bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solé Tura, Jordi y Aparicio Pérez, Miguel A.: «Las Cortes Generales en el sistema constitucional» (Recensión)
Authors: Santaolalla López Fernando
Published: January 2020

Recensión de la obra: Jordi Solé Tura y Miguel A. Aparicio Pérez: «Las Cortes Generales en el sistema constitucional». Tecnos. Madrid, 1984.
Crónica Parlamentaria del Congreso de los Diputados (Septiembre de 1984 - junio de 1985)
Authors: Delgado-Iribarren García-Campero Manuel
Published: January 2020

SUMARIO: I. Introducción.—II. Actividad legislativa.— II. 1. Resumen de actividad.—1) Iniciativa legislativa.—2) Procedimientos legislativos.—3) Convalidación de Decretos-Leyes.—4) Tramitación de Convenios internacionales.—II.2. Consideraciones de carácter general.—1) Materias abordadas.—2) Duración de la tramitación parlamentaria.—3) Incremento de los procedimientos legislativos especiales.—II.3. Algunas cuestiones de especial relevancia.— 1) La autorización para la adhesión de España a las Comunidades Europeas: la L. O. 10/ 1985 de 2 de agosto.—2) La extensión del ámbito material de la inmunidad parlamentaria: la L.O. 3/1985, de 29 de mayo.—3) La «ejecución» de la STC 800/83, sobre el proyecto de ley orgánica de reforma del artículo 417 bis del Código Penal.—4) La determinación del supuesto de «tratados internacionales que implican obligaciones financieras para la Hacienda Pública» (artículo 94.1) de la CE.).—5) La constitución de una de las Comisiones mixtas previstas en el artículo 74.2 de la CE.—III. Actividad de información y control.—III.1. Resumen de actividad. 1) Solicitudes de informe.—2) Preguntas.—3) Interpelaciones.—4) Comunicaciones del Gobierno.—5) Proposiciones no de ley.—6) Comisiones de investigación.—IV. Relaciones con otros Órganos Constitucionales: Consejo General del Poder Judicial.
Los Reglamentos parlamentarios en el sistema de fuentes de la Constitución española de 1978
Authors: Ripollés Serrano María Rosa
Published: January 2020

SUMARIO: I. Introducción. II Los Reglamentos parlamentarios: confusión terminológica conceptual. III. Clases de Reglamentos parlamentarios. IV. Evolución del Reglamento parlamentario en el Derecho español. V. Naturaleza jurídica de las normas parlamentarias. VI. La ubicación de los Reglamentos parlamentarios en el Ordenamiento jurídico estatal. VII. Relación de las normas reglamentarias con otras fuentes del Derecho. VIII. La jurisdiccionabilidad de las normas parlamentarias. IX. A modo de síntesis.
López Garrido, Diego: «Libertades económicas y derechos fundamentales, en el sistema comunitario europeo» (Recensión)
Authors: Martínez Higueras Ángel Javier
Published: January 2020

López Garrido, Diego: Libertades económicas y derechos fundamentales, en el sistema comunitario europeo. Editorial Tecnos, Madrid, 1986, 200 Págs.
Crónica Parlamentaria del Senado (Enero - diciembre 1985)
Authors: Senén Hernández Mercedes , Cavero Gómez Manuel
Published: January 2020

Visión panorámica de las funciones desplegadas por el Senado a lo largo de 1985, en virtud de las competencias que constitucional y reglamentariamente tiene atribuidas.
Materiales para el estudio de la legislación y jurisprudencia española
Authors: Blanco Canales Ricardo
Published: January 2020

SUMARIO: Introducción.—Los repertorios bibliográficos. —Derecho antiguo.—Legislación.—Los textos y sus repertorios jurídicos.—Las colecciones generales de textos históricos.—Jurisprudencia. — Derecho contemporáneo. — Legislación. — Boletines Oficiales. — Colección legislativa de España.—Otros repertorios.— Repertorios de las CC. AA.—Jurisprudencia. Colección legislativa.—Otros repertorios.
El final de las Cortes de Castilla
Authors: Thompson I. A. A.
Published: January 2020

Reflexión sobre El final de las Cortes de Castilla
Sommermann, Karl-Peter: «Der Schutz der Grundrechte in Spanien nach der Verfassung von 1978. Ursprünge, Dogmatik, Praxis» (Recensión)
Authors: Pérez Luño Antonio Enrique
Published: January 2020

Recensión de la obra: Sommermann, Karl-Peter. Der Schutz der Grundrechte in Spanien nach der Verfassung von 1978. Ursprünge, Dogmatik, Praxis. Duncker & Humblot, Berlín, 1984, 419 páginas
Iniciativa legislativa popular y estado democrático de derecho (una aproximación a su regulación jurídica en España)
Authors: Contreras Manuel
Published: January 2020

Reflexión sobre la regulación jurídica en España de la iniciativa legislativa popular y el estado democrático de derecho.
Las transformaciones del Parlamento Europeo
Authors: Peña Jiménez Pedro José
Published: January 2020

SUMARIO: I. Introducción.— II. Apunte histórico sobre el Parlamento Europeo.—III. Transformaciones del Parlamento Europeo. A) La elección de los parlamentarios europeos.—1. De la designación por los Parlamentos nacionales de entre sus miembros a la elección por sufragio universal directo.—2. Tratado CECA.—3. Tratados CEE-CECA.—4. Proyectos elaborados por el Parlamento: Dehousse. Patijn.—5. Normas que rigen la elección: comunitarias y nacionales.— 6. Decisión del Consejo y Acta de 1976.—7. Conclusiones.—B) Los poderes del Parlamento Europeo.—1. Consideraciones preliminares.—2. Participación en el poder normativo.—3. El poder presupuestario.—4. El poder de control. —IV. Conclusiones.
Fuentes para el estudio del Parlamento Europeo
Authors: Paesa Sánchez María
Published: January 2020

SUMARIO: I. El Parlamento Europeo en los Tratados.—II. El proceso de ampliación de competencias del Parlamento Europeo.—III. Reglamento.— IV. Miembros.—V. Sede.—VI. La documentación del Parlamento Europeo.— Documentos, competencias del Parlamento Europeo y sus publicaciones oficiales.— La base de datos CELEX y los documentos del Parlamento Europeo.— Los servicios de Información y Documentación del Parlamento Europeo.—VII. Bibliografía seleccionada.
La estructura interna del Parlamento Europeo
Authors: Dorado Frías Fernando
Published: January 2020

SUMARIO: I. Introducción.—II. Los órganos del Parlamento Europeo.—1. Los órganos de dirección.—A) El Presidente.—a) Naturaleza, designación y mandato.—b) Funciones.—B) La mesa.—a) Naturaleza y composición.—b) Los Vicepresidentes.—c) Los Cuestores.—d) Funnes.—C) La mesa ampliada.—a) Naturaleza y composición.—b) Funciones.—c) Propuestas de reforma.—2. Los órganos funcionales: Las comisiones.—a) Importancia y competencias.—b) Sistema de Comisiones.—c) Composición.—d) Mesa de las Comisiones.—e) Funciones.—f) Actividad de control e información.—g) Publicidad de las sesiones.—III. La Secretaría general.
Comparison of Morphological Changes of Muscle Fibers in Response to Dynamic Electrical Muscle Contraction and Dynamic Hydraulic Stimulation in a Rat Hindlimb Disuse Model
Authors: HU M. , LAM H. , YEH R. , TEERATANANON M. , QIN Y.-X.
Published: January 2020

This study attempted to compare the muscle fiber morphological responses to dynamic electrical muscle stimulation (DEMS) and dynamic hydraulic stimulation (DHS) in rats under hindlimb suspension (HLS). DEMS at 1 Hz, 50 Hz and 100 Hz for 10 min/day, 5 days/week were introduced to the animals’ right quadriceps. Static and 2 Hz DHS were introduced to the right tibiae of other animal groups on a "10 min on – 5 min off – 10 min on" loading regime for 5 days/week. In the end of the 4-week experiments, histological changes in the corresponding soleus, gastrocnemius and quadriceps of the stimulated sites were examined. Compared to age-matched, HLS led to muscle atrophy and strongly reduced muscle wet weights and averaged cross-sectional fiber areas. Among the tested DEMS frequencies, the averaged cross-sectional quadriceps fiber area in the 50 Hz group was 29 % larger than the 100 Hz group. In contrast, difference in the muscle fiber response to the static and 2 Hz DHS was not observed in either soleus or gastrocnemius. Muscle fiber morphological responses to the active DEMS was in a load frequency dependent manner under disuse condition. Relatively passive compressions, either via static or 2 Hz DHS, were unable to induce any difference in the muscle fiber responses under functional disuse.
Cardiovascular Diseases, Depression Disorders and Potential Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Authors: TREBATICKÁ J. , DUKÁT A. , ĎURAČKOVÁ Z. , MUCHOVÁ J.
Published: January 2020

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and depressive disorders (DD) are two of the most prevalent health problems in the world. Although CVD and depression have different origin, they share some common pathophysiological characteristics and risk factors, such as the increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, endothelial dysfunction, blood flow abnormalities, decreased glucose metabolism, elevated plasma homocysteine levels, oxidative stress and disorder in vitamin D metabolism. Current findings confirm the common underlying factors for both pathologies, which are related to dramatic dietary changes in the mid-19th century. By changing dietary ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids from 1:1 to 15-20:1 some changes in metabolism were induced, such as increased pro-inflammatory mediators and modulations of different signaling pathways following pathophysiological response related to both, cardiovascular diseases and depressive disorders.
Trace Elements Have Beneficial, as Well as Detrimental Effects on Bone Homeostasis
Authors: ZOFKOVA I. , DAVIS M. , BLAHOS J.
Published: January 2020

The protective role of nutrition factors such as calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K for the integrity of the skeleton is well understood. In addition, integrity of the skeleton is positively influenced by certain trace elements (e.g. zinc, copper, manganese, magnesium, iron, selenium, boron and fluoride) and negatively by others (lead, cadmium, cobalt). Deficiency or excess of these elements influence bone mass and bone quality in adulthood as well as in childhood and adolescence. However, some protective elements may become toxic under certain conditions, depending on dosage (serum concentration), duration of treatment and interactions among individual elements. We review the beneficial and toxic effects of key elements on bone homeostasis.
Molecular Basis of TRPA1 Regulation in Nociceptive Neurons. A Review
Authors: KÁDKOVÁ A. , SYNYTSYA V. , KRUSEK J. , ZÍMOVÁ L. , VLACHOVÁ V.
Published: January 2020

Transient receptor potential A1 (TRPA1) is an excitatory ion channel that functions as a cellular sensor, detecting a wide range of proalgesic agents such as environmental irritants and endogenous products of inflammation and oxidative stress. Topical application of TRPA1 agonists produces an acute nociceptive response through peripheral release of neuropeptides, purines and other transmitters from activated sensory nerve endings. This, in turn, further regulates TRPA1 activity downstream of G-protein and phospholipase C-coupled signaling cascades. Despite the important physiological relevance of such regulation leading to nociceptor sensitization and consequent pain hypersensitivity, the specific domains through which TRPA1 undergoes post-translational modifications that affect its activation properties are yet to be determined at a molecular level. This review aims at providing an account of our current knowledge on molecular basis of regulation by neuronal inflammatory signaling pathways that converge on the TRPA1 channel protein and through modification of its specific residues influence the extent to which this channel may contribute to pain.
Итоги парламентских выборов 2019 г. в Австрии в контексте общеевропейских тенденций
Authors: Шарапо Александр Викторович
Published: January 2020

В статье рассматриваются итоги досрочных выборов в парламент Австрийской Республики, которые состоялись 29 сентября 2019 г. и привели к убедительной победе консервативной Австрийской народной партии (АНП) во главе с канцлером С. Курцем. Автор выявил наиболее значимые предпосылки победы АНП в русле трансформации партийной системы Австрии в конце ХХ – начале ХХI в., обозначив важнейшие ее тенденции в контексте усиления праворадикальных и популистских настроений во всех европейских государствах. В заключение представлен прогноз относительно состава новой правящей коалиции Австрийской Республики. Проведенное исследование представляет также особый интерес в контексте изучения общеевропейских тенденций в эволюции партийной структуры, которая сложилась во второй половине ХХ в. и предусматривала, как правило, борьбу за власть двух основных политических партий или блоков. На примере Австрии автор показал, что двухпартийная модель постепенно сменяется многопартийной, которая подразумевает конкуренцию нескольких крупных партий. Одним из свидетельств этого процесса является участие в формировании нового правительства австрийской «Зеленых» – партии, которая приходит на смену социал-демократам и другим традиционным левым силам Австрии.
Русский язык как средство межкультурного диалога в Республике Казахстан
Authors: Курылев Константин Петрович , Морозова Екатерина Романовна
Published: January 2020

В современном мире важность языка межнационального общения неоспорима, поскольку именно язык выступает связующем звеном не только между этническими группами внутри одного государственного пространства, но и между народами и странами в мире. Одним из таких языков-посредников является русский язык. Россия, как историческая родина, наиболее заинтересована в сохранении и дальнейшем распространении позиций русского языка ввиду того, что его употребление способствует усилению позиций и созданию позитивного имиджа страны за рубежом, позволяет выстраивать дружеский диалог с партнерами. В статье показано современное состояние русского языка в Республике Казахстан. Авторы отмечают, с одной стороны, наличие прочной нормативно-правовой основы развития языковой политики в Казахстане, демонстрируют ее постоянное развитие, а с другой стороны, показывают озабоченность русских соотечественников, проживающих в республике и высказывающих свои опасения по поводу ряда новаций руководства Казахстана.
Региональные вызовы политике нейтралитета Туркменистана
Authors: Худайбердиева Нурбиби Худагулыева
Published: January 2020

В статье проведен анализ влияния региональных вызовов на реализацию нейтральной стратегии внешней политики Туркменистана. Рассмотрен основной комплекс проблем, характерных для региона Центральной Азии: борьба великих держав за сферы влияния в регионе, рост сепаратизма, экстремизма, исламизма и терроризма, включая кризис в Афганистане, сложное положение Ирана, а также ситуация, связанная с решением каспийской проблемы. Указанные тенденции служат доказательством того, что Туркменистан столкнулся с региональными вызовами, которые стали одной из причин принятия страной нейтрального статуса. Автор статьи на основе современной российской и турецкой историографии систематизировал и изложил комплекс вызовов политике нейтралитета Туркменистана. Система региональных международных отношений повлияла на реализацию внешнеполитической стратегии страны в XXI в. Комплекс проблем, характерных для Центральной Азии, требовал от туркменского руководства принятия определенных решений. Особенно остро это ощущалось накануне афганской компании Международных сил содействия безопасности. Желание руководства страны максимально реализовывать свой экономический потенциал столкнулось с увеличением проблем, преодолеть которые можно было только путем принятия определенных коллективных решений. Такая же ситуация была характерна при преодолении разногласий, связанных с Каспием, решение которых могло быть достигнуто только в рамках переговорного процесса всех сторон.
Soil Erosion by Wind and Dust Emission in Semi-Arid Soils Due to Agricultural Activities
Authors: Katra Itzhak
Published: January 2020

Many soils throughout the world are currently associated with soil erosion by wind and dust emissions. Dust emission processes have major implications for loss of soil resources (such as clays and nutrients) and human exposure to air pollution. This work provides a review on field experiments of dust emission based on previous studies, with new insight into the role of soil aggregation. The work focuses on dust processes in semi-arid soils that are subjected to increased agricultural land use. A boundary-layer wind tunnel has been used to study dust emission and soil loss by simulation and quantification of high-resolution wind processes. Field experiments were conducted in soil plots representing long-term and short-term influences of land uses such as agriculture, grazing, and natural preserves. The results show the impacts of soil disturbances by human activities on the soil aggregation and dust fluxes and provide quantitative estimates of soil loss over time. Substantial loss of PM10 (particulate matter [PM] that is less than 10 micrometers in diameter) was recorded in most experimental conditions. The measured PM10 fluxes highlight the significant implications for soil nutrient resources in annual balance and management strategies, as well as for PM loading to the atmosphere and the risk of air pollution.
Expression of Serum Exosomal miRNA 122 and Lipoprotein Levels in Dogs Naturally Infected by Leishmania infantum: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Loria Antonio Di , Dattilo Vincenzo , Santoro Domenico , Guccione Jacopo , De Luca Adriana , Ciaramella Paolo , Pirozzi Marinella , Iaccino Enrico
Published: January 2020

Current knowledge on the role of exosomal microRNA (miRNA) in canine leishmaniasis (CL), with particular regards to the interaction between miR-122 and lipid alterations, is limited. The aim of this study was to isolate/characterize exosomes in canine serum and evaluate the expression of miR-122 in ten healthy and ten leishmaniotic dogs. Serum exosomes were isolated using a polymer-based kit, ExoQuick® and characterized by flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy, whereas miR-122-5p expression was evaluated by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. A significant decreased expression of exosomal miR-122-5p, decreased serum levels of high-density lipoproteins, and increased serum levels of low-density lipoproteins were seen in leishmaniotic dogs when compared with healthy dogs. These results suggest that hepatic dysfunctions induced by the parasite interfere with lipoprotein status. The decreased expression of exosomal miR122 represents an additional effect of Leishmania infection in dogs as in people.
Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Microbiota-Modulating Effects of Camellia Oil from Camellia brevistyla on Acetic Acid-Induced Colitis in Rats
Authors: Wu Chun-Ching , Tung Yu-Tang , Chen Sheng-Yi , Lee Wei-Ting , Lin Hsin-Tang , Yen Gow-Chin
Published: January 2020

Altering the microbiota by the daily diet is highly associated with improved human health. Studies confirms the gastrointestinal protective and anti-inflammatory effects of camellia oil; however, the benefits in gut microbiota remain unclear. Camellia oils of Camellia oleifera (PCO) and C. brevistyla (TCCO) were used to evaluate probiotic growth in vitro. In addition, the protective effects of camellia oils in the acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis rat model were investigated. In vitro fermentation study showed the proliferation of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. from human intestinal microbiota was increased after TCCO treatment. Moreover, the rats pretreated with TCCO exhibited significantly less AA-induced colonic injury and hemorrhage, higher serum immunoglobulin G 1 (IgG 1) levels, lower malondialdehyde levels, and lower inflammatory cytokine production in the colon tissue compared with those in the PCO group. Surprising, the protective effect against acetic acid-induced colitis by TCCO was similar to sulfasalazine (positive control) treatment. Moreover, TCCO increased the richness and diversity of probiotics in gut microbiota. TCCO alleviated AA-induced colitis by modulating gut microbiota, reducing oxidative stress and suppressing inflammatory responses.
Real-Time Train Tracking from Distributed Acoustic Sensing Data
Authors: Wiesmeyr Christoph , Litzenberger Martin , Waser Markus , Papp Adam , Garn Heinrich , Neunteufel Günther , Döller Herbert
Published: January 2020

In the context of railway safety, it is crucial to know the positions of all trains moving along the infrastructure. In this contribution, we present an algorithm that extracts the positions of moving trains for a given point in time from Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) signals. These signals are obtained by injecting light pulses into an optical fiber close to the railway tracks and measuring the Rayleigh backscatter. We show that the vibrations of moving objects can be identified and tracked in real-time yielding train positions every second. To speed up the algorithm, we describe how the calculations can partly be based on graphical processing units. The tracking quality is assessed by counting the inaccurate and lost train tracks for two different types of cable installations.
Effects of Owinema Bio-Preparation on Vermicomposting in Earthworm Ecological Boxes
Authors: Garczyńska Mariola , Pączka Grzegorz , Podolak Agnieszka , Mazur-Pączka Anna , Szura Renata , Butt Kevin R. , Kostecka Joanna
Published: January 2020

This paper describes vermicomposting of kitchen organic waste with the use of Eisenia fetida earthworms in an ecological box. To control excessively proliferated Sciaridae in the box medium, an Owinema bio-preparation, which contains larvae of the nematode Steinernema feltiae, was used. The effect of this bioinsecticide on the earthworm population during vermicomposting of organic waste was assessed. It was found that the applied bio-preparation effectively limited the population of sciarids and also had a positive effect on the development of the earthworm population (it caused a significant increase in the number and biomass of mature and immature forms and cocoons produced (p < 0.05)). The Owinema preparation also had a positive effect on the rate of organic waste vermicomposting.
The Effect of Shape on Chloride Penetration of Circular Reinforcement Concrete Columns and Its Durability Design
Authors: Yin Gu , Pan Li
Published: January 2020

The reinforced concrete (RC) circular element is usually simplified as slab one on the issue of chloride diffusion simulation, without considering the effect of the geometrical shape. In the paper, a modified slab diffusion model is proposed for circular section. A formulation for estimating the error caused by neglecting the effect of shape on chloride diffusion is derived. The formulation demonstrates that radius significantly affect the error. When shape is neglected, the effects of model parameters, including the diffusion coefficient, radius, cover concrete thickness and age factor, on the corrosion initiation time are investigated. The result shows the radius has a slight effect on calculating the corrosion initiation time compared with other model parameters. Furthermore, the influence of shape on estimating on reliability index for different service time is also discussed. A guideline is proposed for properly using the modified slab diffusion model instead of the original one to predict service life. Finally, the impact of the shape of the RC circular column on the durability design against chloride corrosion is studied. The design result when the column is simplified as a slab element indicates a lower required minimum concrete cover thickness. The minimum thickness should be improved by 5 mm as a conservative choice based on the result of the slab element.
Experimental Study of the Influence of Extremely Repeated Thermal Loading on a Ballastless Slab Track-Bridge Structure
Authors: Zhou Lingyu , Wei Tianyu , Zhang Guangchao , Zhang Yingying , Akim Djibril Gildas Mahunon , Zhao Lei , Guo Wei
Published: January 2020

To study the initiation and expansion of the interlayer gap of the China Railway Track System Type II (CRTS-II) ballastless slab track structure under the action of repeated thermal loading as well as the influence of the interlayer gap on the displacement, strain and stiffness of the track structure, a 1/4 scale three-span ballastless slab track simply supported bridge structural system specimen was developed and 18 cycles of extremely thermal loading tests were carried out. Static loading tests were carried out before and after the repeated thermal loading test and the effects of the repeated temperature loading on the mechanical properties of the structural system were analyzed. The test results show that under repeated temperature loading, there is a gap between the track slab and cement emulsified asphalt (CA) mortar near the fixed end section of the beam (close to the shear slots). The interlayer gap gradually expands to the mid-span section in a “stepped” shape in three stages: initiation, expansion and stabilization. Under the same temperature load, the camber of the concrete box beam decreases gradually while that of the track structure increases gradually with the increase of the interlayer gap length. During the three stages of interlayer gap development, the track structure stiffness degrades gradually, and the fastest reduction rate during the expansion stage. At the end of the 18th cycle of thermal loading, a degradation of 14.96% and 2.52% is observed in the stiffness of the track structure and that of the ballastless track-bridge structural system, respectively.
A Novel Spectral–Spatial Classification Method for Hyperspectral Image at Superpixel Level
Authors: Xie Fuding , Lei Cunkuan , Jin Cui , An Na
Published: January 2020

Although superpixel segmentation provides a powerful tool for hyperspectral image (HSI) classification, it is still a challenging problem to classify an HSI at superpixel level because of the characteristics of adaptive size and shape of superpixels. Furthermore, these characteristics of superpixels along with the appearance of noisy pixels makes it difficult to appropriately measure the similarity between two superpixels. Under the assumption that pixels within a superpixel belong to the same class with a high probability, this paper proposes a novel spectral–spatial HSI classification method at superpixel level (SSC-SL). Firstly, a simple linear iterative clustering (SLIC) algorithm is improved by introducing a new similarity and a ranking technique. The improved SLIC, specifically designed for HSI, can straightly segment HSI with arbitrary dimensionality into superpixels, without consulting principal component analysis beforehand. In addition, a superpixel-to-superpixel similarity is newly introduced. The defined similarity is independent of the shape of superpixel, and the influence of noisy pixels on the similarity is weakened. Finally, the classification task is accomplished by labeling each unlabeled superpixel according to the nearest labeled superpixel. In the proposed superpixel-level classification scheme, each superpixel is regarded as a sample. This obviously greatly reduces the data volume to be classified. The experimental results on three real hyperspectral datasets demonstrate the superiority of the proposed spectral–spatial classification method over several comparative state-of-the-art classification approaches, in terms of classification accuracy.
A Zero-Knowledge Proof System with Algebraic Geometry Techniques
Authors: González Fernández Edgar , Morales-Luna Guillermo , Sagols Feliu
Published: January 2020

Current requirements for ensuring data exchange over the internet to fight against security breaches have to consider new cryptographic attacks. The most recent advances in cryptanalysis are boosted by quantum computers, which are able to break common cryptographic primitives. This makes evident the need for developing further communication protocols to secure sensitive data. Zero-knowledge proof systems have been around for a while and have been considered for providing authentication and identification services, but it has only been in recent times that its popularity has risen due to novel applications in blockchain technology, Internet of Things, and cloud storage, among others. A new zero-knowledge proof system is presented, which bases its security in two main problems, known to be resistant, up to now, against quantum attacks: the graph isomorphism problem and the isomorphism of polynomials problem.
A Convolutional Neural Networks Based Method for Anthracnose Infected Walnut Tree Leaves Identification
Authors: Anagnostis Athanasios , Asiminari Gavriela , Papageorgiou Elpiniki , Bochtis Dionysis
Published: January 2020

Anthracnose is a fungal disease that infects a large number of trees worldwide, damages intensively the canopy, and spreads with ease to neighboring trees, resulting in the potential destruction of whole crops. Even though it can be treated relatively easily with good sanitation, proper pruning and copper spraying, the main issue is the early detection for the prevention of spreading. Machine learning algorithms can offer the tools for the on-site classification of healthy and affected leaves, as an initial step towards managing such diseases. The purpose of this study was to build a robust convolutional neural network (CNN) model that is able to classify images of leaves, depending on whether or not these are infected by anthracnose, and therefore determine whether a tree is infected. A set of images were used both in grayscale and RGB mode, a fast Fourier transform was implemented for feature extraction, and a CNN architecture was selected based on its performance. Finally, the best performing method was compared with state-of-the-art convolutional neural network architectures.
Atmospheric Density and Temperature Vertical Profile Retrieval for Flight-Tests with a Rayleigh Lidar On-Board the French Advanced Test Range Ship Monge
Authors: Wing Robin , Martic Milena , Hauchecorne Alain , Porteneuve Jacques , Keckhut Philippe , Courcoux Yann , Yung Laurent , Retailleau Patrick , Cocuron Dorothee
Published: January 2020

The Advanced Test Range Ship Monge (ATRSM) is dedicated to in-flight measurements during the re-entry phase of ballistic missiles test flights. Atmospheric density measurements from 15 to 110 km are provided using one of the world’s largest Rayleigh lidars. This lidar is the culmination of three decades of French research experience in lidar technologies, developed within the framework of the global Network for Detection of Atmospheric and Climate Changes (NDACC), and opens opportunities for high resolution Rayleigh lidar studies above 90 km. The military objective of the ATRSM project is to provide near real time estimates of the atmospheric relative density profile, with an error budget of less than 10% at 90 km altitude, given a temporal integration of 15 min and a vertical resolution of 500 m. To achieve this aim we have developed a unique lidar system which exploits six laser transmitters and a constellation of eight receiving telescopes which maximises the lidar power-aperture product. This system includes a mix of standard commercially available optical components and electronics as well as some innovative technical solutions. We have provided a detailed assessment of some of the more unique aspects of the ATRSM lidar.
Phytochemicals and Gastrointestinal Cancer: Cellular Mechanisms and Effects to Change Cancer Progression
Authors: AL-Ishaq Raghad Khalid , Overy Anthony J. , Büsselberg Dietrich
Published: January 2020

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is a prevailing global health disease with a high incidence rate which varies by region. It is a huge economic burden on health care providers. GI cancer affects different organs in the body such as the gastric organs, colon, esophagus, intestine, and pancreas. Internal and external factors like smoking, obesity, urbanization, genetic mutations, and prevalence of Helicobacter pylori and Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viral infections could increase the risk of GI cancer. Phytochemicals are non-nutritive bioactive secondary compounds abundantly found in fruits, grains, and vegetables. Consumption of phytochemicals may protect against chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, and cancer. Multiple studies have assessed the chemoprotective effect of selected phytochemicals in GI cancer, offering support to their potential towards reducing the pathogenesis of the disease. The aim of this review was to summarize the current knowledge addressing the anti-cancerous effects of selected dietary phytochemicals on GI cancer and their molecular activities on selected mechanisms, i.e., nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), detoxification enzymes, adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK), wingless-related integration site/β-catenin (wingless-related integration site (Wnt) β-catenin, cell apoptosis, phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K)/ protein kinase B AKT/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). In this review phytochemicals were classified into four main categories: (i) carotenoids, including lutein, lycopene, and β-carotene; (ii) proanthocyanidins, including quercetin and ellagic acid; (iii) organosulfur compounds, including allicin, allyl propyl disulphide, asparagusic acid, and sulforaphane; and (iv) other phytochemicals including pectin, curcumins, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid. Overall, phytochemicals improve cancer prognosis through the downregulation of β-catenin phosphorylation, therefore enhancing apoptosis, and upregulation of the AMPK pathway, which supports cellular homeostasis. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to provide a better understanding of the mechanism of cancer treatment using phytochemicals and possible side effects associated with this approach.
The Unique Lipidomic Signatures of Saccharina latissima Can Be Used to Pinpoint Their Geographic Origin
Authors: Monteiro João P. , Rey Felisa , Melo Tânia , Moreira Ana S. P. , Arbona Jean-François , Skjermo Jorunn , Forbord Silje , Funderud Jon , Raposo Diogo , Kerrison Philip D. , Perrineau Marie-Mathilde , Gachon Claire , Domingues Pedro , Calado Ricardo , Domingues M. Rosário
Published: January 2020

The aquaculture of macroalgae for human consumption and other high-end applications is experiencing unprecedented development in European countries, with the brown algae Saccharina latissima being the flag species. However, environmental conditions in open sea culture sites are often unique, which may impact the biochemical composition of cultured macroalgae. The present study compared the elemental compositions (CHNS), fatty acid profiles, and lipidomes of S. latissima originating from three distinct locations (France, Norway, and the United Kingdom). Significant differences were found in the elemental composition, with Norwegian samples displaying twice the lipid content of the others, and significantly less protein (2.6%, while French and UK samples contained 6.3% and 9.1%, respectively). The fatty acid profiles also differed considerably, with UK samples displaying a lower content of n-3 fatty acids (21.6%), resulting in a higher n-6/n-3 ratio. Regarding the lipidomic profile, samples from France were enriched in lyso lipids, while those from Norway displayed a particular signature of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidylcholine. Samples from the UK featured higher levels of phosphatidylethanolamine and, in general, a lower content of galactolipids. These differences highlight the influence of site-specific environmental conditions in the shaping of macroalgae biochemical phenotypes and nutritional value. It is also important to highlight that differences recorded in the lipidome of S. latissima make it possible to pinpoint specific lipid species that are likely to represent origin biomarkers. This finding is relevant for future applications in the field of geographic origin traceability and food control.
Benzimidazole Containing Acetamide Derivatives Attenuate Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress in Ethanol-Induced Neurodegeneration
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Al Kury Lina Tariq , Nadeem Humaira , Shah Fawad Ali , Abbas Muzaffar , Naz Shagufta , Khan Arif-ullah , Li Shupeng
Published: January 2020

Oxidative stress-induced neuroinflammation is the prominent feature of neurodegenerative disorders, and is characterized by a gradual decline of structure and function of neurons. Many biochemical events emerge thanks to the result of this neurodegeneration, and ultimately provoke neuroinflammation, activation of microglia, and oxidative stress, leading to neuronal death. This cascade not only explains the complexity of events taking place across different stages, but also depicts the need for more effective therapeutic agents. The present study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of newly synthesized benzimidazole containing acetamide derivatives, 3a (2-(4-methoxyanilino)-N-[1-(4-methylbenzene-1-sulfonyl)-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl] acetamide) and 3b (2-(Dodecylamino)-N-[1-(4-methylbenzene-1-sulfonyl)-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl] acetamide) against ethanol-induced neurodegeneration in the rat model. Both derivatives were characterized spectroscopically by proton NMR (1H-NMR) and carbon-13 NMR (13C-NMR) and evaluated for neuroprotective potential using different pharmacological approaches. In vivo experiments demonstrated that ethanol triggered neurodegeneration characterized by impaired antioxidant enzymes and elevated oxidative stress. Furthermore, ethanol administration induced neuroinflammation, as demonstrated by elevated expression of tumor necrotic factor (TNF-α), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1), which was further validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Treatment with 3a and 3b ameliorated the ethanol-induced oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and memory impairment. The affinity of synthesized derivatives towards various receptors involved in neurodegeneration was assessed through docking analysis. The versatile nature of benzimidazole nucleus and its affinity toward several receptors suggested that it could be a multistep targeting neuroprotectant. As repetitive clinical trials of neuroprotectants targeting a single step of the pathological process have failed previously, our results suggested that a neuroprotective strategy of acting at different stages may be more advantageous to intervene in the vicious cycles of neuroinflammation.
How the Brain Understands Spoken and Sung Sentences
Authors: Rossi Sonja , Gugler Manfred F. , Rungger Markus , Galvan Oliver , Zorowka Patrick G. , Seebacher Josef
Published: January 2020

The present study investigates whether meaning is similarly extracted from spoken and sung sentences. For this purpose, subjects listened to semantically correct and incorrect sentences while performing a correctness judgement task. In order to examine underlying neural mechanisms, a multi-methodological approach was chosen combining two neuroscientific methods with behavioral data. In particular, fast dynamic changes reflected in the semantically associated N400 component of the electroencephalography (EEG) were simultaneously assessed with the topographically more fine-grained vascular signals acquired by the functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). EEG results revealed a larger N400 for incorrect compared to correct sentences in both spoken and sung sentences. However, the N400 was delayed for sung sentences, potentially due to the longer sentence duration. fNIRS results revealed larger activations for spoken compared to sung sentences irrespective of semantic correctness at predominantly left-hemispheric areas, potentially suggesting a greater familiarity with spoken material. Furthermore, the fNIRS revealed a widespread activation for correct compared to incorrect sentences irrespective of modality, potentially indicating a successful processing of sentence meaning. The combined results indicate similar semantic processing in speech and song.
Roles of TrkC Signaling in the Regulation of Tumorigenicity and Metastasis of Cancer
Authors: Jin Wook
Published: January 2020

Tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) C contributes to the clinicopathology of a variety of human cancers, and new chimeric oncoproteins containing the tyrosine kinase domain of TrkC occur after fusion to the partner genes. Overexpression of TrkC and TrkC fusion proteins was observed in patients with a variety of cancers, including mesenchymal, hematopoietic, and those of epithelial cell lineage. Both microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were involved in the regulation of TrkC expression through transcriptional and posttranscriptional alteration. Aberrant activation of TrkC and TrkC fusion proteins markedly induces the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program, growth rate, tumorigenic capacity via constitutive activation of Ras-MAP kinase (MAPK), PI3K-AKT, and the JAK2-STAT3 pathway. The clinical trial of TrkC or TrkC fusion-positive cancers with newly developed Trk inhibitors demonstrated that Trk inhibitors were highly effective in inducing tumor regression in patients who do not harbor mutations in the kinase domain. Recently, there has been a progressive accumulation of mutations in TrkC or the TrkC fusion protein detected in the clinic and its related cancer cell lines caused by high-throughput DNA sequencing. Despite given the high overall response rate against Trk or Trk fusion proteins-positive solid tumors, acquired drug resistance was observed in patients with various cancers caused by mutations in the Trk kinase domain. To overcome acquired resistance caused by kinase domain mutation, next-generation Trk inhibitors have been developed, and these inhibitors are currently under investigation in clinical trials.
Prediction of Drug Efficacy in Colon Cancer Preclinical Models Using a Novel Ranking Method of Gene Expression
Authors: Fritz Justine , Lefebvre Olivier , Fernandez Aurore , Schmidt Jordane , Bagnard Dominique
Published: January 2020

The presence of stromal cells in tumors is altering the significance of molecular profiling when using standard methods of gene expression quantification. We developed a novel normalization method to rank target gene expression in tumor samples by comparisons with reference samples representing the different cell types found in a tumor. The score for each target gene obtained after normalization, is aimed to be predictive of targeted therapies efficiency. We performed this qPCR analysis on human colorectal cancers to demonstrate the importance of reference samples to obtain accurate data and on a collection of patient-derived xenografted (PDX) colon tumors treated with Cetuximab (anti-EGFR) to demonstrate that the calculated EGFR score is predictive of Cetuximab efficacy. Interestingly, the score allowed to select an efficient treatment in a PDX model refractory to standard of care. This method is opening a novel way to predict targeted therapy efficiency which could be extended to several tumor types, and to unlimited target genes.
Shaping the Innate Immune Response by Dietary Glucans: Any Role in the Control of Cancer?
Authors: Del Cornò Manuela , Gessani Sandra , Conti Lucia
Published: January 2020

β-glucans represent a heterogeneous group of naturally occurring and biologically active polysaccharides found in many kinds of edible mushrooms, baker’s yeast, cereals and seaweeds, whose health-promoting effects have been known since ancient times. These compounds can be taken orally as food supplements or as part of daily diets, and are safe to use, nonimmunogenic and well tolerated. A main feature of β-glucans is their capacity to function as biological response modifiers, exerting regulatory effects on inflammation and shaping the effector functions of different innate and adaptive immunity cell populations. The potential to interfere with processes involved in the development or control of cancer makes β-glucans interesting candidates as adjuvants in antitumor therapies as well as in cancer prevention strategies. Here, the regulatory effects of dietary β-glucans on human innate immunity cells are reviewed and their potential role in cancer control is discussed.
Socio-Demographic Disparities in Gastric Adenocarcinoma: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Rana Navpreet , Gosain Rohit , Lemini Riccardo , Wang Chong , Gabriel Emmanuel , Mohammed Turab , Siromoni Beas , Mukherjee Sarbajit
Published: January 2020

Background: Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, accounting for 8.2% of cancer-related deaths. The purpose of this study was to investigate the geographic and sociodemographic disparities in gastric adenocarcinoma patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in gastric adenocarcinoma patients between 2004 and 2013. Data were obtained from the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB). Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to evaluate overall survival (OS). Socio-demographic factors, including the location of residence [metro area (MA) or rural area (RA)], gender, race, insurance status, and marital status, were analyzed. Results: A total of 88,246 [RA, N = 12,365; MA, N = 75,881] patients were included. Univariate and multivariable analysis showed that RA had worse OS (univariate HR = 1.08, p < 0.01; multivariate HR = 1.04; p < 0.01) compared to MA. When comparing different racial backgrounds, Native American and African American populations had poorer OS when compared to the white population; however, Asian patients had a better OS (multivariable HR = 0.68, p < 0.01). From a quality of care standpoint, MA patients had fewer median days to surgery (28 vs. 33; p < 0.01) with fewer positive margins (6.3% vs. 6.9%; p < 0.01) when compared to RA patients. When comparing the extent of lymph node dissection, 19.6% of MA patients underwent an extensive dissection (more than or equal to 15 lymph nodes) in comparison to 18.7% patients in RA (p = 0.03). Discussion: This study identifies socio-demographic disparities in gastric adenocarcinoma. Future health policy initiatives should focus on equitable allocation of resources to improve the outcomes.
Active IrO2 and NiO Thin Films Prepared by Atomic Layer Deposition for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Matienzo DJ Donn , Settipani Daniel , Instuli Emanuele , Kallio Tanja
Published: January 2020

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a special type of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique that can grow uniformed thin films on a substrate through alternate self-limiting surface reactions. Recently, the application of these thin film materials to catalytic systems has begun to attract much attention, and the capacity to deposit these catalytic films in a highly controlled manner continues to gain importance. In this study, IrO2 and NiO thin films (approximately 25 to 60 nm) were deposited on industrial Ni expanded mesh as an anode for alkaline water electrolysis. Different ALD operating parameters such as the total number of deposition cycles, sublimation and deposition temperatures, and precursors pulse and purge lengths were varied to determine their effects on the structure and the electrochemical performance of the thin film materials. Results from the electrochemical tests (6 M KOH, 80 °C, up to 10 kA/m2) showed the catalytic activity of the samples. Oxygen overpotential values (ηO2) were 20 to 60 mV lower than the bare Ni expanded mesh. In summary, the study has demonstrated the feasibility of using the ALD technique to deposit uniformed and electroactive thin films on industrial metallic substrates as anodes for alkaline water electrolysis.
HfS2 and TiS2 Monolayers with Adsorbed C, N, P Atoms: A First Principles Study
Authors: Berwanger Mailing , Ahuja Rajeev , Piquini Paulo Cesar
Published: January 2020

First principles density functional theory was used to study the energetic, structural, and electronic properties of HfS 2 and TiS 2 materials in their bulk, pristine monolayer, as well as in the monolayer structure with the adsorbed C, N, and P atoms. It is shown that the HfS 2 monolayer remains a semiconductor while TiS 2 changes from semiconductor to metallic behavior after the atomic adsorption. The interaction with the external atoms introduces localized levels inside the band gap of the pristine monolayers, significantly altering their electronic properties, with important consequences on the practical use of these materials in real devices. These results emphasize the importance of considering the interaction of these 2D materials with common external atomic or molecular species.