bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the In Vivo Biotransformation of Two Emerging Estrogenic Contaminants, BP2 and BPS, in Zebrafish Embryos and Adults
Authors: Le Fol Vincent , Brion François , Hillenweck Anne , Perdu Elisabeth , Bruel Sandrine , Aït-Aïssa Selim , Cravedi Jean-Pierre , Zalko Daniel
Published: March 2017

Zebrafish embryo assays are increasingly used in the toxicological assessment of endocrine disruptors. Among other advantages, these models are 3R-compliant and are fit for screening purposes. Biotransformation processes are well-recognized as a critical factor influencing toxic response, but major gaps of knowledge exist regarding the characterization of functional metabolic capacities expressed in zebrafish. Comparative metabolic studies between embryos and adults are even scarcer. Using 3H-labeled chemicals, we examined the fate of two estrogenic emerging contaminants, benzophenone-2 (BP2) and bisphenol S (BPS), in 4-day embryos and adult zebrafish. BPS and BP2 were exclusively metabolized through phase II pathways, with no major qualitative difference between larvae and adults except the occurrence of a BP2-di-glucuronide in adults. Quantitatively, the biotransformation of both molecules was more extensive in adults. For BPS, glucuronidation was the predominant pathway in adults and larvae. For BP2, glucuronidation was the major pathway in larvae, but sulfation predominated in adults, with ca. 40% conversion of parent BP2 and an extensive release of several conjugates into water. Further larvae/adults quantitative differences were demonstrated for both molecules, with higher residue concentrations measured in larvae. The study contributes novel data regarding the metabolism of BPS and BP2 in a fish model and shows that phase II conjugation pathways are already functional in 4-dpf-old zebrafish. Comparative analysis of BP2 and BPS metabolic profiles in zebrafish larvae and adults further supports the use of zebrafish embryo as a relevant model in which toxicity and estrogenic activity can be assessed, while taking into account the absorption and fate of tested substances.
Functional Analysis of the Ser149/Thr149 Variants of Human Aspartylglucosaminidase and Optimization of the Coding Sequence for Protein Production
Authors: Banning Antje , König Jan F. , Gray Steven J. , Tikkanen Ritva
Published: March 2017

Aspartylglucosaminidase (AGA) is a lysosomal hydrolase that participates in the breakdown of glycoproteins. Defects in the AGA gene result in a lysosomal storage disorder, aspartylglucosaminuria (AGU), that manifests mainly as progressive mental retardation. A number of AGU missense mutations have been identified that result in reduced AGA activity. Human variants that contain either Ser or Thr in position 149 have been described, but it is unknown if this affects AGA processing or activity. Here, we have directly compared the Ser149/Thr149 variants of AGA and show that they do not differ in terms of relative specific activity or processing. Therefore, Thr149 AGA, which is the rare variant, can be considered as a neutral or benign variant. Furthermore, we have here produced codon-optimized versions of these two variants and show that they are expressed at significantly higher levels than AGA with the natural codon-usage. Since optimal AGA expression is of vital importance for both gene therapy and enzyme replacement, our data suggest that use of codon-optimized AGA may be beneficial for these therapy options.
The Balloon-Based Manometry Evaluation of Swallowing in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Tomik Jerzy , Tomik Barbara , Gajec Sebastian , Ceranowicz Piotr , Pihut Małgorzata , Olszanecki Rafał , Stręk Paweł , Składzień Jacek
Published: March 2017

The aim of the study was to analyse the disturbances of the oro-pharyngeal swallowing phase of dysphagia in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with the use of specific manometric measurements and to evaluate their plausible association with the duration of the disease. Seventeen patients with ALS were evaluated with manometric examinations of the oral and pharyngeal part of the gastrointestinal tract. Tests were carried out by using the oesophageal balloon-based method with four balloon transducers located 5 cm away from each other. The following manometric parameters were analysed: the base of tongue contraction (BTC) and the upper oesophageal sphincter pressure (UESP), and the hypopharyngeal suction pump (HSP) as well as the oro-pharyngeal, pharyngeal and hypopharyngeal transit time and average pharyngeal bolus velocity (oropharyngeal transit time (OTT), pharyngeal transit time (PTT), hypopharyngeal transit time (HTT) and average pharyngeal bolus velocity (APBV), respectively). Manomatric examinations during swallowing in patients with ALS showed significant weakness of BTC, a decrease of HSP and a decrease of the velocity of bolus transit inside the pharynx which were particularly marked between the first and the third examination. Manometric examinations of the oro-pharyngeal part of the gastrointestinal tract are useful and supportive methods in the analysis of swallowing disturbances in ALS patients.
“Bligh and Dyer” and Folch Methods for Solid–Liquid–Liquid Extraction of Lipids from Microorganisms. Comprehension of Solvatation Mechanisms and towards Substitution with Alternative Solvents
Authors: Breil Cassandra , Abert Vian Maryline , Zemb Thomas , Kunz Werner , Chemat Farid
Published: March 2017

Bligh and Dyer (B & D) or Folch procedures for the extraction and separation of lipids from microorganisms and biological tissues using chloroform/methanol/water have been used tens of thousands of times and are “gold standards” for the analysis of extracted lipids. Based on the Conductor-like Screening MOdel for realistic Solvatation (COSMO-RS), we select ethanol and ethyl acetate as being potentially suitable for the substitution of methanol and chloroform. We confirm this by performing solid–liquid extraction of yeast (Yarrowia lipolytica IFP29) and subsequent liquid–liquid partition—the two steps of routine extraction. For this purpose, we consider similar points in the ternary phase diagrams of water/methanol/chloroform and water/ethanol/ethyl acetate, both in the monophasic mixtures and in the liquid–liquid miscibility gap. Based on high performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) to obtain the distribution of lipids classes, and gas chromatography coupled with a flame ionisation detector (GC/FID) to obtain fatty acid profiles, this greener solvents pair is found to be almost as effective as the classic methanol–chloroform couple in terms of efficiency and selectivity of lipids and non-lipid material. Moreover, using these bio-sourced solvents as an alternative system is shown to be as effective as the classical system in terms of the yield of lipids extracted from microorganism tissues, independently of their apparent hydrophilicity.
Laser Engineered Net Shaping of Nickel-Based Superalloy Inconel 718 Powders onto AISI 4140 Alloy Steel Substrates: Interface Bond and Fracture Failure Mechanism
Authors: Kim Hoyeol , Cong Weilong , Zhang Hong-Chao , Liu Zhichao
Published: March 2017

As a prospective candidate material for surface coating and repair applications, nickel-based superalloy Inconel 718 (IN718) was deposited on American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 4140 alloy steel substrate by laser engineered net shaping (LENS) to investigate the compatibility between two dissimilar materials with a focus on interface bonding and fracture behavior of the hybrid specimens. The results show that the interface between the two dissimilar materials exhibits good metallurgical bonding. Through the tensile test, all the fractures occurred in the as-deposited IN718 section rather than the interface or the substrate, implying that the as-deposited interlayer bond strength is weaker than the interfacial bond strength. From the fractography using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy disperse X-ray spectrometry (EDS), three major factors affecting the tensile fracture failure of the as-deposited part are (i) metallurgical defects such as incompletely melted powder particles, lack-of-fusion porosity, and micropores; (ii) elemental segregation and Laves phase, and (iii) oxide formation. The fracture failure mechanism is a combination of all these factors which are detrimental to the mechanical properties and structural integrity by causing premature fracture failure of the as-deposited IN718.
Role of Tartaric Acid in Chemical, Mechanical and Self-Healing Behaviors of a Calcium-Aluminate Cement Blend with Fly Ash F under Steam and Alkali Carbonate Environments at 270 °C
Authors: Pyatina Tatiana , Sugama Toshifumi
Published: March 2017

Tartaric acid (TA) changes short-term mechanical behavior and phase composition of sodium-metasilicate activated calcium-aluminate cement blend with fly ash, type F, when used as a set control additive to allow sufficient pumping time for underground well placement. The present work focuses on TA effect on self-healing properties of the blend under steam or alkali carbonate environments at 270 °C applicable to geothermal wells. Compressive strength recoveries and cracks sealing were examined to evaluate self-healing of the cement after repeated crush tests followed by two consecutive healing periods of 10 and 5 days at 270 °C. Optical and scanning electron microscopes, X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform infrared and EDX measurements along with thermal gravimetric analyses were used to identify phases participating in the healing processes. Samples with 1% mass fraction of TA by weight of blend demonstrated improved strength recoveries and crack plugging properties, especially in alkali carbonate environment. This effect was attributed to silicon-rich (C,N)-A-S-H amorphous phase predominant in TA-modified samples, high-temperature stable zeolite phases along with the formation of tobermorite-type crystals in the presence of tartaric acid.
Enzymatic Processes in Marine Biotechnology
Authors: Trincone Antonio
Published: March 2017

In previous review articles the attention of the biocatalytically oriented scientific community towards the marine environment as a source of biocatalysts focused on the habitat-related properties of marine enzymes. Updates have already appeared in the literature, including marine examples of oxidoreductases, hydrolases, transferases, isomerases, ligases, and lyases ready for food and pharmaceutical applications. Here a new approach for searching the literature and presenting a more refined analysis is adopted with respect to previous surveys, centering the attention on the enzymatic process rather than on a single novel activity. Fields of applications are easily individuated: (i) the biorefinery value-chain, where the provision of biomass is one of the most important aspects, with aquaculture as the prominent sector; (ii) the food industry, where the interest in the marine domain is similarly developed to deal with the enzymatic procedures adopted in food manipulation; (iii) the selective and easy extraction/modification of structurally complex marine molecules, where enzymatic treatments are a recognized tool to improve efficiency and selectivity; and (iv) marine biomarkers and derived applications (bioremediation) in pollution monitoring are also included in that these studies could be of high significance for the appreciation of marine bioprocesses.
Multifaceted Applications of Chitosan in Cancer Drug Delivery and Therapy
Authors: Babu Anish , Ramesh Rajagopal
Published: March 2017

Chitosan is a versatile polysaccharide of biological origin. Due to the biocompatible and biodegradable nature of chitosan, it is intensively utilized in biomedical applications in scaffold engineering as an absorption enhancer, and for bioactive and controlled drug release. In cancer therapy, chitosan has multifaceted applications, such as assisting in gene delivery and chemotherapeutic delivery, and as an immunoadjuvant for vaccines. The present review highlights the recent applications of chitosan and chitosan derivatives in cancer therapy.
Apparent Interfacial Tension Effects in Protein Stabilized Emulsions Prepared with Microstructured Systems
Authors: Güell Carme , Ferrando Montserrat , Trentin Alexandre , Schroën Karin
Published: March 2017

Proteins are mostly used to stabilize food emulsions; however, production of protein containing emulsions is notoriously difficult to capture in scaling relations due to the complex behavior of proteins in interfaces, in combination with the dynamic nature of the emulsification process. Here, we investigate premix membrane emulsification and use the Ohnesorge number to derive a scaling relation for emulsions prepared with whey protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and a standard emulsifier Tween 20, at various concentrations (0.1%, 0.5%, 1.25% and 2%). In the Ohnesorge number, viscous, inertia, and interfacial tension forces are captured, and most of the parameters can be measured with great accuracy, with the exception of the interfacial tension. We used microfluidic Y-junctions to estimate the apparent interfacial tension at throughputs comparable to those in premix emulsification, and found a unifying relation. We next used this relation to plot the Ohnesorge number versus P-ratio defined as the applied pressure over the Laplace pressure of the premix droplet. The measured values all showed a decreasing Ohnesorge number at increasing P-ratio; the differences between regular surfactants and proteins being systematic. The surfactants were more efficient in droplet size reduction, and it is expected that the differences were caused by the complex behavior of proteins in the interface (visco-elastic film formation). The differences between BSA and whey protein were relatively small, and their behavior coincided with that of low Tween concentration (0.1%), which deviated from the behavior at higher concentrations.
The Effect of Anchor Volume on the Mechanical Strengths of Orthodontic Micro-Implants
Authors: Tseng Yu-Chuan , Wu Ju-Hui , Ting Chun-Chan , Wang Huang-Chi , Chen Hong-Sen , Chen Chun-Ming
Published: March 2017

Anchor volume (AV) might be an important factor affecting mechanical strengths of micro-implant. To investigate the correlation between AV and three mechanical strengths (IT: insertion torque; RF: resonance frequency; HPS: horizontal pullout strength), 55 micro-implants (diameter 1.5 mm: Type A, B, C; diameter 1.3 mm: Type D and E) were driven into the artificial bones at a 7-mm depth. The RF, IT, HPS and AV were measured. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) post comparison and Pearson’s correlation were used to detect significant differences. Null hypothesis states that there was no statistically significant correlation between AV and these three forces (IT, RF, and HPS). Type A and Type D had the lowest IT (4.2 Ncm). Type C had the highest RF (9.9 KHz) in the stability test, and Type B had the greatest HPS (190.9 Ncm) in the resistance test. There was significant correlation between the IT and HPS. AV was significantly correlated with RF, IT, and HPS. The null hypothesis was rejected. In this study, each of these brands had its distinct advantages in the RF, IT, and HPS. Moreover, inner diameter/outer diameter ratio and AV affect the magnitude of HPS.
Modeling the Constitutive Relationship of Al–0.62Mg–0.73Si Alloy Based on Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Han Ying , Yan Shun , Sun Yu , Chen Hua
Published: March 2017

In this work, the hot deformation behavior of 6A02 aluminum alloy was investigated by isothermal compression tests conducted in the temperature range of 683–783 K and strain-rate range of 0.001–1 s−1. According to the obtained true stress–true strain curves, the constitutive relationship of the alloy was revealed by establishing the Arrhenius-type constitutive model and back-propagation (BP) neural network model. It is found that the flow characteristic of 6A02 aluminum alloy is closely related to deformation temperature and strain rate, and the true stress decreases with increasing temperatures and decreasing strain rates. The hot deformation activation energy is calculated to be 168.916 kJ mol−1. The BP neural network model with one hidden layer and 20 neurons in the hidden layer is developed. The accuracy in prediction of the Arrhenius-type constitutive model and BP neural network model is eveluated by using statistics analysis method. It is demonstrated that the BP neural network model has better performance in predicting the flow stress.
Effect of Welding Heat Input on the Microstructure and Toughness in Simulated CGHAZ of 800 MPa-Grade Steel for Hydropower Penstocks
Authors: Ding Qingfeng , Wang Tiansheng , Shi Zhongran , Wang Qian , Wang Qingfeng , Zhang Fucheng
Published: March 2017

To determine the appropriate welding heat input for simulated coarse grained heat affected zone (CGHAZ) of 800 MPa-grade steel used in hydropower penstocks, the microstructural evolution, hardness, and 50% fraction appearance transition temperature (50% FATT) were investigated. The results indicated that when the cooling rate (heat input) is reduced (increased), the impact toughness at −20 °C and hardness of the simulated CGHAZ decreased. When the heat input increased from 18 to 81 kJ/cm, the 50% FATT increased from −80 °C to −11 °C. At 18 kJ/cm, the microstructures consisted of lath bainite and granular bainite, but lath bainite decreased with increasing heat input. The increase in the 50% FATT was attributed mainly to an increase in the austenite grain size and effective grain size, and a decrease in lath bainite and the fraction of HAGBs (misorientation: ≥15°).
Two-Photon Polymerization Metrology: Characterization Methods of Mechanisms and Microstructures
Authors: LaFratta Christopher , Baldacchini Tommaso
Published: March 2017

The ability to create complex three-dimensional microstructures has reached an unprecedented level of sophistication in the last 15 years. For the most part, this is the result of a steady development of the additive manufacturing technique named two-photon polymerization (TPP). In a short amount of time, TPP has gone from being a microfabrication novelty employed largely by laser specialists to a useful tool in the hands of scientists and engineers working in a wide range of research fields including microfluidics. When used in combination with traditional microfabrication processes, TPP can be employed to add unique three-dimensional components to planar platforms, thus enabling the realization of lab-on-a-chip solutions otherwise impossible to create. To take full advantage of TPP, an in-depth understanding is required of the materials photochemistry and the fabricated microstructures’ mechanical and chemical properties. Thus, we review methods developed so far to investigate the underling mechanism involved during TPP and analytical methods employed to characterize TPP microstructures. Furthermore, we will discuss potential opportunities for using optofluidics and lab-on-a-chip systems for TPP metrology.
The Structure–Antioxidant Activity Relationship of Ferulates
Authors: Karamać Magdalena , Koleva Lidiya , Kancheva Vessela , Amarowicz Ryszard
Published: March 2017

The antioxidant activity of ferulic acid (1), iso-ferulic acid (2), coniferyl aldehyde (3), methyl ferulate (4), and ethyl ferulate (5) were investigated using 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays and autoxidation of triacylglycerols of commercially available sunflower oil (TGSO). The compounds tested for ability to scavenge ABTS radical cations was in the order of ferulic acid > coniferyl aldehyde ≈ iso-ferulic acid > ethyl ferulate ≈ methyl ferulate. The results of the FRAP assay for ferulic acid, iso-ferulic acid, and coniferyl aldehyde were similar to and higher than those of methyl ferulate and ethyl ferulate. In the lipid system, iso-ferulic acid showed weak antioxidant activity. The other ferulates exhibited much stronger, yet similar, activities.
New Acorane-Type Sesquiterpene from Acorus calamus L.
Authors: Li Juan , Zhao Jianping , Wang Wei , Li Lin , Zhang Lan , Zhao Xiao-Fang , Liu Qing-Ru , Liu Fang , Yang Min , Khan Ikhlas , Li Shun-Xiang
Published: March 2017

A new sesquiterpene, named neo-acorane A (1), and two known ones, acoric acid (2) and calamusin D (3), were isolated from a 95% ethanol extract of the rhizome parts of Acorus calamus L. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, and the absolute configurations were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 are nonisoprenoid sesquiterpenoids, likely biosynthesized from an acorane-type sesquiterpene by oxidative fission of the six- or five-membered ring. Moreover, compounds 1 (10 μM), 2 (5 μM and 10 μM) and 3 (10 μM) showed cell proliferation activity on the SK-N-BE (2) cell line.
Novel Antihypertensive Peptides Derived from Adlay (Coix larchryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) Glutelin
Authors: Li Bin , Qiao Liansheng , Li Lingling , Zhang Yanling , Li Kai , Wang Lingzhi , Qiao Yanjiang
Published: March 2017

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Intake and Dietary Food Sources of Fibre in Spain: Differences with Regard to the Prevalence of Excess Body Weight and Abdominal Obesity in Adults of the ANIBES Study
Authors: González-Rodríguez Liliana , Perea Sánchez José , Aranceta-Bartrina Javier , Gil Ángel , González-Gross Marcela , Serra-Majem Lluis , Varela-Moreiras Gregorio , Ortega Rosa
Published: March 2017

The aim was to study the intake and food sources of fibre in a representative sample of Spanish adults and to analyse its association with excess body weight and abdominal obesity. A sample of 1655 adults (18–64 years) from the ANIBES (“Anthropometric data, macronutrients and micronutrients intake, practice of physical activity, socioeconomic data and lifestyles”) cross-sectional study was analysed. Fibre intake and dietary food sources were determined by using a three-day dietary record. Misreporters were identified using the protocol of the European Food Safety Authority. Mean (standard deviation) fibre intake was 12.59 (5.66) g/day in the whole sample and 15.88 (6.29) g/day in the plausible reporters. Mean fibre intake, both in the whole sample and the plausible reporters, was below the adequate intake established by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Institute of Medicine of the United States (IOM). Main fibre dietary food sources were grains, followed by vegetables, fruits, and pulses. In the whole sample, considering sex, and after adjusting for age and physical activity, mean (standard error) fibre intake (adjusted by energy intake) was higher in subjects who had normal weight (NW) 13.40 (0.184) g/day, without abdominal obesity 13.56 (0.192) g/day or without excess body weight and/or abdominal obesity 13.56 (0.207) g/day compared to those who were overweight (OW) 12.31 (0.195) g/day, p < 0.001 or obese (OB) 11.83 (0.266) g/day, p < 0.001, with abdominal obesity 12.09 (0.157) g/day, p < 0.001 or with excess body weight and/or abdominal obesity 12.22 (0.148) g/day, p < 0.001. There were no significant differences in relation with the fibre intake according to the body mass index (BMI), presence or absence of abdominal obesity or excess body weight and/or abdominal obesity in the plausible reporters. Fibre from afternoon snacks was higher in subjects with NW (6.92%) and without abdominal obesity (6.97%) or without excess body weight and/or abdominal obesity (7.20%), than those with OW (5.30%), p < 0.05 or OB (4.79%), p < 0.05, with abdominal obesity (5.18%), p < 0.01, or with excess body weight and/or abdominal obesity (5.21%), p < 0.01, in the whole sample. Conversely, these differences were not observed in the plausible reporters. The present study demonstrates an insufficient fibre intake both in the whole sample and in the plausible reporters and confirms its association with excess body weight and abdominal obesity only when the whole sample was considered.
Vitamin D in Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis Patients
Authors: Jean Guillaume , Souberbielle Jean , Chazot Charles
Published: March 2017

Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) and insufficiency (20–29 ng/mL) are common among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or undergoing dialysis. In addition to nutritional and sunlight exposure deficits, factors that affect vitamin D deficiency include race, sex, age, obesity and impaired vitamin D synthesis and metabolism. Serum 1,25(OH)2D levels also decrease progressively because of 25(OH)D deficiency, together with impaired availability of 25(OH)D by renal proximal tubular cells, high fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23 and decreased functional renal tissue. As in the general population, this condition is associated with increased morbidity and poor outcomes. Together with the progressive decline of serum calcitriol, vitamin D deficiency leads to secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) and its complications, tertiary hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia, which require surgical parathyroidectomy or calcimimetics. Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) and Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) experts have recognized that vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency should be avoided in CKD and dialysis patients by using supplementation to prevent SHPT. Many vitamin D supplementation regimens using either ergocalciferol or cholecalciferol daily, weekly or monthly have been reported. The benefit of native vitamin D supplementation remains debatable because observational studies suggest that vitamin D receptor activator (VDRA) use is associated with better outcomes and it is more efficient for decreasing the serum parathormone (PTH) levels. Vitamin D has pleiotropic effects on the immune, cardiovascular and neurological systems and on antineoplastic activity. Extra-renal organs possess the enzymatic capacity to convert 25(OH)D to 1,25(OH)2D. Despite many unanswered questions, much data support vitamin D use in renal patients. This article emphasizes the role of native vitamin D replacement during all-phases of CKD together with VDRA when SHPT persists.
Metabolic Impact of Light Phase-Restricted Fructose Consumption Is Linked to Changes in Hypothalamic AMPK Phosphorylation and Melatonin Production in Rats
Authors: Faria Juliana , De Araújo Thiago , Razolli Daniela , Ignácio-Souza Letícia , Souza Dailson , Bordin Silvana , Anhê Gabriel
Published: March 2017

Recent studies show that the metabolic effects of fructose may vary depending on the phase of its consumption along with the light/dark cycle. Here, we investigated the metabolic outcomes of fructose consumption by rats during either the light (LPF) or the dark (DPF) phases of the light/dark cycle. This experimental approach was combined with other interventions, including restriction of chow availability to the dark phase, melatonin administration or intracerebroventricular inhibition of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) with Compound C. LPF, but not DPF rats, exhibited increased hypothalamic AMPK phosphorylation, glucose intolerance, reduced urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (6-S-Mel) (a metabolite of melatonin) and increased corticosterone levels. LPF, but not DPF rats, also exhibited increased chow ingestion during the light phase. The mentioned changes were blunted by Compound C. LPF rats subjected to dark phase-restricted feeding still exhibited increased hypothalamic AMPK phosphorylation but failed to develop the endocrine and metabolic changes. Moreover, melatonin administration to LPF rats reduced corticosterone and prevented glucose intolerance. Altogether, the present data suggests that consumption of fructose during the light phase results in out-of-phase feeding due to increased hypothalamic AMPK phosphorylation. This shift in spontaneous chow ingestion is responsible for the reduction of 6-S-Mel and glucose intolerance.
Toxicity, Biocompatibility, pH-Responsiveness and Methotrexate Release from PVA/Hyaluronic Acid Cryogels for Psoriasis Therapy
Authors: Cheaburu Yilmaz Cătălina , Pamfil Daniela , Vasile Cornelia , Bibire Nela , Lupuşoru Raoul-Vasile , Zamfir Carmen-Lăcrămioara , Lupușoru Cătălina
Published: March 2017

Poly(vinyl alcohol)/hyaluronic acid cryogels loaded with methotrexate were studied. The physical–chemical characterization of cryogels was performed by FT-IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Acute toxicity and haematological parameters were determined by “in vivo” tests. The biocompatibility tests proved that the obtained cryogels showed significantly decreased toxicity and are biocompatible. The pH-responsiveness of the swelling behaviour and of the methotrexate release from the poly(vinyl alcohol)/hyaluronic acid (PVA/HA) cryogels were studied in a pH interval of 2–7.4. A significant change in properties was found at pH 5.5 specific for treatment of affected skin in psoriasis disease.
A Polyvinylpyrrolidone-Based Supersaturable Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System for Enhanced Dissolution of Cyclosporine A
Authors: Lee Dae Ro , Ho Myoung Jin , Choi Young Wook , Kang Myung Joo
Published: March 2017

A novel supersaturable self-emulsifying drug delivery system (S-SEDDS) of cyclosporine A (CyA)—a poorly water-soluble immunosuppressant—was constructed in order to attain an apparent concentration–time profile comparable to that of conventional SEDDS with reduced use of oil, surfactant, and cosolvent. Several hydrophilic polymers, including polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), were employed as precipitation inhibitors in the conventional SEDDS, which consists of corn oil-mono-di-triglycerides, polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil, ethanol, and propylene glycol. PVP-incorporated pre-concentrate (CyA:vehicle ingredients:PVP = 1:4.5:0.3 w/v/w) spontaneously formed spherical droplets less than 120 nm within 7 min of being diluted with water. In an in vitro dialysis test in a biorelevant medium such as simulated fed and/or fasted state intestinal and/or gastric fluids, PVP-based S-SEDDS exhibited a higher apparent drug concentration profile compared to cellulose derivative-incorporated S-SEDDS, even displaying an equivalent concentration profile with that of conventional SEDDS prepared with two times more vehicle (CyA:vehicle ingredients = 1:9 w/v). The supersaturable formulation was physicochemically stable under an accelerated condition (40 °C/75% RH) over 6 months. Therefore, the novel formulation is expected to be a substitute for conventional SEDDS, offering a supersaturated state of the poorly water-soluble calcinurin inhibitor with a reduced use of vehicle ingredients.
The Link between e-Waste and GDP—New Insights from Data from the Pan-European Region
Authors: Kusch Sigrid , Hills Colin D.
Published: March 2017

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is difficult to sustainably manage. One key issue is the challenge of planning for WEEE flows as current and future quantities of waste are difficult to predict. To address this, WEEE generation and gross domestic product (GDP) data from 50 countries of the pan-European region were assessed. A high economic elasticity was identified, indicating that WEEE and GDP are closely interlinked. More detailed analyses revealed that GDP at purchasing power parity (GDP PPP) is a more meaningful measure when looking at WEEE flows, as a linear dependency between WEEE generation and GDP PPP was identified. This dependency applies to the whole region, regardless of the economic developmental stage of individual countries. In the pan-European region, an increase of 1000 international $ GDP PPP means an additional 0.5 kg WEEE is generated that requires management.
Retrieving Soybean Leaf Area Index from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Hyperspectral Remote Sensing: Analysis of RF, ANN, and SVM Regression Models
Authors: Yuan Huanhuan , Yang Guijun , Li Changchun , Wang Yanjie , Liu Jiangang , Yu Haiyang , Feng Haikuan , Xu Bo , Zhao Xiaoqing , Yang Xiaodong
Published: March 2017

Leaf area index (LAI) is an important indicator of plant growth and yield that can be monitored by remote sensing. Several models were constructed using datasets derived from SRS and STR sampling methods to determine the optimal model for soybean (multiple strains) LAI inversion for the whole crop growth period and a single growth period. Random forest (RF), artificial neural network (ANN), and support vector machine (SVM) regression models were compared with a partial least-squares regression (PLS) model. The RF model yielded the highest precision, accuracy, and stability with V-R2, SDR2, V-RMSE, and SDRMSE values of 0.741, 0.031, 0.106, and 0.005, respectively, over the whole growth period based on STR sampling. The ANN model had the highest precision, accuracy, and stability (0.452, 0.132, 0.086, and 0.009, respectively) over a single growth phase based on STR sampling. The precision, accuracy, and stability of the RF, ANN, and SVM models were improved by inclusion of STR sampling. The RF model is suitable for estimating LAI when sample plots and variation are relatively large (i.e., the whole growth period or more than one growth period). The ANN model is more appropriate for estimating LAI when sample plots and variation are relatively low (i.e., a single growth period).
Ecological Worldview among Urban Design Professionals
Authors: Wallhagen Marita , Magnusson Peter
Published: March 2017

The built environment is responsible for a large proportion of the global use of energy, natural resources, and emissions. Architects and other urban design professionals are key actors in the building process whose behavior and decisions will influence these impacts. Because environmental attitudes are linked to pro-environmental behavior, this study aims to measure environmental worldview among urban design professionals involved in the architectural competition ‘A New City Center for Kiruna’. The mean score registered for the New Environmental Paradigm (NEP) scale was 3.68 (standard deviation 0.51) and there were no significant differences with regard to age (mean 41.3 years) or gender (64.7% males). The ecological worldview of the participants was similar to most other samples from diverse countries, but a lower score was reported in comparison to environmentalists. The score ranged from 2.53 to 4.67 which shows heterogeneity at an individual level. Thus, future efforts to improve environmental attitudes among urban design professionals are needed.
Modeling the Movement of Septic Water Chloride through a Soil Profile
Authors: Kochary Shawkat , Byl Tom , Noori Bahzad
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the movement of chloride through a vadose zone located under failed and non-regulated septic tanks of Duhok city, Kurdistan of Iraq, potentially contaminating its groundwater. A physical vadose model (PVM) of a vertical flow direction was built in the laboratory to represent the city soil profile. The size of the PVM was 210 × 122 × 9.7 cm (height, width, and depth). Preliminary soil tests were conducted to better represent the lithology of study area. The PVM was then packed with regional silt clay soil, after modifying its texture, using an innovative packing procedure to preserve natural soil density and porosity. The model was run for a period of three months with newly collected septic water (black water from a septic tank) as an exclusive source of contaminants. Water samples from eight vertically arranged portals representing 12.5, 37.5, 62.5, 87.5, 112.5, 137.5, 162.5, and 187.5 cm levels in the subsurface soil profile were collected on a daily basis and analyzed weekly. Logistic regression and logarithmic models were developed to spatially predict the movement of chloride ions at different sampling depths in the soil profile until the system had reached the equivalent chloride concentration of the septic water or had stabilized. There was a good agreement between the physical model and the statistical models, however each model had its strengths and weaknesses. This study demonstrated that there is a potential for septic water to reach the water table within a 2–3 weeks period. Dilution and dispersion appear to play important roles in the fate and transport of septic water. This study has the potential to help the local authorities predict percolation rates and establish strategies for groundwater management in order to protect the public health.
Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model for the Material Flow of Resonant Wood Production
Authors: Aláč Patrik , Čulík Martin
Published: March 2017

This paper proposes a multi-criteria decision-making model, for the selection and evaluation of the most valuable wooden input—resonant wood. Application of a given model can improve the process of input valuation as well as impact and improve particular economic indicators for the resonant wood manufacturer. We have tried to describe and evaluate the supply chain of resonant wood manufacturing and production of musical instruments. Particular value-added and non-value-added activities have been chosen according to the logical sequence of technology. Then, concrete criteria were specified and their significance weightings. Another important part of our paper is the description of resonant wood, specifications, and demands on log and wood species. There are some important physical and mechanical properties which should be taken into account and evaluated during the production of musical instruments. By the application of this model, a particular enterprise can reach an enhanced tool for the continuous evaluation of the product flowing through the supply chain. Visibility of particular operations and their logical sequence, presented by Petri nets, can lead to easier detection of possible defects in these operations and their origin. So, the main purpose of the paper lies in the suggestion of an objective and quantified managerial tool for the decision making.
Understanding the Budyko Equation
Authors: Sposito Garrison
Published: March 2017

The Budyko equation has achieved iconic status in hydrology for its concise and accurate representation of the relationship between annual evapotranspiration and long-term-average water and energy balance at catchment scales. Accelerating anthropogenic land-use and climate change have sparked a renewed interest in predictive applications of the Budyko equation to analyze future scenarios important to water resource management. These applications, in turn, have inspired a number of attempts to derive mathematical models of the Budyko equation from a variety of specific assumptions about the original Budyko hypothesis. Here, we show that the Budyko equation and all extant models of it can be derived rigorously from a single mathematical assumption concerning the Budyko hypothesis. The implications of this fact for parametric models of the Budyko equation also are explored.
Aperçu de la faune malacologique du sud du Bugey et présence de Vertigo angustior Jeffreys, 1830 au lac d'Ambléon (Mollusca, Vertiginidae)
Authors: Audibert Cédric
Published: March 2017

Dans ce travail, nous recensons 88 espèces de gastéropodes présents dans le sud du Bugey (Bas-Bugey et une partie du Haut-Bugey). Nous nous appuyons sur les travaux et les collections de plusieurs naturalistes régionaux, membres de la Société linnéenne de Lyon, notamment Locard, Riel et Coutagne. Le Catalogue des mollusques vivants terrestres et aquatiques du département de l'Ain, par Locard, est la seule synthèse sur les coquilles de ce département qui a le mérite de répertorier un grand nombre de localités en particulier dans le Bugey et en Dombes. Rouquet a réalisé un inventaire jamais publié des mollusques des environs de Poncin et a recensé 84 espèces. L'occasion nous est donnée de publier également une partie des données inédites de Riel et de Coutagne relevées directement dans leurs collections qui sont conservées au Centre de conservation et d'étude des collections à Lyon. Les données récentes de notre part ou de la part de nos collègues ont permis d'actualiser les données anciennes et de citer entre autres V. angustior, espèce rare et protégée.

En annexe, nous ajoutons une liste énumérative et non exhaustive des espèces sans coquille, dulcicoles et stygobies, pour compléter notre tableau général.
Catalogue des Ascomycètes récoltés dans la Loire. 3e partie Pyrénomycètes sensu lato et compléments. Contribution n°56 au programme d'inventaire national et de cartographie des Mycota français
Authors: Ayel Antoine , Van Vooren Nicolas
Published: March 2017

Troisième et dernière partie du catalogue des Ascomycètes récoltés dans le département de la Loire, correspondant aux espèces appartenant aux classes Leotiomycetes, Lecanoromycetes, Sordariomycetes, Eurotiomycetes et Dothideomycetes, habituellement appelés pyrénomycètes au sens large. Une combinaison nouvelle est aussi proposée : Ophiocordyceps larvicola.
Contribution à l'inventaire des Orthoptéroides du département du Rhône (Orthoptera)
Authors: Girod Christophe , Brugel Eric , Dubois Pascal
Published: March 2017

Inventory of the orthopteran species of the Rhône department (southeastern

France).

The inventory of the orthopteran species of the Rhône department is initiated. 62 species have been mentioned, 9 of which have not been seen recently. Known localities are given and small notes focus on the potentially endangered species.
Phospholipid arrays on porous polymer coatings generated by micro-contact spotting
Authors: Sekula-Neuner Sylwia , de Freitas Monica , Tröster Lea-Marie , Jochum Tobias , Levkin Pavel A , Hirtz Michael , Fuchs Harald
Published: March 2017

Nanoporous poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) (HEMA-EDMA) is used as a 3D mesh for spotting lipid arrays. Its porous structure is an ideal matrix for lipid ink to infiltrate, resulting in higher fluorescent signal intensity as compared to similar arrays on strictly 2D substrates like glass. The embedded lipid arrays show high stability against washing steps, while still being accessible for protein and antibody binding. To characterize binding to polymer-embedded lipids we have applied Streptavidin as well as biologically important biotinylated androgen receptor binding onto 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-(cap biotinyl) (Biotinyl Cap PE) and anti-DNP IgE recognition of 2,4-dinitrophenyl[1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[6-[(2,4-dinitrophenyl)amino]hexanoyl] (DNP)] antigen. This approach adds lipid arrays to the range of HEMA polymer applications and makes this solid substrate a very attractive platform for a variety of bio-applications.
Synthesis of new pyrrolidine-based organocatalysts and study of their use in the asymmetric Michael addition of aldehydes to nitroolefins
Authors: Castán Alejandro , Badorrey Ramón , Gálvez José A , Díaz-de-Villegas María D
Published: March 2017

New pyrrolidine-based organocatalysts with a bulky substituent at C2 were synthesized from chiral imines derived from (R)-glyceraldehyde acetonide by diastereoselective allylation followed by a sequential hydrozirconation/iodination reaction. The new compounds were found to be effective organocatalysts for the Michael addition of aldehydes to nitroolefins and enantioselectivities up to 85% ee were achieved.
Genome‐Wide Association Study of Developing Leaves' Heat Tolerance during Vegetative Growth Stages in a Sorghum Association Panel
Authors: Chen Junping , Chopra Ratan , Hayes Chad , Morris Geoffrey , Marla Sandeep , Burke John , Xin Zhanguo , Burow Gloria
Published: March 2017

Heat stress reduces grain yield and quality worldwide. Enhancing heat tolerance of crops at all developmental stages is one of the essential strategies required for sustaining agricultural production especially as frequency of temperature extremes escalates in response to climate change. Although heat tolerance mechanisms have been studied extensively in model plant species, little is known about the genetic control underlying heat stress responses of crop plants at the vegetative stage under field conditions. To dissect the genetic basis of heat tolerance in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], we performed a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) for traits responsive to heat stress at the vegetative stage in an association panel. Natural variation in leaf firing (LF) and leaf blotching (LB) were evaluated separately for 3 yr in experimental fields at three locations where sporadic heat waves occurred throughout the sorghum growing season. We identified nine single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were significantly associated with LF and five SNPs that were associated with LB. Candidate genes near the SNPs were investigated and 14 were directly linked to biological pathways involved in plant stress responses including heat stress response. The findings of this study provide new knowledge on the genetic control of leaf traits responsive to heat stress in sorghum, which could aid in elucidating the genetic and molecular mechanisms of vegetative stage heat tolerance in crops. The results also provide candidate markers for molecular breeding of enhanced heat tolerance in cereal and bioenergy crops.
A MULTI-CRITERIA PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING (IPO) FIRMS USING CRITIC AND VIKOR METHODS
Authors: YALÇIN Neşe , ÜNLÜ Ulaş
Published: March 2017

As Initial Public Offering (IPO) is a significant milestone in the financial strategy of a firm, this study aims to evaluate performance of IPOs using multiple measures including account­ing-based performance (ABP), value-based performance (VBP) and overall performance (OP) in the pre-and post-IPO periods. Therefore, we present two combined approaches based on a compromise MCDM method-VIKOR and objective weighting methods-CRITIC and MW (Mean Weight) to evaluate and rank IPOs to help shareholders with understanding on how their performance changes under the different measures. Since the compromise solution (one or a set) proposed by VIKOR depends substantially on criteria weights, VIKOR-CRITIC can show more realistic results because of the differential weights assigned to criteria by CRITIC. In this study, a case study is con­ducted in order to evaluate the performance of Turkish IPOs based on ABP, VBP and OP measures using the combined methods. The results show that the compromise solution results obtained by VIKOR-CRITIC may be a guideline for investors in making more profitable investment decisions before leaping into any investment decision.
SUSTAINABLE UTILIZATION OF DISCARDED FOUNDRY SAND AND CRUSHED BRICK MASONRY AGGREGATE IN THE PRODUCTION OF LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE
Authors: MAILAR Gireesh , N. Sujay Raghavendra , HIREMATH Parameshwar , B. M. Sreedhara , D. S. Manu
Published: March 2017

Nowadays, there is a considerable shortage in the availability of river sand and natural stone aggregate for the construction activities all around the globe and the way out is being worked out by the use of discarded foundry sand and crushed brick masonry aggregate for construction purposes. In the present study, river sand was partly replaced by the discarded foundry sand procured from steel moulding industries and the crushed brick masonry aggregate was used as coarse aggregate for the production of lightweight concrete. The experimental program involved casting of six distinct mixes with 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% & 100% replacement of fine aggregate by discarded foundry sand. The mechanical and durability properties of the lightweight concrete were assessed for each of the six diverse blends. Even though the 80% and 100% replacement mixes were found to be less dense than the rest of the mix, the blend of 40% replacement acquired desirable mechanical and durability properties when compared to that of all other mixes. The optimum replacement level of the discarded foundry sand by mass to the river sand was 40%. The lightweight concrete produced by utilizing crushed brick masonry aggregate and discarded foundry sand (40% substitution level) can be employed in all major structural lightweight construction aspects and is ideally suited for sloped roof slabs and making architectural or decorative concrete blocks.