bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Regional Specific Alterations in BBB Permeability are Relevant to the Differential Responses of 67-kDa LR Expression in Endothelial Cells and Astrocytes Following Status Epilepticus
Authors: Park Hana , Kang Tae-Cheon
Published: November 2019

Status epilepticus (a prolonged seizure activity, SE) differently affects vasogenic edema formation and dystrophin-aquaporin 4 (AQP4) expressions between the rat hippocampus and the piriform cortex (PC). In the present study, we explored whether the 67-kDa laminin receptor (LR) expression was relevant to the regional specific susceptibility of vasogenic edema at 3 days after SE. In spite of no difference in expression levels of 67-kDa LR, dystrophin, and AQP4 under physiological conditions, SE-induced serum extravasation was more severe in the PC than the hippocampus. Western blots demonstrated that SE reduced expression levels of 67-kDa LR, dystrophin, and AQP4 in the PC, but not in the hippocampus proper. Immunofluorescent studies revealed that SE increased 67-kDa LR expression in reactive CA1 astrocyte, but reduced it in the PC and the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus due to massive astroglial loss. Furthermore, SE decreased expressions of endothelial 67-kDa LR and SMI-71 (endothelial brain barrier antigen) in these regions. The 67-kDa LR neutralization evoked serum extravasation in these regions of normal animals without astroglial loss. Similar to SE, 67-kDa LR neutralization also reduced dystrophin-AQP4 expressions in the PC more than the total hippocampus. Furthermore, 67-kDa LR IgG infusion increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), but not c-Jun N-terminal kinase, independent of phosphoprotein enriched in astrocytes of 15 kDa (PEA15) activity. Co-treatment of U0126 (an ERK1/2 inhibitor) alleviated vasogenic edema formation and the reduced dystrophin-AQP4 expressions induced by 67-kDa LR neutralization. The 67-kDa LR IgG infusion also increased the susceptibility to SE induction. Therefore, our findings suggested that the cellular specific alterations in 67-kDa LR expression might be involved in the severity of SE-induced vasogenic edema formation in regional specific manners, which might affect the susceptibility to SE induction.
A Small Compound KJ-28d Enhances the Sensitivity of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer to Radio- and Chemotherapy
Authors: Ryu Hwani , Kim Hyo Jeong , Song Jie-Young , Hwang Sang-Gu , Kim Jae-Sung , Kim Joon , Bui Thi Hong Nhung , Choi Hyun-Kyung , Ahn Jiyeon
Published: November 2019

We previously reported on a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) 1/2 inhibitor N-(3-(hydroxycarbamoyl)phenyl)carboxamide (designated KJ-28d), which increased the death of human ovarian cancer BRCA1-deficient SNU-251 cells. In the present study, we further investigated the antitumor activities of KJ-28d in BRCA-proficient non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells to expand the use of PARP inhibitors. KJ-28d significantly inhibited the growth of NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo, and induced DNA damage and reactive oxygen species in A549 and H1299 cells. Combined treatment with KJ-28d and ionizing radiation led to increased DNA damage responses in A549 and H1299 cells compared to KJ-28d or ionizing radiation alone, resulting in apoptotic cell death. Moreover, the combination of KJ-28d plus a DNA-damaging therapeutic agent (carboplatin, cisplatin, paclitaxel, or doxorubicin) synergistically inhibited cell proliferation, compared to either drug alone. Taken together, the findings demonstrate the potential of KJ-28d as an effective anti-cancer therapeutic agent for BRCA-deficient and -proficient cancer cells. KJ-28d might have potential as an adjuvant when used in combination with radiotherapy or DNA-damaging agents, pending further investigations.
Evidence for the Capability of Roxadustat (FG-4592), an Oral HIF Prolyl-Hydroxylase Inhibitor, to Perturb Membrane Ionic Currents: An Unidentified yet Important Action
Authors: Chang Wei-Ting , Lo Yi-Ching , Gao Zi-Han , Wu Sheng-Nan
Published: November 2019

Roxadustat (FG-4592), an analog of 2-oxoglutarate, is an orally-administered, heterocyclic small molecule known to be an inhibitor of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase. However, none of the studies have thus far thoroughly investigated its possible perturbations on membrane ion currents in endocrine or heart cells. In our studies, the whole-cell current recordings of the patch-clamp technique showed that the presence of roxadustat effectively and differentially suppressed the peak and late components of IK(DR) amplitude in response to membrane depolarization in pituitary tumor (GH3) cells with an IC50 value of 5.71 and 1.32 μM, respectively. The current inactivation of IK(DR) elicited by 10-sec membrane depolarization became raised in the presence of roxadustatt. When cells were exposed to either CoCl2 or deferoxamine (DFO), the IK(DR) elicited by membrane depolarization was not modified; however, nonactin, a K+-selective ionophore, in continued presence of roxadustat, attenuated roxadustat-mediated inhibition of the amplitude. The steady-state inactivation of IK(DR) could be constructed in the presence of roxadustat. Recovery of IK(DR) block by roxadustat (3 and 10 μM) could be fitted by a single exponential with 382 and 523 msec, respectively. The roxadustat addition slightly suppressed erg-mediated K+ or hyperpolarization-activated cation currents. This drug also decreased the peak amplitude of voltage-gated Na+ current with a slowing in inactivation rate of the current. Likewise, in H9c2 heart-derived cells, the addition of roxadustat suppressed IK(DR) amplitude in combination with the shortening in inactivation time course of the current. In high glucose-treated H9c2 cells, roxadustat-mediated inhibition of IK(DR) remained unchanged. Collectively, despite its suppression of HIF prolyl hydroxylase, inhibitory actions of roxadustat on different types of ionic currents possibly in a non-genomic fashion might provide another yet unidentified mechanism through which cellular functions are seriously perturbed, if similar findings occur in vivo.
Recent Advances in Mono- and Combined Stem Cell Therapies of Stroke in Animal Models and Humans
Authors: Surugiu Roxana , Olaru Andrei , Hermann Dirk M. , Glavan Daniela , Catalin Bogdan , Popa-Wagner Aurel
Published: November 2019

Following the failure of acute neuroprotection therapies, major efforts are currently made worldwide to promote neurological recovery and brain plasticity in the subacute and post-acute phases of stroke. Currently, there is hope that stroke recovery might be promoted by cell-based therapies. The field of stem cell therapy for cerebral ischemia has made significant progress in the last five years. A variety of stem cells have been tested in animal models and humans including adipose stem cells, human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells, human amnion epithelial cells, human placenta amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal stem cells, adult human pluripotent-like olfactory stem cells, human bone marrow endothelial progenitor cells, electrically-stimulated human neuronal progenitor cells, or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of human origin. Combination therapies in animal models include a mix of two or more therapeutic factors consisting of bone marrow stromal cells, exercise and thyroid hormones, endothelial progenitor cells overexpressing the chemokine CXCL12. Mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of transplanted cells include the “bystander” effects, paracrine mechanisms, or extracellular vesicles-mediated restorative effects. Mitochondria transfer also appears to be a powerful strategy for regenerative processes. Studies in humans are currently limited to a small number of studies using autologous stem cells mainly aimed to assess tolerability and side-effects of human stem cells in the clinic.
TCGA-TCIA Impact on Radiogenomics Cancer Research: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zanfardino Mario , Pane Katia , Mirabelli Peppino , Salvatore Marco , Franzese Monica
Published: November 2019

In the last decade, the development of radiogenomics research has produced a significant amount of papers describing relations between imaging features and several molecular ‘omic signatures arising from next-generation sequencing technology and their potential role in the integrated diagnostic field. The most vulnerable point of many of these studies lies in the poor number of involved patients. In this scenario, a leading role is played by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA), which make available, respectively, molecular ‘omic data and linked imaging data. In this review, we systematically collected and analyzed radiogenomic studies based on TCGA-TCIA data. We organized literature per tumor type and molecular ‘omic data in order to discuss salient imaging genomic associations and limitations of each study. Finally, we outlined the potential clinical impact of radiogenomics to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and the prediction of patient outcomes in oncology.
Changes in the Clinicopathological Demographics of Vulvar Cancer in Japan: Increasing Oldest-Old, Stage Shifting, and Decreasing Cohort-Level Survival †
Authors: Nishio Shin , Matsuo Koji , Shibata Takeo , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Kanao Hiroyuki , Takehara Kazuhiro , Kado Nobuhiro , Tozawa Akiko , Tokunaga Hideki , Matsunaga Tatsuya , Kato Hisamori , Horie Koji , Kikuchi Akira , Enomoto Takayuki , Mikami Mikio
Published: November 2019

Background: To examine trends in the clinicopathological characteristics of vulvar cancer in Japan. Methods: This is a nationwide retrospective study examining consecutive women with vulvar cancer between 2001 and 2010 in Japan (n = 1061). Temporal trends in demographics, tumor characteristics, and survival were assessed by cohort-level analysis. The National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result Program was used for external validation (n = 10,154). Results: The number of oldest-old women aged ≥80 years significantly increased (from 18.0% in 2001 to 30.6% in 2010; 70.5% relative increase) in the study period. A stage shift was observed, with stage I disease decreasing from 43.0% to 34.0% (21.0% relative decrease), and tumors with distant metastases increasing from 23.2% to 35.6% (53.3% relative increase, p < 0.05). The number of women who underwent surgical treatment decreased from 84.0% to 69.7% (17.0% relative decrease), whereas utilization of radiotherapy increased from 34.4% to 43.2% (25.7% relative increase) over time (p < 0.05). In the cohort-level analysis, the five-year survival rates significantly decreased from 2001 to 2010 (p < 0.05), specifically, 66.9% to 51.0% for progression-free survival (23.7% relative decrease), 79.5% to 67.9% for cause-specific survival (14.6% relative decrease), and 74.9% to 62.3% for overall survival (16.9% relative decrease). In the patient-level analysis, oldest-old women were less likely to undergo surgical treatment and were independently associated with decreased survival (p < 0.05). In the US cohort, the number of oldest-old women (25.2% to 27.8%) and the five-year cause-specific survival rate (81.8% to 79.9%) remained unchanged during the study period (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Demographics and outcomes of vulvar cancer in Japan significantly changed during the study period. An increasing oldest-old population and a stage shift to more metastatic disease resulted in a cohort-level decrease in survival rates.
The Ecosystem Effects of Sand-Binding Shrub Hippophae rhamnoides in Alpine Semi-Arid Desert in the Northeastern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Tian Lihui , Wu Wangyang , Zhou Xin , Zhang Dengshan , Yu Yang , Wang Haijiao , Wang Qiaoyu
Published: November 2019

The planting of sand-binding vegetation in the Qinghai Lake watershed at the northeastern edge of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau began in 1980. For this paper, we took the desert on the eastern shore of Qinghai Lake as the study area. We analyzed a variety of aged Hippophae rhamnoides communities and aeolian activities, and we discuss the relationship between them. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) With an increasing number of binding years, the species composition became more abundant, natural vegetation began to recover, and biodiversity increased year by year. At the same time, plant height, canopy width, and community coverage increased, but H. rhamnoides coverage was reduced to 36.70% as coverage of Artemisia desertorum increased to 25.67% after 10 years of fixing. The biomass of H. rhamnoides increased significantly, especially the underground biomass. For example, the biomass of area 15a was about 10 to 30 times that of area 1a. (2) Plants are a useful obstacle to aeolian activity. The presence of plants reduced the wind flow in the upper parts of the plants, but it did not have obvious regular characteristics. The longer the fixation term, the lower the surface sediment transport. It is significant that the sediment transport amount in winter was four times that in the summer. After 15 years of binding, H. rhamnoides grows well, and the community is still stable in the study area.
Piezoresistive Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube/Epoxy Strain Sensor with Pattern Design
Authors: Hwang Mun-Young , Han Dae-Hyun , Kang Lae-Hyong
Published: November 2019

Carbon nanotube/polymer-based composites have led to studies that enable the realization of low-cost, high-sensitivity piezoresistive strain sensors. This study investigated the characteristics of piezoresistive multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/epoxy composite strain sensors subjected to tensile and compressive loads in one direction at relatively small amounts of strain. A patterned sensor was designed to overcome the disadvantage of the load direction sensitivity differences in the existing sensors. The dispersion state of the MWCNTs in the epoxy polymer matrix with the proposed dispersion process was verified by scanning electron microscopy. An MWCNT/epoxy patterned strain sensor and a patch-type strain sensor were directly attached to an acrylic cantilever beam on the opposite side of a commercial metallic strain gauge. The proposed patterned sensor had gauge factors of 2.52 in the tension direction and 2.47 in the compression direction. The measured gauge factor difference for the patterned sensor was less than that for the conventional patch-type sensor. Moreover, the free-vibration frequency response characteristics were compared with those of metal strain gauges to verify the proposed patch-type sensor. The designed drive circuit compensated for the disadvantages due to the high drive voltage, and it was confirmed that the proposed sensor had higher sensitivity than the metallic strain gauge. In addition, the hysteresis of the temperature characteristics of the proposed sensor is presented to show its temperature range. It was verified that the patterned sensor developed through various studies could be applied as a strain sensor for structural health monitoring.
Influence of Tempering Time on the Behavior of Large Carbides’ Coarsening in AISI H13 Steel
Authors: Ning Angang , Yue Stephen , Gao Rui , Li Lingxia , Guo Hanjie
Published: November 2019

The mechanical properties, microstructures and precipitation behaviors in AISI (American Iron and Steel Institute) H13 steel tempered at 863 K for 0.5, 2, 4, 10 and 20 h were investigated. The values for H13 tempered for 2–4 h resulted in die steel that reached the desired properties as specified in NADCA (North American Die Casting Association) #207-2016. The cubic Ostwald ripening model was applied to simulate the coarsening of the large carbides, which were mainly M23C6 and M3C, as determined from FactSage predictions as well as measurements with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM revealed that the equivalent circle radius (ECR) decreased during 0.5–2 h, because of the nucleation of many new precipitates. According to the Ashby-Orowan modified precipitation strengthening model, this decrease in ECR leads to an increase in the contribution of precipitates to yield strength. Between 2 and 4 h tempering, the ECR of large carbides increases sharply but then increases asymptotically from 4 to 20 h, which obeys the calculated Ostwald ripening rate for cementite and M23C6 in H13 after 863 K tempering. This observation for the Ostwald ripening of M23C6 is in agreement with experimental data for other steels in the literature.
Influence of the Chemical Composition of the Used Powder on the Fatigue Behavior of Additively Manufactured Materials
Authors: Blinn Bastian , Krebs Florian , Ley Maximilian , Gläßner Christopher , Smaga Marek , Aurich Jan C. , Teutsch Roman , Beck Tilmann
Published: November 2019

To exploit the whole potential of Additive Manufacturing (AM), a sound knowledge about the mechanical and especially cyclic properties of AM materials as well as their dependency on the process parameters is indispensable. In the presented work, the influence of chemical composition of the used powder on the fatigue behavior of Selectively Laser Melted (SLM) and Laser Deposition Welded (LDW) specimens made of austenitic stainless steel AISI 316L was investigated. Therefore, in each manufacturing process two variations of chemical composition of the used powder were utilized. For qualitative characterization of the materials cyclic deformation behavior, load increase tests (LITs) were performed and further used for the physically based lifetime calculation method (PhyBaLLIT), enabling an efficient determination of stress (S)–number of cycles to failure (Nf) curves (S–Nf), which show excellent correlation to additionally performed constant amplitude tests (CATs). Moreover, instrumented cyclic indentation tests (PhyBaLCHT) were utilized to characterize the materials’ defect tolerance in a comparably short time. All material variants exhibit a high influence of microstructural defects on the fatigue properties. Consequently, for the SLM process a higher fatigue lifetime at lower stress amplitudes could be observed for the batch with a higher defect tolerance, resulting from a more pronounced deformation induced austenite–α’-martensite transformation. In correspondence to that, the batch of LDW material with an increased defect tolerance exhibit a higher fatigue strength. However, the differences in defect tolerance between the LDW batches is only slightly influenced by phase transformation and seems to be mainly governed by differences in hardening potential of the austenitic microstructure. Furthermore, a significantly higher fatigue strength could be observed for SLM material in relation to LDW specimens, because of a refined microstructure and smaller microstructural defects of SLM specimens.
Permo-Triassic Clastic Rocks from the Ghomaride Complex and Federico Units (Rif Cordillera, N Morocco): An Example of Diagenetic-Metamorphic Transition
Authors: Rodríguez-Ruiz Mª Dolores , Abad Isabel , Bentabol María J.
Published: November 2019

A detailed characterization of the mineralogy corresponding to the low-grade diagenetic-metamorphic sequence of the clastic rocks from the Beni Mezala antiform has allowed the processes implied in their origin to be stablished, integrating them in the geodynamic evolution of the Rif-Betic mountain range during the Alpine orogeny. A progressive evolution towards chemical and textural equilibrium was observed. The illite “crystallinity” (CIS) ranges from diagenetic-lower anchizone in Ghomaride complex (CIS: 1.50–0.37 Δ°2θ) to epizone in the deepest Federico units (CIS: 0.29–0.21 Δ°2θ). The main phyllosilicates in the diagenetic samples are illite (2M1-1M polytypes) and kaolinite, with mixed-layer illite/smectite and chlorite, but the mixed layers disappear in the lower anchizone samples, which show sudoite and dickite. Pyrophyllite is also present in the upper anchizone (0.43–0.29 Δ°2θ) whereas the epizone samples show muscovite (2M1-3T polytypes), chlorite, paragonite, and intermediate micas. The chlorite geothermometers give a T range of 150 to 400 °C, and the b parameter of 2M1 micas (8.992–9.029 Å) indicates low to intermediate pressure regional metamorphism (1–3 kbar) although the wide range of phengitic substitution in micas and the 3T polytype suggest a wider pressure range in coherence with the clockwise PTt evolution for the Rif Cordillera during the Alpine orogeny.
Mixed-Habit Type Ib-IaA Diamond from an Udachnaya Eclogite
Authors: Zedgenizov Dmitry , Bogush Irina , Shatsky Vladislav , Kovalchuk Oleg , Ragozin Alexey , Kalinina Viktoriya
Published: November 2019

The variety of morphology and properties of natural diamonds reflects variations in the conditions of their formation in different mantle environments. This study presents new data on the distribution of impurity centers in diamond type Ib-IaA from xenolith of bimineral eclogite from the Udachnaya kimberlite pipe. The high content of non-aggregated nitrogen C defects in the studied diamonds indicates their formation shortly before the stage of transportation to the surface by the kimberlite melt. The observed sectorial heterogeneity of the distribution of C- and A-defects indicates that aggregation of nitrogen in the octahedral sectors occurs faster than in the cuboid sectors.
Cold-Water Corals in Gas Hydrate Drilling Cores from the South China Sea: Occurrences, Geochemical Characteristics and Their Relationship to Methane Seepages
Authors: Deng Yinan , Chen Fang , Li Niu , Jin Meng , Cao Jun , Chen Hong , Zhou Yang , Wu Cong , Zhuang Chang , Zhao Yi , Cheng Sihai
Published: November 2019

Cold-water corals (CWCs) are frequently found at cold seep areas. However, the relationship between fluid seepage and CWC development is not clear. Here, for the first time, we report the occurrences, species identification, mineralogy, carbon and oxygen isotopes, as well as elemental compositions of fossil CWC skeletons from gas-hydrate-bearing sediment in drilling cores from the South China Sea (SCS). Three sites (GMGS-08, GMGS-09B, and GMGS-16) were investigated but CWCs were only found at one site (GMGS-09B). Interestingly, the CWCs were found in three horizons and they were all embedded with authigenic carbonates. Three genera of fossil CWCs (Crispatotrochus sp., Solenosmilia sp. and Enallopsammia sp.) were identified. The CWC fragments are predominantly aragonite. The CWCs exhibit δ13C values between −8.4‰ and −0.6‰ that are significantly higher than δ13C values of the associated seep carbonates (δ13C values with an average of −55.6‰, n = 19), which indicates a carbon source other than methane for the CWCs. It appears that authigenic carbonates provide a substratum for coral colonization. Bathymetric high points, appropriate water temperature and stronger bottom-water currents at site GMGS-09B might be crucial to keep conditions favorable for the growth of CWCs in the studied area. In addition, high trace-element concentrations of Cr, Ni, Pb, U, Ba, Th, and Sr suggest that the CWCs are influenced by strong fluid seepage that can reach the water-sediment interface, and associated microbial activity. Hence, it also becomes evident that CWCs in hydrocarbon-rich seepage areas not only provide a critical constraint on the impact of fluid emission on the bottom water chemistry, but also are likely to be very precise recorders of the end time of cold seep activity.
Antioxidant, Antimutagenic and Cytoprotective Properties of Hydrosos Pistachio Nuts
Authors: Noguera-Artiaga Luis , García-Romo Joel Said , Rosas-Burgos Ema C. , Cinco-Moroyoqui Francisco Javier , Vidal-Quintanar Reyna Luz , Carbonell-Barrachina Ángel Antonio , Burgos-Hernández Armando
Published: November 2019

Pistachio nuts are included among the foods with the highest antioxidant capacity. Stressed cultivating conditions, such as the use of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI), are expected to create a plant response that might increase the production of secondary metabolites. Fruits that are obtained under RDI treatments are commonly called hydroSOS products. The aim of this work was to study the influence of using different rootstocks (P. atlantica, P. integerrima, and P. terebinthus) and two RDI treatments on the antioxidant (ABTS, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and DPPH), antimutagenic (Ames test), and cytotoxicity (MTT assay in five human cell lines) activities of pistachios. P. terebinthus showed the best antioxidant activity, and the RDI treatments maintained and improved the antioxidant properties of pistachios. Neither the rootstock nor the RDI had significant impact on the antimutagenic potential of pistachios. The nut extracts had no toxic effect on non-cancerous cells and the application of RDI did not reduce their cytoprotective capacity. Furthermore, neither rootstock nor RDI treatments affected the ability of the pistachio extracts of preventing the oxidative damage by H2O2. The application of RDI strategies, in addition to allowing irrigation water saving, led to obtaining pistachios with the same or even better biofunctional characteristics as compared to fully irrigated pistachios.
Highly Sensitive Detection of PCV2 Based on Tyramide Signals and GNPL Amplification
Authors: Zhang Shouping , Hu Bin , Xia Xiaojing , Xu Yanzhao , Hang Bolin , Jiang Jinqing , Hu Jianhe
Published: November 2019

The frequent emergence of secondary infection and immunosuppression after porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infection highlights the need to develop sensitive detection methods. A dual-signal amplification enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on a microplate coated with gold nanoparticle layers (GNPL) and tyramide signal amplification (TSA) was established. Results confirmed that the microplates coated with GNPL have a strong binding ability to the antibody without affecting the biological activity of the antibody. The microplates coated with GNPL have strong binding ability to the antibody, and the amplification of the tyramide signal is combined to further improve the sensitivity of PCV2. The PCV2 antibody does not crossreact with other viruses, demonstrating that the method has good specificity. A dual-signal amplification strategy is developed using microplates modified with GNPL and TSA to sensitively detect PCV2.
Catalytic Ozonation of Organics in Reverse Osmosis Concentrate with Catalysts Based on Activated Carbon
Authors: Xu Xieyang , Xia Zhilin , Li Laisheng , Huang Qi , He Can , Wang Jianbing
Published: November 2019

Acid-washed activated carbon (AC-A), nitric acid modified activated carbon (AC-NO2), aminated activated carbon (AC-NH2) and cerium-loaded activated carbon (Ce/AC) were prepared and characterized by BET procedure, Boehm titration and SEM. Their performances were investigated for the ozonation of p-chlorobenzoic acid (p-CBA) in its solution and organic compounds in reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC). Nitration and amination had little effect on the surface area of catalyst, but increased the concentration of surface acid and basic functional group respectively. After loading Ce, the surface area of the catalyst decreased, and amount of Ce particles were agglomerated on the surface of activated carbon. All the four catalysts can improve the removal rate of the organics in water. Among the four catalysts, Ce/AC shows the highest catalytic activity. The removal rates of p-CBA, TOC and three target pollutants (e.g., tetracycline, metoprolol, atrazine) are 99.6%, 70.38%, 97.76%, 96.21% and 96.03%, respectively. Hydroxyl radical (·OH) was proved to be the core of catalytic reaction mechanism for Ce/AC, with the contribution rate to p-CBA removal of 91.4%. The surface groups and the Ce loaded on AC were the initiator for the rapid generation of ·OH. Electron transfer between electron-rich structures and cerium oxide might be a synergistic effect that can increase catalytic activity of Ce loaded on AC. Catalytic ozonation with Ce/AC is a promising ROC treatment technology due to its efficiency and possibilities for improvement.
Mercapto-Functionalized Porous Organosilica Monoliths Loaded with Gold Nanoparticles for Catalytic Application
Authors: Li Hongwei , Pan Junhui , Gao Chengtao , Ma Mengyu , Lu Liangyu , Xiong Yuzhu , Dong Fuping
Published: November 2019

Porous organosilica monoliths have attracted much attention from both the academic and industrial fields due to their porous structure; excellent mechanical property and easily functionalized surface. A new mercapto-functionalized silicone monolith from a precursor mixture containing methyltrimethoxysilane; 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane; and 3-mercaptopropyl(dimethoxy)methylsilane prepared via a two-step acid/base hydrolysis–polycondensation process was reported. Silane precursor ratios and surfactant type were varied to control the networks of porous monolithic gels. Gold nanoparticles were loaded onto the surface of the porous organosilica monolith (POM). Versatile characterization techniques were utilized to investigate the properties of the synthesized materials with and without gold nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the morphology of the as-synthesized porous monolith materials. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was applied to confirm the surface chemistry. 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance was used to investigate the hydrolysis and polycondensation of organosilane precursors. Transmission electron microscopy was carried out to prove the existence of well-dispersed gold nanoparticles on the porous materials. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy was utilized to evaluate the high catalytic performance of the as-synthesized Au/POM particles
Scented Tartary Buckwheat Tea: Aroma Components and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Xu Qinglian , Wang Li , Li Wenxiu , Xing Yage , Zhang Ping , Wang Qin , Li He , Liu Hong , Yang Hua , Liu Xiaocui , Ma Yuan
Published: November 2019

In this study, the aroma compounds of Huantai tartary buckwheat tea (TBH), three laboratory-produced scented tartary buckwheat teas, as well as the antioxidant activity of tea infusion was investigated. In total, 103 aroma components were isolated and identified from all samples. Tartary buckwheat rose tea (TBR) contained 57 aroma components and tartary buckwheat jasmine tea (TBJ) had 53, both of which were higher than those in others. In addition, the total flavonoid content (TFC) and the total phenolic content (TPC) of scented tartary buckwheat tea were much higher than those of TBH. After the tartary buckwheat tea (TBT) was soaked in hot water twice, the antioxidant activity of all samples decreased, and the antioxidant activity of TBR and TBJ infusions was more stable than those of others. Further, the antioxidant activity of the first tea infusion (FTI) of the TBT was higher than that of the second tea infusion (STI). Overall, considering the diverse aroma compounds of scented tartary buckwheat tea and higher antioxidant activity of tea infusions, the combination of scented tea and tartary buckwheat is a feasible approach to develop tartary buckwheat scented tea.
Inhibition of Porcine Aminopeptidase M (pAMP) by the Pentapeptide Microginins
Authors: Ferreira Glaucio Monteiro , Kronenberger Thales , de Almeida Éryka Costa , Sampaio Joseane , Terra Clélia Ferreira , Pinto Ernani , Trossini Gustavo Henrique Goulart
Published: November 2019

Aminopeptidase M (AMP) inhibition is of interest for several diseases, such as highly vascularized cancer types. AMP can be inhibited by linear pentapeptides isolated from Microcystis aeruginosa LTPNA08 (MG7XX). Porcine AMP inhibition—a model for human AMP—activity was spectrophotometrically measured by the formation of p-nitroanilide from L-leucine-p-nitroanilide substrate by AMP. AMP inhibition by MG770 exhibited comparable inhibition levels to amastatin (IC50 values: 1.20 ± 0.1 μM and 0.98 ± 0.1 μM, respectively), while MG756 was slightly less potent (with IC50 values of 3.26 ± 0.5 μM). Molecular modelling suggests a potential binding mode, based on the interaction with the Zn2+ cofactor, where MG770′s extra methyl group contributes to the disturbance of the Zn2+ cofactor complex and highlights the importance of hydrophobicity for the site.
A Repurposing Approach for Uncovering the Anti-Tubercular Activity of FDA-Approved Drugs with Potential Multi-Targeting Profiles
Authors: Battah Basem , Chemi Giulia , Butini Stefania , Campiani Giuseppe , Brogi Simone , Delogu Giovanni , Gemma Sandra
Published: November 2019

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. This scenario is further complicated by the insurgence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB. The identification of appropriate drugs with multi-target affinity profiles is considered to be a widely accepted strategy to overcome the rapid development of resistance. The aim of this study was to discover Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs possessing antimycobacterial activity, potentially coupled to an effective multi-target profile. An integrated screening platform was implemented based on computational procedures (high-throughput docking techniques on the target enzymes peptide deformylase and Zmp1) and in vitro phenotypic screening assays using two models to evaluate the activity of the selected drugs against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), namely, growth of Mtb H37Rv and of two clinical isolates in axenic media, and infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with Mtb. Starting from over 3000 FDA-approved drugs, we selected 29 marketed drugs for submission to biological evaluation. Out of 29 drugs selected, 20 showed antimycobacterial activity. Further characterization suggested that five drugs possessed promising profiles for further studies. Following a repurposing strategy, by combining computational and biological efforts, we identified marketed drugs with relevant antimycobacterial profiles.
Chemical and Antifungal Variability of Several Accessions of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. from Six Locations Across the Colombian Caribbean Coast: Identification of Antifungal Azadirone Limonoids
Authors: Álvarez-Caballero Juan Manuel , Coy-Barrera Ericsson
Published: November 2019

Plant materials (i.e., leaves, fruits, and seeds) from 40 trees of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. were collected from six different locations across the Colombian Caribbean coast. Eighty-four ethanolic extracts were prepared and the total limonoid contents (TLiC) and the antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum conidia were measured. Their chemical profiles were also recorded via liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization interface-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) analysis and the top-ranked features were then annotated after supervised multivariate statistics. Inter-location chemical variability within sample set was assessed by sparse partial least squares discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA) and the chemical profiles and biological activity datasets were integrated through single-Y orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) to identify antifungal bioactives in test extracts. The TLiC and antifungal activity (IC50 values) of the A. indica-derived extracts were found to be ranging from 4.5 to 48.5 mg limonin equivalent per g dry extract and 0.08–44.8 μg/mL, respectively. The presence/abundance of particular limonoids between collected samples influenced the variability among locations. In addition, the integration of chemical and antifungal activity datasets showed five features as markers probably contributing to the bioactivity, annotated as compounds with an azadirone-like moiety. To validate the information provided by the single-Y OPLS model, a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-based microfractionation was then carried out on an active extract. The combined plot of chromatographic profile and microfraction bioactivity also evidenced five signals possessing the highest antifungal activity. The most active limonoid was identified as nimonol 1. Hence, this untargeted metabolite profiling was considered as a convenient tool for identifying metabolites as inter-location markers as well as antifungals against Fusarium oxysporum.
“A Desora Desperto y vio una Grand Claridat”: The Role of Dreams and Light in the Construction of a Multi-Confessional Audience of the Miracles of the Virgin of Guadalupe
Authors: Valdés Sánchez Amanda
Published: November 2019

This paper examines the religious proselytizing agenda of the order of Saint Jerome that ruled the Extremaduran sanctuary of the Virgin of Guadalupe since 1389. To this end, I analyze how the Hieronymite’s used literary motifs such as dreams and light in the codex of the Miracles of the Virgin of Guadalupe to create a multi-confessional audience for their collection of miracles. I contend that these motifs were chosen because they were key elements in the construction of a particular image of the Virgin that could appeal to pilgrims of different faiths. Through them, the Hieronymites evoked in the minds of Muslim pilgrims and Christian captives beyond the sea the imagery and rhetoric of Sufi devotional literature and Islamic hagiography, in order to create a vision of the Virgin that was able to compete with the more important Islamic devotional figures: the Prophet, Sufi masters and charismatic saints. Finally, I explore how the possible influence of North African devotional models, such as the Shadhiliyya order or the hagiography of the Tunisian saint, Aisha al-Manubiyya, suggests that the aims of the monastic authors of this Marian miracles collection went far beyond the conversion of Castilian Muslims, aiming at the transformation of the Extremaduran Marian sanctuary of Guadalupe into a Mediterranean devotional center.
Shedding Light on the Modalities of Authority in a Dar al-Uloom, or Religious Seminary, in Britain
Authors: Sidat Haroon
Published: November 2019

‘God is the Light of the heavens and the earth…’ (Quran, 24:35.) This article sheds light on the modalities of authority that exist in a traditional religious seminary or Dar al-Uloom (hereon abbreviated to DU) in modern Britain. Based on unprecedented insider access and detailed ethnography, the paper considers how two groups of teachers, the senior and the younger generation, acquire and shine their authoritative light in unique ways. The article asserts that within the senior teachers an elect group of ‘luminaries’ exemplify a deep level of learning combined with practice and embodiment, while the remaining teachers are granted authority by virtue of the Prophetic light, or Hadith, they radiate. The younger generation of British-born teachers, however, are the torchbearers at the leading edge of directing the DU. While it may take time for them to acquire the social and symbolic capital of the senior teachers, operationally, they are the ones illuminating the way forward. The paper discusses the implications of the changing nature of authority within the DU is likely to have for Muslims in Britain.
Where Our Bright Star Is Cast: Religiosity, Spirituality, and Positive Black Development in Urban Landscapes
Authors: Mattis Jacqueline S. , Palmer Gordon J. M. , Hope Meredith O.
Published: November 2019

Social science research offers a particular, narrow view of the lived experiences of Black urban-residing people. When the religious and spiritual lives of Black urban residents are viewed through this narrow lens, the diversity of religious and spiritual experiences and the connections between everyday life and positive outcomes, such as compassion, hope, liberation, joy, etc., become flattened, doing a disservice to the very people whose experiences we aim to understand. We contend that understanding the link between religiosity, spirituality, and positive development among Black urban-residing people requires us to pay attention to the ways that faith helps Black people to navigate the sequelae of five distinct sociopolitical features of urban life. We propose a conceptual framework that links these sociopolitical factors to religiosity, spirituality, and positive development among Black youth and adults residing in urban spaces. We conclude with recommendations applicable to the study of Black urban religiosity and spirituality.
Hydrological Impacts of Large Fires and Future Climate: Modeling Approach Supported by Satellite Data
Authors: Carvalho-Santos Claudia , Marcos Bruno , Nunes João , Regos Adrián , Palazzi Elisa , Terzago Silvia , Monteiro António , Honrado João
Published: November 2019

Fires have significant impacts on soil erosion and water supply that may be exacerbated by future climate. The aims of this study were: To simulate the effects of a large fire event in the SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) hydrological model previously calibrated to a medium-sized watershed in Portugal; and to predict the hydrological impacts of large fires and future climate on water supply and soil erosion. For this, post-fire recovery was parametrized in SWAT based on satellite information, namely, the fraction of vegetation cover (FVC) calculated from the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The impact of future climate was based on four regional climate models under the stabilization (RCP 4.5) and high emission (RCP 8.5) scenarios, focusing on mid-century projections (2020–2049) compared to a historical period (1970–1999). Future large fire events (>3000 ha) were predicted from a multiple linear regression model, which uses the daily severity rating (DSR) fire weather index, precipitation anomaly, and burnt area in the previous three years; and subsequently simulated in SWAT under each climate model/scenario. Results suggest that time series of satellite indices are useful to inform SWAT about vegetation growth and post-fire recovery processes. Different land cover types require different time periods for returning to the pre-fire fraction of vegetation cover, ranging from 3 years for pines, eucalypts, and shrubs, to 6 years for sparsely vegetated low scrub. Future climate conditions are expected to include an increase in temperatures and a decrease in precipitation with marked uneven seasonal distribution, and this will likely trigger the growth of burnt area and an increased frequency of large fires, even considering differences across climate models. The future seasonal pattern of precipitation will have a strong influence on river discharge, with less water in the river during spring, summer, and autumn, but more discharge in winter, the latter being exacerbated under the large fire scenario. Overall, the decrease in water supply is more influenced by climate change, whereas soil erosion increase is more dependent on fire, although with a slight increase under climate change. These results emphasize the need for adaptation measures that target the combined hydrological consequences of future climate, fires, and post-fire vegetation dynamics.
Using Continuous Change Detection and Classification of Landsat Data to Investigate Long-Term Mangrove Dynamics in the Sundarbans Region
Authors: Awty-Carroll Katie , Bunting Pete , Hardy Andy , Bell Gemma
Published: November 2019

Mangrove forests play a global role in providing ecosystem goods and services in addition to acting as carbon sinks, and are particularly vulnerable to climate change effects such as rising sea levels and increased salinity. For this reason, accurate long-term monitoring of mangrove ecosystems is vital. However, these ecosystems are extremely dynamic and data frequency is often reduced by cloud cover. The Continuous Change Detection and Classification (CCDC) method has the potential to overcome this by utilising every available observation on a per-pixel basis to build stable season-trend models of the underlying phenology. These models can then be used for land cover classification and to determine greening and browning trends. To demonstrate the utility of this approach, CCDC was applied to a 30-year time series of Landsat data covering an area of mangrove forest known as the Sundarbans. Spanning the delta formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna river systems, the Sundarbans is the largest contiguous mangrove forest in the world. CCDC achieved an overall classification accuracy of 94.5% with a 99% confidence of being between 94.2% and 94.8%. Results showed that while mangrove extent in the Sundarbans has remained stable, around 25% of the area experienced an overall negative trend, probably due to the effect of die-back on Heritiera fomes. In addition, dates and magnitudes of change derived from CCDC were used to investigate damage and recovery from a major cyclone; 11% of the Sundarbans was found to have been affected by Cyclone Sidr in 2007, 47.6% of which had not recovered by mid-2018. The results indicate that while the Sundarbans forest is resilient to cyclone events, the long-term degrading effects of climate change could reduce this resilience to critical levels. The proposed methodology, while computationally expensive, also offers means by which the full Landsat archive can be analyzed and interpreted and should be considered for global application to mangrove monitoring.
Wetland Loss Identification and Evaluation Based on Landscape and Remote Sensing Indices in Xiong’an New Area
Authors: Lv Jinxia , Jiang Weiguo , Wang Wenjie , Wu Zhifeng , Liu Yinghui , Wang Xiaoya , Li Zhuo
Published: November 2019

Wetlands play a critical role in the environment. With the impacts of climate change and human activities, wetlands have suffered severe droughts and the area declined. For the wetland restoration and management, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive analysis of wetland loss. In this study, the Xiong’an New Area was selected as the study area. For this site, we built a new method to identify the patterns of wetland loss integrated the landscape variation and wetland elements loss based on seven land use maps and Landsat series images from the 1980s to 2015. The calculated results revealed the following: (1) From the 1980s to 2015, wetland area decreased by 40.94 km2, with a reduction of 13.84%. The wetland loss was divided into three sub stages: the wet stage from 1980s to 2000, the reduction stage from 2000 to 2019 and the recovering stage from 2009 to 2015. The wetland area was mainly replaced by cropland and built-up land, accounting for 98.22% in the overall loss. The maximum wetland area was 369.43 km2 in the Xiong’an New Area. (2) From 1989 to 2015, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference water index (NDWI) and soil moisture monitoring index (SMMI) showed a degradation, a slight improvement and degradation trend, respectively. The significantly degraded areas were 80.40 km2, 20.71 km2 and 80.05 km2 by the detection of the remote sensing indices, respectively. The wetland loss was mainly dominated by different elements in different periods. The water area (NDWI), soil moisture (SMMI) and vegetation (NDVI) caused the wetland loss in the three sub-periods (1980s–2000, 2000–2009 and 2009–2015). (3) According to the analysis in the landscape and elements, the wetland loss was summarized with three patterns. In the pattern 1, as water became scarce, the plants changed from aquatic to terrestrial species in sub-region G, which caused the wetland vegetation loss. In the pattern 2, due to the water area decrease in sub-regions B, C, D and E, the soil moisture decreased and then the aquatic plants grew up, which caused the wetland loss. In the pattern 3, in sub-region A, due to the reduction in water, terrestrial plants covered the region. The three patterns indicated the wetland loss process in the sub region scale. (4) The research integrated the landscape variation and element loss appears potential in the identification of the loss of wetland areas.