bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Much Ado About (Scotland in) Europe
Authors: Kenealy Daniel
Published: June 2014

The issue of an independent Scotland's relationship with the European Union (EU) has been one of the most contentious and recurring issues of the referendum campaign. Discussion, to date, has been characterised by competing assertions from the two sides of the campaign. There has been little in the way of reasoned debate and consideration of the issue. Instead it has become grist to the mill of two campaign meta-narratives, one concerning the uncertainty inherent in a ‘Yes’ vote and the other concerning the continuity and stability that Scotland would enjoy following a ‘Yes’ vote. In this essay I will problematise the official position set out by the European Commission, clarify some of the outstanding issues, and raise questions about the proposed timescale for securing an independent Scotland's continuing membership of the EU. I argue that it would be in the interests of all parties, in the event of a ‘Yes’ vote, to avoid a scenario in which Scotland found itself outside of the EU and its legal framework for any period of time.
Group Sparse Reconstruction of Multi-Dimensional Spectroscopic Imaging in Human Brain in vivo
Authors: Burns Brian , Wilson Neil , Thomas M.
Published: June 2014

Four-dimensional (4D) Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging (MRSI) data combining 2 spatial and 2 spectral dimensions provides valuable biochemical information in vivo; however, its 20–40 min acquisition time is too long to be used for a clinical protocol. Data acquisition can be accelerated by non-uniformly under-sampling (NUS) the ky− t1 plane, but this causes artifacts in the spatial-spectral domain that must be removed by non-linear, iterative reconstruction. Previous work has demonstrated the feasibility of accelerating 4D MRSI data acquisition through NUS and iterative reconstruction using Compressed Sensing (CS), Total Variation (TV), and Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) reconstruction. Group Sparse (GS) reconstruction is a variant of CS that exploits the structural sparsity of transform coefficients to achieve higher acceleration factors than traditional CS. In this article, we derive a solution to the GS reconstruction problem within the Split Bregman iterative framework that uses arbitrary transform grouping patterns of overlapping or non-overlapping groups. The 4D Echo-Planar Correlated Spectroscopic Imaging (EP-COSI) gray matter brain phantom and in vivo brain data are retrospectively under-sampled 2×, 4×, 6×, 8×, and 10___ and reconstructed using CS, TV, MaxEnt, and GS with overlapping or non-overlapping groups. Results show that GS reconstruction with overlapping groups outperformed the other reconstruction methods at each NUS rate for both phantom and in vivo data. These results can potentially reduce the scan time of a 4D EP-COSI brain scan from 40 min to under 5 min in vivo.
Synthesis, Antibacterial Evaluation and QSAR of α-Substituted-N4-Acetamides of Ciprofloxacin and Norfloxacin
Authors: Qandil Amjad , Al-Zoubi Lorca , Al-Bakri Amal , Amawi Haneen , Al-Balas Qosay , Alkatheri Abdulmalik , Albekairy Abdulkareem
Published: June 2014

Twenty six α-substituted N4-acetamide derivatives of ciprofloxacin (CIPRO) and norfloxacin (NOR) were synthesized and assayed for antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. The derivatives were primarily more active against Gram-positive bacteria. The CIPRO derivatives, CD-7 (Ar = 3-chlorophenyl), CD-9 (Ar = 2-pyrimidyl) and CD-10 (α-phenyl, Ar = 2-pyrimidyl), exhibited lower MIC values, 0.4–0.9 μM, against Staphylococcus aureus than CIPRO, while only compound CD-10 exhibited better activity, 0.1 μM, against Bacillus subtilis than CIPRO. In addition, compounds CD-5 (Ar = 2-methoxyphenyl), CD-6 (α-phenyl, Ar = 2-methoxyphenyl), CD-7 (Ar = 3-Chlorophenyl), CD-8 (α-phenyl, Ar = 3-chlorophenyl) and CD-9 (Ar = 2-pyrimidyl) showed MIC values below 1.0 μM against this strain. The NOR derivatives showed lower activity than NOR itself against Staphylococcus aureus, although ND-6 (α-phenyl, Ar = 2-methoxyphenyl) and ND-7 (Ar = 3-chlorophenyl) showed MIC values less than 2 μM. Two NOR derivatives, ND-7 and ND-6, exhibited MIC values of 0.7 and 0.6, respectively, which were comparable to that of NOR against Bacillus subtilis, while compounds ND-8 (α-phenyl, Ar = 3-chlorophenyl) and ND-10 (α-phenyl, Ar = 2-pyrimidyl) exhibited MIC values less than 1.0 μM against the same strain. QSAR revealed that while polarity is the major contributing factor in the potency against Staphylococcus aureus, it is balanced by lipophilicity and electron density around the acetamide group. On the other hand, electron density around the introduced acetamide group is the major determining factor in the activity against Bacillus subtilis, with a lesser and variable effect for lipophilicity.
Structures and Metal-Binding Properties of Helicobacter pylori Neutrophil-Activating Protein with a Di-Nuclear Ferroxidase Center
Authors: Yokoyama Hideshi , Fujii Satoshi
Published: June 2014

Helicobacter pylori causes severe diseases, such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and stomach cancers. H. pylori neutrophil-activating protein (HP-NAP) is an iron storage protein that forms a dodecameric shell, promotes the adhesion of neutrophils to endothelial cells, and induces the production of reactive oxygen radicals. HP-NAP belongs to the DNA-protecting proteins under starved conditions (Dps) family, which has significant structural similarities to the dodecameric ferritin family. The crystal structures of the apo form and metal-ion bound forms, such as iron, zinc, and cadmium, of HP-NAP have been determined. This review focused on the structures and metal-binding properties of HP-NAP. These metal ions bind at the di-nuclear ferroxidase center (FOC) by different coordinating patterns. In comparison with the apo structure, metal loading causes a series of conformational changes in conserved residues among HP-NAP and Dps proteins (Trp26, Asp52, and Glu56) at the FOC. HP-NAP forms a spherical dodecamer with 23 symmetry including two kinds of pores. Metal ions have been identified around one of the pores; therefore, the negatively-charged pore is suitable for the passage of metal ions.
Enantiocomplementary Preparation of (S)- and (R)-Arylalkylcarbinols by Lipase-Catalysed Resolution and Mitsunobu Inversion: Impact of Lipase Amount
Authors: Bouzemi Nassima , Grib Ismahane , Houiene Zahia , Aribi-Zouioueche Louisa
Published: June 2014

A series of arylalkylcarbinol derivatives were deracemized through sequential combination of Candida antarctica lipase B (CAL-B) catalyzed resolution by hydrolysis and Mitsunobu stereoinversion. The (S)-acetates were obtained in 71%–99% ee and 76%–89% yields. An enantiocomplementarity was established for the hydrolysis and acylation reactions with CAL-B lipase. Thus, the (S) and (R) enantiomers of Indan-1-yl acetate, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-naphthalenol acetate and 1-(2-naphthyl) ethyl acetate were obtained in 91%–99% ee and 76%–89% yield.
A Note on the Baseline in Considering the Ice Age
Authors: Akasofu Syun-Ichi
Published: June 2014

Shifting the presently used baselines of temperature changes during the last 440,000 years to about the lowest recorded temperature (+5 °C) as the baseline, a somewhat different view of climate change during the four Ice Ages emerges. Unlike the presently used baselines, the lowest temperature baseline is sort of the “absolute” one, in the sense that it does not depend on any chosen period during the last 440,000 years. Taking such a temperature as the baseline, the general trend of changes represents approximately the heat input function. Thus, in this view, the warming pulses with a sharp onset are the main feature, rather than a sequence of slow cooling and the subsequent sudden warming, although the basic physics involved in the feedback process may be the same. The interglacial periods are the peaks of the impulsive warming, rather than “returning to the normal condition” or “recovery from the Ice Ages”. In fact, the commonly used baselines represent simply the present conditions, rather than the baseline in climatology.
Explicit Expressions for Solar Panel Equivalent Circuit Parameters Based on Analytical Formulation and the Lambert W-Function
Authors: Cubas Javier , Pindado Santiago , De Manuel Carlos
Published: June 2014

Due to the high dependence of photovoltaic energy efficiency on environmental conditions (temperature, irradiation...), it is quite important to perform some analysis focusing on the characteristics of photovoltaic devices in order to optimize energy production, even for small-scale users. The use of equivalent circuits is the preferred option to analyze solar cells/panels performance. However, the aforementioned small-scale users rarely have the equipment or expertise to perform large testing/calculation campaigns, the only information available for them being the manufacturer datasheet. The solution to this problem is the development of new and simple methods to define equivalent circuits able to reproduce the behavior of the panel for any working condition, from a very small amount of information. In the present work a direct and completely explicit method to extract solar cell parameters from the manufacturer datasheet is presented and tested. This method is based on analytical formulation which includes the use of the Lambert W-function to turn the series resistor equation explicit. The presented method is used to analyze commercial solar panel performance (i.e., the current-voltage–I-V–curve) at different levels of irradiation and temperature. The analysis performed is based only on the information included in the manufacturer’s datasheet.
Present Teaching Stories as Re-Membering the Humanities
Authors: Gunn Vicky
Published: June 2014

The ways in which Humanities scholars talk about teaching tell something about how we interact with the past of our own discipline as well as anticipate our students’ futures. In this we express collective memories as truths of learning and teaching. As cultural artifacts of our present, such stories are worthy of excavation for what they imply about ourselves as well as messages they pass onto our successors. This paper outlines “collective re-membering” as one way to understand these stories, particularly as they present in qualitative interviews commonly being used to research higher education practice in the Humanities. It defines such collective re-membering through an interweaving of Halbwachs, Ricoeur, Wertsch and Bakhtin. It proposes that a dialogic reading between this understanding of collective re-membering and qualitative data-sets enables us to both access our discursive tendencies within the Humanities and understand the impact they might have on student engagement with our disciplines, noting that when discussing learning and teaching, we engage in collectively influenced myth-making and hagiography. The paper finishes by positing that the Humanities need to change their orientation from generating myths and pious teaching sagas towards the complex and ultimately more intellectually satisfying, articulation of learning and teaching parables.
Potential Human Health Risk by Metal(loid)s, 234,238U and 210Po due to Consumption of Fish from the “Luis L. Leon” Reservoir (Northern México)
Authors: Luna-Porres Mayra , Rodríguez-Villa Marco , Herrera-Peraza Eduardo , Renteria-Villalobos Marusia , Montero-Cabrera María
Published: June 2014

Concentrations of As, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb and Zn and activity concentrations from 234,238U and 210Po in water, fillet, liver and gills were determined in three stocked fish species from the Luis L. Leon reservoir, located in Northern Mexico. The considered species were Lepomis cyanellus, Cyprinus carpio and Ictalurus furcatus. 238U and 234U activity concentration (AC) in fillet samples showed values of 0.007–0.014 and 0.01–0.02 Bq∙kg−1 wet weight (ww), respectively. Liver samples for L. cyanellus, C. carpio and I. furcatus present 210Po AC of 1.16–3.26, 0.70–1.13 and 0.93–1.37 Bq∙kg−1 ww. Arsenic, mercury and lead concentration intervals in fillet samples were 0.13–0.39, 0.005–0.126 and 0.009–0.08 mg∙kg−1 ww, respectively, while in gill samples they were 0.11–0.43, 0.002–0.039 and 0.02–0.26 mg∙kg−1 ww. The elemental Bioaccumulation Factor (BAF) for fish tissues with respect to their concentrations in water was determined. L. cyanellus showed the highest BAF values for As and total U, being BAFAs = 37 and 40 L∙kg−1 in fillet and gills, respectively, and BAFU total = 1.5 L∙kg−1 in fillet. I. furcatus showed the highest BAF values for Hg and Pb, being BAFHg = 40 and 13 L∙kg−1 in fillet and gills, and BAFPb = 6.5 and 22 L∙kg−1 in fillet and gills, respectively. Some metal(loid) concentrations are slightly higher than European regulations for fish fillets. The difference in concentrations of metal(loid)s in fillet among the studied species is probably due to their differences in diet and habitat.
Socio-Demographic and Dietary Factors Associated with Excess Body Weight and Abdominal Obesity among Resettled Bhutanese Refugee Women in Northeast Ohio, United States
Authors: Bhatta Madhav , Assad Lori , Shakya Sunita
Published: June 2014

Studies of obesity and related health conditions among the Bhutanese, one of the largest refugee groups resettled in the United States in the past five years, are limited. This study examined the factors associated with excess body weight (body mass index ≥ 23 kg/m2) and abdominal obesity (waist circumference > 80 cm) in a community-based sample of 18–65 year old Bhutanese refugee women in Northeast Ohio. A Nepali-language questionnaire was used to measure socio-demographic and dietary factors. Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured to define excess body weight and abdominal obesity. The mean (±standard deviation) age of the 108 participants was 36.5 (±12.2) years and length of time in the U.S. was 19.4 (±11.9) months. Overall, 64.8% and 69.4% of the women had excess body weight and abdominal obesity, respectively. Age was significantly associated with both excess body weight (odds ratio: 1.10; 95% confidence interval: 1.05–1.16) and abdominal obesity (1.09; 1.04–1.14). Consuming meat (4.01; 1.14–14.60) was significantly associated with excess body weight but not abdominal obesity. These findings suggest the need for lifestyle and dietary change education programs among this new and vulnerable group to reduce the prevalence of excess body weight and abdominal obesity and their health consequences.
Impact of Serum Chemerin Levels on Liver Functional Reserves and Platelet Counts in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Imai Kenji , Takai Koji , Hanai Tatsunori , Shiraki Makoto , Suzuki Yusuke , Hayashi Hideki , Naiki Takafumi , Nishigaki Youichi , Tomita Eiichi , Shimizu Masahito , Moriwaki Hisataka
Published: June 2014

Obesity-related metabolic abnormalities, including adipokine imbalance and chronic inflammation, are involved in liver carcinogenesis. Chemerin, a novel adipokine, plays a critical role in adipogenesis, energy metabolism, and inflammation. We evaluated the impact of serum chemerin levels on liver functional reserves in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and on the recurrence and prognosis of HCC. This study included 44 patients with any stage of HCC who underwent curative treatment at Gifu Municipal Hospital (Gifu, Japan) between 2006 and 2007. Recurrence-free survival and overall survival were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Serum albumin levels (Pearson’s correlation coefficient; r = 0.3110, p = 0.0399), platelet counts (r = 0.4159, p = 0.0050), and prothrombin times (r = 0.3775, p = 0.0115) were significantly correlated with serum chemerin levels in patients with HCC, and they were inversely correlated with Child-Pugh scores (r = −0.3732, p = 0.0126), serum alanine aminotransferase levels (r = −0.3864, p = 0.0105), and total bilirubin levels (r = −0.4023, p = 0.0068). Among these variables, a multiple comparison test identified that platelet counts and total bilirubin levels were associated with serum chemerin levels (p < 0.0083). No significant correlation was found between serum chemerin levels and recurrence-free survival (p = 0.3691) or overall survival (p = 0.7916). In HCC patients, serum chemerin concentrations were correlated with liver functional reserves and platelet counts, but not with recurrence or prognosis.
Rapid Carbonation for Calcite from a Solid-Liquid-Gas System with an Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquid
Authors: Ibrahim Abdul-Rauf , Vuningoma Jean , Huang Yan , Wang Hongtao , Li Jun
Published: June 2014

Aqueous carbonation of Ca(OH)2 is a complex process that produces calcite with scalenohedral calcite phases and characterized by inadequate carbonate species for effective carbonation due to the poor dissolution of CO2 in water. Consequently, we report a solid-liquid-gas carbonation system with an ionic liquid (IL), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide, in view of enhancing the reaction of CO2 with Ca(OH)2. The use of the IL increased the solubility of CO2 in the aqueous environment and enhanced the transport of the reactive species (Ca2+ and CO32−) and products. The presence of the IL also avoided the formation of the CaCO3 protective and passivation layer and ensured high carbonation yields, as well as the production of stoichiometric rhombohedral calcite phases in a short time.
DNA Sequencing Diagnosis of Off-Season Spirochetemia with Low Bacterial Density in Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia miyamotoi Infections
Authors: Lee Sin , Vigliotti Jessica , Vigliotti Veronica , Jones William , Moorcroft Thomas , Lantsman Katherine
Published: June 2014

A highly conserved 357-bp segment of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene (16S rDNA) of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and the correspondent 358-bp segment of the Borrelia miyamotoi gene were amplified by a single pair of nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers for detection, and the amplicons were used as the templates for direct Sanger DNA sequencing. Reliable molecular diagnosis of these borreliae was confirmed by sequence alignment analysis of the hypervariable regions of the PCR amplicon, using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) provided by the GenBank. This methodology can detect and confirm B. burgdorferi and B. miyamotoi in blood samples of patients with off-season spirochetemia of low bacterial density. We found four B. miyamotoi infections among 14 patients with spirochetemia, including one patient co-infected by both B. miyamotoi and B. burgdorferi in a winter month when human exposure to tick bites is very limited in the Northeast of the U.S.A. We conclude that sensitive and reliable tests for these two Borrelia species should be implemented in the microbiology laboratory of hospitals located in the disease-endemic areas, for timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment of the patients at an early stage of the infection to prevent potential tissue damages.
Genetic Variants of APOC3 Promoter and HLA-B Genes in an HIV Infected Cohort in Northern South Africa: A Pilot Study
Authors: Masebe Tracy , Bessong Pascal , Ndip Roland , Meyer Debra
Published: June 2014

Metabolic disorders and hypersensitivities affect tolerability and impact adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of C-482T/T-455C variants in the Apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) promoter gene and Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B*57:01, known to impact lipid metabolic disorders and hypersensitivity respectively; and to correlate genotypes with gender, CD4+ cell count and viral load in an HIV infected cohort in northern South Africa. Frequencies of C-482 and T-455 polymorphisms in APOC3 were determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Allele determination for HLA-B was performed with Assign SBT software in an HLA library. Analysis of APOC3 C-482 site revealed a prevalence of 196/199 (98.5%) for CC, 1/199 (0.5%) for CT and 2/199 (1.0%) for TT genotype (p = 0.000 with 1° of freedom; χ2 = 126.551). For the T-455 site, prevalences were: 69/199 (35%) for TT and 130/199 (65%) for the CC genotype (p = 0.000 with 1° of freedom; χ2 = 199). There was no association between gender and the presence of −482 (p = 1; χ2 = 0.00001) or −455 genotypes (p = 0.1628; χ2 = 1.9842). There was no significant difference in the increase in CD4+ cell count irrespective of genotypes. Significant increases in CD4+ cell count were observed in males and females considering the −455C genotype, but not in males for the −455T genotype. Viral load decreases were significant with the −455C and −482C genotypes irrespective of gender. HLA-B*57:01 was not identified in the study cohort. The apparently high prevalence of APOC3 T-455CC genotype needs confirmation with a larger samples size and triglyceride measurements to support screening of patients to pre-empt HAART associated lipid disorders.
The Influence of MgH2 on the Assessment of Electrochemical Data to Predict the Degradation Rate of Mg and Mg Alloys
Authors: Mueller Wolf-Dieter , Hornberger Helga
Published: June 2014

Mg and Mg alloys are becoming more and more of interest for several applications. In the case of biomaterial applications, a special interest exists due to the fact that a predictable degradation should be given. Various investigations were made to characterize and predict the corrosion behavior in vitro and in vivo. Mostly, the simple oxidation of Mg to Mg2+ ions connected with adequate hydrogen development is assumed, and the negative difference effect (NDE) is attributed to various mechanisms and electrochemical results. The aim of this paper is to compare the different views on the corrosion pathway of Mg or Mg alloys and to present a neglected pathway based on thermodynamic data as a guideline for possible reactions combined with experimental observations of a delay of visible hydrogen evolution during cyclic voltammetry. Various reaction pathways are considered and discussed to explain these results, like the stability of the Mg+ intermediate state, the stability of MgH2 and the role of hydrogen overpotential. Finally, the impact of MgH2 formation is shown as an appropriate base for the prediction of the degradation behavior and calculation of the corrosion rate of Mg and Mg alloys.
Plasma-Enabled Carbon Nanostructures for Early Diagnosis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Pineda Shafique , Han Zhao , Ostrikov Kostya
Published: June 2014

Carbon nanostructures (CNs) are amongst the most promising biorecognition nanomaterials due to their unprecedented optical, electrical and structural properties. As such, CNs may be harnessed to tackle the detrimental public health and socio-economic adversities associated with neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). In particular, CNs may be tailored for a specific determination of biomarkers indicative of NDs. However, the realization of such a biosensor represents a significant technological challenge in the uniform fabrication of CNs with outstanding qualities in order to facilitate a highly-sensitive detection of biomarkers suspended in complex biological environments. Notably, the versatility of plasma-based techniques for the synthesis and surface modification of CNs may be embraced to optimize the biorecognition performance and capabilities. This review surveys the recent advances in CN-based biosensors, and highlights the benefits of plasma-processing techniques to enable, enhance, and tailor the performance and optimize the fabrication of CNs, towards the construction of biosensors with unparalleled performance for the early diagnosis of NDs, via a plethora of energy-efficient, environmentally-benign, and inexpensive approaches.
Experimental Investigation of the Effect of the Driving Voltage of an Electroadhesion Actuator
Authors: Koh Keng , Sreekumar M. , Ponnambalam S.
Published: June 2014

This paper investigates the effect of driving voltage on the attachment force of an electroadhesion actuator, as the existing literature on the saturation of the adhesive force at a higher electric field is incomplete. A new type of electroadhesion actuator using normally available materials, such as aluminum foil, PVC tape and a silicone rubber sheet used for keyboard protection, has been developed with a simple layered structure that is capable of developing adhesive force consistently. The developed actuator is subjected to the experiment for the evaluation of various test surfaces; aluminum, brick, ceramic, concrete and glass. The driving high voltage is varied in steps to determine the characteristics of the output holding force. Results show a quadratic relation between F (adhesion force) and V (driving voltage) within the 2 kV range. After this range, the F-V responses consistently show a saturation trend at high electric fields. Next, the concept of the leakage current that can occur in the dielectric material and the corona discharge through air has been introduced. Results show that the voltage level, which corresponds to the beginning of the supply current, matches well with the beginning of the force saturation. With the confirmation of this hypothesis, a working model for electroadhesion actuation is proposed. Based on the experimental results, it is proposed that such a kind of actuator can be driven within a range of optimum high voltage to remain electrically efficient. This practice is recommended for the future design, development and characterization of electroadhesion actuators for robotic applications.
Structural and Optical Properties of La1−xSrxTiO3+δ
Authors: Gao Lihong , Ma Zhuang , Wang Song , Wang Fuchi , Yang Cai
Published: June 2014

La1−xSrxTiO3+δ has attracted much attention as an important perovskite oxide. However, there are rare reports on its optical properties, especially reflectivity. In this paper, its structural and optical properties were studied. The X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and spectrophotometer were used to characterize the sample. The results show that with increasing Sr concentration, the number of TiO6 octahedral layers in each “slab” increases and the crystal structure changes from layered to cubic structure. A proper Sr doping (x = 0.1) can increase the reflectivity, reaching 95% in the near infrared range, which is comparable with metal Al measured in the same condition. This indicates its potential applications as optical protective coatings or anti-radiation materials at high temperatures.
Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Naphthalimide Derived N-Mustards
Authors: Lou Qinghua , Ji Liyan , Zhong Wenhe , Li Shasha , Yu Siwang , Li Zhongjun , Meng Xiangbao
Published: June 2014

A series of N-mustards, which was conjugated to mono- or bis-naphthalimides with a flexible amine link, were synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxicity against five cancer cell lines (HCT-116, PC-3, U87 MG, Hep G2 and SK-OV-3). Several compounds displayed better activities than the control compound amonafide. Further evaluations by fluorescence spectroscopy studies and DNA-interstrand cross-linking assays revealed that the derivatives showed both alkylating and intercalating properties. Among the derivatives, the bis-naphthalimide N-mustard derivative 11b was found to exhibit the highest cytotoxic activity and DNA cross-linking ability. Both 11b and 7b induce HCT-116 cell apoptosis by S phase arrest.
Regulatory Effects of Fisetin on Microglial Activation
Authors: Chuang Jing-Yuan , Chang Pei-Chun , Shen Yi-Chun , Lin Chingju , Tsai Cheng-Fang , Chen Jia-Hong , Yeh Wei-Lan , Wu Ling-Hsuan , Lin Hsiao-Yun , Liu Yu-Shu , Lu Dah-Yuu
Published: June 2014

Increasing evidence suggests that inflammatory processes in the central nervous system that are mediated by microglial activation play a key role in neurodegeneration. Fisetin, a plant flavonol commonly found in fruits and vegetables, is frequently added to nutritional supplements due to its antioxidant properties. In the present study, treatment with fisetin inhibited microglial cell migration and ROS (reactive oxygen species) production. Treatment with fisetin also effectively inhibited LPS plus IFN-γ-induced nitric oxide (NO) production, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in microglial cells. Furthermore, fisetin also reduced expressions of iNOS and NO by stimulation of peptidoglycan, the major component of the Gram-positive bacterium cell wall. Fisetin also inhibited the enhancement of LPS/IFN-γ- or peptidoglycan-induced inflammatory mediator IL (interlukin)-1 β expression. Besides the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of fisetin, our study also elucidates the manner in fisetin-induced an endogenous anti-oxidative enzyme HO (heme oxygenase)-1 expression. Moreover, the regulatory molecular mechanism of fisetin-induced HO-1 expression operates through the PI-3 kinase/AKT and p38 signaling pathways in microglia. Notably, fisetin also significantly attenuated inflammation-related microglial activation and coordination deficit in mice in vivo. These findings suggest that fisetin may be a candidate agent for the development of therapies for inflammation-related neurodegenerative diseases.
Mulberry Fruit Extract Protects Pancreatic β-Cells against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Apoptosis via Antioxidative Activity
Authors: Lee Jong , Kim Young , Park Jun , Ha Suk-Jin , Kim Young , Baek Nam , Hong Eock
Published: June 2014

Among the many environmental stresses, excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ensuring oxidative stress are known to cause significant cellular damage. This has clinical implications in the onset of type 1 diabetes, which is triggered by the destruction of pancreatic β-cells and is associated with oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the protective and antioxidative effects of mulberry extract (ME) in insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells. We found that ME protects pancreatic β-cells against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress and the associated apoptotic cell death. ME treatment significantly reduced the levels of H2O2-induced 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, and lipid peroxidation and intracellular ROS accumulation. In addition, ME inhibited DNA condensation and/or fragmentation induced by H2O2. These results suggest that ME protects pancreatic β-cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress.
Neural Networks Integrated Circuit for Biomimetics MEMS Microrobot
Authors: Saito Ken , Maezumi Kazuaki , Naito Yuka , Hidaka Tomohiro , Iwata Kei , Okane Yuki , Oku Hirozumi , Takato Minami , Uchikoba Fumio
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we will propose the neural networks integrated circuit (NNIC) which is the driving waveform generator of the 4.0, 2.7, 2.5 mm, width, length, height in size biomimetics microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microrobot. The microrobot was made from silicon wafer fabricated by micro fabrication technology. The mechanical system of the robot was equipped with small size rotary type actuators, link mechanisms and six legs to realize the ant-like switching behavior. The NNIC generates the driving waveform using synchronization phenomena such as biological neural networks. The driving waveform can operate the actuators of the MEMS microrobot directly. Therefore, the NNIC bare chip realizes the robot control without using any software programs or A/D converters. The microrobot performed forward and backward locomotion, and also changes direction by inputting an external single trigger pulse. The locomotion speed of the microrobot was 26.4 mm/min when the step width was 0.88 mm. The power consumption of the system was 250 mWh when the room temperature was 298 K.
Modifying SEBAL Model Based on the Trapezoidal Relationship between Land Surface Temperature and Vegetation Index for Actual Evapotranspiration Estimation
Authors: Wang Xiao-Gang , Wang Wen , Huang Dui , Yong Bin , Chen Xi
Published: June 2014

The Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL) is widely used to estimate actual evapotranspiration (ETa). One major limitation of the SEBAL model is the subjectiveness in selecting extreme cold/hot pixels. In the present study, the SEBAL model is modified by determining the extreme cold/hot status, based on the theoretical trapezoidal relationship between land surface temperature (Ts) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), which is established for each pixel. In this way, the dependence of SEBAL model on the existence of extreme cold/hot status and the subjectiveness in selecting cold/hot pixels with SEBAL model are eliminated. The performance of the classical SEBAL model and the modified version, T-SEBAL, are compared for estimating ETa for a semi-arid catchment, and the result showed that the accuracy of ETa estimation is improved by the T-SEBAL model compared with the classical SEBAL model.
TecLines: A MATLAB-Based Toolbox for Tectonic Lineament Analysis from Satellite Images and DEMs, Part 1: Line Segment Detection and Extraction
Authors: Rahnama Mehdi , Gloaguen Richard
Published: June 2014

Geological structures, such as faults and fractures, appear as image discontinuities or lineaments in remote sensing data. Geologic lineament mapping is a very important issue in geo-engineering, especially for construction site selection, seismic, and risk assessment, mineral exploration and hydrogeological research. Classical methods of lineaments extraction are based on semi-automated (or visual) interpretation of optical data and digital elevation models. We developed a freely available Matlab based toolbox TecLines (Tectonic Lineament Analysis) for locating and quantifying lineament patterns using satellite data and digital elevation models. TecLines consists of a set of functions including frequency filtering, spatial filtering, tensor voting, Hough transformation, and polynomial fitting. Due to differences in the mathematical background of the edge detection and edge linking procedure as well as the breadth of the methods, we introduce the approach in two-parts. In this first study, we present the steps that lead to edge detection. We introduce the data pre-processing using selected filters in spatial and frequency domains. We then describe the application of the tensor-voting framework to improve position and length accuracies of the detected lineaments. We demonstrate the robustness of the approach in a complex area in the northeast of Afghanistan using a panchromatic QUICKBIRD-2 image with 1-meter resolution. Finally, we compare the results of TecLines with manual lineament extraction, and other lineament extraction algorithms, as well as a published fault map of the study area.
Spatiotemporal Patterns of Urbanization in a Developed Region of Eastern Coastal China
Authors: Li Jiadan , Deng Jinsong , Wang Ke , Li Jun , Huang Tao , Lin Yi , Yu Haiyan
Published: June 2014

This study presents a practical methodology to monitor the spatiotemporal characteristics of urban expansion in response to rapid urbanization at the provincial scale by integrating remote sensing, urban built-up area boundaries, spatial metrics and spatial regression. Sixty-seven cities were investigated to examine the differences of urbanization intensity, urbanization patterns and urban land use efficiency in conjunction with the identification of socio-economic indicators and planning strategies. Planning proposals to allocate the urbanization intensity among different-sized cities by considering sustainable urban development were also explored. The results showed that the urban area of Zhejiang Province expanded from 31,380 ha in 1980 to 415,184 ha in 2010, indicating that the area of the urban region expanded to more than 13-times the initial urban area. The urban built-up area boundaries became more complex and irregular in shape as the urban area expanded throughout the entire study period. Rapid urban population growth and economic development were identified as significant in stimulating the urban expansion process. However, different-sized cities exhibited marked differences in urban development. Small cities experienced the rapidest urbanization before 2000. Large cities, which are estimated to have the highest urban land use efficiency, had the most dramatic sprawl in urban area at the beginning of the 21st century. Promoting the development of large cities to mega-cities is recommended in Zhejiang Province to ensure sustainable urban development with consideration of land resource preservation.
An Improved Neural Network for Regional Giant Panda Habitat Suitability Mapping: A Case Study in Ya’an Prefecture
Authors: Song Jingwei , Wang Xinyuan , Liao Ying , Zhen Jing , Ishwaran Natarajan , Guo Huadong , Yang Ruixia , Liu Chuansheng , Chang Chun , Zong Xin
Published: June 2014

Expert knowledge is a combination of prior information and subjective opinions based on long-experience; as such it is often not sufficiently objective to produce convincing results in animal habitat suitability index mapping. In this study, an animal habitat assessment method based on a learning neural network is proposed to reduce the level of subjectivity in animal habitat assessments. Based on two hypotheses, this method substitutes habitat suitability index with apparent density and has advantages over conventional ones such as those based on analytical hierarchy process or multivariate regression approaches. Besides, this method is integrated with a learning neural network and is suitable for building non-linear transferring functions to fit complex relationships between multiple factors influencing habitat suitability. Once the neural network is properly trained, new earth observation data can be integrated for rapid habitat suitability monitoring which could save time and resources needed for traditional data collecting approaches through extensive field surveys. Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) natural habitat in Ya’an prefecture and corresponding landsat images, DEM and ground observations are tested for validity of using the methodology reported. Results show that the method scores well in key efficiency and performance indicators and could be extended for habitat assessments, particularly of other large, rare and widely distributed animal species.
Wigner’s Space-Time Symmetries Based on the Two-by-Two Matrices of the Damped Harmonic Oscillators and the Poincaré Sphere
Authors: Başkal Sibel , Kim Young , Noz Marilyn
Published: June 2014

The second-order differential equation for a damped harmonic oscillator can be converted to two coupled first-order equations, with two two-by-two matrices leading to the group Sp(2). It is shown that this oscillator system contains the essential features of Wigner’s little groups dictating the internal space-time symmetries of particles in the Lorentz-covariant world. The little groups are the subgroups of the Lorentz group whose transformations leave the four-momentum of a given particle invariant. It is shown that the damping modes of the oscillator correspond to the little groups for massive and imaginary-mass particles respectively. When the system makes the transition from the oscillation to damping mode, it corresponds to the little group for massless particles. Rotations around the momentum leave the four-momentum invariant. This degree of freedom extends the Sp(2) symmetry to that of SL(2, c) corresponding to the Lorentz group applicable to the four-dimensional Minkowski space. The Poincaré sphere contains the SL(2, c) symmetry. In addition, it has a non-Lorentzian parameter allowing us to reduce the mass continuously to zero. It is thus possible to construct the little group for massless particles from that of the massive particle by reducing its mass to zero. Spin-1/2 particles and spin-1 particles are discussed in detail.
Lessons Learnt from Educating University Students through a Trans-Disciplinary Project for Sustainable Sanitation Using a Systems Approach and Problem-Based Learning
Authors: Gray Janice , Williams Jennifer , Hagare Prasanthi , Lopes Abby , Sankaran Shankar
Published: June 2014

This article discusses how a Systems Thinking (ST) approach to student learning, employing Problem-Based Learning (PBL) interventions, at several different universities in Sydney, Australia was incorporated into a broader trans-disciplinary research project, the aim of which was to examine how urine diversion in an urban, institutional setting might form the basis of phosphorus collection—phosphorus being a non-renewable resource used in agricultural fertilizers. The article explores how the ST approach employed by the researchers themselves was adapted to embrace student engagement opportunities and how it permitted opportunities for Problem-Based Learning interventions. Five academics forming part of the research team consider the effectiveness of ST-styled student engagement via Problem-Based Learning in three action research cycles used in the research project. In sharing their experiences they provide an honest, “no-holds barred” review of what worked and what could be done more effectively with the benefits of hindsight.
The Alchemist’s Approach to Metal Poisoning: Transforming the Metal Burden
Authors: Briner Wayne
Published: June 2014

Metal poisoning is a global problem with humans being exposed to a wide range of metals in varying doses and varying time frames. Traditionally, treatment involves removal of the toxic source or chelation therapy. An intermediate approach is needed. This review outlines the argument for the use of essential metal supplementation as a strategy to induce metallothionein expression and displace the toxic metal from important biological systems, improving the metal burden of the patient. Specific recommendations are given for supplementation with calcium, zinc and vitamin E as a broad strategy to improve the status of those exposed to toxic metals.
RNA Virus Reverse Genetics and Vaccine Design
Authors: Stobart Christopher , Moore Martin
Published: June 2014

RNA viruses are capable of rapid spread and severe or potentially lethal disease in both animals and humans. The development of reverse genetics systems for manipulation and study of RNA virus genomes has provided platforms for designing and optimizing viral mutants for vaccine development. Here, we review the impact of RNA virus reverse genetics systems on past and current efforts to design effective and safe viral therapeutics and vaccines.
Caspase-1 Dependent IL-1β Secretion and Antigen-Specific T-Cell Activation by the Novel Adjuvant, PCEP
Authors: Awate Sunita , Eng Nelson , Gerdts Volker , Babiuk Lorne , Mutwiri George
Published: June 2014

The potent adjuvant activity of the novel adjuvant, poly[di(sodiumcarboxylatoethylphenoxy)phosphazene] (PCEP), with various antigens has been reported previously. However, very little is known about its mechanisms of action. We have recently reported that intramuscular injection of PCEP induces NLRP3, an inflammasome receptor gene, and inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β and IL-18, in mouse muscle tissue. Caspase-1 is required for the processing of pro-forms of IL-1β and IL-18 into mature forms and is a critical constituent of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Hence, in the present study, we investigated the role of caspase-1 in the secretion of IL-1β and IL-18 in PCEP-stimulated splenic dendritic cells (DCs). Caspase inhibitor YVAD-fmk-treated splenic DCs showed significantly reduced IL-1β and IL-18 secretion in response to PCEP stimulation. Further, PCEP had no effect on the expression of MHC class II or co-stimulatory molecules, CD86 and CD40, suggesting that PCEP does not induce DC maturation. However, PCEP directly activated B-cells to induce significant production of IgM. In addition, PCEP+ovalbumin (OVA) immunized mice showed significantly increased production of antigen-specific IFN-γ by CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells. We conclude that PCEP activates innate immunity, leading to increased antigen-specific T-cell responses.
Marketing Household Water Treatment: Willingness to Pay Results from an Experiment in Rural Kenya
Authors: Blum Annalise , Null Clair , Hoffmann Vivian
Published: June 2014

Despite increasing availability of household water treatment products, demand in developing countries remains low. Willingness to pay for water treatment products and factors that affect demand are not well understood. In this study, we estimate willingness to pay for WaterGuard, a dilute chlorine solution for point-of-use water treatment, using actual purchase decisions at randomly assigned prices. Secondly, we identify household characteristics that are correlated with the purchase decision. Among a sample of 854 respondents from 107 villages in rural Kenya, we find that mean willingness to pay is approximately 80% of the market price. Although only 35% of sample households purchased WaterGuard at the market price, 67% of those offered a 50% discount purchased the product. A marketing message emphasizing child health did not have a significant effect on purchase behavior, overall or among the subset of households with children under five. These findings suggest that rural Kenyans are willing to pay for WaterGuard at low prices but are very sensitive to increasing price. Households with young children that could benefit the most from use of WaterGuard do not appear to be more likely to purchase the product, and a marketing message designed to target this population was ineffective.
Pollutant Removal and Hydraulic Reduction Performance of Field Grassed Swales during Runoff Simulation Experiments
Authors: Lucke Terry , Mohamed Mohamed , Tindale Neil
Published: June 2014

Four different field swales were tested in this study, using 24 standardised synthetic runoff simulation experiments to evaluate their performance in removing Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Nitrogen (TN) and Total Phosphorous (TP) from stormwater runoff. Hydraulic reduction capability of the swales was also assessed. The study demonstrated that a swale’s TSS removal performance is highly dependent on the inlet TSS concentrations. Results showed that between 50% and 80% of the TSS was generally removed within the first 10 m of the swale length. The study found no reduction in TN concentrations due to treatment by the swales. However, it did demonstrate a reduction in measured TP levels of between 20% and 23% between the inlet and the outlet. The study results demonstrated that swales can be successfully used to attenuate peak stormwater flow rates, reduce runoff volumes and to improve the quality of stormwater runoff, particularly in runoff with high concentrations of TSS and TP. The results from this study will assist designers to estimate the appropriate length of swale required to achieve specific TSS and TP pollution reductions in urban stormwater runoff and to reduce downstream runoff volumes.
The Effect of Influent Characteristics and Operational Conditions over the Performance and Microbial Community Structure of Partial Nitritation Reactors
Authors: Rodriguez-Sanchez Alejandro , Gonzalez-Martinez Alejandro , Martinez-Toledo Maria , Garcia-Ruiz Maria , Osorio Francisco , Gonzalez-Lopez Jesus
Published: June 2014

Nitrogen is a main contaminant of wastewater worldwide. Novel processes for nitrogen removal have been developed over the last several decades. One of these is the partial nitritation process. This process includes the oxidation of ammonium to nitrite without the generation of nitrate. The partial nitritation process has several advantages over traditional nitrification-denitrification processes for nitrogen removal from wastewaters. In addition, partial nitritation is required for anammox elimination of nitrogen from wastewater. Partial nitritation is affected by operational conditions and substances present in the influent, such as quinolone antibiotics. In this review, the impact that several operational conditions, such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, hydraulic retention time and solids retention time, have over the partial nitritation process is covered. The effect of quinolone antibiotics and other emerging contaminants are discussed. Finally, future perspectives for the partial nitritation process are commented upon.