bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping and interpretation of field data for evaluation and mitigation of groundwater arsenic contamination in Bangladesh
Authors: Shams S. , Bhattacharya P. , Langaas S. , Jacks G. , Ahmed K. M. , Thunkvist E.-L. , Chen D. , Granlund A.
Published: October 2015

Problems of arsenic contamination have been reported from a large number of aquifers in various parts of the world. Especially in Bangladesh, the presence of arsenic in groundwater has been the major environmental health catastrophe that has affected the source of safe water not only for drinking but also for irrigation purposes. The unavailability and inaccessibility of data and dissemination of proper and rapid information has further reduced the accessibility to safe drinking water for nearly 95% of the population of the country. The development of solutions for the arsenic problem and the allocation of resources for mitigation are information-oriented activities. This paper focuses on the mapping and interpretation of field data (based on a case study area) through the application of GIS for presenting and assessing the scope of the arsenic problem in Bangladesh. The mapping and interpretation is done taking into consideration the geophysical characteristics, socio-economic conditions and socio-cultural behavior of the people living in the study area. The mapping and interpretation technique is aimed at assisting planners and policy makers at the district level to make an assessment about the extent and magnitude of the arsenic problem based on an estimation of the exposed population and the extent and severity of groundwater contamination. In addition, it will enable decision-makers to select possible options and give recommendations based on users' responses. The advantages of this interpretation technique are that the knowledge base is easy to build and any updated information or modifications can be quickly incorporated into the knowledge base.
Comparison of two methods for evaluating the quality of stored drinking water in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, and review of other comparisons in the literature
Authors: Macy J. T. , Dunne E. F. , Luby S. P. , Angoran-Benie Y. H. , Kamelan-Tano Y. , Kouadio L. , Djai K. A.
Published: October 2015

Membrane filtration, multiple tube fermentation (the standard methods) and Colilert are techniques available for assessing drinking water quality, but there are no published comparisons of Colilert to standard methods in a developing country laboratory. We reviewed the published literature on Colilert and standard methods and conducted a study to compare Colilert with membrane filtration for the detection and enumeration of total coliforms and fecal coliforms (Escherichia coli bacteria) using 35 stored drinking water samples from households in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Our study results are consistent with previous published studies conducted in developed countries. Results from Colilert and membrane filtration correlated for both total coliforms (r2=0.81) and E. coli (r2=0.93). Colilert is an acceptable method to measure the presence and quantity of coliforms in water samples in a developing country setting.
Effect of disinfectants on microbial ecology in model distribution systems
Authors: Chauret C. , Stover L. , Volk C. , Dykstra T. S. , Gagnon G. A. , Andrews R. C.
Published: October 2015

This research was conducted to assess the impact of various disinfectants on bacterial water quality within model distribution systems (i.e. annular reactors). After colonization with non-disinfected water, annular reactors were treated with relatively low doses of chlorine (0.4 mg/l), chlorine dioxide (0.15 mg/l), or chloramines (0.9 mg/l). Under the tested conditions, bacterial inactivation varied as a function of disinfectant type (ranking by efficiency per mg of oxidant: ClO2 > Cl2 > ClNH2) and sample type (bulk water vs. biofilm). Depending on the disinfectant, the log inactivation of suspended and attached bacteria were 0.7–1.2 and 0.5–1.0, respectively. The characterization of microbial communities in drinking water can be performed using biochemical and/or molecular methods. In this study, biochemical tests were used, showing that pseudomonad and pseudomonad-like bacteria, as in other studies, were the most predominant micro-organisms (e.g. Pseudomonas fluorescens, Brevundimonas vescularis). The ratio Gram-positive to Gram-negative organisms was 1 to 3. No drastic differences were observed between the non-treated and disinfected pipes. Based on the bacteriological data presented in these experiments, chlorine dioxide represents an alternative to chlorine for certain distribution systems.
Detection of Helicobacter pylori and fecal indicator bacteria in five North American rivers
Authors: Voytek Mary A. , Ashen Jon B. , Kirshtein Julie D. , Landa Edward R. , Fogarty Lisa R.
Published: October 2015

This study examines the use of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) as a predictor of the presence of Helicobacter spp. A combination of standard culture and molecular techniques were used to detect and quantify FIB, Helicobacter spp. and H. pylori from five North American rivers of different size and with different land use characteristics. Primers designed to amplify genes specific to Helicobacter spp. and H. pylori were evaluated for their efficacy in detection and quantification in environmental samples. Helicobacter spp. were detected in 18/33 (55%) of river samples. H. pylori was detected in 11/33 (33%) of river samples. FIB were found in 32/33 (96%) of river samples. When FIB abundance exceeded USEPA water quality standards for single samples, Helicobacter or H. pylori were detected in 7/15 (47%) cases. No numerical correlation was found between the presence of FIB and either Helicobacter spp. or H. pylori. This suggests that the presence of FIB will be of limited use for detection of Helicobacter spp. or H. pylori by public health agencies.
Spatial and rainfall related patterns of bacterial contamination in Sydney Harbour estuary
Authors: Hose Grant C. , Murray Brad R. , Gordon Geoff , McCullough Fiona E. , Pulver Nicholas
Published: October 2015

Water quality in recreational areas in Sydney Harbour, Australia, was analysed first to identify spatial patterns in faecal coliform and enterococci densities, and then to determine the relationship between bacterial densities and catchment rainfall. Non-metric multidimensional scaling separated sites closest to the mouth of the harbour from those further up the harbour's west and north-west arms. Sites closest to the harbour mouth generally had lower frequencies of high bacterial densities that exceeded median water quality guideline values. We attribute this to greater tidal flushing at sites closer to the harbour mouth. Eight site groups were identified within the harbour. Within each group, multiple regression analyses indicated rainfall accounted for between 15 and 66% of the variability in the bacterial densities. Variation in bacterial densities explained by rainfall was lower for sites closer to the harbour mouth where tidal flushing is greatest. Thus, our findings indicate that simple rainfall-based regression models are appropriate for predicting bacterial concentrations when flushing at a site is limited. More complex models incorporating a suite of environmental variables may improve the ability to predict bacterial concentrations at well-flushed sites, but even then, their predictive ability may be low.
Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process-based Chinese Resident Best Fitness Behavior Method Research
Authors: Wang Dapeng , Zhang Lan
Published: October 2015

With explosive development in Chinese economy and science and technology, people’s pursuit of health becomes more and more intense, therefore Chinese resident sports fitness activities have been rapidly developed. However, different fitness events popularity degrees and effects on body energy consumption are different, so bases on this, the paper researches on fitness behaviors and gets Chinese residents sports fitness behaviors exercise guide, which provides guidance for propelling to national fitness plan’s implementation and improving Chinese resident fitness scientization. The paper starts from the perspective of energy consumption, it mainly adopts experience method, determines Chinese resident favorite sports fitness event energy consumption through observing all kinds of fitness behaviors energy consumption, and applies fuzzy analytic hierarchy process to make evaluation on bicycle riding, shadowboxing practicing, swimming, rope skipping, jogging, running, aerobics these seven fitness events. By calculating fuzzy rate model’s membership and comparing their sizes, it gets fitness behaviors that are more helpful for resident health, more effective and popular. Finally, it gets conclusions that swimming is a best exercise mode and its membership is the highest. Besides, the memberships of running, rope skipping and shadowboxing practicing are also relative higher. It should go in for bodybuilding by synthesizing above several kinds of fitness events according to different physical conditions; different living conditions so that can better achieve the purpose of fitness exercises.
Research on the Effect of Puerarin on Alleviating Sports Fatigue
Authors: Wei Zhang
Published: October 2015

This paper focus on the effects of puerarin remit sports fatigue by observeing the effects of puerarinon blood components and exercise ability of mice in swimming trained. Comparing with the time of exhaustive swimming in the swim trained group, swim trained group with puerarin significantly increase (p<0.05). The puerarin may reduce the increase of hemoglobin, red blood cell and platelets caused by endurance exercise, reduce the blood viscosity, prolong the time of exhaustive swimming and improve exercise ability of mice in swim trained. Through the rat swimming experiment, we can further know the effects of puerarin on alleviating sports fatigue are obviously, which plays a role in the research field of the physiological effect of puerarin.
Protection of Lotus Seedpod Proanthocyanidins on Organs and Tissues under High-intensity Excercise
Authors: Mengyan Zhang
Published: October 2015

Lotus seedpod proanthocyanidins (LSPC) as a kind of polyphenols is widely used in medicines, cosmetics, health products. High-intensity exercise can cause damage to the body's organs and tissues. Different doses of LSPC is given to mice to check the function of protect effect to the body's organs and tissues under high-intensity exercise. The hemoglobin (HB) content, red blood cell (RBC) number and white blood cell (WBC) number were tested for mice after exercise. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the contents of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in muscle and viscera were evaluated. The result showed that LSPC can effectively reduce inflammation reaction in the body of mice with high intensity exercise, alleviate oxidative stress-induced injury of tissues and organs, and execute protective function on skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle. And the LSPC could enhance myocardial anti-oxygen and enzymatic activity which suggests the protective effects of resveratrol against exercise-induced myocardial damage in mice.
Getting up to Speed
Authors: Perl Anthony , Goetz Andrew
Published: October 2015

Because the United States has taken steps in recent years to invest significant funds to implement high-speed rail, it is important to consider how high-speed rail has developed elsewhere since its original deployment between Tokyo and Osaka, Japan, in 1964. The three models of highspeed rail development that have emerged over the past 50 years are (a) the exclusive-corridor strategy exemplified by Japan, (b) the hybrid-corridor strategy found in France and Germany, and (c) the comprehensive national network strategy pioneered by China. The relevance of these three models to high-speed rail development in the United States is conditioned by several factors, including previous attempts to develop high-speed rail in the country, the institutional organization of the existing U.S. freight rail industry, and external market dynamics. Although the U.S. railroad industry has evolved differently and moved apart from rail operations in many other countries, external market dynamics such as growing urban populations and increased demand for passenger rail transportation appear to be converging with those in the rest of the world. Accordingly, several lessons are drawn for the United States from global high-speed rail experience: (a) a higher degree of relevance and higher ease in knowledge transfer would occur from following the exclusive-corridor model, (b) less difficulty in knowledge transfer but less relevance would arise in adopting the hybrid-corridor model, and (c) more relevance but more difficulty of knowledge transfer accompanies pursuit of the comprehensive national network model.
New High-Speed Rail Lines and Market Competition
Authors: Cascetta Ennio , Coppola Pierluigi
Published: October 2015

The new 1,000 km of high-speed rail (HSR) line between Turin and Salerno, Italy, were completed in 2009, and new service by the Italian railways state-owned company Trenitalia started in December of that year. Furthermore, in anticipation of the European open-access regulatory framework, starting from April 2012, the new HSR private operator Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori entered the market and is competing with the incumbent Trenitalia. This is the first case of large-scale competition between nonsubsidized HSR operators on the same line (i.e., infrastructure managed by the state-owned company, Rete Ferroviaria Italiana). This study provides an overview of the short-term dual effects of the opening of the new HSR line operating with a single service provider (between 2010 and 2012) and of the competition between the two operators starting from 2012. Before-and-after effects on services, prices, and attracted and generated demand based on several data sources, including ad hoc surveys and a system of mathematical models, are presented. Results suggest that the dual effect of new HSR lines and the opening of competition in the market has been producing a significant increase in HSR supply (+94% of trains per day) and demand (+98% of passenger-kilometers per year). The market share in the HSR core area increased about 20% at the expense of air and automobile modes. About 13.8 million extra trips per year were estimated in 2013 with respect to rail demand in 2009 (8.3 million diverted from other modes and 5.5 million induced trips) despite the severe economic crisis faced by the country in the same period.
Methods of Analyzing and Comparing Energy Efficiency of Passenger Rail Systems
Authors: DiDomenico Giovanni C. , Dick C. Tyler
Published: October 2015

Because of growing concerns about the future environmental impact of passenger travel, modal energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important when benefits and costs of transportation system investment are evaluated. Because passenger rail systems are often cited as being relatively more energy efficient than other modes, reduced environmental impact is one justification for investment in new commuter rail projects. It is important that studies of purported environmental benefits analyze the energy efficiency of passenger rail systems and competing modes accurately and fairly by clearly defining the flow of energy through each transportation system. Furthermore, operational practices and constraints of the railway environment can complicate the analysis of energy efficiency; this complication makes it important to choose metrics that accurately describe the situation. This research identifies and describes four methods for analyzing the energy efficiency of passenger rail systems. Each method applies to a different system within the energy flow path. The combined methods are used to analyze the energy efficiency of 25 commuter rail systems in the United States. The results of each energy efficiency calculation method are then compared to illustrate how the relative attractiveness of each system can change on the basis of the selected analysis approach. By better understanding the challenges of conducting energy efficiency analyses involving different energy sources and fair comparison methods, researchers and policy makers can make informed decisions concerning the most appropriate method of analysis for drawing accurate comparisons between rail technologies and competing modes.
Capacity of Single-Track Railway Lines with Short Sidings to Support Operation of Long Freight Trains
Authors: Atanassov Ivan , Dick C. Tyler
Published: October 2015

Use of distributed-power locomotives in heavy-haul service has allowed for greater efficiencies through operation of longer freight trains. In North America, where the majority of main-line routes are single track, the potential economic and operational advantages offered by long trains are constrained by the inadequate length of many existing passing sidings. To implement longer trains, railroad operators may run long trains in a single direction or fleet trains or extend sidings enough to facilitate bidirectional operation of long trains. This research seeks to characterize the interaction between passing siding and train lengths and the subsequent effect on train delay. The operation of a single-track line is simulated under different combinations of freight throughput, percent of long sidings, percent of railcars in long trains, and directional distribution of long trains. The experiment design scenarios are simulated by using Rail Traffic Controller software. Results indicate that routes with roughly 50% of long sidings eliminate any delay-based consequences of running long trains on the route. Thus, to operate with a high percentage of long trains, only half of the sidings on a route need to be extended to maintain the baseline level of service. These results are expanded through discussion of their practical application in planning programs to either extend existing sidings or construct new longer-length sidings. The findings can streamline the decision-making process associated with capital expansion projects and further the understanding of relationships between siding and train lengths, thereby facilitating the sustainable expansion of existing rail corridors in anticipation of future demand.
Kerr-Lens Mode-Locked Femtosecond Yb:GdYSiO5 Laser Directly Pumped by a Laser Diode
Authors: Zhu Jiangfeng , Gao Ziye , Tian Wenlong , Wang Junli , Wang Zhaohua , Wei Zhiyi , Zheng Lihe , Su Liangbi , Xu Jun
Published: October 2015

We demonstrate the first Kerr-lens mode-locked operation in a diode-pumped Yb:GdYSiO5 oscillator. Under a diode pump power of 5 W, 141 fs pulses with an average power of 237 mW were obtained at a repetition rate of 118 MHz. The central wavelength was at 1094 nm with a bandwidth of 10.1 nm. Shorter pulses were obtained by adjusting the cavity to operate at a shorter wavelength, resulting in 55 fs pulse duration at the central wavelength of 1054 nm with a bandwidth of 23.5 nm.
Alcohol and the Intestine
Authors: Patel Sheena , Behara Rama , Swanson Garth , Forsyth Christopher , Voigt Robin , Keshavarzian Ali
Published: October 2015

Alcohol abuse is a significant contributor to the global burden of disease and can lead to tissue damage and organ dysfunction in a subset of alcoholics. However, a subset of alcoholics without any of these predisposing factors can develop alcohol-mediated organ injury. The gastrointestinal tract (GI) could be an important source of inflammation in alcohol-mediated organ damage. The purpose of review was to evaluate mechanisms of alcohol-induced endotoxemia (including dysbiosis and gut leakiness), and highlight the predisposing factors for alcohol-induced dysbiosis and gut leakiness to endotoxins. Barriers, including immunologic, physical, and biochemical can regulate the passage of toxins into the portal and systemic circulation. In addition, a host of environmental interactions including those influenced by circadian rhythms can impact alcohol-induced organ pathology. There appears to be a role for therapeutic measures to mitigate alcohol-induced organ damage by normalizing intestinal dysbiosis and/or improving intestinal barrier integrity. Ultimately, the inflammatory process that drives progression into organ damage from alcohol appears to be multifactorial. Understanding the role of the intestine in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease can pose further avenues for pathogenic and treatment approaches.
Life Cycle Assessment of Energy and CO2 Emissions for Residential Buildings in Jakarta and Bandung, Indonesia
Authors: Surahman Usep , Kubota Tetsu , Higashi Osamu
Published: October 2015

The objective of this study is to analyze life cycle energy and CO2 emission profiles by employing an input–output analysis method for urban houses in major cities of Indonesia. Two surveys investigating building material inventory and household energy consumption within individual houses were conducted in Bandung in 2011 and 2012. The results show that, if reused and recycled materials were assumed to be zero, the averaged embodied energy for simple, medium and luxurious houses in Bandung was larger than that for their respective houses in Jakarta. Overall, the average annual energy consumption of all samples in Jakarta was approximately 20.6 GJ, which is 5.0 GJ larger than that in Bandung. In terms of life cycle energy, the operational energy accounted for 79%–86% and 69%–81% of the total for respective houses in Jakarta and Bandung. The profiles of life cycle CO2 emissions are similar to those of energy. The results of the scenario analysis prove that the promotion of reusing/recycling is important to reduce building material inputs/waste and their corresponding embodied energy. It is also important to reduce the use of air-conditioning for operational energy in the future by adopting passive cooling techniques wherever possible.
Climate Change and Children’s Health: A Commentary
Authors: Stanley Fiona , Farrant Brad
Published: October 2015

This commentary describes the likely impacts on children's health and wellbeing from climate change, based on the solid science of environmental child health. It describes likely climate change scenarios, why children are more vulnerable than older people to these changes, and what to expect in terms of diseases (e.g., infections, asthma) and problems (e.g., malnutrition, mental illness). The common antecedents of climate change and other detrimental changes to our society mean that in combatting them (such as excessive consumption and greed), we may not only reduce the harmful effects of climate change but also work towards a better society overall—one that values its children and their futures.
Comparing ALS and Image-Based Point Cloud Metrics and Modelled Forest Inventory Attributes in a Complex Coastal Forest Environment
Authors: White Joanne , Stepper Christoph , Tompalski Piotr , Coops Nicholas , Wulder Michael
Published: October 2015

Digital aerial photogrammetry (DAP) is emerging as an alternate data source to airborne laser scanning (ALS) data for three-dimensional characterization of forest structure. In this study we compare point cloud metrics and plot-level model estimates derived from ALS data and an image-based point cloud generated using semi-global matching (SGM) for a complex, coastal forest in western Canada. Plot-level estimates of Lorey’s mean height (H), basal area (G), and gross volume (V) were modelled using an area-based approach. Metrics and model outcomes were evaluated across a series of strata defined by slope and canopy cover, as well as by image acquisition date. We found statistically significant differences between ALS and SGM metrics for all strata for five of the eight metrics we used for model development. We also found that the similarity between metrics from the two data sources generally increased with increasing canopy cover, particularly for upper canopy metrics, whereas trends across slope classes were less consistent. Model outcomes from ALS and SGM were comparable. We found the greatest difference in model outcomes was for H (ΔRMSE% = 5.04%). By comparison, ΔRMSE% was 2.33% for G and 3.63% for V. We did not discern any corresponding trends in model outcomes across slope and canopy cover strata, or associated with different image acquisition dates.
Trade-Offs between Drought Survival and Rooting Strategy of Two South American Mediterranean Tree Species: Implications for Dryland Forests Restoration
Authors: Ovalle Juan , Arellano Eduardo , Ginocchio Rosanna
Published: October 2015

Differences in water-acquisition strategies of tree root systems can determine the capacity to survive under severe drought. We evaluate the effects of field water shortage on early survival, growth and root morphological variables of two South American Mediterranean tree species with different rooting strategies during two growing seasons. One year-old Quillaja saponaria (deep-rooted) and Cryptocarya alba (shallow-rooted) seedlings were established under two watering treatments (2 L·week−1·plant−1 and no water) in a complete randomized design. Watering improved the final survival of both species, but the increase was only significantly higher for the shallow-rooted species. The survival rates of deep- and shallow-rooted species was 100% and 71% with watering treatment, and 96% and 10% for the unwatered treatment, respectively. Root morphological variables of deep-rooted species such as surface area, volume, and diameter were higher under unwatered treatment. On the other hand, shallow-rooted species had a higher total root dry mass, length, surface area with watering treatments. Our findings suggest that deep-rooted species are highly recommended for reforestation in dry conditions, even under low soil water availability. Water supplements during the summer season can attenuate the differences between deep- and shallow-rooted species in their ability to survive drought during the early stage.
Analysis of Growth Inhibition and Metabolism of Hydroxycinnamic Acids by Brewing and Spoilage Strains of Brettanomyces Yeast
Authors: Lentz Michael , Harris Chad
Published: October 2015

Brettanomyces yeasts are well-known as spoilage organisms in both the wine and beer industries, but also contribute important desirable characters to certain beer styles. These properties are mediated in large part by Brettanomyces’ metabolism of hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) present in beverage raw materials. Here we compare growth inhibition by, and metabolism of, HCAs among commercial brewing strains and spoilage strains of B. bruxellensis and B. anomalus. These properties vary widely among the different strains tested and between the HCAs analyzed. Brewing strains showed more efficient metabolism of ferulic acid over p-coumaric acid, a trait not shared among the spoilage strains.
The Activities and Impact of State Programs to Address Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer, 2011–2014
Authors: Trivers Katrina , Rodriguez Juan , Cox Summer , Crane Barbara , Duquette Debra
Published: October 2015

In 2011, the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control (DCPC), at the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), released a three-year funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for a competitive, non-research cooperative agreement. The agreement enhanced the capacities of state health departments to promote the application of best practices for evidence-based breast cancer genomics through education, surveillance, and policy activities. The FOA required that applicants focus on activities related to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). The DCPC funded three states: Georgia, Michigan, and Oregon. Georgia was a first-time recipient of cancer genomics funding, whereas Michigan and Oregon had long standing activities in cancer genomics and had received CDC funding in the past. By the end of the funding period, each state had well-functioning and impactful state-based programs in breast cancer genomics. This article highlights the impact of a few key state activities by using CDC’s Science Impact Framework. There were challenges to implementing public health genomics programs, including the need to develop relevant partnerships, the highly technical nature of the subject matter, a lack of genetic services in certain areas, and the difficulty in funding genetic services. Georgia, Michigan, and Oregon have served as models for others interested in initiating or expanding cancer genomics programs, and they helped to determine what works well for promoting and integrating public health genomics into existing systems.
Infrastructure and Educational Needs of Newborn Screening Short-Term Follow-Up Programs within the Southeast Regional Newborn Screening & Genetics Collaborative: A Pilot Survey
Authors: Bellcross Cecelia , Harmond Lokie , Floyd-Browning Phaidra , Singh Rani
Published: October 2015

Newborn screening (NBS) follow-up protocols vary significantly by state, and there is a need to better understand the infrastructure and communication flow of NBS programs. In addition, assessment of the educational needs of families and providers with regard to the implications of NBS results is required to inform the development of appropriate informational resources and training opportunities. To begin to address these issues, we administered a web-based survey to state NBS coordinators within the Southeast Regional Newborn Screening & Genetics Collaborative (SERC). Fourteen coordinators responded to the survey, including at least one from each of the 10 SERC states/territories. Over one-third of respondents had never received formal training regarding the metabolic conditions identified on NBS. Most communicated results via telephone or fax, though two centers indicated use of a web-based platform. Only two programs were involved in directly reporting results to the family. Four programs reported a long-term follow-up protocol. Deficits were noted for primary care provider (PCP) knowledge of metabolic disorders identified on NBS, and how to inform parents of abnormal results. Close to half indicated that the adequacy of the number of genetic counselors, dietitians, and medical/biochemical geneticists was minimal to insufficient. Respondents uniformly recognized the importance of providing additional educational and informational resources in multiple categories to NBS staff, PCPs, and families.
Expression of Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) Positively Correlates with Survival of Urothelial Bladder Cancer Patients
Authors: Jóźwicki Wojciech , Brożyna Anna , Siekiera Jerzy , Slominski Andrzej
Published: October 2015

Vitamin D3 shows tumoristatic and anticancer effects by acting through the vitamin D receptor (VDR), while hydroxylation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 at position 1α by CYP27B1 is an essential step in its activation. The expression of both the VDR and CYP27B1 has been found in many normal and cancer tissues, but there is a lack of information about its expression in human bladder cancers. The aim of the present research was to examine whether the expression of the VDR and CYP27B1 in bladder cancer was related to the prognostic markers and disease outcome. We analyzed VDR and CYP27B1 in samples of tumor and normal tissues obtained from 71 urinary bladder cancer patients. The highest VDR immunostaining was found in normal epithelium and was significantly lower in bladder cancer cells (p < 0.001 with Mann–Whitney U test). VDR expression was lowest in more advanced (pT2b–pT4) (p = 0.005 with Mann–Whitney U test) and metastasizing cancers (p < 0.05 and p = 0.004 with Mann–Whitney U test for nuclear and cytoplasmic VDR immunostaining, respectively). The lack of cytoplasmic and nuclear VDR was also related to shorter overall survival (for cytoplasmic VDR immunolocalization 13.3 vs. 55.3 months of survival, HR = 1.92, p = 0.04 and for nuclear VDR immunostaining 13.5 vs. 55.3 months of survival, HR = 2.47, p = 0.002 with Mantel-Cox test). In cases with the lack of high cytoplasmic VDR staining the non-classic differentiations (NDs) was observed in higher percentage of tumor area. CYP27B1 expression was lower in cancer cells than in normal epithelial cells (p = 0.03 with Mann–Whitney U test), but its expression did not correlate with tumor stage (pT), metastasizing, grade, mitotic activity or overall survival. In conclusion, expression of the VDR and CYP27B1 are deregulated in urothelial bladder cancers. Although our results showing a relationship between the decreased VDR expression and prognostic markers and survival time indicate potential usefulness of VDR as a new indicator of a poorer prognosis, further studies are needed in different patient cohorts by independent groups to validate this hypothesis. We also suggest that vitamin D-based therapies may represent an adjuvant strategy in treatment for bladder cancers expressing VDR.
Comparison of Metabolite Concentrations in the Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex, the Left Frontal White Matter, and the Left Hippocampus in Patients in Stable Schizophrenia Treated with Antipsychotics with or without Antidepressants. 1H-NMR Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Strzelecki Dominik , Grzelak Piotr , Podgórski Michał , Kałużyńska Olga , Stefańczyk Ludomir , Kotlicka-Antczak Magdalena , Gmitrowicz Agnieszka
Published: October 2015

Managing affective, negative, and cognitive symptoms remains the most difficult therapeutic problem in stable phase of schizophrenia. Efforts include administration of antidepressants. Drugs effects on brain metabolic parameters can be evaluated by means of proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy. We compared spectroscopic parameters in the left prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), the left frontal white matter (WM) and the left hippocampus and assessed the relationship between treatment and the spectroscopic parameters in both groups. We recruited 25 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (DSM-IV-TR), with dominant negative symptoms and in stable clinical condition, who were treated with antipsychotic and antidepressive medication for minimum of three months. A group of 25 patients with schizophrenia, who were taking antipsychotic drugs but not antidepressants, was matched. We compared metabolic parameters (N-acetylaspartate (NAA), myo-inositol (mI), glutamatergic parameters (Glx), choline (Cho), and creatine (Cr)) between the two groups. All patients were also assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS). In patients receiving antidepressants we observed significantly higher NAA/Cr and NAA/Cho ratios within the DLPFC, as well as significantly higher mI/Cr within the frontal WM. Moreover, we noted significantly lower values of parameters associated with the glutamatergic transmission—Glx/Cr and Glx/Cho in the hippocampus. Doses of antipsychotic drugs in the group treated with antidepressants were also significantly lower in the patients showing similar severity of psychopathology.
In Vitro/In Vivo Toxicity Evaluation and Quantification of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Patil Ujwal , Adireddy Shiva , Jaiswal Ashvin , Mandava Sree , Lee Benjamin , Chrisey Douglas
Published: October 2015

Increasing biomedical applications of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) in academic and commercial settings have alarmed the scientific community about the safety and assessment of toxicity profiles of IONPs. The great amount of diversity found in the cytotoxic measurements of IONPs points toward the necessity of careful characterization and quantification of IONPs. The present document discusses the major developments related to in vitro and in vivo toxicity assessment of IONPs and its relationship with the physicochemical parameters of IONPs. Major discussion is included on the current spectrophotometric and imaging based techniques used for quantifying, and studying the clearance and biodistribution of IONPs. Several invasive and non-invasive quantification techniques along with the pitfalls are discussed in detail. Finally, critical guidelines are provided to optimize the design of IONPs to minimize the toxicity.
Enhanced Bio-Ethanol Production from Industrial Potato Waste by Statistical Medium Optimization
Authors: Izmirlioglu Gulten , Demirci Ali
Published: October 2015

Industrial wastes are of great interest as a substrate in production of value-added products to reduce cost, while managing the waste economically and environmentally. Bio-ethanol production from industrial wastes has gained attention because of its abundance, availability, and rich carbon and nitrogen content. In this study, industrial potato waste was used as a carbon source and a medium was optimized for ethanol production by using statistical designs. The effect of various medium components on ethanol production was evaluated. Yeast extract, malt extract, and MgSO4·7H2O showed significantly positive effects, whereas KH2PO4 and CaCl2·2H2O had a significantly negative effect (p-value < 0.05). Using response surface methodology, a medium consisting of 40.4 g/L (dry basis) industrial waste potato, 50 g/L malt extract, and 4.84 g/L MgSO4·7H2O was found optimal and yielded 24.6 g/L ethanol at 30 °C, 150 rpm, and 48 h of fermentation. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that industrial potato waste can be used effectively to enhance bioethanol production.
The Mixture of Salvianolic Acids from Salvia miltiorrhiza and Total Flavonoids from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Attenuate Sulfur Mustard-Induced Injury
Authors: Li Jianzhong , Chen Linlin , Wu Hongyuan , Lu Yiming , Hu Zhenlin , Lu Bin , Zhang Liming , Chai Yifeng , Zhang Junping
Published: October 2015

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a vesicating chemical warfare agent used in numerous military conflicts and remains a potential chemical threat to the present day. Exposure to SM causes the depletion of cellular antioxidant thiols, mainly glutathione (GSH), which may lead to a series of SM-associated toxic responses. MSTF is the mixture of salvianolic acids (SA) of Salvia miltiorrhiza and total flavonoids (TFA) of Anemarrhena asphodeloides. SA is the main water-soluble phenolic compound in Salvia miltiorrhiza. TFA mainly includes mangiferin, isomangiferin and neomangiferin. SA and TFA possess diverse activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammation activities. In this study, we mainly investigated the therapeutic effects of MSTF on SM toxicity in Sprague Dawley rats. Treatment with MSTF 1 h after subcutaneous injection with 3.5 mg/kg (equivalent to 0.7 LD50) SM significantly increased the survival levels of rats and attenuated the SM-induced morphological changes in the testis, small intestine and liver tissues. Treatment with MSTF at doses of 60 and 120 mg/kg caused a significant (p < 0.05) reversal in SM-induced GSH depletion. Gene expression profiles revealed that treatment with MSTF had a dramatic effect on gene expression changes caused by SM. Treatment with MSTF prevented SM-induced differential expression of 93.8% (973 genes) of 1037 genes. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that these genes were mainly involved in a total of 36 pathways, such as the MAPK signaling pathway, pathways in cancer, antigen processing and presentation. These data suggest that MSTF attenuates SM-induced injury by increasing GSH and targeting multiple pathways, including the MAPK signaling pathway, as well as antigen processing and presentation. These results suggest that MSTF has the potential to be used as a potential therapeutic agent against SM injuries.
Poly-γ-glutamate-based Materials for Multiple Infection Prophylaxis Possessing Versatile Coating Performance
Authors: Ashiuchi Makoto , Hakumai Yuichi , Shibatani Shigeo , Hakuba Hirofumi , Oka Nogiho , Kobayashi Hisato , Yoneda Keizo
Published: October 2015

Poly-γ-glutamate (PGA) possesses a nylon-like backbone and polyacrylate-like carboxyl groups, and shows an extraordinary solubility in water. In this study, the effective synthesis and structural analysis of some water-insoluble PGA ion-complexes (PGAICs) using cationic surfactants, hexadecylpyridinium (HDP), dodecylpyridinium, benzalkonium and benzetonium, were examined. We demonstrated their spontaneous coating performance to the surfaces of different materials (i.e., plastics, metals, and ceramics) as potent anti-staphylococcal and anti-Candida agents. The tests against Staphylococcus aureus revealed that, regardless of a variety of materials, PGAICs maintained surface antimicrobial activity, even after the water-soaking treatment, whereas those against Candida albicans indicated that, among PGAICs, PGA/HDP complex is most useful as an anti-fungal agent because of its coating stability. Moreover, the log reduction values against Influenza A and B viruses of PGA/HDP-coated surfaces were estimated to be 5.4 and 3.2, respectively, suggesting that it can be dramatically suppressed the infection of influenza. This is to our knowledge the first observation of PGA-based antiviral coatings.
Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Respirable Dust After Blasting of Coal Roadway Driving Faces: A Case Study
Authors: Hu Shengyong , Wang Zhuo , Feng Guorui
Published: October 2015

Coal roadway driving is an important part of the underground mining system, and very common in Chinese coal mines. However, the high concentration of respirable dust produced in the blasting operation poses a great hazard to miners’ health as well as the underground environment. In this paper, based on the direct simulation Monte Carlo method, the gas–solid two-phase flow model of particle movement is established to study the respirable dust distribution in blasting driving face. The results show that there is an obvious vortex region in which airflow velocity is lower than that close to the roadway wall and driving face. After blasting, respirable dust in the front of the dust group jet from the driving face cannot be discharged timely, with the result that its concentration is higher than the critical value until it is expelled from the roadway, whereas respirable dust concentration at the back of the dust group is gradually diluted and exhibits an alternate thin dense phase distribution. Meanwhile, respirable dust concentration in the breathing zone is relatively higher than that at the top and bottom of roadway. The accuracy of numerical simulation results is verified by field measurements. The research results are helpful for further understanding the evolution of respirable dust distribution after blasting, and are good for providing guidance for efficient controlling of respirable dust and improving the working environment for underground miners.
Antidiabetic Effects of Yam (Dioscorea batatas) and Its Active Constituent, Allantoin, in a Rat Model of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes
Authors: Go Hyeon-Kyu , Rahman Md. , Kim Gi-Beum , Na Chong-Sam , Song Choon-Ho , Kim Jin-Shang , Kim Shang-Jin , Kang Hyung-Sub
Published: October 2015

The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacies of crude yam (Dioscorea batatas) powder (PY), water extract of yam (EY), and allantoin (the active constituent of yam) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats with respect to glucose, insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), C-peptide, glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc), lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress. For this purpose, 50 rats were divided into five groups: normal control (NC), diabetic control (STZ), and STZ plus treatment groups (STZ + PY, STZ + EY, and STZ + allantoin). After treatment for one-month, there was a decrease in blood glucose: 385 ± 7 in STZ, 231 ± 3 in STZ + PY, 214 ± 11 in STZ + EY, and 243 ± 6 mg/dL in STZ + allantoin, respectively. There were significant statistical differences (p < 0.001) compared to STZ (100%): 60% in STZ + PY, 55% in STZ + EY, and 63% in STZ + allantoin. With groups in the same order, there were significant decreases (p < 0.001) in HbAlc (100% as 24.4 ± 0.6 ng/mL, 78%, 75%, and 77%), total cholesterol (100% as 122 ± 3 mg/dL, 70%, 67%, and 69%), and low-density lipoprotein (100% as 29 ± 1 mg/dL, 45%, 48%, and 38%). There were also significant increases (p < 0.001) in insulin (100% as 0.22 ± 0.00 ng/mL, 173%, 209%, and 177%), GLP-1 (100% as 18.4 ± 0.7 pmol/mL, 160%, 166%, and 162%), and C-peptide (100% as 2.56 ± 0.10 ng/mL, 129%, 132%, and 130%). The treatment effectively ameliorated antioxidant stress as shown by a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in malondialdehyde (100% as 7.25 ± 0.11 nmol/mL, 87%, 86%, and 85%) together with increases (p < 0.01) in superoxide dismutase (100% as 167 ± 6 IU/mL, 147%, 159%, and 145%) and reduced glutathione (100% as 167 ± 6 nmol/mL, 123%, 141%, and 140%). The results indicate that yam and allantoin have antidiabetic effects by modulating antioxidant activities, lipid profiles and by promoting the release of GLP-1, thereby improving the function of β-cells maintaining normal insulin and glucose levels.
The Impact of Local Acquisition Time on the Accuracy of Microwave Surface Soil Moisture Retrievals over the Contiguous United States
Authors: Lei Fangni , Crow Wade , Shen Huanfeng , Parinussa Robert , Holmes Thomas
Published: October 2015

Satellite-derived soil moisture products have become an important data source for the study of land surface processes and related applications. For satellites with sun-synchronous orbits, these products are typically derived separately for ascending and descending overpasses with different local acquisition times. Moreover, diurnal variations in land surface conditions, and the extent to which they are accurately characterized in retrieval algorithms, lead to distinct systematic and random error characteristics in ascending versus descending soil moisture products. Here, we apply two independent evaluation techniques (triple collocation and direct comparison against sparse ground-based observations) to quantify (correlation-based) accuracy differences in satellite-derived surface soil moisture acquired at different local acquisition times. The orbits from different satellites are separated into two overpass categories: AM (12:00 a.m. to 11:59 a.m. Local Solar Time) and PM (12:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Local Solar Time). Results demonstrate how patterns in the accuracy of AM versus PM retrieval products obtained from a variety of active and passive microwave satellite sensors vary according to land cover and across satellite products with different local acquisition times.
Combining Multispectral Imagery with in situ Topographic Data Reveals Complex Water Level Variation in China’s Largest Freshwater Lake
Authors: Wu Guiping , Liu Yuanbo
Published: October 2015

Lake level variation is an important hydrological indicator of water balance, biodiversity and climate change in drainage basins. This paper illustrates the use of moderate-resolution imaging spectroadiometer (MODIS) data to characterize complex water level variation in Poyang Lake, the largest freshwater lake in China. MODIS data were used in conjunction with in situ topographic data, otherwise known as the land-water contact method, to investigate the potential of this hybrid water level spatiotemporal variability measurement technique. An error analysis was conducted to assess the derived water level relative to gauge data. Validation results demonstrated that the land-water contact method can satisfactorily capture spatial patterns and seasonal variations in water level fluctuations. The correlation coefficient ranged from 0.684 to 0.835, the root-mean-square-error from 0.79 m–1.09 m, and the mean absolute bias error from 0.65 m to 0.86 m for five main gauge stations surrounding the lake. Additionally, seasonal and interannual variations in the lake’s water level were revealed in the MODIS-based results. These results indicate that the land-water contact method has the potential to be applied in mapping water level changes in Poyang Lake. This study not only provides a foundation for basic hydrological and ecological studies, but is also valuable for the conservation and management of water resources over gauge-sparse regions in Poyang Lake.