bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Bioactive Antioxidants’ Extraction from “Horchata de Chufa” By-Products
Authors: Roselló-Soto Elena , Barba Francisco , Putnik Predrag , Bursać Kovačević Danijela , Lorenzo Jose , Cantavella-Ferrero Yara
Published: October 2018

During the production of a traditional drink produced from the tubers of Cyperus esculentus L. also known as “horchata de chufa,” a high quantity of by-products are generated. These by-products are rich with valuable biological compounds, hence, there is a need to report their extraction conditions for further use in food production as raw materials. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate and improve the conventional extraction process, applied for recovery of phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, and total antioxidant capacity from the by-products. Independent variables for extraction were: (i) Solvent type (mixtures of ethanol-water (v/v) at 0%, 25% and 50%); (ii) temperature (40, 50 and 60 °C), and (iii) extraction time (1, 2 and 3 h). The obtained results showed that solvent type, temperature, and time significantly influenced (p < 0.05) all investigated parameters. The highest content of total polyphenols (16.02 mg GAE/100 g of dry matter; d.m.), and total flavonoids (30.09 mg CE/100 g d.m.) was achieved by ethanol at 25% (v/v), after 3 h of extraction with temperatures of 60 °C and 50 °C, respectively. The highest value of antioxidant capacity (1759.81 µM Trolox equivalents/g d.m.) was observed with 50% aqueous ethanol (v/v), at 60 °C, and 3 h of extraction. From the obtained results, it can be concluded that the by-products of “Horchata de Chufa” are an important source of antioxidant bioactive compounds.
Optimization of Polyphenol Extraction from Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum through Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Strati Irini F. , Kostomitsopoulos George , Lytras Fotios , Zoumpoulakis Panagiotis , Proestos Charalampos , Sinanoglou Vassilia J.
Published: October 2018

Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum has been recognized as a rich source of secondary metabolites, including phenolic acids, flavonoids and flavonoid polymers (proanthocyanidins or condensed tannins), with related health benefits. Both parts of Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum (white bulb and pseudostem) are traditionally consumed either as a vegetable or as a condiment in many Mediterranean countries. The aim of the present study was to optimize the extraction conditions of polyphenols from white leek stem and green leek leaf by implementing a Box-Behnken design (BBD). The optimization considered basic factors affecting extraction efficiency, including extraction time, solvent to plant material ratio and solvent mixture composition. Maximum polyphenol yield was achieved at an extraction time of 80 and 100 min for white leek stem and green leek leaf extracts respectively, solvent to plant material ratio of 5:1 (v/w) and methanol to water ratio of 40:60 (v/v), for both leek extracts. Interestingly, higher total phenolic content was found in green leek leaf extracts compared to white leek stem extracts, due to a possible relationship between polyphenol production and sunlight radiation. High correlation values were also observed between total phenolic content and antioxidant-antiradical activity of optimized leek extracts.
Development and Validation of a Recipe Method for Doughs
Authors: Lezama-Solano Adriana , Chambers Edgar
Published: October 2018

Recipes have a great impact on consumers’ behavior in the kitchen; building a recipe requires the understanding of the potential user. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate different recipe styles for the preparation of doughs by understanding people’s descriptions of these. Two qualitative studies were performed (43 wheat and 50 corn dough preparers). During interviews, participants described the preparation process of the doughs using the Think Aloud technique. Finished doughs were described as not sticky, soft, and pliable. Based on these descriptions, five recipes were created: not detailed, detailed, very detailed, paragraph-form, and ‘with images’. Recipes were validated in two online surveys (total n = 600), where respondents evaluated the easiness, likeability, likelihood of using, helpfulness, and amount of information. Respondents considered the recipe with images as easier and more helpful. The very detailed recipe was considered more difficult, less helpful, and was liked less than the other recipes. Understanding and identifying the terms and techniques people use is a good way to communicate how to prepare a food product and can be used to develop and improve recipes. However, the format in which the recipe is presented is an important factor considered by users when following recipes.
Do Economists Punish Less?
Authors: Kaiser Jonas Pilgaard , Pedersen Kasper Selmar , Koch Alexander K.
Published: October 2018

A number of studies discuss whether and how economists differ from other disciplines in the amount that they contribute to public goods. We view this debate as incomplete because it neglects the willingness to sanction non-cooperative behavior, which is crucial for maintaining social order and for sustaining the provision of public goods. We study the decision whether to engage in costly punishment of a free rider in a survey-based experiment with 1423 students from seven study areas in the social sciences, as well as medicine at Aarhus University, Denmark. Using a dictator game and a social dilemma game, that captures essential features of the public goods game, we replicate previous findings that economics students give significantly less than students from other disciplines. However, when subjects decide whether or not to punish a free rider, we find that economics students are just as likely to punish as students from other disciplines.
Equilibrium Analysis for Platform Developers in Two-Sided Market with Backward Compatibility
Authors: Kim Dohoon
Published: October 2018

We consider a dominant platform provider operating both legacy and new platforms that connects users with suppliers in a two-sided market context. In addition to the typical indirect network effects in the two-sided market, backward compatibility works on the new platform. Thus, users joining the new one can also enjoy the services provided by suppliers using the legacy platform. Users and suppliers are linearly differentiated between two platforms as in the Hotelling model and play a subscription game of choosing one platform at the lower level. The suppliers in the new platform may suffer from congestion, which can be alleviated by platform provider’s investment on the new one. The platform provider also determines price margins for the supplier sides. Our equilibrium (eq.) analysis in the subscription game identifies an interior eq. (coexistence of both platforms in both sides). Though the backward compatibility plays a stabilizing role for the interior eq., its stability is fragile due to the network effects. Rather, some boundary eq.’s, where at least one side tips to the legacy or the new platform, are more likely to be stable. The backward compatibility is a key factor that characterizes the stable boundary eq.’s. The upper stage game is led by the platform provider, which tries to maneuver the system toward one of the stable boundary eq.’s using price margins and investment. The platform provider prefers an all-new boundary eq. when the indirect network effect and the maximum price margin for the new platform are large; thus, it puts a significant investment in the new one. With a small indirect network effect for suppliers, however, the platform provider does not invest in the new platform and choose a separate boundary eq. where two sides split into different platforms. Whether the user side completely tips to the new one (completely separated eq.) or not (partially separated eq.) depends on the backward compatibility. The relative advantage of the all-new eq. over the separate eq.’s in terms of social welfare from both sides depends on the backward compatibility as well as the indirect network effects for the new platform.
Overexpression of PeHKT1;1 Improves Salt Tolerance in Populus
Authors: Xu Meng , Chen Caihui , Cai Heng , Wu Ling
Published: October 2018

Soil salinization is an increasingly serious threat that limits plant growth and development. Class I transporters of the high-affinity K+ transporter (HKT) family have been demonstrated to be involved in salt tolerance by contributing to Na+ exclusion from roots and shoots. Here, we isolated the PeHKT1;1 gene from hybrid poplar based on the sequences of the Populus trichocarpa genome. The full-length PeHKT1;1 gene was 2173 bp, including a 1608 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding 535 amino acids and containing eight distinct transmembrane domains. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis suggested that the PeHKT1;1 protein had a typical S–G–G–G signature for the P-loop domains and belonged to class I of HKT transporters. PeHKT1;1 transcripts were mainly detected in stem and root, and were remarkably induced by salt stress treatment. In further characterization of its functions, overexpression of PeHKT1;1 in Populus davidiana × Populus bolleana resulted in a better relative growth rate in phenotypic analysis, including root and plant height, and exhibited higher catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities than non-transgenic poplar under salt stress conditions. These observations indicated that PeHKT1;1 may enhance salt tolerance by improving the efficiency of antioxidant systems. Together, these data suggest that PeHKT1;1 plays an important role in response to salt stress in Populus.
The Behavior of the Maize B Chromosome and Centromere
Authors: Su Handong , Liu Yalin , Liu Yang , Birchler James A. , Han Fangpu
Published: October 2018

The maize B chromosome is a non-essential chromosome with an accumulation mechanism. The dispensable nature of the B chromosome facilitates many types of genetic studies in maize. Maize lines with B chromosomes have been widely used in studies of centromere functions. Here, we discuss the maize B chromosome alongside the latest progress of B centromere activities, including centromere misdivision, inactivation, reactivation, and de novo centromere formation. The meiotic features of the B centromere, related to mini-chromosomes and the control of the size of the maize centromere, are also discussed.
Topographic Anaglyphs from Detailed Digital Elevation Models Covering Inland and Seafloor for the Tectonic Geomorphology Studies in and around Yoron Island, Ryukyu Arc, Japan
Authors: Goto Hideaki , Arai Kohsaku , Sato Taichi
Published: October 2018

Anaglyphs produced using a digital elevation model (DEM) are effective to identify the characteristic tectono–geomorphic features. The objective of this study is to reinvestigate the tectonic geomorphology and to present novel tectonic maps of the late Quaternary in and around the Yoron island based on the interpretation of extensive topographical anaglyphs along the map areas that cover the inland and seafloor. Vintage aerial photographs are used to produce the 3-m mesh inland digital surface model (DSM); further, the 0.6-s to 2-s-mesh seafloor DEM is processed using the cloud point data generated through previous surveys. Thus, we identify anticlinal deformation on both the Pleistocene marine terrace and the seafloor to the north of the island. The deformation axis extends in a line and is parallel to the general trend of the island shelf. The Tsujimiya fault cuts the marine terraces, which extend to the Yoron basin’s seafloor. If we assume that the horizontal compressive stress axis is perpendicular to the island shelf, these properties can easily explain the distribution and style of the active faults and deformation. This study presents an effective methodology to understand the island arc tectonics, especially in case of small isolated islands.
Geotourism Perspectives for Transhumance Routes. Analysis, Requalification and Virtual Tools for the Geoconservation Management of the Drove Roads in Southern Italy
Authors: Meini Monica , Di Felice Giuseppe , Petrella Marco
Published: October 2018

The article illustrates the interest in transhumance routes, the ancient paths connecting high and lowland pastures in Southern Italy and other Mediterranean regions, as elements of particular importance for sustainable geotourism management. As a contribution to the needs of requalification of the drove roads, we propose a method of analysis for their preservation and their reuse for geotourism purposes, showing the steps and instruments necessary to organize, enhance and communicate transhumance routes as integrated cultural landscapes. Results are presented as applied to a specific case study (Molise, IT) of a geoconservation management proposal for the assessment of the state of conservation of the drove roads, of their cultural heritage and of their potential reuse for geotourism. This methodological proposal uses geographical information systems, historical sources, cartography and remote sensing techniques and includes 3D virtual reconstructions of the transhumance landscape. The article is meant to contribute to a non-stereotyped image of transhumance geoheritage, reflecting on communication and learning strategies supported by geo-historical analyses, in order to promote a greater awareness of landscapes genesis and evolution for visitors and local communities. It is argued that future challenges of geotourism relate to the ability to recompose nature and culture to an interpretive unity, both from a theoretical and operative point of view, and that the goal is to reach an integrated tourist offer focused on the relationship between man and environment with the signs of territorialisation processes expressed through economic vocations, traditional production chains, cultural values and territorial identity. To this purpose, the valorisation of the transhumance routes—for their historical-economic, ecological, landscape, patrimonial and identity meanings—seems to respond perfectly.
Application of Radial Basis Functions for Height Datum Unification
Authors: Foroughi Ismael , Safari Abdolreza , Novák Pavel , Santos Marcelo C.
Published: October 2018

Local gravity field modelling demands high-quality gravity data as well as an appropriate mathematical model. Particularly in coastal areas, there may be different types of gravity observations available, for instance, terrestrial, aerial, marine gravity, and satellite altimetry data. Thus, it is important to develop a proper tool to merge the different data types for local gravity field modelling and determination of the geoid. In this study, radial basis functions, as a commonly useful tool for gravity data integration, are employed to model the gravity potential field of the southern part of Iran using terrestrial gravity anomalies, gravity anomalies derived from re-tracked satellite altimetry, marine gravity anomalies, and gravity anomalies synthesized from an Earth gravity model. Reference GNSS/levelling (geometric) geoidal heights are used to evaluate the accuracy of the estimated local gravity field model. The gravimetric geoidal heights are in acceptable agreement with the geometric ones in terms of the standard deviation and the mean value which are 4.1 and 12 cm, respectively. Besides, the reference benchmark of the national first-order levelling network of Iran is located in the study area. The derived gravity model was used to compute the gravity potential difference at this point and then transformed into a height difference which results in the value of the shift of this benchmark with respect to the geoid. The estimated shift shows a good agreement with previously published studies.
‘Vision Isolated in Eternity’: Nostalgia Catches the Train
Authors: Stevenson Randall
Published: October 2018

Nostalgia for steam trains in the late twentieth and twenty-first centuries offers a further example of the varying responses to railways evident ever since their first development in the nineteenth century. Several of these responses contributed to, and illustrate, the changing roles of temporality, memory and nostalgia in the literature of the modern period. In particular, though modernist literature is often critical of the contribution railways and their timetabling made to the mechanisation of the modern age, the writers concerned also develop affirmatively the new possibilities of momentary, memorable vision which rapid travel offered to the imagination. The development of this kind of vision in modernist writing allows certain forms of intense memory to be recognized as historically specific, though also, as always, shaped by nostalgia’s idiosyncratic, personal aspects.
Current High-Throughput Approaches of Screening Modulatory Effects of Xenobiotics on Cytochrome P450 (CYP) Enzymes
Authors: Ung Yee Tze , Ong Chin Eng , Pan Yan
Published: October 2018

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) is a critical drug-metabolizing enzyme superfamily. Modulation of CYP enzyme activities has the potential to cause drug–drug/herb interactions. Drug–drug/herb interactions can lead to serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs) or drug failures. Therefore, there is a need to examine the modulatory effects of new drug entities or herbal preparations on a wide range of CYP isoforms. The classic method of quantifying CYP enzyme activities is based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which is time- and reagent-consuming. In the past two decades, high-throughput screening methods including fluorescence-based, luminescence-based, and mass-spectrometry-based assays have been developed and widely applied to estimate CYP enzyme activities. In general, these methods are faster and use lower volume of reagents than HPLC. However, each high-throughput method has its own limitations. Investigators may make a selection of these methods based on the available equipment in the laboratory, budget, and enzyme sources supplied. Furthermore, the current high-throughput systems should look into developing a reliable automation mechanism to accomplish ultra-high-throughput screening in the near future.
Assessment of the Public Health Threats Posed by Vector-Borne Disease in the United Kingdom (UK)
Authors: Medlock Jolyon M. , Hansford Kayleigh M. , Vaux Alexander G. C. , Cull Ben , Gillingham Emma , Leach Steve
Published: October 2018

In recent years, the known distribution of vector-borne diseases in Europe has changed, with much new information also available now on the status of vectors in the United Kingdom (UK). For example, in 2016, the UK reported their first detection of the non-native mosquito Aedes albopictus, which is a known vector for dengue and chikungunya virus. In 2010, Culex modestus, a principal mosquito vector for West Nile virus was detected in large numbers in the Thames estuary. For tick-borne diseases, data on the changing distribution of the Lyme borreliosis tick vector, Ixodes ricinus, has recently been published, at a time when there has been an increase in the numbers of reported human cases of Lyme disease. This paper brings together the latest surveillance data and pertinent research on vector-borne disease in the UK, and its relevance to public health. It highlights the need for continued vector surveillance systems to monitor our native mosquito and tick fauna, as well as the need to expand surveillance for invasive species. It illustrates the importance of maintaining surveillance capacity that is sufficient to ensure accurate and timely disease risk assessment to help mitigate the UK’s changing emerging infectious disease risks, especially in a time of climatic and environmental change and increasing global connectivity.
Impact of Different Estimation Methods on Obesity-Attributable Mortality Levels and Trends: The Case of The Netherlands
Authors: Vidra Nikoletta , Bijlsma Maarten J. , Janssen Fanny
Published: October 2018

The available methodologies to estimate the obesity-attributable mortality fraction (OAMF) affect the levels found and hamper the construction of time series. Our aim was to assess the impact of using different techniques to estimate the levels and the trends in obesity-attributable mortality for The Netherlands between 1981 to 2013. Using Body Mass Index (BMI), all-cause and cause-specific mortality data, and worldwide and European relative risks (RRs), we estimated OAMFs using three all-cause approaches (partially adjusted, weighted sum, and the two combined) and one cause-of-death approach (Comparative Risk Assessment; CRA). We adjusted the CRA approach to purely capture obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). The different approaches led to a range of estimates. The weighted sum method using worldwide RRs generated the lowest (0.9%) while the adjusted CRA approach using 2013 RRs generated the highest estimate (1.5%). Using European-specific RRs instead of worldwide RRs resulted in higher estimates. Most of the approaches revealed an increasing OAMF over the period 1981 to 2013 especially from 1993 onwards except for the adjusted CRA approach among women. Estimates of OAMF levels and trends differed depending on the method applied. Given the limited available data, we recommend using the weighted-sum method to compare obesity-attributable mortality across European countries over time.
Depression Negatively Impacts Survival of Patients with Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Lin Po-Hung , Liu Jui-Ming , Hsu Ren-Jun , Chuang Heng-Chang , Chang Su-Wei , Pang See-Tong , Chang Ying-Hsu , Chuang Cheng-Keng , Lin Shun-Ku
Published: October 2018

The prevalence of depression in patients with cancer is high, especially for patients with advanced cancer. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of depression in prostate cancer patients in Taiwan and the association between depression and mortality in prostate cancer. This study included 1101 newly diagnosed patients with prostate cancer. We tracked the medical information of these patients from diagnosis until the end of 2012. Patients were divided into two groups according to presence or absence of depression diagnosis, and were further divided into three stages by initial treatments: localized or locally advanced, metastatic, and castration-resistant prostate cancer. Of 1101 participants, 267 (24.3%) had depression. By the end of the follow-up period (M = 8.30 ± 3.12 years), 77 (28.8%) patients in the depression group and 194 (23.3%) in the non-depressed group died. Depression was associated with higher mortality risk, (aHR 1.37; 95% CI [ 1.04–1.80]; p value 0.01). Patients in the metastatic prostate cancer group with depression had a significantly higher mortality risk compared to the non-depressed group, (aHR, 1.49; 95% CI [1.05–2.11]; p value 0.02). The impact of depression on mortality risk was not significant in either the localized or locally advanced or the castration-resistant prostate cancer groups. Our study showed that depression is related to an increased mortality risk for patients with prostate cancer, especially for metastatic prostate cancer. These results indicate that urologists should pay attention to the mood and psychiatric disorders of patients with prostate cancer.
Analysis of “2·28” KEEPER Chemical Industries Hazardous Chemical Explosion Accident Based on FTA and HFACS
Authors: Jiang Wei , Han Wei
Published: October 2018

On 28 February 2012, a guanidine nitrate explosion occurred at HEBEI KEEPER Chemical Industries Co., Ltd., China, resulting in 25 deaths, with 4 missing individuals and 46 injured. In order to explore the causal relationship hidden behind this accident, fault tree analysis (FTA) and the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) were used to systematically analyze the incident. Firstly, FTA was used to analyze the causes of the accident in depth, until all the basic causal events causing the guanidine nitrate explosion were identified, and a fault tree diagram of the guanidine nitrate explosion was drawn. Secondly, for the unsafe acts in the basic causal events, the HFACS model was used to analyze the three levels of factors that lead to unsafe acts, including the preconditions for unsafe acts, unsafe supervision, and organizational influences. Finally, based on the analysis results of FTA and HFACS, a complete logic diagram of the causes of the accident was obtained. The FTA and HFACS accident analysis methods allowed for the identification of human factors and the accident evolution process in the explosion accident and provide a reference for accident investigation.
Short Telomere Length as a Biomarker Risk of Lung Cancer Development Induced by High Radon Levels: A Pilot Study
Authors: Autsavapromporn Narongchai , Klunklin Pitchayaponne , Threeratana Chalat , Tuntiwechapikul Wirote , Hosoda Masahiro , Tokonami Shinji
Published: October 2018

Long-term exposure to radon has been determined to be the second leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco smoking. However, an in-depth study of this topic has not been explicitly carried out in Chiang Mai (Thailand). This paper presents the results of an indoor radon level measurement campaign in dwellings of Chiang Mai using total of 110 detectors (CR-39) during one year. The results show that the average radon levels varied from 35 to 219 Bq/m3, with an overall average of 57 Bq/m3. The finding also shows that the average value is higher than the global average value of 39 Bq/m3. In addition, to examine the cause of lung cancer development among people with risk of chronic exposure to radon during their lifetime, 35 non-smoker lung cancer patients and 33 healthy nonsmokers were analyzed for telomere length. As expected, telomere length was significantly shorter in lung cancer patients than in healthy nonsmokers. Among healthy nonsmokers, the telomere length was significantly shorter in a high radon group than in an unaffected low radon group. To the best of our knowledge, our research provides the first attempt in describing the shortened telomeres in areas with high levels of environmental radon that might be related to lung cancer development.
The Dislike of Hot Thermal Conditions and Its Relationship with Sun (Ultraviolet Radiation) Exposure in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Stewart Alan E. , Kimlin Michael G.
Published: October 2018

We investigated the relationship between peoples’ preferences for being outside during certain months of the year, based upon their dislike of hot or warm temperatures, and of taking precautions against ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. A sample of university undergraduates (N = 1400) living in the Northern Hemisphere completed an online survey in the late summer of 2017 that inventoried their dislike of heat and hot conditions, their sun tanning preferences and habits, and their preferences for being outside during different months of the year, along with whether they would protect themselves from the UVR exposure during those months. Dislike of hot conditions was negatively correlated with respondent preferences for sun tanning and with the number of months during the year that people enjoyed being active outside. A greater proportion of people who disliked hot conditions experienced risks of UVR overexposure during the spring and fall. In contrast, people who expressed more liking of heat frequently enjoyed being outside during the warmer months (April to October), and a significantly greater proportion of them experienced risks for sun overexposure in these months. Such individual differences in heat-related attitudes may explain a proportion the variability in individual risk behaviors for skin cancer that is not currently accounted for by approaches using objective variables such as temperature, thermal comfort indices, or the UV index.
Removal of Cr (VI) from Simulated and Leachate Wastewaters by Bentonite-Supported Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Fayuan , Yang Weiwei , Zheng Fangyuan , Sun Yuhuan
Published: October 2018

Zero-valent iron (Fe0) nanoparticles (NPs) have shown excellent ability to remove contaminants hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from aquatic systems. Use of support materials can help to prevent oxidation and aggregation of Fe0NPs, and thus enhance their remediation efficiency. However, most previous studies were conducted using artificially synthetic wastewater, and little is known on the remediation effects of supported Fe0NPs on actual wastewaters containing Cr(VI). Here, bentonite-supported Fe0NPs (BFe0NPs) with 1–5% of bentonite were prepared and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Batch experiments were performed to study Cr(VI) removal by the selected BFe0NPs from a simulated wastewater and a leachate wastewater originating from a Cr slag heap-polluted soil. The results show that Fe0NPs were uniformly dispersed on the bentonite, leading to a decreased aggregation of NPs, and the optimal mass ratio of bentonite was 4%. Batch experiment results show that lower pH values favored Cr(VI) removal by BFe0NPs. The removal percentage of Cr(VI) was higher than 90% for both wastewaters when the pH value was 2.0, but decreased significantly as pH value increased. Cr(VI) removal reaction was quite fast within the initial 10 min, and at least 85% of Cr(VI) was removed for both wastewaters. Cr(VI) removal percentage increased with increasing BFe0NPs dosages ranging from 30 to 60, but remained almost unchanged when the Fe/Cr mass ratio increased to above 60. The reaction of BFe0NPs to remove Cr(VI) followed the pseudo second-order reaction model. In most cases, the removal rates of Cr(VI) were higher in simulated wastewater than in leachate wastewater, but all approached 100% at the optimal conditions. Our present results show that BFe0NPs with 4% bentonite are efficient for treatment of Cr(VI)-containing wastewaters.
Effects of Phytoremediation Treatment on Bacterial Community Structure and Diversity in Different Petroleum-Contaminated Soils
Authors: Shen Yuanyuan , Ji Yu , Li Chunrong , Luo Pingping , Wang Wenke , Zhang Yuan , Nover Daniel
Published: October 2018

Increased exploitation and use of petroleum resources is leading to increased risk of petroleum contamination of soil and groundwater. Although phytoremediation is a widely-used and cost-effective method for rehabilitating soils polluted by petroleum, bacterial community structure and diversity in soils undergoing phytoremediation is poorly understood. We investigate bacterial community response to phytoremediation in two distinct petroleum-contaminated soils (add prepared petroleum-contaminated soils) from northwest China, Weihe Terrace soil and silty loam from loess tableland. High-throughput sequencing technology was used to compare the bacterial communities in 24 different samples, yielding 18,670 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The dominant bacterial groups, Proteobacteria (31.92%), Actinobacteria (16.67%), Acidobacteria (13.29%) and Bacteroidetes (6.58%), increased with increasing petroleum concentration from 3000 mg/kg–10,000 mg/kg, while Crenarchaeota (13.58%) and Chloroflexi (4.7%) decreased. At the order level, RB41, Actinomycetales, Cytophagales, envOPS12, Rhodospirillales, MND1 and Xanthomonadales, except Nitrososphaerales, were dominant in Weihe Terrace soil. Bacterial community structure and diversity in the two soils were significantly different at similar petroleum concentrations. In addition, the dominant genera were affected by available nitrogen, which is strongly associated with the plants used for remediation. Overall, the bacterial community structure and diversity were markedly different in the two soils, depending on the species of plants used and the petroleum concentration.
Assessment of Long-Term Watershed Management on Reservoir Phosphorus Concentrations and Export Fluxes
Authors: Huang Xiaolin , Chen Han , Xia Fang , Wang Zhenfeng , Mei Kun , Shang Xu , Liu Yuanyuan , Dahlgren Randy A. , Zhang Minghua , Huang Hong
Published: October 2018

Source water nutrient management to prevent eutrophication requires critical strategies to reduce watershed phosphorus (P) loadings. Shanxi Drinking-Water Source Area (SDWSA) in eastern China experienced severe water quality deterioration before 2010, but showed considerable improvement following application of several watershed management actions to reduce P. This paper assessed the changes in total phosphorus (TP) concentrations and fluxes at the SDWSA outlet relative to watershed anthropogenic P sources during 2005–2016. Overall anthropogenic P inputs decreased by 21.5% over the study period. Domestic sewage, livestock, and fertilizer accounted for (mean ± SD) 18.4 ± 0.6%, 30.1 ± 1.9%, and 51.5 ± 1.5% of total anthropogenic P inputs during 2005–2010, compared to 24.3 ± 2.7%, 8.8 ± 10.7%, and 66.9 ± 8.0% for the 2011–2016 period, respectively. Annual average TP concentrations in SDWSA decreased from 0.041 ± 0.019 mg/L in 2009 to 0.025 ± 0.013 mg/L in 2016, a total decrease of 38.2%. Annual P flux exported from SDWSA decreased from 0.46 ± 0.04 kg P/(ha·a) in 2010 to 0.25 ± 0.02 kg P/(ha·a) in 2016, a decrease of 44.9%. The success in reducing TP concentrations was mainly due to the development of domestic sewage/refuse collection/treatment and improved livestock management. These P management practices have prevented harmful algal blooms, providing for safe drinking water.
Characterization of Histone Genes from the Bivalve Lucina Pectinata
Authors: Montes-Rodríguez Ingrid M. , Rodríguez-Pou Yesenia , González-Méndez Ricardo R. , Lopez-Garriga Juan , Ropelewski Alexander J. , Cadilla Carmen L.
Published: October 2018

Lucina pectinata is a clam that lives in sulfide-rich environments and houses intracellular sulfide-oxidizing endosymbionts. To identify new Lucina pectinata proteins, we produced libraries for genome and transcriptome sequencing and assembled them de novo. We searched for histone-like sequences using the Lucina pectinata histone H3 partial nucleotide sequence against our previously described genome assembly to obtain the complete coding region and identify H3 coding sequences from mollusk sequences in Genbank. Solen marginatus histone nucleotide sequences were used as query sequences using the genome and transcriptome assemblies to identify the Lucina pectinata H1, H2A, H2B and H4 genes and mRNAs and obtained the complete coding regions of the five histone genes by RT-PCR combined with automated Sanger DNA sequencing. The amino acid sequence conservation between the Lucina pectinata and Solen marginatus histones was: 77%, 93%, 83%, 96% and 97% for H1, H2A, H2B, H3 and H4, respectively. As expected, the H3 and H4 proteins were the most conserved and the H1 proteins were most similar to H1′s from aquatic organisms like Crassostrea gigas, Aplysia californica, Mytilus trossulus and Biomphalaria glabrata. The Lucina pectinata draft genome and transcriptome assemblies, obtained by semiconductor sequencing, were adequate for identification of conserved proteins as evidenced by our results for the histone genes.
Inflammation in Coronary Artery Ectasia Compared to Atherosclerosis
Authors: Yetkin Ertan , Ozturk Selcuk , Yetkin Gulay Imadoglu
Published: October 2018

We have read with great enthusiasm the article recently published by Boles et al. [...]
A Novel Naphthyridine Derivative, 3u, Induces Necroptosis at Low Concentrations and Apoptosis at High Concentrations in Human Melanoma A375 Cells
Authors: Kong Qinghong , Lv Jianxin , Yan Shengjiao , Chang Kwen-Jen , Wang Guanlin
Published: October 2018

Naphthyridine derivatives are a widely-used class of heterocycles due to their pharmacological activities. A novel compound (10-Methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo(g)(1,3) diazepino(1,2-a)-(1,8)naphthyridin-6-yl)(phenyl) methanone (named 3u), showed good anticancer activity in the human malignant melanoma cell line A375 via Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay. After Western blotting confirmed, we found that 3u induces necroptosis at low concentrations and apoptosis at high concentrations via the upregulation of death receptors and scaffold protein in A375 cells. Furthermore, by combining 3u with the caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk or Receptor Interacting Serine/Threonine Kinase 1 (RIP1) kinase inhibitor Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1), we found that the activity of caspase-8 was the crucial factor that determined whether either apoptosis or necroptosis occurred. The results indicate that 3u should be considered as a potential chemical substance for melanoma treatment.
Topical Delivery of Senicapoc Nanoliposomal Formulation for Ocular Surface Treatments
Authors: Phua Jie Liang , Hou Aihua , Lui Yuan Siang , Bose Tanima , Chandy George Kanianthara , Tong Louis , Venkatraman Subbu , Huang Yingying
Published: October 2018

Topical ophthalmologic treatments have been facing great challenges with main limitations of low drug bioavailability, due to highly integrative defense mechanisms of the eye. This study rationally devised strategies to increase drug bioavailability by increasing ocular surface residence time of drug-loaded nanoliposomes dispersed within thermo-sensitive hydrogels (Pluronic F-127). Alternatively, we utilized sub-conjunctival injections as a depot technique to localize nanoliposomes. Senicapoc was encapsulated and sustainably released from free nanoliposomes and hydrogels formulations in vitro. Residence time increased up to 12-fold (60 min) with 24% hydrogel formulations, as compared to 5 min for free liposomes, which was observed in the eyes of Sprague-Dawley rats using fluorescence measurements. Pharmacokinetic results obtained from flushed tears, also showed that the hydrogels had greater drug retention capabilities to that of topical viscous solutions for up to 60 min. Senicapoc also remained quantifiable within sub-conjunctival tissues for up to 24 h post-injection.
Visualization of Tau–Tubulin Interaction in a Living Cell Using Bifluorescence Complementation Technique
Authors: Shin Seulgi , Lim Sungsu , Jeong Hyeanjeong , Kwan Li Ting , Kim Yun Kyung
Published: October 2018

Tau is a neuron-specific microtubule-binding protein that stabilizes microtubules. It is generally thought that highly phosphorylated tau dissociates from microtubules and becomes insoluble aggregates, leading to neuronal degeneration. Due to the implication of tau aggregation in neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, great efforts have been made to identify the tau aggregation process. However, tau interaction with tubulin during the aggregation process remains largely unknown. To scrutinize the tau-tubulin interaction, we generated a cell model that enables visualization of the tau-tubulin interaction in a living cell using the Bifluorescence Complementation (BiFC) Technique. Upon diverse chemical stimulation that induced tau pathology, tau-tubulin BiFC cells showed significantly increased levels of BiFC fluorescence, indicating that tau aggregates together with tubulin. Our results suggest that tubulin should be considered as a key component in the tau aggregation process.
Humanin Attenuates NMDA-Induced Excitotoxicity by Inhibiting ROS-dependent JNK/p38 MAPK Pathway
Authors: Yang Xiaorong , Zhang Hongmei , Wu Jinzi , Yin Litian , Yan Liang-Jun , Zhang Ce
Published: October 2018

Humanin (HN) is a novel 24-amino acid peptide that protects neurons against N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-induced toxicity. However, the contribution of the different mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signals to HN neuroprotection against NMDA neurotoxicity remains unclear. The present study was therefore aimed to investigate neuroprotective mechanisms of HN. We analyzed intracellular Ca2+ levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the MAPKs signal transduction cascade using an in vitro NMDA-mediated excitotoxicity of cortical neurons model. Results showed that: (1) HN attenuated NMDA-induced neuronal insults by increasing cell viability, decreasing lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and increasing cell survival; (2) HN reversed NMDA-induced increase in intracellular calcium; (3) pretreatment by HN or 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N’,N’-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA-AM), an intracellular calcium chelator, decreased ROS generation after NMDA exposure; (4) administration of HN or N-Acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), a ROS scavenger, inhibited NMDA-induced JNK and p38 MAPK activation. These results indicated that HN reduced intracellular elevation of Ca2+ levels, which, in turn, inhibited ROS generation and subsequent JNK and p38 MAPK activation that are involved in promoting cell survival in NMDA-induced excitotoxicity. Therefore, the present study suggests that inhibition of ROS-dependent JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway serves an effective strategy for HN neuroprotection against certain neurological diseases.
Progress in Optimization of Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation in Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)
Authors: Ahmed Rana Imtiaz , Ding Anming , Xie Minmin , Kong Yingzhen
Published: October 2018

This review archives the achievements made in the last two decades and presents a brief outline of some significant factors influencing the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Sorghum bicolor. Recently, progress in successful transformation has been made for this particular monocot crop through direct DNA delivery method and indirect method via Agrobacterium. However, lower transformation rate still proved to be a bottleneck in genetic modification of sorghum. An efficient Agrobacterium transformation system could be attained by optimizing the preliminary assays, comprising of explant source, growth media, antibiotics, Agrobacterium strains and agro-infection response of callus. The selection of competent strains for genetic transformation is also one of the key factors of consideration. Successful transformation is highly dependent on genome configuration of selected cultivar, where non-tannin genotype proved the best suited. Immature embryos from the field source have higher inherent adaptation chances than that of the greenhouse source. A higher concentration of Agrobacterium may damage the explant source. Utilization of anti-necrotic treatments and optimized tissue culture timeframe are the adequate strategies to lower down the effect of phenolic compounds. Appropriate selection of culture media vessels at different stages of tissue culture may also assist in a constructive manner. In conclusion, some aspects such as culture environment with medium composition, explant sources, and genotypes play an indispensable role in successful Agrobacterium-mediated sorghum transformation system.
Photothermal Off-Resonance Tapping for Rapid and Gentle Atomic Force Imaging of Live Cells
Authors: Nievergelt Adrian P. , Brillard Charlène , Eskandarian Haig A. , McKinney John D. , Fantner Georg E.
Published: October 2018

Imaging living cells by atomic force microscopy (AFM) promises not only high-resolution topographical data, but additionally, mechanical contrast, both of which are not obtainable with other microscopy techniques. Such imaging is however challenging, as cells need to be measured with low interaction forces to prevent either deformation or detachment from the surface. Off-resonance modes which periodically probe the surface have been shown to be advantageous, as they provide excellent force control combined with large amplitudes, which help reduce lateral force interactions. However, the low actuation frequency in traditional off-resonance techniques limits the imaging speed significantly. Using photothermal actuation, we probe the surface by directly actuating the cantilever. Due to the much smaller mass that needs to be actuated, the achievable measurement frequency is increased by two orders of magnitude. Additionally, photothermal off-resonance tapping (PORT) retains the precise force control of conventional off-resonance modes and is therefore well suited to gentle imaging. Here, we show how photothermal off-resonance tapping can be used to study live cells by AFM. As an example of imaging mammalian cells, the initial attachment, as well as long-term detachment, of human thrombocytes is presented. The membrane disrupting effect of the antimicrobial peptide CM-15 is shown on the cell wall of Escherichia coli. Finally, the dissolution of the cell wall of Bacillus subtilis by lysozyme is shown. Taken together, these evolutionarily disparate forms of life exemplify the usefulness of PORT for live cell imaging in a multitude of biological disciplines.
LP1 from Lentinula edodes C91-3 Induces Autophagy, Apoptosis and Reduces Metastasis in Human Gastric Cancer Cell Line SGC-7901
Authors: Batool Samana , Joseph Thomson Patrick , Hussain Mushraf , Vuai Miza S. , Khinsar Kavish. H. , Din Syed Riaz Ud , Padhiar Arshad Ahmed , Zhong Mintao , Ning Anhong , Zhang Wei , Cao Jing , Huang Min
Published: October 2018

Present study aimed to elucidate the anticancer effect and the possible molecular mechanism underlying the action of Latcripin 1 (LP1), from the mushroom Lentinula edodes strain C91-3 against gastric cancer cell lines SGC-7901 and BGC-823. Cell viability was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8); morphological changes were observed by phase contrast microscope; autophagy was determined by transmission electron microscope and fluorescence microscope. Apoptosis and cell cycle were assessed by flow cytometer; wound-healing, transwell migration and invasion assays were performed to investigate the effect of LP1 on gastric cancer cell’s migration and invasion. Herein, we found that LP1 resulted in the induction of autophagy by the formation of autophagosomes and conversion of light chain 3 (LC3I into LC3II. LP1 up-regulated the expression level of autophagy-related gene (Atg7, Atg5, Atg12, Atg14) and Beclin1; increased and decreased the expression level of pro-apoptotic (Bax) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) proteins respectively, along with the activation of Caspase-3. At lower-doses, LP1 have shown to arrest cells in the S phase of the cell cycle and decreased the expression level of matrix metalloproteinase MMP-2 and MMP-9. In addition, it has also been shown to regulate the phosphorylation of one of the most hampered gastric cancer pathway, that is, protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (Akt/mTOR) channel and resulted in cell death. These findings suggested LP1 as a potential natural anti-cancer agent, for exploring the gastric cancer therapies and as a contender for further in vitro and in vivo investigations.
Screening of Ulva rigida, Gracilaria sp., Fucus vesiculosus and Saccharina latissima as Functional Ingredients
Authors: Neto Rodrigo T. , Marçal Catarina , Queirós Ana S. , Abreu Helena , Silva Artur M. S. , Cardoso Susana M.
Published: October 2018

The intent of the present work was to evaluate the potential of four macroalgae prevalent in Europe, namely Ulva rigida, Gracilaria sp., Fucus vesiculosus and Saccharina latissima, for application in functional foods, either in the direct form or as extracts. Accordingly, nutritional composition, the content of phytochemical antioxidants, and the inhibitory ability of key enzymes with impacts on obesity and diabetes (α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase) or on arterial pressure (angiotensin-I converting enzyme), were evaluated. Overall, protein, lipid, ash and fiber contents of the macroalgae ranged from 9–24% dw, 0.5–3.0% dw, 20–32% dw, and 37–45% dw, respectively, making them good candidates for nutritional supplementation of several foods, particularly due to their mineral and fiber contents. In addition, brown macroalgae, in particular F. vesiculosus, stood out for its superior phenolic content, which was reflected by its high antioxidant ability and inhibition towards α-glucosidase activity (0.032 mg/mL of hydroacetonic extract inhibited 50% of the enzyme activity).