bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statin and Bisphosphonate Induce Starvation in Fast-Growing Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Karlic Heidrun , Haider Florian , Thaler Roman , Spitzer Silvia , Klaushofer Klaus , Varga Franz
Published: September 2017

Statins and bisphosphonates are increasingly recognized as anti-cancer drugs, especially because of their cholesterol-lowering properties. However, these drugs act differently on various types of cancers. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of statins and bisphosphonates on the metabolism (NADP+/NADPH-relation) of highly proliferative tumor cell lines from different origins (PC-3 prostate carcinoma, MDA-MB-231 breast cancer, U-2 OS osteosarcoma) versus cells with a slower proliferation rate like MG-63 osteosarcoma cells. Global gene expression analysis revealed that after 6 days of treatment with pharmacologic doses of the statin simvastatin and of the bisphosphonate ibandronate, simvastatin regulated more than twice as many genes as ibandronate, including many genes associated with cell cycle progression. Upregulation of starvation-markers and a reduction of metabolism and associated NADPH production, an increase in autophagy, and a concomitant downregulation of H3K27 methylation was most significant in the fast-growing cancer cell lines. This study provides possible explanations for clinical observations indicating a higher sensitivity of rapidly proliferating tumors to statins and bisphosphonates.
Effect of Clotting Duration and Temperature on BDNF Measurement in Human Serum
Authors: Amadio Patrizia , Sandrini Leonardo , Ieraci Alessandro , Tremoli Elena , Barbieri Silvia
Published: September 2017

Brain-derived neurothrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin expressed in different tissues and cells, including neurons, endothelial cells, leukocytes, megakaryocytes and platelets. Modifications of BDNF in plasma and/or in serum are associated with neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome and with mortality risk. Indeed, changes in blood levels of BDNF may reflect those of its tissue of origin and/or promote pathological dysfunctions. The measurement of BDNF amount in plasma or in serum has been characterized with particular attention in the impact of different anti-coagulants, clotting duration, temperature (≤21 °C) and delay in blood sample centrifugation as well as in stability of storage. However, the influences of normothermic conditions (37 °C) and of clotting duration on BDNF levels in human serum have not been investigated yet. Here, we showed that time and temperature during serum preparation could be taken into consideration to assess the association and/or impact of BDNF levels in the occurrence of pathological conditions.
Quercetin Attenuates Manganese-Induced Neuroinflammation by Alleviating Oxidative Stress through Regulation of Apoptosis, iNOS/NF-κB and HO-1/Nrf2 Pathways
Authors: Bahar Entaz , Kim Ji-Ye , Yoon Hyonok
Published: September 2017

Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element required for the development of human body and acts as an enzyme co-factor or activator for various reactions of metabolism. While essential in trace amounts, excessive Mn exposure can result in toxic accumulations in human brain tissue and resulting extrapyramidal symptoms called manganism similar to idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD). Quercetin (QCT) has been demonstrated to play an important role in altering the progression of neurodegenerative diseases by protecting against oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of QCT on Mn-induced neurotoxicity and the underlying mechanism in SK-N-MC human neuroblastoma cell line and Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rat brain. The results showed that Mn treatment significantly decreased the cell viability of SK-N-MC cell and increased the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), which was attenuated by QCT pretreatment at 10 and 20 µg/mL. Compared to the Mn alone group, QCT pretreatment significantly attenuated Mn-induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. Meanwhile, QCT pretreatment markedly downregulated the NF-κB but upregulated the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and Nrf2 proteins, compared to the Mn alone group. Our result showed the beneficial effect of QCT on hematological parameters against Mn in rat brain. QCT decrease reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein carbonyl levels and increased Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity induced in Mn-treated rats. QCT administration caused a significant reduction in the Mn-induced neuroinflammation by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). QCT lowered the Mn elevated levels of various downstream apoptotic markers, including Bax, cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-3 and polymerase-1 (PARP-1), while QCT treatment upregulated anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins and prevented Mn-induced neurodegeneration. Furthermore, administration of QCT (25 and 50 mg/kg) to Mn-exposed rats showed improvement of histopathological alteration in comparison to Mn-treated rats. Moreover, administration of QCT to Mn-exposed rats showed significant reduction of 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), Bax, activated caspase-3 and PARP-1 immunoreactivity. These results indicate that QCT could effectively inhibit Mn induced apoptosis and inflammatory response in SK-N-MC cells and SD rats, which may involve the activation of HO-1/Nrf2 and inhibition of NF-κB pathway.
The Role of ERK Signaling in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Birkner Katharina , Wasser Beatrice , Loos Julia , Plotnikov Alexander , Seger Rony , Zipp Frauke , Witsch Esther , Bittner Stefan
Published: September 2017

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling plays a crucial role in regulating immune cell function and has been implicated in autoimmune disorders. To date, all commercially available inhibitors of ERK target upstream components, such as mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase/ERK kinase (MEKs), but not ERK itself. Here, we directly inhibit nuclear ERK translocation by a novel pharmacological approach (Glu-Pro-Glu (EPE) peptide), leading to an increase in cytosolic ERK phosphorylation during T helper (Th)17 cell differentiation. This was accompanied by diminished secretion of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), a cytokine influencing the encephalitogenicity of Th17 cells. Neither the production of the cytokine interleukin (IL)-17 nor the proliferation rate of T cells was affected by the EPE peptide. The in vivo effects of ERK inhibition were challenged in two independent variants of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Overall, ERK inhibition had only a very minor impact on the clinical disease course of EAE. This indicates that while ERK translocation might promote encephalitogenicity in T cells in vitro by facilitating GM-CSF production, this effect is overcome in more complex in vivo animal models of central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity.
How The Arts Can Help Tangible Interaction Design: A Critical Re-Orientation
Authors: Tomás Enrique
Published: September 2017

There is a long history of creative encounters between tangible interface design and the Arts. However, in comparison with media art, tangible interaction seems to be quite anchored into many of the traditional methodologies imported from human–computer interaction (HCI). How can the Arts help tangible interaction design? Building on Søren Pold’s Interface Aesthetics, a re-orientation of the role of the artist towards a critical examination of our research medium—tangible interaction—is proposed. In this essay, the benefits of incorporating artistic research and its methodologies into our field are described. With these methodologies it is possible to better assess experiential aspects of interaction—a relevant attribute which traditional HCI approaches cannot afford. In order to inform our community, three examples of critical artworks are comparatively studied and discussed.
Evaluation Tools to Appraise Social Media and Mobile Applications
Authors: Skiba Diane
Published: September 2017

In a connected care environment, more citizens are engaging in their health care through mobile apps and social media tools. Given this growing health care engagement, it is important for health care professionals to have the knowledge and skills to evaluate and recommend appropriate digital tools. The purpose of this article is to identify and review criteria or instruments that can be used to evaluate mobile apps and social media. The analysis will review current literature as well as literature designed by professional health care organizations. This review will facilitate health care professionals’ assessment of mobile apps and social media tools that may be pertinent to their patient population. The review will also highlight strategies which a health care system can use to provide guidance in recommending mobile apps and social media tools for their patients, families, and caregivers.
Impact of Source and Manufacturing of Collagen Matrices on Fibroblast Cell Growth and Platelet Aggregation
Authors: Böhm Stefanie , Strauß Christine , Stoiber Stefan , Kasper Cornelia , Charwat Verena
Published: September 2017

Collagen is a main component of the extracellular matrix. It is often used in medical applications to support tissue regeneration, hemostasis, or wound healing. Due to different sources of collagen, the properties and performance of available products can vary significantly. In this in vitro study, a comparison of seven different collagen matrices derived from bovine, equine, and porcine sources was performed. As performance indicators, the scaffold function for fibroblasts and platelet aggregation were used. We found strong variation in platelet aggregation and fibroblast growth on the different collagen materials. The observed variations could not be attributed to species differences alone, but were highly dependent on differences in the manufacturing process.
Multi-Aperture Shower Design for the Improvement of the Transverse Uniformity of MOCVD-Derived GdYBCO Films
Authors: Zhao Ruipeng , Liu Qing , Xia Yudong , Zhang Fei , Lu Yuming , Cai Chuanbing , Tao Bowan , Li Yanrong
Published: September 2017

A multi-aperture shower design is reported to improve the transverse uniformity of GdYBCO superconducting films on the template of sputtered-LaMnO3/epitaxial-MgO/IBAD-MgO/solution deposition planarization (SDP)-Y2O3-buffered Hastelloy tapes. The GdYBCO films were prepared by the metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) process. The transverse uniformities of structure, morphology, thickness, and performance were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), step profiler, and the standard four-probe method using the criteria of 1 μV/cm, respectively. Through adopting the multi-aperture shower instead of the slit shower, measurement by step profiler revealed that the thickness difference between the middle and the edges based on the slit shower design was well eliminated. Characterization by SEM showed that a GdYBCO film with a smooth surface was successfully prepared. Moreover, the transport critical current density (Jc) of its middle and edge positions at 77 K and self-field were found to be over 5 MA/cm2 through adopting the micro-bridge four-probe method.
Leptolide Improves Insulin Resistance in Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Villa-Pérez Pablo , Cueto Mercedes , Díaz-Marrero Ana , Lobatón Carmen , Moreno Alfredo , Perdomo Germán , Cózar-Castellano Irene
Published: September 2017

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a complex disease linked to pancreatic beta-cell failure and insulin resistance. Current antidiabetic treatment regimens for T2DM include insulin sensitizers and insulin secretagogues. We have previously demonstrated that leptolide, a member of the furanocembranolides family, promotes pancreatic beta-cell proliferation in mice. Considering the beneficial effects of leptolide in diabetic mice, in this study, we aimed to address the capability of leptolide to improve insulin resistance associated with the pathology of obesity. To this end, we tested the hypothesis that leptolide should protect against fatty acid-induced insulin resistance in hepatocytes. In a time-dependent manner, leptolide (0.1 µM) augmented insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of protein kinase B (PKB) by two-fold above vehicle-treated HepG2 cells. In addition, leptolide (0.1 µM) counteracted palmitate-induced insulin resistance by augmenting by four-fold insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of PKB in HepG2 cells. In vivo, acute intraperitoneal administration of leptolide (0.1 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg) improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in lean mice. Likewise, prolonged leptolide treatment (0.1 mg/kg) in diet-induced obese mice improved insulin sensitivity. These effects were paralleled with an ~50% increased of insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of PKB in liver and skeletal muscle and reduced circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines in obese mice. We concluded that leptolide significantly improves insulin sensitivity in vitro and in obese mice, suggesting that leptolide may be another potential treatment for T2DM.
Investigation of the Frozen Bath Layer under Cold Anodes
Authors: Picard Donald , Tessier Jayson , Gauvin Guillaume , Ziegler Donald , Alamdari Houshang , Fafard Mario
Published: September 2017

Hall-Héroult cell stability is highly affected by anode changing operations. Upon the insertion of a cold anode in the cell, a layer of molten cryolite freezes under the anode. The thickness, microstructure, and chemical composition of this layer vary as a function of time and its location in the cell. To better understand the evolution of the frozen layer, mandatory for the validation of numerical models, a measurement campaign was conducted on the anodes having a few hours of operation in the cell. The macrostructure of the selected frozen bath samples has been investigated using computed tomography while scanning electron microscope (SEM) has been used to qualify its microstructure. An energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDS) coupled to the SEM has revealed the chemical content. The results showed not only very different macrostructures between samples, but also significantly heterogeneous structure within the same sample. Nevertheless, for all samples, there is a clear distinction between the frozen cryolite and alumina/dusting phases, with the latter surrounding the cryolite matrix.
A Numerical Study on Contact Condition and Wear of Roller in Cold Rolling
Authors: Jin Qichao , Wang Wenhu , Jiang Ruisong , Chiu Louis , Liu Di , Yan Wenyi
Published: September 2017

An accurate determination of the contact pressure and local sliding in a cold rolling process is an essential step towards the prediction of the roller’s life due to wear damage. This investigation utilized finite element analysis to quantify the local contact pressure and local sliding over the rolling bite in a plate cold rolling process. It was the first study to quantify the local sliding distance in a rolling process using the Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The numerical results indicate that the local contact pressure over the rolling bite demonstrates a hill profile, and the peak coincides with the neutral plane. The local sliding distance over the rolling bite demonstrates a double-peak profile with the two peaks appearing at the forward slip and backward slip zones respectively. The amplitude of sliding distance in the backward slip zone is larger than that in the forward slip zone. A stick zone was confirmed between the forward slip and backward slip zones. According to a parametric study, the local contact pressure and sliding distance decrease when the thickness reduction is reduced or the diameter of the roller is decreased. The location of the neutral plane always presents at the rolling exit side of the rolling bite’s center. The size of the stick zone enlarges and the sizes of slip zones shrink significantly when the friction coefficient is increased. Finally, a novel concept of wear intensity was defined to examine the wear of the roller based on the local contact pressure and local sliding distance. The results show that a two-peak wear response exists in the backward and forward slip zones. The magnitude of the wear in the backward slip zone is larger than that in the forward slip zone. For a given roller and blank material combination, using a smaller thickness reduction, a smaller diameter roller and a higher friction coefficient condition can reduce the wear of the roller for a single rolling cycle. The current paper develops an understanding of rolling contact responses to the wear of the roller in rolling process. The research method can also be applied to study other rolling or sliding wear problems.
The Influence of La and Ce Addition on Inclusion Modification in Cast Niobium Microalloyed Steels
Authors: Torkamani Hadi , Raygan Shahram , Mateo Carlos , Rassizadehghani Jafar , Vivas Javier , Palizdar Yahya , San-Martin David
Published: September 2017

The main role of Rare Earth (RE) elements in the steelmaking industry is to affect the nature of inclusions (composition, geometry, size and volume fraction), which can potentially lead to the improvement of some mechanical properties such as the toughness in steels. In this study, different amounts of RE were added to a niobium microalloyed steel in as-cast condition to investigate its influence on: (i) type of inclusions and (ii) precipitation of niobium carbides. The characterization of the microstructure by optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopy shows that: (1) the addition of RE elements change the inclusion formation route during solidification; RE > 200 ppm promote formation of complex inclusions with a (La,Ce)(S,O) matrix instead of Al2O3-MnS inclusions; (2) the roundness of inclusions increases with RE, whereas more than 200 ppm addition would increase the area fraction and size of the inclusions; (3) it was found that the presence of MnS in the base and low RE-added steel provide nucleation sites for the precipitation of coarse niobium carbides and/or carbonitrides at the matrix–MnS interface. Thermodynamic calculations show that temperatures of the order of 1200 °C would be necessary to dissolve these coarse Nb-rich carbides so as to reprecipitate them as nanoparticles in the matrix.
Introduction of a Chemical-Free Metal PDMS Thermal Bonding for Fabrication of Flexible Electrode by Metal Transfer onto PDMS
Authors: Koh Domin , Wang Anyang , Schneider Phil , Bosinski Brett , Oh Kwang
Published: September 2017

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a flexible and biocompatible material widely used in the fabrication of microfluidic devices, and is often studied for the fabrication of flexible electrodes. The most popular method of fabricating a flexible electrode using PDMS is done by transferring a metal electrode onto said PDMS. However, the transfer process is difficult and the transferred metal layer is easily damaged due to inherently weak adhesion forces between the metal and PDMS, thus requiring a chemical treatment or sacrificial layer between the two. The fabrication process using a chemical treatment or sacrificial layer is complicated and expensive, which is the major limitation of using PDMS in the fabrication of flexible electrodes. This paper discusses the findings of a possible solution to create strong bonding between PDMS and various metals (copper, nickel and silver) using a chemical-free metal to PDMS thermal bonding technique. This method is the same as the PDMS curing process, but with a variation in the curing condition. The condition required to create strong bonding was studied by observing copper transferred by various PDMS curing conditions, including the standard condition. The condition creating the strong bonding was baking PDMS (5:1 = base polymer: curing agent) at 150 °C for 20 min. Experimentation showed that the optimum thickness of the transferred metal shows that the optimum thickness is approximately 500 nm, which allows for a higher resistance to stresses. The successful transfer of copper, nickel and silver layers onto PDMS with a stronger adhesion force opens up many new applications dealing with the fabrication of flexible electrodes, sensors, and flexible soft magnets.
Mineralogical and Geochemical Compositions of the Lopingian Coals and Carbonaceous Rocks in the Shugentian Coalfield, Yunnan, China: with Emphasis on Fe-Bearing Minerals in a Continental-Marine Transitional Environment
Authors: Zheng Xue , Wang Zhen , Wang Lei , Xu Yaguang , Liu Jingjing
Published: September 2017

This paper presents the mineralogical and geochemical compositions of coal benches and non-coal (carbonaceous rock benches, parting, roof and floor) samples from the No. 1 Coal in the Longtan Formation of the Permian-Lopingian epoch from the Shugentian Coalfield, eastern Yunnan Province, southwestern China. The coal is rich in Nb, Ta, Zr, and Hf, which were derived from the Kangdian Upland with the dominant compositions of the Emeishan basalt. The minerals identified in the samples include mixed-layer illite-smectite, kaolinite, quartz, siderite, and minor calcite, pyrite, anatase and ankerite. Albite and chamosite occur in the roof and floor samples. The parting sample (SGT1-2p) is characterized by abundant siderite (64.9%) and calcite (20.1%), and one carbonaceous rock sample SGT1-11 contained a large amount of pyrite (26.1%). Four factors were responsible for the geochemical and mineralogical compositions in the samples; namely, the terrigenous detrital materials transported from the Kangdian Upland, direct volcanic ash inputs, multi-stage inputs of hydrothermal fluids, and marine influences. The co-existence of siderite and pyrite was attributed to a continental-marine transitional environment.
Geochronology of Hydrothermal Processes Leading to the Formation of the Au–U Mineralization at the Rompas Prospect, Peräpohja Belt, Northern Finland: Application of Paired U–Pb Dating of Uraninite and Re–Os Dating of Molybdenite to the Identification of Multiple Hydrothermal Events in a Metamorphic Terrane
Authors: Molnár Ferenc , O’Brien Hugh , Stein Holly , Cook Nick
Published: September 2017

The Peräpohja belt comprises a greenschist to amphibolite facies; multiply-folded supracrustal sequence of quartzites; mafic volcanics; carbonate rocks; black shales; mica schists and greywackes deposited from ca. 2.44 Ga to 1.92 Ga; during protracted rifting of the Archaean basement. Metamorphism and multiple folding of the basin fill occurred during the Svecofennian orogeny (1.92–1.80 Ga). The Rompas Au–U mineralization is hosted within deformed and metamorphosed calcsilicate veins in mafic volcanics. Textural evidence suggests that deposition and periods of uraninite re-mobilization were followed by localized hydrocarbon-bearing fluid flow which produced pyrobitumen crusts around grains of uraninite. Gold precipitated during the latest hydrothermal event at around 1.75 Ga. In situ U–Pb dating of uraninite by laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectroscopy (LA-ICP-MS), and Re–Os dating of molybdenite, indicate that primary hydrothermal uranium mineralization forms two age clusters; about 2.03–2.01 and 1.95–1.94 Ga. Resetting of the U–Pb system and precipitation of new generations of uraninite are associated with major deformation and metamorphic stages of the Svecofennian orogeny at 1.91–1.89 Ga, 1.85 Ga, and 1.80 Ga. Gold deposition was synchronous with the emplacement of the 1.75–1.78 Ga late/post-orogenic granitoids. The gold-producing hydrothermal event is also recorded by Re–Os dating of molybdenite from the gold-bearing Mg-metasomatized metasedimentary and metavolcanic units at the Palokas prospect; a few kilometres from Rompas. Results of this study confirm that some domains in the structure of uraninite may preserve the original crystallization age, despite an overprinting amphibolite facies metamorphic and other hydrothermal events. The study supports the utility of in situ U–Pb dating of uraninite and the ability of Re–Os dating to assist in sorting out different hydrothermal events in areas with complex tectonic; magmatic and metamorphic histories.
Development of a Non-Hydroxamate Dual Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-7/-13 Inhibitor
Authors: Fischer Thomas , Riedl Rainer
Published: September 2017

Matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP-7) is a member of the MMP superfamily and is able to degrade extracellular matrix proteins such as casein, gelatin, fibronectin and proteoglycan. MMP-7 is a validated target for the development of small molecule drugs against cancer. MMP-13 is within the enzyme class the most efficient contributor to type II collagen degeneration and is a validated target in arthritis and cancer. We have developed the dual MMP-7/-13 inhibitor ZHAWOC6941 with IC50-values of 2.2 μM (MMP-7) and 1.2 μM (MMP-13) that is selective over a broad range of MMP isoforms. It spares MMP-1, -2, -3, -8, -9, -12 and -14, making it a valuable modulator for targeted polypharmacology approaches.
Vitamin D Nutritional Status and its Related Factors for Chinese Children and Adolescents in 2010–2012
Authors: Hu Yichun , Chen Jing , Wang Rui , Li Min , Yun Chunfeng , Li Weidong , Yang Yanhua , Piao Jianhua , Yang Xiaoguang , Yang Lichen
Published: September 2017

Vitamin D plays a critical role in calcium and phosphate metabolism and helps maintain skeletal integrity in childhood, yet vitamin D status in Chinese children and adolescents is not well documented. The aim of this study was to assess the vitamin D status and analyze the risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in Chinese children and adolescents aged 6–17 years. Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured with a radioimmunoassay kit in 15,000 children and adolescent participants in the Chinese national nutrition and health survey (CNNHS) 2010–2012. Age, gender, region type, ethnicity, outdoor time, and vitamin D supplementation were recorded in unified design questionnaires. The season was recorded by the date of blood taken; location was divided into north and south by China′s Qinling Mountains and Huaihe River; and ambient ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation level was classified according to the corresponding dose of each participant living area from National Aeronautics and Space Administration data. 14,473 participants from the cross-sectional study of CNNHS 2010–2012 were included in this study. The median serum 25(OH)D concentration was 48.2 (35.4–63.4) nmol/L, and the concentration for males was 50.0 (36.5–65.7) nmol/L, which was statistically higher than that of females (46.7 (34.4–60.9) nmol/L) (P < 0.001). The general prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 53.2%; 50.0% for males and 56.5% for females at the cut-off 50 nmol/L. According to the results of the log-binomial regression analysis, vitamin D deficiency in Chinese children and adolescents was specifically related to female gender (P < 0.0001), to ages 12–14 years (P < 0.0001) and 15–17 years (P < 0.0001), living in large cities (P < 0.0001) or ordinary rural areas (P < 0.0001), low ambient UVB levels (P < 0.0001) and medium ambient UVB levels (P < 0.0001), spring (P < 0.0001), autumn (P < 0.0001) and winter seasons (P < 0.0001). The data showed that vitamin D deficiency was very common among children and adolescents aged 6–17 years in China. Effective sun exposure should be encouraged in both genders aged 6–17 years, dietary vitamin D and vitamin D supplements are also recommended, especially in the seasons of spring and winter.
Recent Advances on Polypyrrole Electroactuators
Authors: Yan Bingxi , Wu Yu , Guo Liang
Published: September 2017

Featuring controllable electrochemomechanical deformation and excellent biocompatibility, polypyrrole electroactuators used as artificial muscles play a vital role in the design of biomimetic robots and biomedical devices. In the past decade, tremendous efforts have been devoted to their optimization on electroactivity, electrochemical stability, and actuation speed, thereby gradually filling the gaps between desired capabilities and practical performances. This review summarizes recent advances on polypyrrole electroactuators, with particular emphases on novel counterions and conformation-reinforcing skeletons. Progress and challenges are comparatively demonstrated and critically analyzed, to enlighten future developments of advanced electroactuators based on polypyrrole and other conducting polymers.
Evaluation of Remote-Sensing-Based Landslide Inventories for Hazard Assessment in Southern Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Golovko Darya , Roessner Sigrid , Behling Robert , Wetzel Hans-Ulrich , Kleinschmit Birgit
Published: September 2017

Large areas in southern Kyrgyzstan are subjected to high and ongoing landslide activity; however, an objective and systematic assessment of landslide susceptibility at a regional level has not yet been conducted. In this paper, we investigate the contribution that remote sensing can provide to facilitate a quantitative landslide hazard assessment at a regional scale under the condition of data scarcity. We performed a landslide susceptibility and hazard assessment based on a multi-temporal landslide inventory that was derived from a 30-year time series of satellite remote sensing data using an automated identification approach. To evaluate the effect of the resulting inventory on the landslide susceptibility assessment, we calculated an alternative susceptibility model using a historical inventory that was derived by an expert through combining visual interpretation of remote sensing data with already existing knowledge on landslide activity in this region. For both susceptibility models, the same predisposing factors were used: geology, stream power index, absolute height, aspect and slope. A comparison of the two models revealed that using the multi-temporal landslide inventory covering the 30-year period results in model coefficients and susceptibility values that more strongly reflect the properties of the most recent landslide activity. Overall, both susceptibility maps present the highest susceptibility values for similar regions and are characterized by acceptable to high predictive performances. We conclude that the results of the automated landslide detection provide a suitable landslide inventory for a reliable large-area landslide susceptibility assessment. We also used the temporal information of the automatically detected multi-temporal landslide inventory to assess the temporal component of landslide hazard in the form of exceedance probability. The results show the great potential of satellite remote sensing for deriving detailed and systematic spatio-temporal information on landslide occurrences, which can significantly improve landslide susceptibility and hazard assessment at a regional scale, particularly in data-scarce regions such as Kyrgyzstan.
The Performance of Airborne C-Band PolInSAR Data on Forest Growth Stage Types Classification
Authors: Feng Qi , Zhou Liangjiang , Chen Erxue , Liang Xingdong , Zhao Lei , Zhou Yu
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we propose a classification scheme for forest growth stage types and other cover types using a support vector machine (SVM) based on the Polarimetric SAR Interferometric (PolInSAR) data acquired by Chinese Multidimensional Space Joint-observation SAR (MSJosSAR) system. Firstly, polarimetric, texture, and coherence features were calculated from the PolInSAR data. Secondly, the capabilities of the polarimetric, texture, and coherence features in land use/cover classification were quantified independently through histograms. Following this, the polarimetric features were used for the classification of land use/cover types, followed by a combination of texture and coherence features. Finally, the three classification results were validated against test samples using the confusion matrix. It was shown that, with the integration of texture and coherence features, the producer’s accuracy for afforested land, young forest land, medium forest land, and near-mature forest land improved by 6%, 31%, 11%, and 6%, respectively, compared with the former experiment using solely polarimetric features. Our study indicates that the forest and non-forest lands can be discriminated by the polarimetric features, which also play an important role in the separation between afforested land and other forest types as well as medium forest land and near-mature forest land. The texture features further discriminate afforested land and other forest types, while the coherence features obviously improved the separation of young forest land and medium forest land. This paper provides an effective way of identifying various land use/cover types, especially for distinguishing forest growth stages with SAR data. It would be of great interest in regions with frequent cloud coverage and limited optical data for the monitoring of land use/cover types.
Use of Miniature Thermal Cameras for Detection of Physiological Stress in Conifers
Authors: Smigaj Magdalena , Gaulton Rachel , Suarez Juan , Barr Stuart
Published: September 2017

Tree growth and survival predominantly depends on edaphic and climatic conditions, thus climate change will inevitably influence forest health and growth. It will affect forests directly, for example, through extended periods of drought, and indirectly, such as by affecting the distribution and abundance of forest pathogens and pests. Developing ways of early detection and monitoring of tree stress is crucial for effective protection of forest stands. Thermography is one of the techniques that can be used for monitoring changes in the physiological state of plants; however, in forestry, it has not been widely tested or utilized. The main challenge rises from the need for high spatial resolution data. Newly emerging technologies, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) could aid in provision of the required data. However, their main constraint is the limited payload, requiring the use of miniature sensors. This paper investigates whether a miniature microbolometer thermal camera, designed for a UAV platform, can provide reliable canopy temperature measurements of conifers. Furthermore, it explores whether there is a distinction in whole canopy temperature between the control and the stressed trees, assessing the potential of low-cost thermography for investigating stress in conifers. Two experiments on young larch trees, with induced drought stress, were performed. The plants were imaged in a greenhouse setting, and readings from a set of thermocouples attached to the canopy were used as a method of validation. Following calibration and a basic normalization for background radiation, both the spatial and temporal variation of canopy temperature was well characterized. Very mild stress did not exhibit itself, as the temperature readings for both stressed and control plants were similar. However, with a higher stress level, there was a clear distinction (temperature difference of 1.5 °C) between the plants, showing potential for using low-cost sensors to investigate tree stress.
‘It Just Gives Me a Bit of Peace of Mind’: Australian Women’s Use of Digital Media for Pregnancy and Early Motherhood
Authors: Lupton Deborah
Published: September 2017

A diverse range of digital devices and software are available to women to seek and share information and personal experiences about pregnancy and parenting. This article reports findings from a focus group study involving Australian women who were pregnant or had very young children. The participants were asked to recount their experiences of using digital media for pregnancy and parenting and what media they would like to see developed that were not yet available. The findings revealed that digital media were very important to the participants. They were using mobile apps, social media, content-sharing platforms and online discussion forums to connect with each other and with family members, post images and other information about their pregnancy and children, track their pregnancy or their children’s behaviours and development, and learn about pregnancy, infants and childcare. Despite their frequent use of and reliance on digital media, few participants had begun to consider the implications of sharing personal information about themselves or their children online or by using apps to record details. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the complexities of the intersections between information, emotional support, intimacy, personal data generation, sharing and privacy as they are conducted and experienced on the digital media used by women during these life stages.
Economic and Environmental Cost Analysis of Incineration and Recovery Alternatives for Flammable Industrial Waste: The Case of South Korea
Authors: Kim Jihyun , Jeong Sukjae
Published: September 2017

As the generation of industrial wastes increases, waste treatment is steadily becoming a serious economic and environmental issue. Existing waste has mainly been treated by landfilling after incineration. A shortage of landfill sites necessitates waste management alternatives other than traditional incineration and landfill. This paper focuses on a cost-benefit analysis that evaluates the economic and environmental performances of five treatment strategies for flammable industrial wastes: incineration, refuse plastic fuel (RPF) boiler, RPF cement furnace, cement furnace after shredding of wastes, and paper incineration after shredding of wastes. For such purposes, our model considered the entire process of each waste treatment, which involves collection, transportation, treatment, recovery, and the disposal of flammable industrial wastes that pose risks to their surroundings. Case studies of each treatment processes are reviewed, and a cost-benefit analysis is performed to evaluate and identify the selection of treatment and disposal facilities, along with an allocation of flammable industrial wastes and waste residues from generators to treatment and disposal facilities and transportation routes, in order to achieve the minimum economic and environmental costs.
Stakeholders’ Expectations in Urban Renewal Projects in China: A Key Step towards Sustainability
Authors: Zhuang Taozhi , Qian Queena , Visscher Henk , Elsinga Marja
Published: September 2017

China’s fast growth of economy and urbanization have driven large-scale urban renewal projects, thus triggering a wide spectrum of unsustainable problems. Little research has systematically explored the stakeholders’ expectations in urban renewal projects in China. A deeper understanding of the divergent interests and expectations of the key stakeholder groups is an important step towards sustainable urban renewal. This paper aims to analyze the stakeholders’ expectations on urban renewal projects. Eighteen factors are identified and compared among the main stakeholders: government sectors, consulting parties, the general public and affected residents in both redevelopment and rehabilitation projects, using questionnaire survey and interviews in Chongqing, China. The results reveal that there exist enormous differences of opinions and interests among stakeholders in all economic, environmental and social aspects. To achieve sustainable urban renewal in China, the governments ought to reconsider what the “public interest” stands for. In-situ residents should be understood and treated differently, based on the type of projects. An effective dialogue mechanism as well as supportive administrative and legal system should be established. Moreover, urban-renewal-related education and publicity should be a long-term strategy to change current awareness of different stakeholders, by improving their skill and willingness to participate.
Moral Education for Sustainable Development: Exploring Morally Challenging Business Situations within the Global Supply Chain Context
Authors: Ha-Brookshire Jung , McAndrews Laura , Kim Jooyoun , Freeman Charles , Jin Byoungho , Norum Pamela , LeHew Melody , Karpova Elena , Hassall Lesya , Marcketti Sara
Published: September 2017

This study presents the need for moral development education of current and future professionals so they can help build sustainable companies and global supply chains. Grounded in Ha-Brookshire’s moral responsibility theory of corporate sustainability, the authors explored a set of real-life business situations where business professionals experienced morally challenging dilemmas. The study was conducted within the context of the textile and apparel (TA) industry because of the global and fragmented supply chain nature of the industry. The real-life business situations were interpreted using Kohlberg’s moral development stage theory. The results of in-depth individual interviews followed by three focus groups of industry professionals in spring 2017 showed that participants have experienced a variety of morally challenging business situations throughout their careers. This includes simple problems at the individual and firm levels, as well as wicked and complex problems at the industry and global levels. The study concludes that for TA businesses to be truly sustainable, professionals’ moral ability is critical and, therefore, appropriate moral development education is necessary.
Optimization of a Water Quality Monitoring Network Using a Spatially Referenced Water Quality Model and a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Puri Deepti , Borel Kyna , Vance Cherish , Karthikeyan Raghupathy
Published: September 2017

The monitoring network for a river system is designed to provide information about water quantity and quality. The development of Watershed Protection Plans and Total Maximum Daily Loads require systematic monitoring of waterbodies. In this study, optimum water quality monitoring networks were selected to assess E. coli loads in the Guadalupe River and San Antonio River basins. A Genetic Algorithm (GA) was applied to select monitoring stations using the mean annual E. coli flux from the Spatially Referenced Regression Model on Watershed Attributes (SPARROW). The objectives of the GA were to minimize the number of monitoring stations, include large values of the mean annual E. coli flux, and minimize uncertainty of the flux estimations. Constraints related to the monitoring of critical locations were included in a multi-objective optimization problem. The SPARROW model was applied to the optimized GA solution sets, which were compared using the objective values and statistical indices. The best GA-generated alternative set adequately represented the San Antonio River basin, in good agreement with a previous study conducted using only SPARROW. The application of the GA ensured the inclusion of the monitoring stations with large values of E. coli flux, which reflected high-risk areas within the watershed.
A Novel Calendar-Based Method for Visualizing Water Quality Change: The Case of the Yangtze River 2006–2015
Authors: Huang Lina , Zhong Mengyin , Gan Qiyao , Liu Yanfang
Published: September 2017

Mapping water quality change is helpful in the study of the water environment of a region. Using visual methods, interpretation of water condition and pollution issues can be intuitive and easy to understand. In this paper, we present a map to represent the spatial and temporal variation of water quality change in the Yangtze River during the period from 2006 to 2015. The calendar view was developed to explore the water quality condition and water pollutants for sections of the Yangtze River. A “W” construction was proposed to arrange the weekly water quality data in a continuous logic, and qualitative colors were designed to identify the change in major pollutants throughout the period. This map provides a promising visual analytical approach to investigate the water quality status and reveal the spatial and temporal patterns of water quality change in the Yangtze River.
Large Magellanic Cloud Near-infrared Synoptic Survey. V. Period–Luminosity Relations of Miras
Authors: Yuan Wenlong , Macri Lucas M. , He Shiyuan , Huang Jianhua Z. , Kanbur Shashi M. , Ngeow Chow-Choong
Published: September 2017

We study the near-infrared properties of 690 Mira candidates in the central region of the Large Magellanic Cloud, based on time-series observations atJHKs. We use densely sampledI-band observations from the OGLE project to generate template light curves in the near-infrared and derive robust mean magnitudes at those wavelengths. We obtain near-infrared Period–Luminosity relations for oxygen-rich Miras with a scatter as low as 0.12 mag atKs. We study the Period–Luminosity–Color relations and the color excesses of carbon-rich Miras, which show evidence for a substantially different reddening law.
CCD Parallaxes for 309 Late-type Dwarfs and Subdwarfs
Authors: Dahn Conard C. , Harris Hugh C. , Subasavage John P. , Ables Harold D. , Canzian Blaise J. , Guetter Harry H. , Harris Fred H. , Henden Arne H. , Leggett S. K. , Levine Stephen E. , Luginbuhl Christian B. , Monet Alice B. , Monet David G. , Munn Jeffrey A. , Pier Jeffrey R. , Stone Ronald C. , Vrba Frederick J. , Walker Richard L. , Tilleman Trudy M.
Published: September 2017

New, updated, and/or revised CCD parallaxes determined with the Strand Astrometric Reflector at the Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station are presented. Included are results for 309 late-type dwarf and subdwarf stars observed over the 30+ years that the program operated. For 124 of the stars, parallax determinations from other investigators have already appeared in the literature and we compare the different results. Also included here are new or updated VI photometry on the Johnson–Kron-Cousins system for all but a few of the faintest targets. Together with 2MASS JHK

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near-infrared photometry, a sample of absolute magnitude versus color and color versus color diagrams are constructed. Because large proper motion was a prime criterion for targeting the stars, the majority turn out to be either M-type subdwarfs or late M-type dwarfs. The sample also includes 50 dwarf or subdwarf L-type stars, and four T dwarfs. Possible halo subdwarfs are identified in the sample based on tangential velocity, subluminosity, and spectral type. Residuals from the solutions for parallax and proper motion for several stars show evidence of astrometric perturbations.
Detection and Characterization of Extrasolar Planets through Mean-motion Resonances. II. The Effect of the Planet’s Orbital Eccentricity on Debris Disk Structures
Authors: Tabeshian Maryam , Wiegert Paul A.
Published: September 2017

Structures observed in debris disks may be caused by gravitational interaction with planetary or stellar companions. These perturbed disks are often thought to indicate the presence of planets and offer insights into the properties of both the disk and the perturbing planets. Gaps in debris disks may indicate a planet physically present within the gap, but such gaps can also occur away from the planet’s orbit at mean-motion resonances (MMRs), and this is the focus of our interest here. We extend our study of planet–disk interaction through MMRs, presented in an earlier paper, to systems in which the perturbing planet has moderate orbital eccentricity, a common occurrence in exoplanetary systems. In particular, a new result is that the 3:1 MMR becomes distinct at higher eccentricity, while its effects are absent for circular planetary orbits. We also only consider gravitational interaction with a planetary body of at least 1 M
J. Our earlier work shows that even a 1 Earth mass planet can theoretically open an MMR gap; however, given the narrow gap that can be opened by a low-mass planet, its observability would be questionable. We find that the widths, locations, and shapes of two prominent structures, the 2:1 and 3:1 MMRs, could be used to determine the mass, semimajor axis, and eccentricity of the planetary perturber and present an algorithm for doing so. These MMR structures can be used to narrow the position and even determine the planetary properties (such as mass) of any inferred but as-yet-unseen planets within a debris disk. We also briefly discuss the implications of eccentric disks on brightness asymmetries and their dependence on the wavelengths with which these disks are observed.