bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Iron-chelator, N,N’-bis (2-hydroxybenzyl) Ethylenediamine-N,N’-diacetic acid is an Effective Colistin Adjunct against Clinical Strains of Biofilm-Dwelling Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Mettrick Karla , Hassan Karl , Lamont Iain , Reid David
Published: March 2020

Targeting the iron requirement of Pseudomonas aeruginosa may be an effective adjunctive for conventional antibiotic treatment against biofilm-dwelling P. aeruginosa. We, therefore, assessed the anti-biofilm activity of N,N’-bis (2-hydroxybenzyl) ethylenediamine-N,N’-diacetic acid (HBED), which is a synthetic hexadentate iron chelator. The effect of HBED was studied using short-term (microtitre plate) and longer-term (flow-cell) biofilm models, under aerobic, anaerobic, and microaerobic (flow-cell) conditions and in combination with the polymyxin antibiotic colistimethate sodium (colistin). HBED was assessed against strains of P. aeruginosa from patients with cystic fibrosis and the reference strain PAO1. HBED inhibited growth and biofilm formation of all clinical strains under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, but inhibitory effects against PAO1 were predominantly exerted under anaerobic conditions. PA605, which is a clinical strain with a robust biofilm-forming phenotype, was selected for flow-cell studies. HBED significantly reduced biomass and surface coverage of PA605, and, combined with colistin, HBED significantly enhanced the microcolony killing effects of colistin to result in almost complete removal of the biofilm. HBED combined with colistin is highly effective in vitro against biofilms formed by clinical strains of P. aeruginosa.
Development of Multifunctional Cosmetic Cream Using Bioactive Materials from Streptomyces sp. T65 with Synthesized Mesoporous Silica Particles SBA-15
Authors: Dahal Ram Hari , Nguyen Tuan Manh , Shim Dong Seop , Kim Joon Young , Lee Jangyul , Kim Jaisoo
Published: March 2020

Various cosmetics having a single function are increasingly being used, but cosmetics having multifunctional activities remain limited. We aimed to develop a multifunctional cosmetic cream having antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, anti-aging and antimicrobial activities. Antimicrobial activities were performed by disc-diffusion method. Cell toxicity and cell proliferations were evaluated in a 96-well plate with different cell lines such as HaCaT, RAW264.7, CCD-986Sk, B16F1, and B16F10. Mushroom tyrosinase inhibition, elastase inhibition, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities were evaluated and IC50 was calculated. Mesoporous silica particle was synthesized using Pluronic P123 and tetraethyl ortho-silicate (TEOS). Facial pictures were captured by VISIA-CR (Facial Imaging System for Clinical Research). Roughness of image was analysed by PRIMOS software and brightness of image was analyzed by Chromameter CR-400. The crude product of strain T65 inhibited the different human pathogenic bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The IC50 of T65 crude product for mushroom tyrosinase, elastase, and DPPH radical scavenging activities were 58.73, 14.68, and 6.31 µg/mL, respectively. T65 crude product proliferated collagen type I in CCD-986Sk cell up to 145.91% ± 9.11% (mean ± SD; mean of 24, 48, and 72 h) at 250 pg/mL. Synthesized mesoporous particles (SBA-15) confirmed the sustainable performance by control-release for three days. Formulated functional cosmetic cream containing T65 embedded SBA-15, significantly decreased the skin roughness by 4.670% and increased the skin brightness by 0.472% after application of 4 weeks. T65 crude product inhibited both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Synthesized mesoporous particle, SBA-15, confirmed the physiologically active substance was released in sustainable release condition. T65 crude product showed impeccable antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-aging, and whitening activities with non-cytotoxic effects to different cell lines related to the human skin.
The Role of Hydrogen Peroxide and Peroxiredoxins throughout the Cell Cycle
Authors: Heo Sukyeong , Kim Suree , Kang Dongmin
Published: March 2020

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an oxidizing agent that induces cellular damage at inappropriate concentrations and gives rise to an arrest during cell cycle progression, causing cell death. Recent evidence indicates that H2O2 also acts as a promoter for cell cycle progression by oxidizing specific thiol proteins. The intracellular concentration of H2O2 is regulated tightly, enabling its use as a cellular signaling molecule while minimizing its potential to cause cellular damage. Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) have peroxidase activity toward H2O2, organic hydroperoxides, and peroxynitrite for protecting cells from oxidative stress. They are suggested to work as signaling mediators, allowing the local accumulation of H2O2 by inactivating their peroxidase activity uniquely compared with other antioxidant proteins such as catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Given that Prxs are highly sensitive to oxidation by H2O2, they act as sensors and transducers of H2O2 signaling via transferring their oxidation state to effector proteins. The concentrations of intracellular H2O2 increase as the cell cycle progresses from G1 to mitosis. Here, we summarize the roles of Prxs with regard to the regulation of cell cycle-dependent kinase activity and anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome in terms of changes in H2O2 levels. Protection of the cell from unwanted progression of the cell cycle is suggested to be a role of Prx. We discuss the possible roles of Prxs to control H2O2 levels.
Marine Microalgae Biomolecules and Their Adhesion Capacity to Salmonella enterica sv. Typhimurium
Authors: Machado Tatiane Winkler Marques , Rodrigues Jenifer Mota , Moro Tatiana Rojo , Duarte Maria Eugênia Rabello , Noseda Miguel Daniel
Published: March 2020

Different molecules have been tested as analog receptors due to their capacity to bind bacteria and prevent cell adhesion. By using in vitro assays, the present study characterized the aqueous and alkaline extracts from microalgae Pavlova lutheri and Pavlova gyrans and evaluated the capacity of these extracts to adhere to enterobacteria (Salmonella Typhimurium). The aqueous and alkaline extracts of both species were fractionated via freeze-thawing, giving rise to soluble and insoluble (precipitate) fractions in cold water. The obtained fractions were studied using thermogravimetric, methylation analyses, and using 1D and 2D NMR techniques. The cold-water-soluble fractions obtained from the aqueous extracts were mainly composed of highly branched (1→3),(1→6)-β-glucans, whereas the cold-water-precipitate fractions were constituted by (1→3)-β-glucans. The alkaline extract fractions showed similar compositions with a high protein content, and the presence of glycosides (sulfoquinovosylglycerol (SQG), digalactosylglycerol (DGG)), and free fatty acids. The linear (1→3)-β-glucans and the alkaline extract fractions showed an adhesion capacity toward Salmonella. The chemical composition of the active fractions suggested that the presence of three-linked β-glucose units, as well as microalgal proteins and glycosides, could be important in the adhesion process. Therefore, these microalgal species possess a high potential to serve as a source of anti-adhesive compounds.
Hyperspectral Inversion Model of Chlorophyll Content in Peanut Leaves
Authors: Qi Haixia , Zhu Bingyu , Kong Lingxi , Yang Weiguang , Zou Jun , Lan Yubin , Zhang Lei
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study is to determine a method for quickly and accurately estimating the chlorophyll content of peanut plants at different plant densities. This was explored using leaf spectral reflectance to monitor peanut chlorophyll content to detect sensitive spectral bands and the optimum spectral indicators to establish a quantitative model. Peanut plants under different plant density conditions were monitored during three consecutive growth periods; single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) and hyperspectral data derived from the leaves under the different plant density conditions were recorded. By combining arbitrary bands, indices were constructed across the full spectral range (350–2500 nm) based on blade spectra: the normalized difference spectral index (NDSI), ratio spectral index (RSI), difference spectral index (DSI) and soil-adjusted spectral index (SASI). This enabled the best vegetation index reflecting peanut-leaf SPAD values to be screened out by quantifying correlations with chlorophyll content, and the peanut leaf SPAD estimation models established by regression analysis to be compared and analyzed. The results showed that the chlorophyll content of peanut leaves decreased when plant density was either too high or too low, and that it reached its maximum at the appropriate plant density. In addition, differences in the spectral reflectance of peanut leaves under different chlorophyll content levels were highly obvious. Without considering the influence of cell structure as chlorophyll content increased, leaf spectral reflectance in the visible (350–700 nm): near-infrared (700–1300 nm) ranges also increased. The spectral bands sensitive to chlorophyll content were mainly observed in the visible and near-infrared ranges. The study results showed that the best spectral indicators for determining peanut chlorophyll content were NDSI (R520, R528), RSI (R748, R561), DSI (R758, R602) and SASI (R753, R624). Testing of these regression models showed that coefficient of determination values based on the NDSI, RSI, DSI and SASI estimation models were all greater than 0.65, while root mean square error values were all lower than 2.04. Therefore, the regression model established according to the above spectral indicators was a valid predictor of the chlorophyll content of peanut leaves.
Applications of Electrical Resistivity Surveys in Solving Selected Geotechnical and Environmental Problems
Authors: Lech Mariusz , Skutnik Zdzisław , Bajda Marek , Markowska-Lech Katarzyna
Published: March 2020

Standard test methods may not be suitable or sufficient for determining the geotechnical conditions of a structure’s subsoil and the effects of the designed structures on the environment. Geophysical test methods, validated with other methods, may prove useful. In recent years they have found many new applications in engineering practice, both geotechnical and environmental. The advantages of geophysical methods include the non-destructive and non-invasive nature of the tests, their low costs and quick results, as well as compatibility with different materials, including soils, solid rocks, wastes and anthropogenic formations. The paper presents the analysis of laboratory and field investigations including research in a modified oedometer, resistivity chamber, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and resistivity cone penetration test (RCPT). Laboratory tests allowed for the assessment of the degree of saturation and porosity of sandy and clayey soils. The tests were carried out on saturated and unsaturated soil samples and allowed for the determination of some relationships between electrical conductivity and porosity. The proposed equations were used to assess parameters in in situ studies using RCPT tests and showed good agreement with reference values based on undisturbed soil samples. ERT tests confirmed the usefulness of electrical measurements in the quality assurance of subsoil and hydrotechnical structures. The tests showed weakening zones in the levee body, discontinuity of the vertical sealing system on the modernized section of the embankment, and location of the top of clay deposits.
Review of GIS-Based Applications for Mining: Planning, Operation, and Environmental Management
Authors: Choi Yosoon , Baek Jieun , Park Sebeom
Published: March 2020

In this study, geographic information system (GIS)-based methods and applications utilized for mine development were reviewed. Three types of GIS-based studies, namely studies on mine planning, operation, and environmental management, were examined to describe the role of GIS as a decision-making support tool in mine development. This review was conducted by classifying previous GIS-based studies into several subtopics that pertain to mine development activities and the range of environments to be managed. Because the use of GIS is appropriate for spatial data management related to ore deposits and mine environment conditions at various scales, the applications of GIS-based methods in mine development could be expanded further.
Mg–Al-Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) Modified Diatoms for Highly Efficient Removal of Congo Red from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Sriram Ganesan , Uthappa U. T. , Losic Dusan , Kigga Madhuprasad , Jung Ho-Young , Kurkuri Mahaveer D.
Published: March 2020

In this work, diatomaceous earth (DE) or diatoms are modified with Mg–Al-layered double hydroxide (DE-LDH) using the facile co-precipitation method to demonstrate their application for the removal of toxic dyes such as Congo Red (CR), which was used as a model. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) characterization confirms the successful modification of diatom microcapsules structures, showing their surface decorated with LDH nano patches with sheet-like morphologies. The surface area of the DE was enhanced from 28 to 51 m2/g after modification with LDH. The adsorption studies showed that the maximum CR removal efficiency of DE and DE-LDH was ~15% and ~98%, respectively at pH 7, which is a significant improvement compared with unmodified DE. The maximum adsorption capacities of DE-LDH were improved ten times (305.8 mg/g) compared with the bare DE (23.2 mg/g), showing very high adsorption performances. The recyclability study of DE-LDH up to five cycles, after desorbing CR either by methanol or by NaOH, showed the efficient removal of the CR by up to three cycles via adsorption. The presented study suggests the promising application of DE-LDH as an effective material for application in the removal of CR from aqueous solutions for industrial wastewater treatment.
Self-Diffusion in Perovskite and Perovskite Related Oxides: Insights from Modelling
Authors: Sgourou Efstratia N. , Panayiotatos Yerasimos , Davazoglou Konstantinos , Solovjov Andrei L. , Vovk Ruslan V. , Chroneos Alexander
Published: March 2020

Perovskite and perovskite related oxides are important materials with applications ranging from solid oxide fuel cells, electronics, batteries and high temperature superconductors. The investigation of physical properties at the atomic scale such as self-diffusion is important to further improve and/or miniaturize electronic or energy related devices. In the present review we examine the oxygen self-diffusion and defect processes in perovskite and perovskite related oxides. This contribution is not meant to be an exhaustive review of the literature but rather aims to highlight the important mechanisms and ways to tune self-diffusion in this important class of energy materials.
A Force Measurement Method Based on Flexible PDMS Grating
Authors: Jin Chengyu , Ma Cui , Yang Zhile , Lin Hui
Published: March 2020

With the rapid development of flexible materials, various high-performance biocompatible flexible sensors have been proposed for specific measurement applications. Among these materials, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is one of the most popular polymers by curing the mixture of pre-polymer (base) and cross-linker (curing agent). In this paper, a force measurement method based on PDMS grating is introduced. The PDMS grating is cast from a commercial master grating, which is precise, low-cost, and easy to follow. The elastic modulus can be controlled by the curing temperature and the mixing ratio. The PDMS grating is tested using a tension testing machine. As the stretching force increases, the grating line-spacing simultaneously increases and the diffraction light spot shifts. By capturing the light spot shift using a camera, the relationship between light spot position and stretching force is established and evaluated. Experimental results show that the linearity (R2) of the proposed method is better than 0.998, adding that the sensitivity is ~0.5–0.7N/mm and the accuracy is up to 0.05N.
Comparative Study of Wheel–Rail Contact Impact Force for Jointed Rail and Continuous Welded Rail on Light-Rail Transit
Authors: Choi Jung-Youl , Yun Sang-Won , Chung Jee-Seung , Kim Sun-Hee
Published: March 2020

In this study, the measured track impact factor induced by the wheel–rail contact impact force of each test section (two continuous welded rails on slab tracks and rail joint on a ballasted track) was compared with the design track impact factor under service conditions of a curved light-rail transit system. The measured track impact factor (TIF) was estimated from the measured dynamic wheel load and vertical rail displacement at each test section. In the case of the rail joint section, the rail joint was found to directly affect the track impact factor. Moreover, the dynamic wheel load fluctuation and vertical rail displacement were found to be significantly greater than those of the continuous welded rails (CWRs) on slab tracks. In addition, vertical rail displacements were measured by field measurement and finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted to simulate dynamic wheel load on the jointed rail. Using the field measurements, the rate of dynamic wheel load fluctuation and the TIF were calculated for the CWR and rail joint sections. Subsequently, the calculated TIF values were analytically validated through a comparison with the measured vertical rail displacement, the results of FEA, and the designed TIF for rail joints and CWRs. Finally, the TIF measured by field measurement was compared with the result predicted by FEA. The difference between the results of field measurements and FEA for vertical rail displacement was within approximately 4%.
Seismic Performance of Steel Structure-Foundation Systems Designed According to Eurocode 8 Provisions: The Case of Near-Fault Seismic Motions
Authors: Katsimpini Panagiota , Konstandakopoulou Foteini , Papagiannopoulos George , Pnevmatikos Nikos , Hatzigeorgiou George
Published: March 2020

The seismic performance of steel structure-foundation systems subjected to near-fault earthquakes was assessed on the basis of response results from nonlinear time-history seismic analyses. The structural results included the maximum values for residual interstory drift ratios, base shears, and overturning moments of the steel structures, as well as the maximum values for residual settlement and tilting of the foundations. In order to reveal the influence of soil-building-interaction on the aforementioned response results, the steel building-foundation systems were designed according to Eurocode 8 provisions, assuming initially fixed and then compliant base conditions. It was concluded that for the case of near-fault seismic motions, good seismic performance of steel building-foundation hybrid systems designed according to European Codes was not guaranteed. A particular thing to note for these systems under near-fault seismic motions was that the seismic performance of the steel structure was most likely unacceptable, while one of the foundations was always acceptable.
Supercapacitor Electrodes from Viscose-Based Activated Carbon Fibers: Significant Yield and Performance Improvement Using Diammonium Hydrogen Phosphate as Impregnating Agent
Authors: Breitenbach Stefan , Lumetzberger Alexander , Hobisch Mathias Andreas , Unterweger Christoph , Spirk Stefan , Stifter David , Fürst Christian , Hassel Achim Walter
Published: March 2020

Viscose fibers were impregnated with different concentrations of diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAHP), carbonized, activated, and tested as high-performance electrode materials for supercapacitors. The yield of these activated carbon fibers (ACFs) could be increased by a factor of 14 by using DAHP compared to ACF without impregnation. These specific activation procedures yielded a high specific surface area of more than 2700 m2·g−1 with a pore size distribution (PSD) suitable for use as a supercapacitor electrode. The electrode materials were implemented in symmetric supercapacitors using TEMA BF4 as electrolyte and cyclic voltammetry measurements showed high specific capacitances of up to 167 F·g−1. Furthermore, the devices showed high energy densities of up to 21.4 W·h·kg−1 and high-power densities of up to 8.7 kW·kg−1. The supercapacitors featured high capacity retention (96%) after 10,000 cycles. These results show that ACFs made of viscose fibers, previously impregnated with DAHP, can be used as high-performance electrodes in supercapacitors for energy storage applications.
Spectroscopic Studies of a Phosphonium Ionic Liquid in Supercritical CO2
Authors: Heitz Mark P. , Putney Zackary C. , Campaign Joel
Published: March 2020

Fluorescence spectroscopy was used to study a solution comprised of coumarin 153 (C153)+ trihexyltetradecylphosphonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([P6,6,6,14]+ [Tf2N]−)+ supercritical CO2 (scCO2). We compare the spectroscopy of C153 in neat scCO2 to that of C153/scCO2 with the addition of ionic liquid (IL). Excitation and emission peak frequencies of C153 in scCO2 and in IL/scCO2 diverged at reduced densities (ρr = ρ/ρc) below the CO2 critical density. At low fluid density, spectral changes in the IL/scCO2 solutions showed evidence that C153 experiences a very different microenvironment—one that is unlike neat scCO2. The data show that the presence of IL clearly influences the C153 excitation and emission profiles. Excitation was broadened and red shifted by >2000 cm−1 and the presence of an additional low-energy emission component that was red shifted by ~3000 cm−1 was clearly visible and not observed in neat scCO2. The solution heterogeneity was controlled by changing the scCO2 density and at high fluid density, both the excitation and emission spectra were more similar to those in neat scCO2. Steady-state anisotropy also showed that at low fluid density, the C153 emission was significantly polarized. Aggregation of C153 has been reported in the literature and this led us to hypothesize the possibility that C153 dimer (aggregation) formation may be occurring in scCO2. Another possible explanation is that dye–IL aggregates may dissolve into the scCO2 phase due to C153 acting as a “co-solvent” for the IL. Time-resolved intensity decay measurements yielded only slightly non-exponential decays with accompanying time constants of ~3–4 ns that were significantly shorter than the 5–6 ns time constants in neat scCO2, which are suggestive of C153–IL interactions. However, these data did not conclusively support dimer formation. Pre-exponential factors of the time constants showed that almost all of the emission was due to monomeric C153.
Amino Acids and Peptides as Versatile Ligands in the Synthesis of Antiproliferative Gold Complexes
Authors: Andrejević Tina P. , Glišić Biljana Đ. , Djuran Miloš I.
Published: March 2020

Gold complexes have been traditionally employed in medicine, and currently, some gold(I) complexes, such as auranofin, are clinically used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. In the last decades, both gold(I) and gold(III) complexes with different types of ligands have gained considerable attention as potential antitumor agents, showing superior activity both in vitro and in vivo to some of the clinically used agents. The present review article summarizes the results achieved in the field of synthesis and evaluation of gold complexes with amino acids and peptides moieties for their cytotoxicity. The first section provides an overview of the gold(I) complexes with amino acids and peptides, which have shown antiproliferative activity, while the second part is focused on the activity of gold(III) complexes with these ligands. A systematic summary of the results achieved in the field of gold(I/III) complexes with amino acids and peptides could contribute to the future development of metal complexes with these biocompatible ligands as promising antitumor agents.
A New Perspective on Using Glycols in Glutamate Biosensor Design: From Stabilizing Agents to a New Containment Net
Authors: Bacciu Andrea , Arrigo Paola , Delogu Giovanna , Marceddu Salvatore , Monti Patrizia , Rocchitta Gaia , Serra Pier Andrea
Published: March 2020

Glutamate is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. It is involved in many normal physiological brain activities, but also neurological disorders and excitotoxicity. Hence, glutamate measurement is important both in clinical and pre-clinical studies. Pre-clinical studies often use amperometric biosensors due to their low invasiveness and the relatively small size of the devices. These devices also provide fast, real-time measurements because of their high sensitivity. In the present study, diethylene glycol (DEG), neopentyl glycol (NPG), triethylene glycol (TEG), and glycerol (GLY) were used to increase the long-term stability of glutamate biosensors. The evaluation was made by measuring variations of the main enzymatic (VMAX and KM) and analytical (Linear Region Slope (LRS)) parameters. Of the glycols tested, TEG was the most promising stabilizer, showing about twice as high VMAX maintained over a greater duration than with other stabilizers tested. It is also yielded the most stable linear region slope (LRS) values over the study duration. Moreover, we highlighted the ability of glycols to interact with enzyme molecules to form a containment network, able to maintain all the layered components of the biosensor adhering to the transducer.
Cross-Correlation of THz Pulses from the Electron Storage Ring BESSY II
Authors: Schade Ulrich , Kuske Peter , Lee Jongseok , Marchetti Barbara , Ortolani Michele
Published: March 2020

Coherent synchrotron radiation from an electron storage ring is observed in the THz spectral range when the bunch length is shortened down to the sub-mm-range. With increasing stored current, the bunch becomes longitudinally unstable and modulates the THz emission in the time domain. These micro-instabilities are investigated at the electron storage ring BESSY II by means of cross-correlation of the THz fields from successive bunches. The investigations allow deriving the longitudinal length scale of the micro bunch fluctuations and show that it grows faster than the current-dependent bunch length. Our findings will help to set the limits for the possible time resolution for pump-probe experiments achieved with coherent THz synchrotron radiation from a storage ring.
Powder Coating for Healthcare Aluminum Packaging
Authors: Rossi Stefano , Calovi Massimo , Tonelli Matteo
Published: March 2020

Restrictive regulations concerning the toxicity of certain compounds and the use and disposal of solvents present in the liquid epoxy protection system have been analyzed in this work to evaluate powder coatings as an alternative in the protection of aerosol aluminum cans, which are employed in cosmetics and pharmaceutical product packaging. In this paper, the chemical resistance of polyester and mixed epoxy-polyester powder coatings is assessed, considering different aggressive environments employed in healthcare commercial products. The samples’ performances are also compared with the currently used liquid organic coatings. The pack test has been used to evaluate the protective system behavior in contact with both the liquid and the gaseous part of the cosmetic product. However, the visual observation, required by the test, enabled the highlight of only very evident degradation phenomena. The chemical resistance of the powder coatings has proved to be appropriate only for less aggressive environment, where the critical compounds are propellants, propane, butane and isobutane. When exposed to other environments containing alcohol, water and dimethyl ether, most samples have been susceptible to layer degradation phenomena. Polyester layers lose their corrosion protection properties. Epoxy systems, instead, result more performant than polyester resins, but they particularly suffer from the contact with dimethyl ether.
Topical Minoxidil-Loaded Nanotechnology Strategies for Alopecia
Authors: Santos Ana Cláudia , Pereira-Silva Miguel , Guerra Catarina , Costa Diana , Peixoto Diana , Pereira Irina , Pita Inês , Ribeiro António J. , Veiga Francisco
Published: March 2020

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a multifactorial and age-related condition characterized by substantial hair loss affecting both men and women. Conventional treatments include the use of topical minoxidil (MNX) formulations to stimulate hair growth and restore hair condition. However, those treatments are associated with limited performance and a lack of tolerability and compliance due to the emergence of adverse effects. Considering that the development of nanotechnology-based formulations as hair loss therapeutic strategies has been clearly growing, topical MNX delivery by means of these innovative formulations is known to enhance MNX skin permeation and depot formation into hair follicles, allowing for MNX-controlled release, increased MNX skin bioavailability and enhanced therapeutic efficacy with minimal adverse effects. This review highlights the potential of nanotechnology-based MNX delivery formulations for improved hair loss therapeutics, including a thorough assessment of their in vitro and in vivo performances, as well as regulatory and nanosafety considerations.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Bioactivities of N-(5-(4-chlorobenzyl)-1,3,5-Triazinan-2-Ylidene)Nitramide
Authors: Qin Yao-Guo , Yang Zhao-Kai , Fan Jia , Jiang Xin , Yang Xin-Ling , Chen Ju-Lian
Published: March 2020

The compound N-(5-(4-chlorobenzyl)-1,3,5-triazinan-2-ylidene)nitramide (C10H12ClN5O2, M = 269.70) was synthesized and structurally confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HRMS and single-crystal x-ray diffraction. The crystal belongs to the monoclinic system with space group P21/c. The title compound consisted of a benzene ring and a 1,3,5-triazine ring. All carbon atoms in the benzene ring were nearly coplanar with a dihedral (C6–C5–C10 and C7–C8–C9) angle of 1.71°and all non-hydrogen atoms of the 1,3,5-triazine ring were not planar, but exhibited a half-chair conformation. The crystal structure was stabilized by a strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding interaction N(3)–H(3)···O(2) and three intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions, N(2)–H(2)···O(1), N(2)–H(2)···N(4) and N(3)–H(3)···Cl(1). The preliminary bioassay showed that the title compound showed not only aphicidal activity against Sitobion miscanthi (inhibition rate: 74.1%) and Schizaphis graminum (77.5%), but also antifungal activities against Pythium aphanidermatum (62.0%). These results provide valuable guidelines for the design and synthesis of novel aphid control agents and fungicides.
Diagnostic Performance of First Trimester Screening of Preeclampsia Based on Uterine Artery Pulsatility Index and Maternal Risk Factors in Routine Clinical Use
Authors: Mönckeberg Max , Arias Valentina , Fuenzalida Rosario , Álvarez Santiago , Toro Victoria , Calvo Andrés , Kusanovic Juan P. , Monteiro Lara J. , Schepeler Manuel , Nien Jyh K. , Martinez Jaime , Illanes Sebastián E.
Published: March 2020

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disorder defined by new onset of hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. The early detection of patients at risk of developing preeclampsia is crucial, however, predictive models are still controversial. We aim to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a predictive algorithm in the first trimester of pregnancy, in order to identify patients that will subsequently develop preeclampsia, and to study the effect of aspirin on reducing the rate of this complication in patients classified as high risk by this algorithm. A retrospective cohort including 1132 patients attending prenatal care at Clínica Dávila in Santiago, Chile, was conceived. The risk of developing preeclampsia (early and late onset) was calculated using algorithms previously described by Plasencia et al. Patients classified as high risk, in the first trimester of pregnancy, by these algorithms, were candidates to receive 100 mg/daily aspirin as prophylaxis at the discretion of the attending physician. The overall incidence of preeclampsia in this cohort was 3.5% (40/1132), and the model for early onset preeclampsia prediction detected 33% of patients with early onset preeclampsia. Among the 105 patients considered at high risk of developing preeclampsia, 56 received aspirin and 49 patients did not. Among those who received aspirin, 12% (7/56) developed preeclampsia, which is equal to the rate of preeclampsia (12% (6/49)) of those who did not receive this medication. Therefore, the diagnostic performance of an algorithm combining uterine artery Doppler and maternal factors in the first trimester predicted only one third of patients that developed preeclampsia. Among those considered at high risk for developing the disease using this algorithm, aspirin did not change the incidence of preeclampsia, however, this could be due either to the small study sample size or the type of the study, a retrospective, non-interventional cohort study.
Biochemical Markers of Saliva in Lung Cancer: Diagnostic and Prognostic Perspectives
Authors: Bel’skaya Lyudmila V. , Sarf Elena A. , Kosenok Victor K. , Gundyrev Ivan A.
Published: March 2020

The aim of the work is to study the metabolic characteristics of saliva in lung cancer for use in early diagnosis and determining the prognosis of the disease. The patient group included 425 lung cancer patients, 168 patients with non-cancerous lung diseases, and 550 healthy volunteers. Saliva samples were collected from all participants in the experiment before treatment and 34 biochemical saliva parameters were determined. Participants were monitored for six years to assess survival rates. The statistical analysis was performed by means of Statistica 10.0 (StatSoft) program and R package (version 3.2.3). To construct the classifier, the Random Forest method was used; the classification quality was assessed using the cross-validation method. Prognostic factors were analyzed by multivariate analysis using Cox’s proportional hazard model in a backward step-wise fashion to adjust for potential confounding factors. A complex of metabolic changes occurring in saliva in lung cancer is described. Seven biochemical parameters were identified (catalase, triene conjugates, Schiff bases, pH, sialic acids, alkaline phosphatase, chlorides), which were used to construct the classifier. The sensitivity and specificity of the method were 69.5% and 87.5%, which is practically not inferior to the diagnostic characteristics of markers routinely used in the diagnosis of lung cancer. Significant independent factors in the poor prognosis of lung cancer are imidazole compounds (ICs) above 0.478 mmol/L and salivary lactate dehydrogenase activity below 545 U/L. Saliva has been shown to have great potential for the development of diagnostic and prognostic tests for lung cancer.
Geometrical Aspects in the Analysis of Microcanonical Phase-Transitions
Authors: Bel-Hadj-Aissa Ghofrane , Gori Matteo , Penna Vittorio , Pettini Giulio , Franzosi Roberto
Published: March 2020

In the present work, we discuss how the functional form of thermodynamic observables can be deduced from the geometric properties of subsets of phase space. The geometric quantities taken into account are mainly extrinsic curvatures of the energy level sets of the Hamiltonian of a system under investigation. In particular, it turns out that peculiar behaviours of thermodynamic observables at a phase transition point are rooted in more fundamental changes of the geometry of the energy level sets in phase space. More specifically, we discuss how microcanonical and geometrical descriptions of phase-transitions are shaped in the special case of ϕ 4 models with either nearest-neighbours and mean-field interactions.
Endoreversible Modeling of a Hydraulic Recuperation System
Authors: Masser Robin , Hoffmann Karl Heinz
Published: March 2020

Hybrid drive systems able to recover and reuse braking energy of the vehicle can reduce fuel consumption, air pollution and operating costs. Among them, hydraulic recuperation systems are particularly suitable for commercial vehicles, especially if they are already equipped with a hydraulic system. Thus far, the investigation of such systems has been limited to individual components or optimizing their control. In this paper, we focus on thermodynamic effects and their impact on the overall systems energy saving potential using endoreversible thermodynamics as the ideal framework for modeling. The dynamical behavior of the hydraulic recuperation system as well as energy savings are estimated using real data of a vehicle suitable for application. Here, energy savings accelerating the vehicle around 10% and a reduction in energy transferred to the conventional disc brakes around 58% are predicted. We further vary certain design and loss parameters—such as accumulator volume, displacement of the hydraulic unit, heat transfer coefficients or pipe diameter—and discuss their influence on the energy saving potential of the system. It turns out that heat transfer coefficients and pipe diameter are of less importance than accumulator volume and displacement of the hydraulic unit.
The Education of Dispute Resolution in Al Jazeera Al Arabiya: A Case for a Culturally Engaging Pedagogy
Authors: El Alaoui Khadija , Pilotti Maura A. E. , Salameh Muamar Hasan , Singh Sukhsimranjit
Published: March 2020

In law and business schools, culturally relevant/responsive curricula can aid students’ academic success. In this paper, we examine the use of culturally responsive narratives to illustrate principles and practices of dispute resolution (mediation and arbitration) in the Middle East as distinct or similar to those prescribed under Common Law. Through narratives embedded in familiar historical and socio-cultural contexts, we argue that students of Middle Eastern descent can achieve a greater understanding and retention of the curriculum as it is translated from theory into practice, exercise critical thinking skills, and enhance their motivation to learn. Teaching that taps into a reservoir of knowledge within Middle Eastern communities can also become a transformative experience for students, since it not only recognizes their communities of origin as noteworthy, but also makes their socio-cultural identities a key ingredient of the instructional process. As evidence of methodological effectiveness, we examine students’ reflections on the use of culturally familiar narratives to illustrate principles and practices of dispute resolution (mediation and arbitration) in the Middle East as distinct or similar to those adopted by the Western world.
Comparative Assessment of the LoRaWAN Medium Access Control Protocols for IoT: Does Listen before Talk Perform Better than ALOHA?
Authors: Leonardi Luca , Lo Bello Lucia , Battaglia Filippo , Patti Gaetano
Published: March 2020

Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWANs) are emerging as appealing solutions for several Internet of Things (IoT) applications, such as healthcare, smart cities and Industry 4.0, thanks to their ease of deployment, low energy consumption and large coverage range. LoRaWAN is one of the most successful LPWAN standards, as it supports robust long-distance communications using low-cost devices. To comply with the ETSI regulations, LoRaWAN can adopt as medium access control (MAC) layer either a pure ALOHA approach with duty-cycle limitations or a polite spectrum access technique, such as Listen Before Talk (LBT). The two approaches have their pros and cons that need to be carefully evaluated. The studies in the literature that so far have addressed an evaluation of MAC protocols for LoRaWAN refer to a previous and now obsolete version of the ETSI regulations, therefore they do not take into account the current limits on the timing parameters for polite spectrum access, such as that maximum time an end-node is allowed to be transmitting per hour. For this reason, the contribution of this work is two-fold. First, the paper discusses the restrictions that the current ETSI regulations impose on some timing parameters of the two kinds of MAC protocols for LoRaWAN. Second, the paper provides comparative performance assessments of the two protocols through simulations in realistic scenarios under different workload conditions.
Judaism and Evolutionary Astrology: Insights from a Jewish Astrologer
Authors: Robyn Elisa
Published: March 2020

While the Torah instructs Jews not to practice soothsaying or divination, the Talmud includes several discussions about the power of astrology with many Rabbis even arguing that the use of astrology is both permitted and meaningful. Add to this discrepancy the numerous astrological mosaics on the floors of ancient synagogues, as well as certain Kabbalistic practices, and it becomes clear why there is confusion within the Jewish community. This article examines Jewish perspectives on evolutionary astrology throughout Jewish history and its link to current mystical applications.
Raka Riki sebagai Ujung Tombak Strategi Komunikasi Pariwisata Dinas Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata Provinsi Jawa Timur
Authors: Kurniawan Helmi , Panuju Redi
Published: March 2020

This study aims to determine the communication strategy of the Culture and Tourism Office of East Java Province in utilizing the East Java Raka Raki. The communication strategy analysis by Berlo's SMCR theory (1960) and on the strategic communications approach. Data collection techniques in this research were carried out using field studies (interviews). The research findings show that the formulation of the communication strategy has fulfilled the vision and mission, opportunities and strengths, as well as fulfilling the long-term goals in making use of the East Java Raka Raki. This is supported by the implementation of a communication strategy for the Tourism Industry Sector of East Java Disbudpar with the support of IRARI which is a legal entity. Evaluation of communication strategies in carrying out East Java Raka Raki activities /programs is based on unplanned or unscheduled meetings, meetings are held once every 3 (three) months.
Yüksek Riskli Gebelerde Anksiyete ve Depresyon ile Hemşirelik Bakım Memnuniyetinin İncelenmesi
Authors: Güleç Duygu , Eminov Ayse , Kavlak Oya
Published: March 2020

Amaç: Yüksek riskli
gebelerin anksiyete ve depresyon düzeyi ile hemşirelik bakım memnuniyetinin
incelenmesidir.

Method: Tanımlayıcı türde olan bu araştırma bir
üniversite hastanesinde yüksek riskli gebelik nedeniyle en az 2 gecedir yatan,
108’i 3. trimester, 33’ü 2. trimester olmak üzere toplam 141 gebe üzerinde
gerçekleştirilmiştir.
Veriler tanıtıcı bilgilerin yer aldığı anket formu, Hastane Anksiyete Depresyon
Ölçeği ve Newcastle Hemşirelik Bakım Memnuniyet Ölçeği ile toplanmıştır.

Bulgular:
Gebelerin yaş ortalaması 29.95± 6.16 olup, %41.1’i lise mezunudur. Gebelerin
%45’inin ilk gebeliği, %60’ının hiç çocuğu yok ve %27’sinin önceki gebeliğinde
düşük öyküsü bulunmaktadır. Gebeler ortalama 4.54 ±5.88 gündür hastanede
yatmaktadırlar. Gebelerin anksiyete puan ortalaması 7.97±4.4, depresyon ise 8.41±4.7
olarak saptanmıştır. Kesme değerlerine göre % 21.3’ü anksiyete, %60.3’ü
depresyon açısından risk altındadır. Hemşirelik bakım memnuniyeti puan ortalaması ise 66.50 ±13.68
(min:38 - max:100) orta düzeyde saptanmıştır. İkinci trimesterdaki gebelerin anksiyete
puanları daha yüksek bulunurken, depresyon düzeyi yüksek olanların bakım
memnuniyeti daha düşük bulunmuştur.

Sonuç:
Araştırmada riskli gebelerin depresyon bulguları yüksek, hemşirelik bakımına
ilişkin memnuniyetleri ise orta düzeydedir.  Depresyon riski yüksek olan gebelerin bakım memnuniyetleri
daha düşüktür. Hemşirelerin riskli gebelerde bakım kalitesini ve memnuniyetini arttırabilmek
için ruhsal durumlarını ayrıntılı bir şekilde değerlendirmeleri, bu doğrultuda
belirlenmiş olan sorunlarla başa çıkma stratejileri geliştirmelerine destek
olmaları ve gereksinimleri doğrultusunda profesyonel destek için
yönlendirmeleri gerekmektedir.
Енергоефективні рішення подового електроду дугової сталеплавильної печі постійного струму
Authors: Timoshenko Serhii , Gubynskyi Mykhailo
Published: March 2020

Проведено чисельні дослідження електровихрових течій (ЕВТ) в сталеплавильній ванні дугової печі постійного струму і теплопередачі з фазовим переходом через подовий електрод (ПЕ). Щільність теплового потоку в ПЕ і локальна швидкість ЕВТ в анодній ямі становлять 1,8 −2 МВт/м2 і 0,75 м/с, відповідно. Рівноважна товщина твердої сталевої частини ПЕ знаходиться в критичній залежності від ширини мідно-сталевої перехідної зони, яка має не перевищувати 20−25 мм. Вдосконалено технологію виготовлення ПЕ з вузькою перехідною зоною, що забезпечує сталу експлуатацію ПЕ та підвищення енергоефективності печі.
ПРОГНОЗИРОВАНИЕ СВОЙСТВ МНОГОКОМПОНЕНТНОЙ КЕРАМИКИ НА ОСНОВЕ САМООРГАНИЗУЮЩЕЙСЯ СЕТИ КОХОНЕНА
Authors: Akhmetshina Lyudmila , Mazurik Stanislav , Skuratovsky Ihor
Published: March 2020

Рассмотрены информационные возможности метода прогнозирования значений многомерных экспериментальных данных, определенных на неравномерной сетке. Суть метода заключается в использовании самоорганизующейся сети Кохонена для определения качественного влияния независимых параметров в многокомпонентной керамике на основе оксида олова на коэффициент ее нелинейности в задаче улучшения параметров элементов защиты электрических цепей.
ПОВЫШЕНИЕ РАЗРЕШАЮЩЕЙ СПОСОБНОСТИ СЛАБОКОНТРАСТНЫХ ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЙ В ПРОСТРАНСТВЕ ФАЗОВЫХ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИК СИНГУЛЯРНОГО РАЗЛОЖЕНИЯ
Authors: Akhmetshina Lyudmila , Yegorov Artyom , Akhmetshin Kostyantin
Published: March 2020

Рассмотрены информационные возможности фазовых характеристик, синтезируемых на основе метода сингулярного разложения применительно к решению задач сегментации при визуальном анализе слабоконтрастных изображений. Показано, что переход в новое пространство признаков, полученных на основе параметров ортогонального преобразования, обеспечивает повышение чувствительности и разрешаюшей способности при выявлении объектов интереса (аномальных областей). Приведены экспериментальные результаты на примере реальных изображениях.
Граничні випадки критерію мінімуму протяжності
Authors: Vovk Serhii
Published: March 2020

Представлені граничні випадки критерію мінімуму протяжності, які відбивають його зв'язок з вiдомими критерiями обробки даних. Установленi вiдповiдностi мiж критерієм мiнiмуму протяжностi й критерiями найменших квадратiв, найменших модулiв, максимуму правдоподiбностi в задачi оцiнювання параметра зсуву за умови фiксованого параметра масштабу для незалежних однаково розподiлених випадкових величин iз законами розподiлу Гаусса, Лапласа, Кошi, "гостровершинним" меридiанним законом розподiлу, законами узагальнених розподiлiв Гаусса й Кошi, критерієм узагальненої максимальної правдоподібності з вартісними функціями Мішалкіна й Демиденка, а також критеріїм максимуму гістограми. Крім цього, у рамках концепції функціонала протяжності представлено кілька варіантів граничного переходу від критерію мінімуму квазіпротяжності до критерію мінімуму строгої протяжності, де останній критерій для дискретного випадку дає постановку NP-складної задачі мінімізації квазінорми простору l0. Підкреслено, що більшість із зазначених критеріїв приводить до постановки задач оптимізації з неопуклою та неунімодальною цільовою функцією.
ON BUSINESS LOGIC LAYER DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE
Authors: Litvinov Alexander Anatolievich
Published: March 2020

The work is devoted to business logic layer construction using Clean Architecture as a foundation. Additional layer of Activities is introduced to make Clean Architecture more effective for business-process oriented domain modeling, making software more flexible and robust, testable and maintainable.