bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinação da atividade antioxidante e teor de flavonoides totais equivalentes em quercetina em folhas de Cymbopogon citratus (d.c.) stapf e Melissa officinalis lam
Authors: Silva Nathalia Lucca , Araújo Ítalo Péricles Caíque , Batista Marília Renata Ferreira , Santos Thaís Bruna Aquino , Fernando Walem Luiz , Amaral Fabrício Rodrigues
Published: May 2017

As plantas medicinais são de grande importância para a população desde a antiguidade, pois, cada vez mais vem sendo realizados estudos quem comprovem a eficácia do uso de fitoterápicos, tradição esta, passada de geração para geração. Os compostos antioxidantes, como por exemplo, os flavonóides presentes nas plantas, são capazes de inibir a ação dos radicais livres, evitando o aparecimento de inúmeras patologias. Pensando nisso, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a atividade antioxidantede folhas in natura das espécies de Cymbopogon citratus e Melissa officinalis pelo método sequestrador de radicais DPPH (2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazila), proposto por Brand-Williams et al., (1995) com modificações e avaliar o teor de flavonóides totais equivalentes em quecertina (Banov et al., 2006). A pesquisa foi realizada em folhas frescas para quantificar o teor real consumido pela população ao ingerir o chá caseiro. Observou-se que a M. officinalis apresentou maior porcetagem de inibição acordo com o método de captura do radical livre de DPPH (78%, 75% e 78%) comparado ao C. citratus (11%, 19% e 20%) para as concentrações de 250, 500 e 1000 μg/mL respectivamente. Para o teor de flavonoides equivalentes em quercetina M. officinalis apresentou 228μg de flavanóides equivalentes em quercetina por mg de decocto obtido por folhas frescas enquanto o C. citratus apresentou 251μg. Assim, pode-se avaliar as propriedades de M. officinalis e C. citratus ao serem utilizadas na forma popular, ou seja, em forma de chá, com folhas in natura, na forma de decocto, evidenciando a importância do consumo popular dessas plantas.
Avaliação da Uniformidade de Conteúdo de Formas Farmacêutica Contendo Carvedilol
Authors: Pires Marina Gabriela Teixeira , Assis Lorena Layane de , Gomes Cláudia Lorrany Aparecida , Cardoso Letícia Nunes , Franco Mariana Quirino , Braz Wilson Rodrigues
Published: May 2017

Introdução: O interesse em garantir um produto eficaz e seguro ao consumidor tem aprimorado as exigências no controle de qualidade das farmácias magistrais e indústrias farmacêuticas, onde os medicamentos magistrais e industriais devem seguir as recomendações previstas pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA). Quando se trata de medicamentos com baixas dosagens de ativo esse controle de qualidade desempenha um papel primordial, pois devido a dificuldade de homogeneização, há maior probabilidade de desvios de qualidade relacionados à dosagem e a uniformidade de conteúdo nas formas farmacêuticas. O carvedilol é um betabloqueador de terceira geração utilizado no tratamento da hipertensão arterial sistêmica e no tratamento e controle de doenças cardiovasculares.Objetivo: Avaliar a uniformidade de conteúdo de formas farmacêuticas contendo carvedilol na dosagem de 6,25 mg nas apresentações de referência, genérico, similar e magistral.Metodologia: A metodologia utilizada para os ensaios realizados foi de acordo com os métodos descritos na Farmacopeia Brasileira 5ª edição e na monografia oficial do carvedilol descrita na Farmacopeia Britânica e na Farmacopeia Americana, e o método espectrofotométrico de UV/Vis validado por Sousa e Ribeiro. Foram realizados os testes de determinação de peso, doseamento e o teste de uniformidade de doses unitárias.Resultados: Todas as amostras testadas foram aprovadas nos ensaios realizados, conforme a monografia do fármaco e Farmacopeia Brasileira.Conclusão: Todos os medicamentos avaliados apresentaram dentro dos padrões de qualidade, apresentando a real dose indicada na embalagem, comprovando a sua eficácia e segurança, sendo adequados para o uso terapêutico.
Modelo Social Europeo y políticas sociales: una evaluación formativa institucional
Authors: Moreno Luis , Serrano Amparo
Published: May 2017

Las instituciones europeas ocupan un lugar importante en los procesos de reforzamiento de la dimensión social de las economías europeas. Este artículo analiza algunas de las potencialidades, pero también las limitaciones del proceso de Europeización de la cuestión social que promueve el Modelo Social Europeo (MSE). Se realiza una evaluación formativa de carácter institucional de la Europeización con el fin de tomar el pulso al proceso de supra-nacionalización, y a los avances y frenos que conlleva. Se presta especial atención al carácter dual y ambivalente del Modelo Social Europeo integrador de crecimiento económico y cohesión social, y que se sustenta en un sistema axiológico que valora lo social en igual medida -cuando menos- que lo económico.
Gobernanza y Evaluación: una relación potencialmente fructífera
Authors: Aguilar Villanueva Luis F. , Bustelo Ruesta María
Published: May 2017

En las tres últimas décadas dos mayores innovaciones en asuntos de gobierno han sido la Nueva Gestión Pública (modo gerencial o postburocrático), y más recientemente, la Gobernanza o Nueva Gobernanza (modo postgubernamental). Asimismo, el auge de la evaluación de las políticas y los programas públicos es en gran medida resultado de las reformas que los gobiernos por convicción o por fuerza han emprendido en los últimos años y que han modificado sus prácticas, su concepto y sus criterios de valoración. Este artículo constata cómo ha ido tomando forma un nuevo proceso de gobernar y administrar, la (nueva) gobernanza, reconociendo su presencia e importancia directiva, pero también la necesidad y conveniencia de evaluar su actividad y resultados, por lo que indaga en las relaciones que podrían establecerse entre la evaluación y la gobernanza y los beneficios que tanto la gobernanza como la evaluación podrían recibir de sus mutuos aportes.
Organización y métodos alternativos en la evaluación de políticas y programas sociales. La experiencia consolidada y la emergente en el caso de México
Authors: Cardozo Myriam
Published: May 2017

México presenta graves problemas de pobreza y desigualdad, que sus gobiernos enfrentan seleccionando entre diferentes enfoques de política social, y consecuentemente, de evaluación de sus programas. En dicha selección, la política social del Gobierno Federal mexicano se caracteriza por la focalización de sus transferencias condicionadas, mientras la del Gobierno del Distrito Federal promueve criterios de universalidad y un enfoque basado en derechos. En materia de evaluación también afloran las diferencias organizativas y metodológicas entre ambos gobiernos, especialmente en el énfasis positivista y experimental del primero y el constructivista del segundo.
PENJATUHAN PIDANA BERSYARAT TERHADAP PELAKU TINDAK PIDANA PENGANIAYAAN
Authors: Nugraha Adia
Published: May 2017

abstractBasic considerations of criminal law judges in imposing conditional on the perpetrators of criminal acts of persecution are juridical considerations, namely the fulfillment of a minimum of two items of evidence in the trial, the judge considered that there are justification, an excuse and a reason for removing the judge the prosecution to convict on parole. Beside the judges also look at the background of the events of the crime as a whole as well as the attitudes and actions of the defendant in the community daily. The defendant did cause by the maltreatment victims who are not acting in good faith to the defendant as a guarantor of loans receivable in the pawnshop and the defendant has been helping victims to get a loan. Court decisions that criminalize conditional against an abuser are deemed not in accordance with the justice community because judges are less sensitive to the suffering of victims of the crime of persecution by the defendant. The judge should impose a more optimal criminal defendant, given the criminal acts of persecution that resulted in physical harm to the victim in the form of bruises and abrasions due to blunt impact. Keywords: Imposition, Conditional Punishment, PersecutionabstrakDasar pertimbangan hukum hakim dalam menjatuhkan pidana bersyarat terhadap pelaku tindak pidana penganiayaan adalah pertimbangan yuridis sebagaimana diatur Pasal 184 KUHAP, hakim menilai bahwa terdapat alasan pembenar, alasan pemaaf dan alasan penghapusan penuntutan bagi hakim dalam menjatuhkan pidana bersyarat. Selain itu hakim juga melihat peristiwa yang melatar belakangi perbuatan pidana tersebut secara keseluruhan serta sikap dan perbuatan terdakwa sehari-harinya dalam masyarakat. Terdakwa melakukan penganiayaan disebabkan oleh korban yang tidak beritikad baik kepada terdakwa sebagi penjamin hutang piutang di Pegadaian dan terdakwa telah menolong korban untuk mendapatkan pinjaman. Putusan pengadilan yang menjatuhkan pidana bersyarat terhadap pelaku tindak pidana penganiayaan dipandang belum sesuai dengan keadilan masyarakat karena hakim kurang sensitif terhadap penderitaan korban akibat tindak pidana penganiayaan oleh terdakwa. Hakim semestinya menjatuhkan pidana yang lebih optimal kepada terdakwa, mengingat tindak pidana penganiayaan yang dilakukan tersebut mengakibatkan penderitaan fisik pada korban berupa luka memar dan lecet akibat benturan benda tumpul. Kata Kunci: Penjatuhan Pidana, Hukuman Bersyarat, Penganiayaan
KEDUDUKAN SUMBANGAN PIHAK KETIGATERHADAP KEUANGAN DAERAH PROPINSI LAMPUNG
Authors: M Yulia Netta
Published: May 2017

local revenue source can be derived from local revenues, equalization funds, and other income. The position of third-party contributions to the area is a country's financial in the sense of acceptance into the local treasury and included in the budget. The main factors supporting the implementation of third-party donation receipt to the area in Lampung is, the magnitude of the potential areas that could be explored as a source of local revenue, in addition to the number of companies that can be used as donors to contribute to the region. Keywords: SPK, Regional Finance
IMPLEMENTASI PENANGANAN KASUS KEKERASAN TERHADAP ANAK OLEH KOMISI PERLINDUNGAN ANAK INDONESIA
Authors: Melati Dwi Putri
Published: May 2017

The Government held protection of children with a Child Protection Commission based on the mandate Presidential Decree Number 77 of 2003 on Child Protection Commission and Law Number 23 of 2002 on Child Protection. The problem of Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) implementation in handling cases of violence against children and Protection Commission apasaja resistance factors Indonesian Children to the protection cases of violence against children. Writing nomative juridical approach and use nomative juridical approach empirical. Discussions on Normative KPAI socialization gather data and information, received complaints review, do, monitoring, and evaluation, report, advice inputs, and consideration to the President. KPAI will ideally plays a monitor, monitor and encouragement organizer child protection, policy advocacy, as the mediator in the handling cases of violence against children. Some of the factors that would be resistance KPAI in dealing with cases of violence against children in terms of the method seen from law enforcement officials, the law,the lack public understanding on children's rights, facilities as the minimum support infrastructure, there is a tradition negative community authors suggest that Indonesian Child Protection Commission raises really carry out an effective and professional, the Government gives infrastructure, facilities, facilities and infrastructure that enough, people can understand children's rights and understand.Keywords : Implementation, Handling, Children.
URGENSI HUKUM ADAT DALAM PEMBAHARUAN HUKUM PIDANA NASIONAL
Authors: Abdullah Rahmat Hi.
Published: May 2017

Recognition of the existence of legal values and sense of justice that life is constitutionally recognized as the author explained earlier. One of the key concepts that evolved form of legal recognition or live in the community is the adoption of the system of sanctions in customary law (customary criminal) in the national legal system. Recognition and protection of sanction customary law becomes an important thing in the life of indigenous peoples, for the customary sanctions, then it can be constructed or create a balance and social harmony, interests between the human race and the individual, between the alliance (group) and wider society that is the basis from the minds of traditional Indonesian nation. Recognition of the importance of values in society as customary law (customary criminal) in the renewal of the national criminal law as the national law reform agenda is a necessity and demand to the fulfillment of social justice in accordance ideals of the Indonesian nation.Keywords: Customary, Existence, Criminal Law Reform
PROBLEMATIKA YURIDIS SISTEM ALOKASI HUKUM DALAM PENGAWASAN HAKIM
Authors: Muhtadi Muhtadi
Published: May 2017

The procedure Oversight Judge (How It Treats People) is regulated by an internal mechanism by the Supreme Court as an institution builder through the remedies and oversight mechanisms of behavior, as well as the external monitoring Judicial Commission behavior of justices and judges in the Supreme Court. While the constitutional judges monitored internally without the involvement of outside agencies. There is injustice setting norms supervision of judges (How It Distribute). If the justices and courts in Supreme Court monitored externally by Judicial Commission and internally by the Supreme Court, Court only supervised institution's own internal artificial. Keywords: Judge Supervision, and System Allocation Law
PEMBAGIAN KEWENANGAN PEMERINTAH PUSAT-PEMERINTAH DAERAH DALAM OTONOMI SELUAS-LUASNYA MENURUT UUD 1945
Authors: Said Abdul Rauf Alauddin
Published: May 2017

The concept of the relationship of authority between central and local governments within the unitary state of Indonesia in the context of the widest possible autonomy based on the Constitution of 1945. Whereas, the Republic of Indonesia as a state of law is based on constitutional system so that in every action of law concerning the concept of the relationship between central and local authorities should be established through legislation, whereas in juridical manner of authority is a right and legal authority of government. So, in the concept of the legal state (rechtstaat) all of government action that came from their authority should be based on legality principle. Therefore, the authority which is one form of power has legitimacy (validity), which will be the relationship that authority has a legitimate power. In the legislation related of the division of authority between central government and local government that regulated in Law Number 23 of 2014 on local government is clearly not reflect autonomy broad. Keywords:Authority, Local Government, Autonomy
The role of the microbiome in cancer development and therapy
Authors: Bhatt Aadra P. , Redinbo Matthew R. , Bultman Scott J.
Published: May 2017

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE

The human body harbors enormous numbers of microbiota that influence cancer susceptibility, in part through their prodigious metabolic capacity and their profound influence on immune cell function. Microbial pathogens drive tumorigenesis in 15% to 20% of cancer cases. Even larger numbers of malignancies are associated with an altered composition of commensal microbiota (dysbiosis) based on microbiome studies using metagenomic sequencing. Although association studies cannot distinguish whether changes in microbiota are causes or effects of cancer, a causative role is supported by rigorously controlled preclinical studies using gnotobiotic mouse models colonized with one or more specific bacteria. These studies demonstrate that microbiota can alter cancer susceptibility and progression by diverse mechanisms, such as modulating inflammation, inducing DNA damage, and producing metabolites involved in oncogenesis or tumor suppression. Evidence is emerging that microbiota can be manipulated for improving cancer treatment. By incorporating probiotics as adjuvants for checkpoint immunotherapy or by designing small molecules that target microbial enzymes, microbiota can be harnessed to improve cancer care. CA Cancer J Clin 2017;67:326–344. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Comorbidities with Congenital Heart Disease among Hospitalized Children in a Specialized Cardiac Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Mita Shahina Akhter , Salim Md , Haque Md Ataul , Shahriar Abdullah , Zakia Md Nazneen Umme , Salam ABM Abdus , Rahman AZM Raihanur , Md Jafar Abul Hasnat
Published: May 2017

Background: Congenital heart diseases (CHD) when associated with any comorbid condition may complicate the outcome of management. So to find out and treat comorbidities before definite treatment is essential for better outcome. Methods: This observational cross sectional study was conducted in the inpatient Department of Paediatric Cardiology at National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka, during the period of January 2014 to January 2015 to identify the comorbid conditions of congenital heart disease.Results: A total of 794 children with different types of congenital heart disease were enrolled during the study period. Among them, 48.6% were simple CHD and 51.4% were complex CHD. Among simple CHD, ventricular septal defect (VSD) was commonest (27.2%), Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) occupied the second position (20.5%). One child presented with Ectopia cardis. Among complex CHD most common anomalies were VSD with either atrial septal defect (ASD) or patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) or valvular lesion. Next common anomalies were TOF with PDA or ASD &/or pulmonary valvular abnormalities. Double outlet of right ventricle (DORV) with shunt and transposition of great arteries (TGA) with shunt also occur frequently. AV canal defect with or without valvular lesion presented in significant number. Among them 616 (77.6%) had different types of comorbid conditions. Among comorbidities, respiratory and acquired cardiac comorbidities were common (37.9% & 34.1% respectively). Other congenital or genetic comorbidities were in 11.2%. Multisystem involvement was in 9.8% cases.Conclusion: Pneumonia and heart failure were the most frequent comorbid condition among both simple and complex congenital heart disease. They were common among acyanotic heart disease. But cyanotic spell, acute stroke syndrome and brain abscess were common among cyanotic heart disease. Among genetic comorbidities Downs syndrome occupied the major part.Cardiovasc. j. 2017; 9(2): 83-89
Characterization of the Anti-Graffiti Properties of Powder Organic Coatings Applied in Train Field
Authors: Rossi Stefano , Fedel Michele , Petrolli Simone , Deflorian Flavio
Published: May 2017

The widespread prevalence of the phenomenon of graffiti and the growth of the removal cost—in particular in public transport systems—has pushed the research for technical solutions to this problem. Suitable solutions to address graffiti-related concerns are needed in order to reduce the cleaning costs as well as the downtime of trains. Graffiti are a big problem for painted metal, because the protective coatings and graffiti have the same chemical nature (polymeric matter). A permanent coating is expected to be able to resist the highest possible number of cleanings of the graffiti without modifying its aesthetic and corrosion protection properties. The purpose of this study is to develop a methodological approach for the characterization of graffiti-resistant organic coatings. For this purpose, a critical review of the existing standards is carried out. The anti-graffiti properties of a polyurethane organic coating were investigated before and after accelerated weathering. In order to understand the behavior of the coatings during cleaning, the aging of the coating in contact with the remover was carried out. The effect on the corrosion protection properties was assessed during the accelerated aging. The resistance of the coating was proved to be strongly affected by the surface finishing. UV exposure modified surface properties and graffiti removal efficiency.
Anatomy of a Spin: The Information-Theoretic Structure of Classical Spin Systems
Authors: Vijayaraghavan Vikram , James Ryan , Crutchfield James
Published: May 2017

Collective organization in matter plays a significant role in its expressed physical properties. Typically, it is detected via an order parameter, appropriately defined for each given system’s observed emergent patterns. Recent developments in information theory, however, suggest quantifying collective organization in a system- and phenomenon-agnostic way: decomposing the system’s thermodynamic entropy density into a localized entropy, that is solely contained in the dynamics at a single location, and a bound entropy, that is stored in space as domains, clusters, excitations, or other emergent structures. As a concrete demonstration, we compute this decomposition and related quantities explicitly for the nearest-neighbor Ising model on the 1D chain, on the Bethe lattice with coordination number k = 3 , and on the 2D square lattice, illustrating its generality and the functional insights it gives near and away from phase transitions. In particular, we consider the roles that different spin motifs play (in cluster bulk, cluster edges, and the like) and how these affect the dependencies between spins.
Determination of the Most Suitable Technology Transfer Strategy for Wind Turbines Using an Integrated AHP-TOPSIS Decision Model
Authors: Dinmohammadi A. , Shafiee M.
Published: May 2017

The high-speed development of industrial products and goods in the world has caused “technology” to be considered as a crucial competitive advantage for most large organizations. In recent years, developing countries have considerably tended to promote their technological and innovative capabilities through importing high-tech equipment owned and operated by developed countries. There are currently a variety of solutions to transfer a particular technology from a developed country. The selection of the most profitable technology transfer strategy is a very complex decision-making problem for technology importers as it involves different technical, environmental, social, and economic aspects. In this study, a hybrid multiple-criteria decision making (MCDM) model based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is proposed to evaluate and prioritise various technology transfer strategies for wind turbine systems. For this purpose, a number of criteria and sub-criteria are defined from the viewpoint of wind energy investors, wind turbine manufacturers, and wind farm operators. The relative importance of criteria and sub-criteria with respect to the ultimate goal are computed using the eigenvalue method and then, the technology transfer alternatives are ranked based on their relative closeness to the ideal solution. The model is finally applied to determine the most suitable wind turbine technology transfer strategy among four options of reverse engineering, technology skills training, turn-key contracts, and technology licensing for the renewable energy sector of Iran, and the results are compared with those obtained by classical decision-making models.
Optimal Control Based on Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) of an Autonomous Hybrid Photovoltaic/Storage System in Micro Grid Applications
Authors: Atawi Ibrahem , Kassem Ahmed
Published: May 2017

This paper investigates how to increase the efficiency of a photovoltaic/energy storage generation unit supplying dynamic loads by regulating and managing both the photovoltaic generator and the storage battery charge-discharge modes. The proposed photovoltaic/energy storage unit is proposed to supply an induction motor driven industrial pump with controlled speed and/or a DC motor driven water pump. An optimal proportional-integral-derivative control based on an Artificial Bee Colony Optimization algorithm is used to regulate the photovoltaic generator in case of normal operation or in case of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and to also control the battery storage charge discharge modes. A vector control based on the proposed optimal control is used to regulate the induction motor rotor speed at its low reference values needed by the industrial pump. First, a total model of the entire system is obtained. The controller performance with the proposed system is studied with both a DC motor and/or induction motor loads. Simulation results show that the proposed photovoltaic/storage generator is able to supply the suggested dynamic loads under different conditions and with good performance. Also, it is noticed that operating the photovoltaic base on maximum power point tracking condition will give about 43% extra generation power than the normal operation case.
Energy Harvesting Based on a Novel Piezoelectric 0.7PbZn0.3Ti0.7O3-0.3Na2TiO3 Nanogenerator
Authors: Radeef Zainab , Tong Chong Wen , Chao Ong Zhi , Yee Khoo Shin
Published: May 2017

Recently, piezoelectric materials have achieved remarkable attention for charging wireless sensor nodes. Among piezoelectric materials, non-ferroelectric materials are more cost effective because they can be prepared without a polarization process. In this study, a non-ferroelectric nanogenerator was manufactured from 0.7PbZn0.3Ti0.7O3-0.3Na2TiO3 (PZnT-NT). It was demonstrated that the increment of conductivity via adding the Na2TiO3 plays an essential role in increasing the permittivity of the non-ferroelectric nanogenerator and hence improved the generated power density. The dielectric measurements of this material demonstrated high conductivity that quenched the polarization phase. The performance of the device was studied experimentally over a cantilever test rig; the vibrating cantilever (0.4 ms−2) was excited by a motor operated at 30 Hz. The generated power successfully illuminated a light emitting diode (LED). The PZnT-NT nanogenerator produced a volume power density of 0.10 μw/mm3 and a surface power density of 10 μw/cm2. The performance of the proposed device with a size of (20 × 15 × 1 mm3) was higher in terms of power output than that of the commercial microfiber composite (MFC) (80 × 57 × 0.335 mm3) and piezoelectric bimorph device (70 × 50 × 0.7 mm3). Compared to other existing ferroelectric and non-ferroelectric nanogenerators, the proposed device demonstrated great performance in harvesting the energy at low acceleration and in a low frequency environment
Investigation of Methane Oxy-Fuel Combustion in a Swirl-Stabilised Gas Turbine Model Combustor
Authors: Li Mao , Tong Yiheng , Thern Marcus , Klingmann Jens
Published: May 2017

CO2 has a strong impact on both operability and emission behaviours in gas turbine combustors. In the present study, an atmospheric, preheated, swirl-stabilised optical gas turbine model combustor rig was employed. The primary objectives were to analyse the influence of CO2 on the fundamental characteristics of combustion, lean blowout (LBO) limits, CO emission and flame structures. CO2 dilution effects were examined with three preheating temperatures (396.15, 431.15, and 466.15 K). The fundamental combustion characteristics were studied utilising chemical kinetic simulations. To study the influence of CO2 on the operational range of the combustor, equivalence ratio (Ф) was varied from stoichiometric conditions to the LBO limits. CO emissions were measured at the exit of the combustor using a water-cooled probe over the entire operational range. The flame structures and locations were characterised by performing CH chemiluminescence imaging. The inverse Abel transformation was used to analyse the CH distribution on the axisymmetric plane of the combustor. Chemical kinetic modelling indicated that the CO2 resulted in a lower reaction rate compared with the CH4/air flame. Fundamental combustion properties such as laminar flame speed, ignition delay time and blowout residence time were found to be affected by CO2. The experimental results revealed that CO2 dilution resulted in a narrower operational range for the equivalence ratio. It was also found that CO2 had a strong inhibiting effect on CO burnout, which led to a higher concentration of CO in the combustion exhaust. CH chemiluminescence showed that the CO2 dilution did not have a significant impact on the flame structure.
Climate Drives Episodic Conifer Establishment after Fire in Dry Ponderosa Pine Forests of the Colorado Front Range, USA
Authors: Rother Monica , Veblen Thomas
Published: May 2017

In recent years, warming climate and increased fire activity have raised concern about post-fire recovery of western U.S. forests. We assessed relationships between climate variability and tree establishment after fire in dry ponderosa pine forests of the Colorado Front Range. We harvested and aged over 400 post-fire juvenile ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) trees using an improved tree-ring based approach that yielded annually-resolved dates and then assessed relationships between climate variability and pulses of tree establishment. We found that tree establishment was largely concentrated in years of above-average moisture availability in the growing season, including higher amounts of precipitation and more positive values of the Palmer Drought Severity Index. Under continued climate change, drier conditions associated with warming temperatures may limit forest recovery after fire, which could result in lower stand densities or shifts to non-forested vegetation in some areas.
Chemical Characterization of the Indoor Air Quality of a University Hospital: Penetration of Outdoor Air Pollutants
Authors: Scheepers Paul , Van Wel Luuk , Beckmann Gwendolyn , Anzion Rob
Published: May 2017

For healthcare centers, local outdoor sources of air pollution represent a potential threat to indoor air quality (IAQ). The aim of this study was to study the impact of local outdoor sources of air pollution on the IAQ of a university hospital. IAQ was characterized at thirteen indoor and two outdoor locations and source samples were collected from a helicopter and an emergency power supply. Volatile organic compounds (VOC), acrolein, formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), respirable particulate matter (PM-4.0 and PM-2.5) and their respective benz(a)pyrene contents were determined over a period of two weeks. Time-weighted average concentrations of NO2 (4.9–17.4 μg/m3) and formaldehyde (2.5–6.4 μg/m3) were similar on all indoor and outdoor locations. The median concentration VOC in indoor air was 119 μg/m3 (range: 33.1–2450 μg/m3) and was fivefold higher in laboratories (316 μg/m3) compared to offices (57.0 μg/m3). PM-4.0 and benzo(a)pyrene concentration were lower in buildings serviced by a >99.95% efficiency particle filter, compared to buildings using a standard 80–90% efficiency filter (p < 0.01). No indications were found that support a significant contribution of known local sources such as fuels or combustion engines to any of the IAQ parameters measured in this study. Chemical IAQ was primarily driven by known indoor sources and activities.
Integrative RNA- and miRNA-Profile Analysis Reveals a Likely Role of BR and Auxin Signaling in Branch Angle Regulation of B. napus
Authors: Cheng Hongtao , Hao Mengyu , Wang Wenxiang , Mei Desheng , Wells Rachel , Liu Jia , Wang Hui , Sang Shifei , Tang Min , Zhou Rijin , Chu Wen , Fu Li , Hu Qiong
Published: May 2017

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) is the second largest oilseed crop worldwide and one of the most important oil crops in China. As a component of plant architecture, branch angle plays an important role in yield performance, especially under high-density planting conditions. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of branch angle are still largely not understood. Two oilseed rape lines with significantly different branch angles were used to conduct RNA- and miRNA-profiling at two developmental stages, identifying differential expression of a large number of genes involved in auxin- and brassinosteroid (BR)-related pathways. Many auxin response genes, including AUX1, IAA, GH3, and ARF, were enriched in the compact line. However, a number of genes involved in BR signaling transduction and biosynthesis were down-regulated. Differentially expressed miRNAs included those involved in auxin signaling transduction. Expression patterns of most target genes were fine-tuned by related miRNAs, such as miR156, miR172, and miR319. Some miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed at both developmental stages, including three miR827 members. Our results provide insight that auxin- and BR-signaling may play a pivotal role in branch angle regulation.
Drug-Loadable Calcium Alginate Hydrogel System for Use in Oral Bone Tissue Repair
Authors: Chen Luyuan , Shen Renze , Komasa Satoshi , Xue Yanxiang , Jin Bingyu , Hou Yepo , Okazaki Joji , Gao Jie
Published: May 2017

This study developed a drug-loadable hydrogel system with high plasticity and favorable biological properties to enhance oral bone tissue regeneration. Hydrogels of different calcium alginate concentrations were prepared. Their swelling ratio, degradation time, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) release rate were measured. Human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were cultured with both calcium alginate hydrogels and polylactic acid (PLA), and then we examined the proliferation of cells. Inflammatory-related factor gene expressions of hPDLCs and osteogenesis-related gene expressions of BMSCs were observed. Materials were implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of rabbits to determine the biosecurity properties of the materials. The materials were also implanted in mandibular bone defects and then scanned using micro-CT. The calcium alginate hydrogels caused less inflammation than the PLA. The number of mineralized nodules and the expression of osteoblast-related genes were significantly higher in the hydrogel group compared with the control group. When the materials were implanted in subcutaneous tissue, materials showed favorable biocompatibility. The calcium alginate hydrogels had superior osteoinductive bone ability to the PLA. The drug-loadable calcium alginate hydrogel system is a potential bone defect reparation material for clinical dental application.
Soft-MS and Computational Mapping of Oleuropein
Authors: Gentile Luigi , Uccella Nicola , Sivakumar Ganapathy
Published: May 2017

Olive oil and table olives are rich sources of biophenols, which provides a unique taste, aroma and potential health benefits. Specifically, green olive drupes are enriched with oleuropein, a bioactive biophenol secoiridoid. Olive oil contains hydrolytic derivatives such as hydroxytyrosol, oleacein and elenolate from oleuropein as well as tyrosol and oleocanthal from ligstroside. Biophenol secoiridoids are categorized by the presence of elenoic acid or its derivatives in their molecular structure. Medical studies suggest that olive biophenol secoiridoids could prevent cancer, obesity, osteoporosis, and neurodegeneration. Therefore, understanding the biomolecular dynamics of oleuropein can potentially improve olive-based functional foods and nutraceuticals. This review provides a critical assessment of oleuropein biomolecular mechanism and computational mapping that could contribute to nutrigenomics.
Epigenetic Bases of Aberrant Glycosylation in Cancer
Authors: Dall’Olio Fabio , Trinchera Marco
Published: May 2017

In this review, the sugar portions of glycoproteins, glycolipids, and glycosaminoglycans constitute the glycome, and the genes involved in their biosynthesis, degradation, transport and recognition are referred to as “glycogenes”. The extreme complexity of the glycome requires the regulatory layer to be provided by the epigenetic mechanisms. Almost all types of cancers present glycosylation aberrations, giving rise to phenotypic changes and to the expression of tumor markers. In this review, we discuss how cancer-associated alterations of promoter methylation, histone methylation/acetylation, and miRNAs determine glycomic changes associated with the malignant phenotype. Usually, increased promoter methylation and miRNA expression induce glycogene silencing. However, treatment with demethylating agents sometimes results in silencing, rather than in a reactivation of glycogenes, suggesting the involvement of distant methylation-dependent regulatory elements. From a therapeutic perspective aimed at the normalization of the malignant glycome, it appears that miRNA targeting of cancer-deranged glycogenes can be a more specific and promising approach than the use of drugs, which broad target methylation/acetylation. A very specific type of glycosylation, the addition of GlcNAc to serine or threonine (O-GlcNAc), is not only regulated by epigenetic mechanisms, but is an epigenetic modifier of histones and transcription factors. Thus, glycosylation is both under the control of epigenetic mechanisms and is an integral part of the epigenetic code.
Incomplete Segregation of MSH6 Frameshift Variants with Phenotype of Lynch Syndrome
Authors: Liccardo Raffaella , De Rosa Marina , Rossi Giovanni Battista , Carlomagno Nicola , Izzo Paola , Duraturo Francesca
Published: May 2017

Abstract: Lynch syndrome (LS), the most frequent form of hereditary colorectal cancer, involves mutations in mismatch repair genes. The aim of this study was to identify mutations in MSH6 from 97 subjects negative for mutations in MLH1 and MSH2. By direct sequencing, we identified 27 MSH6 variants, of which, nine were novel. To verify the pathogenicity of these novel variants, we performed in silico and segregation analyses. Three novel variants were predicted by in silico analysis as damaging mutations and segregated with the disease phenotype; while a novel frameshift deletion variant that was predicted to yield a premature stop codon did not segregate with the LS phenotype in three of four cases in the family. Interestingly, another frame-shift variant identified in this study, already described in the literature, also did not segregate with the LS phenotype in one of two affected subjects in the family. In all affected subjects of both families, no mutation was detected in other MMR genes. Therefore, it is expected that within these families, other genetic factors contribute to the disease either alone or in combination with MSH6 variants. We conclude that caution should be exercised in counseling for MSH6-associated LS family members.
Combining Low Temperature Fluorescence DNA-Hybridization, Immunostaining, and Super-Resolution Localization Microscopy for Nano-Structure Analysis of ALU Elements and Their Influence on Chromatin Structure
Authors: Krufczik Matthias , Sievers Aaron , Hausmann Annkathrin , Lee Jin-Ho , Hildenbrand Georg , Schaufler Wladimir , Hausmann Michael
Published: May 2017

Immunostaining and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) are well established methods for specific labelling of chromatin in the cell nucleus. COMBO-FISH (combinatorial oligonucleotide fluorescence in situ hybridization) is a FISH method using computer designed oligonucleotide probes specifically co-localizing at given target sites. In combination with super resolution microscopy which achieves spatial resolution far beyond the Abbe Limit, it allows new insights into the nano-scaled structure and organization of the chromatin of the nucleus. To avoid nano-structural changes of the chromatin, the COMBO-FISH labelling protocol was optimized omitting heat treatment for denaturation of the target. As an example, this protocol was applied to ALU elements—dispersed short stretches of DNA which appear in different kinds in large numbers in primate genomes. These ALU elements seem to be involved in gene regulation, genomic diversity, disease induction, DNA repair, etc. By computer search, we developed a unique COMBO-FISH probe which specifically binds to ALU consensus elements and combined this DNA–DNA labelling procedure with heterochromatin immunostainings in formaldehyde-fixed cell specimens. By localization microscopy, the chromatin network-like arrangements of ALU oligonucleotide repeats and heterochromatin antibody labelling sites were simultaneously visualized and quantified. This novel approach which simultaneously combines COMBO-FISH and immunostaining was applied to chromatin analysis on the nanoscale after low-linear-energy-transfer (LET) radiation exposure at different doses. Dose-correlated curves were obtained from the amount of ALU representing signals, and the chromatin re-arrangements during DNA repair after irradiation were quantitatively studied on the nano-scale. Beyond applications in radiation research, the labelling strategy of immunostaining and COMBO-FISH with localization microscopy will also offer new potentials for analyses of subcellular elements in combination with other specific chromatin targets.
Inflammation Downregulates UCP1 Expression in Brown Adipocytes Potentially via SIRT1 and DBC1 Interaction
Authors: Nøhr Mark , Bobba Natalia , Richelsen Bjørn , Lund Sten , Pedersen Steen
Published: May 2017

Brown adipose tissue thermogenesis at the cost of energy is not only important for the development of obesity, but also possesses great promise in anti-obesity treatment. Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression has been reported to be under control of the intracellular deacetylase SIRT1. Here, we investigated the effect and mechanism of inflammation and sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) activation on the induction of thermogenic genes in immortalized brown adipocytes incubated with LPS or IL1β and mice with elevated inflammatory tone. In vitro stimulation of brown adipocytes with dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosthate (dbcAMP) reduced the expression of deleted in breast cancer-1 (Dbc1) (SIRT1 inhibitor) and increased the Ucp1 expression. Silencing of SIRT1 attenuated dbcAMP induction of Ucp1. In contrast, IL1β increased the expression of Dbc1 and greatly reduced the induction of Ucp1. Similarly, in vivo studies revealed decreased expression of Ucp1 in brown adipose tissue (BAT) in mice chronically infused with LPS. Resveratrol, a known SIRT1 activator, partly rescued the Ucp1 downregulation by inflammation in both the cell cultures and mice. Here, we describe how the expression of Ucp1 in BAT is controlled via SIRT1 and is reduced under inflammation and can be rescued by SIRT1 activation by resveratrol. We suggest the reduced UCP1 expression under inflammation is mediated by the increased expression of DBC1, which inhibits SIRT1 activity.
Atractylenolide-I Protects Human SH-SY5Y Cells from 1-Methyl-4-Phenylpyridinium-Induced Apoptotic Cell Death
Authors: More Sandeep , Choi Dong-Kug
Published: May 2017

Oxidative stress and apoptosis are the major mechanisms that induce dopaminergic cell death. Our study investigates the protective effects of atractylenolide-I (ATR-I) on 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced cytotoxicity in human dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells, as well as its underlying mechanism. Our experimental data indicates that ATR-I significantly inhibits the loss of cell viability induced by MPP+ in SH-SY5Y cells. To further unravel the mechanism, we examined the effect of ATR-I on MPP+-induced apoptotic cell death characterized by an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA ratio, the release of cytochrome-c, and the activation of caspase-3 leading to elevated levels of cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) resulting in SH-SY5Y cell death. Our results demonstrated that ATR-I decreases the level of pro-apoptotic proteins induced by MPP+ and also restored Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA levels, which are critical for inducing apoptosis. In addition, ATR-I demonstrated a significant increase in the protein expression of heme-oxygenase in MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells. These results suggest that the pharmacological effect of ATR-I may be, at least in part, caused by the reduction in pro-apoptotic signals and also by induction of anti-oxidant protein.
The Dose–Response Association between Nitrogen Dioxide Exposure and Serum Interleukin-6 Concentrations
Authors: Perret Jennifer , Bowatte Gayan , Lodge Caroline , Knibbs Luke , Gurrin Lyle , Kandane-Rathnayake Rangi , Johns David , Lowe Adrian , Burgess John , Thompson Bruce , Thomas Paul , Wood-Baker Richard , Morrison Stephen , Giles Graham , Marks Guy , Markos James , Tang Mimi , Abramson Michael , Walters E. , Matheson Melanie , Dharmage Shyamali
Published: May 2017

Systemic inflammation is an integral part of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and air pollution is associated with cardiorespiratory mortality, yet the interrelationships are not fully defined. We examined associations between nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure (as a marker of traffic-related air pollution) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and investigated effect modification and mediation by post-bronchodilator airflow obstruction (post-BD-AO) and cardiovascular risk. Data from middle-aged participants in the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study (TAHS, n = 1389) were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression, using serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) as the outcome. Mean annual NO2 exposure was estimated at residential addresses using a validated satellite-based land-use regression model. Post-BD-AO was defined by post-BD forced expiratory ratio (FEV1/FVC) < lower limit of normal, and cardiovascular risk by a history of either cerebrovascular or ischaemic heart disease. We found a positive association with increasing serum IL-6 concentration (geometric mean 1.20 (95% CI: 1.1 to 1.3, p = 0.001) per quartile increase in NO2). This was predominantly a direct relationship, with little evidence for either effect modification or mediation via post-BD-AO, or for the small subgroup who reported cardiovascular events. However, there was some evidence consistent with serum IL-6 being on the causal pathway between NO2 and cardiovascular risk. These findings raise the possibility that the interplay between air pollution and systemic inflammation may differ between post-BD airflow obstruction and cardiovascular diseases.
A Reagentless Amperometric Formaldehyde-Selective Chemosensor Based on Platinized Gold Electrodes
Authors: Demkiv Olha , Smutok Oleh , Gonchar Mykhailo , Nisnevitch Marina
Published: May 2017

Fabrication and characterization of a new amperometric chemosensor for accurate formaldehyde analysis based on platinized gold electrodes is described. The platinization process was performed electrochemically on the surface of 4 mm gold planar electrodes by both electrolysis and cyclic voltamperometry. The produced electrodes were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray spectral analysis. Using a low working potential (0.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl) enabled an essential increase in the chemosensor’s selectivity for the target analyte. The sensitivity of the best chemosensor prototype to formaldehyde is uniquely high (28180 A·M−1·m−2) with a detection limit of 0.05 mM. The chemosensor remained stable over a one-year storage period. The formaldehye-selective chemosensor was tested on samples of commercial preparations. A high correlation was demonstrated between the results obtained by the proposed chemosensor, chemical and enzymatic methods (R = 0.998). The developed formaldehyde-selective amperometric chemosensor is very promising for use in industry and research, as well as for environmental control.