bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Source of the Chaoyangzhai Gold Deposit, Southeast Guizhou: Constraints from LA-ICP-MS Zircon U–Pb Dating, Whole-rock Geochemistry and In Situ Sulfur Isotopes
Authors: Tsang Hinyuen , Cao Jingya , Yang Xiaoyong
Published: April 2019

The Chaoyangzhai gold deposit is one of the newly discovered medium to large scale turbidite-hosted gold deposits in Southeast Guizhou, South China. In this study, laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS) zircon U–Pb dating on the tuffaceous- and sandy-slates of Qingshuijiang Formation, Xiajiang Group, and gold-bearing quartz vein yielded similar age distributions, indicating that zircon grains in gold-bearing quartz vein originated from the surrounding tuffaceous- and sandy-slates. In addition, the youngest weighted mean ages of the zircon grains from the tuffaceous- and sandy-slates were 775 ± 13 Ma and 777 ± 16 Ma, respectively, displaying that the tuffaceous- and sandy-slates of the Qingshuijiang Formation were likely deposited in Neoproterozoic. Based on their major and trace element compositions, the tuffaceous- and sandy-slates were sourced from a felsic igneous provenance. The sandy slates have higher contents of Au (mostly ranging from 0.019 to 0.252 ppm), than those of the tuffaceous slates (mostly lower than 0.005 ppm). The δ34SV-CDT values of pyrite and arsenopyrite of the gold-bearing samples range from +8.12‰ to +9.99‰ and from +9.78 to +10.78‰, respectively, indicating that the sulfur source was from the metamorphic rocks. Together with the evidence of similar geochemical patterns between the tuffaceous- and sandy-slates and gold-bearing quartz, it is proposed that the gold might be mainly sourced from sandy slates. The metamorphic devolatilization, which was caused by the Caledonian orogeny (Xuefeng Orogenic Event), resulted in the formation of the ore-forming fluid. Gold was likely deposited in the fractures due to changes of the physico-chemical conditions, leading to the formation of the Chaoyangzhai gold deposit, and the large-scale gold mineralization in Southeast Guizhou.
Valorization of Phosphate Mine Waste Rocks as Materials for Road Construction
Authors: Amrani Mustapha , Taha Yassine , Kchikach Azzouz , Benzaazoua Mostafa , Hakkou Rachid
Published: April 2019

The road construction sector is a worldwide high consumer of natural aggregates. The use of unusual industrial by-products in road techniques can contribute to the conservation of non-renewable natural resources and the reduction of wastes produced by some industries. Phosphate waste rocks could be considered as potential alternative secondary raw materials in road construction. The use and valorization of these wastes is currently limited according to the Moroccan guide for road earthworks (GMTR). The guide has classified these materials as waste products, which consequently, cannot be used in road construction. However, phosphate waste rocks are sedimentary natural rocks which have not been subjected to any transformation other than mechanical fragmentation. The goal of this paper is to discuss key-properties of various phosphate mine waste rocks (PMWR) to be used as road materials. Samples were taken from different stockpiles in the phosphate mine site of Gantour in Morocco. The different waste rocks samples were characterized in terms of their physical, geotechnical, chemical, mineralogical and environmental properties using international testing norms. The obtained results showed that the studied PMWR presented satisfying characteristics; the specific (particle) density: ρs > 26 kN/m3, Los Angeles abrasion: 45% < LA < 58%), methylene blue value MBV < 1 g/100g, organic matter: OM < 1% and plasticity index: PI < 20%. All PMWR were confirmed as possessing the requested geotechnical properties to be used as materials for embankments. Moreover, leaching tests showed that none of them released any contaminants. In field application, these materials have been also successfully used in in situ experimental pilot testing. Therefore, the PMWR have to be classified in the category of natural aggregates that are similar to conventional materials.
Integrating the Theory of Sampling into Underground Mine Grade Control Strategies: Case Studies from Gold Operations
Authors: Dominy Simon , Glass Hylke , O’Connor Louisa , Lam Chloe , Purevgerel Saranchimeg
Published: April 2019

Grade control aims to deliver adequately defined tonnes of ore to the process plant. The foundation of any grade control programme is collecting high-quality samples within a geological context. The requirement for quality samples has long been recognised, in that these should be representative and fit-for-purpose. Correct application of the Theory of Sampling reduces sampling errors across the grade control process, in which errors can propagate from sample collection through sample preparation to assay results. This contribution presents three case studies which are based on coarse gold-dominated orebodies. These illustrate the challenges and potential solutions to achieve representative sampling and build on the content of a previous publication. Solutions ranging from bulk samples processed through a plant to whole-core sampling and assaying using bulk leaching, are discussed. These approaches account for the nature of the mineralisation, where extreme gold particle-clustering effects render the analysis of small-scale samples highly unrepresentative. Furthermore, the analysis of chip samples, which generally yield a positive bias due to over-sampling of quartz vein material, is discussed.
Experiments on Rare-Earth Element Extractions from Umber Ores for Optimizing the Grinding Process
Authors: Takaya Yutaro , Wang Meiqi , Fujinaga Koichiro , Uchida Etsuo , Nozaki Tatsuo , Kato Yasuhiro
Published: April 2019

Ancient hydrothermal metalliferous sediments (umber) have recently attracted attention as a new rare-earth element resource. We conducted chemical leaching experiments on three different umber ores to optimize the hydrometallurgical extraction process, especially regarding the grinding process. The three umber ore samples, which were collected from Japanese accretionary complexes (Kuminiyama and Aki umber) and Troodos ophiolite (Cyprus umber), had different chemical, mineral, and physical properties, and showed different leaching behaviors. The experimental results revealed that the physical properties (density and P-wave propagation velocity) principally controlled the extent of REY (lanthanides and yttrium) extraction from the umber ore samples, and REY extraction from umber samples clearly increased with the decrease in the density and P-wave propagation velocity. The differences in physical properties of the umber samples are attributable to the pressure and thermal history of each ore sample, and it was revealed that umber samples which underwent strong metamorphism are not suitable for actual development. The results also suggested that the optimum particle size (optimum grinding level) of umber samples is simply predictable based on the physical properties. The results of this study should be valuable for future efforts to procure these important mineral resources.
Use of Physcion to Improve Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions through Blocking of Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin
Authors: Moon Phil-Dong , Han Na-Ra , Lee Jin Soo , Hong Sungwei , Yoo Min-Sun , Kim Hyeong-Jin , Kim Ji-Hyeon , Kang Soonsik , Jee Hyun-Woo , Kim Hyung-Min , Jeong Hyun-Ja
Published: April 2019

Physcion is well known for the treatment of carcinoma. However, the therapeutic effect of physcion on atopic dermatitis (AD) through the inhibition of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) level remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the anti-AD effect of physcion using HMC-1 cells, splenocytes, and a murine model. Treatment with physcion decreased production and mRNA expression levels of TSLP, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β in activated HMC-1 cells. Physcion reduced the expression levels of RIP2/caspase-1 and phospho (p)ERK/pJNK/pp38 in activated HMC-1 cells. Physcion suppressed the expression levels of pIKKβ/NF-κB/pIkBα in activated HMC-1 cells. Moreover, physcion attenuated the production levels of TSLP, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ from activated splenocytes. Oral administration of physcion improved the severity of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced AD-like lesional skin through reducing infiltration of inflammatory cells and mast cells, and the protein and mRNA levels of TSLP, IL-4, and IL-6 in the lesional skin tissues. Physcion attenuated histamine, IgE, TSLP, IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in serum. In addition, physcion inhibited caspase-1 activation in the lesional skin tissues. These findings indicate that physcion could ameliorate AD-like skin lesions by inhibiting TSLP levels via caspase-1/MAPKs/NF-kB signalings, which would provide experimental evidence of the therapeutic potential of physcion for AD.
Assessment of Diversity in the Accessions of Setaria italica L. Based on Phytochemical and Morphological Traits and ISSR Markers
Authors: Ghimire Bimal Kumar , Yu Chang Yeon , Kim Seung-Hyun , Chung Ill-Min
Published: April 2019

This study was carried out to evaluate genetic diversity, phenolic compound composition, and biological activity of Setaria italica L. collected from different parts of South Korea. Antioxidant potential of seeds was estimated by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, and antimicrobial activity was determined by evaluating the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Eight phenolic acids and 3 flavonoids were identified and quantified, among which myricetin and salicylic acid were the most dominant phytochemical compounds detected in the majority of accessions. The antioxidant potential of the leaf extracts of all the accessions was significantly higher (ranging from 32.33 ± 1.53 µg mL−1 in SI-03 to 87.87 ± 1.63 µg mL−1) in SI-10 than that of the root, stem, or seeds. Among the 15 accessions, methanolic extracts of the SI-15 accession strongly suppressed the growth of Escherichia coli (250 µg mL−1). Accessions SI-14 and SI-15 showed positive antimicrobial activity against all gram-positive bacteria. Interestingly, extracts of all accessions were more sensitive towards E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with MICs ranging from 250 to 1000 µg mL−1. Three phenolic acids, namely chlorogenic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, naringin, hesperetin, and myricetin, were found to be moderately positively correlated with antioxidant activities. A wide range of diversity was observed in morphological traits, namely plant height (99.33 to 201.33 cm), culm length (67.10 to 160.00 cm), spike length (12.80 to 24.00 cm), 1000 seeds weight 1.44 to 2.91 g), bloom beginning (93.67 to 128.00 days), and full bloom (99.67 to 135 days). A dendogram generated from unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean clustering (UPGMA) cluster analysis based on the morphological traits and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) marker data revealed three major groups. However, no clear correlation between these two different approaches was found. The average Shannon’s information index value (I) was 0.492, and it ranged from 0 to 0.693. The average expected heterozygosity (He) was 0.335, and it ranged from 0 to 0.499. The substantial variation in the morphological traits, bioactive properties, and genetic diversity among the accessions may provide useful information for breeding programs attempting to obtain S. italica with improved bioactive properties.
Anticancer Effects of Five Biflavonoids from Ginkgo Biloba L. Male Flowers In Vitro
Authors: Li Min , Li Bin , Xia Zi-Ming , Tian Ying , Zhang Dan , Rui Wen-Jing , Dong Jun-Xing , Xiao Feng-Jun
Published: April 2019

Ginkgo biloba L., an ancient dioecious gymnosperm, is now cultivated worldwide for landscaping and medical purposes. A novel biflavonoid—amentoflavone 7′′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (1)—and four known biflavonoids were isolated and identified from the male flowers of Ginkgo. The anti-proliferative activities of five biflavonoids were evaluated on different cancer lines. Bilobetin (3) and isoginkgetin (4) exhibited better anti-proliferative activities on different cancer lines. Their effects were found to be cell-specific and in a dose and time dependent manner for the most sensitive HeLa cells. The significant morphological changes validated their anticancer effects in a dose-dependent manner. They were capable of arresting the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, inducing the apoptosis of HeLa cells dose-dependently and activating the proapoptotic protein Bax and the executor caspase-3. Bilobetin (3) could also inhibit the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. These might be the mechanism underlying their anti-proliferation. In short, bilobetin (3) and isoginkgetin (4) might be the early lead compounds for new anticancer agents.
Interface Characterization Between Polyethylene/ Silica in Engineered Cementitious Composites by Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Zhou Shuai , Vu-Bac Nam , Arash Behrouz , Zhu Hehua , Zhuang Xiaoying
Published: April 2019

Polyethylene is widely adopted in engineered cementitious composites to control the crack width. A clearer knowledge of the PE/concrete interfacial properties is important in developing engineered cementitious composites, which can lead to a limited crack width. Tensile failure and adhesion properties of the amorphous polyethylene/silica (PE/S) interface are investigated by molecular dynamics to interpret the PE/concrete interface. The influence of the PE chain length, the PE chain number and coupling agents applied on silica surface on the interfacial adhesion is studied. An increase of the adhesion strength of the modified silica surface by coupling agents compared with the unmodified silica is found. The failure process, density profile and potential energy evolutions of the PE/S interface are studied. The thermodynamic work of adhesion that quantifies the interfacial adhesion of the PE/S interface is evaluated. The present study helps to understand the interfacial adhesion behavior between ECC and PE, and is expected to contribute to restricting the crack width.
Systems Pharmacological Approach to Investigate the Mechanism of Ohwia caudata for Application to Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Sun Yi-wei , Wang Yue , Guo Zi-feng , Du Kai-cheng , Meng Da-li
Published: April 2019

Ohwia caudata (OC)—a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)—has been reported to have large numbers of flavonoids, alkaloids, and triterpenoids. The previous studies on OC for treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD) only focused on single targets and its mechanisms, while no report had shown about the synergistic mechanism of the constituents from OC related to their potential treatment on dementia in any database. This study aimed to predict the bioactive targets constituents and find potential compounds from OC with better oral bioavailability and blood–brain barrier permeability against AD, by using a system network level-based in silico approach. The results revealed that two new flavonoids, and another 26 compounds isolated from OC in our lab, were highly connected to AD-related signaling pathways and biological processes, which were confirmed by compound–target network, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, respectively. Predicted by the virtual screening and various network pharmacology methods, we found the multiple mechanisms of OC, which are effective for alleviating AD symptoms through multiple targets in a synergetic way.
Evaluation of the Degree of Polymerization of the Proanthocyanidins in Cranberry by Molecular Sieving and Characterization of the Low Molecular Weight Fractions by UHPLC-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Gardana Claudio , Simonetti Paolo
Published: April 2019

4-dimethylammino-cinnamaldehyde (DMAC) assays quantify total proanthocyanidins (PACs) but do not provide qualitative PAC molecular weight distribution information and cannot discriminate between A- and B-type PACs. We developed an efficient method for assessing PAC molecular weight distributions. The PACs from three commercial cranberry extracts (A1–A3) were fractionated by molecular sieves with cut-offs of 3, 10, 30, 50, and 100 kDa, and each fraction was analyzed by DMAC assays. A1, A2, and A3 contained 27%, 33%, and 15% PACs, respectively. Approximately 28 PACs, 20 flavonols, and 15 phenolic acids were identified by UHPLC-DAD-Orbitrap MS in A1 and A3, while A2 contained only flavan-3-ols. Epicatechin was the main monomer in A1 and A3, and catechin was the main in A2. Procyanidin A2 was the main dimer in A1 and A3, representing more than 85% of the total dimers, while it constituted approximately only 24% of A2. A1 and A3 contained quercetin, isorhamnetin, myricetin, and their glycosides, which were totally absent in A2. In A1 and A3 the PACs were mainly distributed in the fractions 30–3 and <3 kDa, while in A2 more than 70% were present in the fraction less than 3 kDa. Overall, obtained data strongly suggests that A2 is not cranberry-derived, or is adulterated with another source of PACs.
Ethylene Adsorption Using Cobalt Oxide-Loaded Polymer-Derived Nanoporous Carbon and Its Application to Extend Shelf Life of Fruit
Authors: Prasetyo Imam , Mukti Nur Indah Fajar , Ariyanto Teguh
Published: April 2019

Suppressing the amount of ethylene during storage has been of interest as a method to enhance shelf life of fruit. In this work, ethylene removal by adsorption using cobalt oxide-impregnated nanoporous carbon has been studied. Nanoporous carbon with a high surface area up to 2400 m2 g−1 was prepared by carbonization process biomass and synthetic polymer at 850 °C. Dispersion of cobalt oxide on porous carbon surface was carried out by an incipient wetness procedure followed by calcination process at 200 °C. Ethylene adsorption test was performed using a volumetric method in an ultrahigh vacuum rig constructed by Swagelok VCR® fittings. The results showed that the cobalt oxide/carbon system had significant ethylene adsorption capacity. Ethylene uptake increases with the increasing cobalt oxide loading on the carbon. The highest ethylene capacity of 16 mol kg−1 adsorbent was obtained by using 30 wt.% (weight percentage) of cobalt oxide dispersed in polymer-derived carbon. In closed storage, the ratio of 15 g adsorbent/kg fruit may extend the storage life up to 12 d, higher than that without adsorbent (3 d). Therefore, the results demonstrate the great potential use of cobalt oxide-impregnated nanoporous carbon as an adsorbent for ethylene removal during storage of fruit.
A Low Glycemic Index Decreases Inflammation by Increasing the Concentration of Uric Acid and the Activity of Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx3) in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Authors: Szczuko Małgorzata , Zapalowska-Chwyć Marta , Drozd Radosław
Published: April 2019

Introduction: According to a review of the literature, there is a lack of data on the mechanisms that participate in the suppression of inflammation that accompanies polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Additionally, the changes in oxidative status resulting from a low-calorie diet have not been studied in a group of women with PCOS, and the oxidation and reduction processes associated with PCOS have not been explained. Material and methods: The study involved 49 women who were diagnosed with PCOS according to Rotterdam’s criteria, and 24 women voluntarily agreed to a three-month dietary intervention. The dietary intervention was carried out for 3 months. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx3) activity, the Ferric reducing ability of plasma, and uric acid concentration were measured spectrophotometrically both before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was performed with the Statistica 10.0 software package, and a Pearson’s correlation matrix was generated. Results: A lower concentration of GPx3 was observed in women with PCOS (before the dietetic intervention began) compared with the GPx3 levels in healthy women. A relationship was shown between GPx3 levels and the concentration of prolactin, insulin on fasting, and triglycerides. After the dietary intervention, increases in uric acid and GPx3 activity were noted, as well as numerous relationships between anthropometric and biochemical parameters. The ferric reducing/antioxidant power did not change significantly. Conclusions: Inhibiting the effect of prolactin (by the level of reactive oxygen species) on the activity of GPx3 could be a starting point for the increase in antioxidative stress and the development of the inflammatory state associated with PCOS pathophysiology. Following a low-calorie diet with a lower glycemic index is proposed to silence inflammation by increasing the concentration of uric acid. During GPx3 mobilization, women with PCOS have a higher demand for selenium, and its deficiencies may contribute to disordered thyroid hormone synthesis. The three-month dietary intervention did not silence redox processes in the examined group of women.
Novel C-2 Symmetric Molecules as α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase Inhibitors: Design, Synthesis, Kinetic Evaluation, Molecular Docking and Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Shahzad Danish , Saeed Aamer , Larik Fayaz Ali , Channar Pervaiz Ali , Abbas Qamar , Alajmi Mohamed F. , Arshad M. Ifzan , Erben Mauricio F. , Hassan Mubashir , Raza Hussain , Seo Sung-Yum , El-Seedi Hesham R.
Published: April 2019

A series of symmetrical salicylaldehyde-bishydrazine azo molecules, 5a–5h, have been synthesized, characterized by 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR, and evaluated for their in vitro α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities. All the synthesized compounds efficiently inhibited both enzymes. Compound 5g was the most potent derivative in the series, and powerfully inhibited both α-glucosidase and α-amylase. The IC50 of 5g against α-glucosidase was 0.35917 ± 0.0189 µM (standard acarbose IC50 = 6.109 ± 0.329 µM), and the IC50 value of 5g against α-amylase was 0.4379 ± 0.0423 µM (standard acarbose IC50 = 33.178 ± 2.392 µM). The Lineweaver-Burk plot indicated that compound 5g is a competitive inhibitor of α-glucosidase. The binding interactions of the most active analogues were confirmed through molecular docking studies. Docking studies showed that 5g interacts with the residues Trp690, Asp548, Arg425, and Glu426, which form hydrogen bonds to 5g with distances of 2.05, 2.20, 2.10 and 2.18 Å, respectively. All compounds showed high mutagenic and tumorigenic behaviors, and only 5e showed irritant properties. In addition, all the derivatives showed good antioxidant activities. The pharmacokinetic evaluation also revealed promising results
The Efficiency of Biobased Carbonization Agent and Intumescent Flame Retardant on Flame Retardancy of Biopolymer Composites and Investigation of Their Melt-Spinnability
Authors: Maqsood Muhammad , Langensiepen Fabian , Seide Gunnar
Published: April 2019

The objective of this study is to assess the efficiency of biobased carbonization agent in intumescent formulations (IFRs) to examine the flame retardant properties of polylactic acid (PLA) composites and to investigate their melt-spinnability. We used phosphorous-based halogen free flame retardant (FR) and kraft lignin (KL) as bio-based carbonization agent. After melt compounding and molding into sheets by hot pressing various fire related characteristics of IFR composites were inspected and were characterized by different characterization methods. It was fascinating to discover that the introduction of 5–20 wt% FR increased the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of PLA composites from 20.1% to 23.2–33.5%. The addition of KL with content of 3–5 wt% further increased the LOI up to 36.6–37.8% and also endowed PLA/FR/KL composites with improved anti-dripping properties. Cone calorimetry revealed a 50% reduction in the peak heat release rate of the IFR composites in comparison to 100% PLA and confirmed the development of an intumescent char structure containing residue up to 40%. For comparative study, IFR composites containing pentaerythritol (PER) as a carbonization agent were also prepared and their FR properties were compared. IFR composites were melt spun and mechanical properties of multifilament yarns were tested. The analysis of char residues by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) and SEM images confirmed that PLA/FR/KL composites developed a thicker and more homogeneous char layer with better flame retardant properties confirming that the fire properties of PLA can be enhanced by using KL as a carbonization agent.
Industrial-Scale Decontamination Procedure Effects on the Content of Acaricides, Heavy Metals and Antioxidant Capacity of Beeswax
Authors: Navarro-Hortal María D. , Orantes-Bermejo Francisco J. , Sánchez-González Cristina , Varela-López Alfonso , Giampieri Francesca , Torres Fernández-Piñar Cristina , Serra-Bonvehí Josep , Forbes-Hernández Tamara Y. , Reboredo-Rodríguez Patricia , Llopis Juan , Aranda Pilar , Battino Maurizio , Quiles José L.
Published: April 2019

Beeswax is useful for the beekeeping sector but also for the agro-food, pharmaceutical or cosmetics sectors. Frequently, this bee product is contaminated with pesticides reducing its utility and causing the decline in its market. This study aimed to prove the effectiveness of an industrial-scale decontamination method in removing acaricides from beeswax. Chlorfenvinphos and coumaphos decrease was higher than 90%, whereas tau fluvalinate decrease was only 30%. No changes were observed in the beeswax content of hydrocarbons and monoesters, whereas a decrease in the concentrations of Ca, Fe, Zn, Hg, Mn and P, and an increase in the concentrations of As and Si were found after the decontamination. Filtration reduced total phenolics, flavonoids and the antioxidant capacity of the lipophilic extract. These results demonstrate that the industrial method used was as effective as the method previously tested on a laboratory scale. The study also contributes to a better knowledge and characterization of beeswax, specially related to trace and ultra-trace elements and antioxidant capacity. Moreover, it offers the chance to further develop a method to effectively detect wax adulterations based on the chemical elements profile.
Natural Products in Alzheimer’s Disease Therapy: Would Old Therapeutic Approaches Fix the Broken Promise of Modern Medicines?
Authors: Habtemariam Solomon
Published: April 2019

Despite extensive progress in understanding the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) over the last 50 years, clinical trials based on the amyloid–beta (Aβ) hypothesis have kept failing in late stage human trials. As a result, just four old drugs of limited clinical outcomes and numerous side effects are currently used for AD therapy. This article assesses the common pharmacological targets and therapeutic principles for current and future drugs. It also underlines the merits of natural products acting through a polytherapeutic approach over a monotherapy option of AD therapy. Multi-targeting approaches through general antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms coupled with specific receptor and/or enzyme-mediated effects in neuroprotection, neuroregeneration, and other rational perspectives of novel drug discovery are emphasized.
Comparison of Biogenic Amines in Chinese Commercial Soy Sauces
Authors: Li Jia , Zhou Linan , Feng Wei , Cheng Huan , Muhammad Aliyu Idris , Ye Xingqian , Zhi Zijian
Published: April 2019

Soy sauce contains a series of biogenic amines (BAs) which is a kind of bioactive organics relating to food quality and safety. High concentration of BAs may lead to remarkable physiological and toxicological influences on human bodies, including hypotension, dizziness, and headaches. Here, we systematically compared the levels of ten main BAs among 53 Chinese commercial soy sauces using an improved high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The results showed that the brands and production regions were both important factors accounting for the BAs’ content. The contents of Cad, Spm, Try, Phe, His, and Tyr in dark soy sauces were higher than those in light soy sauces. His and Phe in dark soy sauces were 3.7 and 1.84 times higher than in light samples, respectively. Besides, it was surprising that the content of BAs in soy sauces hugely varied from place to place. This work comprehensively compared the content of BAs in soy sauces, showing the relation between soy sauce processes and BAs, offering abundant information for further research on BAs control.
Aliphatic Diacidic Long-Chain C16 Polyesters from 10,16-Dihydroxyhexadecanoic Acid Obtained from Tomato Residual Wastes
Authors: Arrieta-Baez Daniel , Hernández Ortíz José Vicente , Campos Terán José , Torres Eduardo , Gómez-Patiño Mayra Beatriz
Published: April 2019

10,16-dihydroxyhexadecanoic acid obtained from agroresidual tomato waste, was oxidized to produce 7-oxohexadecanedioic acid in good yield (>70%) and purified without oxidation side products in one step. Polycondensation with 1,8-octanediol, yielded the polyester (poly(ω-carboxyl PA-co-OD)) with Mw = 2155.15 and Mn = 1637.27. The best enzymatic reaction conditions to get the polyester were using lipase CAL-B (%-by-wt relative to monomer) in toluene as a solvent for 1 h at 60 °C. The poly(ω-carboxyl PA-co-OD) was characterized by 1H- and 13C-NMR, mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) and the polyester film formed with a Langmuir-Blodgett Trough was analyzed by means of spectroscopic ellipsometry and atomic force microscopy.
Graphene/Glycerin Solution-Based Multifunctional Stretchable Strain Sensor with Ultra-High Stretchability, Stability, and Sensitivity
Authors: Qi Zhenkun , Bian Hailiang , Yang Yi , Nie Nantian , Wang Fuliang
Published: April 2019

Highly stretchable, flexible, and sensitive strain sensors have promising applications in motion detection—especially multifunctional strain sensors that can detect stretching, bending, compression and twisting. Herein, this study presents a graphene and glycerol solution-based multifunctional sensor with ultra-high stretchability and sensitivity. Owing to the self-lubrication and fluidity of the graphene-glycerol solution, the strain sensors display super stretchability up to 1000%, a maximum gauge factor up to 45.13, and excellent durability for over 10,000 cycles. In addition, the sensor can also rapidly respond to small strains (1%, 5%, 10%) and different stretching rates (12.5%/s, 25%/s, 50%/s, and 100%/s). More impressively, the sensors can measure up to 50 kPa pressure and 180° twisting without any damage. Furthermore, the strain sensors demonstrate their applicability in scenarios involving motion detection, such as that for finger bending, wrist rotating, touching, and drinking water.
Controlled Hydrothermal Growth and Li+ Storage Performance of 1D VOx Nanobelts with Variable Vanadium Valence
Authors: Jiang Yuhan , Zhou Xiaowei , Chen Xu , Wen Jia , Guan Linlin , Shi Mingxia , Ren Yang , Liu Zhu
Published: April 2019

One-dimensional (1D) vanadium oxide nanobelts (VOx NBs) with variable V valence, which include V3O7·H2O NBs, VO2 (B) NBs and V2O5 NBs, were prepared by a simple hydrothermal treatment under a controllable reductive environment and a following calcination process. Electrochemical measurements showed that all these VOx NBs can be adopted as promising cathode active materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). The Li+ storage mechanism, charge transfer property at the solid/electrolyte interface and Li+ diffusion characteristics for these as-synthesized 1D VOx NBs were systematically analyzed and compared with each other. The results indicated that V2O5 NBs could deliver a relatively higher specific discharge capacity (213.3 mAh/g after 50 cycles at 100 mA/g) and median discharge voltage (~2.68–2.71 V vs. Li/Li+) during their working potential range when compared to other VOx NBs. This is mainly due to the high V valence state and good crystallinity of V2O5 NBs, which are beneficial to the large Li+ insertion capacity and long-term cyclic stability. In addition, the as-prepared VO2 (B) NBs had only one predominant discharge plateau at the working potential window so that it can easily output a stable voltage and power in practical LIB applications. This work can provide useful references for the selection and easy synthesis of nanoscaled 1D vanadium-based cathode materials.
A Comprehensive Assessment of Apigenin as an Antiproliferative, Proapoptotic, Antiangiogenic and Immunomodulatory Phytocompound
Authors: Ghițu Alexandra , Schwiebs Anja , Radeke Heinfried H. , Avram Stefana , Zupko Istvan , Bor Andrea , Pavel Ioana Zinuca , Dehelean Cristina Adriana , Oprean Camelia , Bojin Florina , Farcas Claudia , Soica Codruta , Duicu Oana , Danciu Corina
Published: April 2019

Apigenin (4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavone) (Api) is an important component of the human diet, being distributed in a wide number of fruits, vegetables and herbs with the most important sources being represented by chamomile, celery, celeriac and parsley. This study was designed for a comprehensive evaluation of Api as an antiproliferative, proapoptotic, antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory phytocompound. In the set experimental conditions, Api presents antiproliferative activity against the A375 human melanoma cell line, a G2/M arrest of the cell cycle and cytotoxic events as revealed by the lactate dehydrogenase release. Caspase 3 activity was inversely proportional to the Api tested doses, namely 30 μM and 60 μM. Phenomena of early apoptosis, late apoptosis and necrosis following incubation with Api were detected by Annexin V-PI double staining. The flavone interfered with the mitochondrial respiration by modulating both glycolytic and mitochondrial pathways for ATP production. The metabolic activity of human dendritic cells (DCs) under LPS-activation was clearly attenuated by stimulation with high concentrations of Api. Il-6 and IL-10 secretion was almost completely blocked while TNF alpha secretion was reduced by about 60%. Api elicited antiangiogenic properties in a dose-dependent manner. Both concentrations of Api influenced tumour cell growth and migration, inducing a limited tumour area inside the application ring, associated with a low number of capillaries.
The Importance of Iron Status for Young Children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Narrative Review
Authors: Armitage Andrew E. , Moretti Diego
Published: April 2019

Early childhood is characterised by high physiological iron demand to support processes including blood volume expansion, brain development and tissue growth. Iron is also required for other essential functions including the generation of effective immune responses. Adequate iron status is therefore a prerequisite for optimal child development, yet nutritional iron deficiency and inflammation-related iron restriction are widespread amongst young children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), meaning iron demands are frequently not met. Consequently, therapeutic iron interventions are commonly recommended. However, iron also influences infection pathogenesis: iron deficiency reduces the risk of malaria, while therapeutic iron may increase susceptibility to malaria, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, besides reshaping the intestinal microbiome. This means caution should be employed in administering iron interventions to young children in LMIC settings with high infection burdens. In this narrative review, we first examine demand and supply of iron during early childhood, in relation to the molecular understanding of systemic iron control. We then evaluate the importance of iron for distinct aspects of physiology and development, particularly focusing on young LMIC children. We finally discuss the implications and potential for interventions aimed at improving iron status whilst minimising infection-related risks in such settings. Optimal iron intervention strategies will likely need to be individually or setting-specifically adapted according to iron deficiency, inflammation status and infection risk, while maximising iron bioavailability and considering the trade-offs between benefits and risks for different aspects of physiology. The effectiveness of alternative approaches not centred around nutritional iron interventions for children should also be thoroughly evaluated: these include direct targeting of common causes of infection/inflammation, and maternal iron administration during pregnancy.
Spurious, Emergent Laws in Number Worlds
Authors: Calude Cristian S. , Svozil Karl
Published: April 2019

We study some aspects of the emergence of lógos from xáos on a basal model of the universe using methods and techniques from algorithmic information and Ramsey theories. Thereby an intrinsic and unusual mixture of meaningful and spurious, emerging laws surfaces. The spurious, emergent laws abound, they can be found almost everywhere. In accord with the ancient Greek theogony one could say that lógos, the Gods and the laws of the universe, originate from “the void,” or from xáos, a picture which supports the unresolvable/irreducible lawless hypothesis. The analysis presented in this paper suggests that the “laws” discovered in science correspond merely to syntactical correlations, are local and not universal.
Differences among the Anthocyanin Accumulation Patterns and Related Gene Expression Levels in Red Pears
Authors: Wu Meng , Liu Jianlong , Song Linyan , Li Xieyu , Cong Liu , Yue Rongrong , Yang Chengquan , Liu Zhuo , Xu Lingfei , Wang Zhigang
Published: April 2019

Differences in coloration exist among red pear cultivars. Here, we selected six red pear cultivars with different genetic backgrounds to elucidate the characteristics of fruit pigmentation. We detected anthocyanin contents and the expression levels of anthocyanin synthesis-related genes in these cultivars at different stages of fruit development. The anthocyanin contents of all six cultivars showed a rise–drop tendency. Principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses were used to distinguish the types of cultivars and the genes crucial to each anthocyanin accumulation pattern. The six cultivars were divided into three groups. Red Zaosu were clustered into one group, Red Sichou and Starkrimson into another group, and Palacer, Red Bartlett, and 5 Hao clustered into a third group. The expression levels of F3H, UFGT2, MYB10, and bHLH3 were similar among the differential coloration patterns of the six cultivars, suggesting a critical and coordinated mechanism for anthocyanin synthesis. Anthocyanin transporters (GST) and light-responsive genes, such as COP1, PIF3.1, and PIF3.2 played limited roles in the regulation of anthocyanin accumulation. This study provides novel insights into the regulation of anthocyanins synthesis and accumulation in red pears.
Recent Progress of Carbon Dot Precursors and Photocatalysis Applications
Authors: Chu Kuan-Wu , Lee Sher , Chang Chi-Jung , Liu Lingyun
Published: April 2019

Carbon dots (CDs), a class of carbon-based sub-ten-nanometer nanoparticles, have attracted great attention since their discovery fifteen years ago. Because of the outstanding photoluminescence properties, photostability, low toxicity, and low cost, CDs have potential to replace traditional semiconductor quantum dots which have serious drawbacks of toxicity and high cost. This review covers the common top-down and bottom-up methods for the synthesis of CDs, different categories of CD precursors (small molecules, natural polymers, and synthetic polymers), one-pot and multi-step methods to produce CDs/photocatalyst composites, and recent advances of CDs on photocatalysis applications mostly in pollutant degradation and energy areas. A broad range of precursors forming fluorescent CDs are discussed, including small molecule sole or dual precursors, natural polymers such as pure polysaccharides and proteins and crude bio-resources from plants or animals, and various synthetic polymer precursors with positive, negative, neutral and hydrophilic, hydrophobic, or zwitterionic feature. Because of the wide light absorbance, excellent photoluminescence properties and electron transfer ability, CDs have emerged as a new type of photocatalyst. Recent work of CDs as sole photocatalyst or in combination with other materials (e.g., metal, metal sulfide, metal oxide, bismuth-based semiconductor, or other traditional photocatalysts) to form composite catalyst for various photocatalytic applications are reviewed. Possible future directions are proposed at the end of the article on mechanistic studies, production of CDs with better controlled properties, expansion of polymer precursor pool, and systematic studies of CDs for photocatalysis applications.
Sustainable Materials with Enhanced Mechanical Properties Based on Industrial Polyhydroxyalkanoates Reinforced with Organomodified Sepiolite and Montmorillonite
Authors: García-Quiles Lidia , Fernández Cuello Ángel , Castell Pere
Published: April 2019

Microplastics have become one of the greatest environmental challenges worldwide. To turn this dramatic damage around, EU regulators now want to ensure that plastic itself is fully recyclable or biodegradable. The aim of the present work is to develop a biobased and biodegradable biocomposite based on commercial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and nanoclays, with the objective of achieving a reduction of rancid odour while avoiding any loss in thermomechanical properties, thus tackling two key disadvantages of PHAs. This research aims at completely characterising the structural, thermal and mechanical behaviour of the formulations developed, understanding the compatibility mechanisms in order to be able to assess the best commercial combinations for industrial applications in the packaging and automotive sectors. We report the development of nine nanobiocomposite materials based on three types of commercial PHA matrices: a linear poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB); two copolymers based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-co-poly(4-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB-co-P4HB); and nanoclays, which represent a different polar behaviour. Dispersion achieved is highly relevant compared with literature results. Our findings show impressive mechanical enhancements, in particular for P3HB reinforced with sepiolite modified via aminosilanes.
Fabric Composites Reinforced with Thermally Bonded and Irregularly Aligned Filaments: Preparation and Puncture Resistant Performance
Authors: Chuang Yu-Chun , Bao Limin , Lin Mei-Chen , Lin Ting An , Lou Ching-Wen
Published: April 2019

This study proposes fabric composites with improved static and dynamic puncture via increasing a friction force to restrain the slide of filaments as well as the compression and abrasion between the fibers and the puncture probe. The the bi-layered shell layers of composite fabrics are composed of aramid staple fibers and nylon staple fibers and a layer of low-melting-point polyester (LPET). The nonwoven layer consisting of recycled aramid and nylon staple fibers provides a shear effect to dissipate part of the puncture energy. Reinforcing interlayers include a woven fabric and PET filaments that are circularly aggregated between the surface layers, providing isotropic filament reinforcement and strengthening the resistance against the tip of the puncture probe. The reinforcing filaments may slide after the employment of needle punching, and to compensate for this disadvantage, the LPET layers are used to thermal bond the composite fabrics and the total thickness is controlled at 2 mm. The thermally bonded fabric composites are evaluated in terms of puncture resistance, thereby examining the effects of fabric structure and thermal bonding. According to the test results, the optimal composite structure is the sample N/L/W/F/L/N, which was reinforced by the LPET adhesive layer and irregularly aligned filaments. The sample which used the LPET adhesive layer had a positive influence on static puncture resistance and dynamic puncture resistance, preventing the slide of filaments, but the poor interfacial combination only contributed to limited reinforcement.
Quantum Blockchain Using Entanglement in Time
Authors: Rajan Del , Visser Matt
Published: April 2019

We propose a conceptual design for a quantum blockchain. Our method involves encoding the blockchain into a temporal GHZ (Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger) state of photons that do not simultaneously coexist. It is shown that the entanglement in time, as opposed to an entanglement in space, provides the crucial quantum advantage. All the subcomponents of this system have already been shown to be experimentally realized. Furthermore, our encoding procedure can be interpreted as nonclassically influencing the past.
On the Origin and Conceptual Development of ‘Essence-Function’ (ti-yong)
Authors: Kwon Sun-hyang , Woo Jeson
Published: April 2019

‘Essence-function’ (ti-yong 體用), also called ‘substance-function,’ has been a constant topic of debate in monastic and academic communities in China. One group of scholars insists that the concept is derived from the Confucian tradition, while the other maintains that it originates with the Buddhist tradition. These opposing opinions are not merely the arguments of antiquity, but have persisted to our present time. This paper investigates the concept of ‘essence-function,’ focusing on its origin and conceptual development in the Buddhist and the Confucian traditions. This concept has become a basic framework of Chinese religions. Its root appears already in ancient Confucian and Daoist works such as the Xunzi and the Zhouyi cantong qi. It is, however, through the influence of Buddhism that ‘essence’ and ‘function’ became a paradigm used as an exegetical, hermeneutical and syncretic tool for interpreting Chinese philosophical works. This dual concept played a central role not only in the assimilation of Indian Buddhism in China during its earlier phases but also in the formation of Neo-Confucianism in medieval times. This paper shows that the paradigm constituted by ‘essence’ and ‘function’ resulted not from the doctrinal conflicts between Confucianism and Buddhism but from the interactions between them.
Measuring the Social Perception of Religious Freedom: A Sociological Perspective
Authors: Breskaya Olga , Giordan Giuseppe
Published: April 2019

This article discusses the construction of the measuring instrument for the study of social perception of religious freedom (SPRF). We provide an overview of existing definitions of religious freedom from a social-science perspective, which ground the empirical research of religious freedom and describe the conceptualization of SPRF. We focus on the operationalization model and introduce the operational variables for the SPRF research, also emphasizing the political, religious, and human rights contexts of independent variables. Finally, the results of exploratory factor analysis that allow to construct the balanced model of SPRF based on statistically weighted factors and scales are presented. The theoretical and statistically tested instrument is discussed as a result of this analysis.