bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunomodulatory Effect of Tremella Polysaccharides against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression in Mice
Authors: Zhou Yalin , Chen Xiaoyong , Yi Ruokun , Li Guijie , Sun Peng , Qian Yu , Zhao Xin
Published: January 2018

Polysaccharides are closely associated with immune regulation, but there are different polysaccharide effects from different sources. In this study, the aim was to investigate the effect of tremella polysaccharides (TP) in cyclophosphamide-induced immunodeficient mice. We observed the thymus and spleen index, liver and spleen pathological changes, and the levels of IL-2, IL-12, INF-γ, TGF-β and Ig G in serum, and we also noted the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-12 and TGF-β in liver and spleen. Besides, we also measured the best effects of different doses of TP (Low-TP was 20 mg/kg·BW, Middle-TP was 40 mg/kg·BW, and High-TP was 80 mg/kg·BW) on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice. The results were remarkable, and suggested that TP had a significant effect for enhancing immunity in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression, and the immune enhancement of High-TP had the best results in TP-treated mice. It could significantly increase the thymus and spleen index, alleviate pathological features of immunosuppression such as the arrangement of liver sinusoid and hepatic plates was disordered, massive inflammatory cells infiltrated and fatty degeneration of hepatocytes in liver, and red pulp and white pulp were intermixed, splenic corpuscles demolished and disappeared, splenic sinusoid extended, and lymphocytes of spleen were reduced in spleen. Besides, it could also up-regulate serum levels of IL-2, IL-12, INF-γ and Ig G, reduce the level of TGF-β in serum, markedly promote mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-4 and IL-12 in liver and spleen, and suppress mRNA expression of TGF-β. Above all, TP showed preventive effect for cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice.
Anti-Tumor and Radiosensitization Effects of N-Butylidenephthalide on Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Su Yi-Ju , Huang Sung-Ying , Ni Yu-Hui , Liao Kuan-Fu , Chiu Sheng-Chun
Published: January 2018

N-Butylidenephthalide (BP), which is extracted from a traditional Chinese medicine, Radix Angelica Sinensis (danggui), displays antitumor activity against various cancer cell lines. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic and radiosensitizing effect of BP and the underlying mechanism of action in human breast cancer cells. BP induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells, which was revealed by the TUNEL assay; the activation of caspase-9 and PARP was detected by western blot. In addition, BP-induced G2/M arrest was examined by flow cytometry and the expression levels of the G2/M regulatory protein were detected by western blot. BP also suppresses the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells, which was tested by wound healing and the matrigel invasion assay; the involvement of EMT-related gene expressions was detected by real-time PCR. Furthermore, BP enhanced the radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells, which was measured by the colony formation assay and comet assay, where the foci of γ-H2AX after radiation significantly increased in BP pretreated cells and was evidenced by immunocytochemistry staining and western blot. The homologous recombination (HR) repair protein Rad51 was down-regulated after BP pretreatment. These results indicate that BP might be a potential chemotherapeutic and radiosensitizing agent for breast cancer therapy.
Multispecies Adulteration Detection of Camellia Oil by Chemical Markers
Authors: Dou Xinjing , Mao Jin , Zhang Liangxiao , Xie Huali , Chen Lin , Yu Li , Ma Fei , Wang Xiupin , Zhang Qi , Li Peiwu
Published: January 2018

Adulteration of edible oils has attracted attention from more researchers and consumers in recent years. Complex multispecies adulteration is a commonly used strategy to mask the traditional adulteration detection methods. Most of the researchers were only concerned about single targeted adulterants, however, it was difficult to identify complex multispecies adulteration or untargeted adulterants. To detect adulteration of edible oil, identification of characteristic markers of adulterants was proposed to be an effective method, which could provide a solution for multispecies adulteration detection. In this study, a simple method of multispecies adulteration detection for camellia oil (adulterated with soybean oil, peanut oil, rapeseed oil) was developed by quantifying chemical markers including four isoflavones, trans-resveratrol and sinapic acid, which used liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) combined with solid phase extraction (SPE). In commercial camellia oil, only two of them were detected of daidzin with the average content of 0.06 ng/g while other markers were absent. The developed method was highly sensitive as the limits of detection (LODs) ranged from 0.02 ng/mL to 0.16 ng/mL and the mean recoveries ranged from 79.7% to 113.5%, indicating that this method was reliable to detect potential characteristic markers in edible oils. Six target compounds for pure camellia oils, soybean oils, peanut oils and rapeseed oils had been analyzed to get the results. The validation results indicated that this simple and rapid method was successfully employed to determine multispecies adulteration of camellia oil adulterated with soybean, peanut and rapeseed oils.
Three-Dimensional Hepatocellular Carcinoma/Fibroblast Model on a Nanofibrous Membrane Mimics Tumor Cell Phenotypic Changes and Anticancer Drug Resistance
Authors: Le Binh , Kang Donggu , Yun Seokhwan , Jeong Young , Kwak Jong-Young , Yoon Sik , Jin Songwan
Published: January 2018

Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro tissue or organ models can effectively mimic the complex microenvironment of many types of human tissues for medical applications. Unfortunately, development of 3D cancer models, which involve cancer/stromal cells in a 3D environment, has remained elusive due to the extreme complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the stepwise progression of human cancer. Here, we developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) models, which consist of fibroblasts as stromal cells, HCC cells, and a nanofibrous membrane to mimic the complex TME. The 3D HCC models were fabricated using three distinct culture methods: cancer cells grown directly on the nanofibrous membrane (mono model), fibroblasts covering the nanofibrous membrane (layer model), and both cancer cells and fibroblasts grown on the nanofibrous membrane (mixed model). Interestingly, the mono model and layer model showed similar tissue structures, whereas the mixed model resulted in phenotypic changes to the cancer cells. Further analysis demonstrated that the mixed models promoted the expression of fibronectin and vimentin, and showed higher resistance to anticancer drugs compared with the other models. Thus, our 3D HCC model could be utilized for testing efficient anticancer therapies at various stages of cancer, with potential application to different tumor types.
The Enhanced Red Emission and Improved Thermal Stability of CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ Phosphors by Using Nano-EuB6 as Raw Material
Authors: Liu Wen-Quan , Wu Dan , Chang Hugejile , Duan Ru-Xia , Wu Wen-Jie , Amu Guleng , Chao Ke-Fu , Bao Fu-Quan , Tegus Ojiyed
Published: January 2018

Synthesizing phosphors with high performance is still a necessary work for phosphor-converted white light-emitting diodes (W-LEDs). In this paper, three series of CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ (denoted as CASN:Eu2+) phosphors using Eu2O3, EuN and EuB6 as raw materials respectively are fabricated by under the alloy precursor normal pressure nitridation synthesis condition. We demonstrate that CASN:Eu2+ using nano-EuB6 as raw material shows higher emission intensity than others, which is ascribed to the increment of Eu2+ ionic content entering into the crystal lattice. An improved thermal stability can also be obtained by using nano-EuB6 due to the structurally stable status, which is assigned to the partial substitution of Eu–O (Eu–N) bonds by more covalent Eu–B ones that leads to a higher structural rigidity. In addition, the W-LEDs lamp was fabricated to explore its possible application in W-LEDs based on blue LEDs. Our results indicate that using EuB6 as raw materials can provide an effective way of enhancing the red emission and improving the thermal stability of the CASN:Eu2+ red phosphor.
Pre-Meal Effect of Whey Proteins on Metabolic Parameters in Subjects with and without Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Crossover Trial
Authors: Bjørnshave Ann , Hermansen Kjeld , Holst Jens Juul
Published: January 2018

Diabetic dyslipidemia with elevated postprandial triglyceride (TG) responses is characteristic in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Diet and meal timing can modify postprandial lipemia (PPL). The impact of a pre-meal of whey proteins (WP) on lipid metabolism is unidentified. We determined whether a WP pre-meal prior to a fat-rich meal influences TG and apolipoprotein B-48 (ApoB-48) responses differentially in patients with and without T2D. Two matched groups of 12 subjects with and without T2D accomplished an acute, randomized, cross-over trial. A pre-meal of WP (20 g) or water (control) was consumed 15 min before a fat-rich meal (supplemented with 20 g WP in case of water pre-meal). Postprandial responses were examined during a 360-min period. A WP pre-meal significantly increased postprandial concentrations of insulin (P < 0.0001), glucagon (P < 0.0001) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) (P < 0.0001) in subjects with and without T2D. We detected no effects of the WP pre-meal on TG, ApoB-48, or non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) responses to the fat-rich meal in either group. Paracetamol absorption i.e., gastric emptying was delayed by the WP pre-meal (P = 0.039). In conclusion, the WP pre-meal induced similar hormone and lipid responses in subjects with and without T2D. Thus, the WP pre-meal enhanced insulin, glucagon and GIP responses but did not influence lipid or glucose responses. In addition, we demonstrated that a WP pre-meal reduced gastric emptying in both groups.
Post-Exercise Carbohydrate-Energy Replacement Attenuates Insulin Sensitivity and Glucose Tolerance the Following Morning in Healthy Adults
Authors: Taylor Harry , Wu Ching-Lin , Chen Yung-Chih , Wang Pin-Ging , Gonzalez Javier , Betts James
Published: January 2018

The carbohydrate deficit induced by exercise is thought to play a key role in increased post-exercise insulin action. However, the effects of replacing carbohydrate utilized during exercise on postprandial glycaemia and insulin sensitivity are yet to be determined. This study therefore isolated the extent to which the insulin-sensitizing effects of exercise are dependent on the carbohydrate deficit induced by exercise, relative to other exercise-mediated mechanisms. Fourteen healthy adults performed a 90-min run at 70% V ˙ O 2 max starting at 1600–1700 h before ingesting either a non-caloric artificially-sweetened placebo solution (CHO-DEFICIT) or a 15% carbohydrate solution (CHO-REPLACE; 221.4 ± 59.3 g maltodextrin) to precisely replace the measured quantity of carbohydrate oxidized during exercise. The alternate treatment was then applied one week later in a randomized, placebo-controlled, and double-blinded crossover design. A standardized low-carbohydrate evening meal was consumed in both trials before overnight recovery ahead of a two-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) the following morning to assess glycemic and insulinemic responses to feeding. Compared to the CHO-DEFICIT condition, CHO-REPLACE increased the incremental area under the plasma glucose curve by a mean difference of 68 mmol·L−1 (95% CI: 4 to 132 mmol·L−1; p = 0.040) and decreased the Matsuda insulin sensitivity index by a mean difference of −2 au (95% CI: −1 to −3 au; p = 0.001). This is the first study to demonstrate that post-exercise feeding to replaceme the carbohydrate expended during exercise can attenuate glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity the following morning. The mechanism through which exercise improves insulin sensitivity is therefore (at least in part) dependent on carbohydrate availability and so the day-to-day metabolic health benefits of exercise might be best attained by maintaining a carbohydrate deficit overnight.
Antifungal Activity of Commercial Essential Oils and Biocides against Candida Albicans
Authors: Serra Elisa , Hidalgo-Bastida Lilia , Verran Joanna , Williams David , Malic Sladjana
Published: January 2018

Management of oral candidosis, most frequently caused by Candida albicans, is limited due to the relatively low number of antifungal drugs and the emergence of antifungal tolerance. In this study, the antifungal activity of a range of commercial essential oils, two terpenes, chlorhexidine and triclosan was evaluated against C. albicans in planktonic and biofilm form. In addition, cytotoxicity of the most promising compounds was assessed using murine fibroblasts and expressed as half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50). Antifungal activity was determined using a broth microdilution assay. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was established against planktonic cells cultured in a range of concentrations of the test agents. The minimal biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) was determined by measuring re-growth of cells after pre-formed biofilm was treated for 24 h with the test agents. All tested commercial essential oils demonstrated anticandidal activity (MICs from 0.06% (v/v) to 0.4% (v/v)) against planktonic cultures, with a noticeable increase in resistance exhibited by biofilms (MBECs > 1.5% (v/v)). The IC50s of the commercial essential oils were lower than the MICs, while a one hour application of chlorhexidine was not cytotoxic at concentrations lower than the MIC. In conclusion, the tested commercial essential oils exhibit potential as therapeutic agents against C. albicans, although host cell cytotoxicity is a consideration when developing these new treatments.
Pharmaceutical Cocrystals: New Solid Phase Modification Approaches for the Formulation of APIs
Authors: Karagianni Anna , Malamatari Maria , Kachrimanis Kyriakos
Published: January 2018

Cocrystals can be used as an alternative approach based on crystal engineering to enhance specific physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) when the approaches to salt or polymorph formation do not meet the expected targets. In this article, an overview of pharmaceutical cocrystals will be presented, with an emphasis on the intermolecular interactions in cocrystals and the methods for their preparation. Furthermore, cocrystals of direct pharmaceutical interest, along with their in vitro properties and available in vivo data and characterization techniques are discussed, highlighting the potential of cocrystals as an attractive route for drug development.
Establishing a Pharmacy-Based Patient Registry System: A Pilot Study for Evaluating Pharmacist Intervention for Patients with Long-Term Medication Use
Authors: Akazawa Manabu , Mikami Akiko , Tamura Yuri , Yanagi Natsuyo , Yamamura Shinichi , Ogata Hiroyasu
Published: January 2018

Background: In Japan, an increasing number of patients are prescribed a large amount of long-term medications by large hospitals that are then dispensed by a community pharmacy. This practice often leads to considerable wastage of medicine. As part of their professional role, community pharmacists are expected to contribute more to the appropriate use of medication by patients. Using a prospective cohort, we aimed to evaluate pharmacists’ role in the community. Methods: We created a patient registry system for community pharmacies to monitor long-term medication use by patients with chronic conditions. Patient drug adherence and potential problems were monitored through regular home visits or telephone calls by the pharmacist at least once a month between patient hospital visits. Patient data were collected and stored in an internet-based system. Results: Over a one-year follow-up, 28 out of 37 registered patients from 14 community pharmacies were continuously monitored. In total, we extracted 19 problems relating to medication use, 17 to physical complaints, eight to patient concerns, and two others. Conclusion: The registry system was useful for identifying medication-related problems as well as patient concerns and changes in their condition. Pharmacists might play a key role in improving patient care in the community.
Adsorption of Anionic Polyacrylamide onto Coal and Kaolinite Calculated from the Extended DLVO Theory Using the van Oss-Chaudhury-Good Theory
Authors: Zou Wenjie , Zhao Jinglin , Sun Chunbao
Published: January 2018

The dispersion behavior of particles is of great significance in selective flocculation flotation. The interfacial interaction between coal and the main impurity mineral (kaolinite) particles with the effect of an anionic polyacrylamide (PAM A401) was explored by the extended Derjagin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) theory. The involved surface free energy components of fine mineral particles were estimated using the van Oss-Chaudhury-Good theory and Washburn equation. After adsorption of PAM A401, the range and absolute value of the hydrophobic interaction VHA of the coal particles decreased, the electrostatic repulsive potential increased, and the total potential energy changed from −1.66 × 105 to −4.03 × 104 kT at the separation distance of 5 nm. For interactions between the kaolinite and coal particles after PAM A401 adsorption, the electrostatic repulsive potential increased and the hydrophilic repulsive potential energy decreased. The energy barrier at the separation distance of 0.2 nm decreased from 2.78 × 104 to 2.29 × 104 kT. The total potential energy between the kaolinite and coal particles after PAM A401 adsorption was still repulsive, and the range of the repulsive interaction increased from ~0.05 to 47 nm to ~0.05 to 50 nm. The total potential energy of the coal particles after PAM A401 adsorption was still attractive. This behavior of coal and kaolinite particles with the effect of PAM A401 indicates the possibility of enhanced fine coal separation by the method of selective flocculation flotation.
Multi-Faith Spaces Uncover Secular Premises Behind the Multi-Faith Paradigm
Authors: Bobrowicz Ryszard
Published: January 2018

Multi-Faith Spaces (MFSs) are a relatively recent invention that has quickly gained in significance. On the one hand, they offer a convenient solution for satisfying the needs of people with diverse beliefs in the institutional context of hospitals, schools, airports, etc. On the other hand, MFSs are politically significant because they represent the cornerstone of the public religion in Europe today, that is, multi-faith paradigm. Due to their ideological entanglement, MFSs are often used as the means to promote either a more privatised version of religion, or a certain denominational preference. Two distinct designs are used to achieve these means: negative in the case of the former, and positive in the latter. Neither is without problems, and neither adequately fulfils its primary purpose of serving diverse groups of believers. Both, however, seem to follow the biases and main problems of secularism. In this paper, I analyse recent developments of MFSs to detail their main problems and answer the following question: can MFSs, and the underlying Multi-Faith Paradigm, be classified as a continuation of secularism?
High-Chlorophyll-Area Assessment Based on Remote Sensing Observations: The Case Study of Cape Trafalgar
Authors: Sala Iria , Navarro Gabriel , Bolado-Penagos Marina , Echevarría Fidel , García Carlos
Published: January 2018

Cape Trafalgar has been highlighted as a hotspot of high chlorophyll concentrations, as well as a source of biomass for the Alborán Sea. It is located in an unique geographical framework between the Gulf of Cádiz (GoC), which is dominated by long-term seasonal variability, and the Strait of Gibraltar, which is mainly governed by short-term tidal variability. Furthermore, here bathymetry plays an important role in the upwelling of nutrient-rich waters. In order to study the spatial and temporal variability of chlorophyll-a in this region, 10 years of ocean colour observations using the MEdium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) were analysed through different approaches. An empirical orthogonal function decomposition distinguished two coastal zones with opposing phases that were analysed by wavelet methods in order to identify their temporal variability. In addition, to better understand the physical–biological interaction in these zones, the co-variation between chlorophyll-a and different environmental variables (wind, river discharge, and tidal current) was analysed. Zone 1, located on the GoC continental shelf, was characterised by a seasonal variability weakened by the influence of other environmental variables. Meanwhile, Zone 2, which represented the dynamics in Cape Trafalgar but did not show any clear pattern of variability, was strongly correlated with tidal current whose variability was probably determined by other drivers.
Terrestrial CDOM in Lakes of Yamal Peninsula: Connection to Lake and Lake Catchment Properties
Authors: Dvornikov Yury , Leibman Marina , Heim Birgit , Bartsch Annett , Herzschuh Ulrike , Skorospekhova Tatiana , Fedorova Irina , Khomutov Artem , Widhalm Barbara , Gubarkov Anatoly , Rößler Sebastian
Published: January 2018

In this study, we analyze interactions in lake and lake catchment systems of a continuous permafrost area. We assessed colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) absorption at 440 nm (a(440)CDOM) and absorption slope (S300–500) in lakes using field sampling and optical remote sensing data for an area of 350 km2 in Central Yamal, Siberia. Applying a CDOM algorithm (ratio of green and red band reflectance) for two high spatial resolution multispectral GeoEye-1 and Worldview-2 satellite images, we were able to extrapolate the a(λ)CDOM data from 18 lakes sampled in the field to 356 lakes in the study area (model R2 = 0.79). Values of a(440)CDOM in 356 lakes varied from 0.48 to 8.35 m−1 with a median of 1.43 m−1. This a(λ)CDOM dataset was used to relate lake CDOM to 17 lake and lake catchment parameters derived from optical and radar remote sensing data and from digital elevation model analysis in order to establish the parameters controlling CDOM in lakes on the Yamal Peninsula. Regression tree model and boosted regression tree analysis showed that the activity of cryogenic processes (thermocirques) in the lake shores and lake water level were the two most important controls, explaining 48.4% and 28.4% of lake CDOM, respectively (R2 = 0.61). Activation of thermocirques led to a large input of terrestrial organic matter and sediments from catchments and thawed permafrost to lakes (n = 15, mean a(440)CDOM = 5.3 m−1). Large lakes on the floodplain with a connection to Mordy-Yakha River received more CDOM (n = 7, mean a(440)CDOM = 3.8 m−1) compared to lakes located on higher terraces.
The Impacts of the Ionospheric Observable and Mathematical Model on the Global Ionosphere Model
Authors: Nie Wenfeng , Xu Tianhe , Rovira-Garcia Adrià , Zornoza José , Subirana Jaume , González-Casado Guillermo , Chen Wu , Xu Guochang
Published: January 2018

A high-accuracy Global Ionosphere Model (GIM) is significant for precise positioning and navigating with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), as well as space weather applications. To obtain a precise GIM, it is critical to take both the ionospheric observable and mathematical model into consideration. In this contribution, the undifferenced ambiguity-fixed carrier-phase ionospheric observable is first determined from a global distribution of permanent receivers. Accuracy assessment with a co-located station experiment shows that the observational errors affecting the ambiguity-fixed carrier-phase ionospheric observables range from 0.10 to 0.35 Total Electron Content Units (TECUs, where 1 TECU = 10 16 e − / m 2 and corresponds to 0.162 m on the Global Positioning System, GPS L1 frequency), indicating that the ambiguity-fixed carrier-phase ionospheric observable is over one order of magnitude more accurate than the carrier-phase leveled-code one (from 1.21 to 3.77 TECUs). Second, to better model the structure of the ionosphere, a two-layer GIM has been built based on the above carrier-phase observable. Preliminary global accuracy evaluation demonstrates that the accuracy of the two-layer GIM is below 1 TECU and about 2 TECUs during low and high solar activity periods. Third, the single-frequency point positioning experiment is adopted to test the ionosphere mitigation effects of the GIMs. Positioning results demonstrate that the single-frequency positioning accuracy can be improved by more than 30% using the undifferenced ambiguity-fixed ionospheric observable-derived two-layer GIM, compared with that using the carrier-phase leveled-code ionospheric observable-based single-layer GIM.
Retrieval of Effective Correlation Length and Snow Water Equivalent from Radar and Passive Microwave Measurements
Authors: Lemmetyinen Juha , Derksen Chris , Rott Helmut , Macelloni Giovanni , King Josh , Schneebeli Martin , Wiesmann Andreas , Leppänen Leena , Kontu Anna , Pulliainen Jouni
Published: January 2018

Current methods for retrieving SWE (snow water equivalent) from space rely on passive microwave sensors. Observations are limited by poor spatial resolution, ambiguities related to separation of snow microstructural properties from the total snow mass, and signal saturation when snow is deep (~>80 cm). The use of SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) at suitable frequencies has been suggested as a potential observation method to overcome the coarse resolution of passive microwave sensors. Nevertheless, suitable sensors operating from space are, up to now, unavailable. Active microwave retrievals suffer, however, from the same difficulties as the passive case in separating impacts of scattering efficiency from those of snow mass. In this study, we explore the potential of applying active (radar) and passive (radiometer) microwave observations in tandem, by using a dataset of co-incident tower-based active and passive microwave observations and detailed in situ data from a test site in Northern Finland. The dataset spans four winter seasons with daily coverage. In order to quantify the temporal variability of snow microstructure, we derive an effective correlation length for the snowpack (treated as a single layer), which matches the simulated microwave response of a semi-empirical radiative transfer model to observations. This effective parameter is derived from radiometer and radar observations at different frequencies and frequency combinations (10.2, 13.3 and 16.7 GHz for radar; 10.65, 18.7 and 37 GHz for radiometer). Under dry snow conditions, correlations are found between the effective correlation length retrieved from active and passive measurements. Consequently, the derived effective correlation length from passive microwave observations is applied to parameterize the retrieval of SWE using radar, improving retrieval skill compared to a case with no prior knowledge of snow-scattering efficiency. The same concept can be applied to future radar satellite mission concepts focused on retrieving SWE, exploiting existing methods for retrieval of snow microstructural parameters, as employed within the ESA (European Space Agency) GlobSnow SWE product. Using radar alone, a seasonally optimized value of effective correlation length to parameterize retrievals of SWE was sufficient to provide an accuracy of <25 mm (unbiased) Root-Mean Square Error using certain frequency combinations. A temporally dynamic value, derived from e.g., physical snow models, is necessary to further improve retrieval skill, in particular for snow regimes with larger temporal variability in snow microstructure and a more pronounced layered structure.
SPI-Based Analyses of Drought Changes over the Past 60 Years in China’s Major Crop-Growing Areas
Authors: Xia Lang , Zhao Fen , Mao Kebiao , Yuan Zijin , Zuo Zhiyuan , Xu Tongren
Published: January 2018

This study analyzes the changes in drought patterns in China’s major crop-growing areas over the past 60 years. The analysis was done using both weather station data and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI) rainfall data to calculate the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). The results showed that the occurrences of extreme drought were the most serious in recent years in the Southwest China and Sichuan crop-growing areas. The Yangtze River (MLRY) and South China crop-growing areas experienced extreme droughts during 1960–1980, whereas the Northeast China and Huang–Huai–Hai crop-growing areas experienced extreme droughts around 2003. The analysis showed that the SPIs calculated by TRMM data at time scales of one, three, and six months were reliable for monitoring drought in the study regions, but for 12 months, the SPIs calculated by gauge and TRMM data showed less consistency. The analysis of the spatial distribution of droughts over the past 15 years using TMI rainfall data revealed that more than 60% of the area experienced extreme drought in 2011 over the MLRY region and in 1998 over the Huang–Huai–Hai region. The frequency of different intensity droughts presented significant spatial heterogeneity in each crop-growing region.
Improving Accuracy Estimation of Forest Aboveground Biomass Based on Incorporation of ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 and Sentinel-2A Imagery and Machine Learning: A Case Study of the Hyrcanian Forest Area (Iran)
Authors: Vafaei Sasan , Soosani Javad , Adeli Kamran , Fadaei Hadi , Naghavi Hamed , Pham Tien , Tien Bui Dieu
Published: January 2018

The main objective of this research is to investigate the potential combination of Sentinel-2A and ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 (Advanced Land Observing Satellite -2 Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar-2) imagery for improving the accuracy of the Aboveground Biomass (AGB) measurement. According to the current literature, this kind of investigation has rarely been conducted. The Hyrcanian forest area (Iran) is selected as the case study. For this purpose, a total of 149 sample plots for the study area were documented through fieldwork. Using the imagery, three datasets were generated including the Sentinel-2A dataset, the ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 dataset, and the combination of the Sentinel-2A dataset and the ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 dataset (Sentinel-ALOS). Because the accuracy of the AGB estimation is dependent on the method used, in this research, four machine learning techniques were selected and compared, namely Random Forests (RF), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Networks (MPL Neural Nets), and Gaussian Processes (GP). The performance of these AGB models was assessed using the coefficient of determination (R2), the root-mean-square error (RMSE), and the mean absolute error (MAE). The results showed that the AGB models derived from the combination of the Sentinel-2A and the ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 data had the highest accuracy, followed by models using the Sentinel-2A dataset and the ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 dataset. Among the four machine learning models, the SVR model (R2 = 0.73, RMSE = 38.68, and MAE = 32.28) had the highest prediction accuracy, followed by the GP model (R2 = 0.69, RMSE = 40.11, and MAE = 33.69), the RF model (R2 = 0.62, RMSE = 43.13, and MAE = 35.83), and the MPL Neural Nets model (R2 = 0.44, RMSE = 64.33, and MAE = 53.74). Overall, the Sentinel-2A imagery provides a reasonable result while the ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 imagery provides a poor result of the forest AGB estimation. The combination of the Sentinel-2A imagery and the ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 imagery improved the estimation accuracy of AGB compared to that of the Sentinel-2A imagery only.
Monitoring of Bridges by a Laser Pointer: Dynamic Measurement of Support Rotations and Elastic Line Displacements: Methodology and First Test
Authors: Artese Serena , Achilli Vladimiro , Zinno Raffaele
Published: January 2018

Deck inclination and vertical displacements are among the most important technical parameters to evaluate the health status of a bridge and to verify its bearing capacity. Several methods, both conventional and innovative, are used for structural rotations and displacement monitoring; however, none of these allow, at the same time, precision, automation, static and dynamic monitoring without using high cost instrumentation. The proposed system uses a common laser pointer and image processing. The elastic line inclination is measured by analyzing the single frames of an HD video of the laser beam imprint projected on a flat target. For the image processing, a code was developed in Matlab® that provides instantaneous rotation and displacement of a bridge, charged by a mobile load. An important feature is the synchronization of the load positioning, obtained by a GNSS receiver or by a video. After the calibration procedures, a test was carried out during the movements of a heavy truck maneuvering on a bridge. Data acquisition synchronization allowed us to relate the position of the truck on the deck to inclination and displacements. The inclination of the elastic line at the support was obtained with a precision of 0.01 mrad. The results demonstrate the suitability of the method for dynamic load tests, and the control and monitoring of bridges.
Low Power Operation of Temperature-Modulated Metal Oxide Semiconductor Gas Sensors
Authors: Burgués Javier , Marco Santiago
Published: January 2018

Mobile applications based on gas sensing present new opportunities for low-cost air quality monitoring, safety, and healthcare. Metal oxide semiconductor (MOX) gas sensors represent the most prominent technology for integration into portable devices, such as smartphones and wearables. Traditionally, MOX sensors have been continuously powered to increase the stability of the sensing layer. However, continuous power is not feasible in many battery-operated applications due to power consumption limitations or the intended intermittent device operation. This work benchmarks two low-power, duty-cycling, and on-demand modes against the continuous power one. The duty-cycling mode periodically turns the sensors on and off and represents a trade-off between power consumption and stability. On-demand operation achieves the lowest power consumption by powering the sensors only while taking a measurement. Twelve thermally modulated SB-500-12 (FIS Inc. Jacksonville, FL, USA) sensors were exposed to low concentrations of carbon monoxide (0–9 ppm) with environmental conditions, such as ambient humidity (15–75% relative humidity) and temperature (21–27 °C), varying within the indicated ranges. Partial Least Squares (PLS) models were built using calibration data, and the prediction error in external validation samples was evaluated during the two weeks following calibration. We found that on-demand operation produced a deformation of the sensor conductance patterns, which led to an increase in the prediction error by almost a factor of 5 as compared to continuous operation (2.2 versus 0.45 ppm). Applying a 10% duty-cycling operation of 10-min periods reduced this prediction error to a factor of 2 (0.9 versus 0.45 ppm). The proposed duty-cycling powering scheme saved up to 90% energy as compared to the continuous operating mode. This low-power mode may be advantageous for applications that do not require continuous and periodic measurements, and which can tolerate slightly higher prediction errors.
A Novel Loss Recovery and Tracking Scheme for Maneuvering Target in Hybrid WSNs
Authors: Qian Hanwang , Fu Pengcheng , Li Baoqing , Liu Jianpo , Yuan Xiaobing
Published: January 2018

Tracking a mobile target, which aims to timely monitor the invasion of specific target, is one of the most prominent applications in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Traditional tracking methods in WSNs only based on static sensor nodes (SNs) have several critical problems. For example, to void the loss of mobile target, many SNs must be active to track the target in all possible directions, resulting in excessive energy consumption. Additionally, when entering coverage holes in the monitoring area, the mobile target may be missing and then its state is unknown during this period. To tackle these problems, in this paper, a few mobile sensor nodes (MNs) are introduced to cooperate with SNs to form a hybrid WSN due to their stronger abilities and less constrained energy. Then, we propose a valid target tracking scheme for hybrid WSNs to dynamically schedule the MNs and SNs. Moreover, a novel loss recovery mechanism is proposed to find the lost target and recover the tracking with fewer SNs awakened. Furthermore, to improve the robustness and accuracy of the recovery mechanism, an adaptive unscented Kalman filter (AUKF) algorithm is raised to dynamically adjust the process noise covariance. Simulation results demonstrate that our tracking scheme for maneuvering target in hybrid WSNs can not only track the target effectively even if the target is lost but also maintain an excellent accuracy and robustness with fewer activated nodes.
Three-Dimensional Blood Vessel Model with Temperature-Indicating Function for Evaluation of Thermal Damage during Surgery
Authors: Hayakawa Takeshi , Maruyama Hisataka , Watanabe Takafumi , Arai Fumihito
Published: January 2018

Surgical simulators have recently attracted attention because they enable the evaluation of the surgical skills of medical doctors and the performance of medical devices. However, thermal damage to the human body during surgery is difficult to evaluate using conventional surgical simulators. In this study, we propose a functional surgical model with a temperature-indicating function for the evaluation of thermal damage during surgery. The simulator is made of a composite material of polydimethylsiloxane and a thermochromic dye, which produces an irreversible color change as the temperature increases. Using this material, we fabricated a three-dimensional blood vessel model using the lost-wax process. We succeeded in fabricating a renal vessel model for simulation of catheter ablation. Increases in the temperature of the materials can be measured by image analysis of their color change. The maximum measurement error of the temperature was approximately −1.6 °C/+2.4 °C within the range of 60 °C to 100 °C.
A Decision-Making and Governance Framework for the Renewal of Tourism Destinations: The Case of the Canary Islands
Authors: Rodríguez-Díaz Manuel , Rodríguez-Díaz Rosa
Published: January 2018

Tourism destinations in advanced stages of the life cycle need to update their lodging offers and infrastructures. The main problem is that new destinations are planned according to the new preferences of customers, creating critical problems in older destinations related to the architecture of the buildings, size of the rooms, dimension of lodgings, complementary offer, and infrastructures. The aim of this paper is to develop a decision-making and governance framework for the renewal of destinations in an advanced stage of the life cycle that require the renovation of the lodging offer and infrastructures in order to increase their competitiveness and sustainability. The decisions were planned and carried out in the Canary Islands by stakeholders involved in the public and private sectors. The evaluation of actions to renew the lodgings and infrastructures through special legislation, leadership, sources of financing, and investment guarantees is presented to determine the level of success obtained. Because the Canary Islands is one of the main tourist destinations in Europe, the actions and procedures presented can be used in other destinations with similar characteristics.
Evaluation of Trace Elements in Augmentation of Statin-Induced Cytotoxicity in Uremic Serum-Exposed Human Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells
Authors: Uchiyama Hitoshi , Tsujimoto Masayuki , Shimada Naomi , Tsutsui Koji , Nitta Ayaka , Yoshida Takuya , Furukubo Taku , Izumi Satoshi , Yamakawa Tomoyuki , Tachiki Hidehisa , Minegaki Tetsuya , Nishiguchi Kohshi
Published: January 2018

Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are at higher risk for rhabdomyolysis induced by statin than patients with normal kidney function. Previously, we showed that this increase in the severity of statin-induced rhabdomyolysis was partly due to uremic toxins. However, changes in the quantity of various trace elements in ESKD patients likely contribute as well. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of trace elements on statin-induced toxicity in rhabdomyosarcoma cells exposed to uremic serum (US cells) for a long time. Cell viability, apoptosis, mRNA expression, and intracellular trace elements were assessed by viability assays, flow cytometry, real-time RT-PCR, and ICP-MS, respectively. US cells exhibited greater simvastatin-induced cytotoxicity than cells long-time exposed with normal serum (NS cells) (non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals). Intracellular levels of Mg, Mn, Cu, and Zn were significantly less in US cells compared to that in NS cells (p < 0.05 or 0.01). Pre-treatment with TPEN increased simvastatin-induced cytotoxicity and eliminated the distinction between both cells of simvastatin-induced cytotoxicity. These results suggest that Zn deficiencies may be involved in the increased risk for muscle complaints in ESKD patients. In conclusion, the increased severity of statin-induced rhabdomyolysis in ESKD patients may be partly due to trace elements deficiencies.
Quantification of Groundwater Discharge in a Subalpine Stream Using Radon-222
Authors: Avery Elizabeth , Bibby Richard , Visser Ate , Esser Bradley , Moran Jean
Published: January 2018

During the dry months of the water year in Mediterranean climates, groundwater influx is essential to perennial streams for sustaining ecosystem health and regulating water temperature. Predicted earlier peak flow due to climate change may result in decreased baseflow and the transformation of perennial streams to intermittent streams. In this study, naturally occurring radon-222 (222Rn) was used as a tracer of groundwater influx to Martis Creek, a subalpine stream near Lake Tahoe, CA. Groundwater 222Rn is estimated based on measurements of 222Rn activity in nearby deep wells and springs. To determine the degassing constant (needed for quantification of water and gas flux), an extrinsic tracer, xenon (Xe), was introduced to the stream and monitored at eight downstream locations. The degassing constant for 222Rn is based on the degassing constant for Xe, and was determined to be 1.9–9.0 m/day. Applying a simple model in which stream 222Rn activity is a balance between the main 222Rn source (groundwater) and sink (volatilization), the influx in reaches of the upstream portion of Martis Creek was calculated to be <1 to 15 m3/day/m, which cumulatively constitutes a significant portion of the stream discharge. Experiments constraining 222Rn emanation from hyporheic zone sediments suggest that this should be considered a maximum rate of influx. Groundwater influx is typically difficult to identify and quantify, and the method employed here is useful for identifying locations for focused stream flow measurements, for formulating a water budget, and for quantifying streamwater–groundwater interaction.
Le sentiment d'appartenance au Grand Genève demeure problématique. Analyse des articles de presse et des discours politiques (2005-2017)
Authors: Tesnier Grégory
Published: January 2018

Creating a strong feeling of identification within the transborder agglomeration "Grand Genève" seems very difficult. Since 2005, for the population, the collaboration between the canton of Geneva, the canton de Vaud and French departments of Haute-Savoie and Ain has remained an initiative which appears disconnected from any emotional attachment. Political, institutional and media discourses analysis describes a symptom of this situation.
Géographicité du CERN et de Dinoplagne : le Grand Genève, interface dimensionnelle
Authors: Bing Jean-Baptiste
Published: January 2018

Comment la géographie, science humaine, peut-elle appréhender des phénomènes (quantiques, géologiques...) incommensurables à l'échelle spatiotemporelle de la vie quotidienne et/ ou de l'histoire humaine ? Observer le CERN et Dinoplagne ouvre quelques pistes : mettant en scène, via l'art, la littérature et la vulgarisation, ces dimensions nouvelles, ces lieux contribuent en effet à leur donner sens et concrétude. Géographicisante, la vulgarisation scientifique peut alors servir le projet de métropole grand-genevoise.
Comparison of Rotation Force to Maintain Acetabular Ventroversion after Double Pelvic Osteotomy and 2.5 Pelvic Osteotomy in a Canine Cadaveric Model
Authors: Petazzoni Massimo , Carli Fabio , Kowaleski Micheal , Tamburro Roberto
Published: January 2018

Objective The aim of this article was to compare the force required to maintain the acetabular ventroversion after double pelvic osteotomy (DPO) and modified triple pelvic osteotomy (2.5PO).

Methods Unilateral DPO (group A) and unilateral modified DPO (group B = 2.5PO) were performed on cadaveric canine pelves (n = 10/group). The twisting moment required to maintain fragment position for DPO and 2.5DPO was compared.

Results Mean twisting moment for the DPO group [5.92 N/m ± 2.59 (range, 2.61–12.17 N/m)] and the 2.5PO group [2.11 N/m ± 0.93 (range, 0.63 -3.85 N/m)] was significantly different (p < 0.01).

Conclusion Dorsal cortex osteotomy of the ischium decreases the acetabular segment rotation force. Decreased force may facilitate acetabular rotation during DPO procedure.
Comparison of Radiographic Measurements of the Femur in Yorkshire Terriers with and without Medial Patellar Luxation
Authors: Hluchý Marián , Takáč Ladislav , Ledecký Valent , Žilinčík Michal
Published: January 2018

Objective This article aimed to compare measurements of anatomical angles of the femurs, based on radiography, in Yorkshire Terriers without or with various grades of medial patellar luxation (MPL) based on radiography.

Methods The skeletally mature Yorkshire Terrier dogs without MPL and with various grades of MPL were included in this prospective study. Cases with other orthopaedic disorders were excluded. For inclusion of the dog, it was required that standardized digital radiographs of both femurs in craniocaudal and axial directions were available. Measurements of the anatomical lateral proximal femoral angle, anatomical lateral distal femoral angle, femoral varus angle, anteversion angle and femoral inclination angle were performed.

Results Forty-two Yorkshire Terriers (84 hindlimbs) were included in the study. They were divided into five groups according to grade of MPL as healthy (n = 12), grade I (n = 9), grade II (n = 44), grade III (n = 10) and grade IV (n = 9) dogs. The anatomical lateral proximal femoral angle and anteversion angle were significantly lower in dogs with grade IV MPL, while anatomical lateral distal femoral angle and femoral varus angle were significantly higher. The femoral inclination angle values did not differ significantly.

Clinical Significance Yorkshire Terriers affected with grade IV MPL had severe femoral deformities or femoral varus and external rotation of the distal femur. Reference range can be used as an aid in diagnosis, determining indications and surgical planning for corrective osteotomy.
5-Aminopyrazole as precursor in design and synthesis of fused pyrazoloazines
Authors: Aggarwal Ranjana , Kumar Suresh
Published: January 2018

The condensation of 5-aminopyrazole with various bielectrophilic moieties results in the formation of pyrazoloazines, an interesting array of fused heterocyclic systems. The development of new synthetic routes towards pyrazoloazines for their biological and medicinal exploration is an attractive area for researchers throughout the world. The present review focuses on various synthetic methods developed in the last decade for the synthesis of differently substituted pyrazoloazines by a broad range of organic reactions by means of 5-aminopyrazole as a precursor.