bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detailed Source-Specific Molecular Composition of Ambient Aerosol Organic Matter Using Ultrahigh Resolution Mass Spectrometry and 1H NMR
Authors: Willoughby Amanda , Wozniak Andrew , Hatcher Patrick
Published: June 2016

Organic aerosols (OA) are universally regarded as an important component of the atmosphere that have far-ranging impacts on climate forcing and human health. Many of these impacts are related to OA molecular characteristics. Despite the acknowledged importance, current uncertainties related to the source apportionment of molecular properties and environmental impacts make it difficult to confidently predict the net impacts of OA. Here we evaluate the specific molecular compounds as well as bulk structural properties of total suspended particulates in ambient OA collected from key emission sources (marine, biomass burning, and urban) using ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry (UHR-MS) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR). UHR-MS and 1H NMR show that OA within each source is structurally diverse, and the molecular characteristics are described in detail. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that (1) aromatic nitrogen species are distinguishing components for these biomass burning aerosols; (2) these urban aerosols are distinguished by having formulas with high O/C ratios and lesser aromatic and condensed aromatic formulas; and (3) these marine aerosols are distinguished by lipid-like compounds of likely marine biological origin. This study provides a unique qualitative approach for enhancing the chemical characterization of OA necessary for molecular source apportionment.
Abiotic Deposition of Fe Complexes onto Leptothrix Sheaths
Authors: Kunoh Tatsuki , Hashimoto Hideki , McFarlane Ian , Hayashi Naoaki , Suzuki Tomoko , Taketa Eisuke , Tamura Katsunori , Takano Mikio , El-Naggar Mohamed , Kunoh Hitoshi , Takada Jun
Published: June 2016

Bacteria classified in species of the genus Leptothrix produce extracellular, microtubular, Fe-encrusted sheaths. The encrustation has been previously linked to bacterial Fe oxidases, which oxidize Fe(II) to Fe(III) and/or active groups of bacterial exopolymers within sheaths to attract and bind aqueous-phase inorganics. When L. cholodnii SP-6 cells were cultured in media amended with high Fe(II) concentrations, Fe(III) precipitates visibly formed immediately after addition of Fe(II) to the medium, suggesting prompt abiotic oxidation of Fe(II) to Fe(III). Intriguingly, these precipitates were deposited onto the sheath surface of bacterial cells as the population was actively growing. When Fe(III) was added to the medium, similar precipitates formed in the medium first and were abiotically deposited onto the sheath surfaces. The precipitates in the Fe(II) medium were composed of assemblies of globular, amorphous particles (ca. 50 nm diameter), while those in the Fe(III) medium were composed of large, aggregated particles (≥3 µm diameter) with a similar amorphous structure. These precipitates also adhered to cell-free sheaths. We thus concluded that direct abiotic deposition of Fe complexes onto the sheath surface occurs independently of cellular activity in liquid media containing Fe salts, although it remains unclear how this deposition is associated with the previously proposed mechanisms (oxidation enzyme- and/or active group of organic components-involved) of Fe encrustation of the Leptothrix sheaths.
Fragrance Allergens, Overview with a Focus on Recent Developments and Understanding of Abiotic and Biotic Activation
Authors: Bråred Christensson Johanna , Hagvall Lina , Karlberg Ann-Therese
Published: June 2016

Fragrances and fragranced formulated products are ubiquitous in society. Contact allergies to fragrance chemicals are among the most common findings when patch-testing patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis, as well as in studies of contact allergy in the general population. The routine test materials for diagnosing fragrance allergy consist mainly of established mixes of fragrance compounds and natural extracts. The situation is more complex as several fragrance compounds have been shown to be transformed by activation inside or outside the skin via abiotic and/or biotic activation, thus increasing the risk of sensitization. For these fragrance chemicals, the parent compound is often non-allergenic or a very weak allergen, but potent sensitizers will be formed which can cause contact allergy. This review shows a series of fragrance chemicals with well-documented abiotic and/or biotic activation that are indicative and illustrative examples of the general problem. Other important aspects include new technologies such as ethosomes which may enhance both sensitization and elicitation, the effect on sensitization by the mixtures of fragrances found in commercial products and the effect of antioxidants. A contact allergy to fragrances may severely affect quality of life and many patients have multiple allergies which further impact their situation. Further experimental and clinical research is needed to increase the safety for the consumer.
Synthesis and Molecular Structures of the Lowest Melting Odd- and Even-Numbered α,β-Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids—(E)-Hept-2-Enoic Acid and (E)-Oct-2-Enoic Acid
Authors: Sonneck Marcel , Spannenberg Anke , Wohlrab Sebastian , Peppel Tim
Published: June 2016

The molecular structures of the two lowest melting odd- and even-numbered α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids—(E)-hept-2-enoic acid (C7) and (E)-oct-2-enoic acid (C8)—are herein reported. The title compounds were crystallized by slow evaporation of ethanolic solutions at −30 °C. C7 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P 1 ¯ with two molecules in the unit cell and C8 in the monoclinic space group C2/c with eight molecules in the unit cell. The unit cell parameters for C7 are: a = 5.3049(2) Å, b = 6.6322(3) Å, c = 11.1428(5) Å, α = 103.972(3)°, β = 97.542(3)°, γ = 90.104(3)°, and V = 376.92(3) Å3 (T = 150(2) K). The unit cell parameters for C8 are: a = 19.032(10) Å, b = 9.368(5) Å, c = 11.520(6) Å, β = 123.033(11)°, and V = 1721.80(16) Å3 (T = 200(2) K).
Associations between Intra-Individual Variability of Reaction Time and Cognitive Function in Cognitively Normal Senior Adults: Still beyond Good or Bad?
Authors: Lu Hanna , Chan Sandra , Lam Linda
Published: June 2016

Background: Intra-individual (IIV) of reaction time (RT), as the short-term fluctuations of RT-based performance, has been reported to be susceptible to cognitive ageing. The current study aimed to examine IIV of RT and its relationships with cognitive performance in cognitively normal senior adults. Methods: We evaluated 137 community-dwelling elderly (mean age: 72.41 ± 3.99) with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery and a RT-based test. Intraindividual coefficient of variation of reaction time (ICV-RT) was used to evaluate the IIV. Pearson’s correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were employed to assess the relationships between IIV and the scores of cognitive function. Results: Advancing age was accompanied with declined cognitive function and increased IIV. ICV-RT was negatively correlated with the score of Montreal Cognitive Assessment Hong Kong version (HK MoCA) across three types of flanker. Hierarchical multiple regression showed that ICV-RT was a significant predictor of HK MoCA (β = −0.294, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Increased IIV is consistently associated with and contributed to the age-related decline of cognitive performance in senior adults. The utility of IIV in predicting further deterioration should be carefully postulated with prospective studies.
Baba Yaga, Monsters of the Week, and Pop Culture’s Formation of Wonder and Families through Monstrosity
Authors: Rudy Jill , McDonald Jarom
Published: June 2016

This paper considers transforming forms and their purposes in the popular culture trope of the televised Monster of the Week (MOTW). In the rare televised appearances outside of Slavic nations, Baba Yaga tends to show up in MOTW episodes. While some MOTW are contemporary inventions, many, like Baba Yaga, are mythological and fantastic creatures from folk narratives. Employing the concept of the folkloresque, we explore how contemporary audiovisual tropes gain integrity and traction by indexing traditional knowledge and belief systems. In the process, we examine key affordances of these forms involving the possibilities of wonder and the portability of tradition. Using digital humanities methods, we built a “monster typology” by scraping lists of folk creatures, mythological beasts, and other supernatural beings from online information sources, and we used topic modeling to investigate central concerns of MOTW series. Our findings indicate connections in these shows between crime, violence, family, and loss. The trope formulates wonder and families through folk narrative and monster forms and functions. We recognize Baba Yaga’s role as villain in these episodes and acknowledge that these series also shift between episodic and serial narrative arcs involving close relationships between characters and among viewers and fans.
Increased Risk of Respiratory Mortality Associated with the High-Tech Manufacturing Industry: A 26-Year Study
Authors: Lin Ro-Ting , Christiani David , Kawachi Ichiro , Chan Ta-Chien , Chiang Po-Huang , Chan Chang-Chuan
Published: June 2016

Global high-tech manufacturers are mainly located in newly industrialized countries, raising concerns about adverse health consequences from industrial pollution for people living nearby. We investigated the ecological association between respiratory mortality and the development of Taiwan’s high-tech manufacturing, taking into account industrialization and socioeconomic development, for 19 cities and counties—6 in the science park group and 13 in the control group—from 1982 to 2007. We applied a linear mixed-effects model to analyze how science park development over time is associated with age-adjusted and sex-specific mortality rates for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asthma and female COPD mortality rates decreased in both groups, but they decreased 9%–16% slower in the science park group. Male COPD mortality rates increased in both groups, but the rate increased 10% faster in the science park group. Science park development over time was a significant predictor of death from asthma (p ≤ 0.0001) and COPD (p = 0.0212). The long-term development of clustered high-tech manufacturing may negatively affect nearby populations, constraining health advantages that were anticipated, given overall progress in living standards, knowledge, and health services. National governments should incorporate the long-term health effects on local populations into environmental impact assessments.
Genetic Variation in POU4F3 and GRHL2 Associated with Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Chinese Population: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Xu Xiangrong , Yang Qiuyue , Jiao Jie , He Lihua , Yu Shanfa , Wang Jingjing , Gu Guizhen , Chen Guoshun , Zhou Wenhui , Wu Hui , Li Yanhong , Zhang Huanling
Published: June 2016

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is an important occupational disease worldwide resulting from interactions between genetic and environmental factors. The purpose of this study was to examine whether genetic variations in POU4F3 and GRHL2 may influence susceptibility to NIHL in the Chinese population. A matched case-control study was carried out among 293 hearing loss individuals and 293 normal hearing workers drawn from a population of 3790 noise-exposed workers. Ten single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in POU4F3 and GRHL2 were selected and genotyped. Logistic regression was performed to analyze the main effects of SNPs and the interactions between noise exposure and SNPs. Moreover, the interactions between predictor haplotypes and noise exposure were also analyzed. Analysis revealed that the CC genotype of rs1981361 in the GRHL2 gene was associated with a higher risk of NIHL (adjusted OR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.08–2.32, p = 0.018). Additionally, the GG genotype of rs3735715 in the GRHL2 gene was also a risk genotype (adjusted OR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.01–2.19, p = 0.046). Significant interactions were found between rs3735715, rs1981361 (GRHL2), rs1368402 as well as rs891969 (POU4F3) and noise exposure in the high-level exposure groups. Furthermore, the protective haplotype CA in the POU4F3 gene and the risk haplotype GCCG in the GRHL2 gene were identified combined with noise exposure. These results indicated that GRHL2 might be an NIHL susceptibility gene, but the effect of POU4F3 on NIHL could only be detected when taking noise exposure into account, and their effects were enhanced by higher levels of noise exposure. However, the differences were not significant after the Bonferroni correction was applied. These results should be seen as suggestive.
Morphological Principal Component Analysis for Hyperspectral Image Analysis
Authors: Franchi Gianni , Angulo Jesús
Published: June 2016

This article deals with the issue of reducing the spectral dimension of a hyperspectral image using principal component analysis (PCA). To perform this dimensionality reduction, we propose the addition of spatial information in order to improve the features that are extracted. Several approaches proposed to add spatial information are discussed in this article. They are based on mathematical morphology operators. These morphological operators are the area opening/closing, granulometries and grey-scale distance function. We name the proposed family of techniques the Morphological Principal Component Analysis (MorphPCA). Present approaches provide new feature spaces able to jointly handle the spatial and spectral information of hyperspectral images. They are computationally simple since the key element is the computation of an empirical covariance matrix which integrates simultaneously both spatial and spectral information. The performance of the different feature spaces is assessed for different tasks in order to prove their practical interest.
Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 (HIF-1) Recruits Macrophage to Activate Pancreatic Stellate Cells in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Na , Li Yang , Li Zengxun , Huang Chongbiao , Yang Yanhui , Lang Mingxiao , Cao Junli , Jiang Wenna , Xu Yu , Dong Jie , Ren He
Published: June 2016

Hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a transcription factor composed of two subunits, namely, HIF-1α and HIF-1β, in which HIF-1β is constitutively expressed. HIF-1 upregulates several hypoxia-responsive proteins, including angiogenesis factors, glycolysis solution enzymes, and cell survival proteins. HIF-1 is also associated with the degree of inflammation in the tumor region, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to identify the molecular mechanism of recruiting monocytes/macrophages by HIF-1α in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and the effects of macrophages on pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed for cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68), HIF-1α, and chemical chemokines 2 (CCL2). Western blot, real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used to verify the correlation between HIF-1α and CCL2 at protein and nucleic acid levels. Monocytes/macrophages were co-cultured with PSCs to observe their interaction. Samples showed significant correlation between CD68 and HIF-1α (t-test, p < 0.05). HIF-1α recruited monocytes/macrophages by promoting CCL2 secretion. Moreover, macrophages could accelerate the activation of PSCs. HIF-1α might promote inflammation and fibrosis of PDAC through CCL2 secretion, which may provide a novel target to treat PDAC patients.
Synthesis of New Hydrated Geranylphenols and in Vitro Antifungal Activity against Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Soto Mauricio , Espinoza Luis , Chávez María , Díaz Katy , Olea Andrés , Taborga Lautaro
Published: June 2016

Geranylated hydroquinones and other geranylated compounds isolated from Aplydium species have shown interesting biological activities. This fact has prompted a number of studies where geranylated phenol derivatives have been synthesized in order to assay their bioactivities. In this work, we report the synthesis of a series of new hydrated geranylphenols using two different synthetic approaches and their inhibitory effects on the mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea. Five new hydrated geranylphenols were obtained by direct coupling reaction between geraniol and phenol in dioxane/water and using BF3·Et2O as the catalyst or by the reaction of a geranylated phenol with BF3·Et2O. Two new geranylated quinones were also obtained. The synthesis and structural elucidation of all new compounds is presented. All hydrated geranylphenols efficiently inhibit the mycelial growth of B. cinerea. Their activity is higher than that observed for non-hydrated compounds. These results indicate that structural modification on the geranyl chain brings about an enhancement of the inhibition effect of geranylated phenol derivatives.
Inhaled Cadmium Oxide Nanoparticles: Their in Vivo Fate and Effect on Target Organs
Authors: Dumkova Jana , Vrlikova Lucie , Vecera Zbynek , Putnova Barbora , Docekal Bohumil , Mikuska Pavel , Fictum Petr , Hampl Ales , Buchtova Marcela
Published: June 2016

The increasing amount of heavy metals used in manufacturing equivalently increases hazards of environmental pollution by industrial products such as cadmium oxide (CdO) nanoparticles. Here, we aimed to unravel the CdO nanoparticle destiny upon their entry into lungs by inhalations, with the main focus on the ultrastructural changes that the nanoparticles may cause to tissues of the primary and secondary target organs. We indeed found the CdO nanoparticles to be transported from the lungs into secondary target organs by blood. In lungs, inhaled CdO nanoparticles caused significant alterations in parenchyma tissue including hyperemia, enlarged pulmonary septa, congested capillaries, alveolar emphysema and small areas of atelectasis. Nanoparticles were observed in the cytoplasm of cells lining bronchioles, in the alveolar spaces as well as inside the membranous pneumocytes and in phagosomes of lung macrophages. Nanoparticles even penetrated through the membrane into some organelles including mitochondria and they also accumulated in the cytoplasmic vesicles. In livers, inhalation caused periportal inflammation and local hepatic necrosis. Only minor changes such as diffusely thickened filtration membrane with intramembranous electron dense deposits were observed in kidney. Taken together, inhaled CdO nanoparticles not only accumulated in lungs but they were also transported to other organs causing serious damage at tissue as well as cellular level.
An Efficient, Versatile, and Safe Access to Supported Metallic Nanoparticles on Porous Silicon with Ionic Liquids
Authors: Darwich Walid , Haumesser Paul-Henri , Santini Catherine , Gaillard Frédéric
Published: June 2016

The metallization of porous silicon (PSi) is generally realized through physical vapor deposition (PVD) or electrochemical processes using aqueous solutions. The former uses a strong vacuum and does not allow for a conformal deposition into the pores. In the latter, the water used as solvent causes oxidation of the silicon during the reduction of the salt precursors. Moreover, as PSi is hydrophobic, the metal penetration into the pores is restricted to the near-surface region. Using a solution of organometallic (OM) precursors in ionic liquid (IL), we have developed an easy and efficient way to fully metallize the pores throughout the several-µm-thick porous Si. This process affords supported metallic nanoparticles characterized by a narrow size distribution. This process is demonstrated for different metals (Pt, Pd, Cu, and Ru) and can probably be extended to other metals. Moreover, as no reducing agent is necessary (the decomposition in an argon atmosphere at 50 °C is fostered by surface silicon hydride groups borne by PSi), the safety and the cost of the process are improved.
Sandbar Migration and Shoreline Change on the Chirihama Coast, Japan
Authors: Yuhi Masatoshi , Matsuyama Masayuki , Hayakawa Kazuhiro
Published: June 2016

Sandy beaches play a key role in regional tourism. It is important to understand the principal morphological processes behind preserving attractive beaches. In this study, morphological variation on the Chirihama Coast, Japan, an important local tourism resource, was investigated using two sets of field surveys. The objective was to analyze and document the multi-scale behaviors of the beach. First, long-term shoreline changes were examined based on shoreline surveys over the last two decades. Then, the middle-term behavior of multiple bar systems was analyzed based on the cross-shore profile surveys from 1998 to 2010. An empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis was conducted to capture the principal modes of the systematic bar migration. The shoreline analysis indicated a long-term eroding trend and showed that the seasonal variation has recently tended to increase. The profile analysis demonstrated that net offshore migrations of bars have been repeated with a return period of approximately four years. This general behavior of the bar system is similar to the net offshore migration phenomena observed at other sites in the world. EOF analysis revealed a relationship between bar configuration and middle-term variations in shoreline location; when a new bar is generated near the shoreline and a triple bar configuration is established, the shoreline tends to temporarily retreat, whereas the shoreline experiences an advance when the outer bar has most evolved.
Ecosystem Service Changes and Livelihood Impacts in the Maguri-Motapung Wetlands of Assam, India
Authors: Bhatta Laxmi , Chaudhary Sunita , Pandit Anju , Baral Himlal , Das Partha , Stork Nigel
Published: June 2016

Wetlands provide a diverse range of ecosystem services supporting livelihoods of many people. Despite their value, wetlands are continuously being degraded. There is scant information on individual wetlands, people’s dependency and their exploitation at a local scale. We therefore assessed wetland ecosystem services, the drivers of change and impacts of those drivers on ecosystem services and people’s dependency through a case study of the Maguri-Motapung Beel wetlands of Assam, India. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected through household surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and community workshops. The analyses showed a total of 29 ecosystem services, and high dependency on these with five out of seven livelihood strategies sourced from ecosystem services. Over-exploitation of wetland resources and siltation were reported as the major direct drivers of change with impacts on both ecosystem services and people’s livelihoods. Drastic decreases in availability of thatch, fish stocks, fodder and tourism were observed. This suggests that there is an urgent need for a comprehensive participatory management plan. Actions are needed to maintain the Maguri-Motapung Beel wetlands and the flow of services in order to sustain people’s livelihoods in the area. With an estimated 50% global loss of wetlands in the last century and the loss of 5,000 square kilometers a year in Asia alone, the loss of ecosystem services and livelihood impacts shown in our study may be typical of what is occurring in the region and perhaps globally.
Hydrogels as a Replacement Material for Damaged Articular Hyaline Cartilage
Authors: Beddoes Charlotte , Whitehouse Michael , Briscoe Wuge , Su Bo
Published: June 2016

Hyaline cartilage is a strong durable material that lubricates joint movement. Due to its avascular structure, cartilage has a poor self-healing ability, thus, a challenge in joint recovery. When severely damaged, cartilage may need to be replaced. However, currently we are unable to replicate the hyaline cartilage, and as such, alternative materials with considerably different properties are used. This results in undesirable side effects, including inadequate lubrication, wear debris, wear of the opposing articular cartilage, and weakening of the surrounding tissue. With the number of surgeries for cartilage repair increasing, a need for materials that can better mimic cartilage, and support the surrounding material in its typical function, is becoming evident. Here, we present a brief overview of the structure and properties of the hyaline cartilage and the current methods for cartilage repair. We then highlight some of the alternative materials under development as potential methods of repair; this is followed by an overview of the development of tough hydrogels. In particular, double network (DN) hydrogels are a promising replacement material, with continually improving physical properties. These hydrogels are coming closer to replicating the strength and toughness of the hyaline cartilage, while offering excellent lubrication. We conclude by highlighting several different methods of integrating replacement materials with the native joint to ensure stability and optimal behaviour.
Coral Carbonic Anhydrases: Regulation by Ocean Acidification
Authors: Zoccola Didier , Innocenti Alessio , Bertucci Anthony , Tambutté Eric , Supuran Claudiu , Tambutté Sylvie
Published: June 2016

Global change is a major threat to the oceans, as it implies temperature increase and acidification. Ocean acidification (OA) involving decreasing pH and changes in seawater carbonate chemistry challenges the capacity of corals to form their skeletons. Despite the large number of studies that have investigated how rates of calcification respond to ocean acidification scenarios, comparatively few studies tackle how ocean acidification impacts the physiological mechanisms that drive calcification itself. The aim of our paper was to determine how the carbonic anhydrases, which play a major role in calcification, are potentially regulated by ocean acidification. For this we measured the effect of pH on enzyme activity of two carbonic anhydrase isoforms that have been previously characterized in the scleractinian coral Stylophora pistillata. In addition we looked at gene expression of these enzymes in vivo. For both isoforms, our results show (1) a change in gene expression under OA (2) an effect of OA and temperature on carbonic anhydrase activity. We suggest that temperature increase could counterbalance the effect of OA on enzyme activity. Finally we point out that caution must, thus, be taken when interpreting transcriptomic data on carbonic anhydrases in ocean acidification and temperature stress experiments, as the effect of these stressors on the physiological function of CA will depend both on gene expression and enzyme activity.
Identification of Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Peptides Derived from Enzymatic Hydrolysates of Razor Clam Sinonovacula constricta
Authors: Li Yun , Sadiq Faizan , Fu Li , Zhu Hui , Zhong Minghua , Sohail Muhammad
Published: June 2016

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of razor clam hydrolysates produced using five proteases, namely, pepsin, trypsin, alcalase, flavourzyme and proteases from Actinomucor elegans T3 was investigated. Flavourzyme hydrolysate showed the highest level of degree of hydrolysis (DH) (45.87%) followed by A. elegans T3 proteases hydrolysate (37.84%) and alcalase (30.55%). The A. elegans T3 proteases was observed to be more effective in generating small peptides with ACE-inhibitory activity. The 3 kDa membrane permeate of A. elegans T3 proteases hydrolysate showed the highest ACE-inhibitory activity with an IC50 of 0.79 mg/mL. After chromatographic separation by Sephadex G-15 gel filtration and reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography, the potent fraction was subjected to MALDI/TOF-TOF MS/MS for identification. A novel ACE-inhibitory peptide (VQY) was identified exhibiting an IC50 of 9.8 μM. The inhibitory kinetics investigation by Lineweaver-Burk plots demonstrated that the peptide acts as a competitive ACE inhibitor. The razor clam hydrolysate obtained by A. elegans T3 proteases could serve as a source of functional peptides with ACE-inhibitory activity for physiological benefits.
Essential Oils from the Malaysian Citrus (Rutaceae) Medicinal Plants
Authors: Md Othman Siti , Hassan Muhammad , Nahar Lutfun , Basar Norazah , Jamil Shajarahtunnur , Sarker Satyajit
Published: June 2016

This review article appraises the extraction methods, compositions, and bioactivities of the essential oils from the Citrus species (family: Rutaceae) endemic to Malaysia including C. aurantifolia, C. grandis, C. hystrix, and C. microcarpa. Generally, the fresh peels and leaves of the Citrus species were extracted using different methods such as steam and water distillation, Likens-Nikerson extraction, solvent extraction, and headspace solid-phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME). Most of the Citrus oils were found to be rich in monoterpene hydrocarbons with limonene (1) as the major component identified in the peels of C. aurantifolia (39.3%), C. grandis (81.6%–96.9%), and C. microcarpa (94.0%), while sabinene (19) was the major component in the peels of C. hystrix (36.4%–48.5%). In addition, citronellal (20) (61.7%–72.5%), linalool (18) (56.5%), and hedycaryol (23) (19.0%) were identified as the major components in the oil of C. hystrix leaves, C. grandis blossom and C. microcarpa leaves, respectively. The C. hystrix essential oil has been experimentally shown to have antimicrobial and antifeedant activities, while no bioactivity study has been reported on the essential oils of other Malaysian Citrus species.
The Influence of Roasting Temperature on the Flotation Properties of Muscovite
Authors: Tang Jiayan , Zhang Yimin , Bao Shenxu
Published: June 2016

Roasting and flotation are common techniques used in mineral processing, and they have increasingly been combined for the pre-concentration of muscovite from stone coal. The research was mainly to study flotation properties of muscovite after roasting at 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 °C, respectively. The changes of chemical and physical properties of muscovite during the roasting process were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Zeta potential measurements, particle size analysis, and the BET surface area measurements. The results indicated that the dehydroxylation of crystal structure took place at temperatures over 600 °C. A large number of hydroxyl groups were removed from the crystal structure of muscovite at 600–1000 °C. The layer structure, surface element distribution, and electrical properties of muscovite remained after roasting. The flotation recovery of roasted muscovite samples increased with the increase in roasting temperature in the same flotation system, because the specific surface and the adsorption capacity of dodecylamine (DDA) were reduced when roasting temperature was over 600 °C. A suitable roasting temperature and dosage of reagents can be provided for the roasting-flotation of muscovite.
Synthesis of Novel UV Absorbers Bisindolylmethanes and Investigation of Their Applications on Cotton-Based Textile Materials
Authors: Ergindemir Hikmet , Aker Acelya , Hamitbeyli Agamirze , Ocal Nuket
Published: June 2016

Nowadays modified textiles, especially UV-protective, antibacterial and antimicrobial ones, have become the focus of great interest. In this study, several new UV absorbers, bis(indolyl)methane derivatives, were synthesized and grafted onto polyvinyl alcohol polymer (PVA). Their application properties on cotton-based textile materials were determined; the UV protection factor values of the modified fabrics were measured (UPF); and the antibacterial features of the fabrics were tested.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic, X-ray Diffraction and DFT Studies of Novel Benzimidazole Fused-1,4-Oxazepines
Authors: Almansour Abdulrahman , Arumugam Natarajan , Suresh Kumar Raju , Soliman Saied , Altaf Mohammad , Ghabbour Hazem
Published: June 2016

A series of benzimidazole-tethered oxazepine heterocyclic hybrids has been synthesized in good to excellent yields from an N-alkylated benzimidazole 2-carboxaldehyde, which in turn was accomplished from o-phenylenediamine in three good yielding steps. The calculated molecular structure of compounds 2-methyl-4-(2-((phenylimino)methyl)-1H-benzo-[d]imidazol-1-yl)-butan-2-ol 9 and 10 3,3-dimethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,3,5-tetrahydrobenzo-[4,5]imidazo[2,1-c][1,4]oxazepin-5-amine using the B3LYP/6–31 G(d, p) method were found to agree well with their X-ray structures. The charge distributions at the different atomic sites were computed using the natural bond orbital (NBO) method. The regions of electrophilic and nucleophilic reactivity were shown using a molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) map. In addition, the frontier molecular orbitals of these compounds were discussed at the same level of theory. Nonlinear optical (NLO) properties have also been investigated by computational hyperpolarizability studies, and it was found that Compound 9 is the best candidate for NLO applications.
Effects of Whey, Caseinate, or Milk Protein Ingestion on Muscle Protein Synthesis after Exercise
Authors: Kanda Atsushi , Nakayama Kyosuke , Sanbongi Chiaki , Nagata Masashi , Ikegami Shuji , Itoh Hiroyuki
Published: June 2016

Whey protein (WP) is characterized as a “fast” protein and caseinate (CA) as a “slow” protein according to their digestion and absorption rates. We hypothesized that co-ingestion of milk proteins (WP and CA) may be effective for prolonging the muscle protein synthesis response compared to either protein alone. We therefore compared the effect of ingesting milk protein (MP) to either WP or CA alone on muscle protein synthesis after exercise in rats. We also compared the effects of these milk-derived proteins to a control, soy protein (SP). Male Sprague-Dawley rats swam for two hours. Immediately after exercise, one of the following four solutions was administered: WP, CA, MP, or SP. Individual rats were euthanized at designated postprandial time points and triceps muscle samples collected for measurement of the protein fractional synthesis rate (FSR). FSR tended to increase in all groups post-ingestion, although the initial peaks of FSR occurred at different times (WP, peak time = 60 min, FSR = 7.76%/day; MP, peak time = 90 min, FSR = 8.34%/day; CA, peak time = 120 min, FSR = 7.85%/day). Milk-derived proteins caused significantly greater increases (p < 0.05) in FSR compared with SP at different times (WP, 60 min; MP, 90 and 120 min; CA, 120 min). Although statistical analysis could not be performed, the calculated the area under the curve (AUC) values for FSR following this trend were: MP, 534.61; CA, 498.22; WP, 473.46; and SP, 406.18. We conclude that ingestion of MP, CA or WP causes the initial peak time in muscle protein synthesis to occur at different times (WP, fast; MP, intermediate; CA, slow) and the dairy proteins have a superior effect on muscle protein synthesis after exercise compared with SP.
Marginal Ascorbate Status (Hypovitaminosis C) Results in an Attenuated Response to Vitamin C Supplementation
Authors: Carr Anitra , Pullar Juliet , Bozonet Stephanie , Vissers Margreet
Published: June 2016

Inadequate dietary intake of vitamin C results in hypovitaminosis C, defined as a plasma ascorbate concentration ≤23 μmol/L. Our objective was to carry out a retrospective analysis of two vitamin C supplementation studies to determine whether supplementation with 50 mg/day vitamin C is sufficient to restore adequate ascorbate status (≥50 μmol/L) in individuals with hypovitaminosis C. Plasma ascorbate data from 70 young adult males, supplemented with 50 or 200 mg/day vitamin C for up to six weeks, was analyzed. Hypovitaminosis C status was identified based on plasma ascorbate being ≤23 μmol/L and the response of these individuals to vitamin C supplementation was examined. Of the participants consuming 50 mg/day vitamin C for up to six weeks, those with hypovitaminosis C at baseline achieved plasma concentrations of only ~30 μmol/L, whereas the remainder reached ~50 μmol/L. Participants who consumed 200 mg/day vitamin C typically reached saturating concentrations (>65 μmol/L) within one week, while those with hypovitaminosis C required two weeks to reach saturation. Regression modelling indicated that the participants’ initial ascorbate status and body weight explained ~30% of the variability in the final ascorbate concentration. Overall, our analysis revealed that supplementation with 50 mg/day vitamin C, which resulted in a total dietary vitamin C intake of 75 mg/day, was insufficient to achieve adequate plasma ascorbate concentrations in individuals with hypovitaminosis C. Furthermore, increased body weight had a negative impact on ascorbate status.
Volume Phase Transitions of Slide-Ring Gels
Authors: Bando Akinori , Kasahara Rumiko , Kayashima Kentaro , Okumura Yasushi , Kato Kazuaki , Sakai Yasuhiro , Yokoyama Hideaki , Shinohara Yuya , Amemiya Yoshiyuki , Ito Kohzo
Published: June 2016

The volume phase transition of slide-ring gels with freely-movable cross-linking junctions was investigated. Ionic chemical gels with fixed cross-linking junctions undergo volume phase transitions when they have higher than the critical degree of ionization. However, the experimentally-observed critical ionization value for slide-ring gels is much higher than theoretical values for chemical gels. This difference indicates that the volume phase transition is significantly suppressed in slide-ring gels. The mesoscale structure at various swollen or shrunken states was also investigated by small angle X-ray scattering. Changes in the scattering patterns with shrinking slide-ring gels suggest microphase separation due to the sliding of cyclic molecules threaded along the axis of the polymer chains, which may suppress the volume phase transition. In addition, slide-ring gels absorbed/desorbed greater than equilibrium volumes in the shrinking/swelling processes and showed slow dynamics; these observations are also related to their sliding properties.
Shadow-Based Hierarchical Matching for the Automatic Registration of Airborne LiDAR Data and Space Imagery
Authors: Safdarinezhad Alireza , Mokhtarzade Mehdi , Valadan Zoej Mohammad
Published: June 2016

The automatic registration of LiDAR data and optical images, which are heterogeneous data sources, has been a major research challenge in recent years. In this paper, a novel hierarchical method is proposed in which the least amount of interaction of a skilled operator is required. Thereby, two shadow extraction schemes, one from LiDAR and the other from high-resolution satellite images, were used, and the obtained 2D shadow maps were then considered as prospective matching entities. Taken as the base, the reconstructed LiDAR shadows were transformed to image shadows using a four-step hierarchical method starting from a coarse 2D registration model and leading to a fine 3D registration model. In the first step, a general matching was performed in the frequency domain that yielded a rough 2D similarity model that related the LiDAR and image shadow masks. This model was further improved by modeling and compensating for the local geometric distortions that existed between the two heterogeneous data sources. In the third step, shadow masks, which were organized as segmented matched patches, were the subjects of a coinciding procedure that resulted in a coarse 3D registration model. In the last hierarchical step, that model was ultimately reinforced via a precise matching between the LiDAR and image edges. The evaluation results, which were conducted on six datasets and from different relative and absolute aspects, demonstrated the efficiency of the proposed method, which had a very promising accuracy on the order of one pixel.
Estimation of Water Quality Parameters in Lake Erie from MERIS Using Linear Mixed Effect Models
Authors: Zolfaghari Kiana , Duguay Claude
Published: June 2016

Linear Mixed Effect (LME) models are applied to the CoastColour atmospherically-corrected Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) reflectance, L2R full resolution product, to derive chlorophyll-a (chl-a) concentration and Secchi disk depth (SDD) in Lake Erie, which is considered as a Case II water (i.e., turbid and productive). A LME model considers the correlation that exists in the field measurements which have been performed repeatedly in space and time. In this study, models are developed based on the relation between the logarithmic scale of the water quality parameters and band ratios: B07:665 nm to B09:708.75 nm for log10chl-a and B06:620 nm to B04:510 nm for log10SDD. Cross validation is performed on the models. The results show good performance of the models, with Root Mean Square Errors (RMSE) and Mean Bias Errors (MBE) of 0.31 and 0.018 for log10chl-a, and 0.19 and 0.006 for log10SDD, respectively. The models are then applied to a time series of MERIS images acquired over Lake Erie from 2004–2012 to investigate the spatial and temporal variations of the water quality parameters. Produced maps reveal distinct monthly patterns for different regions of Lake Erie that are in agreement with known biogeochemical properties of the lake. The Detroit River and Maumee River carry sediments and nutrients to the shallow western basin. Hence, the shallow western basin of Lake Erie experiences the most intense algal blooms and the highest turbidity compared to the other sections of the lake. Maumee Bay, Sandusky Bay, Rondeau Bay and Long Point Bay are estimated to have prolonged intense algal bloom.
Street Viewer: An Autonomous Vision Based Traffic Tracking System
Authors: Bottino Andrea , Garbo Alessandro , Loiacono Carmelo , Quer Stefano
Published: June 2016

The development of intelligent transportation systems requires the availability of both accurate traffic information in real time and a cost-effective solution. In this paper, we describe Street Viewer, a system capable of analyzing the traffic behavior in different scenarios from images taken with an off-the-shelf optical camera. Street Viewer operates in real time on embedded hardware architectures with limited computational resources. The system features a pipelined architecture that, on one side, allows one to exploit multi-threading intensively and, on the other side, allows one to improve the overall accuracy and robustness of the system, since each layer is aimed at refining for the following layers the information it receives as input. Another relevant feature of our approach is that it is self-adaptive. During an initial setup, the application runs in learning mode to build a model of the flow patterns in the observed area. Once the model is stable, the system switches to the on-line mode where the flow model is used to count vehicles traveling on each lane and to produce a traffic information summary. If changes in the flow model are detected, the system switches back autonomously to the learning mode. The accuracy and the robustness of the system are analyzed in the paper through experimental results obtained on several different scenarios and running the system for long periods of time.
Minor Wheat Protein Fractions Analysis by Using Capillary Zone Electrophoresis
Authors: Piergiovanni Angela
Published: June 2016

The wheat proteins soluble in chloroform-methanol mixtures are associated with several kinds of food allergies. A separation method based on capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) with UV detection was developed for the analysis of these mixtures. An acidic phosphoric acid/β-alanine (pH 2.5) buffer containing HPMC, urea and acetonitrile was used for the separation. The capillary electrophoresis (CE) was able to complete the analysis in six minutes. The electrophoregrams of extracts of both durum and common wheat commercial cultivars were compared. The registered cultivar (cv.) Kamut® was included as a representative of rustic cereal species. A different number of peaks were detected in the profile relative to the tetraploid and exaploid analyzed cultivars. Three main peaks were observed for all tetraploid cultivars, while four peaks were detected for the common wheat cultivars. The peak corresponding to the α-amylase inhibitor type III was identified in the common wheat electrophoregram. The possibility of quantitative determination of this inhibitor has been investigated.
The Energy Savings and Environmental Benefits for Small and Medium Enterprises by Cloud Energy Management System
Authors: Tseng Yen-Chieh , Lee DaSheng , Lin Cheng-Fang , Chang Ching-Yuan
Published: June 2016

Small and medium enterprises (SMES) play an important role in Taiwan’s economy. The reduction of energy costs and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are critical to preserving the environment. This paper uses the experimental results from 65 sites, gathered over two years since 2012, to determine how the integration of Internet communication, cloud computing technologies and a cloud energy management service (cloud EMS) can reduce energy consumption by cost-effective means. The EMS has three levels: infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and software as a service (SaaS). Working jointly with ChungHwa Telecom, Taiwan’s leading telecom service provider, data from detection devices, control devices, air-conditioning and lighting systems are all uploaded to a cloud EMS platform, to give a so called intelligent energy management network application service platform (IEN-ASP). Various energy saving management functions are developed using this platform: (1) air conditioning optimization; (2) lighting system optimization; (3) scheduling control; (4) power billing control and (5) occupancy detection and timing control. Using the international performance measurement and verification protocol (IPMVP), the energy used at the test sites, before and after the use of the IEN-ASP, are compared to calculate the energy saved. The experimental results show that there is an average energy saving of 5724 kWh per year, which represents a saving ratio of 5.84%. This translates to a total reduction in CO2 emissions of 9,926,829 kg per year. Using the data collected, a regression model is used to demonstrate the correlation between the power that is consumed, the energy that is saved and the area of the sites. Another interesting result is that, if the experimental sites are maintained by experienced electricians or other personnel and EMS protocols are followed, the energy saving can be as great as 6.59%.
An Overview of Helicobacter pylori VacA Toxin Biology
Authors: Foegeding Nora , Caston Rhonda , McClain Mark , Ohi Melanie , Cover Timothy
Published: June 2016

The VacA toxin secreted by Helicobacter pylori enhances the ability of the bacteria to colonize the stomach and contributes to the pathogenesis of gastric adenocarcinoma and peptic ulcer disease. The amino acid sequence and structure of VacA are unrelated to corresponding features of other known bacterial toxins. VacA is classified as a pore-forming toxin, and many of its effects on host cells are attributed to formation of channels in intracellular sites. The most extensively studied VacA activity is its capacity to stimulate vacuole formation, but the toxin has many additional effects on host cells. Multiple cell types are susceptible to VacA, including gastric epithelial cells, parietal cells, T cells, and other types of immune cells. This review focuses on the wide range of VacA actions that are detectable in vitro, as well as actions of VacA in vivo that are relevant for H. pylori colonization of the stomach and development of gastric disease.