bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant Properties of Fermented Green Coffee Beans with Wickerhamomyces anomalus (Strain KNU18Y3)
Authors: Haile Mesfin , Kang Won Hee
Published: January 2020

A few yeast species have been tested frequently to improve the tastes, flavors, and other important quality parameters of coffee. However, continuing evaluations of different yeast species for fermenting green coffee beans will have a significant positive contribution to the coffee industry. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant properties, total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total tannin content (TTC), and the consumer acceptability of fermented green coffee beans with Wickerhamomyces anomalu. The coffee beans were roasted at different roasting conditions (light, medium, and dark). There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference between the yeast-fermented and non-fermented coffee with regard to the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values in medium and dark roasted coffee. Similarly, the superoxide dismutase-like (SOD)-like activity did not significantly differ in all roasting conditions. However, the SOD-like activity was significantly different (p < 0.05), particularly within light roasted and medium roasted, and between light roasted and dark roasted in both the control and fermented coffee extracts. The 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were improved in fermented coffee beans. There was a significant (p ≤ 0.05) difference between the yeast-fermented and non-fermented coffee with respect to the TPC and TFC in all roasting types and the TTC in the light and dark roasting conditions. The fermentation of green coffee beans with W. anomalus increased the TPC and TFC. However, the TTC was lower in the fermented coffee beans compared to the non-fermented coffee beans in medium and dark roasted coffee. In general, fermentation of green coffee beans with W. anomalus has the potential to improve the functionality of coffee beans.
Aromatic Potential and Bioactivity of Cork Stoppers and Cork By-Products
Authors: Mislata Ana Maria , Puxeu Miquel , Ferrer-Gallego Raul
Published: January 2020

The characterization of natural waste sources is the first step on the reutilization process, circular economy, and global sustainability. In this work, the aromatic composition and bioactive compounds related to beneficial health effects from cork stoppers and cork by-products were assessed in order to add value to these wastes. Twenty-three aromatic compounds with industrial interest were quantified by gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry GC–MS in both samples. Vanillins and volatile phenols were the most abundant aromatic families. Other aromatic compounds, such as aldehydes, lactones, terpenols, and alcohols, were also determined. Furthermore, the phenolic composition and the antioxidant activity were also evaluated. Overall, extracts showed high aromatic and antioxidant potential to be further used in different industrial fields. The recovery of these valuable compounds from cork stoppers and cork by-products helps to reuse them in agricultural, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or food industries.
Measuring Microbiome Effectiveness: A Role for Ingestible Sensors
Authors: Smith David , Jheeta Sohan
Published: January 2020

Across the world there is an increasingly heavy burden of noncommunicable diseases related to obesity, mental health, and atopic disease. In a previous publication, we followed the developing idea that that these conditions arise as our microbiome loses diversity, but there seems to be no generally applicable way to assess the significance of this loss. Our work revisited the findings of the African studies by Denis Burkitt who reported that the frequency of what he called Western diseases were inversely proportional to the average faecal volumes of affected populations. Although he ascribed this to fibre in the diet, it now seems more likely that the drop in faecal volume with the onset of disease is due to the loss of a fully functioning microbiome. We suggested that the microbiome could be considered to be a single mutualistic microbial community interacting with our body by two complementary sets of semiochemicals, i.e., allomones to feed the microbiota by facilitating the efficient transfer of nutrition through the gut and kairomones to calibrate our immune system by an as yet unknown mechanism. The bioactive compounds, dopamine and serotonin, are known to be present in the gut lumen under the influence of intestinal microbiota and we suggest that these are part of this allomone-like system. In light of this possibility, it is of critical importance to develop a method of quantifying the microbiome effectiveness. Ingestible sensors consist of a miniaturized detector and transmitter packed into a capsule that is swallowed and tracked through the intestine. The aim of this article is to explore the possible development of such ingestible detectors for these or other compounds that can act as a surrogate marker for microbiome effectiveness. We consider that the ability to provide real-time quantitative information on the interaction of the microbiome with different nutrients promises to be a valuable new tool to unravel the mystery of these noncommunicable illnesses, i.e., microbiome-function deficiency diseases.
Maternal Pregnancy Hormone Concentrations in Countries with Very Low and High Breast Cancer Risk
Authors: Ganmaa Davaasambuu , Enkhmaa Davaasambuu , Baatar Tsedmaa , Uyanga Buyanjargal , Gantsetseg Garmaa , Helde Thomas T. , McElrath Thomas F. , Cantonwine David E. , Bradwin Gary , Falk Roni T. , Hoover Robert N. , Troisi Rebecca
Published: January 2020

Background: Breast cancer rates in Asia are much lower than in Europe and North America. Within Asia, rates are lower in Mongolia than in neighboring countries. Variation in pregnancy exposure to endogenous hormone concentrations may explain the differences, but data are lacking. Methods: We measured maternal serum progesterone, prolactin, estradiol and estrone concentrations in the second half of pregnancy in a cross-sectional study of urban (n = 143–194 depending on the analyte) and rural (n = 150–193) Mongolian women, and U.S. women from Boston (n = 66–204). Medical records provided information on maternal and perinatal factors. Geometric mean hormones were estimated from standard linear models with the log-hormone as the dependent variable and country as the independent variable adjusted for maternal and gestational age at blood draw. Results: Mean concentrations of prolactin (5722 vs. 4648 uIU/mL; p < 0.0001) and estradiol (17.7 vs. 13.6 ng/mL; p < 0.0001) were greater in Mongolian than U.S. women, while progesterone (147 vs. 201 ng/mL; p < 0.0001) was lower. Mean hormone concentrations were similar in rural and urban Mongolian women. Results were generally similar, with additional adjustment for gravidity, parity, height, body mass index at blood draw, education and alcohol use during pregnancy, and when stratified by offspring sex or parity. Conclusions: Mongolian women had greater concentrations of prolactin and estrogen and lower concentrations of progesterone than U.S. women, while hormone concentrations were similar in rural and urban Mongolian pregnancies. Impact: These data do not support the hypothesis that estrogen concentrations in pregnant women are lower in Mongolian compared with Caucasian women.
Electrophoretic Deposition of Layer-by-Layer Unsheathed Carbon Nanotubes—A Step Towards Steerable Surface Roughness and Wettability
Authors: Korczeniewski Emil , Zięba Monika , Zięba Wojciech , Kolanowska Anna , Bolibok Paulina , Kowalczyk Piotr , Wiertel-Pochopień Agata , Zawała Jan , Boncel Sławomir , Terzyk Artur P.
Published: January 2020

It is well known that carbon nanotube (CNT) oxidation (usually with concentrated HNO3) is a major step before the electrophoretic deposition (EPD). However, the recent discovery of the “onion effect” proves that multiwalled carbon nanotubes are not only oxidized, but a simultaneous unsheathing process occurs. We present the first report concerning the influence of unsheathing on the properties of the thus-formed CNT surface layer. In our study we examine how the process of gradual oxidation/unsheathing of a series of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) influences the morphology of the surface formed via EPD. Taking a series of well-characterized and gradually oxidized/unsheathing Nanocyl™ MWCNTs and performing EPD on a carbon fiber surface, we analyzed the morphology and wettability of the CNT surfaces. Our results show that the water contact angle could be gradually changed in a wide range (125–163°) and the major property determining its value was the diameter of aggregates formed before the deposition process in the solvent. Based on the obtained results we determined the parameters having a crucial influence on the morphology of created layers. Our results shed new light on the deposition mechanism and enable the preparation of surfaces with steerable roughness and wettability.
Performance of a Direct Methane Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Using Nickel-Ceria-Yttria Stabilized Zirconia as the Anode
Authors: Escudero María José , Yeste María Pilar , Cauqui Miguel Ángel , Muñoz Miguel Ángel
Published: January 2020

A nickel-ceria-yttria stabilized zirconia (Ni-CYSZ) cermet material was synthesized and tested as the anode for the direct oxidation of methane in a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with YSZ as the electrolyte and strontium-doped lanthanum manganite (LSM) as the cathode. Initially, the electrochemical behavior was investigated under several load demands in wet (3% H2O) CH4 at 850 °C during 144 h using I-V curves, impedance spectra, and potentiostatic measurements. Long-term tests were subsequently conducted under 180 mA·cm–2 in wet CH4 for 236 h and dry CH4 for 526 h at 850 °C in order to assess the cell stability. Material analysis was carried out by SEM-EDS after operation was complete. Similar cell performance was observed with wet (3% H2O) and dry CH4, and this indicates that the presence of water is not relevant under the applied load demand. Impedance spectra of the cell showed that at least three processes govern the direct electrochemical oxidation of methane on the Ni-CYSZ anode and these are related to charge transfer at high frequency, the adsorption/desorption of charged species at medium frequency and the non-charge transfer processes at low frequency. The cell was operated for more than 900 h in CH4 and 806 h under load demand, with a low degradation rate of ~0.2 mV·h–1 observed during this period. The low degradation in performance was mainly caused by the increase in charge transfer resistance, which can be attributed to carbon deposition on the anode causing a reduction in the number of active centers. Carbon deposits were detected mostly on the surface of Ni particles but not near the anode/electrolyte interface or the cerium surface. Therefore, the incorporation of cerium in the anode structure could improve the cell lifetime by reducing carbon formation.
Improved Toughness in Lignin/Natural Fiber Composites Plasticized with Epoxidized and Maleinized Linseed Oils
Authors: Dominici Franco , Samper María Dolores , Carbonell-Verdu Alfredo , Luzi Francesca , López-Martínez Juan , Torre Luigi , Puglia Debora
Published: January 2020

The use of maleinized (MLO) and epoxidized (ELO) linseed oils as potential biobased plasticizers for lignin/natural fiber composites formulations with improved toughness was evaluated. Arboform®, a lignin/natural fiber commercial composite, was used as a reference matrix for the formulations. The plasticizer content varied in the range 0–15 wt % and mechanical, thermal and morphological characterizations were used to assess the potential of these environmentally friendly modifiers. Results from impact tests show a general increase in the impact-absorbed energy for all the samples modified with bio-oils. The addition of 2.5 wt % of ELO to Arboform (5.4 kJ/m2) was able to double the quantity of absorbed energy (11.1 kJ/m2) and this value slightly decreased for samples containing 5 and 10 wt %. A similar result was obtained with the addition of MLO at 5 wt %, with an improvement of 118%. The results of tensile and flexural tests also show that ELO and MLO addition increased the tensile strength as the percentage of both oils increased, even if higher values were obtained with lower percentages of maleinized oil due to the possible presence of ester bonds formed between multiple maleic groups present in MLO and the hydroxyl groups of the matrix. Thermal characterization confirmed that the mobility of polymer chains was easier in the presence of ELO molecules. On the other hand, MLO presence delayed the crystallization event, predominantly acting as an anti-nucleating agent, interrupting the folding or packing process. Both chemically modified vegetable oils also efficiently improved the thermal stability of the neat matrix.
Porous Titanium Cylinders Obtained by the Freeze-Casting Technique: Influence of Process Parameters on Porosity and Mechanical Behavior
Authors: Trueba Paloma , Beltrán Ana M. , Bayo José Manuel , Rodríguez-Ortiz José Antonio , Larios Diego F. , Alonso Esteban , Dunand David C. , Torres Yadir
Published: January 2020

The discrepancy between the stiffness of commercially pure titanium and cortical bone tissue compromises its success as a biomaterial. The use of porous titanium has been widely studied, however, it is still challenging to obtain materials able to replicate the porous structure of the bones (content, size, morphology and distribution). In this work, the freeze-casting technique is used to manufacture cylinders with elongated porosity, using a home-made and economical device. The relationship between the processing parameters (diameter and material of the mold, temperature gradient), microstructural features and mechanical properties is established and discussed, in terms of ensuring biomechanical and biofunctional balance. The cylinders have a gradient porosity suitable for use in dentistry, presenting higher Young’s modulus at the bottom, near the cold spot and, therefore better mechanical resistance (it would be in contact with a prosthetic crown), while the opposite side, the hot spot, has bigger, elongated pores and walls.
Environmental Factors That Contribute to the Maintenance of Cryptococcus neoformans Pathogenesis
Authors: Maliehe Maphori , Ntoi Mathope A. , Lahiri Shayanki , Folorunso Olufemi S. , Ogundeji Adepemi O. , Pohl Carolina H. , Sebolai Olihile M.
Published: January 2020

The ability of microorganisms to colonise and display an intracellular lifestyle within a host body increases their fitness to survive and avoid extinction. This host–pathogen association drives microbial evolution, as such organisms are under selective pressure and can become more pathogenic. Some of these microorganisms can quickly spread through the environment via transmission. The non-transmittable fungal pathogens, such as Cryptococcus, probably return into the environment upon decomposition of the infected host. This review analyses whether re-entry of the pathogen into the environment causes restoration of its non-pathogenic state or whether environmental factors and parameters assist them in maintaining pathogenesis. Cryptococcus (C.) neoformans is therefore used as a model organism to evaluate the impact of environmental stress factors that aid the survival and pathogenesis of C. neoformans intracellularly and extracellularly.
Candida Auris, An Agent of Hospital-Associated Outbreaks: Which Challenging Issues Do We Need to Have in Mind?
Authors: Sabino Raquel , Veríssimo Cristina , Pereira Álvaro Ayres , Antunes Francisco
Published: January 2020

The emergence of Candida auris is considered as one of the most serious problems associated with nosocomial transmission and with infection control practices in hospital environment. This multidrug resistant species is rapidly spreading worldwide, with several described outbreaks. Until now, this species has been isolated from different hospital surfaces, where it can survive for long periods. There are multiple unanswered questions regarding C. auris, such as prevalence in population, environmental contamination, effectiveness of infection prevention and control, and impact on patient mortality. In order to understand how it spreads and discover possible reservoirs, it is essential to know the ecology, natural environment, and distribution of this species. It is also important to explore possible reasons to this recent emergence, namely the environmental presence of azoles or the possible effect of climate change on this sudden emergence. This review aims to discuss some of the most challenging issues that we need to have in mind in the management of C. auris and to raise the awareness to its presence in specific indoor environments as hospital settings.
Fluid Inclusion Study of the Penjom, Tersang, and Selinsing Orogenic Gold Deposits, Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Makoundi Charles , Zaw Khin , Endut Zakaria
Published: January 2020

Ore-forming fluids in the auriferous district of the Central gold belt in Peninsular Malaysia were studied for their temperature, salinity, and relationship to the surrounding geology. Microthermometric analysis carried out showed homogenisation temperatures range from 210 to 348 °C (Tersang), between 194 and 348 °C (Selinsing), and from 221 to 346 °C (Penjom). Salinities range from 2.41 to 8.95 wt % NaCl equiv (Tersang), between 1.23 and 9.98 wt % NaCl equiv (Selinsing), and from 4.34 to 9.34 wt % NaCl equiv (Penjom). Laser Raman studies indicated that at the Tersang gold deposit, most inclusions are either pure or nearly pure CO2-rich (87–100 mol %), except for one inclusion, which contains CH4 gas (13 mol %). In addition, at Selinsing, most inclusions are CO2-rich (100 mol %). However, an inclusion was found containing CO2 (90 mol %), with minor N2 and CH4. Additionally, at the Penjom gold deposit, most fluid inclusions are CO2-rich (91–100 mol %), whereas one fluid inclusion is N2-rich (100 mol %) and another one has minor N2 and CH4. At a basin scale, homogenisation temperatures against salinity suggests an isothermal mixing of fluids. Most fluids are CO2-rich and are interpreted to be of metamorphic origin. The evidence further indicates involvement of magmatic fluids that is supported by the association of sandstone and carbonaceous black shales with magmatic rocks, such as rhyolite, rhyolite-dacite, and trachyte-andesite at the Tersang and Penjom orogenic gold deposits.
Phosphorus and Metals Leaching from Green Roof Substrates and Aggregates Used in Their Composition
Authors: Karczmarczyk Agnieszka , Baryła Anna , Fronczyk Joanna , Bus Agnieszka , Mosiej Józef
Published: January 2020

Green roofs are constructions made of different layers, each serving a dedicated function. Substrates and materials used in their composition are essential from the point of view of rainwater retention and plant development, but they may have an adverse effect on runoff quality. Literature studies show that phosphorus and heavy metals are of main importance. The total roofs area covered with green increased in the last years in cities as they are efficient in retention of rainwater and delaying of the runoff, therefore, protecting the cities against floods. As green roofs filtrate a significant amount of rainwater, materials used in substrates composition should be carefully selected to protect urban receivers against pollution. The aim of this study was to assess phosphorus and heavy metals leaching from different green roof substrates and their components with the focus on green roof runoff quality. Both commercially made green roof substrates and often used compounds (construction aggregates) were tested in laboratory batch tests for P, Cu, Ni, Cd, and Zn content in extracts. Based on the results of this study, it could be emphasized that a large part of commonly used construction aggregates can be a source of phosphorus, some also can release elevated values of nickel. Therefore, the materials should be carefully tested before use in the green roof substrate composition, not only for their physical properties reflecting water retention capacity, but also for chemical composition.
The Effect of Protein-Rich Extract from Bombyx Batryticatus against Glutamate-Damaged PC12 Cells Via Regulating γ-Aminobutyric Acid Signaling Pathway
Authors: He Li-Ying , Hu Mei-Bian , Li Ruo-Lan , Zhao Rong , Fan Lin-Hong , Wang Li , Peng Wei , Liu Yu-Jie , Wu Chun-Jie
Published: January 2020

Bombyx Batryticatus (BB) is a known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) utilized to treat convulsions, epilepsy, cough, asthma, headaches, etc. in China for thousands of years. This study is aimed at investigating optimum extraction of protein-rich extracts from BB (BBPs) using response surface methodology (RSM) and exploring the protective effects of BBPs against nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced PC12 cells injured by glutamate (Glu) and their underlying mechanisms. The results indicated optimum process of extraction was as follows: extraction time 1.00 h, ratio of liquid to the raw material 3.80 mL/g and ultrasonic power 230.0 W. The cell viability of PC12 cells stimulated by Glu was determined by CCK-8 assay. The levels of γ-aminobutyric (GABA), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-4 (IL-4), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and glucocorticoid receptor alpha (GR) in PC12 cells were assayed by ELISA. Furthermore, the Ca2+ levels in PC12 cells were determined by flow cytometry analysis. Protein and mRNA expressions of GABAA-Rα1, NMDAR1, GAD 65, GAD 67, GAT 1 and GAT 3 in PC12 cells were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting assays. Results revealed that BBPs decreased toxic effects due to Glu treatment and decreased Ca2+ levels in PC12 cells. After BBPs treatments, levels of GABA and 5-HT were increased and contents of TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-1β were decreased in NGF-induced PC12 cells injured by Glu. Moreover, BBPs up-regulated the expressions of GABAA-Rα1, GAD 65 and GAD 67, whereas down-regulated that of NMDAR1 GAT 1 and GAT 3. These findings suggested that BBPs possessed protective effects on NGF-induced PC12 cells injured by Glu via γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) signaling pathways, which demonstrated that BBPs has potential anti-epileptic effect in vitro. These findings may be useful in the development of novel medicine for the treatment of epilepsy.
Green Synthesis of Encapsulated Copper Nanoparticles Using a Hydroalcoholic Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaves and Assessment of Their Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Das Prince Edwin , Abu-Yousef Imad A. , Majdalawieh Amin F. , Narasimhan Srinivasan , Poltronieri Palmiro
Published: January 2020

The synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant extracts is a very promising method in green synthesis. The medicinal value of Moringa oleifera leaves and the antimicrobial activity of metallic copper were combined in the present study to synthesize copper nanoparticles having a desirable added-value inorganic material. The use of a hydroalcoholic extract of M. oleifera leaves for the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles is an attractive method as it leads to the production of harmless chemicals and reduces waste. The total phenolic content in the M. oleifera leaves extract was 23.0 ± 0.3 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of dried M. oleifera leaves powder. The M. oleifera leaves extract was treated with a copper sulphate solution. A color change from brown to black indicates the formation of copper nanoparticles. Characterization of the synthesized copper nanoparticles was performed using ultraviolet-visible light (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The synthesized copper nanoparticles have an amorphous nature and particle size of 35.8-49.2 nm. We demonstrate that the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized copper nanoparticles display considerable antioxidant activity. Moreover, the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized copper nanoparticles exert considerable anti-bacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis (MIC values for the extract: 500, 250, 250, and 250 µg/mL; MIC values for the copper nanoparticles: 500, 500, 500, and 250 µg/mL, respectively). Similarly, the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized copper nanoparticles exert relatively stronger anti-fungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, and Candida glabrata (MIC values for the extract: 62.5, 62.5, 125, and 250 µg/mL; MIC values for the copper nanoparticles: 125, 125, 62.5, and 31.2 µg/mL, respectively). Our study reveals that the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles using a hydroalcoholic extract of M. oleifera leaves was successful. In addition, the synthesized copper nanoparticles can be potentially employed in the treatment of various microbial infections due to their reported antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal activities.
Bee Products in Dermatology and Skin Care
Authors: Kurek-Górecka Anna , Górecki Michał , Rzepecka-Stojko Anna , Balwierz Radosław , Stojko Jerzy
Published: January 2020

Honey, propolis, bee pollen, bee bread, royal jelly, beeswax and bee venom are natural products which have been used in medicine since ancient times. Nowadays, studies indicate that natural bee products can be used for skin treatment and care. Biological properties of these products are related to flavonoids they contain like: chrysin, apigenin, kaempferol, quercetin, galangin, pinocembrin or naringenin. Several pharmacological activities of phenolic acids and flavonoids, and also 10-hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic acid, which is present in royal jelly, have been reported. Royal jelly has multitude of pharmacological activities: antibiotic, antiinflammatory, antiallergenic, tonic and antiaging. Honey, propolis and pollen are used to heal burn wounds, and they possess numerous functional properties such as: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, disinfectant, antifungal and antiviral. Beeswax is used for production of cosmetics and ointments in pharmacy. Due to a large number of biological activities, bee products could be considered as important ingredients in medicines and cosmetics applied to skin.
Cucurbitacin E Inhibits Huh7 Hepatoma Carcinoma Cell Proliferation and Metastasis via Suppressing MAPKs and JAK/STAT3 Pathways
Authors: Liu Yang , Yang Heng , Guo Qiang , Liu Tingting , Jiang Yong , Zhao Mingbo , Zeng Kewu , Tu Pengfei
Published: January 2020

Cucurbitacin E (CuE), a highly oxygenated tetracyclic triterpene from Cucurbitaceae, has shown to exhibit potent cytotoxic and anti-proliferative properties against several human cancer cells. However, the underlying effects and mechanisms of CuE regarding hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been well understood. In the current study, unbiased RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and bioinformatics analysis was applied to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism. CuE could significantly inhibit cell proliferation and migration of Huh7 cells, meanwhile CuE exhibited potent anti-angiogenic activity. RNA-seq analysis revealed that CuE negatively regulated 241 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in multiple processes including cytoskeleton formation, angiogenesis and focal adhesion. Further analysis revealed that CuE effectually regulated diversified pharmacological signaling pathways such as MAPKs and JAK-STAT3. Our findings demonstrated the role of CuE in inhibiting proliferation and migration, providing an insight into the regulation of multiple signaling pathways as a new paradigm for anti-cancer treatment strategy.
Nitroso Diels-Alder Cycloadducts Derived From N-Acyl-1,2-dihydropyridines as a New Platform to Molecular Diversity
Authors: Menichetti Andrea , Berti Francesco , Pineschi Mauro
Published: January 2020

This review focuses upon the use of nitroso Diels–Alder reactions as a structural complexity generating reaction that has been so far a quite scarcely treated topic, despite its potential. In particular, the use of N-acyl-1,2-dihydropyridines as a non-symmetrical diene component in nitroso Diels–Alder reactions encompasses an initial diversification of pathways giving rise to different cycloadducts (direct and inverse). Selective elaborations of these cycloadducts, basically using a reagent-based approach, deliver a discrete number of structurally diverse compounds, including some original heterobicyclic scaffolds and functionalized heterocycles. This forward synthetic planning allowed the individuation of a new biologically active compound based on a novel oxadiaza-bicyclic-[3.3.1]-nonene scaffold which is still under preclinical evaluation.
Tannins of Conifer Bark as Nordic Piquancy—Sustainable Preservative and Aroma?
Authors: Raitanen Jan-Erik , Järvenpää Eila , Korpinen Risto , Mäkinen Sari , Hellström Jarkko , Kilpeläinen Petri , Liimatainen Jaana , Ora Ari , Tupasela Tuomo , Jyske Tuula
Published: January 2020

Bark of Norway spruce and Scots pine trees contain large amounts of condensed tannins. Tannins extracted with hot water could be used in different applications as they possess antioxidative and antimicrobial activities. The use of bark tannins as e.g., food preservatives calls for increases in our knowledge of their antioxidative activities when applied in foodstuffs. To assess the ability of bark tannins to prevent lipid oxidation, hot water extracts were evaluated in a liposome model. Isolated tannins were also applied in dry-cured, salty meat snacks either as liquid extracts or in dry-powder form. Consumer acceptance of the snacks was tested by a sensory evaluation panel where outlook, odor, taste, and structure of the snacks were evaluated and compared to a commercial product without tannin ingredients. Our results show that conifer bark tannin-rich extracts have high capacity to prevent lipid oxidation in the liposome model. The efficacies of pine and spruce bark extracts were ten to hundred folds higher, respectively, than those of phenolic berry extracts. The bark extracts did not significantly influence the odor or taste of the meat snacks. The findings indicate that bark extracts may be used as sustainable food ingredients. However, more research is needed to verify their safety.
Approaches to PET Imaging of Glioblastoma
Authors: Drake Lindsey R. , Hillmer Ansel T. , Cai Zhengxin
Published: January 2020

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the deadliest type of brain tumor, affecting approximately three in 100,000 adults annually. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging provides an important non-invasive method of measuring biochemically specific targets at GBM lesions. These powerful data can characterize tumors, predict treatment effectiveness, and monitor treatment. This review will discuss the PET imaging agents that have already been evaluated in GBM patients so far, and new imaging targets with promise for future use. Previously used PET imaging agents include the tracers for markers of proliferation ([11C]methionine; [18F]fluoro-ethyl-L-tyrosine, [18F]Fluorodopa, [18F]fluoro-thymidine, and [18F]clofarabine), hypoxia sensing ([18F]FMISO, [18F]FET-NIM, [18F]EF5, [18F]HX4, and [64Cu]ATSM), and ligands for inflammation. As cancer therapeutics evolve toward personalized medicine and therapies centered on tumor biomarkers, the development of complimentary selective PET agents can dramatically enhance these efforts. Newer biomarkers for GBM PET imaging are discussed, with some already in use for PET imaging other cancers and neurological disorders. These targets include Sigma 1, Sigma 2, programmed death ligand 1, poly-ADP-ribose polymerase, and isocitrate dehydrogenase. For GBM, these imaging agents come with additional considerations such as blood–brain barrier penetration, quantitative modeling approaches, and nonspecific binding.
A Survey of the Japanese Influence on Buddhist Education in Taiwan during the Japanese Colonial Period (1895–1945)
Authors: Lin Pei-ying
Published: January 2020

This paper analyses the Japanese influence upon Taiwanese Buddhist communities during the Colonial Period. I will discuss the interplay between monasticism, education, and politics by examining the process of institutionalisation of monastics and Buddhist educational programs in Taiwan between 1895 and 1945. In accord with pertinent historical developments, this paper is divided into five sections: (1) the Sōtō Zen lineage, (2) the Rinzai Zen lineage, (3) the Pure Land (Jōdo) lineage, (4) Taiwanese monastics who studied in Japan, and (5) Taiwanese nuns. Based on the strong Japanese sectarian tradition, different sects had disparate strategies in Taiwan. The Sōtō lineage arrived first, engaged in precept ceremonies, and started up a well-run Buddhist college. The Myōshinji Sect of Rinzai took Kaiyuansi in Tainan as the main headquarters in southern Taiwan for teaching Buddhist classes as well as holding monumental precept-conferral ceremonies. As for the Pure Land lineage, they came slightly later but eventually established 37 branches across Taiwan, implementing social-educational programs actively. Finally, the nuns and monks who went abroad to study Buddhism in Japan matured and took important roles in advancing Buddhist education in Taiwan. All of these cases demonstrate a profound Japanese influence upon Taiwanese Buddhist education and monastic culture.
Design and Development of Magnetostrictive Actuators and Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Vincent Jamin Daniel Selvakumar , Rodrigues Michelle , Leong Zhaoyuan , Morley Nicola A.
Published: January 2020

Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer composite (CFRP) is widely used in the aerospace industry, but is prone to delamination, which is a major causes of failure. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems need to be developed to determine the damage occurring within it. Our motivation is to design cost-effective new sensors and a data acquisition system for magnetostrictive structural health monitoring of aerospace composites using a simple RLC circuit. The developed system is tested on magnetostrictive FeSiB and CoSiB actuator ribbons using a bending rig. Our results show detectable sensitivity of inductors as low as 0.6 μH for a bending rig radii between 600 to 300 mm (equivalent to 0.8 to 1.7 mStrain), which show a strain sensitivity resolution of 0.01 μStrain (surface area: ~36 mm2). This value is at the detectability limit of our fabricated system. The best resolution (1.86 μStrain) was obtained from a 70-turn copper (~64 μH) wire inductor (surface area: ~400 mm2) that was paired with a FeSiB actuator.
Valuation of the Vocationality of Cultural Heritage: The Vesuvian Villas
Authors: Forte Fabiana , Del Giudice Vincenzo , De Paola Pierfrancesco , Troisi Federica
Published: January 2020

The Vesuvian Villas are a system of architectural assets that, due to important artistic, historical and typological characteristics, have relevance that is not only local. However, due to ineffective management policies and insufficient financial resources, the system of the Vesuvian Villas is subject to abandonment or to invasive transformations for speculative purposes. The management policies for these real estate goods would require a profound theoretical and operational review that, together with the overcoming of the binding instrument as the only guarantee of protection, pursues conservation through synergies founded on appropriate uses of the Vesuvian Villas. This innovative path is difficult to implement due to the substantial rigidity of the architectural structures and the transformations aimed at renewing the forms of use, but mostly for the lack of available financial resources. Starting from the analysis of the relationships between conservation and transformation of the historical architectural asset, the paper proposes a multicriteria analysis model for the evaluation of the "vocational" nature of the "Villa Vesuviana" property, aimed to its conservative reuse. This suitability was assessed starting from a set of indicators explaining the actual state of the building (typological, morphological, structural and artistic characteristics) and its location. The indicators have been evaluated through qualitative judgments made using the hierarchical analysis technique. Particular attention was paid to the evaluation of synergies deriving from complementary uses.
Determinants of Food Insecurity in Rural Households: The Case of the Paute River Basin of Azuay Province, Ecuador
Authors: Cordero-Ahiman Otilia Vanessa , Vanegas Jorge Leonardo , Beltrán-Romero Pablo , Quinde-Lituma María Elena
Published: January 2020

Eliminating food insecurity is one of humanity’s greatest global challenges. Thus, the purpose of this research was to analyze the factors that determine food insecurity in households in the rural area of the Paute River Basin, Azuay Province, Ecuador. Stratified sampling was used as the sampling method, with proportional affixation. Moreover, we employed the Latin American and Caribbean Household Food Security Measurement Scale (ELCSA). We estimated the main determinants of household food insecurity using two binomial logit models and one ordered logit model. For the analysis of the data, the respective statistical and econometric tests were employed. The results show that housing size and access to food security information are the most important determinants of food insecurity in the three predictive models applied in this research. This research contributes to the existing literature on food insecurity and provides important information for policymakers, especially regarding food insecurity in rural areas, which has profound economic and social implications.
Assessing Impacts of CAP Subsidies on Financial Performance of Enterprises in Slovak Republic
Authors: Kravčáková Vozárová Ivana , Kotulič Rastislav , Vavrek Roman
Published: January 2020

Sustainability is a particularly crucial factor in policy formulation and analysis, including in the EU’s common agricultural policy. The common agricultural policy, through a subsidy policy, has caused a significant proportion of public funding to flow to agricultural subsidies, so it is appropriate to focus on the effect of these subsidies in the context of the sustainable development of EU agriculture. The impact of agricultural subsidies on business performance is of interest to policy makers. In agrarian practice, insufficient attention is paid to the legal form of agricultural performance, so our economic analysis focused on this area of research. The aim of the paper was to evaluate the effect of financial support in the form of subsidies resulting from the EU’s common agricultural policy and to verify its connection with the performance of agricultural enterprises in terms of the legal form in the context of sustainable development of the agricultural sector in Slovakia. No statistically significant linear correlation was found between farms’ performance results and the volume of subsidies per hectare of agricultural land for each legal form throughout the reporting period. In each analyzed year, business companies achieved a better overall assessment than agricultural cooperatives based on monitored parameters.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Urban Science in 2019
Authors:   Urban Science Editorial Office
Published: January 2020

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time and expertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months, regardless of whether the papers are finally published or not [...]
A Generalized Automated Framework for Urban Runoff Modeling and Its Application at a Citywide Landscape
Authors: Hosseiny Hossein , Crimmins Michael , Smith Virginia B. , Kremer Peleg
Published: January 2020

This research presents a fully automated framework for runoff estimation, applied to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a major urban area. Trends in global urbanization are exacerbating stormwater runoff, making it an increasingly critical challenge in urban areas. Understanding the fine-scale spatial distribution of local flooding is difficult due to the complexity of the urban landscape and lack of measured data, but it is critical for urban management and development. A one-meter resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was used in conjunction with a model developed by using ArcGIS Pro software to create urban micro-subbasins. The DEM was manipulated to account for roof drainage and stormwater infrastructure, such as inlets. The generated micro-subbasins paired with 24-h storm data with a 10-year return period taken from the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for the Philadelphia area was used to estimate runoff. One-meter land-cover and land-use data were used to estimate pervious and impervious areas and the runoff coefficients for each subbasin. Peak runoff discharge and runoff depth for each subbasin were then estimated by the rational and modified rational methods and the NRCS method. The inundation depths from the NRCS method and the modified rational method models were compared and used to generate percent agreement, maximum, and average of inundation maps of Philadelphia. The outcome of this research provides a clear picture of the spatial likelihood of experiencing negative effects of excessive precipitation, useful for stormwater management agencies, city managers, and citizen.
Kebijakan Strategis Pengelolaan Cadangan Pangan Beras Nasional
Authors: RUSONO NONO
Published: January 2020

I. Pendahuluan 1. Stabilisasi pasokan dan harga pangan merupakan aspek penting untuk mencapai ketahanan pangan. Salah satu upaya untuk menjaga stabilisasi pasokan dan harga pangan adalah dengan memperkuat cadangan pangan. 2. Berdasarkan Peraturan Presiden Nomor 48 tahun 2016 tentang Penugasan Kepada Perum BULOG dalam rangka ketahanan pangan, perum BULOG ditugaskan untuk menjaga ketersediaan pangan dan stabilisasi harga tiga komoditas pangan pokok yaitu beras, jagung dan kedelai. Sementara untuk 8 komoditas pangan lainnya yaitu gula, minyak goreng, tepung terigu, bawang merah, cabai, daging sapi, daging ayam ras, dan telur ayam dapat ditangani oleh BUMN lainnya atau Perum BULOG atas penugasan melalui Menteri Perdagangan dengan persetujuan Menteri BUMN dan berdasarkan rapat koordinasi. 3. Sesuai Perpres tersebut, Perum BULOG diberikan tugas sebagai berikut : 1) pengamanan harga pangan di tingkat produsen dan konsumen; 2) pengelolaan cadangan pangan pemerintah; 3) penyediaan dan pendistribusian pangan; 4) pelaksanaan impor pangan dalam rangka pelaksanaan tugas; 5) pengembangan industri berbasis pangan; dan 6) pengembangan pergudangan pangan. 4. Sampai saat ini kebijakan cadangan pangan yang bertujuan untuk stabilisasi pasokan dan stabilisasi harga pangan masih kurang efektif yang disebabkan beberapa permasalahan diantaranya jumlah cadangan pangan yang dikelola oleh pemerintah melalui BULOG tidak cukup dan peranan Pemerintah daerah masih kurang optimal. 5. Studi kebijakan ini hanya difokuskan pada kebijakan pengelolaan cadangan pangan beras. Tujuan dari studi kebijakan ini adalah untuk menganalisis efektivitas dampak kebijakan pengelolaan cadangan pangan beras terhadap harga di tingkat produsen dan konsumen, serta menganalisis permasalahan dan merumuskan rekomendasi kebijakannya agar pengelolaan cadangan pangan beras lebih efektif dan efisien.
Faktor Determinan Efisiensi Dan Inefisiensi Teknis Usahatani Kedelai Lokal Di Kabupaten Grobogan, Jawa Tengah (Determinant Factors of Technical Efficiency And Inefficiency of Local Soybean farming in Grobogan Regency, Central Java)
Authors: Chanifah Chanifah , Darwanto Dwidjono Hadi , Triastono Joko
Published: January 2020

AbstrakKabupaten Grobogan sebagai salah satu sentra produksi kedelai nasional dituntut untuk meningkatkan produksi dan produktivitas kedelai nasional. Upaya yang dilakukan yaitu dengan meningkatkan kinerja usahatani kedelai melalui peningkatan efisiensi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis tingkat efisiensi teknis usahatani kedelai serta faktor-faktor determinan yang mempengaruhi efisiensi  dan sumber-sumber inefisiensi. Penelitian dilaksanakan di Kecamatan Pulokulon dan Purwodadi, Kabupaten Grobogan. Data primer diperoleh melalui metode survey terhadap 60 responden pada bulan April 2019. Data primer yang digali adalah data usahatani kedelai pada Musim Tanam (MT) I Tahun 2018-2019. Data dianalisis menggunakan Frontier 4.1 sehingga diperoleh fungsi produksi stochastic frontier.  Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa rata-rata efisiensi teknis usahatani kedelai relatif tinggi yaitu mencapai 0,81. faktor determinasi yang mempengaruhi efisiensi teknis adalah luas lahan, jumlah benih, jumlah tenaga kerja luar keluarga, pestisida, dummy varietas dan dummy lokasi kecamatan. Sumber-sumber inefisiensi teknis berasal dari umur petani, pengalaman usahatani dan intensitas pendidikan non formal/penyuluhan. Semakin lama pengalaman petani dan semakin banyak intensitas penyuluhan yang diikuti petani maka akan semakin menurunkan inefisiensi teknis. Efisiensi teknis dapat ditingkatkan dengan memaksimalkan sumberdaya yang tersedia dengan teknologi yang sudah ada, serta meminimalisir sumber-sumber inefisiensi.
Зміст громадського контролю у сфері виконання покарань України
Authors: Колб О. , Махніцький О.
Published: January 2020

У статті визначено сутність, зміст і стан громадського контролю у сфері виконання покарань України, а також встановлені найбільш суттєві проблеми його реалізації на практиці та розроблені деякі науково обґрунтовані заходи, спрямовані на удосконалення правового механізму з цих питань.
Спеціальна конфіскація в системі заходів кримінально-правового впливу
Authors: Серкевич І.
Published: January 2020

У статті досліджено спеціальну конфіскацію як вид покарання та засіб кримінального впливу. Зазначено, що спеціальна конфіскація у кримінальному праві є примусовим безоплатним вилученням на підставі вироку суду знарядь, засобів вчинення злочину, предметів злочинних діянь, що належать винному, доходів від використання майна, отриманого внаслідок скоєння злочину. Наголошено, що конфіскація речей, які вилучені з цивільного обороту і підлягають знищенню, або тих, що підлягають поверненню законному власнику, з погляду кримінального права, конфіскацією бути не може, оскільки таке вилучення не позбавляє винного відповідних майнових прав. Не можна позбавити особу тих прав, яких у неї апріорі не було.
Análisis métrico de la literatura publicada sobre música vallenata
Authors: Restrepo-Arango Cristina
Published: January 2020

Analiza la literatura publicada sobre la música vallenata. Para ello se identificó la literatura publicada en la forma de artículos académicos, artículos de difusión, artículos periodísticos, libros, capítulos de libro y ponencias, por medio de las palabras clave “Música Vallenata”; “Vallenato Music”; “Vallenato and Música and Colombia”; “Música and Vallenato and Colombia” en catálogos de bibliotecas colombianas, bases de datos y Google Académico. Los resultados que se obtuvieron fueron exportados a una base de datos bibliográfica en EndNote X5. Los datos obtenidos se analizaron con el software estadístico SPSS para identificar tendencias de publicación, revistas y autores más productivos, crecimiento y colaboración. Se encontraron 276 trabajos publicados desde 1962 hasta diciembre de 2015 por 209 autores, de los cuales se destacan los artículos académicos (54%) que se han difundido en 108 publicaciones periódicas, libros (24%) y capítulos de libros (5%) que se publicaron mayoritariamente en español (97%). La mayoría de los documentos publicados son en autoría única, solamente 9% de los trabajos fue publicado en colaboración. Esta literatura creció a una tasa de 8.9% al año y se duplica aproximadamente cada 19 años.