bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Nigella Sativa on Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hamdan Amiza , Haji Idrus Ruszymah , Mokhtar Mohd Helmy
Published: December 2019

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent metabolic disorders that affect people of all genders, ages, and races. Medicinal herbs have gained wide attention from researchers and have been considered to be a beneficial adjuvant agent to oral antidiabetic drugs because of their integrated effects. Concerning the various beneficial effects of Nigella sativa, this systematic review aims to provide comprehensive information on the effects of Nigella sativa on glucose and insulin profile status in humans. A computerized database search performed through Scopus and Medline via Ebscohost with the following set of keywords: Nigella Sativa OR black seed oil OR thymoquinone OR black cumin AND diabetes mellitus OR hyperglycemia OR blood glucose OR hemoglobin A1C had returned 875 relevant articles. A total of seven articles were retrieved for further assessment and underwent data extraction to be included in this review. Nigella sativa was shown to significantly improve laboratory parameters of hyperglycemia and diabetes control after treatment with a significant fall in fasting blood glucose, blood glucose level 2 h postprandial, glycated hemoglobin, and insulin resistance, and a rise in serum insulin. In conclusion, these findings suggested that Nigella sativa could be used as an adjuvant for oral antidiabetic drugs in diabetes control.
Effect of a School-Based Anxiety Prevention Program among Primary School Children
Authors: Ab Ghaffar Siti Fatimah , Mohd Sidik Sherina , Ibrahim Normala , Awang Hamidin , Gyanchand Rampal Lekhraj Rampal
Published: December 2019

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders in childhood, and children with anxiety have an increased risk of psychiatric disorders during adulthood. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based anxiety prevention program for reducing anxiety among primary school students relative to a school-as-usual control group. Secondary to this, the current study aimed to examine the effect of a school-based prevention program on worry coping skills and self-esteem. A two-group parallel cluster randomized controlled trial of a single-blinded study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the program, with schools as the unit of allocation and individual participants as the unit of analysis. The intervention program was conducted between May 2016 and December 2017. The primary outcome was anxiety, whereas the secondary outcomes were worry coping skills and self-esteem measured at three months post-intervention. Data were analyzed by using a generalized linear mixed model, accounting for the clustering effect. Subgroup analyses were performed for children with anxiety. A total of 461 students participated in this study. At baseline, there was no significant difference between groups for anxiety score, worry coping skills score, and self-esteem score (p > 0.05). The intervention was effective in reducing anxiety for the whole sample (p = 0.001) and the anxiety subgroup (p = 0.001). However, it was not effective in improving worry coping skills and self-esteem. These findings suggest that the program could be effective for reducing symptoms of anxiety when delivered in schools and provide some support for delivering this type of program in primary school settings.
Oxidation of Flame Retardant Tetrabromobisphenol A by a Biocatalytic Nanofiber of Chloroperoxidase
Authors: García-Zamora José Luis , Santacruz-Vázquez Verónica , Valera-Pérez Miguel Ángel , Moreira María Teresa , Cardenas-Chavez Diana L. , Tapia-Salazar Mireya , Torres Eduardo
Published: December 2019

Background: Tetrabromobisphenol (TBBPA), a flame retardant compound, is considered a ubiquitous pollutant, with potential impact on the environment and human health. Several technologies have been applied to accelerate its degradation and minimize environmental impacts. Due to its aromaticity character, peroxidase enzymes may be employed to carry out its transformation in mild conditions. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to determine the capacity of the enzyme chloroperoxidase (CPO) to oxidize TBBPA in several water samples. Methods: The oxidation capacity of CPO was evaluated in catalytic conditions using water samples from surface and groundwater, as well as effluents from wastewater treatment plants. The biocatalytic performance of CPO was improved due to its immobilization on nanofibers composed of polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan (PVA/chitosan). Results: Free and immobilized CPO were able to transform more than 80% in short reaction times (60 min); producing more biodegradable and less toxic products. Particularly, the immobilized enzyme was catalytically active in a wider range of pH than the free enzyme with the possibility of reusing it up to five times. Conclusions: The biocatalytic oxidation of TBBPA under environmental conditions is highly efficient, even in complex media such as treated effluents of wastewater treatment plants.
Challenges Associated with the Implementation of an Exercise and Sport Intervention Program in a Greek Refugee Camp: A Report of Professional Practice
Authors: Knappe Florian , Colledge Flora , Gerber Markus
Published: December 2019

Objective Refugees have a particularly high prevalence of psychopathological disorders. Despite this, little attention has been paid to the treatment of traumatized refugees, and research on the effects of exercise and sport among refugees is still in its infancy. Thus far, no randomized controlled trials have been carried out in a refugee camp setting, most likely because such trials are complicated by multiple organizational and methodological issues. We highlight some major challenges when carrying out experimental research in a refugee camp. Method This report of professional practice is based on systematic observations, individual and focus group interviews, and experiences made in a pre-experimental study, implemented in a refugee camp on the Greek mainland. Results The report provides background information about how refugees generally come to Greece, how transit camps are typically managed, which institutions are involved in the camp management, which rules need to be followed by people working in a camp, which countries refugees generally come from, and the conditions in which they live in the camp. We also identify general factors that complicate experimental research in such a setting, and highlight specific issues pertaining to sport and exercise-based intervention trials. Conclusions Currently, more people are fleeing their home regions than after the end of the Second World War. This situation calls for a change in the understanding of humanitarian aid. Pure material and technical support must be complemented by public health measures, including exercise and sport programs. Researchers who want to enter this field of research can learn important lessons from our observations.
The Association between Ground Floor Features and Public Open Space Face-To-Face Interactions: Evidence from Nantou Village, Shenzhen
Authors: Zordan Mirna , Talamini Gianni , Villani Caterina
Published: December 2019

With face-to-face interaction proving beneficial for mental health, there is still a paucity of research on the correlation between ground floor features (GFFs), defined here as the features of the ground floor of buildings overlooking a street, and public open space face-to-face interaction density (POSFTFID), defined as the density of human face-to-face interactions in the public open space (POS) adjacent to each building. Is there a correlation between GFFs and POSFTFID? This study aims to answer this question gaining empirical evidence from a Chinese village in the city (ViC). Behavioural mapping and statistical analysis were employed and the following GFFs were tested: Ground floor area, indoor visible space, presence of stairs, POS adjacent area, and land use. Results show an association between POSFTFID and: (1) The area of the POS adjacent to each building, (2) the degree of visibility (ratio of indoor visible space to total internal space) of the ground floor, (3) the presence of stairs. Moreover, food appears to be an important attribute fostering social interaction. Results can provide insights on future implications in urban design strategies and planning policies aiming at enhancing mental health conditions in contemporary cities.
Proteome and Ubiquitome Changes during Rose Petal Senescence
Authors: Lu Jingyun , Xu Yanjie , Fan Youwei , Wang Yaru , Zhang Guifang , Liang Yue , Jiang Chuyan , Hong Bo , Gao Junping , Ma Chao
Published: December 2019

Petal senescence involves numerous programmed changes in biological and biochemical processes. Ubiquitination plays a critical role in protein degradation, a hallmark of organ senescence. Therefore, we investigated changes in the proteome and ubiquitome of senescing rose (Rosa hybrida) petals to better understand their involvement in petal senescence. Of 3859 proteins quantified in senescing petals, 1198 were upregulated, and 726 were downregulated during senescence. We identified 2208 ubiquitinated sites, including 384 with increased ubiquitination in 298 proteins and 1035 with decreased ubiquitination in 674 proteins. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses revealed that proteins related to peptidases in proteolysis and autophagy pathways were enriched in the proteome, suggesting that protein degradation and autophagy play important roles in petal senescence. In addition, many transporter proteins accumulated in senescing petals, and several transport processes were enriched in the ubiquitome, indicating that transport of substances is associated with petal senescence and regulated by ubiquitination. Moreover, several components of the brassinosteroid (BR) biosynthesis and signaling pathways were significantly altered at the protein and ubiquitination levels, implying that BR plays an important role in petal senescence. Our data provide a comprehensive view of rose petal senescence at the posttranslational level.
Ginsenoside Rh2 Ameliorates Atopic Dermatitis in NC/Nga Mice by Suppressing NF-kappaB-Mediated Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Expression and T Helper Type 2 Differentiation
Authors: Ko Eunsu , Park Sungjoo , Lee Jun Hyoung , Cui Chang-Hao , Hou Jingang , Kim Myung-ho , Kim Sun Chang
Published: December 2019

Ginsenosides are known to have various highly pharmacological activities, such as anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the search for the most effective ginsenosides against the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) and the study of the effects of ginsenosides on specific cytokines involved in AD remain unclear. In this study, ginsenoside Rh2 was shown to exert the most effective anti-inflammatory action on thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and interleukin 8 in tumor necrosis factor-alpha and polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid induced normal human keratinocytes by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines at both protein and transcriptional levels. Concomitantly, Rh2 also efficiently alleviated 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced AD-like skin symptoms when applied topically, including suppression of immune cell infiltration, cytokine expression, and serum immunoglobulin E levels in NC/Nga mice. In line with the in vitro results, Rh2 inhibited TSLP levels in AD mice via regulation of an underlying mechanism involving the nuclear factor κB pathways. In addition, in regard to immune cells, we showed that Rh2 suppressed not only the expression of TSLP but the differentiation of naïve CD4+ T-cells into T helper type 2 cells and their effector function in vitro. Collectively, our results indicated that Rh2 might be considered as a good therapeutic candidate for the alternative treatment of AD.
Overexpression of ANAC046 Promotes Suberin Biosynthesis in Roots of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Mahmood Kashif , Zeisler-Diehl Viktoria Valeska , Schreiber Lukas , Bi Yong-Mei , Rothstein Steven J. , Ranathunge Kosala
Published: December 2019

NAC (NAM (no apical meristem), ATAF1/2, and CUC2 (cup-shaped cotyledon)) proteins are one of the largest families of plant-specific transcription factors, and this family is present in a wide range of land plants. Here, we have investigated the role of ANAC046 in the regulation of suberin biosynthesis and deposition in Arabidopsis. Subcellular localization and transcriptional activity assays showed that ANAC046 localizes in the nucleus, where it functions as a transcription activator. Analysis of the PANAC046:GUS lines revealed that ANAC046 is mainly expressed in the root endodermis and periderm, and is also induced in leaves by wounding. The transgenic lines overexpressing ANAC046 exhibited defective surfaces on the aerial plant parts compared to the wild-type (WT) as characterized by increased permeability for Toluidine blue stain and greater chlorophyll leaching. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that the expression of suberin biosynthesis genes was significantly higher in the roots and leaves of overexpression lines compared to the WT. The biochemical analysis of leaf cuticular waxes showed that the overexpression lines accumulated 30% more waxes than the WT. Concurrently, overexpression lines also deposited almost twice the amount of suberin content in their roots compared with the WT. Taken together, these results showed that ANAC046 is an important transcription factor that promotes suberin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana roots.
Catalytic Reaction Mechanism of NO–CO on the ZrO2 (110) and (111) Surfaces
Authors: Cao Xuesong , Zhang Chenxi , Wang Zehua , Sun Xiaomin
Published: December 2019

Due to the large population of vehicles, significant amounts of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and unburned hydrocarbons (HC) are emitted into the atmosphere, causing serious pollution to the environment. The use of catalysis prevents the exhaust from entering the atmosphere. To better understand the catalytic mechanism, it is necessary to establish a detailed chemical reaction mechanism. In this study, the adsorption behaviors of CO and NO, the reaction of NO reduction with CO on the ZrO2 (110) and (111) surfaces was performed through periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The detailed mechanism for CO2 and N2 formation mainly involved two intermediates N2O complexes and NCO species. Moreover, the existence of oxygen vacancies was crucial for NO reduction reactions. From the calculated energy, it was found that the pathway involving NCO intermediate interaction occurring on the ZrO2 (110) surface was most favorable. Gas phase N2O formation and dissociation were also considered in this study. The results indicated the role of reaction intermediates NCO and N2O in catalytic reactions, which could solve the key scientific problems and disputes existing in the current experiments.
Contribution of Mucins towards the Physical Properties of the Tear Film: A Modern Update
Authors: Georgiev Georgi As. , Eftimov Petar , Yokoi Norihiko
Published: December 2019

Instability of the tear film (TF) protecting the ocular surface results in dry eye syndrome (DES), the most prevalent public health ophthalmic disease affecting the quality of life of 10 to 30% of the human population worldwide. Although the impact of the tear film lipid layer (TFLL) and of the aqueous tears (AT) to the TF stability is extensively studied, in contrast the contribution of the secretory mucins (SM) and of the membrane-associated mucins (MAM), i.e., one of the most abundant molecular classes in AT and in the corneal epithelium respectively, remains poorly defined. However, it is well known that in DES both types of mucins are quantitatively or qualitatively deficient. Numerous studies since the 1990s until now have proposed direct involvement of SM and MAM in the material properties (viscoelasticity, hydration, and protection of the ocular surface; synergistic cooperation with the rest of the TF layers; etc.) and stability of TF. These theories will be reviewed here in the context of the classical and modern in vitro and in vivo results that allow their reappraisal and in view of the novel mucin secretion enhancing pharmaceuticals, which have opened innovative routes for the therapy of DES.
Insights into Barley Root Transcriptome under Mild Drought Stress with an Emphasis on Gene Expression Regulatory Mechanisms
Authors: Janiak Agnieszka , Kwasniewski Miroslaw , Sowa Marta , Kuczyńska Anetta , Mikołajczak Krzysztof , Ogrodowicz Piotr , Szarejko Iwona
Published: December 2019

Root systems play a pivotal role in coupling with drought stress, which is accompanied with a substantial transcriptome rebuilding in the root tissues. Here, we present the results of global gene expression profiling of roots of two barley genotypes with contrasting abilities to cope with drought that were subjected to a mild level of the stress. We concentrate our analysis on gene expression regulation processes, which allowed the identification of 88 genes from 39 families involved in transcriptional regulation in roots upon mild drought. They include 13 genes encoding transcription factors (TFs) from AP2 family represented by ERFs, DREB, or B3 domain-containing TFs, eight WRKYs, six NACs, five of the HD-domain, MYB or MYB-related, bHLH and bZIP TFs. Also, the representatives of C3H, CPP, GRAS, LOB-domain, TCP, Tiffy, Tubby, and NF-Ys TFs, among others were found to be regulated by the mild drought in barley roots. We found that drought tolerance is accompanied with a lower number of gene expression changes than the amount observed in a susceptible genotype. The better drought acclimation may be related to the activation of transcription factors involved in the maintenance of primary root growth and in the epigenetic control of chromatin and DNA methylation. In addition, our analysis pointed to fives TFs from ERF, LOB, NAC, WRKY and bHLH families that may be important in the mild but not the severe drought response of barley roots.
Hypoxia: Overview on Hypoxia-Mediated Mechanisms with a Focus on the Role of HIF Genes
Authors: Tirpe Alexandru Andrei , Gulei Diana , Ciortea Stefana Maria , Crivii Carmen , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana
Published: December 2019

Hypoxia represents a frequent player in a number of malignancies, contributing to the development of the neoplastic disease. This review will discuss the means by which hypoxia powers the mechanisms behind cancer progression, with a majority of examples from lung cancer, the leading malignancy in terms of incidence and mortality rates (the frequent reference toward lung cancer is also for simplification purposes and follow up of the global mechanism in the context of a disease). The effects induced by low oxygen levels are orchestrated by hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) which regulate the expression of numerous genes involved in cancer progression. Hypoxia induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis through a complex machinery, by mediating various pathways such as TGF-β, PI3k/Akt, Wnt, and Jagged/Notch. Concomitantly, hypoxic environment has a vast implication in angiogenesis by stimulating vessel growth through the HIF-1α/VEGF axis. Low levels of oxygen can also promote the process through several other secondary factors, including ANGPT2, FGF, and HGF. Metabolic adaptations caused by hypoxia include the Warburg effect—a metabolic switch to glycolysis—and GLUT1 overexpression. The switch is achieved by directly increasing the expression of numerous glycolytic enzymes that are isoforms of those found in non-malignant cells.
Methodologies in Spectral Tuning of DSSC Chromophores through Rational Design and Chemical-Structure Engineering
Authors: Arooj Qudsia , Wilson Gregory J. , Wang Feng
Published: December 2019

The investigation of new photosensitizers for Grätzel-type organic dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) remains a topic of interest for researchers of alternative solar cell materials. Over the past 20 years, considerable and increasing research efforts have been devoted to the design and synthesis of new materials, based on “donor, π-conjugated bridge, acceptor” (D–π–A) organic dye photosensitizers. In this paper, the computational chemistry methods are outlined and the design of organic sensitizers (compounds, dyes) is discussed. With reference to recent literature reports, rational molecular design is demonstrated as an effective process to study structure–property relationships. Examples from established organic dye sensitizer structures, such as TA-St-CA, Carbz-PAHTDDT (S9), and metalloporphyrin (PZn-EDOT), are used as reference structures for an examination of this concept applied to generate systematically modified structural derivatives and hence new photosensitizers (i.e., dyes). Using computer-aided rational design (CARD), the in silico design of new chromophores targeted an improvement in spectral properties via the tuning of electronic structures by substitution of molecular fragments, as evaluated by the calculation of absorption profiles. This mini review provides important rational design strategies for engineering new organic light-absorbing compounds towards improved spectral absorption and related optoelectronic properties of chromophores for photovoltaic applications, including the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC).
Critical Assessment of Techniques for the Description of the Phase Composition of Advanced High-Strength Steels
Authors: Knaislová Anna , Rudomilova Darya , Novák Pavel , Prošek Tomáš , Michalcová Alena , Beran Přemysl
Published: December 2019

The phase composition and portion of individual phases in advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) CP1000 and DP1000 was studied by complementary microscopic and diffraction techniques. CP1000 and DP1000 steel grades have a high strength-to-density ratio and they are used in many applications in the automotive industry. The microstructure of the CP1000 “complex phase” steel consists of ferrite, bainite, martensite and a small amount of retained austenite. DP1000 is a dual phase steel, which has a structure of a ferritic matrix with islands of martensite and a minor amount of retained austenite. The influence of selected etchants (Nital, LePera, Beraha I, Nital followed by metabisulfite, Nital followed by LePera, and Nital followed by Beraha I) on the microstructure image is described. X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction and light optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used in this work for advanced characterization of the microstructure and phase composition. The information provided by each technique is critically compared.
Characteristics of Different Types of Basic Oxygen Furnace Slag Filler and its Influence on Properties of Asphalt Mastic
Authors: Kong Dezhi , Wu Shaopeng , Chen Meizhu , Zhao Meiling , Shu Benan
Published: December 2019

The fillers of ordinary and pyrolytic basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag were selected to investigate the properties of their asphalt mastic. XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) was used to analyze chemical composition of fillers. Meanwhile, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and AIMS (Aggregate Image Measurement System) were utilized to explore meso-morphology, angularity and sphericity. Penetration, softening point and viscosity of asphalt mastic were discussed, while the rheological properties of asphalt mastic were studied by means of DSR (dynamic shear rheometer) and BBR (bending beam rheometer) tests. The experimental results show that chemical composition of different types of BOF slag is similar. The grinding energy consumption of pyrolytic BOF slag is higher than that of limestone and ordinary BOF slag. It is not recommended that pyrolytic BOF slag filler is produced by grinding process. The micro-texture structure of ordinary BOF slag filler is more abundant and their angularity index is about 15% higher than that of limestone filler. The stiffness modulus and rutting factor of asphalt mastic with ordinary BOF slag filler is higher than that of limestone filler. Meanwhile the incorporation of BOF slag filler will further reduce the low-temperature flow performance of asphalt mastic. The effect of pyrolytic BOF slag filler on the performance of asphalt mastic is less than that of ordinary BOF slag. Ordinary BOF slag filler can effectively improve high temperature anti-rutting stability of asphalt mixture. Ordinary BOF slag has a useful application prospect as filler in asphalt mixture.
In Situ Determination of pH at Nanostructured Carbon Electrodes Using IR Spectroscopy
Authors: Bamgbelu Lolade , Holt Katherine B
Published: December 2019

Changes in pH at electrode surfaces can occur when redox reactions involving the production or consumption of protons take place. Many redox reactions of biological or analytical importance are proton-coupled, resulting in localized interfacial pH changes as the reaction proceeds. Other important electrochemical reactions, such as hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions, can likewise result in pH changes near the electrode. However, it is very difficult to measure pH changes located within around 100 µm of the electrode surface. This paper describes the use of in situ attenuated total reflectance (ATR) infrared (IR) spectroscopy to determine the pH of different solutions directly at the electrode interface, while a potential is applied. Changes in the distinctive IR bands of solution phosphate species are used as an indicator of pH change, given that the protonation state of the phosphate ions is pH-dependent. We found that the pH at the surface of an electrode modified with carbon nanotubes can increase from 4.5 to 11 during the hydrogen evolution reaction, even in buffered solutions. The local pH change accompanying the hydroquinone–quinone redox reaction is also determined.
Highly Deep Ultraviolet–Transparent h-BN Film Deposited on an Al0.7Ga0.3N Template by Low-Temperature Radio-Frequency Sputtering
Authors: Hao Guo-Dong , Taniguchi Manabu , Inoue Shin-ichiro
Published: December 2019

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is an attractive wide-bandgap material for application to emitters and detectors operating in the deep ultraviolet (DUV) spectral region. The optical transmittance of h-BN in the DUV region is particularly important for these devices. We report on the deposition of thick h-BN films (>200 nm) on Al0.7Ga0.3N templates via radio-frequency sputtering, along with the realization of ultrahigh transmittance in the DUV region. The fraction of the gas mixture (Ar/N2) was varied to investigate its effects on the optical transmittance of BN. DUV light transmittance of as high as 94% was achieved at 265 nm. This value could be further enhanced to exceed 98% by a post-annealing treatment at 800 °C in a N2 ambient for 20 min. The phase of the highly DUV–transparent BN film was determined to be a purely hexagonal structure via Raman spectra measurements. More importantly, these deposition processes were performed at a low temperature (300 °C), which can provide protection from device performance degradation when applied to actual devices.
A Guide through the Dental Dimethacrylate Polymer Network Structural Characterization and Interpretation of Physico-Mechanical Properties
Authors: Barszczewska-Rybarek Izabela Maria
Published: December 2019

Material characterization by the determination of relationships between structure and properties at different scales is essential for contemporary material engineering. This review article provides a summary of such studies on dimethacrylate polymer networks. These polymers serve as photocuring organic matrices in the composite dental restorative materials. The polymer network structure was discussed from the perspective of the following three aspects: the chemical structure, molecular structure (characterized by the degree of conversion and crosslink density (chemical as well as physical)), and supramolecular structure (characterized by the microgel agglomerate dimensions). Instrumental techniques and methodologies currently used for the determination of particular structural parameters were summarized. The influence of those parameters as well as the role of hydrogen bonding on basic mechanical properties of dimethacrylate polymer networks were finally demonstrated. Mechanical strength, modulus of elasticity, hardness, and impact resistance were discussed. The issue of the relationship between chemical structure and water sorption was also addressed.
Nanoindentation and Microstructure in the Shear Band in a Near Beta Titanium Alloy Ti-5Al-5Mo-5V-1Cr-1Fe
Authors: Wang Bingfeng , Ding Xu , Mao Ying , Liu Lanyi , Zhang Xiaoyong
Published: December 2019

Shear localization is the main deformation mode for the near beta titanium alloy Ti-5Al-5Mo-5V-1Cr-1Fe loaded at high strain rates at either room temperature or cryogenic temperature. Nanoindentation, transmission electron microscopy, and high-resolution electron microscopy technique are applied to character the microstructure features and mechanical properties in the shear band of near beta titanium alloy. A white and straight band is observed in the shear region. Both microhardness and nanoindentaion hardness in the shear region are inferior to those in matrix. The different microstructure in the edge and the center in the shear band contribute to different mechanical properties. The plasticity of the entire shear band is almost homogenous when specimens are deformed at the cryogenic temperature. Rotational dynamic recrystallization is responsible for the formation of the ultrafine grains in the shear band. The edge of the shear band is composed of elongated grains, while there are ultrafine equiaxed grains in the center of the shear band. Deformation temperature has significant influence on the process of the grain refinement and the phase transformation in the shear band (SB). The grain sizes of the shear band in the specimen deformed at room temperature are larger than those in the specimens deformed at cryogenic temperature. The shear band consists of α phase grains in the specimen deformed at room temperature, and the shear band consists of α phase and lath-like α′ phase grains in the specimen deformed at cryogenic temperature. Finally, the mechanisms for phase transformation in the shear band are illustrated.
Combination Formulation of Tetrodotoxin and Lidocaine as a Potential Therapy for Severe Arrhythmias
Authors: Hong Bihong , He Jianlin , Le Qingqing , Bai Kaikai , Chen Yongqiang , Huang Wenwen
Published: December 2019

Severe arrhythmias—such as ventricular arrhythmias—can be fatal, but treatment options are limited. The effects of a combined formulation of tetrodotoxin (TTX) and lidocaine (LID) on severe arrhythmias were studied. Patch clamp recording data showed that the combination of LID and TTX had a stronger inhibitory effect on voltage-gated sodium channel 1.5 (Nav1.5) than that of either TTX or LID alone. LID + TTX formulations were prepared with optimal stability containing 1 μg of TTX, 5 mg of LID, 6 mg of mannitol, and 4 mg of dextran-40 and then freeze dried. This formulation significantly delayed the onset and shortened the duration of arrhythmia induced by aconitine in rats. Arrhythmia-originated death was avoided by the combined formulation, with a decrease in the mortality rate from 64% to 0%. The data also suggests that the anti-arrhythmic effect of the combination was greater than that of either TTX or LID alone. This paper offers new approaches to develop effective medications against arrhythmias.
Alpha Particle Effect on Multi-Nanosheet Tunneling Field-Effect Transistor at 3-nm Technology Node
Authors: Hong Jungmin , Park Jaewoong , Lee Jeawon , Ham Jeonghun , Park Kiron , Jeon Jongwook
Published: December 2019

The radiation effects on a multi-nanosheet tunneling-based field effect transistor (NS-TFET) were investigated for a 3-nm technology node using a three-dimensional (3D) technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulator. An alpha particle was injected into a field effect transistor (FET), which resulted in a drain current fluctuation and caused the integrated circuit to malfunction as the result of a soft-error-rate (SER) issue. It was subsequently observed that radiation effects on NS-TFET were completely different from a conventional drift-diffusion (DD)-based FET. Unlike a conventional DD-based FET, when an alpha particle enters the source and channel areas in the current scenario, a larger drain current fluctuation occurs due to a tunneling mechanism between the source and the channel, and this has a significant effect on the drain current. In addition, as the temperature increases, the radiation effect increases as a result of a decrease in silicon bandgap energy and a resultant increase in band-to-band generation. Finally, the radiation effect was analyzed according to the energy of the alpha particle. These results can provide a guideline by which to design a robust integrated circuit for radiation that is totally different from the conventional DD-FET approach.
Determination of Chemical Stability of Two Oral Antidiabetics, Metformin and Repaglinide in the Solid State and Solutions Using LC-UV, LC-MS, and FT-IR Methods
Authors: Gumieniczek Anna , Berecka-Rycerz Anna , Mroczek Tomasz , Wojtanowski Krzysztof
Published: December 2019

Firstly, metformin and repaglinide were degraded under high temperature/humidity, UV/VIS light, in different pH and oxidative conditions. Secondly, a new validated LC-UV method was examined, as to whether it validly determined these drugs in the presence of their degradation products and whether it is suitable for estimating degradation kinetics. Finally, the respective LC-MS method was used to identify the degradation products. In addition, using FT-IR method, the stability of metformin and repaglinide was scrutinized in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), mannitol, magnesium stearate, and lactose. Significant degradation of metformin, following the first order kinetics, was observed in alkaline medium. In the case of repaglinide, the most significant and quickest degradation, following the first order kinetics, was observed in acidic and oxidative media (0.1 M HCl and 3% H2O2). Two new degradation products of metformin and nine new degradation products of repaglinide were detected and identified when the stressed samples were examined by our LC-MS method. What is more, the presence of PVP, mannitol, and magnesium stearate proved to affect the stability of metformin, while repaglinide stability was affected in the presence of PVP and magnesium stearate.
Bio-Guided Isolation of Prospective Bioactive Constituents from Roots of Clausena indica (Dalzell) Oliv
Authors: Quan Nguyen Van , Xuan Tran Dang , Anh La Hoang , Tran Hoang-Dung
Published: December 2019

Clausena indica fruits are routinely used for the culinary purpose as natural spices, whereas leaves and roots are folk medicine with various health benefits in southern China, South and Southeast Asia. In this study, the bioassay-guided fractionation by column chromatography yielded three pure compounds including dentatin, nordentatin, and clausine K and five active fractions (Re1-5) from C. indica roots. These known anticancer compounds were confirmed by X-ray diffraction, 1H-, 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric (ESI-MS-MS) analyses. Meanwhile, the phytochemical constituents from fractions were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The isolates, fractions’ components and their biological activities were first time investigated on C. indica. By in vitro DPPH and ABTS scavenging assays, nordentatin (IC50 = 49.2 and 69.9 µg/mL, respectively) and the fraction Re4 (32.4 and 38.5 µg/mL, respectively) showed the strongest antiradical activities, whereas clausine K presented a moderate and dentatin had negligible antioxidant activity, respectively. The anti-α-amylase activity of C. indica root extracts was mainly attributed to the fraction Re2 which inactivated the enzymatic assay with IC50 of 573.8 µg/mL. Among tested samples, only nordentatin and clausine K were effective in the pancreatic elastase inhibition, however, their influences were trivial. Markedly, clausine K and Re4 performed the most remarkable tyrosinase inhibition with IC50 values of 179.5 and 243.8 µg/mL, respectively, which were in turn 4 and 3 times stronger than myricetin (IC50 = 735.6 µg/mL), a well-known tyrosinase inhibitor. This is the first report affirming clausine K to be a new strong tyrosinase inhibitor. Isolated compounds from C. indica roots were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), of which, dentatin, nordentatin, and clausine K accounted for 14.74, 6.14, and 1.28 mg/g dry weight. The findings suggest that bioactive constituents from C. indica roots may be potentially employed for the development of antidiabetic, antiaging and cosmetic agents.
Effect of Salt Addition Time on the Nutritional Profile of Thunnus obesus Head Soup and the Formation of Micro/Nano-Sized Particle Structure
Authors: Fan Xinyi , Li Xiaopeng , Tao Ningping , Zhang Jing , Wang Mingfu , Qian Xueli , Su Hong , Zhong Jian
Published: December 2019

In order to investigate the effects of salt on the nutrients and tastes profiles of big eye tuna head soup, the typical nutrients and taste substances were analyzed. The formation and the morphology of micro/nanoparticles (MNPs) were studied using an inverted optical microscope, and the interactions among components in MNPs were studied using a laser scanning confocal microscope. The results showed that the nutrients were dissolved to the maximum in the soup when salt was added at 150 min of cooking. Comparatively, much smaller MNPs with a more stable bilayer were formed at the same salt addition time. Meanwhile, Cl− was found to permeate throughout the core and Na+ bonded with glycosylated molecules, which were dispersed around much smaller MNPs. These results suggested that in addition to promoting the migration of nutrients and taste substances, NaCl also participated in the formation and stability of MNPs in fish head soups.
Discovery of 8-Amino-Substituted 2-Phenyl-2,7-Naphthyridinone Derivatives as New c-Kit/VEGFR-2 Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Sun Haiyan , Zhuo Linsheng , Dong Huan , Huang Wei , She Nengfang
Published: December 2019

The 2,7-naphthyridone scaffold has been proposed as a novel lead structure of MET inhibitors by our group. To broaden the application of this new scaffold, a series of 8-amino-substituted 2-phenyl-2,7-naphthyridin-1(2H)-one derivatives were designed and synthesized. Preliminary biological screening resulted in the discovery of a new lead of c-Kit and VEGFR-2 kinase inhibitors. Compound 9k exhibited excellent c-Kit inhibitory activity, with an IC50 value of 8.5 nM, i.e., it is 38.8-fold more potent than compound 3 (IC50 of 329.6 nM). Moreover, the compounds 10l and 10r exhibited good VEGFR-2 inhibitory activity, with IC50 values of 56.5 and 31.7 nM, respectively, i.e., they are 5.0–8.8-fold more potent than compound 3 (IC50 of 279.9 nM). Molecular docking experiments provided further insight into the binding interactions of the new lead compounds with c-Kit and VEGFR-2 kinase. In this study, an 8-amino-substituted 2-phenyl-2,7-naphthyridin-1(2H)-one scaffold was identified as the new lead structure of c-Kit and VEGFR-2 kinase inhibitors.
Uric Acid and Potassium Serum Levels Are Independent Predictors of Blood Pressure Non-Dipping in Overweight or Obese Subjects
Authors: Zupo Roberta , Castellana Fabio , Boninfante Barbara , Lampignano Luisa , Lattanzio Antonio , Sardone Rodolfo , Giannelli Gianluigi , De Pergola Giovanni
Published: December 2019

Background: Obesity and sleeping blood pressure (BP) abnormalities are well recognized as some of the main risk factors for hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of hypertension and non-dipping profile in overweight/obese subjects. Methods: A sample of 100 consecutive healthy overweight/obese subjects, aged 20–69 years and never treated with antihypertensive drugs was examined. Ambulatory 24 h BP monitoring was performed to diagnose hypertension and a non-dipping profile. Anthropometric, metabolic and routine hematochemical parameters were assessed. All subjects underwent ultrasound measurement of common carotid intima–media thickness. Results: Hypertension was demonstrated in 69% (n = 69) and 27% of the sample (n = 27) had a non-dipping profile. Among the hematochemical variables, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (p = 0.02) and FT4 (p = 0.01) serum levels were higher in the hypertensive group than in the normotensive group. Lower potassium and uric acid serum levels (p = 0.05) were independent predictive factors of a non-dipping BP profile. Conclusions: This study shows, for the first time, that 1) an unexpectedly high percentage (69%) of overweight/obese subjects is affected by hypertension; 2) early hypertensive subjects have an increased eGFR and higher FT4 serum levels; 3) lower potassium and uric acid levels are independent predictors of pathological nocturnal non-dipping.
The Ethics of Doing Comparative Hagiology
Authors: Harrower Scott
Published: December 2019

This paper argues that a virtue-informed methodology is foundational to best practice in scholarly, collaborative, and comparative hagiological work. Following a discussion of how this resonates with Todd French’s work in this volume, I then draw from my experience as an educator to outline how a virtue-based approach might play out in pedagogy. Finally, I offer two metaphors for an “other-person centered” collaborative–comparativist mindset. Both of these are taken from my lived, and conversational “apprenticeship” in comparative hagiology on the Argentine–Brazilian border. Reflection on these metaphors, as well as their generative experiences, demonstrates the need for holistic self-reflection in the comparative study of religions, and of “hagiography” in particular.
Latest Geodetic Changes of Austre Lovénbreen and Pedersenbreen, Svalbard
Authors: Ai Songtao , Ding Xi , Tolle Florian , Wang Zemin , Zhao Xi
Published: December 2019

Geodetic mass changes in the Svalbard glaciers Austre Lovénbreen and Pedersenbreen were studied via high-precision real-time kinematic (RTK)-global positioning system (GPS) measurements from 2013 to 2015. To evaluate the elevation changes of the two Svalbard glaciers, more than 10,000 GPS records for each glacier surface were collected every year from 2013 to 2015. The results of several widely used interpolation methods (i.e., inverse distance weighting (IDW), ordinary kriging (OK), universal kriging (UK), natural neighbor (NN), spline interpolation, and Topo to Raster (TTR) interpolation) were compared. Considering the smoothness and accuracy of the glacier surface, NN interpolation was selected as the most suitable interpolation method to generate a surface digital elevation model (DEM). In addition, we compared two procedures for calculating elevation changes: using DEMs generated from the direct interpolation of the RTK-GPS points and using the elevation bias of crossover points from the RTK-GPS tracks in different years. Then, the geodetic mass balances were calculated by converting the elevation changes to their water equivalents. Comparing the geodetic mass balances calculated with and without considering snow depth revealed that ignoring the effect of snow depth, which differs greatly over a short time interval, might lead to bias in mass balance investigation. In summary, there was a positive correlation between the geodetic mass balance and the corresponding elevation. The mass loss increased with decreasing elevation, and the mean annual gradients of the geodetic mass balance along the elevation of Austre Lovénbreen and Pedersenbreen in 2013–2015 were approximately 2.60‰ and 2.35‰, respectively. The gradients at the glacier snouts were three times larger than those over the whole glaciers. Additionally, some mass gain occurred in certain high-elevation regions. Compared with a 2019 DEM generated from unmanned aerial vehicle measurement, the glacier snout areas presented an accelerating thinning situation in 2015–2019.
Mapping at 30 m Resolution of Soil Attributes at Multiple Depths in Midwest Brazil
Authors: Poppiel Raúl R. , Lacerda Marilusa P. C. , Safanelli José L. , Rizzo Rodnei , Oliveira Manuel P. , Novais Jean J. , Demattê José A. M.
Published: December 2019

The Midwest region in Brazil has the largest and most recent agricultural frontier in the country where there is no currently detailed soil information to support the agricultural intensification. Producing large-extent digital soil maps demands a huge volume of data and high computing capacity. This paper proposed mapping surface and subsurface key soil attributes with 30 m-resolution in a large area of Midwest Brazil. These soil maps at multiple depth increments will provide adequate information to guide land use throughout the region. The study area comprises about 851,000 km2 in the Cerrado biome (savannah) in the Brazilian Midwest. We used soil data from 7908 sites of the Brazilian Soil Spectral Library and 231 of the Free Brazilian Repository for Open Soil Data. We selected nine key soil attributes for mapping and aggregated them into three depth intervals: 0–20, 20–60 and 60–100 cm. A total of 33 soil predictors were prepared using Google Earth Engine (GEE), such as climate and geologic features with 1 km-resolution, terrain and two new covariates with 30 m-resolution, based on satellite measurements of the topsoil reflectance and the seasonal variability in vegetation spectra. The scorpan model was adopted for mapping of soil variables using random forest regression (RF). We used the model-based optimization by tuning RF hyperparameters and calculated the scaled permutation importance of covariates in R software. Our results were promising, with a satisfactory model performance for physical and chemical attributes at all depth intervals. Elevation, climate and topsoil reflectance were the most important covariates in predicting sand, clay and silt. In general, for predicting soil chemical attributes, climatic variables, elevation and vegetation reflectance provided to be the most important of predictive components, while for organic matter it was a combination of climatic dynamics and reflectance bands from vegetation and topsoil. The multiple depth maps showed that soil attributes largely varied across the study area, from clayey to sandy, suggesting that less than 44% of the studied soils had good natural fertility. We concluded that key soil attributes from multiple depth increments can be mapped using Earth observations data and machine learning methods with good performance.