bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of iodine in pathogenesis of thyroid disease - is induction of apoptosis consequence of iodine cytotoxicity?
Authors: Markovic Ljiljana
Published: March 2017

Iodine is one of the best-characterized environmental factors associated with autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD). Epidemiological studies have shown that ATD incidence has increased following the introduction of salt iodination in the 1920s; in addition, ATD patients can improve upon iodine restriction. In animal models such as BioBreeding/Worcester and Buffalo rats, obese chicken strain, and non-obese diabetic H-2h4 mice, excess iodine is associated with autoimmunity. Analyses of Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) have shown enlarged number of apoptotic follicular cells, and the destruction is an effect of death receptormediated apoptosis. Excess of iodine induces rapid apoptosis of goitrogen Wistar pretreated rats, possibly connected with inhibition of polyamine synthesis, inhibitors of DNA fragmentation. Percentage of apoptotic cells was statistically higher in patients with HT than in those with euthyroid goiter, with significant increase of caspase 32. Genes for Bcl-2 and Bax proteins are under the transcriptional control of p53. In TAD-2 cell cultures, apoptosis is p53-independed, suggesting that DNA damage is not primarily evoked by potassium iodide (KI). High concentrations of NaI increase the proportion of apoptotic cells in FTRL5 thyroid cell line. Iodide cytotoxicity is inhibited by a TPO inhibitor and is relieved with an anti-oxidant agent. Chronic iodine excess induces apoptosis and necrosis of thyroid follicular and endothelial cells, leading to thyroglobulin accumulation in connective tissue. Iodide excess requires peroxidase enzymatic activity to induce apoptosis. Ionic iodide is not directly toxic, whereas its molecular form I2 mediates the apoptotic effect of KI.
PERILAKU PENOREHAN RANGGAH PADA TUMBUHAN OLEH RUSA BAWEAN (AXIS KUHLII)
Authors: Semiadi Gono , Kustoto Kustoto , Sutama I Ketut , Masyud Burhanudin
Published: March 2017

[12/12, 02:23] Wulida Khoirunnisa🌻: Nyetrika Flashcard Pindah file ke fd dari komputer Buat salad Mentai rice Packing [12/12, 02:24] Wulida Khoirunnisa🌻: Beres2 kamar jahit [12/12, 03:24] Wulida Khoirunnisa🌻: Kirim jnt [12/12, 06:50] Wulida Khoirunnisa🌻: *~Nyetrika~* ~Flashcard~ Pindah file ke fd dari komputer Buat salad Mentai rice ~Packing~ [12/12, 06:50] Wulida Khoirunnisa🌻: ~Beres2 kamar jahit~ [12/23, 12:12] Wulida Khoirunnisa🌻: The behavior of antler rubbing in the Cervidae family during the period of hard antlers is related to the territorial marking and reproductive activity. Bawean deer (Axis kuhlii) is one of the rarest animals in Indonesia and endemic to Bawean Island. The knowledge of their biology in the natural habitat is scarce. The objective of this study is to understand on their behavior, particularly the stags during their hard antlers period by observing their rubbing activities on the plantations in their natural habitat. Data collections were conducted in four sites, from June 1996 to October 1996, through monthly visit. Transects with the length of 900 to 2000 m and width of 100 m were established. Observation took place every 100 m along the transect in both sides on the area of 25m2. the name of local plants which were rub was noted, the length and width of the rubbing marks on the plants and the diameter of the plant were measured. The result showed there were 22 species (in which 7 were unidentified) of plants being rub by the deer. The highest intensity is on Macu (15 percent) followed by Ngos-ngosan and Sentol (11 percent each). Number of death plants due to rubbing activity was very low (less than 1 percent). Mean of the plants diameter being rub was 19.1 mm, with the length and total area being rub were 19.1 mm and 6521 mm2, respectively. From this study it can be concluded that stags rub the plants during their hard antlers period on the bushy type category. The rutting season for Bawean stags in their habitat was estimated between May to November.
PEMBACAAN EPISTEMOLOGI ILMU TAFSIR KLASIK
Authors: Kamal Muhamad Ali Mustofa
Published: March 2017

This study focuses on the question of the reconstruction of the epistemological interpretation of classical exegesis by offering model mapping study of classical interpretation. The method used is based literary exploratory-qualitative approach. Epistemology of classical interpretation rely solely on aspects of history since the time of the Prophet, his tabi'in and generations before the contemporary era that emphasizes the validity of the interpretation of history rather than on naql aspects than aql aspects (ra'yu). The Reconstruction for methodological interpretation at all times would be covered by the circumstances that surround the commentators. The method will continue to grow with different perspectives of the commentators in the condition and situation with other commentators. Interpretation will continue to move as long as science itself is constantly moving and human culture is not going nowhere.
État de santé, limitations d’activité, restrictions professionnelles
et degré d’invalidité chez les Canadiens atteints d’un
trouble de l’humeur ou d'anxiété
Authors: Loukine Lidia , O’Donnell Siobhan , Goldner E. M. , McRae Louise , Allen H.
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Cette étude fournit, au moyen d’un échantillon de ménages fondé sur la
population, le premier aperçu, chez des Canadiens adultes atteints de troubles de l’humeur
ou d'anxiété, de leur état de santé globale et de santé mentale perçu, de leurs limitations
fonctionnelles, de leurs restrictions professionnelles et de leur degré d’invalidité, ainsi que
des facteurs associés à une invalidité grave.

Méthodologie

Nous avons utilisé les données de l’Enquête sur les personnes ayant une
maladie chronique au Canada – Composante des troubles de l’humeur et d'anxiété.
L’échantillon est composé de Canadiens âgés de 18 ans et plus, atteints d’un trouble de
l’humeur ou d’anxiété autodéclaré et habitant l'une des 10 provinces (n = 3 361; taux de
réponse 68,9 %). Nous avons mené des analyses de régression logistiques multidimensionnelles
multinomiales et descriptives.

Résultats

Parmi les Canadiens adultes atteints d’un trouble de l’humeur ou d’anxiété, plus
d’un quart ont rapporté un état de santé globale (25,3 %) et de santé mentale (26,1 %)
« passable ou médiocre », plus du tiers (36,4 %) ont mentionné avoir une ou plusieurs limitations
fonctionnelles, la moitié (50,3 %) ont déclaré qu’une modification de leur emploi a
été nécessaire pour continuer à travailler et plus du tiers (36,5 %) souffrait d'une invalidité
grave. Les personnes avec troubles de l’humeur et d'anxiété concomitants ont mentionné de
moins bons résultats : 56,4 % avaient une ou plusieurs limitations fonctionnelles, 65,8 % ont
mentionné qu’une modification de leur emploi a été nécessaire et 49,6 % souffraient d'une
invalidité grave. Après ajustement pour les caractéristiques individuelles, les personnes
atteintes d’un trouble de l’humeur ou d’anxiété qui étaient plus âgées, dont le revenu familial
était situé dans le quintile du plus faible revenu ou du revenu faible à moyen ou qui avaient
des troubles concomitants étaient plus susceptibles d’avoir une invalidité grave.

Conclusion

Les résultats de cette étude confirment que les troubles de l’humeur ou
d’anxiété, surtout dans le cas de troubles concomitants, sont associés à des résultats en santé
physique et mentale négatifs. Ces constats soutiennent les actions en politique et programmes
de santé publique qui visent à améliorer la vie des personnes atteintes de ces troubles,
surtout celles qui sont atteintes de troubles concomitants.
NZ watchdogs must keep up with media’s changing face
Authors: Clark Linda
Published: March 2017

A discussion paper released by the New Zealand Law Commission just before the end of 2011 looked into how well the regulatory framework governing the NZ media was working, and concluded that change was needed. Currently complaints must be made first to the publication or broadcaster concerned. Only if the complainant is dissatisfied with the outcome is there a right of appeal to the self-regulatory Press Council, for print media, or, for radio and television, to the statutory Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA). The commission’s recommendation is for a new single regulator created by statute to which all complaints about ‘news media’ would be directed. Unlike the Press Council or the BSA, the new regulator could intervene without any complaint being laid and—possibly—even before a story is published where there are concerns about the methods the journalist used to gather information. And, importantly, online media would be included. But debate about the issues in New Zealand have been rather muted compared to the Australian and British debates.
Fiji’s coup culture 1987-2006: A media perspective
Authors: Ranjit Singh Thakur
Published: March 2017

Since attaining independence from Britain in 1970, Fiji enjoyed a period of ‘multiracial peace’ for 17 years under Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and this gave the country the utopian slogan: ‘Fiji―the way the world should be.’ But was this really so? Beneath the notion of peace, democracy and racial unity was a racial volcano that erupted when democracy took another turn. Subsequent to the defeat of the chiefly-led Alliance Party in the 1987 election, a third-ranking military officer, Sitiveni Rabuka, staged a coup to topple a Fijian-led but Indian-dominated government. He later handed the controls back to indigenous Fijians. Since then, Fiji has never really tasted any long-lasting political peace, democracy or stability. Despite two constitutions and some five elections since the first coup, the Western concept of stable democracy has eluded Fiji. It has had four coups since 1987 and this notoriety relegated it to rogue state status with a ‘coup culture’, or as some academics and journalists have described it, became ‘coup coup land’. This article examines some issues relating to the prevalence of the coup culture in Fiji and, views them in the light of media coverage.
Application of Wireless Sensor Networks to Healthcare Promotion
Authors: Neves Paulo , Stachyra Michal , Rodrigues Joel
Published: March 2017

Born on military applications, wireless sensor networks(WSNs) application grew on the promise of environment sensing and data processing capability at low cost. These networks can hold hundreds or even thousands of smart sensing nodes with processing and sensing capabilities and even integrated power through a dedicated battery. This paper surveys on the application of wireless sensor networks to healthcare promotion, namely with the use of biosensor technology applied to body sensor networks. On a wireless body sensor network, a person wears biosensors to gather data, while doing their daily activities. Currently, engineers and medical staff are cooperating on findingnew ways to properly gather meaningful data on-site and achieve a convenient way to process these data for research and on-site medical decision. New challenges that such approach brings are also considered. Moreover, it is shown that wireless sensor networks provide the technology to built wireless sensing and create a convenient infrastructure for multiple data gathering in healthcare applications. Together with real successful examples, we demonstrate the great usefulness of wireless sensor networks in healthcare promotion. The paper concludes with some guidelines for future work.
Ciencias ambientales como requerimiento básico para el desarrollo
Authors: De La Ossa V Jaime , Montes Vergara Donicer , Pérez-Cordero Alexander
Published: March 2017

Es evidente que la realidad ambiental actual muestra una acelerada destrucción de las fuentes de recursos naturales, sin duda, ya son visibles sus efectos negativos sobre la producción, la salud y la biodiversidad. Más que nunca se necesita un modelo ambiental que esté direccionado hacia la racionalidad como objetivo inminente, que sea vinculante entre los procesos naturales y el desarrollo social, y que esté transversalmente unido a la interdisciplinariedad para alcanzar una nueva metodología de aprendizaje, más honesta menos nociva, más conservacionista menos dilapidadora.
Los jagüeyes comunitarios como un sistema ambiental antrópico y la importancia de su gestión
Authors: De La Ossa-Lacayo Alejandro , Herrera-Betín, Jorge Mario
Published: March 2017

El presente trabajo de revisión expone aspectos importantes que se deben tener en cuenta para la adecuada gestión de los jagüeyes regionales, analiza conceptos relacionados con la gestión ambiental y su dimensión, gestión hídrica y sus enfoques, la cuenca y su delimitación conceptual, los diferentes niveles de estudio que se pueden tener respecto de la administración del recurso agua, cambio climático y su impacto sobre el componte hidrológico, para finalizar con la importancia que poseen los jagüeyes en términos de uso y aprovechamiento social, dejando plasmado el valor que estos sistemas ambientales antrópicos poseen en la conservación local y su valor cultural.
Filipa de Lancáster en Portugal (1387-1415): ¿las raíces de una nueva religiosidad?
Authors: Silva Manuela Santos
Published: March 2017

Reina de Portugal entre febrero de 1387 y julio de 1415, la única en origen inglesa, Filipa de Lancáster viene siendo considerada desde hace tiempo la responsable indirecta de varios de los cambios, especialmente culturales, que tuvieron lugar en el siglo XV en la corte portuguesa. Con todo, ello se ha basado más en premisas que en la presentación de pruebas cabales que demuestren su autoría o su acción inspiradora en muchas de estas novedades. Una de las facetas menos conocidas de la reina es la espiritual, y las prácticas asociadas a ella, que podría haber transmitido a sus hijos e impuesto en la corte. El estudio de sus orígenes, de su educación y de su ejercicio del oficio de reina ha permitido comprobar algunas de las suposiciones; pero también ha llevado a poner en duda bastantes de las ideas que se le asocian. A partir de alusiones esporádicas, de los testimonios de los cronistas que narraron el reinado de su esposo y de los escritos de su hijo mayor, quien la presentó como paradigma de reina ejemplar, de comportamiento intachable y modélico, se han analizado su educación y sus prácticas religiosas; y también se ha podido comprender el porqué de la perpetuación de esa imagen de la reina.
Architecture of Peace in Ambon: Reading Dynamics of Peace After Ten Years of Conflict
Authors: Ernas Saidin
Published: March 2017

The dynamics of peace in Ambon have been getting stronger during the last ten years, but to what extent this phenomenon can be considered as a solid basis for peace, would require a critical analysis. This paper is the result of field research on peace in Ambon using the theory of "peace architecture" developed by Luc Reychland (2006). The results of the analysis obtained several important conclusions. First, the peace process in the city of Ambon has been going on in a participatory manner in various aspects of life. Second, in an architectural perspective as put forward by Reychland, the peace in Ambon has sufficient potential to develop into a structure of peace which is getting stronger. It is characterized by the strengthening of an increasingly inclusive dialog and communication between citizens, as well as the effectiveness of public arenas such as markets, offices, schools and coffee shops as a medium of integration. It is also supported by the accommodative practices of economic and political transformation. Third, in line with the positive development, the public still need to be reminded of radical religious ideas and identity politics that are harmful to the sustainability of peace.
Exploration of Early Work Packaging in Construction Manager–General Contractor Highway Projects
Authors: Alleman Douglas , Papajohn Dean , Gransberg Douglas D. , El Asmar Mounir , Molenaar Keith R.
Published: March 2017

State agencies have been successfully implementing construction manager–general contractor (CM-GC) delivery on highway projects. Although early work packaging is frequently cited in the literature as a primary benefit of CM-GC projects, there is limited research to substantiate or refute these benefits. In addition, agencies need a better understanding of the current state of the practice of early work packaging in the CM-GC process to help with effective implementation. In an ongoing FHWA research project, 12 of 34 completed CM-GC projects reported the use of early work packaging; these projects will be the focus of this study. Research methods used within this study include literature review, content review of agency manuals and instructions, project surveys, agency interviews, and case studies. Triangulated findings suggest that early work packaging can contribute to expediting project completion, mitigating project risk, reducing project cost, and minimizing public impacts. To achieve these outcomes, agencies must perform detailed planning to generate severable and independent packages that take into account all potential impacts to the project. Trends in data indicate that early work packages can lead to cost savings, yet the sample size does not provide statistical significance. Future research should explore the performance of a larger data set of CM-GC projects with and without early work packaging along with a cost–benefit analysis of early work packages.
Improving student-perceived benefit of academic advising within education of occupational and physical therapy in the United States: a quality improvement initiative
Authors: Barnes Lisa J. , Parish Robin
Published: March 2017

Academic advising is a key role for faculty in the educational process of health professionals; however, the best practice of effective academic advising for occupational and physical therapy students has not been identified in the current literature. The purpose of this quality improvement initiative was to assess and improve the faculty/student advisor/advisee process within occupational and physical therapy programs within a school of allied health professions in the United States in 2015. A quality improvement initiative utilizing quantitative and qualitative information was gathered via survey focused on the assessment and improvement of an advisor/advisee process. The overall initiative utilized an adaptive iterative design incorporating the plan-do-study-act model which included a threestep process over a one year time frame utilizing 2 cohorts, the first with 80 students and the second with 88 students. Baseline data were gathered prior to initiating the new process. A pilot was conducted and assessed during the first semester of the occupational and physical therapy programs. Final information was gathered after one full academic year with final comparisons made to baseline. Defining an effective advisory program with an established framework led to improved awareness and participation by students and faculty. Early initiation of the process combined with increased frequency of interaction led to improved student satisfaction. Based on student perceptions, programmatic policies were initiated to promote advisory meetings early and often to establish a positive relationship. The policies focus on academic advising as one of proactivity in which the advisor serves as a portal which the student may access leading to a more successful academic experience.
Exploring the Impact of Legislation on the Development of Craft Beer
Authors: Williams Alistair
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the ways in which federal and state legislation has impacted the growth of the US craft beer industry. In order to achieve this purpose, the city of Charlotte in North Carolina (N.C.) will be used as a case study. The research is conceptual in nature, a preferred choice as it allows a researcher to break down the issue into its constituent parts in order to gain a broader understanding. The research demonstrates that the legal framework in place for the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages in the U.S.A., which is a legacy of the Prohibition movement of the last century, continues to have a significant impact on the development of the craft beer industry. The growth in the number of breweries across the U.S.A. has been driven by the craft brewing industry and has provided consumers with a vastly increased array of choices (Burgdorf, 2016). The growth in the craft beer industry has not been proportional across all states, however. While many factors influence the growth of craft breweries (Carroll and Swaminathan, 2000), regulations such as those that restrict how brewers can distribute and retail beer have inhibited growth in many states, limiting consumer choice. The research demonstrates that change can be effected, as it has in N.C., through consumer pressure at the grassroots level. This paper provides an original perspective to the consideration of the growth of this important industry, arguing that future growth in the sector will continue to be impacted by the legislative frameworks in place. This in turn impacts on the ability of entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, and on aspects of consumer choice.
The Role of PI3K Isoforms in Regulating Bone Marrow Microenvironment Signaling Focusing on Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Piddock Rachel , Bowles Kristian , Rushworth Stuart
Published: March 2017

Despite the development of novel treatments in the past 15 years, many blood cancers still remain ultimately fatal and difficult to treat, particularly acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and multiple myeloma (MM). While significant progress has been made characterising small-scale genetic mutations and larger-scale chromosomal translocations that contribute to the development of various blood cancers, less is understood about the complex microenvironment of the bone marrow (BM), which is known to be a key player in the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), AML and MM. This niche acts as a sanctuary for the cancerous cells, protecting them from chemotherapeutics and encouraging clonal cell survival. It does this by upregulating a plethora of signalling cascades within the malignant cell, with the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway taking a critical role. This review will focus on how the PI3K pathway influences disease progression and the individualised role of the PI3K subunits. We will also summarise the current clinical trials for PI3K inhibitors and how these trials impact the treatment of blood cancers.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the Sucrose Synthase Gene Family in Grape (Vitis vinifera): Structure, Evolution, and Expression Profiles
Authors: Zhu Xudong , Wang Mengqi , Li Xiaopeng , Jiu Songtao , Wang Chen , Fang Jinggui
Published: March 2017

Sucrose synthase (SS) is widely considered as the key enzyme involved in the plant sugar metabolism that is critical to plant growth and development, especially quality of the fruit. The members of SS gene family have been identified and characterized in multiple plant genomes. However, detailed information about this gene family is lacking in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). In this study, we performed a systematic analysis of the grape (V. vinifera) genome and reported that there are five SS genes (VvSS1–5) in the grape genome. Comparison of the structures of grape SS genes showed high structural conservation of grape SS genes, resulting from the selection pressures during the evolutionary process. The segmental duplication of grape SS genes contributed to this gene family expansion. The syntenic analyses between grape and soybean (Glycine max) demonstrated that these genes located in corresponding syntenic blocks arose before the divergence of grape and soybean. Phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct evolutionary paths for the grape SS genes. VvSS1/VvSS5, VvSS2/VvSS3 and VvSS4 originated from three ancient SS genes, which were generated by duplication events before the split of monocots and eudicots. Bioinformatics analysis of publicly available microarray data, which was validated by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), revealed distinct temporal and spatial expression patterns of VvSS genes in various tissues, organs and developmental stages, as well as in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Taken together, our results will be beneficial for further investigations into the functions of SS gene in the processes of grape resistance to environmental stresses.
Are Brief Alcohol Interventions Adequately Embedded in UK Primary Care? A Qualitative Study Utilising Normalisation Process Theory
Authors: O’Donnell Amy , Kaner Eileen
Published: March 2017

Despite substantial evidence for their effectiveness, the adoption of alcohol screening and brief interventions (ASBI) in routine primary care remains inconsistent. Financial incentive schemes were introduced in England between 2008 and 2015 to encourage their delivery. We used Normalisation Process Theory-informed interviews to understand the barriers and facilitators experienced by 14 general practitioners (GPs) as they implemented ASBI during this period. We found multiple factors shaped provision. GPs were broadly cognisant and supportive of preventative alcohol interventions (coherence) but this did not necessarily translate into personal investment in their delivery (cognitive participation). This lack of investment shaped how GPs operationalised such “work” in day-to-day practice (collective action), with ASBI mostly delegated to nurses, and GPs reverting to “business as usual” in their management and treatment of problem drinking (reflexive monitoring). We conclude there has been limited progress towards the goal of an effectively embedded preventative alcohol care pathway in English primary care. Future policy should consider screening strategies that prioritise patients with conditions with a recognised link with excessive alcohol consumption, and which promote more efficient identification of the most problematic drinkers. Improved GP training to build skills and awareness of evidence-based ASBI tools could also help embed best practice over time.
Endogenously Expressed IL-4Rα Promotes the Malignant Phenotype of Human Pancreatic Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Traub Benno , Sun Lie , Ma Yongsu , Xu Pengfei , Lemke Johannes , Paschke Stephan , Henne-Bruns Doris , Knippschild Uwe , Kornmann Marko
Published: March 2017

Exogenous interleukin-4 (IL-4) has been demonstrated to affect the growth of different human malignancies including pancreatic cancer cells. The aim of our study was to determine the role of endogenously expressed IL-4-receptor-α-chain (IL-4Rα) in pancreatic cancer cells. IL-4Rα-suppression was achieved by generating Capan-1 cells stably expressing shRNA targeting IL-4Rα. The malignant phenotype was characterized by assessing growth properties, directional and non-directional cell movement in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Signaling pathways were analyzed upon IL-4 and IL-13 stimulation of wildtype (WT) and control-transfected cells compared to IL-4Rα-knockdown cells. Silencing of IL-4Rα resulted in reduced anchorage-dependent cell growth (p < 0.05) and reduced anchorage-independent colony size (p < 0.001) in vitro. Moreover, cell movement and migration was inhibited. IL-4 and IL-13 stimulation of Capan-1-WT cells induced activation of similar pathways like stimulation with Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I. This activation was reduced after IL-4Rα downregulation while IGF-I signaling seemed to be enhanced in knockdown-clones. Importantly, IL-4Rα silencing also significantly suppressed tumor growth in vivo. The present study indicates that endogenously expressed IL-4 and IL-4Rα contribute to the malignant phenotype of pancreatic cancer cells by activating diverse pro-oncogenic signaling pathways. Addressing these pathways may contribute to the treatment of the disease.
Proteomic Profiling Comparing the Effects of Different Heat Treatments on Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Milk Whey Proteins
Authors: Benabdelkamel Hicham , Masood Afshan , Alanazi Ibrahim , Alzahrani Dunia , Alrabiah Deema , AlYahya Sami , Alfadda Assim
Published: March 2017

Camel milk is consumed in the Middle East because of its high nutritional value. Traditional heating methods and the duration of heating affect the protein content and nutritional quality of the milk. We examined the denaturation of whey proteins in camel milk by assessing the effects of temperature on the whey protein profile at room temperature (RT), moderate heating at 63 °C, and at 98 °C, for 1 h. The qualitative and quantitative variations in the whey proteins before and after heat treatments were determined using quantitative 2D-difference in gel electrophoresis (DIGE)-mass spectrometry. Qualitative gel image analysis revealed a similar spot distribution between samples at RT and those heated at 63 °C, while the spot distribution between RT and samples heated at 98 °C differed. One hundred sixteen protein spots were determined to be significantly different (p < 0.05 and a fold change of ≥1.2) between the non-heated and heated milk samples. Eighty protein spots were decreased in common in both the heat-treated samples and an additional 25 spots were further decreased in the 98 °C sample. The proteins with decreased abundance included serum albumin, lactadherin, fibrinogen β and γ chain, lactotransferrin, active receptor type-2A, arginase-1, glutathione peroxidase-1 and, thiopurine S, etc. Eight protein spots were increased in common to both the samples when compared to RT and included α-lactalbumin, a glycosylation-dependent cell adhesion molecule. Whey proteins present in camel milk were less affected by heating at 63 °C than at 98 °C. This experimental study showed that denaturation increased significantly as the temperature increased from 63 to 98 °C.
Factor VII Deficiency: Clinical Phenotype, Genotype and Therapy
Authors: Napolitano Mariasanta , Siragusa Sergio , Mariani Guglielmo
Published: March 2017

Factor VII deficiency is the most common among rare inherited autosomal recessive bleeding disorders, and is a chameleon disease due to the lack of a direct correlation between plasma levels of coagulation Factor VII and bleeding manifestations. Clinical phenotypes range from asymptomatic condition—even in homozygous subjects—to severe life-threatening bleedings (central nervous system, gastrointestinal bleeding). Prediction of bleeding risk is thus based on multiple parameters that challenge disease management. Spontaneous or surgical bleedings require accurate treatment schedules, and patients at high risk of severe hemorrhages may need prophylaxis from childhood onwards. The aim of the current review is to depict an updated summary of clinical phenotype, laboratory diagnosis, and treatment of inherited Factor VII deficiency.
Crystallinity and Sub-Band Gap Absorption of Femtosecond-Laser Hyperdoped Silicon Formed in Different N-Containing Gas Mixtures
Authors: Sun Haibin , Xiao Jiamin , Zhu Suwan , Hu Yue , Feng Guojin , Zhuang Jun , Zhao Li
Published: March 2017

Femtosecond (fs)-laser hyperdoped silicon has aroused great interest for applications in infrared photodetectors due to its special properties. Crystallinity and optical absorption influenced by co-hyperdoped nitrogen in surface microstructured silicon, prepared by fs-laser irradiation in gas mixture of SF6/NF3 and SF6/N2 were investigated. In both gas mixtures, nitrogen and sulfur were incorporated at average concentrations above 1019 atoms/cm3 in the 20–400 nm surface layer. Different crystallinity and optical absorption properties were observed for samples microstructured in the two gas mixtures. For samples prepared in SF6/N2, crystallinity and light absorption properties were similar to samples formed in SF6. Significant differences were observed amongst samples formed in SF6/NF3, which possess higher crystallinity and strong sub-band gap absorption. The differing crystallinity and light absorption rates between the two types of nitrogen co-hyperdoped silicon were attributed to different nitrogen configurations in the doped layer. This was induced by fs-laser irradiating silicon in the two N-containing gas mixtures.
Ice as a Green-Structure-Directing Agent in the Synthesis of Macroporous MWCNTs and Chondroitin Sulphate Composites
Authors: Nardecchia Stefania , Serrano María , García-Argüelles Sara , Maia Da Costa Marcelo , Ferrer María , Gutiérrez María
Published: March 2017

The incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into chondroitin sulphate-based scaffolds and the effect on the structural, mechanical, conductive, and thermal properties of the resulting scaffolds is investigated. Three-dimensional hierarchical materials are prepared upon the application of the ice segregation-induced self-assembly (ISISA) process. The use of ice as structure-directing agents avoids chemicals typically used for this purpose (e.g., surfactants, block copolymers, etc.), hence, emphasising the green features of this soft-templating approach. We determine the critical parameters that control the morphology of the scaffolds formed upon ice-templating (i.e., MWCNTs type, freezing conditions, polymer and MWCNT concentration). MWCNTs are surface functionalized by acidic treatment. MWCNT functionalization is characterized by Raman, Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopies. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and porosity studies reveal that MWCNT content modifies the morphology of the macroporous structure, which decreases by increasing MWCNT concentration. Differences in scaffold morphology should be translated into their conductivity and mechanical properties. As a general trend, the Young’s modulus and the electrical conductivity of the scaffolds increase with the MWCNT content. Preliminary biocompatibility tests with human osteoblast-like cells also reveal the capability of these structures to support cell growth.
Design and Construction of a Micro-Tribotester for Precise In-Situ Wear Measurements
Authors: Penkov Oleksiy , Khadem Mahdi , Nieto Andy , Kim Tae-Hyeong , Kim Dae-Eun
Published: March 2017

Extensive research efforts have been devoted to understand the complex mechanisms of wear with the aim to minimize wear in sliding systems. Improvements in the instruments used for the characterization of the wear phenomenon are required to enhance the effectiveness of research method. In this paper, we report the design of an experimental platform that enables in-situ observation of the surface topography evolution during the evaluation of the tribological behavior of surfaces in dry and lubricated conditions. Use of state-of-the-art components for surface topography measurement, planar positioning, and force sensing allowed for the improvement of sensitivity and resolution compared with the previously reported systems. The effectiveness of the tribotester was demonstrated through friction and wear tests performed using a stainless-steel ball and a silicon wafer coated with SiO2. It was found that transition of the wear mechanism from adhesive to abrasive wear took place when a significant amount of wear debris was formed as evidenced by the in-situ observation of removal of the coating and exposure of the Si substrate. The in-situ observation of wear phenomena enabled a robust and in-depth elucidation of wear mechanisms.
Characterization of Snow Facies on the Greenland Ice Sheet Observed by TanDEM-X Interferometric SAR Data
Authors: Rizzoli Paola , Martone Michele , Rott Helmut , Moreira Alberto
Published: March 2017

This paper presents for the first time a detailed study on information content of X-band single-pass interferometric spaceborne SAR data with respect to snow facies characterization. An approach for classifying different snow facies of the Greenland Ice Sheet by exploiting X-band TanDEM-X interferometric synthetic aperture radar acquisitions is firstly detailed. Large-scale mosaics of radar backscatter and volume correlation factor, derived from quicklook images of the interferometric coherence, represent the starting point for applying an unsupervised classification method based on the c-means fuzzy clustering algorithm. The data was acquired during winter 2010/2011. A partition of four different snow facies was chosen and interpreted using reference melt data, snow density, and in situ measurements. The variations in the stratification and micro-structure of firn, such as the variations of density with depth and the presence of percolation features, are identified as relevant parameters for explaining the significant differences in the observed interferometric signatures among different snow facies. Moreover, a statistical analysis of backscatter and volume correlation factor provided useful parameters for characterizing the snow facies behavior and analyzing their dependency on the acquisition geometry. Finally, knowing the location and characterization of the different snow facies, the two-way X-band penetration depth over the whole Ice Sheet was estimated. The obtained mean values vary from 2.3 m for the outer snow facies up to 4.18 m for the inner one. The presented approach represents a starting point for a long-term monitoring of ice sheet dynamics, by acquiring time-series, and is of high relevance for the design of future SAR missions as well.
Investigation on Inter-Limb Coordination and Motion Stability, Intensity and Complexity of Trunk and Limbs during Hands-Knees Crawling in Human Adults
Authors: Ma Shenglan , Chen Xiang , Cao Shuai , Yu Yi , Zhang Xu
Published: March 2017

This study aimed to investigate the inter-limb coordination pattern and the stability, intensity, and complexity of the trunk and limbs motions in human crawling under different speeds. Thirty healthy human adults finished hands-knees crawling trials on a treadmill at six different speeds (from 1 km/h to 2.5 km/h). A home-made multi-channel acquisition system consisting of five 3-axis accelerometers (ACC) and four force sensors was used for the data collection. Ipsilateral phase lag was used to represent inter-limb coordination pattern during crawling and power, harmonic ratio, and sample entropy of acceleration signals were adopted to depict the motion intensity, stability, and complexity of trunk and limbs respectively. Our results revealed some relationships between inter-limb coordination patterns and the stability and complexity of trunk movement. Trot-like crawling pattern was found to be the most stable and regular one at low speed in the view of trunk movement, and no-limb-pairing pattern showed the lowest stability and the greatest complexity at high speed. These relationships could be used to explain why subjects tended to avoid no-limb-pairing pattern when speed was over 2 km/h no matter which coordination type they used at low speeds. This also provided the evidence that the central nervous system (CNS) chose a stable inter-limb coordination pattern to keep the body safe and avoid tumbling. Although considerable progress has been made in the study of four-limb locomotion, much less is known about the reasons for the variety of inter-limb coordination. The research results of the exploration on the inter-limb coordination pattern choice during crawling from the standpoint of the motion stability, intensity, and complexity of trunk and limbs sheds light on the underlying motor control strategy of the human CNS and has important significance in the fields of clinical diagnosis, rehabilitation engineering, and kinematics research.
An IoT Reader for Wireless Passive Electromagnetic Sensors
Authors: Galindo-Romera Gabriel , Carnerero-Cano Javier , Martínez-Martínez José , Herraiz-Martínez Francisco
Published: March 2017

In the last years, many passive electromagnetic sensors have been reported. Some of these sensors are used for measuring harmful substances. Moreover, the response of these sensors is usually obtained with laboratory equipment. This approach highly increases the total cost and complexity of the sensing system. In this work, a novel low-cost and portable Internet-of-Things (IoT) reader for passive wireless electromagnetic sensors is proposed. The reader is used to interrogate the sensors within a short-range wireless link avoiding the direct contact with the substances under test. The IoT functionalities of the reader allows remote sensing from computers and handheld devices. For that purpose, the proposed design is based on four functional layers: the radiating layer, the RF interface, the IoT mini-computer and the power unit. In this paper a demonstrator of the proposed reader is designed and manufactured. The demonstrator shows, through the remote measurement of different substances, that the proposed system can estimate the dielectric permittivity. It has been demonstrated that a linear approximation with a small error can be extracted from the reader measurements. It is remarkable that the proposed reader can be used with other type of electromagnetic sensors, which transduce the magnitude variations in the frequency domain.
Automated Software Acceleration in Programmable Logic for an Efficient NFFT Algorithm Implementation: A Case Study
Authors: Rodríguez Manuel , Magdaleno Eduardo , Pérez Fernando , García Cristhian
Published: March 2017

Non-equispaced Fast Fourier transform (NFFT) is a very important algorithm in several technological and scientific areas such as synthetic aperture radar, computational photography, medical imaging, telecommunications, seismic analysis and so on. However, its computation complexity is high. In this paper, we describe an efficient NFFT implementation with a hardware coprocessor using an All-Programmable System-on-Chip (APSoC). This is a hybrid device that employs an Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) as Processing System with Programmable Logic for high-performance digital signal processing through parallelism and pipeline techniques. The algorithm has been coded in C language with pragma directives to optimize the architecture of the system. We have used the very novel Software Develop System-on-Chip (SDSoC) evelopment tool that simplifies the interface and partitioning between hardware and software. This provides shorter development cycles and iterative improvements by exploring several architectures of the global system. The computational results shows that hardware acceleration significantly outperformed the software based implementation.
Sensor Fault and Delay Tolerant Control for Networked Control Systems Subject to External Disturbances
Authors: Han Shi-Yuan , Chen Yue-Hui , Tang Gong-You
Published: March 2017

In this paper, the problem of sensor fault and delay tolerant control problem for a class of networked control systems under external disturbances is investigated. More precisely, the dynamic characteristics of the external disturbance and sensor fault are described as the output of exogenous systems first. The original sensor fault and delay tolerant control problem is reformulated as an equivalence problem with designed available system output and reformed performance index. The feedforward and feedback sensor fault tolerant controller (FFSFTC) can be obtained by utilizing the solutions of Riccati matrix equation and Stein matrix equation. Based on the designed fault diagnoser, the proposed FFSFTC is further reconstructed to compensate for the sensor fault and delayed measurement effects. Finally, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of our proposed FFSFTC with different cases with various types of sensor faults, measurement delays and external disturbances.
Comparison of Organic and Integrated Nutrient Management Strategies for Reducing Soil N2O Emissions
Authors: Graham Rebecca , Wortman Sam , Pittelkow Cameron
Published: March 2017

To prevent nutrient limitations to crop growth, nitrogen is often applied in agricultural systems in the form of organic inputs (e.g., crop residues, manure, compost, etc.) or inorganic fertilizer. Inorganic nitrogen fertilizer has large environmental and economic costs, particularly for low-input smallholder farming systems. The concept of combining organic, inorganic, and biological nutrient sources through Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) is increasingly promoted as a means of improving nutrient use efficiency by matching soil nutrient availability with crop demand. While the majority of previous research on INM has focused on soil quality and yield, potential climate change impacts have rarely been assessed. In particular, it remains unclear whether INM increases or decreases soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions compared to organic nitrogen inputs, which may represent an overlooked environmental tradeoff. The objectives of this review were to (i) summarize the mechanisms influencing N2O emissions in response to organic and inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilizer sources, (ii) synthesize findings from the limited number of field experiments that have directly compared N2O emissions for organic N inputs vs. INM treatments, (iii) develop a hypothesis for conditions under which INM reduces N2O emissions and (iv) identify key knowledge gaps to address in future research. In general, INM treatments having low carbon to nitrogen ratio C:N (<8) tended to reduce emissions compared to organic amendments alone, while INM treatments with higher C:N resulted in no change or increased N2O emissions.
The Study on Biomass Fraction Estimation for Waste Incinerated in Korea: A Case Study
Authors: Kang Seongmin , Kim Seungjin , Lee Deakyeom , Lee Jeongwoo , Kim Ki-Hyun , Jeon Eui-Chan
Published: March 2017

In this study, to determine the biomass fraction to apply to the estimation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the waste incineration sector, municipal solid waste, industrial waste, and sewage sludge incineration facilities were selected and analyzed, and the biomass fractions found in these facilities were compared. The biomass fractions of Municipal solid waste, industrial waste, and sewage sludge in incineration facilities were shown to be 57%, 41%, and 78%, on average, respectively. In the case of municipal solid waste and industrial waste incineration facilities, the values were similar to those of previous studies. However, the biomass fraction of wastes and sewage sludge except for municipal solid waste was found to be significantly different from the IPCC default. Accordingly, we believe that the biomass fractions used to estimate the GHG emissions of different incineration facilities should reflect the characteristics of each waste type. At present, the basic value given by the IPCC for biomass fraction is used in Korea to estimate the GHG emissions of each waste incineration facility. Some studies have found a difference between the value obtained using the basic value given by the IPCC and the value obtained using values that reflect the characteristics of Korea. In common with previous studies, in this study the biomass fraction of waste incineration facilities and sewage sludge incineration facilities except for municipal solid wastes showed a large difference, which is also expected to affect the estimation of GHG emissions. If further studies collect additional data on the biomass fraction of each waste type, this study along with the additional data collected will assist in the development of a state level greenhouse gas emission factor and contribute to the improvement of the reliability of the national GHG inventory.