bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involving Patients and Families in the Analysis of Suicides, Suicide Attempts, and Other Sentinel Events in Mental Healthcare: A Qualitative Study in The Netherlands
Authors: Bouwman Renée , De Graaff Bert , De Beurs Derek , Van de Bovenkamp Hester , Leistikow Ian , Friele Roland
Published: May 2018

Involving patients and families in mental healthcare is becoming more commonplace, but little is known about how they are involved in the aftermath of serious adverse events related to quality of care (sentinel events, including suicides). This study explores the role patients and families have in formal processes after sentinel events in Dutch mental healthcare. We analyzed the existing policies of 15 healthcare organizations and spoke with 35 stakeholders including patients, families, their counselors, the national regulator, and professionals. Respondents argue that involving patients and families is valuable to help deal with the event emotionally, provide additional information, and prevent escalation. Results indicate that involving patients and families is only described in sentinel event policies to a limited extent. In practice, involvement consists mostly of providing aftercare and sharing information about the event by providers. Complexities such as privacy concerns and involuntary admissions are said to hinder involvement. Respondents also emphasize that involvement should not be obligatory and stress the need for patients and families to be involved throughout the process of treatment. There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for involving patients and families after sentinel events. The first step seems to be early involvement during treatment process itself.
Src Cooperates with Oncogenic Ras in Tumourigenesis via the JNK and PI3K Pathways in Drosophila epithelial Tissue
Authors: Poon Carole L.C. , Brumby Anthony M. , Richardson Helena E.
Published: May 2018

The Ras oncogene (Rat Sarcoma oncogene, a small GTPase) is a key driver of human cancer, however alone it is insufficient to produce malignancy, due to the induction of cell cycle arrest or senescence. In a Drosophila melanogaster genetic screen for genes that cooperate with oncogenic Ras (bearing the RasV12 mutation, or RasACT), we identified the Drosophila Src (Sarcoma virus oncogene) family non-receptor tyrosine protein kinase genes, Src42A and Src64B, as promoting increased hyperplasia in a whole epithelial tissue context in the Drosophila eye. Moreover, overexpression of Src cooperated with RasACT in epithelial cell clones to drive neoplastic tumourigenesis. We found that Src overexpression alone activated the Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) signalling pathway to promote actin cytoskeletal and cell polarity defects and drive apoptosis, whereas, in cooperation with RasACT, JNK led to a loss of differentiation and an invasive phenotype. Src + RasACT cooperative tumourigenesis was dependent on JNK as well as Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K) signalling, suggesting that targeting these pathways might provide novel therapeutic opportunities in cancers dependent on Src and Ras signalling.
Palladacyclic Conjugate Group Promotes Hybridization of Short Oligonucleotides
Authors: Hande Madhuri , Maity Sajal , Lönnberg Tuomas
Published: May 2018

Short oligonucleotides with cyclopalladated benzylamine moieties at their 5′-termini have been prepared to test the possibility of conferring palladacyclic anticancer agents sequence-selectivity by conjugation with a guiding oligonucleotide. Hybridization of these oligonucleotides with natural counterparts was studied by UV and CD (circular dichroism) melting experiments in the absence and presence of a competing ligand (2-mercaptoethanol). Cyclopalladated benzylamine proved to be strongly stabilizing relative to unmetalated benzylamine and modestly stabilizing relative to an extra A•T base pair. The stabilization was largely abolished in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol, suggesting direct coordination of Pd(II) to a nucleobase of the complementary strand. In all cases, fidelity of Watson-Crick base pairing between the two strands was retained. Hybridization of the cyclopalladated oligonucleotides was characterized by relatively large negative enthalpy and entropy, consistent with stabilizing Pd(II) coordination partially offset by the entropic penalty of imposing conformational constraints on the flexible diethylene glycol linker between the oligonucleotide and the palladacyclic moiety.
Candidate Genes for Yellow Leaf Color in Common Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Major Related Metabolic Pathways according to Transcriptome Profiling
Authors: Wu Huiyu , Shi Narong , An Xuyao , Liu Cong , Fu Hongfei , Cao Li , Feng Yi , Sun Daojie , Zhang Lingli
Published: May 2018

The photosynthetic capacity and efficiency of a crop depends on the biosynthesis of photosynthetic pigments and chloroplast development. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of chloroplast development and chlorophyll (Chl) biosynthesis in common wheat because of its huge and complex genome. Ygm, a spontaneous yellow-green leaf color mutant of winter wheat, exhibits reduced Chl contents and abnormal chloroplast development. Thus, we searched for candidate genes associated with this phenotype. Comparative transcriptome profiling was performed using leaves from the yellow leaf color type (Y) and normal green color type (G) of the Ygm mutant progeny. We identified 1227 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Y compared with G (i.e., 689 upregulated genes and 538 downregulated genes). Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses indicated that the DEGs were involved in Chl biosynthesis (i.e., magnesium chelatase subunit H (CHLH) and protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (POR) genes), carotenoid biosynthesis (i.e., β-carotene hydroxylase (BCH) genes), photosynthesis, and carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms. We also identified heat shock protein (HSP) genes (sHSP, HSP70, HSP90, and DnaJ) and heat shock transcription factor genes that might have vital roles in chloroplast development. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of the relevant DEGs confirmed the RNA-Seq results. Moreover, measurements of seven intermediate products involved in Chl biosynthesis and five carotenoid compounds involved in carotenoid-xanthophyll biosynthesis confirmed that CHLH and BCH are vital enzymes for the unusual leaf color phenotype in Y type. These results provide insights into leaf color variation in wheat at the transcriptional level.
Hadoop Cluster Deployment: A Methodological Approach
Authors: Correia Ronaldo Celso Messias , Spadon Gabriel , De Andrade Gomes Pedro Henrique , Eler Danilo Medeiros , Garcia Rogério Eduardo , Olivete Junior Celso
Published: May 2018

For a long time, data has been treated as a general problem because it just represents fractions of an event without any relevant purpose. However, the last decade has been just about information and how to get it. Seeking meaning in data and trying to solve scalability problems, many frameworks have been developed to improve data storage and its analysis. As a framework, Hadoop was presented as a powerful tool to deal with large amounts of data. However, it still causes doubts about how to deal with its deployment and if there is any reliable method to compare the performance of distinct Hadoop clusters. This paper presents a methodology based on benchmark analysis to guide the Hadoop cluster deployment. The experiments employed The Apache Hadoop and the Hadoop distributions of Cloudera, Hortonworks, and MapR, analyzing the architectures on local and on clouding—using centralized and geographically distributed servers. The results show the methodology can be dynamically applied on a reliable comparison among different architectures. Additionally, the study suggests that the knowledge acquired can be used to improve the data analysis process by understanding the Hadoop architecture.
An Agent-Based Approach to Interbank Market Lending Decisions and Risk Implications
Authors: Liu Anqi , Mo Cheuk Yin Jeffrey , Paddrik Mark E. , Yang Steve Y.
Published: May 2018

In this study, we examine the relationship of bank level lending and borrowing decisions and the risk preferences on the dynamics of the interbank lending market. We develop an agent-based model that incorporates individual bank decisions using the temporal difference reinforcement learning algorithm with empirical data of 6600 U.S. banks. The model can successfully replicate the key characteristics of interbank lending and borrowing relationships documented in the recent literature. A key finding of this study is that risk preferences at the individual bank level can lead to unique interbank market structures that are suggestive of the capacity with which the market responds to surprising shocks.
LDLR rs688 TT Genotype and T Allele Are Associated with Increased Susceptibility to Coronary Artery Disease—A Case-Control Study
Authors: Jha Chandan K. , Mir Rashid , Khullar Naina , Banu Shaheena , Chahal S. M. S.
Published: May 2018

Purpose: The low-density lipoprotein receptor is responsible for the binding and uptake of plasma LDL particles and plays a critical role in maintaining cellular cholesterol homeostasis. LDLR gene SNP rs688 has been reported to be associated with increased plasma total and LDL cholesterol in several populations and can lead to elevated plasma LDL levels, resulting in an increased risk for atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. This study aimed to explore genetic LDLR variant rs688 for its potential roles in coronary artery disease. Methodology: This study recruited 200 coronary artery disease patients and 200 healthy individuals. Genotyping of LDLR-rs688C > T gene variations was performed using the allele specific PCR method. Correlation of LDLR-rs688C > T gene variants with different clinicopathological features of coronary artery disease patients was performed. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to evaluate the correlation of this microRNA polymorphism with coronary artery disease risk. Results: A significant difference was observed in genotype distribution among the coronary artery disease and matched healthy controls (p = 0.003). The frequencies of all three genotypes CC, CT, TT reported in the patient samples were 14%, 65% and 21% and in the healthy controls samples were 18%, 73% and 9%, respectively. The increased risk of developing CAD in Indian patients was found to be associated with LDLR rs688 TT genotype (OR = 3.0, 95% CI, 1.43 × 6.2; p = 0.003) RR 1.87 (1.20–2.91) p = 0.0037) and also the increased risk of developing CAD was reported to be associated with LDLR rs688 T allele (OR = 0.74, 95% CI, 1.57–0.97; p = 0.03) RR 0.85 (0.73–0.99) p = 0.03) compared to the C allele. Therefore, it was observed that more than a 3.0- and 0.74-fold increase risk of developing CAD was associated with TT genotype and T allele in Indian coronary artery disease patients. Conclusion: The findings indicated that LDLR rs688 TT genotype and T allele are associated with an increased susceptibility to coronary artery disease patients. LDLR-rs688C > T gene variation can be used as a predisposing genetic marker for coronary artery disease. Further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to confirm our findings.
Multi-Criteria Assessment of Machining Processes for Turbine Disc Slotting
Authors: Klocke Fritz , Bergs Thomas , Doebbeler Benjamin , Binder Marvin , Seimann Martin
Published: May 2018

Many different process chains are possible to manufacture profiled grooves in turbine discs. Broaching with high speed steel tools is still state of the art today but as a consequence of the rising demand for aero engines, the disc manufacturers are striving for alternative high performance processes to increase both flexibility and productivity in the manufacturing of these safety critical features. Broaching machines are oftentimes at a bottleneck in the production of rotating turbine discs. Several other machining processes have been discussed in the context of slotting, such as broaching with carbide tools, milling, water jet machining, W-EDM and grinding. Within this paper a multi-criteria assessment approach is presented dealing with slotting processes. The assessment comprehends economical, ecological, flexibility and productivity criteria, and is based on data gathered with an aero engine OEM. The technological aspects such as tool life and productivities are based on real machining tests that have been carried out within the project HoFePro. The assessment is conducted for multiple profile shapes that represent different sizes and geometrical complexities of profiled grooves. The manufacturing processes within the assessment include broaching with HSS and carbide, milling with ceramics and carbide (side and end) as well as profile milling with carbide tools. The underlying workpiece material is a nickel-based alloy.
Experimental and Theoretical Studies on Corrosion Inhibition of Niobium and Tantalum Surfaces by Carboxylated Graphene Oxide
Authors: Mehmeti Valbonë , Podvorica Fetah I.
Published: May 2018

The corrosion of two different metals, niobium and tantalum, in aqueous sulfuric acid solution has been studied in the presence and absence of carboxylated graphene oxide. Potentiodynamic measurements indicate that this nanomaterial inhibits corrosion due to its adsorption on the metal surfaces. The adsorbed layer of carboxylated graphene hinders two electrochemical reactions: the oxidation of the metal and the transport of metal ions from the metal to the solution but also hydrogen evolution reaction by acting as a protective barrier. The adsorption behavior at the molecular level of the carboxylated graphene oxide with respect to Nb, NbO, Ta, and TaO (111) surfaces is also investigated using Molecular Dynamic and Monte Carlo calculations.
Microstructure and Tensile Properties of AZ61 Alloy Sheets Processed by High-Ratio Extrusion with Subsequent Direct Aging Treatment
Authors: Zhang Cheng-Cheng , Wang Hui-Yuan , Zha Min , Wang Cheng , Li Jie-Hua , Yang Zhi-Zheng , Jiang Qi-Chuan
Published: May 2018

A high extrusion ratio of 166:1 was applied to commercial AZ61 alloy in one step with an extrusion speed of 2.1 m·min−1. The effects of DA (direct aging) treatment on the microstructure and tensile properties of extruded alloy were investigated. The extruded alloy exhibits fine DRXed grains and the average grain size is ~11 μm. After DA treatment at 170 °C, the tensile strength and 0.2% offset yield strength is enhanced from 314 to 336 MPa and from 169 to 191 MPa respectively, sacrificing elongation from 26.5% to 23.3%. The grain size and texture distribution of extruded AZ61 scarcely evolve during the post aging treatment. However, the enhanced strength in peak-aged alloy is mainly caused by the high-density elliptical Mg17Al12 precipitates distributing uniformly along the grain boundaries or within the grains, by precipitation and dispersion hardening. Furthermore, the nano-sized precipitates effectively inhibit grains from coarsening by triggering pinning effects along the grain boundaries at elevated temperature. As a result, the peak-aged alloy exhibits a better superplasticity of 306.5% compared with that of 231.8% of extruded sample. This work provides a practical one-step method for mass-producing Mg alloy sheets with excellent tensile strength and ductility compared with those fabricated by conventional extrusion methods.
The Evaluation of Physio-Mechanical and Tribological Characterization of Friction Composites Reinforced by Waste Corn Stalk
Authors: Ma Yunhai , Wu Siyang , Zhuang Jian , Tong Jin , Xiao Yang , Qi Hongyan
Published: May 2018

This paper addressed the potential use of fibers from waste corn stalk as reinforcing materials in friction composites. The friction composites with different contents of corn stalk fibers were prepared, and their tribological and physio-mechanical behaviors were characterized. It was found that the incorporation of corn stalk fibers had a positive effect on the friction coefficients and wear rates of friction composites. Based on comparisons of the overall performance, FC-6 (containing 6 wt % corn stalk fibers) was selected as the best performing specimen. The fade ratio of specimen FC-6 was 7.8% and its recovery ratio was 106.5%, indicating excellent fade resistance and recovery behaviors. The wear rate of specimen FC-6 was the lowest (0.427 × 10−7 mm3 (N·mm)−1 at 350 °C) among all tested composites. Furthermore, worn surface morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results revealed that the satisfactory wear resistance performances were associated with the secondary plateaus formed on the worn surfaces. This research was contributive to the environmentally-friendly application of waste corn stalk.
Tensile, Quasistatic and Dynamic Fracture Properties of Nano-Al2O3-Modified Epoxy Resin
Authors: Duan Zhiwei , He Hailing , Liang Wenyan , Wang Zhenqing , He Liang , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: May 2018

Epoxy resin, modified with different particle sizes (50 nm, 100 nm, 200 nm) and contents (1 wt %, 3 wt %, 5 wt %, 7 wt %) was manufactured. The mechanical behaviors of tensile, quasistatic fracture and dynamic fracture under SHPB (split Hopkinson pressure bar) loading were investigated. The dynamic fracture behaviors of the composites were evaluated by 2D-DIC (digital image correlation) and the strain gauge technique, and the fracture surface was examined by SEM (scanning electron microscope). According to the results, the tensile modulus and strength significantly increased for epoxy resin modified with 5 wt % Al2O3 of 50 nm. The quasistatic fracture toughness of modified epoxy resin increased with the particle content. However, the fracture toughness of epoxy resin modified with high content fillers decreased for particle agglomeration that existed in epoxy resin. The crack propagation velocity can be decreased for epoxy resin modified with particles under dynamic loading. The dynamic initiation fracture toughness of modified epoxy resin increases with both particle size and content, but when the fillers have a high content, the particle size effects are weak. For the composite under dynamic loading conditions, the toughening mechanism is also affected by particle size.
One-Step Hydrothermal Synthesis of Zeolite X Powder from Natural Low-Grade Diatomite
Authors: Yao Guangyuan , Lei Jingjing , Zhang Xiaoyu , Sun Zhiming , Zheng Shuilin
Published: May 2018

Zeolite X powder was synthesized using natural low-grade diatomite as the main source of Si but only as a partial source of Al via a simple and green hydrothermal method. The microstructure and surface properties of the obtained samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF), calcium ion exchange capacity (CEC), thermogravimetric-differential thermal (TG-DTA) analysis, and N2 adsorption-desorption technique. The influence of various synthesis factors, including aging time and temperature, crystallization time and temperature, Na2O/SiO2 and H2O/Na2O ratio on the CEC of zeolite, were systematically investigated. The as-synthesized zeolite X with binary meso-microporous structure possessed remarkable thermal stability, high calcium ion exchange capacity of 248 mg/g and large surface area of 453 m2/g. In addition, the calcium ion exchange capacity of zeolite X was found to be mainly determined by the crystallization degree. In conclusion, the synthesized zeolite X using diatomite as a cost-effective raw material in this study has great potential for industrial application such as catalyst support and adsorbent.
The Efficacy of MAG-DHA for Correcting AA/DHA Imbalance of Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Morin Caroline , Cantin André M. , Vézina Félix-Antoine , Fortin Samuel
Published: May 2018

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementations are thought to improve essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) as well as reduce inflammation in Cystic Fibrosis (CF), but their effectiveness in clinical studies remains unknown. The aim of the study was to determine how the medical food containing docosahexaenoic acid monoglyceride (MAG-DHA) influenced erythrocyte fatty acid profiles and the expression levels of inflammatory circulating mediators. We conducted a randomized, double blind, pilot trial including fifteen outpatients with Cystic Fibrosis, ages 18–48. The patients were divided into 2 groups and received MAG-DHA or a placebo (sunflower oil) for 60 days. Patients took 8 × 625 mg MAG-DHA softgels or 8 × 625 mg placebo softgels every day at bedtime for 60 days. Lipid analyses revealed that MAG-DHA increased docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels and decrease arachidonic acid (AA) ratio (AA/DHA) in erythrocytes of CF patients following 1 month of daily supplementation. Data also revealed a reduction in plasma human leukocyte elastase (pHLE) complexes and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression levels in blood samples of MAG-DHA supplemented CF patients. This pilot study indicates that MAG-DHA supplementation corrects erythrocyte AA/DHA imbalance and may exert anti-inflammatory properties through the reduction of pHLE complexes and IL6 in blood samples of CF patients. Trial registration: Pro-resolving Effect of MAG-DHA in Cystic Fibrosis (PREMDIC), NCT02518672.
Linear Aminolipids with Moderate Antimicrobial Activity from the Antarctic Gram-Negative Bacterium Aequorivita sp.
Authors: Chianese Giuseppina , Esposito Fortunato Palma , Parrot Delphine , Ingham Colin , De Pascale Donatella , Tasdemir Deniz
Published: May 2018

The combination of LC-MS/MS based metabolomics approach and anti-MRSA activity-guided fractionation scheme was applied on the Gram-negative bacterium Aequorivita sp. isolated from shallow Antarctic sea sediment using a miniaturized culture chip technique. This methodology afforded the isolation of three new (1–3) and four known (4–7) N-terminal glycine- or serine-bearing iso-fatty acid amides esterified with another iso-fatty acid through their C-3 hydroxy groups. The chemical structures of the new compounds were elucidated using a set of spectroscopic (NMR, [α]D and FT-IR) and spectrometric (HRMS, HRMS/MS) methods. The aminolipids possessing an N-terminal glycine unit (1, 2, 4, 5) showed moderate in vitro antimicrobial activity against MRSA (IC50 values 22–145 μg/mL). This is the first in-depth chemistry and biological activity study performed on the microbial genus Aequorivita.
W-1% La2O3 Submitted to a Single Laser Pulse: Effect of Particles on Heat Transfer and Surface Morphology
Authors: Gaudio Pasquale , Montanari Roberto , Pakhomova Ekaterina , Richetta Maria , Varone Alessandra
Published: May 2018

W-1% La2O3 has been irradiated by a single laser pulse (λ = 1064 nm, pulse duration τ ≈ 15 ns, pulse energy Ep ≈ 4 J, spot size Φ = 200 μm, surface power density I = 8.5 × 1011 W·cm−2) to simulate the effects of transient thermal loads of high energy occurring in a tokamak under operative conditions. The samples have been then examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations to investigate erosion effects and surface morphological features. A surface depression forms in the spot central area surrounded by a ridge due to the movement of molten metal. Owing to the burst of gas bubbles, hemispherical cavities of about 10 μm and deposited droplets are observed in the ridge while the zones surrounding the ridge thermal stresses arising from fast heating and successive cooling produce an extended network of micro-cracks that often follow grain boundaries. The results are discussed and compared to those obtained in a previous work on pure bulk W.
Novel Nano-Materials and Nano-Fabrication Techniques for Flexible Electronic Systems
Authors: Kang Kyowon , Cho Younguk , Yu Ki
Published: May 2018

Recent progress in fabricating flexible electronics has been significantly developed because of the increased interest in flexible electronics, which can be applied to enormous fields, not only conventional in electronic devices, but also in bio/eco-electronic devices. Flexible electronics can be applied to a wide range of fields, such as flexible displays, flexible power storages, flexible solar cells, wearable electronics, and healthcare monitoring devices. Recently, flexible electronics have been attached to the skin and have even been implanted into the human body for monitoring biosignals and for treatment purposes. To improve the electrical and mechanical properties of flexible electronics, nanoscale fabrications using novel nanomaterials are required. Advancements in nanoscale fabrication methods allow the construction of active materials that can be combined with ultrathin soft substrates to form flexible electronics with high performances and reliability. In this review, a wide range of flexible electronic applications via nanoscale fabrication methods, classified as either top-down or bottom-up approaches, including conventional photolithography, soft lithography, nanoimprint lithography, growth, assembly, and chemical vapor deposition (CVD), are introduced, with specific fabrication processes and results. Here, our aim is to introduce recent progress on the various fabrication methods for flexible electronics, based on novel nanomaterials, using application examples of fundamental device components for electronics and applications in healthcare systems.
Effect of Heat Accumulation on Femtosecond Laser Reductive Sintering of Mixed CuO/NiO Nanoparticles
Authors: Mizoshiri Mizue , Nishitani Kenta , Hata Seiichi
Published: May 2018

Direct laser-writing techniques have attracted attention for their use in two- and three-dimensional printing technologies. In this article, we report on a micropatterning process that uses femtosecond laser reductive sintering of mixed CuO/NiO nanoparticles. The writing speed, laser fluence, and incident total energy were varied to investigate the influence of heat accumulation on the micropatterns formed by these materials. Heat accumulation and the thermal history of the laser irradiation process significantly affected the material composition and the thermoelectric properties of the fabricated micropatterns. Short laser irradiation durations and high laser fluences decrease the amount of metal oxide in the micropatterns. Selective fabrication of p-type and n-type thermoelectric micropatterns was demonstrated to be possible with control of the reduction and reoxidization reactions through the control of writing speed and total irradiation energy.
Selective Flocculation Separation of Fine Hematite from Quartz Using a Novel Grafted Copolymer Flocculant
Authors: Zhang Jinxia , Sun Weiguang , Gao Zhiyong , Niu Fusheng , Wang Long , Zhao Yawei , Gao Yuesheng
Published: May 2018

Beneficiation of ultrafine mineral particles (typically with an average size less than 20 µm) remains a critical problem for the mineral processing industry. Selective flocculation technique has been found to show great potential to tackle this problem, whose success mainly depends on the selective adsorption of a flocculant on the target mineral particles. In this work, a novel copolymer flocculant was synthesized by grafting starch and acrylamide, which for the first time, was employed in the flocculation separation of fine hematite from quartz. The composites of the grafted copolymer flocculant (GCF) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The single mineral flocculation results showed that at the pH of 10–11 and GCF concentration of 125 mg/L, hematite flocs with a compact texture were formed, whose average diameter and fractal dimension reached 36 µm and 2.02, respectively; while quartz flocs were barely observed, and the average diameter of particles stayed at approximately 20 µm. Furthermore, the selective flocculation separation was confirmed in the mixed mineral flocculation. From adsorption tests and zeta potential measurements, it is shown that GCF tended to adsorb more selectively and intensely on hematite surfaces compared with quartz. This study provides a valuable reference for the efficient recovery of fine hematite particles.
Dual Geochemical Characteristics for the Basic Intrusions in the Yangtze Block, South China: New Evidence for the Breakup of Rodinia
Authors: Shu Shengyuan , Yang Xiaoyong , Liu Lei , Liu Wei , Cao Jingya , Gao Ergen
Published: May 2018

Neoproterozoic intraplate magmatic rocks are widespread in the Yangtze Block (YZB). The contrasting interpretations on their petrogenesis and tectonic evolution induce stimulating discussions on the coeval tectonic setting, including the two competing models of rift-related (R-model) and arc-related (A-model). Their main evidence is dominantly from felsic magmatic rocks. In contrast, the less evolved basic rocks are more suitable for tectonic setting discrimination. Here we study the Longtanqing basic intrusions (LTQ) that are exposed to the central part of the N–S trending Kangdian rift in the western YZB, by detailed geochemical and geochronological investigations. Zircon U–Pb dating of the two diabases from LTQ yield identical ages within error of 777 ± 17 Ma and 780 ± 5.3 Ma, respectively. LTQ rocks are characterized by low SiO2 (49.83–50.71 wt %), high MgO (5.91–6.53 wt %), and Cr (140–150 ppm) contents, supporting the significant mantle affinity. They also display dual geochemical characteristics, including a series of features of continental within-plate basalts (WPB, Ti/V = 37.3–47.5, Zr/Y = 3.4–3.8, Ta/Hf = 0.19–0.23), and the typical signatures of island arc basalt (IAB), such as highly depleted in HFSE and HREE, and enriched in LREE and LILE. Most zircon εHf(t) values are positive (1.6–9.4) while the corresponding Hf depleted mantle model ages (TDM1) range from 1.0 Ga to 1.3 Ga. In combination with the occurrence of inherited zircons (991–1190 Ma), it is suggested that their sources are dominantly derived from the lithospheric mantle that was reconstructed in the late Mesoproterozoic. Thus, LTQ is mainly formed by partial melting of the enriched lithospheric mantle, and subsequently assimilated by a juvenile crust during upwelling. The melt compositions are controlled by different degrees of the crystal fractionation of the dominant clinopyroxene and plagioclase with minor amphibole under high fO2 conditions. Combined with previous geochronological and geochemical data in the YZB, our new results support the theory that the R-model can be responsible for the petrogenesis of Neoproterozoic magmatic rocks in South China.
Geoheritage Values and Environmental Issues of Derelict Mines: Examples from the Sulfide Mines of Gromolo and Petronio Valleys (Eastern Liguria, Italy)
Authors: Marescotti Pietro , Brancucci Gerardo , Sasso Giulia , Solimano Monica , Marin Valentina , Muzio Christian , Salmona Paola
Published: May 2018

Derelict mining districts represent anthropogenically influenced landscapes that are often characterized by important geological, ecological, environmental, industrial, cultural, and archeological values. Nevertheless, after mining activities cease, several environmental problems are left behind, associated with soil and water pollution, hydrogeological instability, subsidence, ecosystem damages, and landscape degradation or devastation. In this article we present a case study focused on a sulfide mining district (Petronio and Gromolo valleys, Genova) located on the ophiolitic sequences of the Northern Apennines (Eastern Liguria, Italy), with the aim of applying a GIS (Geographic Information System)-based model for the complete census of derelict mines and for the assessment of their geoheritage and geotourist values, potential risks, and environmental impact. All information has been integrated to produce a multicriteria approach for the evaluation of hazards and/or critical issues and geoheritage values. Based on the results obtained in this pilot area, an integrated cultural and touristic route has been proposed, which combines several points of interest (POIs) chosen within an area of about 8 km2.
O-Linked N-Acetylglucosamine Transiently Elevates in HeLa Cells during Mitosis
Authors: Fisi Viktória , Kátai Emese , Orbán József , Dossena Silvia , Miseta Attila , Nagy Tamás
Published: May 2018

O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is a dynamic post-translational modification of serine and threonine residues on nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins. O-GlcNAc modification influences many cellular mechanisms, including carbohydrate metabolism, signal transduction and protein degradation. Multiple studies also showed that cell cycle might be modulated by O-GlcNAc. Although the role of O-GlcNAc in the regulation of some cell cycle processes such as mitotic spindle organization or histone phosphorylation is well established, the general behaviour of O-GlcNAc regulation during cell cycle is still controversial. In this study, we analysed the dynamic changes of overall O-GlcNAc levels in HeLa cells using double thymidine block. O-GlcNAc levels in G1, S, G2 and M phase were measured. We observed that O-GlcNAc levels are significantly increased during mitosis in comparison to the other cell cycle phases. However, this change could only be detected when mitotic cells were enriched by harvesting round shaped cells from the G2/M fraction of the synchronized cells. Our data verify that O-GlcNAc is elevated during mitosis, but also emphasize that O-GlcNAc levels can significantly change in a short period of time. Thus, selection and collection of cells at specific cell-cycle checkpoints is a challenging, but necessary requirement for O-GlcNAc studies.
N-oxide alkaloids from Crinum amabile (Amaryllidaceae)
Authors: Tallini Luciana R. , Torras-Claveria Laura , Borges Warley de Souza , Kaiser Marcel , Viladomat Francesc , Zuanazzi José Angelo S. , Bastida Jaume
Published: May 2018

Natural products play an important role in the development of new drugs. In this context, the Amaryllidaceae alkaloids have attracted considerable attention in view of their unique structural features and various biological activities. In this study, twenty-three alkaloids were identified from Crinum amabile by GC-MS and two new structures (augustine N-oxide and buphanisine N-oxide) were structurally elucidated by NMR. Anti-parasitic and cholinesterase (AChE and BuChE) inhibitory activities of six alkaloids isolated from this species, including the two new compounds, are described herein. None of the alkaloids isolated from C. amabile gave better results than the reference drugs, so it was possible to conclude that the N-oxide group does not increase their therapeutic potential.
Synergy between Experimental and Theoretical Results of Some Reactions of Annelated 1,3-Azaphospholes
Authors: Bansal Raj K. , Gupta Raakhi , Kour Manjinder
Published: May 2018

Computational calculations have been used successfully to explain the reactivity of the >C=P- functionality in pyrido-annelated 1,3-azaphospholes. Theoretical investigation at the Density Functional Theory (DFT) level shows that the lone pair of the bridgehead nitrogen atoms is involved in extended conjugation, due to which electron density increases considerably in the five-membered azaphosphole ring. The electron density in the azaphosphole is further enhanced by the presence of an ester group at the 3-position making the >C=P- functionality electron-rich. Thus, 1,3-azaphospholo[5,1-a]pyridine, i.e., 2-phosphaindolizine having ester group at the 3-position only does not undergo Diels-Alder (DA) reaction with an electron rich diene, such as 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene (DMB). However, an ester group at 1-position acts as electron-sink, due to which transfer of the electron density to the >C=P- moiety is checked and DA reaction occurs across the >C=P- functionality. The coordination of the Lewis acid to the carbonyl group at the 3-position raises the activation barrier, while it is lowered remarkably when it is coordinated to the P atom. Furthermore, the attack of 1,3-butadiene on the Si face of the P-coordinated (o-menthoxy)aluminum dichloride complex is a lower activation energy path. Fukui functions could be used to explain relative reactivities of indolizine and 2-phosphaindolizine towards electrophilic substitution reactions.
A Modified GC-MS Analytical Procedure for Separation and Detection of Multiple Classes of Carbohydrates
Authors: Xia Yong-Gang , Sun Hui-Min , Wang Tian-Long , Liang Jun , Yang Bing-You , Kuang Hai-Xue
Published: May 2018

A modified GC-MS analytical procedure based on trimethylsilyl-dithioacetal (TMSD) derivatization has been established for a simultaneous determination of thirteen carbohydrates. Different from previous approaches, the current GC-MS method was featured by a powerful practicability for simultaneous detection of aldoses, uronic acids, ketoses, and amino sugars; simplifying GC-MS chromatograms and producing a single peak for each derivatized sugar, as well as high resolution, sensitivity, and repeatability. An additional liquid-liquid extraction from derivatization mixtures was performed not only to increase the detection sensitivity of amino sugars but also to decrease the by-products of derivatization. Contrarily, three amino sugars were detected at a very low intensity or not detected at all. The effect of time on monosaccharide- mercaptalated reaction was systematically investigated. The effect of trimethylsilylation on the formation of TMSD was also optimized. The established GC-MS based on TMSD derivatization was suitable for complex carbohydrate analysis and has been successfully applied for the detection of free carbohydrates in water extracts of Anemarrhena asphodeloides roots and determination of monosaccharides in Glossy ganoderma polysaccharides.
Scabiosa stellata L. Phenolic Content Clarifies Its Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Rahmouni Naima , Pinto Diana C. G. A. , Beghidja Noureddine , Benayache Samir , Silva Artur M. S.
Published: May 2018

The phenolic profile of Scabiosa stellata L., a species used in Moroccan traditional medicine, is disclosed. To obtain that profile the species extract was analyzed by ultra-high-performance chromatography coupled to photodiode-array detection and electrospray ionization/ion trap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn). Twenty-five phenolic compounds were identified from which isoorientin and 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid can be highlighted because they are the major ones. The antioxidant activity was significantly controlled by the fraction type, with the n-butanol fraction showing the highest antioxidant activity (FRS50 = 64.46 µg/mL in the DPPH assay, FRS50 = 27.87 µg/mL in the ABTS assay and EC50 = 161.11 µg/mL in the reducing power assay). A phytochemical study of the n-butanol fraction was performed, and some important flavone glycosides were isolated. Among them the tamarixetin derivatives—the less common ones—can be emphasized. This phytochemical study and polyphenolic profile can be correlated with S. stellata extracts in vitro antioxidant activity. Moreover, it can be regarded as an evidence of its medicinal use and can incentivize its consumption.
Expression Analysis of Oxalate Metabolic Pathway Genes Reveals Oxalate Regulation Patterns in Spinach
Authors: Cai Xiaofeng , Ge Chenhui , Xu Chenxi , Wang Xiaoli , Wang Shui , Wang Quanhua
Published: May 2018

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is one of most important leafy vegetables because of its high nutritional value and high oxalate content, which can be toxic with negative effects on human nutrition. Ammonium and nitrate can effectively regulate oxalate accumulation, although the mechanisms underlying the oxalate biosynthesis and regulation are still undetermined in plants. In the present study, we identified 25 putative genes that are involved in the oxalate biosynthetic and degradation pathway, before analyzing the oxalate content and the expression levels of the corresponding proteins under normal growth conditions, with or without ammonium and nitrate treatments, using high and low oxalate-accumulated spinach genotypes. The two cultivars exhibited different profiles of total oxalate and soluble oxalate accumulation. The high oxalate concentrations in spinach were as a result of the high transcription levels of the genes that are involved in oxalate biosynthesis under normal growth conditions, such as SoGLO2, SoGLO3, three SoOXACs, SoMLS, SoMDH1, SoMDH2, and SoMDH4. The results revealed that the ammonium and nitrate were able to control the oxalate content in leaves, possibly because of the different transcription levels of the genes. The oxalate content is regulated by complex regulatory mechanisms and is varied in the different varieties of spinach. The results from this research may be used to assist the investigation of the mechanism of oxalate regulation and breeding for reduced oxalate content in spinach.
Antiproliferative Phenothiazine Hybrids as Novel Apoptosis Inducers against MCF-7 Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang Jun-Xia , Guo Jiao-Mei , Zhang Ting-Ting , Lin Hong-Jun , Qi Nai-Song , Li Zhen-Guo , Zhou Ji-Chun , Zhang Zhen-Zhong
Published: May 2018

We designed a series of novel phenothiazine-1,2,3-triazole hybrids by the molecular hybridization strategy and evaluated their antiproliferative activity against three cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7). For the structure-activity relationships, the importance of 1,2,3-triazole and substituents on phenyl ring was explored. Among these phenothiazine-1,2,3-triazole hybrids, compound 9f showed the most potent inhibitory effect against MCF-7 cells, with an IC50 value of 0.8 μM. Importantly, compound 9f could induce apoptosis against MCF-7 cells by regulating apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, Bad, Parp, and DR5). These potent phenothiazine-1,2,3-triazole hybrids as novel apoptosis inducers might be used as antitumor agents in the future.
Aspergoterpenins A–D: Four New Antimicrobial Bisabolane Sesquiterpenoid Derivatives from an Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus versicolor
Authors: Guo Zhi-Yong , Tan Ming-Hui , Liu Cheng-Xiong , Lv Meng-Meng , Deng Zhang-Shuang , Cao Fei , Zou Kun , Proksch Peter
Published: May 2018

Aspergoterpenins A–D (1–4), four new bisabolane sesquiterpenoid derivatives, were obtained from the endophytic fungus, Aspergillus versicolor, together with eight known compounds (5–12), and their structures were elucidated by a comprehensive analysis of their NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), MS (Mass Spectrum) and CD (Circular Dichroism) spectra. Aspergoterpenin A (1) was the first example with a characteristic ketal bridged-ring part in the degraded natural bisabolane-type sesquiterpene structures. The compounds 1–12 displayed no significant activities against four cancer cell lines (A549, Caski, HepG2 and MCF-7). Further, the antimicrobial activities to Erwinia carotovora sub sp. Carotovora were evaluated, and the results showed that compounds 1–12 displayed antimicrobial activities with MIC values ranging from 15.2 to 85.2 μg/mL.
In Vitro and In Silico Studies of the Molecular Interactions of Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) with Proteins That Explain the Health Benefits of Green Tea
Authors: Saeki Koichi , Hayakawa Sumio , Nakano Shogo , Ito Sohei , Oishi Yumiko , Suzuki Yasuo , Isemura Mamoru
Published: May 2018

Green tea has been shown to have beneficial effects on many diseases such as cancer, obesity, inflammatory diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. The major green tea component, epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), has been demonstrated to contribute to these effects through its anti-oxidative and pro-oxidative properties. Furthermore, several lines of evidence have indicated that the binding affinity of EGCG to specific proteins may explain its mechanism of action. This review article aims to reveal how EGCG-protein interactions can explain the mechanism by which green tea/EGCG can exhibit health beneficial effects. We conducted a literature search, using mainly the PubMed database. The results showed that several methods such as dot assays, affinity gel chromatography, surface plasmon resonance, computational docking analyses, and X-ray crystallography have been used for this purpose. These studies have provided evidence to show how EGCG can fit or occupy the position in or near functional sites and induce a conformational change, including a quaternary conformational change in some cases. Active site blocking, steric hindrance by binding of EGCG near an active site or induced conformational change appeared to cause inhibition of enzymatic activity and other biological activities of proteins, which are related to EGCG’s biological oligomer and formation of their toxic aggregates, leading to the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases and amyloidosis. In conclusion, these studies have provided useful information on the action of green tea/catechins and would lead to future studies that will provide further evidence for rational EGCG therapy and use EGCG as a lead compound for drug design.
Changes in Photosynthetic Pigments, Total Phenolic Content, and Antioxidant Activity of Salvia coccinea Buc’hoz Ex Etl. Induced by Exogenous Salicylic Acid and Soil Salinity
Authors: Grzeszczuk Monika , Salachna Piotr , Meller Edward
Published: May 2018

Salvia coccinea (Lamiaceae) is a promising source of potential antioxidants, and its extracts can be used in pharmaceutical industry, as well as in food products and cosmetics. Salicylic acid (SA) affects many physiological and metabolic processes in vascular plants under salinity stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the response of S. coccinea to either SA, or sodium chloride (NaCl), or a combination of both. The plants were sprayed with a solution of 0.5 or 1.0 mM SA and watered with 0, 100, 200, or 300 mM NaCl. Exogenous application of SA increased the number of branches, fresh herbal weight, and total chlorophyll content vs control plants. Salinity-exposed plants showed reduced growth, content of photosynthetic pigments total polyphenols, and antioxidant activity. However, foliar application of SA relieved the adverse effects of 100 mM NaCl, as demonstrated by increased number of branches, greater fresh herbal weight, higher content of total chlorophyll, total carotenoids, and total polyphenols, as well as antioxidant potential, detected using ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and 2.2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), compared with untreated plants.
Hybrid Density Functional Study on the Photocatalytic Properties of Two-dimensional g-ZnO Based Heterostructures
Authors: Wang Guangzhao , Li Dengfeng , Sun Qilong , Dang Suihu , Zhong Mingmin , Xiao Shuyuan , Liu Guoshuai
Published: May 2018

In this work, graphene-like ZnO (g-ZnO)-based two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures (ZnO/WS2 and ZnO/WSe2) were designed as water-splitting photocatalysts based on the hybrid density functional. The dependence of photocatalytic properties on the rotation angles and biaxial strains were investigated. The bandgaps of ZnO/WS2 and ZnO/WSe2 are not obviously affected by rotation angles but by strains. The ZnO/WS2 heterostructures with appropriate rotation angles and strains are promising visible water-splitting photocatalysts due to their appropriate bandgap for visible absorption, proper band edge alignment, and effective separation of carriers, while the water oxygen process of the ZnO/WSe2 heterostructures is limited by their band edge positions. The findings pave the way to efficient g-ZnO-based 2D visible water-splitting materials.