bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inclusion of yeast and/or fructooligosaccharides in diets with plant‐origin protein concentrates for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fingerlings
Authors: Cid García Rene A. , Hernández Hernández Luis Héctor , Carrillo Longoria Javier Alonso , Fernández Araiza Mario A.
Published: October 2019

Prebiotics and probiotics improve growth and immune responses in fish. However, their inclusion affects fish when combined with plant proteins is not well studied. The effects of diets with plant concentrates supplemented with yeast Saccharomyces sp. (Y) and/or fructooligosaccharides (FOS) on growth and nonspecific immune responses were determined in rainbow trout. A basal diet (soy, rice protein concentrates, and corn gluten—200, 200, and150 g/kg, respectively) was supplemented with Y (15 g/kg), FOS (5 g/kg), or Y + FOS (15 and 5 g/kg). The basal diet corresponded to the control. Triplicate tanks with 20 fingerlings (initial weight of 1.3 ± 0.1 g; mean ± SE) were fed for 70 days. Higher values of weight gain and specific growth rate were observed in fingerlings fed with Diet Y; the lowest values were observed in the control group. Leucocytes were higher in fish fed with the FOS diet, whereas the burst activity of macrophages was higher in Y‐fed fish. Lysozyme activity in the serum did not show differences among the experimental groups, but significantly higher values were observed in the skin mucus of fish fed Diet Y. The present research shows that the inclusion of yeast with plant protein concentrates improved the growth and burst activity of macrophages in the fingerlings.
Using Uncertainty Analysis to Improve Consistency in Regulatory Assessments of Criteria Pollutant Standards
Authors: Smith Anne E.
Published: October 2019

Regulatory impact analyses (RIAs), required for new major federal regulations, are often criticized for not incorporating epistemic uncertainties into their quantitative estimates of benefits and costs. “Integrated uncertainty analysis,” which relies on subjective judgments about epistemic uncertainty to quantitatively combine epistemic and statistical uncertainties, is often prescribed. This article identifies an additional source for subjective judgment regarding a key epistemic uncertainty in RIAs for National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)—the regulator's degree of confidence in continuation of the relationship between pollutant concentration and health effects at varying concentration levels. An illustrative example is provided based on the 2013 decision on the NAAQS for fine particulate matter (PM2.5). It shows how the regulator's justification for setting that NAAQS was structured around the regulator's subjective confidence in the continuation of health risks at different concentration levels, and it illustrates how such expressions of uncertainty might be directly incorporated into the risk reduction calculations used in the rule's RIA. The resulting confidence‐weighted quantitative risk estimates are found to be substantially different from those in the RIA for that rule. This approach for accounting for an important source of subjective uncertainty also offers the advantage of establishing consistency between the scientific assumptions underlying RIA risk and benefit estimates and the science‐based judgments developed when deciding on the relevant standards for important air pollutants such as PM2.5.
Total body skeletal muscle mass estimated by magnetic resonance imaging and creatine (methyl‐d3) dilution in athletes
Authors: Morris‐Paterson Tessa E. , Stimpson Stephen A. , Miller Ram R. , Barton Matthew E. , Leonard Michael S. , Carmichael Owen , van Someren Ken A. , Harridge Stephen D. R.
Published: October 2019

Creatine dilution (D3‐cr) is a technique for estimating total skeletal muscle mass (SMM) with practical utility, but has not been applied in athletic populations where body composition may differ to that in the normal population. This study aimed to assess the agreement between SMM derived from both D3‐cr and that obtained from whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 15 male and 5 female national level kayakers (stature: 182.0 ± 13.1 and 170.0 ± 9.0 cm; body mass: 80.6 ± 9.9 and 66.4 ± 6.0 kg; V̇O2peak: 56.5 ± 7.0 and 49.6 ± 4.4 mL kg−1 min−1, mean ± SD). SMM was determined following 60 mg of dosed D3‐cr and analysis of expelled urine collected on four subsequent days for creatine, creatinine, D3‐cr, and D3‐creatinine using liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy. SMM was then estimated by assuming a creatine pool size of 4.3 g/kg. During the same time period, a whole‐body MRI was undertaken to derive SMM from the analysis of multiple slices taken across the body. A strong positive correlation (F = 74.32; R = 0.90; P < .0001) between the two methods was observed, but the D3‐cr SMM was found to be significantly higher (43.3 ± 6.8 kg) when compared with MRI (36.3 ± 5.8 kg, P < .0001). However, the difference between the methods was removed when a higher intramuscular creatine pool (5.1 g/kg) was assumed. These data show that D3‐cr has potential utility in athletes, as referenced against MRI, but show that assumptions regarding creatine pool size need to be carefully considered.
Forward bias degradation and thermal simulations of vertical geometry β-Ga2O3 Schottky rectifiers
Authors: Xian Minghan , Elhassani Randy , Fares Chaker , Ren Fan , Tadjer Marko , Pearton S. J.
Published: October 2019

Vertical geometry β-Ga2O3 Schottky rectifiers of various sizes were deliberately stressed at a high forward current density level until a sudden decrease of reverse bias breakdown voltage was observed. The diodes were fabricated on an Sn-doped (n = 3.6 × 1018 cm−3) (001) β-Ga2O3 single crystal substrate with a 10 μm epilayer grown by halide vapor phase epitaxy with a carrier concentration of 3.5 × 1016 cm−3. The forward bias stressing caused reverse breakdown degradation and thermally induced failure on both the Ni/Au Schottky contact and the epitaxial layer due to the low thermal conductivity of Ga2O3. The resulting temperature distributions at forward bias under different current conditions were simulated using 3D finite element analysis. The temperature profile at the surface during the rectifier turn-on period shows a strong dependence with crystalline orientation, evidenced by infrared camera measurements. The maximum junction temperature rise occurs at the center of the metal contact and is in the range of 270–350 °C.
Multimodal Training Reduces Fall Frequency as Physical Activity Increases in Individuals With Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Penko Amanda L. , Barkley Jacob E. , Rosenfeldt Anson B. , Alberts Jay L.
Published: October 2019

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) results in a global decrease in information processing, ultimately resulting in dysfunction executing motor-cognitive tasks. Motor-cognitive impairments contribute to postural instability, often leading to falls and decreased physical activity. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a multimodal training (MMT) versus single-modal (SMT) training on motor symptoms, fall frequency, and physical activity in patients with PD classified as fallers. Methods: Individuals with PD were randomized into SMT (n = 11) or MMT (n = 10) and completed training 3 times per week for 8 weeks. The SMT completed gait and cognitive training separately, whereas MMT completed gait and cognitive training simultaneously during each 45-minute session. Physical activity, 30-day fall frequency, and PD motor symptoms were assessed at baseline, posttreatment, and during a 4-week follow-up. Results: Both groups exhibited significant (P < .05) improvements in clinical ratings of motor function, as symptoms improved by 8% and 15% for SMT and MMT, respectively. Physical activity significantly increased (P < .05) for both groups from baseline (mean steps 4942 [4415]) to posttreatment (mean steps 5914 [5425]). The MMT resulted in a significant 60% reduction in falls. Conclusions: Although SMT and MMT approaches are both effective in improving physical activity and motor symptoms of PD, only MMT reduced fall frequency after the intervention.
Screening embryos for complex genetic traits called premature
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: October 2019

Study of virtual embryos and real offspring suggests polygenic risk scores for IQ and height are poorly predictive.
Prime editing promises to be a cut above CRISPR
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: October 2019

New genome editor offers precision and versatility.
How life blossomed after the dinosaurs died
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: October 2019

Plants and mammals diversified together, blow-by-blow record shows.
High-surface-area corundum by mechanochemically induced phase transformation of boehmite
Authors: Amrute Amol P. , Łodziana Zbigniew , Schreyer Hannah , Weidenthaler Claudia , Schüth Ferdi
Published: October 2019

Milling corundum nanoparticles

High-purity corundum (α-Al
2
O
3
) nanoparticles could enable applications such as more stable catalyst supports or precursors for high-strength ceramics. Milling of corundum only produces micrometer-scale particles, and direct synthesis from other aluminum oxides that would be likely starting materials, such as γ-Al
2
O
3
, fails because of the high activation barrier for converting the lattice structure of these cubic close-packed oxides. Amrute
et al.
show that ball milling of boehmite, γ-AlOOH, created ∼13-nanometer-diameter corundum nanoparticles of high purity through a mechanically induced dehydration reaction and by the effect of milling impacts on the surface energy of the particles.

Science
, this issue p.
485
The Economic Conundrum for Antibacterial Drugs
Authors: Shlaes David M.
Published: October 2019

While resistance to antibacterial drugs is increasing globally, it is unevenly distributed. The number of cases that are truly difficult to treat remain below the number required to drive an adequate market for needed new therapies. Without a sufficient market, companies pursuing these drugs risk financial failure. Here, I explore, at least briefly, the current situation and the financial risks to companies. I provide potential solutions to the failed market.
The impact of health education on attitudes of parents and religious leaders towards female genital mutilation
Authors: Abdulah Deldar Morad , Dawson Angela , Sedo Bewar Abdulaziz
Published: October 2019

Background

Previous studies conducted in Iraqi Kurdistan have reported that parent’s decisions to circumcise their daughters are based on religious or cultural beliefs. Despite the widespread practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), the effectiveness of educational strategies to change attitudes towards FGM has not been examined in this region. The present investigation examined the effectiveness of a short-term educational intervention to change the attitudes of parents and religious leaders towards FGM.

Methods

192 Mullahs (religious leaders), 212 Mokhtars (traditional leaders) and 523 parents in rural areas in Iraqi Kurdistan were invited to participate in a pre- and post-test community-based interventional study in 2017. The Health Belief Model informed the intervention, and participants’ attitudes were compared across two stages of the study.

Results

The attitudes of Mullahs, Mokhtars and parents substantially changed from a position of supporting female circumcision to expressing a wish to abandon the practice and not cut their future daughters (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.42; OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.04 and OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.18, respectively).

Conclusions

The present study suggests that brief educational interventions can be an effective strategy for changing the attitudes of parents and public leaders towards FGM. Health education is a useful strategy for changing attitudes. However, such interventions must be delivered alongside other strategies to ensure a multifaceted approach to addressing complex social dynamics. A comprehensive public health approach is, therefore, necessary that includes legal measures, community-based action and an appropriate health system approach.
Higher-protein intake improves body composition index in female collegiate dancers
Authors: Brown Ann F. , Welsh Tom , Panton Lynn B. , Moffatt Robert J. , Ormsbee Michael J.
Published: October 2019

Aesthetic athletes strive to attain an ideal body image and the physical demands placed on dancers make their body composition and fitness equally as important as their technique. Body composition has shown positive changes in response to increased protein intake and may improve aesthetics of dance performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which supplemental whey protein (PRO) would improve body composition in female collegiate dancers compared with an isocaloric placebo (PLA). Twenty-one (age, 19.6 ± 1.4 years) female collegiate dancers were randomly assigned to consume PRO or PLA (25 g, 3×/day) for 12 weeks. Laboratory testing at weeks 0, 6, and 12 included 24-h urine collection, body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), resting metabolic rate, and performance. Data were reported as means ± SD. Significance was accepted at p < 0.05. Body weight, fat mass, and lean soft tissue did not change between groups or over time. Body composition index (BCI = [(LSTpost− LSTpre) + (FMpre− FMpost)]; where LST is lean soft tissue, FM is fat mass, pre is pre-intervention, and post is post-intervention) significantly improved over time in PRO (+0.6 ± 1.9) but not PLA (−1.8 ± 3.1; p = 0.048); however, neither group demonstrated changes in laboratory performance tests. Protein supplementation for 12 weeks significantly improved BCI and provided a simple way to improve the diet in female collegiate dancers.

Novelty Twelve weeks of protein supplementation does not change body weight in female collegiate dancers. BCI improves following protein supplementation in female collegiate dancers.
Topological Order, Mixed States and Open Systems
Authors: Asorey Manuel , Facchi Paolo , Marmo Giuseppe
Published: October 2019

The role of mixed states in topological quantum matter is less known than that of pure quantum states. Generalisations of topological phases appearing in pure states have received attention in the literature only quite recently. In particular, it is still unclear whether the generalisation of the Aharonov–Anandan phase for mixed states due to Uhlmann plays any physical role in the behaviour of the quantum systems. We analyse, from a general viewpoint, topological phases of mixed states and the robustness of their invariance. In particular, we analyse the role of these phases in the behaviour of systems with periodic symmetry and their evolution under the influence of an environment preserving its crystalline symmetries.
George Sudarshan and Quantum Dynamics
Authors: Modi Kavan
Published: October 2019

These are my recollections of working with George Sudarshan from 2002 to 2008 when I was a PhD student in his group. During these years I learnt a lot of physics and also was a witness to some remarkable occurrences.
The benefits of indolence
Authors: Bugayenko Yegor
Published: October 2019

The
Communications
Web site, http://cacm.acm.org, features more than a dozen bloggers in the BLOG@CACM community. In each issue of
Communications
, we'll publish selected posts or excerpts.

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Yegor Bugayenko explains his realization that software developers should go neither above nor beyond.
DeepXplore
Authors: Pei Kexin , Cao Yinzhi , Yang Junfeng , Jana Suman
Published: October 2019

Deep learning (DL) systems are increasingly deployed in safety- and security-critical domains such as self-driving cars and malware detection, where the correctness and predictability of a system's behavior for corner case inputs are of great importance. Existing DL testing depends heavily on manually labeled data and therefore often fails to expose erroneous behaviors for rare inputs.

We design, implement, and evaluate DeepXplore, the first white-box framework for systematically testing real-world DL systems. First, we introduce neuron coverage for measuring the parts of a DL system exercised by test inputs. Next, we leverage multiple DL systems with similar functionality as cross-referencing oracles to avoid manual checking. Finally, we demonstrate how finding inputs for DL systems that both trigger many differential behaviors and achieve high neuron coverage can be represented as a joint optimization problem and solved efficiently using gradient-based search techniques.

DeepXplore efficiently finds thousands of incorrect corner case behaviors (e.g., self-driving cars crashing into guard rails and malware masquerading as benign software) in state-of-the-art DL models with thousands of neurons trained on five popular datasets such as ImageNet and Udacity self-driving challenge data. For all tested DL models, on average, DeepXplore generated one test input demonstrating incorrect behavior within one second while running only on a commodity laptop. We further show that the test inputs generated by DeepXplore can also be used to retrain the corresponding DL model to improve the model's accuracy by up to 3%.
Pulse Reverse Alloy Plating for Increased Lifetimes for Biocombustors
Authors: Xu Jing , Hall Tim , Vijapur Santosh , WANG DAN , Taylor Jennings E. , Inman Maria , Snyder Stephen , Brady Michael
Published: October 2019

Biomass embodies tremendous potential as a renewable energy resource. According to the biomass Thermal Energy Council (BTEC), biomass energy is renewable, carbon neutral, domestic and technologically mature. In addition, the low cost per BTU of wood chips and pellets relative to fossil fuels makes biomass an attractive thermal energy source. Furthermore, ~7% of global energy consumption comprises small-scale biomass combustion, representing a tremendous market for technologies that facilitate enhanced biomass utilization. However, a major challenge associated with utilization of biomass is its combustion behavior. The moisture content, chemical composition, and combustion efficiency varies depending on the source of biomass. Small scale biomass combustors (Figure 1) which for cost reasons are often constructed of mild or low-alloy steels, during operation are subjected to corrosive environments which include alkali halides (borne, e.g., by fly ash particulates), mineral/halogen acids and water; as well as various others such as sulfur and nitrogen oxides. There is a need to create more efficient, longer lasting, cleaner, and cost effective cookstoves for use in burning biomaterials. The materials used for cookstoves must improve burning efficiency, must be able to operate at higher temperatures, and should be low cost material systems to durably perform in the corrosive environments.Within this context, Faraday Technology Inc. is working on developing low cost and high value corrosion-resistant alloy coatings for existing bio-combustors or lower cost steels with the goal of increasing their functional lifetime, while reducing the component cost. The manufacturing process involves electrodeposition of binary/ternary/quaternary alloys consisting of [Ni/Co]-Cr-[Mo/Fe] onto a low cost substrate and subsequent accelerated high temperature corrosion evaluation. A wide array of electrolytes and processing parameters were evaluated in order to understand these effects on the deposit composition, structure, and high-temperature corrosion resistance properties towards the goal of developing an ideal alloy coating. Specifically, 100 wt% Cr, 7 wt% Co- 93 wt% Cr binary and 15 wt% Ni – 20 wt% Cr – 55 wt% Co (NiCoCr) ternary alloy coatings demonstrated enhanced corrosion resistance when exposed to an aggressive environment (~700°C, 1000 hr, coating surface salted with ~1 mg/cm2 every 100 hours). When compared to the SS base material the Cr/CoCr alloy coatings exhibited effective protection to the substrate and over 10 times lifetime improvement to its base material.
Effects of prolonged type 2 diabetes on mitochondrial function in cerebral blood vessels
Authors: Merdzo Ivan , Rutkai Ibolya , Sure Venkata N. L. R. , Katakam Prasad V. G. , Busija David W.
Published: October 2019

One of the major characteristics of hyperglycemic states such as type 2 diabetes is increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Since mitochondria are a major source of ROS, it is vital to understand the involvement of these organelles in the pathogenesis of ROS-mediated conditions. Therefore, we investigated mitochondrial function and ROS production in cerebral blood vessels of 21-wk-old Zucker diabetic fatty obese rats and their lean controls. We have previously shown that in the early stages of insulin resistance, and short periods of type 2 diabetes mellitus, only mild differences exist in mitochondrial function. In the present study, we examined mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial protein expression, and ROS production in large-surface cerebral arteries. We used 21-wk-old animals exposed to peak glucose levels for 7 wk and compared them with our previous studies on younger diabetic animals. We found that the same segments of mitochondrial respiration (basal respiration and proton leak) were diminished in diabetic groups as they were in younger diabetic animals. Levels of rattin, a rat humanin analog, tended to decrease in the diabetic group but did not reach statistical significance ( P = 0.08). Other mitochondrial proteins were unaffected, which might indicate the existence of compensatory mechanisms with extension of this relatively mild form of diabetes. Superoxide levels were significantly higher in large cerebral vessels of diabetic animals compared with the control group. In conclusion, prolonged dietary diabetes leads to stabilization, rather than deterioration, of metabolic status in the cerebral circulation, despite continued overproduction of ROS.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We have characterized for the first time the dynamics of mitochondrial function during the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus with regard to mitochondrial respiration, protein expression, and reactive oxygen species production. In addition, this is the first measurement of rattin levels in the cerebral vasculature, which could potentially lead to novel treatment options.
Minimally Invasive Screw Fixation of Unstable Pelvic Fractures Using the “Blunt End” Kirschner Wire Technique Assisted by 3D Printed External Template
Authors: Chen Kaifang , Yao Sheng , Yang Fan , Drepaul Deepak , Telemacque Dionne , Zhu Fengzhao , Zeng Lian , Xiong Zekang , Sun Tingfang , Guo Xiaodong
Published: October 2019

Objective. This study aimed to determine the accuracy and safety of the “blunt end” Kirschner wire (KW) technique for the minimally invasive treatment of unstable pelvic fractures with the assistance of a 3D printed external template. Methods. Clinical data of 28 patients with unstable pelvic fractures between January 2016 and January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 6 cases of B1, 10 of B2, 8 of C1, and 4 of C2 fractures, all of which received surgical treatment. The “blunt end” KW technique with a 3D template was adopted for the minimally invasive placement of the iliosacral (IS) or superior ramus screws. The number of intraoperative fluoroscopies, surgical time, and complications were recorded. Postoperative reduction was assessed using the Matta criteria, and the Majeed score system was used to evaluate postoperative functional recovery. Results. The average number of fluoroscopies was 35 per patient, and the average surgical time was 85.2 min. A total of 19 S1 and 28 S2 IS screws were inserted. Eleven antegrade superior ramus screws and 4 retrograde screws were placed in 11 patients, and anterior subcutaneous internal fixation (INFIX) was used to fix the anterior pelvic ring in 17 patients. All patients were followed up for an average of 18 months. Postoperative reduction was evaluated by Matta’s criteria: excellent in 16 cases, good in 9 cases, and fair in 3 cases. The Majeed score was used in the last follow-up to evaluate functional recovery: excellent in 13 cases, good in 10 cases, fair in 4 cases, and poor in 1 case. There were no cases of operative vascular injury. Conclusion. The “blunt end” KW technique with a 3D printed external template is a safe and effective method for the placement of IS and superior ramus screws in unstable pelvic fractures with minimized surgical duration and radiation exposure.
Diphenyl Ditelluride: Redox-Modulating and Antiproliferative Properties
Authors: Trindade Cristiano , Juchem André Luiz Mendes , Guecheva Temenouga N. , de Oliveira Iuri M. , dos Santos Silveira Priscila , Vargas José Eduardo , Puga Renato , Pessoa Claudia Ó. , Henriques João A. P.
Published: October 2019

Tellurium is a rare element that has been regarded as a toxic, nonessential element, and its biological role is not clearly established. In addition, the biological effects of elemental tellurium and some of its organic and inorganic derivatives have been studied, leading to a set of interesting and promising applications. Diphenyl ditelluride (DPDT), an organic tellurium derivate, showed antioxidant, antigenotoxic, antimutagenic, and anticancer properties. The antioxidant and prooxidant properties of DPDT are complex and depend on experimental conditions, which may explain the contradictory reports of these properties. In addition, DPDT may exert its effects through different pathways, including distinct ones to those responsible for chemotherapy resistance phenotypes: transcription factors, membrane receptors, adhesion, structural molecules, cell cycle regulatory components, and apoptosis pathways. This review aims to present recent advances in our understanding of the biological effects, therapeutic potential, and safety of DPDT treatment. Moreover, original results demonstrating the cytotoxic effects of DPDT in different mammalian cell lines and systems biology analysis are included, and emerging approaches for possible future applications are inferred.
Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid Attenuates Autoimmune Arthritis by Suppressing Th17 Cells through NR1D1 Inhibition
Authors: Kim Da Som , Min Hong-Ki , Kim Eun Kyung , Yang Seung Cheon , Na Hyun Sik , Lee Seon-Yeong , Choi Jeong-Won , Jung Kyung-Ah , Kwok Seung-Ki , Park Sung-Hwan , Cho Mi-La
Published: October 2019

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of systemic autoimmune arthritis that causes joint inflammation and destruction. One of the pathological mechanisms of RA is known to involve histone acetylation. Although the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) can attenuate arthritis in animal models of RA, the mechanism underlying this effect is poorly understood. This study was performed to examine whether SAHA has therapeutic potential in an animal model of RA and to investigate its mechanism of action. Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice were orally administered SAHA daily for 8 weeks and examined for their arthritis score and incidence of arthritis. CD4+ T cell regulation following SAHA treatment was confirmed in splenocytes cultured under type 17 helper T (Th17) cell differentiation conditions. Clinical scores and the incidence of CIA were lower in mice in the SAHA treatment group compared to the controls. In addition, SAHA inhibited Th17 cell differentiation, as well as decreased expression of the Th17 cell-related transcription factors pSTAT3 Y705 and pSTAT3 S727. In vitro experiments showed that SAHA maintained regulatory T (Treg) cells but specifically reduced Th17 cells. The same results were obtained when mouse splenocytes were cultured under Treg cell differentiation conditions and then converted to Th17 cell differentiation conditions. In conclusion, SAHA was confirmed to specifically inhibit Th17 cell differentiation through nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1 (NR1D1), a factor associated with Th17 differentiation. The results of the present study suggested that SAHA can attenuate CIA development by inhibition of the Th17 population and maintenance of the Treg population through NR1D1 inhibition. Therefore, SAHA is a potential therapeutic candidate for RA.
Cicadidae Periostracum, the Cast-Off Skin of Cicada, Protects Dopaminergic Neurons in a Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Lim Hye-Sun , Kim Joong-Sun , Moon Byeong Cheol , Choi Goya , Ryu Seung Mok , Lee Jun , Ang Mary Jasmin , Jeon Mijin , Moon Changjong , Park Gunhyuk
Published: October 2019

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by dopaminergic neuronal loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNPC) and the striatum. Nuclear receptor-related 1 protein (Nurr1) is a nuclear hormone receptor implicated in limiting mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and inflammation in the central nervous system and protecting dopaminergic neurons and a promising therapeutic target for PD. Cicadidae Periostracum (CP), the cast-off skin of Cryptotympana pustulata Fabricius, has been used in traditional medicine for its many clinical pharmacological effects, including the treatment of psychological symptoms in PD. However, scientific evidence for the use of CP in neurodegenerative diseases, including PD, is lacking. Here, we investigated the protective effects of CP on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine- (MPTP-) induced PD in mice and explored the underlying mechanisms of action, focusing on Nurr1. CP increased the expression levels of Nurr1, tyrosine hydroxylase, DOPA decarboxylase, dopamine transporter, and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 via extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation in differentiated PC12 cells and the mouse SNPC. In MPTP-induced PD, CP promoted recovery from movement impairments. CP prevented dopamine depletion and protected against dopaminergic neuronal degradation via mitochondria-mediated apoptotic proteins such as B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X, cytochrome c, and cleaved caspase-9 and caspase-3 by inhibiting MPTP-induced neuroinflammatory cytokines, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase 2, and glial/microglial activation. Moreover, CP inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammatory cytokines and response levels and glial/microglial activation in BV2 microglia and the mouse brain. Our findings suggest that CP might contribute to neuroprotective signaling by regulating neurotrophic factors primarily via Nurr1 signaling, neuroinflammation, and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis.
Microvesicles Derived from Human Embryonic Neural Stem Cells Inhibit the Apoptosis of HL-1 Cardiomyocytes by Promoting Autophagy and Regulating AKT and mTOR via Transporting HSP-70
Authors: Zhang Lei , Gao Jianyi , Chen Tianyan , Chen Xiang , Ji Xianyan , Ye Kai , Yu Jiahong , Tang Bin , Wei Yusheng , Xu Hong , Hu Jiabo
Published: October 2019

Myocardial reperfusion injury (MRI) induced by cardiomyocyte apoptosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of a variety of cardiovascular diseases. New MRI treatments involving stem cells are currently being developed because these cells may exert their therapeutic effects primarily through paracrine mechanisms. Microvesicles (MVs) are small extracellular vesicles that have become the key mediators of intercellular communication. MVs derived from stem cells have been reported to play an important role in MRI. In this article, we attempted to explore the mechanisms by which MVs derived from human embryonic neural stem cells (hESC-NSC-derived MVs) rescue MRI. hESCs were differentiated into NSCs, and MVs were isolated from their supernatants by ultracentrifugation. H2O2 was used to induce apoptosis in HL-1 cardiomyocytes. Cell viability was detected by using the CCK-8 assay, apoptosis was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, and apoptosis-related proteins and signalling pathway-related proteins were detected by western blot analysis. Autophagic flux was measured using the tandem fluorescent mRFG-GFP-LC3 assay. Transmission electron microscopy and western blot analysis were adopted to evaluate autophagy levels. hESC-NSC-derived MVs increased the autophagy and inhibited the apoptosis of HL-1 cells exposed to H2O2 for 3 h in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, hESC-NSC-derived MVs contained high levels of heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70), which can increase the level of HSP-70 in cells. Moreover, the same effect could be achieved by heat shock preconditioning of HL-1 cells overexpressing HSP-70. The benefits of NSC-MVs may be due to the involvement of AKT and mTOR signalling pathways. Importantly, hESC-NSC-derived MVs stimulated the activation of the AKTand mTOR signalling pathway in those cells by transporting HSP-70. Our results suggest that hESC-NSC-derived MVs inhibit the apoptosis of HL-1 cardiomyocytes by promoting autophagy and regulating AKT and mTOR via transporting HSP-70. However, this hypothesis requires in vivo confirmation.
Experimental Study on Multiple Explosions during the Development and Utilization of Oil Shale Dust
Authors: Liu Bo , Zhang Yansong , Zhang Yuyuan , Chen Jinshe , Meng Xiangbao
Published: October 2019

Oil shale is a kind of high‐combustion heat mineral; in the process of exploitation, storage, and utilization, oil shale dust has the risk of explosion. The explosion characteristics and flame propagation behavior of oil shale dust are worth studying. The difference between the multiple explosion behaviors of oil shale dust was investigated with the use of a 20 L explosive spherical tank and a dust MIE experimental device. The explosion characteristics and microstructure changes of the explosive products in multiple explosions were examined. The experimental results show that the maximum explosion pressure (Pmax) dropped, and simultaneously, the minimum ignition energy (MIE), the explosion time (t), and the maximum rate of pressure rise ((dp/dt)max) increased as the explosions continued. Furthermore, the oil shale continued exploding until the third explosion. Some original oil shale dust (OOSD) and explosive residues were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectrometer. The SEM images of the explosive residues indicate a high fragmentation degree and well‐developed pore structure during the entire multiexplosion process. Oxygen‐containing functional groups, the aliphatic C‐H bond, and the aromatic C‐H bond in oil shale dust all participated in the oil shale dust explosion process.
Phytochemical, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Profiles of Duranta erecta L. Parts
Authors: Donkor Shadrack , Larbie Christopher , Komlaga Gustav , Emikpe Benjamin Obukowho
Published: October 2019

The use of plant-based medicine is popular amongst individuals and communities in developing countries. Duranta erecta has been used in Africa and Asia to treat a wide range of diseases. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of D. erecta to ascertain its health benefits in traditional medicine. Phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial effect of the hydroethanolic extract of D. erecta leaves (DRL), unripe fruits (DRU), and ripe fruits (DRR) were investigated by standard methods. Elemental analyses were carried out by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) on the raw sample and extract. FTIR and UV-VIS spectroscopy were used to identify functional groups. Extracts were screened for their possible antioxidant activities by three tests. The total phenolic and total tannin contents were evaluated by using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Total flavonoid content was determined by the aluminium chloride colorimetric assay method. The antioxidant activities were evaluated using the DPPH scavenging activity. The results of phytochemical screening showed the presence of triterpenoids, sterols, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, and tannins. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of alcohols, phenols, alkanes, aldehydes, ketones, aromatics, aliphatic amines, aromatic amines, amides, carboxylic acids, esters, nitro compounds, alkynes, primary and secondary amines, and alkyl halides. Iron, zinc, and copper were also detected. Total phenolic and tannin contents ranged from 2.20 ± 0.15 to 14.54 ± 0.29 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g and 3.55 ± 0.07 to 13.82 ± 0.04 mg GAE/100 g, respectively. Total flavonoid content varied from 41.76 ± 0.96 to 343.49 ± 3.45 μg quercetin equivalent (QE)/100 g. The highest DPPH scavenging activity was recorded in the methanolic fraction of the leaves. The antimicrobial assay of the extract or fractions recorded no activity against the test organisms. The outcome of this study affirmed that D. erecta contains phytochemicals and bioactive compounds that could be of health benefit.
Underutilization of Bowel Ultrasound in North America in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Gamboa Heidi E. , Molle-Rios Zarela , Anupindi Sudha A.
Published: October 2019

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing disease that requires evaluation using multiple objective tools. In Europe, bowel ultrasound (US) is a widely accepted modality used for the management of patients with IBD; however, its use in North America has only recently emerged as a potential technique. Objectives: Our goal was to identify current practice patterns of pediatric gastroenterologists and radiologists using bowel US in patients with IBD and highlight perceived limitations to the widespread adoption of this modality in North America. Methods: A 14-question survey was e-mailed to the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition internet bulletin board composed of 3,058 subscribers from 51 countries; the Society of Pediatric Radiology listserv composed of 1,917 subscribers worldwide; and the Society of Chairs of Radiology at Children’s Hospitals listserv. Descriptive summary statistics was used. Results: In North America, about one-quarter of gastroenterology and radiology participants reported using bowel US for IBD; over 3-fourths expressed an interest in using US more often. Bowel US was performed more frequently for Crohn’s disease. Both groups agreed the main limitation to using bowel US was concern for inter-observer variability and operator-dependent factors; radiologists reported that other modalities are more effective to assess IBD, whereas gastroenterologists reported unfamiliarity with bowel US indications and techniques. Conclusions: Our data show there is significant interest among both radiologists and gastroenterologists in using bowel US. However, lack of education, insufficient training, and perceived high inter-observer variability among US technologists are limitations preventing the widespread adoption of US for IBD in North America.
V. PRELIMINARY STUDY ON ISOZYMES OF SHOREA JAVANICA
Authors: JUNIARTI U.
Published: October 2019

The detection of genetic variability in natural or man-made populations/ plantations is useful in both basic and applied biology. In addition to the various facets of studies on Shorea javanica already initiated by Torquebiau (1984) and alongside with his recommendations on focus for future research, a study on the genetic aspects of the species should be given important considerations. As the trees are tapped for resin, an important forest product, the genetic basis of the production as well as the range of variation in amount of resin production among the trees must be known. Coupled with this is a thorough investigation on the differences in pest resistance/susceptability among the trees and their genetic basis. While the assumption (Torquebiau 1984) that trees in natural forest areas are-rarely attacked by diseases because of mycorrhizal fungi is interesting, its confirmation is necessary. If this is true, problems would arise when plants are introduced into a new plantation site as experienced by the Forest Research Institute (Ardikoesuma 1954). Thus, we need to look for pest resistant plants i.e. those that can remain healthy even in the absence of mycorrhizae. The above studies on possible genetic variation could give vital information for development of forest plantations of the species and for breeding and tree improvement strategies. By knowing the extent of genetic variation in natural population or in plantations one could be guided to maintain or increase the genetic base in these areas. Biochemical characters such as isozyme banding patterns have been useful in several areas of plant biology, population genetics, evolution and breeding. Isozymes are detected by starch gel electrophoresis and when their genetic control is established, they could be genetic markers in analyzing variation in morphological or physiological characters. The present study is an attempt to detect the isozymes in leaves, seeds and cotyledons of Shorea javanica by gel electrophoresis.
A COLLECTION OF TICKS (IXODIDAE) FROM SULAWESI UTARA, INDONESIA
Authors: DURDEN L.A.
Published: October 2019

IxodidÂ  ticksÂ  wereÂ  collectedÂ  fromÂ  sevenÂ  speciesÂ  ofÂ  endemicÂ  muridÂ  rodentsÂ  andÂ  fromÂ  vegetationÂ  in Sulawesi Utara,Â  Indonesia. AdultÂ  ticks belongingÂ  toÂ  the species, Amblyomma babirussae, A. cyprium and DermacentorÂ  (Indocentor) steini were takenÂ  fromÂ  the vegetation.Â  ImmatureÂ  ticks assignableÂ  to the genera, Haemaphysalis,Â  AmblyommaÂ  andÂ  IxodesÂ  infestedÂ  the murids withÂ  Parauromys dominator and Maxomys musschenbroekii beingÂ  theÂ  two most heavilyÂ  tick-infested host species. The data areÂ  comparedÂ  to otherÂ  tick records from Sulawesi.
ASSESSMENT OF SPOT SATELLITE DATA FOR TROPICAL VEGETATION INVENTORY AND MONITORING IN SUMATRA
Authors: Laumonier Yves
Published: October 2019

Following a previous vegetation mapping in Sumatra island (Indonesia), an assessment of SPOT satellite capability to handle specific problems related to vegetation identification and monitoring from remote sensing data has been undertaken. Results of visual interpretation and multispectral analysis have shown the usefulness of SPOT data for the appraisal of tropical vegetation at medium scale. This was particularly striking for the swampy vegetation types including mangroves and for the secondary vegetation, for which significant improvements have been brought by multispectral classifications. A 20 m ground resolution is neither sufficient to provide information on primary forest patterns, nor to identify properly logged over areas. Never theless, several degrees of depletion of the forest and all the serial stages have been identified, which is a considerable progress compared with previous remote sensing means. SPOT is a very good alternative to medium scale aerial photographs for the production of medium scale (1 : 100 000 to 1 : 250 000) vegetation and land-use maps.
THE ADSORPTION OF IMAZAPYR BY THREE SOIL TYPES IN INDONESIA
Authors: TJITROSEMITO S.
Published: October 2019

The adsorption of imazapyr in three Indonesian soil types was investigated with labelled 14 C-imazapyr using Freundlich adsorption isotherm. The availability of adsorbed imazapyr to plants as affected by washing and liming was assayed using root elongation of rice seedlings. Red-Yellow Podsolic soil adsorbed imazapyr more than Andosol and sandy soil of Laladon. The adsorption was greater at lower pH. Washing seemed to reduce the concentration of imazapyr as shown by the increasing length of rice roots. On the other hand liming facilitated higher concentrations of imazapyr in the solution as shown by the reduction of rice root length. The practical implication is discussed.
GROWTH INHIBITION OF PATHOGENIC ROOT FUNGI BY EXTRACTS OF ECTOMYCORRHIZAL FUNGI OR Picea glehnii INOCULATED WITH ECTOMYCORRHIZAL FUNGI*
Authors: MEGUMI KASUYA MARIA CATARINA
Published: October 2019

This work sought to verify the presence of compounds with antimicrobial properties in extracts of ectomycorrhizal fungi or in Picea glehnii inoculated with ectomycorrhizal fungi. Extracts from Pisolithus tinctorius, Scleroderma flavidum, Amanita pantherina and Paxillus sp., grown in liquid culture media, and from P. glehnii seedlings inoculated or not with the above ectomycorrhizal fungi and cultivated in in vitro condition, were processed to obtain two fractions, water and ethyl acetate solubles. These fractions were tested for the presence of inhibitory constituents against Fusarium roseum, Pythium sp. and Rhizoctonia solani. Direct bioautography technique on TLC or paper disc technique was used, depending on the extract and pathogenic fungi tested. The results showed the production on inhibitory components, not only by ectomycorrhizal fungi, but also by P. glehnii inoculated or not with ectomycorrhizal fungi. The sensitivity varied considerably according to the type of fungus or extract.
Key words: Japan/Mycorrhizas/Inh|bition/Extracts/Antimicrobial compounds/Amanita pantherina/Pisolithustinctorius/Paxillvs spJScleroderma flavidum/Fusarium roseum/Pythium spJRhizoctonia solani.
NATURAL PRODUCTS IN ORGANIC SYNTHESIS
Authors: H. BURNELL ROBERT
Published: October 2019

A resume of four lectures presented by the author during a one month visit to BIOTROP in 1995. The seminars were held at the University of Indonesia at Depok, the Technical Institute in Bandung, the Bogor Agricultural Institute and at BIOTROP, Bogor. The talks were grouped under the general title "The Use of Natural Products in Organic Synthesis".
Key words: Organic compounds/Natural products.
THE EFFECTS OF DRYING AND SHELLING ON ASPERGILLUS FLAWS INFECTION AND AFLATOXIN PRODUCTION OF MAIZE*
Authors: DHARMAPUTRA O.S.
Published: October 2019

TheÂ  effects of dryingÂ  andÂ  shelling onÂ  AspergillusÂ  fla\-usÂ  infectionÂ  andÂ  aflatoxinÂ  productionÂ  of maizeÂ  stored under laboratory conditions were investigated together with the intactness of grain and change of moisture content during the storage period. Fully matured maize var. Arjuna and CPI-2 were harvested at 90 and 97 days after planting, respectively, after which they were unhusked and divided into 4 pans. The 1st and the 2nd parts were sun dried up to 20^ moisture content (m.c.) and then shelled and re-dried up to 17 and 14% m.c.. respectively. The 3rd part was sun dried up to 17% m.c. and then shelled but not re-dned. The 4th pan was sun dried up to 17% m.c. and then shelled and re-dried up to 14% m.c. The maize was sun dried by spreading either the cobs or the kernels on the paved floor. The nail-down wood and mechanical sheller were used for shelling the maize. After drying and shelling, maize samples were stored in the jars which were covered with muslin cloth for 3 months under laboratory conditions. A. flavus was isolated using dilution method on Aspergillus Flavus and Parasiticus Agar (AFPA). The damaged kernel analysis was carried out at the beginning of storage to obtain the percentage of damaged kernel caused by shelling. The m.c. and aflatoxin were determined using oven and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) methods, respectively. The m.c. decreased at 1 month of storage and then it was almost constant at 2 and 3 months of storage. The percentageÂ  of damaged kernelsÂ  of maize var. CPI-2 wasÂ  higherÂ  thanÂ  thoseÂ  ofÂ  var. Arjuna. The percentageÂ  of damaged kernels of maize shelled at 20% m.c. was higher than that shelled at 17% m.c. The percentage of damaged kernels of maize shelled by mechanical sheller was higher than that shelled by nail-down wood.*Paper presented at the Symposium on Pest Management for Stored Food and Feed, 5 -7 September 1995 Bogor, Indonesia.