bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potent in Vitro α-Glucosidase Inhibition of Secondary Metabolites Derived from Dryopteris cycadina
Authors: Amin Surriya , Ullah Barkat , Ali Mumtaz , Rauf Abdur , Khan Haroon , Uriarte Eugenio , Sobarzo-Sánchez Eduardo
Published: January 2019

α-glucosidase is responsible for the hydrolysis of complex carbohydrates into simple absorbable glucose and causes postprandial hyperglycemia. α-glucosidase inhibition is thus the ideal target to prevent postprandial hyperglycemia. The present study was therefore designed to analyze the effects of various compounds isolated from Dryopteris cycadina against α-glucosidase including β-Sitosterol 1, β-Sitosterol3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside 2, 3, 5, 7-trihydroxy-2-(p-tolyl) chorman-4-one 3, Quercetin-3-0-β-d-glucopyranoside (3/→0-3///)- β-d- Quercetin -3-0- β –d-galactopyranoside 4 and 5, 7, 4/-Trihydroxyflavon-3-glucopyranoid 5. The in vitro spectrophotometric method was used for the analysis of test compounds against possible inhibition. Similarly, molecular docking studies were performed using the MOE software. These compounds showed concentration-dependent inhibition on α-glucosidase, and compounds 1 (IC50: 143 ± 0.47 µM), 3 (IC50:133 ± 6.90 µM) and 5 (IC50: 146 ± 1.93 µM) were more potent than the standard drug, acarbose (IC50: 290 ± 0.54 µM). Computational studies of these compounds strongly supported the in vitro studies and showed strong binding receptor sensitivity. In short, the secondary metabolites isolated from D. cycadina demonstrated potent α-glucosidase inhibition that were supported by molecular docking with a high docking score.
Recent Progress of Targeted G-Quadruplex-Preferred Ligands Toward Cancer Therapy
Authors: Asamitsu Sefan , Obata Shunsuke , Yu Zutao , Bando Toshikazu , Sugiyama Hiroshi
Published: January 2019

A G-quadruplex (G4) is a well-known nucleic acid secondary structure comprising guanine-rich sequences, and has profound implications for various pharmacological and biological events, including cancers. Therefore, ligands interacting with G4s have attracted great attention as potential anticancer therapies or in molecular probe applications. To date, a large variety of DNA/RNA G4 ligands have been developed by a number of laboratories. As protein-targeting drugs face similar situations, G-quadruplex-interacting drugs displayed low selectivity to the targeted G-quadruplex structure. This low selectivity could cause unexpected effects that are usually reasons to halt the drug development process. In this review, we address the recent research on synthetic G4 DNA-interacting ligands that allow targeting of selected G4s as an approach toward the discovery of highly effective anticancer drugs.
Improving Human–Computer Interface Design through Application of Basic Research on Audiovisual Integration and Amplitude Envelope
Authors: Sreetharan Sharmila , Schutz Michael
Published: January 2019

Quality care for patients requires effective communication amongst medical teams. Increasingly, communication is required not only between team members themselves, but between members and the medical devices monitoring and managing patient well-being. Most human–computer interfaces use either auditory or visual displays, and despite significant experimentation, they still elicit well-documented concerns. Curiously, few interfaces explore the benefits of multimodal communication, despite extensive documentation of the brain’s sensitivity to multimodal signals. New approaches built on insights from basic audiovisual integration research hold the potential to improve future human–computer interfaces. In particular, recent discoveries regarding the acoustic property of amplitude envelope illustrate that it can enhance audiovisual integration while also lowering annoyance. Here, we share key insights from recent research with the potential to inform applications related to human–computer interface design. Ultimately, this could lead to a cost-effective way to improve communication in medical contexts—with signification implications for both human health and the burgeoning medical device industry.
Polydopamine Modified Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as Multifunctional Nanocarrier for Targeted Prostate Cancer Treatment
Authors: Singh Nimisha , Sallem Fadoua , Mirjolet Celine , Nury Thomas , Sahoo Suban Kumar , Millot Nadine , Kumar Rajender
Published: January 2019

Polydopamine (pDA)-modified iron oxide core-shell nanoparticles (IONPs) are developed and designed as nanovectors of drugs. Reactive quinone of pDA enhances the binding efficiency of various biomolecules for targeted delivery. Glutathione disulfide (GSSG), an abundant thiol species in the cytoplasm, was immobilized on the pDA-IONP surface. It serves as a cellular trigger to release the drug from the nanoparticles providing an efficient platform for the drug delivery system. Additionally, GSSG on the surface was further modified to form S-nitrosoglutathione that can act as nitric oxide (NO) donors. These NPs were fully characterized using a transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV-vis spectroscopies. Doxorubicin (DOX) and docetaxel (DTX) are two anticancer drugs, which were loaded onto nanoparticles with respective loading efficiencies of 243 and 223 µmol/g of IONPs, calculated using TGA measurements. DOX release study, using UV-vis spectroscopy, showed a pH responsive behavior, making the elaborated nanocarrier a potential drug delivery system. (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl) -2H-tetrazolium (MTS) and apoptosis assays were performed on PC3 cell lines to evaluate the efficiency of the developed nanocarriers. These nanoparticles thus can prove their worth in cancer treatment on account of their easy access to the site and release of drug in response to changes to internal parameters such as pH, chemicals, etc.
An Ultra-High-Energy Density Supercapacitor; Fabrication Based on Thiol-functionalized Graphene Oxide Scrolls
Authors: Rani Janardhanan. R. , Thangavel Ranjith , Oh Se-I , Lee Yun Sung , Jang Jae-Hyung
Published: January 2019

Present state-of-the-art graphene-based electrodes for supercapacitors remain far from commercial requirements in terms of high energy density. The realization of high energy supercapacitor electrodes remains challenging, because graphene-based electrode materials are synthesized by the chemical modification of graphene. The modified graphene electrodes have lower electrical conductivity than ideal graphene, and limited electrochemically active surface areas due to restacking, which hinders the access of electrolyte ions, resulting in a low energy density. In order to solve the issue of restacking and low electrical conductivity, we introduce thiol-functionalized, nitrogen-doped, reduced graphene oxide scrolls as the electrode materials for an electric double-layer supercapacitor. The fabricated supercapacitor exhibits a very high energy/power density of 206 Wh/kg (59.74 Wh/L)/496 W/kg at a current density of 0.25 A/g, and a high power/energy density of 32 kW/kg (9.8 kW/L)/9.58 Wh/kg at a current density of 50 A/g; it also operates in a voltage range of 0~4 V with excellent cyclic stability of more than 20,000 cycles. By suitably combining the scroll-based electrode and electrolyte material, this study presents a strategy for electrode design for next-generation energy storage devices with high energy density without compromising the power density.
Growth Pattern, Resting Energy Expenditure, and Nutrient Intake of Children with Food Allergies
Authors: D’Auria Enza , Fabiano Valentina , Bertoli Simona , Bedogni Giorgio , Bosetti Alessandra , Pendezza Erica , Sartorio Marco Ugo Andrea , Leone Alessandro , Spadafranca Angela , Borsani Barbara , Stucchi Francesco , Battezzati Alberto , Zuccotti Gian Vincenzo
Published: January 2019

Growth impairment has been reported in children with food allergies (FA). However, the available data on the dietary intake of FA children are controversial, and no data are available on their resting energy expenditure (REE). The aim of this study was to test whether REE differs between FA and healthy children. In this study, 30 FA children were matched by sex and age, with 31 healthy controls using coarsened exact matching (CEM). Their REE was measured by indirect calorimetry (IC). Energy and macronutrient intake were evaluated using a three-day dietary record. Between-group comparisons were performed by robust median regression using CEM-related weights. The association of REE with allergies was also evaluated using robust median regression models. Anthropometric measurements, REE, and nutrient intake were similar in FA children and matched controls. Taking into account the association of REE with gender and age, a statistically significant but biologically negligible association was detected between median REE and allergy status (+9% in FA children). In conclusion, we did not find any biologically relevant difference in REE, anthropometry, and dietary intake in children with FA compared to healthy children.
Dietary Advanced Glycation End Products: Digestion, Metabolism and Modulation of Gut Microbial Ecology
Authors: Snelson Matthew , Coughlan Melinda
Published: January 2019

The formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in foods is accelerated with heat treatment, particularly within foods that are cooked at high temperatures for long periods of time using dry heat. The modern processed diet is replete with AGEs, and excessive AGE consumption is thought to be associated with a number of negative health effects. Many dietary AGEs have high molecular weight and are not absorbed in the intestine, and instead pass through to the colon, where they are available for metabolism by the colonic bacteria. Recent studies have been conducted to explore the effects of AGEs on the composition of the gut microbiota as well as the production of beneficial microbial metabolites, in particular, short-chain fatty acids. However, there is conflicting evidence regarding the impact of dietary AGEs on gut microbiota reshaping, which may be due, in part, to the formation of alternate compounds during the thermal treatment of foods. This review summarises the current evidence regarding dietary sources of AGEs, their gastrointestinal absorption and role in gut microbiota reshaping, provides a brief overview of the health implications of dietary AGEs and highlights knowledge gaps and avenues for future study.
Proteomics Analysis Reveals the Implications of Cytoskeleton and Mitochondria in the Response of the Rat Brain to Starvation
Authors: Cuevas-Fernández Beatriz , Fuentes-Almagro Carlos , Peragón Juan
Published: January 2019

Long-term starvation provokes a metabolic response in the brain to adapt to the lack of nutrient intake and to maintain the physiology of this organ. Here, we study the changes in the global proteomic profile of the rat brain after a seven-day period of food deprivation, to further our understanding of the biochemical and cellular mechanisms underlying the situations without food. We have used two-dimensional electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry (2D-MS) in order to identify proteins differentially expressed during prolonged food deprivation. After the comparison of the protein profiles, 22 brain proteins were found with altered expression. Analysis by peptide mass fingerprinting and MS/MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization-time of flight mass spectrometer, MALDI-TOF/TOF) enabled the identification of 14 proteins differentially expressed that were divided into 3 categories: (1) energy catabolism and mitochondrial proteins; (2) chaperone proteins; and (3) cytoskeleton, exocytosis, and calcium. Changes in the expression of six proteins, identified by the 2D-MS proteomics procedure, were corroborated by a nanoliquid chromatography-mass spectrometry proteomics procedure (nLC-MS). Our results show that long-term starvation compromises essential functions of the brain related with energetic metabolism, synapsis, and the transmission of nervous impulse.
Celiac Immunogenic Potential of α-Gliadin Epitope Variants from Triticum and Aegilops Species
Authors: Ruiz-Carnicer Ángela , Comino Isabel , Segura Verónica , Ozuna Carmen V. , Moreno María de Lourdes , López-Casado Miguel Ángel , Torres María Isabel , Barro Francisco , Sousa Carolina
Published: January 2019

The high global demand of wheat and its subsequent consumption arise from the physicochemical properties of bread dough and its contribution to the protein intake in the human diet. Gluten is the main structural complex of wheat proteins and subjects affected by celiac disease (CD) cannot tolerate gluten protein. Within gluten proteins, α-gliadins constitute the most immunogenic fraction since they contain the main T-cell stimulating epitopes (DQ2.5-glia-α1, DQ2.5-glia-α2, and DQ2.5-glia-α3). In this work, the celiac immunotoxic potential of α-gliadins was studied within Triticeae: diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid species. The abundance and immunostimulatory capacity of CD canonical epitopes and variants (with one or two mismatches) in all α-gliadin sequences were determined. The results showed that the canonical epitopes DQ2.5-glia-α1 and DQ2.5-glia-α3 were more frequent than DQ2.5-glia-α2. A higher abundance of canonical DQ2.5-glia-α1 epitope was found to be associated with genomes of the BBAADD, AA, and DD types; however, the abundance of DQ2.5-glia-α3 epitope variants was very high in BBAADD and BBAA wheat despite their low abundance in the canonical epitope. The most abundant substitution was that of proline to serine, which was disposed mainly on the three canonical DQ2.5 domains on position 8. Interestingly, our results demonstrated that the natural introduction of Q to H at any position eliminates the toxicity of the three T-cell epitopes in the α-gliadins. The results provided a rational approach for the introduction of natural amino acid substitutions to eliminate the toxicity of three T-cell epitopes, while maintaining the technological properties of commercial wheats.
Effects of Tart Cherry Juice on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Older Adults
Authors: Chai Sheau C. , Davis Kristina , Zhang Zugui , Zha Longying , Kirschner Kenneth F.
Published: January 2019

Inflammation and oxidative stress are important factors in the development of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. The findings of our previous study suggest that 12 weeks consumption of tart cherry juice lowers the levels of systolic blood pressure (BP) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in older adults. The present study investigated the effects of tart cherry juice on blood biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. In this randomized-controlled clinical trial, a total of 37 men and women between the ages of 65–80 were randomly assigned to consume 480 mL of tart cherry juice or control drink daily for 12 weeks. Several blood biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks intervention. After the 12 weeks intervention, tart cherry juice significantly increased the plasma levels of DNA repair activity of 8-oxoguanine glycosylase (p < 0.0001) and lowered (p = 0.03) the mean c-reactive protein (CRP) level compared to the control group. There was a significant group effect observed for plasma CRP (p = 0.03) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (p = 0.03), and a borderline significant group effect observed for plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) (p = 0.07). Within group analysis showed that the plasma levels of CRP, MDA, and OxLDL decreased numerically by 25%, 3%, and 11%, respectively after 12 weeks of tart cherry juice consumption compared with corresponding baseline values. The present study suggests that the ability of tart cherry juice to reduce systolic BP and LDL cholesterol, in part, may be due to its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Larger and longer follow-up studies are needed to confirm these findings.
β-Cryptoxanthin Reduces Body Fat and Increases Oxidative Stress Response in Caenorhabditis elegans Model
Authors: Llopis Silvia , Rodrigo María Jesús , González Nuria , Genovés Salvador , Zacarías Lorenzo , Ramón Daniel , Martorell Patricia
Published: January 2019

β-Cryptoxanthin (BCX) is a major dietary pro-vitamin A carotenoid, found mainly in fruits and vegetables. Several studies showed the beneficial effects of BCX on different aspects of human health. In spite of the evidence, the molecular mechanisms of action of BCX need to be further investigated. The Caenorhabditis elegans model was used to analyze in vivo the activity of BCX on fat reduction and protection to oxidative stress. Dose-response assays provided evidence of the efficacy of BCX at very low dose (0.025 µg/mL) (p < 0.001) on these processes. Moreover, a comparative analysis with other carotenoids, such as lycopene and β-carotene, showed a stronger effect of BCX. Furthermore, a transcriptomic analysis of wild-type nematodes supplemented with BCX revealed upregulation of the energy metabolism, response to stress, and protein homeostasis as the main metabolic targets of this xanthophyll. Collectively, this study provides new in vivo evidence of the potential therapeutic use of BCX in the prevention of diseases related to metabolic syndrome and aging.
Mother or Father: Who Is in the Front Line? Mechanisms Underlying the Non-Genomic Transmission of Obesity/Diabetes via the Maternal or the Paternal Line
Authors: Portha Bernard , Grandjean Valérie , Movassat Jamileh
Published: January 2019

Extensive epidemiological and experimental evidence have shown that exposure to an adverse intrauterine environment as observed in offspring of pregnancies complicated by obesity or diabetes, can program susceptibility to metabolic, endocrine and cardiovascular disorders later in life. Although most studies have concentrated on the maternal environment, it is also becoming evident that paternal exposure to obesity or diabetes can result in the later development of metabolic disorders in the offspring. Such programmed effects might not be limited to the first directly exposed generation, but could be transmitted to subsequent generations. This suggests the existence of mechanisms by which metabolic changes in parental phenotype are transmissible to offspring. The mechanisms which underpin the transmission of the programmed effects across generations are still unclear. However, epigenetic regulation of transcription has emerged as a strong candidate for mediating the heritability of metabolic diseases. Here, we review the most relevant evidence from human and animal studies showing transmission of programming effects of obesity or diabetes across generations, and the current mechanisms underlying either maternal or paternal influences on the metabolic status of offspring.
Sugar Responses of Human Enterochromaffin Cells Depend on Gut Region, Sex, and Body Mass
Authors: Lumsden Amanda L. , Martin Alyce M. , Sun Emily W. , Schober Gudrun , Isaacs Nicole J. , Pezos Nektaria , Wattchow David A. , de Fontgalland Dayan , Rabbitt Philippa , Hollington Paul , Sposato Luigi , Due Steven L. , Rayner Christopher K. , Nguyen Nam Q. , Liou Alice P. , Jackson V. Margaret , Young Richard L. , Keating Damien J.
Published: January 2019

Gut-derived serotonin (5-HT) is released from enterochromaffin (EC) cells in response to nutrient cues, and acts to slow gastric emptying and modulate gastric motility. Rodent studies also evidence a role for gut-derived 5-HT in the control of hepatic glucose production, lipolysis and thermogenesis, and in mediating diet-induced obesity. EC cell number and 5-HT content is increased in the small intestine of obese rodents and human, however, it is unknown whether EC cells respond directly to glucose in humans, and whether their capacity to release 5-HT is perturbed in obesity. We therefore investigated 5-HT release from human duodenal and colonic EC cells in response to glucose, sucrose, fructose and α-glucoside (αMG) in relation to body mass index (BMI). EC cells released 5-HT only in response to 100 and 300 mM glucose (duodenum) and 300 mM glucose (colon), independently of osmolarity. Duodenal, but not colonic, EC cells also released 5-HT in response to sucrose and αMG, but did not respond to fructose. 5-HT content was similar in all EC cells in males, and colonic EC cells in females, but 3 to 4-fold higher in duodenal EC cells from overweight females (p < 0.05 compared to lean, obese). Glucose-evoked 5-HT release was 3-fold higher in the duodenum of overweight females (p < 0.05, compared to obese), but absent here in overweight males. Our data demonstrate that primary human EC cells respond directly to dietary glucose cues, with regional differences in selectivity for other sugars. Augmented glucose-evoked 5-HT release from duodenal EC is a feature of overweight females, and may be an early determinant of obesity.
Fasting and Its Impact on Skin Anatomy, Physiology, and Physiopathology: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Authors: Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Sellami Maha , Salem Iman , Conic Rosalynn , Kimak Mark , Pigatto Paolo Daniele Maria , Damiani Giovanni
Published: January 2019

Skin serves as the first protective line and barrier of the body. Like many other organs, skin can be affected by several disorders in response to external factors such as pathogens, ultraviolet light, and pollution, as well as endogenous alterations related to aging and/or oxidative stress disturbance. Researchers have reported new insights into how skin cells are altered in response to caloric restriction diets in mammals. One of the most well-known caloric restriction diets is the Ramadan intermittent fasting, which is a radical change in the diet plan of practitioners for the period of one lunar month. Ramadan fasting represents the fourth of the five pillars of the Islamic creed. Even though infirm individuals are waived to take part in this religious duty, patients with various health problems, including those with different skin disorders, might choose to share this event with peers and family members. No standardized protocols or guidelines exist, however, to advise their physicians on the proper management of their patients’ condition during fasting. With an increasing Muslim population living in Western countries, this topic has started to draw substantial attention, not only of Middle-Eastern physicians, but also of clinicians in the West. For this purpose, we carried out a comprehensive overview on the topic. Our main findings are that: (1) there is a strong need for evidence-based suggestions and guidance. Literature on the impact of the Ramadan fasting, as well as of other kinds of fasting, on skin diseases is scarce and of poor quality, as well as the information available from the Internet; (2) patients willing to fast should be advised about the importance of taking proper treatments or consider alternative options including administration of trans-dermal/topical drugs, as they are permitted during daylight hours. Further, non-compliance has important, clinical and economic implications for an effective patient management.
Effects of Caffeine Supplementation on Power Performance in a Flywheel Device: A Randomised, Double-Blind Cross-Over Study
Authors: Castillo Daniel , Domínguez Raúl , Rodríguez-Fernández Alejandro , Raya-González Javier
Published: January 2019

Despite the demonstrated evidence of the importance of eccentric contractions in sports performance, no research has evaluated the ergogenic effects of caffeine on this type of contraction means during flywheel exercises. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to compare the power outcomes, using different inertial loads, between caffeine and placebo conditions. Twenty-four young, healthy, and active men (age: 22.5 ± 4.8 years) took part in the study. A crossed, randomised double-blind design was used to analyse the effects of caffeine on lower limb power outcomes during a flywheel half-squat exercise. Participants completed four sets of eight all-out repetitions with a fixed three-minutes rest interval, and each set was performed using different inertial loads (i.e., 0.025, 0.050, 0.075 and 0.100 kg·m−2). Both the mean power (MP) and peak power (PP) in concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) movement phases at each inertial load were recorded after participants were administered either a caffeine supplement (6 mg·kg−1) or placebo (sucrose). Participants receiving a caffeine supplementation demonstrated improvements versus the placebo in total MP (MPtotal), as well as MP in CON phase (MPcon) and in ECC phase (MPecc) at each inertial load (22.68 to 26.53%; p < 0.01, effect size (ES) = 0.89–1.40). In addition, greater improvements with caffeine ingestion were obtained with respect to the placebo condition (18.79 to 24.98%; p < 0.01, ES = 1.03–1.40) in total PP (PPtotal), as well as PP in CON phase (PPcon) and in ECC phase (PPecc) at each inertial load. Thus, the supplementation of 6 mg·kg−1 caffeine may be considered to maximise on-field physical performance in those sports characterised by high demands of resistance.
A Short Study Exploring the Effect of the Glycaemic Index of the Diet on Energy intake and Salivary Steroid Hormones
Authors: Al-Dujaili Emad A.S. , Ashmore Sophie , Tsang Catherine
Published: January 2019

Background: The glycaemic index or load (GI or GL) is a concept for ranking carbohydrate-rich foods based on the postprandial blood glucose response compared with a reference food (glucose). Due to the limited research investigating the effect of the GI or GL of the diet on salivary steroidal hormones, this explorative short study was conducted. Methods: 12 female participants consumed a low GI and a high GI diet for three days each, followed by a washout period between each intervention. Saliva was collected at baseline, and following the low or high GI diets. Cortisol and testosterone concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA). Results: GI and GL were significantly different between the low and high GI diets (p < 0.001). There was a small but significant increase in salivary cortisol after the high GI diet (7.38 to 10.93 ng/mL, p = 0.036). No effect was observed after the low GI diet. Higher levels of testosterone were produced after the low GI diet (83.7 to 125.9 pg/mL, p = 0.002), and no effect was found after the high GI diet. The total intake of calories consumed on the low GI diet was significantly lower compared to the high GI diet (p = 0.019). Conclusions: A low GI diet was associated with a small but significant increase in salivary testosterone, while a high GI diet increased cortisol levels. Altering the GI of the diet may influence overall energy intake and the health and wellbeing of female volunteers.
[177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 Salivary Gland Uptake Characterized by Quantitative In Vitro Autoradiography
Authors: Tönnesmann Roswitha , Meyer Philipp T. , Eder Matthias , Baranski Ann-Christin
Published: January 2019

Irradiation of salivary glands remains the main dose-limiting side effect of therapeutic PSMA-inhibitors, especially when using alpha emitters. Thus, further advances in radiopharmaceutical design and therapy strategies are needed to reduce salivary gland uptake, thereby allowing the administration of higher doses and potentially resulting in improved response rates and better tumor control. As the uptake mechanism remains unknown, this work investigates the salivary gland uptake of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 by autoradiography studies on pig salivary gland tissue and on PSMA-overexpressing LNCaP cell membrane pellets. Displacement studies were performed with non-labeled PSMA-617 and 2-PMPA, respectively. The uptake of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 in glandular areas was determined to be partly PSMA-specific, with a high non-specific uptake fraction. The study emphasizes that [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 accumulation in pig salivary glands can be attributed to a combination of both specific and non-specific uptake mechanisms. The observation is of high impact for future design of novel radiopharmaceuticals addressing the dose-limiting salivary gland irradiation of current alpha endoradiotherapy in prostate cancer.
Melt-Mixed PP/MWCNT Composites: Influence of CNT Incorporation Strategy and Matrix Viscosity on Filler Dispersion and Electrical Resistivity
Authors: Pötschke Petra , Mothes Fanny , Krause Beate , Voit Brigitte
Published: January 2019

Small-scale melt mixing was performed for composites based on polypropylene (PP) and 0.5–7.5 wt % multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) to determine if masterbatch (MB) dilution is a more effective form of nanofiller dispersion than direct nanotube incorporation. The methods were compared using composites of five different PP types, each filled with 2 wt % MWCNTs. After the determination of the specific mechanical energy (SME) input in the MB dilution process, the direct-incorporation mixing time was adjusted to achieve comparable SME values. Interestingly, the electrical resistivity of MB-prepared samples with 2 wt % MWCNTs was higher than that of those prepared using direct incorporation—despite their better dispersion—suggesting more pronounced MWCNT shortening in the two-step procedure. In summary, this study on PP suggests that the masterbatch approach is suitable for the dispersion of MWCNTs and holds advantages in nanotube dispersion, albeit at the cost of slightly increased electrical resistivity.
An Eco-Friendly Method to Get a Bio-Based Dicarboxylic Acid Monomer 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid and Its Application in the Synthesis of Poly(hexylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PHF)
Authors: Zhang Junhua , Liang Qidi , Xie Wenxing , Peng Lincai , He Liang , He Zhibin , Chowdhury Susmita Paul , Christensen Ryan , Ni Yonghao
Published: January 2019

Recently, we have developed an eco-friendly method for the preparation of a renewable dicarboxylic acid 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) from biomass-based 5-hydroxymethylfrufural (HMF). In the present work, we optimized our reported method, which used phosphate buffer and Fe(OH)3 as the stabilizer to improve the stability of potassium ferrate, then got a purified FDCA (up to 99%) in high yield (91.7 wt %) under mild conditions (25 °C, 15 min, air atmosphere). Subsequently, the obtained FDCA, along with 1,6-hexanediol (HDO), which was also made from HMF, were used as monomers for the synthesis of poly(hexylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PHF) via direct esterification, and triphenyl phosphite was used as the antioxidant to alleviate the discoloration problem during the esterification. The intrinsic viscosity, mechanical properties, molecular structure, thermal properties, and degradability of the PHFs were measured or characterized by Koehler viscometer, universal tensile tester, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), Derivative Thermogravimetry (DTG), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and weight loss method. The experimental evidence clearly showed that the furan-aromatic polyesters prepared from biomass-based HMF are viable alternatives to the petrochemical benzene-aromatic polyesters, they can serve as low-melting heat bondable fiber, high gas-barrier packaging material, as well as specialty material for engineering applications.
Recent Developments about Conductive Polymer Based Composite Photocatalysts
Authors: Lee Sher , Chang Chi-Jung
Published: January 2019

Conductive polymers have been widely investigated in various applications. Several conductive polymers, such as polyaniline (PANI), polypyrrole (PPy), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)), and polythiophene (PTh) have been loaded with various semiconductor nanomaterials to prepare the composite photocatalysts. However, a critical review of conductive polymer-based composite photocatalysts has not been available yet. Therefore, in this review, we summarized the applications of conductive polymers in the preparation of composite photocatalysts for photocatalytic degradation of hazardous chemicals, antibacterial, and photocatalytic hydrogen production. Various materials were systematically surveyed to illustrate their preparation methods, morphologies, and photocatalytic performances. The synergic effect between conductive polymers and semiconductor nanomaterials were observed for a lot of composite photocatalysts. The band structures of the composite photocatalysts can be analyzed to explain the mechanism of their enhanced photocatalytic activity. The incorporation of conductive polymers can result in significantly improved visible-light driven photocatalytic activity by enhancing the separation of photoexcited charge carriers, extending the light absorption range, increasing the adsorption of reactants, inhibiting photo-corrosion, and reducing the formation of large aggregates. This review provides a systematic concept about how conductive polymers can improve the performance of composite photocatalysts.
Experimental Study on the Shear-Flow Coupled Behavior of Tension Fractures Under Constant Normal Stiffness Boundary Conditions
Authors: Wang Changsheng , Jiang Yujing , Luan Hengjie , Liu Jiankang , Sugimoto Satoshi
Published: January 2019

This study experimentally investigated the effects of fracture surface roughness, normal stiffness, and initial normal stress on the shear-flow behavior of rough-walled rock fractures. A series of shear-flow tests were performed on two rough fractures, under various constant normal stiffness (CNS) boundary conditions. The results showed that the CNS boundary conditions have a significant influence on the mechanical and hydraulic behaviors of fractures, during shearing. The peak shear stress shows an increasing trend with the increases in the initial normal stress and fracture roughness. The residual shear stress increases with increasing the surface roughness, normal stiffness, and initial normal stress. The dilation of fracture is restrained more significantly under high normal stiffness and initial normal stress conditions. The hydraulic tests show that the evolutions of transmissivity and hydraulic aperture exhibit a three-stage behavior, during the shear process—a slight decrease stage due to the shear contraction, a fast growth stage due to shear dilation, and a slow growth stage due to the reduction rate of the mechanical aperture increment. The transmissivity and hydraulic aperture decreased, gradually, as the normal stiffness and initial normal stress increase.
A Systems Engineering Approach to Performance-Based Maintenance Services Design
Authors: Holgado Maria
Published: January 2019

Traditionally, industrial services have been mainly transaction-based, i.e., the equipment user pays the service provider for getting a job done or providing assistance and support for equipment operations. Recently, a trend has emerged of increasing the relational perspective of these services, which are becoming more oriented towards customer value and service performance levels. Among these emergent industrial services, performance-based services represent an opportunity for equipment manufacturers to transform their service offerings towards more relational and customer-oriented services. The purpose of this work is to study the design of a generic performance-based maintenance service under a novel perspective given by systems engineering. This paper is intended to serve as a starting point to fully understand this type of services and to develop a method that can support equipment manufacturers who wish to advance their service offerings.
Effect of Supercritical Fluid Extraction Process on Chemical Composition of Polianthes tuberosa Flower Extracts
Authors: Fragoso-Jiménez Javier C. , Tapia-Campos Ernesto , Estarron-Espinosa Mirna , Barba-Gonzalez Rodrigo , Castañeda-Saucedo Ma. Claudia , Castillo-Herrera Gustavo A.
Published: January 2019

Supercritical fluid extracts from flowers of Polianthes tuberosa var. double were ob tained using carbon dioxide as a solvent. Yield extract obtained was 2.5%. The effects of the pressure process (18 MPa, 28 MPa, and 38 MPa) and temperature process (313 K, 323 K, and 333 K) on the volatile composition of tuberose flowers extracts were evaluated, and a significant variation in chemical composition was found. Characteristic compounds of tuberose as methyl isoeugenol, benzyl benzoate, methyl anthranilate, pentacosene, and heptacosene were obtained mainly at 18 MPa and 333 K process conditions, and could be used in the perfume or fragrance industry. Components such as geraniol, farnesol, and methyl eugenol were also obtained, these extracts could be used in the development of cosmeceutical products. This work allowed to identification of the chemical composition profile and evaluation of the changes in tuberose extracts due to the extraction process.
Application of Recycled Carpet Composite as a Potential Noise Barrier in Infrastructure Applications
Authors: Mishra Kunal , Vaidyanathan Ranji K.
Published: January 2019

In this work, recycling of post-consumer carpets into structural composites using a modified vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process has been demonstrated. Fabrication of carpet composites addressed the problem related to the environmental effect of waste carpet. Application of the recycled carpet composite as the noise barrier structure has been studied in terms of noise absorption coefficient. Results show that the carpet composite absorbs noise better than conventional noise barrier at a wide spectrum of frequency. Effect of weather exposure on the carpet composite showed the degradation in the mechanical properties. Nanoclay films are also used on the carpet composite and show no change in the noise absorption ability.
Secular Jewish Identity and Public Religious Participation within Australian Secular Multiculturalism
Authors: Creese Jennifer
Published: January 2019

Many Australian Jews label their Jewish identity as secular. However, public representations of Jewish culture within Australian multiculturalism frequently highlight the religious practices of Judaism as markers of Jewish cultural authenticity. This study explores how secular Jews sometimes perform and reference Jewish religious practice when participating in communal events, and when identifying as Jewish to non-Jews in social interactions and in interactions with the state. Ethnographic participant observation and semi-structured in-depth interviews with nine self-identified secular Jews living in Queensland, Australia, were employed to gather data. These self-identified secular Jews within the community incorporate little religiosity in their private lives, yet in public they often identify with religious practice, and use a religious framework when describing and representing Jewishness to outsiders. This suggests that public Jewishness within Queensland multiculturalism might be considered a performative identity, where acts and statements of religious behavior construct and signify Jewish group cultural distinctiveness in mainstream society. These secular Jews, it is suggested, may participate in this performativity in order to partake in the social capital of communal religious institutions, and to maintain a space for Jewish identity in multicultural secular society, so that their individual cultural interpretations of Jewishness might be realised.
Good Deaths: Perspectives on Dying Well and on Medical Assistance in Dying at Thrangu Monastery Canada
Authors: Larm Jackie
Published: January 2019

Anthropological, sociological, and bioethical research suggest that various agencies affect one’s relationship with the dying process and end-of-life decisions. Agencies include the media, medical professionals, culture, and religion. Observing the prevalence of meditations and rituals relating to death at Thrangu Monastery Canada, I wanted to investigate how the latter two agencies in particular, namely culture and religion, impacted the monastery members’ views on the dying process. During 2018 interviews, I asked their opinions on the meaning of dying well, and on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), which was legalized in Canada in 2016. Although some scriptural examinations have suggested that voluntary euthanasia is contrary to Buddhist teachings, the majority of the monastery’s respondents support MAID to some degree and in some circumstances. Moral absolutes were not valued as much as autonomy, noninterference, wisdom, and compassion.
Philistine Cult and Religion According to Archaeological Evidence
Authors: Ben-Shlomo David
Published: January 2019

The paper surveys and discusses the updated archaeological evidence for Philistine cult and religion, and cult and religion in Philistia during the Iron Age. The evidence can be related to public or official cult, represented in temple and shrine structures, and to that coming from households, representing possibly more popular religion. The evidence of public cult, so far mostly from peripheral sites, includes largely cultural elements linked with the local Canaanite cult and religion. Yet, within households at the Philistine cities there is more evidence for cultic elements of Aegean affinity during Iron Age I. In particular, figurines and ceramic figurative vessels and objects will be discussed. It seems that the Philistine religion may have retained certain distinctive elements also during Iron Age II. Nevertheless, it is still difficult to reconstruct the details of the nature of the Philistine religion due to the limited amount of evidence and lack of textual records.
Gender and Space during Guatemala’s Holy Week: An Ethnographic Account
Authors: Ponciano Karen
Published: January 2019

At midnight of Sunday, 9 April 2017, the Sunday known as Palm Sunday during Holy Week (Semana Santa), the streets of Guatemala City were packed with parishioners, passers-by, and strollers watching the procession of Jesús Nazareno de los Milagros, “King of the Universe”. The procession’s itinerary takes almost eighteen hours to complete and it is one of the most popular processions among Catholics in Guatemala. What was I, a female anthropologist taking notes and pictures, doing as part of the entourage of the image of Jesus? The question is not gratuitous because this specific space, namely, the entourage itself, is reserved exclusively for male bearers, the so-called cucuruchos. This ethnographic incursion took place within the framework of an ongoing research project on the construction of gender subjectivities in urban religious spaces in Guatemala City, a project that attempts to answer larger questions on the various processes of subject formation within religious spaces. In this article, however, I will focus exclusively on the construction of gender subjectivities during the celebration of the Holy Week in Guatemala City. This paper discusses how a religious space can be analyzed as a “place of encounter” that will intensify social relations coming from beyond, and going beyond, the processional space itself.
Atmospheric Correction of OLCI Imagery over Extremely Turbid Waters Based on the Red, NIR and 1016 nm Bands and a New Baseline Residual Technique
Authors: Gossn Juan Ignacio , Ruddick Kevin George , Dogliotti Ana Inés
Published: January 2019

A common approach to the pixel-by-pixel atmospheric correction of satellite water colour imagery is to calculate aerosol and water reflectance at two spectral bands, typically in the near infra-red (NIR, 700–1000 nm) or the short-wave-infra-red (SWIR, 1000–3000 nm), and then extrapolate aerosol reflectance to shorter wavelengths. For clear waters, this can be achieved simply for NIR bands, where the water reflectance can be assumed negligible i.e., the “black water” assumption. For moderately turbid waters, either the NIR water reflectance, which is non-negligible, must be modelled or longer wavelength SWIR bands, with negligible water reflectance, must be used. For extremely turbid waters, modelling of non-zero NIR water reflectance becomes uncertain because the spectral slopes of water and aerosol reflectance in the NIR become similar, making it difficult to distinguish between them. In such waters the use of SWIR bands is definitely preferred and the use of the MODIS bands at 1240 nm and 2130 nm is clearly established although, on many sensors such as the Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI), such SWIR bands are not included. Instead, a new, cheaper SWIR band at 1016 nm is available on OLCI with potential for much better atmospheric correction over extremely turbid waters. That potential is tested here. In this work, we demonstrate that for spectrally-close band triplets (such as OLCI bands at 779–865–1016 nm), the Rayleigh-corrected reflectance of the triplet’s “middle” band after baseline subtraction (or baseline residual, BLR) is essentially independent of the atmospheric conditions. We use the three BLRs defined by three consecutive band triplets of the group of bands 620–709–779–865–1016 nm to calculate water reflectance and hence aerosol reflectance at these wavelengths. Comparison with standard atmospheric correction algorithms shows similar performance in moderately turbid and clear waters and a considerable improvement in extremely turbid waters.
Xf-Rovim. A Field Robot to Detect Olive Trees Infected by Xylella Fastidiosa Using Proximal Sensing
Authors: Rey Beatriz , Aleixos Nuria , Cubero Sergio , Blasco José
Published: January 2019

The use of remote sensing to map the distribution of plant diseases has evolved considerably over the last three decades and can be performed at different scales, depending on the area to be monitored, as well as the spatial and spectral resolution required. This work describes the development of a small low-cost field robot (Remotely Operated Vehicle for Infection Monitoring in orchards, XF-ROVIM), which is intended to be a flexible solution for early detection of Xylella fastidiosa (X. fastidiosa) in olive groves at plant to leaf level. The robot is remotely driven and fitted with different sensing equipment to capture thermal, spectral and structural information about the plants. Taking into account the height of the olive trees inspected, the design includes a platform that can raise the cameras to adapt the height of the sensors to a maximum of 200 cm. The robot was tested in an olive grove (4 ha) potentially infected by X. fastidiosa in the region of Apulia, southern Italy. The tests were focused on investigating the reliability of the mechanical and electronic solutions developed as well as the capability of the sensors to obtain accurate data. The four sides of all trees in the crop were inspected by travelling along the rows in both directions, showing that it could be easily adaptable to other crops. XF-ROVIM was capable of inspecting the whole field continuously, capturing geolocated spectral information and the structure of the trees for later comparison with the in situ observations.