bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pirfenidone, an Anti-Fibrotic Drug, Suppresses the Growth of Human Prostate Cancer Cells by Inducing G1 Cell Cycle Arrest
Authors: Ishii Kenichiro , Sasaki Takeshi , Iguchi Kazuhiro , Kato Manabu , Kanda Hideki , Hirokawa Yoshifumi , Arima Kiminobu , Watanabe Masatoshi , Sugimura Yoshiki
Published: January 2019

Pirfenidone (PFD) is an anti-fibrotic drug used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by inducing G1 cell cycle arrest in fibroblasts. We hypothesize that PFD can induce G1 cell cycle arrest in different types of cells, including cancer cells. To investigate the effects of PFD treatment on the growth of human prostate cancer (PCa) cells, we used an androgen-sensitive human PCa cell line (LNCaP) and its sublines (androgen-low-sensitive E9 and F10 cells and androgen-insensitive AIDL cells), as well as an androgen-insensitive human PCa cell line (PC-3). PFD treatment suppressed the growth of all PCa cells. Transforming growth factor β1 secretion was significantly increased in PFD-treated PCa cells. In both LNCaP and PC-3 cells, PFD treatment increased the population of cells in the G0/G1 phase, which was accompanied by a decrease in the S/G2 cell population. CDK2 protein expression was clearly decreased in PFD-treated LNCaP and PC-3 cells, whereas p21 protein expression was increased in only PFD-treated LNCaP cells. In conclusion, PFD may serve as a novel therapeutic drug that induces G1 cell cycle arrest in human PCa cells independently of androgen sensitivity. Thus, in the tumor microenvironment, PFD might target not only fibroblasts, but also heterogeneous PCa cells of varying androgen-sensitivity levels.
Role of Upper-Flow-Regime Bedforms Emplaced by Sediment Gravity Flows in the Evolution of Deltas
Authors: Kostic Svetlana , Casalbore Daniele , Chiocci Francesco , Lang Jörg , Winsemann Jutta
Published: January 2019

Upper-flow-regime bedforms and their role in the evolution of marine and lacustrine deltas are not well understood. Wave-like undulations on delta foresets are by far the most commonly reported bedforms on deltas and it will take time before many of these features get identified as upper-flow-regime bedforms. This study aims at: (1) Providing a summary of our knowledge to date on deltaic bedforms emplaced by sediment gravity flows; (2) illustrating that these features are most likely transitional upper-flow-regime bedforms; and (3) using field case studies of two markedly different deltas in order to examine their role in the evolution of deltas. The study combines numerical analysis with digital elevation models, outcrop, borehole, and high-resolution seismic data. The Mazzarrà river delta in the Gulf of Patti, Italy, is selected to show that upper-flow-regime bedforms in gullies can be linked to the onset, growth, and evolution of marine deltas via processes of gully initiation, filling, and maintenance. Ice-marginal lacustrine deltas in Germany are selected as they illustrate the importance of unconfined upper-flow-regime bedforms in the onset and evolution of distinct delta morphologies under different lake-level trends.
The Role of Economic Uncertainty in UK Stock Returns
Authors: Gao Jun , Zhu Sheng , O’Sullivan Niall , Sherman Meadhbh
Published: January 2019

We investigated the role of domestic and international economic uncertainty in the cross-sectional pricing of UK stocks. We considered a broad range of financial market variables in measuring financial conditions to obtain a better estimate of macroeconomic uncertainty compared to previous literature. In contrast to many earlier studies using conventional principal component analysis to estimate economic uncertainty, we constructed new economic activity and inflation uncertainty indices for the UK using a time-varying parameter factor-augmented vector autoregressive (TVP-FAVAR) model. We then estimated stock sensitivity to a range of macroeconomic uncertainty indices and economic policy uncertainty indices. The evidence suggests that economic activity uncertainty and UK economic policy uncertainty have power in explaining the cross-section of UK stock returns, while UK inflation, EU economic policy and US economic policy uncertainty factors are not priced in stock returns for the UK.
Impact of Future Land Use Change on Large Carnivores Connectivity in the Polish Carpathians
Authors: Kaim Dominik , Ziółkowska Elżbieta , Szwagrzyk Marcin , Price Bronwyn , Kozak Jacek
Published: January 2019

The Polish Carpathians, like many mountain areas in Europe, are currently facing dynamic land use changes that will shape their future landscapes. As there are many different possible scenarios of potential change, we compared three different land use scenarios up until the year 2060 and assessed their impact on the potential habitat connectivity of two large carnivores—wolf (Canis lupus) and lynx (Lynx lynx). We first analysed the main directions of change within and outside the pan-European wildlife corridor located in the western part of the Polish Carpathians. Then we calculated and compared least-cost paths among randomly selected points for each land use scenario separately. Our results showed that the main direction of change—forest cover increase—may positively influence habitat connectivity for both wolf and lynx. However, due to the future spread of settlements, this positive impact might be locally limited. Therefore, to realise the potential conservation opportunities resulting from on-going land use changes, adequate orientation of spatial planning towards habitat connectivity is crucial.
The Serum Protein Profile and Acute Phase Proteins in the Postoperative Period in Sheep after Induced Articular Cartilage Defect
Authors: Tothova Csilla , Mihajlovicova Xenia , Novotny Jaroslav , Nagy Oskar , Giretova Maria , Kresakova Lenka , Tomco Marek , Zert Zdenek , Vilhanova Zuzana , Varga Maros , Medvecky Lubomir , Petrovova Eva
Published: January 2019

Although several new implants have been developed using animal studies for the treatment of osteochondral and cartilage defects, there is a lack of information on the possible metabolic and biochemical reactions of the body to the implantation of biomaterials and cartilage reconstruction. Therefore, this study was aimed at evaluating the serum protein pattern and the alterations in the concentrations of selected acute phase proteins in five clinically healthy female sheep before and after the reconstruction of experimentally induced articular cartilage defects using polyhydroxybutyrate/chitosan based biopolymer material. The concentrations of total serum proteins (TSP), protein fractions, and selected acute phase proteins—serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), and C-reactive protein (CRP)—were measured before and on days seven, 14, and 30 after the surgical intervention. The TSP concentrations showed no marked differences during the evaluated period. Albumin values decreased on day seven and day 14 after surgery. In the concentrations of α1-, α2-, β-, and γ2-globulins, a gradual significant increase was observed during the postoperative period (p < 0.05). The γ1-globulins decreased slightly seven days after surgery. The concentrations of SAA, Hp, and CRP increased significantly after the surgical intervention with a subsequent decrease on day 30. Presented results suggest marked alterations in the serum protein pattern after surgical intervention.
Tribological Performance of Nanocomposite Carbon Lubricant Additive
Authors: Xue Chuanyi , Wang Shouren , Wen Daosheng , Wang Gaoqi , Wang Yong
Published: January 2019

In this research, nanocomposite carbon has been found to have excellent tribological properties as a lubricant additive. To reduce high friction and wear in friction pairs, the modified nanocomposite carbon has been prepared for chemical technology. The morphology and microstructure of the modified nanocomposite carbon were investigated via TEM, SEM, EDS, XPS, and Raman. In this study, varying concentrations (1, 3, and 5 wt. %) within the modified nanocomposite carbon were dispersed at 350 SN lubricant for base oil. The suspension stability of lubricating oils with the modified nanocomposite carbon was determined by ultraviolet-visible light (UV-VIS) spectrophotometry. The friction and wear characteristics of lubricants containing materials of the modified nanocomposite carbon were evaluated under reciprocating test conditions to simulate contact. The morphology and microstructure of the friction pair tribofilms produced during frictional contact were investigated via SEM, EDS, and a 3D surface profiler. The results showed that scratches, pits, grooves, and adhesive wear were significantly reduced on the surface of the friction pair which was used with 3% nanocomposite carbon lubricant. Additionally, the modified nanocomposite carbon showed excellent friction reducing and anti-wear performance, with great potential for the application of anti-wear.
Demographic Variation in the Frequency of Gliomas in Florida
Authors: Persaud-Sharma Dharam , Burns Joseph , Trangle Jeran , Castro Grettel , Barengo Noel , Moulik Sabyasachi , Manuel Lozano Juan
Published: January 2019

Background and objectives: Glial brain cancers affect nearly 20,000 individuals in the United States (USA) annually. SEER database data exploring the relationship between race and gliomas is now available and have shown that cerebral gliomas occur at a higher frequency in Caucasian men. However, such analyses did not include demographic data specific to the state of Florida. This study assessed the association between race and glial vs. non-glial Central Nervous System (CNS) cancers in Florida, USA. Materials and Methods: This case-control study utilized the Florida Cancer Data Registry (FCDS), in which race was considered the exposure and development of glioma as the measured outcome. The sample was comprised of patients in Florida diagnosed with brain tumors from 1981 to 2013. Relative racial frequencies were compared between patients with glial brain tumors and those with other CNS tumors. Data was analyzed using logistic regression in order to determine any associations between race and frequency of diagnosis adjusting for several confounders (age, sex, smoking status, year of diagnosis, and insurance status). Results: Between 1981 and 2013 a total of 14,092 patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were diagnosed in Florida with a primary brain tumor. Being of non-white race was associated with 60% decreased odds of glioma diagnosis compared to the reference white population (adjusted OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.34–0.47). Secondary findings include associations between increasing age and male sex with increased odds of glioma diagnosis. Decreased adjusted odds of glioma diagnosis were found with former smoking status (reference non-smokers), diagnosis between 2001 and 2010 (reference 1981–1990), and Medicaid or Medicare insurance (reference private insurance). Hispanic ethnicity, current smoking status, no insurance/self-pay, and geographical location (urban vs. rural) all had no association with glioma diagnosis. Conclusions: These findings are consistent with and help reinforce previous studies utilizing national databases (SEER) which also showed increasing odds of glioma diagnosis in older white males. Various potential explanations for these findings include genetic predisposition, lifestyle and behavioral factors, and socioeconomic status, including access to healthcare. Future research aims at identifying potential genetic etiologies.
Measurement of Molten Steel Velocity near the Surface and Modeling for Transient Fluid Flow in the Continuous Casting Mold
Authors: Zhang Tao , Yang Jian , Jiang Peng
Published: January 2019

In the current work, a rod deflection method (RDM) is conducted to measure the velocity of molten steel near the surface in continuous casting (CC) mold. With the experimental measurement, the flow velocity and direction of molten steel can be obtained. In addition, a mathematical model combining the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and discrete phase method (DPM) has been developed to calculate the transient flow field in a CC mold. The simulation results are compared and validated with the plant measurement results. Reasonable agreements between the measured and simulated results are obtained, both in the trends and magnitudes for the flow velocities of molten steel near the mold surface. Based on the measured and calculated results, the velocity of molten steel near the surface in the mold increases with increasing casting speed and the casting speed can change the flow pattern in the mold. Furthermore, three different types of flow patterns of molten steel in the mold can be obtained. The pattern A is the single-roll-flow (SRF) and the pattern C is the double-roll-flow (DRF). The pattern B is a transition state between DRF and SRF, which is neither cause the vortices nor excessive surface velocity on the meniscus, so the slag entrainment rarely occurs. Argon gas injection can slow down the molten steel velocity and uplift the jet zone, due to the buoyancy of bubbles. Combination of the measurement and numerical simulation is an effective tool to investigate the transient flow behavior in the CC mold and optimize the actual operation parameters of continuous casting to avoid the surface defects of the automobile outer panels.
Effect of Different Thermal Schedules on Ductility of Microalloyed Steel Slabs during Continuous Casting
Authors: Yang Liu , Li Yang , Xue Zhengliang , Cheng Changgui
Published: January 2019

Ductility is the important indicator of transverse surface cracking susceptibility of slabs of microalloyed steels during continuous casting. Welding structure steel HG785 is selected to study the effect of different thermal schedule on ductility of microalloyed steel slabs during continuous casting in this paper. Surface Structure Control (SSC) cooling process parameters of HG785 microalloyed steel were confirmed by the aid of thermomechanical simulation experiment of Gleeble 3500. Results of tensile tests show that the ductilities of slabs under traditional thermal schedule and temperature fluctuation thermal schedule are very low in the III brittleness zone, and the reductions of area reach 29.7% and 26.0% at 800 °C, respectively. The ductility of slabs under SSC thermal schedule is obviously improved, since the pro-eutectoid ferrite film and aggregation of precipitates along the austenite grain boundary has not been discovered.
Special Issue: Gut Bacteria-Mucus Interaction
Authors: Juge Nathalie
Published: January 2019

The mucus layer covering the gastrointestinal tract plays a critical role in maintaining a homeostatic relationship with our gut microbiota. [...]
Contributions and Challenges of High Throughput qPCR for Determining Antimicrobial Resistance in the Environment: A Critical Review
Authors: Waseem Hassan , Jameel Sana , Ali Jafar , Saleem Ur Rehman Hamza , Tauseef Isfahan , Farooq Uzma , Jamal Asif , Ali Muhammad Ishtiaq
Published: January 2019

Expansion in whole genome sequencing and subsequent increase in antibiotic resistance targets have paved the way of high throughput qPCR (HT-qPCR) for analyzing hundreds of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in a single run. A meta-analysis of 51 selected studies is performed to evaluate ARGs abundance trends over the last 7 years. WaferGenTM SmartChip is found to be the most widely used HT-qPCR platform among others for evaluating ARGs. Up till now around 1000 environmental samples (excluding biological replicates) from different parts of the world have been analyzed on HT-qPCR. Calculated detection frequency and normalized ARGs abundance (ARGs/16S rRNA gene) reported in gut microbiome studies have shown a trend of low ARGs as compared to other environmental matrices. Disparities in the HT-qPCR data analysis which are causing difficulties to researchers in precise interpretation of results have been highlighted and a possible way forward for resolving them is also suggested. The potential of other amplification technologies and point of care or field deployable devices for analyzing ARGs have also been discussed in the review. Our review has focused on updated information regarding the role, current status and future perspectives of HT-qPCR in the field of antimicrobial resistance.
Recent Advances in the Addition of Amide/Sulfonamide Bonds to Alkynes
Authors: Zhao Fei , Li Pinyi , Liu Xiaoyan , Jia Xiuwen , Wang Jiang , Liu Hong
Published: January 2019

The addition of amide/sulfonamide bonds to alkynes is not only one of the most important strategies for the direct functionalization of carbon–carbon triple bonds, but also a powerful tool for the downstream transformations of amides/sulfonamides. The present review provides a comprehensive summary of amide/sulfonamide bond addition to alkynes, including direct and metal-free aminoacylation, based-promoted aminoacylation, transition-metal-catalyzed aminoacylation, organocatalytic aminoacylation and transition-metal-catalyzed aminosulfonylation of alkynes up to December 2018. The reaction conditions, regio- and stereoselectivities, and mechanisms are discussed and summarized in detail.
Identifying Protein Features Responsible for Improved Drug Repurposing Accuracies Using the CANDO Platform: Implications for Drug Design
Authors: Mangione William , Samudrala Ram
Published: January 2019

Drug repurposing is a valuable tool for combating the slowing rates of novel therapeutic discovery. The Computational Analysis of Novel Drug Opportunities (CANDO) platform performs shotgun repurposing of 2030 indications/diseases using 3733 drugs/compounds to predict interactions with 46,784 proteins and relating them via proteomic interaction signatures. The accuracy is calculated by comparing interaction similarities of drugs approved for the same indications. We performed a unique subset analysis by breaking down the full protein library into smaller subsets and then recombining the best performing subsets into larger supersets. Up to 14% improvement in accuracy is seen upon benchmarking the supersets, representing a 100–1000-fold reduction in the number of proteins considered relative to the full library. Further analysis revealed that libraries comprised of proteins with more equitably diverse ligand interactions are important for describing compound behavior. Using one of these libraries to generate putative drug candidates against malaria, tuberculosis, and large cell carcinoma results in more drugs that could be validated in the biomedical literature compared to using those suggested by the full protein library. Our work elucidates the role of particular protein subsets and corresponding ligand interactions that play a role in drug repurposing, with implications for drug design and machine learning approaches to improve the CANDO platform.
Differentiation of Taxonomically Closely Related Species of the Genus Acinetobacter Using Raman Spectroscopy and Chemometrics
Authors: Teixeira A. Margarida , Nemec Alexandr , Sousa Clara
Published: January 2019

In recent years, several efforts have been made to develop quick and low cost bacterial identification methods. Genotypic methods, despite their accuracy, are laborious and time consuming, leaving spectroscopic methods as a potential alternative. Mass and infrared spectroscopy are among the most reconnoitered techniques for this purpose, with Raman having been practically unexplored. Some species of the bacterial genus Acinetobacter are recognized as etiological agents of nosocomial infections associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity, which makes their accurate identification important. The goal of this study was to assess the ability of Raman spectroscopy to discriminate between 16 Acinetobacter species belonging to two phylogroups containing taxonomically closely related species, that is, the Acinetobacter baumannii-Acinetobacter calcoaceticus complex (six species) and haemolytic clade (10 species). Bacterial spectra were acquired without the need for any sample pre-treatment and were further analyzed with multivariate data analysis, namely partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA). Species discrimination was achieved through a series of sequential PLSDA models, with the percentage of correct species assignments ranging from 72.1% to 98.7%. The obtained results suggest that Raman spectroscopy is a promising alternative for identification of Acinetobacter species.
Sub-Inhibitory Doses of Individual Constituents of Essential Oils Can Select for Staphylococcus aureus Resistant Mutants
Authors: Berdejo Daniel , Chueca Beatriz , Pagán Elisa , Renzoni Adriana , Kelley William , Pagán Rafael , Garcia-Gonzalo Diego
Published: January 2019

Increased bacterial resistance to food preservation technologies represents a risk for food safety and shelf-life. The use of natural antimicrobials, such as essential oils (EOs) and their individual constituents (ICs), has been proposed to avoid the generation of antimicrobial resistance. However, prolonged application of ICs might conceivably lead to the emergence of resistant strains. Hence, this study was aimed toward applying sub-inhibitory doses of the ICs carvacrol, citral, and (+)-limonene oxide to Staphylococcus aureus USA300, in order to evaluate the emergence of resistant strains and to identify the genetic modifications responsible for their increased resistance. Three stable-resistant strains, CAR (from cultures with carvacrol), CIT (from cultures with citral), and OXLIM (from cultures with (+)-limonene oxide) were isolated, showing an increased resistance against the ICs and a higher tolerance to lethal treatments by ICs or heat. Whole-genome sequencing revealed in CAR a large deletion in a region that contained genes encoding transcriptional regulators and metabolic enzymes. CIT showed a single missense mutation in aroC (N187K), which encodes for chorismate synthase; and in OXLIM a missense mutation was detected in rpoB (A862V), which encodes for RNA polymerase subunit beta. This study provides a first detailed insight into the mechanisms of action and S. aureus resistance arising from exposure to carvacrol, citral, and (+)-limonene oxide.
Polyphenolic Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Leaf Purified Hydroalcoholic Extracts from Seven Mexican Persea americana Cultivars
Authors: Castro-López Cecilia , Bautista-Hernández Israel , González-Hernández María D. , Martínez-Ávila Guillermo C. G. , Rojas Romeo , Gutiérrez-Díez Adriana , Medina-Herrera Nancy , Aguirre-Arzola Víctor E.
Published: January 2019

Persea americana (avocado) is a fruit consumed worldwide; however, since avocado leaves are apparently a natural ingredient that can be used as a traditional medicine, they can be a potential source of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to analyze the antioxidant activity of seven Mexican avocado leaf extracts by DPPH•, ABTS•+, and lipid peroxidation (LPO), and to identify the compound profile by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry/electron spray ionization. The highest free radical-scavenging activity was observed for Platano Delgado and Criollo 6 avocado cultivars havin IC50 values of 271.86 ± 13.69 and 269.56 ± 6.53 for DPPH• and ABTS•+ radicals, respectively, while the best result for lipid oxidation inhibition was registered in Criollo 6 cultivar extract. In this study forty-one compounds were detected in avocado leaves of the the seven cultivars analyzed, and of these compounds, eighteen phenolics were identified for first time in such plant material. The present study demonstrated that Mexican cultivars of Persea americana possess diverse polyphenolic compounds with strong antioxidant activity, which might be useful in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Impact of Gelatin Supplemented with Gum Arabic, Tween 20, and β-Cyclodextrin on the Microencapsulation of Turkish Oregano Extract
Authors: Baranauskaite Juste , Kopustinskiene Dalia M. , Bernatoniene Jurga
Published: January 2019

Microencapsulation protects core materials from deteriorating due to environmental conditions, such as moisture or oxidation, and improves the bioavailability of active compounds, allowing one to make solid formulations from oils and increase their solubility. Wall and core material properties determine the microencapsulation efficiency and the best results are achieved when a wall material mixture is used to prepare the microcapsules. In this work, we optimized the wall material composition (gelatin supplemented with gum Arabic, Tween 20, and β-cyclodextrin) of Turkish oregano microcapsules prepared by spray-drying technology to increase the product yield, the encapsulation efficiency, and to achieve narrower particle size distribution. When the wall material solution contained 10 g of gelatin, 7.5 g of gum Arabic, 1.99 g of Tween 20, 1.98 g of β-cyclodextrin, and 20 g of ethanolic oregano extract, the encapsulation efficiency of oregano’s active compounds, rosmarinic acid and carvacrol, were 96.7% and 99.8%, respectively, and the product yield was 85.63%. The physicochemical properties, microscopic morphology, and in vitro release of the prepared microcapsules were characterized in the study. The use of gelatin as the main coating material, in supplementation with gum Arabic, Tween 20, and β-cyclodextrin, not only improved the encapsulation efficiency, but also increased the in vitro release of both main active compounds of Turkish oregano extract—rosmarinic acid and carvacrol.
Synthesis of Cyanate Esters Based on Mono-O-Methylated Bisphenols with Sulfur-Containing Bridges
Authors: Galukhin Andrey , Nosov Roman
Published: January 2019

We described a synthetic approach to bisphenol-based monocyanate esters based on mono-O-methylation of parental bisphenols followed by cyanation of the residual phenolic hydroxyl. Structures of the synthesized compounds were determined by the application of IR, NMR 1H and 13C spectroscopies, EI and MALDI mass spectrometry, and purity of the final product was controlled by HPLC. We showed that stability of the cyanate esters depends on the nature of the bridging group. Temperature range of thermally initiated cyclotrimerization of synthesized monocyanate ester, as well as reaction enthalpy, was determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
Long-Term Stability of Two Thermoplastic Polymers Modified with Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Ziąbka Magdalena , Dziadek Michał
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical properties of polymeric composites prepared via extrusion and injection moulding. Four stable thermoplastic polymers were used as composites matrices (two kinds of polymethyl methacrylate and two kinds of co-polymer acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene). Silver nanoparticles AgNPs were used as a modifying phase. Mechanical properties of testes materials were determined during the uniaxial stretching. Surface properties such as roughness and contact angle were also evaluated. The materials’ stability was assessed using scanning electron microscopy and non-destructive ultrasonic testing. All measurements were carried out at time intervals, determining both the initial parameters and after 6 and 12 months of incubation in deionized water. The obtained results proved that neither the preparation technology nor the amount of the modifier adversely affect the mechanical properties of the tested composites. The incorporated modifier does not change the surface properties significantly. The studies conducted after the materials’ incubation in water indicate their stability.
Correction: Savard et al. Trimester-Specific Dietary Intakes in a Sample of French-Canadian Pregnant Women in Comparison with National Nutritional Guidelines. Nutrients 2018, 10, 768
Authors: Savard Claudia , Lemieux Simone , Weisnagel S. John , Fontaine-Bisson Bénédicte , Gagnon Claudia , Robitaille Julie , Morisset Anne-Sophie
Published: January 2019

The authors wish to make the following changes to their paper (Savard et al., 2018 [1]) [...]
Role of Milk-Derived Opioid Peptides and Proline Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Jarmołowska Beata , Bukało Marta , Fiedorowicz Ewa , Cieślińska Anna , Kordulewska Natalia Karolina , Moszyńska Małgorzata , Świątecki Aleksander , Kostyra Elżbieta
Published: January 2019

Opioid peptides released during digestion of dietary proteins such as casein, were suggested to contribute to autism development, leading to the announcement of opioid excess hypothesis of autism. This paper examines role of enzyme proline dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPPIV; EC 3.4.14.5) and it is exogenous substrate, β-casomorphin-7 (BCM7) in autism etiology. Our study included measurements of DPPIV and BCM7 concentrations in serum and urine, which were analyzed with ELISA assays and activity of DPPIV was measured by colorimetric test. The effect of opioid peptides from hydrolysed bovine milk on DPPIV gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in autistic and healthy children was determined using the Real-Time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) method. Our research included 51 healthy children and 86 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD, ICDF84). We determined that the concentration of BCM7 in serum was significantly, 1.6-fold, higher in the ASD group than in controls (p < 0.0001). Concentration of DPPIV was found to also be significantly higher in serum from ASD children compared to the control group (p < 0.01), while we did not notice significant difference in enzymatic activity of serum DPPIV between the two study groups. We confirmed correlation according to the gender between analyzed parameters. The inspiration for this study emanated from clinical experience of the daily diet role in relieving the symptoms of autism. Despite this, we have concluded that milk-derived opioid peptides and DPPIV are potentially factors in determining the pathogenesis of autism; conducted studies are still limited and require further research.
Sequential Photodynamic Therapy with Phthalocyanine Encapsulated Chitosan-Tripolyphosphate Nanoparticles and Flucytosine Treatment against Candida tropicalis
Authors: Hsieh Yi-Hsuan , Chuang Wen-Ching , Yu Kun-Hua , Jheng Cheng-Ping , Lee Cheng-I
Published: January 2019

Antibiotic resistance has become a crisis. Candida tropicalis (C. tropicalis) is one of the most highly virulent and drug-resistant pathogens. An alternative antimicrobial therapy to eradicate C. tropicalis effectively, without the risk of developing drug-resistance, is needed. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an alternative therapy that does not carry the risk of undesired drug resistance. To target the pathogens and to enhance the cellular penetration of the applied photosensitizer, we fabricated cationic chitosan/tripolyphosphate nanoparticles to encapsulate phthalocyanine. Our strategy promotes the uptake of phthalocyanine four-fold. This enhanced PDT can effectively inhibit planktonic C. tropicalis, such that only ~20% of C. tropicalis in the test survived; but it has a limited ability to inhibit adherent C. tropicalis. Further tests with adherent C. tropicalis indicated that sequential treatment with PDT and flucytosine significantly eliminates pseudohyphae and yeast-like C. tropicalis cells. The cell viability is only ~10% after this sequential treatment. This study provides evidence of an effective therapy against drug resistant C. tropicalis, and this strategy can be potentially applied to other pathogens.
Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents for Simultaneous Extraction of Multi-Bioactive Components from Jinqi Jiangtang Preparations
Authors: Yang Lele , Li Ling , Hu Hao , Wan Jianbo , Li Peng
Published: January 2019

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs), composed of natural primary metabolites, are now widely used as green and sustainable extraction solvents of bioactive components. In the present study, various NADESs were prepared to extract multi-components from different preparations of an herbal formula (Chinese name: Jinqi Jiangtang, JQJT) using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Results showed that most prepared NADESs provided more effective extraction of phenolic acids and alkaloids from JQJT preparations than conventional solvents. Among the tested NADESs, the solvent formed by choline chloride and laevulinic acid was selected to optimize the operational parameters using response surface methodology. The optimized extraction method was successfully applied to extract six major components in four commercial JQJT products, and quantification analysis was performed by the validated high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) method. The quantitative results indicated that preparations from different manufacturers showed different chemical profiles. In conclusion, NADESs-based UAE shows considerable potential as an efficient and green method for extraction of multi-bioactive components from commercial herbal preparations.
The Effect of the Surface Area of Carbon Black Grades on HNBR in Harsh Environments
Authors: Balasooriya Winoj , Schrittesser Bernd , Pinter Gerald , Schwarz Thomas , Conzatti Lucia
Published: January 2019

Concerning the still rising demand for oil and gas products, the development of new reliable materials to guarantee the facility safety at extreme operating conditions is an utmost necessity. The present study mainly deals with the influence of different carbon black (CB) filled hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR), which is a material usually used in sealing applications, on the rapid gas decompression (RGD) resistance in harsh environments. Therefore, RGD component level tests were conducted in an autoclave. The supporting mechanical and dynamic mechanical property analysis, the microscopic level investigations on the material and failure analysis were conducted and are discussed in this work. Under the tested conditions, the samples filled with smaller CB primary particles showed a slightly lower volume increase during the compression and decompression phases; however, they steered to a significantly lower resistance to RGD. Transmission electron micrographs revealed that the samples filled with smaller CB particles formed larger structures as well as densified filler networks including larger agglomerates and as a consequence a decrease effective matrix component around the CB particles. Apparently, at higher loading conditions, which already deliver a certain level of mechanical stresses and strains, the densified filler network, and especially a lower amount of effective matrix material composition, adversely affect the RGD resistance. SEM-based fracture analysis did not identify any influence of the CB grades tested on the crack initiation site; however, it revealed that the cracks initiated from existing voids, hard particles, or low strength matrix sites and propagated to the outer surface.
Building a Sustainability Benchmarking Framework of Ceramic Tiles Based on Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA)
Authors: Ferrari Anna Maria , Volpi Lucrezia , Pini Martina , Siligardi Cristina , García-Muiña Fernando Enrique , Settembre-Blundo Davide
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this paper is to determine indices of environmental, economic and social sustainability related to the Italian production of ceramic tiles in porcelain stoneware in order to contribute to the construction of a reference benchmarking useful to decision makers, designers and end users of ceramic tiles. To achieve this goal, this paper is based on the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) framework that incorporates the three dimensions of sustainability with cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC) and Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) tools. The study has shown that in the production of porcelain stoneware one of the major environmental problems, in addition to production in the strict sense, is the distribution system of the product to end users and, to a lesser extent but always significant, the process of supplying raw materials. Finally, it was highlighted that the joint use of the three impact assessment tools (LCA, LCC, S-LCA) requires further methodological work to avoid the risk of double counting of sustainability performance. This research has adopted a detailed methodological approach, both in the collection and in the processing of data, keeping the main phases of the production process separate. In this way, it has been possible to highlight that the major environmental criticalities are just beyond the “gate” of the ceramic factories, along the logistics chain. The study also proposes for the Italian ceramic sector not only indicators of environmental sustainability but also economic and social.
Working with the Informal Service Chain as a Locally Appropriate Strategy for Sustainable Modernization of Municipal Solid Waste Management Systems in Lower-Middle Income Cities: Lessons from Accra, Ghana
Authors: Oduro-Appiah Kwaku , Afful Abraham , Kotey Victor Neequaye , De Vries Nanne
Published: January 2019

Twenty years of formal private sector participation in solid waste management in Ghana has failed to deliver an increase in collection coverage and recycling rates. This article shares lessons and experiences from Accra, Ghana, a middle-income city where researchers and municipal solid waste managers have collaborated to modernize the municipal solid waste management system by working together to develop a locally appropriate response to the informal waste service sector. Stakeholders have used inclusive decision-making and participatory research methods to bring formal service providers to work in partnership with their informal counterparts to improve collection and recycling. The Wasteaware benchmark indicator framework has been used to assess and compare the improvements in the physical and governance aspects of the municipal solid waste management system, supplemented by statistical analysis of responses to a survey on the socio-economic contribution of the informal service providers in the city. Within two years of their inclusion, the number of informal service providers has increased by 71 percent, from 350 to 600, creating new livelihoods and contributing to poverty reduction. The informal service providers have been able to increase collection coverage from 75% to 90%, waste capture from 53% to 90%, and recycling rates from 5% to 18%, saving the municipality US$5,460,000.00 in annual operational costs. The results have influenced the decision-makers to move towards structural integration of the informal service providers into the formal waste service system. The shift towards practical, locally responsive interventions in Accra provides a positive example of sustainable waste management modernization, and key lessons for cities in similar economies.
Permutation Matrix Encryption Based Ultralightweight Secure RFID Scheme in Internet of Vehicles
Authors: Fan Kai , Kang Junbin , Zhu Shanshan , Li Hui , Yang Yintang
Published: January 2019

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a kind of non-contact automatic identification technology. The Internet of Vehicles (IoV) is a derivative of the Internet of Things (IoT), and RFID technology has become one of the key technologies of IoV. Due to the open wireless communication environment in RFID system, the RFID system is easy to be exposed to various malicious attacks, which may result in privacy disclosure. The provision of privacy protection for users is a prerequisite for the wide acceptance of the IoV. In this paper, we discuss the privacy problem of the RFID system in the IoV and present a lightweight RFID authentication scheme based on permutation matrix encryption, which can resist some typical attacks and ensure the user’s personal privacy and location privacy. The fast certification speed of the scheme and the low cost of the tag is in line with the high-speed certification requirement in the Internet of vehicles. In this thesis, the specific application scenarios of the proposed RFID authentication scheme in the IoV is also discussed.
LCSS-Based Algorithm for Computing Multivariate Data Set Similarity: A Case Study of Real-Time WSN Data
Authors: Khan Rahim , Ali Ihsan , Altowaijri Saleh M. , Zakarya Muhammad , Ur Rahman Atiq , Ahmedy Ismail , Khan Anwar , Gani Abdullah
Published: January 2019

Multivariate data sets are common in various application areas, such as wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and DNA analysis. A robust mechanism is required to compute their similarity indexes regardless of the environment and problem domain. This study describes the usefulness of a non-metric-based approach (i.e., longest common subsequence) in computing similarity indexes. Several non-metric-based algorithms are available in the literature, the most robust and reliable one is the dynamic programming-based technique. However, dynamic programming-based techniques are considered inefficient, particularly in the context of multivariate data sets. Furthermore, the classical approaches are not powerful enough in scenarios with multivariate data sets, sensor data or when the similarity indexes are extremely high or low. To address this issue, we propose an efficient algorithm to measure the similarity indexes of multivariate data sets using a non-metric-based methodology. The proposed algorithm performs exceptionally well on numerous multivariate data sets compared with the classical dynamic programming-based algorithms. The performance of the algorithms is evaluated on the basis of several benchmark data sets and a dynamic multivariate data set, which is obtained from a WSN deployed in the Ghulam Ishaq Khan (GIK) Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology. Our evaluation suggests that the proposed algorithm can be approximately 39.9% more efficient than its counterparts for various data sets in terms of computational time.
Cognitive-Based E-Learning Design for Older Adults
Authors: Pappas Marios A. , Demertzi Eleftheria , Papagerasimou Yannis , Koukianakis Lefteris , Voukelatos Nikitas , Drigas Athanasios
Published: January 2019

Aging is highly correlated with a decline in cognitive abilities. Information and communication technologies are nowadays increasingly used for knowledge acquisition, education, cognitive development, etc. Older adults should be prepared to adopt these technologies and take advantage of their capabilities. The purpose of this study was to analyze the cognitive profile of older adults in order to identify the ways that they learn, as well as to analyze older adults’ attitudes, to aid in the development of an e-learning platform adapted to their needs. The sample of the study consisted of 103 older adults, aged 55+, from Greece. According to their responses, older adults seemed to prefer e-learning modules that presented the educational content step-by-step and contained practice questions and examples. In addition, respondents had positive attitudes toward the existence of assessment tests for after the completion of each module. Finally, the utilization of explanatory videos and special graphics in the modules was imperative, according to older adults’ preferences.
Business Model Innovation for Sustainability. Highlights from the Tourism and Hospitality Industry
Authors: Presenza Angelo , Messeni Petruzzelli Antonio , Natalicchio Angelo
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we introduce the themes addressed and the approaches used in this Special Issue to investigate the relationship between business model innovation and sustainability in the hospitality and tourism industry. After presenting the topics under investigation, we briefly discuss how the articles in the collection allow to unveil firms’ approaches used to innovate their business model focusing upon sustainable practices and goals. Therefore, by offering multiple perspectives of analysis, this Issue increases our comprehension and understanding of which sustainable strategies companies may adopt to compete in the tourism and hospitality sector.
SuDS & Sponge Cities: A Comparative Analysis of the Implementation of Pluvial Flood Management in the UK and China
Authors: Lashford Craig , Rubinato Matteo , Cai Yanpeng , Hou Jingming , Abolfathi Soroush , Coupe Stephen , Charlesworth Susanne , Tait Simon
Published: January 2019

In recent decades, rapid urbanization has resulted in a growing urban population, transformed into regions of exceptional socio-economic value. By removing vegetation and soil, grading the land surface and saturating soil air content, urban developments are more likely to be flooded, which will be further exacerbated by an anticipated increase in the number of intense rainfall events, due to climate change. To date, data collected show that urban pluvial flood events are on the rise for both the UK and China. This paper presents a critical review of existing sustainable approaches to urban flood management, by comparing UK practice with that in China and critically assessing whether lessons can be learnt from the Sponge City initiative. The authors have identified a strategic research plan to ensure that the sponge city initiative can successfully respond to extreme climatic events and tackle pluvial flooding. Hence, this review suggests that future research should focus on (1) the development of a more localized rainfall model for the Chinese climate; (2) the role of retrofit SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) in challenging water environments; (3) the development of a robust SuDS selection tool, ensuring that the most effective devices are installed, based on local factors; and (4) dissemination of current information, and increased understanding of maintenance and whole life-costing, alongside monitoring the success of sponge cities to increase the confidence of decision makers (5) the community engagement and education about sponge cities.
Monitoring and Control in Underground Coal Gasification: Current Research Status and Future Perspective
Authors: Xiao Yuteng , Yin Jihang , Hu Yifan , Wang Junzhe , Yin Hongsheng , Qi Honggang
Published: January 2019

By igniting in the coal seam and injecting gas agent, underground coal gasification (UCG) causes coal to undergo thermochemical reactions in situ and, thus, to be gasified into syngas for power generation, hydrogen production, and storage. Compared with traditional mining technology, UCG has the potential sustainable advantages in energy, environment, and the economy. The paper reviewed the development of UCG projects around the world and points out that UCG faces difficulties in the field of monitoring and control in UCG. It is expounded for the current research status of monitoring and control in UCG, and clarified that monitoring and control in UCG is not perfect, remaining in the stage of exploration. To improve the problem of low coal gasification rate and gas production, and then to make full use of the potential sustainable advantages, the paper offers a perception platform of a UCG monitoring system based on the Internet-of-Things (IoT) and an optimal control model for UCG based on deep learning, and has an outlook on breakthrough directions of the key technologies related to the package structure design for moisture-proof and thermal insulation, antenna design, the strategy for energy management optimization, feature extraction and classification design for the network model, network structure design, network learning augmentation, and the control of the network model, respectively.