bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to Keep a Promise: Laymen Answers to the Financial Crisis
Authors: Pétervári Kinga
Published: June 2017

This article is a case study, providing a possible interpretation of the current Hungarian financial-legal culture.How to apply those terms and conditions in long-term loan agreements in financial crisis, which are favourable or seemingly irrelevant in good times but turn out to be disadvantageous, sometimes even disastrous in bad times. How to calculate and allocate risks, what is acceptable and what is foreseeable to laymen? The focus here is on the laymen attitudes towards long-term contractual obligations and performances in the global financial crisis: whether debtors’ contractual obligations must be fulfilled, what should be construed as an excuse for non-performance, whether there should be measures designed to protect the debtors more, if yes, at whose expense – the creditors (rather preventive measures) or the taxpayers (rather restitutive measures) –, if no, how to allocate ideally the risks and liabilities, is profit-making an evil per se, that needs to be managed?
An Investigation of Property Value Impairment Caused by Noise, in the Case of the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, Using a Hedonic Model
Authors: Hajnal István
Published: June 2017

The issue of the value impairing impact of airports on nearby properties has been studied in the technical literature for decades. There is quite a wide consensus on the fact that in North America and Western Europe, the increasing noise pollution caused by airports leads to reduced property values: in general, each 1 dB growth in noise level leads to a 1% drop in property value. The purpose of this study is to find a correlation between noise levels and property value impairment (if any), based on the limited amount of available data, with regard to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). The examination described in this paper was conducted applying the commonly-used hedonic model, and, even though this study could not prove the correlation, it designates the direction in which necessary database-building and future research should be conducted.
Establishment of a dental license regulation authority is required in Korea: results of the Delphi technique
Authors: Choi Jin-Woo , Kim Kack-Kyun , Lee Jihyun , Choi Dong-Ju , Kim Kyung-Nyun
Published: June 2017

Purpose: In addition to dental education, a system for the evaluation and management of dental licensing and certification is required to meet the growing societal demand for more competent dentists. In this study, the Delphi technique was used to gather opinions from a variety of professionals on the problems of and remedies for the dental license management system in Korea. Methods: Delphi surveys were conducted from April 2016 to October 2016 in South Korea. A variety of dental professionals were included and categorized into 3 groups according to their expertise as follows: the basic dentistry group, the clinical dentistry group, and the policy group. The Delphi technique was conducted in 3 rounds of e-mail surveys, each with different questions that probed with increasing depth on the dental license management system. In each successive round, the responses were categorized, scored on a Likert scale, and statistically analyzed. Results: After categorizing the results of the first survey and ranking the results of the second survey using the Delphi technique, regulation by a licensing authority was found to be the most critical issue. This was followed by the license renewal system, continuing education, a tiered licensure system, improvement of foreign license approval, and utilization of retirees, in decreasing order of importance. The third Delphi survey showed a similar ranking, with regulation by a licensing authority being the major concern. Opinions regarding the dental license management system were provided as open-ended responses. The responses of the 3 groups showed statistically significant differences in the scores for the issue of regulation by a licensing authority. After re-grouping into the dentistry group and the policy group, the issue received a significantly higher score in the dentistry group. Conclusion: The quality of dental treatment should be managed to protect patients and dental professionals. For this purpose, the establishment of an independent license regulation authority along with legislative changes is required.
Palestinian pharmacists’ knowledge of issues related to using psychotropic medications in older people: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shawahna Ramzi , Khaskiyyi Mais , Abdo Hadeel , Msarwe Yasmen , Odeh Rania , Salame Souad
Published: June 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of pharmacists practicing in Palestine of issues related to using psychotropic medications in older people. Methods: The study was conducted with a cross-sectional observational design using a questionnaire. A total of 400 pharmacists responded to a 19-statement knowledge test related to the use of psychotropic medications in older people. The study was conducted from July 2016 to February 2017. The reliability and internal consistency of the study tool was assessed using the test-retest method and the Cronbach alpha. Categorical groups were compared using the chi-square test and the Spearman rank correlation. Results: On the 19-statement knowledge test, the median score was 55.3% with an interquartile range of 21.9%. In a comparison of the demographic and practice-related variables of the pharmacists who scored ≥ 50% on the 19-statement knowledge test with those who scored < 50%, age, gender, and having taken a course on psychotropic medications were found to be significantly associated with performance, as shown by the chi-square test and Spearman correlation. Conclusion: Pharmacists practicing in Palestine possess less than optimal knowledge of issues related to the use of psychotropic medications in older people. Continuing educational interventions and/or training might be helpful in improving pharmacists’ knowledge of issues related to using psychotropic medications in older people.
The job competency of radiological technologists in Korea based on specialists opinion and questionnaire survey
Authors: Lim Chang-Seon , Lee Yang-Sub , Lee Yong-Dae , Kim Hyun-Soo , Jin Gye-Hwan , Choi Seong-Youl , Hur Yera
Published: June 2017

Purpose: Although there are over 40,000 licensed radiological technologists (RTs) in Korea, job competency standards have yet to be defined. This study aims to clarify the job competency of Korean RTs. Methods: A task force team of 11 professional RTs were recruited in order to analyze the job competency of domestic and international RTs. A draft for the job competency of Korean RTs was prepared. A survey was then conducted sampling RTs and the attitudes of their competencies were recorded from May 21 to July 30, 2016. Results: We identified five modules of professionalism, patient management, health and safety, operation of equipment, and procedure management and 131 detailed job competencies for RTs in Korea. “Health and safety” had the highest average score and “professionalism” had the lowest average score for both job performance and importance. The content validity ratios for the 131 subcompetencies were mostly valid. Conclusion: Establishment of standard guidelines for RT job competency for multidisciplinary healthcare at medical institutions may be possible based on our results, which will help educators of RT training institutions to clarify their training and education.
Health and social care teachers’ descriptions of challenges in their teaching at upper secondary school
Authors: Eliasson Eva , Rehn Helena
Published: June 2017

Since vocational teachers not only mediate theoretical and practical knowledge, but also ideals concerning the professionals’ personalities and actions, the aim of this study is to analyse if and how these ideals influence the highlighted challenges of teaching. The study is drawing on a social constructionist perspective; the method used involves 17 qualitative interviews. The challenges mentioned were as follows: lack of motivation, language and cultural factors, low status of the occupation and plagiarism. Underlying ideals rooted in the health care sector were that students should become a carer because of an inner desire. Moral and ethical values were other ideals that underpinned themes such as dealing with plagiarism and the problems experienced with non-native Swedes. An underlying fact is also the low traditional status of the nursing assistants, a challenge the teachers try to handle without effective tools. In the order to understand the challenges and handle them, the teachers construct categories of differences. This is visible when the categorisation of students is made based on motivation and ethnicity. The findings highlight the importance of courses in vocational training that focus on understanding various norms and categorisations.
NOX2-Induced Activation of Arginase and Diabetes-Induced Retinal Endothelial Cell Senescence
Authors: Rojas Modesto , Lemtalsi Tahira , Toque Haroldo , Xu Zhimin , Fulton David , Caldwell Robert , Caldwell Ruth
Published: June 2017

Increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreases in nitric oxide (NO) have been linked to vascular dysfunction during diabetic retinopathy (DR). Diabetes can reduce NO by increasing ROS and by increasing activity of arginase, which competes with nitric oxide synthase (NOS) for their commons substrate l-arginine. Increased ROS and decreased NO can cause premature endothelial cell (EC) senescence leading to defective vascular repair. We have previously demonstrated the involvement of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2)-derived ROS, decreased NO and overactive arginase in DR. Here, we investigated their impact on diabetes-induced EC senescence. Studies using diabetic mice and retinal ECs treated with high glucose or H2O2 showed that increases in ROS formation, elevated arginase expression and activity, and decreased NO formation led to premature EC senescence. NOX2 blockade or arginase inhibition prevented these effects. EC senescence was also increased by inhibition of NOS activity and this was prevented by treatment with a NO donor. These results indicate that diabetes/high glucose-induced activation of arginase and decreases in NO bioavailability accelerate EC senescence. NOX2-generated ROS contribute importantly to this process. Blockade of NOX2 or arginase represents a strategy to prevent diabetes-induced premature EC senescence by preserving NO bioavailability.
Cryogenic Displacement and Accumulation of Biogenic Methane in Frozen Soils
Authors: Kraev Gleb , Schulze Ernst-Detlef , Yurova Alla , Kholodov Alexander , Chuvilin Evgeny , Rivkina Elizaveta
Published: June 2017

Evidences of highly localized methane fluxes are reported from the Arctic shelf, hot spots of methane emissions in thermokarst lakes, and are believed to evolve to features like Yamal crater on land. The origin of large methane outbursts is problematic. Here we show, that the biogenic methane (13C ≤ −71‰) which formed before and during soil freezing is presently held in the permafrost. Field and experimental observations show that methane tends to accumulate at the permafrost table or in the coarse-grained lithological pockets surrounded by the sediments less-permeable for gas. Our field observations, radiocarbon dating, laboratory tests and theory all suggest that depending on the soil structure and freezing dynamics, this methane may have been displaced downwards tens of meters during freezing and has accumulated in the lithological pockets. The initial flux of methane from the one pocket disclosed by drilling was at a rate of more than 2.5 kg C(CH4) m−2 h−1. The age of the methane was 8–18 thousand years younger than the age of the sediments, suggesting that it was displaced tens of meters during freezing. The theoretical background provided the insight on the cryogenic displacement of methane in support of the field and experimental data. Upon freezing of sediments, methane follows water migration and either dissipates in the freezing soils or concentrates at certain places controlled by the freezing rate, initial methane distribution and soil structure.
Theoretical Model of Spiral Rain Clusters and Analysis of Their Horizontal Structure Equation
Authors: Yu Jie , Zhang Jiquan , Zhang Ming
Published: June 2017

Rain clusters are mesoscale disaster weather systems, and some of rain clusters have spiral structures. In this paper, a theoretical model of spiral rain cluster is established under pseudo-adiabatic approximation, and its horizontal structure equation is obtained. The study shows that the horizontal structure with spiral arm rain clusters has the following characteristics: at locations close enough to the center of the rain clusters, its shape is round and symmetrical; at locations far from the center, there may be spiral arms; the intensity of the vertical ascending motion of the rain cluster decreases with increasing distance from the center; and the vertical ascending motion is larger on the axis of the spiral arms of rain clusters. The conclusions obtained are consistent with not only the numerical results but also the observational facts.
Three-Dimensional Culture Model of Skeletal Muscle Tissue with Atrophy Induced by Dexamethasone
Authors: Shimizu Kazunori , Genma Riho , Gotou Yuuki , Nagasaka Sumire , Honda Hiroyuki
Published: June 2017

Drug screening systems for muscle atrophy based on the contractile force of cultured skeletal muscle tissues are required for the development of preventive or therapeutic drugs for atrophy. This study aims to develop a muscle atrophy model by inducing atrophy in normal muscle tissues constructed on microdevices capable of measuring the contractile force and to verify if this model is suitable for drug screening using the contractile force as an index. Tissue engineered skeletal muscles containing striated myotubes were prepared on the microdevices for the study. The addition of 100 µM dexamethasone (Dex), which is used as a muscle atrophy inducer, for 24 h reduced the contractile force significantly. An increase in the expression of Atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 in the tissues treated with Dex was established. A decrease in the number of striated myotubes was also observed in the tissues treated with Dex. Treatment with 8 ng/mL Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-I) for 24 h significantly increased the contractile force of the Dex-induced atrophic tissues. The same treatment, though, had no impact on the force of the normal tissues. Thus, it is envisaged that the atrophic skeletal muscle tissues induced by Dex can be used for drug screening against atrophy.
Co3O4 Nanoparticle-Decorated N-Doped Mesoporous Carbon Nanofibers as an Efficient Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Xue Hairong , Wang Tao , Gong Hao , Guo Hu , Fan Xiaoli , Song Li , Xia Wei , Feng Yaya , He Jianping
Published: June 2017

A low cost, durable, and efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) is essential for high-performance fuel cells. Here, we fabricated Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) anchored on N-doped mesoporous carbon nanofibers (Co3O4/NMCF) by electrospinning combined with the simple heat treatment. Within this composite, carbon nanofibers possess a mesoporous structure, contributed to obtain a high surface area, which can facilitate the infiltration of electrolyte. Moreover, this one-dimensional (1D) carbon nanofiber also acts as a 1D conductive channel, effectively improving the transmission of electrons. In addition, the doping of the N element with high content combined with homogenously distributed Co3O4 NPs can significantly enhance the ORR electrocatalytic activity. Benefiting from the advantages of material and structure, the Co3O4/NMCF catalyst favors a four electron transfer process in alkaline media, exhibiting good ORR electrocatalytic activity, and its durability is much better than that of commercial Pt/C.
A Course of Innovations in Wood Processing Industry within the Forestry-Wood Chain in Slovakia: A Q Methodology Study to Identify Future Orientation in the Sector
Authors: Loučanová Erika , Paluš Hubert , Dzian Michal
Published: June 2017

As innovations are the basic premise of commercial success in the market the main objective of this paper is to determine the main course of innovations in wood-processing industry within the forestry-wood chain in Slovakia from the viewpoint of representatives of wood processing companies. Using a Q-methodology approach the emphasis is also put on identification of differences between the opinions of small individual entrepreneurs and representatives of capital companies. Based on the results of structured interview with representatives of 33 wood processing companies the main findings suggest that future innovation activities in the sector will be related to the technology innovations mainly in processing of coniferous timber. However, the extent of such innovations is perceived differently depending on the company size and ownership category. While small individual entrepreneurs expect only slight innovation changes in the industry aimed at the meeting of required standards, managers of capital companies tend to foresee the future vision in restructuralisation of wood-processing industry.
De Novo Transcriptome Characterization, Gene Expression Profiling and Ionic Responses of Nitraria sibirica Pall. under Salt Stress
Authors: Li Huanyong , Tang Xiaoqian , Zhu Jianfeng , Yang Xiuyan , Zhang Huaxin
Published: June 2017

Nitraria sibirica Pall., a typical halophyte of great ecological value, is widely distributed in desert, saline, and coastal saline-alkali environments. Consequently, researching the salt tolerance mechanism of N. sibirica Pall. has great significance to the cultivation and utilization of salt-tolerant plants. In this research, RNA-seq, digital gene expression (DGE), and high flux element analysis technologies were used to investigate the molecular and physiological mechanisms related to salt tolerance of N. sibirica Pall. Integrative analysis and de novo transcriptome assembly generated 137,421 unigenes. In total, 58,340 and 34,033 unigenes were annotated with gene ontology (GO) terms and mapped in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, respectively. Three differentially expressed genes (DEGs) libraries were subsequently constructed from the leaves of N. sibirica Pall. seedlings under different treatments: control (CK), light short-term salt stress (CL2), and heavy long-term salt stress (CL6). Eight hundred and twenty-six, and 224 differentially expressed genes were identified in CL2 and CL6 compared to CK, respectively. Finally, ionomic analysis of N. sibirica Pall. seedlings treated with 0, 100, 200 or 300 mM concentrations of NaCl for one day showed that the uptake and distribution of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg and K in different organs of N. sibirica Pall. were significantly affected by salt stress. Our findings have identified potential genes involved in salt tolerance and in the reference transcriptome and have revealed the salt tolerance mechanism in N. sibirica Pall. These findings will provide further insight into the molecular and physiological mechanisms related to salt stress in N. sibirica Pall. and in other halophytes.
Reappraising a Controversy: Formation and Role of the Azodication (ABTS2+) in the Laccase-ABTS Catalyzed Breakdown of Lignin
Authors: Gramss Gerhard
Published: June 2017

In fermentations of lignocelluloses, redox potentials (If not indicated otherwise, redox potentials in Volt are taken versus Normal Hydrogen Reference Electrodes (NHE).) E0 of laccases/plant peroxidases by 0.79/0.95 V enable oxidations of phenolic substrates and transformations of synthetic and substrate-derived compounds to radicals that mediate attacks on non-phenolic lignin (models) by 1.5 V. In consecutive one-electron abstractions, the redox mediator 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) is oxidized by electro- or wet-chemistry to the green cation radical (ABTS•+, 0.68 V) and the red dication (ABTS2+, 1.09 V). The enzyme/ABTS couple generates the stable ABTS•+ whose low E0 cannot explain the couple’s contemporary attack on non-phenolic lignins. This paradoxon indicates the non-confirmed production of the ligninolytic ABTS2+ by the enzymes. During incubations of live sapwood chips in ABTS/H2O2 to prove their constitutive peroxidase, the enzyme catalyzed the formation of the expected green-colored ABTS•+ solution that gradually turned red. Its spectrophotometric absorbance peaks at λ = 515–573 nm resembled those of ABTS2+ at 518–520 nm. It is shown that portions of an ABTS•+ preparation with inactivated enzyme are reduced to ABTS during their abiotic oxidation of low-MW extractives from lignocelluloses to redox mediating radicals. The radicals, in turn, apparently transform the remaining ABTS•+ to red derivatives in the absence of functional oxidoreductases. Ultrafiltration and Liquid-Chromatography suggest the presence of a stable ABTS2+ compound absorbing at 515 nm, red protein/ABTS adducts, and further ABTS moieties. Therefore, ABTS mediated lignin degradations could result from chain reactions of ABTS•+-activated lignocellulose extractives and fissured rather than complete ABTS2+ molecules.
An ‛Aukward’ Tale: A Genetic Approach to Discover the Whereabouts of the Last Great Auks
Authors: Thomas Jessica E. , Carvalho Gary R. , Haile James , Martin Michael D. , Castruita Jose A. Samaniego , Niemann Jonas , Sinding Mikkel-Holger S. , Sandoval-Velasco Marcela , Rawlence Nicolas J. , Fuller Errol , Fjeldså Jon , Hofreiter Michael , Stewart John R. , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Knapp Michael
Published: June 2017

One hundred and seventy-three years ago, the last two Great Auks, Pinguinus impennis, ever reliably seen were killed. Their internal organs can be found in the collections of the Natural History Museum of Denmark, but the location of their skins has remained a mystery. In 1999, Great Auk expert Errol Fuller proposed a list of five potential candidate skins in museums around the world. Here we take a palaeogenomic approach to test which—if any—of Fuller’s candidate skins likely belong to either of the two birds. Using mitochondrial genomes from the five candidate birds (housed in museums in Bremen, Brussels, Kiel, Los Angeles, and Oldenburg) and the organs of the last two known individuals, we partially solve the mystery that has been on Great Auk scholars’ minds for generations and make new suggestions as to the whereabouts of the still-missing skin from these two birds.
Public Perceptions of Service Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs, and Therapy Dogs
Authors: Schoenfeld-Tacher Regina , Hellyer Peter , Cheung Louana , Kogan Lori
Published: June 2017

As service dogs, emotional support dogs, and therapy dogs have become more prevalent in the USA, so too has the controversy surrounding their legitimacy. Yet, there is a lack of objective data regarding the public’s understanding of the role played by each of these types of animals, as well as their perceptions regarding the legitimacy of their integration. An anonymous, online survey was distributed to examine the perceptions of US adults who do not own any type of assistance animal. A total of 505 individuals responded to the online survey, yielding 284 usable responses. Results suggest widespread misconceptions about definitions, rules, regulations, and rights associated with each type of assistance dog. In general, service dogs are more likely to be perceived as helping with a legitimate need, and their access to public spaces is viewed favorably. While there are some concerns about the legitimacy and necessary access rights for emotional support dogs, members of the public correctly identified the roles and rights of therapy dogs. Despite the media’s focus on abuses and false representation of these dogs, most participants reported feeling the majority of people are not taking advantage of the system.
Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Polymorphisms and Nitric Oxide Levels in Individuals with Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Scarel-Caminaga Raquel , Cera Flávia , Pigossi Suzane , Finoti Livia , Kim Yeon , Viana Aline , Secolin Rodrigo , Montenegro Marcelo , Tanus-Santos José , Orrico Silvana , Cirelli Joni
Published: June 2017

This study aimed to investigate whether the −1026(A>C)(rs2779249) and +2087(A>G)(2297518) polymorphisms in the NOS2 gene were associated with chronic periodontitis (CP) and with salivary levels of nitrite (NO2−) and/or nitrate + nitrite (NOx). A group of 113 mixed-race patients were subjected to periodontal, genetic, and biochemical evaluations (65 CP/48 periodontally healthy subjects). DNA was extracted from oral epithelial cells and used for genotyping by polymerase chain reaction (real-time). Salivary NOx concentrations were determined using an ozone-based chemiluminescence assay. Association of CP with alleles and genotypes of the −1026(A>C) polymorphism was found (X2 test, p = 0.0075; 0.0308), but this was not maintained after multiple logistic regression, performed to estimate the effect of covariates and polymorphisms in CP. This analysis demonstrated, after correction for multiple comparisons, that only the female gender was significantly associated with CP. Polymorphisms analyzed as haplotypes were not associated with CP. NOx levels were significantly higher in the control group of heterozygous individuals for both polymorphisms. In conclusion, the female gender was significantly associated with CP, and higher levels of salivary NOx were found in control subjects and associated with the heterozygous state of the NOS2 polymorphisms, reinforcing the potential of NO metabolites as markers of periodontitis status.
Hepatoprotective Effect of Aqueous Extract from the Seeds of Orychophragmus violaceus against Liver Injury in Mice and HepG2 Cells
Authors: Huo Xiaowei , Liu Chenqi , Gao Li , Xu Xudong , Zhu Nailiang , Cao Li
Published: June 2017

Orychophragmus violaceus (O. violaceus) is a kind of edible wild herb in north China and its seeds have medical potential, however, the effect of O. violaceus seeds on liver injury and the mechanism of action remains poorly understood. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of O. violaceus seeds on liver injury and further explore the molecular mechanism of the beneficial effects using aqueous extract from the seeds of O. violaceus (AEOV). Mice were orally administrated with saline, AEOV, and biphenyldicarboxylate for 4 days, and were then injected subcutaneously with 0.1% carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) dissolved in corn oil. Sixteen hours later, mice were sacrificed and blood samples were collected. Then, the serum was separated and used for biochemical assay. Livers were excised and were routinely processed for histological examinations. Enzyme activities and protein levels in liver homogenates were detected using commercial kits or by western blot analysis. Additionally, the hepatoprotective effect of AEOV in vitro was evaluated using epigoitrin, the major alkaloid compound isolated from AEOV. We found that AEOV attenuated liver injury induced by CCl4 as evidenced by decreased levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aminotransferase (AST) in serum, improvement of liver histopathological changes, and substantial attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation via regulation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor κB (NFκB) pathways. These effects of AEOV were comparable to that of biphenyldicarboxylate which was commonly used as a hepatoprotective reference. Moreover, pretreatment of HepG2 cells with epigoitrin improved cell viability, decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, attenuated the NFκB pathway, and elevated the Nrf2 pathway after exposure to H2O2. These results suggest that AEOV could effectively prevent CCl4-induced liver injury in mice via regulating the Nrf2 and NFκB pathways, and reveal the cytoprotective effects of epigoitrin against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells.
PDE4 Inhibition and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Novel Therapeutic Avenue
Authors: Spadaccini Marco , D’Alessio Silvia , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent , Danese Silvio
Published: June 2017

Background. In the last few decades, a better knowledge of the inflammatory pathways involved in the pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has promoted biological therapy as an important tool to treat IBD patients. However, in spite of a wider spectrum of biological drugs, a significant proportion of patients is unaffected by or lose their response to these compounds, along with increased risks of infections and malignancies. For these reasons there is an urgent need to look for new pharmacological targets. The novel Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors have been recently introduced as new modulators of intracellular signals and gene transcription for the treatment of IBD. Aim. To discuss and describe the state of the art of this new class of compounds in the IBD field, with particular attention to apremilast. Methods. Published articles selected from PubMed were comprehensively reviewed, with key words including apremilast, inflammatory disease, IBD, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, pathogenesis, therapies, and treatment. Results. PDE4 inhibitors generate elevated intracellular levels of cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (cAMP), that consequently down-regulate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the mucosa of IBD patients. The newly developed apremilast is one of these drugs and has already been approved for the treatment of dermatologic/rheumatologic inflammatory conditions; studies in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis have in fact demonstrated its clinical activity. However, no clinical trials have yet been published on the use of apremilast in IBD. Conclusion. In light of the similarity of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways across the gut, the skin, and joints, apremilast is likely supposed to show its efficacy also in IBD.
Measuring Leaf Thickness with 3D Close-Up Laser Scanners: Possible or Not?
Authors: Dupuis Jan , Holst Christoph , Kuhlmann Heiner
Published: June 2017

Measuring the 3D shape of plants for phenotyping purposes using active 3D laser scanning devices has become an important field of research. While the acquisition of stem and root structure is mostly straightforward, extensive and non-invasive measuring of the volumetric shape of leaves, i.e., the leaf thickness, is more challenging. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine whether the leaf thickness is measurable using a high precision industrial laser scanning system. The study comprises a metrological investigation of the accuracy of the laser scanning system with regards to thickness measurements as well as experiments for leaf thickness measurements using several leaves of three different types of crop. The results indicate that although the measuring system is principally able to measure thicknesses of about 74 μ m with statistical certainty, the leaf thickness is not measurable accurately. The reason for this can be attributed to the measurable penetration depth of the laser scanner combined with the variation of the angle of incidence. These effects cause systematic uncertainties and significant variations of the derived leaf thickness.
An Experimental Evaluation of the Reliability of LoRa Long-Range Low-Power Wireless Communication
Authors: Cattani Marco , Boano Carlo , Römer Kay
Published: June 2017

Recent technological innovations allow compact radios to transmit over long distances with minimal energy consumption and could drastically affect the way Internet of Things (IoT) technologies communicate in the near future. By extending the communication range of links, it is indeed possible to reduce the network diameter to a point that each node can communicate with almost every other node in the network directly. This drastically simplifies communication, removing the need of routing, and significantly reduces the overhead of data collection. Long-range low-power wireless technology, however, is still at its infancy, and it is yet unclear (i) whether it is sufficiently reliable to complement existing short-range and cellular technologies and (ii) which radio settings can sustain a high delivery rate while maximizing energy-efficiency. To shed light on this matter, this paper presents an extensive experimental study of the reliability of LoRa , one of the most promising long-range low-power wireless technologies to date. We focus our evaluation on the impact of physical layer settings on the effective data rate and energy efficiency of communications. Our results show that it is often not worth tuning parameters, thereby reducing the data rate in order to maximize the probability of successful reception, especially on links at the edge of their communication range. Furthermore, we study the impact of environmental factors on the performance of LoRa, and show that higher temperatures significantly decrease the received signal strength and may drastically affect packet reception.
Estimating the Lifetime of Wireless Sensor Network Nodes through the Use of Embedded Analytical Battery Models
Authors: Rodrigues Leonardo , Montez Carlos , Budke Gerson , Vasques Francisco , Portugal Paulo
Published: June 2017

The operation of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) is subject to multiple constraints, among which one of the most critical is available energy. Sensor nodes are typically powered by electrochemical batteries. The stored energy in battery devices is easily influenced by the operating temperature and the discharge current values. Therefore, it becomes difficult to estimate their voltage/charge behavior over time, which are relevant variables for the implementation of energy-aware policies. Nowadays, there are hardware and/or software approaches that can provide information about the battery operating conditions. However, this type of hardware-based approach increases the battery production cost, which may impair its use for sensor node implementations. The objective of this work is to propose a software-based approach to estimate both the state of charge and the voltage of batteries inWSN nodes based on the use of a temperature-dependent analytical battery model. The achieved results demonstrate the feasibility of using embedded analytical battery models to estimate the lifetime of batteries, without affecting the tasks performed by the WSN nodes.
Biodiversity in Locally Managed Lands
Authors: Sayer Jeffrey , Margules Chris
Published: June 2017

Decentralizing natural resource management to local people, especially in tropical countries, has become a trend. We review recent evidence for the impacts of decentralization on the biodiversity values of forests and forested landscapes, which encompass most of the biodiversity of the tropics. Few studies document the impact of decentralized management on biodiversity. We conclude that there may be situations where local management is a good option for biodiversity but there are also situations where this is not the case. We advocate increased research to document the impact of local management on biodiversity. We also argue that locally managed forests should be seen as components of landscapes where governance arrangements favor the achievement of a balance between the local livelihood values and the global public goods values of forests.
DNA Protection Protein, a Novel Mechanism of Radiation Tolerance: Lessons from Tardigrades
Authors: Hashimoto Takuma , Kunieda Takekazu
Published: June 2017

Genomic DNA stores all genetic information and is indispensable for maintenance of normal cellular activity and propagation. Radiation causes severe DNA lesions, including double-strand breaks, and leads to genome instability and even lethality. Regardless of the toxicity of radiation, some organisms exhibit extraordinary tolerance against radiation. These organisms are supposed to possess special mechanisms to mitigate radiation-induced DNA damages. Extensive study using radiotolerant bacteria suggested that effective protection of proteins and enhanced DNA repair system play important roles in tolerability against high-dose radiation. Recent studies using an extremotolerant animal, the tardigrade, provides new evidence that a tardigrade-unique DNA-associating protein, termed Dsup, suppresses the occurrence of DNA breaks by radiation in human-cultured cells. In this review, we provide a brief summary of the current knowledge on extremely radiotolerant animals, and present novel insights from the tardigrade research, which expand our understanding on molecular mechanism of exceptional radio-tolerability.
Crack Identification in CFRP Laminated Beams Using Multi-Resolution Modal Teager–Kaiser Energy under Noisy Environments
Authors: Xu Wei , Cao Maosen , Ding Keqin , Radzieński Maciej , Ostachowicz Wiesław
Published: June 2017

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates are increasingly used in the aerospace and civil engineering fields. Identifying cracks in carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminated beam components is of considerable significance for ensuring the integrity and safety of the whole structures. With the development of high-resolution measurement technologies, mode-shape-based crack identification in such laminated beam components has become an active research focus. Despite its sensitivity to cracks, however, this method is susceptible to noise. To address this deficiency, this study proposes a new concept of multi-resolution modal Teager–Kaiser energy, which is the Teager–Kaiser energy of a mode shape represented in multi-resolution, for identifying cracks in carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminated beams. The efficacy of this concept is analytically demonstrated by identifying cracks in Timoshenko beams with general boundary conditions; and its applicability is validated by diagnosing cracks in a carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminated beam, whose mode shapes are precisely acquired via non-contact measurement using a scanning laser vibrometer. The analytical and experimental results show that multi-resolution modal Teager–Kaiser energy is capable of designating the presence and location of cracks in these beams under noisy environments. This proposed method holds promise for developing crack identification systems for carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates.
A Review of Thiosulfate Leaching of Gold: Focus on Thiosulfate Consumption and Gold Recovery from Pregnant Solution
Authors: Xu Bin , Kong Wenhao , Li Qian , Yang Yongbin , Jiang Tao , Liu Xiaoliang
Published: June 2017

Thiosulfate leaching is a promising alternative to cyanidation, and the main hindrances for its wide commercial application are the high thiosulfate consumption and the difficult recovery of dissolved gold. In this review, the four solutions to reduce the consumption of thiosulfate, including the control of reaction conditions, the use of additives, the generation of thiosulfate in situ, and the replacement of traditional cupric-ammonia catalysis, are introduced and evaluated after the presentation of background knowledge about thiosulfate consumption. The replacement of cupric-ammonia catalysis with other metals, such as nickel- and cobalt-based catalysts, is proposed. The reason is that it not only reduces thiosulfate consumption observably via decreasing the redox potential of leach solution significantly but also is beneficial to gold recovery mainly owing to eliminating the interference of cuprous thiosulfate [Cu(S2O3)3]5−. Based on the comparative analysis for five common recovery techniques of rare-noble metals from pregnant leach solution, ion-exchange resin adsorption is considered to be the most appropriate to recover aurothiosulfate [Au(S2O3)2]3− because the resin can be employed in the form of resin-in-leach/pulp and, furthermore, is able to be eluted and regenerated simultaneously at ambient temperature. At last, how to reduce the process cost of the resin adsorption technique is discussed. In order to simplify the complex two-stage elution process for loaded resins, the traditional catalysis is suggested to be replaced.
Mineralogy of Zn–Hg–S and Hg–Se–S Series Minerals in Carbonate-Hosted Mercury Deposits in Western Hunan, South China
Authors: Liu Jianping , Rong Yanan , Zhang Shugen
Published: June 2017

Among the Zn–Hg–S and Hg–Se–S series minerals, Hg-bearing sphalerite and metacinnabar are uncommon in ore deposits, but they are useful indicators of temporal variation of ore forming fluids, as well as presenting metallurgical implications for Hg-bearing deposits. To understand the Hg–Zn–Se mineralization system of the Tongren–Fenghuang Hg Belt (TFHB), the Zn–Hg–S and Hg–Se–S series minerals of the Chashula Hg–Zn and Dongping Hg–Ag–Se carbonate-hosted deposits were studied by microscopic observation, electron-probe microanalysis, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Observations show that the Chashula and Dongping deposits experienced two stages of mineralization (Stages 1 and 2). The pyrite, sphalerite I (Hg-poor sphalerite), and quartz formed in Stage 1, while the Zn-bearing cinnabar, sphalerite II (Hg-bearing sphalerite), cinnabar, selenium metacinnabar, and Ag minerals formed in Stage 2. The Hg-bearing sphalerite, containing 13.36–22.26 wt % Hg (average 18.73 wt % Hg), replaces sphalerite I (0.00–1.31 wt % Hg). The Hg-bearing sphalerite of the Dongping Hg–Ag–Se deposit contains lower Hg (10.12–14.67 wt % Hg) than that of the Chashula deposit. The unit cell a of the Hg-bearing sphalerite gradually increases with increasing Hg content. The texture of the Zn-bearing cinnabar shows it is not stable and easily breaks down to Hg-bearing sphalerite and cinnabar through the chemical reaction: (Hg,Zn)S → (Zn,Hg)S + HgS. Selenium metacinnabar intergrowths with tetrahedrite and miargyrite were found only in the Dongping deposit. The selenium metacinnabar contains 76.57–83.97 wt % Hg, and extensive isomorphic substitution of Se and S (6.81–19.21 wt % Se, 4.14–10.32 wt % S). Based on our mineralogical studies, the Zn, Hg, Hg–Zn, and Hg–Se mineralization styles in the TFHB are interpreted as the product of different stages in the mineralization process.
Synthesis and Biological Activity Evaluation of Novel Heterocyclic Pleuromutilin Derivatives
Authors: Yi Yunpeng , Fu Yunxing , Dong Pengcheng , Qin Wenwen , Liu Yu , Liang Jiangping , Shang Ruofeng
Published: June 2017

A series of pleuromutilin derivatives were synthesized by two synthetic procedures under mild reaction conditions and characterized by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), and High Resolution Mass Spectrometer (HRMS). Most of the derivatives with heterocyclic groups at the C-14 side of pleuromutilin exhibited excellent in vitro antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE), and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) in vitro antibacterial activity. The synthesized derivatives which contained pyrimidine rings, 3a, 3b, and 3f, displayed modest antibacterial activities. Compound 3a, the most active antibacterial agent, displayed rapid bactericidal activity and affected bacterial growth in the same manner as that of tiamulin fumarate. Moreover, molecular docking studies of 3a and lefamulin provided similar information about the interactions between the compounds and 50S ribosomal subunit. The results of the study show that pyrimidine rings should be considered in the drug design of pleuromutilin derivatives.
ZnO Nano-Rod Devices for Intradermal Delivery and Immunization
Authors: Nayak Tapas , Wang Hao , Pant Aakansha , Zheng Minrui , Junginger Hans , Goh Wei , Lee Choon , Zou Shui , Alonso Sylvie , Czarny Bertrand , Storm Gert , Sow Chorng , Lee Chengkuo , Pastorin Giorgia
Published: June 2017

Intradermal delivery of antigens for vaccination is a very attractive approach since the skin provides a rich network of antigen presenting cells, which aid in stimulating an immune response. Numerous intradermal techniques have been developed to enhance penetration across the skin. However, these methods are invasive and/or affect the skin integrity. Hence, our group has devised zinc oxide (ZnO) nano-rods for non-destructive drug delivery. Chemical vapour deposition was used to fabricate aligned nano-rods on ZnO pre-coated silicon chips. The nano-rods’ length and diameter were found to depend on the temperature, time, quality of sputtered silicon chips, etc. Vertically aligned ZnO nano-rods with lengths of 30–35 µm and diameters of 200–300 nm were selected for in vitro human skin permeation studies using Franz cells with Albumin-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) absorbed on the nano-rods. Fluorescence and confocal studies on the skin samples showed FITC penetration through the skin along the channels formed by the nano-rods. Bradford protein assay on the collected fluid samples indicated a significant quantity of Albumin-FITC in the first 12 h. Low antibody titres were observed with immunisation on Balb/c mice with ovalbumin (OVA) antigen coated on the nano-rod chips. Nonetheless, due to the reduced dimensions of the nano-rods, our device offers the additional advantage of excluding the simultaneous entrance of microbial pathogens. Taken together, these results showed that ZnO nano-rods hold the potential for a safe, non-invasive, and painless intradermal drug delivery.
The Long-Term Consumption of Oats in Celiac Disease Patients Is Safe: A Large Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Aaltonen Katri , Laurikka Pilvi , Huhtala Heini , Mäki Markku , Kaukinen Katri , Kurppa Kalle
Published: June 2017

A strict gluten-free diet (GFD) can be diversified by non-contaminated oats, but there is a shortage of long-term studies concerning its safety. We compared long-term treatment outcomes and factors associated with the introduction of oats between celiac patients on a GFD with or without oats. Eight hundred sixty-nine previously diagnosed celiac patients were interviewed. The validated Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), Psychological General Well-Being (PGWB), and Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaires were used to assess symptoms and quality of life, serological tests were performed, and results of histology were confirmed from patient records. We found the median duration of GFD to be 10 years and 82% using oats. Factors predicting the consumption of oats were diagnosis after the year 2000, advice from a dietitian, detection by screening, and mild clinical presentation. Oat consumers and non-consumers did not differ in dietary adherence (96.5% vs. 97.4%, p = 0.746), the prevalence of symptoms (22.9% vs. 22.5%, p = 0.931), positivity for endomysial antibodies (8.8% vs. 6.0%, p = 0.237), histological recovery after one year (63.1% vs. 60.0%, p = 0.773), malignancy (4.8% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.420), osteoporosis/osteopenia (9.2% vs. 11.0%, p = 0.489), or fractures (26.9% vs. 27.9%, p = 0.791). The oat consumers had better SF-36 physical role limitations and general health scores. Based on our results, the long-term consumption of oats in celiac disease patients is safe and may improve quality of life.