bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Joint predictive modeling for geospatial data at various locations
Authors: Cheng Xi , Xie Harry
Published: June 2019

Predictive modeling uses statistics to predict unknown outcomes. In general, there are two categories of predictive modeling, parametric and non-parametric. There are many applications of predictive modeling, for example, it can be used to predict the risk score of a credit card transaction, it can also be used in health care to identify the probability of having certain disease. When it comes to geospatial data, there are some unique characteristics of the problem. Predictive modeling of geospatial data naturally involves multiple response variables at various locations. The response variables are not independent with each other and thus building separate models for each individual response variable is not appropriate. In addition, many geospatial data has strong spatial auto-correlation such that data from nearby locations are more similar with each other. A joint modeling takes into account of both the correlation among response variables and relationship among different locations, and can make predictions for locations with no training data. In this paper, we review works on joint predictive modeling for multiple response variables at various locations.
Pericentrin-mediated SAS-6 recruitment promotes centriole assembly
Authors: Ito Daisuke , Zitouni Sihem , Jana Swadhin Chandra , Duarte Paulo , Surkont Jaroslaw , Carvalho-Santos Zita , Pereira-Leal José B , Ferreira Miguel Godinho , Bettencourt-Dias Mónica
Published: June 2019

The centrosome is composed of two centrioles surrounded by a microtubule-nucleating pericentriolar material (PCM). Although centrioles are known to regulate PCM assembly, it is less known whether and how the PCM contributes to centriole assembly. Here we investigate the interaction between centriole components and the PCM by taking advantage of fission yeast, which has a centriole-free, PCM-containing centrosome, the SPB. Surprisingly, we observed that several ectopically-expressed animal centriole components such as SAS-6 are recruited to the SPB. We revealed that a conserved PCM component, Pcp1/pericentrin, interacts with and recruits SAS-6. This interaction is conserved and important for centriole assembly, particularly its elongation. We further explored how yeasts kept this interaction even after centriole loss and showed that the conserved calmodulin-binding region of Pcp1/pericentrin is critical for SAS-6 interaction. Our work suggests that the PCM not only recruits and concentrates microtubule-nucleators, but also the centriole assembly machinery, promoting biogenesis close by.
Nitric oxide radicals are emitted by wasp eggs to kill mold fungi
Authors: Strohm Erhard , Herzner Gudrun , Ruther Joachim , Kaltenpoth Martin , Engl Tobias
Published: June 2019

Detrimental microbes caused the evolution of a great diversity of antimicrobial defenses in plants and animals. Insects developing underground seem particularly threatened. Here we show that the eggs of a solitary digger wasp, the European beewolf Philanthus triangulum, emit large amounts of gaseous nitric oxide (NO⋅) to protect themselves and their provisions, paralyzed honeybees, against mold fungi. We provide evidence that a NO-synthase (NOS) is involved in the generation of the extraordinary concentrations of nitrogen radicals in brood cells (~1500 ppm NO⋅ and its oxidation product NO2⋅). Sequencing of the beewolf NOS gene revealed no conspicuous differences to related species. However, due to alternative splicing, the NOS-mRNA in beewolf eggs lacks an exon near the regulatory domain. This preventive external application of high doses of NO⋅ by wasp eggs represents an evolutionary key innovation that adds a remarkable novel facet to the array of functions of the important biological effector NO⋅.
Structure of Vps4 with circular peptides and implications for translocation of two polypeptide chains by AAA+ ATPases
Authors: Han Han , Fulcher James M , Dandey Venkata P , Iwasa Janet H , Sundquist Wesley I , Kay Michael S , Shen Peter S , Hill Christopher P
Published: June 2019

Many AAA+ ATPases form hexamers that unfold protein substrates by translocating them through their central pore. Multiple structures have shown how a helical assembly of subunits binds a single strand of substrate, and indicate that translocation results from the ATP-driven movement of subunits from one end of the helical assembly to the other end. To understand how more complex substrates are bound and translocated, we demonstrated that linear and cyclic versions of peptides bind to the S. cerevisiae AAA+ ATPase Vps4 with similar affinities, and determined cryo-EM structures of cyclic peptide complexes. The peptides bind in a hairpin conformation, with one primary strand equivalent to the single chain peptide ligands, while the second strand returns through the translocation pore without making intimate contacts with Vps4. These observations indicate a general mechanism by which AAA+ ATPases may translocate a variety of substrates that include extended chains, hairpins, and crosslinked polypeptide chains.
Ion counting demonstrates a high electrostatic field generated by the nucleosome
Authors: Gebala Magdalena , Johnson Stephanie L , Narlikar Geeta J , Herschlag Dan
Published: June 2019

In eukaryotes, a first step towards the nuclear DNA compaction process is the formation of a nucleosome, which is comprised of negatively charged DNA wrapped around a positively charged histone protein octamer. Often, it is assumed that the complexation of the DNA into the nucleosome completely attenuates the DNA charge and hence the electrostatic field generated by the molecule. In contrast, theoretical and computational studies suggest that the nucleosome retains a strong, negative electrostatic field. Despite their fundamental implications for chromatin organization and function, these opposing views of nucleosome electrostatics have not been experimentally tested. Herein, we directly measure nucleosome electrostatics and find that while nucleosome formation reduces the complex charge by half, the nucleosome nevertheless maintains a strong negative electrostatic field. Our studies highlight the importance of considering the polyelectrolyte nature of the nucleosome and its impact on processes ranging from factor binding to DNA compaction.
A comprehensive review of randomized clinical trials in three medical journals reveals 396 medical reversals
Authors: Herrera-Perez Diana , Haslam Alyson , Crain Tyler , Gill Jennifer , Livingston Catherine , Kaestner Victoria , Hayes Michael , Morgan Dan , Cifu Adam S , Prasad Vinay
Published: June 2019

The ability to identify medical reversals and other low-value medical practices is an essential prerequisite for efforts to reduce spending on such practices. Through an analysis of more than 3000 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in three leading medical journals (the Journal of the American Medical Association, the Lancet, and the New England Journal of Medicine), we have identified 396 medical reversals. Most of the studies (92%) were conducted on populations in high-income countries, cardiovascular disease was the most common medical category (20%), and medication was the most common type of intervention (33%).
Finding the fish factor
Authors: Pohnert Georg
Published: June 2019

The water flea Daphnia moves to deeper waters to avoid predators when it detects a chemical produced by fish.
Elaborated pollen packaging and dispensing mechanism induced by petal architecture from a Papaveraceae species
Authors: Yang Shanlin , Chu Guangming , Shi Xiang , Wang Shaoming
Published: June 2019

Secondary pollen presentation (SPP) is a reproductive strategy that enhances the efficiency of pollen transfer, which has been explored for more than 200 years, resulting in 10 identified types of SPP. The ephemeral plant Hypecoum erectum L. (Papaveraceae) has an elaborate petal structure. The middle lobe is a key functional organ in SPP. To explore the importance of the middle lobe structure, we measured the flowering process, the curling movement and growth of the middle lobe, pollination characteristics, pollination efficiency, and the mating system in H. erectum in the field. The yellow middle lobe structure had an important role in attracting pollinators. The middle lobes on the inner petals function as a redundant cucullate structure and wrapped about 84% of the total pollen grains as soon as the anthers dehisced. These then grew upward and gradually presented pollen to pollinators via the roll out of the middle lobes. One bee species, Colletes vestitus from Colletidae, was the only effective pollinator of H. erectum. The SPP mechanism increased the efficiency of pollen transfer by C. vestitus. The middle lobes, which wrapped pollen and grew upward, contacted the stigma and provided an advantage for self-pollination and outcrossing by growing upward higher than the corolla. Hypecoum erectum L. has a mixed mating system with selfing and outcrossing. Thus, the SPP mechanism plays a key role during the pollination process and is necessary for improving pollination efficiency and promoting reproductive success.
The role of serum and urinary biomarkers in the diagnosis of early diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zhang Deyuan , Ye Shandong , Pan Tianrong
Published: June 2019

Background

Previous studies have shown that a variety of biomarkers are closely related to the occurrence and development of early-stage diabetic nephropathy (DN) in patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of multiple sera and urinary biomarkers in the diagnosis of early-stage DN in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We enrolled 287 patients with type 2 diabetes, who were classified into normoalbuminuria (n = 144), microalbuminuria (n = 94), or macroalbuminuria (n = 49) groups based on their urine albumin to creatinine ratios (UACR), along with 42 healthy controls. We assessed 13 biomarkers, including transferrin (Tf), immunoglobulin G (IgG), podocalyxin, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase, α-1-microglobulin, 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-18 in urine samples, along with cystatin C, total bilirubin, and uric acid in sera samples, to evaluate their diagnostic roles. From the measurements, the blood neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio was also calculated.

Results

Urinary Tf, IgG, NGAL, and TNF-α were significantly related to the UACR. We calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (area under the curve) and found that urinary IgG (0.894), NGAL (0.875), Tf (0.861), TNF-α (0.763), and the combination of urinary Tf + IgG + TNF-α + NGAL (0.922) showed good diagnostic value for early-stage DN.

Conclusions

Urinary Tf, IgG, NGAL, TNF-α, and the combination of all four biomarkers demonstrated excellent diagnostic value for early-stage DN in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Growth and Yield Components of Groundnut (Arachis hypogeal L.) as Affected by Phosphorous Fertilizer Application on the Jos Plateau
Authors: Iro I. Ibrahim, , Jameela A. , Ninani K. N.
Published: June 2019

The experiment was conducted in Federal College of Forestry demonstration farm Jos, Plateau State to determine the growth and yield components groundnut as affected by phosphorous fertilizer application on the Jos plateau. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) comprising of four treatments (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P ha-1) that were replicated four times on groundnut (SAMNUT 25). Data was collected on germination percentage, plant height, leaf count, number of branches, days to 50% flowering, number of pods/plant, 100 seeds weight, total yield and biomass weight which were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% level of probability with Minitab 23. Where significance was declared, Fisher LSD method was used to separate the means. The result reveals that no significant effect was recorded for germination percentage. Highly significant effect of phosphorous was observed on the growth and yield components of groundnut. The highest (34.63 cm) plant height, leaf (100.78) count, number (27.13) of branches, days (27.75 days) to 50% flowering, number (34.50) of pods/plant, 100 seeds (52.08 g) weight, total (2.26tha-1) yield and biomass (5.42 tha-1) weight at the application of 60 kg P ha-1. Thus, groundnut farmers are encouraged to engage in the application of 60kg P ha-1 for optimum growth and yield. Further research on other varieties should be conducted to ascertain the best variety and phosphorous rate for optimum groundnut production in the study area.
Field Fungal Diversity in Freshly Harvested Maize
Authors: Sun Xiang Dong , Shan Hong , Li Lili , Su Ping , Lan Jing , Zhao Lin , Yang Huan Chun
Published: June 2019

Maize is a major crop in China and maize production in Heilongjiang Province ranks No.1 in the country in annual maize production in the whole country. Maize is prone to invasion by fungi and mycotoxins produced by these fungi are proven to be serious threats to animals as well as human health. Through high through-put sequencing we detected the dominant phylum to be Ascomycota; Dothideomycetes, Sordariomycetes, Eurotiomycetes and Tremellomycetes, Saccharomycetes were the dominant classes; Hypocreales, Eurotiales, Capnodiales, Saccharomycetales, Tremellales, and Pleosporales were the main orders; Nectriaceae, Trichocomaceae, Cladosporiaceae, Debaryomycetaceae, Tremellaceae, and Pleosporaceae were major families; Gibberella, Cladosporium, Papiliotrema, Penicillium, Scheffersomyces, Talaromyces, and Epicoccum were the most abundant phylotypes at the genus level. Epicoccum_nigrum, Gibberella_zeae, Papiliotrema_flavescens, and Scheffersomyces_shehatae were the dominant fungal species. Great fungal diversity was observed in the maize samples harvested in the five major maize-growing regions in Heilongjiang Province. Maize-1 in Nenjiang County was observed to have the greatest fungal diversity and abundance among the five regions. Since some of the fungal species are mycotoxin producing, it is necessary to take precautions to ensure the maize is stored under safe conditions to prevent the occurrence of mycotoxins and the growth and reproduction of other fungi which results in deterioration in the quality of maize.
Effect of honey supplementation with bee products on quality parameters and mineral composition
Authors: Adam Florkiewicz Lesław Juszczak, , Gałkowska, Anna Piotrowska Robert Socha, Dorota
Published: June 2019

The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of supplementation of multiflower honey with bee products on selected quality parameters and on mineral composition. Supplementation of honey with bee products slightly affected the water content; however, part of samples had slightly exceeded the allowed water content. Addition of individual bee products resulted in significant increases in the amount of insoluble solids, free acidity and conductivity. The greatest effect was observed for honeys with pollen or beebread, due to higher levels of supplementation of honey with these products. The addition of bee products had little effect on HMF content. Supplementation of honey with beebread resulted in lower glucose and fructose content. Honeys with bee products exhibited slightly higher sucrose content, while in three of the analyzed samples sucrose content exceeded the allowed for honey limit. Supplementation of honeys with pollen or beebread significantly influenced an increase in K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and Mn contents.
‘Niágara Rosada’ and ‘Isabel’ grapes quality cultivated in different altitudes in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil
Authors: De Souza Lima, A L. Bernarde C. M. Meneghelli, J. S. , A. Silva, L. A. M. Meneghelli J. M. Coelho, Samuel de.
Published: June 2019

Altitude and climate and its microclimatic characteristics influence the grapes and wines quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate ‘Niagara Rosada’ and ‘Isabel’ grapes quality at three different altitudes in the highlands of the state of Espírito Santo. The experiment was a randomized complete block design in subdivided plots (3x2). The plots were in different altitudes and, in the subplots, the two cultivars. Also, five replicates were done in each treatment. The grapes quality were evaluated in the laboratory from total soluble solids (TSS), total titratable acidity (TTA), pH and the relationship between TSS / TTA. The cultivar ‘Niágara Rosada’ showed higher values than the ‘Isabel’ cultivar in relation to the evaluated parameters. The altitude of 650 m favored to obtain higher values of total titratable acidity and lower values of pH. The excess of leaf nitrogen in environment 1 contributed to the higher values of TTA and lower pH for the cultivars ‘Niágara Rosada’ and ‘Isabel’. The quality of the ‘Niágara Rosada’ and ‘Isabel’ grapes produced in the state of Espírito Santo were influenced by altitude, and the altitude of 650 m favored to obtain higher values of total titratable acidity and lower values of pH.
Effect of the application of inducers on soursop fruit (Annona muricata L.): postharvest disease control, physiological behaviour and activation of defense systems
Authors: R. González-Estrada, Efigenia M-González Anelsy Ramos-Guerrero, Ramsés , Porfirio Gutiérrez-Martínez Patricia Miranda-Castro,
Published: June 2019

The application of chitosan (Chi) alone or in combination with methyl jasmonate (MJ) and salicylic acid (SA) in soursop infected with C. gloeosporioides and R. stolonifer in vivo as well as quality parameters (pH, total soluble solids, firmness and titratable acidity), respiration rate, ethylene production and defense related enzyme activities were investigated. Diseases caused by phytopathogenic fungi at postharvest stage are a serious problem throughout the world. The pathogens evaluated in this study were isolated from orchards in Nayarit, Mexico. The coating application of 1.0% Chi - 0.1 mM MJ - 6 mM SA on fruit inoculated with C. gloeosporioides and 0.5% Chi- 0.1 mM MJ on fruit inoculated with R. stolonifer were more effective to reduce the disease incidence and the extension of the lesion on soursop rather than the application of Chi, MJ or SA alone. In order to maintain quality parameters Chi and inducers were applied on fruits. During the storage time quality parameters of fruit were maintained. The respiration rate and ethylene production decreased with the application of the treatments combination. Higher activities of PPO (polyphenol oxidase), and POD (peroxidase) were evidenced with the combination of treatments compare to control. The application of chitosan, methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid is a suitable method for postharvest disease control of soursop during storage time as well as to maintain the fruit quality.
An Assessment of the Soil Quality Index in a Mediterranean Agro Ecosystem
Authors: Triantafyllidis Vassilios , Kosma Achilleas Kontogeorgosa Chariklia , Patakas Angelos
Published: June 2019

Soil quality is a complex functional concept, which cannot be measured directly but only be inferred from both soil characteristics and cultivation practices. Among different approaches used, Soil Quality Index (SQI) is considered to be the most appropriate for quantitative assessment of soil quality. Since, there is no standard method for SQI estimation, the aim of this study is to identify soil quality parameters that could be used for the development of reliable SQI which could be effectively applied in Mediterranean ecosystems. Three different methods resulting in different SQIs were evaluated regarding their ability to monitor changes in agricultural soil properties over time. Overall, a set of soil’s parameters was used as soil health indicators (pH, CaCO3, EC, NO3-N, P, K, Mg, Cu, B, Zn, Fe, Mn, Silt, Clay, Sand and SOC) derived from 605 soil samples used to calculate the above SQIs. The most reliable SQI to distinguish the effect of the examined parameters was the weighted additive approach. These 16 soil indicators can be used as decision support tool for soil management practices, as well as indirect measures of soil function, serving to assess soil health for a sustainable Mediterranean agro-environment.
Iron and manganese content and uptake with the yield of potato tubers as affected by herbicides and biostimulants, and potato tuber nutritional value
Authors: I. Mystkowska, Anna Sikorska M. Gugała, K. Zarzecka,
Published: June 2019

The study material consisted of table potato tubers produced in a three-year field experiment. The following factors were examined: three potato cultivars – Bartek, Gawin and Honorata, five herbicide application methods: herbicides alone (Harrier 295 ZC and Sencor 70 WG) and mixed with growth regulators (Harrier 295 ZC + Kelpak SL, Sencor 70 WG + Asahi SL), and a control unit where weeds were mechanically controlled. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of herbicides and their mixtures with growth regulators on potato tuber nutritive value as well as iron and manganese contents and uptake with the yield of potato tubers. Iron and manganese contents of tubers and uptake with tuber yield were significantly affected by cultivars, herbicides and biostimulants applied as well as weather conditions during the growing season. The herbicides and biostimulants increased iron and manganese contents and uptake with the yield of potato tubers compared with control tubers. The highest amounts of the examined microelements were accumulated by cv. Honorata compared with cv. Bartek and Gawin. Consumption of 100 g potato tubers in 9 and 21% satisfied the daily requirement for iron and manganese, the daily requirements in the human diet being 14.0 and 2.0 mg, respectively.
Performance of ‘Eragil’ peach trees grown on different training systems
Authors: Clevison Luiz Giacobbo Alison Uberti,
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate phenology aspect, vigor, production and quality of ‘Eragil’ peach trees grown under different training and pruning systems. Evaluations were carried out during two seasons, 2015/16 and 2016/17. Fruit tree training and pruning systems ‘Open Center’ (3.5 × 5.0 m), ‘Ipsilon’ (1.5 × 5.0 m) and ‘Central Leader’ (0.8 × 5.0 m) were used. Phenology, vegetative growth (vigor) and yield were evaluated. ‘Central Leader’ plants showed a higher productivity and productive efficiency. ‘Open Center’ plants had a greater vigor and yield per plant, however had a lower yield by unit area. Plants with ‘Y’ shape were intermediates between ‘Open Center’ and ‘Central Leader’ in relation of the evaluated variables. ‘Central Leader’ training system can be used for peach orchards in order to increase yield and productivity indexes.
Glycemic Index (GI) and Glycemic Load (GL) Values for Dried Bisr and Tamr Dates
Authors: Jarrar Amjad H. , Kamal-Eldin Afaf , Bataineh Mo'ath , Al Dhaheri Ayesha S.
Published: June 2019

Date fruits can be consumed at different stages of maturity and thus might vary in glycemic response. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the nutritional composition, glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) values of dried Bisr (mature unripe) and Tamr (mature ripe) dates. Fifteen healthy female participants (18 and 25 years), were recruited to assess the GI and GL values of dried Bisr and dried Tamr dates. Each participant was tested in three different times. Trials were separated by 1 week and proceeded in a randomized counterbalanced manner. Anthropometrics and food records were obtained for all participants. Proximate analysis revealed significant differences between Bisr and Tamr dates in moisture, ash, fat, protein, and fiber content (P<0.05), whereas, carbohydrate and energy contents were comparable (P>0.05). The incremental area under the blood glucose response curve was higher (164.5 ± 47.8) for the standard food in comparison with dried Bisr (88.5 ± 24.1, P < 0.0001) or dried Tamr dates (88.2 ± 27.9, P<0.0001), whereas, no significant differences were detected between the test foods (P>0.05). Both GI (Bisr: 54.6 ± 15.2 vs. Tamr: 54.3 ± 14.3) and GL (Bisr: 13.65 vs. Tamr: 13.58) were not significantly different between the test food items (P>0.05). Dried date fruits induce similar glycemic responses regardless of their maturity stage.
Potentials of representative heirloom vegetables on Shonai region of Yamagata, Japan
Authors: Nagai Takeshi , Nagata Takumi , Tanoue Yasuhiro , Kai Norihisa , Suzuki Nobutaka
Published: June 2019

The aim of this work was to elucidate the proximate composition, functional components, and functional properties of representative heirloom vegetables on Shonai region of Yamagata, Japan. Turnip roots such as Fujisawakabu and Tomoefuki contained a lot of proteins and carbohydrates among these vegetables tested. Many vegetables showed about 2-3 times as many vitamin C and β-carotene values as corresponding commercially available vegetables. Overall, water and methanol extracts prepared from these vegetables possessed remarkably high antioxidative activities except for Makomodake. Radical scavenging through different mechanisms and hyaluronidase inhibitory activities varied markedly among these vegetables. Particularly, all vegetables exhibited outstanding ACE inhibitory activities about 45.1-95.8%. These findings demonstrated that heirloom vegetables used in this study served as good sources of vitamins, phenolics, and antioxidants compared to corresponding commercially available vegetables. Positively eating of these vegetables can probably contribute to health promotion to prevent life style-related diseases such as cancer, hypertension, and inflammation. Furthermore, it also may have potentials for preservation of species and for promotion of sustainable cultivation of heirloom vegetables.
The effect of cooking method on the physico-chemical characteristics and fatty acid composition in lamb longissimus dorsi muscle
Authors: Radzik-Rant, Marcin Świątek, Witold Rant, Aurelia , Magdalena Ślęzak, Roman Niżnikowski, , Anna Morales-Villavicencio Żaneta Szymańska,
Published: June 2019

The effect of microwaving and roasting on physico-chemical characteristics and fatty acid composition in lamb longissimus dorsi muscle was investigated. The meat samples from 24 ram lambs of meat and wool purpose of Polish lowland sheep was analyzed. Lamb meat cooked in the microwave resulted in a higher cooking loss (P<0.05) compared to roasting. Compared to raw meat microwaving and roasting caused a significant increase in intramuscular fat, protein and collagen content. The samples cooked in microwave and roasted were brighter (P<0.05) (higher L* values)  in comparison to raw meat. Cooking did not change the contents of SFA and MUFA of meat only the sum of PUFA and PUFA/SFA ratio decreased (P<0.05) for microwave treatment but did not change n-6/n-3 index. The applied cooking methods did not affect significant changes in the content of C18:2 c9, t11 (CLA) isomer.
Methylxanthines in 100 Brazilian herbs and infusions: determination and consumption
Authors: Meinhart Adriana Dillenburg , Caldeirão, Helena T. Godoy Fernanda M. Damin, Lucas
Published: June 2019

The contents of caffeine, theophylline and theobromine were studied in 100 plants commercialized in Brazil to investigate new sources of these compounds, and evaluate the consumption of these compounds when these plants are used as infusions (teas). Therefore, two extraction methods were performed, one used an ethanol solution and one used an aqueous infusion process. The extracts were analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. White, green, and black tea (Camellia sinensis) and yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) can be considered as potential sources of both caffeine and theobromine. Boldo (Peumus boldus) was a source of theobromine, and small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata), stonebreaker (Phylantus niruri), cow’s foot (Bauhinia forficata) and calendula (Calendula officinalis) presented the highest contents of theophylline. This study highlighted herbs not yet investigated for these compounds. The results obtained may be useful in future studies to evaluate the use of these plants as sources of methylxanthines in foods or drugs.
Isolation, expression and function analysis of a bZIP transcription factor IbbZIP37 in sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L. [Lam])
Authors: Xiangpo Qiu Wenbin Wang, , Yang Yanxin , Kim Ho-Soo , Huan Yu Xiaoyun Jia, , Kwak Sang-Soo
Published: June 2019

bZIP transcription factor play an important regulatory role in the response to multiple abiotic stresses. However, our knowledge of the stress tolerance functions of bZIP family genes in sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam) remains limited. In the present study, we isolated and functionally characterized an IbbZIP37 gene encoding an abiotic stress-inducible bZIP group A transcription factor. Sequence analysis showed that the IbbZIP37 contained a typical bZIP domain and five conserved Ser/Thr kinase phosphorylation sites (RXXS/T). The IbbZIP37 protein was localized in the nucleus and possessed transcriptional activation activity. The results of electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated that IbbZIP37 can bind to the ABRE cis-element, not do to DRE cis-element in vitro. The IbbZIP37 gene showed the highest level of constitutive expression in root, especially in fibrous root and storage root body. Gene expression was induced by ABA and several environmental stresses including drought, salt and heat shock. Our results suggest that IbbZIP37 is a positive transcription regulator of the abiotic stresses response, which can be used as an excellent candidate for improving the stress tolerance of different crop plants.
Compositional and Therapeutic Properties of Camel Milk: A Review
Authors: Hammam A. R. A.
Published: June 2019

Camel’s milk is one of the most useful types of milk. Camel’s milk is a white liquid, made up of a combination of emulsified fatty globules mixed with aqueous liquid. Several investigations have shown that camel’s milk is able to treat many diseases even chronic diseases. It also proved that it contains a group of natural elements and compounds that have the special therapeutic ability in internal diseases. This work is aim to highlight and review the chemical composition of camel’s milk and its therapeutic benefits, such as diabetes, diarrhea, food allergies, autism, cancer, chronic hepatitis, and cardiovascular diseases.
Aronia melanocarpa berries: phenolics composition and antioxidant properties changes during fruit development and ripening
Authors: Wawer, Katarzyna Zawada Małgorzata Gralec, Iwona
Published: June 2019

Aronia melanocarpa E. (black chokeberry, aronia) is cultivated in Poland, the USA, Korea and many other countries worldwide. It is known that its ripening and ripe berries are a very rich source of polyphenolic antioxidants, however, there is no data concerning unripe fruits. In this work, the changes in the content of anthocyanins, procyanidins, total polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity (measured with ORAC and DPPH-EPR tests) of Aronia melanocarpa E., Nero cultivar, during the whole fruit development and ripening period were studied. The highest content of total polyphenols (up to 20 g/100 g d.w.), procyanidins (10-15 g/100 g d.w.) and flavonoids (7-11 g/100 g d.w.) as well as the highest antioxidant activity (up to 100 mmol Trolox/100 g d.w.) was observed for unripe fruits. Procyanidins content declined during fruit development and then increased slightly in later maturation stages. Anthocyanin biosynthesis initiated at the beginning of fruit ripening and reached the highest level (2-3 g/100g d.w.) in mature fruit. Thus, although as for now only ripe berries are processed to obtain juice and extracts for foods, our results suggest that green berries rich in procyanidins and other phenolics may be an interesting raw plant material for both food and pharmaceutical industries.
Nutrients, fatty acid composition and antioxidant activity of the flowers and seed oils in wild populations of Paeonia ludlowii
Authors: Wang Jie Li, Zai-Hua
Published: June 2019

Wild Paeonia ludlowii is considered as a traditional ornamental plant, but its flowers and seed oils are edible with important economic values, and the variation of nutrients, fatty acid composition in wild populations is scarcely known. Flowers and seeds of P. ludlowii were collected from two wild populations for evaluating the nutrients in flowers, composition of fatty acids in seed oils and the antioxidant activity. The flowers contained high composition of proteins, carbohydrates, amino acids, total flavonoids, phenolic compounds and essential minerals. Seed oil yield reached up to 21.95% using supercritical CO2 fluid extraction, and it contained 14 fatty acids (up to 93.35 g/100g seed oil), especially the unsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid, linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid) was up to 88.69% with low ω6/ω3 ratios of 0.58. The antioxidant capacity can be arranged in the order of trolox > flower extracts > seed oil according to the DPPH and ABTS free radical assay. Contents of nutrient in flowers and fatty acids in seed oils were significantly different between two wild populations due to the impact of different growing environments. These results indicate that flowers and seed oils of P. ludlowii are potential food resources in human diets.
Bromatology, food chemistry and antioxidant activity of Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott
Authors: Priscila de Souza Araújo Sarah de Souza Araújo, , Giunco Aline Janaina , J. S. Argandoña Sandro M. Silva, Eliana
Published: June 2019

Taioba or Cocoyam - Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott - leaves and petioles consumption is almost restricted to Brazilian traditional communities because the lack of knowledge about their chemical and nutritional features. This study was carried out to determine the Taioba leaves and petioles chemical properties (moisture, fixed mineral residue, Calcium, Magnesium, proteins, lipids, dietary fiber and carbohydrates) were quantified; Calcium oxalate was evaluated as an anti-nutritional factor. Bioactive compounds (vitamin C, chlorophyll, carotenoids, lycopene and phenolic compounds) were also determined. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated by DPPH and ABTS methods. Taioba leaves and petioles present greater quantity of proteins, fibers, Calcium, Magnesium and vitamin C than some conventional plants used as salad. The amount of Calcium oxalate was not considered harmful to human consume. Antioxidant activity related to Taioba bioactive compounds has functional and nutraceutical abilities, which opens promising prospects for its use.
The use of different N sources for the treatment of permanent grassland and effect on forage quality
Authors: Simić Aleksandar , Marković Jordan , Bojan Stojanović Savo Vučković, , Violeta Mandić Zorica Bijelić, , Dželetović Željko
Published: June 2019

During an experiment conducted in Serbia, near the city of Šabac over two growing seasons (2012/13 and 2013/14), the yield and quality of grassland treated with an organo-mineral fertilizer (farmyard manure 30 t ha-1 +10 wt.% zeolite) was monitored and compared to fertilization with pure manure (30 t ha-1), spring nitrogen application (50 kg/ha N), treatment with pure zeolite, and treatment without the addition of fertilizers. All fertilizers were spread in the autumn of 2012. Nitrogen was exceptionally applied in the spring of 2013 and 2014. Dry matter (DM) yield and forage quality were evaluated during the growing season, in two forage harvests. In addition to yields, the chemical composition of the biomass, concentrations of total protein fractions and in vitro DM digestibility were examined in detail. The biomass yields of both cuts in the first season were considerably higher after the application of manure with zeolite, pure manure and mineral nitrogen, compared to the control and zeolite. No significant differences among the treatments were noted with regard to the chemical composition of the biomass, or the effect of the type of fertilization on DM digestibility of the biomass from the natural grassland. The application of the organo-mineral fertilizer considerably reduced the share of NPN in total protein, compared to pure manure.
Green grain of spelt (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta) harvested at the stage of milk-dough as a rich source of valuable nutrients
Authors: Andruszczak Piotr Kraska, Sylwia , Dziki Dariusz , Stocki Marcin , Stocka Natalia , Paweł Gierasimiuk Krzysztof Różyło,
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to compare the chemical composition of three spelt wheat cultivars harvested at the milk-dough stage (MDS) and at the fully ripe stage (FRS) in the organic farm in Poland. Green grain of cv. ‘Oberkulmer Rotkorn’ harvested at MDS showed a significantly higher content of P, K, Ca, Zn, Fe, Na and B, compared to grain harvested at FRS. In unripe grain of cv. ‘Rokosz’, the content of N, K, Zn, Mn and Na was significantly higher than in ripe grain at FRS. In the case of cv. ‘Wirtas’, the P, K, Mg, Ca, Zn, Mn and B content determined at MDS was higher than that found in ripe grain at FRS. The content of Lys, Met, Ala and Tyr in green grain of all the cultivars evaluated was higher than that determined at FRS. However, when the grain was harvested at the fully ripe stage, the increase of Arg, His, Leu, Phe, Val, Glu, Pro and Ser was found. The content of fat and α-linolenic fatty acid in green grain of spelt was higher than in ripe grain. The presence of cinnamic and dicarboxylic acids was only found in spelt harvested at MDS. Unripe grain was also characterized by a higher content of hydroxy and phenolic acids.
Comparison of Growth Indices of Nigella sativa L. under Different Plant Densities and Fertilization
Authors: Kakabouki, Dimitrios Bilalis Ioannis Roussis, Ioanna
Published: June 2019

Agronomic practices such as plant density and fertilizer management are referred to comprise crop environment, which influences plant growth, productivity, and ultimately the yield. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the influence of plant density and fertilization on the growth and growth indices of Nigella sativa crop and to determine the association between yield and growth characteristics at both the single plant and crop stand level. The 2-year experiment was laid out in a split-plot design, with three replications, two main plots (200 and 300 plants m-2) and four sub-plots (fertilization treatments: control, compost, farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizer). The highest absolute growth rate (AGR) (0.0321 g day-1) and relative growth rate (RGR) (0.0714 g g-1 day-1) values were recorded when plants subjected to low-density and inorganic fertilization, while the highest crop growth rate (CGR) (8.0342 g m-2 day-1) was obtained under high-plant density and inorganic fertilization. Concerning specific leaf area (SLA), the highest value (196.28 cm2 g-1) was found in inorganic fertilized treatment. Leaf area index (LAI), Leaf area duration (LAD) and Biomass duration (BMD) were positively affected by both plant density and fertilization with the greatest values observed under high-density and fertilization. In conclusion, plant densities higher than 200 plants m-2 lead to higher crop growth, but lower growth of individual plants and decreased seed yield, while the application of inorganic fertilizers increases crop growth and yield as these fertilizers contain higher levels of nitrogen with high solubility and therefore quick availability for the crop than the organic fertilizers.
Rumex obtusifolius is a wild food plant with great nutritional value, high content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity
Authors: Schmit, Mayeve Didomenico Melo William Gustavo Sganzerla, Rodolfo , Paula Iaschitzki Ferreira Mônia Stremel Azevedo, , Jocleita Peruzzo Ferrareze Ana Paula de Lima Veeck,
Published: June 2019

Few studies were performed with wild plants, and researches are important to plants valorization and conservation. In this work we evaluated the nutritional composition, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of an unconventional food plant, mostly considered as a weed (Rumex obtusifolius). All the analyses were performed in leaf and root: moisture, ashes, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, pH and total acidity. Phenolic, flavonoids, flavonols, antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP) were quantified in aqueous, ethanolic and hydroethanolic extracts. Results show that hydroethanolic extract from root presented more bioactive compounds (p<0.05) and more antioxidant activity by ABTS and FRAP assay; ethanolic and hydroethanolic extract from root presented non-significant difference (p>0.05) by DPPH assay. Pearson’s correlation coefficients proved that antioxidant capacity is related to the presence of bioactive compounds in the root and leaf of Rumex obtusifolius. Using principal component analysis the extracts were classified in tree groups according to extraction potential, been the root hydroethanolic and ethanolic extracts the highest. This unconventional spread worldwide plant presents a great content of nutritional composition and has the potential to be used in human consumption, providing nutrients and bioactive compounds with high antioxidant activity.
Pulp Bleaching
Authors: Hart Peter W.
Published: June 2019

The bleaching of pulp involves the increase in brightness of chemical, mechanical, and recycled fibers. Each class of fiber requires a somewhat different bleaching treatment with recycled and mechanical fibers requiring somewhat similar bleaching methods. Elemental chlorine free kraft type chemical pulps are the most common type of chemical pulp produced even though these pulps are relatively difficult to bleach. Bleaching this type of fiber requires multiple oxidative bleaching stages often performed with a combination of chlorine dioxide, oxygen, and/or peroxide, along with caustic extraction stages which solubilize oxidized lignin fragments and neutralize organic acids. Mechanical pulp bleaching involves brightening the fiber with the removal of little to no organics (mainly lignin) from the fiber. This is typically performed with either peroxide or dithionite (hydrosulfite) in one or two stages of bleaching. Brightening of recycled fiber is also reviewed.
Dosimetric study of the plan quality and dose to organs at risk on tangential breast treatments using the Halcyon linac
Authors: Flores‐Martinez Everardo , Kim Gwe‐Ya , Yashar Catheryn M. , Cerviño Laura I.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

To investigate the plan quality and doses to the heart, contralateral breast (CB), ipsilateral lung (IL), and contralateral lung (CL) in tangential breast treatments using the Halcyon linac with megavoltage setup fields.

Methods

Radiotherapy treatment plans with tangential beams from 25 breast cancer patients previously treated on a C‐arm linac were replanned for Halcyon. Thirteen corresponded to right‐sided breasts and 12 to left‐sided breasts, all with a dose prescription of 50 Gy in 25 fractions. Plans were created with the following setup imaging techniques: low‐dose (LD) MVCBCT, high‐quality (HQ) MVCBCT, LD‐MV and HQ‐MV pairs and the imaging dose was included in the plans. Plan quality metric values for the lumpectomy cavity, whole‐breast and doses to the organs at risk (OARs) were measured and compared with those from the original plans.

Results

No significant differences in plan quality were observed between the original and Halcyon plans. An increase in the mean dose (Mean) for all the organs was observed for the Halcyon plans. For right‐sided plans, the accumulated Mean over the 25 fractions in the C‐arm plans was 0.4 ± 0.3, 0.2 ± 0.2, 5.4 ± 1.3, and 0.1 ± 0.1 Gy for the heart, CB, IL, and CL, respectively, while values in the MVCBCT‐LD Halcyon plans were 1.2 ± 0.2, 0.6 ± 0.1, 6.5 ± 1.4, and 0.4 ± 0.1 Gy, respectively. For left‐sided treatments, Mean in the original plans was 0.9 ± 0.2, 0.1 ± 0.0, 4.2 ± 1.2, and 0.0 ± 0.0 Gy, while for the MVCBCT‐LD Halcyon plans values were 1.9 ± 0.2, 0.6 ± 0.2, 5.1 ± 1.2, and 0.5 ± 0.2 Gy, respectively.

Conclusions

Plan quality for breast treatments using Halcyon is similar to the quality for a 6 MV, C‐arm plan. For treatments using megavoltage setup fields, the dose contribution to OARs from the imaging fields can be equal or higher than the dose from treatment fields.
The filtering‐based maximum likelihood iterative estimation algorithms for a special class of nonlinear systems with autoregressive moving average noise using the hierarchical identification principle
Authors: Li Meihang , Liu Ximei , Ding Feng
Published: June 2019

For a special class of nonlinear systems (ie, bilinear systems) with autoregressive moving average noise, this paper gives the input‐output representation of the bilinear systems through eliminating the state variables in the model. Based on the obtained model and the maximum likelihood principle, a filtering‐based maximum likelihood hierarchical gradient iterative algorithm and a filtering‐based maximum likelihood hierarchical least squares iterative algorithm are developed for identifying the parameters of bilinear systems with colored noises. The original bilinear systems are divided into three subsystems by using the data filtering technique and the hierarchical identification principle, and they are identified respectively. Compared with the gradient‐based iterative algorithm and the multi‐innovation stochastic gradient algorithm, the proposed algorithms have higher computational efficiency and parameter estimation accuracy. The simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithms are effective for identifying bilinear systems.
Temperature‐Dependent Aggregation Donor Polymers Enable Highly Efficient Sequentially Processed Organic Photovoltaics Without the Need of Orthogonal Solvents
Authors: Arunagiri Lingeswaran , Zhang Guangye , Hu Huawei , Yao Huatong , Zhang Kai , Li Yunke , Chow Philip C. Y. , Ade Harald , Yan He
Published: June 2019

The conventional method to prepare bulk‐heterojunction organic photovoltaics (OPVs) is a one‐step method from the blend solution of donor and acceptor materials, known as blend‐casting (BC). Recently, an alternative method was demonstrated to achieve high efficiencies (13%) comparable to state‐of‐the‐art BC devices. This two‐step‐coating method, known as “sequential processing,” (SqP) involves sequential deposition of the donor and then the acceptor from two orthogonal solvents. However, the requirement of orthogonal solvents to process the donor and acceptor constrains the choice of materials and processing solvents. In this paper, an improved version of SqP method without the need for using orthogonal solvents is reported. The success is based on donor polymers with strong temperature‐dependent aggregation properties whose solution can be processed at a high temperature, but the resulting film becomes completely insoluble at room temperature, which allows for the processing of overlying acceptors from a wide range of nonorthogonal solvents. With this approach, efficient SqP OPVs is demonstrated based on a range of donor/acceptor materials and processing solvents, and, in every single case, SqP OPVs can outperform their BC counterparts. The results broaden the solvent choices and open a much larger window to optimize the processing parameters of SqP method.
Circularly Polarized Luminescence Induced by Chiral Super Nanospaces
Authors: Kim Byeong‐Cheon , Choi Hyeon‐Joon , Lee Jae‐Jin , Araoka Fumito , Choi Suk‐Won
Published: June 2019

A simple methodology is developed to realize chiroptical function induced through superstructural chirality of a matrix of helical nanofilaments formed by achiral molecules. In this work, circularly polarized luminescence is demonstrated in nanosegregated mesophase comprising only achiral molecules. An achiral molecular mixture of a bent‐core host and a rod‐like guest blended with a fluorescent dye is prepared. Circularly polarized luminescence confirms that the chiral superstructure consisting only of achiral molecules may serve as a chiral super nanospace for inducing chiral emissions from the fluorescent dye that exhibits rod‐like molecular ordering. In other words, the formation of a chiral superstructure by the segregated rod‐like molecules embedded in helical nanofilaments (bent‐core molecules) is confirmed. The results provide a novel strategy for constructing dissymmetric circularly polarized luminescence materials based on achiral molecules, which is potentially applicable in future information and display technologies.