bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production of Structured Phosphatidylcholine with High Content of Myristic Acid by Lipase-Catalyzed Acidolysis and Interesterification
Authors: Chojnacka Anna , Gładkowski Witold
Published: July 2018

Synthesis of structured phosphatidylcholine (PC) enriched with myristic acid (MA) was conducted by acidolysis and interesterification reactions using immobilized lipases as catalysts and two acyl donors: trimyristin (TMA) isolated from ground nutmeg, and myristic acid obtained by saponification of TMA. Screening experiments indicated that the most effective biocatalyst for interesterification was Rhizomucor miehei lipase (RML), whereas for acidolysis, the most active were Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TLL) and RML. The effect of the molar ratio of substrates (egg-yolk PC/acyl donor), enzyme loading, and different solvent on the incorporation of MA into PC and on PC recovery was studied. The maximal incorporation of MA (44 wt%) was achieved after 48 h of RML-catalyzed interesterification in hexane using substrates molar ratio (PC/trimyristin) 1/5 and 30% enzyme load. Comparable results were obtained in toluene with 1/3 substrates molar ratio. Interesterification of PC with trimyristin resulted in significantly higher MA incorporation than acidolysis with myristic acid, particularly in the reactions catalyzed by RML.
BlendCAC: A Smart Contract Enabled Decentralized Capability-Based Access Control Mechanism for the IoT
Authors: Xu Ronghua , Chen Yu , Blasch Erik , Chen Genshe
Published: July 2018

While Internet of Things (IoT) technology has been widely recognized as an essential part of Smart Cities, it also brings new challenges in terms of privacy and security. Access control (AC) is among the top security concerns, which is critical in resource and information protection over IoT devices. Traditional access control approaches, like Access Control Lists (ACL), Role-based Access Control (RBAC) and Attribute-based Access Control (ABAC), are not able to provide a scalable, manageable and efficient mechanism to meet the requirements of IoT systems. Another weakness in today’s AC is the centralized authorization server, which can cause a performance bottleneck or be the single point of failure. Inspired by the smart contract on top of a blockchain protocol, this paper proposes BlendCAC, which is a decentralized, federated capability-based AC mechanism to enable effective protection for devices, services and information in large-scale IoT systems. A federated capability-based delegation model (FCDM) is introduced to support hierarchical and multi-hop delegation. The mechanism for delegate authorization and revocation is explored. A robust identity-based capability token management strategy is proposed, which takes advantage of the smart contract for registration, propagation, and revocation of the access authorization. A proof-of-concept prototype has been implemented on both resources-constrained devices (i.e., Raspberry PI nodes) and more powerful computing devices (i.e., laptops) and tested on a local private blockchain network. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the BlendCAC to offer a decentralized, scalable, lightweight and fine-grained AC solution for IoT systems.
Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of Coordination Polymers Based on 1,4-Bis((2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl)benzene and Different Carboxylate Ligands
Authors: Liu Kang , Zhang Yaowen , Deng Liming , Jiao Shaoshao , Xiao Zhenyu , Cao Fan , Wang Lei
Published: July 2018

Three novel coordination polymers, formulated as {[Zn(1,4-bmimb)(PhAA)2]·H2O}n (1), [Cu(1,4-bmimb)0.5(2,6-PyDC)]n (2), and {[Cu(1,4-bmimb)0.5(2-PAC)(HCOO)]·2H2O}n (3) (1,4-bmimb = 1,4-bis((2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl)benzene; PhAA = phenylacetic acid; 2,6-PyDC = pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid; 2-PAC = 2-pyrazinecarboxylic acid), were synthesized by the self-assembly of mixed ligands with Zn(II) and Cu(II) under solvothermal conditions and characterized by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction, X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectra, thermogravimetric analysis, fluorescence spectra and UV-vis absorption spectra. 1 is shown as a Z-shaped chain, which is formed by Zn2+, PhAA ligands, and 1,4-bmimb ligands, and is assembled into a 3D structure by hydrogen bonding and π···π interaction. Similarly, 2 displays a single chain, which is built by Cu2+, 2,6-PyDC ligands, and 1,4-bmimb ligands, and is assembled into a 3D structure by hydrogen bonding and π···π interaction. 3 possesses a 1D ladder structure, which is formed by Cu2+, 2,6-PyDC ligands, and 1,4-bmimb ligands, and is assembled into a 3D structure by hydrogen bonding. The luminescence properties (for 1) and UV-vis spectrum (for 2 and 3) were also studied and discussed.
Multiscale Simulation of Surface Defects Influence Nanoindentation by a Quasi-Continuum Method
Authors: Zhang Zhongli , Ni Yushan , Zhang Jinming , Wang Can , Jiang Kun , Ren Xuedi
Published: July 2018

Microscopic properties of nanocrystal aluminum thin film have been investigated using the quasicontinuum method in order to study the influence of surface defects in nanoindentation. Various distances between the surface defect and indenter have been taken into account. The results show that as the distance between the pit and indenter increases, the nanohardness increases in a wave pattern associated with a cycle of three atoms, which is closely related to the crystal structure of periodic atoms arrangement on {1 1 1} atomic close-packed planes of face-centered cubic metal; when the adjacent distance between the pit and indenter is more than 16 atomic spacing, there is almost no effect on nanohardness. In addition, the theoretical formula for the necessary load for elastic-to-plastic transition of Al film has been modified with the initial surface defect size, which may contribute to the investigation of material property with surface defects.
The Effect of Martensitic Phase Transformation Dilation on Microstructure, Strain–Stress and Mechanical Properties for Welding of High-Strength Steel
Authors: Chen Xizhang , Wang Pengfei , Pan Qiuhong , Lin Sanbao
Published: July 2018

The application of low transformation temperature (LTT) wire can effectively reduce residual stress, without the need for preheating before welding and heat treatment after welding. The mechanism reduces the martensitic transformation temperature, allowing the martensite volume expansion to offset some or all of the heat-shrinking, resulting in reduced residual stress during the welding process. In this paper, commercial ER110S-G welding wire and LTT wire with chemical composition Cr10Ni8MnMoCuTiVB were developed to solve the problem of stress concentration. The microstructure of the LTT joint is mainly composed of martensite and a small amount of residual austenite, while the microstructure of the ER110S-G joint is mainly composed of ferrite and a small amount of granular bainite. The micro-hardness and tensile strength of the LTT joint is higher than that of ER110S-G joint; however, the impact toughness of the LTT joint is not as good as that of the ER110S-G joint. The martensitic phase transformation of LTT starts at 212 °C and finishes at around 50 °C, and the expansion caused by phase transition is about 0.48%, which is much higher than that of the base metal (0.15%) and ER110S-G (0.18%). The residual tensile stress at the weld zone of the ER110S-G joint is 175.5 MPa, while the residual compressive stress at the weld zone of LTT joint is −257.6 MPa.
Explaining Fertility Variation in Rural Communities: The Role of Electricity in Ghana
Authors: Akpandjar George , Puozaa Conrad , Quartey Peter
Published: July 2018

We believe the massive rural electrification, which began in 1992, played a significant role in the varying fertility rates across rural Ghana. Rural households with electricity, tend to have fewer children ever born to a woman than households without electricity. Using control function regressions, we identify the contribution of electrification to the rural-rural variation in fertility by exploiting the exogenous variations in the access rate to electricity at the district-level. Our results indicate that electrification contributes to a fall in fertility among rural women by between one and three children. These results are qualitatively similar to results from our two-stage least squares estimations and counterfactual analysis. Although our results may not reflect what happens in other countries, they suggest that electrification reduces fertility and should be considered when examining the costs and benefits of rural electrification programs in developing countries.
Energy Prices, Real Estate Sales and Industrial Output in China
Authors: Chau K. W. , Zou Gaolu
Published: July 2018

A majority of energy is consumed to control the indoor environment for human activities and industrial production. The demand for energies for these two uses are reflected in demand for different types of real estate and the volume of industrial outputs. The purpose of this study is to examine the long-run equilibrium and short-run dynamics between real energy prices and demand for different types of real estate and industrial output in China. Energy prices are measured in the real price of fuels and power. Demand for different types of real estate is measured in their sales volume in the first hand market, that is, floor areas of new real estate sold by developers. Industrial output is measured by the net output (value added) of the industrial sector. All data series were tested for stationarity (i.e., the existence of a unit root) before testing for a co-integration relationship. We found no long-term equilibrium relationship between energy prices and the demand for real estate and industrial output as predicted by theory, probably due to increased supply of energy efficient buildings. There is also no short-run relationship between energy prices and demand for housing due to the increase in vacancy rate resulting from speculative demand for housing. However, demand for commercial properties appeared to lead energy prices. Finally, there is strong evidence suggesting that an increase in energy prices will significantly reduce industrial output but not vice versa.
Fire Season, Overstory Density and Groundcover Composition Affect Understory Hardwood Sprout Demography in Longleaf Pine Woodlands
Authors: Whelan Andrew W. , Bigelow Seth W. , Nieminen Mary Frances , Jack Steven B.
Published: July 2018

Seasonal timing of prescribed fire and alterations to the structure and composition of fuels in savannas and woodlands can release understory hardwoods, potentially resulting in a global increase of closed-canopy forest and a loss of biodiversity. We hypothesized that growing-season fire, high overstory density, and wiregrass presence in longleaf pine woodlands would reduce the number and stature of understory hardwoods, and that because evergreen hardwoods retain live leaves, dormant-season fire would reduce performance and survival of evergreen more than deciduous hardwoods. Understory hardwood survival and height were monitored over seven years in longleaf pine woodlands in southwest Georgia with a range of overstory density, groundcover composition, and season of application of prescribed fire. Hardwood stem survival decreased with increasing overstory density, and deciduous hardwoods were more abundant in the absence of wiregrass. Contrary to expectations, evergreen hardwood growth increased following dormant-season fire. Differences in hardwood stem survival and height suggest that low fire intensity in areas with low overstory density increase the risk that hardwoods will grow out of the understory. These results indicate a need for focused research into the effects of groundcover composition on hardwood stem dynamics and emphasize that adequate overstory density is important in longleaf ecosystem management.
Analysis of the Characteristics and Sources of Carbonaceous Aerosols in PM2.5 in the Beijing, Tianjin, and Langfang Region, China
Authors: Qi Mengxi , Jiang Lei , Liu Yixuan , Xiong Qiulin , Sun Chunyuan , Li Xing , Zhao Wenji , Yang Xingchuan
Published: July 2018

PM2.5 samples from Beijing, Tianjin, and Langfang were simultaneously collected from 20 November 2016 to 25 December 2016, and the organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) content in the samples were measured and analyzed. The pollution characteristics and sources of OC and EC in atmospheric PM2.5 for three adjacent cities were discussed. The average mass concentrations of OC in PM2.5 in Beijing, Tianjin, and Langfang were 27.93 ± 23.35 μg/m3, 25.27 ± 12.43 μg/m3, and 52.75 ± 37.97 μg/m3, respectively, and the mean mass concentrations of EC were 6.61 ± 5.13 μg/m3, 6.14 ± 2.84 μg/m3, and 12.06 ± 6.81 μg/m3, respectively. The average mass concentration of total carbon (TC) accounted for 30.5%, 24.8%, and 49% of the average mass concentration of PM2.5 in the atmosphere. The total carbonaceous matter (TCA) in Beijing, Tianjin, and Langfang was 51.29, 46.57, and 96.45 μg/m3, respectively. The TCA was the main component of PM2.5 in the region. The correlation between OC and EC in the three cities showed R2 values of 0.882, 0.633, and 0.784 for Beijing, Tianjin, and Langfang, respectively, indicating that the sources of urban carbonaceous aerosols had good consistency and stability. The OC/EC values of the three sampling points were 4.48 ± 1.45, 4.42 ± 1.77, and 4.22 ± 1.29, respectively, considerably greater than 2, indicating that the main sources of pollution were automobile exhaust, and the combustion of coal and biomass. The OC/EC minimum ratio method was used to estimate the secondary organic carbon (SOC) content in Beijing, Tianjin and Langfang. Their values were 10.73, 10.71, and 19.51, respectively, which accounted for 38%, 42%, and 37% of the average OC concentration in each city, respectively. The analysis of the eight carbon components showed that the main sources of pollutants in Beijing, Tianjin, and Langfang were exhaust emissions from gasoline vehicles, but the combustion of coal and biomass was relatively low. The pollution of road dust was more serious in Tianjin than in Beijing and Langfang. The contribution of biomass burning and coal-burning pollution sources to atmospheric carbon aerosols in Langfang was more prominent than that of Beijing and Tianjin.
Melatonin in Prevention of the Sequence from Reflux Esophagitis to Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma: Experimental and Clinical Perspectives
Authors: Majka Jolanta , Wierdak Mateusz , Brzozowska Iwona , Magierowski Marcin , Szlachcic Aleksandra , Wojcik Dagmara , Kwiecien Slawomir , Magierowska Katarzyna , Zagajewski Jacek , Brzozowski Tomasz
Published: July 2018

Melatonin is a tryptophan-derived molecule with pleiotropic activities which is produced in all living organisms. This “sleep” hormone is a free radical scavenger, which activates several anti-oxidative enzymes and mechanisms. Melatonin, a highly lipophilic hormone, can reach body target cells rapidly, acting as the circadian signal to alter numerous physiological functions in the body. This indoleamine can protect the organs against a variety of damaging agents via multiple signaling. This review focused on the role played by melatonin in the mechanism of esophagoprotection, starting with its short-term protection against acute reflux esophagitis and then investigating the long-term prevention of chronic inflammation that leads to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett’s esophagus. Since both of these condition are also identified as major risk factors for esophageal carcinoma, we provide some experimental and clinical evidence that supplementation therapy with melatonin could be useful in esophageal injury by protecting various animal models and patients with GERD from erosions, Barrett’s esophagus and neoplasia. The physiological aspects of the synthesis and release of this indoleamine in the gut, including its release into portal circulation and liver uptake is examined. The beneficial influence of melatonin in preventing esophageal injury from acid-pepsin and acid-pepsin-bile exposure in animals as well as the usefulness of melatonin and its precursor, L-tryptophan in prophylactic and supplementary therapy against esophageal disorders in humans, are also discussed.
FOXP3 Activates SUMO-Conjugating UBC9 Gene in MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Chiung-Min , Yang William H. , Liu Runhua , Wang Lizhong , Yang Wei-Hsiung
Published: July 2018

Forkhead Box Protein P3 (FOXP3), a transcription factor of the FOX protein family, is essentially involved in the development of regulatory T (Treg) cells, and functions as a tumor suppressor. Although FOXP3 has been widely studied in immune system and cancer development, its function in the regulation of the UBC9 gene (for the sole E2 enzyme of SUMOylation) is unknown. Herein, we find that the overexpression of FOXP3 in human MCF7 breast cancer cells increases the level of UBC9 mRNA. Moreover, the level of UBC9 protein dose-dependently increases in the FOXP3-Tet-off MCF7 cells. Notably, the promoter activity of the UBC9 is activated by FOXP3 in a dose-dependent manner in both the MCF7 and HEK293 cells. Next, by mapping the UBC9 promoter as well as the site-directed mutagenesis and ChIP analysis, we show that the FOXP3 response element at the −310 bp region, but not the −2182 bp region, is mainly required for UBC9 activation by FOXP3. Finally, we demonstrate that the removal of phosphorylation (S418A and Y342F) and the removal of acetylation/ubiquitination (K263R and K263RK268R) of the FOXP3 result in attenuated transcriptional activity of UBC9. Taken together, FOXP3 acts as a novel transcriptional activator of the human UBC9 gene, suggesting that FOXP3 may have physiological functions as a novel player in global SUMOylation, as well as other post-translational modification systems.
Farrerol Ameliorates TNBS-Induced Colonic Inflammation by Inhibiting ERK1/2, JNK1/2, and NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ran Xin , Li Yuhang , Chen Guangxin , Fu Shoupeng , He Dewei , Huang Bingxu , Wei Libin , Lin Yuanqing , Guo Yingcheng , Hu Guiqiu
Published: July 2018

Farrerol, a type of 2, 3-dihydro-flavonoid, is obtained from Rhododendron. Previous studies have shown that Farrerol performs multiple biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant activity. In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of Farrerol on colonic inflammation and explore its potential mechanisms. We found that the effect of Farrerol was evaluated via the 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis model in mice and found that Farrerol has a protective effect on TNBS-induced colitis. Farrerol administration significantly improved the weight change, clinical scores, colon length, and intestinal epithelium barrier damage and markedly decreased the inflammatory cytokines production in TNBS-induced mice. The protective effect of Farrerol was also observed in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. We found that Farrerol observably reduced the production of inflammatory mediators including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, COX-2, and iNOS in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells via suppressing AKT, ERK1/2, JNK1/2, and NF-κB p65 phosphorylation. In conclusion, the study found that Farrerol has a beneficial effect on TNBS-induced colitis and might be a natural therapeutic agent for IBD treatment.
Molecular Regulation of Nitrate Responses in Plants
Authors: Zhao Lufei , Liu Fei , Crawford Nigel M. , Wang Yong
Published: July 2018

Nitrogen is an essential macronutrient that affects plant growth and development. Improving the nitrogen use efficiency of crops is of great importance for the economic and environmental sustainability of agriculture. Nitrate (NO3−) is a major form of nitrogen absorbed by most crops and also serves as a vital signaling molecule. Research has identified key molecular components in nitrate signaling mainly by employing forward and reverse genetics as well as systems biology. In this review, we focus on advances in the characterization of genes involved in primary nitrate responses as well as the long-term effects of nitrate, especially in terms of how nitrate regulates root development.
Role of mTOR in Glucose and Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Mao Zhuo , Zhang Weizhen
Published: July 2018

The mammalian target of rapamycin, mTOR is the master regulator of a cell’s growth and metabolic state in response to nutrients, growth factors and many extracellular cues. Its dysregulation leads to a number of metabolic pathological conditions, including obesity and type 2 diabetes. Here, we review recent findings on the role of mTOR in major metabolic organs, such as adipose tissues, liver, muscle, pancreas and brain. And their potentials as the mTOR related pharmacological targets will be also discussed.
Engineering Cell Adhesion and Orientation via Ultrafast Laser Fabricated Microstructured Substrates
Authors: Babaliari Eleftheria , Kavatzikidou Paraskevi , Angelaki Despoina , Chaniotaki Lefki , Manousaki Alexandra , Siakouli-Galanopoulou Alexandra , Ranella Anthi , Stratakis Emmanuel
Published: July 2018

Cell responses depend on the stimuli received by the surrounding extracellular environment, which provides the cues required for adhesion, orientation, proliferation, and differentiation at the micro and the nano scales. In this study, discontinuous microcones on silicon (Si) and continuous microgrooves on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates were fabricated via ultrashort pulsed laser irradiation at various fluences, resulting in microstructures with different magnitudes of roughness and varying geometrical characteristics. The topographical models attained were specifically developed to imitate the guidance and alignment of Schwann cells for the oriented axonal regrowth that occurs in nerve regeneration. At the same time, positive replicas of the silicon microstructures were successfully reproduced via soft lithography on the biodegradable polymer poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA). The anisotropic continuous (PET) and discontinuous (PLGA replicas) microstructured polymeric substrates were assessed in terms of their influence on Schwann cell responses. It is shown that the micropatterned substrates enable control over cellular adhesion, proliferation, and orientation, and are thus useful to engineer cell alignment in vitro. This property is potentially useful in the fields of neural tissue engineering and for dynamic microenvironment systems that simulate in vivo conditions.
Mechanisms of Tumor Growth Inhibition by Depletion of γ-Glutamylcyclotransferase (GGCT): A Novel Molecular Target for Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Kageyama Susumu , Ii Hiromi , Taniguchi Keiko , Kubota Shigehisa , Yoshida Tetsuya , Isono Takahiro , Chano Tokuhiro , Yoshiya Taku , Ito Kosei , Yoshiki Tatsuhiro , Kawauchi Akihiro , Nakata Susumu
Published: July 2018

γ-Glutamylcyclotransferase (GGCT), which is one of the major enzymes involved in glutathione metabolism, is upregulated in a wide range of cancers—glioma, breast, lung, esophageal, gastric, colorectal, urinary bladder, prostate, cervical, ovarian cancers and osteosarcoma—and promotes cancer progression; its depletion leads to the suppression of proliferation, invasion, and migration of cancer cells. It has been demonstrated that the suppression or inhibition of GGCT has an antitumor effect in cancer-bearing xenograft mice. Based on these observations, GGCT is now recognized as a promising therapeutic target in various cancers. This review summarizes recent advances on the mechanisms of the antitumor activity of GGCT inhibition.
Comparative Analysis of Impatiens Leaf Transcriptomes Reveal Candidate Genes for Resistance to Downy Mildew Caused by Plasmopara obducens
Authors: Bhattarai Krishna , Wang Weining , Cao Zhe , Deng Zhanao
Published: July 2018

Impatiens downy mildew (IDM) is a devastating disease to garden impatiens. A good understanding of IDM resistance in New Guinea impatiens is essential for improving garden impatiens resistance to this disease. The present study was conducted to sequence, assemble, annotate and compare the leaf transcriptomes of two impatiens cultivars differing in resistance to IDM, reveal sequence polymorphisms and identify candidate genes for IDM resistance. RNA-Seq was performed on cultivars Super Elfin® XP Pink (SEP) and SunPatiens® Compact Royal Magenta (SPR). De novo assembly of obtained sequence reads resulted in 121,497 unigenes with an average length of 1156 nucleotides and N50 length of 1778 nucleotides. Searching the non-redundant protein and non-redundant nucleotide, Swiss-Prot, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Clusters of Orthologous Groups and Gene Ontology databases, resulted in annotation of 57.7% to 73.6% of the unigenes. Fifteen unigenes were highly similar to disease resistance genes and more abundant in the IDM-resistant cultivar than in the susceptible cultivar. A total of 22,484 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 245,936 and 120,073 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified from SPR and SEP respectively. The assembled transcripts and unigenes, identified disease resistance genes and SSRs and SNPs sites will be a valuable resource for improving impatiens and its IDM resistance.
Chrysanthemum DgWRKY2 Gene Enhances Tolerance to Salt Stress in Transgenic Chrysanthemum
Authors: He Ling , Wu Yin-Huan , Zhao Qian , Wang Bei , Liu Qing-Lin , Zhang Lei
Published: July 2018

WRKY transcription factors (TFs) play a vital part in coping with different stresses. In this study, DgWRKY2 was isolated from Dendranthema grandiflorum. The gene encodes a 325 amino acid protein, belonging to the group II WRKY family, and contains one typical WRKY domain (WRKYGQK) and a zinc finger motif (C-X4-5-C-X22-23-H-X1-H). Overexpression of DgWRKY2 in chrysanthemum enhanced tolerance to high-salt stress compared to the wild type (WT). In addition, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT)), proline content, soluble sugar content, soluble protein content, and chlorophyll content of transgenic chrysanthemum, as well as the survival rate of the transgenic lines, were on average higher than that of the WT. On the contrary, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion (O2−), and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation decreased compared to WT. Expression of the stress-related genes DgCAT, DgAPX, DgZnSOD, DgP5CS, DgDREB1A, and DgDREB2A was increased in the DgWRKY2 transgenic chrysanthemum compared with their expression in the WT. In conclusion, our results indicate that DgWRKY2 confers salt tolerance to transgenic chrysanthemum by enhancing antioxidant and osmotic adjustment. Therefore, this study suggests that DgWRKY2 could be used as a reserve gene for salt-tolerant plant breeding.
Near-Extremal Type I Self-Dual Codes with Minimal Shadow over GF(2) and GF(4)
Authors: Han Sunghyu
Published: July 2018

Binary self-dual codes and additive self-dual codes over GF(4) contain common points. Both have Type I codes and Type II codes, as well as shadow codes. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive description of extremal and near-extremal Type I codes over GF(2) and GF(4) with minimal shadow. In particular, we prove that there is no near-extremal Type I [24m,12m,2m+2] binary self-dual code with minimal shadow if m≥323, and we prove that there is no near-extremal Type I (6m+1,26m+1,2m+1) additive self-dual code over GF(4) with minimal shadow if m≥22.
Interaction of a Preventative Fungicide Treatment and Root Rot Pathogen on Ambrosia Beetle Attacks during a Simulated Flood Event
Authors: Addesso Karla , Baysal-Gurel Fulya , Oliver Jason , Ranger Christopher , O’Neal Paul
Published: July 2018

Flooding can increase tree susceptibility to root rot pathogens as well as attacks by ambrosia beetles attracted to stress-induced ethanol emissions. The objective of this study was to investigate the interaction of a preventative fungicide treatment and root infection with Phytophthora cinnamomi on ambrosia beetle attacks in flood stressed trees. A fungicide (Pageant® Intrinsic®) was evaluated in two flood trials using Eastern redbud and tulip poplar trees with treatments including the fungicide with or without pathogen or no fungicide with or without pathogen. Fungicide treated trees had fewer ambrosia beetle attacks, particularly in trees without P. cinnamomi co-infection. In a follow-up experiment, ethanol content was evaluated in flooded redbuds to determine if the fungicide treatment reduced stress-induced compounds. All flood stressed trees began producing ethanol within 24 h post flooding, regardless of fungicide treatment or P. cinnamomi infection. We conclude that pre-treatments of a fungicide can provide protection from ambrosia beetle attacks during an extreme flood event, but that protection is reduced if a root rot pathogen is also present. Additionally, rejection of fungicide treated trees was not related to the absence of ethanol, as the fungicide-treated plants released ethanol in quantities similar to non-treated trees.
Differential Roles of Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Members as Biomarkers in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Pombeiro Ines , Loosen Sven , Roy Sanchari , Schueller Florian , Niewenhuisen Lukas , Luedde Mark , Vucur Mihael , Tacke Frank , Binnebösel Marcel , Schoening Wenzel , Trautwein Christian , Luedde Tom , Neumann Ulf , Roderburg Christoph
Published: July 2018

The tumor necrosis factor–related weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) belongs to the tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily, which was shown to play an important role in inflammatory and malignant gastrointestinal diseases, including colitis or colorectal cancer. However, in contrast to other members of the TNF ligand superfamily, its role as a biomarker in pancreatic cancer is currently unknown. We analyzed serum levels of A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) and TWEAK in 134 patients with pancreatic cancer. Results were compared with 50 healthy controls and correlated with clinical data. Intratumoral expression of APRIL and TWEAK in pancreatic cancer was analysed using the datasets made available by the TCGA-LIHC project. APRIL serum levels were significantly elevated in patients with pancreatic cancer compared to healthy controls, which is in line with previous findings. Notably, the diagnostic accuracy of circulating APRIL levels was similar to CA19-9, an established tumor marker for pancreatic cancer. In contrast, serum concentrations of TWEAK were decreased in pancreatic cancer patients. Interestingly, no differences in TWEAK concentrations became apparent between different clinical subgroups of pancreatic cancer. Moreover, within our cohort of patients, TWEAK levels did not correlate with the patients’ prognosis and the diagnostic as well as prognostic potential of TWEAK was lower than CA 19-9, when analyzed in this setting. Finally, using data from the TCGA-LIHC project, we demonstrate that expression levels of TWEAK and APRIL represent prognostic markers for patients’ survival according to Kaplan-Meier curve analyses. TWEAK and APRIL serum concentrations are regulated differently in patients with pancreatic cancer, highlighting diverse roles of variant TNF ligands in this type of cancer.
Inequality, Education, Workforce Preparedness, and Complex Problem Solving
Authors: Kyllonen Patrick C.
Published: July 2018

Economic inequality has been described as the defining challenge of our time, responsible for a host of potential negative societal and individual outcomes including reduced opportunity, decreased health and life expectancy, and the destabilization of democracy. Education has been proposed as the “great equalizer” that has and can continue to play a role in reducing inequality. One means by which education does so is through the development of complex problem solving skills in students, skills used to solve novel, ill-defined problems in complex, real-world settings. These are highly valued in the workforce and will likely continue to be so in the future workforce. Their importance is evident in results from employer surveys, as well as by their inclusion in large scale international and domestic comparative assessments. In this paper, I review various definitions of complex problem solving and approaches for measuring it, along with findings from PISA 2003, 2012, and 2015. I also discuss prospects for teaching, assessing, and reporting on it, and discuss the emerging importance of collaborative problem solving. Developing and monitoring complex problem solving skills, broadly defined, is a critical challenge in preparing students for the future workforce, and in overcoming the negative effects of inequality and the diminishment of individual opportunity.
Roof-Inhabiting Cousins of Rock-Inhabiting Fungi: Novel Melanized Microcolonial Fungal Species from Photocatalytically Reactive Subaerial Surfaces
Authors: Ruibal Constantino , Selbmann Laura , Avci Serap , Martin-Sanchez Pedro M. , Gorbushina Anna A.
Published: July 2018

Subaerial biofilms (SAB) are an important factor in weathering, biofouling, and biodeterioration of bare rocks, building materials, and solar panel surfaces. The realm of SAB is continually widened by modern materials, and the settlers on these exposed solid surfaces always include melanized, stress-tolerant microcolonial ascomycetes. After their first discovery on desert rock surfaces, these melanized chaetothyrialean and dothidealean ascomycetes have been found on Mediterranean monuments after biocidal treatments, Antarctic rocks and solar panels. New man-made modifications of surfaces (e.g., treatment with biocides or photocatalytically active layers) accommodate the exceptional stress-tolerance of microcolonial fungi and thus further select for this well-protected ecological group. Melanized fungal strains were isolated from a microbial community that developed on highly photocatalytic roof tiles after a long-term environmental exposure in a maritime-influenced region in northwestern Germany. Four of the isolated strains are described here as a novel species, Constantinomyces oldenburgensis, based on multilocus ITS, LSU, RPB2 gene phylogeny. Their closest relative is a still-unnamed rock-inhabiting strain TRN431, here described as C. patonensis. Both species cluster in Capnodiales, among typical melanized microcolonial rock fungi from different stress habitats, including Antarctica. These novel strains flourish in hostile conditions of highly oxidizing material surfaces, and shall be used in reference procedures in material testing.
Anion Doping of Ferromagnetic Thin Films of La0.74Sr0.26MnO3−δ via Topochemical Fluorination
Authors: Anitha Sukkurji Parvathy , Molinari Alan , Reitz Christian , Witte Ralf , Kübel Christian , Chakravadhanula Venkata Sai Kiran , Kruk Robert , Clemens Oliver
Published: July 2018

Chemical doping via insertion of ions into the lattice of a host material is a key strategy to flexibly manipulate functionalities of materials. In this work, we present a novel case study on the topotactic insertion of fluoride ions into oxygen-deficient ferromagnetic thin films of La0.74Sr0.26MnO3−δ (LSMO) epitaxially grown onto single-crystal SrTiO3 (STO) substrates. The effect of fluorination on the film structure, composition, and magnetic properties is compared with the case of oxygen-deficient and fully-oxidized LSMO films. Although incorporation of F− anions does not significantly alter the volume of the LSMO unit cell, a strong impact on the magnetic characteristics, including a remarkable suppression of Curie temperature and saturation magnetization accompanied by an increase in magnetic coercivity, was found. The change in magnetic properties can be ascribed to the disruption of the ferromagnetic exchange interactions along Mn-anion-Mn chains driven by F− doping into the LSMO lattice. Our results indicate that F− doping is a powerful means to effectively modify the magnetic functional properties of perovskite manganites.
Preparation and Characterization of AgNPs In Situ Synthesis on Polyelectrolyte Membrane Coated Sericin/Agar Film for Antimicrobial Applications
Authors: Liu Liying , Cai Rui , Wang Yejing , Tao Gang , Ai Lisha , Wang Peng , Yang Meirong , Zuo Hua , Zhao Ping , Shen Hong , Umar Ahmad , He Huawei
Published: July 2018

Antibacterial materials are of great importance in preventing bacterial adhesion and reproduction in daily life. Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) is a broad-spectrum antibacterial nanomaterial that has attracted significant attentions for its ability to endow natural materials with antibacterial ability. Silk sericin (SS) has a great advantage for biomaterial application, as it is a natural protein with excellent hydrophilicity and biodegradability. In this study, we prepared AgNPs and polyelectrolyte membrane (PEM) modified SS/Agar films through the layer-by-layer adsorption technique and ultraviolet-assisted AgNPs synthesis method. The film was well characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Other properties such as water contact angle, wettability and tensile strength, the release of silver were also studied. The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs-PEM-SS/Agar film was investigated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as the model microorganisms by the inhibition zone and bacterial growth curve assays. The results suggested that the AgNPs-PEM-SS/Agar film had excellent mechanical performance, high hydrophilicity, prominent water absorption ability, as well as outstanding and durable antibacterial activity. Therefore, the prepared novel AgNPs-PEM-SS/Agar composite film is proposed as a potentially favorable antibacterial biomaterial for biomedical applications.
Interband Absorption in Few-Layer Graphene Quantum Dots: Effect of Heavy Metals
Authors: Shtepliuk Ivan , Yakimova Rositsa
Published: July 2018

Monolayer, bilayer, and trilayer graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with different binding abilities to elemental heavy metals (HMs: Cd, Hg, and Pb) were designed, and their electronic and optical properties were investigated theoretically to understand deeply the optical response under heavy metal exposure. To gain insight into the nature of interband absorption, we performed density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations for thickness-varying GQDs. We found that the interband absorption in GQDs can be efficiently tuned by controlling the thickness of GQDs to attain the desirable coloration of the interacting complex. We also show that the strength of the interaction between GQDs and Cd, Hg, and Pb is strongly dependent on the number of sp2-bonded layers. The results suggest that the thickness of GQDs plays an important role in governing the hybridization between locally-excited (LE) and charge-transfer (CT) states of the GQDs. Based on the partial density-of-states (DOS) analysis and in-depth knowledge of excited states, the mechanisms underlying the interband absorption are discussed. This study suggests that GQDs would show an improved sensing performance in the selective colorimetric detection of lead by the thickness control.
A Consistent Procedure Using Response Surface Methodology to Identify Stiffness Properties of Connections in Machine Tools
Authors: Hernandez-Vazquez Jesus-Maria , Garitaonandia Iker , Fernandes María Helena , Muñoa Jokin , Lacalle Luis Norberto López de
Published: July 2018

Accurate finite element models of mechanical systems are fundamental resources to perform structural analyses at the design stage. However, uncertainties in material properties, boundary conditions, or connections give rise to discrepancies between the real and predicted dynamic characteristics. Therefore, it is necessary to improve these models in order to achieve a better fit. This paper presents a systematic three-step procedure to update the finite element (FE) models of machine tools with numerous uncertainties in connections, which integrates statistical, numerical, and experimental techniques. The first step is the gradual application of fractional factorial designs, followed by an analysis of the variance to determine the significant variables that affect each dynamic response. Then, quadratic response surface meta-models, including only significant terms, which relate the design parameters to the modal responses are obtained. Finally, the values of the updated design variables are identified using the previous regression equations and experimental modal data. This work demonstrates that the integrated procedure gives rise to FE models whose dynamic responses closely agree with the experimental measurements, despite the large number of uncertainties, and at an acceptable computational cost.
Admission hyperglycemia and abnormal glucose tolerance at discharge in patients with acute myocardial infarction and no previous history of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Milvidaitė Irena , Šlapikas Rimvydas , Statkevičienė Audronė , Babarskienė Marija , Lukšienė Dalia , Šlapikienė Birutė
Published: July 2018

The objective of this study was to determine frequency of admission hyperglycemia and abnormal glucose tolerance at discharge in patients with acute myocardial infarction and no previous history of diabetes mellitus. Methods and results. Data on 1522 patients with acute myocardial infarction and no previous history of diabetes mellitus were analyzed. Before discharge from hospital, standardized oral glucose tolerance test was performed in 197 patients with admission hyperglycemia. Results. Admission hyperglycemia (≥6.1 mmol/L) was determined in half of the patients with acute myocardial infarction: glucose concentration of 6.1–6.99 mmol/L was in 21.5% and ≥7.0 mmol/L in 30.1% of the patients. By using glucose tolerance test, normal glucose metabolism was noted in 57.9% of the patients with admission hyperglycemia; abnormal glucose tolerance was diagnosed newly in more than one-third and glucose concentration of ≥11.1 mmol/L in 10.1% of the patients. Conclusions. Abnormal glucose tolerance is a frequent feature in nondiabetic patients with admission hyperglycemia during acute myocardial infarction, and glucose tolerance test should be considered in all patients with ischemic heart disease for early modification of this risk factor.
Extraction of Metal Arsenic from Waste Sodium Arsenate by Roasting with Charcoal Powder
Authors: Yang Kang , Qin Wenqing , Liu Wei
Published: July 2018

The current paper explored the directly reductive decomposition of waste sodium arsenate by roasting it with charcoal powder to volatilize less toxic As0 and to simultaneously obtain sodium salts with potential commercial value, serving the purpose of developing a more sustainable route to deal with the environmental issues faced by the antimony production industry in China. The process was firstly evaluated by thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and thermochemical calculations. The effects of N2 flow rate, roasting temperature, dosage of charcoal powder, and roasting time were then investigated. The results showed that the arsenic extraction could reach 99.84% under optimal conditions. The roasting residue, containing arsenic as low as 0.0598%, was a promising source for the production of Na2CO3 as expected. In addition, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron micrograph (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were conducted to reveal the roasting mechanism and formation of metal arsenic was thereby confirmed.
Facile Preparation of N-Glycosylated 10-Piperazinyl Artemisinin Derivatives and Evaluation of Their Antimalarial and Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Wu Yuet , Parapini Silvia , Williams Ian D. , Misiano Paola , Wong Ho Ning , Taramelli Donatella , Basilico Nicoletta , Haynes Richard K.
Published: July 2018

According to the precepts that C-10 amino-artemisinins display optimum biological activities for the artemisinin drug class, and that attachment of a sugar enhances specificity of drug delivery, polarity and solubility so as to attenuate toxicity, we assessed the effects of attaching sugars to N-4 of the dihydroartemisinin (DHA)-piperazine derivative prepared in one step from DHA and piperazine. N-Glycosylated DHA-piperazine derivatives were obtained according to the Kotchetkov reaction by heating the DHA-piperazine with the sugar in a polar solvent. Structure of the D-glucose derivative is secured by X-ray crystallography. The D-galactose, L-rhamnose and D-xylose derivatives displayed IC50 values of 0.58–0.87 nM against different strains of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and selectivity indices (SI) >195, on average, with respect to the mouse fibroblast WEHI-164 cell line. These activities are higher than those of the amino-artemisinin, artemisone (IC50 0.9–1.1 nM). Notably, the D-glucose, D-maltose and D-ribose derivatives were the most active against the myelogenous leukemia K562 cell line with IC50 values of 0.78–0.87 µM and SI > 380 with respect to the human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). In comparison, artemisone has an IC50 of 0.26 µM, and a SI of 88 with the same cell lines. Overall, the N-glycosylated DHA-piperazine derivatives display antimalarial activities that are greatly superior to O-glycosides previously obtained from DHA.
Application of Spray Drying Particle Engineering to a High-Functionality/Low-Solubility Milk Thistle Extract: Powders Production and Characterization
Authors: Sansone Francesca , Esposito Tiziana , Lauro Maria Rosaria , Picerno Patrizia , Mencherini Teresa , Gasparri Franco , De Santis Stefania , Chieppa Marcello , Cirillo Claudia , Aquino Rita Patrizia
Published: July 2018

Many natural compounds having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity are a potential target for new therapies against chronic inflammatory syndromes. The oral administration of functional herbal supplements may become a prevention strategy or therapy adjuvant for susceptible patients. A case study is our milk thistle (Silybum marianum) extract rich in silymarin complex. A water-soluble microencapsulated powder system was developed by a spray drying technique to improve the poor silymarin bioactivity after oral administration. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) was employed as coating/swelling polymer matrix and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as the surfactant (1:1:0.05 w/w/w). A H2O/EtOH/acetone (50/15/35 v/v/v) solvent system was used as liquid feed. The microsystems were capable of improving the in vitro dissolution and permeation rates, suggesting an enhancement of bioactivity after oral administration. The microsystems protect the antioxidant activity of silymarin after harsh storage conditions period and do not affect the anti-inflammatory properties of the raw extract (efficient already at lower concentrations of 0.312 mg/mL) to reduce dendritic cells (DCs) inflammatory cytokine secretion after lipopolysaccharide administration. This approach allows managing particle size, surface properties and release of bioactive agents improving the bioactivity of a herbal supplement and is also possibly applicable to many other similar natural products.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Some Potential Bioactive Imidazolium-Based Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids
Authors: Albalawi Ahmed H. , El-Sayed Wael S. , Aljuhani Ateyatallah , Almutairi Saud M. , Rezki Nadjet , Aouad Mohamed R. , Messali Mouslim
Published: July 2018

An environmentally-friendly and easy synthesis of a series of novel functionalized imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) is described under both the conventional procedure and microwave irradiation. The structures of newly synthesized room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) were established by different spectral analyses. All ILs (1–14) were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against a panel of clinically isolated bacteria. The results of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) showed that some of the tested ILs are very promising anti-bacterial agents especially those containing an alkyl chain with a phenyl group (most notably 1, 2, 12, and 13).