bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching Methods in Biology Education and Sustainability Education Including Outdoor Education for Promoting Sustainability—A Literature Review
Authors: Jeronen Eila , Palmberg Irmeli , Yli-Panula Eija
Published: December 2016

There are very few studies concerning the importance of teaching methods in biology education and environmental education including outdoor education for promoting sustainability at the levels of primary and secondary schools and pre-service teacher education. The material was selected using special keywords from biology and sustainable education in several scientific databases. The article provides an overview of 24 selected articles published in peer-reviewed scientific journals from 2006–2016. The data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Altogether, 16 journals were selected and 24 articles were analyzed in detail. The foci of the analyses were teaching methods, learning environments, knowledge and thinking skills, psychomotor skills, emotions and attitudes, and evaluation methods. Additionally, features of good methods were investigated and their implications for teaching were emphasized. In total, 22 different teaching methods were found to improve sustainability education in different ways. The most emphasized teaching methods were those in which students worked in groups and participated actively in learning processes. Research points toward the value of teaching methods that provide a good introduction and supportive guidelines and include active participation and interactivity.
Bioremoval of Phenol from Aqueous Solutions Using Native Caribbean Seaweed
Authors: Navarro Abel , Hernandez-Vega Anibal , Masud Md , Roberson Loretta , Diaz-Vázquez Liz
Published: December 2016

Among several Puerto Rican algae, Sargassum sp. (SG) and Chaetomorpha (CM) showed the highest phenol adsorption capacity from aqueous solutions and were used in optimized adsorption batch experiments at room temperature. The effects of pH, adsorbent dose, phenol concentration, salinity and presence of interfering substances were evaluated. Initial solution pH exhibited a strong effect, mainly on the phenol aqueous chemistry; showing the maximum adsorption at pH 10. Sorption isotherm results were modelled according to the Langmuir, Tempkin and Freundlich equations. Isotherm modelling indicated a maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 82.10 and 17.7 mg of phenol per gram of SG and CM, respectively. Salinity and presence of detergent in the matrix solution showed a positive effect on the adsorption, suggesting that adsorption of phenol was mostly driven by polar forces and not by ionic exchange. On the other hand, presence of heavy metals like copper, lead and cobalt had a negative effect on the adsorption. According to these results, the potential formation of hydrogen bonds between the algae and phenol is proposed as the main adsorption mechanism. These results provide further insight into the adsorption mechanism of phenol and their use as inexpensive adsorbents for the treatment of phenol-containing wastewaters.
Extensive Operating Experiments on the Conversion of Fuel-Bound Nitrogen into Nitrogen Oxides in the Combustion of Wood Fuel
Authors: Dzurenda Ladislav , Hroncová Emília , Ladomerský Juraj
Published: December 2016

This paper presents a wide, targeted, operational experiment on the conversion of fuel-bound nitrogen to nitrogen oxides. The experiment was implemented by studying the production of energy in 16-grate boilers. The conversion factor was determined based on the nitrogen content in individual types of dendromass and on nitrogen oxide emissions in flue gases. In measuring emissions, 103 average values for the concentration of nitrous oxide were found. Every average value was set using three consecutive half-hour emission measurements. The specific thermal output of the boilers was 300 to 2500 kW. The nitrogen content in the deliberately selected dendromass was within a wide interval of Ndaf values between 0.04% and 1.26%. The dependence of the conversion factor, XNOx, upon the content of fuel-bound nitrogen is very accurately expressed by the power function.
Independent Effects of Invasive Shrubs and Deer Herbivory on Plant Community Dynamics
Authors: Ward Jeffrey , Williams Scott , Linske Megan
Published: December 2016

Both invasive species and deer herbivory are recognized as locally important drivers of plant community dynamics. However, few studies have examined whether their effects are synergistic, additive, or antagonistic. At three study areas in southern New England, we examined the interaction of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann) herbivory and three levels of invasive shrub control over seven growing seasons on the dynamics of nine herbaceous and shrub guilds. Although evidence of synergistic interactions was minimal, the separate effects of invasive shrub control and deer herbivory on plant community composition and dynamics were profound. Plant communities remained relatively unchanged where invasive shrubs were not treated, regardless if deer herbivory was excluded or not. With increasing intensity of invasive shrub control, native shrubs and forbs became more dominant where deer herbivory was excluded, and native graminoids became progressively more dominant where deer herbivory remained severe. While deer exclusion and intensive invasive shrub control increased native shrubs and forbs, it also increased invasive vines. Restoring native plant communities in areas with both established invasive shrub thickets and severe deer browsing will require an integrated management plan to eliminate recalcitrant invasive shrubs, reduce deer browsing intensity, and quickly treat other opportunistic invasive species.
Key Technologies in the Context of Future Networks: Operational and Management Requirements
Authors: Barona López Lorena , Valdivieso Caraguay Ángel , Sotelo Monge Marco , García Villalba Luis
Published: December 2016

The concept of Future Networks is based on the premise that current infrastructures require enhanced control, service customization, self-organization and self-management capabilities to meet the new needs in a connected society, especially of mobile users. In order to provide a high-performance mobile system, three main fields must be improved: radio, network, and operation and management. In particular, operation and management capabilities are intended to enable business agility and operational sustainability, where the addition of new services does not imply an excessive increase in capital or operational expenditures. In this context, a set of key-enabled technologies have emerged in order to aid in this field. Concepts such as Software Defined Network (SDN), Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Self-Organized Networks (SON) are pushing traditional systems towards the next 5G network generation.This paper presents an overview of the current status of these promising technologies and ongoing works to fulfill the operational and management requirements of mobile infrastructures. This work also details the use cases and the challenges, taking into account not only SDN, NFV, cloud computing and SON but also other paradigms.
Exposure to Indoor Particulate Matter Worsens the Symptoms and Acute Exacerbations in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients of Southwestern Taiwan: A Pilot Study
Authors: Chi Miao-Ching , Guo Su-Er , Hwang Su-Lun , Chou Chiang-Ting , Lin Chieh-Mo , Lin Yu-Ching
Published: December 2016

Ambient particulate matter (PM) can trigger adverse reactions in the respiratory system, but less is known about the effect of indoor PM. In this longitudinal study, we investigated the relationships between indoor PM and clinical parameters in patients with moderate to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Indoor air quality (PM2.5 and PM10 levels) was monitored in the patients’ bedroom, kitchen, living room, and front door at baseline and every two months for one year. At each home visit, the patients were asked to complete spirometry and questionnaire testing. Exacerbations were assessed by chart review and questionnaires during home visits. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis (n = 83) showed that the level of wheezing was significantly higher in patients whose living room and kitchen had abnormal (higher than ambient air quality standards in Taiwan) PM2.5 and PM10 levels. Patients who lived in houses with abnormal outdoor PM2.5 levels had higher COPD Assessment Test scores (physical domain), and those who lived in houses with abnormal PM10 levels in the living room and kitchen had higher London Chest Activity of Daily Living scores. Increased PM levels were associated with worse respiratory symptoms and increased risk of exacerbation in patients with moderate to very severe COPD.
Implication of the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase AXL in Head and Neck Cancer Progression
Authors: Von Mässenhausen Anne , Brägelmann Johannes , Billig Hannah , Thewes Britta , Queisser Angela , Vogel Wenzel , Kristiansen Glen , Schröck Andreas , Bootz Friedrich , Brossart Peter , Kirfel Jutta , Perner Sven
Published: December 2016

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains a clinical challenge and identification of novel therapeutic targets is necessary. The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL has been implicated in several tumor entities and a selective AXL small molecule inhibitor (BGB324) is currently being tested in clinical trials for patients suffering from non-small cell lung cancer or acute myeloid leukemia. Our study investigates AXL expression during HNSCC progression and its use as a potential therapeutic target in HNSCC. AXL protein expression was determined in a HNSCC cohort (n = 364) using immunohistochemical staining. For functional validation, AXL was either overexpressed or inhibited with BGB324 in HNSCC cell lines to assess proliferation, migration and invasion. We found AXL protein expression increasing during tumor progression with highest expression levels in recurrent tumors. In HNSCC cell lines in vitro, AXL overexpression increased migration as well as invasion. Both properties could be reduced through treatment with BGB324. In contrast, proliferation was neither affected by AXL overexpression nor by inhibition with BGB324. Our patient-derived data and in vitro results show that, in HNSCC, AXL is important for the progression to more advanced tumor stages. Moreover, they suggest that AXL could be a target for precision medicine approaches in this dismal tumor entity.
Effect of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) Extract Supplementation in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats Fed with a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Salvador Ângelo , Król Ewelina , Lemos Virgínia , Santos Sónia , Bento Fernanda , Costa Carina , Almeida Adelaide , Szczepankiewicz Dawid , Kulczyński Bartosz , Krejpcio Zbigniew , Silvestre Armando , Rocha Sílvia
Published: December 2016

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) lipophilic and polar extract dietary supplementation effects were evaluated according to diabetes management indices, using an in vivo model. A research pipeline was constructed, that ranged from extract preparation, partial chemical characterization and toxicity evaluation, to examining the elderberry extract dietary supplementation effects on biofluid and tissues. Extracts toxicity was screened using an Aliivibrio fischeri bioluminescence model. A concentration of up to 60 mg/L was selected, and rat doses for oral supplementation were computed applying the interspecies correlation between A. fischeri and rats. Wistar type 2 diabetic rats, induced by streptozotocin (STZ), were fed a high-fat diet and supplemented for 4 weeks at doses of 190 and 350 mg/kg body weight/day of lipophilic and polar extract, respectively. As far as we know, lipophilic elderberry extract supplementation was assessed for the first time, while polar extract was administrated at higher doses and for a shorter period compared to previous studies, aiming to evaluate subacute supplementation effects. The polar extract modulated glucose metabolism by correcting hyperglycemia, while the lipophilic extract lowered insulin secretion. Both extracts lowered insulin resistance, without remarkable alterations to hematological indices, sera lipids and sera and tissular trace element homeostasis. In conclusion, elderberries are a potential source of bioactive compounds for formulations to be used as co-adjuvants in diabetes management.
CHARMM Force Field Parameterization of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Ligands
Authors: Mottin Melina , Souza Paulo , Ricci Clarisse , Skaf Munir
Published: December 2016

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) ligands are important therapeutic drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. In particular, partial agonists and non-agonists are interesting targets to reduce glucose levels, presenting few side effects in comparison to full agonists. In this work, we present a set of CHARMM-based parameters of a molecular mechanics force field for two PPARγ ligands, GQ16 and SR1664. GQ16 belongs to the thiazolidinedione class of drugs and it is a PPARγ partial agonist that has been shown to promote the “browning” of white adipose tissue. SR1664 is the precursor of the PPARγ non-agonist class of ligands that activates PPARγ in a non-classical manner. Here, we use quantum chemical calculations consistent with the CHARMM protocol to obtain bonded and non-bonded parameters, including partial atomic charges and effective torsion potentials for both molecules. The newly parameterized models were evaluated by examining the behavior of GQ16 and SR1664 free in water and bound to the ligand binding pocket of PPARγ using molecular dynamics simulations. The potential parameters derived here are readily transferable to a variety of pharmaceutical compounds and similar PPARγ ligands.
Glucocorticoids Protect Neonatal Rat Brain in Model of Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
Authors: Harding Benjamin , Conception Katherine , Li Yong , Zhang Lubo
Published: December 2016

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) resulting from asphyxia in the peripartum period is the most common cause of neonatal brain damage and can result in significant neurologic sequelae, including cerebral palsy. Currently therapeutic hypothermia is the only accepted treatment in addition to supportive care for infants with HIE, however, many additional neuroprotective therapies have been investigated. Of these, glucocorticoids have previously been shown to have neuroprotective effects. HIE is also frequently compounded by infectious inflammatory processes (sepsis) and as such, the infants may be more amenable to treatment with an anti-inflammatory agent. Thus, the present study investigated dexamethasone and hydrocortisone treatment given after hypoxic-ischemic (HI) insult in neonatal rats via intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection and intranasal administration. In addition, we examined the effects of hydrocortisone treatment in HIE after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) sensitization in a model of HIE and sepsis. We found that dexamethasone significantly reduced rat brain infarction size when given after HI treatment via ICV injection; however it did not demonstrate any neuroprotective effects when given intranasally. Hydrocortisone after HI insult also significantly reduced brain infarction size when given via ICV injection; and the intranasal administration showed to be protective of brain injury in male rats at a dose of 300 µg. LPS sensitization did significantly increase the brain infarction size compared to controls, and hydrocortisone treatment after LPS sensitization showed a significant decrease in brain infarction size when given via ICV injection, as well as intranasal administration in both genders at a dose of 300 µg. To conclude, these results show that glucocorticoids have significant neuroprotective effects when given after HI injury and that these effects may be even more pronounced when given in circumstances of additional inflammatory injury, such as neonatal sepsis.
Plastoglobule-Targeting Competence of a Putative Transit Peptide Sequence from Rice Phytoene Synthase 2 in Plastids
Authors: You Min , Kim Jin , Lee Yeo , Jeong Ye , Ha Sun-Hwa
Published: December 2016

Plastoglobules (PGs) are thylakoid membrane microdomains within plastids that are known as specialized locations of carotenogenesis. Three rice phytoene synthase proteins (OsPSYs) involved in carotenoid biosynthesis have been identified. Here, the N-terminal 80-amino-acid portion of OsPSY2 (PTp) was demonstrated to be a chloroplast-targeting peptide by displaying cytosolic localization of OsPSY2(ΔPTp):mCherry in rice protoplast, in contrast to chloroplast localization of OsPSY2:mCherry in a punctate pattern. The peptide sequence of a PTp was predicted to harbor two transmembrane domains eligible for a putative PG-targeting signal. To assess and enhance the PG-targeting ability of PTp, the original PTp DNA sequence (PTp) was modified to a synthetic DNA sequence (stPTp), which had 84.4% similarity to the original sequence. The motivation of this modification was to reduce the GC ratio from 75% to 65% and to disentangle the hairpin loop structures of PTp. These two DNA sequences were fused to the sequence of the synthetic green fluorescent protein (sGFP) and drove GFP expression with different efficiencies. In particular, the RNA and protein levels of stPTp-sGFP were slightly improved to 1.4-fold and 1.3-fold more than those of sGFP, respectively. The green fluorescent signals of their mature proteins were all observed as speckle-like patterns with slightly blurred stromal signals in chloroplasts. These discrete green speckles of PTp-sGFP and stPTp-sGFP corresponded exactly to the red fluorescent signal displayed by OsPSY2:mCherry in both etiolated and greening protoplasts and it is presumed to correspond to distinct PGs. In conclusion, we identified PTp as a transit peptide sequence facilitating preferential translocation of foreign proteins to PGs, and developed an improved PTp sequence, a stPTp, which is expected to be very useful for applications in plant biotechnologies requiring precise micro-compartmental localization in plastids.
Immunological Roles of Elevated Plasma Levels of Matricellular Proteins in Japanese Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Shiratori Beata , Zhao Jingge , Okumura Masao , Chagan-Yasutan Haorile , Yanai Hideki , Mizuno Kazue , Yoshiyama Takashi , Idei Tadashi , Ashino Yugo , Nakajima Chie , Suzuki Yasuhiko , Hattori Toshio
Published: December 2016

Elevated matricellular proteins (MCPs), including osteopontin (OPN) and galectin-9 (Gal-9), were observed in the plasma of patients with Manila-type tuberculosis (TB) previously. Here, we quantified plasma OPN, Gal-9, and soluble CD44 (sCD44) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and another 29 cytokines by Luminex assay in 36 patients with pulmonary TB, six subjects with latent tuberculosis (LTBI), and 19 healthy controls (HCs) from Japan for a better understanding of the roles of MCPs in TB. All TB subjects showed positive results of enzyme-linked immunospot assays (ELISPOTs). Spoligotyping showed that 20 out of 36 Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) strains belong to the Beijing type. The levels of OPN, Gal-9, and sCD44 were higher in TB (positivity of 61.1%, 66.7%, and 63.9%, respectively) than in the HCs. Positive correlations between OPN and Gal-9, between OPN and sCD44, and negative correlation between OPN and ESAT-6-ELISPOT response, between chest X-ray severity score of cavitary TB and ESAT-6-ELISPOT response were observed. Instead of OPN, Gal-9, and sCD44, cytokines G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-12p70, and IL-1RA levels were higher in Beijing MTB-infected patients. These findings suggest immunoregulatory, rather than inflammatory, effect of MCPs and can advance the understanding of the roles of MCPs in the context of TB pathology.
Modification of Deposited, Size-Selected MoS2 Nanoclusters by Sulphur Addition: An Aberration-Corrected STEM Study
Authors: Niu Yubiao , Park Sung , Palmer Richard
Published: December 2016

Molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) is an earth-abundant material which has several industrial applications and is considered a candidate for platinum replacement in electrochemistry. Size-selected MoS2 nanoclusters were synthesised in the gas phase using a magnetron sputtering, gas condensation cluster beam source with a lateral time-of-flight mass selector. Most of the deposited MoS2 nanoclusters, analysed by an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) in high-angle annular dark field (HAADF) mode, showed poorly ordered layer structures with an average diameter of 5.5 nm. By annealing and the addition of sulphur to the clusters (by sublimation) in the cluster source, the clusters were transformed into larger, crystalline structures. Annealing alone did not lead to crystallization, only to a cluster size increase by decomposition and coalescence of the primary clusters. Sulphur addition alone led to a partially crystalline structure without a significant change in the size. Thus, both annealing and sulphur addition processes were needed to obtain highly crystalline MoS2 nanoclusters.
Toxicity and Physiological Actions of Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors to Aedes aegypti and Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Francis Sheena , Taylor-Wells Jennina , Gross Aaron , Bloomquist Jeffrey
Published: December 2016

The physiological role of carbonic anhydrases in pH and ion regulation is crucial to insect survival. We examined the toxic and neurophysiological effects of five carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) against Aedes aegypti. The 24 h larvicidal toxicities followed this rank order of potency: dichlorphenamide > methazolamide > acetazolamide = brinzolamide = dorzolamide. Larvicidal activity increased modestly in longer exposures, and affected larvae showed attenuated responses to probing without overt tremors, hyperexcitation, or convulsions. Acetazolamide and dichlorphenamide were toxic to adults when applied topically, but were of low potency and had an incomplete effect (<50% at 300 ng/mosquito) even after injection. Dichlorphenamide was also the most toxic compound when fed to adult mosquitoes, and they displayed loss of posture and occasionally prolonged fluttering of the wings. Co-exposure with 500 ng of the synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) increased the toxicity of dichlorphenamide ca. two-fold in feeding assays, indicating that low toxicity was not related to oxidative metabolism. Dichlorphenamide showed mild depolarizing and nerve discharge actions on insect neuromuscular and central nervous systems, respectively. These effects were increased in low buffer salines, indicating they were apparently related to loss of pH control in these tissues. Overall, sulfonamides displayed weak insecticidal properties on Aedes aegypti and are weak lead compounds.
The Effects of Ascorbate, N-Acetylcysteine, and Resveratrol on Fibroblasts from Patients with Mitochondrial Disorders
Authors: Douiev Liza , Soiferman Devorah , Alban Corinne , Saada Ann
Published: December 2016

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are assumed to be implicated in the pathogenesis of inborn mitochondrial diseases affecting oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). In the current study, we characterized the effects of three small molecules with antioxidant properties (N-acetylcysteine, ascorbate, and resveratrol) on ROS production and several OXPHOS parameters (growth in glucose free medium, ATP production, mitochondrial content and membrane potential (MMP)), in primary fibroblasts derived from seven patients with different molecularly defined and undefined mitochondrial diseases. N-acetylcysteine appeared to be the most beneficial compound, reducing ROS while increasing growth and ATP production in some patients’ cells. Ascorbate showed a variable positive or negative effect on ROS, ATP production, and mitochondrial content, while incubation with resveratrol disclosed either no effect or detrimental effect on ATP production and MMP in some cells. The individual responses highlight the importance of investigating multiple parameters in addition to ROS to obtain a more balanced view of the overall effect on OXPHOS when evaluating antioxidant treatment options for mitochondrial diseases.
Direct Printing of 1-D and 2-D Electronically Conductive Structures by Molten Lead-Free Solder
Authors: Wang Chien-Hsun , Tsai Ho-Lin , Hwang Weng-Sing
Published: December 2016

This study aims to determine the effects of appropriate experimental parameters on the thermophysical properties of molten micro droplets, Sn-3Ag-0.5Cu solder balls with an average droplet diameter of 50 μm were prepared. The inkjet printing parameters of the molten micro droplets, such as the dot spacing, stage velocity and sample temperature, were optimized in the 1D and 2D printing of metallic microstructures. The impact and mergence of molten micro droplets were observed with a high-speed digital camera. The line width of each sample was then calculated using a formula over a temperature range of 30 to 70 °C. The results showed that a metallic line with a width of 55 μm can be successfully printed with dot spacing (50 μm) and the stage velocity (50 mm∙s−1) at the substrate temperature of 30 °C. The experimental results revealed that the height (from 0.63 to 0.58) and solidification contact angle (from 72° to 56°) of the metallic micro droplets decreased as the temperature of the sample increased from 30 to 70 °C. High-speed digital camera (HSDC) observations showed that the quality of the 3D micro patterns improved significantly when the droplets were deposited at 70 °C.
A Comprehensive Review of the Study and Development of Microcapsule Based Self-Resilience Systems for Concrete Structures at Shenzhen University
Authors: Han Ning-Xu , Xing Feng
Published: December 2016

A review of the research activities and achievements at Shenzhen University is conducted in this paper concerning the creation and further development of novel microcapsule based self-resilience systems for their application in concrete structures. After a brief description of pioneering works in the field starting about 10 years ago, the principles raised in the relevant research are examined, where fundamental terms related to the concept of resilience are discussed. Several breakthrough points are highlighted concerning the three adopted comprehensive self-resilience systems, namely physical, chemical and microbial systems. The major challenges regarding evaluation are emphasized and further development concerning self-resilience in concrete structures will be addressed.
Multi-Track Friction Stir Lap Welding of 2024 Aluminum Alloy: Processing, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Zou Shengke , Ma Shuyuan , Liu Changmeng , Chen Cheng , Ma Limin , Lu Jiping , Guo Jing
Published: December 2016

Friction stir lap welding (FSLW) raises the possibility of fabricating high-performance aluminum components at low cost and high efficiency. In this study, we mainly applied FSLW to fabricate multi-track 2024 aluminum alloy without using tool tilt angle, which is important for obtaining defect-free joint but significantly increases equipment cost. Firstly, systematic single-track FSLW experiments were conducted to attain appropriate processing parameters, and we found that defect-free single-track could also be obtained by the application of two-pass processing at a rotation speed of 1000 rpm and a traverse speed of 300 mm/min. Then, multi-track FSLW experiments were conducted and full density multi-track samples were fabricated at an overlapping rate of 20%. Finally, the microstructure and mechanical properties of the full density multi-track samples were investigated. The results indicated that ultrafine equiaxed grains with the grain diameter about 9.4 μm could be obtained in FSLW samples due to the dynamic recrystallization during FSLW, which leads to a yield strength of 117.2 MPa (17.55% higher than the rolled 2024-O alloy substrate) and an elongation rate of 31.05% (113.84% higher than the substrate).
Development and Structural Modification of BACE1 Inhibitors
Authors: Gu Ting , Wu Wen-Yu , Dong Ze-Xi , Yu Shao-Peng , Sun Ying , Zhong Yue , Lu Yu-Ting , Li Nian-Guang
Published: December 2016

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder which usually occurs in the elderly. The accumulation of β-amyloid and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles are considered as the main pathogenies of AD. Research suggests that β-secretase 1 (BACE1) plays an important role in the formation of β-amyloid. Discovery of new BACE1 inhibitors has become a significant method to slow down the progression of AD or even cure this kind of disease. This review summarizes the different types and the structural modification of these new BACE1 inhibitors.
Associations of Maternal Dietary Patterns during Pregnancy with Offspring Adiposity from Birth Until 54 Months of Age
Authors: Chen Ling-Wei , Aris Izzuddin , Bernard Jonathan , Tint Mya-Thway , Chia Airu , Colega Marjorelee , Gluckman Peter , Shek Lynette , Saw Seang-Mei , Chong Yap-Seng , Yap Fabian , Godfrey Keith , Van Dam Rob , Chong Mary , Lee Yung
Published: December 2016

Most studies linking maternal diet with offspring adiposity have focused on single nutrients or foods, but a dietary pattern approach is more representative of the overall diet. We thus aimed to investigate the relations between maternal dietary patterns and offspring adiposity in a multi-ethnic Asian mother–offspring cohort in Singapore. We derived maternal dietary patterns using maternal dietary intake information at 26–28 weeks of gestation, of which associations with offspring body mass index (BMI), abdominal circumference (AC), subscapular skinfold (SS), and triceps skinfold (TS) were assessed using longitudinal data analysis (linear mixed effects (LME)) and multiple linear regression at ages 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 54 months. Three dietary patterns were derived: (1) vegetables-fruit-and-white rice (VFR); (2) seafood-and-noodles (SfN); and (3) pasta-cheese-and-bread (PCB). In the LME model adjusting for potential confounders, each standard deviation (SD) increase in maternal VFR pattern score was associated with 0.09 mm lower offspring TS. Individual time-point analysis additionally revealed that higher VFR score was generally associated with lower postnatal offspring BMI z-score, TS, SS, and sum of skinfolds (SS + TS) at ages 18 months and older. Maternal adherence to a dietary pattern characterized by higher intakes of fruit and vegetables and lower intakes of fast food was associated with lower offspring adiposity.
Chitosan-Based Nano-Embedded Microparticles: Impact of Nanogel Composition on Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Islam Paromita , Water Jorrit , Bohr Adam , Rantanen Jukka
Published: December 2016

Chitosan-based nanogels have been widely applied as drug delivery vehicles. Spray-drying of said nanogels allows for the preparation of dry powder nano-embedded microparticles. In this work, chitosan-based nanogels composed of chitosan, alginate, and/or sodium tri-penta phosphate were investigated, particularly with respect to the impact of composition on the resulting physicochemical properties. Different compositions were obtained as nanogels with sizes ranging from 203 to 561 nm. The addition of alginate and exclusion of sodium tri-penta phosphate led to an increase in nanogel size. The nanogels were subsequently spray-dried to form nano-embedded microparticles with trehalose or mannitol as matrix excipient. The microparticles of different composition were mostly spherical with a smooth surface and a mass median aerodynamic diameter of 6–10 µm. Superior redispersibility was observed for microparticles containing amorphous trehalose. This study demonstrates the potential of nano-embedded microparticles for stabilization and delivery of nanogel-based delivery systems.
An Analysis of the Directional-Modifier Adaptation Algorithm Based on Optimal Experimental Design
Authors: Gros Sébastien
Published: December 2016

The modifier approach has been extensively explored and offers a theoretically-sound and practically-useful method to deploy real-time optimization. The recent directional-modifier adaptation algorithm offers a heuristic to tackle the modifier approach. The directional-modifier adaptation algorithm, supported by strong theoretical properties and the ease of deployment in practice, proposes a meaningful compromise between process optimality and quickly improving the quality of the estimation of the gradient of the process cost function. This paper proposes a novel view of the directional-modifier adaptation algorithm, as an approximation of the optimal trade-off between the underlying experimental design problem and the process optimization problem. It moreover suggests a minor modification in the tuning of the algorithm, so as to make it a more genuine approximation.
Targeted Enlargement of Aptamer Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles for Quantitative Protein Analysis
Authors: Li Feng , Li Jingjing , Tang Yanan , Wang Chuan , Li Xing-Fang , Le X.
Published: December 2016

The ability to selectively amplify the detection signals for targets over interferences is crucial when analyzing proteins in a complicated sample matrix. Here, we describe a targeted enlargement strategy that can amplify the light-scattering signal from aptamer-functionalized gold nanoparticles (Apt-AuNP) with high specificity for quantitative protein analysis. This strategy is achieved by labeling target proteins with competitively protected Apt-AuNP probes and enlarging the probes with gold enhancement. This competitive protection strategy could effectively eliminate nonspecific protein adsorptions from a sample matrix, leading to a highly specific labeling of the target protein. As a result, the subsequent amplification of the light-scattering signal by gold enhancement only occurs in the presence of the target protein. This strategy was successfully demonstrated by analyzing human α-thrombin in human serum samples in a Western blot format.
Satellite Based Mapping of Ground PM2.5 Concentration Using Generalized Additive Modeling
Authors: Zou Bin , Chen Jingwen , Zhai Liang , Fang Xin , Zheng Zhong
Published: December 2016

Satellite-based PM2.5 concentration estimation is growing as a popular solution to map the PM2.5 spatial distribution due to the insufficiency of ground-based monitoring stations. However, those applications usually suffer from the simple hypothesis that the influencing factors are linearly correlated with PM2.5 concentrations, though non-linear mechanisms indeed exist in their interactions. Taking the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region in China as a case, this study developed a generalized additive modeling (GAM) method for satellite-based PM2.5 concentration mapping. In this process, the linear and non-linear relationships between PM2.5 variation and associated contributing factors, such as the aerosol optical depth (AOD), industrial sources, land use type, road network, and meteorological variables, were comprehensively considered. The reliability of the GAM models was validated by comparison with typical linear land use regression (LUR) models. Results show that GAM modeling outperforms LUR modeling at both the annual and seasonal scale, with obvious higher model fitting-based adjusted R2 and lower RMSEs. This is confirmed by the cross-validation-based adjusted R2 with values of GAM-based spring, summer, autumn, winter, and annual models, which are 0.92, 0.78, 0.87, 0.85, and 0.90, respectively, while those of LUR models are 0.87, 0.71, 0.84, 0.84, and 0.85, respectively. Different to the LUR-based hypothesis of the “straight line” relations, the “smoothed curves” from GAM-based apportionment analysis reveals that factors contributing to PM2.5 variation are unstable with the alternate linear and non-linear relations. The GAM model-based PM2.5 concentration surfaces clearly demonstrate their superiority in disclosing the heterogeneous PM2.5 concentrations to the discrete observations. It can be concluded that satellite-based PM2.5 concentration mapping could be greatly improved by GAM modeling given its simultaneous considerations of the linear and non-linear influencing mechanisms of PM2.5.
Selection of Shear Horizontal Wave Transducers for Robotic Nondestructive Inspection in Harsh Environments
Authors: Choi Sungho , Cho Hwanjeong , Lissenden Cliff
Published: December 2016

Harsh environments and confined spaces require that nondestructive inspections be conducted with robotic systems. Ultrasonic guided waves are well suited for robotic systems because they can provide efficient volumetric coverage when inspecting for various types of damage, including cracks and corrosion. Shear horizontal guided waves are especially well suited for robotic inspection because they are sensitive to cracks oriented perpendicular or parallel to the wave propagation direction and can be generated with electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs) and magnetostrictive transducers (MSTs). Both types of transducers are investigated for crack detection in a stainless steel plate. The MSTs require the robot to apply a compressive normal force that creates frictional force coupling. However, the coupling is observed to be very dependent upon surface roughness and surface debris. The EMATs are coupled through the Lorentz force and are thus noncontact, although they depend on the lift off between transducer and substrate. After comparing advantages and disadvantages of each transducer for robotic inspection the EMATs are selected for application to canisters that store used nuclear fuel.
Characteristics of the Fiber Laser Sensor System Based on Etched-Bragg Grating Sensing Probe for Determination of the Low Nitrate Concentration in Water
Authors: Pham Thanh , Bui Huy , Le Huu , Pham Van
Published: December 2016

The necessity of environmental protection has stimulated the development of many kinds of methods allowing the determination of different pollutants in the natural environment, including methods for determining nitrate in source water. In this paper, the characteristics of an etched fiber Bragg grating (e-FBG) sensing probe—which integrated in fiber laser structure—are studied by numerical simulation and experiment. The proposed sensor is demonstrated for determination of the low nitrate concentration in a water environment. Experimental results show that this sensor could determine nitrate in water samples at a low concentration range of 0–80 ppm with good repeatability, rapid response, and average sensitivity of 3.5 × 10−3 nm/ppm with the detection limit of 3 ppm. The e-FBG sensing probe integrated in fiber laser demonstrates many advantages, such as a high resolution for wavelength shift identification, high optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR of 40 dB), narrow bandwidth of 0.02 nm that enhanced accuracy and precision of wavelength peak measurement, and capability for optical remote sensing. The obtained results suggested that the proposed e-FBG sensor has a large potential for the determination of low nitrate concentrations in water in outdoor field work.
Assessing Collective Measures in Rural Policy: The Effect of Minimum Participation Rules on the Distribution of Benefits from Irrigation Infrastructure
Authors: Zavalloni Matteo , Raggi Meri , Viaggi Davide
Published: December 2016

Despite the increasing interest from both policy makers and scholars in the collective management of natural resources in the rural sector, the literature has not covered many aspects of the incentives targeting collective actors. In this article, we analyze how embedding minimum participation rules in rural policies affect the distribution of benefits of a group of players that cooperate. The article applies the Shapley Value and the Nash–Harsanyi solution, two of the key solutions of cooperative game theory, to an incentive scheme in Emilia-Romagna (Italy) to support the construction of collective reservoirs for irrigation water. Results show that rules on the minimum storage capacity and on the minimum number of users affect the benefit distribution in opposite directions. The main conclusion of the article is that minimum participation rules should be carefully designed if welfare distribution is an issue. However, further studies are required to have a comprehensive assessment of minimum participation rules within rural policies.
Social Innovation and Sustainable Rural Development: The Case of a Brazilian Agroecology Network
Authors: Rover Oscar , De Gennaro Bernardo , Roselli Luigi
Published: December 2016

Food is central to human beings and their social life. The growing industrialization of the food system has led to a greater availability of food, along with an increasing risk perception and awareness in consumers. At the same time, there is an increasing resistance from citizens to the dominant model of production and a growing demand for healthy food. As a consequence, an increasing number of social networks have been formed worldwide involving the collaboration between producers and consumers. One of these networks, the Ecovida Agroecology Network, which operates in Southern Brazil, involves farming families, non-governmental organizations, and consumer organizations, together with other social actors. Using a qualitative approach based on participant observation and an analysis of documents, the article examines this network. The theoretical framework used is social innovation, which is commonly recognized as being fundamental in fostering rural development. Results show that Ecovida has instigated innovations that relate to its horizontal and decentralized structure, its participatory certification of organic food, and its dynamic relationship with the markets based on local exchanges and reciprocal relations. Furthermore, such innovation processes have been proven to impact on public sector policies and on the increasing cooperation between the social actors from rural and urban areas.
Impact of Land Use Rights Transfer on Household Labor Productivity: A Study Applying Propensity Score Matching in Chongqing, China
Authors: Wang Yahui , Xin Liangjie , Li Xiubin , Yan Jianzhong
Published: December 2016

In order to improve the rural labor productivity and farmers’ income, land use transfer was launched and encouraged in recent years, especially the Thirteenth Five-Year Plan (2016–2020). This study aims to shed light on the impact of land use rights transfer on household labor productivity, based on a case study of Chongqing in China. Studies have revealed that land use transfer entails a process of self-selection and does not occur in a random manner. The study, therefore, addressed the issue of sample selection by applying propensity score matching. The study results suggested significant differences in the effects of land use transfer on household labor productivity. Specifically, renting land from other households had a positive effect on total labor productivity (TLP) and agricultural labor productivity (ALP). Moreover, TLP and ALP were found to be higher for households that rented more land or that were located in plain areas. Renting out land had a robust and positive effect on the TLP and non-agricultural labor productivity (NALP). TLP and NALP were also higher for households that rented out more land or that were located in plain areas. These findings suggest that land use transfer should be actively encouraged in plain areas. However, in mountainous areas, there is a need to pay more attention to expanding agriculture to benefit poor and marginalized populations in these areas.
Repositioning through Culture: Testing Change in Connectivity Patterns
Authors: Plaza Beatriz , Gálvez-Galvez Catalina , González-Flores Ana , Jaca Jokin
Published: December 2016

Symbolic knowledge-driven innovations can play an important role in the economic development of cities and regions. Cultural events and infrastructures can act as powerful connectivity engines, generating new connections, rewiring links, and repositioning institutions/cities/regions on the Internet map. Within this framework, this paper aims to contribute to the analytical understanding of culture-led repositioning. For this purpose we perform regression analysis with cultural networks (observational cross-sectional network data) from digital media for a specific cultural case study: the Basque Culinary Center (BCC), a higher education faculty of haute cuisine promoted by the University of Mondragon along with a group of Michelin-starred chefs. Results show that a cultural sector, such as haute cuisine, can contribute to structural changes in connectivity patterns, putting an institution/city/region on the media map. It is the connection (in the online press) of the BCC to the influential Michelin-starred chefs that can fuel the accumulation of press articles (media items) on the BCC; and it is precisely this accumulation of press articles that can impact BCC revenues. Put differently, the co-branding between the influential Michelin chefs and the BCC may have put the BCC on the press map, promoting new student registrations and fostering Basque haute cuisine. The main contribution of this article is a prototype of regression analysis to test repositioning with network data.
In Vitro Research Tools in the Field of Human Immediate Drug Hypersensitivity and Their Present Use in Small Animal Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Lavergne Sidonie
Published: December 2016

Drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHR) are immune-mediated idiosyncratic adverse drug events. Type I DHR are often referred to as “immediate” and involve B lymphocyte-secreted IgE that bind to the membrane of basophils and mast cells, inducing their degranulation. This review presents various in vitro tests that were developed in the field of human type I HS and implemented as clinical diagnostic tools in human cases of immediate DHR. The respective strengths and weaknesses of each test will be discussed in parallel of validation data such as specificity and sensitivity whenever available. Some of them have also been used as diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine, but not in cases of immediate DHR. Most of these diagnostic tools can be categorized into humoral and cellular tests. The former tests measure serum concentrations of factors, such as histamine, tryptase, and drug-specific IgE. The latter assays quantify markers of drug-induced basophil activation or drug-specific lymphocyte proliferation. Pharmacogenetic markers have also been investigated in immediate DHR, but not as extensively as in non-immediate ones. Throughout, practical aspects and limitations of the tests, as well as sensitivity and specificity parameters, will be presented. In addition, the experience of veterinary medicine with these diagnostic tools will be summarized. However, to date, none of them has ever been reported in a veterinary case of type I DHR.