bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State of the Art and Trends Review of Smart Metering in Electricity Grids
Authors: Uribe-Pérez Noelia , Hernández Luis , De la Vega David , Angulo Itziar
Published: February 2016

Climate change, awareness of energy efficiency, new trends in electricity markets, the obsolescence of the actual electricity model, and the gradual conversion of consumers to prosumer profiles are the main agents of progressive change in electricity systems towards the Smart Grid paradigm. The introduction of multiple distributed generation and storage resources, with a strong involvement of renewable energies, exposes the necessity of advanced metering or Smart Metering systems, able to manage and control those distributed resources. Due to the heterogeneity of the Smart Metering systems and the specific features of each grid, it is easy to find in the related literature a wide range of solutions with different features. This work describes the key elements in a Smart Metering system and compiles the most employed technologies and standards as well as their main features. Since Smart Metering systems can perform jointly with other activities, these growing initiatives are also addressed. Finally, a revision of the main trends in Smart Metering uses and deployments worldwide is included.
Comparison of Electrochemical Immunosensors and Aptasensors for Detection of Small Organic Molecules in Environment, Food Safety, Clinical and Public Security
Authors: Piro Benoit , Shi Shihui , Reisberg Steeve , Noël Vincent , Anquetin Guillaume
Published: February 2016

We review here the most frequently reported targets among the electrochemical immunosensors and aptasensors: antibiotics, bisphenol A, cocaine, ochratoxin A and estradiol. In each case, the immobilization procedures are described as well as the transduction schemes and the limits of detection. It is shown that limits of detections are generally two to three orders of magnitude lower for immunosensors than for aptasensors, due to the highest affinities of antibodies. No significant progresses have been made to improve these affinities, but transduction schemes were improved instead, which lead to a regular improvement of the limit of detections corresponding to ca. five orders of magnitude over these last 10 years. These progresses depend on the target, however.
Charge Transfer Mechanism in Titanium-Doped Microporous Silica for Photocatalytic Water-Splitting Applications
Authors: Sapp Wendi , Koodali Ranjit , Kilin Dmitri
Published: February 2016

Solar energy conversion into chemical form is possible using artificial means. One example of a highly-efficient fuel is solar energy used to split water into oxygen and hydrogen. Efficient photocatalytic water-splitting remains an open challenge for researchers across the globe. Despite significant progress, several aspects of the reaction, including the charge transfer mechanism, are not fully clear. Density functional theory combined with density matrix equations of motion were used to identify and characterize the charge transfer mechanism involved in the dissociation of water. A simulated porous silica substrate, using periodic boundary conditions, with Ti4+ ions embedded on the inner pore wall was found to contain electron and hole trap states that could facilitate a chemical reaction. A trap state was located within the silica substrate that lengthened relaxation time, which may favor a chemical reaction. A chemical reaction would have to occur within the window of photoexcitation; therefore, the existence of a trapping state may encourage a chemical reaction. This provides evidence that the silica substrate plays an integral part in the electron/hole dynamics of the system, leading to the conclusion that both components (photoactive materials and support) of heterogeneous catalytic systems are important in optimization of catalytic efficiency.
Photothermal Radiometry for Skin Research
Authors: Xiao Perry
Published: February 2016

Photothermal radiometry is an infrared remote sensing technique that has been used for skin and skin appendages research, in the areas of skin hydration, hydration gradient, skin hydration depth profiling, skin thickness measurements, skin pigmentation measurements, effect of topically applied substances, transdermal drug delivery, moisture content of bio-materials, membrane permeation, and nail and hair measurements. Compared with other technologies, photothermal radiometry has the advantages of non-contact, non-destructive, quick to make a measurement (a few seconds), and being spectroscopic in nature. It is also colour blind, and can work on any arbitrary sample surfaces. It has a unique depth profiling capability on a sample surface (typically the top 20 µm), which makes it particularly suitable for skin measurements. In this paper, we present a review of the photothermal radiometry work carried out in our research group. We will first introduce the theoretical background, then illustrate its applications with experimental results.
Chitosan Coagulation to Improve Microbial and Turbidity Removal by Ceramic Water Filtration for Household Drinking Water Treatment
Authors: Abebe Lydia , Chen Xinyu , Sobsey Mark
Published: February 2016

The use of porous ceramic filters is promoted globally for household water treatment, but these filters are ineffective in removing viruses from water. In order to increase virus removal, we combine a promising natural coagulant, chitosan, as a pretreatment for ceramic water filters (CWFs) and evaluate the performance of this dual barrier water treatment system. Chitosan is a non-toxic and biodegradable organic polymer derived by simple chemical treatments from chitin, a major source of which is the leftover shells of crustacean seafoods, such as shrimp, prawns, crabs, and lobsters. To determine the effectiveness of chitosan, model test water was contaminated with Escherichia coli K011 and coliphage MS2 as a model enteric bacterium and virus, respectively. Kaolinite clay was used to model turbidity. Coagulation effectiveness of three types of modified chitosans was determine at various doses ranging from 5 to 30 mg/L, followed by flocculation and sedimentation. The pre-treated supernatant water was then decanted into the CWF for further treatment by filtration. There were appreciable microbial removals by chitosan HCl, acetate, and lactate pretreatment followed by CWF treatment, with mean reductions (95% CI) between 4.7 (±1.56) and 7.5 (±0.02) log10 for Escherichia coli, and between 2.8 (±0.10) and 4.5 (±1.04) log10 for MS2. Turbidity reduction with chitosan treatment and filtration consistently resulted in turbidities < 1 NTU, which meet turbidity standards of the US EPA and guidance by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to WHO health-based microbial removal targets for household water treatment technology, chitosan coagulation achieved health protective targets for both viruses and bacteria. Therefore, the results of this study support the use of chitosan to improve household drinking water filtration processes by increasing virus and bacteria reductions.
Tamoxifen Treatment of Breast Cancer Cells: Impact on Hedgehog/GLI1 Signaling
Authors: Villegas Victoria , Rondón-Lagos Milena , Annaratone Laura , Castellano Isabella , Grismaldo Adriana , Sapino Anna , Zaphiropoulos Peter
Published: February 2016

The selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulator tamoxifen (TAM) has become the standard therapy for the treatment of ER+ breast cancer patients. Despite the obvious benefits of TAM, a proportion of patients acquire resistance to treatment, and this is a significant clinical problem. Consequently, the identification of possible mechanisms involved in TAM-resistance should help the development of new therapeutic targets. In this study, we present in vitro data using a panel of different breast cancer cell lines and demonstrate the modulatory effect of TAM on cellular proliferation and expression of Hedgehog signaling components, including the terminal effector of the pathway, the transcription factor GLI1. A variable pattern of expression following TAM administration was observed, reflecting the distinctive properties of the ER+ and ER− cell lines analyzed. Remarkably, the TAM-induced increase in the proliferation of the ER+ ZR-75-1 and BT474 cells parallels a sustained upregulation of GLI1 expression and its translocation to the nucleus. These findings, implicating a TAM-GLI1 signaling cross-talk, could ultimately be exploited not only as a means for novel prognostication markers but also in efforts to effectively target breast cancer subtypes.
Roles of RNA-Binding Proteins in DNA Damage Response
Authors: Kai Mihoko
Published: February 2016

Living cells experience DNA damage as a result of replication errors and oxidative metabolism, exposure to environmental agents (e.g., ultraviolet light, ionizing radiation (IR)), and radiation therapies and chemotherapies for cancer treatments. Accumulation of DNA damage can lead to multiple diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, cancers, immune deficiencies, infertility, and also aging. Cells have evolved elaborate mechanisms to deal with DNA damage. Networks of DNA damage response (DDR) pathways are coordinated to detect and repair DNA damage, regulate cell cycle and transcription, and determine the cell fate. Upstream factors of DNA damage checkpoints and repair, “sensor” proteins, detect DNA damage and send the signals to downstream factors in order to maintain genomic integrity. Unexpectedly, we have discovered that an RNA-processing factor is involved in DNA repair processes. We have identified a gene that contributes to glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)’s treatment resistance and recurrence. This gene, RBM14, is known to function in transcription and RNA splicing. RBM14 is also required for maintaining the stem-like state of GBM spheres, and it controls the DNA-PK-dependent non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway by interacting with KU80. RBM14 is a RNA-binding protein (RBP) with low complexity domains, called intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), and it also physically interacts with PARP1. Furthermore, RBM14 is recruited to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in a poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR)-dependent manner (unpublished data). DNA-dependent PARP1 (poly-(ADP) ribose polymerase 1) makes key contributions in the DNA damage response (DDR) network. RBM14 therefore plays an important role in a PARP-dependent DSB repair process. Most recently, it was shown that the other RBPs with intrinsically disordered domains are recruited to DNA damage sites in a PAR-dependent manner, and that these RBPs form liquid compartments (also known as “liquid-demixing”). Among the PAR-associated IDPs are FUS/TLS (fused in sarcoma/translocated in sarcoma), EWS (Ewing sarcoma), TARF15 (TATA box-binding protein-associated factor 68 kDa) (also called FET proteins), a number of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs), and RBM14. Importantly, various point mutations within the FET genes have been implicated in pathological protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases, specifically with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and frontotemporal lobe degeneration (FTLD). The FET proteins also frequently exhibit gene translocation in human cancers, and emerging evidence shows their physical interactions with DDR proteins and thus implies their involvement in the maintenance of genome stability.
De Novo Transcriptome Assembly in Shiraia bambusicola to Investigate Putative Genes Involved in the Biosynthesis of Hypocrellin A
Authors: Zhao Ning , Lin Xi , Qi Shan-Shan , Luo Zhi-Mei , Chen Shuang-Lin , Yan Shu-Zhen
Published: February 2016

Shiraia bambusicola is a species of the monotypic genus Shiraia in the phylum Ascomycota. In China, it is known for its pharmacological properties that are used to treat rheumatic arthritis, sciatica, pertussis, tracheitis and so forth. Its major medicinal active metabolite is hypocrellin A, which exhibits excellent antiviral and antitumor properties. However, the genes involved in the hypocrellin A anabolic pathways were still unknown due to the lack of genomic information for this species. To investigate putative genes that are involved in the biosynthesis of hypocrellin A and determine the pathway, we performed transcriptome sequencing for Shiraia bambusicola S4201-W and the mutant S4201-D1 for the first time. S4201-W has excellent hypocrellin A production, while the mutant S4201-D1 does not. Then, we obtained 38,056,034 and 39,086,896 clean reads from S4201-W and S4201-D1, respectively. In all, 17,923 unigenes were de novo assembled, and the N50 length was 1970 bp. Based on the negative binomial distribution test, 716 unigenes were found to be upregulated, and 188 genes were downregulated in S4201-D1, compared with S4201-W. We have found seven unigenes involved in the biosynthesis of hypocrellin A and proposed a putative hypocrellin A biosynthetic pathway. These data will provide a valuable resource and theoretical basis for future molecular studies of hypocrellin A, help identify the genes involved in the biosynthesis of hypocrellin A and help facilitate functional studies for enhancing hypocrellin A production.
VaR and CVaR Implied in Option Prices
Authors: Barone Adesi Giovanni
Published: February 2016

VaR (Value at Risk) and CVaR (Conditional Value at Risk) are implied by option prices. Their relationships to option prices are derived initially under the pricing measure. It does not require assumptions about the distribution of portfolio returns. The effects of changes of measure are modest at the short horizons typically used in applications. The computation of CVaR from option price is very convenient, because this measure is not elicitable, making direct comparisons of statistical inferences from market data problematic.
Surface Characterizations of Fretting Fatigue Damage in Aluminum Alloy 7075-T6 Clamped Joints: The Beneficial Role of Ni–P Coatings
Authors: Oskouei Reza , Barati Mohammad , Ibrahim Raafat
Published: February 2016

This paper aims to characterize the surface damage as a consequence of fretting fatigue in aluminum alloy 7075-T6 plates in double-lap bolted joints through XRD, surface profilometry, and SEM analyses. The main focus was on the surface roughness and chemical phase composition of the damaged zone along with the identification of fretting fatigue crack initiations over the surface of the material. The surface roughness of the fretted zone was found to increase when the joint was clamped with a higher tightening torque and tested under the same cyclic loading. Additionally, MgZn2 (η/ή) precipitates and ZnO phase were found to form onto the surface of uncoated aluminum plate in the fretted and worn zones. The formation of the ZnO phase was understood to be a result of frictional heat induced between the surface of contacting uncoated Al 7075-T6 plates during cyclic loading and exposure to the air. The beneficial role of electroless nickel-phosphorous (Ni–P) coatings in minimizing the fretting damage and thus improving the fretting fatigue life of the aluminum plates was also studied. The results showed that the surface roughness decreased by approximately 40% after applying Ni–P coatings to the Al 7075-T6 plates.
A Note on Burg’s Modified Entropy in Statistical Mechanics
Authors: Ray Amritansu , Majumder S.
Published: February 2016

Burg’s entropy plays an important role in this age of information euphoria, particularly in understanding the emergent behavior of a complex system such as statistical mechanics. For discrete or continuous variable, maximization of Burg’s Entropy subject to its only natural and mean constraint always provide us a positive density function though the Entropy is always negative. On the other hand, Burg’s modified entropy is a better measure than the standard Burg’s entropy measure since this is always positive and there is no computational problem for small probabilistic values. Moreover, the maximum value of Burg’s modified entropy increases with the number of possible outcomes. In this paper, a premium has been put on the fact that if Burg’s modified entropy is used instead of conventional Burg’s entropy in a maximum entropy probability density (MEPD) function, the result yields a better approximation of the probability distribution. An important lemma in basic algebra and a suitable example with tables and graphs in statistical mechanics have been given to illustrate the whole idea appropriately.
Allergy Testing and Drug Screening on an ITO-Coated Lab-on-a-Disc
Authors: Kwok Ho , Lau Pui , Wu Shu , HO Ho , Gao Minghui , Kwan Yiu , Wong Chun , Kong Siu
Published: February 2016

A lab-on-a-disc (LOAD) is a centrifugal microfluidic set-up based on centrifugal force without using micro-pumps to drive reagents and cells to various chambers through channels and valves for reactions. A LOAD coated with conductive transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) for thermal control was developed to screen allergy-blocking agents. When the acridine orange (AO)-loaded KU-812 human basophilic cells were activated in the LOAD by stimuli, AO trapped in the cytoplasmic granules was released externally as an allergic mediator mimetic to report degranulation. This response was monitored by fluorescence when the released AO in supernatant had been transferred, with a higher spinning speed, from the reaction chamber to detection chamber in the LOAD where AO reacted with exogenous DNA. We report here the principles of the system and an improved LOAD set-up with the ITO-coated glass resistive microheater to run assays at 37 °C. By using this platform, we demonstrate here for the first time that triptolide, an active ingredient from the Chinese medicine herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook f., was able to suppress the fMLP-mediated degranulation in basophils. This serves as an example how LOADs can be used to screen agents to alleviate symptoms of allergy.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Benzothiazole Derivatives as Potential Anticonvulsant Agents
Authors: Liu Da-Chuan , Zhang Hong-Jian , Jin Chun-Mei , Quan Zhe-Shan
Published: February 2016

New benztriazoles with a mercapto-triazole and other heterocycle substituents were synthesized and evaluated for their anticonvulsant activity and neurotoxicity by using the maximal electroshock (MES), subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ), and rotarod neurotoxicity (TOX) tests. Among the compounds studied, compound 2-((1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)-N-(6-((3-fluorobenzyl) oxy)benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)acetamide (5i) and 2-((1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)-N-(6-((4-fluorobenzyl)oxy) benzo[d] thiazol-2-yl)acetmide (5j) were the most potent, with an ED50 value of 50.8 mg/kg and 54.8 mg/kg in the MES test and 76.0 mg/kg and 52.8 mg/kg in the scPTZ seizures test, respectively. They also showed lower neurotoxicity and, therefore a higher protective index. In particular, compound 5j showed high protective index (PI) values of 8.96 in the MES test and 9.30 in the scPTZ test, which were better than those of the standard drugs used as positive controls in this study.
Silymarin-Loaded Nanoparticles Based on Stearic Acid-Modified Bletilla striata Polysaccharide for Hepatic Targeting
Authors: Ma Yanni , He Shaolong , Ma Xueqin , Hong Tongtong , Li Zhifang , Park Kinam , Wang Wenping
Published: February 2016

Silymarin has been widely used as a hepatoprotective drug in the treatment of various liver diseases, yet its effectiveness is affected by its poor water solubility and low bioavailability after oral administration, and there is a need for the development of intravenous products, especially for liver-targeting purposes. In this study, silymarin was encapsulated in self-assembled nanoparticles of Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) conjugates modified with stearic acid and the physicochemical properties of the obtained nanoparticles were characterized. The silymarin-loaded micelles appeared as spherical particles with a mean diameter of 200 nm under TEM. The encapsulation of drug molecules was confirmed by DSC thermograms and XRD diffractograms, respectively. The nanoparticles exhibited a sustained-release profile for nearly 1 week with no obvious initial burst. Compared to drug solutions, the drug-loaded nanoparticles showed a lower viability and higher uptake intensity on HepG2 cell lines. After intravenous administration of nanoparticle formulation for 30 min to mice, the liver became the most significant organ enriched with the fluorescent probe. These results suggest that BSP derivative nanoparticles possess hepatic targeting capability and are promising nanocarriers for delivering silymarin to the liver.
Synthesis and Bioactivities of Novel Pyrazole Oxime Derivatives Containing a 5-Trifluoromethylpyridyl Moiety
Authors: Dai Hong , Chen Jia , Li Hong , Dai Baojiang , He Haibing , Fang Yuan , Shi Yujun
Published: February 2016

In this study, in order to find novel biologically active pyrazole oxime compounds, a series of pyrazole oxime derivatives containing a 5-trifluoromethylpyridyl moiety were synthesized. Preliminary bioassays indicated that most title compounds were found to display good to excellent acaricidal activity against Tetranychus cinnabarinus at a concentration of 200 μg/mL, and some designed compounds still showed excellent acaricidal activity against Tetranychus cinnabarinus at the concentration of 10 μg/mL, especially since the inhibition rates of compounds 8e, 8f, 8l, 8m, 8n, 8p, and 8q were all 100.00%. Interestingly, some target compounds exhibited moderate to good insecticidal activities against Plutella xylostella and Aphis craccivora at a concentration of 200 μg/mL; furthermore, compounds 8e and 8l possessed outstanding insecticidal activities against Plutella xylostella under the concentration of 50 μg/mL.
Antidepressant-Like Effects of Lindera obtusiloba Extracts on the Immobility Behavior of Rats in the Forced Swim Test
Authors: Lim Dong , Lee Mi-Sook , Her Song , Cho Suengmok , Lee Chang-Ho , Kim In-Ho , Han Daeseok
Published: February 2016

Lindera obtusiloba extracts are commonly used as an alternative medicine due to its numerous health benefits in Korea. However, the antidepressant-like effects of L. obtusiloba extracts have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we aimed to determine whether L. obtusiloba extracts exhibited antidepressant-like activity in rats subjected to forced swim test (FST)-induced depression. Acute treatment of rats with L. obtusiloba extracts (200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced immobility time and increased swimming time without any significant change in climbing. Rats treated with L. obtusiloba extracts also exhibited a decrease in the limbic hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response to the FST, as indicated by attenuation of the corticosterone response and decreased c-Fos immunoreactivity in the hippocampus CA3 region. In addition, L. obtusiloba extracts, at concentrations that were not affected by cell viability, significantly decreased luciferase activity in response to cortisol in a concentration-dependent manner by the glucocorticoid binding assay in HeLa cells. Our findings suggested that the antidepressant-like effects of L. obtusiloba extracts were likely mediated via the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential of L. obtusiloba extracts as an alternative therapeutic approach for the treatment of depression.
1-Deoxynojirimycin Alleviates Liver Injury and Improves Hepatic Glucose Metabolism in db/db Mice
Authors: Liu Qingpu , Li Xuan , Li Cunyu , Zheng Yunfeng , Wang Fang , Li Hongyang , Peng Guoping
Published: February 2016

The present study investigated the effect of 1-Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) on liver injury and hepatic glucose metabolism in db/db mice. Mice were divided into five groups: normal control, db/db control, DNJ-20 (DNJ 20 mg·kg−1·day−1), DNJ-40 (DNJ 40 mg·kg−1·day−1) and DNJ-80 (DNJ 80 mg·kg−1·day−1). All doses were treated intravenously by tail vein for four weeks. DNJ was observed to significantly reduce the levels of serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and liver TG, as well as activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST); DNJ also alleviated macrovesicular steatosis and decreased tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in liver tissue. Furthermore, DNJ treatment significantly increased hepatic glycogen content, the activities of hexokinase (HK), pyruvate kinase (PK) in liver tissue, and decreased the activities of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), glycogen phosphorylase (GP), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK). Moreover, DNJ increased the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) on p85, protein kinase B (PKB) on Ser473, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) on Ser9, and inhibited phosphorylation of glycogen synthase (GS) on Ser645 in liver tissue of db/db mice. These results demonstrate that DNJ can increase hepatic insulin sensitivity via strengthening of the insulin-stimulated PKB/GSK-3β signal pathway and by modulating glucose metabolic enzymes in db/db mice. Moreover, DNJ also can improve lipid homeostasis and attenuate hepatic steatosis in db/db mice.
Incorporation of Amino Acids with Long-Chain Terminal Olefins into Proteins
Authors: Exner Matthias , Köhling Sebastian , Rivollier Julie , Gosling Sandrine , Srivastava Puneet , Palyancheva Zheni , Herdewijn Piet , Heck Marie-Pierre , Rademann Jörg , Budisa Nediljko
Published: February 2016

The increasing need for site-specific protein decorations that mimic natural posttranslational modifications requires access to a variety of noncanonical amino acids with moieties enabling bioorthogonal conjugation chemistry. Here we present the incorporation of long-chain olefinic amino acids into model proteins with rational variants of pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase (PylRS). Nε-heptenoyl lysine was incorporated for the first time using the known promiscuous variant PylRS(Y306A/Y384F), and Nε-pentenoyl lysine was incorporated in significant yields with the novel variant PylRS(C348A/Y384F). This is the only example of rational modification at position C348 to enlarge the enzyme’s binding pocket. Furthermore, we demonstrate the feasibility of our chosen amino acids in the thiol-ene conjugation reaction with a thiolated polysaccharide.
Evaluation of Abiotic Resource LCIA Methods
Authors: Alvarenga Rodrigo , Lins Ittana , Almeida Neto José
Published: February 2016

In a life cycle assessment (LCA), the impacts on resources are evaluated at the area of protection (AoP) with the same name, through life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods. There are different LCIA methods available in literature that assesses abiotic resources, and the goal of this study was to propose recommendations for that impact category. We evaluated 19 different LCIA methods, through two criteria (scientific robustness and scope), divided into three assessment levels, i.e., resource accounting methods (RAM), midpoint, and endpoint. In order to support the assessment, we applied some LCIA methods to a case study of ethylene production. For RAM, the most suitable LCIA method was CEENE (Cumulative Exergy Extraction from the Natural Environment) (but SED (Solar Energy Demand) and ICEC (Industrial Cumulative Exergy Consumption)/ECEC (Ecological Cumulative Exergy Consumption) may also be recommended), while the midpoint level was ADP (Abiotic Depletion Potential), and the endpoint level was both the Recipe Endpoint and EPS2000 (Environmental Priority Strategies). We could notice that the assessment for the AoP Resources is not yet well established in the LCA community, since new LCIA methods (with different approaches) and assessment frameworks are showing up, and this trend may continue in the future.
VIIRS Reflective Solar Bands Calibration Progress and Its Impact on Ocean Color Products
Authors: Sun Junqiang , Wang Menghua
Published: February 2016

The radiometric calibration for the reflective solar bands (RSB) of the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on board the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) platform has reached a mature stage after four years since its launch. The characterization of the vignetting effect of the attenuation screens, the bidirectional reflectance factor of the solar diffuser, the degradation performance of the solar diffuser, and the calibration coefficient of the RSB have all been made robust. Additional investigations into the time-dependent out-of-band relative spectral response and the solar diffuser degradation non-uniformity effect have led to newer insights. In particular, it has been demonstrated that the solar diffuser (SD) degradation non-uniformity effect induces long-term bias in the SD-calibration result. A mitigation approach, the so-called Hybrid Method, incorporating lunar-based calibration results, successfully restores the calibration to achieve ~0.2% level accuracy. The successfully calibrated RSB data record significantly impacts the ocean color products, whose stringent requirements are especially sensitive to calibration accuracy, and helps the ocean color products to reach maturity.
Spatial Up-Scaling Correction for Leaf Area Index Based on the Fractal Theory
Authors: Wu Ling , Qin Qiming , Liu Xiangnan , Ren Huazhong , Wang Jianhua , Zheng Xiaopo , Ye Xin , Sun Yuejun
Published: February 2016

The scaling effect correction of retrieved parameters is an essential and difficult issue in analysis and application of remote sensing information. Based on fractal theory, this paper developed a scaling transfer model to correct the scaling effect of the leaf area index (LAI) estimated from coarse spatial resolution image. As the key parameter of the proposed model, the information fractal dimension (D) of the up-scaling pixel was calculated by establishing the double logarithmic linear relationship between D-2 and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) standard deviation (σNDVI) of the up-scaling pixel. Based on the calculated D and the fractal relationship between the exact LAI and the approximated LAI estimated from the coarse resolution pixel, a LAI scaling transfer model was established. Finally, the model accuracy in correcting the scaling effect was discussed. Results indicated that the D increases with increasing σNDVI, and the D-2 was highly linearly correlated with σNDVI on the double logarithmic coordinate axis. The scaling transfer model corrected the scaling effect of LAI with a maximum value of root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 0.011. The maximum absolute correction error (ACE) and relative correction error (RCE) were only 0.108% and 8.56%, respectively. The spatial heterogeneity was the primary cause resulting in the scaling effect and the key influencing factor of correction effect. The results indicated that the developed method based on fractal theory could effectively correct the scaling effect of LAI estimated from the heterogeneous pixels.
Leasing-Based Performance Analysis in Energy Harvesting Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Zeng Fanzi , Xu Jisheng
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we consider an energy harvesting cognitive radio network (CRN), where both of primary user (PU) and secondary user (SU) are operating in time slotted mode, and the SU powered exclusively by the energy harvested from the radio signal of the PU. The SU can only perform either energy harvesting or data transmission due to the hardware limitation. In this case, the entire time-slot is segmented into two non-overlapping fractions. During the first sub-timeslot, the SU can harvest energy from the ambient radio signal when the PU is transmitting. In order to obtain more revenue, the PU leases a portion of its time to SU, while the SU can transmit its own data by using the harvested energy. According to convex optimization, we get the optimal leasing time to maximize the SU’s throughput while guaranteeing the quality of service (QoS) of PU. To evaluate the performance of our proposed spectrum leasing scheme, we compare the utility of PU and the energy efficiency ratio of the entire networks in our framework with the conventional strategies respectively. The numerical simulation results prove the superiority of our proposed spectrum leasing scheme.
An Electrochemiluminescence Immunosensor Based on Gold-Magnetic Nanoparticles and Phage Displayed Antibodies
Authors: Mu Xihui , Tong Zhaoyang , Huang Qibin , Liu Bing , Liu Zhiwei , Hao Lanqun , Dong Hua , Zhang Jinping , Gao Chuan
Published: February 2016

Using the multiple advantages of the ultra-highly sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) technique, Staphylococcus protein A (SPA) functionalized gold-magnetic nanoparticles and phage displayed antibodies, and using gold-magnetic nanoparticles coated with SPA and coupled with a polyclonal antibody (pcAb) as magnetic capturing probes, and Ru(bpy)32+-labeled phage displayed antibody as a specific luminescence probe, this study reports a new way to detect ricin with a highly sensitive and specific ECL immunosensor and amplify specific detection signals. The linear detection range of the sensor was 0.0001~200 µg/L, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.0001 µg/L, which is 2500-fold lower than that of the conventional ELISA technique. The gold-magnetic nanoparticles, SPA and Ru(bpy)32+-labeled phage displayed antibody displayed different amplifying effects in the ECL immunosensor and can decrease LOD 3-fold, 3-fold and 20-fold, respectively, compared with the ECL immunosensors without one of the three effects. The integrated amplifying effect can decrease the LOD 180-fold. The immunosensor integrates the unique advantages of SPA-coated gold-magnetic nanoparticles that improve the activity of the functionalized capturing probe, and the amplifying effect of the Ru(bpy)32+-labeled phage displayed antibodies, so it increases specificity, interference-resistance and decreases LOD. It is proven to be well suited for the analysis of trace amounts of ricin in various environmental samples with high recovery ratios and reproducibility.
Evaluating the Specificity of Community Injury Hospitalization Data over Time
Authors: Vallmuur Kirsten , Watson Angela
Published: February 2016

This study identified the areas of poor specificity in national injury hospitalization data and the areas of improvement and deterioration in specificity over time. A descriptive analysis of 10 years of national hospital discharge data for Australia from July 2002–June 2012 was performed. Proportions and percentage change of defined/undefined codes over time was examined. At the intent block level, accidents and assault were the most poorly defined with over 11% undefined in each block. The mechanism blocks for accidents showed a significant deterioration in specificity over time with up to 20% more undefined codes in some mechanisms. Place and activity were poorly defined at the broad block level (43% and 72% undefined respectively). Private hospitals and hospitals in very remote locations recorded the highest proportion of undefined codes. Those aged over 60 years and females had the higher proportion of undefined code usage. This study has identified significant, and worsening, deficiencies in the specificity of coded injury data in several areas. Focal attention is needed to improve the quality of injury data, especially on those identified in this study, to provide the evidence base needed to address the significant burden of injury in the Australian community.
Industrial Carbon Emissions of China’s Regions: A Spatial Econometric Analysis
Authors: Liu Yu , Xiao Hongwei , Zhang Ning
Published: February 2016

This paper proposes an extended Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology (STIRPAT) model to investigate the factors driving industrial carbon emissions in China. In the first stage, a spatial Durbin model is applied to investigate the determinants of regional industrial carbon emissions. In the second stage, a geographically and temporally weighted regression is applied to investigate temporal and spatial variations in the impacts of these driving factors on the scale and intensity of regional industrial carbon emissions. The empirical results suggest that the provinces with low carbon emissions act as exemplars for those with high carbon emissions and that driving factors impact carbon emission both directly and indirectly. All of the factors were investigated, except energy intensity, energy price, and openness, significantly impact carbon emissions. Overall, the results suggest that spatial correlation, heterogeneity, and spillover effects should be taken into account when formulating policies aiming at reducing industrial carbon emissions. The paper concludes with relevant policy recommendations taking full account of the regional industrial carbon emissions, heterogeneity and spillover.
The Design of a Sustainable Location-Routing-Inventory Model Considering Consumer Environmental Behavior
Authors: Tang Jinhuan , Ji Shoufeng , Jiang Liwen
Published: February 2016

Our aim is to design a sustainable supply chain (SSC) network, which takes into consideration consumer environmental behaviors (CEBs). CEBs not only affect consumers’ demand for products with low carbon emissions, they also affect their willingness to pay premium prices for products with low carbon emissions. We incorporate CEBs into the SSC network model involving location, routing and inventory. Firstly, a multi-objective optimization model comprised of both the costs and the carbon emissions of a joint location-routing-inventory model is proposed and solved, using a multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm. Then, a revenue function including CEBs is presented on the basis of a Pareto set of the trade-off between costs and carbon emissions. A computational experiment and sensitivity analysis are conducted, employing data from the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). The results clearly indicate that our research can be applied to actual supply chain operations. In addition, some practical managerial insights for enterprises are offered.
How Sustainable Is Transnational Farmland Acquisition in Ethiopia? Lessons Learned from the Benishangul-Gumuz Region
Authors: Teklemariam Dereje , Azadi Hossein , Nyssen Jan , Haile Mitiku , Witlox Frank
Published: February 2016

Due to the nature of available land as one of the main attractions for investment, land lease marketing in Sub-Saharan Africa is appearing on policy agenda. This paper describes critical land-related institutional and governmental frameworks that have shaped the contemporary land governance and land lease contracts in Ethiopia. It also examines the effectiveness of the land lease process regarding economic, social, and environmental expectations from agricultural outsourcing. Both qualitative and quantitative data analyses were used and results showed that the size of the land cultivated by investors is significantly lower than the agreed-upon size in the contract. Besides, the supply of land to large-scale commercial investors in Ethiopia is made without adequate land use planning, land valuation, and risk analysis. Furthermore, limitations in monitoring systems have contributed to meager socio-economic gains and led to deforestation. Accordingly, the study concludes that supplying vast tracts of farmland to large-scale agricultural investors requires integrated land use planning, land valuation and governance, monitoring systems, and a capacity to implement the various social and environmental laws in coordination with other sectors. Improving rural infrastructure, particularly road, is also indispensable to enhance the level of performance of commercial farms. Last but most importantly, the customary land holding rights of residents should be respected and institutionally recognized.
Mutation of Glycosylation Sites in BST-2 Leads to Its Accumulation at Intracellular CD63-Positive Vesicles without Affecting Its Antiviral Activity against Multivesicular Body-Targeted HIV-1 and Hepatitis B Virus
Authors: Han Zhu , Lv Mingyu , Shi Ying , Yu Jinghua , Niu Junqi , Yu Xiao-Fang , Zhang Wenyan
Published: February 2016

BST-2/tetherin blocks the release of various enveloped viruses including HIV-1 with a “physical tethering” model. The detailed contribution of N-linked glycosylation to this model is controversial. Here, we confirmed that mutation of glycosylation sites exerted an effect of post-translational mis-trafficking, leading to an accumulation of BST-2 at intracellular CD63-positive vesicles. BST-2 with this phenotype potently inhibited the release of multivesicular body-targeted HIV-1 and hepatitis B virus, without affecting the co-localization of BST-2 with EEA1 and LAMP1. These results suggest that N-linked glycosylation of human BST-2 is dispensable for intracellular virion retention and imply that this recently discovered intracellular tethering function may be evolutionarily distinguished from the canonical antiviral function of BST-2 by tethering nascent virions at the cell surface.
Integrating Immunologic Signaling Networks: The JAK/STAT Pathway in Colitis and Colitis-Associated Cancer
Authors: Zundler Sebastian , Neurath Markus
Published: February 2016

Cytokines are believed to be crucial mediators of chronic intestinal inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Many of these cytokines trigger cellular effects and functions through signaling via janus kinase (JAK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) molecules. In this way, JAK/STAT signaling controls important events like cell differentiation, secretion of cytokines or proliferation and apoptosis in IBD in both adaptive and innate immune cells. Moreover, JAK/STAT signaling, especially via the IL-6/STAT3 axis, is believed to be involved in the transition of inflammatory lesions to tumors leading to colitis-associated cancer (CAC). In this review, we will introduce the main cellular players and cytokines that contribute to pathogenesis of IBD by JAK/STAT signaling, and will highlight the integrative function that JAK/STATs exert in this context as well as their divergent role in different cells and processes. Moreover, we will explain current concepts of the implication of JAK/STAT signaling in CAC and finally discuss present and future therapies for IBD that interfere with JAK/STAT signaling.
Éditorial. Questions de géographie physique dans les montagnes tropicales : enjeux environnementaux (Topics of physical geography in tropical mountains : environmental issues)
Authors: Cossart Étienne , Fort Monique
Published: February 2016

While it remains difficult to define the main characteristics of Tropical Mountains, some common features can be specified. Slope instability, sensitivity to global changes, high densities of settlements can for instance occur. Those characteristics reinforce the scientific interest for this particular environment.
Biodiversité, géodiversité et enjeux de leur conservation dans les montagnes humides du Nordeste brésilien (Biodiversity, geodiversity and conservation challenges in the humid mountains of Northeast Brazil)
Authors: Bétard François , Peulvast Jean-Pierre , de Oliveira Magalhâes Alexsandra
Published: February 2016

Famous for its semi-arid environment and related droughts, Northeast Brazil has the distinction of being dotted with numerous humid mountain islands with an exceptional biotic (biodiversity) and abiotic (geodiversity) wealth. Only part of these mountains is today the subject of nature protection and regulation, in form of national parks and reserves, especially in order to protect the Atlantic rainforest still partially covering their steep slopes exposed to the humid trade winds. In these ecologically sensible environments, particularly threatened by accelerated deforestation, many geological and geomorphological sites deserve special attention and are of high scientific, educational and ecotourist values. A first attempt to preserve together the biodiversity and geodiversity of these mountain environments has been completed in 2006 by the creation of the first UNESCO Geopark of South America, around the Chapada do Araripe. This effort of integrated nature conservation must be taken as a model for developing protection and promotion strategies of the Natural Heritage in Northeast Brazil, both in the humid mountains and on the extensive semi-arid plains and piedmonts.
Relation entre la pluviométrie et le déclenchement des glissements de terrain dans La Soledad, Sierra Norte de Puebla, Mexique (Relationship between rainfall and landslide triggerring in La Soledad, Sierra Norte de Puebla, Mexico)
Authors: Ochoa tejeda Veronica , Fort Monique
Published: February 2016

The Sierra Norte de Puebla (Eastern coast of Mexico) is a tropical mountain frequently affected by torrential rains induced by depressions and hurricanes. In October 1999 and 2005, intense precipitation triggered hundreds of landslides on a 134 km2 area, and caused heavy human losses and material damages. We show that there is a clear relationship between the rainfall distribution and the spatial distribution of observed landslides types
Comprendre les enjeux pour établir les vulnérabilités des aires urbaines de haute altitude. Cas de La Paz et de Quito. (Understanding challenges to assess the vulnerabilities of high-altitude urban areas. The cases of La Paz and Quito)
Authors: Hardy Sébastien , Sierra Alexis
Published: February 2016

La Paz and Quito are two metropolises located in the heart of the tropical Andes. They are frequently damaged by natural events. Vulnerability has been consequently imputed to the mountain tropicality. Nonetheless, tropical environment is only one vulnerability element between many others. The vulnerability of these Andean metropolises should be discussed according to their level of development, the form of their organisation and the ability to lose some elements of development.
De la Géographique à travers un manga «viticole » : l'exemple des Gouttes de Dieu (Geographic readings of a wine manga : Les Gouttes de Dieu)
Authors: Boivin Nicolas
Published: February 2016

Geographers take an interest in space, whether real or imaginary. They have different methodologies. For this paper, it consists in the construction of spaces through the creative writing of a manga. This one, Les Gouttes de Dieu, is a success in France because this manga articulates major characters in the world of wine. That's why geographers may be interested in this opus. This paper suggests a spatial look towards this «comic book ». Heroes ' action makes territories of wine in the Japanese megalopolis. Les Gouttes de Dieu acts as an intermediary for geographical reading to understand what is real or not. This paper discusses major topics in geography and more broadly speaking in social sciences, such as terroir or proximity, and proposoes a look at action and actor systems.
La transition démographique en Haïti (Demographic transition in Haïti)
Authors: André Bogentson
Published: February 2016

L 'un des faits marquants de la dynamique démographique en Haïti est une baisse constante des taux de mortalité infantile et des taux de natalité. L'indice synthétique de fécondité (ISF), c'est-à-dire le nombre moyen d'enfants qu'une femme met au monde, a également considérablement baissé (passant de plus de 6 enfants par femme dans les années 1980 à 4 enfants par femme dans les années 2002-2006). Les progrès médicaux sont en grande partie liés à cette dynamique démographique. Toutefois, en raison d'une population en augmentation, se posent alors des interrogations sur le lien entre population et ressources qui alimentent les débats scientifiques depuis plusieurs décennies en Haïti. Peut-on voir dans la pression démographique une opportunité ou un handicap ?