bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Registration of ‘CP 09‐1952’ Sugarcane
Authors: Davidson R. Wayne , Gordon Vanessa S. , Sandhu Hardev S. , McCord Per , Zhao Duli , Comstock Jack C. , Singh Maninder P. , Sood Sushma , Baltazar Miguel , McCorkle Katherine
Published: August 2018

‘CP 09‐1952’ (Reg. No. CV‐179, PI 686942) sugarcane (a complex hybrid ofSaccharumspp.) was developed through cooperative research conducted by the USDA–ARS, the University of Florida, and the Florida Sugarcane League, Inc. At the 6 June 2016 Florida Sugarcane Variety Committee Meeting, CP 09‐1952 was released to growers for organic (muck) soils in Florida, and seed cane was made available in September 2016. CP 09‐1952 was selected from a polycross of CP 01‐2390 × Poly 06‐30 made at Canal Point, FL, in January 2007. The female parent, CP 01‐2390, is not a commercial cultivar. The male parent is unknown, as it is one of 15 clones comprising the polycross. Cane yield of CP 09‐1952 on muck soils, averaged across 19 harvests through three crop cycles (plant cane, first ratoon, and second ratoon), was 30.1% higher (P <0.1) than that of ‘CP 89‐2143’, a high recoverable sugar commercial check for muck soils. The commercial recoverable sucrose for CP 09‐1952 was not significantly higher than the check, but high cane yield resulted in 30.3% higher (P< 0.1) sucrose yield than CP 89‐2143. CP 09‐1952 was released because of its high cane and sucrose yields on muck soils and its acceptable levels of resistance to orange rust, leaf scald,Sugarcane mosaic virusstrain E,Sugarcane yellow leaf virus, and ratoon stunt. CP 09‐1952 is moderately susceptible to brown rust, and it has moderate to low freeze tolerance. CP 09‐1952 tested negative for theBru1quantitative trait loci, which is an indicator of brown rust resistance.
Squalene: a multi-task link in the crossroads of cancer and aging
Authors: Ronco Alvaro L. , De Stéfani Eduardo
Published: August 2018

Since its discovery in the beginning of the XXth century, squalene has been recognized as an important link in metabolic pathways. More recently, it has been further recognized as an intermediate step in the biosynthesis of cholesterol. Its well known antioxidant capability, together with its ability to protect skin, improve the immune system, and modulate the lipid profile, confer a high potential to this natural substance, which is spread all across the body structure, though mainly in the epithelial tissues, and in particular the skin sebum. This review will focus mainly on its major properties, which are related to anticancer properties, the maintenance of the oxidation/antioxidation balance, and its antiaging capabilities. Although the substance was originally obtained from shark liver oil, it is currently possible to obtain useful amounts from vegetable sources like extra virgin olive oil, therefore avoiding the dependence on capturing the aforementioned animal species. Recognized as one of the key components of the Mediterranean dietary style, squalene is necessary to adequately manage oxygen and its derivatives in every cell of the body. Key words: aging, antioxidants, cancer, cholesterol, diet, olive oil, squalene
Redox Biology of Right-Sided Heart Failure
Authors: Shults Nataliia V. , Melnyk Oleksiy , Suzuki Dante I. , Suzuki Yuichiro J.
Published: August 2018

Right-sided heart failure is the major cause of death among patients who suffer from various forms of pulmonary hypertension and congenital heart disease. The right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle (LV) originate from different progenitor cells and function against very different blood pressures. However, differences between the RV and LV formed after birth have not been well defined. Work from our laboratory and others has accumulated evidence that redox signaling, oxidative stress and antioxidant regulation are important components that define the RV/LV differences. The present article summarizes the progress in understanding the roles of redox biology in the RV chamber-specificity. Understanding the mechanisms of RV/LV differences should help develop selective therapeutic strategies to help patients who are susceptible to and suffering from right-sided heart failure. Modulations of redox biology may provide effective therapeutic avenues for these conditions.
Grinding Kinetics Adjustment of Copper Ore Grinding in an Innovative Electromagnetic Mill
Authors: Wołosiewicz-Głąb Marta , Pięta Paulina , Foszcz Dariusz , Ogonowski Szymon , Niedoba Tomasz
Published: August 2018

The paper presents a study on the effectiveness of the grinding process in an electromagnetic mill devoted to ultrafine grinding, and the influence of processing parameters on the mill’s performance. The research was focused on the optimization of the duration of the grinding process and selection of the grinding media type in order to obtain the highest relative increase of the selected particle size fraction. Copper ore with a particle size between 0–1 mm was used in the experiments. A model was created that determines the relationship between the processing time and efficiency of the grinding, and can be used for the optimization of the process. A comparison of the relative growth of particle size fractions in milling products was performed. The obtained milling efficiency results measured by the growth of the analyzed particle size fraction in the milling product confirmed that the best grinding media set includes a grinding medium with a diameter of 1 mm and a length of 10 mm.
Mechanical Manipulation of Diffractive Properties of Optical Holographic Gratings from Liquid Crystalline Elastomers
Authors: Bošnjaković Dejan , Gregorc Marko , Li Hui , Čopič Martin , Domenici Valentina , Drevenšek-Olenik Irena
Published: August 2018

An appealing property of optical diffractive structures from elastomeric materials is a possibility to regulate their optical patterns and consequently also their diffractive features with mechanical straining. We investigated the effect of strain on diffraction characteristics of holographic gratings recorded in a monodomain side-chain liquid crystalline elastomer. The strain was imposed either parallel or perpendicular to the initial alignment direction of the material. At temperatures far below the nematic–paranematic phase transition, straining along the initial alignment affects mainly the diffraction pattern, while the diffraction efficiency remains almost constant. In contrast, at temperatures close to the nematic–paranematic phase transition, the diffraction efficiency is also significantly affected. Straining in the direction perpendicular to the initial alignment strongly and diversely influences both the diffraction pattern and the diffraction efficiency. The difference between the two cases is attributed to shear–stripe domains, which form only during straining perpendicular to the initial alignment and cause optical diffraction that competes with the diffraction from the holographic grating structure.
Individual Gas Molecules Detection Using Zinc Oxide–Graphene Hybrid Nanosensor: A DFT Study
Authors: Torres Ingrid , Mehdi Aghaei Sadegh , Rabiei Baboukani Amin , Wang Chunlei , Bhansali Shekhar
Published: August 2018

Surface modification is a reliable method to enhance the sensing properties of pristine graphene by increasing active sites on its surface. Herein, we investigate the interactions of the gas molecules such as NH3, NO, NO2, H2O, and H2S with a zinc oxide (ZnO)–graphene hybrid nanostructure. Using first-principles density functional theory (DFT), the effects of gas adsorption on the electronic and transport properties of the sensor are examined. The computations show that the sensitivity of the pristine graphene to the above gas molecules is considerably improved after hybridization with zinc oxide. The sensor shows low sensitivity to the NH3 and H2O because of the hydrogen-bonding interactions between the gas molecules and the sensor. Owing to observable alterations in the conductance, large charge transfer, and high adsorption energy; the sensor possesses extraordinary potential for NO and NO2 detection. Interestingly, the H2S gas is totally dissociated through the adsorption process, and a large number of electrons are transferred from the molecule to the sensor, resulting in a substantial change in the conductance of the sensor. As a result, the ZnO–graphene nanosensor might be an auspicious catalyst for H2S dissociation. Our findings open new doors for environment and energy research applications at the nanoscale.
Predicting MicroRNA Mediated Gene Regulation between Human and Viruses
Authors: Shu Xin , Zang Xinyuan , Liu Xiaoshuang , Yang Jie , Wang Jin
Published: August 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) mediate various biological processes by actively fine-tuning gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. With the identification of numerous human and viral miRNAs, growing evidence has indicated a common role of miRNAs in mediating the interactions between humans and viruses. However, there is only limited information about Cross-Kingdom miRNA target sites from studies. To facilitate an extensive investigation on the interplay among the gene regulatory networks of humans and viruses, we designed a prediction pipeline, mirTarP, that is suitable for miRNA target screening on the genome scale. By applying mirTarP, we constructed the database mirTar, which is a comprehensive miRNA target repository of bidirectional interspecies regulation between viruses and humans. To provide convenient downloading for users from both the molecular biology field and medical field, mirTar classifies viruses according to “ICTV viral category” and the “medical microbiology classification” on the web page. The mirTar database and mirTarP tool are freely available online.
Revisiting Centrioles in Nematodes—Historic Findings and Current Topics
Authors: Schwarz Anna , Sankaralingam Prabhu , O’Connell Kevin F. , Müller-Reichert Thomas
Published: August 2018

Theodor Boveri is considered as the “father” of centrosome biology. Boveri’s fundamental findings have laid the groundwork for decades of research on centrosomes. Here, we briefly review his early work on centrosomes and his first description of the centriole. Mainly focusing on centriole structure, duplication, and centriole assembly factors in C. elegans, we will highlight the role of this model in studying germ line centrosomes in nematodes. Last but not least, we will point to future directions of the C. elegans centrosome field.
Multihazard Risk Assessment for Planning with Climate in the Dosso Region, Niger
Authors: Tiepolo Maurizio , Bacci Maurizio , Braccio Sarah
Published: August 2018

International aid for climate change adaptation in West Africa is increasing exponentially, but our understanding of hydroclimatic risks is not keeping pace with that increase. The aim of this article is to develop a multihazard risk assessment on a regional scale based on existing information that can be repeated over time and space and that will be useful during decision-making processes. This assessment was conducted in Dosso (Niger), the region most hit by flooding in the country, with the highest hydroclimatic risk in West Africa. The assessment characterizes the climate, identifies hazards, and analyzes multihazard risk over the 2011–2017 period for each of the region’s 43 municipalities. Hazards and risk level are compared to the intervention areas and actions of 6 municipal development plans and 12 adaptation and resilience projects. Over the past seven years, heavy precipitation and dry spells in the Dosso region have been more frequent than during the previous 30-year period. As many as 606 settlements have been repeatedly hit and 15 municipalities are classified as being at elevated-to-severe multihazard risk. The geographical distribution of the adaptation and resilience projects does not reflect the risk level. A third of the local development plans examined propose actions that are inconsistent with the main hydroclimatic threats.
An Electrochemist Perspective of Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion
Authors: Blackwood Daniel J.
Published: August 2018

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is a major concern in a wide range of industries, with claims that it contributes 20% of the total annual corrosion cost. The focus of this present work is to review critically the most recent proposals for MIC mechanisms, with particular emphasis on whether or not these make sense in terms of their electrochemistry. It is determined that, despite the long history of investigating MIC, we are still a long way from really understanding its fundamental mechanisms, especially in relation to non-sulphate reducing bacterial (SRB) anaerobes. Nevertheless, we do know that both the cathodic polarization theory and direct electron transfer from the metal into the cell are incorrect. Electrically conducting pili also do not appear to play a role in direct electron transfer, although these could still play a role in aiding the mass transport of redox mediators. However, it is not clear if the microorganisms are just altering the local chemistry or if they are participating directly in the electrochemical corrosion process, albeit via the generation of redox mediators. The review finishes with suggestions on what needs to be done to further our understanding of MIC.
Metal Fluorides as Lithium-Ion Battery Materials: An Atomic Layer Deposition Perspective
Authors: Mäntymäki Miia , Ritala Mikko , Leskelä Markku
Published: August 2018

Lithium-ion batteries are the enabling technology for a variety of modern day devices, including cell phones, laptops and electric vehicles. To answer the energy and voltage demands of future applications, further materials engineering of the battery components is necessary. To that end, metal fluorides could provide interesting new conversion cathode and solid electrolyte materials for future batteries. To be applicable in thin film batteries, metal fluorides should be deposited with a method providing a high level of control over uniformity and conformality on various substrate materials and geometries. Atomic layer deposition (ALD), a method widely used in microelectronics, offers unrivalled film uniformity and conformality, in conjunction with strict control of film composition. In this review, the basics of lithium-ion batteries are shortly introduced, followed by a discussion of metal fluorides as potential lithium-ion battery materials. The basics of ALD are then covered, followed by a review of some conventional lithium-ion battery materials that have been deposited by ALD. Finally, metal fluoride ALD processes reported in the literature are comprehensively reviewed. It is clear that more research on the ALD of fluorides is needed, especially transition metal fluorides, to expand the number of potential battery materials available.
Linking Synthetic Populations to Household Geolocations: A Demonstration in Namibia
Authors: Thomson Dana R. , Kools Lieke , Jochem Warren C.
Published: August 2018

Whether evaluating gridded population dataset estimates (e.g., WorldPop, LandScan) or household survey sample designs, a population census linked to residential locations are needed. Geolocated census microdata data, however, are almost never available and are thus best simulated. In this paper, we simulate a close-to-reality population of individuals nested in households geolocated to realistic building locations. Using the R simPop package and ArcGIS, multiple realizations of a geolocated synthetic population are derived from the Namibia 2011 census 20% microdata sample, Namibia census enumeration area boundaries, Namibia 2013 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), and dozens of spatial covariates derived from publicly available datasets. Realistic household latitude-longitude coordinates are manually generated based on public satellite imagery. Simulated households are linked to latitude-longitude coordinates by identifying distinct household types with multivariate k-means analysis and modelling a probability surface for each household type using Random Forest machine learning methods. We simulate five realizations of a synthetic population in Namibia’s Oshikoto region, including demographic, socioeconomic, and outcome characteristics at the level of household, woman, and child. Comparison of variables in the synthetic population were made with 2011 census 20% sample and 2013 DHS data by primary sampling unit/enumeration area. We found that synthetic population variable distributions matched observed observations and followed expected spatial patterns. We outline a novel process to simulate a close-to-reality microdata census geolocated to realistic building locations in a low- or middle-income country setting to support spatial demographic research and survey methodological development while avoiding disclosure risk of individuals.
Wine: An Aspiring Agent in Promoting Longevity and Preventing Chronic Diseases
Authors: Pavlidou Eleni , Mantzorou Maria , Fasoulas Aristeidis , Tryfonos Christina , Petridis Dimitris , Giaginis Constantinos
Published: August 2018

Introduction: Moderate wine consumption is a characteristic of the Mediterranean diet. Studies around the world have shown a beneficial effect of moderate alcohol intake, especially wine, on health. This review aims to critically summarise the most recent studies that investigate the beneficial effects of moderate wine intake on human health. Methods: The PubMed database was comprehensively searched to identify trials published from 2013 to 2018 that investigated the association between moderate wine consumption and health. Results: The most recent studies confirm the valuable role of moderate wine consumption, especially red wine, in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, cognitive decline, depression, and cancer. In the meantime, recent studies also highlight the beneficial role of red wine against oxidative stress and in favour of desirable gut bacteria. The beneficial role of red wine has been attributed to its phytochemical compounds, as highlighted by clinical trials, where the effect of red wine has been compared to white wine, non-alcoholic wine, other alcoholic drinks, and water. Conclusions: Moderate wine intake, at 1–2 glasses per day as part of the Mediterranean diet, has been positively associated with human health promotion, disease prevention, and disease prognosis.
Detecting and Measuring Nonlinearity
Authors: Kotchoni Rachidi
Published: August 2018

This paper proposes an approach to measure the extent of nonlinearity of the exposure of a financial asset to a given risk factor. The proposed measure exploits the decomposition of a conditional expectation into its linear and nonlinear components. We illustrate the method with the measurement of the degree of nonlinearity of a European style option with respect to the underlying asset. Next, we use the method to identify the empirical patterns of the return-risk trade-off on the SP500. The results are strongly supportive of a nonlinear relationship between expected return and expected volatility. The data seem to be driven by two regimes: one regime with a positive return-risk trade-off and one with a negative trade-off.
Fungal Frequency and Mite Load Trends Interact with a Declining Mountain Pine Beetle Population
Authors: Mercado Javier E. , Ortiz-Santana Beatriz , Kay Shannon L.
Published: August 2018

The mite and fungal biota associated with the mountain pine beetle (MPB) (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopk.) may not be stable throughout an irruptive event. In congeneric beetles, variations in the frequency of their associated organisms affect population trends and similar effects may occur in MPB. We studied fungi and mite trends in a declining irruptive MPB population as it attacked three different pine hosts in the Colorado Front Range. During the study, we found two new associates including one biologically relevant mite and one beneficial blue-stain fungus. Fungi hyperphoretic on mites were also documented. This included beneficial and potentially detrimental species to the MPB. The frequency of several organisms varied between some years or pine hosts but not within male or female beetles. A large increase of Trichouropoda sp. and T. ips mites trended inversely with the declining beetle population, while a decrease in the beneficial blue-stain fungi trended similarly to the declining beetle population. We discuss the interactions and potential effects of phoretic biota in relation to (1) the MPB associates’ population trends, (2) the MPB incursions into cooler areas, and (3) the redundancy of blue-stain fungi carried by the MPB holobiont. These findings increase our knowledge of the mechanisms that influence MPB populations.
Microparticle Inertial Focusing in an Asymmetric Curved Microchannel
Authors: Özbey Arzu , Karimzadehkhouei Mehrdad , Alijani Hossein , Koşar Ali
Published: August 2018

Inertial Microfluidics offer a high throughput, label-free, easy to design, and cost-effective solutions, and are a promising technique based on hydrodynamic forces (passive techniques) instead of external ones, which can be employed in the lab-on-a-chip and micro-total-analysis-systems for the focusing, manipulation, and separation of microparticles in chemical and biomedical applications. The current study focuses on the focusing behavior of the microparticles in an asymmetric curvilinear microchannel with curvature angle of 280°. For this purpose, the focusing behavior of the microparticles with three different diameters, representing cells with different sizes in the microchannel, was experimentally studied at flow rates from 400 to 2700 µL/min. In this regard, the width and position of the focusing band are carefully recorded for all of the particles in all of the flow rates. Moreover, the distance between the binary combinations of the microparticles is reported for each flow rate, along with the Reynolds number corresponding to the largest distances. Furthermore, the results of this study are compared with those of the microchannel with the same curvature angle but having a symmetric geometry. The microchannel proposed in this study can be used or further modified for cell separation applications.
Effects of Proteolytic and Lipolytic Enzyme Supplementations on Lipolysis and Proteolysis Characteristics of White Cheeses
Authors: Karaca Oya Berkay , Güven Mehmet
Published: August 2018

Effects of proteolytic (Neutrase, Bacillus subtilis-originate, 0.20 (P1) and 0.40 g 100 L−1 (P2)) and lipolytic (Piccantase A, Mucor miehei-originated, 0.05 (L1) and 0.10 g 100 L−1 (L2)) enzyme supplementations to cheese milk on lipolysis and proteolysis characteristics of 90-day ripened cheese samples were investigated in this study. While enzyme supplementation did not have significant effects on titratable acidity, fat and protease-peptone nitrogen ratios of cheese samples, dry matter, salt, protein, water soluble nitrogen, 12% trichloroacetic acid soluble nitrogen ratio (TCA-SN), 5% phosphotungstic acid soluble nitrogen (PTA-SN), casein nitrogen ratios, penetrometer value, total free fatty acids (TFFA) and total free amino acids (TFAA) were significantly influenced by enzyme supplementations. Individual free amino acids (15 of them) were also determined. Free amino acid contents of enzyme-supplemented cheeses were higher than the control cheese and the values increased in all cheese samples with the progress of ripening (p < 0.05). The highest amino acids in all periods of ripening were identified as glutamic acid, lysine, proline and aspartic acid. The major (Ca, P, Na, K, Mg) and minor (Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn) mineral levels of cheeses decreased with the progress of ripening and the effects of enzyme supplementations on these attributes (except for magnesium and manganese) were found to be significant (p < 0.01). As to conclude, enzyme supplementations increased proteolysis and lipolysis and accelerated ripening and thus reduced ripening durations. Especially the enzyme ratios in P1 and L1 cheeses were found to be suitable for reducing the ripening period in White cheese without any adverse effects.
Survivability of Soil and Permafrost Microbial Communities after Irradiation with Accelerated Electrons under Simulated Martian and Open Space Conditions
Authors: Cheptsov Vladimir , Vorobyova Elena , Belov Andrey , Pavlov Anatoly , Tsurkov Denis , Lomasov Vladimir , Bulat Sergey
Published: August 2018

One of the prior current astrobiological tasks is revealing the limits of microbial resistance to extraterrestrial conditions. Much attention is paid to ionizing radiation, since it can prevent the preservation and spread of life outside the Earth. The aim of this research was to study the impact of accelerated electrons (~1 MeV) as component of space radiation on microbial communities in their natural habitat—the arid soil and ancient permafrost, and also on the pure bacterial cultures that were isolated from these ecotopes. The irradiation was carried out at low pressure (~0.01 Torr) and low temperature (−130 °C) to simulate the conditions of Mars or outer space. High doses of 10 kGy and 100 kGy were used to assess the effect of dose accumulation in inactive and hypometabolic cells, depending on environmental conditions under long-term irradiation estimated on a geological time scale. It was shown that irradiation with accelerated electrons in the applied doses did not sterilize native samples from Earth extreme habitats. The data obtained suggests that viable Earth-like microorganisms can be preserved in the anabiotic state for at least 1.3 and 20 million years in the regolith of modern Mars in the shallow subsurface layer and at a 5 m depth, respectively. In addition, the results of the study indicate the possibility of maintaining terrestrial like life in the ice of Europa at a 10 cm depth for at least ~170 years or for at least 400 thousand years in open space within meteorites. It is established that bacteria in natural habitat has a much higher resistance to in situ irradiation with accelerated electrons when compared to their stability in pure isolated cultures. Thanks to the protective properties of the heterophase environment and the interaction between microbial populations even radiosensitive microorganisms as members of the native microbial communities are able to withstand very high doses of ionizing radiation.
Reliability and Use of Copenhagen Burnout Inventory in Italian Sample of University Professors
Authors: Sestili Cristina , Scalingi Stefania , Cianfanelli Sara , Mannocci Alice , Del Cimmuto Angela , De Sio Simone , Chiarini Massimiliano , Di Muzio Marco , Villari Paolo , De Giusti Maria , La Torre Giuseppe
Published: August 2018

Academics often have to face with burnout syndrome at work. This cross-sectional study evaluates the reliability of the Italian version of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) in a sample of Academics of Sapienza University of Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, through an online questionnaire composed of the CBI, SF12 Health Survey, and Positivity Scale. Univariate, bivariate, multivariate analyses, and Cronbach α coefficients of CBI were performed. Ninety-five participants completed the questionnaire (response rate 85%). Cronbach’s α of the three domains were high (0.892, 0.868, and 0.836). Women, younger and part time professors reported higher score in personal (p = 0.025; 0.060) and work burnout. In multivariate analysis decreasing age (β = −0.263; p = 0.001); being a professor in environmental technicians (β = −0.120; p = 0.098); and low mental (β = −0.263; p = 0.020), physical (β = −0.319; p ≤ 0.001) and positivity scores (β = −0.237; p = 0.031) predict significantly higher personal burnout. Low physical (β = −0.346; p < 0.001) and mental (β = − 0.249; p = 0.013) positivity (β = −0.345; p = 0.001) scores; fewer years of work (β = −0.269; p ≤ 0.001); and being a medical or nursing professor (β = 0.169; p = 0.016) predicts high work burnout. Low MCS predicts a high level of student burnout. Results suggest that the Italian version of the CBI is a reliable instrument. Further research should focus on the prevalence of burnout in academics.
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition with Malignant Transformation Leading Multiple Metastasis from Disseminated Peritoneal Leiomyomatosis
Authors: Chiu Hsiao-Chen , Wu Meng-Yu , Li Chao-Hsu , Huang Su-Cheng , Yiang Giou-Teng , Yen Hsuan-Shang , Liu Wei-Lin , Li Chia-Jung , Kao Woei-Yau
Published: August 2018

Disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis (DPL) is a rare condition that is characterized by the presence of multiple subperitoneal or peritoneal smooth muscle nodules of varying sizes on the omentum and peritoneal surfaces, grossly mimicking disseminated carcinoma. DPL usually develops in premenopausal women with a benign course, and it is often found incidentally during abdominal surgery. Malignant transformation is a rare clinical course of DPL. Only a few studies have focused on DPL transformation into a leiomyosarcoma. Herein, we describe the case of a 61-year-old woman with a history of recurrent leiomyoma of the uterus who presented with intermittent progressive abdominal pain. The imaging study revealed a huge heterogeneous density mass in the pelvic region with pulmonary and hepatic metastases. Exploratory laparotomy and debulking surgery were performed, and showed the coexistence of DPL and leiomyosarcoma. She died approximately one month after the diagnosis because of rapid progression of pleural effusion due to malignancy. This case highlights the clinical features of DPL and its malignant transformation and metastasis so physicians can make an early diagnosis and provide timely management.
Experimental and Theoretical Studies on the Adsorption Mechanisms of Uranium (VI) Ions on Chitosan
Authors: Mishima Kenji , Du Xiaoyu , Miyamoto Naoto , Kano Naoki , Imaizumi Hiroshi
Published: August 2018

An experiment on the adsorption of uranium (VI) by chitosan was conducted to investigate the efficiency of chitosan as an adsorbent for U(VI). The adsorption potential of U(VI) by chitosan was investigated with ICP-MS by varying the experimental conditions such as the pH in order to obtain the optimum conditions. Adsorption dependence on the pH was confirmed, and the highest uptake of U(VI) was observed at pH 5. In addition, to scrutinize the experimental results, quantum chemistry calculations were performed. The results, taking into account the experimental conditions, show that the adsorption efficiency increases as the total charge of the adsorbent and adsorbate species decreases if both of them are positively charged. It was also found that a slight change in the adsorption geometric configuration controls the adsorption efficiency.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study of Liquid-Assisted Laser Beam Micromachining Process
Authors: Menon Vivek Anand , James Sagil
Published: August 2018

Liquid Assisted Laser Beam Micromachining (LA-LBMM) process is an advanced machining process that can overcome the limitations of traditional laser beam machining processes. This research involves the use of a Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation technique to investigate the complex and dynamic mechanisms involved in the LA-LBMM process both in static and dynamic mode. The results of the MD simulation are compared with those of Laser Beam Micromachining (LBMM) performed in air. The study revealed that machining during LA-LBMM process showed higher removal compared with LBMM process. The LA-LBMM process in dynamic mode showed lesser material removal compared with the static mode as the flowing water carrying the heat away from the machining zone. Investigation of the material removal mechanism revealed the presence of a thermal blanket and a bubble formation in the LA-LBMM process, aiding in higher material removal. The findings of this study provide further insights to strengthen the knowledge base of laser beam micromachining technology.
Evaluation of Friction Behavior and Surface Interactions of Cyano-Based Ionic Liquids under Different Sliding Contacts and High Vacuum Condition
Authors: Kawada Shouhei , Watanabe Seiya , Sasaki Shinya , Miyatake Masaaki
Published: August 2018

The friction coefficients of ionic liquids were evaluated by many investigations. Most investigations used fluorine-based ionic liquids as lubricants. However, these ionic liquids produce the corrosion wear. This investigation focuses on the use of cyano-based ionic liquids as lubricants. Compared to fluorine-based ionic liquids, cyano-based ionic liquids exhibit high friction coefficients against steel material. This work examines how the friction coefficients of cyano-based ionic liquids are influenced by the type of sliding material used (AISI 52100, TiO2, and tetrahedral amorphous carbon). TiO2 lubricated with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tricyanomethanide, and ta-C lubricated with 1-butyl-1methylpyrrolidinium tetracyanoborate exhibited very low friction coefficients, smaller than fluorine-based ionic liquids. Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry analysis showed that anions adsorb onto the worn surface, suggesting that anion adsorption is a critical parameter influencing friction coefficients. Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry measurements revealed that cations decompose on the nascent surface, preventing adsorption on the worn surface. These results suggest that low friction coefficients require the decomposition of cations and adsorption of anions. The reactivity of nascent surface changes with the sliding material used due to varying catalytic activity of the nascent surfaces.
Electrospun Silver Coated Polyacrylonitrile Membranes for Water Filtration Applications
Authors: Parekh Shalv Amit , David Rebecca Nicole , Bannuru Kranthi K. R. , Krishnaswamy Lakshminarasimhan , Baji Avinash
Published: August 2018

The scarcity of drinking water and the contamination of water sources in underdeveloped countries are serious problems that require immediate low-tech and low-cost solutions. In this study, we fabricated polyacrylonitrile (PAN) porous membranes coated with silver nanoparticles (AgNP) and demonstrated their use for water filtration and water treatment applications. The membranes were prepared by electrospinning a PAN solution and treating in a hydroxylamine (NH2OH) aqueous solution to form –C(NH2)N–OH groups that were used for functionalization (Ag+ ions) of the membrane. The coordinated silver ions were then converted to silver nanoparticles. The microstructure of the membrane, water permeability, antimicrobial effect (using Escherichia coli), and particulate filtration capabilities were studied. This study verified that the membrane demonstrated a 100% reduction for Gram-negative bacteria with an effective filtration rate of 8.0 mL/cm2 min. Furthermore, the membrane was able to eliminate 60% of latex beads as small as 50 nm and over 80% of the 2 µm beads via gravity filtration. This study demonstrated that PAN–AgNP membranes can be employed as antimicrobial membranes for the filtration of water in underdeveloped countries.
Thalhammerite, Pd9Ag2Bi2S4, a New Mineral from the Talnakh and Oktyabrsk Deposits, Noril’sk Region, Russia
Authors: Vymazalová Anna , Laufek František , Sluzhenikin Sergey F. , Kozlov Vladimir V. , Stanley Chris J. , Plášil Jakub , Zaccarini Federica , Garuti Giorgio , Bakker Ronald
Published: August 2018

Thalhammerite, Pd9Ag2Bi2S4, is a new sulphide discovered in galena-pyrite-chalcopyrite and millerite-bornite-chalcopyrite vein-disseminated ores from the Komsomolsky mine of the Talnakh and Oktyabrsk deposits, Noril’sk region, Russia. It forms tiny inclusions (from a few μm up to about 40–50 μm) intergrown in galena, chalcopyrite, and also in bornite. Thalhammerite is brittle and has a metallic lustre. In plane-polarized light, thalhammerite is light yellow with weak bireflectance, weak pleochroism, in shades of slightly yellowish brown and weak anisotropy; it exhibits no internal reflections. Reflectance values of thalhammerite in air (R1, R2 in %) are: 41.9/43.0 at 470 nm, 43.9/45.1 at 546 nm, 44.9/46.1 at 589 nm, and 46.3/47.5 at 650 nm. Three spot analyses of thalhammerite give an average composition: Pd 52.61, Bi 22.21, Pb 3.92, Ag 14.37, S 7.69, and Se 0.10, total 100.90 wt %, corresponding to the empirical formula Pd8.46Ag2.28(Bi1.82Pb0.32)Σ2.14(S4.10Se0.02)Σ4.12 based on 17 atoms; the average of five analyses on synthetic thalhammerite is: Pd 55.10, Bi 24.99, Ag 12.75, and S 7.46, total 100.30 wt %, corresponding to Pd8.91Ag2.03Bi2.06S4.00. The density, calculated on the basis of the empirical formula, is 9.72 g/cm3. The mineral is tetragonal, space group I4/mmm, with a 8.0266(2), c 9.1531(2) Å, V 589.70(2) Å3 and Z = 2. The crystal structure was solved and refined from the single-crystal X-ray-diffraction data of synthetic Pd9Ag2Bi2S4. Thalhammerite has no exact structural analogues known in the mineral system; chemically, it is close to coldwellite (Pd3Ag2S) and kravtsovite (PdAg2S). The strongest lines in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern of synthetic thalhammerite [d in Å (I) (hkl)] are: 3.3428(24)(211), 2.8393(46)(220), 2.5685(21)(301), 2.4122(100)(222), 2.3245(61)(123), 2.2873(48)(004), 2.2201(29)(132), 2.0072(40)(400), 1.7481(23)(332), and 1.5085(30)(404). The mineral honours Associate Professor Oskar Thalhammer of the University of Leoben, Austria.
Special Issue: Molecular Properties and the Applications of Peptide Nucleic Acids
Authors: Corradini Roberto
Published: August 2018

Polyamide analogs of DNA, or peptide nucleic acid (PNA), were first proposed in 1991 by a group of chemists and biochemists in a memorable Science paper [1].[…]
Characterization of Antibacterial Cell-Free Supernatant from Oral Care Probiotic Weissella cibaria, CMU
Authors: Lim Hae-Soon , Yeu Ji-Eun , Hong Sang-Phil , Kang Mi-Sun
Published: August 2018

Recently, studies have explored the use of probiotics like the Weissella cibaria strain, CMU (oraCMU), for use as preventive dental medicine instead of chemical oral care methods. The present study was conducted to investigate the antibacterial properties of the cell-free supernatant (CFS) from this bacterium. Cell morphology using the scanning electron microscope, and the antibacterial effect of CFS under various growth conditions were evaluated. The production of hydrogen peroxide, organic acids, fatty acids, and secretory proteins was also studied. Most of the antibacterial effects of oraCMU against periodontal pathogens were found to be acid- and hydrogen peroxide-dose-dependent effects. Lactic acid, acetic acid, and citric acid were the most common organic acids. Among the 37 fatty acids, only 0.02% of oleic acid (C18:1n-9, cis) was detected. Proteomic analysis of the oraCMU secretome identified a total of 19 secreted proteins, including N-acetylmuramidase. This protein may be a potential anti-microbial agent effective against Porphyromonas gingivalis.
Nontargeted Metabolomics for Phenolic and Polyhydroxy Compounds Profile of Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Products Based on LC-MS/MS Analysis
Authors: Gu Fenglin , Wu Guiping , Fang Yiming , Zhu Hongying
Published: August 2018

In the present study, nontargeted metabolomics was used to screen the phenolic and polyhydroxy compounds in pepper products. A total of 186 phenolic and polyhydroxy compounds, including anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, catechin derivatives, flavanones, flavones, flavonols, isoflavones and 3-O-p-coumaroyl quinic acid O-hexoside, quinic acid (polyhydroxy compounds), etc. For the selected 50 types of phenolic compound, except malvidin 3,5-diglucoside (malvin), l-epicatechin and 4′-hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxyflavanone, other compound contents were present in high contents in freeze-dried pepper berries, and pinocembrin was relatively abundant in two kinds of pepper products. The score plots of principal component analysis indicated that the pepper samples can be classified into four groups on the basis of the type pepper processing. This study provided a comprehensive profile of the phenolic and polyhydroxy compounds of different pepper products and partly clarified the factors responsible for different metabolite profiles in ongoing studies and the changes of phenolic compounds for the browning mechanism of black pepper.
Cationic High Molecular Weight Lignin Polymer: A Flocculant for the Removal of Anionic Azo-Dyes from Simulated Wastewater
Authors: Wang Shoujuan , Kong Fangong , Fatehi Pedram , Hou Qingxi
Published: August 2018

The presence of dyes in wastewater effluents made from the textile industry is a major environmental problem due to their complex structure and poor biodegradability. In this study, a cationic lignin polymer was synthesized via the free radical polymerization of lignin with [2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethyl ammonium chloride (METAC) and used to remove anionic azo-dyes (reactive black 5, RB5, and reactive orange 16, RO16) from simulated wastewater. The effects of pH, salt, and concentration of dyes, as well as the charge density and molecular weight of lignin-METAC polymer on dye removal were examined. Results demonstrated that lignin-METAC was an effective flocculant for the removal of dye via charge neutralization and bridging mechanisms. The dye removal efficiency of lignin-METAC polymer was independent of pH. The dosage of the lignin polymer required for reaching the maximum removal had a linear relationship with the dye concentration. The presence of inorganic salts including NaCl, NaNO3, and Na2SO4 had a marginal effect on the dye removal. Under the optimized conditions, greater than 98% of RB5 and 94% of RO16 were removed at lignin-METAC concentrations of 120 mg/L and 105 mg/L in the dye solutions, respectively.
Novel 3-Methyl-2-alkylthio Benzothiazolyl-Based Ionic Liquids: Synthesis, Characterization, and Antibiotic Activity
Authors: Zhang Teng He , He Hao Xi , Du Jun Liang , He Zhi Jian , Yao Shun
Published: August 2018

Three series of novel 3-methyl-2-alkylthio benzothiazolyl ionic liquids (ILs) were synthesized for the first time. After structural identification, their melting point, solubility, and thermostability together with antibiotic activity were determined successively. As a result, 3-methyl-2-alkylthio benzothiazolyl p-toluene sulfonate was found to have the highest antibacterial activity among the three series of ILs. Meanwhile, it has a good solubility in water as well. On the basis of comprehensive comparison with similar compounds, the effect of cations and anions of these benzothiazolium ILs on typical physical properties together with antibiotic performance was explored and discussed, which is very beneficial to take the greatest advantage of their structural designability for various purposes. Furthermore, the experiment data preliminarily discovered the relationships of the structure-properties/activities of the above three kinds ILs to a certain extent, which can provide useful references for future research and for the potential application of these new ILs as surfactant antiseptics or agricultural chemicals.
Computational Molecular Docking and X-ray Crystallographic Studies of Catechins in New Drug Design Strategies
Authors: Nakano Shogo , Megro Shin-ichi , Hase Tadashi , Suzuki Takuji , Isemura Mamoru , Nakamura Yoriyuki , Ito Sohei
Published: August 2018

Epidemiological and laboratory studies have shown that green tea and green tea catechins exert beneficial effects on a variety of diseases, including cancer, metabolic syndrome, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. In most cases, (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been shown to play a central role in these effects by green tea. Catechins from other plant sources have also shown health benefits. Many studies have revealed that the binding of EGCG and other catechins to proteins is involved in its action mechanism. Computational docking analysis (CMDA) and X-ray crystallographic analysis (XCA) have provided detailed information on catechin-protein interactions. Several of these studies have revealed that the galloyl moiety anchors it to the cleft of proteins through interactions with its hydroxyl groups, explaining the higher activity of galloylated catechins such as EGCG and epicatechin gallate than non-galloylated catechins. In this paper, we review the results of CMDA and XCA of EGCG and other plant catechins to understand catechin-protein interactions with the expectation of developing new drugs with health-promoting properties.
Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Cancer Cell Growth Inhibition Evaluation of Novel Phosphatidylcholines with Anisic and Veratric Acids
Authors: Czarnecka Marta , Świtalska Marta , Wietrzyk Joanna , Maciejewska Gabriela , Gliszczyńska Anna
Published: August 2018

Phenolic acids and its methoxy derivatives are known to induce caspase-mediated apoptosis activity and exhibit cytotoxic effect towards various cancer cell lines. However, their low stability and poor bioavailability in the human organism extensively restrict the utility of this group of compounds as anticancer and health-promoting agents. In this report, a series of eight novel phosphatidylcholines (3a-b, 5a-b, 7a-b, 8a-b) containing anisic or veratric acids (1a-b) at sn-1 and/or sn-2 positions were synthesized. The phenoylated phospholipids were obtained in good yields 28–66%. The structures of novel compounds were determined by their spectroscopic data. All synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity towards six cancer cell lines and normal cell line Balb/3T3. Lipophilization of phenolcarboxylic acids significantly increased their anticancer properties. The asymmetrically substituted phenoylated phosphatidylcholines exhibited higher antiproliferative effect than free acids. Lysophosphatidylcholine (7b) effectively inhibited the proliferation of human leukaemia (MV4-11), breast (MCF-7), and colon (LoVo) cancer cell lines at concentrations of 9.5–20.7 µm and was from 19 to 38-fold more active than corresponding free veratric acid. The conjugation of anisic/veratric acids with the phosphatidylcholine have proved the anticancer potential of these phenolcarboxylic acids and showed that this type of lipophilization is an effective method for the production of active biomolecules.
Medication-Related Burden among Patients with Chronic Disease Conditions: Perspectives of Patients Attending Non-Communicable Disease Clinics in a Primary Healthcare Setting in Qatar
Authors: Zidan Amani , Awaisu Ahmed , El-Hajj Maguy Saffouh , Al-Abdulla Samya Ahmad , Figueroa Dianne Candy Rose , Kheir Nadir
Published: August 2018

This study aimed to assess perceived medication-related burden among patients with multiple non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and to investigate the association between perceived burden and adherence to medication therapy. Using a cross-sectional study in three primary care clinics in Qatar, medication-related burden was measured using the Living with Medicines Questionnaire (LMQ) among adults with diabetes, with or without other comorbidities. Adherence was measured using the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS). Two hundred and ninety-three eligible patients participated in the study. The majority of them reported experiencing minimal (66.8%) to moderate (24.1%) medication-related burden. There was a significant positive correlation between the scores of the LMQ (medication-related burden) and ARMS (medication adherence), rs (253) = 0.317, p < 0.0005.