bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hexadecenoic Fatty Acid Positional Isomers and De Novo PUFA Synthesis in Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Scanferlato Roberta , Bortolotti Massimo , Sansone Anna , Chatgilialoglu Chryssostomos , Polito Letizia , De Spirito Marco , Maulucci Giuseppe , Bolognesi Andrea , Ferreri Carla
Published: February 2019

Palmitic acid metabolism involves delta-9 and delta-6 desaturase enzymes forming palmitoleic acid (9cis-16:1; n-7 series) and sapienic acid (6cis-16:1; n-10 series), respectively. The corresponding biological consequences and lipidomic research on these positional monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) isomers are under development. Furthermore, sapienic acid can bring to the de novo synthesis of the n-10 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) sebaleic acid (5cis,8cis-18:2), but such transformations in cancer cells are not known. The model of Caco-2 cell line was used to monitor sapienic acid supplementation (150 and 300 μM) and provide evidence of the formation of n-10 fatty acids as well as their incorporation at levels of membrane phospholipids and triglycerides. Comparison with palmitoleic and palmitic acids evidenced that lipid remodelling was influenced by the type of fatty acid and positional isomer, with an increase of 8cis-18:1, n-10 PUFA and a decrease of saturated fats in case of sapienic acid. Cholesteryl esters were formed only in cases with sapienic acid. Sapienic acid was the less toxic among the tested fatty acids, showing the highest EC50s and inducing death only in 75% of cells at the highest concentration tested. Two-photon fluorescent microscopy with Laurdan as a fluorescent dye provided information on membrane fluidity, highlighting that sapienic acid increases the distribution of fluid regions, probably connected with the formation of 8cis-18:1 and the n-10 PUFA in cell lipidome. Our results bring evidence for MUFA positional isomers and de novo PUFA synthesis for developing lipidomic analysis and cancer research.
Innate Immune Modulation by GM-CSF and IL-3 in Health and Disease
Authors: Borriello Francesco , Galdiero Maria Rosaria , Varricchi Gilda , Loffredo Stefania , Spadaro Giuseppe , Marone Gianni
Published: February 2019

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and inteleukin-3 (IL-3) have long been known as mediators of emergency myelopoiesis, but recent evidence has highlighted their critical role in modulating innate immune effector functions in mice and humans. This new wealth of knowledge has uncovered novel aspects of the pathogenesis of a range of disorders, including infectious, neoplastic, autoimmune, allergic and cardiovascular diseases. Consequently, GM-CSF and IL-3 are now being investigated as therapeutic targets for some of these disorders, and some phase I/II clinical trials are already showing promising results. There is also pre-clinical and clinical evidence that GM-CSF can be an effective immunostimulatory agent when being combined with anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (anti-CTLA-4) in patients with metastatic melanoma as well as in novel cancer immunotherapy approaches. Finally, GM-CSF and to a lesser extent IL-3 play a critical role in experimental models of trained immunity by acting not only on bone marrow precursors but also directly on mature myeloid cells. Altogether, characterizing GM-CSF and IL-3 as central mediators of innate immune activation is poised to open new therapeutic avenues for several immune-mediated disorders and define their potential in the context of immunotherapies.
Mechanical and Impact Damage Analysis on Carbon/Natural Fibers Hybrid Composites: A Review
Authors: Santulli Carlo
Published: February 2019

Hybrid composite laminates including carbon fibers and natural fibers, hence basalt and/or vegetable ones, draw on the experiences accumulated in studying the hybridization of fiberglass with carbon or natural fibers. Yet, in the case of carbon/natural fiber composites, the sense is different: in particular, the idea is to accept the reduction of properties from bare carbon fiber composites and the unavoidable complication in processing, induced by hybridization. The compensation obtained, which offers a rationale to this operation, is the improved toughness and a significant modification of the different modes of failure. This would bring a higher energy absorption and a substantially more effective damage tolerance. The aforementioned characteristics are particularly of interest in the case of flexural properties, impact properties, and residual post-impact performance.
The Effect of Plasma Nitriding on the Fatigue Behavior of the Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: de Castro Michele C. B. , Couto Antônio A. , Almeida Gisele F. C. , Massi Marcos , de Lima Nelson B. , da Silva Sobrinho Argemiro , Castagnet Mariano , Xavier Gleicy L. , Oliveira Rene R.
Published: February 2019

The Ti-6Al-4V alloy is widely used in the manufacture of components that must have low density and high corrosion resistance and fatigue strength. The fatigue strength can be improved by surface modification. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of plasma nitriding on the fatigue behavior of a Ti-6Al-4V alloy with a lamellar microstructure (Widmanstätten type). Nitriding was executed at 720 °C for 4 h in an atmosphere with N2, Ar, and H2. Microstructure characterization of the samples was carried out by X-ray diffraction analysis, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The average roughness of the specimens was determined, and fatigue tests were executed in a bending–rotating machine with reverse tension cycles (R = −1). X-ray diffraction analysis of the nitrided alloy revealed the following matrix phases: α, β, ε-Ti2N, and δ-TiN. A nitrogen diffusion layer was formed between the substrate and the titanium nitrides. Plasma nitriding resulted in an increase in low-cycle fatigue strength, whereas at high cycles of 200 MPa, both conditions exhibited similar behaviors. The fracture surface of the fatigue-tested specimens clearly revealed the lamellar microstructure. The fracture mechanism in the non-nitrided specimens appears to be due to cracking at the interface of the α and β phases of the lamellar microstructure.
Efficiency of Novel Photocatalytic Coating and Consolidants for Protection of Valuable Mineral Substrates
Authors: Pondelak Andreja , Kramar Sabina , Ranogajec Jonjaua , Škrlep Luka , Vucetic Snežana , Ducman Vilma , Škapin Andrijana Sever
Published: February 2019

In the process of protection and consolidation of valuable materials, the efficiency is the crucial property that needs to be considered. TiO2/ZnAl layered double hydroxide (LDH) coating and silicate- and carbonate-based consolidants were synthesized and proposed to be used for protection and consolidation of four porous mineral substrates: brick, stone, render and mortar. The photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2/ZnAl LDH coating, as well as consolidation efficiency of two consolidants, both applied on model substrates, were studied. The photocatalytic coating showed significant activity and performed well after the durability tests involving rinsing and freezing/thawing procedures. After treatment with both consolidants, a serious enhancement of consolidation of the used substrates was found. On the other hand, the application of TiO2/ZnAl LDH, as well as consolidants, caused negligible changes in the water vapour permeability values and in appearance of the porous mineral substrates, indicating a high level of compatibility.
Collagen of Extracellular Matrix from Marine Invertebrates and Its Medical Applications
Authors: Rahman M. Azizur
Published: February 2019

The extraction and purification of collagen are of great interest due to its biological function and medicinal applications. Although marine invertebrates are abundant in the animal kingdom, our knowledge of their extracellular matrix (ECM), which mainly contains collagen, is lacking. The functions of collagen isolated from marine invertebrates remain an untouched source of the proteinaceous component in the development of groundbreaking pharmaceuticals. This review will give an overview of currently used collagens and their future applications, as well as the methodological issues of collagens from marine invertebrates for potential drug discovery.
Advances in Hydrometallurgy
Authors: Chagnes Alexandre
Published: February 2019

The development of new technologies and the increasing demand of mineral resources from emerging countries are responsible for significant tensions in the price of non-ferrous metals [...]
MALDI-TOF-MS Analysis in the Identification of Urine Proteomic Patterns of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
Authors: Banach Paulina , Dereziński Paweł , Matuszewska Eliza , Matysiak Jan , Bochyński Hubert , Kokot Zenon J. , Nowak-Markwitz Ewa
Published: February 2019

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a group of highly aggressive, rare tumors. Human chorionic gonadotropin is a common biomarker used in the diagnosis and monitoring of GTD. To improve our knowledge of the pathology of GTD, we performed protein-peptide profiling on the urine of patients affected with gestational trophoblastic neoplasm (GTN). We analyzed urine samples from patients diagnosed with GTN (n = 26) and from healthy pregnant and non-pregnant controls (n = 17) using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Ions were examined in a linear mode over a m/z range of 1000–10,000. All GTN urine samples were analyzed before and after treatment and compared with those of the controls. The statistical analyses included multivariate classification algorithms as well as ROC curves. Urine sample analyses revealed there were significant differences in the composition of the ions between the evaluated groups. Comparing the pre-treatment and group with the pregnant controls, we identified two discriminatory proteins: hemoglobin subunit α (m/z = 1951.81) and complement C4A (m/z = 1895.43). Then, comparing urine samples from the post-treatment cases with those from the non-pregnant controls, we identified the peptides uromodulin fragments (m/z = 1682.34 and 1913.54) and complement C4A (m/z = 1895.43).
Tunable Synthesis of Mesoporous Carbons from Fe3O(BDC)3 for Chloramphenicol Antibiotic Remediation
Authors: Tran Thuan Van , Nguyen Duyen Thi Cam , Le Hanh T. N. , Bach Long Giang , Vo Dai-Viet N. , Hong Seong Soo , Phan Tri-Quang T. , Nguyen Trinh Duy
Published: February 2019

Chloramphenicol (CAP) is commonly employed in veterinary clinics, but illegal and uncontrollable consumption can result in its potential contamination in environmental soil, and aquatic matrix, and thereby, regenerating microbial resistance, and antibiotic-resistant genes. Adsorption by efficient, and recyclable adsorbents such as mesoporous carbons (MPCs) is commonly regarded as a “green and sustainable” approach. Herein, the MPCs were facilely synthesized via the pyrolysis of the metal–organic framework Fe3O(BDC)3 with calcination temperatures (x °C) between 600 and 900 °C under nitrogen atmosphere. The characterization results pointed out mesoporous carbon matrix (MPC700) coating zero-valent iron particles with high surface area (~225 m2/g). Also, significant investigations including fabrication condition, CAP concentration, effect of pH, dosage, and ionic strength on the absorptive removal of CAP were systematically studied. The optimal conditions consisted of pH = 6, concentration 10 mg/L and dose 0.5 g/L for the highest chloramphenicol removal efficiency at nearly 100% after 4 h. Furthermore, the nonlinear kinetic and isotherm adsorption studies revealed the monolayer adsorption behavior of CAP onto MPC700 and Fe3O(BDC)3 materials via chemisorption, while the thermodynamic studies implied that the adsorption of CAP was a spontaneous process. Finally, adsorption mechanism including H-bonding, electrostatic attraction, π–π interaction, and metal–bridging interaction was proposed to elucidate how chloramphenicol molecules were adsorbed on the surface of materials. With excellent maximum adsorption capacity (96.3 mg/g), high stability, and good recyclability (4 cycles), the MPC700 nanocomposite could be utilized as a promising alternative for decontamination of chloramphenicol antibiotic from wastewater.
Impact of Maternal Nutrition and Perinatal Factors on Breast Milk Composition after Premature Delivery
Authors: Hascoët Jean-Michel , Chauvin Martine , Pierret Christine , Skweres Sébastien , Van Egroo Louis-Dominique , Rougé Carole , Franck Patricia
Published: February 2019

(1) Background: Premature infants require mothers’ milk fortification to meet nutrition needs, but breast milk composition may be variable, leading to the risk of inadequate nutrition. We aimed at determining the factors influencing mothers’ milk macronutrients. (2) Methods: Milk samples were analyzed for the first five weeks after premature delivery by infrared spectroscopy. Mothers’ nutritional intake data were obtained during standardized interviews with dieticians, and then analyzed with reference software. (3) Results: The composition of 367 milk samples from 81 mothers was (median (range) g/100 mL): carbohydrates 6.8 (4.4–7.3), lipids 3.4 (1.3–6.4), proteins 1.3 (0.1–3.1). There was a relationship between milk composition and mothers’ carbohydrates intake only (r = 0.164; p < 0.01). Postnatal age was correlated with milk proteins (r = −0.505; p < 0.001) and carbohydrates (r = +0.202, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analyses showed (coefficient) a relationship between milk proteins r = 0.547 and postnatal age (−0.028), carbohydrate intake (+0.449), and the absence of maturation (−0.066); associations were also found among milk lipids r = 0.295, carbohydrate intake (+1.279), and smoking (−0.557). Finally, there was a relationship among the concentration of milk carbohydrates r = 0.266, postnatal age (+0.012), and smoking (−0.167). (4) Conclusions: The variability of mothers’ milk composition is differentially associated for each macronutrient with maternal carbohydrate intake, antenatal steroids, smoking, and postnatal age. Improvement in milk composition could be achieved by the modification of these related factors.
Insufficient Nutrition and Mortality Risk in Septic Patients Admitted to ICU with a Focus on Immune Dysfunction
Authors: Hung Kai-Yin , Chen Yu-Mu , Wang Chin-Chou , Wang Yi-Hsi , Lin Chiung-Yu , Chang Ya-Ting , Huang Kuo-Tung , Lin Meng-Chih , Fang Wen-Feng
Published: February 2019

Immune dysfunction is seen both in sepsis patients and in those with malnutrition. This study aimed to determine whether insufficient nutrition and immune dysfunction have a synergistic effect on mortality in critically ill septic patients. We conducted a prospective observational study from adult sepsis patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) between August 2013 and June 2016. Baseline characteristics including age, gender, body mass index, NUTRIC, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were recorded. Immune dysfunction, defined by human leukocyte antigen DR (HLA-DR) expression, was tested at days 1, 3, and 7 of ICU admission. The study included 151 patients with sepsis who were admitted to the ICU. The 28-day survivors had higher day 7 caloric intakes (89% vs. 73%, p = 0.042) and higher day 1-HLA-DR expression (88.4 vs. 79.1, p = 0.045). The cut-off points of day 7 caloric intake and day 1-HLA-DR determined by operating characteristic curves were 65.1% and 87.2%, respectively. Immune dysfunction was defined as patients with day 1-HLA-DR < 87.2%. Insufficient nutrition had no influence on survival outcomes in patients with immune dysfunction. However, patients with insufficient nutrition had poor prognosis when they were immune competent. Insufficient nutrition and immune dysfunction did not have a synergistic effect on mortality in critically ill septic patients.
Chitosan Plus Compound 48/80: Formulation and Preliminary Evaluation as a Hepatitis B Vaccine Adjuvant
Authors: Bento Dulce , Jesus Sandra , Lebre Filipa , Gonçalves Teresa , Borges Olga
Published: February 2019

Current vaccine research is mostly based on subunit antigens. Despite the better toxicity profile of these antigens they are often poorly immunogenic, so adjuvant association has been explored as a strategy to obtain a potent vaccine formulation. Recently, mast cell activators were recognized as a new class of vaccine adjuvants capable of potentiating mucosal and systemic immune responses. In this study, a co-adjuvanted delivery system was developed and characterized, combining the mast cell activator C48/80 with chitosan nanoparticles (Chi-C48/80 NPs), and the results were compared with plain chitosan nanoparticles. The adsorption of model antigens onto the NP surface as well as the biocompatibility of the system was not affected by the incorporation of C48/80 in the formulation. The stability of the nanoparticles was demonstrated by studying the variation of size and zeta potential at different times, and the ability to be internalized by antigen presenting cells was confirmed by confocal microscopy. Vaccination studies with hepatitis B surface antigen loaded Chi-C48/80 NPs validated the adjuvanticity of the delivery system, demonstrating for the first time a successful association between a mast cell activator and chitosan nanoparticles as a vaccine adjuvant for hepatitis B virus, applied to a nasal vaccination strategy.
A Patterned Butyl Methacrylate-co-2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate Copolymer with Softening Surface and Swelling Capacity
Authors: León-Boigues Laia , von Bilderling Catalina , Pietrasanta Lía I. , Azzaroni Omar , Giussi Juan M. , Mijangos Carmen
Published: February 2019

The tunable swelling and mechanical properties of nanostructures polymers are crucial parameters for the creation of adaptive devices to be used in diverse fields, such as drug delivery, nanomedicine, and tissue engineering. We present the use of anodic aluminum oxide templates as a nanoreactor to copolymerize butyl methacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate under radical conditions. The copolymer obtained under confinement showed significant differences with respect to the same copolymer obtained in bulk conditions. Molecular weights, molecular weight dispersities, Young’s modulus, and wetting behaviors were significantly modified. The combination of selected monomers allowed us to obtain nanopillar structures with an interesting softening surface and extraordinary swelling capacity that could be of special interest to surface science and specifically, cell culture.
Effect of Compatibility on the Foaming Behavior of Injection Molded Polypropylene and Polycarbonate Blend Parts
Authors: Su Bei , Zhou Ying-Guo , Dong Bin-Bin , Yan Cao
Published: February 2019

To improve the foaming behavior of a common linear polypropylene (PP) resin, polycarbonate (PC) was blended with PP, and three different grafted polymers were used as the compatibilizers. The solid and foamed samples of the PP/PC 3:1 blend with different compatibilizers were first fabricated by melt extrusion followed by injection molding (IM) with and without a blowing agent. The mechanical properties, thermal features, morphological structure, and relative rheological characterizations of these samples were studied using a tensile test, dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and torque rheometer. It can be found from the experimental results that the influence of the compatibility between the PP and PC phases on the foaming behavior of PP/PC blends is substantial. The results suggest that PC coupling with an appropriate compatibilizer is a potential method to improve the foamability of PP resin. The comprehensive effect of PC and a suitable compatibilizer on the foamability of PP can be attributed to two possible mechanisms, i.e., the partial compatibility between phases that facilitates cell nucleation and the improved gas-melt viscosity that helps to form a fine foaming structure.
Non-Photorealistic Rendering Techniques for Artistic Robotic Painting
Authors: Scalera Lorenzo , Seriani Stefano , Gasparetto Alessandro , Gallina Paolo
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we present non-photorealistic rendering techniques that are applied together with a painting robot to realize artworks with original styles. Our robotic painting system is called Busker Robot and it has been considered of interest in recent art fairs and international exhibitions. It consists of a six degree-of-freedom collaborative robot and a series of image processing and path planning algorithms. In particular, here, two different rendering techniques are presented and a description of the experimental set-up is carried out. Finally, the experimental results are discussed by analyzing the elements that can account for the aesthetic appreciation of the artworks.
An Improved Approach for Soil Moisture Estimation in Gully Fields of the Loess Plateau Using Sentinel-1A Radar Images
Authors: Guo Shanchuan , Bai Xuyu , Chen Yu , Zhang Shaoliang , Hou Huping , Zhu Qianlin , Du Peijun
Published: February 2019

As an essential ecological parameter, soil moisture is important for understanding the water exchange between the land surface and the atmosphere, especially in the Loess Plateau (China). Although Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images can be used for soil moisture retrieval, it is still a challenge to mitigate the impacts of complex terrain over hilly areas. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to propose an improved approach for soil moisture estimation in gully fields based on the joint use of the Advanced Integral Equation Model (AIEM) and the Incidence Angle Correction Model (IACM) from Sentinel-1A observations. AIEM is utilized to build a simulation database of microwave backscattering coefficients from various radar parameters and surface parameters, which is the data basis for the retrieval modeling. IACM is proposed to correct the deviation between the local incidence angle at the scatterer and the radar viewing angle. The study area is located in the Loess Plateau of China, where the main land cover is mostly bare land and the terrain is complex. The Sentinel-1A SAR data in C-band with dual polarization acquired on October 19th, 2017 was adopted to extract the VV&VH polarimetric backscattering coefficients. The in situ measurements of soil moisture were collected on the same day of the SAR acquisition, for evaluating the accuracy of the SAR-derived soil moisture. The results showed that, firstly, the estimated soil moisture with volumetric content between 0% and 20% was in the majority. Subsequently, both the RMSE of estimation values (0.963%) and the standard deviation of absolute errors (0.957%) demonstrated a good accuracy of the improved approach. Moreover, the evaluation of IACM confirmed that the improved approach coupling IACM and AIEM was more efficient than employing AIEM solely. In conclusion, the proposed approach has a strong ability to estimate the soil moisture in the gully fields of the Loess Plateau from Sentinel-1A data.
Assessment of Coastal Aquaculture for India from Sentinel-1 SAR Time Series
Authors: Prasad Kumar Arun , Ottinger Marco , Wei Chunzhu , Leinenkugel Patrick
Published: February 2019

Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing primary food production sectors in India and ranks second behind China. Due to its growing economic value and global demand, India’s aquaculture industry experienced exponential growth for more than one decade. In this study, we extract land-based aquaculture at the pond level for the entire coastal zone of India using large-volume time series Sentinel-1 synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) data at 10-m spatial resolution. Elevation and slope from Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission digital elevation model (SRTM DEM) data were used for masking inappropriate areas, whereas a coastline dataset was used to create a land/ocean mask. The pixel-wise temporal median was calculated from all available Sentinel-1 data to significantly reduce the amount of noise in the SAR data and to reduce confusions with temporary inundated rice fields. More than 3000 aquaculture pond vector samples were collected from high-resolution Google Earth imagery and used in an object-based image classification approach to exploit the characteristic shape information of aquaculture ponds. An open-source connected component segmentation algorithm was used for the extraction of the ponds based on the difference in backscatter intensity of inundated surfaces and shape metrics calculated from aquaculture samples as input parameters. This study, for the first time, provides spatial explicit information on aquaculture distribution at the pond level for the entire coastal zone of India. Quantitative spatial analyses were performed to identify the provincial dominance in aquaculture production, such as that revealed in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat provinces. For accuracy assessment, 2000 random samples were generated based on a stratified random sampling method. The study demonstrates, with an overall accuracy of 0.89, the spatio-temporal transferability of the methodological framework and the high potential for a global-scale application.
Satellite Soil Moisture for Agricultural Drought Monitoring: Assessment of SMAP-Derived Soil Water Deficit Index in Xiang River Basin, China
Authors: Zhu Qian , Luo Yulin , Xu Yue-Ping , Tian Ye , Yang Tiantian
Published: February 2019

Agricultural drought can have long-lasting and harmful impacts on both the ecosystem and economy. Therefore, it is important to monitor and predict agricultural drought accurately. Soil moisture is the key variable to define the agricultural drought index. However, in situ soil moisture observations are inaccessible in many areas of the world. Remote sensing techniques enrich the surface soil moisture observations at different tempo-spatial resolutions. In this study, the Level 2 L-band radiometer soil moisture dataset was used to estimate the Soil Water Deficit Index (SWDI). The Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) dataset was evaluated with the soil moisture dataset obtained from the China Land Soil Moisture Data Assimilation System (CLSMDAS). The SMAP-derived SWDI (SMAP_SWDI) was compared with the atmospheric water deficit (AWD) calculated with precipitation and evapotranspiration from meteorological stations. Drought monitoring and comparison were accomplished at a weekly scale for the growing season (April to November) from 2015 to 2017. The results were as follows: (1) in terms of Pearson correlation coefficients (R-value) between SMAP and CLSMDAS, around 70% performed well and only 10% performed poorly at the grid scale, and the R-value was 0.62 for the whole basin; (2) severe droughts mainly occurred from mid-June to the end of September from 2015 to 2017; (3) severe droughts were detected in the southern and northeastern Xiang River Basin in mid-May of 2015, and in the northern basin in early August of 2016 and end of November 2017; (4) the values of percentage of drought weeks gradually decreased from 2015 to 2017, and increased from the northeast to the southwest of the basin in 2015 and 2016; and (5) the average value of R and probability of detection between SMAP_SWDI and AWD were 0.6 and 0.79, respectively. These results show SMAP has acceptable accuracy and good performance for drought monitoring in the Xiang River Basin.
Subjective Happiness, Health and Quality of Life and Their Sociocultural Correlates among Younger Population in Malawi
Authors: Yaya Sanni , Ghosh Sharmistha , Ghose Bishwajit
Published: February 2019

Public health research and policy in sub-Saharan Africa are generally disease-oriented, with the focus being largely confined within the biological determinants of health. So far, little attention has been given to developing a more health-oriented approach by emphasising the psychosocial dimensions of health, especially among the younger population. To this regard, we conducted the present study to assess the prevalence and sociocultural correlates of perceived happiness, health, and life satisfaction among the adolescent and young (15–24 years) population in Malawi. We analysed cross-sectional data on 12,610 men and women based on a Malawi multiple indicator cluster survey conducted in 2013–2014. Data were analysed using descriptive and multivariable regression methods. According to the findings, more than 80% of the men and women reported being satisfied about happiness, health, and life. Multivariate analysis showed an inverse relationship between being currently or formerly married and perceived happiness. Ethnic disparities in perceived health and happiness were more pronounced in men, whereas that of life satisfaction was more pronounced in women. Living in households of the highest wealth quintile was positively associated with health and life satisfaction, but not with happiness. These findings highlight the need for prioritising the psychosocial needs of the adolescent and youth populations in designing health and social policy in Malawi. The findings need to be interpreted in light of the factors specific to the sociocultural environment in Malawi.
Analysis of Pavement Condition Survey Data for Effective Implementation of a Network Level Pavement Management Program for Kazakhstan
Authors: Pantuso Antonio , Loprencipe Giuseppe , Bonin Guido , Teltayev Bagdat Burkhanbaiuly
Published: February 2019

Pavement roads and transportation systems are crucial assets for promoting political stability, as well as economic and sustainable growth in developing countries. However, pavement maintenance backlogs and the high capital costs of road rehabilitation require the use of pavement evaluation tools to assure the best value of the investment. This research presents a methodology for analyzing the collected pavement data for the implementation of a network level pavement management program in Kazakhstan. This methodology, which could also be suitable in other developing countries’ road networks, focuses on the survey data processing to determine cost-effective maintenance treatments for each road section. The proposed methodology aims to support a decision-making process for the application of a strategic level business planning analysis, by extracting information from the survey data.
Common Fixed Point Theorem via Cyclic (α,β)–(ψ,φ)S-Contraction with Applications
Authors: Zada Mian Bahadur , Sarwar Muhammad , Jarad Fahd , Abdeljawad Thabet
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we introduce the notion of cyclic ( α , β ) – ( ψ , φ ) s -rational-type contraction in b-metric spaces, and using this contraction, we prove common fixed point theorems. Our work generalizes many existing results in the literature. In order to highlight the usefulness of our results, applications to functional equations are given.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Deoxynivalenol over Dendritic-Like α-Fe2O3 under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Wang Huiting , Mao Jin , Zhang Zhaowei , Zhang Qi , Zhang Liangxiao , Zhang Wen , Li Peiwu
Published: February 2019

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a secondary metabolite produced by Fusarium, which is a trichothecene mycotoxin. As the main mycotoxin with high toxicity, wheat, barley, corn and their products are susceptible to contamination of DON. Due to the stability of this mycotoxin, traditional methods for DON reduction often require a strong oxidant, high temperature and high pressure with more energy consumption. Therefore, exploring green, efficient and environmentally friendly ways to degrade or reduce DON is a meaningful and challenging issue. Herein, a dendritic-like α-Fe2O3 was successfully prepared using a facile hydrothermal synthesis method at 160 °C, which was systematically characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was found that dendritic-like α-Fe2O3 showed superior activity for the photocatalytic degradation of DON in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm) and 90.3% DON (initial concentration of 4.0 μg/mL) could be reduced in 2 h. Most of all, the main possible intermediate products were proposed through high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) after the photocatalytic treatment. This work not only provides a green and promising way to mitigate mycotoxin contamination but also may present useful information for future studies.
NaCl Inhibits Citrinin and Stimulates Monascus Pigments and Monacolin K Production
Authors: Zhen Zhixin , Xiong Xiaoqian , Liu Yingbao , Zhang Jialan , Wang Shaojin , Li Li , Gao Mengxiang
Published: February 2019

Applications of beneficial secondary metabolites produced by Monascus purpureus (M. purpureus) could be greatly limited for citrinin, a kidney toxin. The link of NaCl with cell growth and secondary metabolites in M. purpureus was analyzed with supplementations of different concentrations of NaCl in medium. The content of citrinin was reduced by 48.0% but the yellow, orange, red pigments and monacolin K productions were enhanced by 1.7, 1.4, 1.4 and 1.4 times, respectively, compared with those in the control using NaCl at 0.02 M at the 10th day of cultivation. NaCl didn’t affect the cell growth of M. purpureus. It was verified through the transcriptional down-regulation of citrinin synthesis genes (pksCT and ctnA) and up-regulation of the Monascus pigments (MPs) synthesis genes (pksPT and pigR). Moreover, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were promoted by NaCl at the 2nd day of cultivation, and then inhibited remarkably with the extension of fermentation time. Meanwhile, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and the contents of total glutathione (T-GSH) were significantly enhanced in the middle and late stages of cultivation. The inhibition effect on colony size and the growth of aerial mycelia was more obvious with an increased NaCl concentration. Acid and alkaline phosphatase (ACP and AKP) activities dramatically increased in NaCl treatments. NaCl could participate in secondary metabolites synthesis and cell growth in M. purpureus.
A New Genotype of Feline Morbillivirus Infects Primary Cells of the Lung, Kidney, Brain and Peripheral Blood
Authors: Sieg Michael , Busch Johannes , Eschke Maria , Böttcher Denny , Heenemann Kristin , Vahlenkamp Annett , Reinert Anja , Seeger Johannes , Heilmann Romy , Scheffler Kira , Vahlenkamp Thomas W.
Published: February 2019

Paramyxoviruses comprise a large number of diverse viruses which in part give rise to severe diseases in affected hosts. A new genotype of feline morbillivirus, tentatively named feline morbillivirus genotype 2 (FeMV-GT2), was isolated from urine of cats with urinary tract diseases. Whole genome sequencing showed about 78% nucleotide homology to known feline morbilliviruses. The virus was isolated in permanent cell lines of feline and simian origin. To investigate the cell tropism of FeMV-GT2 feline primary epithelial cells from the kidney, the urinary bladder and the lung, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), as well as organotypic brain slice cultures were used for infection experiments. We demonstrate that FeMV-GT2 is able to infect renal and pulmonary epithelial cells, primary cells from the cerebrum and cerebellum, as well as immune cells in the blood, especially CD4+ T cells, CD20+ B cells and monocytes. The cats used for virus isolation shed FeMV-GT2 continuously for several months despite the presence of neutralizing antibodies in the blood. Our results point towards the necessity of increased awareness for this virus when clinical signs of the aforementioned organs are encountered in cats which cannot be explained by other etiologies.
THO Complex Subunit 7 Homolog Negatively Regulates Cellular Antiviral Response against RNA Viruses by Targeting TBK1
Authors: He Tian-Sheng , Xie Tao , Li Jing , Yang Ya-Xian , Li Changsheng , Wang Weiying , Cao Lingzhen , Rao Hua , Ju Cynthia , Xu Liang-Guo
Published: February 2019

RNA virus invasion induces a cytosolic RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) signaling pathway by promoting assembly of the Mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS) signalosome and triggers the rapid production of type I interferons (IFNs) and proinflammatory cytokines. During this process, the pivotal kinase TANK binding kinase 1 (TBK1) is recruited to the MAVS signalosome to transduce a robust innate antiviral immune response by phosphorylating transcription factors interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB and promoting their nuclear translocation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the negative regulation of TBK1 are largely unknown. In the present study, we found that THO complex subunit 7 homolog (THOC7) negatively regulated the cellular antiviral response by promoting the proteasomal degradation of TBK1. THOC7 overexpression potently inhibited Sendai virus- or polyI:C-induced IRF3 dimerization and phosphorylation and IFN-β production. In contrast, THOC7 knockdown had the opposite effects. Moreover, we simulated a node-activated pathway to show that THOC7 regulated the RIG-I-like receptors (RLR)-/MAVS-dependent signaling cascade at the TBK1 level. Furthermore, THOC7 was involved in the MAVS signalosome and promoted TBK1 degradation by increasing its K48 ubiquitin-associated polyubiquitination. Together, these findings suggest that THOC7 negatively regulates type I IFN production by promoting TBK1 proteasomal degradation, thus improving our understanding of innate antiviral immune responses.
Phytoestrogens and Their Health Effect
Authors: Desmawati Desmawati , Sulastri Delmi
Published: February 2019

Phytoestrogens have structures that are very similar to endogen estradiol derived from plants. Phytoestrogens sources are widespread in Asian regions including in Indonesia. Its have health benefits including reproductive health, heart health, a role in weight loss, hormone-dependent tumours, bone and skin health, and the immune system. This review aimed to provide information on phytoestrogensâ€™ effect on human health.
Effects of Different Parameters of Diode Laser on Acceleration of Orthodontic Tooth Movement and Its Effect on Relapse: An Experimental Animal Study
Authors: Elkattan Aya Ehab , Gheith Mostafa , Fayed Mona Salah , El Yazeed M. Abo , Farrag Abdel-Razik H. , Khalil Wagdy K. B.
Published: February 2019

AIM: Recent studies have demonstrated that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can accelerate orthodontic tooth movement. However, there is still controversy about the optimum parameters that can cause acceleration. The present study was designed to examine two different doses of LLLT in the acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement and their effect on relapse.
METHODS: An orthodontic appliance was designed to induce tooth movement on lower incisors of rabbits. The in-al-as diode laser was used to radiate different groups of rabbits according to a specific protocol. The amount of tooth movement was measured for 21 days, and then the orthodontic appliance was removed, and the relapse was measured till day 28.
RESULTS: The amount of tooth movement was significantly greater in the group with irradiation of low dose in comparison with the high dose group and the control group. The relapse was greatest in the group of low dose irradiation and least in the control group.
CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that LLLT with a low dose accelerate the orthodontic tooth movement while LLLT with a high dose was not able to have the same effect. LLLT had a reverse effect on relapse tendency; an increase in the relapse tendency was seen with low dose irradiation.
Origen árabe de «haza»
Authors: Oliver Pérez Dolores
Published: February 2019

En este artículo tratamos de demostrar que el término español haza procede del árabe Faḥṣ 'campo' y no del latín Fascia 'banda, tira', tesis admitida de manera unánime. Para conseguir nuestro propósito hemos reconstruido la historia de este vocablo a través del estudio de fuentes documentales y textos literarios. Como resultado de ello demostramos que haza, en su forma arcaica faza, aparece en Castilla en el siglo IX; ponemos de manifiesto que en un principio asumió los significados del étimo árabe, para desarrollar más tarde nuevos sentidos y finalmente, explicamos la evolución fonética experimentada por faḥṣ hasta convertirse en haza.
Dos modelos semejantes de noria de tiro
Authors: Laca Menéndez de Luarca Luis Ramón
Published: February 2019

La noria de tiro es un artefacto utilizado para elevar agua de un pozo con la ayuda de una caballería. Este tipo de noria es frecuente en todas las regiones secas de la Península Ibérica. Este trabajo estudia su lugar de origen y fecha de introducción en la Península, así como la influencia de términos árabes en el vocabulario castellano. Se analizan también los restos de noria encontrados por el autor en Azucaica (Toledo), así como la conservada en el Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid. A pesar de que la fecha de construcción en un caso y otro diverge en cientos de años, se demuestra que la semejanza entre los dos grupos es notable. Este hecho, sumado a la existencia de una serie de documentos conservada en el Real Jardín Botánico, permite una reconstrucción teórica en el caso de Toledo.
El señor y el marginado: la familia morisca Orejón y la rivalidad de los maestros de obras cristianas
Authors: García López Aurelio
Published: February 2019

Dentro del indudable atractivo que provoca hoy día el estudio del siglo XVI, queremos ofrecer la visión de un trabajo local, realizado bajo la óptica de una familia de maestros de obra moriscos: la familia Orejón. Pretendemos dar a conocer la protección de la nobleza a sus criados moriscos que encuentran gran número de obstáculos para realizar su trabajo diario por parte de los cristianos. En el presente trabajo, dejando al margen las cuestiones artísticas, damos una aproximación sobre la formación de una red de parentesco y su actuación en la ciudad determinada: Guadalajara, sede principal de asentamiento de la familia Mendoza.
Pouvoir, sacré et pensée mystique: les écritures emblématiques mérinides (VIIe/XIIIe-IX/XVe siècles)
Authors: Gubert Serge
Published: February 2019

Con la llegada de la dinastía benimerín, un conjunto de factores contribuye a renovar la cuestión de la legitimidad del poder en el Magreb. Va a surgir una nueva figura de soberano, la del mawlā (señor). La difusión de este título es paralela al nacimiento de una teología política que asocia las cualidades y marcas personales del soberano (‛ilm, ḥilm, ma‛rifa, šawka), con referencia a un conjunto de figuras de validación (‛ulamā', šurafā’, awliyā’, ğund). Este discurso, que asoma a través del léxico y las fórmulas de las escrituras emblemáticas, encuentra su principal apoyo en el pensamiento místico, especialmente en el šāḏilī. El versículo LVII-3 de las monedas benimerines, que califica a Dios como Aparente y Oculto, activa una imagen de la realeza situada entre z.àhir y bāṭin. El fondo de este discurso, que une economía de la salvación y economía de la prosperidad, subraya el lugar específico del mawlā. En la servidumbre y la adoración (‛ubūdiyya) de su propio Señor (Dios), el soberano se beneficia de la gracia (ni‛ma) y del amparo (naṣr) que fundan su soberanía (rubūbiyya) y transforman la fuerza animal (šawka) inherente a la realeza (mulk) en fuerza legítima en provecho de la comunidad.
Pouvoir sacré et mahdisme: Ahmad al-Manṣūr al-Dhahabī
Authors: García-Arenal Mercedes
Published: February 2019

Este artículo examina la propaganda establecida por Aḥmad al-Manṣūr al-Ḏahabī tanto en su correspondencia, como a través del ceremonial de la corte y de los cronistas, apologistas oficiales del sultán, propaganda que sacraliza extraordinariamente su figura y que roza en todo momento la pretensión mahdista, unida a la pretensión califal. Esta propaganda se realiza en el contexto de rivalidad con los Otomanos y en torno a la conquista del Sudán, conquista profundamente contestada por los ulemas marroquíes. La conclusión del artículo es que la sacralización del poder islámico es siempre efímera y coyuntural y sólo puede hacerse a través de la figura del mahdī, una figura rupturista y a la que generalmente recurren los rebeldes al poder establecido: el recurso a esta figura por parte de un sultán es necesaria en un momento en el que los ulemas no consideran legítimo un poder o unas acciones emprendidas por tal poder.
Apocalypse and authority in Islamic Tradition: the emergence of the Twelve Leaders
Authors: Rubin Uri
Published: February 2019

Este artículo analiza las numerosas versiones de un Apocalipsis islámico que predice la aparición de 12 soberanos entre los musulmanes. Mantiene que las primeras versiones de este apocalipsis fueron puestas en circulación durante el período omeya, alrededor del año 100 H, cuando el número de califas se acercaba al duodécimo. La coincidencia entre los dos números simbólicos, 12 y 100, alimentó una atmósfera apocalíptica que favoreció la circulación de las primeras versiones del apocalipsis. Estas versiones hacen uso del modelo bíblico de los doce príncipes de Israel que se han identificado con los doce soberanos musulmanes. El artículo continúa examinando varias versiones de este apocalipsis básico, versiones que reflejan circunstancias políticas posteriores, surgidas durante el final del período omeya y el comienzo del ‛abbāsī En estas versiones revisadas, el modelo bíblico ha sido reemplazado por el coránico (los doce jefes —nuqabā’— de Moisés) y por un modelo árabe (Qurays). El artículo examina también la función de este apocalipsis en el šī‛īsmo Duodecimano.
¡Que Dios nos conserve el grano! Una interpretación de los omoplatos con inscripción árabe procedentes de yacimientos medievales
Authors: Fernández Ugalde Antonio
Published: February 2019

Las escápulas de bóvido inscritas con alifatos o basmala(s) son hallazgos relativamente frecuentes en la arqueología medieval de la Península Ibérica. En este artículo se dan a conocer cuatro escápulas de bóvido inéditas y se presentan otras diez que ya habían sido publicadas por otros autores, a menudo consideradas como tablillas para la enseñanza de la escritura. Se propone una nueva interpretación de estas escápulas inscritas en árabe como amuletos, hipotéticamente vinculados a prácticas mágicas relacionadas con la protección de reservas de grano a largo plazo en silos.
Les ṭalaba dans la société almohade (Le temps d’Averroès)
Authors: Fricaud Emile
Published: February 2019

Partiendo de textos almohades o de textos posteriores que no han sido completamente desalmohadizados, este artículo quiere establecer que entre los almohades la palabra ṭalaba (uno de los plurales de ṭālib) fue primero elegida por Ibn Tūmart para designar a sus compañeros, y fue después —a partir de ‛Abd al-Mu’min— utilizada para nombrar a los «legistas» oficiales del régimen, organizados en una sólida corporación, con grupos repartidos en todo el imperio: el grupo de los talibes-de-la-presencia (ṭalabat al-ḥadar) al servicio del califa, y los grupos de los talibes locales, talibes-de-los-almohades (ṭalabat al-muwaḥḥidīn) instalados en cada ciudad, al servicio del gobernador. Puesto que la época de los talibes es también la de Ibn-Rušd (Averroès), ha parecido interesante examinar lo que revelan nuestros textos de la presencia de estos talaba en el entorno del filósofo qāḍī de Córdoba.
The Tribal Kings in Pre-Islamic Arabia
Authors: ‛Athamina Khalil
Published: February 2019

Este artículo se ocupa de los reyes tribales en la Arabia pre-islámica. Estos reyes (en árabe, mulūk), eran en realidad jefes tribales que llevaban el título de malik y se tocaban con coronas. Algunos derivaban su poder del emperador sasánida, que eran quien les concedía las coronas. Su autoridad era principalmente local y limitada al territorio concreto de sus propias tribus; en algunos casos, a través de una confederación tribal, podía extenderse a otros territorios. Apoyados por guarniciones de la caballería persa, los reyes podían ejercer su poder sobre el territorio y la población, lo que se traducía en un tributo anual pagado por los habitantes de las áreas bajo control. Asimismo, los reyes controlaban los mercados estacionales que se celebraran en su territorio y las rutas comerciales que lo atravesaban. A cambio, eran responsables de las vidas de sus contríbulos y de la seguridad de sus propiedades.