bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Field-Effect Transistor Utilization to Study the Coupling Success Rate of Photosynthetic Protein Complexes to Cytochrome c
Authors: Takshi Arash , Yaghoubi Houman , Wang Jing , Jun Daniel , Beatty J.
Published: March 2017

Due to the high internal quantum efficiency, reaction center (RC) proteins from photosynthetic organisms have been studied in various bio-photoelectrochemical devices for solar energy harvesting. In vivo, RC and cytochrome c (cyt c; a component of the biological electron transport chain) can form a cocomplex via interprotein docking. This mechanism can be used in vitro for efficient electron transfer from an electrode to the RC in a bio-photoelectrochemical device. Hence, the success rate in coupling RCs to cyt c is of great importance for practical applications in the future. In this work, we use an electrochemical transistor to study the binding of the RC to cytochrome. The shift in the transistor threshold voltage was measured in the dark and under illumination to estimate the density of cytochrome and coupled RCs on the gate of the transistor. The results show that ~33% of the cyt cs on the transistor gate were able to effectively couple with RCs. Due to the high sensitivity of the transistor, the approach can be used to make photosensors for detecting low light intensities.
Addressing Environmental Health Problems in Ogoniland through Implementation of United Nations Environment Program Recommendations: Environmental Management Strategies
Authors: Yakubu Okhumode
Published: March 2017

On 4 August 2011, United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) submitted an unprecedented, scientific, groundbreaking environmental assessment report (EAR) on Ogoniland to the Nigerian government. This was the outcome of a 14-month intensive evaluation of the extent of pollution. The intention was that UNEP’s recommendations would be implemented to restore the devastated environment, on the one hand, and on the other, counteract the numerous environmental health issues that have for decades, plagued Ogoniland. However, five years post-EAR, and despite the seriousness of the situation, no significant resolution has occurred on the part of the government or the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) or Shell. To date, millions of Niger Delta residents particularly those living in the oil-bearing communities, continue to suffer severe consequences. Although the assessment was conducted in Ogoniland, other communities in the Niger Delta are also affected. This article explores prevailing issues in the Niger Delta, using Ogoniland (a microcosm of the Niger Delta) as an example. A multidisciplinary approach for sustainable mitigation of environmental health risks in the Niger Delta is paramount, and environmental management tools offer valuable strategies. Adopting the UNEP’s recommendations for addressing environmental health problems requires implementing the environmental management/environmental management system (EM/EMS) model. However, the persistent lack of political will on the part of the Nigerian government, and the grossly nonchalant attitude by Shell remain major obstacles towards executing UNEP’s recommendations.
Genealogical Relatedness: Geographies of Shared Descent and Difference
Authors: Nash Catherine
Published: March 2017

This paper explores genealogy through a focus on what I describe as the idea of genealogical relatedness. This is a model of human relations which emphasizes relationships between people defined through the reckoning of connections based on birth and parentage. I offer a geographical analytical framework for exploring both popular genealogy and ideas of genealogical relatedness, shared descent and difference. It is one that both attends to the variety of ways that collective identity is defined or explored through genealogy and is alert to the troubling nature of genealogical categorizations and differentiations especially those which are figured in terms of concepts that seem to be most progressive, including ideas hybridity, diversity, and universal humanity.
The MYCN Protein in Health and Disease
Authors: Ruiz-Pérez María Victoria , Henley Aine Brigette , Arsenian-Henriksson Marie
Published: March 2017

MYCN is a member of the MYC family of proto-oncogenes. It encodes a transcription factor, MYCN, involved in the control of fundamental processes during embryonal development. The MYCN protein is situated downstream of several signaling pathways promoting cell growth, proliferation and metabolism of progenitor cells in different developing organs and tissues. Conversely, deregulated MYCN signaling supports the development of several different tumors, mainly with a childhood onset, including neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and Wilms’ tumor, but it is also associated with some cancers occurring during adulthood such as prostate and lung cancer. In neuroblastoma, MYCN-amplification is the most consistent genetic aberration associated with poor prognosis and treatment failure. Targeting MYCN has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of these tumors and great efforts have allowed the development of direct and indirect MYCN inhibitors with potential clinical use.
Heat Wave Vulnerability Mapping for India
Authors: Azhar Gulrez , Saha Shubhayu , Ganguly Partha , Mavalankar Dileep , Madrigano Jaime
Published: March 2017

Assessing geographic variability in heat wave vulnerability forms the basis for planning appropriate targeted adaptation strategies. Given several recent deadly heatwaves in India, heat is increasingly being recognized as a public health problem. However, to date there has not been a country-wide assessment of heat vulnerability in India. We evaluated demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental vulnerability factors and combined district level data from several sources including the most recent census, health reports, and satellite remote sensing data. We then applied principal component analysis (PCA) on 17 normalized variables for each of the 640 districts to create a composite Heat Vulnerability Index (HVI) for India. Of the total 640 districts, our analysis identified 10 and 97 districts in the very high and high risk categories (> 2SD and 2-1SD HVI) respectively. Mapping showed that the districts with higher heat vulnerability are located in the central parts of the country. On examination, these are less urbanized and have low rates of literacy, access to water and sanitation, and presence of household amenities. Therefore, we concluded that creating and mapping a heat vulnerability index is a useful first step in protecting the public from the health burden of heat. Future work should incorporate heat exposure and health outcome data to validate the index, as well as examine sub-district levels of vulnerability.
Multiphysics and Thermal Response Models to Improve Accuracy of Local Temperature Estimation in Rat Cortex under Microwave Exposure
Authors: Kodera Sachiko , Gomez-Tames Jose , Hirata Akimasa , Masuda Hiroshi , Arima Takuji , Watanabe Soichi
Published: March 2017

The rapid development of wireless technology has led to widespread concerns regarding adverse human health effects caused by exposure to electromagnetic fields. Temperature elevation in biological bodies is an important factor that can adversely affect health. A thermophysiological model is desired to quantify microwave (MW) induced temperature elevations. In this study, parameters related to thermophysiological responses for MW exposures were estimated using an electromagnetic-thermodynamics simulation technique. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in which parameters related to regional cerebral blood flow in a rat model were extracted at a high degree of accuracy through experimental measurements for localized MW exposure at frequencies exceeding 6 GHz. The findings indicate that the improved modeling parameters yield computed results that match well with the measured quantities during and after exposure in rats. It is expected that the computational model will be helpful in estimating the temperature elevation in the rat brain at multiple observation points (that are difficult to measure simultaneously) and in explaining the physiological changes in the local cortex region.
The Associations between Types of Ambient PM2.5 and Under-Five and Maternal Mortality in Africa
Authors: Owili Patrick , Lien Wei-Hung , Muga Miriam , Lin Tang-Huang
Published: March 2017

Exploring the effects of different types of PM2.5 is necessary to reduce associated deaths, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Hence we determined types of ambient PM2.5 before exploring their effects on under-five and maternal mortality in Africa. The spectral derivate of aerosol optical depth (AOD) from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products from 2000 to 2015 were employed to determine the aerosol types before using Generalized Linear and Additive Mixed-Effect models with Poisson link function to explore the associations and penalized spline for dose-response relationships. Four types of PM2.5 were identified in terms of mineral dust, anthropogenic pollutant, biomass burning and mixture aerosols. The results demonstrate that biomass PM2.5 increased the rate of under-five mortality in Western and Central Africa, each by 2%, and maternal mortality in Central Africa by 19%. Anthropogenic PM2.5 increased under-five and maternal deaths in Northern Africa by 5% and 10%, respectively, and maternal deaths by 4% in Eastern Africa. Dust PM2.5 increased under-five deaths in Northern, Western, and Central Africa by 3%, 1%, and 10%, respectively. Mixture PM2.5 only increased under-five deaths and maternal deaths in Western (incidence rate ratio = 1.01, p < 0.10) and Eastern Africa (incidence rate ratio = 1.06, p < 0.01), respectively. The findings indicate the types of ambient PM2.5 are significantly associated with under-five and maternal mortality in Africa where the exposure level usually exceeds the World Health Organization’s (WHO) standards. Appropriate policy actions on protective and control measures are therefore suggested and should be developed and implemented accordingly.
Theranostic Biomarkers for Schizophrenia
Authors: Perkovic Matea , Erjavec Gordana , Strac Dubravka , Uzun Suzana , Kozumplik Oliver , Pivac Nela
Published: March 2017

Schizophrenia is a highly heritable, chronic, severe, disabling neurodevelopmental brain disorder with a heterogeneous genetic and neurobiological background, which is still poorly understood. To allow better diagnostic procedures and therapeutic strategies in schizophrenia patients, use of easy accessible biomarkers is suggested. The most frequently used biomarkers in schizophrenia are those associated with the neuroimmune and neuroendocrine system, metabolism, different neurotransmitter systems and neurotrophic factors. However, there are still no validated and reliable biomarkers in clinical use for schizophrenia. This review will address potential biomarkers in schizophrenia. It will discuss biomarkers in schizophrenia and propose the use of specific blood-based panels that will include a set of markers associated with immune processes, metabolic disorders, and neuroendocrine/neurotrophin/neurotransmitter alterations. The combination of different markers, or complex multi-marker panels, might help in the discrimination of patients with different underlying pathologies and in the better classification of the more homogenous groups. Therefore, the development of the diagnostic, prognostic and theranostic biomarkers is an urgent and an unmet need in psychiatry, with the aim of improving diagnosis, therapy monitoring, prediction of treatment outcome and focus on the personal medicine approach in order to improve the quality of life in patients with schizophrenia and decrease health costs worldwide.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Titrated Extract of Centella asiatica in Phthalic Anhydride-Induced Allergic Dermatitis Animal Model
Authors: Park Ju , Choi Ji , Son Dong , Park Eun , Song Min , Hellström Mats , Hong Jin
Published: March 2017

Centella asiatica has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its anti-dermatitic effect has not yet been reported. In this study, we investigated the anti-dermatitic effects of titrated extract of Centella asiatica (TECA) in a phthalic anhydride (PA)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD) animal model as well as in vitro model. An AD-like lesion was induced by the topical application of five percent PA to the dorsal skin or ear of Hos:HR-1 mouse. After AD induction, 100 μL of 0.2% and 0.4% of TECA (40 μg or 80 μg/cm2) was spread on the dorsum of the ear or back skin three times a week for four weeks. We evaluated dermatitis severity, histopathological changes and changes in protein expression by Western blotting for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and NF-κB activity, which were determined by electromobility shift assay (EMSA). We also measured TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IgE concentration in the blood of AD mice by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). TECA treatment attenuated the development of PA-induced atopic dermatitis. Histological analysis showed that TECA inhibited hyperkeratosis, mast cells and infiltration of inflammatory cells. TECA treatment inhibited expression of iNOS and COX-2, and NF-κB activity as well as the release of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IgE. In addition, TECA (1, 2, 5 μg/mL) potently inhibited Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 μg/mL)-induced NO production, expression of iNOS and COX-2, and NF-κB DNA binding activities in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Our data demonstrated that TECA could be a promising agent for AD by inhibition of NF-κB signaling.
The Influence of Tetrodotoxin (TTX) on the Distribution and Chemical Coding of Caudal Mesenteric Ganglion (CaMG) Neurons Supplying the Porcine Urinary Bladder
Authors: Lepiarczyk Ewa , Bossowska Agnieszka , Kaleczyc Jerzy , Majewska Marta , Gonkowski Sławomir , Majewski Mariusz
Published: March 2017

The treatment of micturition disorders creates a serious problem for urologists. Recently, new therapeutic agents, such as neurotoxins, are being considered for the therapy of urological patients. The present study investigated the chemical coding of caudal mesenteric ganglion (CaMG) neurons supplying the porcine urinary bladder after intravesical instillation of tetrodotoxin (TTX). The CaMG neurons were visualized with retrograde tracer Fast blue (FB) and their chemical profile was disclosed with double-labeling immunohistochemistry using antibodies against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), somatostatin (SOM), calbindin (CB), galanin (GAL) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). It was found that in both the control (n = 6) and TTX-treated pigs (n = 6), the vast majority (92.6% ± 3.4% and 88.8% ± 2%, respectively) of FB-positive (FB+) nerve cells were TH+. TTX instillation caused a decrease in the number of FB+/TH+ neurons immunopositive to NPY (88.9% ± 5.3% in the control animals vs. 10.6% ± 5.3% in TTX-treated pigs) or VIP (1.7% ± 0.6% vs. 0%), and an increase in the number of FB+/TH+ neurons immunoreactive to SOM (8.8% ± 1.6% vs. 39% ± 12.8%), CB (1.8% ± 0.7% vs. 12.6% ± 2.7%), GAL (1.7% ± 0.8% vs. 10.9% ± 2.6%) or nNOS (0% vs. 1.1% ± 0.3%). The present study is the first to suggest that TTX modifies the chemical coding of CaMG neurons supplying the porcine urinary bladder.
Effects of ECAP and Annealing Treatment on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mg-1Y (wt. %) Binary Alloy
Authors: Wei Jie , Huang Guanghao , Yin Dongdi , Li Kangning , Wang Qudong , Zhou Hao
Published: March 2017

Microstructure and mechanical properties development of extruded Mg-1Y (wt. %) binary alloy during equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) with route Bc at 400 °C, and subsequent annealing treatment between 300–400 °C at different holding time of 5–120 min were investigated using an optical and scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD), tensile test, and hardness test. The grain size of as-extruded material (~10.9 μm) was refined significantly by 1-pass ECAP (~5.8 μm), and resulted in a remarkably enhanced elongation to failure (EL) (~+62%) with a slightly decreased ultimate tensile strength (UTS) (~−3%) comparing to the as-extruded condition (EL = 11.3%, UTS = 200 MPa). The EL was further increased to 27.3% (~+142%) after four passes of ECAP comparing to the as-extruded condition, which was mainly caused by the much more homogenized microstructure. The split basal poles with about 60° rotations to the extruded direction (ED), the relatively coarsened grain size by static recrystallization (SRX) and post-dynamic recrystallization (PDRX) after four passes of ECAP might be responsible for the decreased strength with increasing ECAP pass. During the annealing treatment, recovery dominantly occurred at 300 °C, SRX and grain growth emerged at 350 °C and 400 °C, respectively. Meanwhile, the grain grew and hardness decreased rapidly even within 5 min for 1-pass ECAPed material at 400 °C, indicating a larger grain boundary mobility of ECAPed materials induced by higher deformation energy than the as-extruded ones.
Interlayer Structures and Dynamics of Arsenate and Arsenite Intercalated Layered Double Hydroxides: A First Principles Study
Authors: Zhang Yingchun , Liu Xiandong , Zhang Chi , He Mengjia , Lu Xiancai
Published: March 2017

In this study, by using first principles simulation techniques, we explored the basal spacings, interlayer structures, and dynamics of arsenite and arsenate intercalated Layered double hydroxides (LDHs). Our results confirm that the basal spacings of NO3−-LDHs increase with layer charge densities. It is found that Arsenic (As) species can enter the gallery spaces of LDHs with a Mg/Al ratio of 2:1 but they cannot enter those with lower charge densities. Interlayer species show layering distributions. All anions form a single layer distribution while water molecules form a single layer distribution at low layer charge density and a double layer distribution at high layer charge densities. H2AsO4− has two orientations in the interlayer regions (i.e., one with its three folds axis normal to the layer sheets and another with its two folds axis normal to the layer sheets), and only the latter is observed for HAsO42−. H2AsO3− orientates in a tilt-lying way. The mobility of water and NO3− increases with the layer charge densities while As species have very low mobility. Our simulations provide microscopic information of As intercalated LDHs, which can be used for further understanding of the structures of oxy-anion intercalated LDHs.
Intestinal Transport Characteristics and Metabolism of C-Glucosyl Dihydrochalcone, Aspalathin
Authors: Bowles Sandra , Joubert Elizabeth , De Beer Dalene , Louw Johan , Brunschwig Christel , Njoroge Mathew , Lawrence Nina , Wiesner Lubbe , Chibale Kelly , Muller Christo
Published: March 2017

Insight into the mechanisms of intestinal transport and metabolism of aspalathin will provide important information for dose optimisation, in particular for studies using mouse models. Aspalathin transportation across the intestinal barrier (Caco-2 monolayer) tested at 1–150 µM had an apparent rate of permeability (Papp) typical of poorly absorbed compounds (1.73 × 10−6 cm/s). Major glucose transporters, sodium glucose linked transporter 1 (SGLT1) and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), and efflux protein (P-glycoprotein, PgP) (1.84 × 10−6 cm/s; efflux ratio: 1.1) were excluded as primary transporters, since the Papp of aspalathin was not affected by the presence of specific inhibitors. The Papp of aspalathin was also not affected by constituents of aspalathin-enriched rooibos extracts, but was affected by high glucose concentration (20.5 mM), which decreased the Papp value to 2.9 × 10−7 cm/s. Aspalathin metabolites (sulphated, glucuronidated and methylated) were found in mouse urine, but not in blood, following an oral dose of 50 mg/kg body weight of the pure compound. Sulphates were the predominant metabolites. These findings suggest that aspalathin is absorbed and metabolised in mice to mostly sulphate conjugates detected in urine. Mechanistically, we showed that aspalathin is not actively transported by the glucose transporters, but presumably passes the monolayer paracellularly.
Selenium and Sulfur to Produce Allium Functional Crops
Authors: González-Morales Susana , Pérez-Labrada Fabián , García-Enciso Ema , Leija-Martínez Paola , Medrano-Macías Julia , Dávila-Rangel Irma , Juárez-Maldonado Antonio , Rivas-Martínez Erika , Benavides-Mendoza Adalberto
Published: March 2017

Selenium is an element that must be considered in the nutrition of certain crops since its use allows the obtaining of biofortified crops with a positive impact on human health. The objective of this review is to present the information on the use of Se and S in the cultivation of plants of the genus Allium. The main proposal is to use Allium as specialist plants for biofortification with Se and S, considering the natural ability to accumulate both elements in different phytochemicals, which promotes the functional value of Allium. In spite of this, in the agricultural production of these species, the addition of sulfur is not realized to obtain functional foods and plants more resistant; it is only sought to cover the necessary requirements for growth. On the other hand, selenium does not appear in the agronomic management plans of most of the producers. Including S and Se fertilization as part of agronomic management can substantially improve Allium crop production. Allium species may be suitable to carry out biofortification with Se; this practice can be combined with the intensive use of S to obtain crops with higher production and sensory, nutritional, and functional quality.
Effective Subcritical Butane Extraction of Bifenthrin Residue in Black Tea
Authors: Zhang Yating , Gu Lingbiao , Wang Fei , Kong Lingjun , Qin Guangyong
Published: March 2017

As a natural and healthy beverage, tea is widely enjoyed; however, the pesticide residues in tea leaves affect the quality and food safety. To develop a highly selective and efficient method for the facile removal of pesticide residues, the subcritical butane extraction (SBE) technique was employed, and three variables involving temperature, time and extraction cycles were studied. The optimum SBE conditions were found to be as follows: extraction temperature 45 °C, extraction time 30 min, number of extraction cycles 1, and in such a condition that the extraction efficiency reached as high as 92%. Further, the catechins, theanine, caffeine and aroma components, which determine the quality of the tea, fluctuated after SBE treatment. Compared with the uncrushed leaves, pesticide residues can more easily be removed from crushed leaves, and the practical extraction efficiency was 97%. These results indicate that SBE is a useful method to efficiently remove the bifenthrin, and as appearance is not relevant in the production process, tea leaves should first be crushed and then extracted in order that residual pesticides are thoroughly removed.
Novel Palladium(II) Complexes that Influence Prominin-1/CD133 Expression and Stem Cell Factor Release in Tumor Cells
Authors: Fischer-Fodor Eva , Mikláš Roman , Rišiaňová Lucia , Cenariu Mihai , Grosu Ioana Georgeta , Virag Piroska , Perde-Schrepler Maria , Tomuleasa Ciprian , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana , Devínsky Ferdinand , Miklášová Natalia
Published: March 2017

New Pd(II) complexes of 1,7-bis(2-methoxyphenyl)hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione were synthesized and structurally characterized. The complexes were tested in vitro on human colon and hepatic carcinoma cell lines, normal hepatic cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells. Biological tests proved that Pd(II) complexes 1 and 2 (containing a curcumin derivative) exhibit a strong in vitro antitumor effect against the cells derived from human colorectal carcinoma and the hepatic metastasis of a colorectal carcinoma. Complex 1 has an outstanding inhibitory effect against BRAF-mutant colon carcinoma and hepatocarcinoma cell growth; 1 and 2 are both more active than the free ligand and have the capacity to trigger early apoptotic processes. By flow cytometric measurements, an important decrease of prominin-1 (CD133) molecule expression on tumor cells membrane was identified in cell populations subjected to 1 and 2. Quantitative immune enzymatic assay proved restrictions in stem cell factor (SCF) release by treated tumor cells. Although less cytotoxic, the free ligand inhibits the surface marker CD133 expression in hepatocarcinoma cells, and in HT-29 colon carcinoma. The new synthesized Pd(II) complexes 1 and 2 exhibit an important potential through their selective cytotoxic activity and by targeting the stem-like tumor cell populations, which leads to the tumor growth arrest and prevention of metastasis.
Glucose Plus Fructose Ingestion for Post-Exercise Recovery—Greater than the Sum of Its Parts?
Authors: Gonzalez Javier , Fuchs Cas , Betts James , Van Loon Luc
Published: March 2017

Carbohydrate availability in the form of muscle and liver glycogen is an important determinant of performance during prolonged bouts of moderate- to high-intensity exercise. Therefore, when effective endurance performance is an objective on multiple occasions within a 24-h period, the restoration of endogenous glycogen stores is the principal factor determining recovery. This review considers the role of glucose–fructose co-ingestion on liver and muscle glycogen repletion following prolonged exercise. Glucose and fructose are primarily absorbed by different intestinal transport proteins; by combining the ingestion of glucose with fructose, both transport pathways are utilised, which increases the total capacity for carbohydrate absorption. Moreover, the addition of glucose to fructose ingestion facilitates intestinal fructose absorption via a currently unidentified mechanism. The co-ingestion of glucose and fructose therefore provides faster rates of carbohydrate absorption than the sum of glucose and fructose absorption rates alone. Similar metabolic effects can be achieved via the ingestion of sucrose (a disaccharide of glucose and fructose) because intestinal absorption is unlikely to be limited by sucrose hydrolysis. Carbohydrate ingestion at a rate of ≥1.2 g carbohydrate per kg body mass per hour appears to maximise post-exercise muscle glycogen repletion rates. Providing these carbohydrates in the form of glucose–fructose (sucrose) mixtures does not further enhance muscle glycogen repletion rates over glucose (polymer) ingestion alone. In contrast, liver glycogen repletion rates are approximately doubled with ingestion of glucose–fructose (sucrose) mixtures over isocaloric ingestion of glucose (polymers) alone. Furthermore, glucose plus fructose (sucrose) ingestion alleviates gastrointestinal distress when the ingestion rate approaches or exceeds the capacity for intestinal glucose absorption (~1.2 g/min). Accordingly, when rapid recovery of endogenous glycogen stores is a priority, ingesting glucose–fructose mixtures (or sucrose) at a rate of ≥1.2 g·kg body mass−1·h−1 can enhance glycogen repletion rates whilst also minimising gastrointestinal distress.
Stratified Template Matching to Support Refugee Camp Analysis in OBIA Workflows
Authors: Tiede Dirk , Krafft Pascal , Füreder Petra , Lang Stefan
Published: March 2017

Accurate and reliable information about the situation in refugee or internally displaced person camps is very important for planning any kind of help like health care, infrastructure, or vaccination campaigns. The number and spatial distribution of single dwellings extracted semi-automatically from very high-resolution (VHR) satellite imagery as an indicator for population estimations can provide such important information. The accuracy of the extracted dwellings can vary quite a lot depending on various factors. To enhance established single dwelling extraction approaches, we have tested the integration of stratified template matching methods in object-based image analysis (OBIA) workflows. A template library for various dwelling types (template samples are taken from ten different sites using 16 satellite images), incorporating the shadow effect of dwellings, was established. Altogether, 18 template classes were created covering typically occurring dwellings and their cast shadows. The created template library aims to be generally applicable in similar conditions. Compared to pre-existing OBIA classifications, the approach could increase the producer’s accuracy by 11.7 percentage points on average and slightly increase the user’s accuracy. These results show that the stratified integration of template matching approaches in OBIA workflows is a possibility to further improve the results of semi-automated dwelling extraction, especially in complex situations.
The Electrochemical Behavior of Carbon Fiber Microelectrodes Modified with Carbon Nanotubes Using a Two-Step Electroless Plating/Chemical Vapor Deposition Process
Authors: Lu Longsheng , Liang Linsheng , Teh Kwok , Xie Yingxi , Wan Zhenping , Tang Yong
Published: March 2017

Carbon fiber microelectrode (CFME) has been extensively applied in the biosensor and chemical sensor domains. In order to improve the electrochemical activity and sensitivity of the CFME, a new CFME modified with carbon nanotubes (CNTs), denoted as CNTs/CFME, was fabricated and investigated. First, carbon fiber (CF) monofilaments grafted with CNTs (simplified as CNTs/CFs) were fabricated in two key steps: (i) nickel electroless plating, followed by (ii) chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Second, a single CNTs/CF monofilament was selected and encapsulated into a CNTs/CFME with a simple packaging method. The morphologies of as-prepared CNTs/CFs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical properties of CNTs/CFMEs were measured in potassium ferrocyanide solution (K4Fe(CN)6), by using a cyclic voltammetry (CV) and a chronoamperometry method. Compared with a bare CFME, a CNTs/CFME showed better CV curves with a higher distinguishable redox peak and response current; the higher the CNT content was, the better the CV curves were. Because the as-grown CNTs significantly enhanced the effective electrode area of CNTs/CFME, the contact area between the electrode and reactant was enlarged, further increasing the electrocatalytic active site density. Furthermore, the modified microelectrode displayed almost the same electrochemical behavior after 104 days, exhibiting remarkable stability and outstanding reproducibility.
Performance Analysis of an Integrated Heat Pump with Air-Conditioning System for the Existing Hospital Building Application
Authors: Chiang Chen-Yu , Yang Ru , Yang Kuan-Hsiung , Lee Shin-Ku
Published: March 2017

In this study, a complete evaluation procedure of energy-saving and efficiency improvement for a large-scale hospital retrofit project has been established and successfully validated in Taiwan. The retrofit scheme, in integrating the alternative hot water system, namely, a water source heat pump (WSHP), with the existing HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning) system, enables the capability to meet the cooling and hot water demand simultaneously with a larger safety margin as well as saving energy. In addition, it has been found that the integrated system provides a new source for cooling which can be utilized as a system redundancy in avoiding system shutdown. This is very useful when considering in specific areas in the hospital, such as intensive care unit, or operation rooms, where cooling should not be interrupted on any occasion. In this study, it is validated that the coefficient of performance (COP) of the newly added WSHP system, under heating and cooling mode, is 3.62 and 2.62, respectively. The recorded annual cost reduction by this integrated system is $102,564, with a payback of 1.2 years. The hospital after retrofit has been operating safer, with more redundancy, and more energy-efficient which warrants tremendous potential for implementation in the industry.
Railway Continuous Prestressed Concrete Bridge Design in Ballastless Track Turnout Zones
Authors: Hsu Wen-Kuei , Shih Neng-Hao , Lee Yu-Lin
Published: March 2017

Laying ballastless track on railway bridges has the advantages of reducing the train noise problem, improving passenger comfort, and reducing track maintenance costs. Therefore, railway bridges with ballastless track have gradually turned into a major trend in railway systems all over the world. In Taiwan, railway bridges with ballastless track have been in use for many years, with ballastless track turnouts also starting to be constructed in recent years. Where railway bridges with ballastless track turnouts are located in urban areas, special consideration must be given to the road crossings and the use of continuous bridges in the turnout zones. Accordingly, there arise a number of difficulties related to the bridge configurations or the continuous length of bridges being excessively long. Often, such situations necessitate the use of extremely large-sized bridge piers in the bridge design, or create the risk of serious damage to the pier structure should insufficient attention be given to any of the factors. This article will take a continuous prestressed concrete bridge as an example. The prestressed concrete bridge must be absolutely continuous, be able to include ballastless track turnout zones, and meet the needs of crossing roads. For this example, the length of the continuous prestressed concrete bridge is over 300 m. This article will also discuss the configuration of a continuous prestressed concrete bridge of railway, and—through the analysis of track–bridge interaction and temperature detection—provides suggestions on the optimal configuration model of the continuous prestressed concrete bridges, which should allow improper configuration and possible structural damage to be avoided.
Targeting TNF and TNF Receptor Pathway in HIV-1 Infection: from Immune Activation to Viral Reservoirs
Authors: Pasquereau Sébastien , Kumar Amit , Herbein Georges
Published: March 2017

Several cellular functions such as apoptosis, cellular proliferation, inflammation, and immune regulation involve the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF)/TNF receptor (TNFR) pathway. Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) interacts with the TNF/TNFR pathway. The activation of the TNF/TNFR pathway impacts HIV-1 replication, and the TNF/TNFR pathway is the target of HIV-1 proteins. A hallmark of HIV-1 infection is immune activation and inflammation with increased levels of TNF in the plasma and the tissues. Therefore, the control of the TNF/TNFR pathway by new therapeutic approaches could participate in the control of immune activation and impact both viral replication and viral persistence. In this review, we will describe the intricate interplay between HIV-1 proteins and TNF/TNFR signaling and how TNF/TNFR activation modulates HIV-1 replication and discuss new therapeutic approaches, especially anti-TNF therapy, that could control this pathway and ultimately favor the clearance of infected cells to cure HIV-infected patients.
Estimation of Probable Maximum Precipitation in Korea using a Regional Climate Model
Authors: Lee Jeonghoon , Choi Jeonghyeon , Lee Okjeong , Yoon Jaeyoung , Kim Sangdan
Published: March 2017

Extreme precipitation events have been extensively applied to the design of social infra structures. Thus, a method to more scientifically estimate the extreme event is required. This paper suggests a method to estimate the extreme precipitation in Korea using a regional climate model. First, several historical extreme events are identified and the most extreme event of Typhoon Rusa (2002) is selected. Second, the selected event is reconstructed through the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, one of the Regional Climate Models (RCMs). Third, the reconstructed event is maximized by adjusting initial and boundary conditions. Finally, the Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP) is obtained. The WRF could successfully simulate the observed precipitation in terms of spatial and temporal distribution (R2 = 0.81). The combination of the WRF Single-Moment (WSM 6-class graupel scheme (of microphysics), the Betts-Miller-Janjic scheme (of cumulus parameterization) and the Mellor-Yamada-Janjic Turbulent Kinetic Energy (TKE) scheme (of planetary boundary layer) was determined to be the best combination to reconstruct Typhoon Rusa. The estimated PMP (RCM_PMP) was compared with the existing PMP. The RCM_PMP was generally in good agreement with the PMP. The suggested methodology is expected to provide assessments of the existing PMP and to provide a new alternative for estimating PMP.
Multilevel Drought Hazard Assessment under Climate Change Scenarios in Semi-Arid Regions—A Case Study of the Karkheh River Basin in Iran
Authors: Kamali Bahareh , Houshmand Kouchi Delaram , Yang Hong , Abbaspour Karim
Published: March 2017

Studies using Drought Hazard Indices (DHIs) have been performed at various scales, but few studies associated DHIs of different drought types with climate change scenarios. To highlight the regional differences in droughts at meteorological, hydrological, and agricultural levels, we utilized historic and future DHIs derived from the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardized Runoff Index (SRI), and Standardized Soil Water Index (SSWI), respectively. To calculate SPI, SRI, and SSWI, we used a calibrated Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) for the Karkheh River Basin (KRB) in Iran. Five bias-corrected Global Circulation Models (GCMs) under two Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scenarios projected future climate. For each drought type, we aggregated drought severity and occurrence probability rate of each index into a unique DHI. Five historic droughts were identified with different characteristics in each type. Future projections indicated a higher probability of severe and extreme drought intensities for all three types. The duration and frequency of droughts were predicted to decrease in precipitation-based SPI. However, due to the impact of rising temperature, the duration and frequency of SRI and SSWI were predicted to intensify. The DHI maps of KRB illustrated the highest agricultural drought exposures. Our analyses provide a comprehensive way to monitor multilevel droughts complementing the existing approaches.
N-Propargylamines: versatile building blocks in the construction of thiazole cores
Authors: Arshadi S , Vessally E , Edjlali L , Hosseinzadeh-Khanmiri R , Ghorbani-Kalhor E
Published: March 2017

Thiazoles and their hydrogenated analogues are not only key structural units in a wide variety of natural products but they also constitute important building blocks in medicinal chemistry. Therefore, the synthesis of these compounds using new protocols is always interesting. It is well known that N-propargylamines can undergo a number of cyclization reactions to produce various nitrogen-containing heterocycles. In this review, we highlight the most important developments on the synthesis of thiazole and its derivatives starting from N-propargylamines. This review will be helpful in the development of improved methods for the synthesis of natural and biologically important compounds.
Reassessment of the Null Result of the HST Search for Planets in 47 Tucanae
Authors: Masuda Kento , Winn Joshua N.
Published: March 2017

We revisit the null result of the Hubble Space Telescope search for transiting planets in the globular cluster 47 Tucanae, in the light of improved knowledge of planet occurrence from the Kepler mission. Gilliland and co-workers expected to find 17 planets, assuming the 47 Tuc stars have close-in giant planets with the same characteristics and occurrence rates as those of the nearby stars that had been surveyed up until 1999. We update this result by assuming that 47 Tuc and Kepler stars have identical planet populations. The revised number of expected detections is

. When we restrict the Kepler stars to the same range of masses as the stars that were searched in 47 Tuc, the number of expected detections is reduced to

. Thus, the null result of the HST search is less statistically significant than it originally seemed. We cannot reject even the extreme hypothesis that 47 Tuc and Kepler stars have the same planet populations, with more than 2–3σ significance. More sensitive searches are needed to allow for comparisons between the planet populations of globular clusters and field stars.
Observing Exoplanets with High-dispersion Coronagraphy. II. Demonstration of an Active Single-mode Fiber Injection Unit
Authors: Mawet D. , Ruane G. , Xuan W. , Echeverri D. , Klimovich N. , Randolph M. , Fucik J. , Wallace J. K. , Wang J. , Vasisht G. , Dekany R. , Mennesson B. , Choquet E. , Delorme J.-R. , Serabyn E.
Published: March 2017

High-dispersion coronagraphy (HDC) optimally combines high-contrast imaging techniques such as adaptive optics/wavefront control plus coronagraphy to high spectral resolution spectroscopy. HDC is a critical pathway toward fully characterizing exoplanet atmospheres across a broad range of masses from giant gaseous planets down to Earth-like planets. In addition to determining the molecular composition of exoplanet atmospheres, HDC also enables Doppler mapping of atmosphere inhomogeneities (temperature, clouds, wind), as well as precise measurements of exoplanet rotational velocities. Here, we demonstrate an innovative concept for injecting the directly imaged planet light into a single-mode fiber, linking a high-contrast adaptively corrected coronagraph to a high-resolution spectrograph (diffraction-limited or not). Our laboratory demonstration includes three key milestones: close-to-theoretical injection efficiency, accurate pointing and tracking, and on-fiber coherent modulation and speckle nulling of spurious starlight signal coupling into the fiber. Using the extreme modal selectivity of single-mode fibers, we also demonstrated speckle suppression gains that outperform conventional image-based speckle nulling by at least two orders of magnitude.
On the Magnetic Field of the Ultraluminous X-Ray Pulsar M82 X-2
Authors: Xu Kun , Li Xiang-Dong
Published: March 2017

The discovery of the ultraluminous X-ray pulsar M82 X-2 has stimulated lively discussion on the nature of the accreting neutron star. In most of the previous studies the magnetic field of the neutron star was derived from the observed spin-up/down rates based on the standard thin, magnetized accretion disk model. However, under super-Eddington accretion the inner part of the accretion disk becomes geometrically thick. In this work we consider both radiation feedback from the neutron star and the sub-Keplerian rotation in a thick disk and calculate the magnetic moment–mass accretion rate relations for the measured rates of spin change. We find that the derived neutron star's dipole magnetic field depends on the maximum accretion rate adopted, but is likely ≲1013 G. The predicted accretion rate change can be used to test the proposed models by comparison with observations.
The Molecular Structures of the Local Arm and Perseus Arm in the Galactic Region of l = [139.°75, 149.°75], b = [−5.°25, 5.°25]
Authors: Du Xinyu , Xu Ye , Yang Ji , Sun Yan
Published: March 2017

Using the Purple Mountain Observatory Delingha (PMODLH) 13.7 m telescope, we report a 96 deg2
12CO/13CO/C18O mapping observation toward the Galactic region of l = [139.°75,149.°75], b = [−5.°25, 5.°25]. The molecular structures of the Local Arm and Perseus Arm are presented. Combining H i data and part of the Outer Arm results, we obtain that the warp structure of both atomic and molecular gas is obvious, while the flare structure only exists in atomic gas in this observing region. In addition, five filamentary giant molecular clouds on the Perseus Arm are identified. Among them, four are newly identified. Their relations with the Milky Way large-scale structure are discussed.
New Fe i Level Energies and Line Identifications from Stellar Spectra. II. Initial Results from New Ultraviolet Spectra of Metal-poor Stars
Authors: Peterson Ruth C. , Kurucz Robert L. , Ayres Thomas R.
Published: March 2017

The Fe i spectrum is critical to many areas of astrophysics, yet many of the high-lying levels remain uncharacterized. To remedy this deficiency, Peterson & Kurucz identified Fe i lines in archival ultraviolet and optical spectra of metal-poor stars, whose warm temperatures favor moderate Fe i excitation. Sixty-five new levels were recovered, with 1500 detectable lines, including several bound levels in the ionization continuum of Fe i. Here, we extend the previous work by identifying 59 additional levels, with 1400 detectable lines, by incorporating new high-resolution UV spectra of warm metal-poor stars recently obtained by the Hubble
Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph. We provide gf values for these transitions, both computed as well as adjusted to fit the stellar spectra. We also expand our spectral calculations to the infrared, confirming three levels by matching high-quality spectra of the Sun and two cool stars in the H-band. The predicted gf values suggest that an additional 3700 Fe i lines should be detectable in existing solar infrared spectra. Extending the empirical line identification work to the infrared would help confirm additional Fe i levels, as would new high-resolution UV spectra of metal-poor turnoff stars below 1900 Å.
First Detection of Mid-infrared Variability from an Ultraluminous X-Ray Source Holmberg II X-1
Authors: Lau R. M. , Heida M. , Kasliwal M. M. , Walton D. J.
Published: March 2017

We present mid-infrared (IR) light curves of the Ultraluminous X-ray Source (ULX) Holmberg II X-1 from observations taken between 2014 January 13 and 2017 January 5 with the Spitzer Space Telescope at 3.6 and 4.5 μm in the Spitzer Infrared Intensive Transients Survey. The mid-IR light curves, which reveal the first detection of mid-IR variability from a ULX, is determined to arise primarily from dust emission rather than from a jet or an accretion disk outflow. We derived the evolution of the dust temperature (

), IR luminosity (

), mass (

), and equilibrium temperature radius (

). A comparison of X-1 with a sample of spectroscopically identified massive stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud on a mid-IR color–magnitude diagram suggests that the mass donor in X-1 is a supergiant (sg) B[e]-star. The sgB[e]-interpretation is consistent with the derived dust properties and the presence of the [Fe ii] (

) emission line revealed from previous near-IR studies of X-1. We attribute the mid-IR variability of X-1 to the increased heating of dust located in a circumbinary torus. It is unclear what physical processes are responsible for the increased dust heating; however, it does not appear to be associated with the X-ray flux from the ULX, given the constant X-ray luminosities provided by serendipitous, near-contemporaneous X-ray observations around the first mid-IR variability event in 2014. Our results highlight the importance of mid-IR observations of luminous X-ray sources traditionally studied at X-ray and radio wavelengths.