bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economics Ethics in the Fatwa of Islamic Economics
Authors: Maksum Muhammad
Published: January 2018

The fatwa by the National Sharia Board (Dewan Syariah Nasional/DSN) of Indonesian Ulema Council (Majlis Ulama Indonesia/MUI) and The Sharia Advisory Council of Central Bank of Malaysia/Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) on Islamic economics is dominated by its ethical aspects. The prohibition of riba (interest), for instance, is an Islamic ethic which is mostly set in both institutions. In this case, the Legal consideration contains more ethics than fatwa verdicts. The ethics in the legal consideration is commonly based on the basic ethical principles of The Noble Qur'an, the hadith and the Islamic jurisprudence. In the meantime, the ethics for the object of contract in DSN is mentioned more in the fatwa verdict than in their legal consideration while the ethics for contract performer is equally found in both areas. This thesis is discovered by reading the DSN's fatwa from 2000 t0 2010 and the MPA's fatwa from 1997 to 2010. Once identified, the ethics in both institutions is classified into a particular category. As the result, this research generates a great implication on the dominant aspect of Islamic ethics in its legal formal.
Framing the Risk of Islamic Based Equity Financing: an Inside Look
Authors: Adawiyah Wiwiek Rabiatul
Published: January 2018

This article is a review of the literature that aims at bringing into surface the issue of risk management in equity-based financing which is currently less attractive to Islamic banks. There are several forms of Islamic financing offered to potential borrower. Equity financing is less favorable as compared to debt financing due to high risks associated with it. Substantial numbers of strategies have been developed by researchers to mitigate the financing risks nonetheless the attempt is far from succeed. It is evidenced in the literature that both investors and financial intermediaries tend to overlooked profit and loss sharing mode of financing. Meanwhile Equity financing is adored to be the best form of financing to be offered to small business since it is operating under the principle of justice. Profit and loss sharing mechanism relieve both fund providers and borrowers from financial burden. This article shall review potential risks embedded in equity financing and strategies to overcome the problem.
The Rationality Prohibition of Riba (Usury)
Authors: Sofhian Sofhian
Published: January 2018

Usury (henceforth called as riba) in fact has long been known and have been progressing in meaning. The study of riba was not only discussed seriously by Muslims but also other religions. If flashed back to more than two thousand years ago, the study of riba has been discussed by non-Muslims, such as Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Greek, Roman and Christian. In Islam, debate about riba and bank interest indicated that the problem of riba very closely related to the issue of muamalah especially those that occur in Banks and Non- Bank financial. Riba evolution concept toward interest cannot be separated from the development of the financial institutions. Therefore, this journal examine and analyze the substance of the issues of interest in a rational perspective, and at the end of this journal offers loss and profit sharing system as an alternative solution to the system of interest in transaction systems of bank and non- bank.
Improving Discipline and Responsibility of Student Learning Through Project Assessment
Authors: Mania Sitti
Published: January 2018

This ‘classroom action research’ aims to determine the effectiveness of the project assessment at Islamic Junior School (Madrasah Tsanawiyah) Model Makassar in the VIII/a class as subject research. The study carried out in two cycles, data collection was done by employing three ways: questionnaires, observation and test administration. The result showed that the project assessment was able to improve: 1) student discipline, shown on average 73,78% of the first cycle and the second cycle was 91,72%. 2) Responsibility for student learning, the average seen in the first cycle of 66,37% and 85,77% for the second cycle. 3) Student learning outcomes, the first cycle were 51,72% while in the second cycle there was 17,24% score below the minimum completeness criteria. On the individual test conducted at the end of the second cycle showed that there are only 4 students (13,79%) who had not reached the minimum completeness criteria.
The �Thaharah Bermakna� Training Through The Logo Analysis Model to Build Students� Positive Characters
Authors: Nurjannah Nurjannah
Published: January 2018

This experimental study aimed to investigate the effect of the �thaharah bermakna� (meaningful purification)� through the logo analysis model to build students� positive characters. The experiment employed the one-group pretest-posttest design involving 22 students of SMP Diponegoro Yogyakarta. The data were collected through a positive character scale (ri = 0.316-0.651, a = 0.929) and a monitoring sheet for the �thaharah bermakna� independent practice. The results of the within subject test showed that the �thaharah bermakna� training and the independent practice for a week were capable of significantly improving students� positive characters with F = 0.578, p = 0.005 (p<0.010). Before the treatment, the subjects� mean score was 186.91 and after the treatment their mean score improved to 193.91. The study concluded that the �thaharah bermakna� training through the logo analysis model and an independent practice for a week significantly improved students� positive characters. In other words, it could be said that the �thaharah bermakna� training was effective to build students� positive characters.
Warisan Pendidikan Islam Nusantara: Suatu Perubahan dan Keberlangsungan
Authors: Haluty Djaelani
Published: January 2018

Islamic Nusantara gives a great contribution to Indonesia by bequeathing the various of Islamic educational institutions, which until now still exist and sustainably, Islamic Nusantara has a treasury of educational institutions such a comprehensive, innovative and integrative. However, the great contribution of Islamic Nusantara with the educational institution where its educates and liberates the mankind from ignorance and the backwardness its not necessarily got appreciated for its efforts, but the existence was a "blasphemed" by people who identify themselves as a transnational movement. Islamic Nusantara is called as Islam which has a great relation between local tradition and culture, this article wish to discribing the seed of islamic Nusantara in Indonesia as well as integration of Islamic scholarship and Western.
Studi Terorisme di Sulawesi Tengah
Authors: Ali Muhammad Nur
Published: January 2018

Poso the center of conflict in Central Sulawesi has been symbiotic to terrorism, so that the critical points of the outside reached at least three border areas. Such as South Sulawesi, Southest Sulawesi, and West Sulawesi. Eventhough, the right answer have not been obtained that weather conflict presents the terrorism or terrorism creates the conflict in Poso, but what appears is that terrorism has formed in Poso. This article focuses on three studies (1) the spirit of ideology, (2) struggle obsession, and (3) network system. The ideological spirit moves the spirit of terrorist in Poso, it is fundamental and radical, the struggle obsession is to transform the established order through delegitimation of goverment power that has causes many anger local terrorist in Poso is not independent because they are realted to extra-local and national terrorist and they even connected to global terrorism network.
Pengelolaan Endowment Fund di Perguruan Tinggi Malaysia: Studi Kasus di Universitas Teknologi Malaysia
Authors: Munadi Muhammad
Published: January 2018

This article aims to determine the historical development, management, the mechanism of collection, and distribution of endowment funds in UTM of Malaysia. The results show that the UTM endowment fund has been initiated through the RM 1 movement per student as well as expanded for lecturers and staff and fundraising from the company. Endowments fund has a fundraising program through every student to contribute RM 1.00, sponsored book by UTM publisher, Eternal Endowment Tower, golf tournament, recruitment alms during Ramadan and Idul Fitri and investment in finance and trust fund units. The income generation mechanism from donations are dominant than sources from projects and investment returns. Income derived from the project is greater than the income originating from the investment. The endowment fund distributors are identical to the distribution of scholarships.
Multi-Disciplinary Approach in Indonesian Islamic Higher Education: A Western Perspective upon Epistemological Problem, Challenge, and Critique
Authors: Ridwan Auliya
Published: January 2018

The development of several Institute of Islamic Studies into Islamic Universities brings consequences to living religious disciplines vis-�-vis secular disciplines. A multi-disciplinary approach is adopted by positioning al-Quran and Hadits as the foundation of scientific development. This paper attempts to bring western perspective in examining epistemological issues in Indonesian Islamic higher education�s multi-disciplinary approach, its challenges, and critiques. Religious discipline�s domain cannot fully be examined from secular discipline�s framework, as it will result in contra-productive confrontation between the two authorities. Therefore, the challenge for this approach is defining which are autonomous areas in the two domains and which is the intersection. Pragmatically, this approach must result in new genres, which are more productive for the development of mankind civilization.
Factors influencing risk‐based care of the childhood cancer survivor in the 21st century
Authors: Dixon Stephanie B. , Bjornard Kari L. , Alberts Nicole M. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Brinkman Tara M. , Chemaitilly Wassim , Ehrhardt Matthew J. , Fernandez‐Pineda Israel , Force Lisa M. , Gibson Todd M. , Green Daniel M. , Howell Carrie R. , Kaste Sue C. , Kirchhoff Anne C. , Klosky James L. , Krull Kevin R. , Lucas John T. , Mulrooney Daniel A. , Ness Kirsten K. , Wilson Carmen L. , Yasui Yutaka , Robison Leslie L. , Hudson Melissa M.
Published: January 2018

The population of adult survivors of childhood cancer continues to grow as survival rates improve. Although it is well established that these survivors experience various complications and comorbidities related to their malignancy and treatment, this risk is modified by many factors that are not directly linked to their cancer history. Research evaluating the influence of patient‐specific demographic and genetic factors, premorbid and comorbid conditions, health behaviors, and aging has identified additional risk factors that influence cancer treatment‐related toxicity and possible targets for intervention in this population. Furthermore, although current long‐term follow‐up guidelines comprehensively address specific therapy‐related risks and provide screening recommendations, the risk profile of the population continues to evolve with ongoing modification of treatment strategies and the emergence of novel therapeutics. To address the multifactorial modifiers of cancer treatment‐related health risk and evolving treatment approaches, a patient‐centered and risk‐adapted approach to care that often requires a multidisciplinary team approach, including medical and behavioral providers, is necessary for this population. CA Cancer J Clin 2018;68:133‐152. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Morphological Pattern of Ovarian Tumour : Experience in a Tertiary Level Hospital
Authors: Ahmed Mousumi , Afroze Nazma , Sabiha Mahjabin
Published: January 2018

Background: Ovarian tumor is a common type of gynecological neoplasm and accounts for 15-25% of all gynecological malignancies. It is associated with high mortality and an accurate histological diagnosis is essential for management of patient.Objective: The study was performed to find out the morphological pattern, nature and age distribution of ovarian tumour in our hospital.Material and methods: It was a prospective study,conducted in the Department of Histopathology and Cytopathology, BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka for a period of two years from Jan 2014 to Dec 2015. This study included 186 cases of ovarian tumors sent in the Department of Pathology for histopathological evaluation. Non-neoplastic lesions and tumour-like conditions were excluded from the study. Histological diagnosis, age and laterality of ovary were recorded. Morphological pattern, nature and age distribution of ovarian neoplasms were calculated.Result: 84.95% cases of ovarian tumour were benign, 1.61% cases were borderline and 13.44% cases were malignant. ORIGINAL ARTICLES Surface epithelial tumour was the commonest type of tumour (61.83%), according to the histogenesis , followed by germ cell tumour. Benign serous tumour was the most common type of benign tumor (37.98% cases), followed by mature cystic teratoma (33.55% cases). Serous cystadenocarcinoma was the most common type of malignant tumour (36.0%), followed by endometrioid carcinoma (28.0%). Benign tumours were more frequent in all age group. The incidence of malignant ovarian tumour increased with age and was most frequent in >50 years age group. Benign tumours were commonly cystic, whereas malignant tumours were commonly solid and cystic. 11.23% cases of ovarian tumours were bilateral.Conclusion: Benign ovarian neoplasms were more common than malignant ones and benign serous tumour was the commonest type of benign neoplasm whereas serous cystdenocarcinoma was the commonest type of malignant neoplasm. The pattern and age distribution of ovarian tumour of our study were quite similar with other studies with some variation.J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2018; 36(1): 5-10
Modeling the Trend of Credit Card Usage Behavior for Different Age Groups Based on Singular Spectrum Analysis
Authors: Nai Wei , Liu Lu , Wang Shaoyin , Dong Decun
Published: January 2018

Credit card holders from different age groups have different usage behaviors, so deeply investigating the credit card usage condition and properly modeling the usage trend of all customers in different age groups from time series data is meaningful for financial institutions as well as banks. Until now, related research in trend analysis of credit card usage has mostly been focused on specific group of people, such as the behavioral tendencies of the elderly or college students, or certain behaviors, such as the increasing number of cards owned and the rise in personal card debt or bankruptcy, in which the only analysis methods employed are simply enumerating or classifying raw data; thus, there is a lack of support in specific mathematical models based on usage behavioral time series data. Considering that few systematic modeling methods have been introduced, in this paper, a novel usage trend analysis method for credit card holders in different age groups based on singular spectrum analysis (SSA) has been proposed, using the time series data from the Survey of Consumer Payment Choice (SCPC). The decomposition and reconstruction process in the method is proposed. The results show that the credit card usage frequency falls down from the age of 26 to the lowest point at around the age of 58 and then begins to increase again. At last, future work is discussed.
A Novel Spectrum Scheduling Scheme with Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Liu Liping , Wang Ning , Chen Zhigang , Guo Lin
Published: January 2018

Cognitive radio is a promising technology for improving spectrum utilization, which allows cognitive users access to the licensed spectrum while primary users are absent. In this paper, we design a resource allocation framework based on graph theory for spectrum assignment in cognitive radio networks. The framework takes into account the constraints that interference for primary users and possible collision among cognitive users. Based on the proposed model, we formulate a system utility function to maximize the system benefit. Based on the proposed model and objective problem, we design an improved ant colony optimization algorithm (IACO) from two aspects: first, we introduce differential evolution (DE) process to accelerate convergence speed by monitoring mechanism; then we design a variable neighborhood search (VNS) process to avoid the algorithm falling into the local optimal. Simulation results demonstrate that the improved algorithm achieves better performance.
Grassland Establishment of Dwarf Napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) by Planting of Cuttings in the Winter Season
Authors: Fukagawa Satoru , Ishii Yasuyuki
Published: January 2018

We investigated a new method for the establishment of dwarf Napiergrass by covering stem cuttings with soil in the winter season analogously to summer establishment in sugarcane. Three experiments were conducted, including measuring the labor involved in plant establishment, and an extension study was applied to livestock producers’ fields in two locations. Using this technique, we obtained an emerged plant density of over two plants/m2. Moreover, this proved a simple and labor-saving method compared with manual or mechanical transplanting. Sowing of Italian ryegrass at the same time as covering cuttings of dwarf Napiergrass with soil could control spring weed growth without disturbing the emergence of dwarf Napiergrass, suggesting the feasibility of a double-cropping forage production system in the region.
Vitamin E as an Antioxidant in Female Reproductive Health
Authors: Mohd Mutalip Siti , Ab-Rahim Sharaniza , Rajikin Mohd
Published: January 2018

Vitamin E was first discovered in 1922 as a substance necessary for reproduction. Following this discovery, vitamin E was extensively studied, and it has become widely known as a powerful lipid-soluble antioxidant. There has been increasing interest in the role of vitamin E as an antioxidant, as it has been discovered to lower body cholesterol levels and act as an anticancer agent. Numerous studies have reported that vitamin E exhibits anti-proliferative, anti-survival, pro-apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic effects in cancer, as well as anti-inflammatory activities. There are various reports on the benefits of vitamin E on health in general. However, despite it being initially discovered as a vitamin necessary for reproduction, to date, studies relating to its effects in this area are lacking. Hence, this paper was written with the intention of providing a review of the known roles of vitamin E as an antioxidant in female reproductive health.
25–34 GHz Single-Pole, Double-Throw CMOS Switches for a Ka-Band Phased-Array Transceiver
Authors: Park Sangyong , Lee Jeong-Yun , Lee Jong-Yeon , Yang Jong-Ryul , Beak Donghyun
Published: January 2018

This paper presents two single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) mm-wave switches for Ka-band phased-array transceivers, fabricated with a 65-nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process. One switch employs cross-biasing (CB) control with a single supply, while the other uses dual-supply biasing (DSB) control with positive and negative voltages. Negative voltages were generated internally, using a ring oscillator and a charge pump. Identical gate and body floated N-type metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (N-MOSFETs) in a triple well were used as the switch core transistors. Inductors were used to improve the isolation between the transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX), as well as insertion loss, by canceling the parasitic capacitance of the switch core transistors at resonance. The size of the proposed radio frequency (RF) switch is 260 μm × 230 μm, excluding all pads. The minimum insertion losses of the CB and DSB switches were 2.1 dB at 28 GHz and 1.93 dB at 24 GHz, respectively. Between 25 GHz and 34 GHz, the insertion losses were less than 2.3 dB and 2.5 dB, the return losses were less than 16.7 dB and 17.3 dB, and the isolation was over 18.4 dB and 15.3 dB, respectively. The third order input intercept points (IIP3) of the CB and DSB switches were 38.4 dBm and 39 dBm at 28 GHz, respectively.
Statistical, Spatial and Temporal Mapping of 911 Emergencies in Ecuador
Authors: Corral-De-Witt Danilo , Carrera Enrique , Muñoz-Romero Sergio , Rojo-Álvarez José
Published: January 2018

A public safety answering point (PSAP) receives alerts and attends to emergencies that occur in its responsibility area. The analysis of the events related to a PSAP can give us relevant information in order to manage them and to improve the performance of the first response institutions (FRIs) associated to every PSAP. However, current emergency systems are growing dramatically in terms of information heterogeneity and the volume of attended requests. In this work, we propose a system for statistical, spatial, and temporal analysis of incidences registered in a PSAP by using simple, yet robust and compact, event representations. The selected and designed temporal analysis tools include seasonal representations and nonparametric confidence intervals (CIs), which dissociate the main seasonal components and the transients. The spatial analysis tools include a straightforward event location over Google Maps and the detection of heat zones by means of bidimensional geographic Parzen windows with automatic width control in terms of the scales and the number of events in the region of interest. Finally, statistical representations are used for jointly analyzing temporal and spatial data in terms of the “time–space slices”. We analyzed the total number of emergencies that were attended during 2014 by seven FRIs articulated in a PSAP at the Ecuadorian 911 Integrated Security Service. Characteristic weekly patterns were observed in institutions such as the police, health, and transit services, whereas annual patterns were observed in firefighter events. Spatial and spatiotemporal analysis showed some expected patterns together with nontrivial differences among different services, to be taken into account for resource management. The proposed analysis allows for a flexible analysis by combining statistical, spatial and temporal information, and it provides 911 service managers with useful and operative information.
Soliton Molecules and Multisoliton States in Ultrafast Fibre Lasers: Intrinsic Complexes in Dissipative Systems
Authors: Gui Lili , Wang Pan , Ding Yihang , Zhao Kangjun , Bao Chengying , Xiao Xiaosheng , Yang Changxi
Published: January 2018

Benefiting from ultrafast temporal resolution, broadband spectral bandwidth, as well as high peak power, passively mode-locked fibre lasers have attracted growing interest and exhibited great potential from fundamental sciences to industrial and military applications. As a nonlinear system containing complex interactions from gain, loss, nonlinearity, dispersion, etc., ultrafast fibre lasers deliver not only conventional single soliton but also soliton bunching with different types. In analogy to molecules consisting of several atoms in chemistry, soliton molecules (in other words, bound solitons) in fibre lasers are of vital importance for in-depth understanding of the nonlinear interaction mechanism and further exploration for high-capacity fibre-optic communications. In this Review, we summarize the state-of-the-art advances on soliton molecules in ultrafast fibre lasers. A variety of soliton molecules with different numbers of soliton, phase-differences and pulse separations were experimentally observed owing to the flexibility of parameters such as mode-locking techniques and dispersion control. Numerical simulations clearly unravel how different nonlinear interactions contribute to formation of soliton molecules. Analysis of the stability and the underlying physical mechanisms of bound solitons bring important insights to this field. For a complete view of nonlinear optical phenomena in fibre lasers, other dissipative states such as vibrating soliton pairs, soliton rains, rogue waves and coexisting dissipative solitons are also discussed. With development of advanced real-time detection techniques, the internal motion of different pulsing states is anticipated to be characterized, rendering fibre lasers a versatile platform for nonlinear complex dynamics and various practical applications.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Arts in 2017
Authors:   Arts Editorial Office
Published: January 2018

Peer review is an essential part in the publication process, ensuring that Arts maintains high quality standards for its published papers.[...]
Assessing the Skill of Convection-Allowing Ensemble Forecasts of Precipitation by Optimization of Spatial-Temporal Neighborhoods
Authors: Ma Shenjia , Chen Chaohui , He Hongrang , Wu Dan , Zhang Chenxi
Published: January 2018

The current neighborhood probability (NP) method mainly considers the spatial displacement error in high-resolution precipitation forecasts, but the problem of the forecast time exceeding or lagging behind the observed field has not been properly solved. Therefore, a temporal factor was introduced into the NP method in this paper, and precipitation forecasts were evaluated in different spatial-temporal neighborhoods based on the improved NP method and fractions skill score (FSS), combined with the relative operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The results indicated that the forecasting accuracy of the ensemble forecast was higher than the control forecast. The neighborhood ensemble probability (NEP) and probability matched mean (PMM) methods were superior to the traditional ensemble mean (EM) method in forecasting heavy rainfall, which compensated for the limitations of the heavy rainfall forecasting ability of EM. For such squall line processes, a spatial scale of 15–45 km neighborhood radius could effectively rectify the displacement error of precipitation. There was a corresponding relationship between temporal scale and rainfall intensity in convective-scale precipitation forecast, so the temporal uncertainty of different levels of precipitation could be captured by different temporal scales. The spatial and temporal scales had interdependent influences on precipitation forecast effects, which could be affected by the intrinsic spatial-temporal scale of convective-scale weather systems. The improved NP method could simultaneously reflect the spatial and temporal uncertainties of convective-scale precipitation forecasts in high-resolution models, achieving a comprehensive assessment of spatial-temporal scale and providing probabilistic forecast results that match different levels of precipitation.
Volatile Compound Profiles in Mezcal Spirits as Influenced by Agave Species and Production Processes
Authors: Vera-Guzmán Araceli , Guzmán-Gerónimo Rosa , López Mercedes , Chávez-Servia José
Published: January 2018

Mezcal is a traditional Mexican spirit produced by distilling fermented Agave. The effects of Agave species, origin, and season on the volatile compound profile were studied in mezcal from Oaxaca, Mexico. Liquid-liquid extraction was used to isolate volatile compounds from mezcals made from Agave angustifolia Haw. and Agave potatorum Zucc. These compounds were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Eighty-four volatile compounds were identified, including alcohols, esters, fatty acids, ketones, furans, and others. Using variance analysis, it was possible to observe significant differences for the 26, 24, and 10 compounds in mezcal samples that differed based on Agave species, origin, and season. 3-Ethyl-phenol was identified only in samples of mezcal from A. angustifolia, and this volatile compound could be used as an authentic marker of mezcal from A. angustifolia (p ≤ 0.01).
Electrospun Fibers as a Dressing Material for Drug and Biological Agent Delivery in Wound Healing Applications
Authors: Gizaw Mulugeta , Thompson Jeffrey , Faglie Addison , Lee Shih-Yu , Neuenschwander Pierre , Chou Shih-Feng
Published: January 2018

Wound healing is a complex tissue regeneration process that promotes the growth of new tissue to provide the body with the necessary barrier from the outside environment. In the class of non-healing wounds, diabetic wounds, and ulcers, dressing materials that are available clinically (e.g., gels and creams) have demonstrated only a slow improvement with current available technologies. Among all available current technologies, electrospun fibers exhibit several characteristics that may provide novel replacement dressing materials for the above-mentioned wounds. Therefore, in this review, we focus on recent achievements in electrospun drug-eluting fibers for wound healing applications. In particular, we review drug release, including small molecule drugs, proteins and peptides, and gene vectors from electrospun fibers with respect to wound healing. Furthermore, we provide an overview on multifunctional dressing materials based on electrospun fibers, including those that are capable of achieving wound debridement and wound healing simultaneously as well as multi-drugs loading/types suitable for various stages of the healing process. Our review provides important and sufficient information to inform the field in development of fiber-based dressing materials for clinical treatment of non-healing wounds.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antitumor Effects of Hydroxytyrosol but Not Oleuropein on Experimental Glioma In Vivo. A Putative Role for the Renin-Angiotensin System
Authors: Ramírez-Expósito María , Martínez-Martos José
Published: January 2018

Functional roles of the angiotensin peptides of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) cascade can be analyzed through their corresponding proteolytic regulatory enzymes aspartyl aminopeptidase (ASAP), aminopeptidase A (APA), aminopeptidase B (APB), aminopeptidase N (APN) and insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP). These enzyme activities generate active or inactive angiotensin peptides that alter the ratios between their bioactive forms, regulating several important processes such as the regulation of cardiovascular functions, body water regulation, normal memory consolidation and retrieval, but also cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis or the inflammatory response. We have previously described that the treatment with hydroxytyrosol but not with oleuropein or with the mixture of both compounds led to the significant inhibition of tumor growth in an in vivo glioma model by mechanisms not only related to redox balance. Using this glioma model, here we analyze the effects of the phenolic compounds oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol in circulating RAS-regulating ASAP, APA, APN, APB and IRAP specific activities and the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNFα to understand the relationship between the antitumor and anti-inflammatory effects of hydroxytyrosol, but not oleuropein, and the components of the RAS. We found that oleuropein increased all the activities analyzed and promoted a pro-inflammatory status, whereas hydroxytyrosol only modified ASAP and IRAP activities and promotes an anti-inflammatory status. When administrated together, oleuropein overrode the effects of hydroxytyrosol. Our results suggest a role for angiotensin III and angiotensin 1-7 in both tumor growth inhibition and anti-inflammatory response promoted by hydroxytyrosol.
Building in Historical Areas: Identity Values and Energy Performance of Innovative Massive Stone Envelopes with Reference to Traditional Building Solutions
Authors: Mariani Silvia , Rosso Federica , Ferrero Marco
Published: January 2018

The intrinsic nature of local rocks shaped the features of built heritage in historical centers. The resulting building culture is part of the cultural heritage itself, and must be considered when building in such areas, while it is essential to solve the issues related to traditional constructions’ weaknesses. Nonetheless, the potentialities of massive stone envelopes, particularly the importance of thermal inertia, have contributed to redefining the language of contemporary architectural culture. Nowadays, although the trend of employing thin stone cladding panels is prevalent, thick stone envelopes are gaining a renewed importance. Previous literature demonstrated that mixed building technologies or massive stone envelopes coupled with load-bearing framed structures are able to meet comfort and safety requirements and to guarantee the integration of new constructions in the consolidated urban landscape, avoiding historicist approaches. This research, through the analysis of case studies, aims to describe innovative building solutions developed by contemporary architectural culture, comparing them with traditional stone masonry walls. Moreover, thermal energy performance of such building solutions is assessed through dynamic yearly simulations. Results show that these solutions are technically and architecturally suitable to build in historical centers, because they can express urban cultural identity and guarantee good energy performance and users’ comfort.
Reducing the Loss of Built Heritage in Seismic Areas
Authors: Cardani Giuliana , Belluco Paola
Published: January 2018

The presence of the largest part of World Heritage sites in a seismically-prone area, like Italy, demands always greater measures to protect the most important built heritage, as well as the minor architecture. This requires a constant improvement of the current protocol from the damage survey and the provisional safety measures to the final intervention. This procedure is summarized, briefly, here and additional practical suggestions are given to improve the activities, based on the experience of on-site volunteers during the damage survey after the earthquake that struck Italy in 2016. Basic issues on the recurrent characteristics of historic masonry buildings, that make them often complex constructions with unexpected behaviour, are fundamental in the preparation of the volunteers in surveying damage. This helps in reducing evaluation mistakes and in designing the provisional safety structures aimed at the preservation of built heritage to the extent possible. Some examples of incorrect interpretation of the damage in historic buildings are reported here. In conclusion, only the awareness that it is necessary that a correct understanding of the recurrent or, on the contrary, peculiar, characteristics of a historic building plays a key role in the damage evaluation and in its subsequent protection from further damage.
Reviewing the Utility of EUS FNA to Advance Precision Medicine in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Berry William , Lundy Joanne , Croagh Daniel , Jenkins Brendan
Published: January 2018

Advanced pancreatic cancer (PC) is an aggressive malignancy with few effective therapeutic options. While the evolution of precision medicine in recent decades has changed the treatment landscape in many cancers, at present no targeted therapies are used in the routine management of PC. Only a minority of patients with PC present with surgically resectable disease, and in the remainder obtaining high quality biopsy material for both diagnosis and molecular testing can prove challenging. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS FNA) is a widely used diagnostic procedure in PC, and allows tumour sampling in patients with both early and late stage disease. This review will provide an update on the role of EUS FNA as a diagnostic tool, as well as a source of genetic material which can be used both for molecular analysis and for the creation of valuable preclinical disease models. We will also consider relevant clinical applications of EUS FNA in the management of PC, and the path towards bringing precision medicine closer to the clinic in this challenging disease.
Direct Hydroxylation of Benzene to Phenol over TS-1 Catalysts
Authors: Luo Yuecheng , Xiong Jiahui , Pang Conglin , Li Guiying , Hu Changwei
Published: January 2018

We synthesized a TS-1 catalyst to directly hydroxylate benzene to phenol with H2O2 as oxidant and water as solvent. The samples were characterized by FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared), DR UV-Vis (Diffused Reflectance Ultraviolet Visible), XRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM(scanning electron microscope), TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope), XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), ICP (inductively coupled plasma spectrum), and N2 adsorption-desorption. A desirable phenol yield of 39% with 72% selectivity was obtained under optimized conditions: 0.15 g (0.34 to the mass of benzene) TS-1, 5.6 mmol C6H6, reaction time 45 min, 0.80 mL H2O2 (30%), 40.0 mL H2O, and reaction temperature 70 °C. The reuse of the TS-1 catalyst illustrated that the catalyst had a slight loss of activity resulting from slight Ti leaching from the first run and then kept stable. Almost all of the Ti species added in the preparation were successfully incorporated into the TS-1 framework, which were responsible for the good catalytic activity. Extraframework Ti species were not selective for hydroxylation.
An MM and QM Study of Biomimetic Catalysis of Diels-Alder Reactions Using Cyclodextrins
Authors: Chen Wei , Sun Lipeng , Tang Zhiye , Ali Zulfikhar , Wong Bryan , Chang Chia-en
Published: January 2018

We performed a computational investigation of the mechanism by which cyclodextrins (CDs) catalyze Diels-Alder reactions between 9-anthracenemethanol and N-cyclohexylmaleimide. Hydrogen bonds (Hbonds) between N-cyclohexylmaleimide and the hydroxyl groups of cyclodextrins were suggested to play an important role in this catalytic process. However, our free energy calculations and molecular dynamics simulations showed that these Hbonds are not stable, and quantum mechanical calculations suggested that the reaction is not promoted by these Hbonds. The binding of 9-anthracenemethanol and N-cyclohexylmaleimide to cyclodextrins was the key to the catalytic process. Cyclodextrins act as a container to hold the two reactants in the cavity, pre-organize them for the reactions, and thus reduce the entropy penalty to the activation free energy. Dimethyl-β-CD was a better catalyst for this specific reaction than β-CD because of its stronger van der Waals interaction with the pre-organized reactants and its better performance in reducing the activation energy. This computational work sheds light on the mechanism of the catalytic reaction by cyclodextrins and introduces new perspectives of supramolecular catalysis.
Relations between Structure, Activity and Stability in C3N4 Based Photocatalysts Used for Solar Hydrogen Production
Authors: Sivasankaran Ramesh , Rockstroh Nils , Hollmann Dirk , Kreyenschulte Carsten , Agostini Giovanni , Lund Henrik , Acharjya Amitava , Rabeah Jabor , Bentrup Ursula , Junge Henrik , Thomas Arne , Brückner Angelika
Published: January 2018

Solar hydrogen production from water could be a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil energy carriers, yet so far photocatalysts active and stable enough for large-scale applications are not available, calling for advanced research efforts. In this work, H2 evolution rates of up to 1968 and 5188 μmol h−1 g−1 were obtained from aqueous solutions of triethanolamine (TEOA) and oxalic acid (OA), respectively, by irradiating composites of AgIn5S8 (AIS), mesoporous C3N4 (CN, surface area >150 m2/g) and ≤2 wt.% in-situ photodeposited Pt nanoparticles (NPs) with UV-vis (≥300 nm) and pure visible light (≥420 nm). Structural properties and electron transport in these materials were analyzed by XRD, STEM-HAADF, XPS, UV-vis-DRS, ATR-IR, photoluminescence and in situ-EPR spectroscopy. Initial H2 formation rates were highest for Pt/CN, yet with TEOA this catalyst deactivated by inclusion of Pt NPs in the matrix of CN (most pronounced at λ ≥ 300 nm) while it remained active with OA, since in this case Pt NPs were enriched on the outermost surface of CN. In Pt/AIS-CN catalysts, Pt NPs were preferentially deposited on the surface of the AIS phase which prevents them from inclusion in the CN phase but reduces simultaneously the initial H2 evolution rate. This suggests that AIS hinders transport of separated electrons from the CN conduction band to Pt NPs but retains the latter accessible by protons to produce H2.
Structural, Mechanical and Tribological Properties of NbCN-Ag Nanocomposite Films Deposited by Reactive Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Wu Fanjing , Yu Lihua , Ju Hongbo , Asempah Isaac , Xu Junhua
Published: January 2018

In this study, reactive magnetron sputtering was applied for preparing NbCN-Ag films with different Ag additions. Ag contents in the as-deposited NbCN-Ag films were achieved by adjusting Ag target power. The composition, microstructure, mechanical properties, and tribological properties were characterized using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Raman spectrometry, nano-indentation, and high-temperature sliding wear tests. Results indicated that face-centered cubic (fcc) NbN, hexagonal close-packed (hcp) NbN and fcc Ag, amorphous C and amorphous CNx phase co-existed in the as-deposited NbCN-Ag films. After doping with 2.0 at.% Ag, the hardness and elastic modulus reached a maximum value of 33 GPa and 340 GPa, respectively. Tribological properties were enhanced by adding Ag in NbCN-Ag films at room temperature. When the test temperature rose from 300 to 500 °C, the addition of Ag was found beneficial for the friction properties, showing a lowest friction coefficient of ~0.35 for NbCN-12.9 at.% Ag films at 500 °C. This was mainly attributed to the existence of AgOx, NbOx, and AgNbOx lubrication phases that acted as solid lubricants to modify the wear mechanism.
Equol’s Anti-Aging Effects Protect against Environmental Assaults by Increasing Skin Antioxidant Defense and ECM Proteins While Decreasing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Lephart Edwin
Published: January 2018

Environmental pollutants represent a major problem worldwide that cannot be passively avoided. It is known that skin sensitivities can result from environmental assaults, such as toxins and pollutants in air and water. Additionally, dermal assaults from wind and exposure to seasonal cold temperatures are known. All of these environmental assaults are associated with oxidative stress and the intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage DNA, lipids, proteins and mitochondrial function. Additionally, the influence of diet on dermal health and, especially, antioxidant defense in skin function are well established. In this regard, environmental pollution worldwide has generated a high demand for anti-pollution personal care products to protect the skin against the daily exposure of airborne toxins and various other assaults. Major cosmetic companies have anti-pollution personal care products but, in general, the products are formulated with commonly used active ingredients that have been retooled with market strategies to address current environmental pollution treatments. Equol is a new botanical active ingredient compound for skin applications. It has a polyphenolic chemical structure found in plant and food products, and is also classified as an isoflavonoid. Moreover, equol appears to address the need for an active ingredient in personal care products to protect against pollution assaults by increasing antioxidant defense, while inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation. Separate sections covering equol’s enhanced (a) delivery mechanism into human skin; (b) antioxidant effects via Nrf2 activation; (c) effects on extracellular matrix proteins like collagen and elastin and; (d) protection against oxidative stress and inflammation are presented.
Characterization of the PB2 Cap Binding Domain Accelerates Inhibitor Design
Authors: Constantinides Amanda , Severin Chelsea , Gumpper Ryan , Zheng Xiaofeng , Luo Ming
Published: January 2018

X-ray crystallographic structural determinations of the PB2 cap binding domain (PB2cap) have improved the conformational characterization of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase machinery (PA, PB2, and PB1) of the influenza virus. Geometrically, the catalytic PB1 subunit resembles the palm of a human hand. PA lies near the thumb region, and PB2 lies near the finger region. PB2 binds the cap moiety in the pre-mRNA of the host cell, while the endonuclease of PA cleaves the pre-mRNA 10–13 nucleotides downstream. The truncated RNA piece performs as a primer for PB1 to synthesize the viral mRNA. Precisely targeting PB2cap with a small molecule inhibitor will halt viral proliferation via interference of the cap-snatching activity. Wild-type and mutant PB2cap from A/California/07/2009 H1N1 were expressed in Escherichia coli, purified by nickel affinity and size exclusion chromatography, crystallized, and subjected to X-ray diffraction experiments. The crystal of mutant PB2cap liganded with m7GTP was prepared by co-crystallization. Structures were solved by the molecular replacement method, refined, and deposited in the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Structural determination and comparative analyses of these structures revealed the functions of Glu361, Lys376, His357, Phe404, Phe323, Lys339, His432, Asn429, Gln406, and Met401 in PB2cap, and the dissociation of the influenza A PB2cap C-terminal subdomain (residues 446–479) upon ligand binding. Understanding the role of these residues will aid in the ultimate development of a small-molecule inhibitor that binds both Influenza A and B virus PB2cap.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Crystal Structure of a Triazine Anion Pentafluoroosmium(VI) Complex
Authors: Khanfar Monther , Ali Basem , Shorafa Hashem , Seppelt Konrad
Published: January 2018

The synthesis and characterization of a novel triazine anion pentafluoroosmium(VI) complex are presented. The single crystal determination of the title compound (hereafter denoted 1) was carried out at −140 °C. Compound 1, C3F4N3OsF5, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group, P21/n, with unit cell dimensions: a = 8.6809(17) Å, b = 7.6848(15) Å, c = 12.415(3) Å, β = 102.633(4)°, V = 808.2(3) Å3, and Z = 4. Synthesis, characterization, X-ray diffraction study along with the crystal supramolecular analysis of the title complex were carried out. The complex contains the anionic triazine unit C3N3F4− acting as a mono dentate ligand to osmium(VI) with five fluoro ligands in a slightly distorted octahedral geometry around osmium(VI) ion (osmium is denoted as Os). The C3N3F4−, triazine anion ring deviates from planarity, only with the C1 being tetrahedral. The crystal lattice of the title compound displays significant intermolecular X···X interactions, namly F···F, F···N and F···C. All types of X···X bonding consolidate to form a three-dimensional network.
Better Resilient than Resistant—Regeneration Dynamics of Storm-Disturbed Mangrove Forests on the Bay Island of Guanaja (Honduras) during the First Two Decades after Hurricane Mitch (October 1998)
Authors: Fickert Thomas
Published: January 2018

Located at the interface of land and sea, Caribbean mangroves frequently experience severe disturbances by hurricanes, but in most cases storm-impacted mangrove forests are able to regenerate. How exactly regeneration proceeds, however, is still a matter of debate: does—due to the specific site conditions—regeneration follows a true auto-succession with exactly the same set of species driving regeneration that was present prior to the disturbance, or do different trajectories of regeneration exist? Considering the fundamental ecosystem services mangroves provide, a better understanding of their recovery is crucial. The Honduran island of Guanaja offers ideal settings for the study of regeneration dynamics of storm-impacted mangrove forests. The island was hit in October 1998 by Hurricane Mitch, one of the most intense Atlantic storms of the past century. Immediately after the storm, 97% of the mangroves were classified as dead. In 2005, long-term monitoring on the regeneration dynamics of the mangroves of the island was initiated, employing permanent line-transects at six different mangrove localities all around the island, which have been revisited in 2009 and 1016. Due to the pronounced topography of the island, different successional pathways emerge depending on the severity of the previous disturbance.