bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between Extracellular Heat Shock Protein 60 (exHSP60) and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) in Non Diabetic Men
Authors: Djohari Meiriza , As'ad Suryani , Arif Mansyur , Wijaya Andi
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue expansion in obesity leads to abnormal adipocyte function, chronic low grade inflammation, primary reticulum stress, and mitochondrial stress. This induces mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) that selectively upregulates mitochondrial chaperone protein. Heat shock Protein 60 (HSP60) is the primary chaperone in mitochondrial matrix. Inflammatory stress promotes HSP60 released from adipocytes and induces insulin resistance. In this study we attempted to investigate the correlation between exHSP60 and HOMA-IR in men with different ranges of waist circumference (WC).METHODS: This study was an observational cross sectional study carried out on 141 non diabetic men, aged 30-55 years old, who were divided into three groups based on WC; WC ≤90 cm, 90 cm < WC ≤ 100 cm and WC > 100 cm. Fasting plasma glucose, triglyceride, HDL-C, hsCRP, HSP60 serum and anti-HSP60 antibody, serum IL-1β serum, insulin, were examined. For statistical analysis, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Spearman’s correlation analysis were conducted.RESULTS: There were a significant correlation between exHSP60 and HOMA-IR (r=0.281; p=0.041) in WC ≤ 90 cm group; and a negative significant correlation between exHSP60 and HOMA-IR (r=-0.508; p=0.007) in WC > 100 cm group.CONCLUSION: This study showed that there was a dynamic correlation between exHSP60 and HOMA-IR in WC ≤ 90 cm group compared with WC > 100 cm group. We also found inverse correlation patterns between exHSP60 and HOMA-IR, and between anti-HSP60 antibody and HOMA-IR in non diabetic subjects.KEYWORDS: obesity, insulin resistance, mitochondrial stress, exHSP60, hsCRP, HOMA-IR
Pathomechanism of Renal Damage in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Sambara Yuliana , Arif Mansyur , Bahrun Uleng
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia in diabetic patients cause both chronic inflammation and extracellular matrix accumulation that can lead to progressive renal damage. Albumin, Gammaglutamytransferase (GGT) and clusterin in urine are markers to detect damage in glomerulus, cell of the tubules and proximal tubules, respectively.METHODS: This study aimed to evaluate the pathomechanism of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), albumin, GGT, clusterin, type IV collagen in urine, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. The study was a cross sectional study involving 82 subjects consisting of 36 males and 46 females, 35-65 years old, divided into 3 groups: uncontrolled DM, controlled DM and non DM. Data were obtained from interviews, physical examinations (weight, height, blood pressure) and laboratory examinations (HbA1c, serum glutamic oxaloacetic (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic (SGPT), creatinine, hsCRP, urinary albumin, urinary GGT, urinary clusterin, and urinary type IV collagen). Statistical analysis was performed for correlation, difference and cross tabulation tests.RESULTS: The study results showed there were significant differences (p<0.05) between uncontrolled DM group compared with controlled DM and non DM groups in HbA1c, ratio of urinary type IV collagen and ratio of urinary albumin. However, there were no significant differences between controlled DM and non DM groups. There were positive significant correlations between HbA1c with hsCRP (r=0.223, p<0.05), HbA1c with ratio of urinary type IV collagen/creatinine (r=0.563, p<0.001), HbA1c with ratio of urinary albumin/creatinine (r=0.263, p<0.05), and ratio of urinary type IV collagen/creatinine with ratio urinary albumin/creatinine (r=0.613, p<0.001).CONCLUSION: Results of this study indicated that albumin and type IV collagen in urine play a role in renal damage caused by uncontrolled glucose level in subjects with type 2 DM. The increased concentration of both HbA1c and urinary type IV collagen indicates increased risk factor of glomerulus damage. Urinary type IV collagen is likely to be future potential marker for early detection of renal damage.KEYWORDS: renal damage, HbA1c, hsCRP, type IV collagen, GGT, clusterin, diabetes mellitus
Caffeic Acid Inhibited Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor kappaB Ligand (RANKL)-Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) alpha-TNF Receptor Associated Factor (TRAF) 6 induced Osteoclastogenesis Pathway
Authors: Sandra Ferry , Kukita Toshio , Muta Tatsushi , Iijima Tadahiko
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Caffeic acid was reported in our previous study to have potential in inhibiting osteoclastogenesis through inhibition of nuclear factor κB (NFκB). Here in our current study, we would like to investigate further the caffeic acid-affected signaling pathway leading to NFκB inhibition. Since tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) plays important role in osteoclastogenesis, we applied TRAF6- transfected RAW264 cells D-Clone (RAW-D) cells as model in this study.METHODS: Caffeic acid in various concentrations was added to in vitro osteoclastogenesis of receptor activator nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)-TNFα-induced TRAF6-transfected RAW-D cells. Cells were collected, lysed and immunoblotted to detect TRAF6 expression. To detect tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)+ polynucleated cells (PNCs), TRAP staining was performed. Meanwhile, to measure NFκB Activity, cells were transfected with pNFκB-TA-Luc and subjected to Dual Luciferase Reporter Assay System.RESULTS: Caffeic acid did not influence TRAF6 expression of RANKL-TNFα-induced TRAF6-transfected RAW-D cells. Caffeic acid diminished NFκB activity of RANKL-TNFα-induced TRAF6-transfected RAW-D cells in a concentration dependent manner. Significant NFκB activity inhibitions were seen under treatment of 1 and 10 μg/ml caffeic acid. By adding 10 μg/ml caffeic acid in RANKL-TNFα-induced TRAF6-transfected RAW-D cells, TRAP+ PNCs number was significantly suppressed.CONCLUSION: Caffeic acid inhibited RANKL-TNFα-TRAF6-induced osteoclastogenesis pathway. Since caffeic acid did not influence TRAF6 expression, TRAF6-RANK interactions and/or TRAF6 downstream signaling pathway should be further pursued to disclose inhibition mechanism of caffeic acid.KEYWORDS: caffeic acid, osteoclastogenesis, TRAF6, RANKL, TNFα, NFκB, RAW-D
MicroRNAs in Lipid Metabolism and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Meiliana Anna , Wijaya Andi
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNA) are mediators of post-transcriptional gene expression that likely regulate most biological pathways and networks. The study of miRNAs is a rapidly emerging field; recent findings have revealed a significant role for miRNAs in atherosclerosis and lipoprotein metabolism.CONTENT: Results from recent studies demonstrated a role for miRNAs in endothelial integrity, macrophage inflammatory response to oxidized low-density lipoprotein, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and cholesterol synthesis. These mechanisms are all vital to the initiation and proliferation of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The importance of miRNAs has recently been recognized in cardiovascular sciences and miRNAs will likely become an integral part of our fundamental comprehension of atherosclerosis and lipoprotein metabolism. The extensive impact of miRNA mediated gene regulation and the relative ease of in vivo applicable modifications highlight the enormous potential of miRNA-based therapeutics in cardiovascular diseases.SUMMARY: miRNA studies in the field of lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis are in their infancy, and thus there is tremendous opportunity for discovery in this understudied area. The ability to target miRNAs in vivo through delivery of miRNA-mimics to enhance miRNA function, or antimiRNAs which inhibit miRNAs, has opened new avenues for the development of therapeutics for dyslipidemias and atherosclerosis, offers a unique approach to treating disease by modulating entire biological pathways. These exciting findings support the development of miRNA antagonists as potential therapeutics for the treatment of dyslipidaemia, atherosclerosis and related metabolic diseases.KEYWORDS: atherosclerosis, lipoprotein, HDL, miRNA
Ser81 Survivin Induced Protein Kinase A (PKA)-dependent Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) Activity
Authors: Sandra Ferry , Khosravi-Far Roya
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Our previous report showed that phosphorylated-survivin at Ser81 induces survivin back loop to activate protein kinase A (PKA) in the cytoprotection mechanism. Activated PKA could possibly induce the cytoprotection via Phosphatydilinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Therefore our current study was conducted to investigate the possibility of survivin-PKA-PI3K signaling pathway.METHODS: Viral productions by BOSC23 cells of Survivin, Antisense Survivin (Survivin-AS) and Ser81Ala mutant (Survivin-S81A) in pMSCV-IRES-GFP vector with cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter were conducted. L929 cells were pretreated with/without PKI 6-22 amide and infected with viral particle of Survivin, Survivin-AS, Survivin-S81A or vector only. Cells were harvested, lysed and immunoprecipitated with anti-PI3K (p85) antibody and immunoblotted to detect PI3K (p85) and phospho-(Tyr) p85 PI3K. To confirm PI3K activation, PI3K Activity Assay was conducted by using phosphoinositide fraction containing PtdIns(4,5)P2 and [32P]ATP.RESULTS: Immunoblot and PI3K activity results showed similar results. Upon infection of virus with survivin, a markedly increased level of tyrosine phosphorylation of p85 PI3K or PI3K activity in L929 cells was seen. Low levels of tyrosine phosphorylation of p85 PI3K or PI3K activity were observed for Survivin-AS and Survivin-S81A-viral-infected L929 cells. With higher concentrations of Survivin-viral-infection, levels of tyrosine phosphorylation of p85 PI3K or PI3K activity in L929 cells were gradually increased. However, when L929 cells were pretreated with PKI 6-22 amide, prior to Survivin-viral-infection, level of tyrosine phosphorylation level of p85 PI3K or PI3K activity was detected much lower.CONCLUSION: Our result suggest that Ser81 Survivin play role in inducing PI3K activation and the Survivin-PI3K signaling pathway was PKA-dependent.KEYWORDS: Ser81, Survivin, PKA, PI3K, L929
In Search for Anti-Aging Strategy: Can We Rejuvenate Our Aging Stem Cells?
Authors: Meiliana Anna , Dewi Nurrani Mustika , Wijaya Andi
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence suggested that we grow old partly because of our stem cells grow old as a result of mechanisms that suppress the development of cancer over a lifetime. We believe that a further, more precise mechanistic understanding of this process will be required before this knowledge can be translated into human anti-aging therapies.CONTENT: A diminished capacity to maintain tissue homeostasis is a central physiological characteristic of aging. As stem cells regulate tissue homeostasis, depletion of stem cell reserves and/or diminished stem cell function have been postulated to contribute to aging. It has further been suggested that accumulated DNA damage could be a principal mechanism underlying age-dependent stem cell decline. It is interesting that many of the rejuvenating interventions act on the stem cell compartments, perhaps reflecting shared genetic and biochemical pathways controlling stem cell function and longevity. Strategy to slow down the aging processes is based on caloric restriction refers to a dietary regimen low in calories but without undernutrition. Sirtuin (SIRT)1 and 3, increases longevity by mimicking the beneficial effects of caloric restriction. SIRT3 regulates stress-responsive mitochondrial homeostasis, and more importantly, SIRT3 upregulation rejuvenates aged stem cells in tissues. Resveratrol (3,5,4’-trihydroxystilbene), a natural polyphenol found in grapes and wine, was the most powerful natural activator of SIRT1. In fact, resveratrol treatment has been demonstrated to rescue adult stem cell decline, slow down bodyweight loss, improve trabecular bone structure and mineral density, and significantly extend lifespan.SUMMARY: Tissue-specific stem cells persist throughout the entire lifespan to repair and maintain tissues, but their self-renewal and differentiation potential become dysregulated with aging. Given that adult stem cells are thought to be central to tissue maintenance and organismal survival, SIRT3 may promote organismal longevity by maintaining the integrity of tissue-speciic stem cells.KEYWORDS: rejuvenation, aging, stem cell, DNA damage, sirtuin activator
WORK CONDITIONS AND AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYEES' JOB RETENTION IN A FEDERAL AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTION OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Fapojuwo Oluwakemi E. , Ajayi Michael T. , Abiona Bolaji G.
Published: October 2015

Influence of work conditions on agricultural employees' job retention was studied. Data were from 80 randomly selected respondents. Major incentives for employees' job retention were promotional opportunities (average 3.24/5.00), training opportunities (2.51) and good office space (2.51). Major employees' and management relationship factor for job retention was cordial relationship (1.65). Major constraints affecting employees' job retention were untimely payment of salaries (4.25), delay in promotion (3.95) and no appreciation for hard work (3.90). Significant relationship (p<0.01) exists between working conditions and employees job retention (r =0376). For adequate employees' job retention, organisations should pay attention to prompt promotion, availability of adequate infrastructure and staff recognition.
AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES BETWEEN NATIONAL AND DONORS' POLICY FRAMEWORKS IN BENIN
Authors: Moumouni Ismail , Mouzoun Xavier B. , Romemont Aurelle De , Faure Guy
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we wonder whether the implementation of agricultural advisory services (AAS) at grassroots level was influenced by the state, donors, service providers or rather by farmers. We selected three non government organizations, one farmer organisation and one public organisation providing services under different financing arrangements. We found that donors highly influenced the implementation of services. Operational providers had some degree of freedom for adapting services. Consequently, different providers under the same contractual arrangements could use different strategies to meet farmers' needs. Farmers had less influence on the implementation of AAS. Much is still to be done for a real farmer-led AAS.
Safety Profile and Patient Satisfaction of the Routine use of Propofol in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Authors: Gurung RB , Purbe B , Malla B , Dhungel A , Yogol S , Poudel A , Konwor K , Byanju S
Published: October 2015

Background Routine use of sedation in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is uncommon in Nepal. There is no study on use of propofol sedation in routine endoscopy examination in Nepal. This study was conducted in order to assess the patient satisfaction and safety profile in patient undergoing routine upper GI endoscopic examination on outpatients.Objective To study safety profile and patient satisfaction of use of propofol in patients undergoing upper GI endoscopy.Method A prospective, observational study was conducted in the endoscopy unit of Dhulikhel hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital from July 2011 to 2012 July. Patients who were referred to upper GI endoscopy were offered to sedation under propofol. Informed consent was taken after explaining side effects, advantages and risk-benefit to the clients. The propofol was administered by the endoscopy nurse under guidance and supervision of the endoscopy performing physician.Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 with 0.05 level of significance.Result Total of 203 patients included in the study. Among 203 patients, 21. 2% were males and 78.8% were females; 83.7% were of less than of 60 years age and 16.3% above 60 years of age. The mean total dose of propofol required was 136.08 ± 48.82 mg. Total of 29.1 % of cases required O2 administration during the procedure time due to transient drop in O2 saturation. Total of 4.4% of cases required fluid administration due to transient fall in blood pressure. Total of 68.0% of cases were completely sedated; 28.6% had minor restless and 3.4% showed agitation during induction period of propofol sedation. Total of 99.5% of patients reported pleasant experience while 0.5% reported unpleasant. Among 203 respondents, 98.5% responded they would prefer to do the procedure under propofol sedation in the future; 1.5% responded they did not want sedations in the future.Conclusion Upper GI endoscopy can safely be performed under propofol sedation administered by registered trained nurse under the supervision of endoscopist.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.12(2) 2014: 101-105
Delirium in Critically ill Patients in a Tertiary Care Centre in Western Region of Nepal
Authors: Thapa P , Chakraborty PK , Khattri JB , Ramesh K , Sharma P
Published: October 2015

Background Delirium affects a significant proportion of critically ill patients admitted in hospital. It is associated with various adverse outcomes. Despite its enormous prognostic significance it tends to be underdiagnosed. There is a dearth of studies on risk factors of delirium in our setting.Objectives The main objectives of this study was to find out the prevalence, rate of non recognition and risk factors associated with delirium in hospitalized critically ill patients.Methods A hospital based cross-sectional study was carried out. Data was collected using a predesigned semi-structured proforma and Intensive care delirium screening checklist was used to screen for delirium in patients admitted in various wards of Manipal teaching hospital, Pokhara, Nepal.Results Ninety five cases were included in the analysis. The mean age of study group was 58.9 ± 19.1 years. Delirium was present in 15/95 cases and it was not recognized by treating physician in about one third of cases. Odds ratio (OR) was statistically significantly increased in patients with history of stroke (OR=4.484 95% CI=1.0896;18.459), alcohol use (OR=10.792 95% CI=2.906;40.072), smoking (OR= 4.836 95% CI= 1.411;16.576), use of restraint (OR=17.143 95% CI=4.401;66.766), nasogastric tube placement (OR= 7.731 95% CI=2.348;25.452) and use of Foley’s catheter (OR=12.000 95% CI= 3.072;46.877).Conclusion About 16% of critically ill patients were found to be delirious. In about one third of the cases delirium was not recognized. Both patient related and iatrogenic factors may increase the risk of delirium in hospitalized critically ill patients.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.12(2) 2014: 117-120
Pathologies En-Route of Oral Basaloid Malignancies to Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Mehendiratta M , Rehani S , Kumra M , Shah MK
Published: October 2015

Accurate histopathological diagnosis of any tumour is imperative because of variable prognostic and clinical implications. Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is a rare distinctive histological variant of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) exhibiting an aggressive clinical course and poor prognosis. The advanced stage of presentation is speculatively responsible for this biological behaviour which is manifested by development of metastasis and subsequently poor survival. However, the non-specific clinical appearance and histopathological resemblance of BSCC with OSCC and other oral basaloid malignancies (OBM) especially in limited sample size poses diagnostic difficulties. The article emphasizes on the diagnostic criteria and pitfalls encountered in making the differential diagnosis of BSCC from OBMs along with report of a case presented at a dental college in January 2012.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.12(2) 2014: 141-145
Disaggregate Analysis of Relationships between Commercial Vehicle Parking Citations, Parking Supply, and Parking Demand
Authors: Wenneman Adam , Habib Khandker M. Nurul , Roorda Matthew J.
Published: October 2015

Over the past several decades, road space and curb space have become increasingly scarce in urban areas. Commercial vehicles are then forced to compete with passenger vehicles for this limited space; this situation leads to an increase in illegal commercial vehicle parking. Increased commercial vehicle parking causes increased congestion, reduced safety for other road users, and an increase in the cost of final goods and services. For appropriate policies to be selected to address this problem, the relationships between illegal commercial vehicle parking and the built environment must be better understood. This research aimed to quantify the relationships of illegal commercial vehicle parking, parking supply, and parking demand through the estimation of a distance-decay-weighted regression model. Data on commercial vehicle parking citations from 2012 for the City of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, are presented. This information was used together with employment data and a parking inventory to estimate the number of tickets issued by address. A distance-decay-weighted method was applied in an attempt to capture the spatial relationships between these variables. Results of this model showed that off-street parking facilities, such as loading bays, surface lots, and parking garages, were related to lower rates of illegal commercial vehicle parking, whereas higher business densities and the restriction of existing on-street parking spaces were related to increased illegal commercial vehicle parking. These results suggest that policies encouraging the creation of off-street loading facilities for commercial vehicles and making off-street parking more attractive for passenger vehicles may help reduce the incidence of illegal commercial vehicle parking.
Valuation and Calculation at the Margins
Authors: Mennicken Andrea , Sjögren Ebba
Published: October 2015

Not Available.
Grappling with the Economy of Enrichment
Authors: Boltanski Luc , Esquerre Arnaud
Published: October 2015

In a conversation with Fabian Muniesa from the board of editors of Valuation Studies, Luc Boltanski and Arnaud Esquerre unravelled a few of the distinguishing features of their new work on the sociology of valuation. Combining an updated view on the pragmatics of justification and a more recent preoccupation with the problem of prices, their proposal appears as both a suitable contribution and a timely challenge to current threads in valuation studies. It also interacts in a stimulating fashion with their concomitant analysis of the political atmosphere in France, and more widely of the shift to identity that so vividly informs the critique of capitalism today.
Of Principle and Principal: Value Plurality in the Market of Impact Investing
Authors: Barman Emily
Published: October 2015

Impact investing-investment with the intentional expectation of social or environmental impact alongside financial return-constitutes one of a growing array of “concerned markets” where economic exchange is employed as a means to pursue financial and social or environmental value. Drawing from the pragmatist turn in valuation studies, this article attends to the valuation work that took place in the formation of this new market, examining how market proponents as evaluators recognized, defined, and negotiated the presence of value complexity in impact investing. I frame the market of impact investing as a case of market design complete with experiments, one in which advocates produced a valuation infrastructure so as to address investors’ difficulty in ascertaining the social and environmental value - as a distinct regime of value from financial value - of an investment. These experimenters extended judgment devices from mainstream finance to construct calculative tools in this setting that permitted the social or environmental value of investments to be brought into being and to be made calculable for investors without being assigned a financial value. The study contributes to literature that theorizes the conditions underlying evaluators’ mediation of the multiple registers of value at work in the making of markets.
Phonon Spectrum Engineering in Rolled-up Micro- and Nano-Architectures
Authors: Fomin Vladimir M. , Balandin Alexander A.
Published: October 2015

We report on a possibility of efficient engineering of the acoustic phonon energy spectrum in multishell tubular structures produced by a novel high-tech method of self-organization of micro- and nano-architectures. The strain-driven roll-up procedure paved the way for novel classes of metamaterials such as single semiconductor radial micro- and nano-crystals and multi-layer spiral micro- and nano-superlattices. The acoustic phonon dispersion is determined by solving the equations of elastodynamics for InAs and GaAs material systems. It is shown that the number of shells is an important control parameter of the phonon dispersion together with the structure dimensions and acoustic impedance mismatch between the superlattice layers. The obtained results suggest that rolled up nano-architectures are promising for thermoelectric applications owing to a possibility of significant reduction of the thermal conductivity without degradation of the electronic transport.
Inland Concentrations of Cl2 and ClNO2 in Southeast Texas Suggest Chlorine Chemistry Significantly Contributes to Atmospheric Reactivity
Authors: Faxon Cameron , Bean Jeffrey , Ruiz Lea
Published: October 2015

Measurements of molecular chlorine (Cl2), nitryl chloride (ClNO2), and dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) were taken as part of the DISCOVER-AQ Texas 2013 campaign with a High Resolution Time-of-Flight Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer (HR-ToF-CIMS) using iodide (I-) as a reagent ion. ClNO2 concentrations exceeding 50 ppt were regularly detected with peak concentrations typically occurring between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 am. Hourly averaged Cl2 concentrations peaked daily between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., with a 29-day average of 0.9 ± 0.3 (1σ) ppt. A day-time Cl2 source of up to 35 ppt∙h−1 is required to explain these observations, corresponding to a maximum chlorine radical (Cl•) production rate of 70 ppt∙h−1. Modeling of the Cl2 source suggests that it can enhance daily maximum O3 and RO2• concentrations by 8%–10% and 28%–50%, respectively. Modeling of observed ClNO2 assuming a well-mixed nocturnal boundary layer indicates O3 and RO2• enhancements of up to 2.1% and 38%, respectively, with a maximum impact in the early morning. These enhancements affect the formation of secondary organic aerosol and compliance with air quality standards for ozone and particulate matter.
Nanocarriers for Delivery of Antioxidants on the Skin
Authors: Vinardell María Pilar , Mitjans Montserrat
Published: October 2015

Skin is protected from the harmful effects of free radicals by the presence of an endogenous antioxidant system. However, when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, there is an imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants, leading to oxidative stress and photoaging of the skin. It has been described that free radicals and other reactive species can cause severe damage to cells and cell components of the skin, which results in skin aging and cancer. To prevent these actions on skin, the use of topical antioxidant supplementation is a strategy used in the cosmetics industry and these antioxidants act on quenching free radicals. There are many studies that demonstrated the antioxidant activity of many phytochemicals or bioactive compounds by free radical scavenging. However, many bioactive substances are unstable when exposed to light or lose activity during storage. The potential sensitivity of these substances to light exposure is of importance in cosmetic formulations applied to skin because photo-degradation might occur, reducing their activity. One strategy to reduce this effect on the skin is the preparation of different types of nanomaterials that allow the encapsulation of the antioxidant substances. Another problem related to some antioxidants is their inefficient percutaneous penetration, which limits the amount of the active ingredient able to reach the site of action in viable epidermis and dermis. In this sense, the encapsulation in polymeric nanoparticles could enhance the permeation of these substances. Nanocarriers offers several advantages over conventional passive delivery, such as increased surface area, higher solubility, improved stability, controlled release, reduced skin irritancy, and protection from degradation. The different nanocarrier systems used in cosmetics include nanolipid delivery systems such as solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), nanoemulsions (NEs), nanoparticles (NP) suspension, and polymer NPs, among others. In this review, we present the different types of nanomaterials used in cosmetic formulations to obtain the best effect of antioxidants applied onto the skin.
Analysis of Neural Oscillations on Drosophila’s Subesophageal Ganglion Based on Approximate Entropy
Authors: Mei Tian , Qiao Jingda , Zhou Yi , Gu Huaiyu , Chen Ziyi , Tian Xianghua , Gu Kuiying
Published: October 2015

The suboesophageal ganglion (SOG), which connects to both central and peripheral nerves, is the primary taste-processing center in the Drosophila’s brain. The neural oscillation in this center may be of great research value yet it is rarely reported. This work aims to determine the amount of unique information contained within oscillations of the SOG and describe the variability of these patterns. The approximate entropy (ApEn) values of the spontaneous membrane potential (sMP) of SOG neurons were calculated in this paper. The arithmetic mean (MA), standard deviation (SDA) and the coefficient of variation (CVA) of ApEn were proposed as the three statistical indicators to describe the irregularity and complexity of oscillations. The hierarchical clustering method was used to classify them. As a result, the oscillations in SOG were divided into five categories, including: (1) Continuous spike pattern; (2) Mixed oscillation pattern; (3) Spikelet pattern; (4) Busting pattern and (5) Sparse spike pattern. Steady oscillation state has a low level of irregularity, and vice versa. The dopamine stimulation can distinctly cut down the complexity of the mixed oscillation pattern. The current study provides a quantitative method and some critera on mining the information carried in neural oscillations.
Impact of the Converter Control Strategies on the Drive Train of Wind Turbine during Voltage Dips
Authors: Miao Fenglin , Shi Hongsheng , Zhang Xiaoqing
Published: October 2015

The impact of converter control strategies on the drive train of wind turbines during voltage dips is investigated in this paper using a full electromechanical model. Aerodynamics and tower vibration are taken into consideration by means of a simulation program, named FAST. Detailed gearbox and electrical subsystems are represented in MATLAB. The dynamic response of electromagnetic torque and its impact on the mechanical variables are the concern in this paper and the response of electrical variables is less discussed. From the mechanical aspects, the effect of rising power recovery speed and unsymmetrical voltage dips are analyzed on the basis of the dynamic response of the high-speed shaft (HSS). A comparison of the impact on the drive train is made for two converter control strategies during small voltage dips. Through the analysis of torque, speed and tower vibration, the results indicate that both power recovery speed and the sudden torque sag have a significant impact on drive trains, and the effects depend on the different control strategies. Moreover, resonance might be excited on the drive train by an unbalanced voltage.
A Focus on the Death Kinetics in Predictive Microbiology: Benefits and Limits of the Most Important Models and Some Tools Dealing with Their Application in Foods
Authors: Bevilacqua Antonio , Speranza Barbara , Sinigaglia Milena , Corbo Maria
Published: October 2015

Predictive Microbiology (PM) deals with the mathematical modeling of microorganisms in foods for different applications (challenge test, evaluation of microbiological shelf life, prediction of the microbiological hazards connected with foods, etc.). An interesting and important part of PM focuses on the use of primary functions to fit data of death kinetics of spoilage, pathogenic, and useful microorganisms following thermal or non-conventional treatments and can also be used to model survivors throughout storage. The main topic of this review is a focus on the most important death models (negative Gompertz, log-linear, shoulder/tail, Weibull, Weibull+tail, re-parameterized Weibull, biphasic approach, etc.) to pinpoint the benefits and the limits of each model; in addition, the last section addresses the most important tools for the use of death kinetics and predictive microbiology in a user-friendly way.
Current and Future Prospects for Epigenetic Biomarkers of Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Andersen Allan , Dogan Meeshanthini , Beach Steven , Philibert Robert
Published: October 2015

Substance abuse has an enormous impact on economic and quality of life measures throughout the world. In more developed countries, overutilization of the most common forms of substances of abuse, alcohol and tobacco, is addressed primarily through prevention of substance use initiation and secondarily through the treatment of those with substance abuse or dependence. In general, these therapeutic approaches to substance abuse are deemed effective. However, there is a broad consensus that the development of additional tools to aid diagnosis, prioritize treatment selection and monitor treatment response could have substantial impact on the effectiveness of both substance use prevention and treatment. The recent demonstrations by a number of groups that substance use exposure is associated with robust changes in DNA methylation signatures of peripheral blood cells suggests the possibility that methylation assessments of blood or saliva could find broad clinical applications. In this article, we review recent progress in epigenetic approaches to substance use assessment with a particular emphasis on smoking (and alcohol) related applications. In addition, we highlight areas, such as the epigenetics of psychostimulant, opioid and cannabis abuse, which are markedly understudied and could benefit from intensified collaborative efforts to define epigenetic biomarkers of abuse and dependence.
Prevalence of Diabetes and Associated Factors in the Uyghur and Han Population in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Gong Haiying , Pa Lize , Wang Ke , Mu Hebuli , Dong Fen , Ya Shengjiang , Xu Guodong , Tao Ning , Pan Li , Wang Bin , Shan Guangliang
Published: October 2015

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of diabetes and identify risk factors in the Uyghur and Han population in Xinjiang, China. Methods: A cross-sectional study in urban and rural areas in Xinjiang, including 2863 members of the Uyghur population and 3060 of the Han population aged 20 to 80 years, was conducted from June 2013 to August 2013. Data on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and personal history of diabetes were used to estimate the prevalence of diabetes. Data on demographic characteristics, lifestyle risk factors, and lipid profiles were collected to identify risks factors using the multivariate logistic regression model. Results: In urban areas, the age- and gender-standardized prevalence of diabetes was 8.21%, and the age- and gender-standardized prevalence of diabetes was higher in the Uyghur population (10.47%) than in the Han population (7.36%). In rural areas, the age- and gender-standardized prevalence of diabetes was 6.08%, and it did not differ significantly between the Uyghur population (5.71%) and the Han population (6.59%). The results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that older age, obesity, high triglycerides (TG), and hypertension were all associated with an increased risk of diabetes in the Uyghur and Han population. Urban residence and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were associated with an increased risk of diabetes in the Uyghur population. Being an ex-drinker was associated with an increased risk of diabetes and heavy physical activity was associated with a decreased risk of diabetes in the Han population. Conclusions: Our study indicates that diabetes is more prevalent in the Uyghur population compared with the Han population in urban areas. Strategies aimed at the prevention of diabetes require ethnic targeting.
Mutational Spectrum Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Its Pathogenic Implication
Authors: Shen Liang , Ji Hong-Fang
Published: October 2015

One of the most conspicuous features of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) is the occurrence of dramatic conformation change of individual proteins. We performed a mutational spectrum analysis of disease-causing missense mutations in seven types of NDs at nucleotide and amino acid levels, and compared the results with those of non-NDs. The main findings included: (i) The higher mutation ratio of G:C→T:A transversion to G:C→A:T transition was observed in NDs than in non-NDs, interpreting the excessive guanine-specific oxidative DNA damage in NDs; (ii) glycine and proline had highest mutability in NDs than in non-NDs, which favor the protein conformation change in NDs; (iii) surprisingly low mutation frequency of arginine was observed in NDs. These findings help to understand how mutations may cause NDs.
Controlled Emissivity Coatings to Delay Ignition of Polyethylene
Authors: Sonnier Rodolphe , Ferry Laurent , Gallard Benjamin , Boudenne Abderrahim , Lavaud François
Published: October 2015

Semi-opaque to opaque films containing small amounts of various aluminium particles to decrease emissivity were easily prepared and coated onto low-density polyethylene (LDPE) sheets. The thermal-radiative properties (reflectivity, transmissivity and absorptivity) of the films were measured and related to the aluminum particles’ content, size and nature. Time-to-ignition of samples was assessed using a cone calorimeter at different heat flux values (35, 50 and 75 kW/m2). The coatings allowed significant ignition delay and, in some cases, changed the material behaviour from thermally thin to thick behaviour. These effects are related both to their emissivity and transmissivity. A lower emissivity, which decreases during the degradation, and a lower transmissivity are the key points to ensure an optimal reaction-to-fire.
High Rate Performance Nanocomposite Electrode of Mesoporous Manganese Dioxide/Silver Nanowires in KI Electrolytes
Authors: Jiang Yanhua , Cui Xiuguo , Zu Lei , Hu Zhongkai , Gan Jing , Lian Huiqin , Liu Yang , Xing Guangjian
Published: October 2015

In recent years, manganese dioxide has become a research hotspot as an electrode material because of its low price. However, it has also become an obstacle to industrialization due to its low ratio of capacitance and the low rate performance which is caused by the poor electrical conductivity. In this study, a KI solution with electrochemical activity was innovatively applied to the electrolyte, and we systematically investigated the rate performance of the mesoporous manganese dioxide and the composite electrode with silver nanowires in supercapacitors. The results showed that when mesoporous manganese dioxide and mesoporous manganese dioxide/silver nanowires composite were used as electrodes, the strength of the current was amplified five times (from 0.1 to 0.5 A/g), the remaining rates of specific capacitance were 95% (from 205.5 down to 197.1 F/g) and 92% (from 208.1 down to 191.7 F/g) in the KI electrolyte, and the rate performance was much higher than which in an Na2SO4 electrolyte with a remaining rate of 25% (from 200.3 down to 49.1 F/g) and 60% (from 187.2 down to 113.1 F/g). The morphology and detail structure were investigated by Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms. The electrochemical performance was assessed by cyclic voltammograms, galvanostatic charge/discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
Controlling Persister and Biofilm Cells of Gram-Negative Bacteria with a New 1,3,5-Triazine Derivative
Authors: Bahar Ali Adem , Liu Zhigang , Garafalo Meagan , Kallenbach Neville , Ren Dacheng
Published: October 2015

Infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria have been on the rise. This important issue presents a great challenge to the healthcare system and creates an urgent need for alternative therapeutic agents. As a potential solution to this problem, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted increasing attention due to their broad spectrum of targeted microbes. However, most AMPs are expensive to synthesize, have relatively high cytotoxicity to mammalian cells, and are susceptible to proteolytic degradation. In order to overcome these limitations, novel synthetic AMPs are desired. Using 1,3,5-triazine (TN) as a template, several combinatorial libraries with varying cationic charge and lipophilicity were designed and screened by the Kallenbach lab. From this screening, TN-5 was identified as a potent lead. In the present study, this compound was tested for its antimicrobial activities on Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition to regular planktonic cells, the effects on biofilms and persister cells (metabolically inactive and antibiotic tolerant subpopulation) were also investigated. TN-5 was found to have a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.8 μM for both species and kill regular planktonic cells of both species dose dependently. TN-5 is also effective against persister cells of both E. coli and P. aeruginosa. The killing of biofilm cells of the mucoid P. aeruginosa PDO300 was enhanced by alginate lyase.
Application of High Resolution Satellite Imagery to Characterize Individual-Based Environmental Heterogeneity in a Wild Blue Tit Population
Authors: Szulkin Marta , Zelazowski Przemyslaw , Marrot Pascal , Charmantier Anne
Published: October 2015

Environmental heterogeneity in space and time plays a key role in influencing trait variability in animals, and can be particularly relevant to animal phenology. Until recently, the use of remotely sensed imagery in understanding animal variation was limited to analyses at the population level, largely because of a lack of high-resolution data that would allow inference at the individual level. We evaluated the potential of SPOT 4 (Take 5) satellite imagery data (with observations every fifth day at 20 m resolution and equivalent to acquisition parameters of Sentinel-2) in animal ecology research. We focused on blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus reproduction in a study site containing 227 nestboxes scattered in a Mediterranean forest dominated by deciduous downy oaks Quercus pubescens with a secondary cover of evergreen holm oaks Quercus ilex. We observed high congruence between ground data collected in a 50 m radius around each nestbox and NDVI values averaged across a 5 by 5 pixel grid centered around each nestbox of the study site. The number of deciduous and evergreen oaks around nestboxes explained up to 66% of variance in nestbox-centered, SPOT-derived NDVI values. We also found highly equivalent patterns of spatial autocorrelation for both ground- and satellite-derived indexes of environmental heterogeneity. For deciduous and evergreen oaks, the derived NDVI signal was highly distinctive in winter and early spring. June NDVI values for deciduous and evergreen oaks were higher by 58% and 8% relative to February values, respectively. The number of evergreen oaks was positively associated with later timing of breeding in blue tits. SPOT-derived, Sentinel-2 like imagery thus provided highly reliable, ground-validated information on habitat heterogeneity of direct relevance to a long-term field study of a free-living passerine bird. Given that the logistical demands of gathering ground data often limit our understanding of variation in animal reproductive traits across time and space, there appears to be great promise in applying fine-resolution satellite data in evolutionary ecology research.
Soft Neurological Signs in Childhood by Measurement of Arm Movements Using Acceleration and Angular Velocity Sensors
Authors: Kaneko Miki , Yamashita Yushiro , Inomoto Osamu , Iramina Keiji
Published: October 2015

Soft neurological signs (SNS) are evident in the motor performance of children and disappear as the child grows up. Therefore SNS are used as criteria for evaluating age-appropriate development of neurological function. The aim of this study was to quantify SNS during arm movement in childhood. In this study, we focused on pronation and supination, which are arm movements included in the SNS examination. Two hundred and twenty-three typically developing children aged 4–12 years (107 boys, 116 girls) and 18 adults aged 21–26 years (16 males, two females) participated in the experiment. To quantify SNS during pronation and supination, we calculated several evaluation index scores: bimanual symmetry, compliance, postural stability, motor speed and mirror movement. These index scores were evaluated using data obtained from sensors attached to the participants’ hands and elbows. Each score increased as age increased. Results obtained using our system showed developmental changes that were consistent with criteria for SNS. We were able to successfully quantify SNS during pronation and supination. These results indicate that it may be possible to use our system as quantitative criteria for evaluating development of neurological function.
Research on Defects Inspection of Solder Balls Based on Eddy Current Pulsed Thermography
Authors: Zhou Xiuyun , Zhou Jinlong , Tian Guiyun , Wang Yizhe
Published: October 2015

In order to solve tiny defect detection for solder balls in high-density flip-chip, this paper proposed feasibility study on the effect of detectability as well as classification based on eddy current pulsed thermography (ECPT). Specifically, numerical analysis of 3D finite element inductive heat model is generated to investigate disturbance on the temperature field for different kind of defects such as cracks, voids, etc. The temperature variation between defective and non-defective solder balls is monitored for defects identification and classification. Finally, experimental study is carried on the diameter 1mm tiny solder balls by using ECPT and verify the efficacy of the technique.
Nitric Oxide Isotopic Analyzer Based on a Compact Dual-Modulation Faraday Rotation Spectrometer
Authors: Zhang Eric , Huang Stacey , Ji Qixing , Silvernagel Michael , Wang Yin , Ward Bess , Sigman Daniel , Wysocki Gerard
Published: October 2015

We have developed a transportable spectroscopic nitrogen isotopic analyzer. The spectrometer is based on dual-modulation Faraday rotation spectroscopy of nitric oxide isotopologues with near shot-noise limited performance and baseline-free operation. Noise analysis indicates minor isotope (15NO) detection sensitivity of 0.36 ppbv·Hz−1/2, corresponding to noise-equivalent Faraday rotation angle (NEA) of 1.31 × 10−8 rad·Hz−1/2 and noise-equivalent absorbance (αL)min of 6.27 × 10−8 Hz−1/2. White-noise limited performance at 2.8× the shot-noise limit is observed up to ~1000 s, allowing reliable calibration and sample measurement within the drift-free interval of the spectrometer. Integration with wet-chemistry based on acidic vanadium(III) enables conversion of aqueous nitrate/nitrite samples to gaseous NO for total nitrogen isotope analysis. Isotopic ratiometry is accomplished via time-multiplexed measurements of two NO isotope transitions. For 5 μmol potassium nitrate samples, the instrument consistently yields ratiometric precision below 0.3‰, thus demonstrating potential as an in situ diagnostic tool for environmental nitrogen cycle studies.