Lijia
Published: December 2015

The graph entropies inspired by Shannon’s entropy concept become the information-theoretic quantities for measuring the structural information of graphs and complex networks. In this paper, we continue studying some new properties of the graph entropies based on information functionals involving vertex degrees. We prove the monotonicity of the graph entropies with respect to the power exponent. Considering only the maximum and minimum degrees of the ( n , m ) -graph, we obtain some upper and lower bounds for the degree-based graph entropy. These bounds have different performances to restrict the degree-based graph entropy in different kinds of graphs. Moreover the degree-based graph entropy can be estimated by these bounds.
Lifestyle Factors and Metabolic Syndrome among Workers: The Role of Interactions between Smoking and Alcohol to Nutrition and Exercise
Authors: Huang Jui-Hua , Li Ren-Hau , Huang Shu-Ling , Sia Hon-Ke , Chen Yu-Ling , Tang Feng-Cheng
Published: December 2015

This study aimed to investigate (1) relations of smoking and alcohol to metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components, with nutrition and exercise controlled; and (2) interactions between smoking/alcohol and nutrition/exercise on MetS. This cross-sectional study enrolled 4025 workers. Self-reported lifestyles, anthropometric values, blood pressure (BP), and biochemical determinations were obtained. Among males, smoking significantly increased the risk of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), high triglyceride, abdominal obesity (AO), and MetS. Additionally, smoking showed significant interaction effects with nutrition on high BP, AO, and MetS; after further analysis, nutrition did not decrease above-mentioned risks for smokers. However, there was no significant interaction of smoking with exercise on any metabolic parameter. Alcohol increased the risk of AO, but decreased low HDL-C. It also showed an interaction effect with exercise on AO; after further analysis, exercise decreased AO risk for drinkers. Among females, alcohol significantly decreased the risk of high fasting blood glucose, but did not show significant interaction with nutrition/exercise on any metabolic parameter. In conclusion, in males, smoking retained significant associations with MetS and its components, even considering benefits of nutrition; exercise kept predominance on lipid parameters regardless of smoking status. Alcohol showed inconsistencies on metabolic parameters for both genders.
Downregulation of de Novo Fatty Acid Synthesis in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue of Moderately Obese Women
Authors: Guiu-Jurado Esther , Auguet Teresa , Berlanga Alba , Aragonès Gemma , Aguilar Carmen , Sabench Fàtima , Armengol Sandra , Porras José , Martí Andreu , Jorba Rosa , Hernández Mercè , Del Castillo Daniel , Richart Cristóbal
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the expression of fatty acid metabolism-related genes in human adipose tissue from moderately obese women. We used qRT-PCR and Western Blot to analyze visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissue mRNA expression involved in de novo fatty acid synthesis (ACC1, FAS), fatty acid oxidation (PPARα, PPARδ) and inflammation (IL6, TNFα), in normal weight control women (BMI < 25 kg/m2, n = 35) and moderately obese women (BMI 30–38 kg/m2, n = 55). In SAT, ACC1, FAS and PPARα mRNA expression were significantly decreased in moderately obese women compared to controls. The downregulation reported in SAT was more pronounced when BMI increased. In VAT, lipogenic-related genes and PPARα were similar in both groups. Only PPARδ gene expression was significantly increased in moderately obese women. As far as inflammation is concerned, TNFα and IL6 were significantly increased in moderate obesity in both tissues. Our results indicate that there is a progressive downregulation in lipogenesis in SAT as BMI increases, which suggests that SAT decreases the synthesis of fatty acid de novo during the development of obesity, whereas in VAT lipogenesis remains active regardless of the degree of obesity.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Mediated Effects of Tumor Support or Suppression
Authors: Rhee Ki-Jong , Lee Jong , Eom Young
Published: December 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can exhibit a marked tropism towards site of tumors. Many studies have reported that tumor progression and metastasis increase by MSCs. In contrast, other studies have shown that MSCs suppress growth of tumors. MSCs contribute to tumor growth promotion by several mechanisms: (1) transition to tumor-associated fibroblasts; (2) suppression of immune response; (3) promotion of angiogenesis; (4) stimulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT); (5) contribution to the tumor microenvironment; (6) inhibition of tumor cell apoptosis; and (7) promotion of tumor metastasis. In contrast to the tumor-promoting properties, MSCs inhibit tumor growth by increasing inflammatory infiltration, inhibiting angiogenesis, suppressing Wnt signaling and AKT signaling, and inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In this review, we will discuss potential mechanisms by which MSC mediates tumor support or suppression and then the possible tumor-specific therapeutic strategies using MSCs as delivery vehicles, based on their homing potential to tumors.
A Framework for Identifying Selective Chemical Applications for IPM in Dryland Agriculture
Authors: Umina Paul , Jenkins Sommer , McColl Stuart , Arthur Aston , Hoffmann Ary
Published: December 2015

Shifts to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in agriculture are assisted by the identification of chemical applications that provide effective control of pests relative to broad-spectrum pesticides but have fewer negative effects on natural enemy (beneficial) groups that assist in pest control. Here, we outline a framework for identifying such applications and apply this framework to field trials involving the crop establishment phase of Australian dryland cropping systems. Several chemicals, which are not presently available to farmers in Australia, were identified as providing moderate levels of pest control and seedling protection, with the potential to be less harmful to beneficial groups including predatory mites, predatory beetles and ants. This framework highlights the challenges involved in chemically controlling pests while maintaining non-target populations when pest species are present at damaging levels.
Pork as a Source of Omega-3 (n-3) Fatty Acids
Authors: Dugan Michael , Vahmani Payam , Turner Tyler , Mapiye Cletos , Juárez Manuel , Prieto Nuria , Beaulieu Angela , Zijlstra Ruurd , Patience John , Aalhus Jennifer
Published: December 2015

Pork is the most widely eaten meat in the world, but typical feeding practices give it a high omega-6 (n-6) to omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid ratio and make it a poor source of n-3 fatty acids. Feeding pigs n-3 fatty acids can increase their contents in pork, and in countries where label claims are permitted, claims can be met with limited feeding of n-3 fatty acid enrich feedstuffs, provided contributions of both fat and muscle are included in pork servings. Pork enriched with n-3 fatty acids is, however, not widely available. Producing and marketing n-3 fatty acid enriched pork requires regulatory approval, development costs, quality control costs, may increase production costs, and enriched pork has to be tracked to retail and sold for a premium. Mandatory labelling of the n-6/n-3 ratio and the n-3 fatty acid content of pork may help drive production of n-3 fatty acid enriched pork, and open the door to population-based disease prevention polices (i.e., food tax to provide incentives to improve production practices). A shift from the status-quo, however, will require stronger signals along the value chain indicating production of n-3 fatty acid enriched pork is an industry priority.
Two Dimensional Temperature Distributions in Plate Heat Exchangers: An Analytical Approach
Authors: Ansari Dezfoli Amir , Mehrabian Mozaffar , Saffaripour Mohamad
Published: December 2015

Analytical solutions are developed to work out the two-dimensional (2D) temperature changes of flow in the passages of a plate heat exchanger in parallel flow and counter flow arrangements. Two different flow regimes, namely, the plug flow and the turbulent flow are considered. The mathematical formulation of problems coupled at boundary conditions are presented, the solution procedure is then obtained as a special case of the two region Sturm-Liouville problem. The results obtained for two different flow regimes are then compared with experimental results and with each other. The agreement between the analytical and experimental results is an indication of the accuracy of solution method.
Distribution in Different Organisms of Amino Acid Oxidases with FAD or a Quinone As Cofactor and Their Role as Antimicrobial Proteins in Marine Bacteria
Authors: Campillo-Brocal Jonatan , Lucas-Elío Patricia , Sanchez-Amat Antonio
Published: December 2015

Amino acid oxidases (AAOs) catalyze the oxidative deamination of amino acids releasing ammonium and hydrogen peroxide. Several kinds of these enzymes have been reported. Depending on the amino acid isomer used as a substrate, it is possible to differentiate between l-amino acid oxidases and d-amino acid oxidases. Both use FAD as cofactor and oxidize the amino acid in the alpha position releasing the corresponding keto acid. Recently, a novel class of AAOs has been described that does not contain FAD as cofactor, but a quinone generated by post-translational modification of residues in the same protein. These proteins are named as LodA-like proteins, after the first member of this group described, LodA, a lysine epsilon oxidase synthesized by the marine bacterium Marinomonas mediterranea. In this review, a phylogenetic analysis of all the enzymes described with AAO activity has been performed. It is shown that it is possible to recognize different groups of these enzymes and those containing the quinone cofactor are clearly differentiated. In marine bacteria, particularly in the genus Pseudoalteromonas, most of the proteins described as antimicrobial because of their capacity to generate hydrogen peroxide belong to the group of LodA-like proteins.
Antiproliferative Activities of Water Infusions from Leaves of Five Cornus L. Species
Authors: Forman Vladimír , Haladová Mária , Grančai Daniel , Ficková Mária
Published: December 2015

Cornaceae plants are known for their edible berries, and their leaves are used as tea. In the present study aqueous leaf extracts from Cornus mas (CM), C. alba (CA), C. flaviramea (CF), C. kousa (CK), and C. officinalis (CO) were tested for their antiproliferative activity in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Dose- (50–750 µg/mL) and time (24, 48, 72 h)-dependent antiproliferative effects were measured by WST-1, and correlated with the content of flavonoids (FL), total hydroxycinnamic derivatives (THD), total polyphenols (TP) and tannins (T). Extracts induced time dependent decreases in cell survival; CA, CO and CM were the most effective (11.2%, 10.3% and 11.1%, after 72 h). The ED50 (effective dose) values were similar for all extracts and times tested. The THD and TP were identical in all samples, while a two-fold higher T content was present in CK and CO, and of FL in CF. The maximal effects (% of surviving cells) negatively correlated with the T and TP levels, and positively with FL and THD. The results demonstrate the significant antiproliferative effects of the tested water extracts in MCF-7 cells, in which CA, CO and CM are the most effective; and the effectiveness is related to the T and TP contents.
A Nanostructured Lipid System as a Strategy to Improve the in Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Copper(II) Complexes
Authors: Da Silva Patricia , Bonifácio Bruna , Frem Regina , Godoy Netto Adelino , Mauro Antonio , Ferreira Ana , Lopes Erica , Raddi Maria , Bauab Tais , Pavan Fernando , Chorilli Marlus
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study was to construct a nanostructured lipid system as a strategy to improve the in vitro antibacterial activity of copper(II) complexes. New compounds with the general formulae [CuX2(INH)2]·nH2O (X = Cl− and n = 1 (1); X = NCS− and n = 5 (2); X = NCO− and n = 4 (3); INH = isoniazid, a drug widely used to treat tuberculosis) derived from the reaction between the copper(II) chloride and isoniazid in the presence or absence of pseudohalide ions (NCS− or NCO−) were synthesized and characterized by infrared spectrometry, electronic absorption spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, melting points and complexometry with 2,2′,2′′,2′′′-(Ethane-1,2-diyldinitrilo)tetraacetic acid (EDTA). The characterization techniques allowed us to confirm the formation of the copper(II) complexes. The Cu(II) complexes were loaded into microemulsion (MEs) composed of 10% phase oil (cholesterol), 10% surfactant [soy oleate and Brij® 58 (1:2)] and 80% aqueous phase (phosphate buffer pH = 7.4) prepared by sonication. The Cu(II) complex-loaded MEs displayed sizes ranging from 158.0 ± 1.060 to 212.6 ± 1.539 nm, whereas the polydispersity index (PDI) ranged from 0.218 ± 0.007 to 0.284 ± 0.034. The antibacterial activity of the free compounds and those that were loaded into the MEs against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC® 25923 and Escherichia coli ATCC® 25922, as evaluated by a microdilution technique, and the cytotoxicity index (IC50) against the Vero cell line (ATCC® CCL-81TM) were used to calculate the selectivity index (SI). Among the free compounds, only compound 2 (MIC 500 μg/mL) showed activity for S. aureus. After loading the compounds into the MEs, the antibacterial activity of compounds 1, 2 and 3 was significantly increased against E. coli (MIC’s 125, 125 and 500 μg/mL, respectively) and S. aureus (MICs 250, 500 and 125 μg/mL, respectively). The loaded compounds were less toxic against the Vero cell line, especially compound 1 (IC50 from 109.5 to 319.3 μg/mL). The compound 2- and 3-loaded MEs displayed the best SI for E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. These results indicated that the Cu(II) complex-loaded MEs were considerably more selective than the free compounds, in some cases, up to 40 times higher.
Anti-Ulcerogenic Properties of Lycium chinense Mill Extracts against Ethanol-Induced Acute Gastric Lesion in Animal Models and Its Active Constituents
Authors: Olatunji Opeyemi , Chen Hongxia , Zhou Yifeng
Published: December 2015

The objective of this study was to explore the gastroprotective properties of the aerial part of Lycium chinense Mill (LCA) against ethanol-induced gastric mucosa lesions in mice models. Administration of LCA at doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight prior to ethanol consumption dose dependently inhibited gastric ulcers. The gastric mucosal injury was analyzed by gastric juice acidity, glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities. Furthermore, the levels of the inflammatory mediators, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in serum were also analyzed using ELISA. Pathological changes were also observed with the aid of hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Our results indicated that LCA significantly reduced the levels of MPO, MDA and increased SOD and GSH activities. Furthermore, LCA also significantly inhibited the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the serum of ulcerated mice in a dose dependent manner. Immunohistological analysis indicated that LCA also significantly attenuated the overexpression of nuclear factor-κB in pretreated mice models. This findings suggests Lycium chinense Mill possesses gastroprotective properties against ethanol-induced gastric injury and could be a possible therapeutic intervention in the treatment and management of gastric ulcers.
Hormesis: Decoding Two Sides of the Same Coin
Authors: Bhakta-Guha Dipita , Efferth Thomas
Published: December 2015

In the paradigm of drug administration, determining the correct dosage of a therapeutic is often a challenge. Several drugs have been noted to demonstrate contradictory effects per se at high and low doses. This duality in function of a drug at different concentrations is known as hormesis. Therefore, it becomes necessary to study these biphasic functions in order to understand the mechanistic basis of their effects. In this article, we focus on different molecules and pathways associated with diseases that possess a duality in their function and thus prove to be the seat of hormesis. In particular, we have highlighted the pathways and factors involved in the progression of cancer and how the biphasic behavior of the molecules involved can alter the manifestations of cancer. Because of the pragmatic role that it exhibits, the imminent need is to draw attention to the concept of hormesis. Herein, we also discuss different stressors that trigger hormesis and how stress-mediated responses increase the overall adaptive response of an individual to stress stimulus. We talk about common pathways through which cancer progresses (such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Nrf2-Keap1), sirtuin-forkhead box O (SIRT-FOXO) and others), analyzing how diverse molecules associated with these pathways conform to hormesis.
Molecular Mechanisms of Phosphorus Metabolism and Transport during Leaf Senescence
Authors: Stigter Kyla , Plaxton William
Published: December 2015

Leaf senescence, being the final developmental stage of the leaf, signifies the transition from a mature, photosynthetically active organ to the attenuation of said function and eventual death of the leaf. During senescence, essential nutrients sequestered in the leaf, such as phosphorus (P), are mobilized and transported to sink tissues, particularly expanding leaves and developing seeds. Phosphorus recycling is crucial, as it helps to ensure that previously acquired P is not lost to the environment, particularly under the naturally occurring condition where most unfertilized soils contain low levels of soluble orthophosphate (Pi), the only form of P that roots can directly assimilate from the soil. Piecing together the molecular mechanisms that underpin the highly variable efficiencies of P remobilization from senescing leaves by different plant species may be critical for devising effective strategies for improving overall crop P-use efficiency. Maximizing Pi remobilization from senescing leaves using selective breeding and/or biotechnological strategies will help to generate P-efficient crops that would minimize the use of unsustainable and polluting Pi-containing fertilizers in agriculture. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms whereby P is remobilized from senescing leaves and transported to sink tissues, which encompasses the action of hormones, transcription factors, Pi-scavenging enzymes, and Pi transporters.
Preface: Remote Sensing in Flood Monitoring and Management
Authors: Schumann Guy
Published: December 2015

This Special Issue is a collection of papers studying the use of remote sensing data and methods for flood monitoring and management. The articles contributed span a wide range of topics and present novel processing techniques, review methods and discuss limitations, and also report on current capabilities and outline emerging needs. This preface provides a brief overview of the content. [...]
Smart Capture Modules for Direct Sensor-to-FPGA Interfaces
Authors: Oballe-Peinado Óscar , Vidal-Verdú Fernando , Sánchez-Durán José , Castellanos-Ramos Julián , Hidalgo-López José
Published: December 2015

Direct sensor–digital device interfaces measure time dependent variables of simple circuits to implement analog-to-digital conversion. Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are devices whose hardware can be reconfigured to work in parallel. They usually do not have analog-to-digital converters, but have many general purpose I/O pins. Therefore, direct sensor-FPGA connection is a good choice in complex systems with many sensors because several capture modules can be implemented to perform parallel analog data acquisition. The possibility to work in parallel and with high frequency clock signals improves the bandwidth compared to sequential devices such as conventional microcontrollers. The price to pay is usually the resolution of measurements. This paper proposes capture modules implemented in an FPGA which are able to perform smart acquisition that filter noise and achieve high precision. A calibration technique is also proposed to improve accuracy. Resolutions of 12 effective number of bits are obtained for the reading of resistors in the range of an example piezoresistive tactile sensor.
Mechanism of Electrochemical Delamination of Two-Dimensional Materials from Their Native Substrates by Bubbling
Authors: Sun Jie , Fan Xing , Guo Weiling , Liu Lihui , Liu Xin , Deng Jun , Xu Chen
Published: December 2015

A capacitor-based circuit model is proposed to explain the electrochemical delamination of two-dimensional materials from their native substrates where produced gas bubbles squeeze into the interface. The delamination is actually the electric breakdown of the capacitor formed between the solution and substrate. To facilitate the procedure, the backside of the ubstrate has to be shielded so that the capacitor breakdown voltage can be reached. The screening effect can be induced either by nonreactive ions around the electrode or, more effectively, by an undetachable insulator. This mechanism serves as a guideline for the surface science and applications involving the bubbling delamination.
Sensing Traffic Density Combining V2V and V2I Wireless Communications
Authors: Sanguesa Julio , Barrachina Javier , Fogue Manuel , Garrido Piedad , Martinez Francisco , Cano Juan-Carlos , Calafate Carlos , Manzoni Pietro
Published: December 2015

Wireless technologies are making the development of new applications and services in vehicular environments possible since they enable mobile communication between vehicles (V2V), as well as communication between vehicles and infrastructure nodes (V2I). Usually, V2V communications are dedicated to the transmission of small messages mainly focused on improving traffic safety. Instead, V2I communications allow users to access the Internet and benefit from higher level applications. The combination of both V2V and V2I, known as V2X communications, can increase the benefits even further, thereby making intelligent transportation systems (ITS) a reality. In this paper, we introduce V2X-d, a novel architecture specially designed to estimate traffic density on the road. In particular, V2X-d exploits the combination of V2V and V2I communications. Our approach is based on the information gathered by sensors (i.e., vehicles and road side units (RSUs)) and the characteristics of the roadmap topology to accurately make an estimation of the instant vehicle density. The combination of both mechanisms improves the accuracy and coverage area of the data gathered, while increasing the robustness and fault tolerance of the overall approach, e.g., using the information offered by V2V communications to provide additional density information in areas where RSUs are scarce or malfunctioning. By using our collaborative sensing scheme, future ITS solutions will be able to establish adequate dissemination protocols or to apply more efficient traffic congestion reduction policies, since they will be aware of the instantaneous density of vehicles.
PCF Based Sensor with High Sensitivity, High Birefringence and Low Confinement Losses for Liquid Analyte Sensing Applications
Authors: Ademgil Huseyin , Haxha Shyqyri
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we report a design of high sensitivity Photonic Crystal Fiber (PCF) sensor with high birefringence and low confinement losses for liquid analyte sensing applications. The proposed PCF structures are designed with supplementary elliptical air holes in the core region vertically-shaped V-PCF and horizontally-shaped H-PCF. The full vectorial Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations performed to examine the sensitivity, the confinement losses, the effective refractive index and the modal birefringence features of the proposed elliptical air hole PCF structures. We show that the proposed PCF structures exhibit high relative sensitivity, high birefringence and low confinement losses simultaneously for various analytes.
Fluorescence Quenching of CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots by Using Black Hole Quencher Molecules Intermediated with Peptide for Biosensing Application
Authors: Pillai Sreenadh Sasidharan , Yukawa Hiroshi , Onoshima Daisuke , Biju Vasudevanpillai , Baba Yoshinobu
Published: December 2015

Quantum dots (QDs) have recently been investigated as fluorescent probes for detecting a very small number of biomolecules and live cells; however, the establishment of molecular imaging technology with on–off control of QD fluorescence remains to be established. Here we have achieved the fluorescence off state of QDs with the conjugation of black hole quencher (BHQ) molecules intermediated with peptide by using streptavidin-QDs585 and biotin-pep-BHQ-1. The fluorescence of streptavidin-QDs585 was decreased by the addition of biotin-pep-BHQ-1 in a dose-dependent manner. It has been suggested that the decrease in QDs585 fluorescence occurred through a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism from the analysis of fluorescence intensity and lifetime of streptavidin-QDs585 and QDs585-pep-BHQ-1. QDs585 fluorescence could be quenched by more than 60% efficiency in this system. The sequence of intermediate peptide (pep) was GPLGVRGK, which can be cleaved by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) produced by cancer cells. QDs585-pep-BHQ-1 is thus expected to detect the MMP production by the recovery of QDs585 fluorescence as a new bioanalytical agent for molecular imaging.
Ultrastructural changes in methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusinduced by positively charged silver nanoparticles
Authors: Romero-Urbina Dulce G , Lara Humberto H , Velázquez-Salazar J Jesús , Arellano-Jiménez M Josefina , Larios Eduardo , Srinivasan Anand , Lopez-Ribot Jose L , Yacamán Miguel José
Published: December 2015

Silver nanoparticles offer a possible means of fighting antibacterial resistance. Most of their antibacterial properties are attributed to their silver ions. In the present work, we study the actions of positively charged silver nanoparticles against both methicillin-sensitiveStaphylococcus aureusand methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus. We use aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy to examine the bactericidal effects of silver nanoparticles and the ultrastructural changes in bacteria that are induced by silver nanoparticles. The study revealed that our 1 nm average size silver nanoparticles induced thinning and permeabilization of the cell wall, destabilization of the peptidoglycan layer, and subsequent leakage of intracellular content, causing bacterial cell lysis. We hypothesize that positively charged silver nanoparticles bind to the negatively charged polyanionic backbones of teichoic acids and the related cell wall glycopolymers of bacteria as a first target, consequently stressing the structure and permeability of the cell wall. This hypothesis provides a major mechanism to explain the antibacterial effects of silver nanoparticles onStaphylococcus aureus.Future research should focus on defining the related molecular mechanisms and their importance to the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles.
Two step formation of metal aggregates by surface X-ray radiolysis under Langmuir monolayers: 2D followed by 3D growth
Authors: Mukherjee Smita , Fauré Marie-Claude , Goldmann Michel , Fontaine Philippe
Published: December 2015

In order to form a nanostructured metallic layer below a Langmuir monolayer, radiolysis synthesis was carried out in an adapted geometry that we call surface X-ray radiolysis. In this procedure, an X-ray beam produced by a synchrotron beamline intercepts the surface of an aqueous metal-ion solution covered by a Langmuir monolayer at an angle of incidence below the critical angle for total internal reflection. Underneath the organic layer, the X-ray beam induces the radiolytic synthesis of a nanostructured metal–organic layer whose ultrathin thickness is defined by the vertical X-ray penetration depth. We have shown that increasing the X-ray flux on the surface, which considerably enhances the kinetics of the silver layer formation, results in a second growth regime of silver nanocrystals. Here the formation of the oriented thin layer is followed by the appearance of a 3D powder of silver clusters.
Bifunctional phase-transfer catalysis in the asymmetric synthesis of biologically active isoindolinones
Authors: Di Mola Antonia , Tiffner Maximilian , Scorzelli Francesco , Palombi Laura , Filosa Rosanna , De Caprariis Paolo , Waser Mario , Massa Antonio
Published: December 2015

New bifunctional chiral ammonium salts were investigated in an asymmetric cascade synthesis of a key building block for a variety of biologically relevant isoindolinones. With this chiral compound in hand, the development of further transformations allowed for the synthesis of diverse derivatives of high pharmaceutical value, such as the Belliotti (S)-PD172938 and arylated analogues with hypnotic sedative activity, obtained in good overall total yield (50%) and high enantiomeric purity (95% ee). The synthetic routes developed herein are particularly convenient in comparison with the current methods available in literature and are particularly promising for large scale applications.
Safety and Efficacy of Open-label Subcutaneous Ixekizumab Treatment for 48 Weeks in a Phase II Study in Biologic-naive and TNF-IR Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Genovese Mark C. , Braun Daniel K. , Erickson Janelle S. , Berclaz Pierre-Yves , Banerjee Subhashis , Heffernan Michael P. , Carlier Hilde
Published: December 2015

Objective.

To evaluate ixekizumab, an anti-interleukin 17A monoclonal antibody, for safety and effectiveness through 64 weeks in biologic-naive and tumor necrosis factor–inadequate responder (TNF-IR) patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods.

Patients completing the 16-week double-blind period of a phase II study were eligible to enter the open-label extension (OLE) for an additional 48 weeks of ixekizumab treatment. After a treatment hiatus between weeks 10 to 16, 232 biologic-naive and 158 TNF-IR patients entered the OLE with all patients receiving 160 mg ixekizumab at weeks 16, 18, and 20, and then every 4 weeks through Week 64.

Results.

A total of 201 (87%) biologic-naive and 99 (62%) TNF-IR patients completed the OLE. Treatment-emergent adverse events (AE) occurred in 168 (72%) biologic-naive and 115 (73%) TNF-IR patients during the OLE. Most AE were mild to moderate in severity and did not lead to study discontinuation. Serious AE (SAE) occurred in 17 (7%) biologic-naive patients, including 5 (2%) serious infections and 2 (1%) deaths. SAE occurred in 18 (11%) TNF-IR patients, including 4 (3%) serious infections and 1 (1%) death. No mycobacterial or invasive fungal infections were reported. Clinical responses [American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20, ACR50, ACR70, and 28-joint Disease Activity Score with C-reactive protein] observed at Week 16 were maintained or improved through Week 64.

Conclusion.

Ixekizumab was well tolerated, and safety findings in the OLE were consistent overall with those in the double-blind period of this study. Clinical improvements observed with ixekizumab through Week 16 were maintained or improved in patients participating in the OLE through Week 64. Trial registration number:NCT00966875.
Methotrexate Efficacy in the Tight Control in Psoriatic Arthritis Study
Authors: Coates Laura C. , Helliwell Philip S.
Published: December 2015

Objective.

Methotrexate (MTX) is a commonly used disease-modifying antirheumatic drug in psoriatic arthritis, but there is conflicting evidence to support its efficacy.

Methods.

Within the Tight Control of Psoriatic Arthritis (TICOPA) study, patients were treated with MTX as part of the tight control protocol or standard care. Outcomes were recorded at the 12-week visit, including joint counts, skin, nail, enthesitis, dactylitis, and patient-reported measures.

Results.

Of the 206 patients enrolled, 188 received MTX in the first 12 weeks of the trial with 104 receiving a mean dose > 15 mg/week. The proportions of patients achieving the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) outcomes at 12 weeks were ACR20 40.8%, ACR50 18.8%, and ACR70 8.6%, with 22.4% achieving minimal disease activity. Improvements were seen in psoriasis with 27.2% reaching a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75. The proportion of patients with dactylitis and Leeds dactylitis instrument (LDI) scores decreased significantly (62.7% decrease in patients with dactylitis, median change LDI −59.7, −157.4 to −26.4, p = 0.033). The decrease in proportion of patients with enthesitis (25.7%) was significant, but the median change in enthesitis score was 0. There was a trend to higher proportions of patients receiving over 15 mg/week achieving ACR20, ACR50, and PASI75.

Conclusion.

Despite the open-label design of the data, improvements in multiple clinical outcomes were seen. The proportion of patients reaching ACR20 in the TICOPA study was higher than in the Methotrexate in Psoriatic Arthritis study (41% vs 34%), but no comparative data are available for other outcomes. There is a suggestion of a dose response, but this is hard to assess when patients doing well may be maintained on lower doses.
Lektüren des fruchtbaren Augenblicks . Zu Lessings Darstellungstheorie
Authors: Bohn Carolin
Published: December 2015

L’article analyse le concept de « l’instant fécond » et développe un nouveau point de vue sur la théorie esthétique de Lessing. Jusqu’à présent, le moment fécond chez Lessing était défini comme un élément temporel dans la peinture, dépendant de sa place au sein d’une narration. Cette recherche s’attache en revanche à montrer que l’instant fécond produit un effet esthétique en représentant implicitement les limites de la perception humaine. Si l’on suit cette perspective, Lessing considère les deux formes d’art comme équivalentes et ne privilégie donc pas la poésie par rapport à la peinture.
Wiener Familiengeschichten. Drei Romane im Vergleich
Authors: Scheidl Günther
Published: December 2015

Ce travail compare trois romans de romancières autrichiennes : le roman d’Elisabeth Freundlich Der Seelenvogel , celui de Hilde Spiel Früchte des Wohlstands et le roman de Eva Menasse Vienna s’appuient sur le sort de familles juives pour dresser un tableau de l’histoire autrichienne de la fin du xix e siècle à nos jours. Dans les trois romans, l’action se passe à Vienne. Freundlich et Spiel s’appliquent à remonter aux racines de l’antisémitisme moderne, l’effondrement boursier de 1873 en constituant l’un des points nodaux. Les trois romans racontent l’histoire de personnes qui gravissent les échelons de la société et qui ne commencent que relativement tard à s’intéresser à leur origine juive, au moment où l’échec de l’émancipation et l’inanité des efforts d’assimilation deviennent patents. Il est remarquable que la plupart des personnages principaux ne tirent pas de leur expérience de l’antisémitisme une conscience claire de leur judéité et de leur position respective dans la société. On peut remarquer que Spiel et Freundlich ont recours à des formes plutôt traditionnelles du récit romanesque, tandis qu’Eva Menasse évite toute forme de narration linéaire chronologique. Par le moyen de la narration, les romancières s’emploient à préserver le passé, tout en soumettant au lecteur le récit des contradictions et des comportements choquants de leurs personnages.