bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Punicalagin Content and Antifungal Activity of Different Pomegranate (Punica ganatum L.) Genotypes
Authors: Rongai Domenico , Pulcini Patrizio , Di Lernia Giovanni , Nota Paolo , Preka Pjerin , Milano Filomena
Published: July 2019

This study investigated the antifungal activity of a number of pomegranate genotypes. Since the main compound of pomegranate extract is punicalagin, an important substance involved in antifungal and antimicrobial activity, we analyzed the contents of punicalagin (α and β) in 21 different pomegranate genotypes. Ellagic acid content, total phenolic content, acidity and pH were also determined. This work allowed us to determine which genotypes of pomegranate can be used to obtain extracts with the highest content of punicalagin, with the goal of developing a green alternative to synthetic pesticides. To improve the extraction system from pomegranate peel fruits, several different solvents were tested. All the pomegranate genotypes tested showed antifungal activity; some genotypes were able to almost completely inhibit the fungus, while others had very low inhibitory activity. Research results also showed that the use of water as a solvent for extraction is very effective, especially when it is combined with ethanol. This is very important for the practical use of the extracts since water is economical and environmentally friendly. The research showed that among the genotypes there is also great variability regarding the chemical parameters. Genotypes with a high phenolic and punicalagin content were significantly correlated with antifungal activity. All the other chemical parameters (pH, titratable acidity and ellagic acid content) were not correlated with antifungal activity. The results obtained indicate that the fruits of some pomegranate genotypes could be used to obtain extracts very rich in punicalagins and that these substances could be used as an alternative to synthetic products to control plant disease and improve the quality of the plant products, avoiding the impact of synthetic chemicals on the environment.
Demonstration of a Low-Cost Multi-Pollutant Network to Quantify Intra-Urban Spatial Variations in Air Pollutant Source Impacts and to Evaluate Environmental Justice
Authors: Tanzer Rebecca , Malings Carl , Hauryliuk Aliaksei , Subramanian R. , Presto Albert A.
Published: July 2019

Air quality monitoring has traditionally been conducted using sparsely distributed, expensive reference monitors. To understand variations in PM2.5 on a finely resolved spatiotemporal scale a dense network of over 40 low-cost monitors was deployed throughout and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. Monitor locations covered a wide range of site types with varying traffic and restaurant density, varying influences from local sources, and varying socioeconomic (environmental justice, EJ) characteristics. Variability between and within site groupings was observed. Concentrations were higher near the source-influenced sites than the Urban or Suburban Residential sites. Gaseous pollutants (NO2 and SO2) were used to differentiate between traffic (higher NO2 concentrations) and industrial (higher SO2 concentrations) sources of PM2.5. Statistical analysis proved these differences to be significant (coefficient of divergence > 0.2). The highest mean PM2.5 concentrations were measured downwind (east) of the two industrial facilities while background level PM2.5 concentrations were measured at similar distances upwind (west) of the point sources. Socioeconomic factors, including the fraction of non-white population and fraction of population living under the poverty line, were not correlated with increases in PM2.5 or NO2 concentration. The analysis conducted here highlights differences in PM2.5 concentration within site groupings that have similar land use thus demonstrating the utility of a dense sensor network. Our network captures temporospatial pollutant patterns that sparse regulatory networks cannot.
Oxygen Uptake On-Kinetics during Low-Intensity Resistance Exercise: Effect of Exercise Mode and Load
Authors: Reis Victor M. , Neves Eduardo B. , Garrido Nuno , Sousa Ana , Carneiro André L. , Baldari Carlo , Barbosa Tiago
Published: July 2019

Oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics has been analyzed through mathematical modeling of constant work-rate exercise, however, the exponential nature of the VO2 response in resistance exercise is currently unknown. The present work assessed the VO2 on-kinetics during two different sub maximal intensities in the inclined bench press and in the seated leg extension exercise. Twelve males (age: 27.2 ± 4.3 years, height: 177 ± 5 cm, body mass: 79.0 ± 10.6 kg and estimated body fat: 11.4 ± 4.1%) involved in recreational resistance exercise randomly performed 4-min transitions from rest to 12% and 24% of 1 repetition maximum each, of inclined bench press (45°) and leg extension exercises. During all testing, expired gases were collected breath-by-breath with a portable gas analyzer (K4b2, Cosmed, Italy) and VO2 on-kinetics were identified using a multi-exponential mathematical model. Leg extension exercise exhibited a higher R-square, compared with inclined bench press, but no differences were found in-between exercises for the VO2 kinetics parameters. VO2 on-kinetics seems to be more sensitive to muscle related parameters (upper vs. lower body exercise) and less to small load variations in the resistance exercise. The absence of a true slow component indicates that is possible to calculate low-intensity resistance exercise energy cost based solely on VO2 measurements.
Effects of Physical Exercise on Endothelial Function and DNA Methylation
Authors: Ferrari Luca , Vicenzi Marco , Tarantini Letizia , Barretta Francesco , Sironi Silvia , Baccarelli Andrea A. , Guazzi Marco , Bollati Valentina
Published: July 2019

Essential hypertension is the leading preventable cause of death in the world. Epidemiological studies have shown that physical training can reduce blood pressure (BP), both in hypertensive and healthy individuals. Increasing evidence is emerging that DNA methylation is involved in alteration of the phenotype and of vascular function in response to environmental stimuli. We evaluated repetitive element and gene-specific DNA methylation in peripheral blood leukocytes of 68 volunteers, taken before (T0) and after (T1) a three-month intervention protocol of continuative aerobic physical exercise. DNA methylation was assessed by bisulfite-PCR and pyrosequencing. Comparing T0 and T1 measurements, we found an increase in oxygen consumption at peak of exercise (VO2peak) and a decrease in diastolic BP at rest. Exercise increased the levels of ALU and Long Interspersed Nuclear Element 1 (LINE-1) repetitive elements methylation, and of Endothelin-1 (EDN1), Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS2), and Tumour Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF) gene-specific methylation. VO2peak was positively associated with methylation of ALU, EDN1, NOS2, and TNF; systolic BP at rest was inversely associated with LINE-1, EDN1, and NOS2 methylation; diastolic BP was inversely associated with EDN1 and NOS2 methylation. Our findings suggest a possible role of DNA methylation for lowering systemic BP induced by the continuative aerobic physical training program.
NLRP3 Inflammasome Modulation by Melatonin Supplementation in Chronic Pristane-Induced Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Bonomini Francesca , Dos Santos Mariane , Veronese Francisco Veríssimo , Rezzani Rita
Published: July 2019

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a kidney inflammatory disease caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). NLRP3 inflammasome activation is implicated in LN pathogenesis, suggesting its potential targets for LN treatment. Melatonin, an endogenous indoleamine, is considered an important multitasking molecule that has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)-mediated inflammatory responses in vivo. This molecule has also protective effects against the activation of the inflammasomes and, in particular, the NLRP3 inflammasome. Thus, this work evaluated the effect of melatonin on morphological alteration and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in LN pristane mouse models. To evaluate the melatonin effects in these mice, we studied the renal cytoarchitecture by means of morphological analyses and immunohistochemical expression of specific markers related to oxidative stress, inflammation and inflammasome activation. Our results showed that melatonin attenuates pristane-induced LN through restoring of morphology and attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation through a pathway that inhibited activation of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling. Our data clearly demonstrate that melatonin has protective activity on lupus nephritis in these mice that is highly associated with its effect on enhancing the Nrf2 antioxidant signaling pathway and decreasing renal NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Studies on Selective Synthesis of α-Amyrin and β-Amyrin by Oxidosqualene Cyclases from Ilex Asprella
Authors: Wu Zhixue , Xu Hui , Wang Meiling , Zhan Ruoting , Chen Weiwen , Zhang Ren , Kuang Zaoyuan , Zhang Fengxue , Wang Kui , Gu Jiangyong
Published: July 2019

Amyrins are the immediate precursors of many pharmaceutically important pentacyclic triterpenoids. Although various amyrin synthases have been identified, little is known about the relationship between protein structures and the constituent and content of the products. IaAS1 and IaAS2 identified from Ilex asprella in our previous work belong to multifunctional oxidosqualene cyclases and can produce α-amyrin and β-amyrin at different ratios. More than 80% of total production of IaAS1 is α-amyrin; while IaAS2 mainly produces β-amyrin with a yield of 95%. Here, we present a molecular modeling approach to explore the underlying mechanism for selective synthesis. The structures of IaAS1 and IaAS2 were constructed by homology modeling, and were evaluated by Ramachandran Plot and Verify 3D program. The enzyme-product conformations generated by molecular docking indicated that ASP484 residue plays an important role in the catalytic process; and TRP611 residue of IaAS2 had interaction with β-amyrin through π–σ interaction. MM/GBSA binding free energy calculations and free energy decomposition after 50 ns molecular dynamics simulations were performed. The binding affinity between the main product and corresponding enzyme was higher than that of the by-product. Conserved amino acid residues such as TRP257; TYR259; PHE47; TRP534; TRP612; and TYR728 for IaAS1 (TRP257; TYR259; PHE473; TRP533; TRP611; and TYR727 for IaAS2) had strong interactions with both products. GLN450 and LYS372 had negative contribution to binding affinity between α-amyrin or β-amyrin and IaAS1. LYS372 and ARG261 had strong repulsive effects for the binding of α-amyrin with IaAS2. The importance of Lys372 and TRP612 of IaAS1, and Lys372 and TRP611 of IaAS2, for synthesizing amyrins were confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis. The different patterns of residue–product interactions is the cause for the difference in the yields of two products.
Improving the Clinical Application of Natural Killer Cells by Modulating Signals Signal from Target Cells
Authors: Holubova Monika , Leba Martin , Gmucova Hana , Caputo Valentina S. , Jindra Pavel , Lysak Daniel
Published: July 2019

Relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a significant post-transplant complication lacking standard treatment and associated with a poor prognosis. Cellular therapy, which is already widely used as a treatment for several hematological malignancies, could be a potential treatment alternative. Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in relapse control but can be inhibited by the leukemia cells highly positive for HLA class I. In order to restore NK cell activity after their ex vivo activation, NK cells can be combined with conditioning target cells. In this study, we tested NK cell activity against KG1a (AML cell line) with and without two types of pretreatment—Ara-C treatment that induced NKG2D ligands (increased activating signal) and/or blocking of HLA–KIR (killer-immunoglobulin-like receptors) interaction (decreased inhibitory signal). Both treatments improved NK cell killing activity. Compared with target cell killing of NK cells alone (38%), co-culture with Ara-C treated KG1a target cells increased the killing to 80%. Anti-HLA blocking antibody treatment increased the proportion of dead KG1a cells to 53%. Interestingly, the use of the combination treatment improved the killing potential to led to the death of 85% of KG1a cells. The combination of Ara-C and ex vivo activation of NK cells has the potential to be a feasible approach to treat relapsed AML after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Enhanced Tolerance against a Fungal Pathogen and Insect Resistance in Transgenic Tobacco Plants Overexpressing an Endochitinase Gene from Serratia marcescens
Authors: Navarro-González Samantha Sarai , Ramírez-Trujillo José Augusto , Peña-Chora Guadalupe , Gaytán Paul , Roldán-Salgado Abigail , Corzo Gerardo , Lina-García Laura Patricia , Hernández-Velázquez Víctor Manuel , Suárez-Rodríguez Ramón
Published: July 2019

In this study we cloned a chitinase gene (SmchiC), from Serratia marcescens isolated from the corpse of a Diatraea magnifactella lepidopteran, which is an important sugarcane pest. The chitinase gene SmchiC amplified from the S. marcescens genome was cloned into the transformation vector p2X35SChiC and used to transform tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv Petit Havana SR1). The resistance of these transgenic plants to the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea and to the pest Spodoptera frugiperda was evaluated: both the activity of chitinase as well as the resistance against B. cinerea and S. frugiperda was significantly higher in transgenic plants compared to the wild-type.
A Failure Risk-Based Culvert Renewal Prioritization Framework
Authors: Piratla Kalyan R. , Jin He , Yazdekhasti Sepideh
Published: July 2019

Transportation agencies are currently challenged to keep up with culvert infrastructure that is rapidly deteriorating due to lack of adequate maintenance and capital improvement. It is imperative for the transportation agencies to identify and rehabilitate deteriorated culverts prior to their failures. Among several concerns, lack of rational rehabilitation prioritization tools is foremost. Complicating this need further, current practices vary widely across the state departments of transportation (DOTs) which makes it difficult to develop a universal approach for prioritizing failing culverts. This paper presents and demonstrates a failure risk-based culvert prioritization approach that is compliant with the inspection procedures of the South Carolina DOT. The approach presented in this paper is specifically developed for reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) and corrugated metal pipe (CMP) materials because of their wide popularity. Outcomes from a survey of state DOTs informed the development of parametric weightings using the principles of analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Weightings developed for several critical inspection parameters are combined with the corresponding condition assessment scores to determine the failure criticality of culverts, which are subsequently combined with estimated failure consequences to determine failure risk estimates. The prioritization approach is demonstrated using the condition assessment scores of over 5200 culvert structures in South Carolina.
Synthesis and Characterization of Polycaprolactone Modified Trimellitate Nano-Lubricant
Authors: Guan Shuzhe , Liu Xuanchi , Zhang Yagang , Liu Yumei , Wang Lulu , Liu Yanxia
Published: July 2019

The application of trimellitate (TMT) in the lubricating oil industry was seriously restricted because of its low viscosity index. In the work reported here, polycaprolactone (PCL) soft chain was embedded into the structure of TMT in order to improve the viscosity index. Characterization of the polymers was done by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). Results supported our design and were consistent with the target product structure. Performance of the prepared materials was evaluated by standard ASTM methods. Noticeably, the viscosity index of the modified TMT increased from 8 to above 100, which greatly improved its viscosity-temperature performance. As the initiator, tetrabutyl titanate (TBT) can not only complete the ring-opening polymerization of caprolactam (ε-CL) at room temperature, but also generate nano-TiO2 by-products with excellent anti-wear properties during the synthesis. Characterization of the nano-TiO2 was done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FT-IR, TG and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The friction and wear tests were conducted on a four-ball friction tester and the surface morphologies of worn surfaces were investigated by SEM. The experimental results clearly showed that the modified TMT showed better viscosity index and thermal stability as compared to the unmodified one. The modified nano-TMT base oil features excellent lubricant performance with good viscosity–temperature properties, thermal stability and anti-wear properties.
Evaluation of a TEM based Approach for Size Measurement of Particulate (Nano)materials
Authors: Verleysen Eveline , Wagner Thorsten , Lipinski Hans-Gerd , Kägi Ralf , Koeber Robert , Boix-Sanfeliu Ana , De Temmerman Pieter-Jan , Mast Jan
Published: July 2019

An approach for the size measurement of particulate (nano)materials by transmission electron microscopy was evaluated. The approach combines standard operating procedures for specimen preparation, imaging, and image analysis, and it was evaluated on a series of certified reference materials and representative test materials with varying physical properties, including particle size, shape, and agglomeration state. The measurement of the median value of the minimal external particle diameter distribution was intra-laboratory validated. The validation study included an assessment of the limit of detection, working range, selectivity, precision, trueness, robustness, and ruggedness. An uncertainty that was associated to intermediate precision in the range of 1–7% and an expanded measurement uncertainty in the range of 7–20% were obtained, depending on the material and image analysis mode. No bias was observed when assessing the trueness of the approach on the certified reference materials ERM-FD100 and ERM-FD304. The image analysis method was validated in an inter-laboratory study by 19 laboratories, which resulted in a within-laboratory precision in the range of 2–8% and a between-laboratory precision of between 2% and 14%. The automation and standardization of the proposed approach significantly improves labour and cost efficiency for the accurate and precise size measurement of the particulate materials. The approach is shown to be implementable in many other electron microscopy laboratories.
Cytotoxic Furanoditerpenes from the Sponge Spongia tubulifera Collected in the Mexican Caribbean
Authors: Pech-Puch Dawrin , Rodríguez Jaime , Cautain Bastien , Sandoval-Castro Carlos Alfredo , Jiménez Carlos
Published: July 2019

Two new spongian furanoditerpenes, 3β-hydroxyspongia-13(16),14-dien-2-one (1) and 19-dehydroxy-spongian diterpene 17 (2), along with five known terpenes, the spongian furanoditerpenes 9-nor-3-hydroxyspongia-3,13(16),14-trien-2-one (3), 3β,19 dihydroxyspongia-13(16),14-dien-2-one (epispongiadiol) (4) and spongian diterpene 17 (5), the furanoditerpene ambliol C (6), and the sesterterpene scalarin (7), were isolated from the methanolic extract of the sponge Spongia tubulifera, collected in the Mexican Caribbean. The planar structures of the new compounds were elucidated by 1D/2D NMR and IR spectroscopic analysis, high resolution electrospray mass spectrometry (HRESIMS), and comparison of their spectral data with those reported in the literature. Absolute configurations were determined by comparison of the experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectrum with those calculated by time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). Compounds 1, 4, and 6 displayed weak cytotoxic activity against different human tumour cell lines.
Hematologic Manifestations in Celiac Disease—A Practical Review
Authors: Balaban Daniel Vasile , Popp Alina , Ionita Radu Florentina , Jinga Mariana
Published: July 2019

Celiac disease (CD) is a systemic autoimmune disease driven by gluten-ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals. Although it primarily affects the small bowel, CD can also involve other organs and manifest as an extraintestinal disease. Among the extraintestinal features of CD, hematologic ones are rather frequent and consist of anemia, thrombocytosis (thrombocytopenia also, but rare), thrombotic or hemorrhagic events, IgA deficiency, hyposplenism, and lymphoma. These hematologic alterations can be the sole manifestation of the disease and should prompt for CD testing in a suggestive clinical scenario. Recognition of these atypical, extraintestinal presentations, including hematologic ones, could represent a great opportunity to increase the diagnostic rate of CD, which is currently one of the most underdiagnosed chronic digestive disorders worldwide. In this review, we summarize recent evidence regarding the hematological manifestations of CD, with focus on practical recommendations for clinicians.
Ductus Venosus Agenesis as a Marker of Pallister–Killian Syndrome
Authors: Lapresa Alcalde María Victoria , Cubo Ana María , Martín Seisdedos María Carmen , Cortejoso Hernández Javier , Doyague Sanchez María José , Sayagués José María
Published: July 2019

The ductus venosus (DV) is a shunt that allows the direct flow of well-oxygenated blood from the umbilical vein (UV) to the coronary and cerebral circulation through the foramen ovale. Its agenesis has been associated with chromosomal abnormalities and rare genetic syndromes, structural defects, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and even antepartum fetal demise. Pallister–Killian Syndrome (PKS) is a rare sporadic disorder with specific tissue mosaic distribution of an extra 12p isochromosome (i(12p)). Its main clinical features are moderate to severe intellectual disability/neuromotor delay, skin pigmentation abnormalities, typical facial appearance, variable association with multiple congenital malformations and epilepsy. Though prenatal findings (including congenital diaphragmatic hernia, ventriculomegaly, congenital heart disease, polyhydramnios, and rhizomelic shortening) have been described in literature, prenatal diagnosis is difficult as there are no associated identification signs no distinctive or pathognomonic signs, and some of these malformations are hard to identify prenatally. The tissue mosaicism linked to this syndrome and the decrease of the abnormal clone carrier of the i(p12) after successive trypsinizations of cultured cells makes the diagnosis even more challenging. We present the case of a 27.5 weeks pregnant woman with a fetal ductus venosus agenesis (DVA) as the main guide marker. To our knowledge this is the first case published in literature reporting a DVA as a guide sign to diagnose a complex condition as Pallister–Killian syndrome. We also underscore the key role of new genetic techniques as microarrays to avoid misdiagnosis when only a subtle sonographic sign is present in complex conditions like this.
Comparative Outcomes of Respiratory Failure Associated with Common Neuromuscular Emergencies: Myasthenia Gravis versus Guillain–Barré Syndrome
Authors: Vellipuram Anantha R. , Cruz-Flores Salvador , Chaudhry Mohammad Rauf A. , Rawla Prashanth , Maud Alberto , Rodriguez Gustavo J. , Kassar Darine , Piriyawat Paisith , Qureshi Mohtashim A. , Khatri Rakesh
Published: July 2019

Background and objectives: Myasthenia gravis (MG) and Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS) are autoimmune neuromuscular disorders that may present as neuromuscular emergencies requiring mechanical ventilation and critical care. Comparative outcomes of these disease processes, once severe enough to require mechanical ventilation, are not known. In this study, we compared the patients requiring mechanical ventilation in terms of in-hospital complications, length of stay, disability, and mortality between these two disease entities at a national level. Materials and Methods: Mechanically ventilated patients with primary diagnosis of MG (n = 6684) and GBS (n = 5834) were identified through retrospective analysis of Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database for the years 2006 to 2014. Results: Even though mechanically ventilated MG patients were older (61.0 ± 19.1 versus 54.9 ± 20.1 years) and presented with more medical comorbidities, they had lower disease severity on admission, as well as lower in-hospital complications sepsis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections as compared with GBS patients. In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for confounders including treatment, GBS patients had significantly higher disability (odds ratio (OR) 15.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 10.9–22.2) and a longer length of stay (OR 3.48, 95% CI 2.22–5.48). There was no significant difference in mortality between the groups (8.45% MG vs. 10.0% GBS, p = 0.16). Conclusion: Mechanically ventilated GBS patients have higher disease severity at admission along with more in-hospital complications, length of stay, and disability compared with MG patients. Potential explanations for these findings include delay in the diagnosis, poor response to immunotherapy particularly in patients with axonal GBS variant, or longer recovery time after nerve damage.
Natural Polysaccharides for siRNA Delivery: Nanocarriers Based on Chitosan, Hyaluronic Acid, and Their Derivatives
Authors: Serrano-Sevilla Inés , Artiga Álvaro , Mitchell Scott G. , De Matteis Laura , de la Fuente Jesús M.
Published: July 2019

Natural polysaccharides are frequently used in the design of drug delivery systems due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity. Moreover, they are diverse in structure, size, and charge, and their chemical functional groups can be easily modified to match the needs of the final application and mode of administration. This review focuses on polysaccharidic nanocarriers based on chitosan and hyaluronic acid for small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery, which are highly positively and negatively charged, respectively. The key properties, strengths, and drawbacks of each polysaccharide are discussed. In addition, their use as efficient nanodelivery systems for gene silencing applications is put into context using the most recent examples from the literature. The latest advances in this field illustrate effectively how chitosan and hyaluronic acid can be modified or associated with other molecules in order to overcome their limitations to produce optimized siRNA delivery systems with promising in vitro and in vivo results.
Biotechnological Advances in Resveratrol Production and its Chemical Diversity
Authors: Thapa Samir Bahadur , Pandey Ramesh Prasad , Park Yong Il , Sohng Jae Kyung
Published: July 2019

The very well-known bioactive natural product, resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxystilbene), is a highly studied secondary metabolite produced by several plants, particularly grapes, passion fruit, white tea, and berries. It is in high demand not only because of its wide range of biological activities against various kinds of cardiovascular and nerve-related diseases, but also as important ingredients in pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements. Due to its very low content in plants, multi-step isolation and purification processes, and environmental and chemical hazards issues, resveratrol extraction from plants is difficult, time consuming, impracticable, and unsustainable. Therefore, microbial hosts, such as Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Corynebacterium glutamicum, are commonly used as an alternative production source by improvising resveratrol biosynthetic genes in them. The biosynthesis genes are rewired applying combinatorial biosynthetic systems, including metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, while optimizing the various production processes. The native biosynthesis of resveratrol is not present in microbes, which are easy to manipulate genetically, so the use of microbial hosts is increasing these days. This review will mainly focus on the recent biotechnological advances for the production of resveratrol, including the various strategies used to produce its chemically diverse derivatives.
Approach Study for Mass Balance of Pesticide Residues in Distillers’ Stillage along with Distillate and Absence Verification of Pesticides in Distilled Spirits from Pilot-Scale of Distillation Column
Authors: Shin Jung-Ah , Cho Hoonho , Seo Dong-Woo , Jeong Hee-Gon , Kim Sung Chul , Lee Jeung-Hee , Hong Soon-Taek , Lee Ki-Teak
Published: July 2019

Herein, contaminants remaining in distillate and distillers’ stillage were quantitatively measured after distillation. After rice bran powder was contaminated with 10 ppm of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) or 0.02–1.27 ppm of five pesticides (terbufos, fenthion, iprobenfos, flutolanil, and ethoprophos) followed by fermentation, single-stage distillation was performed. In the obtained distillate, no Pb or Cd was found, as expected. However, when the pesticides were added as contaminants, trace–0.05 ppm of some pesticides were detected in the distillate, possibly due to the high vapor pressure (e.g., that of ethoprophos) and contamination amount (e.g., that of flutolanil, terbufos, and fenthion). In contrast, none of the contaminating pesticides were observed in the distilled spirits when a fermented liquefaction contaminated with 0.04–4 ppm of six pesticides (fenthion, terbufos, ethoprophos, iprobenfos, oxadiazon, and flutolanil) was distilled using a pilot-plant scale distillation column, indicating that the pesticides hardly migrate to the distilled spirits.
Essential Oil of Algerian Eryngium campestre: Chemical Variability and Evaluation of Biological Activities
Authors: Medbouhi Ali , Benbelaïd Fethi , Djabou Nassim , Beaufay Claire , Bendahou Mourad , Quetin-Leclercq Joëlle , Tintaru Aura , Costa Jean , Muselli Alain
Published: July 2019

The chemical composition of essential oils extracted from aerial parts of Eryngium campestre collected in 37 localities from Western Algeria was characterized using GC-FID and GC/MS analyses. Altogether, 52 components, which accounted for 70.1 to 86.8% of the total composition oils were identified. The main compounds were Germacrene D (0.4–53.4%), Campestrolide (1.6–35.3%), Germacrene B (0.2–21.5%), Myrcene (0.1–8.4%), α-Cadinol (0.2–7.6%), Spathulenol (0.1–7.6%), Eudesma-4(15)-7-dien-1-β-ol (0.1–7.6%) and τ-Cadinol (0.3–5.5%). The chemical compositions of essential oils obtained from separate organs and during the complete vegetative cycle of the plant were also studied. With the uncommon 17-membered ring lactone named Campestrolide as the main component, Algerian E. campestre essential oils exhibited a remarkable chemical composition. A study of the chemical variability using statistical analysis allowed the discrimination of two main clusters according to the geographical position of samples. The study contributes to the better understanding of the relationship between the plant and its environment. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was assessed against twelve strains bacteria and two yeasts involved in foodborne and nosocomial infections using paper disc diffusion and dilution agar assays. The in vitro study demonstrated a strong activity against Gram-positive strains such as S. aureus, B. cereus, and E. faecalis. The cytotoxicity and antiparasitic activities (on Lmm and Tbb) of the collective essential oil and one sample rich in campestrolide, as well as some enriched fractions or fractions containing other terpenic compounds, were also analyzed. Campestrolide seems to be one compound responsible for the cytotoxic and antileishmanial effect, while myrcene or/and trans-β-farnesene have a more selective antitrypanosomal activity.
The Chemistry and Biology of Cyclophostin, the Cyclipostins and Related Compounds
Authors: Spilling Christopher D.
Published: July 2019

Cyclophostin, the cyclipostins and the salinipostins are structurally related cyclic enolphosphate natural products. This mini review describes their isolation, synthesis and biological activities. In addition, the synthesis and biological activities of monocyclic enolphosphate and mono and bicyclic enolphosphonate analogs are presented.
Integrating Science Tasks and Puzzles in Computer Role Playing Games
Authors: Garneli Varvara , Patiniotis Konstantinos , Chorianopoulos Konstantinos
Published: July 2019

The design of educational serious games to be used as motivational learning environments is very rewarding but also very challenging. The integration of learning with playing activities seems to be one of the major challenges. Previous work has not examined the integration of science content based on the school curriculum in the gameplay mechanics of a computer role playing game (CRPG) and in a storyline which ends with a dramatic conflict. In this study, an educational CRPG was designed for learning concepts in the physical sciences according to the curriculum of the correspondent book. We integrated the content into the gameplay which included several tasks to be performed and puzzles to be solved, advancing players to successfully complete the game, according to the game’s storyline. Finally, we performed a usability test for ease-of-use and enjoyment issues. Most testers considered the educational CRPG entertaining. Computer role playing game’s gameplay mechanics provide affordances for the integration of science and technology courses in a playful learning environment.
Finer Resolution Mapping of Marine Aquaculture Areas Using WorldView-2 Imagery and a Hierarchical Cascade Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Fu Yongyong , Ye Ziran , Deng Jinsong , Zheng Xinyu , Huang Yibo , Yang Wu , Wang Yaohua , Wang Ke
Published: July 2019

Marine aquaculture plays an important role in seafood supplement, economic development, and coastal ecosystem service provision. The precise delineation of marine aquaculture areas from high spatial resolution (HSR) imagery is vital for the sustainable development and management of coastal marine resources. However, various sizes and detailed structures of marine objects make it difficult for accurate mapping from HSR images by using conventional methods. Therefore, this study attempts to extract marine aquaculture areas by using an automatic labeling method based on the convolutional neural network (CNN), i.e., an end-to-end hierarchical cascade network (HCNet). Specifically, for marine objects of various sizes, we propose to improve the classification performance by utilizing multi-scale contextual information. Technically, based on the output of a CNN encoder, we employ atrous convolutions to capture multi-scale contextual information and aggregate them in a hierarchical cascade way. Meanwhile, for marine objects with detailed structures, we propose to refine the detailed information gradually by using a series of long-span connections with fine resolution features from the shallow layers. In addition, to decrease the semantic gaps between features in different levels, we propose to refine the feature space (i.e., channel and spatial dimensions) using an attention-based module. Experimental results show that our proposed HCNet can effectively identify and distinguish different kinds of marine aquaculture, with 98% of overall accuracy. It also achieves better classification performance compared with object-based support vector machine and state-of-the-art CNN-based methods, such as FCN-32s, U-Net, and DeeplabV2. Our developed method lays a solid foundation for the intelligent monitoring and management of coastal marine resources.
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index Continuity of the Landsat 4-5 MSS and TM: Investigations Based on Simulation
Authors: Chen Feng , Lou Shenlong , Fan Qiancong , Wang Chenxing , Claverie Martin , Wang Cheng , Li Jonathan
Published: July 2019

Landsat 4-5, built at the same time and with the same design, carrying the Multispectral Scanner System (MSS) and the Thematic Mapper (TM) simultaneously, jointly provided observation service for about 30 years (1982–2013). Considering the importance of data continuity for time series analyses, investigations on the continuity of the Landsat 4-5 MSS and TM are required. In this paper, characterization differences between the Landsat 4-5 MSS and TM were initially discussed using the synthesized reflectance records generated from a collection of Hyperion hyperspectral profiles which were well calibrated and widely distributed. The difference in near-infrared region mostly contributed to the difference in normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) between MSS and TM, while the between-sensor difference in red spectrum was relatively minor. Models for transforming MSS NDVI to TM NDVI were proposed, and validated subsequently through cross-validation tests. Furthermore, effectiveness of the transformation models was investigated using eight synchronous observation pairs of the Landsat 5 MSS and TM. On average, the univariate models through ordinary least squares regression (OLS) regression resulted in a decrease about 10% of the median relative difference (MdRD). Meanwhile, the bivariate models improved the NDVI comparability in most cases, especially when the transformation models through ridge regression were implemented. The univariate model through OLS regression could be the only solution for cases when problems of data quality are encountered (e.g., problem in the MSS near-infrared channel (800–1000 nm)). In conclusion, the findings on NDVI transformation models from MSS to TM are valuable for reference, because of the collection of diverse Hyperion hyperspectral profiles used.
Detailed Urban Land Use Land Cover Classification at the Metropolitan Scale Using a Three-Layer Classification Scheme
Authors: Cai Guoyin , Ren Huiqun , Yang Liuzhong , Zhang Ning , Du Mingyi , Wu Changshan
Published: July 2019

Urban Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) information is essential for urban and environmental management. It is, however, very difficult to automatically extract detailed urban LULC information from remote sensing imagery, especially for a large urban area. Medium resolution imagery, such as Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data, cannot uncover detailed LULC information. Further, very high resolution (VHR) satellite imagery, such as IKONOS and QuickBird data, can only be applied to a small area, largely due to the data unavailability and high computation cost. As a result, little research has been conducted to extract detailed urban LULC information for a large urban area. This study, therefore, developed a three-layer classification scheme for deriving detailedurban LULC information by integrating newly launched Chinese GF-1 (medium resolution) and GF-2 (very high resolution) satellite imagery and synthetically incorporating geometry, texture, and spectral information through multi-resolution image segmentation and object-based image classification (OBIA). Homogeneous urban LULC types such as water bodies or large areas of vegetation could be derived from GF-1 imagery with 16 m and 8 m spatial resolutions, while heterogeneous urban LULC types such as industrial buildings, residential buildings, and roads could be extracted from GF-2 imagery with 3.2 m and 0.8 m spatial resolutions. The multi-resolution segmentation method and a random forest algorithm were employed to perform image segmentation and object-based image classification, respectively. An analysis of the results suggests an overall accuracy of 0.89 and 0.87 were achieved for the second and third level urban LULC classification maps, respectively. Therefore, the three-layer classification scheme has the potential to derive high accuracy urban LULC information through integrating medium and high-resolution remote sensing imagery.
Transforming Communication Channels to the Co-Creation and Diffusion of Intangible Heritage in Smart Tourism Destination: Creation and Testing in Ceutí (Spain)
Authors: Gomez-Oliva Andrea , Alvarado-Uribe Joanna , Parra-Meroño Maria Concepcion , Jara Antonio J.
Published: July 2019

Creating smart tourism destinations requires innovative solutions which cover the main pillars of sustainability as sociocultural, environmental, and economic aspects, in order to spread the cultural heritage of these tourist destinations to their visitors. One of the most demanded approaches by the new hyper-connected visitors is the expectation of plunging and becoming a short-term resident to receive a real experience during their visit. Therefore, the scope of this research covers the objective of designing an innovative communication channel between a visitor and a point of interest (POI), which in turn allows agile experiences to be built and provided and increases the dissemination of cultural heritage through new technologies, considering the real needs of the territories and the new digital visitors. In order to address these topics, this paper proposes an innovative and co-created progressive Web-App for visitors called Be Memories in order to spread the intangible heritage of a tourist destination, where the content is co-created by residents of the destination. The tool has been tested in Ceutí, a Spanish village with a high cultural value, which needs to be disseminated through new innovative tools. The trial was launched during local festivities of the village using an Internet of Things device, called a Smart Spot, to establish a communication channel between the visitor and POI. The results of the test were measured using Google Analytics, the reactions of Be Memories in social networks, and the acceptance of other cities and European committees. The results have concluded that Be Memories is able to enable a local experience via agile, fresh, and crowd-sourced content that people enjoy. This channel presents a complementary level of information with respect to official sources, documentaries, and local guide tours, at the same time enabling a mechanism to promote physical visits, walking tours, and cultural heritage via low-cost and sustainable infrastructure.
Analysing Managers’ Financial Motivation for Sustainable Investment Strategies
Authors: Hsiao Hsiao-Fen , Zhong Tingyong , Dincer Hasan
Published: July 2019

The purpose of the research is to examine the importance of financial rewards and managers’ motivations, including sustainable investment projects. For that, the role of financial motivation for managers is analysed to understand strategic priorities for sustainable investment policies. Panel data for non-financial listed companies in China are used to determine the best-fit values of the proposed model, and the results of the Lagrange multiplier (LM) and Hausman tests are discussed for sustainable investment strategies. The results demonstrate that both low-paid and highly-paid managers in valuable project firms tend to be conservative and that managers consolidate their positions through underinvestment. This finding is clear evidence that managers are reluctant to take a risk on sustainable investment strategies. However, highly-paid managers of non-valuable project firms are generally willing to obtain high productivity through advanced technologies. The results are also generalized for strategies that are related to project managers’ financial motivation to increase the efficiency of sustainable investment decisions.
Inventory of Spatio-Temporal Methane Emissions from Livestock and Poultry Farming in Beijing
Authors: Guo Yixuan , Wang Yidong , Chen Shufeng , Zheng Shunan , Guo Changcheng , Xue Dongmei , Kuzyakov Yakov , Wang Zhong-Liang
Published: July 2019

Livestock and poultry farming sectors are among the largest anthropogenic methane (CH4) emission sources, mainly from enteric fermentation and manure management. Previous inventories of CH4 emission were generally based on constant emission factor (EF) per head, which had some weaknesses mainly due to the succession of breeding and feeding systems over decades. Here, more reliable long-term changes of CH4 emissions from livestock and poultry farming in Beijing are estimated using the dynamic EFs based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier 2 method, and high-resolution spatial patterns of CH4 emissions are also estimated with intensive field survey. The results showed that the estimated CH4 emissions derived by dynamic EFs were approximately 13–19% lower than those based on the constant EF before 2010. After 2011, however, the dynamic EFs-derived CH4 emissions were a little higher (3%) than the constant EF method. Temporal CH4 emissions in Beijing had experienced four developing stages (1978–1988: stable; 1989–1998: slow growth; 1999–2004: rapid growth and reached hot moments; 2005–2014: decline) during 1978–2014. Over the first two decades, the contributions of pigs (45%) and cattle (46%) to annual CH4 emission were similar; subsequently, the cattle emitted more CH4 compared to the pigs. At a spatial scale, Shunyi, Daxing, and Tongzhou districts with more cattle and pigs are the hotspots of CH4 emission. In conclusion, the dynamic EFs method obviously improved the spatio-temporal estimates of CH4 emissions compared to the constant EF approach, and the improvements depended on the period and aquaculture structure. Therefore, the dynamic EFs method should be recommended for estimating CH4 emissions from livestock and poultry farming in the future.
A Statistically Rigorous Approach to Experimental Design of Vertical Living Walls for Green Buildings
Authors: Bustami Rosmina , Brien Chris , Ward James , Beecham Simon , Rawlings Robyn
Published: July 2019

Living walls (LW) have been widely proposed as a form of green infrastructure to improve aesthetics, energy consumption, and microclimate in urban environments by adding densely-planted vegetation to the outside walls of buildings. Scientific studies using multiple treatments in a single LW face challenges due to the close physical proximity of different treatments, particularly the potential for plants above to influence those below. A study on a west-facing LW was undertaken to investigate 36 unique treatments in Adelaide, South Australia, for nine months. The LW comprised combinations of six native plant species, three soil substrates and two irrigation volumes. The LW consisted of 144 modular trays mounted on a wall in a 12 × 12 grid with four replicates of each treatment. The location of each treatment was designed to account for a cascading carry-over effect that may be present when one plant is placed above another. Carry-over effect of the model designed showed mixed results among the plant groups identified. It was also found that long-form plants can significantly shade smaller plants below them. Experimental research into the performance of plants in mixed species LW should consider the carry-over effect to account for this.