bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemokine CXCL7 Heterodimers: Structural Insights, CXCR2 Receptor Function, and Glycosaminoglycan Interactions
Authors: Brown Aaron , Joseph Prem , Sawant Kirti , Rajarathnam Krishna
Published: April 2017

Chemokines mediate diverse fundamental biological processes, including combating infection. Multiple chemokines are expressed at the site of infection; thus chemokine synergy by heterodimer formation may play a role in determining function. Chemokine function involves interactions with G-protein-coupled receptors and sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAG). However, very little is known regarding heterodimer structural features and receptor and GAG interactions. Solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and molecular dynamics characterization of platelet-derived chemokine CXCL7 heterodimerization with chemokines CXCL1, CXCL4, and CXCL8 indicated that packing interactions promote CXCL7-CXCL1 and CXCL7-CXCL4 heterodimers, and electrostatic repulsive interactions disfavor the CXCL7-CXCL8 heterodimer. As characterizing the native heterodimer is challenging due to interference from monomers and homodimers, we engineered a “trapped” disulfide-linked CXCL7-CXCL1 heterodimer. NMR and modeling studies indicated that GAG heparin binding to the heterodimer is distinctly different from the CXCL7 monomer and that the GAG-bound heterodimer is unlikely to bind the receptor. Interestingly, the trapped heterodimer was highly active in a Ca2+ release assay. These data collectively suggest that GAG interactions play a prominent role in determining heterodimer function in vivo. Further, this study provides proof-of-concept that the disulfide trapping strategy can serve as a valuable tool for characterizing the structural and functional features of a chemokine heterodimer.
Serum Concentrations of Angiopoietin-2 and Soluble fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 1 (sFlt-1) Are Associated with Coagulopathy among Patients with Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Dumnicka Paulina , Kuśnierz-Cabala Beata , Sporek Mateusz , Mazur-Laskowska Małgorzata , Gil Krzysztof , Kuźniewski Marek , Ceranowicz Piotr , Warzecha Zygmunt , Dembiński Artur , Bonior Joanna , Drożdż Ryszard
Published: April 2017

In severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), systemic inflammation leads to endothelial dysfunction and activation of coagulation. Thrombotic disorders in acute pancreatitis (AP) include disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Recently, angiopoietin-2 and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) were proposed as markers of endothelial dysfunction in acute states. Our aim was to assess the frequency of coagulation abnormalities in the early phase of AP and evaluate the relationships between serum angiopoietin-2 and sFlt-1 and severity of coagulopathy. Sixty-nine adult patients with AP were recruited: five with SAP, 15 with moderately severe AP (MSAP) and 49 with mild AP. Six patients were diagnosed with DIC according to International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) score. All patients had at least one abnormal result of routine tests of hemostasis (low platelet count, prolonged clotting times, decreased fibrinogen, and increased D-dimer). The severity of coagulopathy correlated with AP severity according to 2012 Atlanta criteria, bedside index of severity in AP and duration of hospital stay. D-dimers correlated independently with C-reactive protein and studied markers of endothelial dysfunction. Angiopoietin-2, D-dimer, and ISTH score were best predictors of SAP, while sFlt-1 was good predictor of MSAP plus SAP. In clinical practice, routine tests of hemostasis may assist prognosis of AP.
Inferring Genes and Biological Functions That Are Sensitive to the Severity of Toxicity Symptoms
Authors: Kim Jinwoo , Shin Miyoung
Published: April 2017

The effective development of new drugs relies on the identification of genes that are related to the symptoms of toxicity. Although many researchers have inferred toxicity markers, most have focused on discovering toxicity occurrence markers rather than toxicity severity markers. In this study, we aimed to identify gene markers that are relevant to both the occurrence and severity of toxicity symptoms. To identify gene markers for each of four targeted liver toxicity symptoms, we used microarray expression profiles and pathology data from 14,143 in vivo rat samples. The gene markers were found using sparse linear discriminant analysis (sLDA) in which symptom severity is used as a class label. To evaluate the inferred gene markers, we constructed regression models that predicted the severity of toxicity symptoms from gene expression profiles. Our cross-validated results revealed that our approach was more successful at finding gene markers sensitive to the aggravation of toxicity symptoms than conventional methods. Moreover, these markers were closely involved in some of the biological functions significantly related to toxicity severity in the four targeted symptoms.
A New Approach to Abortion Informed Consent Laws: How An Evidence Law Framework Can Clarify Casey’s Truthful, Non-Misleading Standard
Authors: Jaswal Veneeta
Published: April 2017

United States Supreme Court doctrine has, for a quarter century, permitted regulations designed—through facts or nudges, but not force—to persuade pregnant women to choose childbirth over abortion. States have increasingly exceeded the bounds of this persuasive power by subjecting women to emotive and potentially distressing ‘information’ like real-time fetal images, heart beat recordings, or state-mandated directives by their doctors that abortion would “terminate the life of a whole, separate, unique, living human being.” This article advances a novel approach to informed consent in abortion that draws on established principles in the U.S. Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE). Evidentiary rules requiring “completeness”, exempting “common knowledge”, and prohibiting evidence that is “more prejudicial than probative” provide a sounder way for courts to determine which informed consent regulations on abortion mislead and demean a woman in ways that violate her constitutional right to make the ultimate decision about whether to continue a pregnancy. This evidence law framework would resolve conflicts between a woman’s right and the state’s interest by forbidding mandatory disclosures of incomplete, unnecessary, and emotionally charged information designed to promote childbirth over abortion.
Numerical Studies on the Failure Process of Heterogeneous Brittle Rocks or Rock-Like Materials under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Guo Songfeng , Qi Shengwen , Zou Yu , Zheng Bowen
Published: April 2017

In rocks or rock-like materials, the constituents, e.g. quartz, calcite and biotite, as well as the microdefects have considerably different mechanical properties that make such materials heterogeneous at different degrees. The failure of materials subjected to external loads is a cracking process accompanied with stress redistribution due to material heterogeneity. However, the latter cannot be observed from the experiments in laboratory directly. In this study, the cracking and stress features during uniaxial compression process are numerically studied based on a presented approach. A plastic strain dependent strength model is implemented into the continuous numerical tool—Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua in three Dimensions (FLAC3D), and the Gaussian statistical function is adopted to depict the heterogeneity of mechanical parameters including elastic modulus, friction angle, cohesion and tensile strength. The mean parameter μ and the coefficient of variance (hcv, the ratio of mean parameter to standard deviation) in the function are used to define the mean value and heterogeneity degree of the parameters, respectively. The results show that this numerical approach can perfectly capture the general features of brittle materials including fracturing process, AE events as well as stress-strain curves. Furthermore, the local stress disturbance is analyzed and the crack initiation stress threshold is identified based on the AE events process and stress-strain curves. It is shown that the stress concentration always appears in the undamaged elements near the boundary of damaged sites. The peak stress and crack initiation stress are both heterogeneity dependent, i.e., a linear relation exists between the two stress thresholds and hcv. The range of hcv is suggested as 0.12 to 0.21 for most rocks. The stress concentration degree is represented by a stress concentration factor and found also heterogeneity dominant. Finally, it is found that there exists a consistent tendency between the local stress difference and the AE events process.
Pyroelectrically Induced Pyro-Electro-Chemical Catalytic Activity of BaTiO3 Nanofibers under Room-Temperature Cold–Hot Cycle Excitations
Authors: Xia Yuntao , Jia Yanmin , Qian Weiqi , Xu Xiaoli , Wu Zheng , Han Zichen , Hong Yuanting , You Huilin , Ismail Muhammad , Bai Ge , Wang Liwei
Published: April 2017

A pyro-electro-chemical catalytic dye decomposition using lead-free BaTiO3 nanofibers was realized under room-temperature cold–hot cycle excitation (30–47 °C) with a high Rhodamine B (RhB) decomposition efficiency ~99%, which should be ascribed to the product of pyro-electric effect and electrochemical redox reaction. Furthermore, the existence of intermediate product of hydroxyl radical in pyro-electro-chemical catalytic process was also observed. There is no significant decrease in pyro-electro-chemical catalysis activity after being recycled five times. The pyro-electrically induced pyro-electro-chemical catalysis provides a high-efficient, reusable and environmentally friendly technology to remove organic pollutants from water.
Structural Investigations of TiC–Cu Nanocomposites Prepared by Ball Milling and Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Nguyen Thi Hoang Oanh , Nguyen Hoang Viet , Kim Ji-Soon , Dudina Dina
Published: April 2017

In this work, TiC–Cu composites containing 20 and 30 vol % of nano-sized titanium carbide (TiC) particles were prepared by powder metallurgy using copper powders with micrometer-sized and nanometer-sized particles. Mixtures of TiC and Cu powders were ball milled for 10 h and spark plasma sintered at 800–900 °C under an applied pressure of 50 MPa. The relative density of the sintered composites was 95.0%–96.5%. The composites fractured in a ductile mode. The crystallite size of the copper matrix in the composites prepared using the nanometer-sized copper powder was smaller than that in composites prepared using the micrometer-sized copper powder, which was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The hardness of the composites increased as the sintering temperature was increased from 800 to 900 °C. When the TiC content increased from 20 to 30 vol %, the hardness of the composites obtained from the micrometer-sized copper powder and sintered at 900 °C increased from 284 to 315 HV, while in composites obtained from the nanometer-sized copper, the hardness decreased from 347 to 337 HV.
Nanomechanical Motion Transducers for Miniaturized Mechanical Systems
Authors: Kouh Taejoon , Hanay M. , Ekinci Kamil
Published: April 2017

Reliable operation of a miniaturized mechanical system requires that nanomechanical motion be transduced into electrical signals (and vice versa) with high fidelity and in a robust manner. Progress in transducer technologies is expected to impact numerous emerging and future applications of micro- and, especially, nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS); furthermore, high-precision measurements of nanomechanical motion are broadly used to study fundamental phenomena in physics and biology. Therefore, development of nanomechanical motion transducers with high sensitivity and bandwidth has been a central research thrust in the fields of MEMS and NEMS. Here, we will review recent progress in this rapidly-advancing area.
A Programmable Digital Microfluidic Assay for the Simultaneous Detection of Multiple Anti-Microbial Resistance Genes
Authors: Kalsi Sumit , Sellars Samuel , Turner Carrie , Sutton J. , Morgan Hywel
Published: April 2017

The rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria requires the development of new diagnostic tests. Nucleic acid-based assays determine antimicrobial susceptibility by detecting genes that encode for the resistance. In this study, we demonstrate rapid and simultaneous detection of three genes that confer resistance in bacteria to extended spectrum β-lactam and carbapenem antibiotics; CTX-M-15, KPC and NDM-1. The assay uses isothermal DNA amplification (recombinase polymerase amplification, RPA) implemented on a programmable digital microfluidics (DMF) platform. Automated dispensing protocols are used to simultaneously manipulate 45 droplets of nL volume containing sample DNA, reagents, and controls. The droplets are processed and mixed under electronic control on the DMF devices with positive amplification measured by fluorescence. The assay on these devices is significantly improved with a Time to Positivity (TTP) half that of the benchtop assay.
A Feasibility Study on the Simultaneous Sensing of Turbidity and Chlorophyll a Concentration Using a Simple Optical Measurement Method
Authors: Isoyama Ryota , Taie Manami , Kageyama Tomoaki , Miura Masashi , Maeda Akihiro , Mori Akihiro , Lee Sang-Seok
Published: April 2017

We have been developing a wireless sensor network system to monitor the quality of lake water in real time. It consists of a sensor module and a system module, which includes communication and power modules. We have focused on pH, turbidity and chlorophyll a concentration as the criteria for qualifying lake water quality. These parameters will be detected by a microfluidic device based sensor module embedded in the wireless sensor network system. In order to detect the turbidity and the chlorophyll a concentration simultaneously, we propose a simple optical measurement method using LED and photodiode in this paper. Before integrating a turbidity and chlorophyll a concentration sensor into the microfluidic device based pH sensor, we performed feasibility studies such as confirmation of the working principle and experiments using environmental water samples. As a result, we successfully verified our simultaneous sensing method by using a simple optical setup of the turbidity and the chlorophyll a concentration.
The Emerging Frontiers and Applications of High-Resolution 3D Printing
Authors: Mao Mao , He Jiankang , Li Xiao , Zhang Bing , Lei Qi , Liu Yaxiong , Li Dichen
Published: April 2017

Over the past few decades, there has been an increasing interest in the fabrication of complex high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) architectures at micro/nanoscale. These architectures can be obtained through conventional microfabrication methods including photolithography, electron-beam lithography, femtosecond laser lithography, nanoimprint lithography, etc. However, the applications of these fabrication methods are limited by their high costs, the generation of various chemical wastes, and their insufficient ability to create high-aspect-ratio 3D structures. High-resolution 3D printing has recently emerged as a promising solution, as it is capable of building multifunctional 3D constructs with optimal properties. Here we present a review on the principles and the recent advances of high-resolution 3D printing techniques, including two-photon polymerization (TPP), projection microstereoLithography (PµSL), direct ink writing (DIW) and electrohydrodynamic printing (EHDP). We also highlight their typical applications in various fields such as metamaterials, energy storage, flexible electronics, microscale tissue engineering scaffolds and organ-on-chips. Finally, we discuss the challenge and perspective of these high-resolution 3D printing techniques in technical and application aspects. We believe that high-resolution 3D printing will eventually revolutionize the microfabrication processes of 3D architectures with high product quality and diversified materials. It will also find applications in a wide scope.
Insights on Klebsiella pneumoniae Biofilms Assembled on Different Surfaces Using Phenotypic and Genotypic Approaches
Authors: Bandeira Maria , Borges Vítor , Gomes João , Duarte Aida , Jordao Luisa
Published: April 2017

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a prominent etiological agent of healthcare associated infections (HAIs). In this context, multidrug-resistant and biofilm-producing bacteria are of special public health concern due to the difficulties associated with treatment of human infections and eradication from hospital environments. Here, in order to study the impact of medical devices-associated materials on the biofilm dynamics, we performed biofilm phenotypic analyses through a classic and a new scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique for three multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates growing on polystyrene and silicone. We also applied whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to search for genetic clues underlying biofilm phenotypic differences. We found major differences in the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) content among the three strains, which were further corroborated by in-depth EPS composition analysis. WGS analysis revealed a high nucleotide similarity within the core-genome, but relevant differences in the accessory genome that may account for the detected biofilm phenotypic dissimilarities, such as genes already associated with biofilm formation in other pathogenic bacteria (e.g., genes coding haemogglutinins and haemolysins). These data reinforce that the research efforts to defeat bacterial biofilms should take into account that their dynamics may be contingent on the medical devices-associated materials.
Phenolic Compounds from the Rhizomes of Smilax china L. and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Zhong Cheng , Hu Deng , Hou Lian-Bing , Song Lu-Yao , Zhang Ying-Jun , Xie Yang , Tian Li-Wen
Published: April 2017

A new triflavanoid, kandelin B-5 (1), was isolated from the rhizomes of Smilax china L., together with six known phenylpropanoid substituted flavan-3-ols (2–7), nine flavonoids (8–16), two stilbenoids (17, 18), and two other compounds (19, 20). The structure of compound 1 was determined on the basis of 1D, 2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS data, as well as chemical method. Compounds 2–5, 8–12, 15, 17, and 19 were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity. Only compounds 10, 15 and 17 showed slightly IL-1β expression inhibitory activities on LPS induced THP-1 cells, with inhibition rate of 15.8%, 37.3%, and 35.8%, respectively, at concentration of 50 μg/mL.
Ugonin M, a Helminthostachys zeylanica Constituent, Prevents LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury through TLR4-Mediated MAPK and NF-κB Signaling Pathways
Authors: Wu Kun-Chang , Huang Shyh-Shyun , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung , Ho Yu-Ling , Yang Chang-Syun , Chang Yuan-Shiun , Huang Guan-Jhong
Published: April 2017

Helminthostachys zeylanica (L.) Hook. is plant that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries for the treatment of inflammation, fever, pneumonia, and various disorders. The aims of the present study are to figure out the possible effectiveness of the component Ugonin M, a unique flavonoid isolated from H. zeylanica, and to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which it works in the LPS-induced ALI model. In this study, Ugonin M not only inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, as well as infiltrated cellular counts and protein content in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) mice, but also ameliorated the severity of pulmonary edemas through the score of a histological examination and the ratio of wet to dry weight of lung. Moreover, Ugonin M was observed to significantly suppress LPS-stimulated protein levels of iNOS and COX-2. In addition, we found that Ugonin M not only obviously suppressed NF-κB and MAPK activation via the degradation of NF-κB and IκB-α as well as ERK and p38MAPK active phosphorylation but also inhibited the protein expression level of TLR4. Further, Ugonin M treatment also suppressed the protein levels of MPO and enhanced the protein expressions of HO-1 and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and CAT) in lung tissue of LPS-induced ALI mice. It is anticipated that through our findings, there is strong evidence that Ugonin M may exert a potential effect against LPS-induced ALI mice. Hence, Ugonin M could be one of the major effective components of H. zeylanica in the treatment of inflammatory disorders.
Mechanisms of Nanophase-Induced Desorption in LDI-MS. A Short Review
Authors: Picca Rosaria Anna , Calvano Cosima Damiana , Cioffi Nicola , Palmisano Francesco
Published: April 2017

Nanomaterials are frequently used in laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS) as DI enhancers, providing excellent figures of merit for the analysis of low molecular weight organic molecules. In recent years, literature on this topic has benefited from several studies assessing the fundamental aspects of the ion desorption efficiency and the internal energy transfer, in the case of model analytes. Several different parameters have been investigated, including the intrinsic chemical and physical properties of the nanophase (chemical composition, thermal conductivity, photo-absorption efficiency, specific heat capacity, phase transition point, explosion threshold, etc.), along with morphological parameters such as the nanophase size, shape, and interparticle distance. Other aspects, such as the composition, roughness and defects of the substrate supporting the LDI-active nanophases, the nanophase binding affinity towards the target analyte, the role of water molecules, have been taken into account as well. Readers interested in nanoparticle based LDI-MS sub-techniques (SALDI-, SELDI-, NALDI- MS) will find here a concise overview of the recent findings in the specialized field of fundamental and mechanistic studies, shading light on the desorption ionization phenomena responsible of the outperforming MS data offered by these techniques.
Highly Enhanced Photoreductive Degradation of Polybromodiphenyl Ethers with g-C3N4/TiO2 under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Ye Weidong , Shao Yingying , Hu Xuefeng , Liu Chulin , Sun Chunyan
Published: April 2017

A series of high activity photocatalysts g-C3N4-TiO2 were synthesized by simple one-pot thermal transformation method and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, and ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis-DRS). The g-C3N4-TiO2 samples show highly improved photoreductive capability for the degradation of polybromodiphenyl ethers compared with g-C3N4 under visible light irradiation. Among all the hybrids, 0.02-C3N4-TiO2 with 2 wt % g-C3N4 loaded shows the highest reaction rate, which is 15 times as high as that in bare g-C3N4. The well-matched band gaps in heterojunction g-C3N4-TiO2 not only strengthen the absorption intensity, but also show more effective charge carrier separation, which results in the highly enhanced photoreductive performance under visible light irradiation. The trapping experiments show that holetrapping agents largely affect the reaction rate. The rate of electron accumulation in the conductive band is the rate-determining step in the degradation reaction. A possible photoreductive mechanism has been proposed.
Comparisons of the Postprandial Inflammatory and Endotoxaemic Responses to Mixed Meals in Young and Older Individuals: A Randomised Trial
Authors: Milan Amber M. , Pundir Shikha , Pileggi Chantal A. , Markworth James F. , Lewandowski Paul A. , Cameron-Smith David
Published: April 2017

Postprandial inflammation and endotoxaemia are determinants of cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk which are amplified by high fat meals. We aimed to examine the determinants of postprandial inflammation and endotoxaemia in older and younger adults following a high fat mixed meal. In a randomised cross-over trial, healthy participants aged 20–25 and 60–75 years (n = 15/group) consumed a high-fat breakfast and a low-fat breakfast. Plasma taken at baseline and post-meal for 5 h was analysed for circulating endotoxin, cytokines (monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), and inflammatory gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Older subjects had lower baseline PBMC expression of Glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX-1) but greater insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) and circulating MCP-1 compared to younger subjects. After either meal, there were no age differences in plasma, chylomicron endotoxin, or plasma LBP concentrations, nor in inflammatory cytokine gene and protein expression (MCP-1, IL-1β, and TNF-α). Unlike younger participants, the older group had decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD)-2 expression after the meals. After a high-fat meal, older adults have no increased inflammatory or endotoxin response, but an altered oxidative stress gene response compared with younger adults. Healthy older adults, without apparent metabolic dysfunction, have a comparable postprandial inflammatory and endotoxaemia response to younger adults.
Analysis of the Anti-Cancer Effects of Cincau Extract (Premna oblongifolia Merr) and Other Types of Non-Digestible Fibre Using Faecal Fermentation Supernatants and Caco-2 Cells as a Model of the Human Colon
Authors: Nurdin Samsu U. , Le Leu Richard K. , Young Graeme P. , Stangoulis James C. R. , Christophersen Claus T. , Abbott Catherine A.
Published: April 2017

Green cincau (Premna oblongifolia Merr) is an Indonesian food plant with a high dietary fibre content. Research has shown that dietary fibre mixtures may be more beneficial for colorectal cancer prevention than a single dietary fibre type. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of green cincau extract on short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production in anaerobic batch cultures inoculated with human faecal slurries and to compare these to results obtained using different dietary fibre types (pectin, inulin, and cellulose), singly and in combination. Furthermore, fermentation supernatants (FSs) were evaluated in Caco-2 cells for their effect on cell viability, differentiation, and apoptosis. Cincau increased total SCFA concentration by increasing acetate and propionate, but not butyrate concentration. FSs from all dietary fibre sources, including cincau, reduced Caco-2 cell viability. However, the effects of all FSs on cell viability, cell differentiation, and apoptosis were not simply explainable by their butyrate content. In conclusion, products of fermentation of cincau extracts induced cell death, but further work is required to understand the mechanism of action. This study demonstrates for the first time that this Indonesian traditional source of dietary fibre may be protective against colorectal cancer.
Inborn Errors of Fructose Metabolism. What Can We Learn from Them?
Authors: Tran Christel
Published: April 2017

Fructose is one of the main sweetening agents in the human diet and its ingestion is increasing globally. Dietary sugar has particular effects on those whose capacity to metabolize fructose is limited. If intolerance to carbohydrates is a frequent finding in children, inborn errors of carbohydrate metabolism are rare conditions. Three inborn errors are known in the pathway of fructose metabolism; (1) essential or benign fructosuria due to fructokinase deficiency; (2) hereditary fructose intolerance; and (3) fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase deficiency. In this review the focus is set on the description of the clinical symptoms and biochemical anomalies in the three inborn errors of metabolism. The potential toxic effects of fructose in healthy humans also are discussed. Studies conducted in patients with inborn errors of fructose metabolism helped to understand fructose metabolism and its potential toxicity in healthy human. Influence of fructose on the glycolytic pathway and on purine catabolism is the cause of hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis and hyperuricemia. The discovery that fructose-mediated generation of uric acid may have a causal role in diabetes and obesity provided new understandings into pathogenesis for these frequent diseases.
Systematic Analysis of Pharmaceutical Preparations of Chondroitin Sulfate Combined with Glucosamine
Authors: Santos Gustavo R.C. , Piquet Adriana , Glauser Bianca , Tovar Ana M.F. , Pereira Mariana , Vilanova Eduardo , Mourão Paulo A.S.
Published: April 2017

Glycosaminoglycans are carbohydrate-based compounds widely employed as nutraceuticals or prescribed drugs. Oral formulations of chondroitin sulfate combined with glucosamine sulfate have been increasingly used to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis and osteoarthrosis. The chondroitin sulfate of these combinations can be obtained from shark or bovine cartilages and hence presents differences regarding the proportions of 4- and 6-sulfated N-acetyl β-d-galactosamine units. Herein, we proposed a systematic protocol to assess pharmaceutical batches of this combination drug. Chemical analyses on the amounts of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine in the batches were in accordance with those declared by the manufacturers. Anion-exchange chromatography has proven more effective than electrophoresis to determine the type of chondroitin sulfate present in the combinations and to detect the presence of keratan sulfate, a common contaminant found in batches prepared with shark chondroitin sulfate. 1D NMR spectra revealed the presence of non-sulfated instead of sulfated glucosamine in the formulations and thus in disagreement with the claims declared on the label. Moreover, 1D and 2D NMR analyses allowed a precise determination on the chemical structures of the chondroitin sulfate present in the formulations. The set of analytical tools suggested here could be useful as guidelines to improve the quality of this medication.
Lipid Raft, Regulator of Plasmodesmal Callose Homeostasis
Authors: Iswanto Arya Bagus Boedi , Kim Jae-Yean
Published: April 2017

Abstract: The specialized plasma membrane microdomains known as lipid rafts are enriched by sterols and sphingolipids. Lipid rafts facilitate cellular signal transduction by controlling the assembly of signaling molecules and membrane protein trafficking. Another specialized compartment of plant cells, the plasmodesmata (PD), which regulates the symplasmic intercellular movement of certain molecules between adjacent cells, also contains a phospholipid bilayer membrane. The dynamic permeability of plasmodesmata (PDs) is highly controlled by plasmodesmata callose (PDC), which is synthesized by callose synthases (CalS) and degraded by β-1,3-glucanases (BGs). In recent studies, remarkable observations regarding the correlation between lipid raft formation and symplasmic intracellular trafficking have been reported, and the PDC has been suggested to be the regulator of the size exclusion limit of PDs. It has been suggested that the alteration of lipid raft substances impairs PDC homeostasis, subsequently affecting PD functions. In this review, we discuss the substantial role of membrane lipid rafts in PDC homeostasis and provide avenues for understanding the fundamental behavior of the lipid raft–processed PDC.
The Brightest Light in Canada: The Canadian Light Source
Authors: Cutler Jeffrey , Chapman Dean , Dallin Les , Lamb Robert
Published: April 2017

Over forty years in the making, and one of Canada’s largest scientific investments in those four decades, the Canadian Light Source (CLS), a third generation source of synchrotron light, was designed for high performance and flexibility and serves the diverse needs of the Canadian research community by providing brilliant light for applied and basic research programmes ranging from the far infrared to the hard X-ray regimes. Development of the scientific program at the CLS has been envisioned in four distinct phases. The first phase consists of the accelerator complex together with seven experimental facilities; the second phase adds six more experimental facilities and additional infrastructure to support them; the third phase adds seven more experimental facilities; and the fourth phase focuses on beamline and endstation upgrades, keeping the CLS as a state-of-the-art research centre. With the growth of a strong user community, the success of these experimental facilities will drive the future growth of the CLS.
The Negative Theology of Wallace Stevens’s “Notes Toward a Supreme Fiction”
Authors: Franke William
Published: April 2017

The supreme fiction is the one that cannot be said or represented at all. Like a negative theologian; Stevens starts from a position of critical reflection that can no longer naively believe in the myths of the gods. They have become fiction rather than revelation. And yet this supreme fiction; now become nameless; nevertheless animates all his desire: “For what; except for you; do I feel love?” These myths or fictions bring him peace of mind in vivid transparence; even though he can assign them no definite reference in reality. What becomes transparent in this late age of critical reflection is that the world we see and talk about is an “invented world,” the product of our own imagination and language. This destroys our naive belief in the myths projected by our language. Our gods die. Yet precisely this realization can open us to that “heaven/That has expelled us and our images,” the heaven that we do not perceive and cannot conceive—since it is beyond the reach of language.
Combining Unmanned Aerial Systems and Sensor Networks for Earth Observation
Authors: Martínez-de Dios José , De San Bernabé Alberto , Viguria Antidio , Torres-González Arturo , Ollero Anibal
Published: April 2017

The combination of remote sensing and sensor network technologies can provide unprecedented earth observation capabilities, and has attracted high R&D interest in recent years. However, the procedures and tools used for deployment, geo-referenciation and collection of logged measurements in the case of traditional environmental monitoring stations are not suitable when dealing with hundreds or thousands of sensor nodes deployed in an environment of tenths of hectares. This paper presents a scheme based on Unmanned Aerial Systems that intends to give a step forward in the use of sensor networks for environment observation. The presented scheme includes methods, tools and technologies to solve sensor node deployment, localization and collection of measurements. The presented scheme is scalable—it is suitable for medium–large environments with a high number of sensor nodes—and highly autonomous—it is operated with very low human intervention. This paper presents the scheme including its main components, techniques and technologies, and describes its implementation and evaluation in field experiments.
Supervised and Semi-Supervised Multi-View Canonical Correlation Analysis Ensemble for Heterogeneous Domain Adaptation in Remote Sensing Image Classification
Authors: Samat Alim , Persello Claudio , Gamba Paolo , Liu Sicong , Abuduwaili Jilili , Li Erzhu
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we present the supervised multi-view canonical correlation analysis ensemble (SMVCCAE) and its semi-supervised version (SSMVCCAE), which are novel techniques designed to address heterogeneous domain adaptation problems, i.e., situations in which the data to be processed and recognized are collected from different heterogeneous domains. Specifically, the multi-view canonical correlation analysis scheme is utilized to extract multiple correlation subspaces that are useful for joint representations for data association across domains. This scheme makes homogeneous domain adaption algorithms suitable for heterogeneous domain adaptation problems. Additionally, inspired by fusion methods such as Ensemble Learning (EL), this work proposes a weighted voting scheme based on canonical correlation coefficients to combine classification results in multiple correlation subspaces. Finally, the semi-supervised MVCCAE extends the original procedure by incorporating multiple speed-up spectral regression kernel discriminant analysis (SRKDA). To validate the performances of the proposed supervised procedure, a single-view canonical analysis (SVCCA) with the same base classifier (Random Forests) is used. Similarly, to evaluate the performance of the semi-supervised approach, a comparison is made with other techniques such as Logistic label propagation (LLP) and the Laplacian support vector machine (LapSVM). All of the approaches are tested on two real hyperspectral images, which are considered the target domain, with a classifier trained from synthetic low-dimensional multispectral images, which are considered the original source domain. The experimental results confirm that multi-view canonical correlation can overcome the limitations of SVCCA. Both of the proposed procedures outperform the ones used in the comparison with respect to not only the classification accuracy but also the computational efficiency. Moreover, this research shows that canonical correlation weighted voting (CCWV) is a valid option with respect to other ensemble schemes and that because of their ability to balance diversity and accuracy, canonical views extracted using partially joint random view generation are more effective than those obtained by exploiting disjoint random view generation.
Comparison and Evaluation of Three Methods for Estimating Forest above Ground Biomass Using TM and GLAS Data
Authors: Liu Kaili , Wang Jindi , Zeng Weisheng , Song Jinling
Published: April 2017

Medium spatial resolution biomass is a crucial link from the plot to regional and global scales. Although remote-sensing data-based methods have become a primary approach in estimating forest above ground biomass (AGB), many difficulties remain in data resources and prediction approaches. Each kind of sensor type and prediction method has its own merits and limitations. To select the proper estimation algorithm and remote-sensing data source, several forest AGB models were developed using different remote-sensing data sources (Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) data and Thematic Mapper (TM) data) and 108 field measurements. Three modeling methods (stepwise regression (SR), support vector regression (SVR) and random forest (RF)) were used to estimate forest AGB over the Daxing’anling Mountains in northeastern China. The results of models using different datasets and three approaches were compared. The random forest AGB model using Landsat5/TM as input data was shown the acceptable modeling accuracy (R2 = 0.95 RMSE = 17.73 Mg/ha) and it was also shown to estimate AGB reliably by cross validation (R2 = 0.71 RMSE = 39.60 Mg/ha). The results also indicated that adding GLAS data significantly improved AGB predictions for the SVR and SR AGB models. In the case of the RF AGB models, including GLAS data no longer led to significant improvement. Finally, a forest biomass map with spatial resolution of 30 m over the Daxing'anling Mountains was generated using the obtained optimal model.
Polarimetric Calibration for a Ground-Based Radar, and Comparison of the Polarimetric Parameters with Air-Borne SAR Obtained from a Forest
Authors: Watanabe Manabu , Shimada Masanobu
Published: April 2017

A polarimetric ground-based radar (GB-radar) system operated in the L-band has been developed. The frequency range of GB-radar is 1.215 to 1.3 GHz, which is the same as that of Japanese satellite-borne SAR, PALSAR-2 (Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar), and Japanese L-band air-borne radar, i.e., Pi-SAR-L2 (Polarimetric and Interferometric Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar L2). Polarimetric calibration was carried out twice in the field to calibrate and validate the GB-radar data. Cross-talk and channel imbalance are improved for the both experiments, and are from −13.3 dB to −30.7 dB, and from 1.06 to 1.00, respectively for the first experiment, after calibration. The calibrated cross-talk and channel imbalance values were comparable to −31.7 dB and 1.013, which were obtained using PALSAR. Radiometric calibration and antenna pattern correction were also carried out in the second experiment. Forest observations were also carried out simultaneously by GB-radar and Pi-SAR-L2 in the second experiment. The range profiles obtained by GB-radar and Pi-SAR-L2 were compared for several polarimetric parameters, namely, radar backscattering coefficient, polarimetric coherence, eigenvalue-decomposition parameters, and four-component-decomposition parameters. Both range profiles matched moderately well and showed good performance that could compensate for the limited possibility of satellite/air-borne SAR observation.
Detection, Localization and Quantification of Impact Events on a Stiffened Composite Panel with Embedded Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor Networks
Authors: Lamberti Alfredo , Luyckx Geert , Van Paepegem Wim , Rezayat Ali , Vanlanduit Steve
Published: April 2017

Nowadays, it is possible to manufacture smart composite materials with embedded fiber optic sensors. These sensors can be exploited during the composites’ operating life to identify occurring damages such as delaminations. For composite materials adopted in the aviation and wind energy sector, delaminations are most often caused by impacts with external objects. The detection, localization and quantification of such impacts are therefore crucial for the prevention of catastrophic events. In this paper, we demonstrate the feasibility to perform impact identification in smart composite structures with embedded fiber optic sensors. For our analyses, we manufactured a carbon fiber reinforced plate in which we embedded a distributed network of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors. We impacted the plate with a modal hammer and we identified the impacts by processing the FBG data with an improved fast phase correlation (FPC) algorithm in combination with a variable selective least squares (VS-LS) inverse solver approach. A total of 164 impacts distributed on 41 possible impact locations were analyzed. We compared our methodology with the traditional P-Inv based approach. In terms of impact localization, our methodology performed better in 70.7% of the cases. An improvement on the impact time domain reconstruction was achieved in 95 . 1 % of the cases.
Automotive System for Remote Surface Classification
Authors: Bystrov Aleksandr , Hoare Edward , Tran Thuy-Yung , Clarke Nigel , Gashinova Marina , Cherniakov Mikhail
Published: April 2017

In this paper we shall discuss a novel approach to road surface recognition, based on the analysis of backscattered microwave and ultrasonic signals. The novelty of our method is sonar and polarimetric radar data fusion, extraction of features for separate swathes of illuminated surface (segmentation), and using of multi-stage artificial neural network for surface classification. The developed system consists of 24 GHz radar and 40 kHz ultrasonic sensor. The features are extracted from backscattered signals and then the procedures of principal component analysis and supervised classification are applied to feature data. The special attention is paid to multi-stage artificial neural network which allows an overall increase in classification accuracy. The proposed technique was tested for recognition of a large number of real surfaces in different weather conditions with the average accuracy of correct classification of 95%. The obtained results thereby demonstrate that the use of proposed system architecture and statistical methods allow for reliable discrimination of various road surfaces in real conditions.
Conductive Photo-Activated Porphyrin-ZnO Nanostructured Gas Sensor Array
Authors: Magna Gabriele , Catini Alexandro , Kumar Raj , Palmacci Massimo , Martinelli Eugenio , Paolesse Roberto , Di Natale Corrado
Published: April 2017

Chemoresistors working at room temperature are attractive for low-consumption integrated sensors. Previous studies show that this feature can be obtained with photoconductive porphyrins-coated ZnO nanostructures. Furthermore, variations of the porphyrin molecular structure alter both the chemical sensitivity and the photoconductivity, and can be used to define the sensor characteristics. Based on these assumptions, we investigated the properties of an array of four sensors made of a layer of ZnO nanoparticles coated with porphyrins with the same molecular framework but different metal atoms. The array was tested with five volatile organic compounds (VOCs), each measured at different concentrations. Results confirm that the features of individual porphyrins influence the sensor behavior, and the differences among sensors are enough to enable the discrimination of volatile compounds disregarding their concentration.
Low-Cost Inkjet Printing Technology for the Rapid Prototyping of Transducers
Authors: Andò Bruno , Baglio Salvatore , Bulsara Adi , Emery Teresa , Marletta Vincenzo , Pistorio Antonio
Published: April 2017

Recently, there has been an upsurge in efforts dedicated to developing low-cost flexible electronics by exploiting innovative materials and direct printing technologies. This interest is motivated by the need for low-cost mass-production, shapeable, and disposable devices, and the rapid prototyping of electronics and sensors. This review, following a short overview of main printing processes, reports examples of the development of flexible transducers through low-cost inkjet printing technology.
Fiber Bragg Grating Measuring System for Simultaneous Monitoring of Temperature and Humidity in Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Massaroni Carlo , Caponero Michele , D’Amato Rosaria , Lo Presti Daniela , Schena Emiliano
Published: April 2017

During mechanical ventilation, the humidification of the dry air delivered by the mechanical ventilator is recommended. Among several solutions, heated wire humidifiers (HWHs) have gained large acceptance to be used in this field. The aim of this work is to fabricate a measuring system based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) for the simultaneous monitoring of gas relative humidity (RH) and temperature, intended to be used for providing feedback to the HWHs’ control. This solution can be implemented using an array of two FBGs having a different center wavelength. Regarding RH monitoring, three sensors have been fabricated by coating an FBG with two different moisture-sensitive and biocompatible materials: the first two sensors were fabricated by coating the grating with a 3 mm × 3 mm layer of agar and agarose; to investigate the influence of the coating thickness to the sensor response, a third sensor was developed with a 5 mm × 5 mm layer of agar. The sensors have been assessed in a wide range of RH (up to 95%) during both an ascending and a subsequent descending phase. Only the response of the 3 mm × 3 mm-coated sensors were fast enough to follow the RH changes, showing a mean sensitivity of about 0.14 nm/% (agar-coated) and 0.12 nm/% (agarose-coated). The hysteresis error was about <10% in the two sensors. The contribution of temperature changes on these RH sensors was negligible. The temperature measurement was performed by a commercial FBG insensitive to RH changes. The small size of these FBG-based sensors, the use of biocompatible polymers, and the possibility to measure both temperature and RH by using the same fiber optic embedding an array of two FBGs make intriguing the use of this solution for application in the control of HWHs.