bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional Autonomy Policy, State Investment, And Tourism Development in The Border Aruk West Kalimantan Indonesia
Authors: Elyta Elyta , Nuzulian Ully
Published: November 2019

Indonesia as a developing country certainly has an interest in capturing opportunities in the current era of globalization, one of which is foreign investment to develop tourism potential. The purpose of this study is to analyze the correlation in regional autonomy policy on foreign investment and border tourism development in Aruk, West Kalimantan. The method used in this research is descriptive method with a qualitative approach. The results of this study indicate that there is a correlation between regional autonomy policy, increased attractiveness of foreign investors in increasing tourism development. The correlation is found in the presence of foreign investors which is strongly influenced by the internal conditions of a country, namely the stability of tourism, state politics, and legal certainty. Besides the obstacles in the development of tourism in the Aruk border is the budget problem and number of investors who do not care about the environmental sustainability of a tourist area.
Financial Management In The Good Village Governance Frame In Plaga Village, Bali
Authors: Saputra Komang Adi Kurniawan , Darma I Ketut , Maha Putra I Nyoman Gede
Published: November 2019

Village fund management is an interesting issue to be researched and discussed at this time in the public sector and government arrangements. This research intends to reveal the implementation of good village governance in Plaga village, Badung Regency, Bali, because this village has excellent potential to be developed both in terms of village development, economy, culture, natural resources and human resources. The principles of good governance adopted in this study to be applied in villages, namely those issued by the UNDP (United Nations Development Program) include: participation, rule of law, transparency, consensus orientation, equity, effectiveness and efficiency, accountability, strategic vision. The data collection techniques are preliminary surveys, studies of literature, and field studies. Researchers focused with the data analysis techniques from Spradley (2015) for the analysis of information that was achieved by researchers. Within the qualitative research, Moleong (2002) has stated that to make a data validity, researchers could use a Data Triangulation technique. This research was conducted by the method of discussion through focus group discussions. The result is that all elements of good village governance run well in the village of Plaga, although improvements still need to be made, however, in general the principles of good village governance are implemented very well, so that they can become the foundation for a true independent village.
A Shoshoni Storyteller
Authors: HULTKRANTZ ÅKE
Published: November 2019

No abstract available
Problems Encountered by Christian Minorities in an Islamic Environment
Authors: EDSMAN CARL-MARTIN
Published: November 2019

No abstract available
New Religions and Old Definitions
Authors: KVIDELAND KARIN
Published: November 2019

No abstract available
Semantic Change in Seneca Language and Ritual: Native Alternatives to Borrowing
Authors: McELWAIN THOMAS
Published: November 2019

No abstract available
FEATURES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF FIXED CAPITAL IN THE UNITED STATES: LESSONS FOR RUSSIA
Authors: Lavrovskii Boris , Goryushkina Ekaterina , Shiltsin Evgeny
Published: November 2019

The article on the example of the United States demonstrates the relationship between economic growth and investment expenditures on the growth of a unit of GDP. The assumption is made that the dynamics of unit costs of investments (need for unit costs) is determined by the share of the intellectual product in productive investment. Based on the Cobb-Douglas function econometric model was constructed, which relates the GDP growth rate to the intellectual product. Communication estimates are given.
ASSESSMENT AND CARTOGRAPHY OF FOREST SOIL FERTILITY
Authors: Farber Sergey , Kuzmik Natalia
Published: November 2019

Forest soil fertility is estimated (measured) by the forest taxation indices stands. Materials of mass taxation contain all the necessary information for drawing up equations. The description of the taxation section and the soil and soil characteristics, including the name (type) of the soil, are contained in it.Formed regression equations. The boniteness class of the stand is used as a function, the indicator evaluating forest conditions is used as an independent variable. Regardless of the category of land, we obtain a quantitative assessment of the fertility of forest soils and the potential productivity of tree species.
PROBLEMS OF ASSESSMENT OF REAL ESTATE OBJECTS IN RUSSIA
Authors: Vlasov Alexander
Published: November 2019

Theoretical insolvency of the developed Western European empirical methods of assessment of real estate objects in Russia, full insolvency of their results for the solution of social and economic problems of development of territories of Russia is shown. The nature the similar technologies of calculation of economic standards of rational use of objects of invisibility aligning the interests of the state and business, creation of the uniform State Immovable Property Cadastre of Russia are offered.
Ultimate and Proximate Analysis of Coal Samples from
Different Regions in Pakistan for their Future Utilization
Authors: Ullah Muhammad Saeed , Zahid Umair , Masood Tariq
Published: November 2019

A comparison of coal samples obtained from various regions of Pakistan was done based on their proximate and ultimate analysis and gross calorific values to discern the processing technique which may be applied for these coals e.g. liquefaction, gasification, carbonization etc. The samples of coal were got from different coal fields in Pakistan. Different nomenclature were chosen to differentiate the regions of coal e.g., SRGE for coal obtained from Sor-Range and Degari coalfields near Quetta, Baluchistan, LKR for coal obtained from Lakhra, Sindh, SLGE for coal obtained from Salt Range coalfields near Chakwal, Punjab, KTL for coal obtained from Kotli, Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK), MCH for coal obtained from Mach, Baluchistan and THR for coal sample obtained from Tharparkar, Sindh. MCH coals were reported with highest calorific value of 13305.35kcal/kg. THR coals were classified as class (2) coals as they were found with calorific values & carbon contents of 12337.13 kcal/kg and 69.9% respectively. KTL coal samples were reported with lowest carbon contents of 57.9% in ultimate analysis experiments. MCH & SRG coals were nominated as low quality coals because of their highest ash contents i.e., 50%. SRGE and SLG coals were found hazardous for our ecosystem because of their high sulfur contents. SRGE, LKR, SLG and THR were classified as class (2) bituminous coals and were found best gas coals, while MCH and KTL were found class (1) and class (4) bituminous coals respectively.
KAJIAN SIMULASI PENERAPAN FULL COSTING:
Authors: Irwanti Lies Kurnia
Published: November 2019

Metode yang baik terkait  penghitungan biaya atas suatu kebijakan (produk pada sektor publik) merupakan salah satu prasyarat pengimplementasian Performance-based Budgetting mengingat adanya kebutuhan perbandingan antara biaya dengan kinerja yang dicapai. Hasil dari penghitungan harga pokok bergantung pada metode yang digunakan. Pemilihan metode yang kurang tepat akan berujung pada pengambilan keputusan yang kurang tepat (bias).

Untuk memberikan gambaran atas implementasi penghitungan biaya atas produk pada sektor publik, paper ini mensimulasikan penggunaan metode penghitungan biaya diklat per peserta pada satker BDK Yogyakarta pada tahun 2012-2014. Dalam memberikan paper ini, tiga metode penghitungan biaya disampaikan sebagai perbandingan. Hal ini penting dilakukan mengingat pemilihan metode yang kurang tepat akan berujung pada keputusan yang kurang tepat pula.

Pada akhir paper ini, metode full cost dengan modifikasi atas belanja modal direkomendasikan sebagai metode ideal. Metode ini mempertimbangkan dengan periodisasi atas belanja tahun berjalan. Metode ini membuktikan dapat menghindari bias dalam pengambilan keputusan. Namun demikian, penerapan metode ini pada sektor publik memberikan tantangan tersendiri dalam praktiknya, antara lain berupa penggunaan metode akrual dalam akuntansi (dimana informasi biaya atas aset pada tahun-tahun sebelumnya tersedia).
Virtual Synchronous Generator Based on Hybrid Energy Storage System for PV Power Fluctuation Mitigation
Authors: Leng Darith , Polmai Sompob
Published: November 2019

The application of renewable energy is stimulating since the environmental pollution and the increase in demand for global energy consumption have become the main concerns of humanity. However, the intermittent nature of renewable sources could seriously affect the frequency stability of the system which needs to be solved. In this paper, the Virtual Synchronous Generator (VSG) based on battery/supercapacitor Hybrid Energy Storage System (HESS) is proposed to handle the stochastic power output of Photovoltaic (PV). First, the power allocation methods for HESS and its comparison are illustrated. Second, the comparison of the frequency deviation suppression strategies is presented. Moreover, as the adjustable parameters of VSG (J, D) is a key superior to the conventional synchronous generator; hence, a part of this paper will be introduced a new evolutionary algorithm called Backtracking Search Optimize Algorithm (BSA) to tune the parameters of the VSG in real time. To investigate the control performance, the standalone microgrid is modeled in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. Several case studies are conducted, and the results prove the improvement of the system frequency by attenuating the maximum overshoot of frequency deviation from 50.18 Hz to 50.03 Hz.
FoxO3a as a Positive Prognostic Marker and a Therapeutic Target in Tamoxifen-Resistant Breast Cancer
Authors: Pellegrino Michele , Rizza Pietro , Donà Ada , Nigro Alessandra , Ricci Elena , Fiorillo Marco , Perrotta Ida , Lanzino Marilena , Giordano Cinzia , Bonofiglio Daniela , Bruno Rosalinda , Sotgia Federica , Lisanti Michael P. , Sisci Diego , Morelli Catia
Published: November 2019

Background: Resistance to endocrine treatments is a major clinical challenge in the management of estrogen receptor positive breast cancers. Although multiple mechanisms leading to endocrine resistance have been proposed, the poor outcome of this subgroup of patients demands additional studies. Methods: FoxO3a involvement in the acquisition and reversion of tamoxifen resistance was assessed in vitro in three parental ER+ breast cancer cells, MCF-7, T47D and ZR-75-1, in the deriving Tamoxifen resistant models (TamR) and in Tet-inducible TamR/FoxO3a stable cell lines, by growth curves, PLA, siRNA, RT-PCR, Western blot, Immunofluorescence, Transmission Electron Microscopy, TUNEL, cell cycle, proteomics analyses and animal models. FoxO3a clinical relevance was validated in silico by Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Results: Here, we show that tamoxifen resistant breast cancer cells (TamR) express low FoxO3a levels. The hyperactive growth factors signaling, characterizing these cells, leads to FoxO3a hyper-phosphorylation and subsequent proteasomal degradation. FoxO3a re-expression by using TamR tetracycline inducible cells or by treating TamR with the anticonvulsant lamotrigine (LTG), restored the sensitivity to the antiestrogen and strongly reduced tumor mass in TamR-derived mouse xenografts. Proteomics data unveiled novel potential mediators of FoxO3a anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activity, while the Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that FoxO3a is predictive of a positive response to tamoxifen therapy in Luminal A breast cancer patients. Conclusions: Altogether, our data indicate that FoxO3a is a key target to be exploited in endocrine-resistant tumors. In this context, LTG, being able to induce FoxO3a, might represent a valid candidate in combination therapy to prevent resistance to tamoxifen in patients at risk.
Anomalous Non-Linear to Linear Shift in Magnetoresistance of Amorphous Carbon Films
Authors: Saleemi Awais Siddique , Saeed Muhammad , Hussan Muhammad , Rehman Shafiq Ur , Hafeez Muhammad , Mehmood Shahid , Sial M. Aurang Zeb Gul , Lee Shern-long
Published: November 2019

Non-linear to linear negative magnetoresistance (MR) was studied under the magnetic field ranging from −7 T to 7 T with a change in measurement temperature from 2 K to 300 K. Under the magnetic field of 7 T, a maximum MR magnitude of 8.2% was observed at 2 K. The chemical vapor deposition technique was adopted to synthesize the amorphous carbon thin films. Non-saturated and non-linear negative MR was observed for the lower temperatures, while 10 K was observed as transition temperature. Afterwards, the more likely linear MR behavior was observed up to 300 K. MR shape change was correlated with the structural morphology of metallic disordered graphitic layers or the random stacking of graphene layers with amorphous carbon. The negative MR mechanism for such a non-linear to linear shift was partially assumed as a combined effect of the diffused scattering theory and the weak localization theory. The negative MR effect has a direct relation with the degree of structural order.
Germinable Soil Seed Bank in Biancana Badlands
Authors: Maccherini Simona , Santi Elisa , Torri Dino
Published: November 2019

Seed banks are important for understanding vegetation dynamics and habitat regeneration potential. Biancana badlands are vanishing landscapes where recurring and non-recurring management has been advocated to restore vegetation. Here, we investigated germinable seed bank structure and composition of a biancana badland in central Italy and evaluated the relationship between the standing vegetation and soil seed bank. We identified four land cover classes in five biancana badlands of Tuscany (central Italy) and collected data from 132 vegetation plots and 660 soil cores. We recorded 117 species in the standing vegetation. The seedlings that emerged from the soil samples, mostly annual species, numbered 183 and belonged to 31 taxa (392.5 seedlings/m−2 on average across the four land cover classes). Standing vegetation showed an aggregated spatial pattern with distinct communities while the seed bank showed a less aggregated spatial pattern. The similarity between the seed bank and standing vegetation was low. In contrast with the features generally found for disturbed and pioneer communities, but in line with seed bank characteristics of other badlands, the seed bank was particularly poor in species.
A Widespread Review of Smart Grids Towards Smart Cities
Authors: Farmanbar Mina , Parham Kiyan , Arild Øystein , Rong Chunming
Published: November 2019

Nowadays, the importance of energy management and optimization by means of smart devices has arisen as an important issue. On the other hand, the intelligent application of smart devices stands as a key element in establishing smart cities, which have been suggested as the solution to complicated future urbanization difficulties in coming years. Considering the scarcity of traditional fossil fuels in the near future, besides their ecological problems the new smart grids have demonstrated the potential to merge the non-renewable and renewable energy resources into each other leading to the reduction of environmental problems and optimizing operating costs. The current paper clarifies the importance of smart grids in launching smart cities by reviewing the advancement of micro/nano grids, applications of renewable energies, energy-storage technologies, smart water grids in smart cities. Additionally a review of the major European smart city projects has been carried out. These will offer a wider vision for researchers in the operation, monitoring, control and audit of smart-grid systems.
Effects of Personal Exposures to Micro- and Nano-Particulate Matter, Black Carbon, Particle-Bound Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, and Carbon Monoxide on Heart Rate Variability in a Panel of Healthy Older Subjects
Authors: Tang Chin-Sheng , Chuang Kai-Jen , Chang Ta-Yuan , Chuang Hsiao-Chi , Chen Li-Hsin , Lung Shih-Chun Candice , Chang Li-Te
Published: November 2019

As a non-invasive method, heart rate variability (HRV) has been widely used to study cardiovascular autonomous control. Environmental epidemiological studies indicated that the increase in an average concentration of particulate matter (PM) would result in a decrease in HRV, which was related to the increase of cardiovascular mortality in patients with myocardial infarction and the general population. With rapid economic and social development in Asia, how air pollutants, such as PM of different sizes and their components, affect the cardiovascular health of older people, still need to be further explored. The current study includes a 72 h personal exposure monitoring of seven healthy older people who lived in the Taipei metropolitan area. Mobile equipment, a portable electrocardiogram recorder, and the generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) were adopted to evaluate how HRV indices were affected by size-fractionated PM, particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (p-PAHs), black carbon (BC), and carbon monoxide (CO). Other related confounding factors, such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), temperature, relative humidity (RH), time, and monitoring week were controlled by fixed effects of the GAMM. Statistical analyses of multi-pollutant models showed that PM2.5–10, PM1, and nanoparticle (NP) could cause heart rate (HR), time-domain indices, and frequency-domain indices to rise; PM1–2.5 and BC would cause the frequency-domain index to rise; p-PAHs would cause HR to rise, and CO would cause time-domain index and frequency-domain index to decline. In addition, the moving average time all fell after one hour and might appear at 8 h in HRVs’ largest percentage change caused by each pollutant, results of which suggested that size-fractionated PM, p-PAHs, BC, and CO exposures have delayed effects on HRVs. In conclusion, the results of the study showed that the increase in personal pollutant exposure would affect cardiac autonomic control function of healthy older residents in metropolitan areas, and the susceptibility of cardiovascular effects was higher than that of healthy young people. Since the small sample size would limit the generalizability of this study, more studies with larger scale are warranted to better understand the HRV effects of simultaneous PM and other pollution exposures for subpopulation groups.
Distribution and Contamination Assessment of Soil Heavy Metals in the Jiulongjiang River Catchment, Southeast China
Authors: Zhang Qian , Han Guilin , Liu Man , Li Xiaoqiang , Wang Lingqing , Liang Bin
Published: November 2019

A total of 63 soil samples were collected from three soil profiles (yellow soil, red loam, red soil) from Jiulongjiang river catchment to investigate the distribution, controlling factors, and toxic risks of heavy metals, including Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Ni. The results showed that Cr and Cd in soils were enriched. The relationships between heavy metals and soil properties were assessed by principal component analysis. The results indicated that soil organic matter (SOM) played a fundamental role in controlling Cd and Pb in yellow soil and red loam sites. The Cd was significantly correlated with Pb and Cu, and Cr, Zn, Ni, Fe displayed strong correlations with each other, however, no statistical correlation was found between Cd and Cr. The enrichment factor and geoaccumulation index analyses showed that the soils in the study area were contaminated by Cd. Potential ecological risk analyses indicated that Cd posed a considerable ecological risk in yellow soils, and posed a moderate ecological risk in red loams and red soils.
Refrigeration Capacity and Effect of Ageing on the Operation of Cellulose Evaporative Cooling Pads, by Wind Tunnel Analysis
Authors: Franco-Salas Antonio , Peña-Fernández Araceli , Valera-Martínez Diego Luis
Published: November 2019

This study investigates the temperature reduction capacity and water consumption of a fan-pad system installed in a greenhouse located in the coastal regions of Almería. The suitability of this system for coastal zones with high environmental humidity during the summer is analyzed. Historical temperature and relative humidity series are studied, obtaining the thermal difference and maximum, medium, and minimum monthly water consumption of the pads based on the operation data of the pads. Despite the high relative humidity of the air in the hottest hours of the day, a decrease of 5.92 °C in the mean temperature and a water consumption of 13.55 l/h per square meter of an evaporative cooling pad are obtained in the month of August. Additionally, the operation of a cellulose evaporative cooling pad installed for 3 years in a greenhouse is analyzed in a wind tunnel and compared with that of a new pad of the same model. Over time and with low maintenance, the porosity of the pad decreases due to salt incrustation. The salt incrustation makes airflow more difficult in the pad, increasing the pressure drop by 170.04%; however, the air saturation efficiency of the pad increases by 6.6% due to the greater contact time between the air and the water.
Influence of Landscape Pattern Changes on Runoff and Sediment in the Dali River Watershed on the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Zhang Yan , Bi Zhilei , Zhang Xin , Yu Yang
Published: November 2019

The large-scale Grain for Green project on the Loess Plateau of China significantly changes the regional landscape pattern, which has a profound impact on runoff and sediment process. The relationship between landscape pattern and runoff and sediment in the Dali River watershed is established. Cropland and grassland areas in the watershed show a downward trend, whereas the woodland and building land increases continuously. The Number of Patches (NP), Patch Density (PD) and Landscape Diversity (SHDI), Landscape Division Index (DIVISION) increase significantly. The Largest Patch Index (LPI) and Landscape Shape Index (LSI) show overall change in the rising and falling rule. The Contagion Index (CONTAG) and Cohesion Index (COHESION) first increase, then decrease. A decreasing trend is shown by runoff and sediment. The annual runoff in 2010 was 29.76% less than in 1960, and the annual sediment load was 84.87% less. NP, PD, COHESION, DIVISION and SHDI have a significant negative correlation with runoff and sediment, and CONTAG and runoff sediment are positively related. This study could provide theoretical support for guiding watershed land use and landscape planning to effectively reduce runoff and sediment transport.
Pyridine-Imidazlolium Salts: Oxidatively Cleavage of N-C Bond via Nitration
Authors: Cucu (Diaconu) Dumitrela , Mangalagiu Violeta
Published: November 2019

Azaheterocycles derivatives with pyridine-imidazole skeleton are compounds of great value for medicinal chemistry. We report herein the nitration of 1,1′-(pyridine-2,6-diylbis(methylene))bis{3-[2-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-oxoethyl]-1H-imidazol-3-ium} bromide using a typical mixture of nitric and sulphuric acid. The nitration occur with the oxidative cleavage of N–C bond between imidazolium ring and methylene group.
Prediction of Electrical Conductivity of Fiber-Reinforced Cement-Based Composites by Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Yuan Dongdong , Jiang Wei , Tong Zheng , Gao Jie , Xiao Jingjing , Ye Wanli
Published: November 2019

This study presents a deep-learning method for characterizing carbon fiber (CF) distribution and predicting electrical conductivity of CF-reinforced cement-based composites (CFRCs) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. First, SEM images were collected from CFRC specimens with different CF contents. Second, a fully convolutional network (FCN) was utilized to extract carbon fiber components from the SEM images. Then, DSEM and Dsample were used to evaluate the distribution of CFs. DSEM and Dsample reflected the real CF distribution in an SEM observation area and a specimen, respectively. Finally, a radial basis neural network was used to predict the electrical conductivity of the CFRC specimens, and its weights (di) were used to evaluate the effects of CF distribution on electrical conductivity. The results showed that the FCN could accurately segment CFs in SEM images with different magnifications. Dsample could accurately reflect the morphological distribution of CFs in CFRC. The electrical conductivity prediction errors were less than 6.58%. In addition, di could quantitatively evaluate the effect of CF distribution on CFRC conductivity.
Using Solubility Parameters to Model More Environmentally Friendly Solvent Blends for Organic Solar Cell Active Layers
Authors: Jalan Ishita , Lundin Lisa , van Stam Jan
Published: November 2019

To facilitate industrial applications, as well as for environmental and health purposes, there is a need to find less hazardous solvents for processing the photoactive layer of organic solar cells. As there are vast amounts of possibilities to combine organic solvents and solutes, it is of high importance to find paths to discriminate among the solution chemistry possibilities on a theoretical basis. Using Hansen solubility parameters (HSP) offers such a path. We report on some examples of solvent blends that have been found by modelling HSP for an electron donor polymer (TQ1) and an electron acceptor polymer (N2200) to match solvent blends of less hazardous solvents than those commonly used. After the theoretical screening procedure, solubility tests were performed to determine the HSP parameters relevant for the TQ1:N2200 pair in the calculated solvent blends. Finally, thin solid films were prepared by spin-coating from the solvent blends that turned out to be good solvents to the donor-acceptor pair. Our results show that the blend film morphology prepared in this way is similar to those obtained from chloroform solutions.
Purification and Product Characterization of Lipoxygenase from Opium Poppy Cultures (Papaver somniferum L.)
Authors: Holková Ivana , Rauová Drahomíra , Mergová Michaela , Bezáková Lýdia , Mikuš Peter
Published: November 2019

Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) is an ancient medicinal plant producing pharmaceutically important benzylisoquinoline alkaloids. In the present work we focused on the study of enzyme lipoxygenase (LOX, EC 1.13.11.12) from opium poppy cultures. LOX is involved in lipid peroxidation and lipoxygenase oxidation products of polyunsaturated fatty acids have a significant role in regulation of growth, development and plant defense responses to biotic or abiotic stress. The purpose of this study was to isolate and characterize LOX enzyme from opium poppy callus cultures. LOX was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and then followed by hydrophobic chromatography using Phenyl-Sepharose CL-4B and hydroxyapatite chromatography using HA Ultrogel sorbent. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis and immunoblotting revealed that LOX from opium poppy cultures was a single monomeric protein showing the relative molecular weight of 83 kDa. To investigate the positional specificity of the LOX reaction, purified LOX was incubated with linoleic acid and the products were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography in two steps, firstly with reverse phase (120-5 Nucleosil C18 column) and secondly with normal phase (Zorbax Rx-SIL column). LOX converted linoleic acid primarily to 13-hydroperoxy-(9Z,11E)-octadecadienoic acids (78%) and to a lesser extent 9-hydroperoxy-(10E,12Z)-octadecadienoic acids (22%). Characterization of LOX from opium poppy cultures provided valuable information in understanding LOX involvement in regulation of signaling pathways leading to biosynthesis of secondary metabolites with significant biological activity.
Prenyleudesmanes and A Hexanorlanostane from the Roots of Lonicera macranthoides
Authors: Lyu Hui , Liu Wenjuan , Bai Bai , Shan Yu , Paetz Christian , Feng Xu , Chen Yu
Published: November 2019

Three previously undescribed compounds, two prenyleudesmanes (1 and 2), and one hexanorlanostane (3), were isolated from the roots of Lonicera macranthoides. Their structures were established based on 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectral (HR-ESI-MS) data. The absolute configurations of 1 and 3 were determined by X-ray diffraction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the absolute configuration of a prenyleudesmane with a trans-decalin system and a hexanorlanostane have been unambiguously confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction with Cu Kα radiation. Thecompounds were tested for their antiproliferative activity on the cancer cell lines (HepG2 and HeLa). The compounds 1–3 exhibited moderate inhibitory effects against two human cancer cell lines.
Reductive Metabolism of Ellagitannins in the Young Leaves of Castanopsis sieboldii
Authors: Wakamatsu Hatsumi , Tanaka Sumire , Matsuo Yosuke , Saito Yoshinori , Nishida Koyo , Tanaka Takashi
Published: November 2019

The leaves of Castanopsis sieboldii (Fagaceae) contain characteristic hexahydroxydiphenoyl (HHDP) esters of 28-O-glucosyl 2α,3β,23,24-tetrahydroxyolean- and urs-12-en-28-oic acids. In this study, uncharacterized substances were detected in the young leaves, which are not observed in the mature leaves. Preliminary HPLC analyses indicated that the substances had dehydro-HHDP (DHHDP) ester groups; however, the esters were unstable and decomposed during extraction. Therefore, the compounds were isolated as their stable phenazine derivatives by extracting the young leaves with acidic aqueous EtOH containing o-phenylenediamine. The structures of the phenazine derivatives indicated that the unstable metabolites of the young leaves were 3,24-DHHDP esters of the abovementioned triterpenes. Extraction of the young leaves with 80% acetonitrile containing reducing agents, ascorbic acid or dithiothreitol afforded the corresponding HHDP esters. Furthermore, heating of the young leaves in 80% acetonitrile also yielded the same HHDP esters as the reduction products. The results suggested that the HHDP esters are reductively produced from DHHDP esters in the young leaves. In addition, the structures of five previously reported triterpene HHDP esters were revised.
A Reversible Colorimetric and Fluorescence “Turn-Off” Chemosensor for Detection of Cu2+ and Its Application in Living Cell Imaging
Authors: Hu Yun , Chen Aiqian , Kong Zhuo , Sun Demeng
Published: November 2019

Dual-function chemosensors that combine the capability of colorimetric and fluorimetric detection of Cu2+ are still relatively rare. Herein, we report that a 3-hydroxyflavone derivative (E)-2-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-3-hydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one (4), which is a red-emitting fluorophore, could serve as a reversible colorimetric and fluorescence “turn-off” chemosensor for the detection of Cu2+. Upon addition of Cu2+ to 4 in neutral aqueous solution, a dramatic color change from yellow to purple-red was clearly observed, and its fluorescence was markedly quenched, which was attributed to the complexation between the chemosensor and Cu2+. Conditions of the sensing process had been optimized, and the sensing studies were performed in a solution of ethanol/phosphate buffer saline (v/v = 3:7, pH = 7.0). The sensing system exhibited high selectivity towards Cu2+. The limit of naked eye detection of Cu2+ was determined at 8 × 10−6 mol/L, whereas the fluorescence titration experiment showed a detection limit at 5.7 × 10−7 mol/L. The complexation between 4 and Cu2+ was reversible, and the binding constant was found to be 3.2 × 104 M−1. Moreover, bioimaging experiments showed that 4 could penetrate the cell membrane and respond to the intracellular changes of Cu2+ within living cells, which indicated its potential for biological applications.
Anti-Cancer Activity of Porphyran and Carrageenan from Red Seaweeds
Authors: Liu Zhiwei , Gao Tianheng , Yang Ying , Meng Fanxin , Zhan Fengping , Jiang Qichen , Sun Xian
Published: November 2019

Seaweeds are some of the largest producers of biomass in the marine environment and are rich in bioactive compounds that are often used for human and animal health. Porphyran and carrageenan are natural compounds derived from red seaweeds. The former is a characteristic polysaccharide of Porphyra, while the latter is well known from Chondrus, Gigartina, and various Eucheuma species, all in Rhodophyceae. The two polysaccharides have been found to have anti-cancer activity by improving immunity and targeting key apoptotic molecules and therefore deemed as potential chemotherapeutic or chemopreventive agents. This review attempts to review the current study of anti-cancer activity and the possible mechanisms of porphyran and carrageenan derived from red seaweeds to various cancers, and their cooperative actions with other anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agents is also discussed.
Simultaneously Quantitative Analysis of Naringin and Its Major Human Gut Microbial Metabolites Naringenin and 3-(4′-Hydroxyphenyl) Propanoic Acid via Stable Isotope Deuterium-Labeling Coupled with RRLC-MS/MS Method
Authors: Chen Taobin , Wu Hao , He Yan , Pan Wenjun , Yan Zenghao , Liao Yan , Peng Wei , Gan Li , Zhang Yaohui , Su Weiwei , Yao Hongliang
Published: November 2019

Widespread in citrus fruits, naringin, a natural 2,3-dihydroflavonoid, is of particular interest to scientists and has a broad range of beneficial bioactivities to health. Orally administered naringin remains in the gut tract for a relatively long time because of its low bioavailability. Under the metabolism mediated by human gut microbiota, naringin could be an active precursor for derived metabolites to play important physiological roles. However, naringin and its metabolites are hard to accurately quantify due to severe endogenic interference. In this study, an analytical rapid resolution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (RRLC-MS/MS) method coupled with stable isotope deuterium-labeling is developed and validated to simultaneously quantify naringin as well as its major human gut microbial metabolites naringenin and 3-(4′-hydroxyphenyl) propanoic acid. By eliminating the matrix interferences, this strategy not only confirms naringenin and 3-(4′-hydroxyphenyl) propanoic acid as the predominant metabolites which contribute to the pharmacological effects of naringin but also provides a suitable choice for other flavonoid pharmacokinetics study.
Iron Transport Tocopheryl Polyethylene Glycol Succinate in Animal Health and Diseases
Authors: Srivastava Ajay , Lall Rajiv , Talukder Jamil , DuBourdieu Dan , Gupta Ramesh C.
Published: November 2019

Gut health is the starting place for maintaining the overall health of an animal. Strategies to maintain gut health are, thus, an important part in achieving the goal of improving animal health. A new strategy to do this involves two molecules: the iron transport protein ovotransferrin (IT) and α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS), which result in the novel formulation of ITPGS. These molecules help reduce gut pathogens, while enhancing the absorption and bioavailability of therapeutic drugs, phytomedicines, and nanomedicines. This, in turn, helps to maintain normal health in animals. Maintaining the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in its normal condition is key for successful absorption and efficacy of any nutrient. A compromised GIT, due to an imbalance (dysbiosis) in the GIT microbiome, can lead to an impaired GI barrier system with impaired absorption and overall health of the animal. The molecules in ITPGS may address the issue of poor absorption by keeping the GI system healthy by maintaining the normal microbiome and improving the absorption of nutrients through multiple mechanisms involving antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial activities. The ITPGS technology can allow the dose of active pharmaceutical or herbal medicine to be significantly reduced in order to attain equal or better efficacy. With complimentary actions between IT and TPGS, ITPGS presents a novel approach to increase the bioavailability of drugs, phytoconstituents, nutrients, and nanomedicines by enhanced transport to the tissues at the site of action, while reducing gut pathogen load. The ITPGS approach appears to be a novel strategy for maintaining the health of animals by manipulation of microbiota.
What Is in Store for EPS Microalgae in the Next Decade?
Authors: Pierre Guillaume , Delattre Cédric , Dubessay Pascal , Jubeau Sébastien , Vialleix Carole , Cadoret Jean-Paul , Probert Ian , Michaud Philippe
Published: November 2019

Microalgae and their metabolites have been an El Dorado since the turn of the 21st century. Many scientific works and industrial exploitations have thus been set up. These developments have often highlighted the need to intensify the processes for biomass production in photo-autotrophy and exploit all the microalgae value including ExoPolySaccharides (EPS). Indeed, the bottlenecks limiting the development of low value products from microalgae are not only linked to biology but also to biological engineering problems including harvesting, recycling of culture media, photoproduction, and biorefinery. Even respecting the so-called “Biorefinery Concept”, few applications had a chance to emerge and survive on the market. Thus, exploiting EPS from microalgae for industrial applications in some low-value markets such as food is probably not a mature proposition considering the competitiveness of polysaccharides from terrestrial plants, macroalgae, and bacteria. However, it does not imply drawing a line on their uses but rather “thinking them” differently. This review provides insights into microalgae, EPS, and their exploitation. Perspectives on issues affecting the future of EPS microalgae are also addressed with a critical point of view.
Perinatal Undernutrition, Metabolic Hormones, and Lung Development
Authors: Fandiño Juan , Toba Laura , González-Matías Lucas C. , Diz-Chaves Yolanda , Mallo Federico
Published: November 2019

Maternal and perinatal undernutrition affects the lung development of litters and it may produce long-lasting alterations in respiratory health. This can be demonstrated using animal models and epidemiological studies. During pregnancy, maternal diet controls lung development by direct and indirect mechanisms. For sure, food intake and caloric restriction directly influence the whole body maturation and the lung. In addition, the maternal food intake during pregnancy controls mother, placenta, and fetal endocrine systems that regulate nutrient uptake and distribution to the fetus and pulmonary tissue development. There are several hormones involved in metabolic regulations, which may play an essential role in lung development during pregnancy. This review focuses on the effect of metabolic hormones in lung development and in how undernutrition alters the hormonal environment during pregnancy to disrupt normal lung maturation. We explore the role of GLP-1, ghrelin, and leptin, and also retinoids and cholecalciferol as hormones synthetized from diet precursors. Finally, we also address how metabolic hormones altered during pregnancy may affect lung pathophysiology in the adulthood.
Recent Studies on Anti-Depressant Bioactive Substances in Selected Species from the Genera Hemerocallis and Gladiolus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Matraszek-Gawron Renata , Chwil Mirosława , Terlecka Paulina , Skoczylas Michał M.
Published: November 2019

Herbal therapy is a potential alternative applied to pharmacological alleviation of depression symptoms and treatment of this disorder, which is predicted by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be the most serious health problem worldwide over the next several years. It has been well documented that many herbs with psychotropic effects have far fewer side effects than a variety of pharmaceutical agents used by psychiatrists for the treatment of depression. This systematic review presents literature data on the antidepressant activity of representatives of the genera Hemerocallis (H. fulva and H. citrina Baroni, family Xanthorrhoeaceae) and Gladiolus (G. dalenii, family Iridaceae) and on biologically active compounds and their mechanisms of action to consider the application of herbal preparations supporting the treatment of depression.
Effect of Polycondensation Catalyst on Fiber Structure Development in High-Speed Melt Spinning of Poly (Ethylene Terephthalate)
Authors: Kim Eun Seon , Oh Hyun Ju , Kim Hyun-Joong , Kim Chun Gi , Park Seong Yoon , Jeong Young Gyu , Hahm Wan-Gyu
Published: November 2019

We conducted a preliminary study on fiber structural development in the high-speed melt spinning of environmentally friendly polyethylene terephthalate (Ti-PET) synthesized with 25 ppm of titanium-based catalyst, which was compared with conventional PET (Sb-PET) synthesized with 260 ppm of antimony-based catalyst. Gel permeation chromatography of Ti- and Sb-PET resins of intrinsic viscosity 0.63 confirmed that both resins have similar molecular weights and distributions. However, differential scanning calorimetry revealed that the Ti-PET resin exhibited a lower melt–crystallization peak and isothermal melt-crystallization rate than the Sb-PET resin. High-speed melt spinning of the Ti- and Sb-PET was possible up to a spinning velocity of 6 km/min. Two-dimensional wide-angle X-ray diffraction analyses showed that the molecular orientation of the obtained as-spun Ti- and Sb-PET fibers increased with spinning velocity, and a highly oriented, crystalline structure by orientation-induced crystallization started to appear from 5 km/min. Notably, Ti-PET fibers showed a lower degree of crystalline structural development and lower tensile strength compared with Sb-PET fibers under the high-speed spinning conditions. Our results suggest that the catalyst in PET resins can act as nucleating agents in thermal- and orientation-induced crystallization, and that differences in catalyst content can influence PET fiber structure development under extreme conditions in high-speed melt spinning.
A Multi-Parameter Perturbation Solution and Experimental Verification for Bending Problem of Piezoelectric Cantilever Beams
Authors: Yang Zhi-Xin , He Xiao-Ting , Jing Hong-Xia , Sun Jun-Yi
Published: November 2019

The existing studies indicate that the application of piezoelectric polymers is becoming more and more extensive, especially in the analysis and design of sensors or actuators, but the problems of piezoelectric structure are usually difficult to solve analytically due to the force–electric coupling characteristics. In this study, the bending problem of a piezoelectric cantilever beam was investigated via theoretical and experimental methods. First, the governing equations of the problem were established and non-dimensionalized. Three piezoelectric parameters were selected as perturbation parameters and the perturbation solution of the equations was finally obtained using a multi-parameter perturbation method. In addition, the relevant experiments of the piezoelectric cantilever beam were carried out, and the experimental results were in good agreement with the theoretical solutions. Based on the experimental results, the effect of piezoelectric properties on the bending deformation of piezoelectric cantilever beams was analyzed and discussed. The results indicated that the multi-parameter perturbation solution obtained in this study is effective and it may serve as a theoretical reference for the design of sensors or actuators made of piezoelectric polymers.
Stereocomplex Poly(Lactic Acid) Amphiphilic Conetwork Gel with Temperature and pH Dual Sensitivity
Authors: Wu Jie , Shi Xiaoyu , Wang Zhidan , Song Fei , Gao Wenli , Liu Shouxin
Published: November 2019

A novel stereocomplex poly(lactic acid) amphiphilic conetwork gel with temperature and pH dual sensitivity was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization (ROP) and free radical copolymerization. The chemical structure and composition of hydrogel were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The temperature and pH sensitivity and good amphiphilicity of hydrogel were studied using digital photos, the swelling ratios and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The thermal stability and mechanical properties of hydrogel were studied by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and dynamic viscoelastic spectrometer. The results indicated that the hydrogel has amphiphilicity, temperature and pH sensitivity, good thermal stability and mechanical strength.
Evaluation of PERSIANN-CDR Constructed Using GPCP V2.2 and V2.3 and A Comparison with TRMM 3B42 V7 and CPC Unified Gauge-Based Analysis in Global Scale
Authors: Sadeghi Mojtaba , Akbari Asanjan Ata , Faridzad Mohammad , Afzali Gorooh Vesta , Nguyen Phu , Hsu Kuolin , Sorooshian Soroosh , Braithwaite Dan
Published: November 2019

Providing reliable long-term global precipitation records at high spatial and temporal resolutions is crucial for climatological studies. Satellite-based precipitation estimations are a promising alternative to rain gauges for providing homogeneous precipitation information. Most satellite-based precipitation products suffer from short-term data records, which make them unsuitable for various climatological and hydrological applications. However, Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks-Climate Data Record (PERSIANN-CDR) provides more than 35 years of precipitation records at 0.25° × 0.25° spatial and daily temporal resolutions. The PERSIANN-CDR algorithm uses monthly Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) data, which has been recently updated to version 2.3, for reducing the biases in the output of the PERSIANN model. In this study, we constructed PERSIANN-CDR using the newest version of GPCP (V2.3). We compared the PERSIANN-CDR dataset that is constructed using GPCP V2.3 (from here on referred to as PERSIANN-CDR V2.3) with the PERSIANN-CDR constructed using GPCP V2.2 (from here on PERSIANN-CDR V2.2), at monthly and daily scales for the period from 2009 to 2013. First, we discuss the changes between PERSIANN-CDR V2.3 and V2.2 over the land and ocean. Second, we evaluate the improvements in PERSIANN-CDR V2.3 with respect to the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) unified gauge-based analysis, a gauged-based reference, and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM 3B42 V7), a commonly used satellite reference, at monthly and daily scales. The results show noticeable differences between PERSIANN-CDR V2.3 and V2.2 over oceans between 40° and 60° latitude in both the northern and southern hemispheres. Monthly and daily scale comparisons of the two bias-adjusted versions of PERSIANN-CDR with the above-mentioned references emphasize that PERSIANN-CDR V2.3 has improved mostly over the global land area, especially over the CONUS and Australia. The updated PERSIANN-CDR V2.3 data has replaced V2.2 data for the 2009–2013 period on CHRS data portal and NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) Program.