bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
УСОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАННАЯ МЕТОДИКА РАСЧЕТА ЖЕЛЕЗОБЕТОННЫХ ЭЛЕМЕНТОВ НА ПРОЧНОСТЬ И СЕЙСМОСТОЙКОСТЬ С УЧЕТОМ ТРЕБОВАНИЙ ЕВРОКОДОВ
Authors: СЕЙФУЛЛАЕВ ХАНЛАР КУРБАН ОГЛЫ , ГАРАЕВ АБДЫ НАЗИМ ОГЛЫ
Published: September 2019

В работе рассматривается сравнение национального норматива по железобетону AzDTN 2.16-1 и одноименного норматива Франции BAEL-85, выявлены некоторые нестыковки результатов расчетов и изучены их причины. Приводятся пути устранения нестыковки полученных решений. К нестыковкам двух нормативных документов относятся различия во взглядах на предельное состояние железобетонных элементов и результаты расчета с применением этих различных предельных состояний, использование нелинейной деформационной модели, основой которой является гипотеза плоских сечений и диаграммы состояния бетона, линеаризации решения задачи путем замены криволинейных форм диаграмм состояния бетона кусочно-линейными формами, решение задачи длительной прочности бетона с введением понятия о нисходящей ветви криволинейной диаграммы деформации бетона и другие проблемы, характеризующие свойства бетона сжатой зоны. В работе рассматривается статическая, геометрическая и физическая стороны упругопластического изгиба железобетонных элементов. В основу нелинейной деформационной модели, при расчете железобетонных конструкций, положены предельные состояния железобетонных элементов, описываемые прямолинейными диаграммами деформации и кусочно-линейными диаграммами состояния бетона. Решение задачи изгибаемых элементов, на основе нелинейной деформационной модели, при кусочно-линейных диаграммах состояния бетона, сводится к решению линейных уравнений статики, при соблюдении гипотезы плоских сечений и аналитических выражений двухлинейной диаграммы состояния бетона. По требованию Еврокода в расчетах предлагается использовать криволинейную диаграмму с ниспадающей ветвью, отражающую поведение бетона при сжатии. Одновременно, согласно AzDTN 2.16-1, кроме кусочно-линейных диаграмм, в расчетах состояние бетона может быть использована криволинейная диаграмма с ниспадающей ветвью. При этом, должны быть обозначены основные параметрические точки диаграмм (максимальное напряжение и соответствующие деформации, граничные значения и т.д.). Результаты исследования показывают, что при Rbl /Rb ≥0.85 влиянием длительной прочности бетона в практических расчетах можно пренебречь. На основании числовых примеров доказано, что при правильном применении деформационной модели, можно устранить выше указанные нестыковки двух нормативных документов. Нестыковки этих задач будут учтены при составлении нового варианта национального норматива AzDTN 2.16-1.
Productivity, Fertility and the Romantic ‘Old Maid’
Authors: Matthews Susan
Published: September 2019

William Hayley's Essay on Old Maids (1785, 1793) bafflingly constructs an image of the old maid from libertine fantasy, learned wit, pro-feminine critique and feminist scholarship. This essay traces some of these strands in later treatments of female sexuality and ageing in writing by Hannah More and Joanna Southcott, suggesting ways in which shifting attitudes to fertility enable new accounts of the female body. It argues that the terms of Hayley's Essay constrain later attempts to shift the debate. Whilst More attempts to escape the representation of the ageing body, the topic of female writing allows a renewed focus on reproduction.
‘Strength in What Remains Behind’: Wordsworth and the Question of Ageing
Authors: Sandy Mark
Published: September 2019

Attending to the hoped-for connection between young and older generations, this essay revisits Wordsworth's poetic fascination with the elderly and the question of what, if any, consolation for emotional and physical loss could be attained for growing old. Wordsworth's imaginative impulse is to idealise the elderly into transcendent figures, which offers the compensation of a harmonious vision to the younger generation for the losses of old age that, in all likelihood, they will themselves experience. The affirmation of such a unified and compensatory vision is dependent upon the reciprocity of sympathy that Wordsworth's poetry both sets into circulation and calls into question. Readings of ‘Simon Lee’, ‘I know an aged Man constrained to dwell’, and ‘The Old Cumberland Beggar’ point up the limitations of sympathy and vision (physical and poetic) avowed in these poems as symptomatic of Wordsworth's misgivings about the debilitating effects of growing old and old age. Finally, Wordsworth's unfolding tragedy of ‘Michael’ is interpreted as reinforcing a frequent pattern, observed elsewhere in his poetry, whereby idealised figures of old men transform into disturbingly spectral second selves of their younger counterparts or narrators. These troubling transformations reveal that at the heart of Wordsworth's poetic vision of old age as a harmonious, interconnected, and consoling state, there are disquieting fears of disunity, disconnection, disconsolation, and, lastly, death.
Old Q in the Corner: Jane West, Late Life, and the Nineteenth-Century Novel
Authors: Looser Devoney
Published: September 2019

Jane West's late life and writings show a self-consciousness about authorship and a strong perspective on literary value and fame in old age. This essay shows how such a consciousness is revealed in a private letter, her last novel, Ringrove (1827), and her detail-filled will. West's late-life self-conception in a private letter as an ‘old Q in the corner’ deserves to be examined as a metaphor for the ageing female author. Taken together, these three texts demonstrate how West tries to shape readers' responses to old women as writers, using self-deprecating humour as a response to perceived neglect. The results are hardly comic, but they give us the opportunity to examine how a self-consciously older woman puts her words before a mass readership that was not necessarily well disposed to receive them.
Pengaruh Dual-Task Training (Motor-Cognitive) terhadap Keseimbangan Dinamis pada Anak Usia Sekolah
Authors: Anwar Yulinar
Published: September 2019

Background : School-age Children are characterized by agile movements and motor activity coupled with the need to begin exploring the environment so that motor skills are needed. One aspect of motor skills is dynamic balance. Dual-task training (motor-cognitive) is a method of training that combines motor and cognitive tasks. The purpose of this exercise is to activation pattern of circuits in brain to achieve an adaptive system so that automation can be generated which can affect dynamic balance. Methods : this research is experimental quasi with time series design. The sampling technique used purposive sampling with a sample size of 30 students in 10- and 11- years-old who were not flat foot, not obese, and did not experience balance disorders. Primary data collection is obtained through dynamic balance instruments with balance beam walking test. The collected data used Shapiro Wilk for the normality test and obtained a value of p <0.05, which means that the distribution of data is abnormally distributed then a difference test of the of the pre-test and post-test using Friedman post hoc Wilcoxon Test. Results : the study was conducted for four weeks with 12 training sessions. The result of the analysis were started from pre-test, post-test 1, post-test 2, post-test 3, and post-test 4. The results overall showed a changed in dynamic balance between before and after 12 times of exercise with a significant value p=0,0001 (p <0,05). Conclusion : Therefore, it can be conclused that there is an effect of dual-task training (motor-cognitive) to dynamic balance of school-age children.

Keywords : Dual-Task Training (Motor Cognitive), Dynamic Balance, School-age Children
О раскопках Ольвии в Archäologischer Anzeiger (1891-1914 гг.)
Authors: Kuzmishchev Oleksandr
Published: September 2019

В статье рассматриваются заметки на страницах немецкого журнала Archäologischer Anzeiger, посвященные раскопкам Ольвии, с 1891 по 1913 гг. Описывается их содержание, указывается, что часть опубликованной там информации не имеет аналогов в отечественных изданиях. В 1891 г. была напечатана статья о приобретении находок из Ольвии Боннским университетом (г. Лёшке). В 1897 г. вышла заметка, посвященная археологическим коллекциям Северного Причерноморья (Г. Драгендорф). В 1899, 1901-1903 гг. информацию об археологических находках публикует Г.Е. Кизерицкий. Но наиболее подробные сведения о раскопках Ольвии были опубликованы Б.В. Фармаковским, который предоставил информацию об археологических исследованиях за 1903-1913 гг.
Зовнішній штампований орнамент на аттичній чорнолаковій кераміці з Ольвії
Authors: Chechulina Iryna
Published: September 2019

Штампований і врізний орнамент належить до найбільш поширених методів орнаментації чорнолакової кераміки. Ці методи орнаментації використовували з середини V ст. до н.е. до елліністичного періоду, техніка поширилася від Афін до Італії. Штампами могли прикрашати посуд як всередині, так і ззовні. Зовнішні штампи зустрічаються набагато рідше, ніж внутрішні.

Аналіз чорнолакового посуду з Ольвії показав, що лише декілька відсотків штампованого посуду мають штампи по зовнішній стороні. Проте матеріал репрезентує всі зміни у морфології й орнаментації, що характерні класичних екземплярів. Це ще раз доводить тісні та системні торгівельні зв’язки Ольвійського полісу з Афінами та її округою у класичний період.
Амфоры типа 27 по классификации В.В. Крапивиной из Тиры
Authors: Masiuta Denis
Published: September 2019

В научный оборот вводятся находки амфор типа 27 по классификации В.В. Крапивиной, обнаруженные при исследовании Тиры. Уделяется внимание вопросам их морфологии и хронологии, указываются визуальные особенности керамического теста, характерные для исследуемой разновидности амфорной тары. Определяется ареал распространения таких сосудов. Выдвигается предположение о том, что рассматриваемые амфоры предназначались для транспортировки соленой рыбы и поступали в Тиру с территории Боспора на протяжении III в. н.э.
Важливе дослідження із соціальної історії у вітчизняній історіографії
Authors: Petrenko Iryna
Published: September 2019

Представлено рецензію на монографію Олени Кравченко «Опіка над дітьми в Україні наприкінці XVIII – на початку ХХ ст.» (Харків: ФОП Панов А.М., 2019. 430 с.), яка присвячена історії організації соціальної опіки над дітьми-сиротами та дітьми, позбавленими батьківської уваги у Російській імперії, спираючись на матеріали українських губерній.
Православні храми Південної України другої половини XVIII ст. за межами Російської імперії
Authors: Koval Olha
Published: September 2019

У статті досліджується православна церковна мережа земель Південної України, які у другій половині XVIII ст. входили до складу Кримського ханства й Османської імперії. Визначається частка храмів, зведених за межами Російської імперії, у загальній чисельності храмів Південної України станом на кінець століття.
Сербо-хорватські відносини у 90-х рр. ХХ - ХХІ ст.
Authors: Vlasyuk Igor
Published: September 2019

У статті розкрито стан і проблеми розвитку сербо-хорватських відносин на сучасному етапі, з урахуванням їхнього історичного минулого. Проаналізовано причини та наслідки загострення цих відносин у 90-х рр. ХХ ст. Виділено позитивні кроки щодо нормалізації відносин між двома народами у ХХІ ст.
Становлення та розвиток українсько-польських відносин у геополітичному просторі наприкінці ХХ – початку ХХІ ст.
Authors: Datskiv Ihor
Published: September 2019

Розглянуто питання міжнародної співпраці між Україною та Республікою Польща; узагальнено напрями дипломатичної взаємодії між ними й обґрунтовано принципи за якими будуються добросусідські відносини між цими двома державами.

Встановлено, що українсько-польські відносини, які набули характеру стратегічного партнерства, утверджувалися поступово, відповідно до національних інтересів і викликів сучасного облаштування світоустрою.

Показано, що по мірі становлення нової моделі взаємин України та Польщі її політична складова є ключовою. Інтенсивність політичних відносин забезпечується на дипломатичному, міжурядовому, міжпарламентському рівнях, у контактах між Президентами та громадськими об’єднаннями.
Особливості розвитку імміграційної політики Канади у 2006-2012 рр.
Authors: Burtseva Mariia
Published: September 2019

У статті висвітлено головні напрямки розвитку канадської імміграційної політики протягом 2006-2012 років. Розглянуто діяльність нового федерального уряду країни у цій сфері. Зокрема, зосереджено увагу на таких питаннях, як встановлення пріоритету економічної складової переселенських процесів, а також на запровадженні обмежень для різних категорій іммігрантів. Представлено особливості реалізації цих ініціатив, котрі визначено складовими елементами комплексної діяльності уряду в напрямку імміграційної політики Канади у зазначені роки.
Витоки та еволюція концепції глобального лідерства США
Authors: Lymar Margaryta
Published: September 2019

У статті досліджуються теоретичні витоки концепції глобального лідерства США. Розглядається її взаємозв’язок з концепцією світової гегемонії. Аналізується спроможність США чинити якісний вплив на глобальні геополітичні процеси. Пояснюються причини сприйняття США американцями як держави з особливою місією. Доведено, що США ніколи не відмовлялися від світової першості, але з огляду на трансформаційні зміни міжнародної системи обрали курс на досягнення та підтримку глобального лідерства як кращої альтернативи світовій гегемонії.
Радянська історіографія соціально-економічного розвитку Південно-Східної Русі у XII – першій половині XIII ст.
Authors: Avkhutska Svitlana , Turkov Volodymyr
Published: September 2019

У статті розглянуто радянську історіографію соціально-економічного розвитку Південно-Східної Русі у XII – першій половині XIII ст. Незважаючи на відсутність уваги сучасних дослідників до зазначеної проблематики, тема є актуальною та багатою на неоднозначні інтерпретації джерельного матеріалу. Проаналізовано дослідження періоду 20-80-х рр. ХХ ст., які були актуальними на той час і залишаються важливими сьогодні. З’ясовано, що працям того часу притаманні систематизація попередніх здобутків, ґрунтовне опрацювання нових археологічних джерел, спростування хибних висновків імперської історіографії, відкриття нових напрямків досліджень, фундаментальний підхід.
Часопис української еміграції «Тризуб» як джерело вивчення соціокультурних процесів і повсякдення в Україні під владою більшовиків (1920-ті рр.)
Authors: Vovk Oleksandr
Published: September 2019

У статті проаналізовано тижневик української еміграції «Тризуб» в якості джерела вивчення соціокультурних процесів і повсякдення в Україні під більшовицькою владою у 20-ті роки ХХ ст. З’ясовано, що тематика частини публікацій часопису стосувалася різноманітних сфер життя української спільноти в УСРР: розвитку культури, внутрішнього світу людини, сприйняття дійсності, тлумачення змін у природі крізь призму суспільних перетворень, відносини мешканців міста і села, становище різних прошарків суспільства.
Perennial Ryegrass Wear Resistance and Soil Amendment by Ca- and Mg-Silicates
Authors: Pruyne Derek T. , Schlossberg Maxim J. , Uddin Wakar
Published: September 2019

Proactive optimization of soil chemistry is a task commonly overlooked by agronomic practitioners. Agricultural field assessments have reported depletion of extractable soil silicon (Si) from shallow depths of intensively managed systems. While not recognized as a plant-essential nutrient, Si accumulates in epidermal and vascular tissue of grass leaves, sheaths, and shoots. A field study of Ca/Mg-silicate (SiO3) pelletized soil conditioner was initiated on a perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. cvs. 1:1:1 Manhattan, Brightstar SLT, Mach 1) athletic field in 2010. Plots were trafficked by a wear simulator weekly, June through Sept. in 2011 and 2012. Canopy quality measures, clipping yield, tissue composition, soil pH, and plant-available soil Si levels were regularly collected over the two-year study. Under intense wear treatment (traffic), perennial ryegrass plots treated annually by granular application of 1220 or 2440 kg Ca/Mg-silicates per hectare showed significantly improved mean canopy density relative to plots receiving equal Ca and Mg as lime. These described Ca/Mg-SiO3 annual application rates coincided with acetic acid extractable soil Si levels > 70 mg kg−1 in the 0- to 8-cm soil depth. Experimental and temporal variability preclude reporting of a critical threshold concentration of leaf Si for improved perennial ryegrass wear tolerance. Future efforts towards this end should sample tissue of plots receiving wear treatment, rather than adjacent, non-worn proxies.
Developing Project Managers’ Transversal Competences Using Building Information Modeling
Authors: Zamora-Polo Francisco , Martínez Sánchez-Cortés Mercedes , Reyes-Rodríguez Antonio Manuel , García Sanz-Calcedo Justo
Published: September 2019

The emergence of building information modeling (BIM) methodology requires the training of professionals with both specific and transversal skills. In this paper, a project-based learning experience carried out in the context of a project management course at the University of Extremadura is analyzed. To that end, a questionnaire was designed and given to students who participated in the initiative. Results suggest that BIM can be considered a virtual learning environment, from which students value the competences developed. The emotional performance observed was quite flat. Similarly, students valued the usefulness of the initiative. Students expressed a desire for the methodological change of the university classes, and thought that BIM methodology could be useful for other courses. The results obtained show a line of work to be done to improve the training of students and university teaching.
Chemical Composition and Biogas Formation potential of Sida hermaphrodita and Silphium perfoliatum
Authors: Siwek Hanna , Włodarczyk Małgorzata , Możdżer Ewa , Bury Marek , Kitczak Teodor
Published: September 2019

Biogas production and use is one of the pillars of the EU strategy for fossil fuels replacement via renewable energies. In Poland, the most commonly used crop for biogas production is maize. There are many factors limiting the cultivation of this crop, which is why alternative plants are sought. The aim of the present paper was to assess the effect of establishing a plantation using seeds, seedlings, and various harvest dates on biogas production from Silphium perfoliatum L. (Silphium) and from two phenotypes of Sida hermaphrodita L. Rusby (Sida). Harvesting was conducted in the second (2017) and third year of crop growth (2018). These crops were harvested in June and at the beginning of October as a two-cut strategy. Additionally, Silphium was harvested in early autumn as a one-cut strategy. Specific biogas yield (SBY) and specific biomethane yield (SMY) were estimated using the modified Baserga method. The biogas yield per hectare (BY) was calculated. The crop species, method of establishing a plantation, as well as the date and the number of harvests had a significant effect on the content of the selected chemical components; however, significant differences in terms of SBY were not found for the two-cut strategy. In the case of Silphium, approximately 40% more BY was produced for the two-cut strategy compared to the one-cut strategy. The BY was found to be significantly affected by the biomass yield; markedly higher BY can be obtained from Silphium and the average amount obtained in one year was 8598 m3 ha−1 while 4759 m3 ha−1 was obtained from Sida.
Insider Threat Detection Based on User Behavior Modeling and Anomaly Detection Algorithms
Authors: Kim Junhong , Park Minsik , Kim Haedong , Cho Suhyoun , Kang Pilsung
Published: September 2019

Insider threats are malicious activities by authorized users, such as theft of intellectual property or security information, fraud, and sabotage. Although the number of insider threats is much lower than external network attacks, insider threats can cause extensive damage. As insiders are very familiar with an organization’s system, it is very difficult to detect their malicious behavior. Traditional insider-threat detection methods focus on rule-based approaches built by domain experts, but they are neither flexible nor robust. In this paper, we propose insider-threat detection methods based on user behavior modeling and anomaly detection algorithms. Based on user log data, we constructed three types of datasets: user’s daily activity summary, e-mail contents topic distribution, and user’s weekly e-mail communication history. Then, we applied four anomaly detection algorithms and their combinations to detect malicious activities. Experimental results indicate that the proposed framework can work well for imbalanced datasets in which there are only a few insider threats and where no domain experts’ knowledge is provided.
Real-Time Augmented Reality Physics Simulator for Education
Authors: Sung Nak-Jun , Ma Jun , Choi Yoo-Joo , Hong Min
Published: September 2019

Physics education applications using augmented reality technology, which has been developed extensively in recent years, have a lot of restrictions in terms of performance and accuracy. The purpose of our research is to develop a real-time simulation system for physics education that is based on parallel processing. In this paper, we present a video see-through AR (Augmented Reality) system that includes an environment recognizer using a depth image of Microsoft’s Kinect V2 and a real-time soft body simulator based on parallel processing using GPU (Graphic Processing Unit). Soft body simulation can provide more realistic simulation results than rigid body simulation, so it can be more effective in systems for physics education. We have designed and implemented a system that provides the physical deformation and movement of 3D volumetric objects, and uses them in education. To verify the usefulness of the proposed system, we conducted a questionnaire survey of 10 students majoring in physics education. As a result of the questionnaire survey, 93% of respondents answered that they would like to use it for education. We plan to use the stand-alone AR device including one or more cameras to improve the system in the future.
Two Auxin Response Elements Fine-Tune PINOID Expression During Gynoecium Development in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Kuhn André , Runciman Bethany , Tasker-Brown William , Østergaard Lars
Published: September 2019

The plant hormone auxin controls almost all aspects of plant development through the gene regulatory properties of auxin response factors (ARFs) which bind so-called auxin responsive elements (AuxREs) in regulatory regions of their target genes. It has been proposed that ARFs interact and cooperate with other transcription factors (TFs) to bind to complex DNA-binding sites harboring cis-elements for several TFs. Complex DNA-binding sites have not been studied systematically for ARF target genes. ETTIN (ETT; ARF3) is a key regulator of gynoecium development. Cooperatively with its interacting partner INDEHISCENT (IND), ETT regulates PINOID (PID), a gene involved in the regulation gynoecium apical development (style development). Here, we mutated two ETT-bound AuxREs within the PID promoter and observed increased style length in gynoecia of plants carrying mutated promoter variants. Furthermore, mutating the AuxREs led to ectopic repression of PID in one developmental context while leading to ectopically upregulated PID expression in another stage. Our data also show that IND associates with the PID promoter in an auxin-sensitive manner. In summary, we demonstrate that targeted mutations of cis-regulatory elements can be used to dissect the importance of single cis-regulatory elements within complex regulatory regions supporting the importance of the ETT-IND interaction for PID regulation. At the same time, our work also highlights the challenges of such studies, as gene regulation is highly robust, and mutations within gene regulatory regions may only display subtle phenotypes.
Studies on the Interaction of Alyteserin 1c Peptide and Its Cationic Analogue with Model Membranes Imitating Mammalian and Bacterial Membranes
Authors: Aragón-Muriel Alberto , Ausili Alessio , Sánchez Kevin , Rojas A. Oscar E. , Londoño Mosquera Juan , Polo-Cerón Dorian , Oñate-Garzón Jose
Published: September 2019

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are effector molecules of the innate immune system and have been isolated from multiple organisms. Their antimicrobial properties are due to the fact that they interact mainly with the anionic membrane of the microorganisms, permeabilizing it and releasing the cytoplasmic content. Alyteserin 1c (+2), an AMP isolated from Alytes obstetricans and its more cationic and hydrophilic analogue (+5) were synthesized using the solid phase method, in order to study the interaction with model membranes by calorimetric and spectroscopic assays. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that both peptides had a strong effect when the membrane contained phosphatidylcholine (PC) alone or was mixed with phosphatidylglycerol (PG), increasing membrane fluidization. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was used to study the secondary structure of the peptide. Peptide +2 exhibited a transition from β-sheet/turns to β-sheet/α-helix structures after binding with model membranes, whereas peptide +5 had a transition from aggregation/unordered to β-sheet/α-helix structures after binding with membrane-contained PC. Interestingly, the latter showed a β-sheet structure predominantly in the presence of PG lipids. Additionally, molecular dynamics (MD) results showed that the carboxy-terminal of the peptide +5 has the ability to insert into the surface of the PC/PG membranes, resulting in the increase of the membrane fluidity.
Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Trigger Liver and Kidney Injury and Fibrosis Via Altering TLR4/NF-κB, JAK2/STAT3 and Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling in Rats
Authors: Mahmoud Ayman M. , Desouky Ekram M. , Hozayen Walaa G. , Bin-Jumah May , El-Nahass El-Shaymaa , Soliman Hanan A. , Farghali Ahmed A.
Published: September 2019

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) represent a promising inorganic platform for multiple biomedical applications. Previous studies have reported MSNs-induced hepatic and renal toxicity; however, the toxic mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate MSNs-induced hepatic and nephrotoxicity and test the hypothesis that altered TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB, JAK2/STAT3, and Nrf2/ARE/HO-1 signaling pathways mediate oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis induced by MSNs. Rats were administered 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg MSNs for 30 days, and samples were collected for analyses. MSNs induced functional and histologic alterations, increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide, suppressed antioxidants, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in the liver and kidney of rats. MSNs up-regulated the expression of liver and kidney TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p65, and caspase-3 and increased serum pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, MSNs activated the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, down-regulated peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and promoted fibrosis evidenced by the increased collagen expression and deposition. In conclusion, this study conferred novel information on the role of ROS and deregulated TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB, JAK2/STAT3, PPARγ, and Nrf2/ARE/HO-1 signaling pathways in MSNs hepatic and nephrotoxicity. These findings provide experimental evidence for further studies employing genetic and pharmacological strategies to evaluate the safety of MSNs for their use in nanomedicine.
Autophagy Modulators: Mechanistic Aspects and Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Tavakol Shima , Ashrafizadeh Milad , Deng Shuo , Azarian Maryam , Abdoli Asghar , Motavaf Mahsa , Poormoghadam Delaram , Khanbabaei Hashem , Ghasemipour Afshar Elham , Mandegary Ali , Pardakhty Abbas , Yap Celestial T. , Mohammadinejad Reza , Kumar Alan Prem
Published: September 2019

Autophagy modulation is considered to be a promising programmed cell death mechanism to prevent and cure a great number of disorders and diseases. The crucial step in designing an effective therapeutic approach is to understand the correct and accurate causes of diseases and to understand whether autophagy plays a cytoprotective or cytotoxic/cytostatic role in the progression and prevention of disease. This knowledge will help scientists find approaches to manipulate tumor and pathologic cells in order to enhance cellular sensitivity to therapeutics and treat them. Although some conventional therapeutics suffer from poor solubility, bioavailability and controlled release mechanisms, it appears that novel nanoplatforms overcome these obstacles and have led to the design of a theranostic-controlled drug release system with high solubility and active targeting and stimuli-responsive potentials. In this review, we discuss autophagy modulators-related signaling pathways and some of the drug delivery strategies that have been applied to the field of therapeutic application of autophagy modulators. Moreover, we describe how therapeutics will target various steps of the autophagic machinery. Furthermore, nano drug delivery platforms for autophagy targeting and co-delivery of autophagy modulators with chemotherapeutics/siRNA, are also discussed.
Physicochemical Characterization and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation of Idebenone/Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex †
Authors: Venuti Valentina , Crupi Vincenza , Fazio Barbara , Majolino Domenico , Acri Giuseppe , Testagrossa Barbara , Stancanelli Rosanna , De Gaetano Federica , Gagliardi Agnese , Paolino Donatella , Floresta Giuseppe , Pistarà Venerando , Rescifina Antonio , Ventura Cinzia A.
Published: September 2019

Idebenone (IDE) is an antioxidant drug active at the level of the central nervous system (CNS), whose poor water solubility limits its clinical application. An IDE/2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (IDE/HP-β-CD) inclusion complex was investigated by combining experimental methods and theoretical approaches. Furthermore, biological in vitro/ex vivo assays were performed. Phase solubility studies showed an AL type diagram, suggesting the presence of a 1:1 complex with high solubility. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) allowed us to detect the morphological changes upon complexation. The intermolecular interactions stabilizing the inclusion complex were experimentally characterized by exploring the complementarity of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance geometry (FTIR-ATR) with mid-infrared light, Fourier-transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. From the temperature evolution of the O–H stretching band of the complex, the average enthalpy ΔHHB of the hydrogen bond scheme upon inclusion was obtained. Two-dimensional (2D) rotating frame Overhauser effect spectroscopy (ROESY) analysis and computational studies involving molecular modeling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation demonstrated the inclusion of the quinone ring of IDE inside the CD ring. In vitro/ex vivo studies evidenced that complexation produces a protective effect of IDE against the H2O2-induced damage on human glioblastoma astrocytoma (U373) cells and increases IDE permeation through the excised bovine nasal mucosa.
Methane and Ethane Steam Reforming over MgAl2O4-Supported Rh and Ir Catalysts: Catalytic Implications for Natural Gas Reforming Application
Authors: Saavedra Lopez Johnny , Lebarbier Dagle Vanessa , Deshmane Chinmay A. , Kovarik Libor , Wegeng Robert S. , Dagle Robert A.
Published: September 2019

Solar concentrators employed in conjunction with highly efficient micro- and meso-channel reactors offer the potential for cost-effective upgrading of the energy content of natural gas, providing a near-term path towards a future solar-fuel economy with reduced carbon dioxide emissions. To fully exploit the heat and mass transfer advantages offered by micro- and meso-channel reactors, highly active and stable natural gas steam reforming catalysts are required. In this paper, we report the catalytic performance of MgAl2O4-supported Rh (5 wt.%), Ir (5 wt.%), and Ni (15 wt.%) catalysts used for steam reforming of natural gas. Both Rh- and Ir-based catalysts are known to be more active and durable than conventional Ni-based formulations, and recently Ir has been reported to be more active than Rh for methane steam reforming on a turnover basis. Thus, the effectiveness of all three metals to perform natural gas steam reforming was evaluated in this study. Here, the Rh- and Ir-supported catalysts both exhibited higher activity than Ni for steam methane reforming. However, using simulated natural gas feedstock (94.5% methane, 4.0% ethane, 1.0% propane, and 0.5% butane), the Ir catalyst was the least active (on a turnover basis) for steam reforming of higher hydrocarbons (C2+) contained in the feedstock when operated at <750 °C. To further investigate the role of higher hydrocarbons, we used an ethane feed and found that hydrogenolysis precedes the steam reforming reaction and that C–C bond scission over Ir is kinetically slow compared to Rh. Catalyst durability studies revealed the Rh catalyst to be stable under steam methane reforming conditions, as evidenced by two 100-hour duration experiments performed at 850 and 900 °C (steam to carbon [S/C] molar feed ratio = 2.0 mol). However, with the natural gas simulant feed, the Rh catalyst exhibited catalyst deactivation, which we attribute to coking deposits derived from higher hydrocarbons contained in the feedstock. Increasing the S/C molar feed ratio from 1.5 to 2.0 reduced the deactivation rate and stable catalytic performance was demonstrated for 120 h when operated at 850 °C. However, catalytic deactivation was observed when operating at 900 °C. While improvements in steam reforming performance can be achieved through choice of catalyst composition, this study also highlights the importance of considering the effect of higher hydrocarbons contained in natural gas, operating conditions (e.g., temperature, S/C feed ratio), and their effect on catalyst stability. The results of this study conclude that a Rh-supported catalyst was developed that enables very high activities and excellent catalytic stability for both the steam reforming of methane and other higher hydrocarbons contained in natural gas, and under conditions of operation that are amendable to solar thermochemical operations.
Modulation of the Lipid Profile of Reconstructed Skin Substitutes after Essential Fatty Acid Supplementation Affects Testosterone Permeability
Authors: Simard Mélissa , Julien Pierre , Fradette Julie , Pouliot Roxane
Published: September 2019

Skin models with efficient skin barrier function are required for percutaneous absorption studies. The contribution of media supplementation with n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to the development of the skin barrier function of in vitro skin models remains incompletely understood. To investigate whether PUFAs, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, n-3 PUFA) and linoleic acid (LA, n-6 PUFA), could enhance the impermeability of a three-dimensional reconstructed human skin model, skin substitutes were produced according to the self-assembly method using culture media supplemented with either 10 μM ALA or 10 μM LA. The impact of PUFAs on skin permeability was studied by using a Franz cell diffusion system to assess the percutaneous absorption of testosterone and benzoic acid. Our findings showed that ALA supplementation induced a decrease in the absorption of testosterone, while LA supplementation did not significantly influence the penetration of testosterone and benzoic acid under present experimental conditions. Both ALA and LA were incorporated into phospholipids of the skin substitutes, resulting in an increase in n-3 total PUFAs or n-6 total PUFAs. Collectively, these results revealed the under-estimated impact of n-3 PUFA supplementation as well as the importance of the n-6 to n-3 ratio on the formation of the skin barrier of in vitro reconstructed human skin models.
Mutations in NDUFS1 Cause Metabolic Reprogramming and Disruption of the Electron Transfer
Authors: Ni Yang , Hagras Muhammad A. , Konstantopoulou Vassiliki , Mayr Johannes A. , Stuchebrukhov Alexei A. , Meierhofer David
Published: September 2019

Complex I (CI) is the first enzyme of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and couples the electron transfer with proton pumping. Mutations in genes encoding CI subunits can frequently cause inborn metabolic errors. We applied proteome and metabolome profiling of patient-derived cells harboring pathogenic mutations in two distinct CI genes to elucidate underlying pathomechanisms on the molecular level. Our results indicated that the electron transfer within CI was interrupted in both patients by different mechanisms. We showed that the biallelic mutations in NDUFS1 led to a decreased stability of the entire N-module of CI and disrupted the electron transfer between two iron–sulfur clusters. Strikingly interesting and in contrast to the proteome, metabolome profiling illustrated that the pattern of dysregulated metabolites was almost identical in both patients, such as the inhibitory feedback on the TCA cycle and altered glutathione levels, indicative for reactive oxygen species (ROS) stress. Our findings deciphered pathological mechanisms of CI deficiency to better understand inborn metabolic errors.
Development of Anti-Aging and Anticorrosive Nanoceria Dispersed Alkyd Coating for Decorative and Industrial Purposes
Authors: Kızılkonca Ezgi , Erim F. Bedia
Published: September 2019

This study focuses on nano cerium oxide particles as alternative additives in solvent-based alkyd coatings in order to improve anticorrosive and anti-aging properties. The paint samples were formulated with cerium oxide micro and nanoparticles, and the coating quality characteristics were compared with coating formulated with commercial anticorrosive and UV-aging agents. Formulations were prepared with 3 wt % commercial anticorrosive agent as reference material (RP), 3 wt % cerium oxide microparticles (CER1), 3 wt % and 1% cerium oxide nanoparticles (CER2 and CER3), respectively. The basket milling technique with zirconium balls was used for the preparations of coatings and characterizations were performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and contact angle measurements. Improvement in the anticorrosive properties was proven with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and accelerated salt spray tests based on ISO 4628 Evaluation of Degradation of Coatings. Furthermore, physical and mechanical tests were run according to standard test methods for coatings and reported. Results showed that cerium oxide particles provide anticorrosive, UV defender, and self-cleaning effects, besides excellent physical resistance to alkyd coatings. The impact of cerium oxide nanoparticles was found to be stronger than those of the microparticles.
Photonic Crystal Cavity-Based Intensity Modulation for Integrated Optical Frequency Comb Generation
Authors: Francis Henry , Chen Si , Che Kai-Jun , Hopkinson Mark , Jin Chaoyuan
Published: September 2019

A simple scheme to generate an integrated, nanoscale optical frequency comb (OFC) is numerically studied. In this study, all optical intensity modulators based on photonic crystal (PhC) cavities are cascaded both in series and parallel. By adjusting the modulation parameters, such as the repetition rate, phase, and coupling efficiency of the modulating wave, it is possible to produce combs with a variety of different characteristics. Unique to PhC intensity modulators, in comparison with standard lithium niobate modulators, is the ability to control the amplitude of the light via a cavity rather than controlling the phase through one arm of a Mach–Zehnder interferometer. This opens up modulation-based OFC generation to new possibilities in both nanoscale operation and cavity-based schemes.
Md-Simulation of Fullerene Rotations in Molecular Crystal Fullerite
Authors: Bubenchikov Alexey , Bubenchikov Mikhail , Mamontov Dmitriy , Lun-Fu Alexandr
Published: September 2019

The present paper describes rotations of C60 fullerene molecules in the solid phase of a fullerite. The conducted studies show that these relatively large molecules rotate according to the same laws as macroscopic bodies, i.e., according to the laws of classical mechanics. The performed calculations confirm that fullerene rotations do not cause friction. We suggest a method for a strong increase in the internal energy of the material that does not lead to its destruction. It is theoretically shown that in standard fullerite, in the absence of electric and magnetic fields, fullerene rotations occur with an average angular frequency of 0.34·× 1012 rad·s−1, which is consistent with the experimental data obtained using nuclear magnetic resonance. By means of calculations, we found that alternating magnetic fields of a certain configuration wind fullerenes encapsulated by iron. In this case, two temperatures arise in the fullerite crystal: a high rotational temperature and a vibrational temperature close to normal. For the purpose of determining this velocity, as well as the nature of rotations, the present paper suggests a way of integrating the dynamic Euler equations for the projections of a molecule’s angular velocity vector onto the coordinate axes associated with the fullerene. The stages of computer simulation of fullerene movements, which was carried out without using previously developed packages of molecular-dynamic modelling, are consistently described.
Face Recognition via Deep Learning Using Data Augmentation Based on Orthogonal Experiments
Authors: Pei Zhao , Xu Hang , Zhang Yanning , Guo Min , Yang Yee-Hong
Published: September 2019

Class attendance is an important means in the management of university students. Using face recognition is one of the most effective techniques for taking daily class attendance. Recently, many face recognition algorithms via deep learning have achieved promising results with large-scale labeled samples. However, due to the difficulties of collecting samples, face recognition using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for daily attendance taking remains a challenging problem. Data augmentation can enlarge the samples and has been applied to the small sample learning. In this paper, we address this problem using data augmentation through geometric transformation, image brightness changes, and the application of different filter operations. In addition, we determine the best data augmentation method based on orthogonal experiments. Finally, the performance of our attendance method is demonstrated in a real class. Compared with PCA and LBPH methods with data augmentation and VGG-16 network, the accuracy of our proposed method can achieve 86.3%. Additionally, after a period of collecting more data, the accuracy improves to 98.1%.
An Efficient Method for LED Light Sources Characterization
Authors: Raggiunto Sara , Belli Alberto , Palma Lorenzo , Ceregioli Piergiovanni , Gattari Massimo , Pierleoni Paola
Published: September 2019

Digital LED drivers capable of blending the spectrum of two LED fixtures with different Correlated Color Temperatures through the LEDs’ power supply control are widespread. However, the digital control of lighting systems is possible only after a careful study of the LED’s response, in terms of illuminance and Correlated Color Temperature. The proposed work takes advantage of the Tunable White technology for the realization of an efficient method for LED light source characterization. In order to evaluate how the light changes as a function of the electric power supplied by the LED drivers, an experimental setup to characterize LED light sources has been designed. Starting from the data acquired from the experimental setup, a model for dimming the LED driver and obtaining the desired values of quality of light has been developed. The proposed model is based on the least squares method and its accuracy is evaluated by comparing the obtained values of illuminance and Correlated Color Temperature with those measured by an illuminance spectrophotometer. Results achieved an error of 0.3% for Correlated Color Temperature and 1.5% for illuminance using the proposed approximation functions.
Wildfire Impacts on Slope Stability Triggering in Mountain Areas
Authors: Abbate Andrea , Longoni Laura , Ivanov Vladislav Ivov , Papini Monica
Published: September 2019

Landslides over steep slopes, floods along rivers plains and debris flows across valleys are hydrogeological phenomena typical for mountain regions. Such events are generally triggered by rainfall, which can have large variability in terms of both its intensity and volume. Furthermore, terrain predisposition and the presence of some disturbances, such as wildfires, can have an adverse effect on the potential risk. Modelling the complex interaction between these components is not a simple task and cannot always be carried out using instability thresholds that only take into account the characteristics of the rainfall events. In some particular cases, external factors can modify the existing delicate equilibrium on the basis of which stability thresholds are defined. In particular, events such as wildfires can cause the removal of vegetation coverage and the modification of the soil terrain properties. Therefore, wildfires can effectively reduce the infiltration capacity of the terrain and modify evapotranspiration. As a result, key factors for slope stability, such as the trend of the degree of saturation of the terrain, can be strongly modified. Thus, studying the role of wildfire effects on the terrain’s hydrological balance is fundamental to establish the critical conditions that can trigger potential slope failures (i.e., shallow landslides and possible subsequent debris flows). In this work, we investigate the consequences of wildfire on the stability of slopes through a hydrological model that takes into account the wildfire effects and compare the results to the current stability thresholds. Two case studies in the Ardenno (IT) and Ronco sopra Ascona (CH) municipalities were chosen for model testing. The aim of this paper is to propose a quantitative analysis of the two cases studies, taking into account the role of fire in the slope stability assessment. The results indicate how the post-fire circumstances strongly modify the ability of the terrain to absorb rainfall water. This effect results in a persistently drier terrain until a corner point is reached, after which the stability of the slope could be undermined by a rainfall event of negligible intensity.
Overview of Meta-Analyses: The Impact of Dietary Lifestyle on Stroke Risk
Authors: Altobelli Emma , Angeletti Paolo Matteo , Rapacchietta Leonardo , Petrocelli Reimondo
Published: September 2019

A stroke is one of the most prevalent cardiovascular diseases worldwide, both in high-income countries and in medium and low-medium income countries. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) report on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) indicates that the highest behavioral risk in NCDs is attributable to incorrect nutrition. The objective of our work is to present an overview of meta-analyses that have investigated the impact of different foods and/or drinks in relationship with the risk of stroke events (ischemic/hemorrhagic). The papers to be included in the overview were found in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library and were selected according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) flow chart. Quality assessment were made according to the AMSTAR 2 scale. This overview shows that all primary studies came from countries with high income levels. This evidence shows that many countries are not represented. Therefore, different lifestyles, ethnic groups, potentially harmful or virtuous eating habits are not reported. It is important to underline how the choose of foods may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke in particular.