bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Statistical Analysis of Urban Noise Data from a WASN Gathered by an IoT System: Application to a Small City
Authors: Segura Garcia Jaume , Pérez Solano Juan , Cobos Serrano Máximo , Navarro Camba Enrique , Felici Castell Santiago , Soriano Asensi Antonio , Montes Suay Francisco
Published: November 2016

EU Directive 49/2002 and Spanish law 37/2006 urge cities to develop strategic noise maps and action plans to evaluate noise exposure and to establish noise abatement procedures in critical areas. However, noise mapping involves costly and cumbersome measurement procedures that can become a real issue in practice. This paper describes a distributed noise monitoring system based on WASN (Wireless Acoustic Sensor Network) and the application of a geo-statistical methodology for statistical spatial-temporal prediction of noise levels in semi-open areas, such as a typical, small Mediterranean city (Algemesí, València, Spain). This methodology is applied to the study of the spatial evolution in time of the noise pollution. To this end, a spatial statistical model is developed by using the noise pollution measurements obtained over a set of points located at some strategic locations. The geo-statistical time model allows for estimating specific noise levels and characterizing the spatial-temporal variation of the noise pollution. The results show that the developed model provides a good approximation of the measurements obtained experimentally.
Fictitious Reference Iterative Tuning-Based Two-Degrees-of-Freedom Method for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Speed Control Using FPGA for a High-Frequency SiC MOSFET InverterMOSFET Inverter
Authors: Harahap Charles , Hanamoto Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2016

This paper proposes proportional-integral/proportional gain controller parameter tuning in a two-degrees-of-freedom (2DOF) control system using the fictitious reference iterative tuning (FRIT) method for permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) speed control using a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) for a high-frequency SiC MOSFET (metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor) inverter. The PI-P (proportional-integral/proportional) controller parameters can be tuned using the FRIT method from one-shot experimental data without using a mathematical model of the plant. Particle swarm optimization is used for FRIT optimization. An inverter that uses a SiC MOSFET is presented to achieve high-frequency operation at up to100 kHz using a switching pulse-width modulation (PWM) technique. As a result, a high-responsivity and high-stability PMSM (permanent magnet synchronous motor) control system is achieved, where the speed response follows the ideal response characteristic for both the step response and the disturbance response. High-responsivity and optimal disturbance rejection can be achieved using the 2DOF control system. FPGA-based digital hardware control is used to maximize the switching frequency of the SiC MOSFET inverter. Finally, an experimental system is set up, and experimental results are presented to prove the viability of the proposed method.
Modeling and Analysis of a Compliance Model and Rotational Precision for a Class of Remote Center Compliance Mechanisms
Authors: Lai Lei-Jie , Zhu Zi-Na
Published: November 2016

The remote center compliance (RCC) mechanism is of great use for practical designs, especially if a pure rotation about a virtual point is required. The analysis of compliance properties and rotational precision for RCC mechanisms are very important for mechanical design in applications where precision is required. This paper formulates an analytical method for the compliance and rotational precision calculations of a class of RCC mechanisms, combined in parallel with two round beam-based isosceles-trapezoidal flexural pivots. The analytical model of the mechanism is established based on the stiffness matrix method to directly obtain the compliance factors that completely define the elastic response of the mechanism. The rotational precision of the mechanism—That is, the position of rotation center—Is then derived using screw theory and a compliance matrix. The validity of this model is demonstrated using finite element analysis simulation and experimental tests. The results of both simulation and experiment verify that the analytical model has high accuracy and promising practical applications. Moreover, the influences of the geometry parameters on the compliance factors and the center shifts are also graphically evaluated and discussed using the analytical model. The results in this paper provide an effective configuration and analytical method for the design and optimization of RCC mechanisms, and are of great practical significance.
Cloud Properties under Different Synoptic Circulations: Comparison of Radiosonde and Ground-Based Active Remote Sensing Measurements
Authors: Zhang Jinqiang , Li Jun , Xia Xiangao , Chen Hongbin , Ling Chao
Published: November 2016

In this study, long-term (10 years) radiosonde-based cloud data are compared with the ground-based active remote sensing product under six prevailing large-scale synoptic patterns, i.e., cyclonic center (CC), weak pressure pattern (WP), the southeast bottom of cyclonic center (CB), cold front (CF), anticyclone edge (AE) and anticyclone center (AC) over the Southern Great Plains (SGP) site. The synoptic patterns are generated by applying the self-organizing map weather classification method to the daily National Centers for Environmental Protection mean sea level pressure records from the North American Regional Reanalysis. It reveals that the large-scale synoptic circulations can strongly influence the regional cloud formation, and thereby have impact on the consistency of cloud retrievals from the radiosonde and ground-based cloud product. The total cloud cover at the SGP site is characterized by the least in AC and the most in CF. The minimum and maximum differences between the two cloud methods are 10.3% for CC and 13.3% for WP. Compared to the synoptic patterns characterized by scattered cloudy and clear skies (AE and AC), the agreement of collocated cloud boundaries between the two cloud approaches tends to be better under the synoptic patterns dominated by overcast and cloudy skies (CC, WP and CB). The rainy and windy weather conditions in CF synoptic pattern influence the consistency of the two cloud retrieval methods associated with the limited capabilities inherent to the instruments. The cloud thickness distribution from the two cloud datasets compares favorably with each other in all synoptic patterns, with relative discrepancy of ≤0.3 km.
Chitosan Aerogel Catalyzed Asymmetric Aldol Reaction in Water: Highly Enantioselective Construction of 3-Substituted-3-hydroxy-2-oxindoles
Authors: Dong Hui , Liu Jie , Ma Lifang , Ouyang Liang
Published: November 2016

A chitosan aerogel catalyzed asymmetric aldol reaction of ketones with isatins in the presence of water is described. This protocol was found to be environmentally benign, because it proceeds smoothly in water and the corresponding aldol products were obtained in excellent yields with good enantioselectivities.
Anisotropically Weighted and Nonholonomically Constrained Evolutions on Manifolds
Authors: Sommer Stefan
Published: November 2016

We present evolution equations for a family of paths that results from anisotropically weighting curve energies in non-linear statistics of manifold valued data. This situation arises when performing inference on data that have non-trivial covariance and are anisotropic distributed. The family can be interpreted as most probable paths for a driving semi-martingale that through stochastic development is mapped to the manifold. We discuss how the paths are projections of geodesics for a sub-Riemannian metric on the frame bundle of the manifold, and how the curvature of the underlying connection appears in the sub-Riemannian Hamilton–Jacobi equations. Evolution equations for both metric and cometric formulations of the sub-Riemannian metric are derived. We furthermore show how rank-deficient metrics can be mixed with an underlying Riemannian metric, and we relate the paths to geodesics and polynomials in Riemannian geometry. Examples from the family of paths are visualized on embedded surfaces, and we explore computational representations on finite dimensional landmark manifolds with geometry induced from right-invariant metrics on diffeomorphism groups.
Wind Turbines’ End-of-Life: Quantification and Characterisation of Future Waste Materials on a National Level
Authors: Andersen Niklas , Eriksson Ola , Hillman Karl , Wallhagen Marita
Published: November 2016

Globally, wind power is growing fast and in Sweden alone more than 3000 turbines have been installed since the mid-1990s. Although the number of decommissioned turbines so far is few, the high installation rate suggests that a similarly high decommissioning rate can be expected at some point in the future. If the waste material from these turbines is not handled sustainably the whole concept of wind power as a clean energy alternative is challenged. This study presents a generally applicable method and quantification based on statistics of the waste amounts from wind turbines in Sweden. The expected annual mean growth is 12% until 2026, followed by a mean increase of 41% until 2034. By then, annual waste amounts are estimated to 240,000 tonnes steel and iron (16% of currently recycled materials), 2300 tonnes aluminium (4%), 3300 tonnes copper (5%), 340 tonnes electronics (<1%) and 28,000 tonnes blade materials (barely recycled today). Three studied scenarios suggest that a well-functioning market for re-use may postpone the effects of these waste amounts until improved recycling systems are in place.
Radial Growth Response of Larix gmelinii to Climate along a Latitudinal Gradient in the Greater Khingan Mountains, Northeastern China
Authors: Jiang Yangao , Zhang Junhui , Han Shijie , Chen Zhenju , Setälä Heikki , Yu Jinghua , Zheng Xingbo , Guo Yingtao , Gu Yue
Published: November 2016

To explore how climatic factors influence tree growth within the context of global climate changes, we used a dendroclimatological analysis to understand the response of Larix gmelinii to climatic variations along a broad latitudinal gradient from 47.27° to 52.66° N in the Greater Khingan Mountains of Northeastern China. The growth-limiting climate factors and a detailed association between radial growth and climate were identified along the gradient using redundancy analysis (RDA) and standard correlation function analysis over the period 1960–2013. The results showed that temperatures during current June to July represented the most important factor affecting tree radial growth in the study area. Across all studied latitudes, Larix gmelinii growth might be decreasing in radial growth due to higher monthly maximum temperature (Tmax) and monthly mean temperatures (Tm) in the current June, especially for the stands at low and middle latitudes. With continued warming, Larix gmelinii radial growth at high latitudes (e.g., Mangui (MG) and Mohe (MH)) might be reduced by warmer temperatures in July. In addition, Larix gmelinii might be decreasing in radial growth from decreasing precipitation. Our results show that there is a decreasing trend in Larix gmelinii radial growth under the observed general increase of temperatures in the Greater Khingan Mountains in recent years.
Increasing Water Use Efficiency Comes at a Cost for Norway Spruce
Authors: Sanders Tanja , Heinrich Ingo , Günther Björn , Beck Wolfgang
Published: November 2016

Intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi) in trees is an indication of the ratio of carbon assimilation to the rate of transpiration. It is generally assumed that it is a response to water availability. In agricultural research, the question of drought tolerance by increased WUEi has been well studied. In general, the increase is a trade-off for productivity and is therefore not desired. For forest trees, this question is less clearly understood. Using stable carbon isotopes derived from tree rings combined with productivity as the product of the annual growth increment and annual density measurements, we compared the change in WUEi over a 15 year period. While WUEi increased over this period, the productivity decreased, causing an opposing trend. The gradient of the correlation between WUEi and productivity varies between provenances and sites. Counterintuitively, the populations at the drier site showed low WUEi values at the beginning of the investigation. Slopes vary with the provenance from Poland showing the least decline in productivity. In general, we found that a decline in productivity aligned with an increase in WUEi.
Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction, Preliminary Characterization and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Polysaccharides from Green Pea Pods
Authors: Jalili Safaryan Maryam , Ganjloo Ali , Bimakr Mandana , Zarringhalami Soheila
Published: November 2016

In this study, ultrasound-assisted extraction of green pea pod polysaccharide (GPPP) was investigated and optimized using a central composite response surface design coupled with a numerical optimization technique. The effects of ultrasonic power (50–150 W), sonication time (20–80 min), ratio of water to raw material (20:1–40:1 mL/g) and extraction temperature (40–80 °C) on polysaccharide extraction yield were studied. The maximum extraction yield was obtained with a sonication power of 135.34 W, extraction time of 48.61 min, ratio of water to raw material of 33.6:1 mL/g and extraction temperature of 68.25 °C. Under these conditions, the experimental yield was 7.37% ± 0.13%, which was in close agreement with the predicted value (7.20%). The GPPP has been analyzed in order to identify a variety of chemical properties. The FT-IR spectrum demonstrated obvious characteristic peaks of polysaccharides. Furthermore, antioxidant activity of GPPP was evaluated by various antioxidant assays in vitro. The results revealed that GPPP possessed considerable DPPH free radical scavenging activity (91.03%), reducing power (0.63) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (0.34 mmol/L) at a total amount of 0.9 mg/mL. These findings indicated that GPPP extracted using an ultrasound-assisted extraction technique has potential as a novel source of natural antioxidant agent for future applications.
The Antiproliferative Effect of Chakasaponins I and II, Floratheasaponin A, and Epigallocatechin 3-O-Gallate Isolated from Camellia sinensis on Human Digestive Tract Carcinoma Cell Lines
Authors: Kitagawa Niichiro , Morikawa Toshio , Motai Chiaki , Ninomiya Kiyofumi , Okugawa Shuhei , Nishida Ayaka , Yoshikawa Masayuki , Muraoka Osamu
Published: November 2016

Acylated oleanane-type triterpene saponins, namely chakasaponins I (1) and II (2), floratheasaponin A (3), and their analogs, together with catechins—including (–)-epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (4), flavonoids, and caffeine—have been isolated as characteristic functional constituents from the extracts of “tea flower”, the flower buds of Camellia sinensis (Theaceae), which have common components with that of the leaf part. These isolates exhibited antiproliferative activities against human digestive tract carcinoma HSC-2, HSC-4, MKN-45, and Caco-2 cells. The antiproliferative activities of the saponins (1–3, IC50 = 4.4–14.1, 6.2–18.2, 4.5–17.3, and 19.3–40.6 µM, respectively) were more potent than those of catechins, flavonoids, and caffeine. To characterize the mechanisms of action of principal saponin constituents 1–3, a flow cytometric analysis using annexin-V/7-aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD) double staining in HSC-2 cells was performed. The percentage of apoptotic cells increased in a concentration-dependent manner. DNA fragmentation and caspase-3/7 activation were also detected after 48 h. These results suggested that antiproliferative activities of 1–3 induce apoptotic cell death via activation of caspase-3/7.
Emerging Non-Canonical Functions and Regulation by p53: p53 and Stemness
Authors: Olivos David , Mayo Lindsey
Published: November 2016

Since its discovery nearly 40 years ago, p53 has ascended to the forefront of investigated genes and proteins across diverse research disciplines and is recognized most exclusively for its role in cancer as a tumor suppressor. Levine and Oren (2009) reviewed the evolution of p53 detailing the significant discoveries of each decade since its first report in 1979. In this review, we will highlight the emerging non-canonical functions and regulation of p53 in stem cells. We will focus on general themes shared among p53’s functions in non-malignant stem cells and cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and the influence of p53 on the microenvironment and CSC niche. We will also examine p53 gain of function (GOF) roles in stemness. Mutant p53 (mutp53) GOFs that lead to survival, drug resistance and colonization are reviewed in the context of the acquisition of advantageous transformation processes, such as differentiation and dedifferentiation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stem cell senescence and quiescence. Finally, we will conclude with therapeutic strategies that restore wild-type p53 (wtp53) function in cancer and CSCs, including RING finger E3 ligases and CSC maintenance. The mechanisms by which wtp53 and mutp53 influence stemness in non-malignant stem cells and CSCs or tumor-initiating cells (TICs) are poorly understood thus far. Further elucidation of p53’s effects on stemness could lead to novel therapeutic strategies in cancer research.
Dendritic Cell-Based Immunotherapies to Fight HIV: How Far from a Success Story? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Coelho Antonio , De Moura Ronald , Kamada Anselmo , Da Silva Ronaldo , Guimarães Rafael , Brandão Lucas , De Alencar Luiz , Crovella Sergio
Published: November 2016

The scientific community still faces the challenge of developing strategies to cure HIV-1. One of these pursued strategies is the development of immunotherapeutic vaccines based on dendritic cells (DCs), pulsed with the virus, that aim to boost HIV-1 specific immune response. We aimed to review DCs-based therapeutic vaccines reports and critically assess evidence to gain insights for the improvement of these strategies. We performed a systematic review, followed by meta-analysis and meta-regression, of clinical trial reports. Twelve studies were selected for meta-analysis. The experimental vaccines had low efficiency, with an overall success rate around 38% (95% confidence interval = 26.7%–51.3%). Protocols differed according to antigen choice, DC culture method, and doses, although multivariate analysis did not show an influence of any of them on overall success rate. The DC-based vaccines elicited at least some immunogenicity, that was sometimes associated with plasmatic viral load transient control. The protocols included both naïve and antiretroviral therapy (ART)-experienced individuals, and used different criteria for assessing vaccine efficacy. Although the vaccines did not work as expected, they are proof of concept that immune responses can be boosted against HIV-1. Protocol standardization and use of auxiliary approaches, such as latent HIV-1 reservoir activation and patient genomics are paramount for fine-tuning future HIV-1 cure strategies.
Pro- and Antioxidant Activity of Three Selected Flavan Type Flavonoids: Catechin, Eriodictyol and Taxifolin
Authors: Chobot Vladimir , Hadacek Franz , Bachmann Gert , Weckwerth Wolfram , Kubicova Lenka
Published: November 2016

The flavanol (±)-catechin shows an OH group but no 4-keto group on ring C (C3), and no conjugation between ring A and B. The related flavanone (+)-eriodictyol has a keto group on C4 but no 3-OH group on ring C. (+)-Taxifolin, another flavanone, has an OH on C3 and a keto group on C4 of the C ring. Deoxyribose degradation assay systems, with hydrogen peroxide and ascorbic acid either added or omitted, were performed in variants in which Fe(III) was added in a complex with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). In combination with differential pulse voltammetry (DVP), the specific redox-chemical contributions of the ring A m-dihydroxyl groups could be explored more specifically in addition to those of the traditionally investigated o-dihydroxyl groups of ring B.
Pseudogenes and Their Genome-Wide Prediction in Plants
Authors: Xiao Jin , Sekhwal Manoj , Li Pingchuan , Ragupathy Raja , Cloutier Sylvie , Wang Xiue , You Frank
Published: November 2016

Pseudogenes are paralogs generated from ancestral functional genes (parents) during genome evolution, which contain critical defects in their sequences, such as lacking a promoter, having a premature stop codon or frameshift mutations. Generally, pseudogenes are functionless, but recent evidence demonstrates that some of them have potential roles in regulation. The majority of pseudogenes are generated from functional progenitor genes either by gene duplication (duplicated pseudogenes) or retro-transposition (processed pseudogenes). Pseudogenes are primarily identified by comparison to their parent genes. Bioinformatics tools for pseudogene prediction have been developed, among which PseudoPipe, PSF and Shiu’s pipeline are publicly available. We compared these three tools using the well-annotated Arabidopsis thaliana genome and its known 924 pseudogenes as a test data set. PseudoPipe and Shiu’s pipeline identified ~80% of A. thaliana pseudogenes, of which 94% were shared, while PSF failed to generate adequate results. A need for improvement of the bioinformatics tools for pseudogene prediction accuracy in plant genomes was thus identified, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of genome annotation in plants.
Procedure for Application-Oriented Optimisation of Marine Propellers
Authors: Vesting Florian , Bensow Rickard , Johansson Rikard , Gustafsson Robert , Costa Nicole
Published: November 2016

The use of automated optimisation in engineering applications is emerging. In particular, nature inspired algorithms are frequently used because of their variability and robust application in constraints and multi-objective optimisation problems. The purpose of this paper is the comparison of four different algorithms and several optimisation strategies on a set of seven test propellers in realistic industrial design setting. The propellers are picked from real commercial projects and the manual final designs were delivered to customers. The different approaches are evaluated and final results of the automated optimisation toolbox are compared with designs generated in a manual design process. We identify a two-stage optimisation for marine propellers, where the geometry is first modified by parametrised geometry distribution curves to gather knowledge of the test case. Here we vary the optimisation strategy in terms of applied algorithms, constraints and objectives. A second supporting optimisation aims to improve the design by locally changing the geometry, based on the results of the first optimisation. The optimisation algorithms and strategies yield propeller designs that are comparable to the manually designed propeller blade geometries, thus being suitable as robust and advanced design support tools. The supporting optimisation, with local modification of the blade geometry and the proposed cavity shape constraints, features particular good performance in modifying cavitation on the blade and is, with the AS NSGA-II (adaptive surrogate-assisted NSGA-II), superior in lead time.
Screening of a Haloferax volcanii Transposon Library Reveals Novel Motility and Adhesion Mutants
Authors: Legerme Georgio , Yang Evan , Esquivel Rianne , Kiljunen Saija , Savilahti Harri , Pohlschroder Mechthild
Published: November 2016

Archaea, like bacteria, use type IV pili to facilitate surface adhesion. Moreover, archaeal flagella—structures required for motility—share a common ancestry with type IV pili. While the characterization of archaeal homologs of bacterial type IV pilus biosynthesis components has revealed important aspects of flagellum and pilus biosynthesis and the mechanisms regulating motility and adhesion in archaea, many questions remain. Therefore, we screened a Haloferax volcanii transposon insertion library for motility mutants using motility plates and adhesion mutants, using an adapted air–liquid interface assay. Here, we identify 20 genes, previously unknown to affect motility or adhesion. These genes include potential novel regulatory genes that will help to unravel the mechanisms underpinning these processes. Both screens also identified distinct insertions within the genomic region lying between two chemotaxis genes, suggesting that chemotaxis not only plays a role in archaeal motility, but also in adhesion. Studying these genes, as well as hypothetical genes hvo_2512 and hvo_2876—also critical for both motility and adhesion—will likely elucidate how these two systems interact. Furthermore, this study underscores the usefulness of the transposon library to screen other archaeal cellular processes for specific phenotypic defects.
Neo-Geometric Copper Nanocrystals by Competitive, Dual Surfactant-Mediated Facet Adsorption Controlling Skin Permeation
Authors: Murugan Karmani , Choonara Yahya , Kumar Pradeep , Du Toit Lisa , Pillay Viness
Published: November 2016

Neogeometric copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) have various applications yet its synthesis still proves to be challenging with regards to self-assembly and uniformity control. This study aimed to synthesize shape-specific CuNPs in the biomedical application of ascertaining skin permeation and retention of the CuNPs as a drug delivery system. The approach to the shape design involved the dual control of two surfactants to direct the shape organisation of the nanoparticles (NPs) while an interesting aspect of the study showed the competitive adsorption of the surfactants onto the nanocrystal facets to direct facet growth. The resulting copper nanoparticles were characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron diffraction spectra analysis (EDS) for elemental and crystalline analysis. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) identified the degradation of the surfactant coat and the synthesis of a novel copper-polymer complex and extensive transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was conducted to determine the nanoparticle morphology. Epidermal skin tissue served as the model for permeation studies of five idealistic nano-geometries and investigated its application in drug delivery with regards to cellular internalisation and transbarrier transport of the geometric CuNPs. A mechanistic consideration for shape control is discussed.
Resistance Spot Weldability of Galvanize Coated and Uncoated TRIP Steels
Authors: Ertek Emre Hayriye , Kaçar Ramazan
Published: November 2016

In this study, the resistance spot weldabilty of zinc galvanize-coated and uncoated TRIP800 steels was investigated in detail. Depending on the welding parameters such as welding current and welding time, the effects of zinc coating on the weld nugget geometry, the tensile shear strength, the failure modes, the hardness, and the microstructure of the resistance spot-welded sample were studied, and the results are compared with that of uncoated weldment. The coating on the surface of the TRIP steel causes a decrease in the weld nugget size and tensile shear strength of the weldment, and it changes to failure mode of the test sample from pullout to interfacial or partial interfacial fracture. As compared with the uncoated sample, the galvanized TRIP800 steel weldment has required a larger critical nugget size for achieving the desired pullout fracture mode and acceptable tensile shear strength.
Lead Discovery Strategies for Identification of Chlamydia pneumoniae Inhibitors
Authors: Hanski Leena , Vuorela Pia
Published: November 2016

Throughout its known history, the gram-negative bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae has remained a challenging target for antibacterial chemotherapy and drug discovery. Owing to its well-known propensity for persistence and recent reports on antimicrobial resistence within closely related species, new approaches for targeting this ubiquitous human pathogen are urgently needed. In this review, we describe the strategies that have been successfully applied for the identification of nonconventional antichlamydial agents, including target-based and ligand-based virtual screening, ethnopharmacological approach and pharmacophore-based design of antimicrobial peptide-mimicking compounds. Among the antichlamydial agents identified via these strategies, most translational work has been carried out with plant phenolics. Thus, currently available data on their properties as antichlamydial agents are described, highlighting their potential mechanisms of action. In this context, the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in the intracellular growth and survival of C. pneumoniae is discussed. Owing to the complex and often complementary pathways applied by C. pneumoniae in the different stages of its life cycle, multitargeted therapy approaches are expected to provide better tools for antichlamydial therapy than agents with a single molecular target.
Antiproliferative Effect of Indole Phytoalexins
Authors: Chripkova Martina , Zigo Frantisek , Mojzis Jan
Published: November 2016

Indole phytoalexins from crucifers have been shown to exhibit significant anti-cancer, chemopreventive, and antiproliferative activity. Phytoalexins are natural low molecular antimicrobial compounds that are synthesized and accumulated in plants after their exposure to pathogenic microorganisms. Most interestingly, crucifers appear to be the only plant family producing sulfur-containing indole phytoalexins. The mechanisms underlying its anti-cancer properties are unknown. Isolation from cruciferous plants does not provide sufficient quantities of indole phytoalexins and, for biological screening, they are usually obtainable through synthesis. Understanding the molecular mechanism of the action of these substances and their structure-activity relationships is quite important in the development of new analogs with a more favorable profile of biological activities. In this review, we present the key features of indole phytoalexins, mainly their antiproliferative ativities.
Simultaneous Determination of Four Tanshinones by UPLC-TQ/MS and Their Pharmacokinetic Application after Administration of Single Ethanol Extract of Danshen Combined with Water Extract in Normal and Adenine-Induced Chronic Renal Failure Rats
Authors: Cai Hong-Die , Su Shu-Lan , Li Yonghui , Zhu Zhenhua , Guo Jianming , Zhu Yue , Guo Sheng , Qian Dawei , Duan Jinao
Published: November 2016

Salvia miltiorrhiza, one of the major traditional Chinese medicines, is commonly used and the main active ingredients—tanshinones—possess the ability to improve renal function. In this paper, the UPLC-TQ/MS method of simultaneously determining four tanshinones—tanshinone IIA, dihydrotanshinone I, tanshinone I, and cryptotanshinone—was established and applied to assess the pharmacokinetics in normal and chronic renal failure (CRF) rat plasma. The pharmacokinetics of tanshinones in rats were studied after separately intragastric administration of Salvia miltiorrhiza ethanol extract (SMEE) (0.65 g/kg), SMEE (0.65 g/kg) combined with Salvia miltiorrhiza water extract (SMWE) (1.55 g/kg). The results showed Cmax and AUC0–t of tanshinone IIA, tanshinone I, cryptotanshinone reduced by 50%~80% and CLz/F increased by 2~4 times (p < 0.05) in model group after administrated with SMEE. Nevertheless, after intragastric administration of a combination of SMWE and SMEE, the Cmax and AUC0–t of four tanshinones were upregulated and CLz/F was downregulated, which undulated similarity from the model group to the normal group with compatibility of SMEE and SMWE. These results hinted that SMWE could improve the bioavailability of tanshinones in CRF rats, which provides scientific information for further exploration the mechanism of the combination of SMWE and SMEE and offers a reference for clinical administration of Salvia miltiorrhiza.
Nano-Biosensor for Monitoring the Neural Differentiation of Stem Cells
Authors: Lee Jin-Ho , Lee Taek , Choi Jeong-Woo
Published: November 2016

In tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, monitoring the status of stem cell differentiation is crucial to verify therapeutic efficacy and optimize treatment procedures. However, traditional methods, such as cell staining and sorting, are labor-intensive and may damage the cells. Therefore, the development of noninvasive methods to monitor the differentiation status in situ is highly desirable and can be of great benefit to stem cell-based therapies. Toward this end, nanotechnology has been applied to develop highly-sensitive biosensors to noninvasively monitor the neural differentiation of stem cells. Herein, this article reviews the development of noninvasive nano-biosensor systems to monitor the neural differentiation of stem cells, mainly focusing on optical (plasmonic) and eletrochemical methods. The findings in this review suggest that novel nano-biosensors capable of monitoring stem cell differentiation are a promising type of technology that can accelerate the development of stem cell therapies, including regenerative medicine.
Dietary B Vitamins and a 10-Year Risk of Dementia in Older Persons
Authors: Lefèvre-Arbogast Sophie , Féart Catherine , Dartigues Jean-François , Helmer Catherine , Letenneur Luc , Samieri Cécilia
Published: November 2016

B vitamins may lower the risk of dementia, yet epidemiological findings, mostly from countries with folic acid fortification, have remained inconsistent. We evaluated in a large French cohort of older persons the associations between dietary B vitamins and long-term incident dementia. We included 1321 participants from the Three-City Study who completed a 24 h dietary recall, were free of dementia at the time of diet assessment, and were followed for an average of 7.4 years. In Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for multiple potential confounders, including overall diet quality, higher intake of folate was inversely associated with the risk of dementia (p for trend = 0.02), with an approximately 50% lower risk for individuals in the highest compared to the lowest quintile of folate (HR = 0.47; 95% CI 0.28; 0.81). No association was found for vitamins B6 and B12. In conclusion, in a large French cohort with a relatively low baseline folate status (average intake = 278 µg/day), higher folate intakes were associated with a decreased risk of dementia.
Water-Blown Polyurethane Foams Showing a Reversible Shape-Memory Effect
Authors: Zharinova Elena , Heuchel Matthias , Weigel Thomas , Gerber David , Kratz Karl , Lendlein Andreas
Published: November 2016

Water-blown polyurethane (PU) foams are of enormous technological interest as they are widely applied in various fields, i.e., consumer goods, medicine, automotive or aerospace industries. The discovery of the one-way shape-memory effect in PU foams provided a fresh impetus for extensive investigations on porous polymeric actuators over the past decades. High expansion ratios during the shape-recovery are of special interest when big volume changes are required, for example to fill an aneurysm during micro-invasive surgery or save space during transportation. However, the need to program the foams before each operation cycle could be a drawback impeding the entry of shape-memory polymeric (SMP) foams to our daily life. Here, we showed that a reversible shape-memory effect (rSME) is achievable for polyurethane water-blown semicrystalline foams. We selected commercially available crystallizable poly(ε-caprolactone)-diols of different molecular weight for foams synthesis, followed by investigations of morphology, thermal, thermomechanical and shape-memory properties of obtained compositions. Densities of synthesized foams varied from 110 to 180 kg∙m−3, while peak melting temperatures were composition-dependent and changed from 36 to 47 °C, while the melting temperature interval was around 15 K. All semicrystalline foams exhibited excellent one-way SME with shape-fixity ratios slightly above 100% and shape-recovery ratios from the second cycle of 99%. The composition with broad distribution of molecular weights of poly(ε-caprolactone)-diols exhibited an rSME of about 12% upon cyclic heating and cooling from Tlow = 10 °C and Thigh = 47 °C. We anticipate that our experimental study opens a field of systematic investigation of rSMEs in porous polymeric materials on macro and micro scale and extend the application of water-blown polyurethane foams to, e.g., protective covers with zero thermal expansion or even cushions adjustable to a certain body shape.
Automatic and Self-Adaptive Stem Reconstruction in Landslide-Affected Forests
Authors: Wang Di , Hollaus Markus , Puttonen Eetu , Pfeifer Norbert
Published: November 2016

Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is a promising technique for plot-wise acquisition of geometric attributes of forests. However, there still exists a need for TLS applications in mountain forests where tree stems’ growing directions are not vertical. This paper presents a novel method to model tree stems precisely in an alpine landslide-affected forest using TLS. Tree stems are automatically detected by a two-layer projection method. Stems are modeled by fitting a series of cylinders based on a 2D-3D random sample consensus (RANSAC)-based approach. Diameter at breast height (DBH) was manually measured in the field, and stem curves were measured from the point cloud as reference data. The results showed that all trees in the test area can be detected. The root mean square error (RMSE) of estimated DBH was 1.80 cm (5.5%). Stem curves were automatically generated and compared with reference data, as well as stem volumes. The results imply that the proposed method is able to map and model the stem curve precisely in complex forest conditions. The resulting stem parameters can be employed in single tree biomass estimation, tree growth quantification and other forest-related studies.
Land Cover Mapping in Northern High Latitude Permafrost Regions with Satellite Data: Achievements and Remaining Challenges
Authors: Bartsch Annett , Höfler Angelika , Kroisleitner Christine , Trofaier Anna
Published: November 2016

Most applications of land cover maps that have been derived from satellite data over the Arctic require higher thematic detail than available in current global maps. A range of application studies has been reviewed, including up-scaling of carbon fluxes and pools, permafrost feature mapping and transition monitoring. Early land cover mapping studies were driven by the demand to characterize wildlife habitats. Later, in the 1990s, up-scaling of in situ measurements became central to the discipline of land cover mapping on local to regional scales at several sites across the Arctic. This includes the Kuparuk basin in Alaska, the Usa basin and the Lena Delta in Russia. All of these multi-purpose land cover maps have been derived from Landsat data. High resolution maps (from optical satellite data) serve frequently as input for the characterization of periglacial features and also flux tower footprints in recent studies. The most used map to address circumpolar issues is the CAVM (Circum Arctic Vegetation Map) based on AVHRR (1 km) and has been manually derived. It provides the required thematic detail for many applications, but is confined to areas north of the treeline, and it is limited in spatial detail. A higher spatial resolution circumpolar land cover map with sufficient thematic content would be beneficial for a range of applications. Such a land cover classification should be compatible with existing global maps and applicable for multiple purposes. The thematic content of existing global maps has been assessed by comparison to the CAVM and regional maps. None of the maps provides the required thematic detail. Spatial resolution has been compared to used classes for local to regional applications. The required thematic detail increases with spatial resolution since coarser datasets are usually applied over larger areas covering more relevant landscape units. This is especially of concern when the entire Arctic is addressed. A spatial resolution around 30 m has been shown to be suitable for a range of applications. This implies that the current Landsat-8, as well as Sentinel-2 missions would be adequate as input data. Recent studies have exemplified the value of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) in tundra regions. SAR missions may be therefore of added value for large-scale high latitude land cover mapping.
An Alternative Approach for Registration of High-Resolution Satellite Optical Imagery and ICESat Laser Altimetry Data
Authors: Liu Shijie , Lv Yi , Tong Xiaohua , Xie Huan , Liu Jun , Chen Lei
Published: November 2016

Satellite optical images and altimetry data are two major data sources used in Antarctic research. The integration use of these two datasets is expected to provide more accurate and higher quality products, during which data registration is the first issue that needs to be solved. This paper presents an alternative approach for the registration of high-resolution satellite optical images and ICESat (Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite) laser altimetry data. Due to the sparse distribution characteristic of the ICESat laser point data, it is difficult and even impossible to find same-type conjugate features between ICESat data and satellite optical images. The method is implemented in a direct way to correct the point-to-line inconsistency in image space through 2D transformation between the projected terrain feature points and the corresponding 2D image lines, which is simpler than discrepancy correction in object space that requires stereo images for 3D model construction, and easier than the indirect way of image orientation correction via photogrammetric bundle adjustment. The correction parameters are further incorporated into imaging model through RPCs (Rational Polynomial Coefficients) generation/regeneration for the convenience of photogrammetric applications. The experimental results by using the ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) images and ZY-3 (Ziyuan-3 satellite) images for registration with ICESat data showed that sub-pixel level registration accuracies were achieved after registration, which have validated the feasibility and effectiveness of the presented approach.
MECS-VINE®: A New Proximal Sensor for Segmented Mapping of Vigor and Yield Parameters on Vineyard Rows
Authors: Gatti Matteo , Dosso Paolo , Maurino Marco , Merli Maria , Bernizzoni Fabio , José Pirez Facundo , Platè Bonfiglio , Bertuzzi Gian , Poni Stefano
Published: November 2016

Ground-based proximal sensing of vineyard features is gaining interest due to its ability to serve in even quite small plots with the advantage of being conducted concurrently with normal vineyard practices (i.e., spraying, pruning or soil tilling) with no dependence upon weather conditions, external services or law-imposed limitations. The purpose of the present work was to test performance of the new terrestrial multi-sensor MECS-VINE® in terms of reliability and degree of correlation with several canopy growth and yield parameters in the grapevine. MECS-VINE®, once conveniently positioned in front of the tractor, can provide simultaneous assessment of growth features and microclimate of specific canopy sections of the two adjacent row sides. MECS-VINE® integrates a series of microclimate sensors (air relative humidity, air and surface temperature) with two (left and right) matrix-based optical RGB imaging sensors and a related algorithm, termed Canoyct). MECS-VINE® was run five times along the season in a mature cv. Barbera vineyard and a Canopy Index (CI, pure number varying from 0 to 1000), calculated through its built-in algorithm, validated vs. canopy structure parameters (i.e., leaf layer number, fractions of canopy gaps and interior leaves) derived from point quadrat analysis. Results showed that CI was highly correlated vs. any canopy parameter at any date, although the closest relationships were found for CI vs. fraction of canopy gaps (R2 = 0.97) and leaf layer number (R2 = 0.97) for data pooled over 24 test vines. While correlations against canopy light interception and total lateral leaf area were still unsatisfactory, a good correlation was found vs. cluster and berry weight (R2 = 0.76 and 0.71, respectively) suggesting a good potential also for yield estimates. Besides the quite satisfactory calibration provided, main improvements of MECS-VINE® usage versus other current equipment are: (i) MECS-VINE® delivers a segmented evaluation of the canopy up to 15 different sectors, therefore allowing to differentiate canopy structure and density at specific and crucial canopy segments (i.e., basal part where clusters are located) and (ii) the sensor is optimized to work at any time of the day with any weather condition without the need of any supplemental lighting system.
Are Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Paranasal Sinus Pneumatization Related?
Authors: Marino Michael , Riley Charles , Wu Eric , Weinstein Jacqueline , McCoul Edward
Published: November 2016

The relationship between paranasal sinus pneumatization and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) without cystic fibrosis is not well understood. Previous investigations have confirmed sinus hypoplasia in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. This study compares paranasal sinus pneumatization of CRS patients to unaffected controls to determine if there is an analogous effect to that seen in CF. 591 sinus computed tomography (CT) scans, comprised of 303 adolescents (age 13–18) and 288 adults (age > 18), were analyzed for Lund-MacKay and Assessment of Pneumatization of the Paranasal Sinuses (APPS) scores. The APPS score is validated for measuring the extent of sinus pneumatization. A diagnosis of CRS and CRS phenotype was determined from the medical record. The mean APPS score for patients with a diagnosis of CRS was 10.61 (n = 111) compared to 9.62 (n = 448) for unaffected controls (p = 0.001). This was significant in adult (p = 0.021) and adolescent subgroups (p = 0.035). Sinus pneumatization did not differ according to CRS phenotype (p = 0.699). This suggests that there is not analogous anatomical sinus variation between CRS and CF, and that the mechanisms underlying sinus hypoplasia in CF may not be universal in patients with other types of sinus inflammation.
Game Behavior Analysis between the Local Government and Land-Lost Peasants in the Urbanization Process
Authors: Zhang Lu , Du Hongru , Zhao Yannan
Published: November 2016

China is entering a period of rapid urban development. With the rapid expansion of cities, a large number of peasants have lost their land as a result. Given the development of urbanization, safeguarding the rights and interests of land-lost peasants in the process of urbanization has become a new topic of interest in China. In this study, based on game theory, we analyze the interests of the local government and land-lost peasants in several rounds of the citizenization process. The result demonstrated the following: (1) this paper proposed that overall interest declines in the entire game, in which the peasant can obtain a greater share of benefits from bargaining with the local government; (2) However, a long bargaining process would lead to the diminishment of peasants’ rights and benefits. In contrast, the local government would obtain greater share of benefits than the peasant and would obtain fewer benefits than at the beginning of the process. Therefore, both sides expect to end the game process early; (3) Under the “rational economic man” process, this process will always tend to be one in which one party struggles while the other compromises. Therefore, in the game, the game process will not reach a game equilibrium state and both sides will be at a stalemate; (4) The local government, as the power owner, is expected to surrender its interests as the “rational economic man” for the Pareto optimality; (5) Finally, we proposed policy recommendations for the sustainability of citizenization. Increasing the public service benefits, establishing the system of subsistence allowances and raising the minimum living allowance of citizenization, improving the training and employment service system for the peasant can improve land-lost peasants’ acceptance in the game.