bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case Study Describing a Community-Engaged Approach for Evaluating Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Exposure in a Native American Community
Authors: Rohlman Diana , Donatuto Jamie , Heidt Myk , Barton Michael , Campbell Larry , Anderson Kim A. , Kile Molly L.
Published: January 2019

In 2015, the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community (SITC) was impacted by an air toxic release from one of two nearby oil refineries. This experience motivated SITC members to learn more about their exposure to air toxics. On the invitation of SITC, this community-based study measured personal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and conducted interviews with the volunteers to evaluate perceptions of the data and experience of participating. Non-smoking SITC members were recruited in March 2016 (N = 10) and January 2017 (N = 22) with seven volunteers participating both times. Volunteers wore a wristband passive sampler for 7 days and completed daily activity diaries. Wristbands were analyzed for 62 PAHs using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Wilcoxon exact tests determined if the sum total PAHs (ΣPAH) differed by activity, proximity to the refineries, and time. Aggregated results were shared during community meetings, and volunteers received individual reports. Volunteers (N = 9) participated in individual interviews. All volunteers were exposed to different amounts and types of PAHs. Burning candles or using a wood stove and/or propane heating were associated with higher ΣPAH exposures. While ΣPAH was similar in both sampling periods, the composition of PAHs differed. More priority listed PAHs were detected in January (N = 17) versus March (N = 10). Among volunteers who participated in both sampling events, exposure to four PAHs significantly differed between seasons. Overall, volunteers reported that the study made them more aware of air pollution sources in their community. They also commented that the chemical nomenclature was difficult to understand, but appreciated the individual reports that allowed them to visually compare their data to the distribution of data collected in their community. For volunteers with lower exposures, these comparisons gave them relief. However, volunteers with higher exposures reported concern and several changed their behaviors to reduce their exposure to known PAH sources. This study provided an opportunity for SITC members to learn about their personal exposure to a class of air toxics within the context of their community. While the limitations of the study hindered the ability to identify sources of air toxics in the community, this activity appeared to raise awareness about ambient and indoor air pollution among the volunteers.
Cold-Responsive Regions of Paradigm Cold-Shock and Non-Cold-Shock mRNAs Responsible for Cold Shock Translational Bias
Authors: Giuliodori Anna Maria , Fabbretti Attilio , Gualerzi Claudio
Published: January 2019

In Escherichia coli, the mRNA transcribed from the main cold-shock gene cspA is a thermosensor, which at low temperature adopts a conformation particularly suitable for translation in the cold. Unlike cspA, its paralogue cspD is expressed only at 37 °C, is toxic so cannot be hyper-expressed in E. coli and is poorly translated in vitro, especially at low temperature. In this work, chimeric mRNAs consisting of different segments of cspA and cspD were constructed to determine if parts of cspA could confer cold-responsive properties to cspD to improve its expression. The activities of these chimeric mRNAs in translation and in partial steps of translation initiation such as formation of 30S initiation complexes and 50S subunits docking to 30S complexes to yield 70S initiation complexes were analyzed. We show that the 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR) of cspA mRNA is sufficient to improve the translation of cspD mRNA at 37 °C whereas both the 5′UTR and the region immediately downstream the cspA mRNA initiation triplet are essential for translation at low temperature. Furthermore, the translational apparatus of cold-stressed cells contains trans-active elements targeting both 5′UTR and downstream regions of cspA mRNA, thereby improving translation of specific chimeric constructs at both 15 and 37 °C.
Dietary Restriction and Neuroinflammation: A Potential Mechanistic Link
Authors: Bok Eugene , Jo Myungjin , Lee Shinrye , Lee Bo-Ram , Kim Jaekwang , Kim Hyung-Jun
Published: January 2019

Chronic neuroinflammation is a common feature of the aged brain, and its association with the major neurodegenerative changes involved in cognitive impairment and motor dysfunction is well established. One of the most potent antiaging interventions tested so far is dietary restriction (DR), which extends the lifespan in various organisms. Microglia and astrocytes are two major types of glial cells involved in the regulation of neuroinflammation. Accumulating evidence suggests that the age-related proinflammatory activation of astrocytes and microglia is attenuated under DR. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying DR-mediated regulation of neuroinflammation are not well understood. Here, we review the current understanding of the effects of DR on neuroinflammation and suggest an underlying mechanistic link between DR and neuroinflammation that may provide novel insights into the role of DR in aging and age-associated brain disorders.
The Chemical Characterization of Eleutherococcus senticosus and Ci-wu-jia Tea Using UHPLC-UV-QTOF/MS
Authors: Wang Yan-Hong , Meng Yonghai , Zhai Chunmei , Wang Mei , Avula Bharathi , Yuk Jimmy , Smith Kerri M. , Isaac Giorgis , Khan Ikhlas A.
Published: January 2019

Eleutherococcus senticosus Maxim. belongs to the Araliaceae family. Phytochemical studies reveal that E. senticosus leaves contain triterpene glycosides along with organic acid derivatives and flavonoid compounds. It is believed that E. senticosus is similar to ginseng because they come from same family and both contain triterpene saponins. E. senticosus leaves have been developed as a functional beverage called ci-wu-jia tea in recent years. Triterpene glycosides are difficult to identify by ultraviolet (UV) detection and contents of these compounds are low in E. senticosus leaves. In this study, a sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic (UHPLC) method combining UV and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) was developed to characterize the triterpene glycosides from E. senticosus leaves and related commercial products. Fragmentation patterns of three sub-groups of triterpene glycosides in E. senticosus leaves were investigated. Additionally, fragmentation pathways and UV characteristics of organic acid derivatives and flavonoids were also characterized. A compound screening library, including 241 compounds reported in the literature, was created and used to confirm the compounds in the samples. In this study, a total of 24 samples, including 13 plant samples of E. senticosus and 11 ci-wu-jia tea products, were analyzed. Out of the 11 commercial products, three products were discovered to contain green tea (Camellia sinensis) that was considered to be an adulterant since it was not an ingredient on the labels. The developed UHPLC-UV-MS/MS analytical method combined with the UNIFI processing method can simultaneously characterize organic acid derivatives, flavonoids, and triterpene saponins from E. senticosus. It provides a simple and sensitive way to perform quality control of E. senticosus and related ci-wu-jia tea products.
Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides Prevent Palmitic Acid-Evoked Apoptosis and Autophagy in Intestinal Porcine Epithelial Cell Line via Restoration of Mitochondrial Function and Regulation of MAPK and AMPK/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liang Zengenni , Yuan Zhihang , Guo Jiajing , Wu Jing , Yi Jine , Deng Jing , Shan Yang
Published: January 2019

Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP) extracted from Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss. ex Fr.) Karst, a traditional Chinese medicine, is a biologically active substance reported to possess anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and neurological protection. However, it is unknown whether GLP have any protective effect against high-fat constituents-induced epithelial cell injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the protection and molecular mechanism of GLP on injury induced by palmitic acid (PA) in the intestinal porcine epithelial cell line (IPEC-J2). First, we tested whether the treatment of GLP attenuate PA-induced IPEC-J2 cell death. GLP markedly blocked PA-caused cytotoxicity and apoptosis in IPEC-J2 cells. Moreover, GLP recovered the decreased mitochondrial function and inhibited activation of caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway. Interestingly, PA promoted cell apoptosis and autophagy through stimulation of phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and inhibition of phosphorylation of Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which was reversed by GLP. Taken together, this study revealed a protective effect of GLP against PA-evoked IPEC-J2 cell death through anti-apoptotic and anti-autophagic properties.
Morphing of Ibogaine: A Successful Attempt into the Search for Sigma-2 Receptor Ligands
Authors: Floresta Giuseppe , Dichiara Maria , Gentile Davide , Prezzavento Orazio , Marrazzo Agostino , Rescifina Antonio , Amata Emanuele
Published: January 2019

Ibogaine is a psychoactive indole alkaloid with high affinity for several targets including the σ2 receptor. Indeed, extensive data support the involvement of the σ2 receptor in neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, alcohol abuse and pain. Due to its serious side effects which prevent ibogaine from potential clinical applications, novel ibogaine derivatives endowed with improved σ2 receptor affinity may be particularly beneficial. With the purpose to facilitate the investigation of iboga alkaloid derivatives which may serve as templates for the design of selective σ2 receptor ligands, here we report a deconstruction study on the ibogaine tricyclic moiety and a successive scaffold-hopping of the indole counterpart. A 3D-QSAR model has been applied to predict the σ2 pKi values of the new compounds, whereas a molecular docking study conducted upon the σ2 receptor built by homology modeling was used to further validate the best-scored molecules. We eventually evaluated pinoline, a carboline derivative, for σ2 receptor affinity through radioligand binding assay and the results confirmed the predicted high µM range of affinity and good selectivity. The obtained results could be helpful in the drug design process of new ibogaine simplified analogs with improved σ2 receptor binding capabilities.
Ferulic Acid Improves Depressive-Like Behavior in Prenatally-Stressed Offspring Rats via Anti-Inflammatory Activity and HPA Axis
Authors: Zheng Xingxing , Cheng Ying , Chen Yiwei , Yue Yisong , Li Yingchun , Xia Sizhe , Li Yang , Deng Huanhuan , Zhang Junli , Cao Yanjun
Published: January 2019

Prenatal stress (PS) can increase the risk of nervous, endocrine and metabolic diseases, and immune dysfunction. Ferulic acid (FA) is a dietary phenolic acid that has pharmacological properties, including potent anti-inflammatory action. We used male, prenatally-stressed offspring rats to investigate the anti-depressive-like effects and possible anti-inflammatory mechanism of FA. We determined the animal behaviors, and the mRNA expression and concentration of inflammatory cytokines, and HPA axis. In addition, we assessed the modulation of hippocampal nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR) expression via western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Administration of FA (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg/day, i.g.) for 28 days markedly increased sucrose intake, and decreased immobility time and total number of crossings, center crossings, rearing, and grooming in the male PS offspring. FA significantly reduced IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α concentration and increased IL-10 concentration in male, prenatally-stressed offspring, stimulated by the NF-κB pathway. In addition, FA inhibited interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and increased interleukin-10 (IL-10) mRNA and protein expression. Furthermore, FA markedly decreased the serum adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and corticosterone concentration by the increase of GR protein expression. Taken together, this study revealed that FA has anti-depressive-like effects in male, prenatally-stressed offspring, partially due to its anti-inflammatory activity and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
Limited Cross Plant Movement and Non-Crop Preferences Reduce the Efficiency of Honey Bees as Pollinators of Hybrid Carrot Seed Crops
Authors: Gaffney Ann , Bohman Björn , Quarrell Stephen R. , Brown Philip H. , Allen Geoff R.
Published: January 2019

Pollination rates in hybrid carrot crops remain limited after introduction of honey bee hives. In this study, honey bee foraging behaviour was observed in commercial hybrid carrot seed crops. Significantly more visits were made to male-fertile (MF) rather than cytoplasmically male-sterile (CMS) flowers. Pollen was collected from bees returning to a hive, to determine daily variation in pollen loads collected and to what level the bees were foraging for carrot pollen. Honey bees visited a wide range of alternative pollen sources and made relatively few visits to carrot plants throughout the period of flowering. Visitation rates to other individual floral sources fluctuated but visitation to carrot was consistently low. The underlying rate of carrot pollen visits among collecting trips was modelled and estimated to be as low as 1.4%, a likely cause of the limited success implementing honey bee hives in carrot crops.
New Cross-Sections for natMo(α,x) Reactions and Medical 97Ru Production Estimations with Radionuclide Yield Calculator
Authors: Sitarz Mateusz , Nigron Etienne , Guertin Arnaud , Haddad Férid , Matulewicz Tomasz
Published: January 2019

The production of 97Ru, a potential Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) radioisotope, was studied at ARRONAX. The cross-section of natMo(α,x)97Ru reaction was investigated in the range of 40–67 MeV irradiating the natMo and Al stacked-foils. The activities of 97Ru and other radioactive contaminants were measured via gamma spectroscopy technique. A global good agreement is observed between obtained cross-section results, previously reported values and TENDL-2017 predictions. Additionally, Radionuclide Yield Calculator, a software that we made available for free, dedicated to quickly calculate yields and plan the irradiation for any radioisotope production, was introduced. The yield of investigated nuclear reactions indicated the feasibility of 97Ru production for medical applications with the use of α beam and Mo targets opening the way to a theranostic approach with 97Ru and 103Ru.
Star Type Wireless Sensor Network for Future Distributed Structural Health Monitoring Applications
Authors: Meech James , Crabtree Christopher , Rácz Zoltán
Published: January 2019

A star type wireless sensor network based on nine-axis micro-electromechanical inertial motion sensors with the potential to include up to 254 sensor nodes is presented, and an investigation into the mechanical and structural effects of bell ringing on bell towers is presented as a possible application. This low-power and low-cost system facilitates the continual monitoring of mechanical forces exerted by swinging bells on their support and thus helps avoid structural degradation and damage. Each sensor measures bell rotation, and a novel method utilising only the instantaneous rotational angle is implemented to calculate the force caused by bell ringing. In addition, a commonly used, however, previously experimentally unconfirmed assumption that allows great simplification of force calculations was also proven to be valid by correlating predicted theoretical values with measurement data. Forces produced by ringing a 1425 kg bell in Durham Cathedral were characterised and found to agree with literature. The sensor network will form the basis of a toolkit that provides a scalable turnkey method to determine the exact mechanisms that cause excessive vibration in mechanical and architectural structures, and has the potential to find further applications in low-frequency distributed structural health monitoring.
Towards Optimization of μ-Injection Molding Process for a New V-Shaped Geometrical Component Using X-ray CT-Based Quality Characterization
Authors: Rathore Jitendra Singh , Lucchetta Giovanni , Carmignato Simone
Published: January 2019

The influence of micro-injection molding process parameters on a molded component’s quality is very prominent. Depending on the functional performance of the part, the desired quality is defined by several criteria which may include dimensional tolerances, shrinkage/warpage, fiber characteristics, and internal defects. A correlation of process parameters with the defined quality attributes needs to be investigated for a new geometrical component. In this work, a micro-component with a new V-shaped geometry is chosen, as this type of geometry finds potential applications in the medical industry. The parts are manufactured with polyoxymethylene resin with a full-factorial design of experimental plan with investigating parameters of mold temperature, melt temperature, injection speed, and packing pressure. The number of internal pores and amount of volumetric shrinkage are identified as the critical quality criteria and the effect of the process parameters is studied with respect to those criteria. The measurement results indicated that the presence of pores is inevitable within the chosen process window; however, the amount can be minimized with careful selection of process settings. Moreover, the statistical analyses demonstrated the significance levels of the process parameters.
Numerical Study of Turbulent Air and Water Flows in a Nozzle Based on the Coanda Effect
Authors: El Halal Youssef , Marques Crístofer H. , Rocha Luiz A. O. , Isoldi Liércio A. , Lemos Rafael de L. , Fragassa Cristiano , dos Santos Elizaldo D.
Published: January 2019

In the present work it is performed a numerical study for simulation of turbulent air and water flows in a nozzle based on the Coanda effect named H.O.M.E.R. (High-Speed Orienting Momentum with Enhanced Reversibility). The main purposes of this work are the development of a numerical model for simulation of the main operational principle of the H.O.M.E.R. nozzle, verify the occurrence of the physical principle in a device using water as working fluid and generate theoretical recommendations about the influence of the difference of mass flow rate in two inlets and length of septum over the fluid dynamic behavior of water flow. The time-averaged conservation equations of mass and momentum are solved with the Finite Volume Method (FVM) and turbulence closure is tackled with the k-ε model. Results for air flow show a good agreement with previous predictions in the literature. Moreover, it is also noticed that this main operational principle is promising for future applications in maneuverability and propulsion systems in marine applications. Results obtained here also show that water jets present higher deflection angles when compared with air jets, enhancing the capability of impose forces to achieve better maneuverability. Moreover, results indicated that the imposition of different mass flow rates in both inlets of the device, as well as central septum insertion have a strong influence over deflection angle of turbulent jet flow and velocity fields, indicating that these parameters can be important for maneuverability in marine applications.
Differentiations in Women’s Land Tenure Experiences: Implications for Women’s Land Access and Tenure Security in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Chigbu Uchendu , Paradza Gaynor , Dachaga Walter
Published: January 2019

Most literature on land tenure in sub-Saharan Africa has presented women as a homogenous group. This study uses evidence from Ghana, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe to show that women have differentiated problems, needs, and statuses in their quest for land access and tenure security. It illustrates how women-to-women differences influence women’s access to land. By investigating differentiations in women’s land tenure in the three countries, the study identifies multiple and somewhat interlinked ways in which differentiations exist in women’s land tenure. It achieved some key outcomes. The findings include a matrix of factors that differentiate women’s land access and tenure security, a visualisation of women’s differentiation in land tenure showing possible modes for actions, and an adaptable approach for operationalising women’s differentiation in land tenure policies (among others). Using these as evidence, it argues that women are a highly differentiated gender group, and the only thing homogenous in the three cases is that women are heterogeneous in their land tenure experiences. It concludes that an emphasis on how the differentiation among women allows for significant insight to emerge into how they experience tenure access differently is essential in improving the tenure security of women. Finally, it makes policy recommendations.
Expropriation of Real Property in Kigali City: Scoping the Patterns of Spatial Justice
Authors: Uwayezu Ernest , de Vries Walter T.
Published: January 2019

The key question in this article is the extent to which current real property expropriation practices in Kigali city promote spatial justice. Current studies focus on the ambiguous manner in which real property valuation had been regulated by the expropriation law of 2007, leading to unfair compensation and various conflicts between expropriating agencies and expropriated people. Following its amendment in 2015, the law currently provides clearer procedures for valuation and fair compensation, based on the market prices. Using indicators that measure spatial justice, this study evaluates if the current expropriation processes result in spatial justice, consisting of procedural, recognitional and redistributive justice. These indicators are described using three dimensions of spatial justice: rules, processes and outcomes. Data were collected through household surveys, focus group discussions, stakeholders’ interviews and observations in four urban neighbourhoods where expropriation has taken place in Kigali city. Interpretative and statistical analysis of the data reveals some patterns of procedural, recognitional and redistributive justice in the rules dimension. There is no indication of any pattern for other dimensions. This relates to limited budgets of expropriating agencies which insufficiently follow the law. The consequence is the decreased redistributive justice in the compensation and the increase in the displacement effect of expropriation. Although, counter-valuations result in fair compensation, there is limited evidence for good trends of spatial justice in the whole process of expropriation.
Two-Stage Plasma-Thermal Nitridation Processes for the Production of Aluminum Nitride Powders from Aluminum Powders
Authors: Sung Mei-Chen , Wang Ya-Fen , Chen Shang-Che , Tsai Cheng-Hsien
Published: January 2019

The synthesis of aluminum nitride (AlN) powders is traditionally done via the thermal nitridation process, in which the reaction temperature reaches as high as 960 °C, with more than several hours of reaction time. Moreover, the occurrence of agglomeration in melting Al particles results in poor AlN quality and a low efficiency of nitridation. In this study, an atmosphere-pressure microwave-plasma preceded the pre-synthesis process. This process operates at 550 °C for 2–10 min with the addition of NH4Cl (Al: NH4Cl = 1:1) for generating a hard AlN shell to avoid the flow and aggregation of the melting Al metals. Then, the mass production of AlN powders by the thermal nitridation process can be carried out by rapidly elevating the reaction temperature (heating rate of 15 °C/min) until 1050 °C is reached. X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) crystal analysis shows that without the peak, Al metals can be observed by synthesizing AlN via plasma nitridation (at 550 °C for 2 min, Al: NH4Cl = 1:1), followed by thermal nitridation (at 950 °C for 1 h). Moreover, SEM images show that well-dispersed AlN powders without agglomeration were produced. Additionally, the particle size of the produced AlN powder (usually < 1 μm) tends to be reduced from 2–5 μm (Al powders), resulting in a more efficient synthesizing process (lower reaction temperature, shorter reaction time) for mass production.
Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of Grain Refined Pr2Co14B Melt-Spun Ribbons
Authors: Nlebedim I. C. , Huang M. , Sun K. , Zhou L. , McCallum R. W. , Kramer M. J.
Published: January 2019

The correlation between the grain refining effect of TiC on the microstructure of Pr2Co14B melt-spun ribbons and the magnetic properties is presented in this study. TiC enabled greater control of microstructure both in the as-spun and heat treated Pr2Co14B, compared with the material without TiC. As a result, coercivity of the sample with TiC was nearly twice that of the sample without TiC. In addition to Pr2Co14B, two other phases were found in the sample with TiC: one rich in Co and the other having a composition near PrCo2. TiC was found near the grain boundaries and at triple junctions. Also no Ti or C was found in the matrix phase indicating extreme low solubility of the elements when both are present with Pr2Co14B. As expected, both the samples with and without TiC have similar anisotropy field but the presence of room temperature non-ferromagnetic phases (TiC and PrCo2), caused a small decrease in magnetization of the sample with TiC although the romance of the isotropic materials were comparable.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Magnetochemistry in 2018
Authors:   Magnetochemistry Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Some Types of Identities Involving the Legendre Polynomials
Authors: Shen Shimeng , Chen Li
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a new non-linear recursive sequence is firstly introduced. Then, using this sequence, a computational problem involving the convolution of the Legendre polynomial is studied using the basic and combinatorial methods. Finally, we give an interesting identity.
Some Identities for the Two Variable Fubini Polynomials
Authors: Su Dan-Dan , He Yuan
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we perform a further investigation for the Fubini polynomials. By making use of the generating function methods and Padé approximation techniques, we establish some new identities for the two variable Fubini polynomials. Some special cases as well as immediate consequences of the main results presented here are also considered.
Regulated Cell Death Signaling Pathways and Marine Natural Products That Target Them
Authors: Guzmán Esther A.
Published: January 2019

Our understanding of cell death used to consist in necrosis, an unregulated form, and apoptosis, regulated cell death. That understanding expanded to acknowledge that apoptosis happens through the intrinsic or extrinsic pathways. Actually, many other regulated cell death processes exist, including necroptosis, a regulated form of necrosis, and autophagy-dependent cell death. We also understand that apoptosis occurs beyond the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways with caspase independent forms of apoptosis existing. Our knowledge of the signaling continues to grow, and with that, so does our ability to target different parts of the pathways with small molecules. Marine natural products co-evolve with their targets, and these unique molecules have complex structures with exquisite biological activities and specificities. This article offers a review of our current understanding of the signaling pathways regulating cell death, and highlights marine natural products that can affect these signaling pathways.
Mechanisms of Primary and Secondary Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer
Authors: Seto Tiffany , Sam Danny , Pan Minggui
Published: January 2019

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPis) have revolutionized cancer therapy with broad activities against a wide range of malignancies. However, in many malignancies their efficacy remains limited due to the primary resistance. Furthermore, a high percentage of patients develop progression due to the secondary resistance even after obtaining a response or achieving a stable disease. In this review, we will discuss the mechanisms that underlie the primary and secondary resistance to ICPis in cancer immunotherapy and provide an overview to impart a broad understanding of the critical issues that are encountered in clinical oncology practice.
Successes and Issues in the Growth of Moad and MoSe2 on Ag(111) by the E-ALD Method
Authors: Vizza Martina , Giaccherini Andrea , Giurlani Walter , Passaponti Maurizio , Cioffi Nicola , Picca Rosaria Anna , De Luca Antonio , Fabbri Lorenzo , Lavacchi Alessandro , Gambinossi Filippo , Piciollo Emanuele , Salvietti Emanuele , Innocenti Massimo
Published: January 2019

This paper explores the conditions for the electrodeposition of Moad (molybdenum adlayer) on Ag(111) from alkaline aqueous solution. Moreover, the first stages of the growth of MoSe2 are also presented, performing the deposition of Sead on the deposited Moad. The deposition of Moad on Sead/Ag(111) was also explored. MoSe2 is of interest due to its peculiar optoelectronic properties, making it suitable for solar energy conversion and nanoelectronics. In this study, electrodeposition techniques were exploited for the synthesis process as more sustainable alternatives to vacuum based techniques. The electrochemical atomic layer deposition (E-ALD) method emerges as a suitable technique to grow inorganic semiconductor thin films thanks to its fulfillment of the green energy predicament and a strict structural and morphological control, and this approach has gathered the attention of the scientific community. Indeed, E-ALD exploits surface limited reactions (SLRs) to alternate the deposition of chemically different atomic layers constituting a compound semiconductor. Thus, E-ALD is one of the most promising electrodeposition techniques for the growth of thin-film of compound semiconductors under a strict structural and morphological control. On this ground, E-ALD can be considered an ideal technique for the growth of 2D materials.
Development of a New Laparoscopic Detection System for Gastric Cancer Using Near-Infrared Light-Emitting Clips with Glass Phosphor
Authors: Inada Shunko , Nakanishi Hayao , Oda Masahiro , Mori Kensaku , Ito Akihiro , Hasegawa Junichi , Misawa Kazunari , Fuchi Shingo
Published: January 2019

Laparoscopic surgery is now a standard treatment for gastric cancer. Currently, the location of the gastric cancer is identified during laparoscopic surgery via the preoperative endoscopic injection of charcoal ink around the primary tumor; however, the wide spread of injected charcoal ink can make it difficult to accurately visualize the specific site of the tumor. To precisely identify the locations of gastric tumors, we developed a fluorescent detection system comprising clips with glass phosphor (Yb3+, Nd3+ doped to Bi2O3-B2O3-based glasses, size: 2 mm × 1 mm × 3 mm) fixed in the stomach and a laparoscopic fluorescent detection system for clip-derived near-infrared (NIR) light (976 nm). We conducted two ex vivo experiments to evaluate the performance of this fluorescent detection system in an extirpated pig stomach and a freshly resected human stomach and were able to successfully detect NIR fluorescence emitted from the clip in the stomach through the stomach wall by the irradiation of excitation light (λ: 808 nm). These results suggest that the proposed combined NIR light-emitting clip and laparoscopic fluorescent detection system could be very useful in clinical practice for accurately identifying the location of a primary gastric tumor during laparoscopic surgery.
MEMS Actuators for Optical Microendoscopy
Authors: Qiu Zhen , Piyawattanametha Wibool
Published: January 2019

Growing demands for affordable, portable, and reliable optical microendoscopic imaging devices are attracting research institutes and industries to find new manufacturing methods. However, the integration of microscopic components into these subsystems is one of today’s challenges in manufacturing and packaging. Together with this kind of miniaturization more and more functional parts have to be accommodated in ever smaller spaces. Therefore, solving this challenge with the use of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication technology has opened the promising opportunities in enabling a wide variety of novel optical microendoscopy to be miniaturized. MEMS fabrication technology enables abilities to apply batch fabrication methods with high-precision and to include a wide variety of optical functionalities to the optical components. As a result, MEMS technology has enabled greater accessibility to advance optical microendoscopy technology to provide high-resolution and high-performance imaging matching with traditional table-top microscopy. In this review the latest advancements of MEMS actuators for optical microendoscopy will be discussed in detail.
Valley Fever on the Rise—Searching for Microbial Antagonists to the Fungal Pathogen Coccidioides immitis
Authors: Lauer Antje , Baal Joe Darryl , Mendes Susan D. , Casimiro Kayla Nicole , Passaglia Alyce Kayes , Valenzuela Alex Humberto , Guibert Gerry
Published: January 2019

The incidence of coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever, is increasing in the Southwestern United States and Mexico. Despite considerable efforts, a vaccine to protect humans from this disease is not forthcoming. The aim of this project was to isolate and phylogenetically compare bacterial species that could serve as biocontrol candidates to suppress the growth of Coccidioides immitis, the causative agent of coccidioidomycosis, in eroded soils or in areas close to human settlements that are being developed. Soil erosion in Coccidioides endemic areas is leading to substantial emissions of fugitive dust that can contain arthroconidia of the pathogen and thus it is becoming a health hazard. Natural microbial antagonists to C. immitis, that are adapted to arid desert soils could be used for biocontrol attempts to suppress the growth of the pathogen in situ to reduce the risk for humans and animals of contracting coccidioidomycosis. Bacteria were isolated from soil samples obtained near Bakersfield, California. Subsequently, pairwise challenge assays with bacterial pure cultures were initially performed against Uncinocarpus reesii, a non-pathogenic relative of C. immitis on media plates. Bacterial isolates that exhibited strongly antifungal properties were then re-challenged against C. immitis. Strongly anti-C. immitis bacterial isolates related to Bacillus subtilis and Streptomyces spp. were isolated, and their antifungal spectrum was investigated using a selection of environmental fungi.
Direct Transformation from Arylamines to Aryl Naphthalene-1,8-diamino Boronamides: A Metal-Free Sandmeyer-Type Process
Authors: Ding Siyi , Ma Qiang , Zhu Min , Ren Huaping , Tian Shaopeng , Zhao Yuzhen , Miao Zongcheng
Published: January 2019

A direct metal-free transformation from arylamines to aryl naphthalene-1,8-diamino boronamides, a type of masked boronic acid, has been developed based on Sandmeyer-type reactions. A nonsymmetrical diboron reagent, B(pin)-B(dan), was utilized as the borylating reagent, and the B(dan) moiety was transferred to the aim products selectively. This conversion tolerated a series of functional groups, including chloro, bromo, fluoro, ester, hydroxy, cyano and amide.
Identification of D Modification Sites by Integrating Heterogeneous Features in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Feng Pengmian , Xu Zhaochun , Yang Hui , Lv Hao , Ding Hui , Liu Li
Published: January 2019

As an abundant post-transcriptional modification, dihydrouridine (D) has been found in transfer RNA (tRNA) from bacteria, eukaryotes, and archaea. Nonetheless, knowledge of the exact biochemical roles of dihydrouridine in mediating tRNA function is still limited. Accurate identification of the position of D sites is essential for understanding their functions. Therefore, it is desirable to develop novel methods to identify D sites. In this study, an ensemble classifier was proposed for the detection of D modification sites in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae transcriptome by using heterogeneous features. The jackknife test results demonstrate that the proposed predictor is promising for the identification of D modification sites. It is anticipated that the proposed method can be widely used for identifying D modification sites in tRNA.
Generation of Quality Hit Matter for Successful Drug Discovery Projects
Authors: Reynisson Jóhannes
Published: January 2019

A drug discovery project needs a number of components for its success [...]
Volatile Compounds of Selected Raw and Cooked Brassica Vegetables
Authors: Wieczorek Martyna N. , Jeleń Henryk H.
Published: January 2019

Brassica vegetables are a significant component of the human diet and their popularity is systematically increasing. The interest in plants from this group is growing because of numerous reports focused on their pro-health properties. However, some consumers are not enthusiastic about these vegetables because of their specific bitter taste and sharp, sulfurous aroma. In this study, the volatile composition of 15 Brassica cultivars (five Brussels sprouts, four kohlrabi, three cauliflower and three broccoli), both raw and cooked, was analyzed by solid phase microextraction and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with time of flight mass spectrometry (SPME-GC×GC-ToFMS). Differences were found between the analyzed vegetables, as well as different cultivars of the same vegetable. Moreover, the influence of cooking on the composition of volatile compounds was evaluated. All the vegetables were frozen before analyses, which is why the impact of this process on the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was included. The most abundant groups of compounds were sulfur components (including bioactive isothiocyanates), nitriles, aldehydes and alcohols. Cooking in general caused a decrease in the abundance of main volatiles. However, the amount of bioactive isothiocyanates increased in most cultivars after cooking. The effect of freezing on the volatile fraction was presented based on the Brussels sprout cultivars. Most of the changes were closely related to the activity of the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway enzymes. These are characterized by a marked reduction in alcohol contents and an increment in aldehyde contents. Moreover, important changes were noted in the concentrations of bioactive components, e.g., isothiocyanates. This research included a large set of samples consisting of many cultivars of each analyzed vegetable, which is why it provides a considerable body of general information concerning volatiles in Brassica vegetables.
Development of Time-Weighted Average Sampling of Odorous Volatile Organic Compounds in Air with Solid-Phase Microextraction Fiber Housed inside a GC Glass Liner: Proof of Concept
Authors: Tursumbayeva Madina , Koziel Jacek A. , Maurer Devin L. , Kenessov Bulat , Rice Somchai
Published: January 2019

Finding farm-proven, robust sampling technologies for measurement of odorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and evaluating the mitigation of nuisance emissions continues to be a challenge. The objective of this research was to develop a new method for quantification of odorous VOCs in air using time-weighted average (TWA) sampling. The main goal was to transform a fragile lab-based technology (i.e., solid-phase microextraction, SPME) into a rugged sampler that can be deployed for longer periods in remote locations. The developed method addresses the need to improve conventional TWA SPME that suffers from the influence of the metallic SPME needle on the sampling process. We eliminated exposure to metallic parts and replaced them with a glass tube to facilitate diffusion from odorous air onto an exposed SPME fiber. A standard gas chromatography (GC) liner recommended for SPME injections was adopted for this purpose. Acetic acid, a common odorous VOC, was selected as a model compound to prove the concept. GC with mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used for air analysis. An SPME fiber exposed inside a glass liner followed the Fick’s law of diffusion model. There was a linear relationship between extraction time and mass extracted up to 12 h (R2 > 0.99) and the inverse of retraction depth (1/Z) (R2 > 0.99). The amount of VOC adsorbed via the TWA SPME using a GC glass liner to protect the SPME was reproducible. The limit of detection (LOD, signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) = 3) and limit of quantification (LOQ, S/N = 5) were 10 and 18 µg·m−3 (4.3 and 7.2 ppbV), respectively. There was no apparent difference relative to glass liner conditioning, offering a practical simplification for use in the field. The new method related well to field conditions when comparing it to the conventional method based on sorbent tubes. This research shows that an SPME fiber exposed inside a glass liner can be a promising, practical, simple approach for field applications to quantify odorous VOCs.
Evaluating the Toxic Impacts of Cadmium Selenide Nanoparticles on the Aquatic Plant Lemna minor
Authors: Tarrahi Roshanak , Movafeghi Ali , Khataee Alireza , Rezanejad Farkhondeh , Gohari Gholamreza
Published: January 2019

Cadmium selenide nanoparticles (CdSe NPs) were synthesized by an easy and simple method and their properties were assessed by XRD, TEM and SEM techniques. The effects of CdSe NPs as well as Cd2+ ions on Lemna minor plants were investigated. The absorption of CdSe NPs by the plants had some adverse consequences that were assessed by a range of biological analyses. The results revealed that both CdSe NPs and the ionic form of cadmium noticeably caused toxicity in L. minor. Morphological parameters as well as peroxidase (POD) activity were deteriorated. In contrast, the activities of some other antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)) as well as the contents of total phenol and flavonoids went up. Taken all together, it could be implied that CdSe NPs as well as Cd2+ were highly toxic to plants and stimulated the plant defense system in order to scavenge produced reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Phenolic Compounds of Catalpa speciosa, Taxus cuspidata, and Magnolia acuminata have Antioxidant and Anticancer Activity
Authors: Elansary Hosam O. , Szopa Agnieszka , Kubica Paweł , A. Al-Mana Fahed , Mahmoud Eman A. , Zin El-Abedin Tarek K. Ali , Mattar Mohamed A. , Ekiert Halina
Published: January 2019

Tree bark represents an important source of medicinal compounds that may be useful for cancer therapy. In the current study, high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) was used to determine the profile of the phenolic compounds of Catalpa speciosa, Taxus cuspidata, and Magnolia acuminata bark extracts. The antioxidant and anticancer bioactivities against different cancer cell lines were investigated. M. acuminata exerted significantly higher antioxidant activities in the diphenyl picrylhydrazine and β-carotene-linoleic acid assays than the other species. In C. speciosa, novel profiles of phenolic acids (ferulic acid was the predominant compound) and catechin were detected. In T. cuspidata, six phenolic acids were detected; the predominant compounds were hydroxycaffeic acid and protocatechuic acid. In M. acuminata, two phenolic acids and three catechins were detected; catechin was the predominant compound. The three species exerted clear anticancer activity against MCF-7, HeLa, Jurkat, T24, and HT-29 cells, with the strongest activity found in the extracts from M. acuminata. No antiproliferative activity against normal cells was found. Flow cytometry revealed greater accumulation of necrotic and early/late apoptotic cells in various treated cancer cells than in untreated control cells, and protocatechuic acid induced a similar accumulation of necrotic cells to that of the bark extracts. Caspase-3 and -7 activity was increased in cancer cells treated with different bark extracts; the highest activity was found in the M. acuminata treatment. Our results suggested that the treatment of cancer cells with bark extracts of M. acuminata, C. speciosa, and T. cuspidata, and protocatechuic acid induced apoptosis, suggesting an association between anticancer activities and individual phenolic compounds.
Inhibitory Effects of Roseoside and Icariside E4 Isolated from a Natural Product Mixture (No-ap) on the Expression of Angiotensin II Receptor 1 and Oxidative Stress in Angiotensin II-Stimulated H9C2 Cells
Authors: Hong Eun Young , Kim Tae Yang , Hong Gwan Ui , Kang Hanna , Lee Jung-Yun , Park Jae Yeo , Kim Se-Chan , Kim Young Ho , Chung Myung-Hee , Kwon Young-In , Ro Jai Youl
Published: January 2019

Hypertension is a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to elucidate whether the natural product mixture No-ap (NA) containing Pine densiflora, Annona muricate, and Monordica charantia, or its single components have inhibitory effects on hypertension-related molecules in Angiotensin II (Ang II)-stimulated H9C2 cells. Individual functional components were isolated and purified from NA using various columns and solvents, and then their structures were analyzed using ESI–MS, 1H-NMR, and 13H-NMR spectra. H9C2 cells were stimulated with 300 nM Ang II for 7 h. NA, telmisartan, ginsenoside, roseoside (Roseo), icariside E4 (IE4), or a combination of two components (Roseo and IE4) were administered to the cells 1 h before Ang II stimulation. The expression and activity of hypertension-related molecules or oxidative molecules were determined using RT-PCR, western blot, and ELISA. Ang II stimulation increased the expression of Ang II receptor 1 (AT1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor growth factor-β (TGF-β) mRNA, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity and the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (•O2−) and reduced anti-oxidant enzyme activity. NA significantly improved the expression or activities of all hypertension-related molecules altered in Ang II-stimulated cells. Roseo or IE4 pretreatment either decreased or increased the expression or activities of all hypertension-related molecules similar to NA, but to a lesser extent. The pretreatment with a combination of Roseo and IE4 (1:1) either decreased or increased the expression of all hypertension-related molecules, compared to each single component, revealing a synergistic action of the two compounds. Thus, the combination of single components could exert promising anti-hypertensive effects similar to NA, which should be examined in future animal and clinical studies.
Design, Synthesis, Anticancer Evaluation and Molecular Modeling of Novel Estrogen Derivatives
Authors: Amr Abd , Elsayed Elsayed , Al-Omar Mohamed , Badr Eldin Hanan , Nossier Eman , Abdallah Mohamed
Published: January 2019

A series of estrone derivatives 3–8 was designed and synthesized using estrone arylmethylenes 2a,b as starting materials and their structures were confirmed by different spectral data and elemental analyses. All the newly synthesized compounds exhibited potent in vitro and in vivo cytotoxic activities against breast cancer cell lines. In addition, all compounds were subjected to in vitro and in vivo inhibition assays for EGFR and VEGFR-2 kinases as well as p53 ubiquitination activity to obtain more details about their mechanism of action. Based on the promising results, a molecular docking study was investigated for the most representative compound 5a against the two targets, EGFR and VEGFR-2 kinases, to assess its binding affinity, hoping to rationalize and obtain potent anticancer agents in the future.