bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ginseng Gintonin Contains Ligands for GPR40 and GPR55
Authors: Cho Yeon-Jin , Choi Sun-Hye , Lee Rami , Hwang Hongik , Rhim Hyewhon , Cho Ik-Hyun , Kim Hyoung-Chun , Lee Jeong-Ik , Hwang Sung-Hee , Nah Seung-Yeol
Published: March 2020

Gintonin, a novel ginseng-derived glycolipoprotein complex, has an exogenous ligand for lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptors. However, recent lipid analysis of gintonin has shown that gintonin also contains other bioactive lipids besides LPAs, including linoleic acid and lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI). Linoleic acid, a free fatty acid, and LPI are known as ligands for the G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR), GPR40, and GPR55, respectively. We, herein, investigated whether gintonin could serve as a ligand for GPR40 and GPR55, using the insulin-secreting beta cell-derived cell line INS-1 and the human prostate cancer cell line PC-3, respectively. Gintonin dose-dependently enhanced insulin secretion from INS-1 cells. Gintonin-stimulated insulin secretion was partially inhibited by a GPR40 receptor antagonist but not an LPA1/3 receptor antagonist and was down-regulated by small interfering RNA (siRNA) against GPR40. Gintonin dose-dependently induced [Ca2+]i transients and Ca2+-dependent cell migration in PC-3 cells. Gintonin actions in PC-3 cells were attenuated by pretreatment with a GPR55 antagonist and an LPA1/3 receptor antagonist or by down-regulating GPR55 with siRNA. Taken together, these results demonstrated that gintonin-mediated insulin secretion by INS-1 cells and PC-3 cell migration were regulated by the respective activation of GPR40 and GPR55 receptors. These findings indicated that gintonin could function as a ligand for both receptors. Finally, we demonstrated that gintonin contained two more GPCR ligands, in addition to that for LPA receptors. Gintonin, with its multiple GPCR ligands, might provide the molecular basis for the multiple pharmacological actions of ginseng.
Direct Dehydrative Glycosylation Catalyzed by Diphenylammonium Triflate
Authors: Hsu Mei-Yuan , Lam Sarah , Wu Chia-Hui , Lin Mei-Huei , Lin Su-Ching , Wang Cheng-Chung
Published: March 2020

Methods for direct dehydrative glycosylations of carbohydrate hemiacetals catalyzed by diphenylammonium triflate under microwave irradiation are described. Both armed and disarmed glycosyl-C1-hemiacetal donors were efficiently glycosylated in moderate to excellent yields without the need for any drying agents and stoichiometric additives. This method has been successfully applied to a solid-phase glycosylation.
Design, Synthesis, Computational, and Preclinical Evaluation of natTi/45Ti-Labeled Urea-Based Glutamate PSMA Ligand
Authors: Søborg Pedersen Kristina , Baun Christina , Michaelsen Nielsen Karin , Thisgaard Helge , Ingemann Jensen Andreas , Zhuravlev Fedor
Published: March 2020

Despite promising anti-cancer properties in vitro, all titanium-based pharmaceuticals have failed in vivo. Likewise, no target-specific positron emission tomography (PET) tracer based on the radionuclide 45Ti has been developed, notwithstanding its excellent PET imaging properties. In this contribution, we present liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) in flow-based recovery and the purification of 45Ti, computer-aided design, and the synthesis of a salan-natTi/45Ti-chelidamic acid (CA)-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligand containing the Glu-urea-Lys pharmacophore. The compound showed compromised serum stability, however, no visible PET signal from the PC3+ tumor was seen, while the ex vivo biodistribution measured the tumor accumulation at 1.1% ID/g. The in vivo instability was rationalized in terms of competitive citrate binding followed by Fe(III) transchelation. The strategy to improve the in vivo stability by implementing a unimolecular ligand design is presented.
Angular Dependence of the Ferromagnetic Resonance Parameters of [Ti/FeNi]6/Ti/Cu/Ti/[FeNi/Ti]6 Nanostructured Multilayered Elements in the Wide Frequency Range
Authors: Shcherbinin Sergei V. , Svalov Andrey V. , Melnikov Grigory Y. , Kurlyandskaya Galina V.
Published: March 2020

Magnetically soft [Ti(6)/FeNi(50)]6/Ti(6)/Cu(500)/Ti(6)/[FeNi(50)/Ti(6)]6 nanostructured multilayered elements were deposited by rf-sputtering technique in the shape of elongated stripes. The easy magnetization axis was oriented along the short size of the stripe using deposition in the external magnetic field. Such configuration is important for the development of small magnetic field sensors employing giant magnetoimpedance effect (GMI) for different applications. Microwave absorption of electromagnetic radiation was experimentally and theoretically studied in order to provide an as complete as possible high frequency characterization. The conductor-backed coplanar line was used for microwave properties investigation. The medialization for the precession of the magnetization vector in the uniformly magnetized GMI element was done on the basis of the Landau–Lifshitz equation with a dissipative Bloch–Bloembergen term. We applied the method of the complex amplitude for the analysis of the rotation of the ferromagnetic GMI element in the external magnetic field. The calculated and experimental dependences for the amplitudes of the imaginary part of the magnetic susceptibility tensor x-component and magnetoabsorption related to different angles show a good agreement.
Tuning Magnetic Entropy Change and Relative Cooling Power in La0.7Ca0.23Sr0.07MnO3 Electrospun Nanofibers
Authors: Burrola Gándara Luis Andrés , Vázquez Zubiate Lizeth , Carrillo Flores Diana M. , Elizalde Galindo José T. , Ornelas Carlos , Ramos Manuel
Published: March 2020

We present experimental evidence about the magnetocaloric tuning effect in one-dimensional nanostructure fibers mixed-valence manganite as synthesized by electrospinning techniques and under heat treatments of 973, 1073 and 1173 K. The stoichiometry obtained is La0.7Ca0.23Sr0.07MnO3 and Rietveld refinement indicates a single-phase with an orthorhombic (Pnma) crystal structure. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy observations indicate coalescence in granular colonies of La0.7Ca0.23Sr0.07MnO3 nanoparticles to conform nanofibers. Magnetic entropy change is tuned due to heat treatments at 1173 K with maximum values of 1, 1.82 and 2.51 J/kgK for applied external magnetic fields of μ0H = 1, 2 and 3T, respectively, with a maximum magnetic entropy difference at a Curie temperature of 293 K (furthermore, second-order magnetic phase transition was observed). Additionally, for a magnetic field, ~μ0H = 3 T values of 49, 95 and 143 J/kg for 973, 1073 and 1173 K heat-treated samples were obtained.
Photocatalytic and Oxidative Synthetic Pathways for Highly Efficient PANI-TiO2 Nanocomposites as Organic and Inorganic Pollutant Sorbents
Authors: Cionti Carolina , Della Pina Cristina , Meroni Daniela , Falletta Ermelinda , Ardizzone Silvia
Published: March 2020

Polyaniline (PANI)-materials have recently been proposed for environmental remediation applications thanks to PANI stability and sorption properties. As an alternative to conventional PANI oxidative syntheses, which involve toxic carcinogenic compounds, an eco-friendly procedure was here adopted starting from benign reactants (aniline-dimer and H2O2) and initiated by ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated TiO2. To unlock the full potential of this procedure, we investigated the roles of TiO2 and H2O2 in the nanocomposites synthesis, with the aim of tailoring the properties of the final material to the desired application. The nanocomposites prepared by varying the TiO2:H2O2:aniline-dimer molar ratios were characterized for their thermal, optical, morphological, structural and surface properties. The reaction mechanism was investigated via mass analyses and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The nanocomposites were tested on both methyl orange and hexavalent chromium removal. A fast dye-sorption was achieved also in the presence of interferents and the recovery of the dye was obtained upon eco-friendly conditions. An efficient Cr(VI) abatement was obtained also after consecutive tests and without any regeneration treatment. The fine understanding of the reaction mechanism allowed us to interpret the pollutant-removal performances of the different materials, leading to tailored nanocomposites in terms of maximum sorption and reduction capability upon consecutive tests even in simulated drinking water.
Plasmon-Emitter Hybrid Nanostructures of Gold Nanorod-Quantum Dots with Regulated Energy Transfer as a Universal Nano-Sensor for One-step Biomarker Detection
Authors: Li Xuemeng , Wang Yingshuting , Fu Quanying , Wang Yangyang , Ma Dongxu , Zhou Bin , Zhou Jianhua
Published: March 2020

Recently, biosensing based on weak coupling in plasmon-emitter hybrid nanostructures exhibits the merits of simplicity and high sensitivity, and attracts increasing attention as an emerging nano-sensor. In this study, we propose an innovative plasmon-regulated fluorescence resonance energy transfer (plasmon-regulated FRET) sensing strategy based on a plasmon-emitter hybrid nanostructure of gold nanorod-quantum dots (Au NR-QDs) by partially modifying QDs onto the surfaces of Au NRs. The Au NR-QDs showed good sensitivity and reversibility against refractive index change. We successfully employed the Au NR-QDs to fabricate nano-sensors for detecting a cancer biomarker of alpha fetoprotein with a limit of detection of 0.30 ng/mL, which displays that the sensitivity of the Au NR-QDs nano-sensor was effectively improved compared with the Au NRs based plasmonic sensing. Additionally, to demonstrate the universality of the plasmon-regulated FRET sensing strategy, another plasmon-emitter hybrid nano-sensor of Au nano-prism-quantum dots (Au NP-QDs) were constructed and applied for detecting a myocardial infarction biomarker of cardiac troponin I. It was first reported that the change of absorption spectra of plasmonic structure in a plasmon-emitter hybrid nanostructure was employed for analytes detection. The plasmon-regulated FRET sensing strategy described herein has potential utility to develop general sensing platforms for chemical and biological analysis.
Association between Food Preferences, Eating Behaviors and Socio-Demographic Factors, Physical Activity among Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Qiu Chao , Hou Min
Published: March 2020

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is a serious health issue among children and adolescents worldwide. This study aimed to investigate factors influencing weight status-associated food preferences and eating behaviors. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from 2578 pairs of Chinese children and parents in five cities from December 2018 to March 2019. There was an increase in consumptions of processed seafood, nuts and dried fruit/vegetables, and fruit/vegetable juice, but a reduction of consuming puffed and processed meat products, sugar/artificially sweetened beverages and milk tea, and picky eating. These food preferences differentiate between sexes. Picky eating behavior was greatly presented in children of lower educated mothers or heavy-smoking fathers. Children of the lower educated fathers consumed less processed seafood and dairy products, and those of the heavy-smoking fathers consumed more puffed products, but less fruit/vegetable juice, and had greater snack preference. The father’s body mass index(BMI)status was also positively associated with unhealthy behaviors. Those who exercised daily longer showed better eating behaviors, and picky eating and fast-food lovers likely occurred in higher-income families. Our study provides an insight into that fathers being educated for health-conscious advice and physical activity may be the potential strategies to foster their children’s healthy eating patterns. Their efficacy needs to be further investigated.
Solid State Optical Microlasers Fabrication via Microfluidic Channels
Authors: Manzo Maurizio , Cavazos Omar
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we propose the use of a microfluidic channel with flow focusing technique to fabricate solid state polymeric microlasers to precisely control sizes for mass production. Microlasers are made from a solution of UV curable polymer, namely polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) with a molecular weight of 700 and rhodamine 6G laser dye at two different volumetric ratios (polymer to dye) of 4:1 and 2:1, respectively, which are used as the dispersed phase. A reservoir filled with liquid polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was used to cure the microlasers via UV lamp. A microchannel made of (PDMS) and size of 200 µm was used in this paper; mineral oil was selected as the continuous phase. Two experiments are conducted by fixing the pressure flow for the dispersed phase to 188 mbar and 479.9 mbar, respectively. In both experiments, the pressure of the continuous phase (mineral oil) was varied between 1666.9 mbar and 1996.9 mbar. The measurement of the fabricated microlasers’ size was performed with the aid of the MATLAB Image Processing Toolbox by using photographs taken with a CMOS camera. The tunability of the highest size, ranging from 109 µm to 72 µm, was found for the PEGDA to dye ratio of 2:1 (188 mbar) and average standard deviation of 1.49 µm, while no tunability was found for the 4:1 ratio (188 mbar). The tunability of the microlaser’s size, ranging from 139 µm to 130 µm and an average standard deviation value of 1.47 µm, was found for the 4:1 ratio (479.9 mbar). The fabricated microlasers presented a quality factor Q of the order 104, which is suitable for sensing applications. This technique can be used to control the size of the fabrication of a high number of solid state microlaser based UV polymers mixed with laser dyes.
Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Chlorophytum comosum and Chlorophytum gallabatense: Genome Structures, Comparative and Phylogenetic Analysis
Authors: Munyao Jacinta N. , Dong Xiang , Yang Jia-Xin , Mbandi Elijah M. , Wanga Vincent O. , Oulo Millicent A. , Saina Josphat K. , Musili Paul M. , Hu Guang-Wan
Published: March 2020

The genus Chlorophytum includes many economically important species well-known for medicinal, ornamental, and horticultural values. However, to date, few molecular genomic resources have been reported for this genus. Therefore, there is limited knowledge of phylogenetic studies, and the available chloroplast (cp) genome of Chlorophytum (C. rhizopendulum) does not provide enough information on this genus. In this study, we present genomic resources for C. comosum and C. gallabatense, which had lengths of 154,248 and 154,154 base pairs (bp), respectively. They had a pair of inverted repeats (IRa and IRb) of 26,114 and 26,254 bp each in size, separating the large single-copy (LSC) region of 84,004 and 83,686 bp from the small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,016 and 17,960 bp in C. comosum and C. gallabatense, respectively. There were 112 distinct genes in each cp genome, which were comprised of 78 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. The comparative analysis with five other selected species displayed a generally high level of sequence resemblance in structural organization, gene content, and arrangement. Additionally, the phylogenetic analysis confirmed the previous phylogeny and produced a phylogenetic tree with similar topology. It showed that the Chlorophytum species (C. comosum, C. gallabatense and C. rhizopendulum) were clustered together in the same clade with a closer relationship than other plants to the Anthericum ramosum. This research, therefore, presents valuable records for further molecular evolutionary and phylogenetic studies which help to fill the gap in genomic resources and resolve the taxonomic complexes of the genus.
The First Plastid Genome of the Holoparasitic Genus Prosopanche (Hydnoraceae)
Authors: Jost Matthias , Naumann Julia , Rocamundi Nicolás , Cocucci Andrea A. , Wanke Stefan
Published: March 2020

Plastomes of parasitic and mycoheterotrophic plants show different degrees of reduction depending on the plants’ level of heterotrophy and host dependence in comparison to photoautotrophic sister species, and the amount of time since heterotrophic dependence was established. In all but the most recent heterotrophic lineages, this reduction involves substantial decrease in genome size and gene content and sometimes alterations of genome structure. Here, we present the first plastid genome of the holoparasitic genus Prosopanche, which shows clear signs of functionality. The plastome of Prosopanche americana has a length of 28,191 bp and contains only 24 unique genes, i.e., 14 ribosomal protein genes, four ribosomal RNA genes, five genes coding for tRNAs and three genes with other or unknown function (accD, ycf1, ycf2). The inverted repeat has been lost. Despite the split of Prosopanche and Hydnora about 54 MYA ago, the level of genome reduction is strikingly congruent between the two holoparasites although highly dissimilar nucleotide sequences are observed. Our results lead to two possible evolutionary scenarios that will be tested in the future with a larger sampling: 1) a Hydnoraceae plastome, similar to those of Hydnora and Prosopanche today, existed already in the most recent common ancestor and has not changed much with respect to gene content and structure, or 2) the genome similarities we observe today are the result of two independent evolutionary trajectories leading to almost the same endpoint. The first hypothesis would be most parsimonious whereas the second would point to taxon dependent essential gene sets for plants released from photosynthetic constraints.
Arabidopsis RanBP2-Type Zinc Finger Proteins Related to Chloroplast RNA Editing Factor OZ1
Authors: Gipson Andrew B. , Giloteaux Ludovic , Hanson Maureen R. , Bentolila Stephane
Published: March 2020

OZ1, an RNA editing factor that controls the editing of 14 cytidine targets in Arabidopsis chloroplasts, contains two RanBP2-type zinc finger (Znf) domains. The RanBP2 Znf is a C4-type member of the broader zinc finger family with unique functions and an unusually diverse distribution in plants. The domain can mediate interactions with proteins or RNA and appears in protein types such as proteases, RNA editing factors, and chromatin modifiers; however, few characterized Arabidopsis proteins containing RanBP2 Znfs have been studied specifically with the domain in mind. In humans, RanBP2 Znf-containing proteins are involved in RNA splicing, transport, or transcription initiation. We present a phylogenetic overview of Arabidopsis RanBP2 Znf proteins and the functional niches that these proteins occupy in plants. OZ1 and its four-member family represent a branch of this family with major impact on the RNA biology of chloroplasts and mitochondria in Arabidopsis. We discuss what is known about other plant proteins carrying the RanBP2 Znf domain and point out how phylogenetic information can provide clues to functions of uncharacterized Znf proteins.
Emergence Patterns of Rare Arable Plants and Conservation Implications
Authors: Torra Joel , Forcella Frank , Recasens Jordi , Royo-Esnal Aritz
Published: March 2020

Knowledge on the emergence patterns of rare arable plants (RAP) is essential to design their conservation in Europe. This study hypothesizes that is possible to find functional groups with similar emergence patterns within RAP with the aim of establishing management strategies. Seeds of 30 different species were collected from Spanish arable fields and sown under two tillage treatments: (a) 1 cm depth without soil disturbance to simulate no-till, and (b) 1–10 cm depth with soil disturbance every autumn to simulate tillage to 10 cm depth. Two trials were established; the first trial being maintained for three seasons and the second for two seasons. Relative emergence in autumn, winter and spring was calculated each season. Afterwards, multivariate analysis was performed by K-means clustering and Principal Component Analysis to find groups of RAP species with similar emergence patterns. Four RAP groups were defined, and each was based on its main emergence season: autumn, winter, spring, or autumn-winter. Tillage treatment and the year of sowing had little effect on emergence patterns, which were mostly dependent on environmental factors, particularly temperature and rainfall. Therefore, conservation strategies could be designed for each of these RAP functional groups based on emergence patterns, rather than on a species-by-species basis.
Biodegradable Carbon-based Ashes/Maize Starch Composite Films for Agricultural Applications
Authors: Stasi Enrica , Giuri Antonella , Ferrari Francesca , Armenise Vincenza , Colella Silvia , Listorti Andrea , Rizzo Aurora , Ferraris Eleonora , Esposito Corcione Carola
Published: March 2020

The aim of this work is the development and characterization of biodegradable thermoplastic recycled carbon ashes/maize starch (TPAS) composite films for agricultural applications. A proper plasticizer, that is, glycerol, was added to a commercial maize starch in an amount of 35 wt.%. Carbon-based ashes were produced by the biomass pyro-gasification plant CMD ECO 20, starting from lignocellulosic wastes. The ashes were added to glycerol and maize native starch at different amounts ranging from 7 wt.% to 21 wt.%. The composite was mixed at 130 °C for 10 min and then molded. The effect of the different amounts of carbon based ashes on the thermal and physical-mechanical properties of the composite was assessed by using several techniques, such as rheology, wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), moisture absorption, degradation and mechanical tests. The presence of the carbon waste ashes allows to improve thermal and durability performances of the thermoplastic starch (TPS) films. It reduces the water absorption of starch matrix and strongly decreases the deterioration of starch, independently from fillers amount, enhancing the lifetime of the TPS films in outdoor conditions. In addition, the waste carbon ashes/maize starch films present an advantage in comparison to those of neat starch; it can biodegrade, releasing the plant nutrients contained in the ashes into the soil. In conclusion, this approach for recycling carbon waste ashes increases the efficiency of industrial waste management, along with a reduction of its impact on the environment.
Solvent-Free Approaches for the Processing of Scaffolds in Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Santos-Rosales Víctor , Iglesias-Mejuto Ana , García-González Carlos
Published: March 2020

The regenerative medicine field is seeking novel strategies for the production of synthetic scaffolds that are able to promote the in vivo regeneration of a fully functional tissue. The choices of the scaffold formulation and the manufacturing method are crucial to determine the rate of success of the graft for the intended tissue regeneration process. On one hand, the incorporation of bioactive compounds such as growth factors and drugs in the scaffolds can efficiently guide and promote the spreading, differentiation, growth, and proliferation of cells as well as alleviate post-surgical complications such as foreign body responses and infections. On the other hand, the manufacturing method will determine the feasible morphological properties of the scaffolds and, in certain cases, it can compromise their biocompatibility. In the case of medicated scaffolds, the manufacturing method has also a key effect in the incorporation yield and retained activity of the loaded bioactive agents. In this work, solvent-free methods for scaffolds production, i.e., technological approaches leading to the processing of the porous material with no use of solvents, are presented as advantageous solutions for the processing of medicated scaffolds in terms of efficiency and versatility. The principles of these solvent-free technologies (melt molding, 3D printing by fused deposition modeling, sintering of solid microspheres, gas foaming, and compressed CO2 and supercritical CO2-assisted foaming), a critical discussion of advantages and limitations, as well as selected examples for regenerative medicine purposes are herein presented.
Process Parameters Optimization of Gallic Acid Removal from Water by MIEX Resin Based on Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Zhou Qiang , Ding Lei , Zhu Yunhua , Zhong Meiying , Yang Chuchu
Published: March 2020

In this work, the response surface methodology was used to optimize the process parameters of gallic acid adsorption on magnetic ion exchange (MIEX) resin. Based on Box-Behnken Design, a quadratic polynomial model equation including solution pH, gallic acid concentration, MIEX resin dosage and adsorption time was established. The reliability of the established regression equation was tested by variance analysis. Based on the regression equation, the technical parameters for gallic acid adsorption on MIEX resin were optimized and the effects of interaction between variables on the removal of gallic acid were analyzed. The results showed that the established regression equation was reliable and could effectively predict the removal of gallic acid. The optimal technical parameters were determined to be a pH of 9.17, a gallic acid concentration of 8.07 mg/L, a resin dosage of 0.98 mL/L and an adsorption time of 46.43 min. The removal efficiency of gallic acid was 97.93% under the optimal parameters. The interaction between pH and adsorption time had the most significant effect on the removal of gallic acid. The results of this study demonstrated that MIEX resin can remove gallic acid efficiently and relatively quickly under the condition of optimal technical parameters.
Mass Spectroscopic Analysis, MNDO Quantum Chemical Studies and Antifungal Activity of Essential and Recovered Oil Constituents of Lemon-Scented Gum against Three Common Molds
Authors: Behiry Said I. , Nasser Ramadan A. , S.M. Abd El-Kareem Mamoun , Ali Hayssam M. , Salem Mohamed Z.M.
Published: March 2020

The present study described the possibility of using wood-treated oil-fungicide of lemon-scented gum (Corymbia citriodora) from newly emerged leaves and unripened fruits against the infestation of Fusarium culmorum, Rhizoctonia solani and Penicillium chrysogenum. Air-dried wood samples of Melia azedarach were treated with the extracted oils from leaves and unripened fruits from C. citriodora. The main chemical constituents identified in the essential oil (EO) from leaves were citronellal (55.31%), citronellol (21.03%) and isopulegol (10.79%), while in unripened fruits were α-pinene (17.86%), eudesmol (13.9%), limonene (9.19%), γ-terpinen (8.21%), and guaiol (7.88%). For recovered oils (ROs), the major components from leaves were D-limonene (70.23%), γ-terpinene (13.58%), β-pinene (2.40%) and isopregol (2.23%), while, 4-terpineol (21.35%), cis-β-terpineol, (19.33%), D-limonene (14.75%), and γ-terpinene (7.42%) represented the main components in fruits. EOs from leaves and fruits at the amounts of 100, 50 and 25 µL showed the highest inhibition percentage (IP) of 100% against F. culmorum and P. chrysogenum compared to control treatment, while at the amounts of 100, and 50 µL showed 100% IP of R. solani. Wood treated with ROs from leaves and fruits showed IPs of 96.66% and 93.33%, respectively, against the growth of R. solani. The mass spectra of the main components of C. citriodora leaves and fruits’ EOs have been recorded in electron ionization mode at 70 eV and fragmentation has been reported and discussed. On the other hand, different quantum parameters such as the heat of formation, ionization energy total energy, binding energy, electronic energy and dipole moment using the modified neglect of diatomic overlap (MNDO) semi-empirical method have been calculated.
Reproductive Medicine—An Interdisciplinary Open Access Journal for an Interdisciplinary and Growing Community
Authors: Huppertz Berthold
Published: March 2020

The journal Reproductive Medicine just started as an open access journal with an excellent editorial team. As founding editor-in-chief it is my belief that this new journal will find its specific niche in the field of reproduction. It is not only the free access to scientific data that is very important today and that comes with this journal; this journal also builds the bridge between IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) and ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) on the one hand and pregnancy and pregnancy pathologies on the other hand, combined in one journal. This interdisciplinary approach is needed as the last decade has shown that there are more links between the mode of conception and the outcome of pregnancy than we ever thought. We encourage our readers to scroll through the list of papers that will be published in this journal to open their view for all aspects of reproduction from the ovarian reserve to the epigenetic changes of a newborn due to fetal programming.
Rethinking the Box for Sustainable Logistics
Authors: García-Arca Jesús , Comesaña-Benavides José A. , González-Portela Garrido A. Trinidad , Prado-Prado J. Carlos
Published: March 2020

Packaging design is one of the potential strategies for increasing logistics performance, not only from a cost reduction perspective, but also from a sustainable point of view. The deployment of a sustainable vision in packaging design should demand a holistic view of packaging, supply chain and product; this integrated vision is the main point of the “Sustainable Packaging Logistics” (SPL) approach. At a logistics level, a key link with the different stages of the supply chain is the secondary packaging, which most commonly takes the form of a corrugated cardboard box. Thus, the main objective of this paper is to develop a systematic and dynamic method that makes it possible to connect design decisions about the dimensions of that box with their impact on overall efficiency and sustainability of the supply chain. In order to develop this model, the impact on three different logistics systems is described. Those systems are palletizing, multimodal containers and parcel services. Likewise, in addition to proposing the theoretical model, the authors have tested it successfully in three different companies (with the three logistics systems mentioned) following the “action research” approach.
Application of a New Combination Algorithm in ELF-EM Processing
Authors: Li Fukai , Yang Zhiqiang , Fan Yehuo , Li Yuchun , Li Guang
Published: March 2020

With regards to the electromagnetic measurement while drilling (EM-MWD), the extremely-low frequency electromagnetic wave signal (ELF-EM) below 20 Hz is usually used as the carrier of downhole measurement data due to the transmission characteristics of the electromagnetic wave (EM). However, influenced by the low frequency noise of drilling, the ELF-EM signal will be inevitably interfered by field noise, which ultimately impedes decoding. The Fourier band-pass filter can effectively remove out-of-band noise but is incapable of handling in-band noise. Therefore, based on the traditional method, a hybrid algorithm of adaptive Wiener algorithm and correlation detection (AWCD) is designed, so as to enhance the in-band noise processing capability, and the effectiveness of such algorithm is well verified through coding and decoding simulation as well as experimental data. The proposed algorithm, as indicated by theoretical analysis and test data, can effectively solve actual engineering issues, providing methodological references to engineers and technicians.
Rayleigh-Bénard Convection of Paramagnetic Liquid under a Magnetic Field from Permanent Magnets
Authors: Wada Kengo , Kaneda Masayuki , Suga Kazuhiko
Published: March 2020

The convection control is important in terms of the heat transfer enhancement and improvement of the applied devices and resultant products. In this study, the convection control by a magnetic field from block permanent magnets is numerically investigated on the Rayleigh-Bénard convection of paramagnetic fluid. To enhance the magnetic force from the available permanent magnets, pairs of alternating-pole magnets are employed and aligned near the bottom heated wall. The lattice Boltzmann method is employed for the computation of the heat and fluid flow with the consideration of buoyancy and magnetothermal force on the working fluid. It is found that, since the magnetic force at the junction of pair magnets becomes strong remarkably and in the same direction as the gravity, descending convection flow is locally enhanced and the pair of symmetrical roll cells near the magnet junction becomes longitudinal. The local heat transfer corresponds to the affected roll cell pattern; locally enhanced at the magnet junctions and low heat transfer area is shifted aside the magnet outer edge. The averaged Nusselt number on the hot wall also increases proportionally to the magnetic induction but it is saturated at high magnetic induction. This suggests the roll cell pattern is no more largely affected at extremely-high magnetic induction.
A Novel Secure Occupancy Monitoring Scheme Based on Multi-Chaos Mapping
Authors: Ahmad Jawad , Masood Fawad , Shah Syed Aziz , Jamal Sajjad Shaukat , Hussain Iqtadar
Published: March 2020

Smart building control, managing queues for instant points of service, security systems, and customer support can benefit from the number of occupants information known as occupancy. Due to interrupted real-time continuous monitoring capabilities of state-of-the-art cameras, a vision-based system can be easily deployed for occupancy monitoring. However, processing of images or videos over insecure channels can raise several privacy concerns due to constant recording of an image or video footage. In this context, occupancy monitoring along with privacy protection is a challenging task. This paper presents a novel chaos-based lightweight privacy preserved occupancy monitoring scheme. Persons’ movements were detected using a Gaussian mixture model and Kalman filtering. A specific region of interest, i.e., persons’ faces and bodies, was encrypted using multi-chaos mapping. For pixel encryption, Intertwining and Chebyshev maps were employed in confusion and diffusion processes, respectively. The number of people was counted and the occupancy information was sent to the ThingSpeak cloud platform. The proposed chaos-based lightweight occupancy monitoring system is tested against numerous security metrics such as correlation, entropy, Number of Pixel Changing Rate (NPCR), Normalized Cross Correlation (NCC), Structural Content (SC), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Square Error (MSE), Peak to Signal Noise Ratio (PSNR), and Time Complexity (TC). All security metrics confirm the strength of the proposed scheme.
Obtaining More Accurate Thermal Boundary Conditions of Machine Tool Spindle Using Response Surface Model Hybrid Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Leilei , Xuan Jianping , Shi Tielin
Published: March 2020

With the application of finite element method on structure design and engineering analysis more and more widely, this paper presents a response surface model hybrid artificial bee colony method to optimize the thermal boundary conditions in finite element thermal analysis of a machine tool spindle to improve its finite element simulation precision. Initially, the thermal experiment and finite element thermal analysis of the machine tool spindle with initials that were calculated by empirical formulas were conducted, respectively. Additionally, focusing on thermal boundary conditions, a response surface model is designed to establish the explicit expression between thermal boundary conditions and the simulation errors; then, an artificial bee colony algorithm is used to solve the mixed-variable optimization problems of a response surface model. Finally, the optimized thermal boundary conditions are brought into the finite element method of a machine tool system, and the simulation accuracy has been greatly improved.
Multi-Scale Insights on the Threshold Pressure Gradient in Low-Permeability Porous Media
Authors: Wang Huimin , Wang Jianguo , Wang Xiaolin , Chan Andrew
Published: March 2020

Low-permeability porous medium usually has asymmetric distributions of pore sizes and pore-throat tortuosity, thus has a non-linear flow behavior with an initial pressure gradient observed in experiments. A threshold pressure gradient (TPG) has been proposed as a crucial parameter to describe this non-linear flow behavior. However, the determination of this TPG is still unclear. This study provides multi-scale insights on the TPG in low-permeability porous media. First, a semi-empirical formula of TPG was proposed based on a macroscopic relationship with permeability, water saturation, and pore pressure, and verified by three sets of experimental data. Second, a fractal model of capillary tubes was developed to link this TPG formula with structural parameters of porous media (pore-size distribution fractal dimension and tortuosity fractal dimension), residual water saturation, and capillary pressure. The effect of pore structure complexity on the TPG is explicitly derived. It is found that the effects of water saturation and pore pressure on the TPG follow an exponential function and the TPG is a linear function of yield stress. These effects are also spatially asymmetric. Complex pore structures significantly affect the TPG only in the range of low porosity, but water saturation and yield stress have effects on a wider range of porosity. These results are meaningful to the understanding of non-linear flow mechanism in low-permeability reservoirs.
In Silico and In Vitro Studies of Mycotoxins and Their Cocktails; Their Toxicity and Its Mitigation by Silibinin Pre-Treatment
Authors: Tran Van , Viktorova Jitka , Augustynkova Katerina , Jelenova Nikola , Dobiasova Simona , Rehorova Katerina , Fenclova Marie , Stranska-Zachariasova Milena , Vitek Libor , Hajslova Jana , Ruml Tomas
Published: March 2020

Mycotoxins found in randomly selected commercial milk thistle dietary supplement were evaluated for their toxicity in silico and in vitro. Using in silico methods, the basic physicochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological properties of the mycotoxins were predicted using ACD/Percepta. The in vitro cytotoxicity of individual mycotoxins was determined in mouse macrophage (RAW 264.7), human hepatoblastoma (HepG2), and human embryonic kidney (HEK 293T) cells. In addition, we studied the bioavailability potential of mycotoxins and silibinin utilizing an in vitro transwell system with differentiated human colon adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) simulating mycotoxin transfer through the intestinal epithelial barrier. The IC50 values for individual mycotoxins in studied cells were in the biologically relevant ranges as follows: 3.57–13.37 nM (T-2 toxin), 5.07–47.44 nM (HT-2 toxin), 3.66–17.74 nM (diacetoxyscirpenol). Furthermore, no acute toxicity was obtained for deoxynivalenol, beauvericin, zearalenone, enniatinENN-A, enniatin-A1, enniatin-B, enniatin-B1, alternariol, alternariol-9-methyl ether, tentoxin, and mycophenolic acid up to the 50 nM concentration. The acute toxicity of these mycotoxins in binary combinations exhibited antagonistic effects in the combinations of T-2 with DON, ENN-A1, or ENN-B, while the rest showed synergistic or additive effects. Silibinin had a significant protective effect against both the cytotoxicity of three mycotoxins (T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, DAS) and genotoxicity of AME, AOH, DON, and ENNs on HEK 293T. The bioavailability results confirmed that AME, DAS, ENN-B, TEN, T-2, and silibinin are transported through the epithelial cell layer and further metabolized. The bioavailability of silibinin is very similar to mycotoxins poor penetration.
Commercial Biocontrol Agents Reveal Contrasting Comportments Against Two Mycotoxigenic Fungi in Cereals: Fusarium Graminearum and Fusarium Verticillioides
Authors: Pellan Lucile , Durand Noël , Martinez Véronique , Fontana Angélique , Schorr-Galindo Sabine , Strub Caroline
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of commercialized biological control agents (BCAs) against two major mycotoxigenic fungi in cereals, Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium verticillioides, which are trichothecene and fumonisin producers, respectively. With these objectives in mind, three commercial BCAs were selected with contrasting uses and microorganism types (T. asperellum, S. griseoviridis, P. oligandrum) and a culture medium was identified to develop an optimized dual culture bioassay method. Their comportment was examined in dual culture bioassay in vitro with both fusaria to determine growth and mycotoxin production kinetics. Antagonist activity and variable levels or patterns of mycotoxinogenesis inhibition were observed depending on the microorganism type of BCA or on the culture conditions (e.g., different nutritional sources), suggesting that contrasting biocontrol mechanisms are involved. S. griseoviridis leads to a growth inhibition zone where the pathogen mycelium structure is altered, suggesting the diffusion of antimicrobial compounds. In contrast, T. asperellum and P. oligandrum are able to grow faster than the pathogen. T. asperellum showed the capacity to degrade pathogenic mycelia, involving chitinolytic activities. In dual culture bioassay with F. graminearum, this BCA reduced the growth and mycotoxin concentration by 48% and 72%, respectively, and by 78% and 72% in dual culture bioassay against F. verticillioides. P. oligandrum progressed over the pathogen colony, suggesting a close type of interaction such as mycoparasitism, as confirmed by microscopic observation. In dual culture bioassay with F. graminearum, P. oligandrum reduced the growth and mycotoxin concentration by 79% and 93%, respectively. In the dual culture bioassay with F. verticillioides, P. oligandrum reduced the growth and mycotoxin concentration by 49% and 56%, respectively. In vitro dual culture bioassay with different culture media as well as the nutritional phenotyping of different microorganisms made it possible to explore the path of nutritional competition in order to explain part of the observed inhibition by BCAs.
Cyanotoxins Occurrence in Portugal: A New Report on Their Recent Multiplication
Authors: Moreira Cristiana , Gomes Cidália , Vasconcelos Vitor , Antunes Agostinho
Published: March 2020

Historical reports show that in Portugal, cyanotoxins reports were mainly in the Center (cylindrospermopsins) and South (cylindrospermopsins, saxitoxins) regions of the country apart from the well distributed microcystins. Therefore, in our study, seven freshwater ecosystems located in the North and Center Regions of Portugal were screened between April and September of 2017 for the main cyanotoxins (microcystins, cylindrospermopsins, anatoxin-a, and saxitoxins) by a two methods approach that combined the application of molecular (PCR) and immunological (ELISA) assays. Results from our survey reveal that both methods revealed the presence of all main cyanotoxins. ELISA results showed that 48% of the samples were above (1.6–18.8 μg/L) the guideline value established for microcystins (1 μg/L), while in the remaining cyanotoxins, 33% of the samples were above (1.1–6.8 μg/L) the guideline value established for anatoxin–a (1 μg/L). Further, for saxitoxins, only one sample gave a value above (4.3 μg/L) the guideline (3 μg/L) and this corresponded to a North Region ecosystem. In the cytotoxin cylindrospermopsins, none of the samples were above the guideline established value (1 μg/L). This study will improve the risk assessment strategy in Portugal, as well as advance water quality and water management.
Vaccination Against Amyloidogenic Aggregates in Pancreatic Islets Prevents Development of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Roesti Elisa S. , Boyle Christina N. , Zeman Daniel T. , Sande-Melon Marcos , Storni Federico , Cabral-Miranda Gustavo , Knuth Alexander , Lutz Thomas A. , Vogel Monique , Bachmann Martin F.
Published: March 2020

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic progressive disease characterized by insulin resistance and insufficient insulin secretion to maintain normoglycemia. The majority of T2DM patients bear amyloid deposits mainly composed of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) in their pancreatic islets. These—originally β-cell secretory products—extracellular aggregates are cytotoxic for insulin-producing β-cells and are associated with β-cell loss and inflammation in T2DM advanced stages. Due to the absence of T2DM preventive medicaments and the presence of only symptomatic drugs acting towards increasing hormone secretion and action, we aimed at establishing a novel disease-modifying therapy targeting the cytotoxic IAPP deposits in order to prevent the development of T2DM. We generated a vaccine based on virus-like particles (VLPs), devoid of genomic material, coupled to IAPP peptides inducing specific antibodies against aggregated, but not monomeric IAPP. Using a mouse model of islet amyloidosis, we demonstrate in vivo that our vaccine induced a potent antibody response against aggregated, but not soluble IAPP, strikingly preventing IAPP depositions, delaying onset of hyperglycemia and the induction of the associated pro-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin 1β (IL-1β). We offer the first cost-effective and safe disease-modifying approach targeting islet dysfunction in T2DM, preventing pathogenic aggregates without disturbing physiological IAPP function.
Metallic Iron for Environmental Remediation: Starting an Overdue Progress in Knowledge
Authors: Hu Rui , Yang Huichen , Tao Ran , Cui Xuesong , Xiao Minhui , Amoah Bernard Konadu , Cao Viet , Lufingo Mesia , Soppa-Sangue Naomi Paloma , Ndé-Tchoupé Arnaud Igor , Gatcha-Bandjun Nadège , Sipowo-Tala Viviane Raïssa , Gwenzi Willis , Noubactep Chicgoua
Published: March 2020

A critical survey of the abundant literature on environmental remediation and water treatment using metallic iron (Fe0) as reactive agent raises two major concerns: (i) the peculiar properties of the used materials are not properly considered and characterized, and, (ii) the literature review in individual publications is very selective, thereby excluding some fundamental principles. Fe0 specimens for water treatment are typically small in size. Before the advent of this technology and its application for environmental remediation, such small Fe0 particles have never been allowed to freely corrode for the long-term spanning several years. As concerning the selective literature review, the root cause is that Fe0 was considered as a (strong) reducing agent under environmental conditions. Subsequent interpretation of research results was mainly directed at supporting this mistaken view. The net result is that, within three decades, the Fe0 research community has developed itself to a sort of modern knowledge system. This communication is a further attempt to bring Fe0 research back to the highway of mainstream corrosion science, where the fundamentals of Fe0 technology are rooted. The inherent errors of selected approaches, currently considered as countermeasures to address the inherent limitations of the Fe0 technology are demonstrated. The misuse of the terms “reactivity”, and “efficiency”, and adsorption kinetics and isotherm models for Fe0 systems is also elucidated. The immense importance of Fe0/H2O systems in solving the long-lasting issue of universal safe drinking water provision and wastewater treatment calls for a science-based system design.