bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pemulihan Hak Politik Melalui Mekanisme Konstitusional
Authors: Handrawan Handrawan
Published: February 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan reasionong baru dalam teori lama. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian normatif dengan pendekatan konsep (conceptual approach) dan pendekatan perundang-undangan (statute approach). Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa hak politik bersifat dapat dibatasi (derogable right) sebab hak politik bukanlah hak sipil yang tidak boleh dibatasi (non derogable right). Pemenuhan hak politik hanya dapat dilakukan apabila telah terpenuhinya kewajiban asasi. Dalam DUHAM dan ICCPR pencabutan hak politik tidak diatur namun hal tersebut diatur di dalam peraturan-perundang-undangan nasional. Pencabutan hak politik hanya dapat dilakukan melalui mekanisme peradilan. Pencabutan hak politik tanpa melalui mekanisme peradilan adalah inkonstitusional sebab hak politik merupakan hak warga negara yang dilindungi baik dalam konteks hak asasi manusia maupun dalam konteks demokrasi. Pemulihan hak politik tanpa melalui mekanisme peradilan dapat dilakukan dengan menggunakan mekanisme eksekutif melalui Pasal 14 Ayat (1) dan14 Ayat (2) UUN NRI 1945 tentang Amnesti, Abolisi, grasi dan rehabilitasi sedangkan pemulihan hak politik melalui mekanisme peradilan hanya dapat dilakukan dengan melakukan upaya hukum biasa sebagaimana yang telah diatur di dalam KUHAP. Temuan dalam tulisan ini adalah pemulihan hak politik perlu dilakukan demi menjaga keutuhan demokrasi dalam konteks negara hukum sebab pencabutan hak politik tanpa melalui mekanisme peradilan akan menyebabkan demokrasi kehilangan makna. Demokrasi memiliki koherensi dengan partisipasi politik warga negara untuk menghasilkan kualitas demokrasi yang baik.
Kedudukan Harta Bersama yang Dihibahkan Ayah kepada Anak
Authors: Jalil Siti Misnar Abdul
Published: February 2019

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui akibat hukum terhadap harta Bersama yang telah dihibahkan orang tua kepada anak dan untuk mengetahui akibat hukum apabila orang tua yang menghibahkan menarik kembali harta gono-gini tersebut. Penulisan ini menggunakan metode penulisan normatif, pendekatan yang digunakan dalam penulisan ini adalah pendekatan undang-undang (Statute Approach). Hasil penelitian adalah Akibat hukum harta bersama (gono-gini) yang dihibahkan kepada anak menurut KHI adalah menjadi milik si anak selama pemberian hibah atas harta bersama itu tidak lebih dari sepertiga. Pemberian hibah itu diperhitungkan sebagai warisan dan juga masih dapat ditarik kembali jika harta hibah tersebut masih dalam penguasaan si anak (si penerima hibah). serta Penarikan kembali harta bersama yang dihibahkan kepada anak, dari kasus penarikan/pembatalan hibah pada Pengadilan Agama Kolaka, dapat dilaksanakan apabila harta yang dihibahkan kepada anak itu terbukti tanpa persetujuan dari pihak istri/suami, atau pemberian hibah itu melebihi sepertiga dari jumlah harta bersama. Hal ini mengingat di dalam harta bersama yang dihibahkan itu juga terdapat harta anak-anak yang lain sebagai ahli waris. Di mana sesuai Pasal 210 ayat (2) KHI harta benda yang dihibahkan harus merupakan hak dari penghibah. Selain itu, walaupun hibah orang tua kepada anak dapat ditarik kembali, namun penarikan ini hanya dapat dilakukan apabila harta hibah tersebut masih ada dalam penguasaan si penerima hibah, karena apabila sudah beralih kepada pihak ketiga maka akan timbul derden verzet (perlawanan), dan apabila ada permohonan sita, maka niet bevinding atau tidak diketemukan benda objek perkaranya di lapangan.
How Can We Trick the Brain Into Seeing Rainbows and Faces?
Authors: Guger Christoph , Kapeller Christoph , Ogawa Hiroshi , Hiroshima Satoru , Kamada Kyousuke
Published: February 2019

How do different parts of the brain work together to help us see, move, understand, and do other things? For many years, we have known that different brain regions perform different tasks that are important for vision. Some brain regions are responsible for seeing faces, colors, lines, movement, or other parts of the world. But mapping different brain regions in detail is very challenging, especially because everyone’s brain is slightly different. Sometimes, brain surgeons must place electrodes inside a patient’s skull—on the surface of the brain—to get a more detailed map. This article describes a study done by a group of brain surgeons, scientists, and engineers. We studied the activity of a patient’s brain while he looked at different objects. We identified two brain regions that were active when the patient processed faces or colors. If we stimulated these areas, the patient reported seeing faces or colors, even if he was looking at something else! The results of this study help show how different parts of the brain perform different tasks, and could lead to safer, more precise brain surgery.
3D Printing for Bio-Synthetic Biliary Stents
Authors: Boyer Christen J. , Boktor Moheb , Samant Hrishikesh , White Luke A. , Wang Yuping , Ballard David H. , Huebert Robert C. , Woerner Jennifer E. , Ghali Ghali E. , Alexander Jonathan S.
Published: February 2019

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an additive manufacturing method that holds great potential in a variety of future patient-specific medical technologies. This project validated a novel crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (XL-PVA) 3D printed stent infused with collagen, human placental mesenchymal stem cells (PMSCs), and cholangiocytes. The biofabrication method in the present study examined 3D printing and collagen injection molding for rapid prototyping of customized living biliary stents with clinical applications in the setting of malignant and benign bile duct obstructions. XL-PVA stents showed hydrophilic swelling and addition of radiocontrast to the stent matrix improved radiographic opacity. Collagen loaded with PMSCs contracted tightly around hydrophilic stents and dense choloangiocyte coatings were verified through histology and fluorescence microscopy. It is anticipated that design elements used in these stents may enable appropriate stent placement, provide protection of the stent-stem cell matrix against bile constituents, and potentially limit biofilm development. Overall, this approach may allow physicians to create personalized bio-integrating stents for use in biliary procedures and lays a foundation for new patient-specific stent fabrication techniques.
The Role of Molecular Profiling to Predict the Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Lung Cancer
Authors: Kaderbhaï Courèche , Tharin Zoé , Ghiringhelli François
Published: February 2019

Immune checkpoint inhibitors radically changed the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, only one-quarter of patients benefit from these new therapies when used as monotherapy. The assessment of Program Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1) tumor expression by immunohistochemistry is used to select potential responder patients, but this not an optimal marker since it does not predict the absence of anti PD-1 efficacy. Despite this shortcoming, PD-L1 remains the gold standard biomarker in many studies and the only biomarker available for clinicians. In addition to histological markers, transcriptomic and exome analyses have revealed potential biomarkers requiring further confirmation. Recently, tumor mutational burden has emerged as a good surrogate marker of outcome. In this review we will detail current knowledge on DNA and RNA related biomarkers.
Extraction Centrifuges—Intensified Equipment Facilitating Modular and Flexible Plant Concepts
Authors: Seyfang Bernhard C. , Klein Andreas , Grützner Thomas
Published: February 2019

In recent years, modularization of chemical production plants has become a widely discussed trend to overcome some of key issues the chemical industry struggles with. High volatility in raw material and customer markets, shorter product life cycles, cost pressure and increasing competition are just a few of them. Modularization of chemical production offers the opportunity to deal with these issues. The unit operations, which are capable to be applied in modular plant concepts, are subject of on-going research. On the reaction side, tubular continuous flow reactors are typical assets and methods for design and operation are available on a high technical level. Separation units on the downstream side are not yet developed to technical maturity. This paper focuses on extraction centrifuges, which are promising devices due to their large range of application, small volumes, high separation efficiency and excellent scalability. Industrial examples show the performance of extraction centrifuges in multi-purpose large-scale production facilities and prove that these units are predestined for application in modular plants.
Inonotus obliquus Extract as An Inhibitor of α-MSH-Induced Melanogenesis in B16F10 Mouse Melanoma Cells
Authors: Lee Eun Ji , Cha Hwa Jun
Published: February 2019

Melanogenesis is a biosynthetic pathway that produces the pigment melanin in human skin. The catalyzation of the key enzyme tyrosinase is the first step in melanogenesis, and the downregulation of tyrosinase enzyme activity is the most reported method for inhibiting melanogenesis. Hyperpigmentation is an important issue in the cosmetic industry, and there is great demand for melanogenesis inhibitors. In the present study, we demonstrated the anti-melanogenic effect of Inonotus obliquus in alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced B16F10 mouse melanoma cells and identified it as a new melanogenesis inhibitor. Comparing the B16F10 cells treated with the control and the Inonotus obliquus extract, we identified the melanin contents, mRNA and protein expression of tyrosinase, tyrosinase activity, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (Mitf) activity using a constructed plasmid. Through these experiments, we confirmed that Inonotus obliquus extract inhibits melanin synthesis by downregulating the activity and expression of tyrosinase. Furthermore, we revealed that tyrosinase expression is regulated by Inonotus obliquus extract via the repression of Mitf transcriptional activity. Thus, in this study, we found that Inonotus obliquus extract has anti-melanogenic effects via the suppression of melanin synthesis. Taken together, we demonstrated that Inonotus obliquus extract is a good potential candidate for use as a natural source for the therapeutic treatment of hyperpigmentation and for applications in whitening cosmetic products.
A Robust Adaptive Filter for a Complex Hammerstein System
Authors: Qian Guobing , Luo Dan , Wang Shiyuan
Published: February 2019

The Hammerstein adaptive filter using maximum correntropy criterion (MCC) has been shown to be more robust to outliers than the ones using the traditional mean square error (MSE) criterion. As there is no report on the robust Hammerstein adaptive filters in the complex domain, in this paper, we develop the robust Hammerstein adaptive filter under MCC to the complex domain, and propose the Hammerstein maximum complex correntropy criterion (HMCCC) algorithm. Thus, the new Hammerstein adaptive filter can be used to directly handle the complex-valued data. Additionally, we analyze the stability and steady-state mean square performance of HMCCC. Simulations illustrate that the proposed HMCCC algorithm is convergent in the impulsive noise environment, and achieves a higher accuracy and faster convergence speed than the Hammerstein complex least mean square (HCLMS) algorithm.
A Novel Belief Entropy for Measuring Uncertainty in Dempster-Shafer Evidence Theory Framework Based on Plausibility Transformation and Weighted Hartley Entropy
Authors: Pan Qian , Zhou Deyun , Tang Yongchuan , Li Xiaoyang , Huang Jichuan
Published: February 2019

Dempster-Shafer evidence theory (DST) has shown its great advantages to tackle uncertainty in a wide variety of applications. However, how to quantify the information-based uncertainty of basic probability assignment (BPA) with belief entropy in DST framework is still an open issue. The main work of this study is to define a new belief entropy for measuring uncertainty of BPA. The proposed belief entropy has two components. The first component is based on the summation of the probability mass function (PMF) of single events contained in each BPA, which are obtained using plausibility transformation. The second component is the same as the weighted Hartley entropy. The two components could effectively measure the discord uncertainty and non-specificity uncertainty found in DST framework, respectively. The proposed belief entropy is proved to satisfy the majority of the desired properties for an uncertainty measure in DST framework. In addition, when BPA is probability distribution, the proposed method could degrade to Shannon entropy. The feasibility and superiority of the new belief entropy is verified according to the results of numerical experiments.
Thermodynamics in the Universe Described by the Emergence of Space and the Energy Balance Relation
Authors: Tu Fei-Quan , Chen Yi-Xin , Huang Qi-Hong
Published: February 2019

It has previously been shown that it is more common to describe the evolution of the universe based on the emergence of space and the energy balance relation. Here we investigate the thermodynamic properties of the universe described by such a model. We show that the first law of thermodynamics and the generalized second law of thermodynamics (GSLT) are both satisfied and the weak energy condition are also fulfilled for two typical examples. Finally, we examine the physical consistency for the present model. The results show that there exists a good thermodynamic description for such a universe.
Power Loss Minimization and Voltage Stability Improvement in Electrical Distribution System via Network Reconfiguration and Distributed Generation Placement Using Novel Adaptive Shuffled Frogs Leaping Algorithm
Authors: Onlam Arun , Yodphet Daranpob , Chatthaworn Rongrit , Surawanitkun Chayada , Siritaratiwat Apirat , Khunkitti Pirat
Published: February 2019

This paper proposes a novel adaptive optimization algorithm to solve the network reconfiguration and distributed generation (DG) placement problems with objective functions including power loss minimization and voltage stability index (VSI) improvement. The proposed technique called Adaptive Shuffled Frogs Leaping Algorithm (ASFLA) was performed for solving network reconfiguration and DG installation in IEEE 33- and 69-bus distribution systems with seven different scenarios. The performance of ASFLA was compared to that of other algorithms such as Fireworks Algorithm (FWA), Adaptive Cuckoo Search Algorithm (ACSA) and Shuffled Frogs Leaping Algorithm (SFLA). It was found that the power loss and VSI provided by ASFLA were better than those given by FWA, ACSA and SFLA in both 33- and 69-bus systems. The best solution of power loss reduction and VSI improvement of both 33- and 69-bus systems was achieved when the network reconfiguration with optimal sizing and the location DG were simultaneously implemented. From our analysis, it was indicated that the ASFLA could provide better solutions than other methods since the generating process, local and global searching of this algorithm were significantly improved from a conventional method. Hence, the ASFLA becomes another effective algorithm for solving network reconfiguration and DG placement problems in electrical distribution systems.
Seafood-Borne Parasitic Diseases: A “One-Health” Approach Is Needed
Authors: Shamsi Shokoofeh
Published: February 2019

Global consumption of seafood is steadily increasing, as is the variety of seafood, including dishes with raw or undercooked fish, leading to an increased risk of seafood-borne parasitic diseases. To address today’s challenges to understand the biology and ecology of these parasites in an ever-changing environment and to tackle their pathogenicity, multidisciplinary research is needed. In addition, the gap between research and stakeholders must be bridged to decrease the risk these parasites pose to public health. A “One-Health” approach to research is necessary to ensure that consumers, aquatic animals, and environmental health questions are assessed in an integrated and holistic manner, resulting in a more comprehensive understanding of the issues associated with seafood-borne parasitic diseases and potential solutions. However, when it comes to seafood-borne parasitic diseases, there is limited guidance available for a “One-Health” approach since these diseases can be less known. In this article, the focus is on parasitic diseases caused by seafood, which have been less studied even in some developed countries where seafood is popular. A brief overview of some of the seafood-borne parasitic diseases is provided followed by the significance of the awareness among various stakeholders in a country. In this article, it is argued that researchers and stakeholders are closely connected and a knowledge gap in one can result in a gap in knowledge and awareness in the other, causing an inability to accurately estimate the issues caused by these parasites. It is suggested that raising awareness, supporting research and training of all stakeholders are crucial for the prevention of seafood-borne parasitic diseases and the protection of the health of seafood consumers.
A Numerical Study of Particle Migration and Sedimentation in Viscoelastic Couette Flow
Authors: Spanjaards Michelle M. A. , Jaensson Nick O. , Hulsen Martien A. , Anderson Patrick D.
Published: February 2019

In this work, a systematic investigation of the migration of sedimenting particles in a viscoelastic Couette flow is presented, using finite element 3D simulations. To this end, a novel computational approach is presented, which allows us to simulate a periodic configuration of rigid spherical particles accurately and efficiently. To study the different contributions to the particle migration, we first investigate the migration of particles sedimenting near the inner wall, without an externally-imposed Couette flow, followed by the migration of non-sedimenting particles in an externally-imposed Couette flow. Then, both flows are combined, i.e., sedimenting particles with an externally-imposed Couette flow, which was found to increase the migration velocity significantly, yielding migration velocities that are higher than the sum of the combined flows. It was also found that the trace of the conformation tensor becomes asymmetric with respect to the particle center when the particle is initially placed close to the inner cylinder. We conclude by investigating the sedimentation velocity with an imposed orthogonal shear flow. It is found that the sedimentation velocity can be both higher or lower then the Newtonian case, depending on the rheology of the suspending fluid. Specifically, a shear-thinning viscosity is shown to play an important role, which is in-line with previously-published results.
Smart MRI Agents for Detecting Extracellular Events In Vivo: Progress and Challenges
Authors: Parrott Daniel , Fernando W. , Martins Andre
Published: February 2019

Many elegant inorganic designs have been developed to aid medical imaging. We know better now how to improve imaging due to the enormous efforts made by scientists in probe design and other fundamental sciences, including inorganic chemistry, physiochemistry, analytical chemistry, and biomedical engineering. However, despite several years being invested in the development of diagnostic probes, only a few examples have shown applicability in MRI in vivo. In this short review, we aim to show the reader the latest advances in the application of inorganic agents in preclinical MRI.
A Simple Model for Halogen Bond Interaction Energies
Authors: Shaw Robert A. , Hill J. Grant
Published: February 2019

Halogen bonds are prevalent in many areas of chemistry, physics, and biology. We present a statistical model for the interaction energies of halogen-bonded systems at equilibrium based on high-accuracy ab initio benchmark calculations for a range of complexes. Remarkably, the resulting model requires only two fitted parameters, X and B—one for each molecule—and optionally the equilibrium separation, R e , between them, taking the simple form E = X B / R e n . For n = 4 , it gives negligible root-mean-squared deviations of 0.14 and 0.28 kcal mol − 1 over separate fitting and validation data sets of 60 and 74 systems, respectively. The simple model is shown to outperform some of the best density functionals for non-covalent interactions, once parameters are available, at essentially zero computational cost. Additionally, we demonstrate how it can be transferred to completely new, much larger complexes and still achieve accuracy within 0.5 kcal mol − 1 . Using a principal component analysis and symmetry-adapted perturbation theory, we further show how the model can be used to predict the physical nature of a halogen bond, providing an efficient way to gain insight into the behavior of halogen-bonded systems. This means that the model can be used to highlight cases where induction or dispersion significantly affect the underlying nature of the interaction.
Modelling and Feasibility Study on Using Tidal Power with an Energy Storage Utility for Residential Needs
Authors: Giannini Gianmaria
Published: February 2019

Tidal power technology is at its mature stage and large deployments are soon expected. The characteristics of tidal energy and its advantage to be predictable make it an ideal type of resource to be coupled with energy storage facilities. Despite this, most energy storage facilities are expensive. The fact that water has a high specific heat capacity makes this a potential cost-effective medium to be used for storing large amounts of thermal energy for balancing renewable energy output. This paper is an investigation on the possible application of integrating hot water reservoirs for storing tidal energy during power output peaks for domestic use. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the major factors incident on the proposed solution and to provide considerations on which real remunerations the proposed idea could bring to communities or to single families. For this purpose, a simplified numerical analysis, concerning three different scenarios, was performed. These scenarios differ by type of buildings and type of thermal energy demand. The study mainly concerns remote communities. Findings indicated that the proposed idea is technically feasible and if applied in the context of residential compounds, this could be more attractive in economic terms.
Current Advancements of and Future Developments for Fourth Party Logistics in a Digital Future
Authors: Schramm Hans-Joachim , Czaja Carolin , Dittrich Michael , Mentschel Matthias
Published: February 2019

This paper aims to analyze the potential future of the 4PL concept based on expert opinions with special regard to the influence of digitalization coming with a disruptive trans-formation of supply chains. Service arrangements, provider capabilities and benefits resulting from a 4PL partnership are compared in current and future configurations. The research follows an explorative mixed methods approach with semi-structured interviews followed by an expert panel. This builds a basis for an online survey questionnaire to inquire on important future aspects for the 4PL concept by a sample of respondents from multinational companies. Our results show a clear trend away from simply organizing transportation and logistics activities towards the provision of an IT platform as well as further value-added service activities such as planning, analytics and monitoring. Along with this, IT capabilities appear to be an important differentiator for 4PL providers in the future. Moreover, relationships between 4PL providers and their clients become closer and more strategic, which leads to a customer valuing not only direct cost reductions but rather improvements resulting from optimized operations through superior analysis and planning functions.
Some New Applications of Weakly ℋ-Embedded Subgroups of Finite Groups
Authors: Zhang Li , Huo Li-Jun , Liu Jia-Bao
Published: February 2019

A subgroup H of a finite group G is said to be weakly H -embedded in G if there exists a normal subgroup T of G such that H G = H T and H ∩ T ∈ H ( G ) , where H G is the normal closure of H in G, and H ( G ) is the set of all H -subgroups of G. In the recent research, Asaad, Ramadan and Heliel gave new characterization of p-nilpotent: Let p be the smallest prime dividing | G | , and P a non-cyclic Sylow p-subgroup of G. Then G is p-nilpotent if and only if there exists a p-power d with 1 < d < | P | such that all subgroups of P of order d and p d are weakly H -embedded in G. As new applications of weakly H -embedded subgroups, in this paper, (1) we generalize this result for general prime p and get a new criterion for p-supersolubility; (2) adding the condition “ N G ( P ) is p-nilpotent”, here N G ( P ) = { g ∈ G | P g = P } is the normalizer of P in G, we obtain p-nilpotence for general prime p. Moreover, our tool is the weakly H -embedded subgroup. However, instead of the normality of H G = H T , we just need H T is S-quasinormal in G, which means that H T permutes with every Sylow subgroup of G.
Antibiotic Prescribing Practices and Errors among Hospitalized Pediatric Patients Suffering from Acute Respiratory Tract Infections: A Multicenter, Cross-Sectional Study in Pakistan
Authors: Iftikhar Sadia , Sarwar Muhammad Rehan , Saqib Anum , Sarfraz Muhammad , Shoaib Qurat-ul-ain
Published: February 2019

Background and objective: The noncompliance of treatment guidelines by healthcare professionals, along with physiological variations, makes the pediatric population more prone to antibiotic prescribing errors. The present study aims to evaluate the prescribing practices and errors of the most frequently prescribed antibiotics among pediatric patients suffering from acute respiratory tract infections who had different lengths of stay (LOS) in public hospitals. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in five tertiary-care public hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan, between 1 January 2017 and 30 June 2017. The study population consisted of pediatric inpatients aged 0 to 9 years. Results: Among the 11,892 pediatric inpatients, 82.8% were suffering from lower acute respiratory tract infections and had long LOS (53.1%) in hospital. Penicillins (52.4%), cephalosporins (16.8%), and macrolides (8.9%) were the most frequently prescribed antibiotics. Overall, 40.8% of the cases had antibiotic prescribing errors related to wrong dose (19.9%), wrong frequency (18.9%), and duplicate therapy (18.1%). Most of these errors were found in the records of patients who had long LOS in hospital (53.1%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of prescribing errors were lower in female patients (OR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.1–0.9, p-value = 0.012). Patients who were prescribed with ≥3 antibiotics per prescription (OR = 1.724, 95% CI = 1.1–2.1, p-value = 0.020), had long LOS (OR = 12.5, 95% CI = 10.1–17.6, p-value < 0.001), and were suffering from upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) (OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.7–3.9, p-value < 0.001) were more likely to experience prescribing errors. Conclusion: Antibiotics were commonly prescribed to patients who had long LOS. Prescribing errors (wrong dose, wrong frequency, and duplicate therapy) were commonly found in cases of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), especially among those who had prolonged stay in hospital.
Regulation of Interaction Between the Upper and Lower Airways in United Airway Disease
Authors: Kanda Akira , Kobayashi Yoshiki , Asako Mikiya , Tomoda Koichi , Kawauchi Hideyuki , Iwai Hiroshi
Published: February 2019

The concept of united airway disease comprises allergic rhinitis (AR) with asthma, and eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) with asthma. It embodies a comprehensive approach to the treatment of upper and lower airway inflammation. The treatment of upper airway inflammation reduces asthma symptoms and decreases the dose of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) necessary to treat asthma. However, little is known about the mechanisms of interaction between upper and lower airway inflammation. Here we review these mechanisms, focusing on neural modulation and introduce a novel therapeutic approach to united airway disease using a fine-particle ICS. Our understanding of the relationship between the upper and lower airways and its contribution to T helper 2 (Th2)-skewed disease, such as AR and/or ECRS with asthma, has led us to this novel therapeutic strategy for a comprehensive approach to the treatment of upper airway inflammation with asthma.
Identification of Prognostic and Predictive Osteosarcoma Biomarkers
Authors: Zamborsky Radoslav , Kokavec Milan , Harsanyi Stefan , Danisovic Lubos
Published: February 2019

Both adolescents and children suffer from osteosarcoma, localized in the metaphysis of the long bones. This is the most common primary high-grade bone tumor in this patient group. Early tumor detection is the key to ensuring effective treatment. Improved osteosarcoma outcomes in clinical trials have been contingent on biomarker discovery and an evolving understanding of molecules and their complex interactions. In this review, we present a short overview of biomarkers for osteosarcoma, and highlight advances in osteosarcoma-related biomarker research. Many studies show that several biomarkers undergo critical changes with osteosarcoma progression. Growing knowledge about osteosarcoma-related markers is expected to positively impact the development of therapeutics for osteosarcoma, and ultimately of clinical care. It has also become important to develop new biomarkers, which can identify vulnerable patients who should be treated with more intensive and aggressive therapy after diagnosis.
Antioxidant, α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities and Potential Constituents of Canarium tramdenum Bark
Authors: Quan Nguyen Van , Xuan Tran Dang , Tran Hoang-Dung , Thuy Nguyen Thi Dieu , Trang Le Thu , Huong Can Thu , Andriana Yusuf , Tuyen Phung Thi
Published: February 2019

The fruits of Canarium tramdenum are commonly used as foods and cooking ingredients in Vietnam, Laos, and the southeast region of China, whilst the leaves are traditionally used for treating diarrhea and rheumatism. This study was conducted to investigate the potential use of this plant bark as antioxidants, and α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors. Five different extracts of C. tramdenum bark (TDB) consisting of the extract (TDBS) and factional extracts hexane (TDBH), ethyl acetate (TDBE), butanol (TDBB), and water (TDBW) were evaluated. The TDBS extract contained the highest amount of total phenolic (112.14 mg gallic acid equivalent per g dry weight), while the TDBB extract had the most effective antioxidant capacity compared to other extracts. Its IC50 values were 12.33, 47.87, 33.25, and 103.74 µg/mL in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (ABTS), reducing power (RP), and nitric oxide (NO) assays, respectively. Meanwhile, the lipid peroxidation inhibition of the four above extracts was proximate to that of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as a standard antioxidant. The result of porcine pancreatic α-amylase inhibition showed that TDB extracts have promising effects which are in line with the commercial diabetic inhibitor acarbose. Interestingly, the inhibitory ability on α-glucosidase of all the extracts was higher than that of acarbose. Among the extracts, the TDBB extract expressed the strongest activity on the enzymatic reaction (IC50 = 18.93 µg/mL) followed by the TDBW extract (IC50 = 25.27 µg/mL), TDBS (IC50 = 28.17 µg/mL), and TDBE extract (IC50 = 141.37 µg/mL). The phytochemical constituents of the TDB extract were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The principal constituents included nine phenolics, eight terpenoids, two steroids, and five compounds belonging to other chemical classes, which were the first reported in this plant. Among them, the presence of α- and β-amyrins were identified by GC-MS and appeared as the most dominant constituents in TDB extracts (1.52 mg/g). The results of this study revealed that C. tramdenum bark possessed rich phenolics and terpenoids, which might confer on reducing risks from diabetes. A high quantity of α- and β-amyrins highlighted the potentials of anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-tumor, and hepatoprotective properties of C. tramdenum bark.
The Identification of Polyester Fibers Dyed with Disperse Dyes for Forensic Purposes
Authors: Śmigiel-Kamińska Daria , Pośpiech Jan , Makowska Joanna , Stepnowski Piotr , Wąs-Gubała Jolanta , Kumirska Jolanta
Published: February 2019

In forensic laboratories, the most commonly analyzed microtraces are microscopic fragments of single fibers. One of the main goals of the examination of fragments of fibers a few millimeters long is to determine their characteristic physicochemical properties and compare them with fibers originating from a known source (e.g., a suspect’s clothes). The color and dyes of fiber microtraces play an important role in their research and evaluation, being analyzed by means of microscopic, spectroscopic, and chromatographic methods. The results of examinations conducted with the use of spectroscopic techniques might be ambiguous due to overlapping bands of absorption and the transmission and dispersion of electromagnetic radiation corresponding to the specific chemical structure of the fibers and their dyes. For this reason, it is very important to improve currently available spectroscopic methods and/or to propose new ones that allow evidential materials to be analyzed in a much more reliable way. In this review, the possibility of the use of chromatographic techniques with different detection systems for such analyses is underlined. This review covers the different analytical methods used in the forensic analysis of polyester fibers dyed with disperse dyes. Polyester fibers occupy the first position among synthetic fibers in their use for a variety of purposes, and disperse dyes are commonly applied for dyeing them.
Biosensors and Bioassays Based on Lipases, Principles and Applications, a Review
Authors: Pohanka Miroslav
Published: February 2019

Lipases are enzymes responsible for the conversion of triglycerides and other esterified substrates, they are involved in the basic metabolism of a wide number of organisms, from a simple microorganism and to mammals. They also have broad applicability in many fields from which industrial biotechnology, the production of cleaning agents, and pharmacy are the most important. The use of lipases in analytical chemistry where it can serve as a part of biosensors or bioassays is an application of growing interest and has become another important use. This review is focused on the description of lipases chemistry, their current applications and the methods for their assay measurement. Examples of bioassays and biosensors, including their physical and chemical principles, performance for specific substrates, and discussion of their relevance, are given in this work.
Lysosome-Targeted Single Fluorescence Probe for Two-Channel Imaging Intracellular SO2 and Biothiols
Authors: Wang Yue , Liu Li , Zhou Xian-Li , Wu Ming-Yu
Published: February 2019

As the members of reactive sulfur species, SO2 and biothiols play a significant role in physiological and pathological processes and directly influence numerous diseases. Furthermore, SO2 and biothiols can provide a reductive environment for lysosomes to carry out their optimal functionality. To this end, the development of single fluorescent probes for imaging SO2 and biothiols from different emission channels is highly desirable for understanding their physiological nature. Here, a lysosome-targeted fluorescent probe (BPO-DNSP) with a dual reaction site for SO2 and biothiols was presented. BPO-DNSP can sensitively and selectively respond to SO2 in the green channel with a large Stokes shift over 105 nm, and to biothiols in the near-infrared emission channel with a large Stokes shift over 109 nm. The emission shift for the two channels was as high as 170 nm. Colocalization experiments verified that BPO-DNSP can selectively enrich lysosomes. Notably, BPO-DNSP can not only be used to image intracellular SO2 and biothiols from two different channels, but also to monitor the conversion of biothiols to SO2 without adding exogenous enzymes in living HeLa cells.
HPLC Profile of Longan (cv. Shixia) Pericarp-Sourced Phenolics and Their Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Effects
Authors: Bai Xuelian , Pan Rui , Li Mingzhu , Li Xiuting , Zhang Huawei
Published: February 2019

Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) pericarp, the main by-product of aril and pulp processing, is abundant in phenolic compounds and worthy of further utilization. The present work firstly reported HPLC analysis and in vitro antioxidant evaluation of longan (cv. Shixia) pericarp-derived phenolics (LPPs), the purified longan pericarp extract (LPE), as well as their cytotoxic effect on lung cancer cell line, A549. The results indicated that the purified LPE had significant amounts of phenolics, with content of 57.8 ± 0.6 mg of gallic acid equivalents per gram of dry longan pericarp (mg GAE·g−1 DLP), which consisted of six phenolic compounds (A–F), including protocatechuic acid (A), isoscopoletin (B), quercetin (C), ellagic acid (D), corilagin (E), and proanthocyanidins C1 (F). Antioxidant assays showed that LPPs (10 μM) and LPE (1.0 mg·mL−1) had certain antioxidant activities, in which corilagin (E) possessed the best DPPH radical scavenging rate 71.8 ± 0.5% and •OH inhibition rate 75.9 ± 0.3%, and protocatechuic acid (A) exhibited the strongest Fe2+ chelating ability 36.4 ± 0.7%. In vitro cytotoxic tests suggested that LPPs had different effect on A549 cell line, in which corilagin (E) exhibited potent cytotoxicity with an IC50 value of 28.8 ± 1.2 μM. These findings were further confirmed by cell staining experiments.
Dosimetry of 177Lu-PSMA-617 after Mannitol Infusion and Glutamate Tablet Administration: Preliminary Results of EUDRACT/RSO 2016-002732-32 IRST Protocol
Authors: Sarnelli Anna , Belli Maria Luisa , Di Iorio Valentina , Mezzenga Emilio , Celli Monica , Severi Stefano , Tardelli Elisa , Nicolini Silvia , Oboldi Devil , Uccelli Licia , Cittanti Corrado , Monti Manuela , Ferrari Mahila , Paganelli Giovanni
Published: February 2019

Radio-ligand therapy (RLT) with177Lu-PSMA-617 is a promising option for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate-cancer (mCRPC). A prospective phase-II study (EUDRACT/RSO,2016-002732-32) on mCRPC is ongoing at IRST (Meldola, Italy). A total of 9 patients (median age: 68 y, range: 53–85) were enrolled for dosimetry evaluation of parotid glands (PGs), kidneys, red marrow (RM) and whole body (WB). Folic polyglutamate tablets were orally administered as PGs protectors and 500 mL of a 10% mannitol solution was intravenously infused to reduce kidney uptake. The whole body planar image (WBI) and blood samples were acquired at different times post infusion (1 h, 16–24 h, 36–48 h and 120 h). Dose calculation was performed with MIRD formalism (OLINDA/EXM software). The median effective half-life was 33.0 h (range: 25.6–60.7) for PGs, 31.4 h (12.2–80.6) for kidneys, 8.2 h (2.5–14.7) for RM and 40.1 h (31.6–79.7) for WB. The median doses were 0.48 mGy/MBq (range: 0.33–2.63) for PGs, 0.70 mGy/MBq (0.26–1.07) for kidneys, 0.044 mGy/MBq (0.023–0.067) for RM and 0.04 mGy/MBq (0.02–0.11) for WB. A comparison with previously published dosimetric data was performed and a significant difference was found for PGs while no significant difference was observed for the kidneys. For PGs, the possibility of reducing uptake by administering glutamate tablets during RLT seems feasible while further research is warranted for a more focused evaluation of the reduction in kidney uptake.
Temperature-Dependent Evolution of Raman Spectra of Methylammonium Lead Halide Perovskites, CH3NH3PbX3 (X = I, Br)
Authors: Nakada Kousuke , Matsumoto Yuki , Shimoi Yukihiro , Yamada Koji , Furukawa Yukio
Published: February 2019

We present a Raman study on the phase transitions of organic/inorganic hybrid perovskite materials, CH3NH3PbX3 (X = I, Br), which are used as solar cells with high power conversion efficiency. The temperature dependence of the Raman bands of CH3NH3PbX3 (X = I, Br) was measured in the temperature ranges of 290 to 100 K for CH3NH3PbBr3 and 340 to 110 K for CH3NH3PbI3. Broad ν1 bands at ~326 cm−1 for MAPbBr3 and at ~240 cm−1 for MAPbI3 were assigned to the MA–PbX3 cage vibrations. These bands exhibited anomalous temperature dependence, which was attributable to motional narrowing originating from fast changes between the orientational states of CH3NH3+ in the cage. Phase transitions were characterized by changes in the bandwidths and peak positions of the MA–cage vibration and some bands associated with the NH3+ group.
Identification of a Novel Specific Cucurbitadienol Synthase Allele in Siraitia grosvenorii Correlates with High Catalytic Efficiency
Authors: Qiao Jing , Luo Zuliang , Gu Zhe , Zhang Yanling , Zhang Xindan , Ma Xiaojun
Published: February 2019

Mogrosides, the main bioactive compounds isolated from the fruits of Siraitia grosvenorii, are a group of cucurbitane-type triterpenoid glycosides that exhibit a wide range of notable biological activities and are commercially available worldwide as natural sweeteners. However, the extraction cost is high due to their relatively low contents in plants. Therefore, molecular breeding needs to be achieved when conventional plant breeding can hardly improve the quality so far. In this study, the levels of 21 active mogrosides and two precursors in 15 S. grosvenorii varieties were determined by HPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS, respectively. The results showed that the variations in mogroside V content may be caused by the accumulation of cucurbitadienol. Furthermore, a total of four wild-type cucurbitadienol synthase protein variants (50R573L, 50C573L, 50R573Q, and 50C573Q) based on two missense mutation single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites were discovered. An in vitro enzyme reaction analysis indicated that 50R573L had the highest activity, with a specific activity of 10.24 nmol min−1 mg−1. In addition, a site-directed mutant, namely, 50K573L, showed a 33% enhancement of catalytic efficiency compared to wild-type 50R573L. Our findings identify a novel cucurbitadienol synthase allele correlates with high catalytic efficiency. These results are valuable for the molecular breeding of luohanguo.
Formation and Investigation of Electrospun Eudragit E100/Oregano Mats
Authors: Baranauskaite Juste , Adomavičiūtė Erika , Jankauskaitė Virginija , Marksa Mindaugas , Barsteigienė Zita , Bernatoniene Jurga
Published: February 2019

An electrospun mat of Eudragit E100 (EE100) (a cationic copolymer based on dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, and methyl methacrylate) was used as a delivery system for oregano ethanolic extract (OEE). Oregano is a biologically active material which is widely used because of the antibacterial and antifungal activity. The oregano herb consists of phenolic compounds, the main of which are rosmarinic acid and from essential oil—carvacrol. Such a material could be an ideal candidate for oral drug systems. The influence of the EE100 concentration in the OEE on the structure of electrospun mats, encapsulation efficiency, dissolution profile, release kinetics and the stability of biologically active compounds was investigated. The concentration of the solution is a critical parameter for the structure and properties of electrospun mats. The diameter of electrospun fibers increased with the increase of EE100 concentration in the OEE. Electrospun mats obtained from 24% to 32% EE100 solutions showed high encapsulation efficiency, quick release and high stability of rosmarinic acid and carvacrol. Dissolution tests showed that 99% of carvacrol and 80% of rosmarinic acid were released after 10 min from electrospun nano-microfiber mats and capsules obtained from such formulations. The stability tests showed that physicochemical properties, dissolution profiles, and rosmarinic acid and carvacrol contents of the formulations were not significantly affected by storage.
Mori Ramulus (Chin.Ph.)—the Dried Twigs of Morus alba L./Part 1: Discovery of Two Novel Coumarin Glycosides from the Anti-Hyperuricemic Ethanol Extract
Authors: Yao Jianbiao , He Houhong , Xue Jin , Wang Jianfang , Jin Huihui , Wu Jian , Hu Jiangning , Wang Ruwei , Kuchta Kenny
Published: February 2019

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Mori ramulus (Chin.Ph.)—the dried twigs of Morus alba L.—is extensively used as an antirheumatic agent and also finds additional use in asthma therapy. As a pathological high xanthine oxidase (XO, EC 1.1.3.22) activity is strongly correlated to hyperuricemy and gout, standard anti-hyperuremic therapy typically involves XO inhibitors like allopurinol, which often cause adverse effects by inhibiting other enzymes involved in purine metabolism. Mori ramulus may therefore be a promissing source for the development of new antirheumatic therapeutics with less side effects. Coumarins, one of the dominant groups of bioactive constituents of M. alba, have been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet aggregation, antitumor, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities. The combination of HPLC (DAD) and Q-TOF technique could give excellent separating and good structural characterization abilities which make it suitable to analyze complex multi-herbal extracts in TCM. The aim of this study was to develop a HPLC (DAD)/ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS method for the identification and profiling of pharmacologically active coumarin glycosides in Mori ramulus refined extracts for used in TCM. This HPLC (DAD)/ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS method provided a rapid and accurate method for identification of coumarin glycosides—including new natural products described here for the first time—in the crude extract of M. alba L. In the course of this project, two novel natural products moriramulosid A (umbelliferone-6-β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranoside) and moriramulosid B (6-[[6-O-(6-deoxy-α-l-mannopyranosyl)-β-d-glucopyranosyl]oxy]-2H-1-benzopyran-1-one) were newly discovered and the known natural product Scopolin was identified in M. alba L. for the first time.
Stereoselective Multicomponent Reactions in the Synthesis or Transformations of Epoxides and Aziridines
Authors: da Silva Allan Ribeiro , dos Santos Deborah Araujo , Paixão Marcio Weber , Corrêa Arlene Gonçalves
Published: February 2019

Small ring heterocycles, such as epoxides and aziridines, are present in several natural products and are also highly versatile building blocks, frequently involved in the synthesis of numerous bioactive products and pharmaceuticals. Because of the potential for increased efficiency and selectivity, along with the advantages of environmentally benign synthetic procedures, multicomponent reactions (MCRs) have been explored in the synthesis and ring opening of these heterocyclic units. In this review, the recent advances in MCRs involving the synthesis and applications of epoxides and aziridines to the preparation of other heterocycles are discussed emphasizing the stereoselectivity of the reactions.