bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chitosan Coating: A Postharvest Treatment to Delay Oxidative Stress in Loquat Fruits during Cold Storage
Authors: Adiletta Giuseppina , Pasquariello Maria Silvia , Zampella Luigi , Mastrobuoni Francesco , Scortichini Marco , Petriccione Milena
Published: April 2018

Loquat is a non-climacteric fruit consumed fresh for its essential nutrients and phytochemical compounds. In this study, the effects of chitosan coating (1% w/v) on changes in the enzymatic antioxidant and membrane damage in three loquat selections (CREAFRC-S18; CREAFRC-S35 and CREAFRC-S36) and three loquat cultivars (Golden Nugget, Algerie and Nespolone rosso di Trabia) stored at 7 °C over 21 days were evaluated. Chitosan treatment enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase. Moreover, this treatment inhibited polyphenol oxidase and guaiacol peroxidase activities, extending the storage life of loquat. Chitosan also preserved membrane integrity by inhibiting lipoxygenase activity and malondialdehyde accumulation. Principal component analysis provided a global view of the responses of both loquat selections and cultivars to the postharvest chitosan coating and storage temperature. These findings suggest that chitosan treatment could be a valid tool for improving the activity of antioxidant enzymes, preserving the enzymatic browning of loquat fruits.
Enhancement of Neuroprotective Effects of Spirulina platensis Extract from a High-Pressure Homogenization Process
Authors: Choi Woon Yong , Lee Hyeon Yong
Published: April 2018

This study is the first to show that a simple high-pressure homogenization process (HP) could extract very heat-sensitive chlorophyll from a marine alga, Spirulina platensis. Up to 9.85 mg/g was produced at an optimal input pressure of 650 bar with a shear stress of approximately 20,000 (1/s) compared to 5.27 mg/g from conventional 70% ethanol extraction (EE) at 40 °C for 24 h. However, a higher input pressure did not increase the extraction yield and in fact decreased it, possibly due to the destruction of chlorophyll a at a high shear stress of approximately 50,000 (1/s) under 1370 bar of input pressure. Chlorophyll a and other components of the extract had additive effects, showing higher antioxidant activities of ca. 56% of DPPH radical scavenging activities than 10 μg/mL chlorophyll a alone, which corresponded to the same chlorophyll a content that existed in the extract. It was also confirmed that the high antioxidant activities of the HP extract reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from glutamate-induced HT22 cells, which resulted in increased neuroprotective activity compared to EE and even chlorophyll a alone, in addition to effectively reducing the release of Ca2+ from nerve cells.
Surface Reduced CeO2 Nanowires for Direct Conversion of CO2 and Methanol to Dimethyl Carbonate: Catalytic Performance and Role of Oxygen Vacancy
Authors: Fu Zhongwei , Yu Yuehong , Li Zhen , Han Dongmei , Wang Shuanjin , Xiao Min , Meng Yuezhong
Published: April 2018

Ultralong 1D CeO2 nanowires were synthesized via an advanced solvothermal method, surface reduced under H2 atmosphere, and first applied in direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from CO2 and CH3OH. The micro morphologies, physical parameters of nanowires were fully investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption, X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS), and temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia/carbon dioxide (NH3-TPD/CO2-TPD). The effects of surface oxygen vacancy and acidic/alkaline sites on the catalytic activity was explored. After reduction, the acidic/alkaline sites of CeO2 nanowires can be dramatically improved and evidently raised the catalytic performance. CeO2 nanowires reduced at 500 °C (CeO2_NW_500) exhibited notably superior activity with DMC yield of 16.85 mmol gcat−1. Furthermore, kinetic insights of initial rate were carried out and the apparent activation energy barrier of CeO2_NW_500 catalyst was found to be 41.9 kJ/mol, much tiny than that of CeO2_NW catalyst (74.7 KJ/mol).
Irritability is Common and is Related to Poorer Psychosocial Outcomes in Youth with Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders (FAPD)
Authors: Nelson Sarah , Moorman Erin , Farrell Michael , Cunningham Natoshia
Published: April 2018

Functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPD) are associated with increased emotional problems which, in turn, exacerbate functional impairment. However, irritability, which relates both to internalizing and externalizing problems, has not been specifically examined in these youths. Irritability may be common and adversely impact functioning in pediatric FAPD, particularly for males who are more likely to experience such symptoms. The current study examined the relationship between irritability and psychosocial and pain-related impairment in youth with FAPD. Data were gathered as part of a larger study examining a psychological treatment for youth with FAPD and were compared to previously published data on irritability in healthy controls and in youth with severe emotional dysregulation. For the current study, participants (ages 9–14) with FAPD and caregivers completed measures of child irritability, pain-related and psychosocial functioning, and parent functioning. Pearson correlations revealed significant positive associations between irritability and anxiety, depressive symptoms, pain catastrophizing, and caregiver distress. Results also indicated that parents reported significantly greater irritability in males, but males and females reported similar rates of irritability. Gender moderated the relationship between child-report of irritability and anxiety only. Future research may include tailoring of behavioral intervention approaches for pediatric FAPD to specifically target symptoms of irritability.
Size Control of Cobalt-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles Obtained in Microwave Solvothermal Synthesis
Authors: Wojnarowicz Jacek , Chudoba Tadeusz , Gierlotka Stanisław , Sobczak Kamil , Lojkowski Witold
Published: April 2018

This article presents the method of size control of cobalt-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Zn1−xCoxO NPs) obtained by means of the microwave solvothermal synthesis. Zinc acetate dihydrate and cobalt(II) acetate tetrahydrate dissolved in ethylene glycol were used as the precursor. It has been proved by the example of Zn0.9Co0.1O NPs (x = 10 mol %) that by controlling the water quantity in the precursor it is possible to precisely control the size of the obtained Zn1−xCoxO NPs. The following properties of the obtained Zn0.9Co0.1O NPs were tested: skeleton density (helium pycnometry), specific surface area (BET), dopant content (ICP-OES), morphology (SEM), phase purity (XRD), lattice parameter (Rietveld method), average crystallite size (FW1/5/4/5M method and Scherrer’s formula), crystallite size distribution (FW1/5/4/5M method), and average particle size (from TEM and SSA). An increase in the water content in the precursor between 1.5% and 5% resulted in the increase in Zn0.9Co0.1O NPs size between 28 nm and 53 nm. The X-ray diffraction revealed the presence of only one hexagonal phase of ZnO in all samples. Scanning electron microscope images indicated an impact of the increase in water content in the precursor on the change of size and shape of the obtained Zn0.9Co0.1O NPs. The developed method of NPs size control in the microwave solvothermal synthesis was used for the first time for controlling the size of Zn1−xCoxO NPs.
Contrast Effects of Vegetation Cover Change on Evapotranspiration during a Revegetation Period in the Poyang Lake Basin, China
Authors: Wang Ying , Liu Yuanbo , Jin Jiaxin
Published: April 2018

It is known that evapotranspiration (ET) differs before and after vegetation change in watersheds. However, impacts of vegetation change on ET remain incompletely understood. In this paper, we investigated the process-specific, nonclimatic contribution (mainly vegetation coverage changes) to ET at grid, sub-basin, and basin scales using observation and remote sensing data. The Poyang Lake Basin was selected as the study area, which experienced a fast vegetation restoration from 1983 to 2014. Our results showed that vegetation cover change produced contrasting effects on annual ET in magnitude and direction during shifts from a less covered to a more covered stage. At the early stage (1983–1990), with vegetation cover of 30%, vegetation cover change produced negative effects on ET over the basin. At the middle stage (1990–2000), the vegetation coverage increased at a fast pace and the negative effects gradually shifted to positive. At the late stage (2000–2014), the vegetation coverage remained high (over 60%) and maintained a positive relationship with ET. In summary, the vegetation effects are collaboratively influenced by both vegetation coverage and its change rate. Our findings should be helpful for a comprehensive understanding of complicated hydrological responses to anthropogenic revegetation.
Forest Accountancy Data Networks—A European Approach of Empirical Research, Its Achievements, and Potentials in Regard to Sustainable Multiple Use Forestry
Authors: Toscani Philipp , Sekot Walter
Published: April 2018

A Forest Accountancy Data Network represents an intermediate approach of empirical economic research between surveys based on questionnaires on the one hand and case studies on the other, with time as a third dimension. Over the past decades, the few institutions operating such networks have accumulated a bulk of experience with this methodology and the possibilities for its adaptation to upcoming requirements. By summarizing and evaluating the potential of this methodology, we provide an up-to-date reference for designing empirical studies in forest economics at the enterprise level. Aspects of sustainability as well as the economics of multiple use forestry are specifically addressed. Forestry-specific extensions to existing agricultural networks could be a cost saving approach for investigating such crucial questions like the role of forestry for regional development and for the livelihood of farms. The study is based on an extended literature research which has been complemented by expert interviews.
Full Mitogenomes in the Critically Endangered Kākāpō Reveal Major Post-Glacial and Anthropogenic Effects on Neutral Genetic Diversity
Authors: Dussex Nicolas , Von Seth Johanna , Robertson Bruce C. , Dalén Love
Published: April 2018

Understanding how species respond to population declines is a central question in conservation and evolutionary biology. Population declines are often associated with loss of genetic diversity, inbreeding and accumulation of deleterious mutations, which can lead to a reduction in fitness and subsequently contribute to extinction. Using temporal approaches can help us understand the effects of population declines on genetic diversity in real time. Sequencing pre-decline as well as post-decline mitogenomes representing all the remaining mitochondrial diversity, we estimated the loss of genetic diversity in the critically endangered kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus). We detected a signal of population expansion coinciding with the end of the Pleistocene last glacial maximum (LGM). Also, we found some evidence for northern and southern lineages, supporting the hypothesis that the species may have been restricted to isolated northern and southern refugia during the LGM. We observed an important loss of neutral genetic diversity associated with European settlement in New Zealand but we could not exclude a population decline associated with Polynesian settlement in New Zealand. However, we did not find evidence for fixation of deleterious mutations. We argue that despite high pre-decline genetic diversity, a rapid and range-wide decline combined with the lek mating system, and life-history traits of kākāpō contributed to a rapid loss of genetic diversity following severe population declines.
Genome-Wide Analyses of Calcium Sensors Reveal Their Involvement in Drought Stress Response and Storage Roots Deterioration after Harvest in Cassava
Authors: Hu Wei , Yan Yan , Tie Weiwei , Ding Zehong , Wu Chunlai , Ding Xupo , Wang Wenquan , Xia Zhiqiang , Guo Jianchun , Peng Ming
Published: April 2018

Calcium (Ca2+) plays a crucial role in plant development and responses to environmental stimuli. Currently, calmodulins (CaMs), calmodulin-like proteins (CMLs), and calcineurin B-like proteins (CBLs), such as Ca2+ sensors, are not well understood in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), an important tropical crop. In the present study, 8 CaMs, 48 CMLs, and 9 CBLs were genome-wide identified in cassava, which were divided into two, four, and four groups, respectively, based on evolutionary relationship, protein motif, and gene structure analyses. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the expression diversity of cassava CaMs-CMLs-CBLs in distinct tissues and in response to drought stress in different genotypes. Generally, cassava CaMs-CMLs-CBLs showed different expression profiles between cultivated varieties (Arg7 and SC124) and wild ancestor (W14) after drought treatment. In addition, numerous CaMs-CMLs-CBLs were significantly upregulated at 6 h, 12 h, and 48 h after harvest, suggesting their possible role during storage roots (SR) deterioration. Further interaction network and co-expression analyses suggested that a CBL-mediated interaction network was widely involved in SR deterioration. Taken together, this study provides new insights into CaMs-CMLs-CBLs-mediated drought adaption and SR deterioration at the transcription level in cassava, and identifies some candidates for the genetic improvement of cassava.
Best-Fit Probability Models for Maximum Monthly Rainfall in Bangladesh Using Gaussian Mixture Distributions
Authors: Alam Md Ashraful , Farnham Craig , Emura Kazuo
Published: April 2018

In this study, Gaussian/normal distributions (N) and mixtures of two normal (N2), three normal (N3), four normal (N4), or five normal (N5) distributions were applied to data with extreme values for precipitation for 35 weather stations in Bangladesh. For parameter estimation, maximum likelihood estimation was applied by using an expectation-maximization algorithm. For selecting the best-fit model, graphical inspection (probability density function (pdf), cumulative density function (cdf), quantile-quantile (Q-Q) plot) and numerical criteria (Akaike’s information criterion (AIC), Bayesian information criterion (BIC), root mean square percentage error (RMSPE)) were used. In most of the cases, AIC and BIC gave the same best-fit results but their RMSPE results differed. The best-fit result of each station was chosen as the distribution with the lowest sum of the rank scores from each test statistic. The N distribution gave the best-fit result for 51% of the stations. N2 and N3 gave the best-fit for 20% and 14% of stations, respectively. N5 gave 11% of the best-fit results. This study also calculated the rainfall heights corresponding to 10-year, 25-year, 50-year, and 100-year return periods for each location by using the distributions to project more extreme values.
Erratum: Transferential Memory Spaces in Gisela Heidenreich’s Das endlose Jahr. Humanities 2018, 7, 26
Authors:   Humanities Editorial Office
Published: April 2018

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Molecular Modeling Studies on Carbazole Carboxamide Based BTK Inhibitors Using Docking and Structure-Based 3D-QSAR
Authors: Li Rui , Du Yongli , Gao Zhipei , Shen Jingkang
Published: April 2018

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the second common rheumatic immune disease with chronic, invasive inflammatory characteristics. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), slow-acting anti-rheumatic drugs (SAARDs), or glucocorticoid drugs can improve RA patients’ symptoms, but fail to cure. Broton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors have been proven to be an efficacious target against autoimmune indications and B-cell malignancies. Among the current 11 clinical drugs, only BMS-986142, classified as a carbazole derivative, is used for treating RA. To design novel and highly potent carbazole inhibitors, molecular docking and three dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR) were applied to explore a dataset of 132 new carbazole carboxamide derivatives. The established comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) (q2 = 0.761, r2 = 0.933) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) (q2 = 0.891, r2 = 0.988) models obtained high predictive and satisfactory values. CoMFA/CoMSIA contour maps demonstrated that bulky substitutions and hydrogen-bond donors were preferred at R1 and 1-position, respectively, and introducing hydrophilic substitutions at R1 and R4 was important for improving BTK inhibitory activities. These results will contribute to the design of novel and highly potent BTK inhibitors.
Scene Semantic Recognition Based on Probability Topic Model
Authors: Feng Jiangfan , Fu Amin
Published: April 2018

In recent years, scene semantic recognition has become the most exciting and fastest growing research topic. Lots of scene semantic analysis methods thus have been proposed for better scene content interpretation. By using latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) to deduce the effective topic features, the accuracy of image semantic recognition has been significantly improved. Besides, the method of extracting deep features by layer-by-layer iterative computation using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) has achieved great success in image recognition. The paper proposes a method called DF-LDA, which is a hybrid supervised–unsupervised method combined CNNs with LDA to extract image topics. This method uses CNNs to explore visual features that are more suitable for scene images, and group the features of salient semantics into visual topics through topic models. In contrast to the LDA as a tool for simply extracting image semantics, our approach achieves better performance on three datasets that contain various scene categories.
Chinese Knowledge Base Question Answering by Attention-Based Multi-Granularity Model
Authors: Shen Cun , Huang Tinglei , Liang Xiao , Li Feng , Fu Kun
Published: April 2018

Chinese knowledge base question answering (KBQA) is designed to answer the questions with the facts contained in a knowledge base. This task can be divided into two subtasks: topic entity extraction and relation selection. During the topic entity extraction stage, an entity extraction model is built to locate topic entities in questions. The Levenshtein Ratio entity linker is proposed to conduct effective entity linking. All the relevant subject-predicate-object (SPO) triples to topic entity are searched from the knowledge base as candidates. In relation selection, an attention-based multi-granularity interaction model (ABMGIM) is proposed. Two main contributions are as follows. First, a multi-granularity approach for text embedding is proposed. A nested character-level and word-level approach is used to concatenate the pre-trained embedding of a character with corresponding embedding on word-level. Second, we apply a hierarchical matching model for question representation in relation selection tasks, and attention mechanisms are imported for a fine-grained alignment between characters for relation selection. Experimental results show that our model achieves a competitive performance on the public dataset, which demonstrates its effectiveness.
Australian Consumers’ Awareness and Acceptance of Insects as Food
Authors: Wilkinson Kerry , Muhlhausler Beverly , Motley Crystal , Crump Anna , Bray Heather , Ankeny Rachel
Published: April 2018

Insects have long been consumed as part of the diets of many Asian, African, and South American cultures. However, despite international agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations advocating the nutritional, environmental, and economic benefits of entomophagy, attitudinal barriers persist in Western societies. In Australia, the indigenous ‘bush tucker’ diet comprising witchetty grubs, honey ants, and Bogong moths is quite well known; however, in most Australian locales, the consumption of insects tends to occur only as a novelty. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the awareness and acceptance of insects as food. An online survey of 820 consumers found that 68% of participants had heard of entomophagy, but only 21% had previously eaten insects; witchetty grubs, ants, grasshoppers, and crickets were the most commonly tasted insects. Taste, appearance, safety, and quality were identified as the factors that were most likely to influence consumer willingness to try eating insects, but consumer attitudes towards entomophagy were underpinned by both food neophobia (i.e., reluctance to eat new or novel foods) and prior consumption of insects. Neophobic consumers were far less accepting of entomophagy than neophilic consumers, while consumers who had previously eaten insects were most accepting of insects as food. Incorporating insects into familiar products (e.g., biscuits) or cooked meals also improved their appeal. Collectively, these findings can be used by the food industry to devise production and/or marketing strategies that overcome barriers to insect consumption in Australia.
Enlightening the Association between Bicuspid Aortic Valve and Aortopathy
Authors: Sophocleous Froso , Milano Elena Giulia , Pontecorboli Giulia , Chivasso Pierpaolo , Caputo Massimo , Rajakaruna Cha , Bucciarelli-Ducci Chiara , Emanueli Costanza , Biglino Giovanni
Published: April 2018

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients have an increased incidence of developing aortic dilation. Despite its importance, the pathogenesis of aortopathy in BAV is still largely undetermined. Nowadays, intense focus falls both on BAV morphology and progression of valvular dysfunction and on the development of aortic dilation. However, less is known about the relationship between aortic valve morphology and aortic dilation. A better understanding of the molecular pathways involved in the homeostasis of the aortic wall, including the extracellular matrix, the plasticity of the vascular smooth cells, TGFβ signaling, and epigenetic dysregulation, is key to enlighten the mechanisms underpinning BAV-aortopathy development and progression. To date, there are two main theories on this subject, i.e., the genetic and the hemodynamic theory, with an ongoing debate over the pathogenesis of BAV-aortopathy. Furthermore, the lack of early detection biomarkers leads to challenges in the management of patients affected by BAV-aortopathy. Here, we critically review the current knowledge on the driving mechanisms of BAV-aortopathy together with the current clinical management and lack of available biomarkers allowing for early detection and better treatment optimization.
1-Adamantylamidoxime
Authors: Diethelm Benjamín , Lagos Carlos , Recabarren-Gajardo Gonzalo
Published: April 2018

The title compound was prepared by the nucleophilic addition of hydroxylamine over 1-cyanoadamantane. The poor reactivity of the nitrile substrate, due to its scarcely electrophilic nature, prompted the need to employ several activating conditions. Energy supply via conventional heating, ultrasound, and microwave irradiation did not lead to product formation. Therefore, Lewis acid catalysis was attempted. Initial tests with ZnCl2 led to product formation in poor yields. Conversely, the use of AlCl3 led to the formation of the desired amidoxime in the moderate yield, which was further increased to an excellent yield by performing the reaction in a more concentrated medium. The structural identity of the title compound was proven by spectroscopic methods (IR, NMR). This compound was later employed as a starting material for the synthesis of 3,5-disubstituted 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives as potential 11β-HSD1 inhibitors.
Broadband Polarization Conversion Metasurface Based on Metal Cut-Wire Structure for Radar Cross Section Reduction
Authors: Yang Jia Ji , Cheng Yong Zhi , Ge Chen Chen , Gong Rong Zhou
Published: April 2018

A class of linear polarization conversion coding metasurfaces (MSs) based on a metal cut-wire structure is proposed, which can be applied to the reduction properties of radar cross section (RCS). We firstly present a hypothesis based on the principle of planar array theory, and then verify the RCS reduction characteristics using linear polarization conversion coding MSs by simulations and experiments. The simulated results show that in the frequency range of 6–14 GHz, the linear polarization conversion ratio reaches a maximum value of 90%, which is in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. For normal incident x- and y-polarized waves, RCS reduction of designed coding MSs 01/01 and 01/10 is essentially more than 10 dB in the above-mentioned frequency range. We prepare and measure the 01/10 coding MS sample, and find that the experimental results in terms of reflectance and RCS reduction are in good agreement with the simulated ones under normal incidence. In addition, under oblique incidence, RCS reduction is suppressed as the angle of incidence increases, but still exhibits RCS reduction effects in a certain frequency range. The designed MS is expected to have valuable potential in applications for stealth field technology.
T6 Treatment and Its Effects on Corrosion Properties of an Mg–4Sn–4Zn–2Al Alloy
Authors: Huang Xuefei , Han Guomin , Huang Weigang
Published: April 2018

The effects of T6 treatment (solid-solution and artificially aging at 200 °C) on the microstructure and corrosion properties of an Mg–4Sn–4Zn–2Al (TZA442) alloy were systematically investigated. The alloy exhibits a double-peak age-hardening behavior, i.e., one is 78 HV after 10 h of aging, and the other is 83 HV after 50 h of aging. The strengthening effect is mainly attributed to the simultaneously and mutually independent precipitation of the dispersively distributed MgZn2 and Mg2Sn precipitates. Solid-solution treatment can significantly decrease the corrosion rate of the TZA442 alloy. The following aging treatment can initially further decrease the corrosion rate in the under-aged state, but can afterward slightly increase it after 50 h of aging. The relationship between the microstructure and corrosion properties is also discussed.
A Low Molecular Weight Protein from the Sea Anemone Anemonia viridis with an Anti-Angiogenic Activity
Authors: Loret Erwann P. , Luis José , Nuccio Christopher , Villard Claude , Mansuelle Pascal , Lebrun Régine , Villard Pierre Henri
Published: April 2018

Sea anemones are a remarkable source of active principles due to a decentralized venom system. New blood vessel growth or angiogenesis is a very promising target against cancer, but the few available antiangiogenic compounds have limited efficacy. In this study, a protein fraction, purified from tentacles of Anemonia viridis, was able to limit endothelial cells proliferation and angiogenesis at low concentration (14 nM). Protein sequences were determined with Edman degradation and mass spectrometry in source decay and revealed homologies with Blood Depressing Substance (BDS) sea anemones. The presence of a two-turn alpha helix observed with circular dichroism and a trypsin activity inhibition suggested that the active principle could be a Kunitz-type inhibitor, which may interact with an integrin due to an Arginine Glycin Aspartate (RGD) motif. Molecular modeling showed that this RGD motif was well exposed to solvent. This active principle could improve antiangiogenic therapy from existing antiangiogenic compounds binding on the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF).
The Development of Eudragit® NM-Based Controlled-Release Matrix Tablets
Authors: Dvočková Kateřina , Kalėdaitė Rasa , Gajdziok Jan , Rabišková Miloslava , Bajerová Martina , Muselík Jan , Lažauskas Robertas , Pečiūra Rimantas , Bernatonienė Jurga
Published: April 2018

Eudragit® NM was investigated as a matrix former in combination with microcrystalline cellulose as an insoluble filler for preparing controlled-release tablets containing model drugs with different solubility. Material and Methods. Three sets of matrix tablets differing in the drug-to-filler ratio (1:1, 2:1, and 4:1) and polymer amount with diltiazem hydrochloride (freely soluble) or caffeine (sparingly soluble) were prepared. Samples were evaluated by the dissolution test at pH 6.8 corresponding to the upper part of the small intestine; the selected samples were tested at a changing pH level to better simulate in vivo conditions. Results. The prepared matrix tablets fulfilled all the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia. Tablets with Eudragit® NM showed excellent mechanical characteristics. In vitro studies showed that the set 1:1 was the most suitable for the sustained release of a freely soluble drug concerning the burst effect and the total drug amount released within 12 hours. The significant effect of the drug-to-filler ratio and polymer amount on the dissolution profile was confirmed by similarity factor analysis. A faster drug release was observed during the dissolution test within changing pH levels because of the pH-dependent solubility of diltiazem. A prolonged release of the sparingly soluble drug was not achieved, and a trend for fast disintegration was observed. Conclusions. The combination of Eudragit®NM with microcrystalline cellulose as an insoluble filler seems to be suitable only for freely soluble drugs, when the amount of the drug and the filler is similar.
Survival of Women With Breast Cancer in Kaunas Region, Lithuania
Authors: Ivanauskienė Rugilė , Gedminaitė Jurgita , Juozaitytė Elona , Vanagas Giedrius , Šimoliūnienė Renata , Padaiga Žilvinas
Published: April 2018

Objective. The assessment of breast cancer survival rates and comparison with those of other countries may help to deepen knowledge among decision makers in the health care system and to improve the inequalities in accessibility to early detection and effective treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate breast cancer survival rates in Kaunas region, Lithuania, and to compare them with those in the selected European countries. Material and Methods. A retrospective study was carried out using medical records and data gathered from the Lithuanian Cancer Registry. A group of 240 patients with primary breast cancer diagnosed in 2008 in Kaunas region was analyzed. All causes of death were included in the analysis. The closing date of follow-up was September 30, 2010. Survival was determined using the life-table method and the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the effects of prognostic risk factors on survival. Results. The median age of the patients was 63 years (range, 28–95). The 1-year and 2-year cumulative survival for breast cancer patients in Kaunas region, Lithuania, was 94.2% and 90.1%, respectively. As expected, the survival of patients with diagnosed advanced disease (stage III and IV) was significantly worse than that of patients with stage I (P<0.001) and II (P=0.003) disease. The screening group (aged 50–69 years) showed better survival in comparison with the group older than 69 years. Age, T4 tumor, and distant metastasis were the prognostic factors significantly associated with an increased relative mortality risk of breast cancer. Conclusions. Compared to the European survival rates, the 1-year and 2-year survival of patients with breast cancer in Lithuania was found to be similar to most European countries.
Effect of Ball Milling Parameters on the Refinement of Tungsten Powder
Authors: Wu Zaoming , Liang Yanxia , Fu Engang , Du Jinlong , Wang Peipei , Fan Yong , Zhao Yunbiao
Published: April 2018

The high-energy ball milling method was adopted to explore the influence of ball milling parameters, such as milling speed and additive amounts of process control agent (PCA) on tungsten powder. The morphology and microstructure of tungsten powder in the process of refinement were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), field-emission transmission electron microscope (FE-TEM), and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). Results revealed that the ball milling process and the refinement of tungsten particle and grain can be largely influenced by these two parameters. The milling efficiency was found to be highest with the milling speed of 700 rpm and additive amounts of 8% PCA. The mechanisms for the effect of these two parameters and milling time on the refinement process were discussed. Nanocrystalline tungsten powder with a particle size and grain size smaller than 100 nm was obtained, and the grain size of 5–15 nm was fabricated successfully under the highest milling efficiency conditions.
An Insight into Flotation Chemistry of Pyrite with Isomeric Xanthates: A Combined Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: Han Guihong , Su Shengpeng , Huang Yanfang , Peng Weijun , Cao Yijun , Liu Jiongtian
Published: April 2018

The flotation chemistry between pyrite and isomeric xanthates (butyl xanthate and isobutyl xanthate) was investigated by means of adsorption experiments, surface tension tests, and molecular dynamic simulations in this work. The flotation chemical results were confirmed and further interpreted by quantum chemical calculations. The experiment results demonstrated that the isobutyl xanthate exhibited superior adsorption capacity and surface activity than those of butyl xanthate in flotation chemistry. In addition, molecular dynamic simulations were simultaneously performed in constant number, constant volume and temperature (NVT), and constant number, constant volume, and pressure (NPT) ensemble, indicating that the NPT ensemble was more suitable to the flotation system and the isobutyl xanthate was easier to be adsorbed on pyrite surface compared with butyl xanthate during an appropriate range of concentrations. Furthermore, the quantum chemical calculations elucidated that the isobutyl xanthate presented higher reactivity than that of the corresponding butyl xanthate based on the frontier molecular orbital theory of chemical reactivity, which was consistent with experimental and simulation results obtained. This work can provide theoretical guidance for an in-depth study of the flotation chemistry of pyrite with isomeric xanthates.
Preparation of Water Suspensions of Nanocalcite for Cultural Heritage Applications
Authors: Coltelli Maria-Beatrice , Paolucci Dario , Castelvetro Valter , Bianchi Sabrina , Mascha Elisabeth , Panariello Luca , Pesce Cecilia , Weber Johannes , Lazzeri Andrea
Published: April 2018

The consolidation of degraded carbonate stone used in ancient monuments is an important topic for European cultural heritage conservation. The products most frequently used as consolidants are based on tetraalkoxy- or alkylalkoxy-silanes (in particular tetraethyl-orthosilicate, TEOS), resulting in the formation of relatively stable amorphous silica or alkylated (hydrophobic) silica inside the stone pores. However, silica is not chemically compatible with carbonate stones; in this respect, nanocalcite may be a suitable alternative. The present work concerns the preparation of water suspensions of calcite nanoparticles (CCNPs) by controlled carbonation of slaked lime using a pilot-scale reactor. A simplified design of experiment was adopted for product optimization. Calcite nanoparticles of narrow size distribution averaging about 30 nm were successfully obtained, the concentration of the interfacial agent and the size of CaO being the most critical parameters. Primary nanoparticle aggregation causing flocculation could be substantially prevented by the addition of polymeric dispersants. Copolymer-based dispersants were produced in situ by controlled heterophase polymerisation mediated by an amphiphilic macro-RAFT (reversible addition-fragmentation transfer) agent. The stabilized CCNP aqueous dispersions were then applied on carbonate and silicate substrates; Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)analysis of cross-sections allowed the evaluation of pore penetration, interfacial binding, and bridging (gap-filling) properties of these novel consolidants.
Protein Intake and Distribution in Relation to Physical Functioning and Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Elderly People: Acknowledging the Role of Physical Activity
Authors: Ten Haaf Dominique , Van Dongen Ellen , Nuijten Malou , Eijsvogels Thijs , De Groot Lisette , Hopman Maria
Published: April 2018

Increasing total protein intake and a spread protein intake distribution are potential strategies to attenuate sarcopenia related loss of physical function and quality of life. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate whether protein intake and protein intake distribution are associated with muscle strength, physical function and quality of life in community-dwelling elderly people with a wide range of physical activity. Dietary and physical activity data were obtained from two studies (N = 140, age 81 ± 6, 64% male), with the following outcome measures: physical functioning (Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), comprising balance, gait speed and chair rise tests), handgrip strength and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). Protein intake distribution was calculated for each participant as a coefficient of variance (CV = SD of grams of protein intake per main meal divided by the average total amount of proteins (grams) of the main meals). Based on the CV, participants were divided into tertiles and classified as spread, intermediate or pulse. The average total protein intake was 1.08 ± 0.29 g/kg/day. Total protein intake was not associated with outcome measures using multivariate regression analyses. Individuals with a spread protein diet during the main meals (CV < 0.43) had higher gait speed compared to those with an intermediate diet (CV 0.43–0.62) (β = −0.42, p = 0.035), whereas a spread and pulse protein diet were not associated with SPPB total score, chair rise, grip strength and Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY). The interaction of higher physical activity and higher total protein intake was significantly associated with higher quality of life (β = 0.71, p = 0.049). While this interaction was not associated with SPPB or grip strength, the association with quality of life emphasizes the need for a higher total protein intake together with an active lifestyle in the elderly.
Dose-Response Relationship between Serum Retinol Levels and Survival in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: Results from the DACHS Study
Authors: Maalmi Haifa , Walter Viola , Jansen Lina , Owen Robert W. , Ulrich Alexis , Schöttker Ben , Chang-Claude Jenny , Hoffmeister Michael , Brenner Hermann
Published: April 2018

Current knowledge on the role of retinol in the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) is very limited. We investigated the association of serum retinol levels with survival outcomes in a large cohort of 2908 CRC patients from Germany. Retinol concentrations were determined in serum collected shortly after diagnosis by mass spectrometry. Associations between serum retinol levels and survival outcomes were assessed using multivariable Cox regression and dose-response analyses. The joint association of serum retinol and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) with survival outcomes was also examined. During a median follow-up of 4.8 years, 787 deaths occurred, 573 of which were due to CRC. Dose-response curves showed an inverse relationship between serum retinol levels and survival endpoints in the range of <2.4 µmol/L, but no associations at higher levels. Low (<1.2 µmol/L) versus high (≥2.4 µmol/L) serum retinol levels were associated with poorer overall survival (Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.19–1.78, P-trend = 0.0003) and CRC-specific survival (HR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.33–2.15, P-trend < 0.0001). Joint presence of low serum retinol (<1.2 µmol/L) and low 25(OH)D3 (<30 nmol/L) was associated with a particularly strong decrease in overall and CRC-specific survival. Low serum retinol levels were identified as a predictor of poor survival in CRC patients, in particular when co-occurring with low serum concentrations of 25(OH)D3. The clinical implications of these findings require further investigation.
Phytochemical Study of the Ecuadorian Species Lepechinia mutica (Benth.) Epling and High Antifungal Activity of Carnosol against Pyricularia oryzae
Authors: Ramírez Jorge , Gilardoni Gianluca , Ramón Erika , Tosi Solveig , Picco Anna Maria , Bicchi Carlo , Vidari Giovanni
Published: April 2018

The plant Lepechinia mutica (Benth.) Epling (family Lamiaceae) is endemic to Ecuador. In the present study, we report some major non-volatile secondary metabolites from the leaves and the chemistry of the essential oil distilled from the flowers. The main identified compounds were carnosol, viridiflorol, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, chrysothol, and 5-hydroxy-4′,7-dimethoxy flavone. Their structures were determined by X-ray diffraction and NMR and MS techniques. The essential oil showed a chemical composition similar to that distilled from the leaves, but with some qualitative and quantitative differences regarding several minor compounds. The main constituents (>4%) were: δ-3-carene (24.23%), eudesm-7(11)-en-4-ol (13.02%), thujopsan-2-α-ol (11.90%), β-pinene (7.96%), valerianol (5.19%), and co-eluting limonene and β-phellandrene (4.47%). The volatile fraction was also submitted to enantioselective analysis on a β-cyclodextrin column, obtaining the separation and identification of the enantiomers for α-thujene, β-pinene, sabinene, α-phellandrene, limonene and β-phellandrene. Furthermore, the anti-fungal activity of non-volatile secondary metabolites was tested in vitro, with carnosol resulting in being very active against the “blast disease” caused by the fungus Pyricularia oryzae.
New Three-Dimensional Poly(decanediol-co-tricarballylate) Elastomeric Fibrous Mesh Fabricated by Photoreactive Electrospinning for Cardiac Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Ismail Hesham , Zamani Somayeh , Elrayess Mohamed , Kafienah Wael , Younes Husam
Published: April 2018

Reactive electrospinning is capable of efficiently producing in situ crosslinked scaffolds resembling the natural extracellular matrix with tunable characteristics. In this study, we aimed to synthesize, characterize, and investigate the in vitro cytocompatibility of electrospun fibers of acrylated poly(1,10-decanediol-co-tricarballylate) copolymer prepared utilizing the photoreactive electrospinning process with ultraviolet radiation for crosslinking, to be used for cardiac tissue engineering applications. Chemical, thermal, and morphological characterization confirmed the successful synthesis of the polymer used for production of the electrospun fibrous scaffolds with more than 70% porosity. Mechanical testing confirmed the elastomeric nature of the fibers required to withstand cardiac contraction and relaxation. The cell viability assay showed no significant cytotoxicity of the fibers on cultured cardiomyoblasts and the cell-scaffolds interaction study showed a significant increase in cell attachment and growth on the electrospun fibers compared to the reference. This data suggests that the newly synthesized fibrous scaffold constitutes a promising candidate for cardiac tissue engineering applications.
Microwave-Assisted Extraction and Physicochemical Evaluation of Oil from Hevea brasiliensis Seeds
Authors: Creencia Evelyn C. , Nillama Joshua Andrew P. , Librando Ivy L.
Published: April 2018

The rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is exploited mainly for latex in view of its economic importance. However, one of its auxiliary products, the rubber seed, does not find any major applications, and hence, even the natural production of seeds itself remains underutilized. In this study, microwave-assisted Soxhlet extraction is used as a green alternative to extract the oil from seeds at a reaction time of 90 min and microwave power of 300 W. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of the processing conditions, including drying time, temperature, solid–solvent ratio, and extraction solvent, on the yield of rubber seed oil. Moreover, the microwave-assisted aqueous extraction (MAAE) under acidic conditions is also investigated. Based on the results, n-hexane gave the best yield at an optimized 1:20 seed–hexane ratio at 72 °C compared with the conventional Soxhlet method and the acidic MAAE. Furthermore, the chemical characteristics of the oil showed a high value of free fatty acids (% FFA) (1.15–7.61%) and an iodine value (IV) that ranges from 100–150. As a semi-drying oil, rubber seed oil (RSO) can be used as an ingredient for surface coating and in the formulation of products where the presence of unsaturation is important.
An Intersection–Union Test for the Sharpe Ratio
Authors: Frahm Gabriel
Published: April 2018

An intersection–union test for supporting the hypothesis that a given investment strategy is optimal among a set of alternatives is presented. It compares the Sharpe ratio of the benchmark with that of each other strategy. The intersection–union test takes serial dependence into account and does not presume that asset returns are multivariate normally distributed. An empirical study based on the G–7 countries demonstrates that it is hard to find significant results due to the lack of data, which confirms a general observation in empirical finance.
Vegetation Response to the 2012–2014 California Drought from GPS and Optical Measurements
Authors: Small Eric , Roesler Carolyn , Larson Kristine
Published: April 2018

We compare microwave GPS and optical-based remote sensing observations of the vegetation response to a recent drought in California, USA. The microwave data are based on reflected GPS signals that were collected by a geodetic network. These data are sensitive to temporal variations in vegetation water content and are made available via the Normalized Microwave Reflection Index (NMRI). NMRI data are complementary to information of plant greenness provided by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). NMRI data from 146 sites in California are compared to collocated NDVI observations, over the interval of 2007–2016. This period includes a severe, three-year drought (2012–2014). We quantify the seasonal variations in vegetation state by calculating a series of phenology metrics at each site, using both NMRI and NDVI. We examine how the phenology metrics vary from year-to-year, as related to the observed fluctuations in accumulated precipitation. The amplitude of seasonal vegetation growth exhibits the greatest sensitivity to prior accumulated precipitation. Above-normal precipitation from 4 to 12 months before peak growth yields a stronger seasonal growth pulse, and vice versa. The amplitude of seasonal growth, as determined from NDVI, varies linearly with precipitation during dry years, but is largely insensitive to precipitation amount in years with above-normal precipitation. In contrast, the amplitude of seasonal growth from NMRI varies approximately linearly with precipitation across the entire range of conditions observed. The length of season is positively correlated with prior accumulated precipitation, more strongly with NDVI than NMRI. The recovery from drought was similar for a one-year (2007) and the more severe three-year drought (2012–2014). In both cases, the amplitude of growth returned to typical values in the first year with near-normal precipitation. Growing season length, only based on NDVI, was greatly reduced in 2014, the driest and final year of the three-year California drought.