bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH JARAK TANAM LEGOWO DAN APLIKASI KOMPOS JERAMI TERHADAPSERAPAN KALIUM, PERTUMBUHAN, DAN HASIL TANAMAN PADI (Oryza sativa L.)VARIETAS INPARI 19
Authors: Purnomo Dwi , Rusim Rusim
Published: August 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui Pengaruh Jarak Tanam Legowo dan Aplikasi Kompos Jerami Terhadap Serapan Hara K, Pertumbuhan, dan Hasil Tanaman Padi (Oryza sativa L.)Varietas Inpari 19 di Kecamatan Sukra- Indramayu.Penelitian dilaksanakan di Desa Sumuradem Timur Kecamatan Sukra Kabupaten Indramayu Propinsi Jawa Barat.Waktu penelitian dilaksanakan pada bulan Juni sampai dengan bulan Oktober 2013.Metode percobaan menggunakan metode eksperimen dengan Rancangan Acak Kelompok (RAK) pola faktorial, perlakuan terdiri dari dua faktor dan diulang tiga kali.Faktor yang pertama merupakan Sistim Tanam Legowo yang terdiri dari tiga taraf (legowo 2, 3, dan 4).Sedangkan faktor yang kedua adalah aplikasi kompos jerami yang terdiri dari empat taraf (2, 4, 6, 8 ton/Ha). Hasil penelitian menunjukan adanya interaksi antara Sistim Tanam Legowo dan aplikasi kompos jerami terhadap tinggi tanaman per rumpun umur 7  Minggu Setelah Tanam, jumlah anakan per rumpun umur 7, 9, dan 11 MST, panjang malai, jumlah bulir padi per malai, dan gabah kering panen per petak. Terdapat pengaruh mandiri pada tinggi tanaman per rumpun umur 9 dan 11 MST, dan jumlah malai per rumpun. Perlakuan Sistim Tanam Legowo 2 : 1 dan aplikasi kompos jerami 8 ton/ha menunjukkan hasil tertinggi pada gabah kering panen per petak yang menghasilkan 8,37 kg/petak atau setara dengan 11,16 ton/ha.
PENGARUH PUPUK ORGANIK CAIR TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL PADA TIGA KULTIVAR KUBIS BUNGA (Brassica oleraceae L) DATARAN RENDAH
Authors: Ahdiyanto Trio , Jaenudin Amran , Faqih Achmad
Published: August 2019

Penelitian dilaksanakan di Desa Bakunglor Blok Sigludug Kecamatan Jamblang Kabupaten Cirebon pada bulan Mei sampai dengan Juli 2017. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode percobaan dengan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) yang terdiri dari: faktor pertama konsentrasi pupuk organik cair yang terdiri dari empat taraf yaitu: K0 =  0 ml/l air, K1 =  5 ml/l air, K2 = 10 ml/l air, dan K3 = 15 ml/l air. Faktor kedua macam kultivar Kubis Bunga yang terdiri dari tiga taraf yaitu: V1 = Kultivar Snow White, V2 = Kultivar White Shot, dan V3 = Kultivar Best 50 Hibrida F1. Percobaan yang dilakukan terdapat kombinasi perlakuan sebanyak 12 dan masing-masing perlakuan diulang 3 kali, sehingga terdapat 36 satuan percobaan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa : (1) Kombinasi perlakuan konsentrasi pupuk organik cair terhadap tiga kultivar Kubis Bunga berpengaruh nyata terhadap pertumbuhan dan hasil Kubis Bunga. Hasil terbaik kombinasi perlakuan pupuk organik cair konsentrasi 15 ml/l air pada kultivar Best 50 Hibrida F1 menghasilkan kombinasi terbaik pada tinggi tanaman Kubis Bunga yaitu 51,53 cm dan jumlah daun sebanyak 22 helai. Sedangkan kombinasi perlakuan pupuk organik cair konsentrasi 15 ml/l air pada kultivar White Shot menghasilkan kombinasi terbaik pada diameter Kubis Bunga yaitu 25,33 cm dan bobot segar Kubis Bunga seberat 677,21 g. (2) Konsentrasi pupuk organik cair 15 ml/l air pada berbagai kultivar dapat meningkatkan pertumbuhan dan hasil Kubis Bunga, (3) Kultivar Best 50 Hibrida F1 memberikan respon yang baik pada tinggi dan jumlah daun kembang kol, sedangkan kultivar White Shot memberikan respon yang baik pada diameter dan bobot segar tanaman Kubis Bunga.
PENGARUH PERENDAMAN PADA BERBAGAI KONSENTRASI LARUTAN GIBERELIN (GA3) TERHADAP PERKECAMBAHAN BENIH PALEM MERAH (Cyrtostachys renda)
Authors: Fujianti Rani , Wijaya Wijaya , Wahyuni Siti
Published: August 2019

Percobaan dilaksanakan di Desa Klayan, Kabupaten Cirebon  pada  Bulan Juli sampai dengan Agustus 2014. Metode percobaan yang digunakan adalah metode eksperimen dengan menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL). Percobaan terdiri dari 9 taraf perlakuan konsentrasi giberelin (GA3), yakni: 0 ppm, 25 ppm, 50 ppm, 75 ppm, 100 ppm, 125 ppm, 150 ppm, 175 ppm, dan 200 ppm. Masing-masing perlakuan diulang 3 kali. Hasil percobaan menunjukan, bahwa pemberian giberelin (GA3) memberikan pengaruh yang nyata terhadap persentase perkecambahan, keserempakan benih berkecambah, panjang plumula, panjang akar, dan bobot akar. Pemberian giberelin (GA3) dengan konsentrasi 150 ppm menghasilkan persentase perkecambahan hingga 21,33 % dan panjang plumula sebesar 0,97 cm. GA3 konsentrasi 125 ppm, menghasilkan keserempakan berkecambah sebesar 17,33 % pada umur 30 HSS. Panjang akar tertinggi dihasilkan oleh perlakuan tanpa GA3, yakni sepanjang 0,81 cm dengan bobot akar sebesar 0,13 gram.
PENGARUHKONSENTRASI MIKROORGANISME EFEKTIF (EM4) DAN TAKARAN KOMPOS TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN BIBIT MAHONI ( Swietenia macrophylla )
Authors: Eviyati Raden , R Dede
Published: August 2019

Percobaan dilaksanakan di persemaian kelompok tani penghijauan Mulia Jaya Desa Sukadana, kecamatan Pabuaran Kabupaten Cirebon. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh interaksi antara konsentrasi mikroorganisme efektif (EM4) dan takaran kompos terhadap pertumbuhan bibit mahoni. Percobaan ini menggunakan rancangan Acak Kelompok Pola faktorial terdiri dari dua faktor perlakuan yaitu faktor Mikroorganisme Efektif (EM4) dan kompos dan diulang tiga kali. Faktor pertama konsentrasi EM4 (M) terdiri tiga taraf yaitu m1 (20 ml EM4/l air), m2 (30 ml EM4/l air), dan m3 (40 ml EM4/ l air), faktor kedua yaitu takaran kompos (K) terdiri dari tiga traf yaitu k1 (200 gram/polibag), k2 (300 gram/polibag) dan k3 (400 gram/polibag). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh antara konsentrasi EM4 dan takaran kompos terhadap bobot segar bibit mahoni. Secara mandiri konsentrasi EM4 dan takaran kompos berpengaruh terhadap tinggi bibit, jumlah daun dan diameter batang bibit mahoni. Konsentrasi EM4 30 ml/ l air dengan takaran kompos 300 gram/polibag memberikan pengaruh terbaik terhadap bobot segar bibit mahoni yaitu 1.10 kg.
Plasma levels of adiponectin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in Turkish obese children
Authors: OZBAY Ferda , TUMER Leyla , EZGÜ Fatih Süheyl , OLGAC Asburce , HASANOGLU Alev
Published: August 2019

Introduction: It is known that obesity itself is a risk factor for
atherosclerosis. Dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and the deficiency of the
adiponectin (ADPN), which is an adipocytokine increasing the insulin
sensitivity, are the main factors known for their relations with the obesity
and atherosclerosis. This study aimed to determine the levels of plasma ADPN in
obese children and its relationship with several other factors associated with
atherosclerosis.

Materials and Method: Plasma levels of ADPN, plasminogen activator
inhbitor-1 (PAI-1), lipids and insulin and blood hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels
were measured and their relations with each other were determined in 30 obese
and 28 healthy children. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed to
obese children and ADPN and PAI-1 levels were rechecked at the second hour of
OGTT.

Results: In obese children, the basal ADPN and PAI-1 levels were lower, than
their levels obtained 2 hours after the OGTT. Basal ADPN levels showed negative
correlation with the body mass index, and triglyceride, very low density
lipoprotein (VLDL) and insulin levels. Negative correlation was also detected
between the postprandial PAI-1 and high density lipoprotein (HDL), and between
plasma ADPN and insulin and triglyceride levels. While the changes in
triglyceride and insulin levels negatively affected the ADPN, the changes in
HbA1c affected ADPN positively.

Conclusion: Our study indicates that, plasma ADPN level can be used as a
follow up marker for atherosclerosis.
An Application of Manifold Learning in Global Shape Descriptors
Authors: Bashiri Fereshteh S. , Rostami Reihaneh , Peissig Peggy , D’Souza Roshan M. , Yu Zeyun
Published: August 2019

With the rapid expansion of applied 3D computational vision, shape descriptors have become increasingly important for a wide variety of applications and objects from molecules to planets. Appropriate shape descriptors are critical for accurate (and efficient) shape retrieval and 3D model classification. Several spectral-based shape descriptors have been introduced by solving various physical equations over a 3D surface model. In this paper, for the first time, we incorporate a specific manifold learning technique, introduced in statistics and machine learning, to develop a global, spectral-based shape descriptor in the computer graphics domain. The proposed descriptor utilizes the Laplacian Eigenmap technique in which the Laplacian eigenvalue problem is discretized using an exponential weighting scheme. As a result, our descriptor eliminates the limitations tied to the existing spectral descriptors, namely dependency on triangular mesh representation and high intra-class quality of 3D models. We also present a straightforward normalization method to obtain a scale-invariant and noise-resistant descriptor. The extensive experiments performed in this study using two standard 3D shape benchmarks—high-resolution TOSCA and McGill datasets—demonstrate that the present contribution provides a highly discriminative and robust shape descriptor under the presence of a high level of noise, random scale variations, and low sampling rate, in addition to the known isometric-invariance property of the Laplace–Beltrami operator. The proposed method significantly outperforms state-of-the-art spectral descriptors in shape retrieval and classification. The proposed descriptor is limited to closed manifolds due to its inherited inability to accurately handle manifolds with boundaries.
Practical Access to Dynamic Programming on Tree Decompositions
Authors: Bannach Max , Berndt Sebastian
Published: August 2019

Parameterized complexity theory has led to a wide range of algorithmic breakthroughs within the last few decades, but the practicability of these methods for real-world problems is still not well understood. We investigate the practicability of one of the fundamental approaches of this field: dynamic programming on tree decompositions. Indisputably, this is a key technique in parameterized algorithms and modern algorithm design. Despite the enormous impact of this approach in theory, it still has very little influence on practical implementations. The reasons for this phenomenon are manifold. One of them is the simple fact that such an implementation requires a long chain of non-trivial tasks (as computing the decomposition, preparing it, …). We provide an easy way to implement such dynamic programs that only requires the definition of the update rules. With this interface, dynamic programs for various problems, such as 3-coloring, can be implemented easily in about 100 lines of structured Java code. The theoretical foundation of the success of dynamic programming on tree decompositions is well understood due to Courcelle’s celebrated theorem, which states that every MSO-definable problem can be efficiently solved if a tree decomposition of small width is given. We seek to provide practical access to this theorem as well, by presenting a lightweight model checker for a small fragment of MSO 1 (that is, we do not consider “edge-set-based” problems). This fragment is powerful enough to describe many natural problems, and our model checker turns out to be very competitive against similar state-of-the-art tools.
Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network Applied to Train Dynamic Model and Speed Prediction
Authors: Li Zhen , Tang Tao , Gao Chunhai
Published: August 2019

The automatic train operation system is a significant component of the intelligent railway transportation. As a fundamental problem, the construction of the train dynamic model has been extensively researched using parametric approaches. The parametric based models may have poor performances due to unrealistic assumptions and changeable environments. In this paper, a long short-term memory network is carefully developed to build the train dynamic model in a nonparametric way. By optimizing the hyperparameters of the proposed model, more accurate outputs can be obtained with the same inputs of the parametric approaches. The proposed model was compared with two parametric methods using actual data. Experimental results suggest that the model performance is better than those of traditional models due to the strong learning ability. By exploring a detailed feature engineering process, the proposed long short-term memory network based algorithm was extended to predict train speed for multiple steps ahead.
A Distributed Hybrid Community Detection Methodology for Social Networks
Authors: Georgiou Konstantinos , Makris Christos , Pispirigos Georgios
Published: August 2019

Nowadays, the amount of digitally available information has tremendously grown, with real-world data graphs outreaching the millions or even billions of vertices. Hence, community detection, where groups of vertices are formed according to a well-defined similarity measure, has never been more essential affecting a vast range of scientific fields such as bio-informatics, sociology, discrete mathematics, nonlinear dynamics, digital marketing, and computer science. Even if an impressive amount of research has yet been published to tackle this NP-hard class problem, the existing methods and algorithms have virtually been proven inefficient and severely unscalable. In this regard, the purpose of this manuscript is to combine the network topology properties expressed by the loose similarity and the local edge betweenness, which is a currently proposed Girvan–Newman’s edge betweenness measure alternative, along with the intrinsic user content information, in order to introduce a novel and highly distributed hybrid community detection methodology. The proposed approach has been thoroughly tested on various real social graphs, roundly compared to other classic divisive community detection algorithms that serve as baselines and practically proven exceptionally scalable, highly efficient, and adequately accurate in terms of revealing the subjacent network hierarchy.
Fabrication and Testing of the Cold Gas Propulsion System Flight Unit for the Adelis-SAMSON Nano-Satellites
Authors: Zaberchik Michael , Lev Dan R. , Edlerman Eviatar , Kaidar Avner
Published: August 2019

Adelis-SAMSON is a nano-satellite mission aimed at performing geo-location of target signals on Earth using a tight three-satellite formation in space. To maintain formation, each nano-satellite is equipped with a cold gas propulsion system. The design, qualification, and integration of the Adelis-SAMSON nano-satellite propulsion system is presented in this paper. The cold gas propulsion system mass is approximately 2 kg, takes a volume of 2U, and generates a thrust of 80 mN from four thrusters using krypton as a propellant. We first present the propulsion system requirements and corresponding system configuration conceived to meet the mission requirements. Subsequently, we present the system architecture while listing all the components. We overview the particular role and qualification process of four of the propulsion system’s components: the propellant tank, thruster assembly, pressure regulators, and fill and vent valve. We detail the tests performed on each component, such as proof pressure tests, vibration tests, and external leak tests. Finally, we present the propulsion system level tests before delivery for satellite integration and discuss the propulsion system’s concept of operations.
Assessing Topsoil Movement in Rotary Harrowing Process by RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) Technique
Authors: Kayad Ahmed , Rainato Riccardo , Picco Lorenzo , Sartori Luigi , Marinello Francesco
Published: August 2019

Harrowing is a process that reduces the size of soil clods and prepares the field for seeding. Rotary harrows are a common piece of equipment in North Italy that consists of teeth rotating around a vertical axis with a processing depth of 5–15 cm. In this study, the topsoil movement in terms of distance and direction were estimated at different rotary harrow working conditions. A total of eight tests was performed using two forward speeds of 1 and 3 km/h, two working depths of 6 and 10 cm and two levelling bar positions of 0 and 10 cm from the ground. In order to simulate and follow topsoil movement, Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags were inserted into cork stoppers and distributed in a regular pattern over the soil. Tags were distributed in six lines along the working width and repeated in three rows for each test: a total number of 144 tags was tracked. Results showed that there were no significant differences between the performed tests, on the other hand the reported tests highlight the effectiveness of the RFID monitoring approach.
Effect of Varying Inclusion Levels of Fossil Shell Flour on Growth Performance, Water Intake, Digestibility and N Retention in Dohne-Merino Wethers
Authors: Ikusika Olusegun , Mpendulo Conference , Zindove Titus , Okoh Anthony
Published: August 2019

This study was carried out to determine the effect of varying levels of Fossil shell flour (FSF) supplementation on growth performance, water intake, digestibility and N retention in Dohne Merino sheep pursuant to establishing the optimum inclusion rate of this supplement in Dohne Merino diets. Sixteen Dohne-Merino wethers (18 ± 1.5 kg body weight) were used in a complete randomized design with four animals per treatment. Sheep were fed a basal diet without FSF addition (control, T1), or with the addition of FSF (2%, T2), (4%, T3) or (6%, T4) of the diet for 105 days. Treatment 3 (4% FSF) has the highest values of dry matter intake, total weight gain, N retention and for most of the apparent digestibility nutrients (CP, EE and Ash) compared to treatment T1, T2 and T4(p < 0.05). The urinary and fecal N excretion also significantly decreased in the FSF treated diets compared to the control (p < 0.05). Water intake values were highest in control and were significantly (p < 0.05) different from those in treatments 2 and 4, but not to treatment 3. It is concluded that 4% inclusion rate of FSF will give the best improvement on growth performance, diet digestibility and N retention of Dohne-Merino sheep. Also, the addition of FSF in the diets of sheep is a safe natural additive that can help to reduce environmental pollution by reducing fecal and urinary N excretion.
Lactational Responses of Heat-Stressed Dairy Goats to Dietary L-Carnitine Supplementation
Authors: Mehaba Nabil , Salama Ahmed A. K. , Such Xavier , Albanell Elena , Caja Gerardo
Published: August 2019

Heat stress causes significant losses in milk production, and nutritional strategies are needed to alleviate its effects. Endogenous carnitine synthesis is also reduced by heat stress (HS). Carnitine plays a central role in fatty acid oxidation and buffers the toxic effects of acyl groups. We hypothesized that carnitine supplementation would make up for any carnitine deficiencies during HS and improve lipid metabolism. The objective was to evaluate rumen-protected L-carnitine (CAR) supplementation in dairy goats under thermo-neutral (TN) or HS conditions. Four Murciano-Granadina dairy goats were used in a four × four Latin square design. Goats were allocated to one of four treatments in a two × two factorial arrangement. Factors were 1) diet: control (CON) or supplementation with CAR (1 g/d); and 2) ambient conditions: TN (15 to 20 °C) or HS (0900 to 2100 h at 35 °C, 2100 to 0900 h at 28 °C). Blood free-, acetyl-, and total-carnitine concentrations increased almost three times by supplementation. Despite this efficient absorption, CAR had no effect on feed intake, milk production or blood metabolites in TN or HS conditions. Heat stress increased rectal temperature and respiratory rate. Additionally, HS goats experienced 26% loss in feed intake, but they tended to eat longer particle sizes. Compared to TN, heat-stressed goats lost more subcutaneous fat (difference in fat thickness measured before and after each period = −0.72 vs. +0.64 mm). In conclusion, supplemented L-carnitine was efficiently absorbed, but it had no lactational effects on performance of goats under thermo-neutral or heat stress conditions.
Seed-Roasting Process Affects Oxidative Stability of Cold-Pressed Oils
Authors: Różańska Maria Barbara , Kowalczewski Przemysław Łukasz , Tomaszewska-Gras Jolanta , Dwiecki Krzysztof , Mildner-Szkudlarz Sylwia
Published: August 2019

The oxidative stability of vegetable oils mainly depends on their fatty acid composition, their degree of unsaturation, and the presence of compounds with antioxidant activity. This paper reports on the effects of the process of roasting oil seeds, prior to pressing them, on the basic characteristics of the oils produced and their oxidative stability. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique was used to study the process of oxidation of the oil samples in an oxygen-flow cell. Chromatographic analysis revealed that roasting the seeds increased the levels of chlorophyll and β-carotene in all the cold-pressed oils. Similar results were observed for the oil’s antioxidant activity, measured by the scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical method. Our results also indicated that roasting seeds prior to pressing them for oil had a positive effect on the oil’s stability, as determined by the DSC method. This manifested in both the extension of oxidation induction time and the final oxidation time.
Identification and Active Evaluation of Antioxidant Peptides from Protein Hydrolysates of Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) Head
Authors: Zhang Lun , Zhao Guo-Xu , Zhao Yu-Qin , Qiu Yi-Ting , Chi Chang-Feng , Wang Bin
Published: August 2019

For the full use of fish by-products to produce antioxidant peptides, skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) heads generated during can processing were defatted and hydrolyzed using the in vitro gastrointestinal (GI) digestion (pepsin–trypsin system) method and six antioxidant peptides (P1 to P6) were purified from the head hydrolysate (KPH) using ultrafiltration and serial chromatography methods. Six isolated peptides (P1 to P6) were identified as Val-Glu-Glu (VEE, P1), Trp-Met-Phe-Asp-Trp (WMFDW, P2), Asp-Ala-Gly-Pro-Tyr-Gly-Pro-Ile (DAGPYGPI, P3), Trp-Met-Gly-Pro-Tyr (WMGPY, P4), Glu-Arg-Gly-Pro-Leu-Gly-Pro-His (ERGPLGPH, P5), and Glu-Met- Gly-Pro-Ala (EMGPA, P6), respectively, using a protein sequencer and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometer. Among skipjack tuna head hydrolysates, fractions, and six isolated peptides (P1 to P6), WMFDW (P2), WMGPY (P4), and EMGPA (P6) showed the highest radical scavenging activities on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (EC50 values of 0.31, 0.33, and 0.46 mg/mL for WMFDW, WMGPY, and EMGPA, respectively), hydroxyl (EC50 values of 0.30, 0.43, and 0.52 mg/mL for WMFDW, WMGPY, and EMGPA, respectively), and superoxide anion (EC50 values of 0.56, 0.38, and 0.71 mg/mL for WMFDW, WMGPY, and EMGPA, respectively). Moreover, WMFDW, WMGPY, and EMGPA showed strong capability in reducing power and lipd peroxidation inhibition in the linoleic acid system. In addition, WMFDW, WMGPY, and EMGPA can retain strong antioxidant activity at temperatures lower than 60 °C and pH values ranged from 5 to 9. The results showed that six isolated peptides (P1 to P6) from skipjack tuna heads, especially WMFDW, WMGPY, and EMGPA, might be applied in health care products acting as powerful antioxidant agents.
Modulation of Apoptotic Cell Death and Neuroprotective Effects of Glutathione—L-Dopa Codrug Against H2O2-Induced Cellular Toxicity
Authors: Franceschelli Sara , Lanuti Paola , Ferrone Alessio , Gatta Daniela Maria Pia , Speranza Lorenza , Pesce Mirko , Grilli Alfredo , Cacciatore Ivana , Ricciotti Emanuela , Di Stefano Antonio , Miscia Sebastiano , Felaco Mario , Patruno Antonia
Published: August 2019

The L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (LD) is the gold standard drug currently used to manage Parkinson’s disease (PD) and to control its symptoms. However, LD could cause disease neurotoxicity due to the generation of pro-oxidant intermediates deriving from its autoxidation. In order to overcome this limitation, we have conjugated LD to the natural antioxidant glutathione (GSH) to form a codrug (GSH-LD). Here we investigated the effect of GSH-LD on H2O2-induced cellular toxicity in undifferentiated and differentiated lymphoma U-937 and dopaminergic neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell lines, used respectively as models to study the involvement of macrophages/microglia and dopaminergic neurons in PD. We analyzed the effect of GSH-LD on apoptosis and cellular oxidative stress, both considered strategic targets for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Compared to LD and GSH, GSH-LD had a stronger effect in preventing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced apoptosis in both cell lines. Moreover, GSH-LD was able to preserve cell viability, cellular redox status, gluthation metabolism and prevent reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, in a phosphinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/kinase B (Akt)-dependent manner, in a neurotoxicity cellular model. Our findings indicate that the GSH-LD codrug offers advantages deriving from the additive effect of LD and GSH and it could represent a promising candidate for PD treatment.
Feijoa Fruit Peel: Micro-morphological Features, Evaluation of Phytochemical Profile, and Biological Properties of Its Essential Oil
Authors: Smeriglio Antonella , Denaro Marcella , De Francesco Clara , Cornara Laura , Barreca Davide , Bellocco Ersilia , Ginestra Giovanna , Mandalari Giuseppina , Trombetta Domenico
Published: August 2019

Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret (Feijoa) is an evergreen shrub, belonging to the Mirtaceae family. The aim of this study was to investigate the micromorphological features of the feijoa fruit peel and to evaluate the phytochemical profile, as well as the antioxidant, cytoprotective, and antimicrobial properties of its essential oil (EO), by several in vitro cell-free and cell-based assays. The micromorphological analysis showed several schizogenic secretory cavities, immediately below the epidermal layer. Forty compounds were identified and quantified by GC-FID and GC-MS analyses. Sesquiterpenes were the most abundant ones (76.89%), followed by monoterpene hydrocarbons (3.26%), and oxygenated monoterpenes (0.34%). The main compounds were γ-Selinene (17.39%), α-Cariophyllene (16.74%), β-Cariophyllene (10.37%), and Germacene D (5.32%). The EO showed a strong and dose-dependent antioxidant, and free-radical scavenging activity. Furthermore, it showed cytoprotective activity on the lymphocytes, that have been pre-treated with 100 μM tert-butyl-hydroperoxide (t-BOOH), as well as a decrease in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), induced by t-BOOH on erythrocytes. A preliminary antimicrobial screening against GRAM+ and GRAM− bacteria, as well as on fungi highlighted that EO showed the best activity against S. aureus and C. albicans (MIC 2.7 mg/mL). In light of these results, feijoa fruit EO could find various applications, especially in the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical fields.
Optimization of an Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction for Simultaneous Determination of Antioxidants in Sesame with Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Wang Dandan , Zhang Liangxiao , Xu Yueqing , Qi Xin , Wang Xuefang , Wang Xiupin , Zhang Qi , Li Peiwu
Published: August 2019

Sesame is a nutritional agricultural product with medicinal properties. Accurate determination of micronutrients is important for the improvement of sesame quality and nutrition assessments. Our previous study showed that 10 antioxidants—d-homoproline, vitamin B2, coniferyl aldehyde, hesperidin, phloretin, N-acetyl-l-leucine, l-hyoscyamine, ferulic acid, 5-methoxypsoralen, and 8-methoxypsoralen—in sesame were potential characteristic nutrients in sesame. Herein, simultaneous detection of 10 different types of antioxidants was developed by using ultrasound-assisted extraction coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UAE-LC-MS/MS) with the help of response surface methodology. The significant variables and levels were screened and optimized by combining the single factor experiment, Plackett–Burman test, and Box–Behnken design. The optimal conditions for extraction of target antioxidants in sesame were methanol solution of 75.0%, liquid-to-material ratio of 20:1 (mL/g), extraction temperature of 50 °C, extraction power of 410.0 W, extraction time of 65 min. The total yield of targets was 21.74 μg/g under the optimized conditions. The mobile phase used was 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid in water, and the column was a Thermo Syncronis C18 reverse phase column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 3 μm). All targets required only one injection and could be quickly separated and assayed within 7 min. The limits of detection and limits of quantification for these 10 nutritional compounds ranged from 0.01 to 0.11 µg/kg and from 0.04 to 0.34 µg/kg, respectively. The validation results indicated that the method had reasonable linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9990), good recoveries (71.1%–118.3%), satisfactory intra-day precision (≤9.6%) and inter-day precision (≤12.9%), and negligible matrix effects (≤13.8%). This simultaneous quantification method was accurate, fast, and robust for the assessment of sesame nutrition.
Synthesis and Surface Modification of Nanostructured F-Doped ZnO: Toward a Transducer for Label-Free Optical Biosensing
Authors: Chianese Giovanna , Terracciano Monica , Moretta Rosalba , Cappiello Paolo , Vitiello Giuseppe , Aronne Antonio , Schiattarella Chiara , De Stefano Luca , Rea Ilaria
Published: August 2019

In this work, the surface of nanostructured fluorine-doped ZnO (nZnO·F) is functionalized with protein A (PrA), and used as a model biomolecule. The chemical procedure is characterized by several analytical techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, water contact angle analysis, and fluorescence microscopy. The surface modification of nZnO·F by binding increasing concentrations of PrA is also investigated by two label-free optical techniques, i.e., the spectroscopic reflectometry and the steady-state photoluminescence. The results are compared with those obtained using undoped nZnO substrates in order to highlight the better performances of nZnO·F due to the fluorine doping. The results of this study pave the way for the design and realization of a ZnO-based nanostructured platform for label-free optical sensing.
Cooling of a Mechanical Oscillator and Normal Mode Splitting in Optomechanical Systems with Coherent Feedback
Authors: Huang Sumei , Chen Aixi
Published: August 2019

The ground state cooling of a mechanical oscillator and strong optomechanical coupling are necessary prerequisites for realizing quantum control of the macroscopic mechanical oscillator. Here, we show that the resolved-sideband cooling of a mechanical oscillator in an optomechanical system can be enhanced by a simple coherent feedback scheme, in which a portion of the output field from the cavity is fed back into the cavity using an asymmetric beam splitter. Moreover, we show that the normal mode splitting in the spectra of the movable mirror and the output field in a weakly coupled optomechanical system can be induced by the feedback scheme due to a reduced effective cavity decay rate. We find that the peak separation becomes larger and two peaks of the spectra become narrower and higher with increasing the reflection coefficient r of the beam splitter.
Calibration Method for Angular Positioning Deviation of a High-Precision Rotary Table Based on the Laser Tracer Multi-Station Measurement System
Authors: Chen Hongfang , Jiang Bo , Lin Hu , Zhang Shuang , Shi Zhaoyao , Song Huixu , Sun Yanqiang
Published: August 2019

This paper proposes a calibration method for angular positioning deviation of a high-precision rotary table based on the laser tracer multi-station measurement system. The algorithm error of the calibration method for angular positioning deviation of a high-precision rotary table based on the laser tracer multi-station measurement system was mainly discussed. During the experiments, the laser tracer was fixed on the work surface of the rotary table, and the rotary was fixed on the work surface of the coordinate measurement machine (CMM). The rotary table was rotated with the same angular interval. In this case, an optimization method for calculating the coordinates of a laser tracer station by using Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm and singular value decomposition transform was proposed. Then, the angular positioning deviation of the rotary table was calibrated by an established geometric relationship model between the coordinates of laser tracer stations and the rotation angle of the rotary table. The angular positioning deviation of the high-precision rotary table was as low as ±0.9″, and the error of the calibration method was ±0.4″. The experimental results proved the feasibility of the proposed calibration method. The calibration method proposed in this paper is suitable for the case that the rotary table is not linked with the CMM, especially for large high-precision rotary tables.
Effects of Salinity Variability on Recent El Niño Events
Authors: Zhi Hai , Zhang Rong-Hua , Lin Pengfei , Shi Shiwei
Published: August 2019

Ocean salinity variability provides a new way to study the evolution of the the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Comparisons between the salinity variation and related processes responsible for sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) were extensively examined for the two strong El Niño (EN) events in 1997/1998 and 2015/2016, and a special EN event in 2014/2015. The results show that the development of EN is significantly correlated with a sea surface salinity anomaly (SSSA) in the tropical western-central Pacific. In the spring of 1997 and 2015 with strong EN events, the western-central equatorial Pacific exhibited significant negative SSSA that propagated eastward to the west of the dateline. The negative SSSA induced increased barrier layer thickness (BLT) which enhanced sea surface temperature (SST) warming in the tropical central Pacific. In contrast, although a negative SSSA occurred during April of the 2014/2015 weak EN event in the western-central equatorial Pacific, this SSSA was mainly confined to between 160° E and 180° E without significant eastward movement, resulting in a weakened BLT thickening process and a weak modulation effect on SST. We also confirm that the surface forcing associated with fresh water flux (FWF: evaporation (E) minus precipitation (P)) plays a prominent role in the surface salinity tendency in the tropical Pacific during EN events. Moreover, the negative FWF anomaly leads a strong negative SSSA by two months. Compared with the two strong ENs, the early negative FWF anomaly in the weak 2014/2015 EN did not present distinct development and eastward propagation and weakened rapidly in the summer of 2015. We demonstrate that change in salinity can modulate the ENSO, and the variation of SSSA and associated physical processes in the tropical western-central Pacific and could be used as an indicator for predicting the development of ENSO.
Effect of the Ions on the Electron Collision Operator through Electronic Trajectory Modification
Authors: Ben Nana Yasmina , Khelfaoui Fethi , Douis Said , Sadeghzadeh Lari Eshrat , Meftah Mohammed Tayeb
Published: August 2019

We investigate the ion effect on the broadening of the spectral line profile by the free electrons collisions with the emitters in plasmas. We only considered the weak collisions’ contribution. This effect has a consequence on the trajectories of the free electrons through the electric microfield created by the ions of the plasma. Thanks to the Meijer’s functions, the calculation of the electronic Stark broadening is precisely established.
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Assisted by Machine Learning for Plastics/Polymers Identification
Authors: Stefas Dimitrios , Gyftokostas Nikolaos , Bellou Elli , Couris Stelios
Published: August 2019

In the present work, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is used for the discrimination/identification of different plastic/polymeric samples having the same polymeric matrix but containing different additives (as e.g., fillers, flame retardants, etc.). For the classification of the different plastic samples, some machine learning algorithms were employed for the analysis of the LIBS spectroscopic data, such as the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and the Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA). The combination of LIBS technique with these machine learning algorithmic approaches, in particular the latter, provided excellent classification results, achieving identification accuracies as high as 100%. It seems that machine learning paves the way towards the application of LIBS technique for identification/discrimination issues of plastics and polymers and eventually of other classes of organic materials. Machine learning assisted LIBS can be a simple to use, efficient and powerful tool for sorting and recycling purposes.
Mini-Review: Hydrogen Atoms in a High-Frequency Laser Field
Authors: Oks Eugene
Published: August 2019

Because of the continuing advances in developing lasers in the far-ultraviolet and x-ray ranges, studies of the behavior of atoms under a high-frequency laser field are of theoretical and practical interest. In the present paper, we review various analytical results obtained by the method of separating rapid and slow subsystems for various polarizations of the laser field. Specifically, we review the corresponding analytical results both in terms of the quantum description of the phenomena involved and in terms of the classical description of the phenomena involved. We point out that, for the classical description of hydrogen atoms in a high-frequency laser field, there are interesting celestial analogies. We discuss hidden symmetries of these physical systems, the advantages of this analytical method, and the connection between these results and the transition to chaos.
C*-Algebra Valued Fuzzy Soft Metric Spaces and Results for Hybrid Pair of Mappings
Authors: Ram Prasad Daripally , Kishore Gajula Naveen Venkata , Işık Hüseyin , Srinuvasa Rao Bagathi , Adi Lakshmi Gorantla
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we establish some results on coincidence point and common fixed point theorems for a hybrid pair of single valued and multivalued mappings in complete C * -algebra valued fuzzy soft metric spaces. In addition, we provided some coupled fixed point theorems. Finally, we have given examples which support our main results.
A Classic Herbal Formula Guizhi Fuling Wan for Menopausal Hot Flushes: From Experimental Findings to Clinical Applications
Authors: Li Mingdi , Hung Andrew , Li Hong , Yang Angela Wei Hong
Published: August 2019

A classic herbal formula Guizhi Fuling Wan (GFW) has been used for managing menopausal hot flushes (MHFs), but the evidence across different study types has not been systematically summarized. This project investigated the clinical effects, phytochemistry, pharmacodynamics, and potential mechanisms of actions of GFW on the causative target proteins potentially driving MHFs. Twenty English and Chinese databases were searched for relevant clinical and experimental studies. A total of 12,988 studies were identified, of which 46 were included. Seven clinical studies demonstrated GFW had no statistically significant changes in the frequency and severity of MHFs; however, it could improve peripheral blood flow in the fingertips, jaw, and toes. Thirty-five studies on phytochemistry identified 169 chemical compounds of GFW. Four experimental studies revealed GFW’s therapeutic effects (e.g., normalize calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) level) and potential target protein/cytokine (estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) with genetic variation, CGRP receptor, and interleukin-8) on MHFs. Therapeutic effects across different study types were inconsistent, possibly due to the dose difference and genotype variety of ESR2 in the human population. Further clinical and experimental studies, as well as biochemical investigation on the mechanisms of actions of GFW, are recommended.
The Glucosinolates: A Sulphur Glucoside Family of Mustard Anti-Tumour and Antimicrobial Phytochemicals of Potential Therapeutic Application
Authors: Melrose James
Published: August 2019

This study reviewed aspects of the biology of two members of the glucosinolate family, namely sinigrin and glucoraphanin and their anti-tumour and antimicrobial properties. Sinigrin and glucoraphanin are converted by the β-sulphoglucosidase myrosinase or the gut microbiota into their bioactive forms, allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and sulphoraphanin (SFN) which constitute part of a sophisticated defence system plants developed over several hundred million years of evolution to protect them from parasitic attack from aphids, ticks, bacteria or nematodes. Delivery of these components from consumption of cruciferous vegetables rich in the glucosinolates also delivers many other members of the glucosinolate family so the dietary AITCs and SFN do not act in isolation. In vitro experiments with purified AITC and SFN have demonstrated their therapeutic utility as antimicrobials against a range of clinically important bacteria and fungi. AITC and SFN are as potent as Vancomycin in the treatment of bacteria listed by the World Health Organisation as antibiotic-resistant “priority pathogens” and also act as anti-cancer agents through the induction of phase II antioxidant enzymes which inactivate potential carcinogens. Glucosinolates may be useful in the treatment of biofilms formed on medical implants and catheters by problematic pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus and are potent antimicrobials against a range of clinically important bacteria and fungi. The glucosinolates have also been applied in the prevention of bacterial and fungal spoilage of food products in advanced atmospheric packaging technology which improves the shelf-life of these products.
Reactive Oxygen Species in the Tumor Microenvironment: An Overview
Authors: Weinberg Frank , Ramnath Nithya , Nagrath Deepak
Published: August 2019

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important signaling molecules in cancer. The level of ROS will determine physiological effects. While high levels of ROS can cause damage to tissues and cell death, low levels of ROS can have a proliferative effect. ROS are produced by tumor cells but also cellular components that make up the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we discuss the mechanisms by which ROS can affect the TME with particular emphasis on tumor-infiltrating leukocytes. Greater insight into ROS biology in this setting may allow for therapeutic manipulation of ROS levels in order to remodel the tumor microenvironment and increase anti-tumor activity.
Lambda-Carrageenan Enhances the Effects of Radiation Therapy in Cancer Treatment by Suppressing Cancer Cell Invasion and Metastasis through Racgap1 Inhibition
Authors: Wu Ping-Hsiu , Onodera Yasuhito , Recuenco Frances C. , Giaccia Amato J. , Le Quynh-Thu , Shimizu Shinichi , Shirato Hiroki , Nam Jin-Min
Published: August 2019

Radiotherapy is used extensively in cancer treatment, but radioresistance and the metastatic potential of cancer cells that survive radiation remain critical issues. There is a need for novel treatments to improve radiotherapy. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic benefit of λ-carrageenan (CGN) to enhance the efficacy of radiation treatment and investigated the underlying molecular mechanism. CGN treatment decreased viability in irradiated cancer cells and enhanced reactive oxygen species accumulation, apoptosis, and polyploid formation. Additionally, CGN suppressed radiation-induced chemoinvasion and invasive growth in 3D lrECM culture. We also screened target molecules using a gene expression microarray analysis and focused on Rac GTPase-activating protein 1 (RacGAP1). Protein expression of RacGAP1 was upregulated in several cancer cell lines after radiation, which was significantly suppressed by CGN treatment. Knockdown of RacGAP1 decreased cell viability and invasiveness after radiation. Overexpression of RacGAP1 partially rescued CGN cytotoxicity. In a mouse xenograft model, local irradiation followed by CGN treatment significantly decreased tumor growth and lung metastasis compared to either treatment alone. Taken together, these results suggest that CGN may enhance the effectiveness of radiation in cancer therapy by decreasing cancer cell viability and suppressing both radiation-induced invasive activity and distal metastasis through downregulating RacGAP1 expression.
The Multiple Roles and Therapeutic Potential of Molecular Chaperones in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Hoter Abdullah , Rizk Sandra , Naim Hassan Y.
Published: August 2019

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancer types in men worldwide. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are molecular chaperones that are widely implicated in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of many cancers. The role of HSPs in PCa is complex and their expression has been linked to the progression and aggressiveness of the tumor. Prominent chaperones, including HSP90 and HSP70, are involved in the folding and trafficking of critical cancer-related proteins. Other members of HSPs, including HSP27 and HSP60, have been considered as promising biomarkers, similar to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), for PCa screening in order to evaluate and monitor the progression or recurrence of the disease. Moreover, expression level of chaperones like clusterin has been shown to correlate directly with the prostate tumor grade. Hence, targeting HSPs in PCa has been suggested as a promising strategy for cancer therapy. In the current review, we discuss the functions as well as the role of HSPs in PCa progression and further evaluate the approach of inhibiting HSPs as a cancer treatment strategy.
Targeting Heat Shock Protein 27 in Cancer: A Druggable Target for Cancer Treatment?
Authors: Choi Seul-Ki , Kam Heejin , Kim Kye-Young , Park Suk In , Lee Yun-Sil
Published: August 2019

Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), induced by heat shock, environmental, and pathophysiological stressors, is a multi-functional protein that acts as a protein chaperone and an antioxidant. HSP27 plays a significant role in the inhibition of apoptosis and actin cytoskeletal remodeling. HSP27 is upregulated in many cancers and is associated with a poor prognosis, as well as treatment resistance, whereby cells are protected from therapeutic agents that normally induce apoptosis. This review highlights the most recent findings and role of HSP27 in cancer, as well as the strategies for using HSP27 inhibitors for therapeutic purposes.