bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Die städtische Produktion von „Armutsmigration“
Authors: Künkel Jenny
Published: August 2018

In 2013 the spectre of „benefit tourism” entered the German urban agenda as a “poverty migration” discourse. The paper shows how the local state itself creates the scandalized precarious living conditions of EU migrants. Drawing on an interview-based case study of the homelessness politics in Frankfurt am Main it points to a logic of reverse inter-urban competition that aims at deterring „costly“ subjects: By limiting migrants’ access to social benefits and infrastructures such as homeless shelters, cities try to present themselves as bad benefit tourism destinations. Social movements contest the exclusionary politics that produce homelessness and cramped housing. Yet, while successfully putting the topic on the agenda, in Frankfurt, the rights-based approach, demanding shelter for everybody, failed to challenge the city’s legal discourse dividing migrants into il /legal and benefit un /entitled subjects.
Ritual, Reform and Resistance in the Schoolified University - On the dangers of faith in education and the pleasures of pretending to taking it seriously
Authors: Lundin Sverker , Dodillet Susanne , Storck Christensen Ditte
Published: August 2018

Why is there such a striking discrepancy between the flexibility, democracy and empowerment that the Bologna process aims for, and the superficial educational activities that it actually results in? Our answer is based on the ritual theory of the American anthropologist Roy Rappaport and the psychoanalytical framework of the Austrian philosopher Robert Pfaller. Interpreting schoolified education as a ritual, we argue that both the reform initiative and its ensuing educational activities should be interpreted as mainly productive of a certain appearance, of compliance with prominent norms of modern society: the norms are articulated in policy documents and enacted in educational activity. We take schoolified education to be a normal ritual, in that this appearance is accepted ‘as if’ it corresponded with reality, while at the same time most people are aware (in a certain sense) of its superficial and ritualistic character. A twist, however, is added by the fact that modern society is distinctly anti-ritualistic, and therefore constantly tries to make education work ‘for real’. Drawing on Pfaller’s distinction between belief and faith, we show that this pursuit of de-ritualisation actually makes education progressively more formalised and coercive.
Tribological, Tribocorrosion and Wear Mechanism Studies of TaZrN Coatings Deposited by Magnetron Sputtering on TiAlV Alloy
Authors: García Ernesto , Flores Martín , Rodríguez Eduardo , Rivera Laura P. , Camps Enrique , Muhl Stephen
Published: August 2018

Different works have demonstrated that tantalum, zirconium, and their nitrides present good biocompatibility. Additionally, TaN and ZrN possess excellent corrosion and wear resistance. Ternary nitrides such as TiAlN have been improved in terms of their mechanical properties with respect to binary systems. Therefore, ternary nitrides as TaZrN have high potential to be used in biomedical applications. This work was focused on studying the tribological and tribocorrosion performance of a TaZrN film. The coating was deposited by DC (Direct Current) magnetron sputtering in a reactive atmosphere using Ta and Zr targets. The tribological characterization was carried out in dry (atmospheric condition) and corrosive environments (synthetic body fluid). The coated surface shows better wear resistance than the uncoated in both conditions. The wear mechanism was studied by FE-SEM (Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy) and Raman confocal microscopy. The wear rate of the coated surfaces was higher in corrosive ambient than in dry conditions. The observed wear mechanism was adhesive–abrasive for lower loads and abrasive at dry conditions for an applied load of 2 N. For corrosive media the principal wear mechanism for 2 N was abrasive–corrosive. For all tests at dry conditions, the formation of a tribolayer of metal oxides, graphite, and amorphous carbon was seen.
Caffeic Acid-layered Double Hydroxide Hybrid: A New Raw Material for Cosmetic Applications
Authors: Bastianini Maria , Faffa Caterina , Sisani Michele , Petracci Annarita
Published: August 2018

Bioactive ingredients from natural sources possess well-known positive effects in cosmetic applications. Among them, phenolic acids have emerged with very interesting potential. Caffeic acid (CAF) is one of the most promising active compounds because it possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumoral and anti-wrinkle effects. In order to increase its local bioavailability in topical applications, the vehiculation of caffeic acid can lead to a new raw material of cosmetic interest. For this purpose, clay minerals possess excellent properties, such as low or null toxicity and good biocompatibility. Clays are able to host a wide range of active ingredients in the interlayer region, using a green process known as intercalation reaction. The hosting of cosmetic actives into the layered structure of anionic clays allows the preparation of new materials with enhanced stability towards oxidation and photodegradation, better local bioavailability, and easier workability. In this paper, the successful vehiculation of caffeic acid into anionic clay is presented. The obtained hybrid is very promising for the cosmetic market because of its higher bioavailability and prolonged antioxidant activity.
On the Use of Transfer Entropy to Investigate the Time Horizon of Causal Influences between Signals
Authors: Murari Andrea , Lungaroni Michele , Peluso Emmanuele , Gaudio Pasquale , Lerche Ernesto , Garzotti Luca , Gelfusa Michela ,   JET Contributors
Published: August 2018

Understanding the details of the correlation between time series is an essential step on the route to assessing the causal relation between systems. Traditional statistical indicators, such as the Pearson correlation coefficient and the mutual information, have some significant limitations. More recently, transfer entropy has been proposed as a powerful tool to understand the flow of information between signals. In this paper, the comparative advantages of transfer entropy, for determining the time horizon of causal influence, are illustrated with the help of synthetic data. The technique has been specifically revised for the analysis of synchronization experiments. The investigation of experimental data from thermonuclear plasma diagnostics proves the potential and limitations of the developed approach.
The Stochastic Stationary Root Model
Authors: Hetland Andreas
Published: August 2018

We propose and study the stochastic stationary root model. The model resembles the cointegrated VAR model but is novel in that: (i) the stationary relations follow a random coefficient autoregressive process, i.e., exhibhits heavy-tailed dynamics, and (ii) the system is observed with measurement error. Unlike the cointegrated VAR model, estimation and inference for the SSR model is complicated by a lack of closed-form expressions for the likelihood function and its derivatives. To overcome this, we introduce particle filter-based approximations of the log-likelihood function, sample score, and observed Information matrix. These enable us to approximate the ML estimator via stochastic approximation and to conduct inference via the approximated observed Information matrix. We conjecture the asymptotic properties of the ML estimator and conduct a simulation study to investigate the validity of the conjecture. Model diagnostics to assess model fit are considered. Finally, we present an empirical application to the 10-year government bond rates in Germany and Greece during the period from January 1999 to February 2018.
Transversal Competences: Their Importance and Learning Processes by Higher Education Students
Authors: Sá Maria José , Serpa Sandro
Published: August 2018

At a time when the labour market is blocked and simultaneously rapidly changing, with the emergence of new professional and scientific areas, the higher education mission becomes less indisputable and more indeterminate and challenging. This uncertainty was the leitmotiv for this essay, which aims to discuss the importance of attaining transversal competences in higher education. To achieve this goal, a bibliographical research was carried out on the attention that is currently given by higher education institutions to this topic, how they respond to the need for increasingly more transversal training and how they develop a curriculum that meets these requirements. Thus, in methodological terms, a thorough research on the literature addressing the topic of transversal competences was carried out; subsequently, a document search was conducted and a qualitative review and analysis of the documents collected was performed to justify our stance. Our analysis allowed concluding that the context of indeterminacy regarding the future has variations, considering the geographical and political situation, the social context and the activity sector. Furthermore, attitudes, expectations and predispositions are also critical elements for the success of this process of transversal competences’ attainment. This latter factor is central in this process, as there is often a gap between students’ expectations regarding the competences they expect to attain in higher education and the proposals that frame their training at the micro, meso and macrosocial levels and which take the need to attain transversal competences in higher education for granted.
Influence of Urban-Growth Pattern on Air Quality in China: A Study of 338 Cities
Authors: Mou Yanchuan , Song Yan , Xu Qing , He Qingsong , Hu Ang
Published: August 2018

Air pollution in China is a serious problem and an inevitable threat to human health. This study evaluated the relationship between air quality and urban growth pattern in China by conducting empirical research involving 338 prefecture-level and above cities. Spatial regression techniques considering spatial autocorrelation were applied to correct the calculation bias. To obtain local and accurate results, a conception of eight economic zones was adopted to delineate cities into different groups and to estimate regression separately. An additional six urban form and socioeconomic indicators served as controlling variables. Significant and positive relationships between the aggregated urban growth pattern index and air pollution were observed in Northeast China, northern coastal China, and Northwest China, indicating that a high degree of urban aggregation is associated with poor air quality. However, a negative parameter was obtained in southern coastal China, showing an opposite association on urban aggregation and air quality. Nonsignificant connections among the other four zones were found. The findings also highlighted that land use mix, population density, and city size exerted varied and significant influence on air quality across eight economic zones. Overall, this study indicated that understanding the quantitative relationships between urban forms and air quality can provide policymakers with alternative ways to improve air quality in rapidly developing China.
Addressing Mental Health in a Changing Climate: Incorporating Mental Health Indicators into Climate Change and Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessments
Authors: Hayes Katie , Poland Blake
Published: August 2018

A growing number of health authorities around the world are conducting climate change and health vulnerability and adaptation assessments; however, few explore impacts and adaptations related to mental health. We argue for an expanded conceptualization of health that includes both the physiological and psychological aspects of climate change and health. Through a review of the global literature on mental health and climate change, this analytical review explores how mental health can be integrated into climate change and health vulnerability assessments and concludes with recommendations for integrating mental health within climate change and health vulnerability and adaptation assessments.
Applications of Internet of Things
Authors: Chen Chi-Hua , Lo Kuen-Rong
Published: August 2018

This editorial introduces the special issue entitled “Applications of Internet of Things”, of ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information. Topics covered in this issue include three main parts: (I) intelligent transportation systems (ITS), (II) location-based services (LBS), and (III) sensing techniques and applications. Three papers on ITS are as follows: (1) “Vehicle positioning and speed estimation based on cellular network signals for urban roads,” by Lai and Kuo; (2) “A method for traffic congestion clustering judgment based on grey relational analysis,” by Zhang et al.; and (3) “Smartphone-based pedestrian’s avoidance behavior recognition towards opportunistic road anomaly detection,” by Ishikawa and Fujinami. Three papers on LBS are as follows: (1) “A high-efficiency method of mobile positioning based on commercial vehicle operation data,” by Chen et al.; (2) “Efficient location privacy-preserving k-anonymity method based on the credible chain,” by Wang et al.; and (3) “Proximity-based asynchronous messaging platform for location-based Internet of things service,” by gon Jo et al. Two papers on sensing techniques and applications are as follows: (1) “Detection of electronic anklet wearers’ groupings throughout telematics monitoring,” by Machado et al.; and (2) “Camera coverage estimation based on multistage grid subdivision,” by Wang et al.
Towards Modelling Future Trends of Quebec’s Boreal Birds’ Species Distribution under Climate Change
Authors: Gaudreau Jonathan , Perez Liliana , Harati Saeed
Published: August 2018

Adaptation to climate change requires prediction of its impacts, especially on ecosystems. In this work we simulated the change in bird species richness in the boreal forest of Quebec, Canada, under climate change scenarios. To do so, we first analyzed which geographical and bioclimatic variables were the strongest predictors for the spatial distribution of the current resident bird species. Based on canonical redundancy analysis and analysis of variance, we found that annual temperature range, average temperature of the cold season, seasonality of precipitation, precipitation in the wettest season, elevation, and local percentage of wet area had the strongest influence on the species’ distributions. We used these variables with Random Forests, Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines and Maximum Entropy models to explain spatial variations in species abundance. Future species distributions were calculated by replacing present climatic variables with projections under different climate change pathways. Subsequently, maps of species richness change were produced. The results showed a northward expansion of areas of highest species richness towards the center of the province. Species are also likely to appear near James Bay and Ungava Bay, where rapid climate change is expected.
Using Eye Tracking to Explore Differences in Map-Based Spatial Ability between Geographers and Non-Geographers
Authors: Dong Weihua , Zheng Liangyu , Liu Bing , Meng Liqiu
Published: August 2018

In this article, we use eye-tracking methods to analyze the differences in spatial ability between geographers and non-geographers regarding topographic maps, as reflected in the following three aspects: map-based spatial localization, map-based spatial orientation, and map-based spatial visualization. We recruited 32 students from Beijing Normal University (BNU) and divided them into groups of geographers and non-geographers based on their major. In terms of their spatial localization ability, geographers had shorter response times, higher fixation frequencies, and fewer saccades than non-geographers, and the differences were significant. For their spatial orientation ability, compared to non-geographers, geographers had significantly lower response times, lower fixation counts and fewer saccades as well as significantly higher fixation frequencies. In terms of their spatial visualization ability, geographers’ response times were significantly shorter than those of non-geographers, but there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of fixation count, fixation frequency or saccade count. We also found that compared to geographers, non-geographers usually spent more time completing these tasks. The results of this study are helpful in improving the map-based spatial ability of users of topographic maps.
Genome-Wide Analysis and Cloning of the Apple Stress-Associated Protein Gene Family Reveals MdSAP15, Which Confers Tolerance to Drought and Osmotic Stresses in Transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Dong Qinglong , Duan Dingyue , Zhao Shuang , Xu Bingyao , Luo Jiawei , Wang Qian , Huang Dong , Liu Changhai , Li Chao , Gong Xiaoqing , Mao Ke , Ma Fengwang
Published: August 2018

Stress-associated proteins (SAPs) are novel A20/AN1 zinc finger domain-containing proteins that are now favorable targets to improve abiotic stress tolerance in plants. However, the SAP gene family and their biological functions have not been identified in the important fruit crop apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.). We conducted a genome-wide analysis and cloning of this gene family in apple and determined that the overexpression of MdSAP15 enhances drought tolerance in Arabidopsis plants. We identified 30 SAP genes in the apple genome. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two major groups within that family. Results from sequence alignments and analyses of 3D structures, phylogenetics, genomics structure, and conserved domains indicated that apple SAPs are highly and structurally conserved. Comprehensive qRT-PCR analysis found various expression patterns for MdSAPs in different tissues and in response to a water deficit. A transgenic analysis showed that the overexpression of MdSAP15 in transgenic Arabidopsis plants markedly enhanced their tolerance to osmotic and drought stresses. Our results demonstrate that the SAP genes are highly conserved in plant species, and that MdSAP15 can be used as a target gene in genetic engineering approaches to improve drought tolerance.
Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) in Rat Fatty Liver Cold Ischemia Injury
Authors: Panisello-Roselló Arnau , Alva Norma , Flores Marta , Lopez Alexandre , Castro Benítez Carlos , Folch-Puy Emma , Rolo Anabela , Palmeira Carlos , Adam René , Carbonell Teresa , Roselló-Catafau Joan
Published: August 2018

Institut George Lopez-1 (IGL-1) and Histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solutions are proposed as alternatives to UW (gold standard) in liver preservation. Their composition differs in terms of the presence/absence of oncotic agents such as HES or PEG, and is decisive for graft conservation before transplantation. This is especially so when fatty (steatotic) livers are used since these grafts are more vulnerable to ischemia insult during conservation. Their composition determines the extent of the subsequent reperfusion injury after transplantation. Aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2), a mitochondrial enzyme, has been reported to play a protective role in warm ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), but its potential in fatty liver cold ischemic injury has not yet been investigated. We evaluated the relevance of ALDH2 activity in cold ischemia injury when fatty liver grafts from Zucker Obese rats were preserved in UW, HTK, and IGL-1 solutions, in order to study the mechanisms involved. ALDH2 upregulation was highest in livers preserved in IGL-1. It was accompanied by a decrease in transaminases, apoptosis (Caspase 3 and TUNEL assay), and lipoperoxidation, which was concomitant with the effective clearance of toxic aldehydes such as 4-hydroxy-nonenal. Variations in ATP levels were also determined. The results were consistent with levels of NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2), an antioxidant factor. Here we report for the first time the relevance of mitochondrial ALDH2 in fatty liver cold preservation and suggest that ALDH2 could be considered a potential therapeutic target or regulator in clinical transplantation.
Modulation of Auxin Levels in Pollen Grains Affects Stamen Development and Anther Dehiscence in Arabidopsis
Authors: Salinas-Grenet Hernán , Herrera-Vásquez Ariel , Parra Samuel , Cortez Allan , Gutiérrez Lilian , Pollmann Stephan , León Gabriel , Blanco-Herrera Francisca
Published: August 2018

Auxin regulates diverse aspects of flower development in plants, such as differentiation of the apical meristem, elongation of the stamen, and maturation of anthers and pollen. It is known that auxin accumulates in pollen, but little information regarding the biological relevance of auxin in this tissue at different times of development is available. In this work, we manipulated the amount of free auxin specifically in developing pollen, using transgenic Arabidopsis lines that express the bacterial indole-3-acetic acid-lysine synthetase (iaaL) gene driven by a collection of pollen-specific promoters. The iaaL gene codes for an indole-3-acetic acid-lysine synthetase that catalyzes the conversion of free auxin into inactive indole-3-acetyl-l-lysine. The transgenic lines showed several abnormalities, including the absence of short stamina, a diminished seed set, aberrant pollen tubes, and perturbations in the synchronization of anther dehiscence and stamina development. This article describes the importance of auxin accumulation in pollen and its role in stamina and anther development.
Improved 3-D Indoor Positioning Based on Particle Swarm Optimization and the Chan Method
Authors: Chen Shanshan , Shi Zhicai , Wu Fei , Wang Changzhi , Liu Jin , Chen Jiwei
Published: August 2018

Time of arrival (TOA) measurement is a promising method for target positioning based on a set of nodes with known positions, with high accuracy and low computational complexity. However, most positioning methods based on TOA (such as least squares estimation, maximum-likelihood, and Chan, etc.) cannot provide desirable accuracy while maintaining high computational efficiency in the case of a non-line of sight (NLOS) path between base stations and user terminals. Therefore, in this paper, we proposed a creative 3-D positioning system based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) and an improved Chan algorithm to greatly improve the positioning accuracy while decreasing the computation time. In the system, PSO is used to estimate the initial location of the target, which can effectively eliminate the NLOS error. Based on the initial location, the improved Chan algorithm performs iterative computations quickly to obtain the final exact location of the target. In addition, the proposed methods will have computational benefits in dealing with the large-scale base station positioning problems while has highly positioning accuracy and lower computational complexity. The experimental results demonstrated that our algorithm has the best time efficiency and good practicability among stat-of-the-art algorithms.
Experimental Study on the Effects of Coolants on Surface Quality and Mechanical Properties of Micromilled Thin-Walled Elgiloy
Authors: Qu Da , Zhang Peng , Xue Jiadai , Fan Yun , Chen Zuhui , Wang Bo
Published: August 2018

In this study, minimum quantity coolant/lubrication (MQCL) is found to have significant impact on the surface quality and mechanical properties of the micromilled thin-walled work piece that is the core component of an aeroaccelerometer. Three kinds of coolants were used in the micromilling process to analyze their effects on surface quality and mechanical properties of the component. The experiment results show that an appropriate dynamic viscosity of coolant helps to improve surface roughness. The high evaporation rate of the coolants can enhance the cooling performance. Comparing with the dry machining case, MQCL has better performance on improving tool wear, surface quality, and mechanical properties of the micromilled work piece. It yielded up to 1.4–10.4% lower surface roughness compared with the dry machining case in this experiment. The machined work piece with the best mechanical properties and the one with the worst mechanical properties appeared in the ethyl alcohol and the dry machining case, respectively. The reasons for deteriorating surface quality and mechanical properties in dry machining cases are also analyzed. For improving the micromilling process, the penetration and cooling effect of the coolants are more important. This paper gives references to obtain better service performance of the component by improving the micromilling process.
Rapid Fabrication of Epidermal Paper-Based Electronic Devices Using Razor Printing
Authors: Sadri Behnam , Goswami Debkalpa , Martinez Ramses
Published: August 2018

This work describes the use of a benchtop razor printer to fabricate epidermal paper-based electronic devices (EPEDs). This fabrication technique is simple, low-cost, and compatible with scalable manufacturing processes. EPEDs are fabricated using paper substrates rendered omniphobic by their cost-effective silanization with fluoroalkyl trichlorosilanes, making them inexpensive, water-resistant, and mechanically compliant with human skin. The highly conductive inks or thin films attached to one of the sides of the omniphobic paper makes EPEDs compatible with wearable applications involving wireless power transfer. The omniphobic cellulose fibers of the EPED provide a moisture-independent mechanical reinforcement to the conductive layer. EPEDs accurately monitor physiological signals such as ECG (electrocardiogram), EMG (electromyogram), and EOG (electro-oculogram) even in high moisture environments. Additionally, EPEDs can be used for the fast mapping of temperature over the skin and to apply localized thermotherapy. Our results demonstrate the merits of EPEDs as a low-cost platform for personalized medicine applications.
Mechanisms of Protein Search for Targets on DNA: Theoretical Insights
Authors: Shvets Alexey A. , Kochugaeva Maria P. , Kolomeisky Anatoly B.
Published: August 2018

Protein-DNA interactions are critical for the successful functioning of all natural systems. The key role in these interactions is played by processes of protein search for specific sites on DNA. Although it has been studied for many years, only recently microscopic aspects of these processes became more clear. In this work, we present a review on current theoretical understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the protein target search. A comprehensive discrete-state stochastic method to explain the dynamics of the protein search phenomena is introduced and explained. Our theoretical approach utilizes a first-passage analysis and it takes into account the most relevant physical-chemical processes. It is able to describe many fascinating features of the protein search, including unusually high effective association rates, high selectivity and specificity, and the robustness in the presence of crowders and sequence heterogeneity.
Chitosan Nanoparticles with Encapsulated Natural and UF-Purified Annatto and Saffron for the Preparation of UV Protective Cosmetic Emulsions
Authors: Ntohogian Sonia , Gavriliadou Viktoria , Christodoulou Evi , Nanaki Stavroula , Lykidou Smaro , Naidis Panagiotis , Mischopoulou Lily , Barmpalexis Panagiotis , Nikolaidis Nikolaos , Bikiaris Dimitrios N.
Published: August 2018

The aim of the present work is to evaluate the preparation of sunscreen emulsions based on chitosan (CS) nanoparticles with annatto, ultrafiltrated (UF) annatto, saffron, and ultrafiltrated saffron. Ionic gelation was used for the preparation of chitosan nanoparticles, while their morphological characteristics and physicochemical properties were evaluated via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Results showed that the prepared nanoparticles ranged from ~150 to ~500 nm and had a spherical or irregular shape. In the case of annatto and UF annatto, due to the formation of H-bonds, the sunscreen agents were amorphously dispersed within CS nanoparticles, while in the case of saffron and UF saffron, crystalline dispersion was observed. All encapsulated materials had good thermal stability as well as color stability. In a further step, sunscreen emulsions were prepared based on the formed CS-sunscreen nanoparticles and evaluated for their stability in terms of pH and viscosity, along with their ultraviolet (UV) radiation protection ability in terms of sun protection factor (SPF). All prepared emulsions showed low cytotoxicity and good storage stability for up to 90 days, while minimum sunscreen protection was observed with SPF values varying from 2.15 to 4.85.
Antifungal Activity of Essential Oil Compounds (Geraniol and Citral) and Inhibitory Mechanisms on Grain Pathogens (Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus ochraceus)
Authors: Tang Xi , Shao Ye-Lin , Tang Ya-Jie , Zhou Wen-Wen
Published: August 2018

The grain contamination by Aspergillus spp. has been a serious issue. This study exhibited the excellent antifungal effects of the essential oil compounds (EOCs) geraniol and citral against common grain pathogens (A. flavus and A. ochraceus) in vitro and in situ. The inhibitory mechanisms were also evaluated from the perspective of cell membrane permeability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and Aspergillus spp. growth-related gene expression. Meanwhile, the combined effects of EOCs in the vapor phase and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) were examined to find an alternative preservation method for controlling Aspergillus spp. The results indicated that citral exhibited the antifungal activity mainly by downregulating the sporulation- and growth-related genes for both pathogens. Geraniol displayed inhibitory effectiveness against A. flavus predominantly by inducing the intracellular ROS accumulation and showed toxicity against A. ochraceus principally by changing cell membrane permeability. Furthermore, the synthetic effects of EOCs and MAP (75% CO2 and 25% N2) induced better grain quality than the current commercial fumigant AlP. These findings reveal that EOCs have potential to be a novel grain preservative for further application.
Design and Molecular Modeling of Abiraterone-Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Stolarczyk Elżbieta U. , Łaszcz Marta , Leś Andrzej , Kubiszewski Marek , Kuziak Krzysztof , Sidoryk Katarzyna , Stolarczyk Krzysztof
Published: August 2018

The aim of our work was the synthesis and physicochemical characterization of a unique conjugate consisting of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and a pharmacologically active anticancer substance abiraterone (AB). The direct coupling of AB with gold constitutes an essential feature of the unique AuNPs–AB conjugate that creates a promising platform for applications in nanomedicine. In this work, we present a multidisciplinary, basic study of the obtained AuNPs–AB conjugate. Theoretical modeling based on the density functional theory (DFT) predicted that the Aun clusters would interact with abiraterone preferably at the N-side. A sharp, intense band at 1028 cm−1 was observed in the Raman spectra of the nanoparticles. The shift of this band in comparison to AB itself agrees well with the theoretical model. AB in the nanoparticles was identified by means of electrochemistry and NMR spectroscopy. The sizes of the Au crystallites measured by XRPD were about 9 and 17 nm for the nanoparticles obtained in pH 7.4 and 3.6, respectively. The size of the particles as measured by TEM was 24 and 30 nm for the nanoparticles obtained in pH 7.4 and pH 3.6, respectively. The DLS measurements revealed stable, negatively charged nanoparticles.
Cyclodextrin-Grafted TiO2 Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Complexation Capacity, and Dispersion in Polymeric Matrices
Authors: Monreal-Pérez Pablo , Isasi José Ramón , González-Benito Javier , Olmos Dania , González-Gaitano Gustavo
Published: August 2018

The modification of the surface of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) by the incorporation of cyclodextrins (CDs), cyclic oligosaccharides with a hydrophobic cavity, can largely improve the functionality of TiO2 by lodging molecules of interest in the CD to act directly on the surface of the nanoparticles or for further release. With this aim, we have synthesized βCD-modified nanoparticles (βCDTiO2 NPs) by a two-step reaction that involves the incorporation of a spacer and then the linking of the macrocycle, and characterized them by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The capacity of the functionalized structures to trap model compounds (Rhodamine and 1-naphthol) has been compared to that of bare TiO2 NPs by fluorescence and Ultraviolet-visible (UV-visible) spectroscopy. The presence of the CDs on the surface of the TiO2 avoids the photo-degradation of the guest, which is of interest in order to combine the photocatalytic activity of TiO2, one of its most interesting features for practical purposes, with the delivery of compounds susceptible of being photo-degraded. The βCDTiO2 NPs have been dispersed in polymeric matrices of frequently used polymers, polyethylene (LDPE) and polyethylene oxide (PEO), by cryogenic high energy ball milling to produce nanocomposites in the form of films. The surface modification of the nanoparticles favors the homogenization of the filler in the matrix, while the nanoparticles, either in bare or functionalized form, do not seem to alter the crystallization properties of the polymer at least up to a 5% (w/w) load of filler.
Acute and Chronic Effects of Exercise on Appetite, Energy Intake, and Appetite-Related Hormones: The Modulating Effect of Adiposity, Sex, and Habitual Physical Activity
Authors: Dorling James , Broom David R. , Burns Stephen F. , Clayton David J. , Deighton Kevin , James Lewis J. , King James A. , Miyashita Masashi , Thackray Alice E. , Batterham Rachel L. , Stensel David J.
Published: August 2018

Exercise facilitates weight control, partly through effects on appetite regulation. Single bouts of exercise induce a short-term energy deficit without stimulating compensatory effects on appetite, whilst limited evidence suggests that exercise training may modify subjective and homeostatic mediators of appetite in directions associated with enhanced meal-induced satiety. However, a large variability in responses exists between individuals. This article reviews the evidence relating to how adiposity, sex, and habitual physical activity modulate exercise-induced appetite, energy intake, and appetite-related hormone responses. The balance of evidence suggests that adiposity and sex do not modify appetite or energy intake responses to acute or chronic exercise interventions, but individuals with higher habitual physical activity levels may better adjust energy intake in response to energy balance perturbations. The effect of these individual characteristics and behaviours on appetite-related hormone responses to exercise remains equivocal. These findings support the continued promotion of exercise as a strategy for inducing short-term energy deficits irrespective of adiposity and sex, as well as the ability of exercise to positively influence energy balance over the longer term. Future well-controlled studies are required to further ascertain the potential mediators of appetite responses to exercise.
Astragaloside IV Inhibits the Progression of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Through the Akt/GSK-3β/β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Jia Liwei , Lv Dongying , Zhang Shuang , Wang Zhenyue , Zhou Bo
Published: August 2018

Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is an active ingredient inAstragalus membranaceusand is involved in various biological processes, such as regulating the immune system, and counteracting inflammation and malignancy. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of AS-IV on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Cell counting kit (CCK)-8 assay and flow cytometry were performed to investigate cell survival and cell death, and Western blotting was performed to assess protein expression. We found that AS-IV inhibited the migration and proliferation of NSCLC cells and caused a noticeable increase in cell death. Furthermore, the expression of Bax, a marker of cell death, was increased, whereas the expression of Bcl-2, an antiapoptotic protein, was reduced. AS-IV also promoted cleavage of caspase-3, another indication of apoptosis. Finally, the Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin axis was suppressed in response to AS-IV. Taken together, these findings provide evidence that AS-IV inhibits NSCLC development via inhibition of the Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling axis. We therefore propose that AS-IV represents a promising novel agent for the treatment of NSCLC.
Validity and Reliability of the Scale, Role Taking in Caregivers of People with Chronic Disease, ROL
Authors: Arias Mauricio , Carreño Sonia , Chaparro Lorena
Published: August 2018

Objective: To determine face, content, and construct validity, and internal consistency of ROL scale.
Methods and Findings: A three-phase study was conducted. First, content analysis of the scale was carried out consulting 10 professional experts. Then, face validity was analyzed with 60 caregivers. Finally, construct validity was evaluated by performing an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with 110 participants. Internal consistency of ROL scale was also assessed. Face validity of ROL scale reached a high acceptance index in three dimensions: role performance (0.97), role organization (0.98), and response to the role (0.98). Content validity showed coherence, clarity, and relevance of the scale. From factor analysis, three components emerged and were grouped in the same manner for varimax, quartimax, and equimax rotations. Cronbach's alpha was 0.816, which is an acceptable overall value.
Conclusion: ROL scale makes objective the concept of role taking in family caregivers of people with chronic disease. It demonstrated to have acceptable reliability, and construct, face, and content validity to be used in the Colombian context.
Keywords: Validation Study, Caregivers, Health Transitions, Chronic Disease.
The Structure of Large-scale Stellar Disks in Cluster Lenticular Galaxies∗
Authors: Sil’chenko Olga K. , Kniazev Alexei Yu. , Chudakova Ekaterina M.
Published: August 2018

By obtaining imaging data in two photometric bands for 60 lenticular galaxies—members of eight southern clusters—with the Las Cumbres Observatory one-meter telescope network, we have analyzed the structure of their large-scale stellar disks. The parameters of radial surface-brightness profiles have been determined (including also disk thickness), and all the galaxies have been classified into pure exponential (Type I) disk surface-brightness profiles, truncated (Type II) and antitruncated (Type III) piecewise exponential disk surface-brightness profiles. We confirm the previous results of some other authors that the proportion of surface-brightness profile types is very different in environments of different density: in the clusters, the Type-II profiles are almost absent while according to the literature data, in the field they constitute about one-quarter of all lenticular galaxies. The Type-III profiles are equally presented in the clusters and in the field, while following similar scaling relations; but by undertaking an additional structural analysis including the disk thickness determination we note that some Type-III disks may be a combination of a rather thick exponential pseudobulge and an outer Type-I disk. Marginally, we detect a shift of the scaling relation toward higher central surface brightnesses for the outer segments of Type-III disks and smaller thickness of the Type-I disks in the clusters. Both effects may be explained by enhanced radial stellar migration during disk galaxy infall into a cluster that in particular represents an additional channel for Type-I disk shaping in dense environments.
A Multicolor Study of Polarization Variability in Isolated B[e] Stars HD 45677 and HD 50138
Authors: Lee C. D. , Eswaraiah C. , Chen W. P. , Pandey A. K.
Published: August 2018

HD 45677 and HD 50138 are two B[e] stars isolated from any known star-forming regions. We investigated the polarization characterization of their surrounding gas and in situ dust in the inner edge of the circumstellar disk. Our measurements of the intrinsic polarization of each star between 2010 and 2011, after correcting for foreground polarization through field star observation, reveal a decreasing level of polarization with wavelength, with the polarization angle independent of wavelength. However, reanalysis of literature data by applying our foreground correction method clarified the relative roles of electron scattering versus dust scattering in the circumstellar disk. Combining the multicolor data from the available epochs led us to conclude that a general electron scattering-dominated disk exists in both B[e] stars, with evidence of micron-sized grains seen at some epochs, likely condensed in the inner disk.
Chemical Inhomogeneities in the Pleiades: Signatures of Rocky-forming Material in Stellar Atmospheres
Authors: Spina Lorenzo , Meléndez Jorge , Casey Andrew R. , Karakas Amanda I. , Tucci-Maia Marcelo
Published: August 2018

The aim of Galactic archaeology is to recover the history of our Galaxy through the information encoded in stars. An unprobed assumption of this field is that the chemical composition of a star is an immutable marker of the gas from which it formed. It is vital to test this assumption on open clusters, a group of stars formed from the same gas. Previous investigations have shown that unevolved stars in clusters are chemically homogeneous within the typical uncertainties of these analyses, i.e., 15% of the elemental abundances. Our strictly differential analysis on five members of the Pleiades allows us to reach precisions of 5% for most elements and to unveil chemical anomalies within the cluster that could be explained by planet engulfment events. These results reveal that the evolution of planetary systems may alter the chemical composition of stars, challenging our capability of tagging them to their native environments, and also paving the way for the study of planetary architectures and their evolution, through the chemical pattern of their host stars.
Large-amplitude Rapid X-Ray Variability in the Narrow-line Seyfert 1 Galaxy PG 1404+226
Authors: Mallick L. , Dewangan G. C.
Published: August 2018

We present the first results from a detailed analysis of a new, long (∼100 ks) XMM-Newton observation of the narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy PG 1404+226, which showed a large-amplitude, rapid X-ray variability by a factor of ∼7 in ∼10 ks with an exponential rise and a sharp fall in the count rate. We investigate the origin of the soft X-ray excess emission and rapid X-ray variability in the source through time-resolved spectroscopy and fractional rms spectral modeling. The strong soft X-ray excess below 1 keV observed in both the time-averaged and time-resolved spectra is described by the intrinsic disk Comptonization model as well as the relativistic reflection model where the emission is intense merely in the inner regions (

) of an ionized accretion disk. We detected no significant UV variability, while the soft X-ray excess flux varies together with the primary power-law emission (as

), although with a smaller amplitude, as expected in the reflection scenario. The observed X-ray fractional rms spectrum is approximately constant with a drop at ∼0.6 keV and is described by a non-variable emission line component with the observed energy of ∼0.6 keV and two variable spectral components: a more variable primary power-law emission and a less variable soft excess emission. Our results suggest the “lamppost geometry” for the primary X-ray-emitting hot corona, which illuminates the innermost accretion disk due to strong gravity and gives rise to the soft X-ray excess emission.
Predictions of DKIST/DL-NIRSP Observations for an Off-limb Kink-unstable Coronal Loop
Authors: Snow B. , Botha G. J. J. , Scullion E. , McLaughlin J. A. , Young P. R. , Jaeggli S. A.
Published: August 2018

Synthetic intensity maps are generated from a 3D kink-unstable flux rope simulation using several DKIST/DL-NIRSP spectral lines to make a prediction of the observational signatures of energy transport and release. The reconstructed large field-of-view intensity mosaics and single tile sit-and-stare high-cadence image sequences show detailed, fine-scale structure and exhibit signatures of wave propagation, redistribution of heat, flows, and fine-scale bursts. These fine-scale bursts are present in the synthetic Doppler velocity maps and can be interpreted as evidence for small-scale magnetic reconnection at the loop boundary. The spectral lines reveal the different thermodynamic structures of the loop, with the hotter lines showing the loop interior and braiding and the cooler lines showing the radial edges of the loop. The synthetic observations of DL-NIRSP are found to preserve the radial expansion, and hence the loop radius can be measured accurately. The electron number density can be estimated using the intensity ratio of the Fe xiii lines at 10747 and 10798 Å. The estimated density from this ratio is correct to within ±10% during the later phases of the evolution; however, it is less accurate initially when line-of-sight density inhomogeneities contribute to the Fe xiii intensity, resulting in an overprediction of the density by ≈30%. The identified signatures are all above a conservative estimate for instrument noise and therefore will be detectable. In summary, we have used forward modeling to demonstrate that the coronal off-limb mode of DKIST/DL-NIRSP will be able to detect multiple independent signatures of a kink-unstable loop and observe small-scale transient features including loop braiding/twisting and small-scale reconnection events occurring at the radial edge of the loop.
Chemo-kinematic Ages of Eccentric-planet-hosting M Dwarf Stars
Authors: Veyette Mark J. , Muirhead Philip S.
Published: August 2018

The M dwarf stars are exciting targets for exoplanet investigations; however, their fundamental stellar properties are difficult to measure. Perhaps the most challenging property is stellar age. Once on the main sequence, M dwarfs change imperceptibly in their temperature and luminosity, necessitating novel statistical techniques for estimating their ages. In this paper, we infer ages for known eccentric-planet-hosting M dwarfs using a combination of kinematics and α-element enrichment, both shown to correlate with age for Sun-like FGK stars. We calibrate our method on FGK stars in a Bayesian context. To measure α-enrichment, we use publicly available spectra from the CARMENES exoplanet survey and a recently developed [Ti/Fe] calibration utilizing individual Ti i and Fe i absorption lines in the Y band. Tidal effects are expected to circularize the orbits of short-period planets on short timescales; however, we find a number of mildly eccentric, close-in planets orbiting old (∼8 Gyr) stars. For these systems, we use our ages to constrain the tidal dissipation parameter of the planets, Q
p. For two mini-Neptune planets, GJ 176 b and GJ 536 b, we find that they have Q
p values more similar to the ice giants than to the terrestrial planets in our solar system. For GJ 436 b, we estimate an age of

and constrain the Q
p to be >105, in good agreement with constraints from its inferred tidal heating. We find that GJ 876 d has likely undergone significant orbital evolution over its

lifetime, potentially influenced by its three outer companions that orbit in a Laplace resonance.