bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extensive Chromosomal Reorganization in Apistogramma Fishes (Cichlidae, Cichlinae) Fits the Complex Evolutionary Diversification of the Genus
Authors: Wagner Werneck Félix da Costa Gideão , de Bello Cioffi Marcelo , Liehr Thomas , Feldberg Eliana , Antonio Carlos Bertollo Luiz , Franco Molina Wagner
Published: August 2019

Neotropical cichlid fishes are one of the most diversified and evolutionarily successful species assemblages. Extremely similar forms and intraspecific polychromatism present challenges for the taxonomy of some of these groups. Several species complexes have a largely unknown origin and unresolved evolutionary processes. Dwarf cichlids of the genus Apistogramma, comprising more than a hundred species, exhibit intricate taxonomic and biogeographic patterns, with both allopatric and sympatric distributions. However, karyotype evolution and the role of chromosomal changes in Apistogramma are still unknown. In the present study, nine South American Apistogramma species were analyzed using conventional cytogenetic methods and the mapping of repetitive DNA sequences [18S rDNA, 5S rDNA, and (TTAGGG)n] by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Our results showed that Apistogramma has unique cytogenetic characteristics in relation to closely related groups, such as a reduced 2n and a large number of bi-armed chromosomes. Interspecific patterns revealed a scenario of remarkable karyotypic changes, including a reduction of 2n, the occurrence of B-chromosomes and evolutionary dynamic of rDNA tandem repeats. In addition to the well-known pre-zygotic reproductive isolation, the karyotype reorganization in the genus suggests that chromosomal changes could act as postzygotic barriers in areas where Apistogramma congeners overlap.
Pachypodol, a Methoxyflavonoid Isolated from Pogostemon cablin Bentham Exerts Antioxidant and Cytoprotective Effects in HepG2 Cells: Possible Role of ERK-Dependent Nrf2 Activation
Authors: Kim Eun Kyung , Kim Ji Hoon , Jeong Soyeon , Choi Yong Won , Choi Hyun Jung , Kim Chul Young , Kim Young-Mi
Published: August 2019

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases including chronic liver diseases. Nrf2 is a master transcriptional factor regulating the induction of cellular antioxidant defense systems. Here, the Nrf2-activating effect of the crude methanol extract of dried leaves of Pogostemon cablin Bentham was demonstrated by measuring the antioxidant response element (ARE)-driven luciferase activity and pachypodol, 4′,5-dihydroxy-3,3′,7-trimethoxyflavone, was isolated by bioactivity-guided fractionation and further separation using chromatographic techniques. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of pachypodol in HepG2 cells as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms. Indeed, pachypodol protected HepG2 cells from cell death caused by tert-butylhydroperoxide-induced oxidative stress and also attenuated ROS production. The ability of pachypodol to activate Nrf2/ARE pathway was further confirmed by observing Nrf2 expression in nuclear fraction, mRNA levels of Nrf2 target antioxidants, and cellular glutathione content in HepG2 cells. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is one of the important kinases involved in Nrf2 activation. Pachypodol increased ERK phosphorylation and ERK inhibition by PD98059 totally abrogated the increase in ARE luciferase activity, nuclear Nrf2 accumulation and mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes by pachypodol. In conclusion, pachypodol isolated from P. cablin can protect hepatocytes from oxidative injury, possibly mediated by enhancing endogenous antioxidant defense system through ERK-dependent Nrf2 activation.
De Novo Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Abundant Gonad-specific Genes in the Ovary and Testis of Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata
Authors: Guo Wei , Lü Jing , Guo Mujuan , Chen Shimin , Qiu Baoli , Sang Wen , Yang Chunxiao , Zhang Youjun , Pan Huipeng
Published: August 2019

Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a major pest affecting Solanaceae plants in Asian countries. In this study, we sequenced the ovary and testis transcriptomes of H. vigintioctopunctata to identify gonad-related genes. Comparison of the unigene sequences in ovary and testis libraries identified 1,421 and 5,315 ovary- and testis-specific genes, respectively. Among the ovary-specific genes, we selected the RC2-like and PSHS-like genes to investigate the effects of gene silencing on the mortality, percentage infertility, pre-oviposition period, fecundity, daily number of eggs laid, and hatching rate in female adults. Although the percentage mortality and infertility of females did not differ significantly among dsRNA treatments, fecundity was significantly reduced in the dsRC2-like and dsPSHS-like treatment groups. Moreover, the pre-oviposition period was markedly prolonged in response to dsPSHS-like treatment. This is the first reported RNA sequencing of H. vigintioctopunctata. The transcriptome sequences and gene expression profiles of the ovary and testis libraries will provide useful information for the identification of gonad-related genes in H. vigintioctopunctata and facilitate further research on the reproductive biology of this species. Moreover, the gonad-specific genes identified may represent candidate target genes for inhibiting the population growth of H. vigintioctopunctata.
Enhancement of Particle Alignment Using Silicone Oil Plasticizer and Its Effects on the Field-Dependent Properties of Magnetorheological Elastomers
Authors: Ahmad Khairi Muntaz Hana , Abd Fatah Abdul Yasser , Mazlan Saiful Amri , Ubaidillah U. , Nordin Nur Azmah , Nik Ismail Nik Intan , Choi Seung Bok , Abdul Aziz Siti Aishah
Published: August 2019

The existing mold concept of fabricating magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) tends to encounter several flux issues due to magnetic flux losses inside the chamber. Therefore, this paper presents a new approach for enhancing particle alignment through MRE fabrication as a means to provide better rheological properties. A closed-loop mold, which is essentially a fully guided magnetic field inside the chamber, was designed in order to strengthen the magnetic flux during the curing process with the help of silicone oil (SO) plasticizers. The oil serves the purpose of softening the matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the surface morphology of the fabricated MRE samples. The field-dependent dynamic properties of the MREs were measured several ways using a rheometer, namely, strain sweep, frequency sweep, and magnetic field sweep. The analysis implied that the effectiveness of the MRE was associated with the use of the SO, and the closed-loop mold helped enhance the absolute modulus up to 0.8 MPa. The relative magnetorheological (MR) effects exhibited high values up to 646%. The high modulus properties offered by the MRE with SO are believed to be potentially useful in industry applications, particularly as vibration absorbers, which require a high range of stiffness.
Over-Expression of CHD4 Is an Independent Biomarker of Poor Prognosis in Patients with Rectal Cancers Receiving Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Wang Hui-Ching , Chou Chia-Lin , Yang Ching-Chieh , Huang Wei-Lun , Hsu Yin-Chou , Luo Chi-Wen , Chen Tzu-Ju , Li Chien-Feng , Pan Mei-Ren
Published: August 2019

Neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), followed by radical proctectomy, is the standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer. However, a poor response and therapeutic resistance continue to occur despite this treatment. In this study, we analyzed the microarray datasets (GSE68204) of rectal cancer from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and identified CHD4 as one of the most significantly up-regulated genes among all subunits of the nucleosome remodeling and histone deacetylation (NuRD) complex, in non-responders to CCRT, among locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients. We confirmed the predictive and prognostic significance of CHD4 expression in CCRT treatment, and its correlation with other clinicopathological features, such as tumor regression grade (TRG), therapeutic response, and patient survival. This was carried out by immunohistochemical studies on endoscopic biopsy tissues from 172 rectal cancer patients, receiving neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). A high expression of CHD4 was significantly associated with pre-treatment tumor status (p < 0.001) and lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001), post-treatment tumor status (p < 0.001), and lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001), vascular invasion (p = 0.042), and tumor regression grade (p = 0.001). A high expression of CHD4 could also predict poor disease-specific survival and metastasis-free survival (log-rank test, p = 0.0373 and p < 0.0001, respectively). In multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis, CHD4 overexpression was an independent factor of poor prognosis for metastasis-free survival (HR, 4.575; 95% CI, 1.717–12.192; p = 0.002). By in vitro studies, based on cell line models, we also demonstrated that, the overexpression of CHD4 induced radio-resistance in microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) colorectal cells (CRCs). On the contrary, the knockdown of CHD4 enhanced radiosensitivity in microsatellite stable (MSS) CRCs. Altogether, we have identified CHD4 as an important regulator of radio-resistance in both MSI-H and MSS CRC cell lines.
Cardiac Fibroblasts and the Extracellular Matrix in Regenerative and Nonregenerative Hearts
Authors: Hortells Luis , Johansen Anne Katrine Z. , Yutzey Katherine E.
Published: August 2019

During the postnatal period in mammals, the heart undergoes significant remodeling and cardiac cells progressively lose their embryonic characteristics. At the same time, notable changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition occur with a reduction in the components considered facilitators of cellular proliferation, including fibronectin and periostin, and an increase in collagen fiber organization. Not much is known about the postnatal cardiac fibroblast which is responsible for producing the majority of the ECM, but during the days after birth, mammalian hearts can regenerate after injury with only a transient scar formation. This phenomenon has also been described in adult urodeles and teleosts, but relatively little is known about their cardiac fibroblasts or ECM composition. Here, we review the pre-existing knowledge about cardiac fibroblasts and the ECM during the postnatal period in mammals as well as in regenerative environments.
Cytokine Profile in Patients with Aseptic Loosening of Total Hip Replacements and Its Relation to Metal Release and Metal Allergy
Authors: Christiansen Rune J. , Münch Henrik J. , Bonefeld Charlotte M. , Thyssen Jacob P. , Sloth Jens J. , Geisler Carsten , Søballe Kjeld , Jellesen Morten S. , Jakobsen Stig S.
Published: August 2019

Metal release from total hip replacements (THRs) is associated with aseptic loosening (AL). It has been proposed that the underlying immunological response is caused by a delayed type IV hypersensitivity-like reaction to metals, i.e., metal allergy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immunological response in patients with AL in relation to metal release and the prevalence of metal allergy. THR patients undergoing revision surgery due to AL or mechanical implant failures were included in the study along with a control group consisting of primary THR patients. Comprehensive cytokine analyses were performed on serum and periimplant tissue samples along with metal analysis using inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Patient patch testing was done with a series of metals related to orthopedic implant. A distinct cytokine profile was found in the periimplant tissue of patients with AL. Significantly increased levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-2, IL-8, IFN-γ and TNF-α, but also the anti-inflammatory IL-10 were detected. A general increase of metal concentrations in the periimplant tissue was observed in both revision groups, while Cr was significantly increased in patient serum with AL. No difference in the prevalence of metal sensitivity was established by patch testing. Increased levels of IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α point to an innate immune response. However, the presence of IL-2 and IFN-γ indicates additional involvement of T cell-mediated response in patients with AL, although this could not be detected by patch testing.
The Importance of Sex Differences on Outcome after Major Trauma: Clinical Outcome in Women Versus Men
Authors: Joestl Julian , Lang Nikolaus W. , Kleiner Anne , Platzer Patrick , Aldrian Silke
Published: August 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate epidemiological and clinically relevant sex-related differences in polytraumatized patients at a Level 1 Trauma Center. Methods: 646 adult patients (210 females and 436 males) who were classified as polytraumatized (at the point of admission) and treated at our Level I Trauma Center were reviewed and included in this study. Demographic data as well as mechanism of injury, injury severity, injury pattern, frequency of preclinical intubation, hemodynamic variables on admission, time of mechanical ventilation and of intensive care unit (ICU) treatment, as well as the incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multi organ failure (MOF), and mortality were extracted and analyzed. Results: A total of 210 female and 436 male patients formed the basis of this report. Females showed a higher mean age (44.6 vs. 38.3 years; p < 0.0001) than their male counterparts. Women were more likely to be injured as passengers or by suicidal falls whereas men were more likely to suffer trauma as motorcyclists. Following ICU treatment, female patients resided significantly longer at the casualty ward than men (27.1 days vs. 20.4 days, p = 0.013) although there was no significant difference regarding injury severity, hemodynamic variables on admission, and incidence of MOF, ARDS, and mortality. Conclusion: The positive correlation of higher age and longer in-hospital stay in female trauma victims seems to show women at risk for a prolonged in-hospital rehabilitation time. A better understanding of the impact of major trauma in women (but also men) will be an important component of efforts to improve trauma care and long-term outcome.
Peptide Antagonists for P-selectin Discriminate between Sulfatide-Dependent Platelet Aggregation and PSGL-1-Mediated Cell Adhesion
Authors: Korporaal Suzanne J.A. , Molenaar Tom J.M. , Lutters Bianca C.H. , Meurs Illiana , Drost-Verhoef Sandra , Kuiper Johan , van Berkel Theo J.C. , Biessen Erik A.L.
Published: August 2019

Background: Membrane-exposed sulfatides are proposed to contribute to P-selectin-dependent platelet aggregation. Here, we demonstrated that P-selectin-mediated platelet aggregation on a collagen-coated surface under flow indeed depended on sulfatides and that this interaction differed considerably from the interaction of P-selectin with P-selectin Glycoprotein Ligand-1 (PSGL-1), which underlies leukocyte-endothelium adhesion. Methods and Results: Upon platelet activation, sulfatides were translocated to the platelet surface to form focal hot-spots. Interestingly, P-selectin was observed to exclusively interact with liposomes with a sulfatide density higher than 21% (w/w), indicating that the binding profile of P-selectin for sulfatide-rich liposomes was dependent on sulfatide density. Sulfatide-liposome binding to P-selectin and sulfatide/P-selectin-dependent platelet aggregation was blunted by peptide antagonists, carrying the EWVDV motif within N-terminal extensions, such as CDVEWVDVSC (half maximal inhibitory concentration IC50 = 0.2 μM), but not by the EWVDV core motif itself (IC50 > 1000 μM), albeit both being equally potent inhibitors of PSGL-1/P-selectin interaction (IC50= 7–12 μM). Conclusions: Our data suggest that the sulfatide/P-selectin interaction implicates multiple binding pockets, which only partly overlap with that of PSGL-1. These observations open ways to selectively interfere with sulfatide/P-selectin-dependent platelet aggregation without affecting PSGL-1-dependent cell adhesion.
CMOS Inverter as Analog Circuit: An Overview
Authors: Bae Woorham
Published: August 2019

Since the CMOS technology scaling has focused on improving digital circuit, the design of conventional analog circuits has become more and more difficult. To overcome this challenge, there have been a lot of efforts to replace conventional analog circuits with digital implementations. Among those approaches, this paper gives an overview of the latest achievement on utilizing a CMOS inverter as an analog circuit. Analog designers have found that a simple resistive feedback pulls a CMOS inverter into an optimum biasing for analog operation. Recently developed applications of the resistive-feedback inverter, including CMOS inverter as amplifier, high-speed buffer, and output driver for high-speed link, are introduced and discussed in this paper.
Sustainable Growth and Synchronization in Protocell Models
Authors: Serra Roberto , Villani Marco
Published: August 2019

The growth of a population of protocells requires that the two key processes of replication of the protogenetic material and reproduction of the whole protocell take place at the same rate. While in many ODE-based models such synchronization spontaneously develops, this does not happen in the important case of quadratic growth terms. Here we show that spontaneous synchronization can be recovered (i) by requiring that the transmembrane diffusion of precursors takes place at a finite rate, or (ii) by introducing a finite lifetime of the molecular complexes. We then consider reaction networks that grow by the addition of newly synthesized chemicals in a binary polymer model, and analyze their behaviors in growing and dividing protocells, thereby confirming the importance of (i) and (ii) for synchronization. We describe some interesting phenomena (like long-term oscillations of duplication times) and show that the presence of food-generated autocatalytic cycles is not sufficient to guarantee synchronization: in the case of cycles with a complex structure, it is often observed that only some subcycles survive and synchronize, while others die out. This shows the importance of truly dynamic models that can uncover effects that cannot be detected by static graph theoretical analyses.
Impact of Stress Annealing on the Magnetization Process of Amorphous and Nanocrystalline Co-Based Microwires
Authors: Talaat Ahmed , Zhukova Valentina , Ipatov Mihail , Blanco Juan María , Gonzalez Julián , Zhukov Arcady
Published: August 2019

The domain wall (DW) dynamics of amorphous and nanocrystalline Co-based glass-coated microwires are explored under the influence of stress annealing. Different annealing profiles have enabled remarkable changes in coercivity and magnetostriction values of Co-based amorphous microwires with initially negative magnitude, allowing induced magnetic bistability in stress-annealed samples and, consequently, high DW velocity has been observed. Similarly, Co-based nanocrystalline microwires with positive magnetostriction and spontaneous bistability have featured high DW velocity. Different values of tensile stresses applied during annealing have resulted in a redistribution of magnetoelastic anisotropy showing a decreasing trend in both DW velocities and coercivity of nanocrystalline samples. Observed results are discussed in terms of the stress dependence on magnetostriction and microstructural relaxation.
Prediction of Carbonation Progress in Concrete Containing Calcareous Fly Ash Co-Binder
Authors: Woyciechowski Piotr , Woliński Paweł , Adamczewski Grzegorz
Published: August 2019

According to the European Standards (EN 450-1, EN 206), it is not permissible to use calcareous fly ash as an additive to concrete. However, other standards (for example, the American and Canadian ones) allow the use of high-calcium fly ash (type C) in concrete. As a result of brown coal combustion, a large amount of this type of fly ash is produced, and considerations on their use in concrete are in progress. Research into the influence of high-calcium fly ash on concrete durability is fundamental for dealing with that issue. The aim of the present research was to develop a new model of carbonation over time, also including calcareous fly ash content in the binder. The self-terminating model of carbonation is new, and not developed by other authors. In the current research, the former simplest model (a function of w/c ratio and time) is expanded with the calcareous fly ash to cement ratio. The basis is a statistically planned experiment with a large scope of two material variables (w/c ratio and fly ash to cement ratio). The main measured property is the carbonation depth after exposure to 4% of CO2 concentration (according to CEN/TS 12390-12). The model of carbonation obtained from this experiment is an output of the paper. Also, the idea of developing similar models for concrete families as a tool for designing concrete cover thickness for reinforced elements is described in the paper.
Special Class of Second-Order Non-Differentiable Symmetric Duality Problems with (G,αf)-Pseudobonvexity Assumptions
Authors: Dubey Ramu , Mishra Lakshmi Narayan , Ali Rifaqat
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we introduce the various types of generalized invexities, i.e., α f -invex/ α f -pseudoinvex and ( G , α f ) -bonvex/ ( G , α f ) -pseudobonvex functions. Furthermore, we construct nontrivial numerical examples of ( G , α f ) -bonvexity/ ( G , α f ) -pseudobonvexity, which is neither α f -bonvex/ α f -pseudobonvex nor α f -invex/ α f -pseudoinvex with the same η . Further, we formulate a pair of second-order non-differentiable symmetric dual models and prove the duality relations under α f -invex/ α f -pseudoinvex and ( G , α f ) -bonvex/ ( G , α f ) -pseudobonvex assumptions. Finally, we construct a nontrivial numerical example justifying the weak duality result presented in the paper.
On Stability of Iterative Sequences with Error
Authors: Abed Salwa Salman , Taresh Noor Saddam
Published: August 2019

Iterative methods were employed to obtain solutions of linear and non-linear systems of equations, solutions of differential equations, and roots of equations. In this paper, it was proved that s-iteration with error and Picard–Mann iteration with error converge strongly to the unique fixed point of Lipschitzian strongly pseudo-contractive mapping. This convergence was almost F -stable and F -stable. Applications of these results have been given to the operator equations F x = f and x + F x = f , where F is a strongly accretive and accretive mappings of X into itself.
Mittag–Leffler Memory Kernel in Lévy Flights
Authors: Santos Maike A. F. dos
Published: August 2019

In this article, we make a detailed study of some mathematical aspects associated with a generalized Lévy process using fractional diffusion equation with Mittag–Leffler kernel in the context of Atangana–Baleanu operator. The Lévy process has several applications in science, with a particular emphasis on statistical physics and biological systems. Using the continuous time random walk, we constructed a fractional diffusion equation that includes two fractional operators, the Riesz operator to Laplacian term and the Atangana–Baleanu in time derivative, i.e., a A B D t α ρ ( x , t ) = K α , μ ∂ x μ ρ ( x , t ) . We present the exact solution to model and discuss how the Mittag–Leffler kernel brings a new point of view to Lévy process. Moreover, we discuss a series of scenarios where the present model can be useful in the description of real systems.
Temperature-Dependent Gas Transport Behavior in Cross-Linked Liquid Crystalline Polyacrylate Membranes
Authors: Rabie Feras , Poláková Lenka , Fallas Sebastian , Sedlakova Zdenka , Marand Eva , Martin Stephen
Published: August 2019

Stable, cross-linked, liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) films for membrane separation applications have been fabricated from the mesogenic monomer 11-(4-cyanobiphenyl-4′-yloxy) undecyl methacrylate (CNBPh), non-mesogenic monomer 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA), and cross-linker ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) using an in-situ free radical polymerization technique with UV initiation. The phase behavior of the LCP membranes was characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray scattering, and indicated the formation of a nematic liquid crystalline (LC) phase above the glass transition temperature. The single gas transport behavior of CO2, CH4, propane, and propylene in the cross-linked LCP membranes was investigated for a range of temperatures in the LC mesophase and the isotropic phase. Solubility of the gases was dependent not only on the condensability in the LC mesophase, but also on favorable molecular interactions of penetrant gas molecules exhibiting a charge separation, such as CO2 and propylene, with the ordered polar mesogenic side chains of the LCP. Selectivities for various gas pairs generally decreased with increasing temperature and were discontinuous across the nematic–sotropic transition. Sorption behavior of CO2 and propylene exhibited a significant change due to a decrease in favorable intermolecular interactions in the disordered isotropic phase. Higher cross-link densities in the membrane generally led to decreased selectivity at low temperatures when the main chain motion was limited by the lack of mesogen mobility in the ordered nematic phase. However, at higher temperatures, increasing the cross-link density increased selectivity as the cross-links acted to limit chain mobility. Mixed gas permeation measurements for propylene and propane showed close agreement with the results of the single gas permeation experiments.
Effect of Rise and Fall Time on Dwell Fatigue Behavior of a High Strength Titanium Alloy
Authors: Song Qingyuan , Li Yanqing , Wang Lei , Huang Ruxu , Sun Chengqi
Published: August 2019

Frequency is an important factor influencing the fatigue behavior. Regarding to the dwell fatigue, it corresponds to the effect of rise and fall time, which is also an important issue especially for the safety evaluation of structure parts under dwell fatigue loading, such as the engines of aircrafts and the pressure hulls of deep-sea submersibles. In this paper, the effect of rise and fall time (2 s, 20 s, 110 s, and 200 s) on the dwell fatigue behavior is investigated for a high strength titanium alloy Ti-6Al-2Sn-2Zr-3Mo-X with basket-weave microstructure. It is shown that the dwell fatigue life decreases with increasing the rise and fall time, which could be correlated by a linear relation in log–log scale for both the specimen with circular cross section and the specimen with square cross section. The rise and fall time has no influence on the crack initiation mechanism by the scanning electron microscope observation. The cracks initiate from the specimen surface and all the fracture surfaces present multiple crack initiation sites. Moreover, the facet characteristic is observed at some crack initiation sites for both the conventional fatigue and dwell fatigue tests. The paper also indicates that the dwell period of the peak stress reduces the fatigue life and the dwell fatigue life seems to be longer for the specimen with circular cross section than that of the specimen with square cross section.
Mineralogy and Leachability of Natural Rocks–A Comparison to Electric Arc Furnace Slags
Authors: Vollprecht Daniel , Berger Max , Altenburger-Junker Ingrid , Neuhold Simone , Sedlazeck Klaus Philipp , Aldrian Alexia , Dijkstra Joris J. , van Zomeren André , Raith Johann G.
Published: August 2019

In waste management, recycled and industrial aggregates (e.g., electric arc furnace (EAF) slags) for construction applications have to fulfil the limit values with respect to the total and/or leachable contents of potentially environmentally problematic chemical elements (PEPE, e.g., Cr, Ni, Cu, Mo, V). Natural aggregates, i.e., quarried hard rocks, are neither tested nor regulated for these parameters in most EU member states, e.g., Austria, prior to using them as a construction material. The purpose of this study was to relate the mineralogy to the leachability of natural aggregates with a special emphasis on PEPE and to interpret these findings in comparison with EAF slags. Five samples of Austrian rocks were investigated by polarization microscopy, electron probe microanalyses (EPMA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and leaching tests as well as by hydrogeochemical modelling using LeachXSTM. Two samples showed elevated total contents of Cr, Ni, and Mo which were present as Cr-spinel, (Fe,Mg)(Al,Cr)2O4, Ni-olivine, (Fe,Mg,Ni)2SiO4, and molybdenite, MoS2. Whereas the former two phases also controlled the leaching of Cr and Ni, the observed leaching of Mo was higher than expected in the case of solubility control by molybdenite. In summary, the leachability of PEPE in natural and industrial aggregates was controlled by similar mineralogical mechanisms.
Terpenoids and Phytocannabinoids Co-Produced in Cannabis Sativa Strains Show Specific Interaction for Cell Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Namdar Dvora , Voet Hillary , Ajjampura Vinayaka , Nadarajan Stalin , Mayzlish-Gati Einav , Mazuz Moran , Shalev Nurit , Koltai Hinanit
Published: August 2019

Mixtures of different Cannabis sativa phytocannabinoids are more active biologically than single phytocannabinoids. However, cannabis terpenoids as potential instigators of phytocannabinoid activity have not yet been explored in detail. Terpenoid groups were statistically co-related to certain cannabis strains rich in Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) or cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and their ability to enhance the activity of decarboxylase phytocannabinoids (i.e., THC or CBD) was determined. Analytical HPLC and GC/MS were used to identify and quantify the secondary metabolites in 17 strains of C. sativa, and correlations between cannabinoids and terpenoids in each strain were determined. Column separation was used to separate and collect the compounds, and cell viability assay was used to assess biological activity. We found that in “high THC” or “high CBD” strains, phytocannabinoids are produced alongside certain sets of terpenoids. Only co-related terpenoids enhanced the cytotoxic activity of phytocannabinoids on MDA-MB-231 and HCT-116 cell lines. This was found to be most effective in natural ratios found in extracts of cannabis inflorescence. The correlation in a particular strain between THCA or CBDA and a certain set of terpenoids, and the partial specificity in interaction may have influenced the cultivation of cannabis and may have implications for therapeutic treatments.
How Lifestyle Factors Affect Cognitive and Executive Function and the Ability to Learn in Children
Authors: Jirout Jamie , LoCasale-Crouch Jennifer , Turnbull Khara , Gu Yin , Cubides Mayaris , Garzione Sarah , Evans Tanya M. , Weltman Arthur L. , Kranz Sibylle
Published: August 2019

In today’s research environment, children’s diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors are commonly studied in the context of health, independent of their effect on cognition and learning. Moreover, there is little overlap between the two literatures, although it is reasonable to expect that the lifestyle factors explored in the health-focused research are intertwined with cognition and learning processes. This thematic review provides an overview of knowledge connecting the selected lifestyle factors of diet, physical activity, and sleep hygiene to children’s cognition and learning. Research from studies of diet and nutrition, physical activity and fitness, sleep, and broader influences of cultural and socioeconomic factors related to health and learning, were summarized to offer examples of research that integrate lifestyle factors and cognition with learning. The literature review demonstrates that the associations and causal relationships between these factors are vastly understudied. As a result, current knowledge on predictors of optimal cognition and learning is incomplete, and likely lacks understanding of many critical facts and relationships, their interactions, and the nature of their relationships, such as there being mediating or confounding factors that could provide important knowledge to increase the efficacy of learning-focused interventions. This review provides information focused on studies in children. Although basic research in cells or animal studies are available and indicate a number of possible physiological pathways, inclusion of those data would distract from the fact that there is a significant gap in knowledge on lifestyle factors and optimal learning in children. In a climate where childcare and school feeding policies are continuously discussed, this thematic review aims to provide an impulse for discussion and a call for more holistic approaches to support child development.
The Effect of Beta-Alanine versus Alkaline Agent Supplementation Combined with Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Creatine Malate in Highly-Trained Sprinters and Endurance Athletes: A Randomized Double-Blind Crossover Study
Authors: Durkalec-Michalski Krzysztof , Kusy Krzysztof , Ciekot-Sołtysiak Monika , Zieliński Jacek
Published: August 2019

The study aimed to verify the effect of intra- (beta-alanine—BA) versus extra- (alkaline agents—ALK) cellular buffering agent supplementation, combined with customarily used branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and creatine malate (TCM) treatment in natural training conditions. Thirty-one elite athletes (11 sprinters and 20 endurance athletes) participated in the study. Eight-week randomized double-blind, crossover, combined supplementation with BA-ALKplaBCAA&TCM and ALK-BAplaBCAA&TCM was implemented. In the course of the experiment, body composition, aerobic capacity, and selected blood markers were assayed. After BA-ALKplaBCAA&TCM supplementation, total fat-free mass increased in sprinters (p = 0.009). No other differences were found in body composition, respiratory parameters, aerobic capacity, blood lactate concentration, and hematological indices after BA-ALKplaBCAA&TCM/ALK-BAplaBCAA&TCM supplementation. The maximum post-exercise blood ammonia (NH3) concentration decreased in both groups after BA-ALKplaBCAA&TCM supplementation (endurance, p = 0.002; sprint, p < 0.0001). Also, lower NH3 concentrations were observed in endurance athletes in the post-exercise recovery period. The results of our study indicate that combined BCAA, TCM, and BA supplementation is more effective than combined BCAA, TCM and ALK supplementation for an increase in fat-free mass and exercise adaptation, but not for aerobic capacity improvement. Besides, it seems that specific exercise stimuli and the training status are key factors affecting exercise performance, even in athletes using efficient supplementation.
The Postprandial Appearance of Features of Cardiometabolic Risk: Acute Induction and Prevention by Nutrients and Other Dietary Substances
Authors: Dimina Laurianne , Mariotti François
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of diets, food, and food components that affect postprandial inflammation, endothelial function, and oxidative stress, which are related to cardiometabolic risk. A high-energy meal, rich in saturated fat and sugars, induces the transient appearance of a series of metabolic, signaling and physiological dysregulations or dysfunctions, including oxidative stress, low-grade inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, which are directly related to the amplitude of postprandial plasma triglycerides and glucose. Low-grade inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are also known to cluster together with insulin resistance, a third risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and type-II diabetes, thus making a considerable contribution to cardiometabolic risk. Because of the marked relevance of the postprandial model to nutritional pathophysiology, many studies have investigated whether adding various nutrients and other substances to such a challenge meal might mitigate the onset of these adverse effects. Some foods (e.g., nuts, berries, and citrus), nutrients (e.g., l-arginine), and other substances (various polyphenols) have been widely studied. Reports of favorable effects in the postprandial state have concerned plasma markers for systemic or vascular pro-inflammatory conditions, the activation of inflammatory pathways in plasma monocytes, vascular endothelial function (mostly assessed using physiological criteria), and postprandial oxidative stress. Although the literature is fragmented, this topic warrants further study using multiple endpoints and markers to investigate whether the interesting candidates identified might prevent or limit the postprandial appearance of critical features of cardiometabolic risk.
Effect of Cross-Linking Degree of EPDM Phase on the Morphology Evolution and Crystallization Behavior of Thermoplastic Vulcanizates Based on Polyamide 6 (PA6)/Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Rubber (EPDM) Blends
Authors: Ma Lifeng , Yang Wei , Guo Hui
Published: August 2019

As a special class of “green” elastomers, thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) have been widely used in industries due to the combination of the excellent resilience of conventional elastomers and the easy recyclability of thermoplastics. Here, the morphology evolution of TPVs based on polyamide 6/ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (PA6/EPDM) blends was investigated by varying the content of the curing agent, phenolic resin (PF). With the incorporation of 6 wt% PF, the gel content of the EPDM phase reaches a high value of 49.6 wt% and a typical sea-island structure is formed with EPDM domain in a micro-nano size. The dynamic rheology behaviors of TPVs showed that with the curing degree of EPDM phase increasing, a denser network of EPDM particles is formed in PA6 matrix. Additionally, a lower crystal degree and crystal peak temperature are observed, indicating that there exists a growth restriction of PA6 crystal plate induced by a thinner plastic layer between the adjacent EPDM particles. However, the crystal form of PA6 is not changed with the increasing curing degree of the EPDM phase. This study provides an effective strategy to realize a new kind of TPVs, which can be easily introduced into industrial applications.
Analysis of Drug Release Behavior Utilizing the Swelling Characteristics of Cellulosic Nanofibers
Authors: Ko Sung Won , Lee Ji Yeon , Lee Joshua , Son Byeong Cheol , Jang Se Rim , Aguilar Ludwig Erik , Oh Young Min , Park Chan Hee , Kim Cheol Sang
Published: August 2019

It is known that the behavior of a drug released from a supporting carrier is influenced by the surrounding environment and the carrier. In this study, we investigated the drug behavior of a swellable electrospun nanofibrous membrane. Nanofibrous mats with different swelling ratios were prepared by mixing cellulose acetate (CA) and polyurethane (PU). CA has excellent biocompatibility and is capable of high water uptake, while PU has excellent mechanical properties. Paclitaxel (PTX) was the drug of choice for observing drug release behavior, which was characterized by UV-spectroscopy. FE-SEM was used to confirm the morphology of the nanofibrous mats and to measure the average fiber diameters. We observed a noticeable increase in the total volume of the nanofibrous membrane when it was immersed in water. Also, the drug release behavior increased proportionally with increasing swelling rate of the composite nanofibrous mat. Biocompatibility testing of nanofiber materials was confirmed by CCK-8 assay and cell morphology was observed. Based on these results, we propose nanofibrous mats as promising candidates in wound dressing and other drug carrier applications.
Pursuing Ethics by Building Bridges beyond the Northern Paradigm
Authors: Keenan James Francis
Published: August 2019

This essay narrates and explores the work of Catholic Theological Ethics in the World Church (CTEWC) in developing a network that connects roughly 1500 Catholic ethicists around the world. It highlights the impact that CTEWC has had in encouraging Christian ethics to become more inclusive, active, and mindful in advancing a network that builds bridges beyond the northern paradigm. In this narrative, we see how CTEWC planned and realized three major international conferences in Padua, Trento, and Sarajevo and six regional conferences in Manila, Nairobi, Berlin, Krakow, Bangalore, and Bogota. Together with its monthly newsletter, CTEWC has also sponsored a visiting scholars program in Bangalore, Manila, and Nairobi, a PhD scholarship program for eight women in Africa, and an international book series with eight volumes and over 200 contributors. Throughout, we respond to the challenge of pluralism by answering the call to dialogue from and beyond local culture. As it enters its second generation with new leadership, CTEWC pursues critical and emerging issues in theological ethics by engaging in cross-cultural, interdisciplinary conversations shaped by shared visions of hope, but always mindful that we must engage the Global South and go beyond the northern paradigm where most contemporary theological ethics occur.
Drawing Spirits in the Sand: Performative Storytelling in the Digital Age
Authors: Tafler David I.
Published: August 2019

For First Nations people living in the central desert of Australia, the performance of oral storytelling drawing in the sand drives new agency in the cultural metamorphosis of communication practices accelerated by the proliferation of portable digital devices. Drawing on the ground sustains the proxemic and kinesthetic aspects of performative storytelling as a sign gesture system. When rendering this drawing supra-language, the people negotiate and ride the ontological divide symbolized by traditional elders in First Nations communities and digital engineers who program and code. In particular, storytelling’s chronemic encounter offsets the estrangement of the recorded event and maintains every participants’ ability to shape identity and navigate space-time relationships. Drawing storytelling demonstrates a concomitant capacity to mediate changes in tradition and spiritual systems. While the digital portals of the global arena remain open and luring, the force enabled by the chiasmic entwinement of speech, gesture and sand continues to map the frontier of First Nations identity formation and reformation.
Déjà Vu: Shirley Kaufman’s Poetry on Biblical Women
Authors: Koplowitz-Breier Anat
Published: August 2019

This article explores Shirley Kaufman’s reading of the Bible as an elaboration on/of its feminine characters via three devices: (a) Dramatic monologues, in which the woman speaks for herself (“Rebecca” and “Leah”); (b) description of specific scenes that gives us a glimpse into the character’s point of view (“His Wife”, “Michal”, “Abishag”, “The Wife of Moses”, “Yael”, and “Job’s Wife”); and (c) interweaving of the biblical context into contemporary reality (“Déjà Vu” and “The Death of Rachel”). Fleshing these figures out, Kaufman portrays the biblical women through contemporary lenses as a way of “coming to terms with the past” and the historical exclusion of “women’s bodies” from Jewish tradition, thereby giving them a voice and “afterlife”. Her treatment of the biblical texts can thus be viewed as belonging to the new midrashic-poetry tradition by Jewish-American women that has emerged as part of the Jewish feminist wave. Herein, Kaufman follows Adrienne Rich and Alicia Ostriker’s “re-visioning” of the Bible and in particularly its women, empowering them by making use of her/their own words.
Classification of Karst Fenglin and Fengcong Landform Units Based on Spatial Relations of Terrain Feature Points from DEMs
Authors: Yang Xianwu , Tang Guoan , Meng Xin , Xiong Liyang
Published: August 2019

In this paper, a method for extracting Fenglin and Fengcong landform units based on karst topographic feature points is proposed. First, the variable analysis window method is used to extract peaks, nadirs, and saddle points in the karst area based on digital elevation model (DEM) data. Thiessen polygons that cover the karst surface area are constructed according to the locations of the peaks and nadirs, and the attributes of the saddles are assigned to corresponding polygons. The polygons are automatically classified via grouping analysis according to the corresponding spatial combinations of peaks, saddles, and nadirs in the Fenglin and Fengcong landform units. Then, a detailed division of the surface morphology of the karst area is achieved by distinguishing various types of Fenglin or Fengcong landform units. Experiments in the Guilin research area show that the proposed method successfully distinguishes the Fenglin and Fengcong terrain areas and extracts Fengcong landform units, individual Fenglin units, and Fenglin chains. The Fengcong area covers approximately two-thirds of the whole area, the individual Fenglin area covers approximately one-fourth, and the Fenglin chain area covers approximately one-tenth. The development of Fenglin has different stages in the Guilin area. This study provides data support for the detailed morphological study of karst terrain, and proposes a new research idea for the division and extraction of karst landform units.
A New Retrieval Algorithm for Soil Moisture Index from Thermal Infrared Sensor On-Board Geostationary Satellites over Europe and Africa and Its Validation
Authors: Ghilain Nicolas , Arboleda Alirio , Batelaan Okke , Ardö Jonas , Trigo Isabel , Barrios Jose-Miguel , Gellens-Meulenberghs Francoise
Published: August 2019

Monitoring soil moisture at the Earth’surface is of great importance for drought early warnings. Spaceborne remote sensing is a keystone in monitoring at continental scale, as satellites can make observations of locations which are scarcely monitored by ground-based techniques. In recent years, several soil moisture products for continental scale monitoring became available from the main space agencies around the world. Making use of sensors aboard polar satellites sampling in the microwave spectrum, soil moisture can be measured and mapped globally every few days at a spatial resolution as fine as 25 km. However, complementarity of satellite observations is a crucial issue to improve the quality of the estimations provided. In this context, measurements within the visible and infrared from geostationary satellites provide information on the surface from a totally different perspective. In this study, we design a new retrieval algorithm for daily soil moisture monitoring based only on the land surface temperature observations derived from the METEOSAT second generation geostationary satellites. Soil moisture has been retrieved from the retrieval algorithm for an eight years period over Europe and Africa at the SEVIRI sensor spatial resolution (3 km at the sub-satellite point). The results, only available for clear sky and partly cloudy conditions, are for the first time extensively evaluated against in-situ observations provided by the International Soil Moisture Network and FLUXNET at sites across Europe and Africa. The soil moisture retrievals have approximately the same accuracy as the soil moisture products derived from microwave sensors, with the most accurate estimations for semi-arid regions of Europe and Africa, and a progressive degradation of the accuracy towards northern latitudes of Europe. Although some possible improvements can be expected by a better use of other products derived from SEVIRI, the new approach developped and assessed here is a valuable alternative to microwave sensors to monitor daily soil moisture at the resolution of few kilometers over entire continents and could reveal a good complementarity to an improved monitoring system, as the algorithm can produce surface soil moisture with less than 1 day delay over clear sky and non-steady cloudy conditions (over 10% of the time).