bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Producción y procesamiento del maíz en Colombia
Authors: Grande Tovar Carlos David , Orozco Colonia Brigitte Sthepani
Published: August 2016

El maíz se ha convertido en uno de los cereales más consumidos en el mundo. Es utilizado para la alimentación humana y animal y como materia prima en la producción de almidón industrial y alimenticio, en la elaboración de edulcorantes, dextrinas, aceite y otros productos derivados de su proceso de fermentación, como son el etanol, el alcohol industrial, el dióxido de carbono (CO2), diversos aminoácidos, antibióticos y plásticos, y como sustituto del petróleo y sus derivados que son recursos no renovables. Para la obtención de estos productos se lleva a cabo un proceso de molienda húmeda que comprende una serie de etapas importantes para la producción de almidón y sus derivados. Esta exploración se relaciona con el origen, estructura, procesamiento y aplicaciones del maíz y algunos de sus derivados.
Telenovelas, narcotráfico y conciencia política en Latinoamérica. Perspectivas sobre un problema de estudio
Authors: Sánchez Sierra Juan Carlos
Published: August 2016

Este artículo examina la incidencia de los contenidos televisivos en la formación de un umbral crítico en el público de América Latina a partir del estudio de la influencia de la cultura popular y de los cambios democráticos en la región, para lo cual se abordan los diferentes valores sociales en juego ante la creciente influencia que tienen las telenovelas basadas en el narcotráfico. Formulado como una reflexión apoyada en una amplia discusión bibliográfica, se analiza la erosión que genera la industria televisiva en las pautas pedagógicas necesarias para fortalecer la incipiente democracia de la región. Antes que abordar lo pedagógico, se hace un estudio de las dinámicas de transformación de los emporios televisivos y cómo través de las telenovelas se instauran narrativas y modelos de acción, atravesados por un deseo desmesurado de éxito y reconocimiento social. En este contexto, el prototipo del narcotraficante es afín a los intereses de los emporios que buscan renovar los lenguajes y personajes televisivos en un proceso en el que la teleaudiencia se enfrenta a contenidos de la cultura popular sin las debidas herramientas críticas y marcos morales, lo cual contribuye a perpetuar la violencia y la ilegalidad.
Imaginarios sociopolíticos de los jóvenes indígenas en la ciudad de Bogotá
Authors: Uribe Mendoza Cristhian
Published: August 2016

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo analizar los imaginarios sociopolíticos de un grupo de jóvenes pertenecientes a diferentes comunidades indígenas que residen en la ciudad de Bogotá, Colombia. Concretamente, se reflexiona en torno a los siguientes elementos: la condición juvenil dentro de la población indígena, la percepción de sus jóvenes frente a la ciudad y a la forma como allí se desarrolla su identidad cultural y, finalmente, las significaciones que estos sujetos han construido en relación con la política. Los resultados sugieren que los jóvenes indígenas recrean nuevas imágenes y significaciones con respecto al imaginario socialmente instituido de juventud, ciudad y política, a partir de sus vivencias, percepciones, expectativas y particularidades culturales y generacionales.
De la caída relativa a la caída absoluta del salario real en la Argentina (1950-2013)
Authors: Kornblihtt Juan , Seiffer Tamara , Villanova Nicolás
Published: August 2016

El artículo analiza la evolución del salario real de la clase obrera argentina entre 1950 y la actualidad. En general, los análisis del salario en Argentina señalan a la dictadura militar, instaurada en 1976, como el punto de quiebre y el momento de persistente disminución. En este sentido, se abona la idea según la cual el cambio de modelo neoliberal sería el causante de esa baja. Sin embargo, como veremos en este artículo, en las décadas previas a la dictadura el salario real, aunque se mantiene, disminuyó en relación con los salarios reales de los países con los cuales compartía su evolución. Uno de los resultados principales refuerza los estudios que muestran la disminución del salario en relación con los países más ricos, como una de las fuentes de ganancia extraordinaria que compensa, junto a la renta de la tierra y la deuda externa, la baja competitividad del capital radicado en el país. Esta tendencia no se revierte durante la década del 2000, aunque haya una recuperación del salario.
Cultura organizacional y sistemas de gestión de la calidad: una relación clave en la gestión de las instituciones de educación superior
Authors: Vesga Juan Javier
Published: August 2016

El presente artículo es una discusión acerca de la importancia de la cultura organizacional en la implementación de sistemas de gestión de la calidad en instituciones de educación superior. Con base en las propuestas de algunos autores, se estudia la necesidad de pensar la cultura de una organización como un componente clave de los planes de implementación de sistemas de gestión de la calidad, a fin de alinear la cultura con las estrategias de gestión ya sea adecuando los sistemas de gestión a la cultura existente o interviniendo la cultura para integrarla con la estrategia de gestión, de acuerdo con la perspectiva de cultura organizacional adoptada por los líderes de las instituciones.
Ethanolic Extract of Algerian Propolis and Galangin Decreased Murine Melanoma Tumor Progression in Mice
Authors: Benguedouar Lamia , Lahouel Mesbah , Gangloff Sophie C. , Durlach Anne , Grange Florent , Bernard Philippe , Antonicelli Frank
Published: August 2016

Melanoma is the more dangerous skin cancer, and metastatic melanoma still carries
poor prognosis. Despite recent therapeutic advances, prolonged survival remains rare and
research is still required. Propolis extracts from many countries have attracted a great deal of
attention for their biological properties. We here investigated the ability of an ethanolic extract
of Algerian propolis (EEP) to control melanoma tumour growth when given to mice bearing
B16F1melanoma tumour either as preventive or as therapeutic treatment. EEP given after
tumour occurrence increased mice survival (+30%) and reduced tumour growth (-75%). This was
associated with a decrease of the Mitotic Index (-75%) and of Ki-67 (-50%) expression. When
given either before or both before and after tumour occurrence, EEP reduced tumour growth but
without prolonging mice life. Isolation of B16F1 melanoma cells from resected tumour showed
that preventive and curative EEP treatments reduced invasiveness by 55% and 40% respectively
compared to control. Galangin, one of the most abundant flavonoids in propolis, significantly
reduced the number of melanoma cells in vitro and induced autophagy/apoptosis dose
dependently. In conclusion, we showed that EEP reduced melanoma tumour progression/dissemination and could
extend mice lifespan when used as therapeutic treatment. Then, EEP may help patients with melanoma when used as a
complementary therapy to classical treatment for which autophagy is not contraindicated.
Clinical Presentation and Outcome of Ribavirin Treated RT-PCR Confirmed Lassa Fever Patients in ISTH Irrua: A Pilot Study
Authors: Asogun Akhere D. , Ochei Oboratare , Moody Victor , Abejegah Chukwuyem , Okoh Emmanuel
Published: August 2016

Background: Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever that is endo-epidemic in Edo state, with case fatality of 90-100% if not treated. It has been claimed that early treatment with Ribavirin reduces mortality to less than 20%. This study was carried out to assert/confirm or refute/reject this claim.

Aim: To review the clinical features, laboratory findings of Lassa fever and the outcome of confirmed cases treated with Ribavirin.

Methodology: The study was a case series study of the first 41 cases that were treated with Ribavirin in the Lassa fever isolation ward from 28th November 2010 to 26th May 2011.

Results: Up to 63.4% of cases presented late (onset of illness greater than 6 days at presentation). Fever remains the predominant presenting feature of the disease (97.5%). Of the cases that were admitted, 41 were treated, 31 recovered and 9 died, giving a case-fatality rate of 22%. One discharged against medical advice.

Conclusion: Lassa fever victims still present late at the hospital and fever remains the predominant presenting feature. Early Ribavirin treatment improves treatment outcome of Lassa fever in confirmed cases.

Recommendations: The Federal, States and Local government area council members must make efforts to create public awareness on early presentation, diagnosis and prompt treatment with Ribavirin.
Incentivizing Modal Change: Exploring Effect of Multimodal Information and Ticketing Systems for Medium and Long Distances in Europe
Authors: Geis Isabella , Schulz Wolfgang H.
Published: August 2016

The past decade has been characterized by a substantial increase in transport volume. In particular, road networks have reached their limits. Increasing emissions, congestion, and accidents have signaled a need for action. Besides technological innovations and behavioral change due to regulations, incentivizing voluntary modal change is increasingly becoming important for European policy makers. The deployment of a multimodal information and ticketing system (MMITS) is considered an appropriate incentive to facilitate intermodal trips by reducing transaction costs and uncertainty (the system provides pre- and on-trip information and a booking option for one ticket for the whole intermodal trip). This study analyzed travelers’ willingness to accept such a system and the impact of the intention to use an MMITS on travelers’ modal choice, especially for medium and long distances. From a sample of six European countries, multiple regression analyses reveal high acceptance of the MMITS but a low impact on the intended behavioral change. Remarkably, for frequent car users, a reverse relationship is identified. The results give empirical proof that an MMITS has an impact on travelers with weak habits and an empirical basis for the political decision whether to promote the deployment of an MMITS.
Valuation of Travel Time Reliability Accommodating Heterogeneity of Route Choice Behaviors
Authors: Lee Jang-Ho , Cho Shin-Hyung , Kim Dong-Kyu , Lee Chungwon
Published: August 2016

Because travel time reliability and travel time itself are significant to many transportation system users, transportation planners and decision makers should consider travel time reliability as a key performance measure. Values of travel time reliability have most often been determined by estimating route choice models and evaluating the marginal rates of substitution between the costs and travel time variations. However, the most common formulation imposes strong restrictions on taste variations. In this study a route choice model accommodated the observed and unobserved heterogeneity with the mixed logit framework. Stated preference data were assembled to model drivers’ route choice between a tolled highway and an untolled national road in South Korea. The values of travel time and the values of travel time reliability were estimated with this model by the purpose of the trip and the household income level. These results highlight the need to accommodate observed and unobserved heterogeneity within the context of evaluation of the values of travel time and values of travel time reliability. The results also provide policy makers with information about the impacts of policies on different segments of the population such as the pricing of high-occupancy-toll lanes and express lanes.
Weakening Obstacles to Transit Use: Changes in Relationships with Child Rearing and Automobile Access from 2000 to 2010
Authors: Guthrie Andrew , Fan Yingling
Published: August 2016

Early indications of a significant generational change in travel behavior have raised hopes of robust growth in transit use in the immediate future, especially as the millennial generation comes of age. The eventual transition to family life and child rearing, however, has led to significant declines in the transit use rates of older-age cohorts. For high transit-use rates of millennials to be durable, the relationship between the presence of children and travel behavior must change. Despite lower rates of automobile ownership by millennials than by previous cohorts, automobile ownership is still widespread: increased attraction of choice riders is important for growth in transit use as well. This study looks for changes in the basic relationship between the presence of young children or automobile access and the probability of transit use from 2000 to 2010 on the basis of data from the decennial Travel Behavior Inventory by the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities in Minnesota. Pooled logistic regression models at both the trip and person level find that automobile access was a weaker negative predictor of transit use in 2010 and that the presence of young children in participants’ households negatively predicted transit use in 2000 but not in 2010. Chow tests establish that these observed changes represent significant changes in the mode choice relationships in question. The results call for research on similar potential changes in other regions and underscore the importance of family-oriented housing and community features in transit-served areas.
Exploring the Decision to Adopt a High-End Battery Electric Vehicle: Role of Financial and Nonfinancial Motivations
Authors: Hardman Scott , Tal Gil
Published: August 2016

The decision to adopt a battery electric vehicle (BEV) can be influenced by a number of factors. Previous research into the decision to adopt a BEV has revealed several factors important for consumers, including financial incentives. Recently, high-end BEVs, such as the Tesla Model S, have had market success. These vehicles are remarkably different from mainstream BEVs, and the adopters of these BEVs have been overlooked within the literature. An attempt is made to understand who is adopting high-end BEVs, why they are doing so, and how important are the financial incentives for this group of adopters. Data on high-end adopters were gathered through a questionnaire, which yielded 539 responses. In-depth interviews with 33 adopters were also carried out. The following are among the findings: environmental, performance, and technological motivations are reasons for adoption; the new technology brings a new segment of buyers into the market; and financial purchase incentives are not important in the consumer’s decision to adopt a high-end BEV.
Modeling the Charging Choices of Battery Electric Vehicle Drivers by Using Stated Preference Data
Authors: Wen Yuan , MacKenzie Don , Keith David R.
Published: August 2016

The time, location, rate, and duration of plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) charging affects the performance of PEVs, including the amount of petroleum displaced, the emissions associated with electricity generation, the utilization of charging infrastructure, and the load placed on the electric grid. Empirical research has shown that charging preferences vary across PEV drivers and create large variations in the real-world utility factor for a fixed vehicle design. Nevertheless, most analyses of PEV usage rely on simple rule-based assumptions about charging behavior. In this paper, results from a web-based stated preference study of U.S. battery electric vehicle owners are displayed. Subjects were presented with situations representing potential charging opportunities and asked whether they would charge in such a situation. Binary, mixed, and latent class logit models of charging choices are investigated. The latent class logit fits the data best and allows identification of three basic types of decision maker: those who decide to charge on the basis of price and necessity; those who generally charge whenever they have the opportunity; and those who consider a wider range of factors, including charging power, dwell time, and the effect on their home charging bill. A majority of respondents are estimated to be willing to pay a premium of $2.35/h for Level 2 charging and $7.85/h for fast charging beyond what they would pay for Level 1 charging.
Exploring the Impact of the Federal Tax Credit on the Plug-In Vehicle Market
Authors: Tal Gil , Nicholas Michael
Published: August 2016

The effect of the federal Plug-In Electric Drive Vehicle Credit on plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) sales is assessed in the United States by using an ex post stated preference survey of more than 2,882 PEV owners in 11 states. This study attributes more than 30% of the PEV sales to the federal tax credit, with an impact of up to 49% for the Nissan LEAF. The incentive shifts buyers from internal combustion engine vehicles to plug-in vehicles and advances the purchase timing of new vehicles by 1 year or more. The impact of the incentive on buyers of varying sociodemographic and vehicle choice characteristics is explored through the use of three performance measures, including number of vehicles sold, kilowatt-hours of capacity sold, and electric vehicle miles traveled per year. The results of this paper add to the discussion of the impact of monetary incentives on the alternative-fuel vehicle market and present possibilities for improving the performance of monetary incentives in the PEV market.
Pharmacognostic and Antioxidant Properties of Dracaena sanderiana Leaves
Authors: Ong Mei , Mat Yusuf Siti , Lim Vuanghao
Published: August 2016

Endogenous and exogenous antioxidants are used to neutralise free radicals and protect the body from free radicals by maintaining the redox balance. The antioxidant properties of Dracaena sanderiana leaves were evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured. The classes of secondary metabolites were evaluated through pharmacognostic studies, and active compounds were identified by gas chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC-MS). All ethanol-water extracts and D. sanderiana leaf powder were positive for tannins, saponins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, and quinones. Flavonoids were present in 100%, 80%, 60%, and 40% ethanol extracts (E100, E80, E60, and E40). E100 showed the highest total flavonoid content, whereas E60 extract showed the highest antioxidant activity and total phenolic content. GC-MS revealed the presence of glycerol, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-(4H)-pyran-4-one, n-dodecanoic acid, tetradecanoid acid, (n-) hexadecanoid acid, and n-octadecanoic acid in the E60 extract.
Calculation of the Acoustic Spectrum of a Cylindrical Vortex in Viscous Heat-Conducting Gas Based on the Navier–Stokes Equations
Authors: Petrova Tatiana , Shugaev Fedor
Published: August 2016

An extremely interesting problem in aero-hydrodynamics is the sound radiation of a single vortical structure. Currently, this type of problem is mainly considered for an incompressible medium. In this paper a method was developed to take into account the viscosity and thermal conductivity of gas. The acoustic radiation frequency of a cylindrical vortex on a flat wall in viscous heat-conducting gas (air) has been investigated. The problem is solved on the basis of the Navier–Stokes equations using the small initial vorticity approach. The power expansion of unknown functions in a series with a small parameter (vorticity) is used. It is shown that there are high-frequency oscillations modulated by a low-frequency signal. The value of the high frequency remains constant for a long period of time. Thus the high frequency can be considered a natural frequency of the vortex radiation. The value of the natural frequency depends only on the initial radius of the cylindrical vortex, and does not depend on the intensity of the initial vorticity. As expected from physical considerations, the natural frequency decreases exponentially as the initial radius of the cylinder increases. Furthermore, the natural frequency differs from that of the oscillations inside the initial cylinder and in the outer domain. The results of the paper may be of interest for aeroacoustics and tornado modeling.
Photonic Crystals with an Eye Pattern Similar to Peacock Tail Feathers
Authors: Wang Minghui , Meng Fanshu , Wu Hua , Wang Jingxia
Published: August 2016

A facile fabrication of photonic crystals (PCs) with an eye pattern similar to peacock tail feathers has been demonstrated by self-assembly of colloidal particles in a sandwich mode. The sandwich mode is formed by superhydrophilic flat substrate sandwiching the poly(styrene-methyl methacrylate-arylic acid) (Poly(St-MMA-AA)) latex suspension (2 wt%) by the hydrophobic one. The patterns are characterized by optical microscopy images, reflection spectra, and the relative scanning electronic microscope images. This work will provide beneficial help for the understanding of the self-assembly process of colloidal crystals.
Weighted-Permutation Entropy Analysis of Resting State EEG from Diabetics with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Bian Zhijie , Ouyang Gaoxiang , Li Zheng , Li Qiuli , Wang Lei , Li Xiaoli
Published: August 2016

Diabetes is a significant public health issue as it increases the risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, we aim to investigate whether weighted-permutation entropy (WPE) and permutation entropy (PE) of resting-state EEG (rsEEG) could be applied as potential objective biomarkers to distinguish type 2 diabetes patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) from those with normal cognitive function. rsEEG series were acquired from 28 patients with type 2 diabetes (16 aMCI patients and 12 controls), and neuropsychological assessments were performed. The rsEEG signals were analysed using WPE and PE methods. The correlations between the PE or WPE of the rsEEG and the neuropsychological assessments were analysed as well. The WPE in the right temporal (RT) region of the aMCI diabetics was lower than the controls, and the WPE was significantly positively correlated to the scores of the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) (AVLT-Immediate recall, AVLT-Delayed recall, AVLT-Delayed recognition) and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Digit Span Test (WAIS-DST). These findings were not obtained with PE. We concluded that the WPE of rsEEG recordings could distinguish aMCI diabetics from normal cognitive function diabetic controls among the current sample of diabetic patients. Thus, the WPE could be a potential index for assisting diagnosis of aMCI in type 2 diabetes.
Interplay between Lattice Distortions, Vibrations and Phase Stability in NbMoTaW High Entropy Alloys
Authors: Körmann Fritz , Sluiter Marcel
Published: August 2016

Refractory high entropy alloys (HEA), such as BCC NbMoTaW, represent a promising materials class for next-generation high-temperature applications, due to their extraordinary mechanical properties. A characteristic feature of HEAs is the formation of single-phase solid solutions. For BCC NbMoTaW, recent computational studies revealed, however, a B2(Mo,W;Nb,Ta)-ordering at ambient temperature. This ordering could impact many materials properties, such as thermodynamic, mechanical, or diffusion properties, and hence be of relevance for practical applications. In this work, we theoretically address how the B2-ordering impacts thermodynamic properties of BCC NbMoTaW and how the predicted ordering temperature itself is affected by vibrations, electronic excitations, lattice distortions, and relaxation energies.
Analysis of the Mechanism Hindering Sustainable Forestry Operations: A Case Study of Japanese Forest Management
Authors: Fuchigami Yukari , Hara Keishiro , Uwasu Michinori , Kurimoto Shuji
Published: August 2016

We investigated local forest management practices in Osaka, Japan aiming to clarify mechanisms that hinder long-term, sustainable forestry operation by carrying out forest surveys and interview surveys. Because mountain districts in Japan now face declining and aging populations, forestry work has shifted to forest owners’ associations, with efficient forest management being required on an ad hoc basis as a result of the subsidy system. We found that the forest management plan for the study site utilized only one-seventh of the economic value of the forest, mainly due to the local forestry structure and an inefficient subsidy system that requires efficiency. The income yielded by timber undergoing such forest management and distribution processes is too low to permit forest owners to carry out sufficient forest cultivation. To effectively utilize the wood, a subsidy system that takes a long-term view and a timber market that puts an appropriate price on wood are needed. We argue that it is important to bolster the management position of the Japanese Forest Owners’ Associations for design an institutional scheme that enables to practice forestry management from a long-term perspective.
The Silencing of a 14-3-3ɛ Homolog in Tenebrio molitor Leads to Increased Antimicrobial Activity in Hemocyte and Reduces Larval Survivability
Authors: Seo Gi , Jo Yong , Seong Jeong , Park Ki , Patnaik Bharat , Tindwa Hamisi , Kim Sun-Am , Lee Yong , Kim Yu , Han Yeon
Published: August 2016

The 14-3-3 family of phosphorylated serine-binding proteins acts as signaling molecules in biological processes such as metabolism, division, differentiation, autophagy, and apoptosis. Herein, we report the requirement of 14-3-3ɛ isoform from Tenebrio molitor (Tm14-3-3ɛ) in the hemocyte antimicrobial activity. The Tm14-3-3ɛ transcript is 771 nucleotides in length and encodes a polypeptide of 256 amino acid residues. The protein has the typical 14-3-3 domain, the nuclear export signal (NES) sequence, and the peptide binding residues. The Tm14-3-3ɛ transcript shows a significant three-fold expression in the hemocyte of T. molitor larvae when infected with Escherichia coli Tm14-3-3ɛ silenced larvae show significantly lower survival rates when infected with E. coli. Under Tm14-3-3ɛ silenced condition, a strong antimicrobial activity is elicited in the hemocyte of the host inoculated with E. coli. This suggests impaired secretion of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) into the hemolymph. Furthermore, a reduction in AMP secretion under Tm14-3-3ɛ silenced condition would be responsible for loss in the capacity to kill bacteria and might explain the reduced survivability of the larvae upon E. coli challenge. This shows that Tm14-3-3ɛ is required to maintain innate immunity in T. molitor by enabling antimicrobial secretion into the hemolymph and explains the functional specialization of the isoform.
The Accessibility, Usability, and Reliability of Chinese Web-Based Information on HIV/AIDS
Authors: Niu Lu , Luo Dan , Liu Ying , Xiao Shuiyuan
Published: August 2016

Objective: The present study was designed to assess the quality of Chinese-language Internet-based information on HIV/AIDS. Methods: We entered the following search terms, in Chinese, into Baidu and Sogou: “HIV/AIDS”, “symptoms”, and “treatment”, and evaluated the first 50 hits of each query using the Minervation validation instrument (LIDA tool) and DISCERN instrument. Results: Of the 900 hits identified, 85 websites were included in this study. The overall score of the LIDA tool was 63.7%; the mean score of accessibility, usability, and reliability was 82.2%, 71.5%, and 27.3%, respectively. Of the top 15 sites according to the LIDA score, the mean DISCERN score was calculated at 43.1 (95% confidence intervals (CI) = 37.7–49.5). Noncommercial websites showed higher DISCERN scores than commercial websites; whereas commercial websites were more likely to be found in the first 20 links obtained from each search engine than the noncommercial websites. Conclusions: In general, the HIV/AIDS related Chinese-language websites have poor reliability, although their accessibility and usability are fair. In addition, the treatment information presented on Chinese-language websites is far from sufficient. There is an imperative need for professionals and specialized institutes to improve the comprehensiveness of web-based information related to HIV/AIDS.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Geomatics
Authors: Martinsanz Gonzalo
Published: August 2016

Geomatics as a geospatial science, including technologies and processes, has experienced a boost in recent years with the development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with sensing instruments [1].[...]
The Study of Dynamic Potentials of Highly Excited Vibrational States of DCP: From Case Analysis to Comparative Study with HCP
Authors: Wang Aixing , Fang Chao , Liu Yibao
Published: August 2016

The dynamic potentials of highly excited vibrational states of deuterated phosphaethyne (DCP) in the D–C and C–P stretching coordinates with anharmonicity and Fermi coupling are studied in this article and the results show that the D-C-P bending vibration mode has weak effects on D–C and C–P stretching modes under different Polyad numbers (P number). Furthermore, the dynamic potentials and the corresponding phase space trajectories of DCP are given, as an example, in the case of P = 30. In the end, a comparative study between deuterated phosphaethyne (DCP) and phosphaethyne (HCP) with dynamic potential is done, and it is elucidated that the uncoupled mode makes the original horizontal reversed symmetry breaking between the dynamic potential of HCP ( q 3 ) and DCP ( q 1 ), but has little effect on the vertical reversed symmetry, between the dynamic potential of HCP ( q 2 ) and DCP ( q 3 ).
Protection of Historical Wood against Microbial Degradation—Selection and Application of Microbiocides
Authors: Koziróg Anna , Rajkowska Katarzyna , Otlewska Anna , Piotrowska Małgorzata , Kunicka-Styczyńska Alina , Brycki Bogumił , Nowicka-Krawczyk Paulina , Kościelniak Marta , Gutarowska Beata
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study was to select effective and safe microbiocides for the disinfection and protection of historical wooden surfaces at the former Auschwitz II-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp. We tested seven active compounds against bacteria and moulds, of which didecyldimethylammonium chloride and N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-dodecylpropane-1,3-diamine were effective even at 0.02%–2%. Subsequently, eight microbiocides containing the selected active ingredients were chosen and applied three times on the surface of wood samples colonized by bacteria and moulds. ABM-1 and ABM-2—6% solution; Rocima 101—8%; Preventol R 80—12%; Acticide 706 LV—15% and Boramon—30% were the most effective disinfectants. Under laboratory conditions, ABM-1, Boramon and Rocima 101 ensured antimicrobial protection of new wood samples for six months. In situ, 30% Boramon and 8% Rocima 101 applied by spraying effectively protected the historical wood from bacterial and mould growth for 12 and 3 months, respectively. Colour and luminance of the new wood were not altered after exposure to the biocides. Boramon and Rocima 101, applied by the spraying method, caused no significant change in the colour of the historical wood. Results from this study were used to develop a procedure for the protection of wood in historical buildings against biodeterioration.
Plasma LncRNA-ATB, a Potential Biomarker for Diagnosis of Patients with Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Ma Jixuan , Cui Xiuqing , Rong Yi , Zhou Yun , Guo Yanjun , Zhou Min , Xiao Lili , Chen Weihong
Published: August 2016

LncRNA-ATB (lncRNA was activated by transforming growth factor-β) has been reported to be involved in specific physiological and pathological processes in human diseases, and could serve as biomarkers for cancers. However, the role of lncRNA-ATB in coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) is still unknown. This study aimed to investigate the association between lncRNA-ATB and CWP. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect plasma lncRNA-ATB expression in 137 CWP patients, 72 healthy coal miners and 168 healthy controls. LncRNA-ATB was significantly upregulated in CWP (p < 0.05). Compared with the healthy controls and healthy coal miners, the odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence interval (CI)) for CWP were 2.57 (1.52–4.33) and 2.17 (1.04–4.53), respectively. LncRNA-ATB was positively associated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) (r = 0.30, p = 0.003) and negative correlated with vital capacity (VC) (r = −0.18, p = 0.033) and forced vital capacity (FVC) (r = −0.18, p = 0.046) in CWP patients. Compared with healthy controls, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.84, resulting in a 71.17% sensitivity and 88.14% specificity. When compared with healthy coal miners, the AUC was 0.83, the sensitivity and specificity were 70.07% and 86.36%, respectively. LncRNA-ATB expression is commonly increased in CWP and significantly correlates with the TGF-β1 in CWP patients. Furthermore, elevated lncRNA-ATB was associated with CWP risk and may serve as a potential biomarker for CWP.
TNFSF4 Gene Variations Are Related to Early-Onset Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases and Hypothyroidism of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Authors: Song Rong-Hua , Wang Qiong , Yao Qiu-Ming , Shao Xiao-Qing , Li Ling , Wang Wen , An Xiao-Fei , Li Qian , Zhang Jin-An
Published: August 2016

The aim of the current study was to examine whether the polymorphism loci of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 4 (TNFSF4) gene increase the risk of susceptibility to autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) in the Han Chinese population, and a case-control study was performed in a set of 1,048 AITDs patients and 909 normal healthy controls in the study. A total of four tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TNFSF4 region, including rs7514229, rs1234313, rs16845607 and rs3850641, were genotyped using the method of ligase detection reaction. An association between GG genotype of rs3850641 in TNFSF4 gene and AITDs was found (p = 0.046). Additionally, the clinical sub-phenotype analysis revealed a significant association between GG genotype in rs7514229 and AITDs patients who were ≤18 years of age. Furthermore, rs3850641 variant allele G was in strong association with hypothyroidism in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) (p = 0.018). The polymorphisms of the TNFSF4 gene may contribute to the susceptibility to AITDs pathogenesis.
How Many Conformations of Enzymes Should Be Sampled for DFT/MM Calculations? A Case Study of Fluoroacetate Dehalogenase
Authors: Li Yanwei , Zhang Ruiming , Du Likai , Zhang Qingzhu , Wang Wenxing
Published: August 2016

The quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) method (e.g., density functional theory (DFT)/MM) is important in elucidating enzymatic mechanisms. It is indispensable to study “multiple” conformations of enzymes to get unbiased energetic and structural results. One challenging problem, however, is to determine the minimum number of conformations for DFT/MM calculations. Here, we propose two convergence criteria, namely the Boltzmann-weighted average barrier and the disproportionate effect, to tentatively address this issue. The criteria were tested by defluorination reaction catalyzed by fluoroacetate dehalogenase. The results suggest that at least 20 conformations of enzymatic residues are required for convergence using DFT/MM calculations. We also tested the correlation of energy barriers between small QM regions and big QM regions. A roughly positive correlation was found. This kind of correlation has not been reported in the literature. The correlation inspires us to propose a protocol for more efficient sampling. This saves 50% of the computational cost in our current case.
Expression and Critical Role of Interleukin Enhancer Binding Factor 2 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Shaobing , Jiang Xu , Ding Chaofeng , Du Chengli , Owusu-Ansah Kwabena , Weng Xiaoyu , Hu Wendi , Peng Chuanhui , Lv Zhen , Tong Rongliang , Xiao Heng , Xie Haiyang , Zhou Lin , Wu Jian , Zheng Shusen
Published: August 2016

Interleukin enhancer binding factor 2 (ILF2), a transcription factor, regulates cell growth by inhibiting the stabilization of mRNA. Currently, its role has gained recognition as a factor in the tumorigenic process. However, until now, little has been known about the detailed role ILF2 plays in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we investigated the expression levels of ILF2 in HCC tissue with Western blot and immunohistochemical assays. To examine the effect of ILF2 on liver cancer cell growth and apoptosis, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting ILF2 were recombined to create lentiviral overexpression vectors. Our results showed higher expression levels of ILF2 mRNA and ILF2 protein in HCC tissue compared with matched peritumoral tissue. Expression of ILF2 may regulate cell growth and apoptosis in liver cancer cells via regulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 related ovarian killer (Bok), Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX), and cellular inhibitor of apoptosis 1 (cIAP1). Moreover, we inoculated nude mice with liver cancer cells to investigate the effect of ILF2 on tumorigenesis in vivo. As expected, a rapid growth was observed in cancer cells inoculated with a lentiviral vector coding Flag-ILF2 (Lenti-ILF2) compared with the control cells. Hence, these results promote a better understanding of ILF2’s potential role as a therapeutic target in HCC.
The Use of a Fractional Factorial Design to Determine the Factors That Impact 1,3-Propanediol Production from Glycerol by Halanaerobium hydrogeniformans
Authors: Kalia Shivani , Trager Jordan , Sitton Oliver , Mormile Melanie
Published: August 2016

In recent years, biodiesel, a substitute for fossil fuels, has led to the excessive production of crude glycerol. The resulting crude glycerol can possess a high concentration of salts and an alkaline pH. Moreover, current crude glycerol purification methods are expensive, rendering this former commodity a waste product. However, Halanaerobium hydrogeniformans, a haloalkaliphilic bacterium, possesses the metabolic capability to convert glycerol into 1,3-propanediol, a valuable commodity compound, without the need for salt dilution or adjusting pH when grown on this waste. Experiments were performed with different combinations of 24 medium components to determine their impact on the production of 1,3-propanediol by using a fractional factorial design. Tested medium components were selected based on data from the organism’s genome. Analysis of HPLC data revealed enhanced production of 1,3-propanediol with additional glycerol, pH, vitamin B12, ammonium ions, sodium sulfide, cysteine, iron, and cobalt. However, other selected components; nitrate ions, phosphate ions, sulfate ions, sodium:potassium ratio, chloride, calcium, magnesium, silicon, manganese, zinc, borate, nickel, molybdenum, tungstate, copper and aluminum, did not enhance 1,3-propanediol production. The use of a fractional factorial design enabled the quick and efficient assessment of the impact of 24 different medium components on 1,3-propanediol production from glycerol from a haloalkaliphilic bacterium.
5,9,11-Trihydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-10-(3′-methyl-2′-butenyl)-3-(2″-methyl-3″-butenyl)pyrano[2,3-a]xanthen-12(2H)-one from the Stem Bark of Calophyllum pseudomole
Authors: Tanjung Mulyadi , Saputri Ratih , Tjahjandarie Tjitjik
Published: August 2016

5,9,11-Trihydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-10-(3′-methyl-2′-butenyl)-3-(2″-methyl-3″-butenyl)-pyrano[2,3-a]xanthen-12(2H)-one (1) was isolated from the stem bark of Calophyllum pseudomole. The structure of 1 was established by spectroscopic analysis which included UV, IR, HRESIMS and NMR experiments.
Punica granatum L. Hydrogel for Wound Care Treatment: From Case Study to Phytomedicine Standardization
Authors: Fleck Aline , Cabral Patrik , Vieira Felipe , Pinheiro Deo , Pereira Carlos , Santos Wilson , Machado Thelma
Published: August 2016

The pharmacological activities of many Punica granatum L. components suggest a wide range of clinical applications for the prevention and treatment of diseases where chronic inflammation is believed to play an essential etiologic role. The current work reports a case study analyzing the effect produced by a magistral formulation of ethanolic extracts of Punica granatum peels on a non-healing chronic ulcer. The complete closure of the chronic ulcer that was initially not responsive to standard medical care was observed. A 2% (w/w) P. granatum peels ethanolic extract hydrogel-based formulation (PGHF) was standardized and subjected to physicochemical studies to establish the quality control parameters using, among others, assessment criteria such as optimum appearance, pH range, viscosity and hydrogel disintegration. The stability and quantitative chromatographic data was assessed in storage for six months under two temperature regimes. An efficient HPLC-DAD method was established distinguishing the biomarkers punicalin and punicalagin simultaneously in a single 8 min run. PGHF presented suitable sensorial and physicochemical performance, showing that punicalagin was not significantly affected by storage (p > 0.05). Formulations containing extracts with not less than 0.49% (w/w) total punicalagin might find good use in wound healing therapy.
Curcumin Ameliorates Furazolidone-Induced DNA Damage and Apoptosis in Human Hepatocyte L02 Cells by Inhibiting ROS Production and Mitochondrial Pathway
Authors: Dai Chongshan , Li Daowen , Gong Lijing , Xiao Xilong , Tang Shusheng
Published: August 2016

Furazolidone (FZD), a synthetic nitrofuran derivative, has been widely used as an antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent. Recently, the potential toxicity of FZD has raised concerns, but its mechanism is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of curcumin on FZD-induced cytotoxicity and the underlying mechanism in human hepatocyte L02 cells. The results showed that curcumin pre-treatment significantly ameliorated FZD-induced oxidative stress, characterized by decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde formation, and increased superoxide dismutase, catalase activities and glutathione contents. In addition, curcumin pre-treatment significantly ameliorated the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, the activations of caspase-9 and -3, and apoptosis caused by FZD. Alkaline comet assay showed that curcumin markedly reduced FZD-induced DNA damage in a dose-dependent manner. Curcumin pre-treatment consistently and markedly down-regulated the mRNA expression levels of p53, Bax, caspase-9 and -3 and up-regulated the mRNA expression level of Bcl-2. Taken together, these results reveal that curcumin protects against FZD-induced DNA damage and apoptosis by inhibiting oxidative stress and mitochondrial pathway. Our study indicated that curcumin may be a promising combiner with FZD to reduce FZD-related toxicity in clinical applications.
Copper Ion Attenuated the Antiproliferative Activity of Di-2-pyridylhydrazone Dithiocarbamate Derivative; However, There Was a Lack of Correlation between ROS Generation and Antiproliferative Activity
Authors: Wang Tingting , Fu Yun , Huang Tengfei , Liu Youxun , Wu Meihao , Yuan Yanbin , Li Shaoshan , Li Changzheng
Published: August 2016

The use of chelators for cancer treatment has been an alternative option. Dithiocarbamates have recently attracted considerable attention owning to their diverse biological activities; thus, the preparation of new dithiocarbamate derivatives with improved antitumor activity and selectivity as well as probing the underlying molecular mechanism are required. In this study, di-2-pyridylhydrazone dithiocarbamate S-propionic acid (DpdtpA) and its copper complex were prepared and characterized, and its antiproliferative activity was evaluated. The proliferation inhibition assay showed that DpdtpA exhibited excellent antiproliferative effect in hepatocellular carcinoma (IC50 = 1.3 ± 0.3 μM for HepG2, and 2.5 ± 0.6 μM for Bel-7402). However, in the presence of copper ion, the antiproliferative activity of DpdtpA was dramatically attenuated (20–30 fold) owing to the formation of copper chelate. A preliminarily mechanistic study revealed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation mediated the antiproliferative activity of DpdtpA, and accordingly induced apoptosis, DNA cleavage, and autophagy. Surprisingly, the cytotoxicity of DpdtpA copper complex (DpdtpA–Cu) was also involved in ROS generation; however, a paradoxical relation between cellular ROS level and cytotoxicity was observed. Further investigation indicated that DpdtpA could induce cell cycle arrest at the S phase; however, DpdtpA–Cu lacked this effect, which explained the difference in their antiproliferative activity.
Effect of Mono- and Poly-CH/P Exchange(s) on the Aromaticity of the Tropylium Ion
Authors: Puri Ankita , Gupta Raakhi
Published: August 2016

In view of the fact that the phosphorus atom in its low co-ordination state (coordination numbers 1 and 2) has been termed as the carbon copy, there have been attempts to investigate, theoretically as well as experimentally, the effect of the exchange(s) of CH- moiety with phosphorus atom(s) (CH/P) on the structural and other aspects of the classical carbocyclic and heterocyclic systems. Tropylium ion is a well-known non-benzenoid aromatic system and has been studied extensively for its aromatic character. We have now investigated the effect of mono- and poly-CH/P exchange(s) on the aromaticity of the tropylium ion. For this purpose, the parameters based on the geometry and magnetic properties, namely bond equalization, aromatic stabilization energies (ASE), Nucleus-Independent Chemical Shift (NICS) values, (NICS(0), NICS(1), NICS(1)zz), proton nucleus magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) chemical shifts, magnetic susceptibility exaltation and magnetic anisotropic values of mono-, di-, tri- and tetra-phosphatropylium ions have been determined at the Density Functional Theory (DFT) (B3LYP/6-31+G(d)) level. Geometry optimization reveals bond length equalization. ASEs range from −46.3 kcal/mol to −6.2 kcal/mol in mono- and diphospha-analogues which are planar. However, the ions having three and four phosphorus atoms lose planarity and their ASE values approach the values typical for non-aromatic structures. Of the three NICS values, the NICS(1)zz is consistently negative showing aromatic character of all the systems studied. It is also supported by the magnetic susceptibility exaltations and magnetic anisotropic values. Furthermore, 1H-NMR chemical shifts also fall in the aromatic region. The conclusion that mono-, di-, tri- and tetra-phosphatropylium ions are aromatic in nature has been further corroborated by determining the energy gap between the Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) and Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) (HOMO − LUMO gap), which falls in the range, ca. 3 × 10−19–9 × 10−19 J. The systems having more than four phosphorus atoms are not able to sustain their monocyclic structure.
Association between Body Mass Index, Waist-to-Height Ratio and Adiposity in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Martin-Calvo Nerea , Moreno-Galarraga Laura , Martinez-Gonzalez Miguel
Published: August 2016

Obesity is defined as an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) has been suggested as the gold standard to define obesity, but because its use is complex and expensive, anthropometric measures such as body mass index (BMI) or the waist-to-height ratio (WtHr) have been used as alternatives. The aim of this study was to review the published literature and investigate the correlation of BMI and WtHr with body fat (BF) measured by DEXA in pediatric populations. References were sought in PubMed/Medline and Embase datasets. Five original articles, published between 2013 and 2015, were finally included in this review. Their sample size ranged from 83 to 5355, and the age of participants ranged from 4.9 to 19 years old. The most frequently reported association measurements were the coefficients of determination (R2), followed by correlation coefficients and least-squares regression coefficients. BF measured by DEXA was strongly correlated with both BMI (R2 ranging from 0.32 to 0.91) and WtHr (R2 ranging from 0.49 to 0.73). Thus, either BMI or WtHr may be useful to define obesity when more sophisticated techniques are not available. Our systematic review of the available literature found that neither index demonstrated superiority in assessing obesity in children.