bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Unexplored Diversity of Pleolipoviruses: The Surprising Case of Two Viruses with Identical Major Structural Modules
Authors: Atanasova Nina , Heiniö Camilla , Demina Tatiana , Bamford Dennis , Oksanen Hanna
Published: February 2018

Extremely halophilic Archaea are the only known hosts for pleolipoviruses which are pleomorphic non-lytic viruses resembling cellular membrane vesicles. Recently, pleolipoviruses have been acknowledged by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) as the first virus family that contains related viruses with different DNA genomes. Genomic diversity of pleolipoviruses includes single-stranded and double-stranded DNA molecules and their combinations as linear or circular molecules. To date, only eight viruses belong to the family Pleolipoviridae. In order to obtain more information about the diversity of pleolipoviruses, further isolates are needed. Here we describe the characterization of a new halophilic virus isolate, Haloarcula hispanica pleomorphic virus 4 (HHPV4). All pleolipoviruses and related proviruses contain a conserved core of approximately five genes designating this virus family, but the sequence similarity among different isolates is low. We demonstrate that over half of HHPV4 genome is identical to the genome of pleomorphic virus HHPV3. The genomic regions encoding known virion components are identical between the two viruses, but HHPV4 includes unique genetic elements, e.g., a putative integrase gene. The co-evolution of these two viruses demonstrates the presence of high recombination frequency in halophilic microbiota and can provide new insights considering links between viruses, membrane vesicles, and plasmids.
Food Insecurity in Homeless Families in the Paris Region (France): Results from the ENFAMS Survey
Authors: Martin-Fernandez Judith , Lioret Sandrine , Vuillermoz Cécile , Chauvin Pierre , Vandentorren Stéphanie
Published: February 2018

The number of families living in shelters in the Paris region (France) has increased by a factor of three in 10 years. In 2013, a survey was performed on homeless families in order to characterize their living conditions, their health needs, and the developmental problems in children. This probability survey was conducted in 17 languages among 801 homeless families sheltered in emergency centers for asylum-seekers, emergency housing centers, social rehabilitation centers, and social hotels in the Paris region. Among the 772 families that provided data on food security only 14.0% were with food security, whereas 43.3% were with low food security and 9.8% with very low food security (a situation where children are also affected). Stratified multivariate robust Poisson models showed that some characteristics are associated with a higher risk of food insecurity and/or of falling into very low food security, such as residential instability, single parenthood, having more than three children, depressive symptoms, housing in social hostels, and difficult access to cheap or free food locally. Given the wealth of the Paris region, resources and programs should be concentrated on improving the living situation of this vulnerable population. It needs better detection of these families, a closer social follow-up, and an increase in food aid.
Global Evidence on the Association between Cigarette Graphic Warning Labels and Cigarette Smoking Prevalence and Consumption
Authors: Ngo Anh , Cheng Kai-Wen , Shang Ce , Huang Jidong , Chaloupka Frank
Published: February 2018

Background: In 2011, the courts ruled in favor of tobacco companies in preventing the implementation of graphic warning labels (GWLs) in the US, stating that FDA had not established the effectiveness of GWLs in reducing smoking. Methods: Data came from various sources: the WHO MPOWER package (GWLs, MPOWER policy measures, cigarette prices), Euromonitor International (smoking prevalence, cigarette consumption), and the World Bank database (countries’ demographic characteristics). The datasets were aggregated and linked using country and year identifiers. Fractional logit regressions and OLS regressions were applied to examine the associations between GWLs and smoking prevalence and cigarette consumption, controlling for MPOWER policy scores, cigarette prices, GDP per capita, unemployment, population aged 15–64 (%), aged 65 and over (%), year indicators, and country fixed effects. Results: GWLs were associated with a 0.9–3 percentage point decrease in adult smoking prevalence and were significantly associated with a reduction of 230–287 sticks in per capita cigarette consumption, compared to countries without GWLs. However, the association between GWLs and cigarette consumption became statistically insignificant once country indicators were included in the models. Conclusions: The implementation of GWLs may be associated with reduced cigarette smoking.
Suicidal Ideation among the Chinese Elderly and Its Correlates: A Comparison between the Rural and Urban Populations
Authors: Wei Jianwen , Zhang Jie , Deng Yuping , Sun Long , Guo Ping
Published: February 2018

Background: As China is going through a profound aging process, the mental health of the elderly is becoming an issue. As in many other societies, the elderly in China is a population at high risk of suicide; Methods: Data for the study were taken from the Sample Survey of the Aged Population in Urban/Rural China (SSAPUR) accomplished in 2010 by the China Ministry of Civil Affairs. The valid sample for this study was composed of 18,683 individuals, including 9416 urban residents and 9267 rural residents both aged 60 or more years; Results: Logistic regression analyses showed that household income and expenditure, the number of children, chronic diseases, disability of daily living, depression, the frequency of visiting neighbors and having friends or relatives who can help or not had remarkable effects on the suicidal ideation among urban and rural old people. Gender, education, political affiliation, marital status and self-rated health status did not work on the dependent variable. However, some risk factors for suicidal ideation among the Chinese elderly were different between rural and urban regions; Conclusions: We should take different measures when facing the different groups of the elderly.
Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Maleic Anhydride-Modified Xylan-g-Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Hydrogel with Multifunctional Properties
Authors: Liu Xinxin , Song Tao , Chang Minmin , Meng Ling , Wang Xiaohui , Sun Runcang , Ren Junli
Published: February 2018

Introducing multifunctional groups and inorganic material imparts xylan-based hydrogels with excellent properties, such as responsiveness to pH, temperature, light, and external magnetic field. In this work, a composite hydrogel was synthesized by introducing acid treated carbon nanotubes (AT-CNTs) into the maleic anhydride modified xylan grafted with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (MAX-g-PNIPAM) hydrogels network. It was found that the addition of AT-CNTs affected the MAX-g-PNIPAM hydrogel structure, the swelling ratio and mechanical properties, and imparted the hydrogel with new properties of electrical conductivity and near infrared region (NIR) photothermal conversion. AT-CNTs could reinforce the mechanical properties of MAX-g-PNIPAM hydrogels, being up to 83 kPa for the compressive strength when the amount was 11 wt %, which was eight times than that of PNIPAM hydrogel and four times than that of MAX-g-PNIPAM hydrogel. The electroconductibility was enhanced by the increase of AT-CNTs amounts. Meanwhile, the composite hydrogel also exhibited multiple shape memory and NIR photothermal conversion properties, and water temperature was increased from 26 °C to 56 °C within 8 min under the NIR irradiation. Thus, the AT-CNTs reinforced MAX-g-PNIPAM hydrogel possessed promising multifunctional properties, which offered many potential applications in the fields of biosensors, thermal-arrest technology, and drug-controlled release.
Enhanced Charge Extraction of Li-Doped TiO2 for Efficient Thermal-Evaporated Sb2S3 Thin Film Solar Cells
Authors: Lan Chunfeng , Luo Jingting , Lan Huabin , Fan Bo , Peng Huanxin , Zhao Jun , Sun Huibin , Zheng Zhuanghao , Liang Guangxing , Fan Ping
Published: February 2018

We provided a new method to improve the efficiency of Sb2S3 thin film solar cells. The TiO2 electron transport layers were doped by lithium to improve their charge extraction properties for the thermal-evaporated Sb2S3 solar cells. The Mott-Schottky curves suggested a change of energy band and faster charge transport in the Li-doped TiO2 films. Compared with the undoped TiO2, Li-doped mesoporous TiO2 dramatically improved the photo-voltaic performance of the thermal-evaporated Sb2S3 thin film solar cells, with the average power conversion efficiency (PCE) increasing from 1.79% to 4.03%, as well as the improved open-voltage (Voc), short-circuit current (Jsc) and fill factors. The best device based on Li-doped TiO2 achieved a power conversion efficiency up to 4.42% as well as a Voc of 0.645 V, which are the highest values among the reported thermal-evaporated Sb2S3 solar cells. This study showed that Li-doping on TiO2 can effectively enhance the charge extraction properties of electron transport layers, offering a new strategy to improve the efficiency of Sb2S3-based solar cells.
Tribological and Wear Performance of Nanocomposite PVD Hard Coatings Deposited on Aluminum Die Casting Tool
Authors: Paiva Jose , Fox-Rabinovich German , Locks Junior Edinei , Stolf Pietro , Seid Ahmed Yassmin , Matos Martins Marcelo , Bork Carlos , Veldhuis Stephen
Published: February 2018

In the aluminum die casting process, erosion, corrosion, soldering, and die sticking have a significant influence on tool life and product quality. A number of coatings such as TiN, CrN, and (Cr,Al)N deposited by physical vapor deposition (PVD) have been employed to act as protective coatings due to their high hardness and chemical stability. In this study, the wear performance of two nanocomposite AlTiN and AlCrN coatings with different structures were evaluated. These coatings were deposited on aluminum die casting mold tool substrates (AISI H13 hot work steel) by PVD using pulsed cathodic arc evaporation, equipped with three lateral arc-rotating cathodes (LARC) and one central rotating cathode (CERC). The research was performed in two stages: in the first stage, the outlined coatings were characterized regarding their chemical composition, morphology, and structure using glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Surface morphology and mechanical properties were evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanoindentation. The coating adhesion was studied using Mersedes test and scratch testing. During the second stage, industrial tests were carried out for coated die casting molds. In parallel, tribological tests were also performed in order to determine if a correlation between laboratory and industrial tests can be drawn. All of the results were compared with a benchmark monolayer AlCrN coating. The data obtained show that the best performance was achieved for the AlCrN/Si3N4 nanocomposite coating that displays an optimum combination of hardness, adhesion, soldering behavior, oxidation resistance, and stress state. These characteristics are essential for improving the die mold service life. Therefore, this coating emerges as a novelty to be used to protect aluminum die casting molds.
Comparative Analysis of Culture Conditions for the Optimization of Carotenoid Production in Several Strains of the Picoeukaryote Ostreococcus
Authors: Guyon Jean-Baptiste , Vergé Valérie , Schatt Philippe , Lozano Jean-Claude , Liennard Marion , Bouget François-Yves
Published: February 2018

Microalgae are promising sources for the sustainable production of compounds of interest for biotechnologies. Compared to higher plants, microalgae have a faster growth rate and can be grown in industrial photobioreactors. The microalgae biomass contains specific metabolites of high added value for biotechnology such as lipids, polysaccharides or carotenoid pigments. Studying carotenogenesis is important for deciphering the mechanisms of adaptation to stress tolerance as well as for biotechnological production. In recent years, the picoeukaryote Ostreococcus tauri has emerged as a model organism thanks to the development of powerful genetic tools. Several strains of Ostreococcus isolated from different environments have been characterized with respect to light response or iron requirement. We have compared the carotenoid contents and growth rates of strains of Ostreococcus (OTTH595, RCC802 and RCC809) under a wide range of light, salinity and temperature conditions. Carotenoid profiles and productivities varied in a strain-specific and stress-dependent manner. Our results also illustrate that phylogenetically related microalgal strains originating from different ecological niches present specific interests for the production of specific molecules under controlled culture conditions.
Liquid Biopsy in Lung Cancer: Clinical Applications of Circulating Biomarkers (CTCs and ctDNA)
Authors: Lim Minji , Kim Chi-Ju , Sunkara Vijaya , Kim Mi-Hyun , Cho Yoon-Kyoung
Published: February 2018

Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for the majority of cases. Recent advances in the understanding of the biology of tumors and in highly sensitive detection technologies for molecular analysis offer targeted therapies, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors. However, our understanding of an individual patient’s lung cancer is often limited by tumor accessibility because of the high risk and invasive nature of current tissue biopsy procedures. “Liquid biopsy”, the analysis of circulating biomarkers from peripheral blood, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), offers a new source of cancer-derived materials that may reflect the status of the disease better and thereby contribute to more personalized treatment. In this review, we examined the clinical significance and uniqueness of CTCs and ctDNA from NSCLC patients, isolation and detection methods developed to analyze each type of circulating biomarker, and examples of clinical studies of potential applications for early diagnosis, prognosis, treatment monitoring, and prediction of resistance to therapy. We also discuss challenges that remain to be addressed before such tools are implemented for routine use in clinical settings.
Fabrication of 3D Capillary Vessel Models with Circulatory Connection Ports
Authors: Gallab Mahmoud , Tomita Kyohei , Omata Seiji , Arai Fumihito
Published: February 2018

Bionic microscopic vessel models can contribute to the development of vascular treatment skills and techniques for clinical training. Most microscopic vessel models are limited to two dimensions, but three-dimensional (3D) models are important for surgery, such as on retina microscopic vessels, for the observation of colon microvessels, for measuring the deformability of red blood cell (RBC), and so on. Therefore, bionic 3D blood vessel models are increasingly in demand. For this reason, it is necessary to establish 3D fabrication techniques for microchannels. In this study, we established two fabrication methods for 3D microfluidic devices for the development of microscopic vessel models. First, we employed an exposure method using photolithographic technology. Second, we employed a 3D method using femtosecond laser and mask hybrid exposure (FMEx). Both methods made it possible to fabricate a millimeter-scale 3D structure with a submicrometer resolution and achieve an easy injection of solution. This is because it was possible to fabricate typical microfluidic channels used for model inlet and outlet ports. Furthermore, in the FMEx method, we employed an acid-diffusion effect using a chemically amplified resist to form a circular channel cross-section. The acid-diffusion effect made it realizable to fabricate a smooth surface independent of the laser scanning line width. Thus, we succeeded in establishing two methods for the fabrication of bionic 3D microfluidic devices with microfluidic channels having diameters of 15–16 µm for mimicking capillary vessels.
On AC-Field-Induced Nonlinear Electroosmosis next to the Sharp Corner-Field-Singularity of Leaky Dielectric Blocks and Its Application in on-Chip Micro-Mixing
Authors: Ren Yukun , Liu Weiyu , Tao Ye , Hui Meng , Wu Qisheng
Published: February 2018

Induced-charge electroosmosis has attracted lots of attention from the microfluidic community over the past decade. Most previous researches on this subject focused on induced-charge electroosmosis (ICEO) vortex streaming actuated on ideally polarizable surfaces immersed in electrolyte solutions. Starting from this point, we conduct herein a linear asymptotic analysis on nonlinear electroosmotic flow next to leaky dielectric blocks of arbitrary electrical conductivity and dielectric permittivity in harmonic AC electric fields, and theoretically demonstrate that observable ICEO fluid motion can be generated at high field frequencies in the vicinity of nearly insulating semiconductors, a very low electrical conductivity, of which can evidently increase the double-layer relaxation frequency (inversely proportional to the solid permittivity) to be much higher than the typical reciprocal RC time constant for induced double-layer charging on ideally polarizable surfaces. A computational model is developed to study the feasibility of this high-frequency vortex flow field of ICEO for sample mixing in microfluidics, in which the usage of AC voltage signal at high field frequencies may be beneficial to suppress electrochemical reactions to some extent. The influence of various parameters for developing an efficient mixer is investigated, and an integrated arrangement of semiconductor block array is suggested for achieving a reliable mixing performance at relatively high sample fluxes. Our physical demonstration with high-frequency ICEO next to leaky dielectric blocks using a simple channel structure offers valuable insights into the design of high-throughput micromixers for a variety of lab-on-a-chip applications.
Mapping of Trace Elements in Coal and Ash Research Based on a Bibliometric Analysis Method Spanning 1971–2017
Authors: Yang Liu , Wang Qiqi , Bai Xue , Deng Jun , Hu Yinjie
Published: February 2018

Coal is the most important fossil energy used in China. The environmental impact of trace elements released in coal combustion has become one of the hottest issues in recent years. Based on a software named CiteSpace, and social network analysis (SNA), a bibliometric analysis of research into trace elements in coal and ash field during 1971–2017 is presented with the information of authors, countries, institutions, journals, hot issues and research trends in the present study. The study results indicate that: (1) Shifeng Dai, Robert B Finkelman, Guijian Liu and James C Hower have a large number of publications with great influence. (2) China (29.8%) and USA (22.2%) have high productivity in total publications. China and the USA correlate closely in the cooperative web system. (3) China University of Mining and Technology and Chinese Academy of Sciences take the leading position in the quantity of publications among all research institutions. (4) Energy and fuels, engineering and environmental science are three disciplines with the most studies in this field. (5) International Journal of Coal Geology, Fuel, Energy and Fuels and Fuel Processing Technology are the top four journals with the most publications in this field. (6) The enrichment origin and modes of occurrence of trace elements are the mainstream research related to trace elements in coal and ash. The environmental problems caused by coal combustion have promoted the development of trace elements in coal research, and human health is getting more and more popular in recent years. The study findings provide a better understanding of features of trace elements in coal and ash research, which could be taken as a reference for future studies in this field.
Sequential Transformation Behavior of Iron-Bearing Minerals during Underground Coal Gasification
Authors: Liu Shuqin , Ma Weiping , Zhang Yixin , Zhang Yanjun , Qi Kaili
Published: February 2018

Detailed mineralogical information from underground coal gasification (UCG) is essential to better understand the chemical reactions far below the surface. It is of great scientific significance to study the mineral transformation and identify the typical minerals in certain process conditions, because it may help to ensure the stable operation of gasification processes and improve the utilization efficiency of coal seams. The transformation of iron-bearing minerals has the typical characteristics during the UCG process and is expected to indicate the process parameters. In this paper, UCG progress was subdivided into pyrolysis, reduction and oxidation stages, and the progressive coal conversion products were prepared. Two types of lignite with different iron contents, Ulankarma and Ulanqab coals, were used in this study. The minerals in the coal transformation products were identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and a scanning electron microscope coupled with an energy-dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS). The thermodynamic calculation performed using the phase diagram of FactSage 7.1 was used to help to understand the transformation of minerals. The results indicate that the transformation behavior of iron-bearing minerals in the two lignites are similar during the pyrolysis process, in which pyrite (FeS2) in the raw coal is gradually converted into pyrrhotite (Fe1−xS). In the reduction stage, pyrrhotite is transformed into magnetite (Fe3O4) and then changes to FeO. The reaction of FeO and Al2O3 in the low iron coal produces hercynite above 1000 °C because of the difference in the contents of Si and Al, while in the high iron coal, FeO reacts with SiO2 to generate augite (Fe2Si2O6). When the temperature increases to 1400 °C, both hercynite and augite are converted to the thermodynamically-stable sekaninaite.
A Sample and Sensitive HPLC-MS/MS Method for Simultaneous Determination of Ziyuglycoside I and Its Metabolite Ziyuglycoside II in Rat Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Li Zhi-Feng , Zhou Meng-Ying , Tan Ting , Zhong Chen-Cong , Wang Qi , Pan Ling-Ling , Luo Ying-Ying , Yang Shi-Lin , Feng Yu-Lin , Ouyang Hui
Published: February 2018

Ziyuglycoside I (ZGS1) is a promising drug candidate for the treatment of leucopenia. Currently, information on ZGS1 and its in vivo metabolite ziyuglycoside II (ZGS2) is limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and excretion of ziyuglycoside I (ZGS1) and its metabolite ziyuglycoside II (ZGS2) in rats. In our study, a simple and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method was established for simultaneous determination of ZGS1 and its metabolite for Sprague-Dawley rat pharmacokinetics studies. The method was validated following internationally-approved guidelines. The results presented in this study indicated that subcutaneous administration of ZGS1 prolonged its extension time and increased the area under the curve (AUC0–t) of ZGS2 during 0 to t minutes. In summary, in this study, the pharmacokinetic characteristics of ZGS1 and its metabolite ZGS2 were defined and its tissue distribution, and excretion in rats were described. Our finding may be beneficial for leucopenia drug that focus on ZGS1.
Gastrointestinal Transit Time, Glucose Homeostasis and Metabolic Health: Modulation by Dietary Fibers
Authors: Müller Mattea , Canfora Emanuel , Blaak Ellen
Published: February 2018

Gastrointestinal transit time may be an important determinant of glucose homeostasis and metabolic health through effects on nutrient absorption and microbial composition, among other mechanisms. Modulation of gastrointestinal transit may be one of the mechanisms underlying the beneficial health effects of dietary fibers. These effects include improved glucose homeostasis and a reduced risk of developing metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this review, we first discuss the regulation of gastric emptying rate, small intestinal transit and colonic transit as well as their relation to glucose homeostasis and metabolic health. Subsequently, we briefly address the reported health effects of different dietary fibers and discuss to what extent the fiber-induced health benefits may be mediated through modulation of gastrointestinal transit.
Cucumis sativus Aqueous Fraction Inhibits Angiotensin II-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress In Vitro
Authors: Trejo-Moreno Celeste , Méndez-Martínez Marisol , Zamilpa Alejandro , Jiménez-Ferrer Enrique , Perez-Garcia Maria , Medina-Campos Omar , Pedraza-Chaverri José , Santana María , Esquivel-Guadarrama Fernando , Castillo Aida , Cervantes-Torres Jacquelynne , Fragoso Gladis , Rosas-Salgado Gabriela
Published: February 2018

Inflammation and oxidative stress play major roles in endothelial dysfunction, and are key factors in the progression of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the effect of three subfractions (SFs) from the Cucumis sativus aqueous fraction to reduce inflammatory factors and oxidative stress induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) in human microvascular endothelial cells-1 (HMEC-1) cells. The cells were cultured with different concentrations of Ang II and 0.08 or 10 μg/mL of SF1, SF2, or SF3, or 10 μmol of losartan as a control. IL-6 (Interleukin 6) concentration was quantified. To identify the most effective SF combinations, HMEC-1 cells were cultured as described above in the presence of four combinations of SF1 and SF3. Then, the effects of the most effective combination on the expression of adhesion molecules, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) were evaluated. Finally, a mass spectrometry analysis was performed. Both SF1 and SF3 subfractions decreased the induction of IL-6 by Ang II, and C4 (SF1 and SF3, 10 μg/mL each) was the most effective combination to inhibit the production of IL-6. Additionally, C4 prevented the expression of adhesion molecules, reduced the production of ROS, and increased the bioavailability of NO. Glycine, arginine, asparagine, lysine, and aspartic acid were the main components of both subfractions. These results demonstrate that C4 has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Preventive Potential of Resveratrol in Carcinogen-Induced Rat Thyroid Tumorigenesis
Authors: Zheng Xu , Jia Bin , Song Xue , Kong Qing-You , Wu Mo-Li , Qiu Ze-Wen , Li Hong , Liu Jia
Published: February 2018

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy without reliable preventive agent. Resveratrol possesses in vitro anti-TC activities; while its effect(s) on thyroid tumorigenesis remains unknown. This study aims to address this issue using DEN/MNU/DHPN-induced rat carcinogenesis model. 50 male Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into four groups as Group-1 (5 rats); normally fed; Group-2 (15 rats); DEN/MNU/DHPN treatment only; Group-3 (15 rats) and -4 (15 rats); DEN/MNU/DHPN treatment; followed by resveratrol intragastric (IG) injection and intraperitoneal (IP) injection; respectively; in two-day intervals for 30 weeks. The results revealed that the average resveratrol concentration in thyroid tissues was 1.278 ± 0.419 nmol/g in IG group and 1.752 ± 0.398 nmol/g in IP group. The final body weights of Group-3 and Group-4 were lighter than that (p > 0.05) of Group-1; but heavier than Group-2 (p < 0.05). TC-related lesions (hyperplasia and adenomas) were found in 53.3% of Group-2; 33.3% Group-3 and 26.7% Group-4. Lower serum carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) and thyroglobulin (Tg) levels; down-regulated expression of IL-6 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2); reduction of NF-κB/p65 nuclear translocation; and elevated IkBα expression were found in the thyroid tissues of Group-3 and Group-4 in comparison with that of Group-2. These results demonstrate that IG and IP administered resveratrol efficiently reduces the frequency and severity of DEN/MNU/DHPN-caused TC-related lesions and would be of values in thyroid tumor prevention.
Suboptimal Iodine Status among Pregnant Women in the Oslo Area, Norway
Authors: Henjum Sigrun , Aakre Inger , Lilleengen Anne , Garnweidner-Holme Lisa , Borthne Sandra , Pajalic Zada , Blix Ellen , Gjengedal Elin , Brantsæter Anne
Published: February 2018

Norway has been considered iodine replete for decades; however, recent studies indicate reemergence of inadequate iodine status in different population groups. We assessed iodine status in pregnant women based on urinary iodine concentration (UIC), urinary iodine excretion (UIE), and iodine intake from food and supplements. In 804 pregnant women, 24-h iodine intakes from iodine-rich foods and iodine-containing supplements were calculated. In 777 women, iodine concentration was measured in spot urine samples by inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In addition, 49 of the women collected a 24-h urine sample for assessment of UIE and iodine intake from food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Median UIC was 92 µg/L. Fifty-five percent had a calculated iodine intake below estimated average requirement (EAR) (160 µg/day). Iodine intake from food alone did not provide the amount of iodine required to meet maternal and fetal needs during pregnancy. In multiple regression models, hypothyroidism, supplemental iodine and maternal age were positively associated with UIC, while gestational age and smoking were negatively associated, explaining 11% of the variance. This study clearly shows that pregnant women in the Oslo area are mild to moderate iodine deficient and public health strategies are needed to improve and secure adequate iodine status.
Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Apoptotic Effects of Acer Palmatum Thumb. Extract, KIOM-2015EW, in a Hyperosmolar-Stress-Induced In Vitro Dry Eye Model
Authors: Kim Yeoun-Hee , Oh Tae , Park Eunhee , Yim Nam-Hui , Park Kwang , Cho Won , Ma Jin
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study was to assess the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of KIOM-2015EW, the hot-water extract of maple leaves in hyperosmolar stress (HOS)-induced human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). HCECs were exposed to hyperosmolar medium and exposed to KIOM-2015EW with or without the hyperosmolar media. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 production and apoptosis were observed, and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) including extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), p38 and c-JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling and nuclear factor (NF)-κB was confirmed. Compared to isomolar medium, the induction of cell cytotoxicity significantly increased in HCECs exposed to hyperosmolar medium in a time-dependent manner. KIOM-2015EW-treatment significantly reduced the mRNA and protein expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and apoptosis. KIOM-2015EW-treatment inhibited HOS-induced MAPK signaling activation. Additionally, the HOS-induced increase in NF-κB phosphorylation was attenuated by KIOM-2015EW. The results demonstrated that KIOM-2015EW protects the ocular surface by suppressing inflammation in dry eye disease, and suggest that KIOM-2015EW may be used to treat several ocular surface diseases where inflammation plays a key role.
Sodium Content of Lunches and Snacks Provided in Australian Long Day Care Centres: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: O’Halloran Siobhan , Lacy Kathleen , Grimes Carley , Campbell Karen , Nowson Caryl
Published: February 2018

We determined the average amount of sodium provided in lunches and snacks and the average amount of sodium consumed at lunch in a convenience sample of Australian preschool children attending Long Day Care (LDC). Sodium content of lunches and snacks was determined from standardised recipes. Individual children’s sodium intake was estimated by a validated visual plate waste scale method. Five recipes (lunch n = 35, snacks n = 70) collected from 7 LDC centres; 95 children (50 boys) mean age 3.5 (SD) (0.2) years lunch intakes were assessed. Average total amount of sodium provided from two snacks and one lunch: 590 (146) mg, representing ~59% of the Australian Upper Level (UL) of intake (1000 mg/day sodium). Average total amount of sodium consumed: 541 (98) mg representing ~54% of the UL. Across all centres, the average sodium and energy consumed from lunch: 186 (108) mg (~19% of UL); 948 (437) kJ (38% of energy allowance); morning snacks: 63 (45) mg (6% of UL), 535 (183) kJ (21% of energy allowance); afternoon snacks: 291 (97) mg (29% of UL), 464 (171) kJ energy (46% of energy allowance). Australian LDC centres providing lunches cooked on site resulted in relatively low-sodium lunches.
Thiolated Hyaluronic Acid as Versatile Mucoadhesive Polymer: From the Chemistry Behind to Product Developments—What Are the Capabilities?
Authors: Griesser Janine , Hetényi Gergely , Bernkop-Schnürch Andreas
Published: February 2018

Within the last decade, intensive research work has been conducted on thiolated hyaluronic acids (HA-SH). By attaching sulfhydryl ligands onto naturally occurring hyaluronic acid various types of HA-SH can be designed. Due the ability of disulfide bond formation within the polymer itself as well as with biological materials, certain properties such as mucoadhesive, gelling, enzyme inhibitory, permeation enhancing and release controlling properties are improved. Besides the application in the field of drug delivery, HA-SH has been investigated as auxiliary material for wound healing. Within this review, the characteristics of novel drug delivery systems based on HA-SH are summarized and the versatility of this polymer for further applications is described by introducing numerous relevant studies in this field.
Influence of Selectively Localised Nanoclay Particles on Non-Isothermal Crystallisation and Degradation Behaviour of PP/LDPE Blend Composites
Authors: Mofokeng Tladi , Ray Suprakas , Ojijo Vincent
Published: February 2018

In immiscible polymer blend nanocomposites, nanoparticles can be localised either in polymer matrices or at the interface, invoking the simple question of how the spatial distribution of the nanoparticles and the resulting morphological changes affect the non-isothermal crystallisation and degradation kinetics. In this study, the non-isothermal crystallisation of polypropylene in polypropylene (PP)-rich compatibilised and non-compatibilised PP/low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/clay composites and their degradation are investigated. The non-isothermal crystallisation analyses show that the localisation of the clay particles in the blend composites has two opposing effects. First, the poorly dispersed clay particles at the PP/LDPE interface in the non-compatibilised blend composite has no significant effect on the crystallisation temperature of PP but allows the free movement of PP chains, resulting in a higher crystallinity of PP than that of PP in the neat blend. Second, the well-dispersed clay particles in the compatibilised blend composites disrupt the free movement of PP chains, resulting in a lower crystallisation temperature and crystallinity than that of PP in the neat blend. The influences of different selective localisations of clay particles on the activation energies of degradation are studied. The presence of maleated compatibilisers, clay, and the distribution of clay in the blend composite play important roles in determining the activation energies of degradation.
Acetalised Galactarate Polyesters: Interplay between Chemical Structure and Polymerisation Kinetics
Authors: Gavrila Ionela , Raffa Patrizio , Picchioni Francesco
Published: February 2018

In spite of the progress that has made so far in the recent years regarding the synthesis of bio-based polymers and in particular polyesters, only few references address the optimisation of these new reactions with respect to conversion and reaction time. Related to this aspect, we here describe the transesterification reaction of two different acetalised galactarate esters with a model aliphatic diol, 1,6-hexanediol. The kinetics of these two apparently similar reactions is compared, with a focus on the conversion while varying the concentration of a di-butyltin oxide catalyst (DBTO), respectively, the used N2 flow-rate. During the first stage of polymerisation, the molecular weight of the end-products is more than doubled when using a 250 mL/min flow as opposed to an almost static N2 pressure. Additionally, the resulted pre-polymers are subjected to further polycondensation and the comparison between the obtained polyesters is extended to their thermal, mechanical and dielectrical characterisation. The influence of the acetal groups on the stability of the polyesters in acidic conditions concludes the study.
Surface Characterisation of Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Treated Cotton Fabric—Effect of Operation Parameters
Authors: Kan Chi-Wai , Man Wai-Shan
Published: February 2018

The surface of cotton fibre was modified by atmospheric pressure plasma treatment (APPT), using gas as the carrier. Effects of variations in four operational parameters, discharge power, oxygen flow rate, jet-to-substrate distance and speed of the jet movement were examined. Morphology of surface of cotton fabrics was examined by generating Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images. Elementary composition of the surface of the fabric was examined by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy-Attenuated. Total Internal Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) was used for examining functionality of the surface. In this study, we revealed that the operational parameters would physical and chemically after the surface characteristics of the cotton fibre. Physically, cracks and grooves were noted in the cotton fibre surface after APPT. Chemically, the oxygen content in the cotton fibre surface was increased after APPT. When the O/C ratio is taken into consideration, the surface oxidation was a steady effect in applying APPT for treating cotton fibre in this study.
Preliminary Investigations for Better Monitoring: Learning in Repeated Insurance Audits
Authors: Aboutajdine Reda , Picard Pierre
Published: February 2018

Audit mechanisms frequently take place in the context of repeated relationships between auditor and auditee. This paper focuses attention on the insurance fraud problem in a setting where insurers repeatedly verify claims satisfied by service providers (e.g., affiliated car repairers or members of managed care networks). We highlight a learning bias that leads insurers to over-audit service providers at the beginning of their relationship. The paper builds a bridge between the literature on optimal audit in insurance and the exploitation/exploration trade-off in multi-armed bandit problems.
Regional Crop Gross Primary Productivity and Yield Estimation Using Fused Landsat-MODIS Data
Authors: He Mingzhu , Kimball John , Maneta Marco , Maxwell Bruce , Moreno Alvaro , Beguería Santiago , Wu Xiaocui
Published: February 2018

Accurate crop yield assessments using satellite remote sensing-based methods are of interest for regional monitoring and the design of policies that promote agricultural resiliency and food security. However, the application of current vegetation productivity algorithms derived from global satellite observations is generally too coarse to capture cropland heterogeneity. The fusion of data from different sensors can provide enhanced information and overcome many of the limitations of individual sensors. In thitables study, we estimate annual crop yields for seven important crop types across Montana in the continental USA from 2008–2015, including alfalfa, barley, maize, peas, durum wheat, spring wheat and winter wheat. We used a satellite data-driven light use efficiency (LUE) model to estimate gross primary productivity (GPP) over croplands at 30-m spatial resolution and eight-day time steps using a fused NDVI dataset constructed by blending Landsat (5 or 7) and Terra MODIS reflectance data. The fused 30-m NDVI record showed good consistency with the original Landsat and MODIS data, but provides better spatiotemporal delineations of cropland vegetation growth. Crop yields were estimated at 30-m resolution as the product of estimated GPP accumulated over the growing season and a crop-specific harvest index (HIGPP). The resulting GPP estimates capture characteristic cropland productivity patterns and seasonal variations, while the estimated annual crop production results correspond favorably with reported county-level crop production data (r = 0.96, relative RMSE = 37.0%, p < 0.05) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The performance of estimated crop yields at a finer (field) scale was generally lower, but still meaningful (r = 0.42, relative RMSE = 50.8%, p < 0.05). Our methods and results are suitable for operational applications of crop yield monitoring at regional scales, suggesting the potential of using global satellite observations to improve agricultural management, policy decisions and regional/global food security.
Redox Cycling Realized in Paper-Based Biochemical Sensor for Selective Detection of Reversible Redox Molecules Without Micro/Nano Fabrication Process
Authors: Yamamoto So , Uno Shigeyasu
Published: February 2018

This paper describes a paper-based biochemical sensor that realizes redox cycling with close interelectrode distance. Two electrodes, the generator and collector electrodes, can detect steady-state oxidation and reduction currents when suitable potential is held at each electrode. The sensor has two gold plates on both sides of a piece of chromatography paper and defines the interelectrode distance by the thickness of the paper (180 μm) without any micro-fabrication processes. Our proposed sensor geometry has successfully exhibited signatures of redox cycling. As a result, the concentration of ferrocyanide as reversible redox molecules was successfully quantified under the interference by ascorbic acid as a strong irreversible reducing agent. This was possible because the ascorbic acids are completely consumed by the irreversible reaction, while maintaining redox cycling of reversible ferrocyanide. This suggests that a sensor based on the redox cycling method will be suitable for detecting target molecules at low concentration.
Towards a Smart City: Development and Application of an Improved Integrated Environmental Monitoring System
Authors: Wong Man , Wang Tingneng , Ho Hung , Kwok Coco , Lu Keru , Abbas Sawaid
Published: February 2018

Environmental deprivation is an issue influencing the urban wellbeing of a city. However, there are limitations to spatiotemporally monitoring the environmental deprivation. Thus, recent studies have introduced the concept of “Smart City” with the use of advanced technology for real-time environmental monitoring. In this regard, this study presents an improved Integrated Environmental Monitoring System (IIEMS) with the consideration on nine environmental parameters: temperature, relative humidity, PM2.5, PM10, CO, SO2, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), UV index, and noise. This system was comprised of a mobile unit and a server-based platform with nine highly accurate micro-sensors in-coupling into the mobile unit for estimating these environmental exposures. A calibration test using existing monitoring station data was conducted in order to evaluate the systematic errors. Two applications with the use of the new system were also conducted under different scenarios: pre- and post-typhoon days and in areas with higher and lower vegetation coverage. Linear regressions were applied to predict the changes in environmental quality after a typhoon and to estimate the difference in environmental exposures between urban roads and green spaces. The results show that environmental exposures interact with each other, while some exposures are also controlled by location. PM2.5 had the highest change after a typhoon with an estimated 8.0 μg/m³ decrease that was controlled by other environmental factors and geographical location. Sound level and temperature were significantly higher on urban roads than in urban parks. This study demonstrates the potential to use IIEMS for environmental quality measurements under the greater framework of a Smart City and for sustainability research.
Reconciling Life Cycle Environmental Impacts with Ecosystem Services: A Management Perspective on Agricultural Land Use
Authors: Tang Longlong , Hayashi Kiyotada , Kohyama Kazunori , Leon Ai
Published: February 2018

Impacts on ecosystem services that are related to agricultural land use greatly differ depending on management practices employed. This study aimed to reveal issues associated with evaluating ecosystem services related to land use at the management level during life cycle assessment (LCA) and to consider future challenges. Firstly, a relationship between agricultural ecosystem services and management practices was outlined. Then, a survey was performed to disclose the current status of assessment of impact of land use in agricultural LCA case studies that compared between different management practices. In addition, this study also investigated how management practices have been differently considered by factors that characterize ecosystem services that are related to land use. The results show that the number of agricultural LCA cases where land use impacts instead of land areas were assessed was still small. The results of limited LCA case studies, which using factors could differentiate between various management practices, suggest that although organic farming methods have been employed over large land areas, lower impact may be caused by agricultural land use. For factors developed in existing research, services related to soil quality, and some of the regulatory services were considered, those unique to agriculture were missing. Although most of factors were calculated at levels of intensity or land use type, some of them were based on a process-based model that could consider management practices. In the future, factors that characterize the impacts of land use on ecosystem services, such as carbon storage and erosion prevention, will need to be calculated at the management level. For ecosystem services, such as habitat conservation and pollination, further efforts in accumulating evaluation case studies that collect and accumulate foreground data are important.
Comparison of Sustainable Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance Value Added Models for Investors Decision Making
Authors: Pavláková Dočekalová Marie , Kocmanová Alena
Published: February 2018

The Sustainable Value-Added Model is a new approach in value-oriented strategic management that focuses on maximizing the value that is created by non-financial sustainability indicators. The objective of this paper is to refine the calculation of sustainable added value by incorporating environmental, social, and corporate governance sustainability indicators, assigning weights to the indicators and, by alternative methods, assigning target values to the indicators. Ten alternative models of Sustainable Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance Value Added were created. The models encompass 11 environmental, social, and corporate governance indicators of sustainability, and two economic indicators (Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization, and Value Added). Indicator values are related to the target values that represent the opportunity costs. The quality of the models was assessed by statistical methods, i.e., the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve, Gini index, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistic. The results of these statistics show sufficient quality of all the models proposed. The most accurate model is that with the economic indicator Value Added and target values that are based on the values of the company with the best economic results.