bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNAs Mediated Regulation of Expression of Nucleoside Analog Pathway Genes in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Bhise Neha S. , Elsayed Abdelrahman H. , Cao Xueyuan , Pounds Stanley , Lamba Jatinder K.
Published: April 2019

Nucleoside analog, cytarabine (ara-C) is the mainstay of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) chemotherapy. Cytarabine and other nucleoside analogs require activation to the triphosphate form (ara-CTP). Intracellular ara-CTP levels demonstrate significant inter-patient variation and have been related to therapeutic response in AML patients. Inter-patient variation in expression levels of drug transporters or enzymes involved in the activation or inactivation of cytarabine and other analogs is a prime mechanism contributing to development of drug resistance. Since microRNAs (miRNAs) are known to regulate gene-expression, the aim of this study was to identify miRNAs involved in regulation of messenger RNA expression levels of cytarabine pathway genes. We evaluated miRNA and gene-expression levels of cytarabine metabolic pathway genes in 8 AML cell lines and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data base. Using correlation analysis and functional validation experiments, our data demonstrates that miR-34a-5p and miR-24-3p regulate DCK, an enzyme involved in activation of cytarabine and DCTD, an enzyme involved in metabolic inactivation of cytarabine expression, respectively. Further our results from gel shift assays confirmed binding of these mRNA-miRNA pairs. Our results show miRNA mediated regulation of gene expression levels of nucleoside metabolic pathway genes can impact interindividual variation in expression levels which in turn may influence treatment outcomes.
Character, Rates, and Environmental Significance of Holocene Dust Accumulation in Archaeological Hilltop Ruins in the Southern Levant
Authors: Lucke Bernhard , Roskin Joel , Vanselow Kim André , Bruins Hendrik J. , Abu-Jaber Nizar , Deckers Katleen , Lindauer Susanne , Porat Naomi , Reimer Paula J. , Bäumler Rupert , Erickson-Gini Tali , Kouki Paula
Published: April 2019

Loess accumulated in the Negev desert during the Pleistocene and primary and secondary loess remains cover large parts of the landscape. Holocene loess deposits are however absent. This could be due low accumulation rates, lack of preservation, and higher erosion rates in comparison to the Pleistocene. This study hypothesized that archaeological ruins preserve Holocene dust. We studied soils developed on archaeological hilltop ruins in the Negev and the Petra region and compared them with local soils, paleosols, geological outcrops, and current dust. Seven statistically modeled grain size end-members were identified and demonstrate that the ruin soils in both regions consist of mixtures of local and remote sediment sources that differ from dust compositions deposited during current storms. This discrepancy is attributed to fixation processes connected with sediment-fixing agents such as vegetation, biocrusts, and/or clast pavements associated with vesicular layers. Average dust accretion rates in the ruins are estimated to be ~0.14 mm/a, suggesting that ~30% of the current dust that can be trapped with dry marble dust collectors has been stored in the ruin soils. Deposition amounts and grain sizes do not significantly correlate with wind intensity. However, precipitation may have contributed to dust accretion. A snowstorm in the Petra region delivered a significantly higher amount of sediment than rain or dry deposition. Snowfall dust had a unique particle size distribution relatively similar to the ruin soils. Wet deposition and snow might catalyze dust deposition and enhance fixation by fostering vegetation and crust formation. More frequent snowfall during the Pleistocene may have been an important mechanism of primary loess deposition in the southern Levant.
Romanian Users’ YouTube “Shakespeares”: Digital Localities in Global Fields
Authors: Mihai Adriana
Published: April 2019

The cultural production of “Shakespeare” on the Internet has received growing attention in recent years, particularly in reference to newcomers in the field such as media users or “prosumers”. This is potentiated by the connectivity of digital platforms and growing access to digital means of production and distribution. From a field perspective on digital cultural production, participation online can be seen as a socially situated activity, often differentiated and marked by the habitus of digital media users. The present article aims firstly to discuss the utility of a field conceptualization of the cultural production of Shakespeare online, with reference to the work of Pierre Bourdieu. Secondly, through a critical framework derived from cultural and media economies, this article analyses Romanian appropriations of Shakespeare’s works on YouTube as cultural productions inscribed in both the global digital economy and also in the local cultural field. Thirdly, based on an overview of Romanian producers who have published Shakespeare videos and on the analysis of their visibility and circulation online, as well as their chosen genres and discourses, I argue that the Romanian digital (re)production of Shakespeare is situated at the periphery of both the national and the global digital field. User-made Shakespeare productions are yet to find valuation in the local cultural and media fields, being situated in an illegitimate location for appropriating Shakespeare. This will be contextualized in the larger discourse regarding the fundamental role of curation, but also in light of recent concerns about privileged locations, languages, and algorithmic bias across online cultural production, circulation, and consumption.
Automatic Detection of Potential Dam Locations in Digital Terrain Models
Authors: Wimmer Michael H. , Pfeifer Norbert , Hollaus Markus
Published: April 2019

Structural measures for retaining and distributing water—i.e., reservoirs, flood retention and power plants—play a key role to protect and feed a growing world population in a rapidly changing climate. In this work, we introduce an automated method to detect potential reservoir or retention area locations in digital terrain models. In this context, a potential reservoir is a larger terrain form that can be turned into an actual reservoir by constructing a dam. Based on contour lines derived from terrain models, potential reservoirs are found within a predefined range of dam lengths, and the locally optimal ones are then extracted. Our method is to be applied in the very early stages of project planning and for area-wide potential analysis. Tests in a 100 km2 study area bring promising results, but also show a certain sensitivity regarding terrain model quality and resolution. In total, 250–300 candidate polygons with a total volume of more than 6 million m3 were found. In order to facilitate further processing, these are stored as a GIS vector dataset.
Temperature Stress and Responses in Plants
Authors: Suzuki Nobuhiro
Published: April 2019

Extreme temperatures can have detrimental effects on yield production worldwide [...]
Foraging Behavior and Pollination Efficiency of Apis mellifera L. on the Oil Tree Peony ‘Feng Dan’ (Paeonia ostii T. Hong et J.X. Zhang)
Authors: He Chunling , Zhang Kaiyue , Hou Xiaogai , Han Dongbo , Wang Shuaibing
Published: April 2019

To solve the issue of insufficient pollinating of insects for the oil tree peony ‘Feng Dan’ (Paeonia ostii T. Hong et J.X. Zhang) and improve its seed set and yield, we conducted observations from 2017 to 2018 to investigate the relationship between honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) foraging behavior and diurnal activity. We compared the single-fruit seed set ratio among three flower types on the same plants of the oil tree peony, which flowered simultaneously, in three pollination areas (bee pollination, natural field pollination, and controlled pollination by pollinators) and in a net room under self-pollination, wind pollination and bee pollination. Apis mellifera exhibited short single visitations, long visitations to a single flower and repeated visits to flowers of the oil tree peony. The number of flower visits of A. mellifera was significantly and positively yet weakly correlated with the number of stigma visits (2017: r = 0.045, p < 0.05; 2018: r = 0.195, p < 0.01). The seed set of oil tree peony follicles in the A. mellifera pollination area was significantly higher than that in the natural pollination field area and the control net rooms. On the same oil tree peony plant with synchronous flowering, the percent seed set of follicles pollinated by A. mellifera at a high density was significantly higher than that resulting from wind pollination and self-pollination.
Impact of Oxidative Stress and Protein S-Glutathionylation in Aortic Valve Sclerosis Patients with Overt Atherosclerosis
Authors: Valerio Vincenza , Myasoedova Veronika A. , Moschetta Donato , Porro Benedetta , Perrucci Gianluca L. , Cavalca Viviana , Cavallotti Laura , Songia Paola , Poggio Paolo
Published: April 2019

Aortic valve sclerosis (AVSc) is characterized by non-uniform thickening of the leaflets without hemodynamic changes. Endothelial dysfunction, also caused by dysregulation of glutathione homeostasis expressed as ratio between its reduced (GSH) and its oxidised form (GSSG), could represent one of the pathogenic triggers of AVSc. We prospectively enrolled 58 patients with overt atherosclerosis and requiring coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The incidence of AVSc in the studied population was 50%. The two groups (No-AVSc and AVSc) had similar clinical characteristics. Pre-operatively, AVSc group showed significantly lower GSH/GSSG ratio than No-AVSc group (p = 0.02). Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) concentration was significantly higher in AVSc patients compared to No-AVSc patients (p < 0.0001). Explanted sclerotic aortic valves presented a significantly increased protein glutathionylation (Pr-SSG) than No-AVSc ones (p = 0.01). In vitro, inhibition of glutathione reductase caused β-actin glutathionylation, activation of histone 2AX, upregulation of α2 smooth muscle actin (ACTA2), downregulation of platelet and endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM1) and cadherin 5 (CDH5). In this study, we showed for the first time that the dysregulation of glutathione homeostasis is associated with AVSc. We found that Pr-SSG is increased in AVSc leaflets and it could lead to EndMT via DNA damage. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the causal role of Pr-SSG in aortic valve degeneration.
Is Pelvic Plexus Block Superior to Periprostatic Nerve Block for Pain Control during Transrectal Ultrasonography-Guided Prostate Biopsy? A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kim Do Kyung , Hah Yoon Soo , Kim Jong Won , Koo Kyo Chul , Lee Kwang Suk , Hong Chang Hee , Chung Byung Ha , Cho Kang Su
Published: April 2019

We evaluated whether pelvic plexus block (PPB) is superior to periprostatic nerve block (PNB) for pain control during transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy (PBx). A prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled study was performed at a single center; 46 patients were enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups: PPB (n = 23) and PNB (n = 23). The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used; pain scores were measured four times: during local anesthesia, probe insertion, sampling procedures, and at 15 min post procedures. No significant differences were observed in VAS scores during local anesthesia (2.30 for PPB vs. 2.65 for PNB, p = 0.537) or during probe insertion (2.83 for PPB vs. 2.39 for PNB, p = 0.569). Similarly, no differences in VAS scores were detected during the sampling procedures (2.83 for PPB vs. 2.87 for PNB, p = 0.867) and at 15 min post procedures (1.39 for PPB vs. 1.26 for PNB, p = 0.631). No major complications were noted in either group. Both PPB and PNB are comparably effective and safe methods for PBx related pain relief, and PPB is not superior to PNB. Local anesthetic method could be selected based on the preference and skill of the operator.
Adsorption of Proteins on m-CPPD and Urate Crystals Inhibits Crystal-Induced Cell Responses: Study on Albumin-Crystal Interaction
Authors: Renaudin Felix , Sarda Stéphanie , Campillo-Gimenez Laure , Séverac Childérick , Léger Thibaut , Charvillat Cédric , Rey Christian , Lioté Frédéric , Camadro Jean-Michel , Ea Hang-Korng , Combes Christèle
Published: April 2019

The biological effects and cellular activations triggered by monosodium urate (MSU) and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (monoclinic: m-CPPD) crystals might be modulated by protein coating on the crystal surface. This study is aimed at: (i) Identifying proteins adsorbed on m-CPPD crystals, and the underlying mechanisms of protein adsorption, and (ii) to understand how protein coating did modulate the inflammatory properties of m-CPPD crystals. The effects of protein coating were assessed in vitro using primary macrophages and THP1 monocytes. Physico-chemical studies on the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) upon m-CPPD crystals were performed. Adsorption of serum proteins, and BSA on MSU, as well as upon m-CPPD crystals, inhibited their capacity to induce interleukin-1-β secretions, along with a decreased ATP secretion, and a disturbance of mitochondrial membrane depolarization, suggesting an alteration of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Proteomic analysis identified numerous m-CPPD-associated proteins including hemoglobin, complement, albumin, apolipoproteins and coagulation factors. BSA adsorption on m-CPPD crystals followed a Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm, suggesting that it could modulate m-CPPD crystal-induced cell responses through crystal/cell-membrane interaction. BSA is adsorbed on m-CPPD crystals with weak interactions, confirmed by the preliminary AFM study, but strong interactions of BSA molecules with each other occurred favoring crystal agglomeration, which might contribute to a decrease in the inflammatory properties of m-CPPD crystals. These findings give new insights into the pathogenesis of crystal-related rheumatic diseases and subsequently may open the way for new therapeutic approaches.
Comparison of Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) Versus a Multi-Frequency Bioelectrical Impedance (InBody 770) Device for Body Composition Assessment after a 4-Week Hypoenergetic Diet
Authors: Antonio Jose , Kenyon Madaline , Ellerbroek Anya , Carson Cassandra , Burgess Victoria , Tyler-Palmer Denvyr , Mike Jonathan , Roberts Justin , Angeli Gerseli , Peacock Corey
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this investigation was to compare two different methods of assessing body composition (i.e., a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA) and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA)) over a four-week treatment period in exercise-trained men and women. Subjects were instructed to reduce their energy intake while maintaining the same exercise regimen for a period of four weeks. Pre and post assessments for body composition (i.e., fat-free mass, fat mass, percent body fat) were determined via the MF-BIA and DXA. On average, subjects reduced their energy intake by ~18 percent. The MF-BIA underestimated fat mass and percentage body fat and overestimated fat-free mass in comparison to the DXA. However, when assessing the change in fat mass, fat-free mass or percent body fat, there were no statistically significant differences between the MF-BIA vs. DXA. Overall, the change in percent body fat using the DXA vs. the MF-BIA was −1.3 ± 0.9 and −1.4 ± 1.8, respectively. Our data suggest that when tracking body composition over a period of four weeks, the MF-BIA may be a viable alternative to the DXA in exercise-trained men and women.
Evaluation of the Viscous Drag for a Domed Cylindrical Moored Wave Energy Converter
Authors: Bhinder Majid A , Murphy Jimmy
Published: April 2019

Viscous drag, nonlinear in nature, is an important aspect of the fluid–structure interaction modelling and is usually not taken into account when the fluid is assumed to be inviscid. Potential flow solvers can competently compute radiation damping, which is related to the radiated wave field. However, the drag damping primarily related to the viscous effects is usually neglected in the radiation/diffraction problems solved by the boundary element method (BEM), also known as the boundary integral element method (BIEM). This drag force can have a significant impact in the case of structures extending much deeper below the free surface, or for those that are completely submerged. In this paper, the drag coefficient C d was quantified for the heave and surge response of a structure which consists of a moored horizontally oriented domed cylinder with two surface piercing square columns located at the top surface. The domed cylinder is the primary part and is submerged. The drag coefficient is estimated using the experimental measurements related to harmonic monochromatic wave–structure interaction. Finally, this estimated drag coefficient was used in the modified time domain model, which includes the nonlinear viscous correction term, and the resulting device response in heave and surge directions is presented for an irregular incoming wave field. The comparison of the numerical model and the experiments validates the estimated C d values obtained earlier. Prior to the time domain model, frequency-dependent parameters such as added mass, radiation damping, and excitation force were computed using three mainstream potential flow packages (that is, ANSYS AQWA, WAMIT, and NEMOH), and a comparison is presented. The effect of free surface on the drag coefficient is investigated through differences in C d values between heave and surge modes.
Does Managerial Power Increase Selective Hedging? Evidence from the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Jankensgård Håkan
Published: April 2019

This study examines the managerial power-hypothesis of selective hedging, which holds that selective hedging is observed more frequently in companies where managers have greater latitude to execute hedging proposals without serious scrutiny or questioning. The hypothesis is tested using hand-collected data on corporate governance and derivative positions from the oil and gas industry. The results support the view that managerial power increases selective hedging. The main governance dimension associated with selective hedging is the extent of inside ownership. Firms with high inside ownership have excessive variability in their derivative portfolios, were more prone to opportunistic behavior following the great rise in the oil price in the mid-2000s, and have lower realized cash flow from hedging.
Göbekli Tepe: A Brief Description of the Environmental Development in the Surroundings of the UNESCO World Heritage Site
Authors: Knitter Daniel , Braun Ricarda , Clare Lee , Nykamp Moritz , Schütt Brigitta
Published: April 2019

This contribution provides a first characterization of the environmental development for the surroundings of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Göbekli Tepe. We base our analyses on a literature review that covers the environmental components of prevailing bedrock and soils, model- and proxy-based climatic development, and vegetation. The spatio-temporal scales that are covered are mainly the Eastern Mediterranean region and the Late Quaternary—whereby special attention is given to available data from the close vicinity of Göbekli Tepe. Information on Late Quaternary geomorphodynamics is largely absent for the environs of Göbekli Tepe, we therefore included remote sensing data, different terrain modeling approaches and field-based geomorphological mapping to gain insights into past process dynamics. The findings indicate that the environmental conditions at Göbekli Tepe during its time of occupation differed significantly from today, showing denser vegetation and a wide spread sediment cover. Different hypotheses are developed that aim to guide future research on environmental changes and their variations during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene. These activities are crucial for a more profound understanding of the environment of the site, its potential perception by humans and therefore for the development of narratives on their landscape creation motives.
Solving the Systems of Equations of Lane-Emden Type by Differential Transform Method Coupled with Adomian Polynomials
Authors: Xie Lie-jun , Zhou Cai-lian , Xu Song
Published: April 2019

In this work, we applied the improved differential transform method to find the solutions of the systems of equations of Lane-Emden type arising in various physical models. With our proposed scheme, the desired solutions take the form of a convergent series with easily computable components. The results disclosing the relation between the differential transforms of multi-variables and the corresponding Adomian polynomials are proven. One can see that both the differential transforms and the Adomian polynomials of those nonlinearities have the same mathematical structure merely with constants instead of variable components. By using this relation, we computed the differential transforms of nonlinear functions given in the systems. The validity and applicability of the proposed method are illustrated through several homogeneous and nonhomogeneous nonlinear systems.
A Novel Peptide from Abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) to Suppress Metastasis and Vasculogenic Mimicry of Tumor Cells and Enhance Anti-Tumor Effect In Vitro
Authors: Gong Fang , Chen Mei-Fang , Zhang Yuan-Yuan , Li Cheng-Yong , Zhou Chun-Xia , Hong Peng-Zhi , Sun Sheng-Li , Qian Zhong-Ji
Published: April 2019

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formed by tumor cells plays a vital role in the progress of tumor, because it provides nutrition for tumor cells and takes away the metabolites. Therefore, the inhibition of VM is crucial to the clinical treatment of tumors. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor effect of a novel peptide, KVEPQDPSEW (AATP), isolated from abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) on HT1080 cells by migration, invasion analysis and the mode of action. The results showed that AATP effectively inhibited MMPs by blocking MAPKs and NF-κB pathways, leading to the downregulation of metastasis of tumor cells. Moreover, AATP significantly inhibited VM and pro-angiogenic factors, including VEGF and MMPs by suppression of AKT/mTOR signaling. In addition, molecular docking was used to study the interaction of AATP and HIF-1α, and the results showed that AATP was combined with an active site of HIF-1α by a hydrogen bond. The effect of AATP on anti-metastatic and anti-vascular in HT1080 cells revealed that AATP may be a potential lead compound for treatment of tumors in the future.
Experimental and Numerical Investigations of the Development of Residual Stresses in Thermo-Mechanically Processed Cr-Alloyed Steel 1.3505
Authors: Behrens Bernd-Arno , Schröder Jörg , Brands Dominik , Scheunemann Lisa , Niekamp Rainer , Chugreev Alexander , Sarhil Mohammad , Uebing Sonja , Kock Christoph
Published: April 2019

Residual stresses in components are a central issue in almost every manufacturing process, as they influence the performance of the final part. Regarding hot forming processes, there is a great potential for defining a targeted residual stress state, as many adjustment parameters, such as deformation state or temperature profile, are available that influence residual stresses. To ensure appropriate numerical modeling of residual stresses in hot forming processes, comprehensive material characterization and suitable multiscale Finite Element (FE) simulations are required. In this paper, experimental and numerical investigations of thermo-mechanically processed steel alloy 1.3505 (DIN 100Cr6) are presented that serve as a basis for further optimization of numerically modeled residual stresses. For this purpose, cylindrical upsetting tests at high temperature with subsequently cooling of the parts in the media air or water are carried out. Additionally, the process is simulated on the macroscale and compared to the results based on the experimental investigations. Therefore, the experimentally processed specimens are examined regarding the resulting microstructure, distortions, and residual stresses. For the investigation on a smaller scale, a numerical model is set up based on the state-data of the macroscopic simulation and experiments, simulating the transformation of the microstructure using phase-field theory and FE analysis on micro- and meso-scopic level.
Hot Deformation Behavior and Microstructure Evolution of a TiBw/Near α-Ti Composite with Fine Matrix Microstructure
Authors: Zhang Changjiang , Lian Yuzhou , Chen Yanfei , Sun Yonggang , Zhang Shuzhi , Feng Hong , Zhou Yawei , Cao Peng
Published: April 2019

The hot deformation behavior and microstructure evolution of a 7.5 vol.% TiBw/near α-Ti composite with fine matrix microstructure were investigated under the deformation conditions in a temperature range of 800–950 °C and strain rate range of 0.001–1 s−1 using plane strain compression tests. The flow stress curves show different characteristics according to the various deformation conditions. At a higher strain rate (1 s−1), the flow stress of the composite continuously increases until a peak value is reached. The activation energy is 410.40 kJ/mol, much lower than the activation energy of as-sintered or as-forged composites. The decreased activation energy is ascribed to the breaking of the TiBw reinforcement during the multi-directional forging and the resultant fine matrix microstructure. Refined reinforcement and refined matrix microstructure significantly improve the hot deformation ability of the composite. The deformation conditions determine the morphology and fraction of α and β phases. At 800–900 °C and 0.01 s−1 the matrix α grains are much refined due to the continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX). The processing map is constructed based on the hot deformation behavior and microstructure evolution. The optimal hot processing window is determined to be 800–950 °C/0.001–0.01 s−1, which lead to CDRX of primary α grains or dynamic recovery (DRV) and dynamic recrystallization (DRX) of β phase.
Surfactant Lipidomics of Alveolar Lavage Fluid in Mice Based on Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Hybrid Quadrupole-Exactive Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Yang Rui , Zhang Ying , Qian Wenjuan , Peng Linxiu , Lin Lili , Xu Jia , Xie Tong , Ji Jianjian , Zhan Xiuqin , Shan Jinjun
Published: April 2019

Surfactant lipid metabolism is closely related to pulmonary diseases. Lipid metabolism disorder can cause lung diseases, vice versa. With this rationale, a useful method was established in this study to determine the lipidome in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of mice. The lipid components in BALF were extracted by liquid–liquid extraction (methanol and methyl tert-butyl ether, and water). Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to hybrid Quadrupole-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry was used to analyze the extracted samples, which showed a broad scanning range of 215–1800 m/z. With MS-DIAL software and built-in LipidBlast database, we identified 38 lipids in positive, and 31 lipids in negative, ion mode, including lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), etc. Then, the changes of lipids in BALF of mice with acute lung injury (ALI) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was investigated, which may contribute to further exploration of the pathogenesis of ALI.
Tsikourasite, Mo3Ni2P1+x (x < 0.25), a New Phosphide from the Chromitite of the Othrys Ophiolite, Greece
Authors: Zaccarini Federica , Bindi Luca , Ifandi Elena , Grammatikopoulos Tassos , Stanley Chris , Garuti Giorgio , Mauro Daniela
Published: April 2019

Tsikourasite, Mo3Ni2P1+x (x < 0.25), is a new phosphide discovered in a mantle-hosted podiform chromitite collected in the abandoned mine of Agios Stefanos (Othrys ophiolite), Central Greece. It forms tiny grains (from a few μm up to about 80 μm) and occurs as isolated grains or associated with other known minerals such as nickelphosphide and awaruite, and with undetermined minerals such as Ni-allabogdanite or Ni-barringerite and a V-sulphide. Tsikourasite is brittle and has a metallic luster. In plane-polarized light, tsikourasite is white yellow and it shows no bireflectance, anisotropism or pleochroism. Internal reflections were not observed, Reflectance values of tsikourasite in air (R in %) are: 55.7 at 470 nm, 56.8 at 546 nm, 57.5 at 589 nm and 58.5 at 650 nm. Five spot analyses of tsikourasite give the average composition: P 7.97, S 0.67, V 14.13, Fe 14.37, Co 7.59, Ni 23.9, and Mo 44.16, total 99.60 wt.%, corresponding to the empirical formula (Mo1.778V1.071Fe0.082Co0.069)Σ3.000(Ni1.572Co0.428)Σ2.000(P0.981S0.079)Σ1.060, on the basis of Σ(Mo +V + Fe + Co + Ni) = 5 apfu and taking into account the structural results. The simplified formula is Mo3Ni2P1+x (x < 0.25). The density, which was calculated based on the empirical formula and single-crystal data, is 9.182 g/cm3. The mineral is cubic, space group F-43m, with a = 10.8215(5) Å and Z = 16. Although tsikourasite is similar in composition to those of monipite (MoNiP), polekhovskyite (MoNiP2), and the synthetic compound MoNiP2, all these phases are hexagonal and not cubic like tsikourasite. It exhibits the same structure as the cubic Mo3Ni2P1.18 compound [space group F-43m, a = 10.846(2) Å] synthesized at 1350 °C. The mineral and its name have been approved by the Commission of New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association (No. 2018-156). The mineral honors Professor Basilios Tsikouras of the Universiti Brunei Darussalam.
Impact of Small Molecules on Intermolecular G-Quadruplex Formation
Authors: Gyawali Prabesh , GC Keshav , Ma Yue , Abeysirigunawardena Sanjaya , Nagasawa Kazuo , Balci Hamza
Published: April 2019

We performed single molecule studies to investigate the impact of several prominent small molecules (the oxazole telomestatin derivative L2H2-6OTD, pyridostatin, and Phen-DC3) on intermolecular G-quadruplex (i-GQ) formation between two guanine-rich DNA strands that had 3-GGG repeats in one strand and 1-GGG repeat in the other (3+1 GGG), or 2-GGG repeats in each strand (2+2 GGG). Such structures are not only physiologically significant but have recently found use in various biotechnology applications, ranging from DNA-based wires to chemical sensors. Understanding the extent of stability imparted by small molecules on i-GQ structures, has implications for these applications. The small molecules resulted in different levels of enhancement in i-GQ formation, depending on the small molecule and arrangement of GGG repeats. The largest enhancement we observed was in the 3+1 GGG arrangement, where i-GQ formation increased by an order of magnitude, in the presence of L2H2-6OTD. On the other hand, the enhancement was limited to three-fold with Pyridostatin (PDS) or less for the other small molecules in the 2+2 GGG repeat case. By demonstrating detection of i-GQ formation at the single molecule level, our studies illustrate the feasibility to develop more sensitive sensors that could operate with limited quantities of materials.
Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Some Bioactive Compounds from Tobacco Waste
Authors: Banožić Marija , Banjari Ines , Jakovljević Martina , Šubarić Drago , Tomas Srećko , Babić Jurislav , Jokić Stela
Published: April 2019

This is the first study on ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds from different types of tobacco industry wastes (scrap, dust, and midrib). The obtained results were compared with starting raw material (tobacco leaves) to see the changes in bioactive compounds during tobacco processing. Results suggested that tobacco waste extracts possess antioxidant activity and considerable amounts of targeted bioactive compounds (phenolics and solanesol). The content of chlorogenic acid varied between 3.64 and 804.2 μg/mL, caffeic acid between 2.34 and 10.8 μg/mL, rutin between 11.56 and 93.7 μg/mL, and solanesol between 294.9 and 598.9 μg/mL for waste and leaf extracts, respectively. There were noticeable differences between bioactive compounds content and antioxidant activity in extracts related to applied UAE conditions and the used type of tobacco waste. Results show that optimal UAE parameters obtained by response surface methodology (RSM) were different for each type of material, so process optimization proved to be necessary. Considering that tobacco waste is mostly discarded or not effectively utilized, the results clearly show that tobacco waste could be used as a potential source of some bioactive compounds.
Carpesium divaricatum Sieb. & Zucc. Revisited: Newly Identified Constituents from Aerial Parts of the Plant and Their Possible Contribution to the Biological Activity of the Plant
Authors: Kłeczek Natalia , Michalak Barbara , Malarz Janusz , Kiss Anna Karolina , Stojakowska Anna
Published: April 2019

Carpesium divaricatum Sieb. & Zucc. has a long history of use as both a medicinal and a food plant. However, except for terpenoids, its chemical constituents have remained poorly investigated. The composition of hydroalcoholic extract from aerial parts of C. divaricatum was analyzed by HPLC-DAD-MSn, revealing the presence of numerous caffeic acid derivatives that were formerly unknown constituents of the plant. In all, 17 compounds, including commonly found chlorogenic acids and rarely occurring butyryl and methylbutyryl tricaffeoylhexaric acids, were tentatively identified. Fractionation of lipophilic extract from cultivated shoots led to the isolation of 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (12-OPDA), which is a newly identified constituent of the plant. The compound, at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 μM, significantly reduced IL-8, IL-1β, TNFα, and CCL2 excretion by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human neutrophils. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced by f-MLP was also significantly diminished in the neutrophils pretreated by 12-OPDA. The newly identified constituents of the plant seem to be partly responsible for its pharmacological activity and elevate the value of C. divaricatum as a potential functional food.
Synthesis and Novel Purification Process of PANI and PANI/AgNPs Composite
Authors: Mota María L. , Carrillo Amanda , Verdugo Ana J. , Olivas Amelia , Guerrero Jorge M. , De la Cruz Edna C. , Noriega Ramírez Natalia
Published: April 2019

In this work, polyaniline (PANI) is synthesized via oxidative polymerization of aniline and purified using organic solvents where the emeraldine phase is isolated by employing a phase separation system. The above contributes to the increase in the percentage yield compared to previous works and the possibility of being used as a single phase. In addition, the PANI/AgNPs composite is prepared in situ at the polymerization of aniline, adding silver nitrate and glycine to create the AgNPs inside the PANI matrix by controlling the pH, temperature, time of reaction and incorporating a new purification technique.
Synthesis of Telmisartan Organotin(IV) Complexes and their use as Carbon Dioxide Capture Media
Authors: Hadi Angham G. , Jawad Khudheyer , Yousif Emad , El-Hiti Gamal A. , Alotaibi Mohammad Hayal , Ahmed Dina S.
Published: April 2019

Novel, porous, highly aromatic organotin(IV) frameworks were successfully synthesized by the condensation of telmisartan and an appropriate tin(IV) chloride. The structures of the synthesized organotin(IV) complexes were elucidated by elemental analysis, 1H-, 13C-, and 119Sn-NMR, and FTIR spectroscopy. The surface morphologies of the complexes were inspected by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The synthesized mesoporous organotin(IV) complexes have a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of 32.3–130.4 m2·g−1, pore volume of 0.046–0.162 cm3·g−1, and pore size of around 2.4 nm. The tin complexes containing a butyl substituent were more efficient as carbon dioxide storage media than the complexes containing a phenyl substituent. The dibutyltin(IV) complex had the highest BET surface area (SBET = 130.357 m2·g−1), the largest volume (0.162 cm3·g−1), and was the most efficient for carbon dioxide storage (7.1 wt%) at a controlled temperature (323 K) and pressure (50 bars).
The Effect of Concentration on the Cross-Linking and Gelling of Sodium Carbonate-Soluble Apple Pectins
Authors: Gawkowska Diana , Cieśla Jolanta , Zdunek Artur , Cybulska Justyna
Published: April 2019

The cross-linking and gelation of low-methoxy pectins are basic processes commonly used in different industries. The aim of this research was to evaluate the cross-linking process of the sodium carbonate-soluble pectins (named DASP) extracted from apples, characterized by a low degree of methylesterification as a function of its concentration in water (CDASP). The cross-linking process was studied with a dynamic light scattering method, atomic force microscope (AFM), viscosity and pH measurements. An increase in CDASP above 0.01% resulted in a decrease in the aggregation index (AI) and the change of its sign from positive to negative. The value of AI = 0 occurred at CDASP = 0.33 ± 0.04% and indicated the formation of a pectin network. An increase in CDASP caused the changes in viscosity of pectin solutions and the nanostructure of pectins spin-coated on mica observed with AFM, which confirmed results obtained. The hydrogen bonds were involved in the cross-linking process.
…Fell Upas Sits, the Hydra-Tree of Death †, or the Phytotoxicity of Trees
Authors: Lebedev Vadim G. , Krutovsky Konstantin V. , Shestibratov Konstantin A.
Published: April 2019

The use of natural products that can serve as natural herbicides and insecticides is a promising direction because of their greater safety for humans and environment. Secondary metabolites of plants that are toxic to plants and insects—allelochemicals—can be used as such products. Woody plants can produce allelochemicals, but they are studied much less than herbaceous species. Meanwhile, there is a problem of interaction of woody species with neighboring plants in the process of introduction or invasion, co-cultivation with agricultural crops (agroforestry) or in plantation forestry (multiclonal or multispecies plantations). This review describes woody plants with the greatest allelopathic potential, allelochemicals derived from them, and the prospects for their use as biopesticides. In addition, the achievement of and the prospects for the use of biotechnology methods in relation to the allelopathy of woody plants are presented and discussed.
Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Five Essential Oils from the Ecuadorian Amazon Rain Forest
Authors: Noriega Paco , Guerrini Alessandra , Sacchetti Gianni , Grandini Alessandro , Ankuash Edwin , Manfredini Stefano
Published: April 2019

The chemical composition and biological activity of essential oils isolated from the leaves of Siparuna aspera, Siparuna macrotepala, Piper leticianum, Piper augustum and the rhizome of Hedychium coronarium were evaluated. These species are used medicinally in different ways by the Amazonian communities that live near the Kutukú mountain range. Chemical studies revealed that the main components for the two Siparuna species were germacrene D, bicyclogermacrene, α-pinene, δ-cadinene, δ-elemene, α-copaene and β-caryophyllene; for the two Piper species β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, α-(E,E)-farnesene, β-elemene, bicyclogermacrene, δ-cadinene and for H. coronarium 1,8-cineole, β-pinene, α-pinene and α-terpineol. The antioxidant activity of all essential oils was evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), photochemiluminescence (PCL) quantitative assays, and DPPH and ABTS bioautographic profiles, with different results for each of them. Antimicrobial activity studies were carried out on three yeasts, six Gram positive and four Gram negative bacteria, by means of the disc diffusion method. The essential oil of H. coronarium showed the most relevant results on L. grayi, K. oxytoca and S. mutans, P. augustum and P. leticianum on S. mutans. An antibacterial bioautographic test for H. coronarium was also carried out and highlighted the potential activity of terpinen-4-ol and 1,8-cineole.
Targeting Methyltransferases in Human Pathogenic Bacteria: Insights into Thymidylate Synthase (TS) and Flavin-Dependent TS (FDTS)
Authors: Pozzi Cecilia , Lopresti Ludovica , Tassone Giusy , Mangani Stefano
Published: April 2019

In cells, thymidylate synthases provide the only de novo source of 2′-deoxythymidine-5′-monophosphate (dTMP), required for DNA synthesis. The activity of these enzymes is pivotal for cell survival and proliferation. Two main families of thymidylate synthases have been identified in bacteria, folate-dependent thymidylate synthase (TS) and flavin-dependent TS (FDTS). TS and FDTS are highly divergent enzymes, characterized by exclusive catalytic mechanisms, involving different sets of cofactors. TS and FDTS mechanisms of action have been recently revised, providing new perspectives for the development of antibacterial drugs targeting these enzymes. Nonetheless, some catalytic details still remain elusive. For bacterial TSs, half-site reactivity is still an open debate and the recent evidences are somehow controversial. Furthermore, different behaviors have been identified among bacterial TSs, compromising the definition of common mechanisms. Moreover, the redox reaction responsible for the regeneration of reduced flavin in FDTSs is not completely clarified. This review describes the recent advances in the structural and functional characterization of bacterial TSs and FDTSs and the current understanding of their mechanisms of action. Furthermore, the recent progresses in the development of inhibitors targeting TS and FDTS in human pathogenic bacteria are summarized.
Microwave-Assisted Kabachnik–Fields Reaction with Amino Alcohols as the Amine Component
Authors: Tajti Ádám , Szatmári Enikő , Perdih Franc , Keglevich György , Bálint Erika
Published: April 2019

In this paper, the microwave (MW)-assisted catalyst-free and mostly solvent-free Kabachnik–Fields reaction of amino alcohols, paraformaldehyde, and various >P(O)H reagents (dialkyl phosphites, ethyl phenyl-H-phosphinate, and secondary phosphine oxides) is reported. The synthesis of N-2-hydroxyethyl-α-aminophosphonate derivatives was optimized in respect of the temperature, the reaction time, and the molar ratio of the starting materials. A few by-products were also identified. N,N-Bis(phosphinoylmethyl)amines containing a hydroxyethyl group were also prepared by the double Kabachnik–Fields reaction of ethanolamine with an excess of paraformaldehyde and secondary phosphine oxides. The crystal structure of a 2-hydroxyethyl-α-aminophosphine oxide and a bis(phosphinoylmethyl)ethanolamine was studied by X-ray analysis.
Nanocarriers for Protein Delivery to the Cytosol: Assessing the Endosomal Escape of Poly(Lactide-co-Glycolide)-Poly(Ethylene Imine) Nanoparticles
Authors: Galliani Marianna , Tremolanti Chiara , Signore Giovanni
Published: April 2019

Therapeutic proteins and enzymes are a group of interesting candidates for the treatment of numerous diseases, but they often require a carrier to avoid degradation and rapid clearance in vivo. To this end, organic nanoparticles (NPs) represent an excellent choice due to their biocompatibility, and cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs)-loaded poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) NPs have recently attracted attention as versatile tools for targeted enzyme delivery. However, PLGA NPs are taken up by cells via endocytosis and are typically trafficked into lysosomes, while many therapeutic proteins and enzymes should reach the cellular cytosol to perform their activity. Here, we designed a CLEAs-based system implemented with a cationic endosomal escape agent (poly(ethylene imine), PEI) to extend the use of CLEA NPs also to cytosolic enzymes. We demonstrated that our system can deliver protein payloads at cytoplasm level by two different mechanisms: Endosomal escape and direct translocation. Finally, we applied this system to the cytoplasmic delivery of a therapeutically relevant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, SOD) in vitro.
Is Iron Supplementation Influenced by Sub-Clinical Inflammation?: A Randomized Controlled Trial Among Adolescent Schoolgirls in Myanmar
Authors: Kyaw Htet Min , Fahmida Umi , Dillon Drupadi , Akib Arwin , Utomo Budi , Thurnham David
Published: April 2019

Iron absorption was impaired in the presence of sub-clinical inflammation (SCI) and might hamper the effect of iron supplementation. The purpose of the study was to identify the influence of SCI on iron supplementation. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled experimental study was conducted among anaemic adolescent schoolgirls in Ayeyarwady region, Myanmar. A total of 402 schoolgirls were recruited from six schools screened from 1269 girls who were assigned into one of four groups: Folate group (2.5 mg of folate), Vitamin A group (15,000 IU of vitamin), Iron folate group (60 mg elemental iron and folate) and Iron, and vitamin A and folate group. Supplementation was done once a week for 12 weeks. Iron, vitamin A and inflammation were measured at the baseline, middle and endline. Changes in serum ferritin and body iron were significantly higher in the IFA and IFA + vitA among those without SCI. There was interaction between vitamin A and SCI on Hb changes. Analysis of GLM repeated measure showed interactions between treatment and SCI for hemoglobin and serum transferrin receptor. Those treated with vitamin A had better outcomes when there was SCI. Inflammation accompanied a negative effect on iron supplementation and vitamin A improved efficacy of iron supplementation in the presence of SCI.
Weight Change and Cardiometabolic Outcomes in Postpartum Women with History of Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Lim Siew , Versace Vincent L. , O’Reilly Sharleen , Janus Edward , Dunbar James
Published: April 2019

Weight gain after childbirth is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) development after gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The level of weight loss achieved in diabetes prevention programs for women after GDM is often low but its effects on the cardiometabolic risk are not known. In a secondary analysis of a diabetes prevention program in postpartum women with history of gestational diabetes, we evaluated the effect of weight change on the cardiometabolic outcomes at 1-year follow-up. Of the 284 women randomized to the intervention arm, 206 with the final outcome measurements were included in the analyses. Participants were categorized into weight loss (>2 kg, n = 74), weight stable (±2 kg, n = 74) or weight gain (>2 kg, n = 58) groups. The weight loss group had significantly greater decrease in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) than the weight gain group (−0.1 + 0.4% vs. 0 + 0.4%, p = 0.049). The weight loss group had significantly greater decrease in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol cholesterol than the other two groups (p < 0.05). The weight gain group had significantly greater increase in triglyceride and triglyceride:high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio compare with the other groups (p < 0.01). Overall, a small amount of weight loss and prevention of further weight gain was beneficial to the cardiometabolic outcomes of postpartum women after GDM.