bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Trapezoidal Fuzzy Two-Dimensional Linguistic Power Generalized Hamy Mean Operator and Its Application in Multi-Attribute Decision-Making
Authors: Liu Yisheng , Li Ye
Published: January 2020

As a common information aggregation tool, the Hamy mean (HM) operator can consider the relationships among multiple input elements, but cannot adjust the effect of elements. In this paper, we integrate the idea of generalized a weighted average (GWA) operator into the HM operator, and reduce the influence of related elements by adjusting the value of the parameter. In addition, considering that extreme input data may lead to a deviation in the results, we further combine the power average (PA) operator with HM, and propose the power generalized Hamy mean (PGHM) operator. Then, we extend the PGHM operator to the trapezoidal fuzzy two-dimensional linguistic environment, and propose two new information aggregation tools, the trapezoidal fuzzy two-dimensional linguistic power generalized Hamy mean (TF2DLPGHM) operator and the weighted TF2DLPGHM (WTF2DLPGHM) operator. Some properties and special cases of these operators are discussed. Furthermore, based on the proposed WTF2DLPGHM operator, a new multi-attribute decision-making method is proposed for lean management evaluation of industrial residential projects. Finally, an example is given to show the specific steps, effectiveness, and superiority of the method.
The Simultaneous Strong Resolving Graph and the Simultaneous Strong Metric Dimension of Graph Families
Authors: González Yero Ismael
Published: January 2020

We consider in this work a new approach to study the simultaneous strong metric dimension of graphs families, while introducing the simultaneous version of the strong resolving graph. In concordance, we consider here connected graphs G whose vertex sets are represented as V ( G ) , and the following terminology. Two vertices u , v ∈ V ( G ) are strongly resolved by a vertex w ∈ V ( G ) , if there is a shortest w − v path containing u or a shortest w − u containing v. A set A of vertices of the graph G is said to be a strong metric generator for G if every two vertices of G are strongly resolved by some vertex of A. The smallest possible cardinality of any strong metric generator (SSMG) for the graph G is taken as the strong metric dimension of the graph G. Given a family F of graphs defined over a common vertex set V, a set S ⊂ V is an SSMG for F , if such set S is a strong metric generator for every graph G ∈ F . The simultaneous strong metric dimension of F is the minimum cardinality of any strong metric generator for F , and is denoted by Sd s ( F ) . The notion of simultaneous strong resolving graph of a graph family F is introduced in this work, and its usefulness in the study of Sd s ( F ) is described. That is, it is proved that computing Sd s ( F ) is equivalent to computing the vertex cover number of the simultaneous strong resolving graph of F . Several consequences (computational and combinatorial) of such relationship are then deduced. Among them, we remark for instance that we have proved the NP-hardness of computing the simultaneous strong metric dimension of families of paths, which is an improvement (with respect to the increasing difficulty of the problem) on the results known from the literature.
Banach Lattice Structures and Concavifications in Banach Spaces
Authors: Agud Lucia , Calabuig Jose Manuel , Juan Maria Aranzazu , Sánchez Pérez Enrique A.
Published: January 2020

Let ( Ω , Σ , μ ) be a finite measure space and consider a Banach function space Y ( μ ) . We say that a Banach space E is representable by Y ( μ ) if there is a continuous bijection I : Y ( μ ) → E . In this case, it is possible to define an order and, consequently, a lattice structure for E in such a way that we can identify it as a Banach function space, at least regarding some local properties. General and concrete applications are shown, including the study of the notion of the pth power of a Banach space, the characterization of spaces of operators that are isomorphic to Banach lattices of multiplication operators, and the representation of certain spaces of homogeneous polynomials on Banach spaces as operators acting in function spaces.
Mobbing and Violence at Work as Hidden Stressors and Work Ability among Emergency Medical Doctors in Serbia
Authors: Nikolić Dragan , Višnjić Aleksandar
Published: January 2020

Background and Objectives: People employed in emergency medical services represent a professional group which encounters events beyond ordinary human experience, great work demands, the risk of professional disputes, and stressful situations. The goal of this study is to examine the presence of mobbing and violence at work, as well as their influence on work ability of emergency medical doctors. Materials and Methods: The survey is conducted in Emergency Medical Service (EMS) in Niš in the period between December 2017 and January 2018. Using standardized questionnaires on psychosocial conditions in work environment (COPSOQ II) and work ability index (WAI) this study encompasses 79 doctors. For estimation of the examined factors’ influence on WAI linear regression analysis was used. Results: EMS doctors were exposed to abuse in 30.4% of the cases. The decline in WAI is significantly related with exposure to violence by patients (β = 0.727), exposure to physical violence (β = 0.896), exposure to abuse several times (β = 0.691) and exposure to ill-treatment by patients (β = 0.750). Conclusion: The results indicate that in the examined doctors mobbing and workplace violence are very much present and have a negative impact on their work, and therefore on the quality of health care.
Cervicovaginal Microbiome and Urine Metabolome Paired Analysis Reveals Niche Partitioning of the Microbiota in Patients with Human Papilloma Virus Infections
Authors: Chorna Nataliya , Romaguera Josefina , Godoy-Vitorino Filipa
Published: January 2020

In this study, we evaluate the association between vaginal and cervical human papillomavirus infections high-risk types (HPV+H), negative controls (HPV−), the bacterial biota, and urinary metabolites via integration of metagenomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics analysis. We recently proposed that testing urine as a biofluid could be a non-invasive method for the detection of cervical HPV+H infections by evaluating the association between cervical HPV types and a total of 24 urinary metabolites identified in the samples. As a follow-up study, we expanded the analysis by pairing the urine metabolome data with vaginal and cervical microbiota in selected samples from 19 Puerto Rican women diagnosed with HPV+H infections and HPV− controls, using a novel comprehensive framework, Model-based Integration of Metabolite Observations and Species Abundances 2 (MIMOSA2). This approach enabled us to estimate the functional activities of the cervicovaginal microbiome associated with HPV+H infections. Our results suggest that HPV+H infections could induce changes in physicochemical properties of the genital tract through which niche partitioning may occur. As a result, Lactobacillus sp. enrichment coincided with the depletion of L. iners and Shuttleworthia, which dominate under normal physiological conditions. Changes in the diversity of microbial species in HPV+H groups influence the capacity of new community members to produce or consume metabolites. In particular, the functionalities of four metabolic enzymes were predicted to be associated with the microbiota, including acylphosphatase, prolyl aminopeptidase, prolyl-tRNA synthetase, and threonyl-tRNA synthetase. Such metabolic changes may influence systemic health effects in women at risk of developing cervical cancer. Overall, even assuming the limitation of the power due to the small sample number, our study adds to current knowledge by suggesting how microbial taxonomic and metabolic shifts induced by HPV infections may influence the maintenance of microbial homeostasis and indicate that HPV+H infections may alter the ecological balance of the cervicovaginal microbiota, resulting in higher bacterial diversity.
Dose-Response Recovery of Probiotic Strains in Simulated Gastro-Intestinal Passage
Authors: Forssten Sofia , Ouwehand Arthur C.
Published: January 2020

The probiotic definition stipulates “adequate amounts”. Here, we investigated the metabolic output and recovery rate of probiotic strains using a simulated upper gastro-intestinal passage and colonic fermentation. Two different doses, 7 × 109 colony forming units (CFU) and 7 × 1010 CFU, of a probiotic mixture (Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04, Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14, Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37, and Lactobacillus plantarum Lp-115) or placebo were tested. The four strains were quantified by qPCR and the metabolites analyzed by gas chromatography. There was a dose-response in the detection of all four strains. There was a slightly larger increase between the two doses for L. paracasei Lpc-37 as compared with the other strains; this may suggest a greater robustness of this strain. Compared with the placebo, the high dose simulations generated more propionic acid and a higher total of short chain fatty acids (SCFA). Higher doses of a species are required to reach measurable increases above the baseline level of this species.
Immunobiotic and Paraprobiotic Potential Effect of Lactobacillus casei in a Systemic Toxoplasmosis Murine Model
Authors: Salas-Lais Angel Gustavo , Robles-Contreras Atzín , Balderas-López José Abraham , Bautista-de Lucio Victor Manuel
Published: January 2020

One of the main characteristics of probiotics is their ability to stimulate and modulate the immune response regardless of their viability. Lactobacillus casei (Lc) can stimulate local and systemic immunity, in addition to the activation of macrophages at sites distant from the intestine. Activated macrophages limit the replication of intracellular protozoa, such as Toxoplasma gondii, through the production of nitric oxide. The present study aimed to evaluate the protection generated by treatment with viable and non-viable Lc in the murine systemic toxoplasmosis model. CD1 male mice were treated with viable Lc (immunobiotic) and non-viable Lc (paraprobiotic), infected with tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii RH strain. The reduction of the parasitic load, activation of peritoneal macrophages, inflammatory cytokines, and cell populations was evaluated at 7 days post-infection, in addition to the survival. The immunobiotic and paraprobiotic reduced the parasitic load, but only the immunobiotic increased the activation of peritoneal macrophages, and the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) while the paraprobiotic increased the production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and T CD4+CD44+ lymphocytes. Viable and non-viable Lc increases survival but does not prevent the death of animals. The results provide evidence about the remote immunological stimulation of viable and non-viable Lc in an in vivo parasitic model.
Probing the Role of the Chloroplasts in Heavy Metal Tolerance and Accumulation in Euglena gracilis
Authors: Khatiwada Bishal , Hasan Mafruha T. , Sun Angela , Kamath Karthik Shantharam , Mirzaei Mehdi , Sunna Anwar , Nevalainen Helena
Published: January 2020

The E. gracilis Zm-strain lacking chloroplasts, characterized in this study, was compared with the earlier assessed wild type Z-strain to explore the role of chloroplasts in heavy metal accumulation and tolerance. Comparison of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values indicated that both strains tolerated similar concentrations of mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb), but cadmium (Cd) tolerance of the Z-strain was twice that of the Zm-strain. The ability of the Zm-strain to accumulate Hg was higher compared to the Z-strain, indicating the existence of a Hg transportation and accumulation mechanism not depending on the presence of chloroplasts. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed maximum accumulation of Hg in the cytosol of the Zm-strain and highest accumulation of Cd in the chloroplasts of the Z-strain indicating a difference in the ability of the two strains to deposit heavy metals in the cell. The highly abundant heavy metal transporter MTP2 in the Z-strain may have a role in Cd transportation to the chloroplasts. A multidrug resistance-associated protein highly increased in abundance in the Zm-strain could be a potential Hg transporter to either cytosol or mitochondria. Overall, the chloroplasts appear to have major role in the tolerance and accumulation of Cd in E. gracilis.
Optimization of Ultrasonic Flavonoid Extraction from Saussurea involucrate, and the Ability of Flavonoids to Block Melanin Deposition in Human Melanocytes
Authors: Dai Chun-Yan , Liao Pei-Ran , Zhao Ming-Zhuo , Gong Chao , Dang Yue , Qu Yuan , Qiu Li-Sha
Published: January 2020

(1) Background: Flavonoids are the primary medicinal ingredient of Saussurea involucrate, which have significant antioxidant capacity. Optimizing the extraction of Saussurea involucrate flavonoids (SIFs) and exploring the ability to block melanin deposition caused by reactive oxygen can greatly promote the development of S. involucrate whitening products. (2) Methods: Ultrasonic extraction process was optimized using the Box–Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM). Then, the effect of SIFs on antioxidant activity and anti-deposition of melanin, and genes related to the melanin synthesis are studied. (3) Results: The optimal extraction procedures are as follows: the extraction time, ethanol content, and solvent ratio (v/w) are 64 min, 54%, and 54:1, respectively. The reducing activity and scavenging rates of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, and ABTS+ were promoted as more S. involucrate flavonoid extract was added. The SIFs extract induced a decrease in the melanin synthesis by inhibiting the human melanoma A375 cell tyrosinase activity. SIFs also depress expression of melanin synthesis related genes. (4) Conclusions: the highest SIFs content was obtained by using 54% ethanol and 54:1 solvent ratio (v/w) for 64 min. The extract of SIFs exhibited good ability of antioxidant and anti-deposition of melanin in human melanocytes.
Synthesis of Tilmicosin Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Improved Oral Delivery in Broilers: Physiochemical Characterization and Cellular Permeation
Authors: Sahito Benazir , Zhang Qian , Yang Haifeng , Peng Lin , Gao Xiuge , Kashif Jam , ul Aabdin Zain , Jiang Shanxiang , Wang Liping , Guo Dawei
Published: January 2020

This study aimed to develop nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) for improved oral absorption of tilmicosin (TMS) in broilers. Thus, palmitic acid, lauric acid, and stearic acid were selected as solid lipids to formulate TMS-pNLCs, TMS-lNLCs, and TMS-sNLCs, respectively. They showed similar physicochemical properties and meanwhile possessed excellent storage and gastrointestinal stability. The TMS interacted with the lipid matrix and was encapsulated efficiently in NLCs in an amorphous structure. NLCs could enhance oral absorption of TMS compared to 10% tilmicosin phosphate solution in broilers, among which the TMS-sNLCs were the most efficient drug delivery carriers, with a relative oral bioavailability of 203.55%. NLCs could inhibit the efflux of P-glycoprotein (P-pg) toward TMS, which may be involved with improved oral absorption. Taken together, these types of solid lipids influenced the enhanced level of NLCs toward oral bioavailability of TMS, and the sNLCs proved to be the most promising oral delivery carriers of TMS.
Comparative Chemical Profiling and Monacolins Quantification in Red Yeast Rice Dietary Supplements by 1H-NMR and UHPLC-DAD-MS
Authors: Hachem Rabab , Assemat Gaëtan , Balayssac Stéphane , Martins-Froment Nathalie , Gilard Véronique , Martino Robert , Malet-Martino Myriam
Published: January 2020

Red yeast rice dietary supplements (RYR DS) are largely sold in Western countries for their cholesterol-lowering/regulating effect due to monacolins, mainly monacolin K (MK), which is, in fact, lovastatin, the first statin drug on the market. 1H-NMR was used as an easy, rapid and accurate method to establish the chemical profiles of 31 RYR DS and to quantify their monacolin contents. Among all the 1H resonances of the monacolins found in RYR, only those of the ethylenic protons of the hexahydronaphthalenic ring at 5.84 and 5.56 ppm are suitable for quantification because they show no overlap with the matrix signals. The total content in monacolins per capsule or tablet determined in 28 DS (the content in 3 DS being below the limit of quantification of the method, ≈ 0.25 mg per unit dose) was close to that measured by UHPLC, as shown by the good linear correlation between the two sets of values (slope 1.00, y-intercept 0.113, r2 0.986). Thirteen of the 31 RYR DS analyzed (i.e., 42%) did not provide label information on the concentration of monacolins and only nine of the 18 formulations with an indication (i.e., 50%) actually contained the declared amount of monacolins.
Bioadhesive Polymeric Films Based on Red Onion Skins Extract for Wound Treatment: An Innovative and Eco-Friendly Formulation
Authors: Pagano Cinzia , Marinozzi Maura , Baiocchi Claudio , Beccari Tommaso , Calarco Paola , Ceccarini Maria Rachele , Chielli Michela , Orabona Ciriana , Orecchini Elena , Ortenzi Roberta , Ricci Maurizio , Scuota Stefania , Tiralti Maria Cristina , Perioli Luana
Published: January 2020

The onion non-edible outside layers represent a widely available waste material deriving from its processing and consumption. As onion is a vegetable showing many beneficial properties for human health, a study aiming to evaluate the use of extract deriving from the non-edible outside layers was planned. An eco-friendly extraction method was optimized using a hydroalcoholic solution as solvent. The obtained extract was deeply characterized by in vitro methods and then formulated in autoadhesive, biocompatible and pain-free hydrogel polymeric films. The extract, very soluble in water, showed antioxidant, radical scavenging, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, suggesting a potential dermal application for wounds treatment. In vitro studies showed a sustained release of the extract from the hydrogel polymeric film suitable to reach concentrations necessary for both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. Test performed on human keratinocytes showed that the formulation is safe suggesting that the projected formulation could be a valuable tool for wound treatment.
Management of Fruit Industrial By-Products—A Case Study on Circular Economy Approach
Authors: Campos Débora A. , Gómez-García Ricardo , Vilas-Boas Ana A. , Madureira Ana Raquel , Pintado Maria Manuela
Published: January 2020

The management of industrial fruit by-products is important not only to decrease the volume of food waste accumulated in the landfills but also to develop strategies through reuse with the purpose to valorise and add economic value. The disposal of food waste leads to different global issues in different sectors, such as social, environmental and economical. These by-products represent a rich source of valuable compounds (polyphenols) with high antioxidant activity, which can be extracted through biotechnological methodologies for future industrial applications. In this context, the management of fruit by-products is challenged to move from a linear economy to a circular economy. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to provide a critical view of an integrated valorisation of fruit by-products to overcome a global issue, via the production of antioxidant extracts with high economic value. A case study of pineapple processing industrialization in a circular economy is explored and discussed.
Synthesis and Bioactivity of Thiosemicarbazones Containing Adamantane Skeletons
Authors: Pham Van Hien , Phan Thi Phuong Dung , Phan Dinh Chau , Vu Binh Duong
Published: January 2020

Reaction of 4-(1-adamantyl)-3-thiosemicarbazide (1) with numerous substituted acetophenones and benzaldehydes yielded the corresponding thiosemicarbazones containing adamantane skeletons. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro activities against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and the fungus Candida albicans, and cytotoxicity against four cancer cell lines (Hep3B, HeLa, A549, and MCF-7). All of them showed good antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Compounds 2c, 2d, 2g, 2j and 3a, 3e, 3g displayed significant inhibitory activity against Enterococcus faecalis. Compounds 2a, 2e, 2h, 2k and 3j had moderate inhibitory potency against Staphylococcus aureus. Compounds 2a, 2e and 2g found so good inhibitory effect on Bacillus cereus. Compounds 2d and 2h, which contain (ortho) hydroxyl groups on the phenyl ring, were shown to be good candidates as potential agents for killing the tested cancer cell lines, i.e., Hep3B, A549, and MCF-7. Compounds 2a–c, 2f, 2g, 2j, 2k, 3g, and 3i were moderate inhibitors against MCF-7.
Flame Retardancy of Wood Fiber Materials Using Phosphorus-Modified Wheat Starch
Authors: Gebke Stefan , Thümmler Katrin , Sonnier Rodolphe , Tech Sören , Wagenführ André , Fischer Steffen
Published: January 2020

Biopolymer-based flame retardants (FR) are a promising approach to ensure adequate protection against fire while minimizing health and environmental risks. Only a few, however, are suitable for industrial purposes because of their poor flame retardancy, complex synthesis pathway, expensive cleaning procedures, and inappropriate application properties. In the present work, wheat starch was modified using a common phosphate/urea reaction system and tested as flame retardant additive for wood fibers. The results indicate that starch derivatives from phosphate/urea systems can reach fire protection efficiencies similar to those of commercial flame retardants currently used in the wood fiber industry. The functionalization leads to the incorporation of fire protective phosphates (up to 38 wt.%) and nitrogen groups (up to 8.3 wt.%). The lowest levels of burning in fire tests were measured with soluble additives at a phosphate content of 3.5 wt.%. Smoldering effects could be significantly reduced compared to unmodified wood fibers. The industrial processing of a starch-based flame retardant on wood insulating materials exhibits the fundamental applicability of flame retardants. These results demonstrate that starch modified from phosphate/urea-systems is a serious alternative to traditional flame retardants.
Improved Magnetization Transfers among Quadrupolar Nuclei in Two-Dimensional Homonuclear Correlation NMR Experiments Applied to Inorganic Network Structures
Authors: Yu Yang , Keil Philipp , Hansen Michael Ryan , Edén Mattias
Published: January 2020

We demonstrate that supercycles of previously introduced two-fold symmetry dipolar recoupling schemes may be utilized successfully in homonuclear correlation nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for probing proximities among half-integer spin quadrupolar nuclei in network materials undergoing magic-angle-spinning (MAS). These (SR2 2 1 ) M , (SR2 4 1 ) M , and (SR2 8 1 )M recoupling sequences with M = 3 and M = 4 offer comparably efficient magnetization transfers in single-quantum–single-quantum (1Q–1Q) correlation NMR experiments under moderately fast MAS conditions, as demonstrated at 14.1 T and 24 kHz MAS in the contexts of 11 B NMR on a Na 2 O–CaO–B 2 O 3 –SiO 2 glass and 27 Al NMR on the open framework aluminophosphate AlPO-CJ19 [(NH 4 ) 2 Al 4 (PO 4 ) 4 HPO 4 · H 2 O]. Numerically simulated magnetization transfers in spin–3/2 pairs revealed a progressively enhanced tolerance to resonance offsets and rf-amplitude errors of the recoupling pulses along the series (SR2 2 1 ) M < (SR2 4 1 ) M < (SR2 8 1 )M for increasing differences in chemical shifts between the two nuclei. Nonetheless, for scenarios of a relatively minor chemical-shift dispersions ( ≲ 3 kHz), the (SR2 2 1 )M supercycles perform best both experimentally and in simulations.
A Liposomal Formulation for Improving Solubility and Oral Bioavailability of Nifedipine
Authors: Bi Ye , Lv Bingcong , Li Lianlian , Lee Robert J. , Xie Jing , Qiu Zhidong , Teng Lesheng
Published: January 2020

Proliposomes were used to improve the solubility and oral bioavailability of nifedipine. Nifedipine proliposomes were prepared by methanol injection-spray drying method. The response surface method was used to optimize formulation to enhance the encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of nifedipine. The particle size of nifedipine proliposomes after rehydration was 114 nm. Surface morphology of nifedipine proliposomes was observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and interaction of formulation ingredients was assessed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The solubility of nifedipine is improved 24.8 times after forming proliposomes. In vitro release experiment, nifedipine proliposomes had a control release effect, especially in simulated gastric fluid. In vivo, nifedipine proliposomes significantly improved the bioavailability of nifedipine. The area under the concentration-time curve (AUC0–∞) of nifedipine proliposomes was about 10 times than nifedipine after oral administration. The elimination half-life (T1/2β) of nifedipine was increased from 1.6 h to 6.6 h. In conclusion, proliposomes was a promising system to deliver nifedipine through oral route and warranted further investigation.
Engineering 3D Graphene-Based Materials: State of the Art and Perspectives
Authors: Bellucci Luca , Tozzini Valentina
Published: January 2020

Graphene is the prototype of two-dimensional (2D) materials, whose main feature is the extremely large surface-to-mass ratio. This property is interesting for a series of applications that involve interactions between particles and surfaces, such as, for instance, gas, fluid or charge storage, catalysis, and filtering. However, for most of these, a volumetric extension is needed, while preserving the large exposed surface. This proved to be rather a hard task, especially when specific structural features are also required (e.g., porosity or density given). Here we review the recent experimental realizations and theoretical/simulation studies of 3D materials based on graphene. Two main synthesis routes area available, both of which currently use (reduced) graphene oxide flakes as precursors. The first involves mixing and interlacing the flakes through various treatments (suspension, dehydration, reduction, activation, and others), leading to disordered nanoporous materials whose structure can be characterized a posteriori, but is difficult to control. With the aim of achieving a better control, a second path involves the functionalization of the flakes with pillars molecules, bringing a new class of materials with structure partially controlled by the size, shape, and chemical-physical properties of the pillars. We finally outline the first steps on a possible third road, which involves the construction of pillared multi-layers using epitaxial regularly nano-patterned graphene as precursor. While presenting a number of further difficulties, in principle this strategy would allow a complete control on the structural characteristics of the final 3D architecture.
Distribution Patterns for Bioactive Constituents in Pericarp, Stalk and Seed of Forsythiae Fructus
Authors: Wei Lifang , Mei Yuqi , Zou Lisi , Chen Jiali , Tan Mengxia , Wang Chengcheng , Cai Zhichen , Lin Liqun , Chai Chuan , Yin Shengxin , Liu Xunhong
Published: January 2020

Forsythiae Fructus (FF) is a widely used folk medicine in China, Japan, and Korea. The distribution of bioactive constituents throughout the fruit segments has rarely been addressed, although mounting evidence suggests that plant secondary metabolites are synthesized and distributed regularly. The phytochemical profiles of three segments of FF (pericarp, stalk and seed) were firstly revealed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based quantitative analysis of twenty-one bioactive constituents, including three phenylethanoid glycosides, five lignans, eight flavonoids, and five phenolic acids to explore the spatial distribution of bioactive constituents. Furthermore, the hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) were conducted to visualize and verify the distribution regularity of twenty-one analytes among three segments. The results showed that phytochemical profiles of the three segments were similar, i.e., phenylethanoid glycosides covering the most part were the predominant compounds, followed by lignans, flavonoids and phenolic acids. Nevertheless, the abundance of twenty-one bioactive constituents among three segments was different. Specifically, phenylethanoid glycosides were highly expressed in the seed; lignans were primarily enriched in the stalk; flavonoids were largely concentrated in the pericarp, while the contents of phenolic acids showed no much difference among various segments. The research improves our understanding of distribution patterns for bioactive constituents in FF, and also complements some scientific data for further exploring the quality formation mechanism of FF.
Simultaneous Determination of Six Isoflavones from Puerariae Lobatae Radix by CPE-HPLC and Effect of Puerarin on Tyrosinase Activity
Authors: Qu Limin , Song Ke , Zhang Qi , Guo Jie , Huang Juan
Published: January 2020

Tyrosinase inhibitors with excellent inhibitory activities and lower side effects have promising applications in the fields of medicine, agriculture, food sciences and cosmetics. In this study, a method for simultaneous separation and determination of six target compounds (puerarin, daidzin, genistein, daidzein, genistin, and formononetin) in Puerariae Lobatae Radix was established by cloud point extraction (CPE) and concentration combined with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). To achieve high extraction yields, an ultrasound-assisted extraction method was developed based on a salt-modified Triton X-100 system. The optimal extraction conditions are: surfactant Triton X-100 concentration 0.07 g/mL, liquid-solid ratio 80:1 (mL/g), NaCl addition amount 0.6 g, equilibrium time 40 min, equilibrium temperature 70 °C. Under the optimal conditions, the total maximum extraction yield of the six target isoflavones reached 8.92 mg/g. Using l-tyrosine and l-dopa as substrates, the effects of puerarin on the monophenolase and diphenolase activity of tyrosinase activity were investigated by the enzyme kinetics method. The results showed that puerarin inhibited monophenolase activity with an IC50 of 0.537 mg/mL and activated diphenolase activity. The inhibition type of puerarin on monophenolase and the activation type of puerarin on diphenolase were analyzed by Lineweaver-Burk plots which show that puerarin showed mixed inhibition on monophenolase and mixed activation on diphenolase. Therefore, puerarin can be used as both a tyrosinase inhibitor and a tyrosinase activator.
Synthesis of Oligonucleotides Containing 2′-N-alkylaminocarbonyl-2′-amino-LNA (2′-urea-LNA) Moieties Using Post-Synthetic Modification Strategy
Authors: Yamashita Shoko , Nishida Kodai , Osawa Takashi , Nakanishi Ayumi , Ito Yuta , Hari Yoshiyuki
Published: January 2020

The post-synthetic modification of an oligonucleotide is a powerful strategy for the synthesis of various analogs of the oligonucleotide, aiming to achieve the desired functions. In this study, we synthesized the thymidine phosphoramidite of 2′-N-pentafluorophenoxycarbonyl-2′-amino-LNA, which was introduced into oligonucleotides. Oligonucleotides containing a 2′-N-pentafluorophenoxycarbonyl-2′-amino-LNA unit could be isolated under ultra-mild deprotection conditions (50 mM K2CO3 in MeOH at room temperature for 4 h). Moreover, by treatment with various amines as a post-synthetic modification, the oligonucleotides were successfully converted into the corresponding 2′-N-alkylaminocarbonyl-2′-amino-LNA (2′-urea-LNA) derivatives. The duplex- and triplex-forming abilities of the synthesized oligonucleotides were evaluated by UV-melting experiments, which showed that 2′-urea-LNAs could stabilize the nucleic acid complexes, similar to the proto-type, 2′-amino-LNA. Thus, 2′-urea-LNAs could be promising units for the modification of oligonucleotides; the design of a substituent on urea may aid the formation of useful oligonucleotides. In addition, pentafluorophenoxycarbonyl, an amino moiety, acted as a precursor of the substituted urea, which may be applicable to the synthesis of oligonucleotide conjugates.
Genomic Predictions Using Low-Density SNP Markers, Pedigree and GWAS Information: A Case Study with the Non-Model Species Eucalyptus cladocalyx
Authors: Ballesta Paulina , Bush David , Silva Fabyano Fonseca , Mora Freddy
Published: January 2020

High-throughput genotyping techniques have enabled large-scale genomic analysis to precisely predict complex traits in many plant species. However, not all species can be well represented in commercial SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) arrays. In this study, a high-density SNP array (60 K) developed for commercial Eucalyptus was used to genotype a breeding population of Eucalyptus cladocalyx, yielding only ~3.9 K informative SNPs. Traditional Bayesian genomic models were investigated to predict flowering, stem quality and growth traits by considering the following effects: (i) polygenic background and all informative markers (GS model) and (ii) polygenic background, QTL-genotype effects (determined by GWAS) and SNP markers that were not associated with any trait (GSq model). The estimates of pedigree-based heritability and genomic heritability varied from 0.08 to 0.34 and 0.002 to 0.5, respectively, whereas the predictive ability varied from 0.19 (GS) and 0.45 (GSq). The GSq approach outperformed GS models in terms of predictive ability when the proportion of the variance explained by the significant marker-trait associations was higher than those explained by the polygenic background and non-significant markers. This approach can be particularly useful for plant/tree species poorly represented in the high-density SNP arrays, developed for economically important species, or when high-density marker panels are not available.
Chromium Bioaccumulation and Its Impacts on Plants: An Overview
Authors: Sharma Anket , Kapoor Dhriti , Wang Junfeng , Shahzad Babar , Kumar Vinod , Bali Aditi Shreeya , Jasrotia Shivam , Zheng Bingsong , Yuan Huwei , Yan Daoliang
Published: January 2020

Chromium (Cr) is an element naturally occurring in rocky soils and volcanic dust. It has been classified as a carcinogen agent according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Therefore, this metal needs an accurate understanding and thorough investigation in soil–plant systems. Due to its high solubility, Cr (VI) is regarded as a hazardous ion, which contaminates groundwater and can be transferred through the food chain. Cr also negatively impacts the growth of plants by impairing their essential metabolic processes. The toxic effects of Cr are correlated with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause oxidative stress in plants. The current review summarizes the understanding of Cr toxicity in plants via discussing the possible mechanisms involved in its uptake, translocation and sub-cellular distribution, along with its interference with the other plant metabolic processes such as chlorophyll biosynthesis, photosynthesis and plant defensive system.
The Effect of Water-Soluble Polysaccharide from Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) on Human Colon Carcinoma Cells Cultured In Vitro
Authors: Wiater Adrian , Paduch Roman , Trojnar Sylwia , Choma Adam , Pleszczyńska Małgorzata , Adamczyk Paulina , Pięt Mateusz , Próchniak Katarzyna , Szczodrak Janusz , Strawa Jakub , Tomczyk Michał
Published: January 2020

Various phytochemical studies have revealed that jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) is rich in bioactive compounds, including carotenoids, flavonoids, volatile acids, tannins, and lectins. The aim of the study was to analyze the biological activity of water-soluble polysaccharide (WSP) isolated from jackfruit and to assess its immunomodulatory, cytotoxic, and anti-oxidative effects on human colon carcinoma cells in vitro. The neutral red (NR) uptake assay revealed no toxic influence of the polymer on the viability of tumor cells (HT29 and SW620). After 24 h and 48 h of incubation, the cellular viability was not lower than 94%. The metabolic activity of the cells (MTT) at the compound concentration of 250 µg/mL was higher than 92% in comparison to the control. WSP (250 µg/mL) exerted no significant effect on the morphology of the cells was determined by May-Grünwald-Giemsa staining. WSP changed nitric oxide (NOx) production by the tumor cells depending on the time of incubation and prior 2-h stimulation of the cells with E. coli 0111:B4 LPS. It significantly stimulated IL-1β production by the tumor cells. The IL-6 level increased but that of IL-10 decreased by a WSP concentration-dependent manner. No such effect was detected in SW620. The WSP had antioxidant properties. In conclusion, water-soluble polysaccharide isolated from A. heterophyllus exhibits significant biological activity towards many types of both normal and cancerous cells. Therefore, it may be considered as a useful agent in the protection of human health or in functional and dietary nutrition.
Evolution of Photorespiratory Glycolate Oxidase among Archaeplastida
Authors: Kern Ramona , Facchinelli Fabio , Delwiche Charles , Weber Andreas P. M. , Bauwe Hermann , Hagemann Martin
Published: January 2020

Photorespiration has been shown to be essential for all oxygenic phototrophs in the present-day oxygen-containing atmosphere. The strong similarity of the photorespiratory cycle in cyanobacteria and plants led to the hypothesis that oxygenic photosynthesis and photorespiration co-evolved in cyanobacteria, and then entered the eukaryotic algal lineages up to land plants via endosymbiosis. However, the evolutionary origin of the photorespiratory enzyme glycolate oxidase (GOX) is controversial, which challenges the common origin hypothesis. Here, we tested this hypothesis using phylogenetic and biochemical approaches with broad taxon sampling. Phylogenetic analysis supported the view that a cyanobacterial GOX-like protein of the 2-hydroxy-acid oxidase family most likely served as an ancestor for GOX in all eukaryotes. Furthermore, our results strongly indicate that GOX was recruited to the photorespiratory metabolism at the origin of Archaeplastida, because we verified that Glaucophyta, Rhodophyta, and Streptophyta all express GOX enzymes with preference for the substrate glycolate. Moreover, an “ancestral” protein synthetically derived from the node separating all prokaryotic from eukaryotic GOX-like proteins also preferred glycolate over l-lactate. These results support the notion that a cyanobacterial ancestral protein laid the foundation for the evolution of photorespiratory GOX enzymes in modern eukaryotic phototrophs.
Ultrasonically Induced Sulfur-Doped Carbon Nitride/Cobalt Ferrite Nanocomposite for Efficient Sonocatalytic Removal of Organic Dyes
Authors: Kamal Surabhi , Pan Guan-Ting , Chong Siewhui , Yang Thomas Chung-Kuang
Published: January 2020

The sulfur-doped carbon nitride/cobalt ferrite nanocomposite (SCN/CoFe2O4) was prepared via ultrasonication and studied for the sonocatalytic degradation of wastewater organic dye pollutants including methylene blue, rhodamine B, and Congo red. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence and atomic ratios of S, C, N, Co, Fe, and O elements and their corresponding bonds with Co2+ and Fe3+ cations. The nanocomposite was found to have aggregated nanoparticles on a sheet-like structure. The bandgap energy was estimated to be 1.85 eV. For the sonocatalytic degradation of 25-ppm methylene blue at 20 kHz, 1 W and 50% amplitude, the best operating condition was determined to be 1 g/L of catalyst dosage and 4 vol % of hydrogen peroxide loading. Under this condition, the sonocatalytic removal efficiency was the highest at 96% within a reaction period of 20 min. SCN/CoFe2O4 outperformed SCN and CoFe2O4 by 2.2 and 6.8 times, respectively. The SCN/CoFe2O4 nanocomposite was also found to have good reusability with a drop of only 7% after the fifth cycle. However, the degradation efficiencies were low when tested with rhodamine B and Congo red due to difference in dye sizes, structural compositions, and electric charges.
Lie Group Methods in Blind Signal Processing
Authors: Mika Dariusz , Jozwik Jerzy
Published: January 2020

This paper deals with the use of Lie group methods to solve optimization problems in blind signal processing (BSP), including Independent Component Analysis (ICA) and Independent Subspace Analysis (ISA). The paper presents the theoretical fundamentals of Lie groups and Lie algebra, the geometry of problems in BSP as well as the basic ideas of optimization techniques based on Lie groups. Optimization algorithms based on the properties of Lie groups are characterized by the fact that during optimization motion, they ensure permanent bonding with a search space. This property is extremely significant in terms of the stability and dynamics of optimization algorithms. The specific geometry of problems such as ICA and ISA along with the search space homogeneity enable the use of optimization techniques based on the properties of the Lie groups O ( n ) and S O ( n ) . An interesting idea is that of optimization motion in one-parameter commutative subalgebras and toral subalgebras that ensure low computational complexity and high-speed algorithms.
A Novel Cost-Efficient Framework for Critical Heartbeat Task Scheduling Using the Internet of Medical Things in a Fog Cloud System
Authors: Mastoi Qurat-ul-ain , Ying Wah Teh , Gopal Raj Ram , Lakhan Abdullah
Published: January 2020

Recently, there has been a cloud-based Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) solution offering different healthcare services to wearable sensor devices for patients. These services are global, and can be invoked anywhere at any place. Especially, electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors, such as Lead I and Lead II, demands continuous cloud services for real-time execution. However, these services are paid and need a lower cost-efficient process for the users. In this paper, this study considered critical heartbeat cost-efficient task scheduling problems for healthcare applications in the fog cloud system. The objective was to offer omnipresent cloud services to the generated data with minimum cost. This study proposed a novel health care based fog cloud system (HCBFS) to collect, analyze, and determine the process of critical tasks of the heartbeat medical application for the purpose of minimizing the total cost. This study devised a health care awareness cost-efficient task scheduling (HCCETS) algorithm framework, which not only schedule all tasks with minimum cost, but also executes them on their deadlines. Performance evaluation shows that the proposed task scheduling algorithm framework outperformed the existing algorithm methods in terms of cost.
Implementing Autonomous Driving Behaviors Using a Message Driven Petri Net Framework
Authors: López Joaquín , Sánchez-Vilariño Pablo , Sanz Rafael , Paz Enrique
Published: January 2020

Most autonomous car control frameworks are based on a middleware layer with several independent modules that are connected by an inter-process communication mechanism. These modules implement basic actions and report events about their state by subscribing and publishing messages. Here, we propose an executive module that coordinates the activity of these modules. This executive module uses hierarchical interpreted binary Petri nets (PNs) to define the behavior expected from the car in different scenarios according to the traffic rules. The module commands actions by sending messages to other modules and evolves its internal state according to the events (messages) received. A programming environment named RoboGraph (RG) is introduced with this architecture. RG includes a graphical interface that allows the edition, execution, tracing, and maintenance of the PNs. For the execution, a dispatcher loads these PNs and executes the different behaviors. The RG monitor that shows the state of all the running nets has proven to be very useful for debugging and tracing purposes. The whole system has been applied to an autonomous car designed for elderly or disabled people.
Reversible Oxygen Sensing Based on Multi-Emission Fluorescence Quenching
Authors: Armagan Efe , Thiyagarajan Shankar , Wei Kongchang , Gursoy Akin , Fortunato Giuseppino , Amstad Esther , Rossi René Michel , Toncelli Claudio
Published: January 2020

Oxygen is ubiquitous in nature and it plays a key role in several biological processes, such as cellular respiration and food deterioration, to name a few. Currently, reversible and non-destructive oxygen sensing is usually performed with sensors produced by photosensitization of phosphorescent organometallic complexes. In contrast, we propose a novel route of optical oxygen sensing by fluorescence-based quenching of oxygen. We hereby developed for the first time a set of multi-emissive purely organic emitters. These were produced through a one-pot hydrothermal synthesis using p-phenylenediamine (PPD) and urea as starting materials. The origin of the multi-emission has been ascribed to the diversity of chemical structures produced as a result of oxidative oligomerization of PPD. A Bandrowski’s base (BB, i.e., trimer of PPD) is reported as the main component at reaction times higher than 8 h. This indication was confirmed by electrospray-ionization quadrupole time-of-flight (ESI-QTOF) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. Once the emitters are embedded within a high molecular weight poly (vinyl alcohol) matrix, the intensities of all three emission centers exhibit a non-linear quenching provoked by oxygen within the range of 0–8 kPa. The detection limit of the emission centers are 0.89 kPa, 0.67 kPa and 0.75 kPa, respectively. This oxygen-dependent change in fluorescence emission is reversible (up to three tested 0–21% O2 cycles) and reproducible with negligible cross-interference to humidity. The cost-effectiveness, metal-free formulation, cross-referencing between each single emission center and the relevant oxygen range are all appealing features, making these sensors promising for the detection of oxygen, e.g., in food packaged products.
Hybrid RF/VLC Network Architecture for the Internet of Things
Authors: Delgado-Rajo Francisco , Melian-Segura Alexis , Guerra Victor , Perez-Jimenez Rafael , Sanchez-Rodriguez David
Published: January 2020

In recent years, there has been a remarkable advance in monitoring technologies in many environments, be they urban or rural. These technologies, included in the Internet of Things (IoT) domain, allow remote control and acquisition of data from sensors for their subsequence analysis. All these systems are based on the interaction between sensors and actuators. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to provide a very high level of connectivity between the devices, especially as far as wireless systems are concerned. In this sense, there is a great variety of standards in the market of communication networks oriented to this end. One of the biggest challenges today is to allow inter-operability between these different technologies in order to homogenize this field. In addition to this, it is intended to introduce new communication techniques that can provide certain additional advantages to those already existing. The main idea is the creation of a cellular network where radiofrequency and optical technologies coexist, and whose link with the rest of the world is through long-range and low-consumption wireless technologies. The center of each cell, that is the lighting system, can be powered using solar panels, as can the existing systems in the market. The objective is that these panels are capable of providing the necessary energy to the rest of the necessary systems.