bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Evolution of the Kohat Fold and Thrust Belt in the Shakardarra Area (South Eastern Kohat, Pakistan)
Authors: Hussain Hamid , Zhang Shuangxi
Published: August 2018

The Kohat fold and thrust belt, located in North-Western Pakistan, is a part of Lesser Himalaya developed due to the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates. The structural evolution records of this area indicate that it consists of tight anticlines and broad syncline structures. Previous studies show that the structural pattern of this area has been produced due to multiple episodes of deformation. In the present research, 2D seismic data has been integrated with our field surveys to clarify the role of active strike-slip faulting in reshaping the surface structures of Shakardarra, Kohat. At the surface, doubly plunging anticlines and synclines are evolved on evaporites as detachment folds, truncated by thrust faults along their limbs. Seismic data show that the thrust faults originate from basal detachment located at the sedimentary-crystalline interface and either cut up section to the surface or lose their displacement to splay or back thrusts. At the surface, the Shakardarra Fault, the Tola Bangi Khel Fault, the Chorlaki Fault, and the axial trend of fold change their strike from EW to NS showing that the thrust and axial trend of folds are rotated along the vertical axis by the influence of the Kalabagh strike-slip fault. Strike-slip motion dominates the style of deformation at the northern segment. The current deformation is concentrated on the splay faults in the northern segment of the Kalabagh Fault. We propose that Shakardarra is sequentially evolved in three episodes of deformation. In the first phase, the detachment folds developed on Eocene evaporites, which are truncated by thrust faults originated from the basal detachment in the second phase. In the third phase, early formed folds and faults are rotated along the vertical axis by the influence of Kalabagh strike-slip fault.
The Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program: Intersections between Feminism and Communication
Authors: Heider Carmen
Published: August 2018

This paper explores the intersections between feminism and communication in an Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program course that is cross-listed with Social Justice and Women’s and Gender Studies. The paper focuses on the alignment of the Inside-Out curriculum with feminist pedagogical principles and explores, through the structure and content of the course, the ways in which these feminist principles interconnect with communication concepts.
Shedding Light on the Shade: How Nurseries Protect Their Children from Ultraviolet Radiation
Authors: Fiessler Cornelia , Pfahlberg Annette B. , Uter Wolfgang , Gefeller Olaf
Published: August 2018

Minimizing exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is strongly recommended as the most important primary prevention measure regarding skin cancer. The responsibility for adequate sun protection of young children lies with their parents and external caregivers. Since a high proportion of 3- to 6-year-old children in Germany attend nurseries, the practice of sun protection in this setting was assessed. A survey was conducted in 246 nurseries in southern Germany during spring and summer of 2014 and 2015. Shade coverage in the outdoor area of the nursery was assessed by study team members and UVR protective behavior of staff was assessed by an interview with the directors. On average, 52% of the entire outdoor area and 65% of the children’s outdoor play area were covered by shade, with a significant difference between nurseries of different sizes, pointing to a better shade coverage in larger nurseries. The daily outdoor stay was not regularly scheduled before or after peak sun intensity hours around noon to avoid intense UVR exposure. General sun protection rules were present in the majority of the nurseries and addressed predominantly wearing sunhats and applying sunscreen. Our findings show that current sun protection recommendations for children are only partially met in nurseries and indicate a lower level of sun protection in small institutions. Especially, avoidance of excessive exposure to UVR around noon and the importance of shade provision over play structures needs to be emphasized in future information campaigns.
Therapeutic Schedule Evaluation for Brain-Metastasized Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with A Probabilistic Linguistic ELECTRE II Method
Authors: Pan Ling , Ren Peijia , Xu Zeshui
Published: August 2018

With the rapid development of modern medicine, therapeutic schedules of brain-metastasized non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are expanding. To assist a patient who suffers from brain-metastasized NSCLC to select the most suitable therapeutic schedule, firstly, we establish an indicator system for evaluating the therapeutic schedules; then, we propose a probabilistic linguistic ELECTRE II method to handle the corresponding evaluation problem for the following reasons: (1) probabilistic linguistic information is effective to depict the uncertainty of the therapeutic process and the fuzziness of an expert’s cognition; (2) the ELECTRE II method can deal with evaluation indicators that do not meet a fully compensatory relationship. Simulation tests on the parameters in the proposed method are provided to discuss their impacts on the final rankings. Furthermore, we apply the proposed method to help a patient with brain-metastasized NSCLC at the Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute to choose the optimal therapeutic schedule, and we present some sensitive analyses and comparative analyses to demonstrate the stability and applicability of the proposed method.
Village-Scale Livelihood Change and the Response of Rural Settlement Land Use: Sihe Village of Tongwei County in Mid-Gansu Loess Hilly Region as an Example
Authors: Ma Libang , Liu Shichun , Niu Yiwen , Chen Meimei
Published: August 2018

Rural livelihood change has great influence on the scale, structure, and morphology of rural settlement land use, thus bringing new challenges to rural revitalization and settlement reconstruction. Sihe village of Tongwei County in mid-Gansu loess hilly region (China) was taken as an example here. Based on participatory rural appraisal data, we analyzed the structure and allocation of rural households’ livelihood assets as well as their livelihood diversity by using ecological asset, livelihood diversification index, and landscape pattern index models. We aimed to find a response mechanism between rural livelihood change and rural settlement land use change. The results might provide useful information for the selection of new village sites, reconstruction of rural settlements, and creation of livable rural environment. Results indicate that: (1) The total value of the average livelihood assets per household in the Sihe village increased significantly from 0.48 in 1988 to 1.288 in 2016. The four types of livelihood assets including natural, material, manpower, and financial assets changed with time. In 1988, the manpower asset was the most important type of livelihood assets, with value accounting for 76.67% of the total value of livelihood assets. With the extension of time, the proportions of the four types of assets in total livelihood assets became closer to each other. The livelihood diversification index of the Sihe village increased from 2.01 in 1988 to 3 in 2016, indicating the rural livelihoods became diverse; (2) Because of the dual influence of external environmental factors and the rural development policies of the country and the region, the livelihoods changed towards agricultural sector from 1988 to 2008, and the agricultural livelihoods tended to be diverse. The following trend of livelihood strategy change was observed: from diverse non-agricultural production group (IV) to agricultural and non-agricultural production group (III), then to diverse agricultural production group (II) and finally to agricultural production group (I). After 2008, the livelihoods changed towards non-agricultural sector, and the non-agricultural livelihoods tended to be diverse. This trend of livelihood change is opposite to that before 2008; (3) 2008 is the key year of livelihood change. Livelihood change caused changes in the scale, structure, and morphology of rural settlement land use, which eventually led to the change of rural residential land use.
Calcium Ion Channels: Roles in Infection and Sepsis Mechanisms of Calcium Channel Blocker Benefits in Immunocompromised Patients at Risk for Infection
Authors: D’Elia John A. , Weinrauch Larry A.
Published: August 2018

Immunosuppression may occur for a number of reasons related to an individual’s frailty, debility, disease or from therapeutic iatrogenic intervention or misadventure. A large percentage of morbidity and mortality in immunodeficient populations is related to an inadequate response to infectious agents with slow response to antibiotics, enhancements of antibiotic resistance in populations, and markedly increased prevalence of acute inflammatory response, septic and infection related death. Given known relationships between intracellular calcium ion concentrations and cytotoxicity and cellular death, we looked at currently available data linking blockade of calcium ion channels and potential decrease in expression of sepsis among immunosuppressed patients. Notable are relationships between calcium, calcium channel, vitamin D mechanisms associated with sepsis and demonstration of antibiotic-resistant pathogens that may utilize channels sensitive to calcium channel blocker. We note that sepsis shock syndrome represents loss of regulation of inflammatory response to infection and that vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, fibroblast growth factor, and klotho interact with sepsis defense mechanisms in which movement of calcium and phosphorus are part of the process. Given these observations we consider that further investigation of the effect of relatively inexpensive calcium channel blockade agents of infections in immunosuppressed populations might be worthwhile.
Revisiting the Cardioprotective Effects of Acetylcholine Receptor Activation against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Intachai Kannaporn , C. Chattipakorn Siriporn , Chattipakorn Nipon , Shinlapawittayatorn Krekwit
Published: August 2018

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the most common cause of acute myocardial injury and its most clinically significant form. The most effective treatment for AMI is to restore an adequate coronary blood flow to the ischemic myocardium as quickly as possible. However, reperfusion of an ischemic region can induce cardiomyocyte death, a phenomenon termed “myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury”. Disruption of cardiac parasympathetic (vagal) activity is a common hallmark of a variety of cardiovascular diseases including AMI. Experimental studies have shown that increased vagal activity exerts cardioprotective effects against myocardial I/R injury. In addition, acetylcholine (ACh), the principle cardiac vagal neurotransmitter, has been shown to replicate the cardioprotective effects of cardiac ischemic conditioning. Moreover, studies have shown that cardiomyocytes can synthesize and secrete ACh, which gives further evidence concerning the importance of the non-neuronal cholinergic signaling cascades. This suggests that the activation of ACh receptors is involved in cardioprotection against myocardial I/R injury. There are two types of ACh receptors (AChRs), namely muscarinic and nicotinic receptors (mAChRs and nAChRs, respectively). However, the effects of AChRs activation in cardioprotection during myocardial I/R are still not fully understood. In this review, we summarize the evidence suggesting the association between AChRs activation with both electrical and pharmacological interventions and the cardioprotection during myocardial I/R, as well as outline potential mechanisms underlying these cardioprotective effects.
Specific Antibody Fragment Ligand Traps Blocking FGF1 Activity
Authors: Chudzian Julia , Szlachcic Anna , Zakrzewska Malgorzata , Czub Miroslawa , Pustula Marcin , Holak Tad A. , Otlewski Jacek
Published: August 2018

Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) and its receptors (FGFRs) regulate crucial biological processes such as cell proliferation and differentiation. Aberrant activation of FGFRs by their ligands can promote tumor growth and angiogenesis in many tumor types, including lung or breast cancer. The development of FGF1-targeting molecules with potential implications for the therapy of FGF1-driven tumors is recently being considered a promising approach in the treatment of cancer. In this study we have used phage display selection to find scFv antibody fragments selectively binding FGF1 and preventing it from binding to its receptor. Three identified scFv clones were expressed and characterized with regard to their binding to FGF1 and ability to interfere with FGF1-induced signaling cascades activation. In the next step the scFvs were cloned to scFv-Fc format, as dimeric Fc fusions prove beneficial in prospective therapeutic application. As expected, scFvs-Fc exhibited significantly increased affinity towards FGF1. We observed strong antiproliferative activity of the scFvs and scFvs-Fc in the in vitro cell models. Presented antibody fragments serve as novel FGF1 inhibitors and can be further utilized as powerful tools to use in the studies on the selective cancer therapy.
IL-6: A Potential Role in Cardiac Metabolic Homeostasis
Authors: Xu Yitao , Zhang Yubin , Ye Junmei
Published: August 2018

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is implicated in multiple biological functions including immunity, neural development, and haematopoiesis. Recently, mounting evidence indicates that IL-6 plays a key role in metabolism, especially lipid metabolic homeostasis. A working heart requires a high and constant energy input which is largely generated by fatty acid (FA) β-oxidation. Under pathological conditions, the precise balance between cardiac FA uptake and metabolism is perturbed so that excessive FA is accumulated, thereby predisposing to myocardial dysfunction (cardiac lipotoxicity). In this review, we summarize the current evidence that suggests the involvement of IL-6 in lipid metabolism. Cardiac metabolic features and consequences of myocardial lipotoxicity are also briefly analyzed. Finally, the roles of IL-6 in cardiac FA uptake (i.e., serum lipid profile and myocardial FA transporters) and FA metabolism (namely, β-oxidation, mitochondrial function, biogenesis, and FA de novo synthesis) are discussed. Overall, understanding how IL-6 transmits signals to affect lipid metabolism in the heart might allow for development of better clinical therapies for obesity-associated cardiac lipotoxicity.
Long Non-Coding RNAs Guide the Fine-Tuning of Gene Regulation in B-Cell Development and Malignancy
Authors: Dahl Mette , Kristensen Lasse Sommer , Grønbæk Kirsten
Published: August 2018

With the introduction of next generation sequencing methods, such as RNA sequencing, it has become apparent that alterations in the non-coding regions of our genome are important in the development of cancer. Particularly interesting is the class of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), including the recently described subclass of circular RNAs (circRNAs), which display tissue- and cell-type specific expression patterns and exert diverse regulatory functions in the cells. B-cells undergo complex and tightly regulated processes in order to develop from antigen naïve cells residing in the bone marrow to the highly diverse and competent effector cells circulating in peripheral blood. These processes include V(D)J recombination, rapid proliferation, somatic hypermutation and clonal selection, posing a risk of malignant transformation at each step. The aim of this review is to provide insight into how lncRNAs including circRNAs, participate in normal B-cell differentiation, and how deregulation of these molecules is involved in the development of B-cell malignancies. We describe the prognostic value and functional significance of specific deregulated lncRNAs in diseases such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, mantle cell lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma and multiple myeloma, and we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the role of circRNAs in these diseases.
A Review of New Experimental Technologies for the Development of Advanced Fans with High Bypass Ratio
Authors: Mileshin Victor
Published: August 2018

The paper reviews new experimental technologies for the development of advanced fans with high bypass ratios. Most of those developments are carried out in a highly specialized acoustic test facility available at the Central Institute of Aviation Motors (CIAM) in Moscow. The C-3A facility is equipped with an anechoic chamber specifically designed for acoustic, aerodynamic, and mechanical investigations of counter rotating fan models.
Phenylacetylene and Carbon Dioxide Activation by an Organometallic Samarium Complex
Authors: Goudy Violaine , Xémard Mathieu , Karleskind Simon , Cordier Marie , Alvarez Lamsfus Carlos , Maron Laurent , Nocton Grégory
Published: August 2018

Small molecule activation is a topic of growing importance and the use of low-valent f-elements to perform these reactions is nowadays well established. The complex Cptt2Sm(thf) (1, Cptt = 1,3-(tBu)2Cp) is shown to activate the alkyne C–H bond of phenylacetylene to form the Cptt2Sm(C≡C–Ph)(thf) complex. The subsequent reaction of this Sm(III) complex with CO2 leads to the CO2 insertion, yielding a dimeric [Cptt2Sm(O2C–C≡C–Ph)]2 complex (2), in which the carbon dioxide has been inserted in the Sm–C bond. Along with the experimental chemical structure analysis, theoretical calculations have been performed in order to rationalize the formation of 1 and 2.
Perioperative Cumulative Fluid Balance and Its Association with an Increase in Costs after Major Surgery
Authors: Oh Tak , Hwang Jung-Won , Jeon Young-Tae , Do Sang-Hwan
Published: August 2018

Positive fluid balance (FB) during the perioperative period may increase the incidence of postoperative complications, which may lead to longer hospitalization and higher hospital costs. However, a definitive association between positive FB and hospital costs has not yet been established. This retrospective observational study examined the association between perioperative FB and hospital costs of patients who underwent major surgical procedures. Medical records of patients who underwent major surgery (surgery time >2 h, estimated blood loss >500 mL) from January 2010 to December 2017 were analyzed to determine the associations between calculated FB (%, total input fluid—output fluid in liter/weight (kg) at admission) and total hospital cost ($). The analysis included medical data of 7010 patients. Multivariable linear regression analyses showed that a 1% increase in FB in postoperative day (POD) 0 (24 h), 0–1 (48 h), 0–2 (72 h), and 0–3 (96 h) significantly increased the total cost by $967.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 803.4–1132.1), $688.8 (95% CI: 566.3–811.2), $591 (95% CI: 485.7–696.4), and $434.2 (95% CI: 349.4–519.1), respectively (all p < 0.001). Perioperative cumulative FB was positively associated with hospital costs of patients who underwent major surgery.
GPU Accelerated Image Processing in CCD-Based Neutron Imaging
Authors: Schock Jonathan , Michael Schulz , Pfeiffer Franz
Published: August 2018

Image processing is an important step in every imaging path in the scientific community. Especially in neutron imaging, image processing is very important to correct for image artefacts that arise from low light and high noise statistics. Due to the low global availability of neutron sources suitable for imaging, the development of these algorithms is not in the main scope of research work and once established, algorithms are not revisited for a long time and therefore not optimized for high throughput. This work shows the possible speed gain that arises from the usage of heterogeneous computing platforms in image processing along the example of an established adaptive noise reduction algorithm.
Analysis of Forming Limits in Sheet Metal Forming with Pattern Recognition Methods. Part 1: Characterization of Onset of Necking and Expert Evaluation
Authors: Affronti Emanuela , Jaremenko Christian , Merklein Marion , Maier Andreas
Published: August 2018

In automotive manufacturing, high strength materials, and aluminum alloys are widely used to address the requirement of ensuring a lightweight car body and correspondingly, reducing pollution. In this context of complexity of materials and structures, an optimized process design with finite element analyses (FEA) is mandatory, as well as a correct definition of the material forming limits. For this purpose, in sheet metal forming, the forming limit curve (FLC) is used. The FLC is defined by the onset of necking. The standard evaluation method according to DIN EN ISO 12004-2 is based on the cross-section method and assumes that the failure occurs due to a clear localized necking. However, this approach has its limitations, specifically in the case of brittle materials that do not exhibit a distinct necking phase. To overcome this challenge, a pattern recognition-based evaluation is proposed. Although pattern recognition and machine learning techniques have been widely employed in the medical field, few studies have investigated them in the context of analyzing metal sheet forming limits. The application of pattern recognition in metal forming is subject to the exact definition of the forming behaviors. Thereby, it is challenging to relate patterns on the strain distribution during Nakajima tests with the onset of necking for the FLC determination. Thus, the first approach was based on the crack evaluation, since this class is well-defined. However, of substantial interest is the evaluation of the general material instabilities that precede failure. Therefore, in the present study, the analysis of the material behavior during stretching is conducted in order to characterize instability classes. The results of Nakajima tests are investigated using an optical measurement system. A conventional pattern recognition approach based on texture features, considering the outcomes of expert interviews for the definition of classes is used for the FLC determination. Moreover, an analysis of the validity of the supervised learning is conducted. The results show a good prediction of the onset of necking, even for high strength materials with a recall of up to 92%. Some deviations are observed in the determination of the diffuse necking. The discrepancies of the different experts’ prognoses highlight the user-dependency of the FLC, suggesting further investigations with an data-driven approach, could be beneficial.
Total Synthesis of Pulmonarin B and Design of Brominated Phenylacetic Acid/Tacrine Hybrids: Marine Pharmacophore Inspired Discovery of New ChE and Aβ Aggregation Inhibitors
Authors: Cheng Zhi-Qiang , Song Jia-Li , Zhu Kongkai , Zhang Juan , Jiang Cheng-Shi , Zhang Hua
Published: August 2018

A marine natural product, pulmonarin B (1), and a series of related tacrine hybrid analogues were synthesized and evaluated as cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitors. The in vitro ChE assay results revealed that 1 showed moderate dual acetylcholinesterase (AChE)/ butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity, while the hybrid 12j proved to be the most potent dual inhibitor among the designed derivatives, being almost as active as tacrine. Molecular modeling studies together with kinetic analysis suggested that 12j interacted with both the catalytic active site and peripheral anionic site of AChE. Compounds 1 and 12j could also inhibit self-induced and AChE-induced Aβ aggregation. In addition, the cell-based assay against the human hepatoma cell line (HepG2) revealed that 1 and 12j did not show significant hepatotoxicity compared with tacrine and donepezil. Taken together, the present study confirmed that compound 1 was a potential anti-Alzheimer’s disease (AD) hit, and 12j could be highlighted as a multifunctional lead compound for anti-AD drug development.
Important Approaches to Enhance Reverse Osmosis (RO) Thin Film Composite (TFC) Membranes Performance
Authors: Al Mayyahi Ahmed
Published: August 2018

Thin film composite (TFC) membrane, which consists of polyamide (PA) active film rests on porous support layer, has been the major type of reverse osmosis (RO) membrane since its development by Cadotte in the 1970s, and has been remarkably used to produce clean water for human consumption and domestic utilization. In the past 30 years, different approaches have been exploited to produce the TFC membrane with high water flux, excellent salt rejection, and better chlorine/fouling resistance. In this brief review, we classify the techniques that have been utilized to improve the RO-TFC membrane properties into four categories: (1) Using alternative monomers to prepare the active layer; (2) modification of membrane surface; (3) optimization of polymerization reactions; and (4) incorporation of nanoparticles (NPs) into the membrane PA layer. This review can provide insights to guide future research and further propel the RO TFN membrane.
Night Shift Work Affects Urine Metabolite Profiles of Nurses with Early Chronotype
Authors: Rotter Markus , Brandmaier Stefan , Covic Marcela , Burek Katarzyna , Hertel Johannes , Troll Martina , Bader Erik , Adam Jonathan , Prehn Cornelia , Rathkolb Birgit , Hrabe de Angelis Martin , Grabe Hans Jörgen , Daniel Hannelore , Kantermann Thomas , Harth Volker , Illig Thomas , Pallapies Dirk , Behrens Thomas , Brüning Thomas , Adamski Jerzy , Lickert Heiko , Rabstein Sylvia , Wang-Sattler Rui
Published: August 2018

Night shift work can have a serious impact on health. Here, we assess whether and how night shift work influences the metabolite profiles, specifically with respect to different chronotype classes. We have recruited 100 women including 68 nurses working both, day shift and night shifts for up to 5 consecutive days and collected 3640 spontaneous urine samples. About 424 waking-up urine samples were measured using a targeted metabolomics approach. To account for urine dilution, we applied three methods to normalize the metabolite values: creatinine-, osmolality- and regression-based normalization. Based on linear mixed effect models, we found 31 metabolites significantly (false discovery rate <0.05) affected in nurses working in night shifts. One metabolite, acylcarnitine C10:2, was consistently identified with all three normalization methods. We further observed 11 and 4 metabolites significantly associated with night shift in early and late chronotype classes, respectively. Increased levels of medium- and long chain acylcarnitines indicate a strong impairment of the fatty acid oxidation. Our results show that night shift work influences acylcarnitines and BCAAs, particularly in nurses in the early chronotype class. Women with intermediate and late chronotypes appear to be less affected by night shift work.
Paleoproterozoic Multiple Tectonothermal Events in the Longshoushan Area, Western North China Craton and Their Geological Implication: Evidence from Geochemistry, Zircon U–Pb Geochronology and Hf Isotopes
Authors: Zeng Renyu , Lai Jianqing , Mao Xiancheng , Li Bin , Zhang Jiandong , BAYLESS Richard C. , Yang Lizhi
Published: August 2018

The Alxa block is located in the southwestern margin of the North China Craton. The Paleoproterozoic tectonic evolution, crustal growth and tectonic affinity of the block remain unknown or controversial. The Longshoushan (LS) area is one of the few areas that outcrop Paleoproterozoic to crystalline basement rocks in the Alxa Block. In this study, we preset whole-rock geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology and Lu–Hf isotope data from metagabbro, metadiorite, quartz syenite, granitic leucosome and pegmatoid leucosome in the LS area. These rocks all are enriched in LREE and LILE, and depleted in HREE and HFSE. Eight new LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb ages yielded three magmatic ages of 2044 Ma, 2029 Ma and 1940 Ma, and three metamorphic ages of 1891 Ma, 1848 Ma and 1812 Ma. Lu–Hf analyses reveal that the magmatic zircons and anatectic/metamorphic zircons from all the rock types are characterized by positive εHf(t) (−0.16 to 10.89) and variable εHf(t) (−11.21 to 6.24), respectively. Based on the previous studies and our new data, we conclude that the LS area experienced three magmatic events (2.5–2.45 Ga, ~2.1–2.0 Ga and ~1.95–1.91 Ga) and three regional metamorphism/anataxis events (~1.93–1.89 Ga, ~1.86–1.84 Ga and ~1.81 Ga) in Paleoproterozoic. The age–Hf isotope data establishes two main crustal growth events at ~2.9–2.5 Ga and ~2.2–2.0 Ga in the LS area. These data indicate that the LS area experienced intraplate extensional setting in the middle Paleoproterozoic, and continental subduction, collision and exhumation in the late Paleoproterozoic. Combining the geochronological framework and tectonic evolution, we suggest that the Alxa Block is part of the Khondalite Belt.
The Arsenic Fault-Pathfinder: A Complementary Tool to Improve Structural Models in Mining
Authors: Carrizo Daniel , Barros Carlos , Velasquez German
Published: August 2018

In a mining operation, the structural model is considered as a first-order data required for planning. During the start-up and in-depth expansion of an operation, whether the case is open-pit or underground, the structural model must be systematically updated because most common failure mechanisms of a rock mass are generally controlled by geological discontinuities. This update represents one of the main responsibilities for structural geologists and mine engineers. For that purpose, our study presents a geochemically-developed tool based on the tridimensional (3-D) distribution of arsenic concentrations, which have been quantified with a very high-density of blast-holes sampling points throughout an open pit operation. Our results show that the arsenic spatial distribution clearly denotes alignments that match with faults that were previously recognized by classical direct mapping techniques. Consequently, the 3-D arsenic distribution can be used to endorse the existence and even more the real persistence of structures as well as the cross-cutting relationships between faults. In conclusion, by linking the arsenic fault-pathfinder tool to direct on field fault mapping, it is possible to improve structural models at mine scale, focusing on geotechnical design and management, with a direct impact in the generation of safety mining activities.
All-lignocellulosic Fiberboard from Steam Exploded Arundo Donax L.
Authors: Ramos Diego , El Mansouri Nour-Eddine , Ferrando Francesc , Salvadó Joan
Published: August 2018

This paper explores the possibility of producing all-lignocellulosic fiberboards from Arundo donax L. as a source of lignocellulosic fibers with no synthetic binders. This raw material was steam exploded with a thermomechanical aqueous vapor process in a batch reactor. The Arundo donax raw material and its obtained pulp were characterized in terms of chemical composition and the results were compared to other lignocellulosic materials. The chemical composition of steam exploded Arundo fibers showed high cellulose and a moderate lignin content suggesting it was a good raw material for fiberboard production. The all-lignocellulosic fiberboards were produced on laboratory scale; using the steam exploded Arundo donax by means of a wet process. The effects of pressing pressure on physical and mechanical properties were evaluated and the conditions that optimize the responses were found. The analyzed properties were density (d); water absorption (WA); thickness swelling (TS); modulus of elasticity (MOE); modulus of rupture (MOR); and internal bond strength (IB). The tested levels of the pressing pressure range from 0.35 to 15 MPa. The optimum IB; MOE; MOR; WA and TS were 1.28 MPa, 7439 MPa, 40.4 MPa, 17.6% and 13.3%, respectively. The obtained fiberboards were of very good quality and more than satisfy the requirements of the relevant standard specifications.
Increasing Yield and Antioxidative Performance of Litchi Pericarp Procyanidins in Baked Food by Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Coupled with Enzymatic Treatment
Authors: Li Shuyi , Yang Yanjie , Li Junsheng , Zhu Zhenzhou , Lorenzo Jose M. , Barba Francisco J.
Published: August 2018

Extraction with organic solvents is a traditional method to isolate bioactive compounds, which is energy-wasting and time-consuming. Therefore, enzyme and ultrasound treatments were combined to assist the extraction of oligomeric procyanidins from litchi pericarp (LPOPC), as an innovative approach to replace conventional extraction methods. Under optimum conditions (enzyme concentration 0.12 mg/mL, ultrasonic power 300 W, ultrasonic time 80 min, and liquid/solid ratio 10 mL/g), the yield of LPOPC could be improved up to 13.5%. HPLC analysis indicated that the oligomeric procyanidins (OPC) content of LPOPC from proposed extraction was up to 89.6%, mainly including (−)-epicatechin, procyanidin A1, A2, and A-type procyanidin trimer. Moreover, LPOPC powder was added in baked food to inhibit the lipid peroxidation. It was found that 0.2% (w/w) of LPOPC could maintain the quality of cookies in the first 7 days, by decreasing the peroxide values. The procyanidin dimers and trimers in LPOPC played more important roles as antioxidants compared to monomers during storage. The results also showed that the combined extraction process can be considered as a useful and efficient method for the extraction of functional components from other plant sources.
The α-Cyclodextrin/Moringin Complex: A New Promising Antimicrobial Agent against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Romeo Letizia , Lanza Cariccio Veronica , Iori Renato , Rollin Patrick , Bramanti Placido , Mazzon Emanuela
Published: August 2018

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the major clinical concerns, making the discovery of new antimicrobial drugs desirable. Moringin (MOR), the major isothiocyanate produced from Moringa oleifera seeds, could represent an alternative therapeutic strategy to commonly used antibiotics. The aim of our study was to investigate the antimicrobial effect of MOR conjugated with α-cyclodextrin (MOR/α-CD), a complex with an improved solubility and stability in aqueous solutions. Our data demonstrated that MOR/α-CD was able to exert antimicrobial activity against the S. aureus reference strains (ATCC 25923, ATCC 6538, and ATCC BAA-977). Moreover, MOR/α-CD showed bacteriostatic effects (MIC = minimum inhibitory concentration = 0.5 mg/mL) and bactericidal properties (MBC = minimum bactericidal concentration = 1 mg/mL) against the overall assessed strains. In addition, MOR/α-CD showed bactericidal activity against the S. aureus strain ATCC BAA-977 after treatment with erythromycin (Ery), which induced clindamycin-resistance on the erm (A) gene. This evidence led us to assume that MOR/α-CD could be a promising antimicrobial agent against strains with the clindamycin-resistant phenotype (CC-resistant).
Bioactive Constituents from the Aerial Parts of Pluchea indica Less
Authors: Ruan Jingya , Li Zheng , Yan Jiejing , Huang Peijian , Yu Haiyang , Han Lifeng , Zhang Yi , Wang Tao
Published: August 2018

Four new thiophenes, (3′′R)-pluthiophenol (1), (3′′R)-pluthiophenol-4′′-acetate (2), 3′′-ethoxy-(3′′S)-pluthiophenol (3), 3′′-ethoxy-(3′′S)-pluthiophenol-4′′-acetate (4), together with twenty-five known compounds were obtained from the 70% ethanol-water extract of the aerial parts of Pluchea indica Less. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Among the known isolates, compounds 7, 8, 11, 14, 15, 18, 20, 23, 25–27 were isolated from Asteraceae family firstly, while compounds 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, 19, 21, 28 were isolated from Pluchea genus for the first time. Meanwhile, compounds 1, 2, 10, 13, 18, 23 displayed significant inhibitory activities on LPS-induced NO production at 40 µM from RAW 264.7 macrophages, while compounds 3, 4, 26–29 possessed moderate inhibitory effects.
Antibiofilm Coatings Based on PLGA and Nanostructured Cefepime-Functionalized Magnetite
Authors: Ficai Denisa , Grumezescu Valentina , Fufă Oana Mariana , Popescu Roxana Cristina , Holban Alina Maria , Ficai Anton , Grumezescu Alexandru Mihai , Mogoanta Laurentiu , Mogosanu George Dan , Andronescu Ecaterina
Published: August 2018

The aim of our study was to obtain and evaluate the properties of polymeric coatings based on poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) embedded with magnetite nanoparticles functionalized with commercial antimicrobial drugs. In this respect, we firstly synthesized the iron oxide particles functionalized (@) with the antibiotic Cefepime (Fe3O4@CEF). In terms of composition and microstructure, the as-obtained powdery sample was investigated by means of grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM, respectively). Crystalline and nanosized particles (~5 nm mean particle size) with spherical morphology, consisting in magnetite core and coated with a uniform and reduced amount of antibiotic shell, were thus obtained. In vivo biodistribution studies revealed the obtained nanoparticles have a very low affinity for innate immune-related vital organs. Composite uniform and thin coatings based on poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and antibiotic-functionalized magnetite nanoparticles (PLGA/Fe3O4@CEF) were subsequently obtained by using the matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique. Relevant compositional and structural features regarding the composite coatings were obtained by performing infrared microscopy (IRM) and SEM investigations. The efficiency of the biocompatible composite coatings against biofilm development was assessed for both Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens. The PLGA/Fe3O4@CEF materials proved significant and sustained anti-biofilm activity against staphylococcal and Escherichia coli colonisation.
The Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the Development and Progression of Fibrosis Associated with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Authors: Hanson Amanda , Wilhelmsen Danielle , DiStefano Johanna K.
Published: August 2018

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a spectrum of conditions ranging from hepatic steatosis to inflammation (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH) with or without fibrosis, in the absence of significant alcohol consumption. The presence of fibrosis in NASH patients is associated with greater liver-related morbidity and mortality; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of fibrosis and cirrhosis in NAFLD patients remain poorly understood. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as key contributors to biological processes that are underpinning the initiation and progression of NAFLD fibrosis. This review summarizes the experimental findings that have been obtained to date in animal models of liver fibrosis and NAFLD patients with fibrosis. We also discuss the potential applicability of circulating lncRNAs to serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of NAFLD fibrosis. A better understanding of the role played by lncRNAs in NAFLD fibrosis is critical for the identification of novel therapeutic targets for drug development and improved, noninvasive methods for disease diagnosis.
Long Sleep Duration and Social Jetlag Are Associated Inversely with a Healthy Dietary Pattern in Adults: Results from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme Y1–4
Authors: Almoosawi Suzana , Palla Luigi , Walshe Ian , Vingeliene Snieguole , Ellis Jason G.
Published: August 2018

Limited observational studies have described the relationship between sleep duration and overall diet. The present study investigated the association between sleep duration on weekdays or social jetlag and empirically derived dietary patterns in a nationally representative sample of UK adults, aged 19–64 years old, participating in the 2008–2012 UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme. Survey members completed between three to four days of dietary records. Sleep duration on weekdays was categorized into tertiles to reflect short, normal, and long sleep duration. Social jetlag was calculated as the difference between sleep duration on weekends and weekdays. The association between sleep duration/social jetlag and dietary patterns, derived by principal components analysis, was assessed by regressing diet on sleep, whilst accounting for the complex survey design and adjusting for relevant confounders. Survey members in the highest tertile of sleep duration had on average a 0.45 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) −0.78, −0.12) lower healthy dietary pattern score, compared to middle tertile (p = 0.007). There was an inverted u-shaped association between social jetlag and the healthy dietary pattern, such that when sleep on weekends exceeded weekday sleep by 1 h 45 min, scores for indicating a healthy dietary pattern declined (p = 0.005). In conclusion, long sleep duration on weekdays and an increased social jetlag are associated with a lower healthy dietary pattern score. Further research is required to address factors influencing dietary patterns in long sleepers.
Increased Adiposity as a Potential Risk Factor for Lower Academic Performance: A Cross-Sectional Study in Chilean Adolescents from Low-to-Middle Socioeconomic Background
Authors: Correa-Burrows Paulina , Rodriguez Yanina , Blanco Estela , Gahagan Sheila , Burrows Raquel
Published: August 2018

We explored the association between excess body fat and academic performance in high school students from Santiago, Chile. In 632 16-year-olds (51% males) from low-to-middle socioeconomic status (SES), height, weight, and waist circumference were measured. Body-mass index (BMI) and BMI for age and sex were calculated. Weight status was evaluated with 2007 World Health Organization (WHO) references. Abdominal obesity was diagnosed with International Diabetes Federation (IDF) references. Total fat mass (TFM) was measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). TFM values ≥25% in males and ≥35% in females were considered high adiposity. School grades were obtained from administrative records. Analysis of covariance examined the association of fatness measures with academic performance, accounting for the effect of diet and physical activity, and controlling SES background and educational confounders. We found that: (1) having obesity, abdominal obesity, or high adiposity was associated with lower school performance alone or in combination with unhealthy dietary habits or reduced time allocation for exercise; (2) high adiposity and abdominal obesity were more clearly related with lower school grades compared to obesity; (3) the association of increased fatness with lower school grades was more salient in males compared to females.
Dissolution Enhancement in Cocoa Extract, Combining Hydrophilic Polymers through Hot-Melt Extrusion
Authors: Pinho Ludmila A. G. , Souza Saulo G. , Marreto Ricardo N. , Sa-Barreto Livia L. , Gratieri Tais , Gelfuso Guilherme M. , Cunha-Filho Marcilio
Published: August 2018

The aim of this study was to improve the physicochemical properties of cocoa extract (CE) using hot-melt extrusion (HME) for pharmaceutical proposes. A mixture design was applied using three distinct hydrophilic polymeric matrices (Soluplus, Plasdone S630, and Eudragit E). Systems obtained by HME were evaluated using morphologic, chromatographic, thermic, spectroscopic, and diffractometric assays. The flow, wettability, and dissolution rate of HME powders were also assessed. Both CE and its marker theobromine proved to be stable under heating according to thermal analysis and Arrhenius plot under isothermal conditions. Physicochemical analysis confirmed the stability of CE HME preparations and provided evidence of drug–polymer interactions. Improvements in the functional characteristics of CE were observed after the extrusion process, particularly in dissolution and flow properties. In addition, the use of a mixture design allowed the identification of synergic effects by excipient combination. The optimized combination of polymers obtained considering four different aspects showed that a mixture of the Soluplus, Plasdone S630, and Eudragit E in equal proportions produced the best results (flowability index 88%; contact angle 47°; dispersibility 7.5%; and dissolution efficiency 87%), therefore making the pharmaceutical use of CE more feasible.
Deprescription in Advanced Cancer Patients
Authors: Gonçalves Ferraz
Published: August 2018

The use of multiple drugs is often referred to as polypharmacy, although this term has not been precisely defined. Frequently, drugs are used unwisely in multiple combinations increasing the risk of adverse reactions, or for the long-term prevention of diseases in patients with a short life expectancy who, therefore, will not benefit from them. The reflection on this has led to the introduction of the concept of deprescription. There are many reasons for the inappropriate drug prescription and barriers to reduce medications. Tools were developed to help prescribers to limit the number of prescribed drugs that patients are taking. Several studies have shown that deprescription of some drugs is possible and safe and can even have a positive influence on wellbeing, cognitive function, falls, and admission to a hospital. Deprescription should be individualized and carried out, as far as possible, in agreement with patients and their families. A six-step method for deprescription is proposed.
Noise Removal Based on Tensor Modelling for Hyperspectral Image Classification
Authors: Bourennane Salah , Fossati Caroline , Lin Tao
Published: August 2018

With the current state-of-the-art computer aided manufacturing tools, the spatial resolution of hyperspectral sensors is becoming increasingly higher thus making it easy to obtain much more detailed information of the scene captured. However, the improvement of the spatial resolution also brings new challenging problems to address with signal dependent photon noise being one of them. Unlike the signal independent thermal noise, the variance of photon noise is dependent on the signal, therefore many denoising methods developed for the stationary noise cannot be applied directly to the photon noise. To make things worse, both photon and thermal noise coexist in the captured hyperspectral image (HSI), thus making it more difficult to whiten noise. In this paper, we propose a new denoising framework to cope with signal dependent nonwhite noise (SDNW), Pre-estimate—Whitening—Post-estimate (PWP) loop, to reduce both photon and thermal noise in HSI. Previously, we proposed a method based on multidimensional wavelet packet transform and multi-way Wiener filter which performs both white noise and spectral dimensionality reduction, referred to as MWPT-MWF, which was restricted to white noise. We get inspired from this MWPT-MWF to develop a new iterative method for reducing photon and thermal noise. Firstly, the hyperspectral noise parameters estimation (HYNPE) algorithm is used to estimate the noise parameters, the SD noise is converted to an additive white Gaussian noise by pre-whitening procedure and then the whitened HSI is denoised by the proposed method SDNW-MWPT-MWF. As comparative experiments, the Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) based denoising method and tensor-based Multiway Wiener Filter (MWF) are also used in the denoising framework. An HSI captured by Reflective Optics System Imaging Spectrometer (ROSIS) is used in the experiments and the denoising performances are assessed from various aspects: the noise whitening performance, the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), and the classification performance. The results on the real-world airborne hyperspectral image HYDICE (Hyperspectral Digital Imagery Collection Experiment) are also presented and analyzed. These experiments show that it is worth taking into account noise signal-dependency hypothesis for processing HYDICE and ROSIS HSIs.