bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patellofemoral Joint and Achilles Tendon Loads During Overground and Treadmill Running
Authors: Willy Richard W. , Halsey Lisa , Hayek Andrew , Johnson Holly , Willson John D.
Published: May 2016

Study Design

Level 4, controlled laboratory study.

Background

Little is known regarding how the potential differences between treadmill and overground running may affect patellofemoral joint and Achilles tendon loading characteristics.

Objectives

To compare measures of loading of the patellofemoral joint and Achilles tendon across treadmill and overground running in healthy, uninjured runners.

Methods

Eighteen healthy runners ran at their self-selected speed on an instrumented treadmill and overground, while 3-D running mechanics were sampled. A musculoskeletal model derived peak load, rate of loading, and estimated cumulative load per 1 km of continuous running for the patellofemoral joint and Achilles tendon for each condition. Data were analyzed via paired t tests and Pearson correlations to detect differences and assess relationships, respectively, between the 2 running mediums.

Results

No differences (P>.05) were found between treadmill and overground running for peak load, rate of loading, or estimated cumulative patellofemoral joint stress per 1 km of continuous running. However, treadmill running resulted in 12.5% greater peak Achilles tendon force (P<.001), 15.6% greater loading rate of Achilles tendon force (P<.001), and 14.2% greater estimated cumulative Achilles tendon force per 1 km of continuous running (P<.001) compared with overground running. There were strong (r>0.70) and moderate agreements (r>0.50) for most patellofemoral joint and Achilles measures, respectively, between treadmill and overground running.

Conclusion

No differences were observed in loading characteristics to the patellofemoral joint between running mediums; however, treadmill running resulted in greater Achilles tendon loading compared with overground running. Future investigations should examine whether sudden bouts of treadmill running may increase the risk of mechanical overload of the Achilles tendon in runners who habitually train overground. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(8):664–672. Epub 12 May 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6494
Seasonal Environmental Characteristics for the Tropical Cyclone Genesis in the Indian Ocean during the CINDY2011/DYNAMO Field Experiment
Authors: Tsuboi Aya , Takemi Tetsuya , Yoneyama Kunio
Published: May 2016

This study investigated the seasonal environmental characteristics for tropical cyclone genesis (TCG) over the Indian Ocean during the Cooperative Indian Ocean Experiment on Intraseasonal Variability in the Year 2011 and the Dynamics of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) (CINDY2011/DYNAMO) field experiment and compare them with long-term climatological features. It was found that the spatial pattern of an empirical environmental index for TCG over the tropical Indian Ocean in 2011 is very similar to the feature composited over the years with high activity of MJO. The analyses of the contributions from each environmental factor indicated that relative humidity, absolute vorticity, and vertical velocity contribute to generate positive influences on the conditions for TCG in 2011. The influences of La Niña appear only through a shear effect over the Indian Ocean in 2011. Under the influences of active MJO events during the CINDY2011/DYNAMO period, the environmental conditions for TCG over the Indian Ocean are determined more strongly by MJO than by La Niña, through modifications of some environmental properties favorable for TCG. The environmental characteristics during CINDY2011/DYNAMO seem to be quite typical of the MJO active years; in such a case, the influences of El Niño/La Niña would not appear in determining the environmental conditions for TCG over the Indian Ocean.
Epitaxial Graphene on SiC: A Review of Growth and Characterization
Authors: Yazdi Gholam , Iakimov Tihomir , Yakimova Rositsa
Published: May 2016

This review is devoted to one of the most promising two-dimensional (2D) materials, graphene. Graphene can be prepared by different methods and the one discussed here is fabricated by the thermal decomposition of SiC. The aim of the paper is to overview the fabrication aspects, growth mechanisms, and structural and electronic properties of graphene on SiC and the means of their assessment. Starting from historical aspects, it is shown that the most optimal conditions resulting in a large area of one ML graphene comprise high temperature and argon ambience, which allow better controllability and reproducibility of the graphene quality. Elemental intercalation as a means to overcome the problem of substrate influence on graphene carrier mobility has been described. The most common characterization techniques used are low-energy electron microscopy (LEEM), angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (ARPES), Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) in different modes, Hall measurements, etc. The main results point to the applicability of graphene on SiC in quantum metrology, and the understanding of new physics and growth phenomena of 2D materials and devices.
Bottom-Up Assembly and Applications of Photonic Materials
Authors: Zheng Hanbin , Ravaine Serge
Published: May 2016

The assembly of colloidal building-blocks is an efficient, inexpensive and flexible approach for the fabrication of a wide variety of photonic materials with designed shapes and large areas. In this review, the various assembly routes to the fabrication of colloidal crystals and their post-assembly modifications to the production of photonic materials are first described. Then, the emerging applications of the colloidal photonic structures in various fields such as biological and chemical sensing, anti-reflection, photovoltaics, and light extraction are summarized.
Comparisons between Crystallography Data and Theoretical Parameters and the Formation of Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonds: Benznidazole
Authors: Oliveira Boaz , Filho Edilson , Vasconcellos Mário
Published: May 2016

The conformational preferences of benznidazole were examined through the application of DFT, PCM and QTAIM calculations, whose results were compared with crystallography data. The geometries were fully optimized with minimum potential energy surface by means of the Relaxed Potential Energy Surface Scan (RPESS) at AM1, followed by the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) theoretical level. As a result, the s-cis conformation (1C) was shown to be more stable (4.78 kcal∙mol−1) than s-trans (1T). The Quantum Theory Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) was applied in order to characterize the (N–H∙∙∙O=N) and (C–H∙∙∙=N) intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The simulation of solvent effect performed by means of the implicit Polarized Continuum Model (PCM) revealed great results, such as, for instance, that the conformation 1W is more stable (23.17 kcal∙mol−1) in comparison to 1C. Our main goal was stressed in the topological description of intramolecular hydrogen bonds in light of the QTAIM approach, as well as in the solvent simulation to accurately obtain an important conformation of benznidazole.
Dynamic Equivalent Modeling for Small and Medium Hydropower Generator Group Based on Measurements
Authors: Hu Bowei , Sun Jingtao , Ding Lijie , Liu Xinyu , Wang Xiaoru
Published: May 2016

At present, the common practice in the power system of China is to represent the small and medium hydropower generator group as a negative load. This paper presents a method to build a dynamic equivalent model of the hydropower generator group using a 3rd order generator model and a static characteristic load model. Based on phasor measurements in the tie line which connects to the modeled hydropower generator group, the dynamic multi-swarm particle swarm optimizer (DMS-PSO) algorithm is used to obtain parameters of the equivalent model. The proposed method is verified in the small and medium hydropower generator group of Sichuan power grid with both simulation and actual data. The results show that the dynamic responses and the transient stability are consistent before and after the equivalence. The proposed method can be used for modeling a group of small and medium hydropower generators whose structures and parameters are unknown.
Factors Affecting Parent’s Perception on Air Quality—From the Individual to the Community Level
Authors: Guo Yulin , Liu Fengfeng , Lu Yuanan , Mao Zongfu , Lu Hanson , Wu Yanyan , Chu Yuanyuan , Yu Lichen , Liu Yisi , Ren Meng , Li Na , Chen Xi , Xiang Hao
Published: May 2016

The perception of air quality significantly affects the acceptance of the public of the government’s environmental policies. The aim of this research is to explore the relationship between the perception of the air quality of parents and scientific monitoring data and to analyze the factors that affect parents’ perceptions. Scientific data of air quality were obtained from Wuhan’s environmental condition reports. One thousand parents were investigated for their knowledge and perception of air quality. Scientific data show that the air quality of Wuhan follows an improving trend in general, while most participants believed that the air quality of Wuhan has deteriorated, which indicates a significant difference between public perception and reality. On the individual level, respondents with an age of 40 or above (40 or above: OR = 3.252; 95% CI: 1.170–9.040), a higher educational level (college and above: OR = 7.598; 95% CI: 2.244–25.732) or children with poor healthy conditions (poor: OR = 6.864; 95% CI: 2.212–21.302) have much more negative perception of air quality. On the community level, industrial facilities, vehicles and city construction have major effects on parents’ perception of air quality. Our investigation provides baseline information for environmental policy researchers and makers regarding the public’s perception and expectation of air quality and the benefits to the environmental policy completing and enforcing.
Combined Effects of Prenatal Exposures to Environmental Chemicals on Birth Weight
Authors: Govarts Eva , Remy Sylvie , Bruckers Liesbeth , Den Hond Elly , Sioen Isabelle , Nelen Vera , Baeyens Willy , Nawrot Tim , Loots Ilse , Van Larebeke Nick , Schoeters Greet
Published: May 2016

Prenatal chemical exposure has been frequently associated with reduced fetal growth by single pollutant regression models although inconsistent results have been obtained. Our study estimated the effects of exposure to single pollutants and mixtures on birth weight in 248 mother-child pairs. Arsenic, copper, lead, manganese and thallium were measured in cord blood, cadmium in maternal blood, methylmercury in maternal hair, and five organochlorines, two perfluorinated compounds and diethylhexyl phthalate metabolites in cord plasma. Daily exposure to particulate matter was modeled and averaged over the duration of gestation. In single pollutant models, arsenic was significantly associated with reduced birth weight. The effect estimate increased when including cadmium, and mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) co-exposure. Combining exposures by principal component analysis generated an exposure factor loaded by cadmium and arsenic that was associated with reduced birth weight. MECPP induced gender specific effects. In girls, the effect estimate was doubled with co-exposure of thallium, PFOS, lead, cadmium, manganese, and mercury, while in boys, the mixture of MECPP with cadmium showed the strongest association with birth weight. In conclusion, birth weight was consistently inversely associated with exposure to pollutant mixtures. Chemicals not showing significant associations at single pollutant level contributed to stronger effects when analyzed as mixtures.
Hepcidin-Induced Iron Deficiency Is Related to Transient Anemia and Hypoferremia in Kawasaki Disease Patients
Authors: Huang Ying-Hsien , Kuo Ho-Chang , Huang Fu-Chen , Yu Hong-Ren , Hsieh Kai-Sheng , Yang Ya-Ling , Sheen Jiunn-Ming , Li Sung-Chou , Kuo Hsing-Chun
Published: May 2016

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a type of systemic vasculitis that primarily affects children under the age of five years old. For sufferers of KD, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been found to successfully diminish the occurrence of coronary artery lesions. Anemia is commonly found in KD patients, and we have shown that in appropriately elevated hepcidin levels are related to decreased hemoglobin levels in these patients. In this study, we investigated the time period of anemia and iron metabolism during different stages of KD. A total of 100 patients with KD and 20 control subjects were enrolled in this study for red blood cell and hemoglobin analysis. Furthermore, plasma, urine hepcidin, and plasma IL-6 levels were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 20 KD patients and controls. Changes in hemoglobin, plasma iron levels, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were also measured in patients with KD. Hemoglobin, iron levels, and TIBC were lower (p < 0.001, p = 0.009, and p < 0.001, respectively) while plasma IL-6 and hepcidin levels (both p < 0.001) were higher in patients with KD than in the controls prior to IVIG administration. Moreover, plasma hepcidin levels were positively and significantly correlated with urine hepcidin levels (p < 0.001) prior to IVIG administration. After IVIG treatment, plasma hepcidin and hemoglobin levels significantly decreased (both p < 0.001). Of particular note was a subsequent gradual increase in hemoglobin levels during the three weeks after IVIG treatment; nevertheless, the hemoglobin levels stayed lower in KD patients than in the controls (p = 0.045). These findings provide a longitudinal study of hemoglobin changes and among the first evidence that hepcidin induces transient anemia and hypoferremia during KD’s acute inflammatory phase.
MicroRNA in United Airway Diseases
Authors: Liu Zheng , Zhang Xin-Hao , Callejas-Díaz Borja , Mullol Joaquim
Published: May 2016

The concept of united airway diseases (UAD) has received increasing attention in recent years. Sustained and increased inflammation is a common feature of UAD, which is inevitably accompanied with marked gene modification and tight gene regulation. However, gene regulation in the common inflammatory processes in UAD remains unclear. MicroRNA (miRNA), a novel regulator of gene expression, has been considered to be involved in many inflammatory diseases. Although there are an increasing number of studies of miRNAs in inflammatory upper and lower airway diseases, few miRNAs have been identified that directly link the upper and lower airways. In this article, therefore, we reviewed the relevant studies available in order to improve the understanding of the roles of miRNAs in the interaction and pathogenesis of UAD.
A Specification-Based IDS for Detecting Attacks on RPL-Based Network Topology
Authors: Le Anhtuan , Loo Jonathan , Chai Kok , Aiash Mahdi
Published: May 2016

Routing Protocol for Low power and Lossy network (RPL) topology attacks can downgrade the network performance significantly by disrupting the optimal protocol structure. To detect such threats, we propose a RPL-specification, obtained by a semi-auto profiling technique that constructs a high-level abstract of operations through network simulation traces, to use as reference for verifying the node behaviors. This specification, including all the legitimate protocol states and transitions with corresponding statistics, will be implemented as a set of rules in the intrusion detection agents, in the form of the cluster heads propagated to monitor the whole network. In order to save resources, we set the cluster members to report related information about itself and other neighbors to the cluster head instead of making the head overhearing all the communication. As a result, information about a cluster member will be reported by different neighbors, which allow the cluster head to do cross-check. We propose to record the sequence in RPL Information Object (DIO) and Information Solicitation (DIS) messages to eliminate the synchronized issue created by the delay in transmitting the report, in which the cluster head only does cross-check on information that come from sources with the same sequence. Simulation results show that the proposed Intrusion Detection System (IDS) has a high accuracy rate in detecting RPL topology attacks, while only creating insignificant overhead (about 6.3%) that enable its scalability in large-scale network.
Enhanced Photoluminescent Properties and Crystalline Morphology of LiBaPO4:Tm3+ Phosphor through Microwave Sintering Method
Authors: Lai Hsuan-Lin , Weng Min-Hang , Yang Ru-Yuan , Chang Shoou-Jinn
Published: May 2016

An investigation of the photoluminescent properties and crystalline morphology of blue emitting LiBa1−xPO4:xTm3+ phosphors with various concentrations (x = 0.005–0.030) of Tm3+ ions were synthesized by microwave sintering. For comparison, the LiBa1−xPO4:xTm3+ powders sintered at the same sintering condition but in a conventional furnace were also investigated. LiBaPO4 without second phase was formed no matter which furnace was used. More uniform grain size distributions are obtained by microwave sintering. When the concentration of Tm3+ ion was x = 0.015, the luminescence intensity reached a maximum value, and then decreased with the increases of the Tm3+ concentration due to concentration quenching effect. The microwave sintering significantly enhanced the emission intensity of LiBa1−xPO4:xTm3+ phosphors. Additionally, the d-d interaction is the key mechanism of concentration quenching for LiBaPO4:Tm3+. The chromaticity (x, y) for all LiBa1−xPO4:xTm3+ phosphors are located at (0.16, 0.05), which will be classified as a blue region.
Microwave-Assisted Drying for the Conservation of Honeybee Pollen
Authors: Canale Angelo , Benelli Giovanni , Castagna Antonella , Sgherri Cristina , Poli Piera , Serra Andrea , Mele Marcello , Ranieri Annamaria , Signorini Francesca , Bientinesi Matteo , Nicolella Cristiano
Published: May 2016

Bee pollen is becoming an important product thanks to its nutritional properties, including a high content of bioactive compounds such as essential amino acids, antioxidants, and vitamins. Fresh bee pollen has a high water content (15%–30% wt %), thus it is a good substrate for microorganisms. Traditional conservation methods include drying in a hot air chamber and/or freezing. These techniques may significantly affect the pollen organoleptic properties and its content of bioactive compounds. Here, a new conservation method, microwave drying, is introduced and investigated. The method implies irradiating the fresh pollen with microwaves under vacuum, in order to reduce the water content without reaching temperatures capable of thermally deteriorating important bioactive compounds. The method was evaluated by taking into account the nutritional properties after the treatment. The analyzed parameters were phenols, flavonoids, with special reference to rutin content, and amino acids. Results showed that microwave drying offers important advantages for the conservation of bee pollen. Irrespective of microwave power and treatment time, phenol and flavonoid content did not vary over untreated fresh pollen. Similarly, rutin content was unaffected by the microwave drying, suggesting that the microwave-assisted drying could be a powerful technology to preserve bioprotective compounds in fresh pollen.
Design of Anion Exchange Membranes and Electrodialysis Studies for Water Desalination
Authors: Khan Muhammad , Luque Rafael , Akhtar Shahbaz , Shaheen Aqeela , Mehmood Ashfaq , Idress Sidra , Buzdar Saeed , Ur Rehman Aziz
Published: May 2016

Anion exchange membranes are highly versatile and nowadays have many applications, ranging from water treatment to sensing materials. The preparation of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) from brominated poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,6-phenylene oxide) (BPPO) and methyl(diphenyl)phosphine (MDPP) for electrodialysis was performed. The physiochemical properties and electrochemical performance of fabricated membranes can be measured by changing MDPP contents in the membrane matrix. The influence of a quaternary phosphonium group associated with the removal of NaCl from water is discussed. The prepared membranes have ion exchange capacities (IEC) 1.09–1.52 mmol/g, water uptake (WR) 17.14%–21.77%, linear expansion ratio (LER) 7.96%–11.86%, tensile strength (TS) 16.66–23.97 MPa and elongation at break (Eb) 485.57%–647.98%. The prepared anion exchange membranes were employed for the electrodialytic removal of 0.1 M NaCl aqueous solution at a constant applied voltage. It is found that the reported membranes could be the promising candidate for NaCl removal via electrodialysis.
Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Health: The Potential Beneficial Effects of a Medium Chain Triglyceride Diet in Obese Individuals
Authors: Rial Sabri , Karelis Antony , Bergeron Karl-F. , Mounier Catherine
Published: May 2016

Obesity and associated metabolic complications, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), are in constant increase around the world. While most obese patients show several metabolic and biometric abnormalities and comorbidities, a subgroup of patients representing 3% to 57% of obese adults, depending on the diagnosis criteria, remains metabolically healthy. Among many other factors, the gut microbiota is now identified as a determining factor in the pathogenesis of metabolically unhealthy obese (MUHO) individuals and in obesity-related diseases such as endotoxemia, intestinal and systemic inflammation, as well as insulin resistance. Interestingly, recent studies suggest that an optimal healthy-like gut microbiota structure may contribute to the metabolically healthy obese (MHO) phenotype. Here, we describe how dietary medium chain triglycerides (MCT), previously found to promote lipid catabolism, energy expenditure and weight loss, can ameliorate metabolic health via their capacity to improve both intestinal ecosystem and permeability. MCT-enriched diets could therefore be used to manage metabolic diseases through modification of gut microbiota.
Inositol Hexaphosphate and Inositol Inhibit Colorectal Cancer Metastasis to the Liver in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Fu Min , Song Yang , Wen Zhaoxia , Lu Xingyi , Cui Lianhua
Published: May 2016

Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) and inositol (Ins), naturally occurring carbohydrates present in most mammals and plants, inhibit the growth of numerous cancers both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we first examined the anti-metastatic effects of IP6 and Ins using a liver metastasis model of colorectal cancer (CRC) in BALB/c mice. CT-26 cells were injected into the splenic capsule of 48 BALB/c mice. The mice were then randomly divided into four groups: IP6, Ins, IP6 + Ins and normal saline control (n = 12 per group). IP6 and/or Ins (80 mg/kg each, 0.2 mL/day) were injected into the gastrointestinal tracts of the mice on the second day after surgery. All mice were sacrificed after 20 days, and the tumor inhibition rates were determined. The results demonstrated that the tumor weights of liver metastases and the tumor inhibition rates were reduced in the experimental groups compared to the control group and that treatment with the combination of IP6 and Ins resulted in greater inhibition of tumor growth than treatment with either compound alone. These findings suggest that IP6 and Ins prevent the development and metastatic progression of colorectal cancer to the liver in mice by altering expression of the extracellular matrix proteins collagen IV, fibronectin and laminin; the adhesion factor receptor integrin-β1; the proteolytic enzyme matrix metalloproteinase 9; and the angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and transforming growth factor beta in the tumor metastasis microenvironment. In conclusion, IP6 and Ins inhibited the development and metastatic progression of colorectal cancer to the liver in BALB/c mice, and the effect of their combined application was significantly greater than the effect of either compound alone. This evidence supports further testing of the combined application of IP6 and Ins for the prevention of colorectal cancer metastasis to the liver in clinical studies.
Mapping Wetlands in Zambia Using Seasonal Backscatter Signatures Derived from ENVISAT ASAR Time Series
Authors: Schlaffer Stefan , Chini Marco , Dettmering Denise , Wagner Wolfgang
Published: May 2016

Wetlands are considered a challenging environment for mapping approaches based on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data due to their often complex internal structures and the diverse backscattering mechanisms caused by vegetation, soil moisture and flood dynamics contributing to the resulting imagery. In this study, a time series of >100 SAR images acquired by ENVISAT during a time period of ca. two years over the Kafue River basin in Zambia was compared to water heights derived from radar altimetry and surface soil moisture from a reanalysis dataset. The backscatter time series were analyzed using a harmonic model to characterize the seasonality in C-band backscatter caused by the interaction of flood and soil moisture dynamics. As a result, characteristic seasonal signatures could be derived for permanent water bodies, seasonal open water, persistently flooded vegetation and seasonally flooded vegetation. Furthermore, the analysis showed that the influence of local incidence angle could be accounted for by a linear shift in backscatter averaged over time, even in wetland areas where the dominant scattering mechanism can change depending on the season. The retrieved harmonic model parameters were then used in an unsupervised classification to detect wetland backscattering classes at the regional scale. A total area of 7800 km2 corresponding to 7.6% of the study area was classified as either one of the wetland backscattering classes. The results demonstrate the value of seasonality parameters extracted from C-band SAR time series for wetland mapping.
Communication Range Dynamics and Performance Analysis for a Self-Adaptive Transmission Power Controller
Authors: Lucas Martínez Néstor , Martínez Ortega José-Fernán , Hernández Díaz Vicente , Del Toro Matamoros Raúl
Published: May 2016

The deployment of the nodes in a Wireless Sensor and Actuator Network (WSAN) is typically restricted by the sensing and acting coverage. This implies that the locations of the nodes may be, and usually are, not optimal from the point of view of the radio communication. Additionally, when the transmission power is tuned for those locations, there are other unpredictable factors that can cause connectivity failures, like interferences, signal fading due to passing objects and, of course, radio irregularities. A control-based self-adaptive system is a typical solution to improve the energy consumption while keeping good connectivity. In this paper, we explore how the communication range for each node evolves along the iterations of an energy saving self-adaptive transmission power controller when using different parameter sets in an outdoor scenario, providing a WSAN that automatically adapts to surrounding changes keeping good connectivity. The results obtained in this paper show how the parameters with the best performance keep a k-connected network, where k is in the range of the desired node degree plus or minus a specified tolerance value.
Report from the 5th International Symposium on Mycotoxins and Toxigenic Moulds: Challenges and Perspectives (MYTOX) Held in Ghent, Belgium, May 2016
Authors: De Saeger Sarah , Audenaert Kris , Croubels Siska
Published: May 2016

The association research platform MYTOX “Mycotoxins and Toxigenic Moulds” held the 5th meeting of its International Symposium in Ghent, Belgium on 11 May 2016.[...]
Withania somnifera Induces Cytotoxic and Cytostatic Effects on Human T Leukemia Cells
Authors: Turrini Eleonora , Calcabrini Cinzia , Sestili Piero , Catanzaro Elena , De Gianni Elena , Diaz Anna , Hrelia Patrizia , Tacchini Massimo , Guerrini Alessandra , Canonico Barbara , Papa Stefano , Valdrè Giovanni , Fimognari Carmela
Published: May 2016

Cancer chemotherapy is characterized by an elevated intrinsic toxicity and the development of drug resistance. Thus, there is a compelling need for new intervention strategies with an improved therapeutic profile. Immunogenic cell death (ICD) represents an innovative anticancer strategy where dying cancer cells release damage-associated molecular patterns promoting tumor-specific immune responses. The roots of Withania somnifera (W. somnifera) are used in the Indian traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, neuroprotective, and anticancer activities. The present study is designed to explore the antileukemic activity of the dimethyl sulfoxide extract obtained from the roots of W. somnifera (WE). We studied its cytostatic and cytotoxic activity, its ability to induce ICD, and its genotoxic potential on a human T-lymphoblastoid cell line by using different flow cytometric assays. Our results show that WE has a significant cytotoxic and cytostatic potential, and induces ICD. Its proapoptotic mechanism involves intracellular Ca2+ accumulation and the generation of reactive oxygen species. In our experimental conditions, the extract possesses a genotoxic potential. Since the use of Withania is suggested in different contexts including anti-infertility and osteoarthritis care, its genotoxicity should be carefully considered for an accurate assessment of its risk–benefit profile.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Cellular Stress Responses: Impact on Replication and Physiopathology
Authors: Cervantes-Ortiz Sandra , Zamorano Cuervo Natalia , Grandvaux Nathalie
Published: May 2016

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a member of the Paramyxoviridae family, is a major cause of severe acute lower respiratory tract infection in infants, elderly and immunocompromised adults. Despite decades of research, a complete integrated picture of RSV-host interaction is still missing. Several cellular responses to stress are involved in the host-response to many virus infections. The endoplasmic reticulum stress induced by altered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function leads to activation of the unfolded-protein response (UPR) to restore homeostasis. Formation of cytoplasmic stress granules containing translationally stalled mRNAs is a means to control protein translation. Production of reactive oxygen species is balanced by an antioxidant response to prevent oxidative stress and the resulting damages. In recent years, ongoing research has started to unveil specific regulatory interactions of RSV with these host cellular stress responses. Here, we discuss the latest findings regarding the mechanisms evolved by RSV to induce, subvert or manipulate the ER stress, the stress granule and oxidative stress responses. We summarize the evidence linking these stress responses with the regulation of RSV replication and the associated pathogenesis.
The textile chaîne opératoire: Using a multidisciplinary approach to textile archaeology with a focus on the Ancient Near East
Authors: Andersson Strand Eva
Published: May 2016

Knowledge of textile history, including fibre, technology, tools etc, is essential and absolutely necessary for our understanding of the past. Textile research has become an important field of archaeology and has an enormous potential, being able to tell us about economic, social, chronological, and cultural aspects of past societies. Due to poor preservation conditions, few textiles have survived in the Near East. However, the few existing fragments, in combination with other sources, provide evidence of a well-developed knowledge of how to use fibres for producing textiles. Furthermore, the analyses demonstrate that several types of plant and animal fibres were used in textile production. Flax fibres and sheep wool are considered to be the two most important textile fibres from Neolithic to modern times. Information gathered from the analysis of textiles suggests that it is highly plausible that the different stages of processing fi bres were similar across ancient Eurasia even if it is, of course, important to consider that different climate zones will affect both the need for and access to fi bres. Archaeobotanical and zoo ostelogical material also provide information on the use of textile fi bres. Additionally, different types of installations (e. g. retting pits, workshops) and textile tools (e. g. mallets, spindles, looms) would have been used and even if many tools were made of perishable materials textile tools such as spindle whorls and loom weights are well known from archaeological contexts. Therefore, this paper will give a basic framework for textile production that will provide important insights into the procurement and processing of plant and animal fibres and briefly on spinning and weaving. This will be accomplished with information from archaeological and written sources used in combination with ethnography and experimental archaeology.
Spinning Animal Fibres at Late Neolithic Tell Sabi Abyad, Syria?
Authors: Rooijakkers C. Tineke
Published: May 2016

À Tell Sabi Abyad, un nombre important de fusaïoles provient des niveaux du Néolithique final. Les disques perforés sont encore mieux représentés. Étant donné que le poids de la majorité de ces disques perforés et celui des fusaïoles sont proches, il est probable qu’on utilisait aussi les disques pour le filage. En revanche, les quelques disques relativement lourds ont dû avoir des fonctions différentes. Dans les niveaux qui précèdent le troisième quart du 7e millénaire av. J.-C., il n’a été trouvé que quelques disques perforés grossiers, proches des disques lourds précédemment cités. Cette modification dans les assemblages archéologiques se rencontre sur plusieurs autres sites du Proche Orient et elle traduit sans doute une transformation du procédé de filage, ainsi qu’un changement de matière première. Le lin était déjà fi lé avant l’introduction de la fusaïole ; un fuseau n’est pas nécessaire car on peut fi ler à la main. À contrario, les fibres animales doivent être filées avec une tension continue, donnée par le fuseau et la fusaïole. Cette invention semble aller de pair avec les autres témoignages d’une première utilisation des produits secondaires, comme les résidus lactés présents sur des tessons de poterie découverts, entre autres, à Tell Sabi Abyad.
Restes textiles sur un clou de fondation de Gudea. Étude préliminaire
Authors: Thomas Ariane
Published: May 2016

Le département des Antiquités orientales du Musée du Louvre conserve des objets sur lesquels subsistent des vestiges textiles sous une forme minéralisée. Parmi ceux-ci, l’étude d’un clou de fondation daté du règne de Gudea de Lagash vers 2100 avant J.-C. a permis l’identification du textile et l’énoncé de plusieurs questions auxquelles pourrait répondre la suite de l’étude en cours à travers de nouvelles analyses des vestiges minéralisés.
Cultural Dynamics in Southern Middle Asia in the fifth and fourth millennia BC: A reconstruction based on ceramic tradition
Authors: Mutin Benjamin
Published: May 2016

Cet article est un essai de synthèse portant sur les principales traditions céramiques du Sud de l’Asie moyenne lors du cinquième millénaire et au début du quatrième millénaire av. J.-C. La Mésopotamie, le sud-ouest de l’Iran et le Golfe persique, caractérisés alors par le développement de l’Obeid et de productions céramiques peintes en noir sur pâte claire, sont comparés aux situations observées dans le sud-est du Plateau iranien et au Pakistan. Trois principales conclusions résultent de cette synthèse. Premièrement, l’Asie moyenne méridionale à cette époque intégrait des situations très différentes en termes de production et d’utilisation de vases en céramique. Deuxièmement, la céramique est apparue dans cette région de façon graduelle et selon des processus variés au cours du Néolithique et du Chalcolithique. Enfin, certaines reconstitutions déduites des données du cinquième millénaire et du début du quatrième millénaire av. J.-C. semblent montrer que certains aspects des développements observés par la suite, à partir de la fin du quatrième millénaire, étaient déjà en place au cours des périodes précédentes.
Evaluation of Multiple Biological Therapies for Ischemic Cardiac Disease
Authors: Winters Amalia A. , Bou-Ghannam Sophia , Thorp Hallie , Hawayek Jose A. , Atkinson Donald L. , Bartlett Courtney E. , Silva Francisco J. , Hsu Edward W. , Moreno Alonso P. , Grainger David A. , Patel Amit N.
Published: May 2016

The development of cell- and gene-based strategies for regenerative medicine offers a therapeutic option for the repair and potential regeneration of damaged cardiac tissue post-myocardial infarction (MI). Human umbilical cord subepithelial cell-derived stem cells (hUC-SECs), human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs), and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs), all derived from human tissue, have been shown to have in vitro and in vivo therapeutic potential. Additionally, S100a1, VEGF165, and stromal-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) genes all have the potential to improve cardiac function and/or effect adverse remodeling. In this study, we compared the therapeutic potential of hBM-MSCs, hUC-SECs, and hiPSC-CMs along with plasmid-based genes to evaluate the in vivo potential of intramyocardially injected biologics to enhance cardiac function in a mouse MI model. Human cells derived from various tissue types were expanded under hypoxic conditions and injected intramyocardially into mice that had undergone left anterior descending (LAD) artery ligation. Similarly, plasmids were also injected into three groups of mice after LAD ligation. Seven experimental groups were studied in total: ( 1 ) control (saline), ( 2 ) hBM-MSCs, ( 3 ) hiPSC-CMs, ( 4 ) hUC-SECs, ( 5 ) S100a1 plasmid, ( 6 ) VEGF165 plasmid, and ( 7 ) SDF-1α plasmid. We evaluated echocardiography, hemodynamic catheterization measurements, and histology at 4 and 12 weeks post-biologic injection. Significant improvement was observed in cardiac function and contractility in hiPSC-CM and S100a1 groups and a significant reduction in left ventricle scar within the hUC-SEC group and a slight improvement in the SDF-1α and VEGF165 groups compared to the control group. These results demonstrate the potential for new biologic therapies to reduce scar burden and improve contractile function.
Hierarchical coassembly of DNA–triptycene hybrid molecular building blocks and zinc protoporphyrin IX
Authors: Kumari Rina , Singh Sumit , Monisha Mohan , Bhowmick Sourav , Roy Anindya , Das Neeladri , Das Prolay
Published: May 2016

Herein, we describe the successful construction of composite DNA nanostructures by the self-assembly of complementary symmetrical 2,6,14-triptycenetripropiolic acid (TPA)–DNA building blocks and zinc protoporphyrin IX (Zn PpIX). DNA–organic molecule scaffolds for the composite DNA nanostructure were constructed through covalent conjugation of TPA with 5′-C12-amine-terminated modified single strand DNA (ssDNA) and its complementary strand. The repeated covalent conjugation of TPA with DNA was confirmed by using denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF). The biologically relevant photosensitizer Zn PpIX was used to direct the hybridization-mediated self-assembly of DNA–TPA molecular building blocks as well as a model guest molecule within the DNA–TPA supramolecular self-assembly. The formation of fiber-like composite DNA nanostructures was observed. Native PAGE, circular dichroism (CD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) have been utilized for analyzing the formation of DNA nanofibers after the coassembly. Computational methods were applied to discern the theoretical dimension of the DNA–TPA molecular building block of the nanofibers. A notable change in photocatalytic efficiency of Zn PpIX was observed when it was inside the TPA–DNA scaffold. The significant increase in ROS generation by Zn PpIX when trapped in this biocompatible DNA–TPA hybrid nanofiber may be an effective tool to explore photodynamic therapy (PDT) applications as well as photocatalytic reactions.
HOW ENVIRONMENT AFFECTS GALAXY METALLICITY THROUGH STRIPPING AND FORMATION HISTORY: LESSONS FROM THE ILLUSTRIS SIMULATION
Authors: Genel Shy
Published: May 2016

Recent studies have found higher galaxy metallicities in richer environments. It is not yet clear, however, whether metallicity-environment dependencies are merely an indirect consequence of environmentally dependent formation histories, or of environmentally related processes directly affecting metallicity. Here, we present a first detailed study of metallicity-environment correlations in a cosmological hydrodynamical simulation, in particular, we focus on the Illustris simulation. Illustris galaxies display similar relations to those observed. Utilizing our knowledge of simulated formation histories, and leveraging the large simulation volume, we construct galaxy samples of satellites and centrals with matching formation histories. This allows us to find that

∼
1

/

3

of the metallicity-environment correlation is due to different formation histories in different environments. This is a combined effect of satellites (in particular, in denser environments) having on average lower z = 0 star formation rates (SFRs), and of their older stellar ages, even at a given z = 0 SFR. Most of the difference,

∼
2

/

3

, however, is caused by the higher concentration of star-forming disks of satellite galaxies, as this biases their SFR-weighted metallicities toward their inner, more metal-rich parts. With a newly defined quantity, the “radially averaged” metallicity, which captures the metallicity profile but is independent of the SFR profile, the metallicities of satellites and centrals become environmentally independent once they are matched in formation history. We find that circumgalactic metallicity (defined as rapidly inflowing gas around the virial radius), while sensitive to environment, has no measurable effect on the metallicity of the star-forming gas inside the galaxies.
SUPPLEMENT TO “TORSIONAL OSCILLATIONS OF A MAGNETAR WITH A TANGLED MAGNETIC FIELD” (2016, ApJL, 823, L1)*
Authors: Link Bennett , van Eysden C. Anthony
Published: May 2016

We introduce a mean-field formalism with which to study the oscillations of a neutron star or other stellar object with a dipolar magnetic field plus a topologically distinct isotropic magnetic tangle that stabilizes the field configuration. In terms of the ratio of the energy density of the tangled field to that in the dipolar component b

t

2, we obtain separable equations for the eigenfunctions and eigenfrequencies for a star of uniform density. We show that finite b

t

2 breaks the Alfvén continuum that is supported by the dipolar component of the field into discrete normal modes, and we quantify the splitting. Assuming the estimated dipole fields of

7
×

10

14

G in SGR 1900+14 and

2
×

10

15

G in SGR 1806–20, and tuning b

t

2 to match the lowest-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations observed to accompany flares in these objects, we infer

b

t

2

=
13.3

and 0.17, respectively. The predicted spectrum is about three times denser than that observed in SGR 1900+14, and much denser in SGR 1806–20. If the dipole field of SGR 1806–20 has been overestimated, the spectrum of normal modes will be less dense. We show that for

b

t

2

≫
1

, as stability considerations suggest, the crust is nearly dynamically irrelevant. Moreover, density stratification generally shifts the eigenfrequencies up by about 20%, a change that can be mostly subsumed in a uniform density model with a slightly different choice of stellar radius or mass.
Internet use and academic success in university students
Authors: Torres-Díaz Juan-Carlos , Duart Josep-M , Gómez-Alvarado Héctor-F. , Marín-Gutiérrez Isidro , Segarra-Faggioni Verónica
Published: May 2016

The use of technology is changing the way things are done, including the work in universities where the teaching and learning process are changing, and it is required to know the effect of technology on student achievement. In this research work, we present the influence of Internet use on academic success of students from five universities in Ecuador. A random sample of 4,697 people was got up and categorized in two groups: the use of Internet in academic activities and entertainment, using factor analysis and cluster analysis; the resulting categories were used as independent variables in multinomial logistic regression model which are seeking to determine if the use of Internet has impacted on academic success. The results show that people who perform interactive activities with peers and teachers or use in a balanced way the different internet tools tend to have more academic success than those who only seeks information. Regarding to the use of Internet in entertainment, a positive impact was found on academic achievement. Students who download audio, video and software, and students who use all the entertainment possibilities show less likely to fail than who using minimally Internet. In terms of gender, it has different effects for entertainment and academic purposes.

El uso de la tecnología provoca cambios sociales. Esto incluye el trabajo en el ámbito universitario en donde está cambiando tanto la forma de ejercer la docencia como la forma de aprender y se requiere conocer el efecto del uso de la tecnología sobre el rendimiento del alumnado. En este trabajo se investigó la incidencia del uso de Internet sobre el éxito académico del alumnado de cinco universidades de Ecuador. Se levantó una muestra aleatoria de 4.697 personas y se las categorizó en perfiles de uso de Internet para actividades académicas y para entretenimiento, utilizando análisis factorial y análisis clúster. Las categorías resultantes se utilizaron como variables independientes en modelos de regresión logística multinomial que buscaban determinar si el uso de Internet tenía incidencia sobre el éxito académico. Los resultados muestran que quienes realizan actividades interactivas con pares y profesores o quienes utilizan de forma balanceada las distintas herramientas de Internet tienden a un mayor éxito académico que aquellos que solo buscan información. En lo referente al entretenimiento, se encontró una incidencia positiva del uso de Internet sobre el éxito académico. Los estudiantes que realizan descargas de contenido de audio, video y software, y quienes utilizan todas las posibilidades de entretenimiento, presentan menor tendencia a suspender que los estudiantes que utilizan mínimamente Internet. En cuanto al género se presentan diferencias en los usos académicos y de entretenimiento.