bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the Behavior of Organo-Metallic Compound and Its Influence on Polyurethane
Authors: Jiang Y.-X. , Wang T. , Zhao T.-B. , Zhao H.-X. , Luo M.-Y. , Li Z.-F.
Published: April 2018

HZMMA is a zinc salt of unsaturated carboxylic acids with a single hydroxyl group. The chemical behavior and morphological changes of the HZMMA were investigated by Fourier Transformed Infra Red spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetry (TGA), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The experimental results showed that it was possible for HZMMA to be used as a reactive enhancer to prepare ionic polymers/polyurethane composites. A series of ionic polymer/polyurethane were prepared by poly (tetramethylene glycol) (PTMG), toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and self-made chain extenders which consisted of Dimethylthio toluene diamine (DMTDA), Dicumyl Peroxide (DCP) and HZMMA by prepolymerization. The effect of the content of HZMMA on the structure and properties of the composites were studied by DMA, TGA, XRD. The results indicated that HZMMA had formed poly-HZMMA particles by peroxide-induced dynamic vulcanization and the degree of micro phase separation of polyurethane were improved when the content of HZMMA was suitable. The poly-HZMMA particles improved the maximum decomposition temperature of the soft segment and the storage modulus of polyurethane. When the mass fraction of HZMMA and DCP were at 2 ‰, the maximum in the mechanical properties of the ionic polymers/polyether polyurethane composites was achieved.
Dog Population & Dog Sheltering Trends in the United States of America
Authors: Rowan Andrew , Kartal Tamara
Published: April 2018

Dog management in the United States has evolved considerably over the last 40 years. This review analyzes available data from the last 30 to 40 years to identify national and local trends. In 1973, The Humane Society of the US (The HSUS) estimated that about 13.5 million animals (64 dogs and cats per 1000 people) were euthanized in the US (about 20% of the pet population) and about 25% of the dog population was still roaming the streets. Intake and euthanasia numbers (national and state level) declined rapidly in the 1970s due to a number of factors, including the implementation of shelter sterilization policies, changes in sterilization practices by private veterinarians and the passage of local ordinances implementing differential licensing fees for intact and sterilized pets. By the mid-1980s, shelter intake had declined by about 50% (The HSUS estimated 7.6–10 million animals euthanized in 1985). Data collected by PetPoint over the past eight years indicate that adoptions increased in the last decade and may have become an additional driver affecting recent euthanasia declines across the US. We suspect that sterilizations, now part of the standard veterinary care, and the level of control of pet dogs exercised by pet owners (roaming dogs are now mostly absent in many US communities) played an important part in the cultural shift in the US, in which a larger proportion of families now regard their pet dogs as “family members”.
Hydrogenation of m-Chloronitrobenzene over Different Morphologies Ni/TiO2 without Addition of Molecular Hydrogen
Authors: Li Feng , Liang Jinrong , Zhu Wenxi , Song Hua , Wang Keliang , Li Cuiqin
Published: April 2018

Ni/TiO2 catalysts with different morphologies (granular, sheet, tubular and spherical) were prepared. Hydrogen was generated from ethanol aqueous-phase reforming over Ni/TiO2 in a water-ethanol-m-chloronitrobenzene reaction system and directly applied into m-chloronitrobenzene catalytic hydrogenation. Thereby, in-situ liquid-phase hydrogenation of m-chloronitrobenzene over Ni/TiO2 without addition of molecular hydrogen was successful. Compared with granular, sheet and spherical Ni/TiO2, the nanotubular Ni/TiO2 prepared from one-step hydrothermal reaction had larger specific surface area, smaller and uniformly-distributed pore sizes and more Lewis acid sites. In-situ liquid-phase hydrogenation of m-chloronitrobenzene experiments showed the nanotubular Ni/TiO2 had the highest catalytic activity, which was ascribed to both catalyst morphology and acid sites. Firstly, the nanotubular structure endowed the catalysts with a nanoscale confinement effect and thereby high catalytic performance. Secondly, the Lewis acid sites not only accelerated water–gas shift reaction, enhancing the ethanol aqueous-phase reforming activity for hydrogen generation, but also promoted the adsorption and hydrogenation of –NO2 on the active sites of the catalysts.
Clocks & Sleep: A New Open-Access Journal to Publish Your Circadian and Sleep Research Results
Authors: Cajochen Christian , Franken Paul
Published: April 2018

Exciting new discoveries in the circadian and sleep field have mushroomed in the past 10 years, culminating in the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine being awarded to Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and MichaelW. Young for their discoveries of molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian rhythm. [...]
The Influence of Oxygen Flow Ratio on the Optoelectronic Properties of p-Type Ni1−xO Films Deposited by Ion Beam Assisted Sputtering
Authors: Sun Hui , Chen Sheng-Chi , Peng Wen-Chi , Wen Chao-Kuang , Wang Xin , Chuang Tung-Han
Published: April 2018

In this work, p-type non-stoichiometric Ni1−xO thin films were deposited by oxygen ion beam assisted RF sputtering on glass substrates. The influence of the oxygen flow ratio (0–100%) on the films’ optoelectronic properties was investigated. In our experimental conditions, all the films are crystallized in the cubic NiO phase. However, their crystallinity and mean grain size decreases with increasing oxygen flow ratios. Meanwhile, the films’ conductivity improves from 9.1 to 25.4 S·cm−1. This is due to the fact that the nickel vacancies along with hole carriers can be introduced into NiO films when they are deposited under higher oxygen flow ratio conditions. Thus, the O-rich environment is beneficial in enhancing the films’ carrier concentrations. In addition, with an increasing oxygen flow ratio, the film’s transmittance degrades. The direct optical band gap of Ni1−xO films declines slightly from 3.99 to 3.95 eV, with the oxygen flow ratio increasing from 0% to 100%.
Ex-Situ Thermal Treatment Effects on the Temperature Dependent Carriers Dynamics in InAs/InGaAs/GaAs Quantum Dots
Authors: Ilahi Bouraoui , Sfaxi Larbi , Madhar Niyaz , Maaref Hassen
Published: April 2018

The effects of post-growth thermal annealing of InAs QD with the high in-content strain reducing layer (SRL) on the temperature dependent PL properties have been investigated. The as-grown QD have shown an atypical behavior manifested by a sigmoidal emission energy and V-shaped linewidth evolution with temperature. These behaviors have been progressively glossed by subjecting the structure to post growth annealing at 650 °C and 750 °C for 50 s. The results are discussed in the frame of the localized states ensemble model, which reveals that carriers transfer take place by thermal activation to the continuum states of the strain-reducing layer and subsequent redistribution.
Circulating Tumor Cell Analysis in Preclinical Mouse Models of Metastasis
Authors: Kitz Jenna , Lowes Lori E. , Goodale David , Allan Alison L.
Published: April 2018

The majority of cancer deaths occur because of metastasis since current therapies are largely non-curative in the metastatic setting. The use of in vivo preclinical mouse models for assessing metastasis is, therefore, critical for developing effective new cancer biomarkers and therapies. Although a number of quantitative tools have been previously developed to study in vivo metastasis, the detection and quantification of rare metastatic events has remained challenging. This review will discuss the use of circulating tumor cell (CTC) analysis as an effective means of tracking and characterizing metastatic disease progression in preclinical mouse models of breast and prostate cancer and the resulting lessons learned about CTC and metastasis biology. We will also discuss how the use of clinically-relevant CTC technologies such as the CellSearch® and Parsortix™ platforms for preclinical CTC studies can serve to enhance the study of cancer biology, new biomarkers, and novel therapies from the bench to the bedside.
The Gibbs Paradox: Lessons from Thermodynamics
Authors: Van Lith Janneke
Published: April 2018

The Gibbs paradox in statistical mechanics is often taken to indicate that already in the classical domain particles should be treated as fundamentally indistinguishable. This paper shows, on the contrary, how one can recover the thermodynamical account of the entropy of mixing, while treating states that only differ by permutations of similar particles as distinct. By reference to the orthodox theory of thermodynamics, it is argued that entropy differences are only meaningful if they are related to reversible processes connecting the initial and final state. For mixing processes, this means that processes should be considered in which particle number is allowed to vary. Within the context of statistical mechanics, the Gibbsian grandcanonical ensemble is a suitable device for describing such processes. It is shown how the grandcanonical entropy relates in the appropriate way to changes of other thermodynamical quantities in reversible processes, and how the thermodynamical account of the entropy of mixing is recovered even when treating the particles as distinguishable.
Chainsaw-Carved Cavities Better Mimic the Thermal Properties of Natural Tree Hollows than Nest Boxes and Log Hollows
Authors: Griffiths Stephen R. , Lentini Pia E. , Semmens Kristin , Watson Simon J. , Lumsden Linda F. , Robert Kylie A.
Published: April 2018

The creation of supplementary habitats that effectively mimic the physical and thermal characteristics of natural tree hollows should be a key priority for landscape restoration and biodiversity offset programs. Here, we compare the thermal profiles of natural tree hollows with three types of artificial hollows designed for small marsupial gliders and tree-roosting insectivorous bats: (1) ‘chainsaw hollows’ carved directly into the trunks and branches of live trees, (2) ‘log hollows’, and (3) plywood nest boxes. Chainsaw hollows had thermal profiles that were similar to natural tree hollows: they were consistently warmer than ambient conditions at night, while remaining cooler than ambient during the day. In contrast, glider and bat boxes had the opposite pattern of heating and cooling, being slightly cooler than ambient at night and substantially hotter during the day. Glider log hollows had greater variation in internal temperatures compared to natural hollows and chainsaw hollows, but fluctuated less than glider boxes. Our results provide the first empirical evidence that artificial hollows carved directly into live trees can produce thermally stable supplementary habitats that could potentially buffer hollow-dependent fauna from weather extremes; whereas, poorly insulated plywood nest boxes produce lower-quality thermal environments. Together these findings provide positive impetus for stakeholders involved in conservation management and biodiversity offset programs to consider trialing chainsaw hollows in situations where target fauna require well-insulated supplementary habitats.
Occurrence of Aflatoxin M1 in Raw Milk from Manufacturers of Infant Milk Powder in China
Authors: Li Songli , Min Li , Wang Gang , Li Dagang , Zheng Nan , Wang Jiaqi
Published: April 2018

This survey was performed to investigate the occurrence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination of raw milk from manufacturers of infant milk powder in China. A total of 1207 raw milk samples were collected overall from four seasons of 2016 in Northeast China, Northwest China, Northern China, and Central China (11 provinces and one municipality). Results showed that 56 of the 1207 raw milk samples (4.64%) were positive for AFM1, which were obtained from Heilongjiang (two samples), Gansu (one sample), Shaanxi (46 samples), Beijing (one sample), and Hunan (six samples) provinces. None of the raw milk samples from manufacturers of infant milk powder exceeded the Chinese limit (62.5 ng/L) in 2016. Only a few raw milk samples were not suitable for use in infant milk according to EU (European Union) or U.S. infant milk limits. Furthermore, based on this survey and previous studies, it is particularly important to avoid AFM1 contamination in raw milk during the winter.
Evaluating Health Co-Benefits of Climate Change Mitigation in Urban Mobility
Authors: Wolkinger Brigitte , Haas Willi , Bachner Gabriel , Weisz Ulli , Steininger Karl W. , Hutter Hans-Peter , Delcour Jennifer , Griebler Robert , Mittelbach Bernhard , Maier Philipp , Reifeltshammer Raphael
Published: April 2018

There is growing recognition that implementation of low-carbon policies in urban passenger transport has near-term health co-benefits through increased physical activity and improved air quality. Nevertheless, co-benefits and related cost reductions are often not taken into account in decision processes, likely because they are not easy to capture. In an interdisciplinary multi-model approach we address this gap, investigating the co-benefits resulting from increased physical activity and improved air quality due to climate mitigation policies for three urban areas. Additionally we take a (macro-)economic perspective, since that is the ultimate interest of policy-makers. Methodologically, we link a transport modelling tool, a transport emission model, an emission dispersion model, a health model and a macroeconomic Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model to analyze three climate change mitigation scenarios. We show that higher levels of physical exercise and reduced exposure to pollutants due to mitigation measures substantially decrease morbidity and mortality. Expenditures are mainly born by the public sector but are mostly offset by the emerging co-benefits. Our macroeconomic results indicate a strong positive welfare effect, yet with slightly negative GDP and employment effects. We conclude that considering economic co-benefits of climate change mitigation policies in urban mobility can be put forward as a forceful argument for policy makers to take action.
Groundwater Flow Processes and Human Impact along the Arid US-Mexican Border, Evidenced by Environmental Tracers: The Case of Tecate, Baja California
Authors: Mahlknecht Jürgen , Daessle Luis Walter , Esteller Maria Vicenta , Torres-Martinez Juan Antonio , Mora Abrahan
Published: April 2018

With the increasing population, urbanization and industry in the arid area of Tecate, there is a concomitant increase in contaminants being introduced into the Tecate River and its aquifer. This contamination is damaging the usable groundwater supply and making local residents and commercial enterprises increasingly dependent on imported water from the Colorado River basin. In this study we apply a suite of chemical and isotopic tracers in order to evaluate groundwater flow and assess contamination trends. Groundwater recharge occurs through mountain-block and mountain-front recharge at higher elevations of the ranges. Groundwater from the unconfined, alluvial aquifer indicates recent recharge and little evolution. The increase in salinity along the flow path is due to interaction with weathering rock-forming silicate minerals and anthropogenic sources such as urban wastewater, residual solids and agricultural runoff from fertilizers, livestock manure and/or septic tanks and latrines. A spatial analysis shows local differences and the impact of the infiltration of imported waters from the Colorado River basin. The general trend of impaired water quality has scarcely been documented in the last decades, but it is expected to continue. Since the groundwater system is highly vulnerable, it is necessary to protect groundwater sources.
Assessment of Genetic Diversity among Pleurotus spp. Isolates from Jordan
Authors: Aref Hasan Hanan , Mohamad Almomany Ahmad , Hasan Shireen , Al-Abdallat Ayed M.
Published: April 2018

Pleurotus is considered an important genus that belongs to the family Pleurotaceae and includes the edible King Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii). In the present study, 19 Pleurotus isolates were collected from two locations in the north of Jordan (Tell ar-Rumman and Um-Qais). The morphological characteristics among collected isolates revealed that there was a morphological similarity among the collected isolates. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1–5.8S rDNA–ITS4 region) and 28S nuclear large subunit (nLSU) in the ribosomal DNA gene of the isolated stains showed that all of them share over 98% sequence similarity with P. eryngii. Genetic diversity among the collected strains was assessed using inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) analysis using 18 different primer pairs. Using this approach, 141 out of 196 bands obtained were considered polymorphic and the highest percentage of polymorphism was observed using primer UBC827 (92.3%) with an overall Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) value of 70.56%. Cluster analysis showed that the Jordanian Pleurotus isolates fall into two main clades with a coefficient of similarity values ranging from 0.59 to 0.74 with a clear clustering based on collection sites. The results of the present study reveal that molecular techniques of ISSR and rDNA sequencing can greatly aid in classification and identification of Pleurotus spp. in Jordan.
Long-Term Effectiveness, under a Mountain Environment, of a Novel Conservation Nanomaterial Applied on Limestone from a Roman Archaeological Site
Authors: Elhaddad Farid , Carrascosa Luis , Mosquera Maria
Published: April 2018

A novel alkoxysilane-based product was applied on limestone samples from a Roman archaeological site. The study consisted of an initial phase to evaluate site environmental conditions in order to choose the most suitable product type to be applied. The decay that was produced in the site is mainly caused by natural action, with water being the main vehicle for the decay agents. Thus, the effectiveness of an innovative product with hydrophobic/consolidant properties and two commercial products (consolidant and hydrophobic agent) were evaluated on limestone from Acinipo site, under laboratory conditions. Next, the long-term effectiveness of the three products under study was evaluated by the exposure of limestone samples in the archaeological site for a period of three years. Since the recognized incompatibility between alkoxysilanes and pure carbonate stones, the interaction between the products and the limestones was widely investigated. The results that were obtained allow for it to be concluded that the innovative product presents adequate compatibility and adherence to the limestone under study, producing a long-term effective, homogeneous, and continuous coating with a depth of penetration of up to 10 mm. However, the commercial products produced discontinuous aggregates on the limestone surface, did not penetrate into its porous structure and it did not produce long-lasting effects.
An Electrochemical Sensor of Poly(EDOT-pyridine-EDOT)/Graphitic Carbon Nitride Composite for Simultaneous Detection of Cd2+ and Pb2+
Authors: Ding Shuai , Ali Ahmat , Jamal Ruxangul , Xiang Ling , Zhong Ziping , Abdiryim Tursun
Published: April 2018

In this study, poly(2,5-bis(3,4-ethylenedioxythienyl)pyridine)/graphitic carbon nitride composites (poly(BPE)/g-C3N4) were prepared by an in situ chemical polymerization method. Composites were characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet–visible absorption spectra (UV–vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, electrochemical sensors were applied for the electrochemical determination of Cd2+ and Pb2+ using the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method. The results indicated that 10 wt % poly(BPE)/g-C3N4 composite-modified electrode exhibited linear detection ranging from 0.12 to 7.2 μM and 0.08 to 7.2 μM for Cd2+ and Pb2+, with detection limits (S/N = 3) of 0.018 μM and 0.00324 μM. Interference analysis suggested that the 10 wt % poly(BPE)/g-C3N4-modified electrode can be applied for the detection of the Cd2+ and Pb2+ in real samples.
Comparison of Yeasts as Hosts for Recombinant Protein Production
Authors: Vieira Gomes Antonio Milton , Souza Carmo Talita , Silva Carvalho Lucas , Mendonça Bahia Frederico , Parachin Nádia Skorupa
Published: April 2018

Recombinant protein production emerged in the early 1980s with the development of genetic engineering tools, which represented a compelling alternative to protein extraction from natural sources. Over the years, a high level of heterologous protein was made possible in a variety of hosts ranging from the bacteria Escherichia coli to mammalian cells. Recombinant protein importance is represented by its market size, which reached $1654 million in 2016 and is expected to reach $2850.5 million by 2022. Among the available hosts, yeasts have been used for producing a great variety of proteins applied to chemicals, fuels, food, and pharmaceuticals, being one of the most used hosts for recombinant production nowadays. Historically, Saccharomyces cerevisiae was the dominant yeast host for heterologous protein production. Lately, other yeasts such as Komagataella sp., Kluyveromyces lactis, and Yarrowia lipolytica have emerged as advantageous hosts. In this review, a comparative analysis is done listing the advantages and disadvantages of using each host regarding the availability of genetic tools, strategies for cultivation in bioreactors, and the main techniques utilized for protein purification. Finally, examples of each host will be discussed regarding the total amount of protein recovered and its bioactivity due to correct folding and glycosylation patterns.
Mid-Infrared Spectroscopic Assessment of Plasticity Characteristics of Clay Soils
Authors: Kasprzhitskii Anton , Lazorenko Georgy , Khater Antoine , Yavna Victor
Published: April 2018

This work presents a method to determine the plasticity of clay soils using Fourier transform mid-infrared (FT-MIR) spectroscopy. Samples of mono- and polymineral soils of varying water contents are studied. The FT-MIR results are compared with the results obtained from standard Russian and international methods for the plasticity range. The correlation between the consistency of clay soils, when displaying their plastic properties, and the position of the Si–O stretching band in the FT-MIR spectra is established. The possibility of, and interest in, determining the plasticity characteristics of clay soils using mid-infrared spectroscopy is demonstrated: it yields effectively higher precision results compared to standard test methods. It is shown that the method of IR spectroscopy allows the fixing of the start and the completion of the series of “phase transitions” of the soil in the plastic and liquid state. The significant effect of the concentration of non-clay minerals on the Si–O ν line is that a moisture content curve is noticed, which may help to predict the clay content of the soil without undertaking XRD analysis.
Dating Metasomatism: Monazite and Zircon Growth during Amphibolite Facies Albitization
Authors: Condit Cailey B. , Mahan Kevin H. , Curtis Kelly C. , Möller Andreas
Published: April 2018

We present coupled textural observations and trace element and geochronological data from metasomatic monazite and zircon, to constrain the timing of high-grade Na-metasomatism (albitization) of an Archean orthogneiss in southwest Montana, USA. Field, mineral textures, and geochemical evidence indicate albitization occurred as a rind along the margin of a ~3.2 Ga granodioritic orthogneiss (Pl + Hbl + Kfs + Qz + Bt + Zrn) exposed in the Northern Madison range. The metasomatic product is a weakly deformed albitite (Ab + Bt + OAm + Zrn + Mnz + Ap + Rt). Orthoamphibole and biotite grew synkinematically with the regional foliation fabric, which developed during metamorphism that locally peaked at upper amphibolite-facies during the 1800–1710 Ma Big Sky orogeny. Metasomatism resulted in an increase in Na, a decrease in Ca, K, Ba, Fe, and Sr, a complete transformation of plagioclase and K-feldspar into albite, and loss of quartz. In situ geochronology on zoned monazite and zircon indicate growth by dissolution–precipitation in both phases at ~1750–1735 Ma. Trace element geochemistry of rim domains in these phases are best explained by dissolution–reprecipitation in equilibrium with Na-rich fluid. Together, these data temporally and mechanistically link metasomatism with high-grade tectonism and prograde metamorphism during the Big Sky orogeny.
Solid-Phase Synthesis of Azole-Comprising Peptidomimetics and Coordination of a Designed Analog to Zn2+
Authors: Mohan Aanchal , Koh Allyson H. M. , Gate Gregory , Calkins Anna L. , McComas Kyra N. , Fuller Amelia A.
Published: April 2018

Peptidomimetics that can coordinate transition metals have a variety of potential applications as catalysts, sensors, or materials. A new modular peptidomimetic scaffold, the “azole peptoid”, is introduced here. We report methods for the solid-phase synthesis of eleven examples of trimeric N-substituted oligoamides that include oxazole- or thiazole-functionalized backbones. The products prepared comprise a diversity of functionality, including a metal-coordinating terpyridine group. The modular synthetic approach enables ready preparation of analogs for specific applications. To highlight a potential use of this new synthetic scaffold, a trimeric azole peptoid functionalized with a terpyridine residue was prepared and studied. The characteristic 2:1 ligand:metal binding of this terpyridine-functionalized azole peptoid to Zn2+ in aqueous solution was observed. These studies introduce azole peptoids as a useful class of biomimetic molecules for further study and application.
Phenolic Composition and Bioactivity of Lavandula pedunculata (Mill.) Cav. Samples from Different Geographical Origin
Authors: Lopes Catarina L. , Pereira Eliana , Soković Marina , Carvalho Ana Maria , Barata Ana Maria , Lopes Violeta , Rocha Filomena , Calhelha Ricardo C. , Barros Lillian , Ferreira Isabel C.F.R.
Published: April 2018

The aim of this study was to characterize the phenolic composition and evaluate the bioactivity of several samples of Lavandula pedunculata (Mill.) Cav, and to compare aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts. Plant materials were obtained by growing some accessions (seed samples) of various wild populations from different regions of Portugal conserved at the Portuguese Genebank in Braga. Phenolic compounds were analised by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn, antioxidant potential through in vitro assays (DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power and inhibition of lipid peroxidation), cytotoxicity on tumor cells (MCF-7, NCI-H460, HeLa and HepG2) and non-tumor (PLP2) cells, anti-inflammatory activity in rat RAW 264.7 macrophages, by the ability to inhibit NO production and antimicrobial potential by the microdilution method with INT dye (iodonitrotetrazolium chloride). Thirteen compounds were identified, being salvianolic acid B, rosmarinic acid and luteolin-7-O-glucuronide, the main compounds present, with values ranging between 44.3–582, 50.9–550, and 24.36–101.5 mg/g extract, respectively. L. pedunculata aqueous extract revealed a higher antioxidant potential (EC50 values between 14 to 530 μg/mL), which could be related to its higher concentration in phenolic compounds; however, the hydroethanolic extract showed a higher anti-inflammatory (lower EC50 values than 124 μg/mL) potential and antiproliferative capacity (lower GI50 values than 34 μg/mL). Thus, this study highlights the bioactive effects of this species and opens up possibilities of uses in food and pharmaceutical formulations. However, there are potential differences in such properties according to geographical origin of plant material, as in general, the samples from Alentejo presented higher results in all the bioactivities, compared with Trás-os-Montes samples.
Organocatalyzed Synthesis of [3.2.1] Bicyclooctanes
Authors: Tobal Ignacio E. , Roncero Alejandro M. , Garrido Narciso M. , Marcos Isidro S. , Díez David
Published: April 2018

Organocatalysis constitutes one of the main research areas in organic chemistry from the last two decades. This chemistry has been applied to the synthesis of many natural products and structures in a manner that reduces the residues and so the ecological impact. In this review, we consider the work that has been done for the synthesis of bicyclo[3.2.1]octane framework. This structure is present in many natural products with very important biological activities.
Synthesis of a Novel Series of Amino Acid Prodrugs Based on Thienopyridine Scaffolds and Evaluation of Their Antiplatelet Activity
Authors: Lu Nan , Li Lingjun , Zheng Xuemin , Zhang Shijun , Li Yuquan , Yuan Jing , Wei Qunchao , Xu Youjun , Meng Fancui
Published: April 2018

The thienopyridines class of drugs used as P2Y12 receptor antagonists plays a vital role in antiplatelet therapy. To further optimized this compound class, we designed and synthesized a series of amino acid prodrugs of 2-hydroxytetrahydrothienopyridine. All compounds were then evaluated for their inhibitory effect on ADP-induced platelet aggregation in rats and then ED50 and bleeding time of the most potent compounds were compared with commercial drugs. The results showed compound 5c could be a potent and safe candidate for further research.
Anti-Proliferative Activity of HPOB against Multiple Myeloma Cells via p21 Transcriptional Activation
Authors: Liu Linlin , Sun Xiaoyang , Xie Yu , Zhuang Yinping , Yao Ruosi , Xu Kai
Published: April 2018

Histone acetylation or deacetylation is closely associated with the progression of multiple myeloma (MM). Currently, many histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been approved for being used in clinical trials, but theirtherapeutic effectsarestill not ideal. As a novel HDAC inhibitor, hydroxamicacid-based small-moleculeN-hydroxy-4-(2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)(phenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl)benzamide (HPOB)’s possible roles in MM have not been studied. In this present study, the effect of HPOB as a potential anti-tumor agent in preventingproliferation and inducing apoptosis of MM cells had been investigated in detail. Our results showed that HPOB decreased the survival of MM cells in dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, HPOB caused the accumulation of MM cells in G1 phase compared with the dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) control group. Interestingly, we found that HPOB could overcome bortezomib (BTZ) resistance inMM cells and combining HPOB with BTZ could further sensitize MM cells. Certainly, our data illuminated that HPOB-mediated cell death occurs via transcriptional activation of p21, which was associated with an elevated level of global histone 3 acetylation (H3Ac) modification. Therefore, HPOB could be a potential candidate for MM treatment and the combination of HPOB and bortezomibcould bea possible therapeutic strategy for relapsed and refractory MM.
Cancer Drug Development of Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors beyond the Active Site
Authors: Singh Srishti , Lomelino Carrie , Mboge Mam , Frost Susan , McKenna Robert
Published: April 2018

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) catalyze the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide to produce bicarbonate and a proton. Multiple CA isoforms are implicated in a range of diseases, including cancer. In solid tumors, continuously dividing cells create hypoxic conditions that eventually lead to an acidic microenvironment. Hypoxic tumor cells have different mechanisms in place to regulate and adjust the surrounding microenvironment for survival. These mechanisms include expression of CA isoform IX (CA IX) and XII (CA XII). These enzymes help maintain a physiological intracellular pH while simultaneously contributing to an acidic extracellular pH, leading to tumor cell survival. Expression of CA IX and CA XII has also been shown to promote tumor cell invasion and metastasis. This review discusses the characteristics of CA IX and CA XII, their mechanism of action, and validates their prospective use as anticancer targets. We discuss the current status of small inhibitors that target these isoforms, both classical and non-classical, and their future design in order to obtain isoform-specificity for CA IX and CA XII. Biologics, such as monoclonal antibodies, monoclonal-radionuclide conjugated chimeric antibodies, and antibody-small molecule conjugates are also discussed.
Hypoglycemic Effects in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats of the Phenolic Extract from Mongolian Oak Cups Enriched in Ellagic Acid, Kaempferol and Their Derivatives
Authors: Yin Peipei , Wang Yu , Yang Lingguang , Sui Jinling , Liu Yujun
Published: April 2018

Our previous reports showed that crude extract prepared with 50% ethanol (ethanol crude extract, ECE) from Mongolian oak cups possessed excellent in vitro antioxidant capacities as well as inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase, α-amylase and protein glycation caused by its enrichment in phenolics, including mainly ellagic acid, kaempferol and their derivatives. Nevertheless, few in vivo studies on antidiabetic activities of these phenolics were conducted. The present study investigated hypoglycemic effects with normal and diabetic rats being administrated orally without or with ECE at 200 and 800 mg/kg for 15 days. In normal rats, no significant differences were exhibited after ECE administration in body weight, fasting blood glucose level, levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and AST in serum, organ indexes, and levels of GSH and MDA in organs. In diabetic rats, the fasting blood glucose level, indexes of heart and liver, and levels of cholesterol and triglyceride in serum and MDA in heart tissue were significantly decreased. Moreover, HDL levels in serum and SOD activities in the four organs of diabetic rats were significantly improved after ECE administration at 800 mg/kg. Thus, in addition to inhibiting α-glucosidase, α-amylase and protein glycation reported previously, oak cups might contain novel dietary phytonutrients in preventing abnormal changes in blood glucose and lipid profile and attenuating oxidant stress in vivo. The results also implied that it is ellagic acid, kaempferol and their derivatives enriched in ECE that might play vital roles in managing type 1 as well as type 2 diabetes.
Antimicrobial Activity of New Materials Based on Lavender and Basil Essential Oils and Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Predoi Daniela , Iconaru Simona Liliana , Buton Nicolas , Badea Monica Luminita , Marutescu Luminita
Published: April 2018

This study presents, for the first-time, the results of a study on the hydrodynamic diameter of essential oils (EOs) of basil and lavender in water, and solutions of EOs of basil (B) and lavender (L) and hydroxyapatite (HAp). The possible influence of basil and lavender EOs on the size of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). We also investigated the in vitro antimicrobial activity of plant EOs and plant EOs hydroxyapatite respectively, against Gram-positive bacteria (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus1144 (MRSA 1144) and S. aureus 1426) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Escherichia coli ESBL 4493). From the autocorrelation function, obtained by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) measurements it was observed that basil yielded one peak at an average hydrodynamic diameter of 354.16 nm, while lavender yielded one peak at an average hydrodynamic diameter of 259.76 nm. In the case of HAp nanoparticles coated with basil (HApB) and lavender (HApL) essential oil, the aggregation was minimal. We found that the lavender EO exhibited a very good inhibitory growth activity (MIC values ranging from <0.1% for E. coli reference strain to 0.78% for S. aureus strains). The biological studies indicated that HapL material displayed an enhanced antimicrobial activity, indicating the potential use of HAp as vehicle for low concentrations of lavender EO with antibacterial properties. Flow cytometry analysis (FCM) allowed us to determine some of the potential mechanisms of the antimicrobial activities of EOs, suggesting that lavender EO was active against E. coli by interfering with membrane potential, the membrane depolarization effect being increased by incorporation of the EOs into the microporous structure of HAp. These findings could contribute to the development of new antimicrobial agents that are urgently needed for combating the antibiotic resistance phenomena.
Daily Intake of Milk Powder and Risk of Celiac Disease in Early Childhood: A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Hård af Segerstad Elin , Lee Hye-Seung , Andrén Aronsson Carin , Yang Jimin , Uusitalo Ulla , Sjöholm Ingegerd , Rayner Marilyn , Kurppa Kalle , Virtanen Suvi , Norris Jill , Agardh Daniel ,   On behalf of the TEDDY Study Group
Published: April 2018

Milk powder and gluten are common components in Swedish infants’ diets. Whereas large intakes of gluten early in life increases the risk of celiac disease in genetically at-risk Swedish children, no study has yet evaluated if intake of milk powder by 2 years of age is associated with celiac disease. A 1-to-3 nested case-control study, comprised of 207 celiac disease children and 621 controls matched for sex, birth year, and HLA genotype, was performed on a birth cohort of HLA-DR3-DQ2 and/or DR4-DQ8-positive children. Subjects were screened annually for celiac disease using tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies (tTGA). Three-day food records estimated the mean intake of milk powder at ages 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months. Conditional logistic regression calculated odds ratios (OR) at last intake prior to seroconversion of tTGA positivity, and for each time-point respectively and adjusted for having a first-degree relative with celiac disease and gluten intake. Intake of milk powder prior to seroconversion of tTGA positivity was not associated with celiac disease (OR = 1.00; 95% CI = 0.99, 1.03; p = 0.763). In conclusion, intake of milk powder in early childhood is not associated with celiac disease in genetically susceptible children.
Pilot Testing of an Intensive Cooking Course for New Zealand Adolescents: The Create-Our-Own Kai Study
Authors: Black Katherine , Thomson Carla , Chryssidis Themis , Finigan Rosie , Hann Callum , Jackson Rosalie , Robinson Caleb , Toldi Olivia , Skidmore Paula
Published: April 2018

The role of cooking on health and wellbeing is a recent area of scientific interest. In order to investigate this role, a cooking program that is suitable for each target population is needed e.g., a program designed for American or Australian children might not be appropriate for teenagers in New Zealand. As there was no similar previously evaluated program already available, the study’s purpose was to test an intensive cooking intervention on cooking confidence and knowledge amongst a group of adolescents from Dunedin, New Zealand, and to assess its acceptability to participants. This five-day program comprised interactive cooking sessions and informal nutrition education and ran from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday during school holidays. Participants completed questionnaires on cooking skills and confidence at baseline and the end of intervention and took part in a group interview, which aimed to investigate the acceptability and outcome of the program. Twenty-one participants aged between 12 and 16 years old completed the program. At the end of the program, significant increases were seen in both skills and confidence levels, and feedback from the group interview indicated that the participants enjoyed the program and that it provided additional results other than those that were cooking related.
Effects of Providing High-Fat versus High-Carbohydrate Meals on Daily and Postprandial Physical Activity and Glucose Patterns: a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Parr Evelyn , Devlin Brooke , Callahan Marcus , Radford Bridget , Blankenship Jennifer , Dunstan David , Hawley John
Published: April 2018

We determined the effects of altering meal timing and diet composition on temporal glucose homeostasis and physical activity measures. Eight sedentary, overweight/obese men (mean ± SD, age: 36 ± 4 years; BMI: 29.8 ± 1.8 kg/m2) completed two × 12-day (12-d) measurement periods, including a 7-d habitual period, and then 5 d of each diet (high-fat diet [HFD]: 67:15:18% fat:carbohydrate:protein versus high-carbohydrate diet [HCD]: 67:15:18% carbohydrate:fat:protein) of three meals/d at ±30 min of 0800 h, 1230 h, and 1800 h, in a randomised order with an 8-d washout. Energy intake (EI), the timing of meal consumption, blood glucose regulation (continuous glucose monitor system (CGMS)), and activity patterns (accelerometer and inclinometer) were assessed across each 12-d period. Meal provision did not alter the patterns of reduced physical activity, and increased sedentary behaviour following dinner, compared with following breakfast and lunch. The HCD increased peak (+1.6 mmol/L, p < 0.001), mean (+0.5 mmol/L, p = 0.001), and total area under the curve (+670 mmol/L/min, p = 0.001), as well as 3-h postprandial meal glucose concentrations (all p < 0.001) compared with the HFD. In overweight/obese males, the provision of meals did not alter physical activity patterns, but did affect glycaemic control. Greater emphasis on meal timing and composition is required in diet and/or behaviour intervention studies to ensure relevance to real-world behaviours.
Partially Renewable Poly(butylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate-co-isophthalate) Copolyesters Obtained by ROP
Authors: Morales-Huerta Juan Carlos , Martínez de Ilarduya Antxon , Muñoz-Guerra Sebastián
Published: April 2018

Cyclic butylene furandicarboxylate (c(BF)n) and butylene isophthalate (c(BI)n) oligomers obtained by high dilution condensation reaction were polymerized in bulk at 200 °C with Sn(Oct)2 catalyst via ring opening polymerization to give homopolyesters and copolyesters (coPBFxIy) with weight average molar masses in the 60,000–70,000 g·mol−1 range and dispersities between 1.3 and 1.9. The composition of the copolyesters as determined by NMR was practically the same as that of the feed, and they all showed an almost random microstructure. The copolyesters were thermally stable up to 300 °C and crystalline for all compositions, and have Tg in the 40–20 °C range with values decreasing almost linearly with their content in isophthalate units in the copolyester. Both melting temperature and enthalpy of the copolyesters decreased as the content in butylene isophthalate units increased up to a composition 30/70 (BF/BI), at which the triclinic crystal phase made exclusively of butylene furanoate units changed to the crystal structure of PBI. The partial replacement of furanoate by isophthalate units decreased substantially the crystallizability of PBF.
Properties of Stochastic Arrangement Increasing and Their Applications in Allocation Problems
Authors: Wei Wei
Published: April 2018

There are extensive studies on the allocation problems in the field of insurance and finance. We observe that these studies, although involving different methodologies, share some inherent commonalities. In this paper, we develop a new framework for these studies with the tool of arrangement increasing functions. This framework unifies many existing studies and provides shortcuts to developing new results.
Reconstruction of Single Tree with Leaves Based on Terrestrial LiDAR Point Cloud Data
Authors: Xie Donghui , Wang Xiangyu , Qi Jianbo , Chen Yiming , Mu Xihan , Zhang Wuming , Yan Guangjian
Published: April 2018

Many studies have been focusing on reconstructing the branch skeleton of a three-dimensional (3D) tree structure that is based on photos or point clouds scanned by a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS), but leaves, as the important component of a tree, are often ignored or simplified because of their complexity. Therefore, we develop a voxel-based method to add leaves to a reconstructed 3D branches structure based on TLS point clouds. The location and size of each leaf depend on the spatial distribution and density of leaves points in the voxel. We reconstruct a small 3D scene with four realistic 3D trees and a virtual tree (including trunk, branches, and leaves), and validate the structure of each tree through the directional gap fractions calculated based on simulated point clouds of this reconstructed scene by the ray-tracing algorithm. The results show good coherence with those from measured point clouds data. The relative errors of the directional gap fractions are no more than 4.1%, though the method is limited by the effects of point occlusion. Therefore, this method is shown to give satisfactory consistency both visually and in the quantitative evaluation of the 3D structure.
Estimating Peatland Water Table Depth and Net Ecosystem Exchange: A Comparison between Satellite and Airborne Imagery
Authors: Kalacska Margaret , Arroyo-Mora J. Pablo , Soffer Raymond J. , Roulet Nigel T. , Moore Tim R. , Humphreys Elyn , Leblanc George , Lucanus Oliver , Inamdar Deep
Published: April 2018

Peatlands play a fundamental role in climate regulation through their long-term accumulation of atmospheric carbon. Despite their resilience, peatlands are vulnerable to climate change. Remote sensing offers the opportunity to better understand these ecosystems at large spatial scales through time. In this study, we estimated water table depth from a 6-year time sequence of airborne shortwave infrared (SWIR) hyperspectral imagery. We found that the narrowband index NDWI1240 is a strong predictor of water table position. However, we illustrate the importance of considering peatland anisotropy on SWIR imagery from the summer months when the vascular plants are in full foliage, as not all illumination conditions are suitable for retrieving water table position. We also model net ecosystem exchange (NEE) from 10 years of Landsat TM5 imagery and from 4 years of Landsat OLI 8 imagery. Our results show the transferability of the model between imagery from sensors with similar spectral and radiometric properties such as Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2. NEE modeled from airborne hyperspectral imagery more closely correlated to eddy covariance tower measurements than did models based on satellite images. With fine spectral, spatial and radiometric resolutions, new generation satellite imagery and airborne hyperspectral imagery allow for monitoring the response of peatlands to both allogenic and autogenic factors.