bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spasticity Management in Disorders of Consciousness
Authors: Martens Géraldine , Laureys Steven , Thibaut Aurore
Published: December 2017

Background: Spasticity is a motor disorder frequently encountered after a lesion involving the central nervous system. It is hypothesized to arise from an anarchic reorganization of the pyramidal and parapyramidal fibers and leads to hypertonia and hyperreflexia of the affected muscular groups. While this symptom and its management is well-known in patients suffering from stroke, multiple sclerosis or spinal cord lesion, little is known regarding its appropriate management in patients presenting disorders of consciousness after brain damage. Objectives: Our aim was to review the occurrence of spasticity in patients with disorders of consciousness and the therapeutic interventions used to treat it. Methods: We conducted a systematic review using the PubMed online database. It returned 157 articles. After applying our inclusion criteria (i.e., studies about patients in coma, unresponsive wakefulness syndrome or minimally conscious state, with spasticity objectively reported as a primary or secondary outcome), 18 studies were fully reviewed. Results: The prevalence of spasticity in patients with disorders of consciousness ranged from 59% to 89%. Current treatment options include intrathecal baclofen and soft splints. Several treatment options still need further investigation; including acupuncture, botulin toxin or cortical activation by thalamic stimulation. Conclusion: The small number of articles available in the current literature highlights that spasticity is poorly studied in patients with disorders of consciousness although it is one of the most common motor disorders. While treatments such as intrathecal baclofen and soft splints seem effective, large randomized controlled trials have to be done and new therapeutic options should be explored.
Effects of Preparation Method on the Structure and Catalytic Activity of Ag–Fe2O3 Catalysts Derived from MOFs
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Yang Yang , Lv Xutian , Wang Yuxin , Cui Lifeng
Published: December 2017

In this work, Ag–Fe2O3 catalysts were successfully prepared using several different methods. Our main intention was to investigate the effect of the preparation methods on the catalysts’ structure and their catalytic performance for CO oxidation. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption–desorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), H2-temperature program reduction (H2-TPR) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Ag–Fe catalysts prepared by impregnating Ag into MIL-100 (Fe) presented the best catalytic activity, over which CO could be completely oxidized at 160 °C. Based on the characterization, it was found that more metallic Ag species and porosity existed on Ag–Fe catalysts, which could efficiently absorb atmospheric oxygen and, thus, enhance the CO oxidation.
Plasma-Sprayed LSM Protective Coating on Metallic Interconnect of SOFC
Authors: Chen Jia-Wei , Lin Kui-Yi , Yang Yung-Chin , Yeh Shu-Tuan
Published: December 2017

In this study, a (La0.8Sr0.2)0.98MnO3 protective layer was prepared on the C276, Crofer22 APU, SUS304, and SUS430 alloys by the atmospheric plasma spraying technique (APS). The oxidation behavior and electrical property of these metal alloys have been investigated isothermally at 800 °C in air for up to 300 h. Results showed that the ferritic steels transform into MnCr2O4 spinels and a Cr2O3 layer during isothermal oxidation. The C276 alloy formed NiCr2O4 and FeCr2O4 layers; these are protective and act as an effective barrier against chromium migration into the outer oxide layer, and the alloy demonstrated good oxidation resistance and a reasonable match to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate and a low-oxide scale area-specific resistance. The ASR effects on the formation of oxide scale have been investigated, and the ASR of coated samples was below 0.024 Ω·cm2. It has good electrical conductivity for SOFC in long-term use.
Inkjet-Printed Chemical Solution Y2O3 Layers for Planarization of Technical Substrates
Authors: Vilardell Marta , Fornell Jordina , Sort Jordi , Vlad Roxana , Fernández Juan , Puig Joaquim , Usoskin Alexander , Palau Anna , Puig Teresa , Obradors Xavier , Calleja Albert
Published: December 2017

The implementation of the Chemical Solution Deposition (CSD) methodology with the Drop on Demand (DoD) inkjet printing (IJP) technology has been successfully employed to develop a Solution Deposition Planarization (SDP) method. We have used nanocrystalline yttrium oxide (Y2O3) to decrease the roughness of technical metallic substrates by filling the surface imperfections and thus avoiding costly polishing steps. This alternative process represents an outstanding methodology to reduce the final cost of the second-generation coated conductors manufacturing. Two Y2O3 metalorganic precursor ink formulations were successfully developed and tested to obtain surfaces as smooth as possible with adequate mechanical properties to hold the internal stress developed during the growth of the subsequent layers. By using these inks as precursors for IJP and after a proper tuning of the rheological and wetting parameters, we firstly obtained centimeter length uniform 100 nm-thick SDP-Y2O3 films on unpolished stainless-steel substrate from Bruker HTS. The scalability of the roll to roll (R2R)-IJP process to 100 m is then demonstrated on metallic substrates as well. A complete characterization of the prepared SDP-Y2O3 inkjet-printed layers was carried out using optical microscopy, FIB-SEM (Focus Ion Beam coupled to Scanning Electron Microscopy), XRD (X-ray Diffraction), AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy), reflectometry and nanoindentation techniques. Then, the morphology, thickness, crystallinity and mechanical properties were evaluated, together with the surface roughness in order to assess the resulting layer planarity. The impact of planarity was additionally studied via growth of biaxially textured buffer layers as well as further functional layers. 1.1 µm-thick YSZ layers with in-plane textures better than the stainless steel (SS) polished reference were successfully deposited on top of 100 nm SDP-Y2O3 films yielding 50% of Ic in contrast to the standard SS reference.
Nanoscale Phase Separation and Lattice Complexity in VO2: The Metal–Insulator Transition Investigated by XANES via Auger Electron Yield at the Vanadium L23-Edge and Resonant Photoemission
Authors: Marcelli Augusto , Coreno Marcello , Stredansky Matus , Xu Wei , Zou Chongwen , Fan Lele , Chu Wangsheng , Wei Shiqiang , Cossaro Albano , Ricci Alessandro , Bianconi Antonio , D’Elia Alessandro
Published: December 2017

Among transition metal oxides, VO2 is a particularly interesting and challenging correlated electron material where an insulator to metal transition (MIT) occurs near room temperature. Here we investigate a 16 nm thick strained vanadium dioxide film, trying to clarify the dynamic behavior of the insulator/metal transition. We measured (resonant) photoemission below and above the MIT transition temperature, focusing on heating and cooling effects at the vanadium L23-edge using X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure (XANES). The vanadium L23-edges probe the transitions from the 2p core level to final unoccupied states with 3d orbital symmetry above the Fermi level. The dynamics of the 3d unoccupied states both at the L3- and at the L2-edge are in agreement with the hysteretic behavior of this thin film. In the first stage of the cooling, the 3d unoccupied states do not change while the transition in the insulating phase appears below 60 °C. Finally, Resonant Photoemission Spectra (ResPES) point out a shift of the Fermi level of ~0.75 eV, which can be correlated to the dynamics of the 3d// orbitals, the electron–electron correlation, and the stability of the metallic state.
The Use of Pit and Fissure Sealants—A Literature Review
Authors: Naaman Reem , El-Housseiny Azza , Alamoudi Najlaa
Published: December 2017

This paper reviews the literature and discusses the latest updates on the use of pit and fissure sealants. It demonstrates the effectiveness of pit and fissure sealants in preventing caries and the management of early carious lesions. It compares the use of different sealant materials and their indications. It describes the application technique for sealants. It also reviews the cost-effectiveness of sealants as a preventive strategy. From this review and after the discussion of recently published studies on pit and fissure sealants, it is evident that sealants are effective in caries prevention and in preventing the progression of incipient lesions. It is therefore recommended that pit and fissure sealant be applied to high-caries-risk children for optimum cost-effectiveness. It is a highly sensitive technique that needs optimum isolation, cleaning of the tooth surface, etching, and the application of a thin bonding layer for maximum benefit. Recall and repair, when needed, are important to maximize the effectiveness of such sealant use.
On the Statistical Mechanics of Alien Species Distribution
Authors: Bowler Michael , Kelly Colleen
Published: December 2017

Many species of plants are found in regions to which they are alien. Their global distributions are characterised by a family of exponential functions of the kind that arise in elementary statistical mechanics (an example in ecology is MacArthur’s broken stick). We show here that all these functions are quantitatively reproduced by a model containing a single parameter—some global resource partitioned at random on the two axes of species number and site number. A dynamical model generating this equilibrium is a two-fold stochastic process and suggests a curious and interesting biological interpretation in terms of niche structures fluctuating with time and productivity, with sites and species highly idiosyncratic. Idiosyncrasy implies that attempts to identify a priori those species likely to become naturalised are unlikely to be successful. Although this paper is primarily concerned with a particular problem in population biology, the two-fold stochastic process may be of more general interest.
Second-Law Analysis: A Powerful Tool for Analyzing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Results
Authors: Jin Yan
Published: December 2017

Second-law analysis (SLA) is an important concept in thermodynamics, which basically assesses energy by its value in terms of its convertibility from one form to another.[...]
Altered Brain Complexity in Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Resting-State Magneto-Encephalography Study Using Multiscale Entropy Analysis
Authors: Low Intan , Kuo Po-Chih , Liu Yu-Hsiang , Tsai Cheng-Lin , Chao Hsiang-Tai , Hsieh Jen-Chuen , Chen Li-Fen , Chen Yong-Sheng
Published: December 2017

How chronic pain affects brain functions remains unclear. As a potential indicator, brain complexity estimated by entropy-based methods may be helpful for revealing the underlying neurophysiological mechanism of chronic pain. In this study, complexity features with multiple time scales and spectral features were extracted from resting-state magnetoencephalographic signals of 156 female participants with/without primary dysmenorrhea (PDM) during pain-free state. Revealed by multiscale sample entropy (MSE), PDM patients (PDMs) exhibited loss of brain complexity in regions associated with sensory, affective, and evaluative components of pain, including sensorimotor, limbic, and salience networks. Significant correlations between MSE values and psychological states (depression and anxiety) were found in PDMs, which may indicate specific nonlinear disturbances in limbic and default mode network circuits after long-term menstrual pain. These findings suggest that MSE is an important measure of brain complexity and is potentially applicable to future diagnosis of chronic pain.
A Case Study of Surface Borehole Wall Dislocation Induced by Top-Coal Longwall Mining
Authors: Ju Jinfeng , Xu Jialin , Xu Jingmin
Published: December 2017

Underground coal extraction causes failure and movement of overlying strata, which could also result in the dislocation of vertical surface boreholes. Investigating the correlation between the dislocation of surface boreholes and the broken of overlying strata is of great significance in deducing the mining-induced dynamic movement of overlying strata, which cannot be seen inside the ‘black box’. Field measurement, laboratory experiment and theoretical analysis were employed to study the mechanism of the mining-induced dislocation of surface boreholes, and its relationship with the movement of overlying strata. Due to different deflection angles of adjacent strata, the horizontal movement of strata varies, and this contributes primarily to the dislocation of borehole wall. As the development of strata movement from the mining level towards surface, the position of borehole dislocation also occurred upwards, and the highest borehole dislocation occurred at the same position of overlying Key Stratum (KS). In other words, when a KS breaks, borehole dislocation will occur and develop from the bottom of this KS until the bottom of an upper KS. These key findings can provide a theoretical basis for deducing the mining-induced movement of overlying strata, determining the KS position and assessing the water conductivity of broken strata.
Towards a New Generation of Building Envelope Calibration
Authors: Fernández Bandera Carlos , Ramos Ruiz Germán
Published: December 2017

Building energy performance (BEP) is an ongoing point of reflection among researchers and practitioners. The importance of buildings as one of the largest activators in climate change mitigation was illustrated recently at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21). Continuous technological improvements make it necessary to revise the methodology for energy calculations in buildings, as has recently happened with the new international standard ISO 52016-1 on Energy Performance of Buildings. In this area, there is a growing need for advanced tools like building energy models (BEMs). BEMs should play an important role in this process, but until now there has no been international consensus on how these models should reconcile the gap between measurement and simulated data in order to make them more reliable and affordable. Our proposal is a new generation of models that reconcile the traditional data-driven (inverse) modelling and law-driven (forward) modelling in a single type that we have called law-data-driven models. This achievement has greatly simplified past methodologies, and is a step forward in the search for a standard in the process of calibrating a building energy model.
PRC1 Prevents Replication Stress during Chondrogenic Transit Amplification
Authors: Spaapen Frank , Eijssen Lars M. T. , Adriaens Michiel E. , Welting Tim J. , Prickaerts Peggy , Salvaing Juliette , Dahlmans Vivian E. H. , Surtel Donald A. M. , Kruitz Frans , Kuijer Roel , Takihara Yoshihiro , Marks Hendrik , Stunnenberg Hendrik G. , Wouters Bradly G. , Vidal Miguel , Voncken Jan Willem
Published: December 2017

Transit amplification (TA), a state of combined, rapid proliferative expansion and differentiation of stem cell-descendants, remains poorly defined at the molecular level. The Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) protein BMI1 has been localized to TA compartments, yet its exact role in TA is unclear. PRC1 proteins control gene expression, cell proliferation and DNA-damage repair. Coordination of such DNA-templated activities during TA is predicted to be crucial to support DNA replication and differentiation-associated transcriptional programming. We here examined whether chondrogenesis provides a relevant biological context for synchronized coordination of these chromatin-based tasks by BMI1. Taking advantage of a prominently featuring TA-phase during chondrogenesis in vitro and in vivo, we here report that TA is completely dependent on intact PRC1 function. BMI1-depleted chondrogenic progenitors rapidly accumulate double strand DNA breaks during DNA replication, present massive non-H3K27me3-directed transcriptional deregulation and fail to undergo chondrogenic TA. Genome-wide accumulation of Topoisomerase 2α and Geminin suggests a model in which PRC1 synchronizes replication and transcription during rapid chondrogenic progenitor expansion. Our combined data reveals for the first time a vital cell-autonomous role for PRC1 during chondrogenesis. We provide evidence that chondrocyte hyper-replication and hypertrophy represent a unique example of programmed senescence in vivo. These findings provide new perspectives on PRC1 function in development and disease.
Genetic Diversity and Structure of Natural Quercus variabilis Population in China as Revealed by Microsatellites Markers
Authors: Shi Xiaomeng , Wen Qiang , Cao Mu , Guo Xin , Xu Li-an
Published: December 2017

Quercus variabilis is a tree species of ecological and economic value that is widely distributed in China. To effectively evaluate, use, and conserve resources, we applied 25 pairs of simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers to study its genetic diversity and genetic structure in 19 natural forest or natural secondary forest populations of Q. variabilis (a total of 879 samples). A total of 277 alleles were detected. Overall, the average expected heterozygosity (He) was 0.707 and average allelic richness (AR) was 7.79. Q. variabilis manifested a loss of heterozygosity, and the mean of inbreeding coefficient (FIS) was 0.044. Less differentiation among populations was observed, and the genetic differentiation coefficient (FST) was 0.063. Bayesian clustering analysis indicated that the 19 studied populations could be divided into three groups based on their genetic makeup, namely, the Southwest group, Central group, and Northeastern group. The Central group, compared to the populations of the Southwest and Northeast group, showed higher genetic diversities and lower genetic differentiations. As a widely distributed species, the historical migration of Q. variabilis contributed to its genetic differentiation.
Probiotic Delivery through Fermentation: Dairy vs. Non-Dairy Beverages
Authors: Ranadheera Chaminda , Vidanarachchi Janak , Rocha Ramon , Cruz Adriano , Ajlouni Said
Published: December 2017

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host, mainly through the process of replacing or including beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Fermented dairy foods such as yogurt, fermented milk and cheese are the major vehicle in delivering probiotics, and probiotic delivery have been traditionally associated with these fermented dairy foods. Additionally, many other non-dairy probiotic products and non-food form such as capsules, pills and tablets are also available and some of these non-food forms are highly popular among the consumers. Certain non-dairy probiotic foods, especially beverages that are non-fermented products, can also play an important role in probiotic delivery. There is an increasing demand for non-dairy probiotic foods (both fermented and non-fermented) including fruit and vegetable juices, soy and certain cereal products due to vegetarianism, lactose intolerance and dairy allergies, as well as interest in low cholesterol foods. In this context, this review mainly focus on the different types of probiotic food products including beverages with special reference to their viability followed by a brief account on the applicability of using fermented and non-fermented beverage products in probiotic delivery.
How 5G Wireless (and Concomitant Technologies) Will Revolutionize Healthcare?
Authors: Latif Siddique , Qadir Junaid , Farooq Shahzad , Imran Muhammad
Published: December 2017

The need to have equitable access to quality healthcare is enshrined in the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which defines the developmental agenda of the UN for the next 15 years. In particular, the third SDG focuses on the need to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”. In this paper, we build the case that 5G wireless technology, along with concomitant emerging technologies (such as IoT, big data, artificial intelligence and machine learning), will transform global healthcare systems in the near future. Our optimism around 5G-enabled healthcare stems from a confluence of significant technical pushes that are already at play: apart from the availability of high-throughput low-latency wireless connectivity, other significant factors include the democratization of computing through cloud computing; the democratization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cognitive computing (e.g., IBM Watson); and the commoditization of data through crowdsourcing and digital exhaust. These technologies together can finally crack a dysfunctional healthcare system that has largely been impervious to technological innovations. We highlight the persistent deficiencies of the current healthcare system and then demonstrate how the 5G-enabled healthcare revolution can fix these deficiencies. We also highlight open technical research challenges, and potential pitfalls, that may hinder the development of such a 5G-enabled health revolution.
Axisymmetric Tornado Simulations with a Semi-Slip Boundary
Authors: Fiedler Brian
Published: December 2017

The structure of natural tornadoes and simulated analogs are sensitive to the lower boundary condition for friction. Three-dimensional numerical simulations of storms require a choice for turbulence parameterizations and resolution of wind near the lower boundary. This article explores some of the consequences of choices of a surface drag coefficient on the structure of a mature simulated tornado, using a conventional axisymmetric model. The surface drag parameterization is explored over the range of the semi-slip condition, including the extremes of no-slip and free-slip. A moderate semi-slip condition allows for an extreme pressure deficit, but without the unrealistic vortex breakdown of the no-slip condition.
Regional Assessment of Groundwater Recharge in the Lower Mekong Basin
Authors: Lacombe Guillaume , Douangsavanh Somphasith , Vongphachanh Sinxay , Pavelic Paul
Published: December 2017

Groundwater recharge remains almost totally unknown across the Mekong River Basin, hindering the evaluation of groundwater potential for irrigation. A regional regression model was developed to map groundwater recharge across the Lower Mekong Basin where agricultural water demand is increasing, especially during the dry season. The model was calibrated with baseflow computed with the local-minimum flow separation method applied to streamflow recorded in 65 unregulated sub-catchments since 1951. Our results, in agreement with previous local studies, indicate that spatial variations in groundwater recharge are predominantly controlled by the climate (rainfall and evapotranspiration) while aquifer characteristics seem to play a secondary role at this regional scale. While this analysis suggests large scope for expanding agricultural groundwater use, the map derived from this study provides a simple way to assess the limits of groundwater-fed irrigation development. Further data measurements to capture local variations in hydrogeology will be required to refine the evaluation of recharge rates to support practical implementations.
Urinary Concentrations of Triclosan, Benzophenone-3, and Bisphenol A in Taiwanese Children and Adolescents
Authors: Chang Fu-Kuei , Shiea Jentaie , Tsai Hsin-Jen
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of urinary triclosan (TCS), benzophenone-3 (BP-3), and bisphenol A (BPA) in 52 children and 71 adolescents. The effects of age and sex on the levels of urinary TCS, BP-3, and BPA were explored, respectively. Results demonstrated the overall detection rates of urinary TCS, BP-3, and BPA were 18.7%, 8.1%, and 49.6%, respectively. The females had higher TCS concentrations than males (p = 0.051). The detection rate of urinary BP-3 in females (12.3%) was higher than that in males (0%) (p = 0.015). Moreover, the detection rate of urinary BP-3 in adolescents (14.1%) was higher than that in children (0%) (p = 0.005). For children, no urinary BP-3 was found. There were no differences in detection rates and concentrations of urinary TCS, BP-3, and BPA between males and females, respectively. For adolescents, urinary BP-3 was only found in the females. Urinary TCS levels in females were higher than those in males (p = 0.047). The present study showed that urinary TCS concentrations in females were significantly higher than those in males, respectively. In addition, BP-3 was only detected in urine samples of female adolescents. Sex and age were the important factors influencing urinary TCS and BP-3 concentrations.
Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Acceptance among Pregnant Women in Zhejiang Province, China: Evidence Based on Health Belief Model
Authors: Hu Yu , Wang Ying , Liang Hui , Chen Yaping
Published: December 2017

Background: Reasons for acceptance of seasonal influenza vaccine (SIV) vaccination among pregnant women in China are poorly understood. We assessed the intention to accept SIV among pregnant women in Zhejiang province, by using a self-administrated structured questionnaire developed on the basis of health belief model (HBM). Methods: From 1 January to 31 March 2014, pregnant women with ≥12 gestational weeks who attended antenatal clinics (ANCs) at public hospitals in 6 out of 90 districts were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire that covered knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs related to SIV vaccination and influenza infection. We examined the associations between the acceptance of SIV vaccination and the demographic factors and HBM constructs using the logistic regression model, calculating the adjusted odds ratio (AOR). Results: Of the 1252 participants, 76.28% were willing to receive the SIV vaccination during their current pregnancy. High levels of perceived susceptibility of influenza (AOR = 1.75 (95%CI: 1.36–2.08)), high levels of perceived severity of influenza (AOR = 1.62 (95%CI: 1.25–1.95)), high level of perceived benefits of vaccination (AOR = 1.97 (95%CI: 1.76–2.21)), and high levels of cues to action were positively associated with the acceptance of SIV vaccination among pregnant women (AOR = 2.03 (95%CI: 1.70–2.69)), while high level of perceived barriers of vaccination was a negative determinant (AOR = 0.76 (95%CI: 0.62–0.94)). Conclusions: Poor knowledge and negative attitude towards SIV were associated with the poor acceptance of SIV. Health providers’ recommendations were important to pregnant women’s acceptance of SIV. Health education and direct communication strategies on SIV vaccination and influenza infection are necessary to improve the acceptance of SIV vaccination among pregnant women.
Effects of Weight Loss on Advanced Glycation End Products in Subjects with and without Diabetes: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Deo Permal , Keogh Jennifer , Price Naomi , Clifton Peter
Published: December 2017

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are formed endogenously as a normal ageing process and during food processing. High levels of AGEs have been implicated in the development of both macrovascular disease and microvascular disease. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to determine whether a major AGE species, Nε-carboxymethyllysine (CML), was reduced after weight loss. CML values decreased by 17% after weight loss. Participants with diabetes and pre-diabetes had a lower CML values at baseline and a smaller change in CML than overweight participants without diabetes. We conclude that, in addition to the known health benefits, weight loss may reduce AGEs. Randomized studies of the effect of weight loss on AGE in people with and without type 2 diabetes are needed to confirm these results.
A Remote Sensing Approach to Environmental Monitoring in a Reclaimed Mine Area
Authors: Padmanaban Rajchandar , Bhowmik Avit , Cabral Pedro
Published: December 2017

Mining for resources extraction may lead to geological and associated environmental changes due to ground movements, collision with mining cavities, and deformation of aquifers. Geological changes may continue in a reclaimed mine area, and the deformed aquifers may entail a breakdown of substrates and an increase in ground water tables, which may cause surface area inundation. Consequently, a reclaimed mine area may experience surface area collapse, i.e., subsidence, and degradation of vegetation productivity. Thus, monitoring short-term landscape dynamics in a reclaimed mine area may provide important information on the long-term geological and environmental impacts of mining activities. We studied landscape dynamics in Kirchheller Heide, Germany, which experienced extensive soil movement due to longwall mining without stowing, using Landsat imageries between 2013 and 2016. A Random Forest image classification technique was applied to analyze land-use and landcover dynamics, and the growth of wetland areas was assessed using a Spectral Mixture Analysis (SMA). We also analyzed the changes in vegetation productivity using a Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). We observed a 19.9% growth of wetland area within four years, with 87.2% growth in the coverage of two major waterbodies in the reclaimed mine area. NDVI values indicate that the productivity of 66.5% of vegetation of the Kirchheller Heide was degraded due to changes in ground water tables and surface flooding. Our results inform environmental management and mining reclamation authorities about the subsidence spots and priority mitigation areas from land surface and vegetation degradation in Kirchheller Heide.
Extraction of Road Intersections from GPS Traces Based on the Dominant Orientations of Roads
Authors: Li Lin , Li Daigang , Xing Xiaoyu , Yang Fan , Rong Wei , Zhu Haihong
Published: December 2017

Many studies have used Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) traces to successfully extract segments of road networks because such data can be rapidly updated at a low cost. However, most studies have not focused on extracting intersections, which are indispensable parts of road networks in terms of connectivity. However, extracted intersections often present unsatisfactory precision and misleading connectivity. This study proposes a novel method for extracting road intersections from Global Position System (GPS) trace points and for capturing intersections with better accuracy. The key to improving the geometric accuracy of intersections is to identify the dominant orientations of road segments around intersections, merge similar orientations and maintain independent conflicting orientations. Extracting intersections by aligning the dominant orientations can largely reduce location offsets and road distortions. Experiments are performed to demonstrate the increased accuracy and connectivity of extracted road intersections by the proposed method.
Improving Cerebral Blood Flow after Arterial Recanalization: A Novel Therapeutic Strategy in Stroke
Authors: El Amki Mohamad , Wegener Susanne
Published: December 2017

Ischemic stroke is caused by a disruption in blood supply to a region of the brain. It induces dysfunction of brain cells and networks, resulting in sudden neurological deficits. The cause of stroke is vascular, but the consequences are neurological. Decades of research have focused on finding new strategies to reduce the neural damage after cerebral ischemia. However, despite the incredibly huge investment, all strategies targeting neuroprotection have failed to demonstrate clinical efficacy. Today, treatment for stroke consists of dealing with the cause, attempting to remove the occluding blood clot and recanalize the vessel. However, clinical evidence suggests that the beneficial effect of post-stroke recanalization may be hampered by the occurrence of microvascular reperfusion failure. In short: recanalization is not synonymous with reperfusion. Today, clinicians are confronted with several challenges in acute stroke therapy, even after successful recanalization: (1) induce reperfusion, (2) avoid hemorrhagic transformation (HT), and (3) avoid early or late vascular reocclusion. All these parameters impact the restoration of cerebral blood flow after stroke. Recent advances in understanding the molecular consequences of recanalization and reperfusion may lead to innovative therapeutic strategies for improving reperfusion after stroke. In this review, we will highlight the importance of restoring normal cerebral blood flow after stroke and outline molecular mechanisms involved in blood flow regulation.
Galectin-1 Inhibitor OTX008 Induces Tumor Vessel Normalization and Tumor Growth Inhibition in Human Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Models
Authors: Koonce Nathan , Griffin Robert , Dings Ruud
Published: December 2017

Galectin-1 is a hypoxia-regulated protein and a prognostic marker in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Here we assessed the ability of non-peptidic galectin-1 inhibitor OTX008 to improve tumor oxygenation levels via tumor vessel normalization as well as tumor growth inhibition in two human HNSCC tumor models, the human laryngeal squamous carcinoma SQ20B and the human epithelial type 2 HEp-2. Tumor-bearing mice were treated with OTX008, Anginex, or Avastin and oxygen levels were determined by fiber-optics and molecular marker pimonidazole binding. Immuno-fluorescence was used to determine vessel normalization status. Continued OTX008 treatment caused a transient reoxygenation in SQ20B tumors peaking on day 14, while a steady increase in tumor oxygenation was observed over 21 days in the HEp-2 model. A >50% decrease in immunohistochemical staining for tumor hypoxia verified the oxygenation data measured using a partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) probe. Additionally, OTX008 induced tumor vessel normalization as tumor pericyte coverage increased by approximately 40% without inducing any toxicity. Moreover, OTX008 inhibited tumor growth as effectively as Anginex and Avastin, except in the HEp-2 model where Avastin was found to suspend tumor growth. Galectin-1 inhibitor OTX008 transiently increased overall tumor oxygenation via vessel normalization to various degrees in both HNSCC models. These findings suggest that targeting galectin-1—e.g., by OTX008—may be an effective approach to treat cancer patients as stand-alone therapy or in combination with other standards of care.
A Split-Luciferase Reporter Recognizing GFP and mCherry Tags to Facilitate Studies of Protein–Protein Interactions
Authors: Moustaqil Mehdi , Bhumkar Akshay , Gonzalez Laura , Raoul Lisa , Hunter Dominic , Carrive Pascal , Sierecki Emma , Gambin Yann
Published: December 2017

The use of fluorescently-tagged proteins in microscopy has become routine, and anti-GFP (Green fluorescent protein) affinity matrices are increasingly used in proteomics protocols. However, some protein–protein interactions assays, such as protein complementation assays (PCA), require recloning of each protein as a fusion with the different parts of the complementation system. Here we describe a generic system where the complementation is separated from the proteins and can be directly used with fluorescently-tagged proteins. By using nanobodies and performing tests in cell-free expression systems, we accelerated the development of multiple reporters, detecting heterodimers and homodimers or oligomers tagged with GFP or mCherry. We demonstrate that the system can detect interactions at a broad range of concentrations, from low nanomolar up to micromolar.
Differential Effects of sEH Inhibitors on the Proliferation and Migration of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Kim Hyo , Kim Sang , Kang Keon
Published: December 2017

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) is a cardioprotective metabolite of arachidonic acid. It is known that soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is involved in the metabolic degradation of EET. The abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play important roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and restenosis. Thus, the present study investigated the effects of the sEH inhibitor 12-(((tricyclo(3.3.1.13,7)dec-1-ylamino)carbonyl)amino)-dodecanoic acid (AUDA) on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced proliferation and migration in rat VSMCs. AUDA significantly inhibited PDGF-induced rat VSMC proliferation, which coincided with Pin1 suppression and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) upregulation. However, exogenous 8,9-EET, 11,12-EET, and 14,15-EET treatments did not alter Pin1 or HO-1 levels and had little effect on the proliferation of rat VSMCs. On the other hand, AUDA enhanced the PDGF-stimulated cell migration of rat VSMCs. Furthermore, AUDA-induced activation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and subsequent thromboxane A2 (TXA2) production were required for the enhanced migration. Additionally, EETs increased COX-2 expression but inhibited the migration of rat VSMCs. In conclusion, the present study showed that AUDA exerted differential effects on the proliferation and migration of PDGF-stimulated rat VSMCs and that these results may not depend on EET stabilization.
Engineering the Drosophila Genome for Developmental Biology
Authors: Korona Dagmara , Koestler Stefan , Russell Steven
Published: December 2017

The recent development of transposon and CRISPR-Cas9-based tools for manipulating the fly genome in vivo promises tremendous progress in our ability to study developmental processes. Tools for introducing tags into genes at their endogenous genomic loci facilitate imaging or biochemistry approaches at the cellular or subcellular levels. Similarly, the ability to make specific alterations to the genome sequence allows much more precise genetic control to address questions of gene function.
Effect of Partial Use of Venice Flood Barriers
Authors: Cavallaro Luca , Iuppa Claudio , Foti Enrico
Published: December 2017

The Venice lagoon is one of the most important areas in Italy because of its history and its particular structure and form. In order to defend Venice and other towns within the lagoon from severe floods, the Italian Government promotes a project that includes, among other measures, the construction of the Experimental Electromechanical Module (MoSE). The MoSE is a system of mobile gates installed at the lagoon inlets that are able to temporarily isolate the Venetian lagoon from the Adriatic Sea during severe storm surge events, thus ensuring acceptable safeguarding water levels. To prevent interference between the barriers and the normal port activities, locks have been constructed at each lagoon inlet. However, the use of such locks causes a slowdown in maritime traffic. In order to evaluate a means of reducing such interference during the flooding events characterized by high but not extreme water levels, the present paper demonstrates, by means of a numerical approach, that one of the three inlets can be left open so as to ensure the transit of the vessels. The present paper also points out the meteorological conditions for which the safeguarding water levels of the lagoon are not exceeded when closing only two inlets.
Addressing the Issue of Routing Unfairness in Opportunistic Backhaul Networks for Collecting Sensed Data
Authors: Amah Tekenate , Kamat Maznah , Abu Bakar Kamalrulnizam , Abali Aliyu , Moreira Waldir , Oliveira-Jr Antonio
Published: December 2017

Widely deploying sensors in the environment and embedding them in physical objects is a crucial step towards realizing smart and sustainable cities. To cope with rising resource demands and limited budgets, opportunistic networks (OppNets) offer a scalable backhaul option for collecting delay-tolerant data from sensors to gateways in order to enable efficient urban operations and services. While pervasive devices such as smartphones and tablets contribute significantly to the scalability of OppNets, closely following human movement patterns and social structure introduces network characteristics that pose routing challenges. Our study on the impact of these characteristics reveals that existing routing protocols subject a key set of devices to higher resource consumption, to which their users may respond by withdrawing participation. Unfortunately, existing solutions addressing this unfairness do not guarantee achievable throughput since they are not specifically designed for sensed data collection scenarios. Based on concepts derived from the study, we suggest design guidelines for adapting applicable routing protocols to sensed data collection scenarios. We also follow our design guidelines to propose the Fair Locality Aware Routing (FLARoute) technique. Evaluating FLARoute within an existing routing protocol confirms improved fairness and throughput under conditions that compromise the performance of existing solutions.
Continuous-Flow Production of Injectable Liposomes via a Microfluidic Approach
Authors: Zizzari Alessandra , Bianco Monica , Carbone Luigi , Perrone Elisabetta , Amato Francesco , Maruccio Giuseppe , Rendina Filippo , Arima Valentina
Published: December 2017

Injectable liposomes are characterized by a suitable size and unique lipid mixtures, which require time-consuming and nonstraightforward production processes. The complexity of the manufacturing methods may affect liposome solubility, the phase transition temperatures of the membranes, the average particle size, and the associated particle size distribution, with a possible impact on the drug encapsulation and release. By leveraging the precise steady-state control over the mixing of miscible liquids and a highly efficient heat transfer, microfluidic technology has proved to be an effective and direct methodology to produce liposomes. This approach results particularly efficient in reducing the number of the sizing steps, when compared to standard industrial methods. Here, Microfluidic Hydrodynamic Focusing chips were produced and used to form liposomes upon tuning experimental parameters such as lipids concentration and Flow-Rate-Ratios (FRRs). Although modelling evidenced the dependence of the laminar flow on the geometric constraints and the FRR conditions, for the specific formulation investigated in this study, the lipids concentration was identified as the primary factor influencing the size of the liposomes and their polydispersity index. This was attributed to a predominance of the bending elasticity modulus over the vesiculation index in the lipid mixture used. Eventually, liposomes of injectable size were produced using microfluidic one-pot synthesis in continuous flow.
Two B-C-O Compounds: Structural, Mechanical Anisotropy and Electronic Properties under Pressure
Authors: Qiao Liping , Jin Zhao
Published: December 2017

The structural, stability, mechanical, elastic anisotropy and electronic properties of two ternary light element compounds, B2CO2 and B6C2O5, are systematically investigated. The elastic constants and phonon calculations reveal that B2CO2 and B6C2O5 are both mechanically and dynamically stable at ambient pressure, and they can stably exist to a pressure of 20 GPa. Additionally, it is found that B2CO2 and B6C2O5 are wide-gap semiconductor materials with indirect energy gaps of 5.66 and 5.24 eV, respectively. The hardness calculations using the Lyakhov-Oganov model show that B2CO2 is a potential superhard material. Furthermore, the hardness of B6C2O5 is 29.6 GPa, which is relatively softer and more easily machinable compared to the B2CO2 (41.7 GPa). The elastic anisotropy results show that B6C2O5 exhibits a greater anisotropy in the shear modulus, while B2CO2 exhibits a greater anisotropy in Young’s modulus at ambient pressure.
UV-Induced Photocatalytic Cashmere Fibers
Authors: Wang Lingyun , Daoud Walid A.
Published: December 2017

Cashmere with UV-induced photocatalytic properties is developed for the first time by applying nanocrystalline anatase TiO2 colloid that is free of inorganic acids and organic solvents via a facile low-temperature one-step sol-gel process. The coated cashmere exhibits remarkable UV-induced photodegradation of methyl orange. Furthermore, the photocatalytic nano-coating on cashmere exhibits significant stability after repetitive washing cycles without the need for chemical or physical pretreatment, where the photocatalytic activities remain almost unchanged after three washing cycles while maintaining a water contact angle above 150°. The one-step functionalization process also minimizes the impact on the peculiar intrinsic properties of cashmere. These findings indicate that cashmere combining reproducible UV-induced photocatalytic activity with stable superhydrophobicity has potential in practical applications.
Histologic Grade Is Predictive of Incidence of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations in Metastatic Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Levy Michelle , Lyon Liisa , Barbero Erika , Wong John , Suga Jennifer , Sam Danny , Pan Minggui
Published: December 2017

Activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are associated with a high response rate to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). The current guidelines recommend routine EGFR mutational analysis prior to initiating first line systemic therapy. The clinical characteristics including smoking status, histologic type, sex and ethnicity are known to be associated with the incidence of EGFR mutations. We retrospectively analyzed 277 patients with metastatic NSCLC within Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC); among these patients, 83 were positive for EGFR mutations. We performed both univariate and multivariable logistic regressions to identify predictors of EGFR mutations. We found that histologic grade was significantly associated with the incidence of EGFR mutation, regardless of ethnicity, sex and smoking status. In grade I (well differentiated) and II (moderately differentiated), histology was associated with significantly higher incidence of EGFR mutations compared to grade II–III (moderate-to-poorly differentiated) and III (poorly differentiated). Ever-smokers with grade III lung adenocarcinoma had 1.8% incidence of EGFR mutations. This study indicates that histologic grade is a predictive factor for the incidence of EGFR mutations and suggests that for patients with grade II–III or III lung adenocarcinoma, prompt initiation of first-line chemotherapy or immunotherapy is appropriate while awaiting results of EGFR mutational analysis, particularly for patients with history of smoking.
Design, Synthesis, and Fungicidal Activity of Novel Thiosemicarbazide Derivatives Containing Piperidine Fragments
Authors: Zhang Xuebo , Lei Peng , Sun Tengda , Jin Xiaoyu , Yang Xinling , Ling Yun
Published: December 2017

In order to discover novel eco-friendly lead compounds for plant pathogenic fungi control, a series of benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazide derivatives with a piperidine moiety have been designed and synthesized. Fungicidal activities of all the synthesized compounds were evaluated in vitro. The results indicated that all the title compounds exhibited moderate to good fungicidal activities. Compound 3b displayed excellent activities against Pythium aphanidermatum, Rhizoctonia solani, Valsa mali, and Gaeu-mannomyces graminsis, with EC50 values lower than 10 μg/mL. Especially, in the case of Pythium aphanidermatum, its activity (EC50 = 1.6 μg/mL) is superior to the commercial azoxystrobin (EC50 = 16.9 μg/mL) and close to fluopicolide (EC50 = 1.0 μg/mL). Initial structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis showed that the heterocyclic piperidine group can influence the biological activities of the title compounds significantly. The fungicidal activity of compounds with piperidine is better than that of compounds without piperidine. The highly-active compound 3b, with its simple structure and easy synthetic route, is worthy to be further studied as a new lead fungicide.