bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plan for Profit: An Analysis of the Live Export Trade
Authors: Morfuni Laura
Published: April 2016

The current regime for the export of live animals from Australia is in drastic need of reform. Recent media exposés have brought the brutal nature of the live export trade to light. This trade should be abolished. Thus far, legislative attempts to do so have not succeeded. The current legal regime fails to protect the welfare of animals throughout the live export chain. This article examines the protection of animal welfare in the current regulatory system and highlights its deficiencies. It also makes some proposals for reform. For as long as the trade continues, reform is needed to ensure that animal suffering is minimised.
The Universal Declaration of Animal Welfare
Authors: Gibson Miah
Published: April 2016

Animal law is gaining momentum in Australia and internationally. Initiatives such as the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW) attempt to secure international legal recognition for the principles of animal welfare. The extent to which they do so, however, is a matter of debate, and the subject of this article. Part II of this article outlines the development of the UDAW and current support for it. Part III compares the UDAW to other animal rights/welfare declarations. Part IV describes the animal welfare legislative and policy framework in Australia, and critically examines the impact that the UDAW would have in Australia.
The Economics of Suicide
Authors: Valery Damian , Miranda Praveen , Pande Hrishikesh
Published: April 2016

On April 8th 1994 Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of Nirvana, was found dead in his Seattle home of an apparent shotgun wound to the head and with three times the lethal amount of heroin in his system. A note lay at the scene. The verdict was suicide. Others are sceptical.’ (from www.deathofkurtcobain.com) In the pall of gloom surrounding Michael Jackson’s recent death when we read this extract from a site dedicated to Kurt Cobain, a number of questions struck us as being interesting. Why do famous celebrities commit suicide? Could the reasons be monetary, social or some other phenomenon? Why would such renowned personalities give up an apparent life of luxury? In furthering our understanding of these issues it strikes us as pertinent to ask whether we can ever view suicide from the perspective of an economist. Can we assess human behaviour pertaining to suicide using the ration al science of economics or are we treading on unknown territory in psychiatry instead? Consider a quote by the famous economist Gary Becker from his book The Economic Approach to Human Behaviour’
The elasticity of tobacco demand in Australia
Authors: Joe Caroline Kartika , Wei Chuanling , Li Mengtian , Dai Qingbo
Published: April 2016

This paper examines the elasticity of demand of tobacco products in Australia from 2000 to 2011. The hypothesis is that the demand for cigarettes is inelastic. The alternate hypothesis is that the demand for cigarettes is elastic. The hypothesis implies that increasing tobacco tax decreases government tax revenue, while the opposite is true for a decrease in tobacco tax. This paper obtains data mainly from Australian Bureau of Statistics and Cancer Council Victoria. We find an increase in the excise rate and government revenue from tobacco products, therefore implying that the demand of tobacco products in Australia is inelastic. We find further support of this finding by examining factors such as the age and income structure of the population.
Demulsifier in Injected Water for Improved Recovery of Crudes That Form Water/Oil Emulsions
Authors: Sun M.. , Mogensen K.. , Bennetzen M.. , Firoozabadi A..
Published: April 2016

Waterflooding for oil displacement becomes a challenge when water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion forms upon contact of injected water with oil in the porous media. We have recently reported very-high pressure drops and high pressure fluctuations for a number of crudes in waterflooding. In this work, we address the challenge by adding a small amount of a demulsifier in the injected water. The stability of W/O emulsion is affected by many factors, including oil chemistry, brine chemistry, and temperature. We find that the W/O emulsion formation may correlate closely to the low total acid number (TAN). In this work, we report the effectiveness of a demulsifier in significant reduction of pressure drop and elimination of pressure-drop fluctuations. The demulsifier can be dispersed in brine or water, and can be carried by injection fluid as an additive for improved oil recovery. Both micromodel observations and coreflooding results show that W/O-emulsion formation is avoided when 100 ppm demulsifier is injected in the carrier brine. Results also show that there is an increase in oil recovery.
Historic record of pasture soil water and the influence of the North Atlantic Oscillation in south-west England
Authors: Shepherd Anita , Atuhaire Wellen , Wu Lianhai , Hogan David , Dunn Robert , Cardenas Laura
Published: April 2016

The North Wyke Farm Platform for sustainable grassland research in south-west England contains infrastructure measuring soil moisture and field runoff. Its time series of sensor data is used to validate the parsimonious SH2O-NW model for soil water at field-scale. Thirty-four years of daily soil moisture and runoff is simulated, and used to detect long-term trends and produce a risk analysis. The model accounts for wetter periods of soil moisture and the main summer soil deficit and autumn re-wetting; limitations involve short-term, rapid changes in drying and re-wetting. The soil moisture sensor observations however do not reflect field variability. Analysis of more than one field allows an assessment of unexpected sensor anomalies. The paper recommends that soil moisture sensor confidence levels be provided, for comparison against modelled data. The simulations show a historic reduction in the occurrence of summer soil moisture deficits above a third of water capacity, while the winter precipitation and runoff simulation shows a stable long-term trend, matching the direction and magnitude of the North Atlantic Oscillation Index. A large runoff of 400 m3/day from a 1.75 ha pasture has a 0.07% probability, having a return period of once in 4 years during the 34-year period.
Development of an Ad5H3 Chimera Using the “Antigen Capsid-Incorporation” Strategy for an Alternative Vaccination Approach
Authors: Gu Linlin , Icyuz Mert , Krendelchtchikova Valentina , Krendelchtchikov Alexandre , Johnston Alison E. , Matthews Qiana L.
Published: April 2016

Background:

Adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) achieved success as a conventional transgene vaccine vector in preclinical trials, however; achieved poor efficiency in some of the clinical trials, due to the major hurdle associated with Ad5 pre-existing immunity (PEI) in the majority of the human population.

Objective:

We sought to generate Ad5-based chimeras to assess their capabilities to bypass this bottleneck and to induce antigen-specific humoral immune response.

Methods:

A His6tag was incorporated into the hypervariable region 2 (HVR2) of hexon3 (H3) capsid protein using the “Antigen Capsid-Incorporation” strategy. This lead to the construction of a viral chimera, Ad5H3-HVR2-His. Ad5H3 was generated previously by substituting the hexon of Ad5 (hexon5) with the hexon from adenovirus type 3 (Ad3).

Results:

His6was presented on the viral capsid surface and recognized by a His6antibody. Anin vitroneutralization assay with Ad5 sera indicated the ability of Ad5 chimeras to partially escape Ad5 immunity. Immunization with Ad5H3-HVR2-His generated significant humoral response to the incorporated tagged peptide, when compared to the immunizations with controls.

Conclusion:

Based on ourin vitrostudies the data suggested that Ad5H3 as a novel chimeric vaccine platform yields the possibility to escape Ad5 neutralization, and the potential to generate robust humoral immunity against incorporated antigens using the “Antigen Capsid-Incorporation” strategy.
Effect of Worm Predation on Changes in Waste Activated Sludge Properties
Authors: Zhu Xuefeng , Yuan Wenyi , Wang Zhiwei , Zhou Mingyuan , Guan Jie
Published: April 2016

This study explored the effects of worm predation on changes in waste activated sludge properties. Results showed that the rate by which worm predation reduced mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) was approximately 23.7% ± 3.1%. Particle size distribution and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) analyses indicated that the reduction of fine particles and EPS content in sludge predated by worms mainly increased dewaterability and reduced the ratio of MLVSS/mixed liquor suspended solids. Moreover, both mean particle size and protein/carbohydrate ratio increased. The results of three‐dimensional excitation–emission matrix and gel filtration chromatogram analyses demonstrated the varied properties of soluble microbial products and EPS were attributed to the worms' selective predation of low molecular‐weight organic matter, which facilitated the hydrolysis of macromolecular organic matter.
Bench‐scale Analysis of Surrogates for Anaerobic Digestion Processes
Authors: Carroll Zachary S. , Long Sharon C.
Published: April 2016

Frequent monitoring of anaerobic digestion processes for pathogen destruction is both cost and time prohibitive. The use of surrogates to supplement regulatory monitoring may be one solution. To evaluate surrogates, a semi‐batch bench‐scale anaerobic digester design was tested. Bench‐scale reactors were operated under mesophilic (36 °C) and thermophilic (53–55 °C) conditions, with a 15 day solids retention time. Biosolids from different facilities and during different seasons were examined. USEPA regulated pathogens and surrogate organisms were enumerated at different times throughout each experiment. The surrogate organisms included fecal coliforms, E. coli, enterococci, male‐specific and somatic coliphages, Clostridium perfringens, and bacterial spores. Male‐specific coliphages tested well as a potential surrogate organism for virus inactivation. None of the tested surrogate organisms correlated well with helminth inactivation under the conditions studied. There were statistically significant differences in the inactivation rates between the facilities in this study, but not between seasons.
The Relevance of Geriatric Impairments in Patients Starting Dialysis: A Systematic Review
Authors: van Loon Ismay N. , Wouters Tom R. , Boereboom Franciscus T.J. , Bots Michiel L. , Verhaar Marianne C. , Hamaker Marije E.
Published: April 2016

Background and objectives

With aging of the general population, patients who enter dialysis therapy will more frequently have geriatric impairments and a considerable comorbidity burden. The most vulnerable among these patients might benefit from conservative therapy. Whether assessment of geriatric impairments would contribute to the decision-making process of dialysis initiation is unknown.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

A systematic Medline and Embase search was performed on December 1, 2015 to identify studies assessing the association between risk of mortality or hospitalization and one or more geriatric impairments at the start of dialysis therapy, including impairment of cognitive function, mood, performance status or (instrumental) activities of daily living, mobility (including falls), social environment, or nutritional status.

Results

Twenty-seven studies were identified that assessed one or more geriatric impairments with respect to prognosis. The quality of most studies was moderate. Only seven studies carried out an analysis of elderly patients (≥70 years old). Malnutrition and frailty were systematically assessed, and their relation with mortality was clear. In addition, cognitive impairment and functional outcomes at the initiation of dialysis were related to an increased mortality in most studies. However, not all studies applied systematic assessment tools, thereby potentially missing relevant impairment. None of the studies applied a geriatric assessment across multiple domains.

Conclusions

Geriatric impairment across multiple domains at dialysis initiation is related to poor outcome. However, information in the elderly is sparse, and a systematic approach of multiple domains with respect to poor outcome has not been performed. Because a geriatric assessment has proved useful in predicting outcome in other medical fields, its potential role in the ESRD population should be the subject of future research.
Ontology-based generated learning objects for mobile language learning
Authors: Milutinovic Milos , Bojovic Zivko , Labus Aleksandra , Bogdanovic Zorica , Despotovic-Zrakic Marijana
Published: April 2016

Adaptivity is an essential quality for any mobile learning process. When
learning on the move, in short time intervals, the learning process is often
limited, and content needs to be adapted in order to keep the interactions
with the user simple, effective, and motivating. This paper presents a model
for mobile adaptive language learning, with the main goal of improving the
mobile language learning process using adaptive techniques. The presented
model is designed in such a way to utilize unique opportunities for delivery
of learning content in authentic learning situations. In order to allow
adaptivity based on several parameters, an ontological framework is presented
along with a format of lightweight learning objects for content delivery. A
cloud and web-service based system for adaptation is envisioned on top of the
ontological framework and presented, with some implementation suggestions and
possibilities discussed.
Endothelial Fcγ Receptor IIB Activation Blunts Insulin Delivery to Skeletal Muscle to Cause Insulin Resistance in Mice
Authors: Tanigaki Keiji , Chambliss Ken L. , Yuhanna Ivan S. , Sacharidou Anastasia , Ahmed Mohamed , Atochin Dmitriy N. , Huang Paul L. , Shaul Philip W. , Mineo Chieko
Published: April 2016

Modest elevations in C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with type 2 diabetes. We previously revealed in mice that increased CRP causes insulin resistance and mice globally deficient in the CRP receptor Fcγ receptor IIB (FcγRIIB) were protected from the disorder. FcγRIIB is expressed in numerous cell types including endothelium and B lymphocytes. Here we investigated how endothelial FcγRIIB influences glucose homeostasis, using mice with elevated CRP expressing or lacking endothelial FcγRIIB. Whereas increased CRP caused insulin resistance in mice expressing endothelial FcγRIIB, mice deficient in the endothelial receptor were protected. The insulin resistance with endothelial FcγRIIB activation was due to impaired skeletal muscle glucose uptake caused by attenuated insulin delivery, and it was associated with blunted endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation in skeletal muscle. In culture, CRP suppressed endothelial cell insulin transcytosis via FcγRIIB activation and eNOS antagonism. Furthermore, in knock-in mice harboring constitutively active eNOS, elevated CRP did not invoke insulin resistance. Collectively these findings reveal that by inhibiting eNOS, endothelial FcγRIIB activation by CRP blunts insulin delivery to skeletal muscle to cause insulin resistance. Thus, a series of mechanisms in endothelium that impairs insulin movement has been identified that may contribute to type 2 diabetes pathogenesis.
Genetic Evidence for a Link Between Favorable Adiposity and Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, and Heart Disease
Authors: Yaghootkar Hanieh , Lotta Luca A. , Tyrrell Jessica , Smit Roelof A.J. , Jones Sam E. , Donnelly Louise , Beaumont Robin , Campbell Archie , Tuke Marcus A. , Hayward Caroline , Ruth Katherine S. , Padmanabhan Sandosh , Jukema J. Wouter , Palmer Colin C. , Hattersley Andrew , Freathy Rachel M. , Langenberg Claudia , Wareham Nicholas J. , Wood Andrew R. , Murray Anna , Weedon Michael N. , Sattar Naveed , Pearson Ewan , Scott Robert A. , Frayling Timothy M.
Published: April 2016

Recent genetic studies have identified some alleles that are associated with higher BMI but lower risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. These “favorable adiposity” alleles are collectively associated with lower insulin levels and higher subcutaneous–to–visceral adipose tissue ratio and may protect from disease through higher adipose storage capacity. We aimed to use data from 164,609 individuals from the UK Biobank and five other studies to replicate associations between a genetic score of 11 favorable adiposity variants and adiposity and risk of disease, to test for interactions between BMI and favorable adiposity genetics, and to test effects separately in men and women. In the UK Biobank, the 50% of individuals carrying the most favorable adiposity alleles had higher BMIs (0.120 kg/m2 [95% CI 0.066, 0.174]; P = 1E-5) and higher body fat percentage (0.301% [0.230, 0.372]; P = 1E-16) compared with the 50% of individuals carrying the fewest alleles. For a given BMI, the 50% of individuals carrying the most favorable adiposity alleles were at lower risk of type 2 diabetes (odds ratio [OR] 0.837 [0.784, 0.894]; P = 1E-7), hypertension (OR 0.935 [0.911, 0.958]; P = 1E-7), and heart disease (OR 0.921 [0.872, 0.973]; P = 0.003) and had lower blood pressure (systolic −0.859 mmHg [−1.099, −0.618]; P = 3E-12 and diastolic −0.394 mmHg [−0.534, −0.254]; P = 4E-8). In women, these associations could be explained by the observation that the alleles associated with higher BMI but lower risk of disease were also associated with a favorable body fat distribution, with a lower waist-to-hip ratio (−0.004 cm [95% CI −0.005, −0.003] 50% vs. 50%; P = 3E-14), but in men, the favorable adiposity alleles were associated with higher waist circumference (0.454 cm [0.267, 0.641] 50% vs. 50%; P = 2E-6) and higher waist-to-hip ratio (0.0013 [0.0003, 0.0024] 50% vs. 50%; P = 0.01). Results were strengthened when a meta-analysis with five additional studies was conducted. There was no evidence of interaction between a genetic score consisting of known BMI variants and the favorable adiposity genetic score. In conclusion, different molecular mechanisms that lead to higher body fat percentage (with greater subcutaneous storage capacity) can have different impacts on cardiometabolic disease risk. Although higher BMI is associated with higher risk of diseases, better fat storage capacity could reduce the risk.
HLA-A*24Carrier Status and Autoantibody Surges Posttransplantation Associate With Poor Functional Outcome in Recipients of an Islet Allograft
Authors: Demeester Simke , Balke Else M. , Van der Auwera Bart J. , Gillard Pieter , Hilbrands Robert , Lee DaHae , Van de Velde Ursule , Ling Zhidong , Roep Bart O. , Pipeleers Daniel G. , Gorus Frans K. , Keymeulen Bart
Published: April 2016

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether changes in islet autoantibody profile and presence of HLA risk markers, reported to predict rapid β-cell loss in pre–type 1 diabetes, associate with poor functional outcome in islet allograft recipients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Forty-one patients received ≥2.3 million β-cells/kg body wt in one to two intraportal implantations. Outcome after 6–18 months was assessed by C-peptide (random and stimulated), insulin dose, and HbA1c.

RESULTS

Patients carrying HLA-A*24-positive or experiencing a significant autoantibody surge within 6 months after the first transplantation (n = 19) had lower C-peptide levels (P ≤ 0.003) and higher insulin needs (P < 0.001) despite higher HbA1c levels (P ≤ 0.018). They became less often insulin independent (16% vs. 68%, P = 0.002) and remained less often C-peptide positive (47% vs. 100%, P < 0.001) than recipients lacking both risk factors. HLA-A*24 positivity or an autoantibody surge predicted insulin dependence (P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

HLA-A*24 and early autoantibody surge after islet implantation associate with poor functional graft outcome.
Maternal Serum Prolactin and Prediction of Postpartum β-Cell Function and Risk of Prediabetes/Diabetes
Authors: Retnakaran Ravi , Ye Chang , Kramer Caroline K. , Connelly Philip W. , Hanley Anthony J. , Sermer Mathew , Zinman Bernard
Published: April 2016

OBJECTIVE

The insulin resistance of mid- to late pregnancy poses a physiologic stress test for the pancreatic β-cells, which must respond by markedly increasing their secretion of insulin. This response is achieved through an expansion of β-cell mass induced by the hormones prolactin and human placental lactogen (HPL). Conversely, the furan fatty acid metabolite 3-carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-furanpropanoic acid (CMPF) has recently emerged as a negative regulator of β-cell function in pregnancy. Given their respective roles in the β-cell response to the stress test of gestation, we hypothesized that antepartum prolactin, HPL, and CMPF may relate to a woman’s underlying glucoregulatory physiology and hence to her metabolic status after pregnancy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Three hundred and sixty-seven women underwent measurement of fasting serum prolactin, HPL, and CMPF in the late-2nd/early-3rd trimester, followed by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 3 months postpartum that enabled assessment of glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity/resistance, and β-cell function (Insulin Secretion-Sensitivity Index-2 [ISSI-2]).

RESULTS

The postpartum OGTT identified 301 women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and 66 with prediabetes or diabetes. Serum prolactin in pregnancy was higher in women with postpartum NGT compared with those with postpartum prediabetes/diabetes (mean 98.2 vs. 80.2 ng/mL, P = 0.0003), whereas HPL and CMPF did not differ between the groups. On multiple linear regression analyses, antepartum prolactin was an independent determinant of postpartum ISSI-2 (β = 0.0016, t = 2.96, P = 0.003). Furthermore, higher serum prolactin in pregnancy independently predicted a lower risk of postpartum prediabetes/diabetes (odds ratio 0.50, 95% CI 0.35–0.72, P = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum prolactin in pregnancy predicts postpartum β-cell function and risk of prediabetes/diabetes.
The 5- or 10-km Marikenloop Run: A Prospective Study of the Etiology of Running-Related Injuries in Women
Authors: van der Worp Maarten P. , de Wijer Anton , van Cingel Robert , Verbeek André L.M. , Nijhuis-van der Sanden Maria W.G. , Staal J. Bart
Published: April 2016

Study Design

Prospective cohort.

Background

The popularity of running events is still growing, particularly among women; however, little is known about the risk factors for running-related injuries in female runners.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to determine the incidence and characteristics (site and recurrence) of running-related injuries and to identify specific risk factors for running-related injuries among female runners training for a 5- or 10-km race.

Methods

Four hundred thirty-five women registered for the Marikenloop run of 5 or 10 km were recruited. Follow-up data were collected over 12 weeks using questionnaires, starting 8 weeks before the event and ending 4 weeks after the event. Two orthopaedic tests (navicular drop test and extension of the first metatarsophalangeal joint) were performed in the 8 weeks before the event. Running-related injuries, defined as running-related pain of the lower back and/or the lower extremity that restricted running for at least 1 day, were assessed at 1-, 2-, and 3-month follow-ups.

Results

Of 417 female runners with follow-up data (96%), 93 runners (22.3%) reported 109 running-related injuries, mainly of the hip/groin, knee, and lower leg. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that a weekly training distance of more than 30 km (hazard ratio = 3.28; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23, 8.75) and a previous running injury longer than 12 months prior (hazard ratio = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.03, 3.45) were associated with the occurrence of running-related injuries.

Conclusion

Hip/groin, knee, and lower-leg injuries were common among female runners. Only weekly training distance (greater than 30 km) and previous running injury (greater than 12 months prior) were associated with running-related injuries in female runners training for a 5- or 10-km event.

Level of Evidence

Etiology, 2b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(6):462–470. Epub 26 Apr 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6402
Does Physical Activity Increase After Total Hip or Knee Arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis? A Systematic Review
Authors: Arnold John B. , Walters Julie L. , Ferrar Katia E.
Published: April 2016

Study Design

Systematic review.

Background

Despite improvements in self-reported symptoms and perceived functional ability after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA), it is unclear whether changes in objectively measured physical activity (PA) occur after surgery.

Objective

To determine if objectively measured PA increases after THA and TKA in adults with osteoarthritis.

Methods

Five electronic databases were searched from inception to March 3, 2015. All study designs objectively measuring PA before and after THA or TKA were eligible, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full texts and extracted study demographic, PA, and clinical outcome data. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for accelerometer- and pedometer-derived estimates of PA. Risk of methodological bias was assessed with Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists.

Results

Eight studies with a total of 373 participants (238 TKA, 135 THA) were included. Findings were mixed regarding improvement in objectively measured PA at 6 months after THA (SMDs, −0.20 to 1.80) and TKA (SMDs, −0.36 to 0.63). Larger improvements from 2 studies at 1 year postsurgery were generally observed after THA (SMDs, 0.39 to 0.79) and TKA (SMDs, 0.10 to 0.85). However, at 1 year, PA levels were still considerably lower than those of healthy controls (THA SMDs, −0.25 to −0.77; TKA SMDs, −1.46 to −1.80). Risk-of-bias scores ranged from 3 to 9 out of 11 (27%–82%) for cohort studies, and from 3 to 8 out of 10 (30%–80%) for case-control studies.

Conclusion

The best available evidence indicates negligible changes in PA at 6 months after THA or TKA, with limited evidence for larger changes at 1 year after surgery. In the 4 studies that reported control-group data, postoperative PA levels were still considerably less than those of healthy controls. Improved perioperative strategies to instill behavioral change are required to narrow the gap between patient-perceived functional improvement and the actual amount of PA undertaken after THA and TKA. Registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42014010155).

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 2a. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(6):431–442. Epub 26 Apr 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6449
Improvement of the video analysis method for the evaluation of communication skills in deaf children with complex needs
Authors: Ghiselli Sara , Montino Silvia
Published: April 2016

Several papers report important benefits from cochlear implants for deaf children with complex needs but these improvements are difficult to assess with standard tests. The communication strategies of deaf children with complex needs are comparable to those of very young children without comorbidities because both are in a preverbal stage of communication. For this reason we propose a new use of video analysis in deaf children with associated disabilities. The set-up of the recording is the same as the standard method and 20 communication turns are evaluated. The adult stays in front of the child at eye level (especially if a child has a visual impairment). The abilities and progress of the children are evaluated in the standard four areas: turn-taking, autonomy, awareness and eye contact. Non-verbal behaviours are examined. When it is possible to evaluate the category of the eye contact, the most important parameter to take is the adequacy of the use of this ability. For deaf children with complex needs, it is very important to add to the standard parameters the analysis of the maternal communicative style. In conclusion, video analysis can be a useful tool of evaluation when dealing with deaf children with associated disabilities even if not applied in its standard form.
Suppression of Low-Frequency Shock Oscillations over Boundary Layers by Repetitive Laser Pulse Energy Deposition
Authors: Iwakawa Akira , Shoda Tatsuro , Pham Hoang , Tamba Takahiro , Sasoh Akihiro
Published: April 2016

The effect of repetitive energy deposition on low Strouhal number oscillations of the shock wave induced by boundary-layer interaction over a cylinder-flare model was studied. The fluctuation of the energy deposition frequency was induced in the flow, because the bubble generated by the energy deposition flowed downstream along the surface repeatedly. The region before the bubble size was affected by the energy deposition directly, so the fluctuation frequency was equal to the energy deposition frequency. However, the flare shock behavior at a position farther from the surface than the bubble size was also affected strongly by the energy deposition. For low-frequency unsteadiness and the effect of energy deposition on its unsteadiness, two categories have been observed. In the relatively small flare angle case, the flare shock was oscillated owing to the fluctuation induced by the boundary-layer interaction at the shock foot, and its oscillation occurred at 2.1 kHz with a small amplitude. The amplitude of this oscillation was decreased by highly repetitive energy depositions, and its amplitude could not be detected at a highly repetitive energy deposition. In the longer cylinder section case, the region of the shock-wave interaction was widened, and the amplitude of the flare shock oscillation was increased. In this case, the amplitude drastically decreased because of energy deposition.
The Contributions of the Amino and Carboxy Terminal Domains of Flightin to the Biomechanical Properties of Drosophila Flight Muscle Thick Filaments
Authors: Gasek Nathan , Nyland Lori , Vigoreaux Jim
Published: April 2016

Flightin is a myosin binding protein present in Pancrustacea. In Drosophila, flightin is expressed in the indirect flight muscles (IFM), where it is required for the flexural rigidity, structural integrity, and length determination of thick filaments. Comparison of flightin sequences from multiple Drosophila species revealed a tripartite organization indicative of three functional domains subject to different evolutionary constraints. We use atomic force microscopy to investigate the functional roles of the N-terminal domain and the C-terminal domain that show different patterns of sequence conservation. Thick filaments containing a C-terminal domain truncated flightin (flnΔC44) are significantly shorter (2.68 ± 0.06 μm; p < 0.005) than thick filaments containing a full length flightin (fln+; 3.21 ± 0.05 μm) and thick filaments containing an N-terminal domain truncated flightin (flnΔN62; 3.21 ± 0.06 μm). Persistence length was significantly reduced in flnΔN62 (418 ± 72 μm; p < 0.005) compared to fln+ (1386 ± 196μm) and flnΔC44(1128 ± 193 μm). Statistical polymer chain analysis revealed that the C-terminal domain fulfills a secondary role in thick filament bending propensity. Our results indicate that the flightin amino and carboxy terminal domains make distinct contributions to thick filament biomechanics. We propose these distinct roles arise from the interplay between natural selection and sexual selection given IFM’s dual role in flight and courtship behaviors.
Routing Based on Information about the Routes of Fixed-Route Traveling Nodes and on Destination Areas Aimed at Reducing the Load on the DTN
Authors: Okamoto Kazuaki , Takami Kazumasa
Published: April 2016

In recent years, the interest in delay/disruption tolerant networking (DTN) is growing as a means of communication in times of disaster. To ensure that a DTN works well in an emergency, it is desirable to promote general use of the DTN, so that it will also be used in normal times. Since the DTN uses mobile terminals and vehicles, which are not dedicated network devices, as relay nodes, the routing method should be such that it does not impose a large processing load on relay nodes. This paper considers use of a DTN for a day-to-day service of delivering content to a specific area and proposes a new routing method that is based on information about the routes of fixed-route traveling nodes, such as public transportation vehicles. The destination of a bundle is specified not by a terminal identifier, but by an area, which is identified by its location information. This paper presents an outbound-type bundle protocol, which is used by relay nodes when they have received a forwarding-bundle request from a sending terminal and try to determine whether the bundle can reach its destination area. Using simulation, the superiority of the proposed routing was confirmed by comparing it to existing routing methods in terms of the bundle arrival rate and factors that affect the network load, such as the number of bundle copies, the number of hops and the maximum required buffer size.
New Concepts in Cancer Biomarkers: Circulating miRNAs in Liquid Biopsies
Authors: Larrea Erika , Sole Carla , Manterola Lorea , Goicoechea Ibai , Armesto María , Arestin María , Caffarel María , Araujo Angela , Araiz María , Fernandez-Mercado Marta , Lawrie Charles
Published: April 2016

The effective and efficient management of cancer patients relies upon early diagnosis and/or the monitoring of treatment, something that is often difficult to achieve using standard tissue biopsy techniques. Biological fluids such as blood hold great possibilities as a source of non-invasive cancer biomarkers that can act as surrogate markers to biopsy-based sampling. The non-invasive nature of these “liquid biopsies” ultimately means that cancer detection may be earlier and that the ability to monitor disease progression and/or treatment response represents a paradigm shift in the treatment of cancer patients. Below, we review one of the most promising classes of circulating cancer biomarkers: microRNAs (miRNAs). In particular, we will consider their history, the controversy surrounding their origin and biology, and, most importantly, the hurdles that remain to be overcome if they are really to become part of future clinical practice.
PNPLA3 Expression Is Related to Liver Steatosis in Morbidly Obese Women with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Aragonès Gemma , Auguet Teresa , Armengol Sandra , Berlanga Alba , Guiu-Jurado Esther , Aguilar Carmen , Martínez Salomé , Sabench Fátima , Porras José , Ruiz Maikel , Hernández Mercé , Sirvent Joan , Del Castillo Daniel , Richart Cristóbal
Published: April 2016

Recent reports suggest a role for the Patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) in the pathology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Lipid deposition in the liver seems to be a critical process in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the association between the liver PNPLA3 expression, key genes of lipid metabolism, and the presence of NAFLD in morbidly obese women. We used real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis to analyze the hepatic expression of PNPLA3 and lipid metabolism-related genes in 55 morbidly obese subjects with normal liver histology (NL, n = 18), simple steatosis (SS, n = 20), and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH, n = 17). Liver biopsies were collected during bariatric surgery. We observed that liver PNPLA3 expression was increased in NAFLD than in NL. It was also upregulated in SS than in NL. Interestingly, we found that the expression of PNPLA3 was significantly higher in severe than mild SS group. In addition, the expression of the transcription factors LXRα, PPARα, and SREBP2 was positively correlated with PNPLA3 liver expression. Regarding rs738409 polymorphism, GG genotype was positive correlated with the presence of NASH. In conclusion, our results show that PNPLA3 could be related to lipid accumulation in liver, mainly in the development and progression of simple steatosis.
Plasma Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 Levels Correlated with the Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index in Long-Term Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Kotani Kazuhiko
Published: April 2016

The circulating levels of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) can be a simple, but practical and useful marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD). As limited studies are available in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), further studies are needed to establish the clinical application of Lp-PLA2 in DM practice. The present study investigated the correlation between Lp-PLA2 and the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), a recent marker of arterial stiffness, in DM patients according to their diabetes duration. Clinical data, including the plasma Lp-PLA2 mass and CAVI values, were collected from CVD-free type 2 DM female patients (n = 65, mean age 62 years, mean hemoglobin A1c 7.0%). The Lp-PLA2 level of patients with a diabetes duration of <10 years (n = 40:20.2 IU/mL) was not significantly different from that of patients with a diabetes duration of ≥10 years (n = 25:20.5 IU/mL), while the CAVI level was significantly higher in patients with ≥10 years (9.0) than in those with <10 years (8.1; p < 0.05). A stepwise multiple regression analysis found a positive correlation between the Lp-PLA2 and CAVI levels (β = 0.43, p < 0.01) in patients with a diabetes duration of ≥10 years. This correlation between Lp-PLA2 and CVAI suggests the possible use of Lp-PLA2 in DM patients with long-term disease. Further studies on Lp-PLA2 are warranted in DM practice in relation to the disease duration.
Effect of Winemaking on the Composition of Red Wine as a Source of Polyphenols for Anti-Infective Biomaterials
Authors: Di Lorenzo Arianna , Bloise Nora , Meneghini Silvia , Sureda Antoni , Tenore Gian , Visai Livia , Arciola Carla , Daglia Maria
Published: April 2016

Biomaterials releasing bactericides have currently become tools for thwarting medical device-associated infections. The ideal anti-infective biomaterial must counteract infection while safeguarding eukaryotic cell integrity. Red wine is a widely consumed beverage to which many biological properties are ascribed, including protective effects against oral infections and related bone (osteoarthritis, osteomyelitis, periprosthetic joint infections) and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, fifteen red wine samples derived from grapes native to the Oltrepò Pavese region (Italy), obtained from the winemaking processes of “Bonarda dell’Oltrepò Pavese” red wine, were analyzed alongside three samples obtained from marc pressing. Total polyphenol and monomeric anthocyanin contents were determined and metabolite profiling was conducted by means of a chromatographic analysis. Antibacterial activity of wine samples was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans, responsible for dental caries, Streptococcus salivarius, and Streptococcus pyogenes, two oral bacterial pathogens. Results highlighted the winemaking stages in which samples exhibit the highest content of polyphenols and the greatest antibacterial activity. Considering the global need for new weapons against bacterial infections and alternatives to conventional antibiotics, as well as the favorable bioactivities of polyphenols, results point to red wine as a source of antibacterial substances for developing new anti-infective biomaterials and coatings for biomedical devices.
SEM, EDS and XPS Analysis of the Coatings Obtained on Titanium after Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation in Electrolytes Containing Copper Nitrate
Authors: Rokosz Krzysztof , Hryniewicz Tadeusz , Matýsek Dalibor , Raaen Steinar , Valíček Jan , Dudek Łukasz , Harničárová Marta
Published: April 2016

In the paper, the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) results of the surface layer formed on pure titanium after plasma electrolytic oxidation (micro arc oxidation) at the voltage of 450 V are shown. As an electrolyte, the mixture of copper nitrate Cu(NO3)2 (10–600 g/L) in concentrated phosphoric acid H3PO4 (98 g/mol) was used. The thickness of the obtained porous surface layer equals about 10 μm, and it consists mainly of titanium phosphates and oxygen with embedded copper ions as a bactericidal agent. The maximum percent of copper in the PEO surface layer was equal to 12.2 ± 0.7 wt % (7.6 ± 0.5 at %), which is the best result that the authors obtained. The top surface layer of all obtained plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings consisted most likely mainly of Ti3(PO4)4∙nH3PO4 and Cu3(PO4)2∙nH3PO4 with a small addition of CuP2, CuO and Cu2O.
Chemical Constituents of Malaysian U. cordata var. ferruginea and Their in Vitro α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities
Authors: Abdullah Nur , Salim Fatimah , Ahmad Rohaya
Published: April 2016

Continuing our interest in the Uncaria genus, the phytochemistry and the in-vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of Malaysian Uncaria cordata var. ferruginea were investigated. The phytochemical study of this plant, which employed various chromatographic techniques including recycling preparative HPLC, led to the isolation of ten compounds with diverse structures comprising three phenolic acids, two coumarins, three flavonoids, a terpene and an iridoid glycoside. These constituents were identified as 2-hydroxybenzoic acid or salicylic acid (1), 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3), scopoletin or 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-coumarin (4), 3,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxycoumarin (5), quercetin (6), kaempferol (7), taxifolin (8), loganin (9) and β-sitosterol (10). Structure elucidation of the compounds was accomplished with the aid of 1D and 2D Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectral data and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS). In the α-glucosidase inhibitory assay, the crude methanolic extract of the stems of the plant and its acetone fraction exhibited strong α-glucosidase inhibition activity of 87.7% and 89.2%, respectively, while its DCM fraction exhibited only moderate inhibition (75.3%) at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. The IC50 values of both fractions were found to be significantly lower than the standard acarbose suggesting the presence of potential α-glucosidase inhibitors. Selected compounds isolated from the active fractions were then subjected to α-glucosidase assay in which 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and quercetin showed strong inhibitory effects against the enzyme with IC50 values of 549 and 556 μg/mL compared to acarbose (IC50 580 μg/mL) while loganin and scopoletin only showed weak α-glucosidase inhibition of 44.9% and 34.5%, respectively. This is the first report of the isolation of 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and loganin from the genus and the first report of the α-glucosidase inhibitory potential of 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid.
Bioconversion of Biomass-Derived Phenols Catalyzed by Myceliophthora thermophila Laccase
Authors: Zerva Anastasia , Manos Nikolaos , Vouyiouka Stamatina , Christakopoulos Paul , Topakas Evangelos
Published: April 2016

Biomass-derived phenols have recently arisen as an attractive alternative for building blocks to be used in synthetic applications, due to their widespread availability as an abundant renewable resource. In the present paper, commercial laccase from the thermophilic fungus Myceliophthora thermophila was used to bioconvert phenol monomers, namely catechol, pyrogallol and gallic acid in water. The resulting products from catechol and gallic acid were polymers that were partially characterized in respect to their optical and thermal properties, and their average molecular weight was estimated via solution viscosity measurements and GPC. FT-IR and 1H-NMR data suggest that phenol monomers are connected with ether or C–C bonds depending on the starting monomer, while the achieved molecular weight of polycatechol is found higher than the corresponding poly(gallic acid). On the other hand, under the same condition, pyrogallol was dimerized in a pure red crystalline compound and its structure was confirmed by 1H-NMR as purpurogallin. The herein studied green synthesis of enzymatically synthesized phenol polymers or biological active compounds could be exploited as an alternative synthetic route targeting a variety of applications.
Application of L-Aspartic Acid-Capped ZnS:Mn Colloidal Nanocrystals as a Photosensor for the Detection of Copper (II) Ions in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Heo Jungho , Hwang Cheong-Soo
Published: April 2016

Water-dispersible ZnS:Mn nanocrystals (NCs) were synthesized by capping the surface with polar L-aspartic acid (Asp) molecules. The obtained ZnS:Mn-Asp NC product was optically and physically characterized using the corresponding spectroscopic methods. The ultra violet-visible (UV-VIS) absorption spectrum and photoluminescence (PL) emission spectrum of the NCs showed broad peaks at 320 and 590 nm, respectively. The average particle size measured from the obtained high resolution-transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) image was 5.25 nm, which was also in accordance with the Debye-Scherrer calculations using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. Moreover, the surface charge and degree of aggregation of the ZnS:Mn-Asp NCs were determined by electrophoretic and hydrodynamic light scattering methods, respectively. These results indicated the formation of agglomerates in water with an average size of 19.8 nm, and a negative surface charge (−4.58 mV) in water at ambient temperature. The negatively-charged NCs were applied as a photosensor for the detection of specific cations in aqueous solution. Accordingly, the ZnS:Mn-Asp NCs showed an exclusive luminescence quenching upon addition of copper (II) cations. The kinetic mechanism study on the luminescence quenching of the NCs by the addition of the Cu2+ ions proposed an energy transfer through the ionic binding between the two oppositely-charged ZnS:Mn-Asp NCs and Cu2+ ions.
Influence of Ethanol on Breath Acetone Measurements Using an External Cavity Quantum Cascade Laser
Authors: Centeno Raymund , Mandon Julien , Harren Frans , Cristescu Simona
Published: April 2016

Broadly tunable external cavity quantum cascade lasers (EC-QCLs) in combination with off-axis integrated cavity enhanced spectroscopy (OA-ICOS) provide high molecular gas sensitivity and selectivity. We used an EC-QCL in the region of 1150–1300 cm−1 in both broadband scan mode, as well as narrow scanning mode around 1216 cm−1, respectively, for detection of acetone in exhaled breath. This wavelength region is essential for accurate determination of breath acetone due to the relative low spectral influence of other endogenous molecules like water, carbon dioxide or methane. We demonstrated that ethanol has a strong spectroscopic influence on the acetone concentration in exhaled breath, an important detail that has been overlooked so far. An ethanol correction is proposed and validated with the reference measurements from a proton-transfer reaction mass spectrometer (PTR-MS) for the same breath samples from ten persons. With the ethanol correction, both broadband and narrowband molecular spectroscopy represent an attractive way to accurately assess the exhaled breath acetone. The importance of considering spectroscopic ethanol influence is essential, especially for the narrowband scans, (e.g., 1216 cm−1), for which the error in determining the acetone concentrations can rise up to 39% if it is not considered.