bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Antibiotic Resistant Research of Tetragenococcus halophilus from Xuanwei Ham, A China High-Salt-Fermented Meat Products
Authors: Li Yinjiao , Shan Luying , Zhang Chen , Lei Zhan , Shang Ying
Published: September 2019

We assessed the prevalence of antibiotic resistant and antibiotic resistance genes for 49 Tetragenococcus halophilus (T. halophilus) strains isolated from Xuawei ham in China. The antibiotic resistance phenotype was detected by the Bauer–Kirby (K–B) method and the results showed that 49 isolates can be considered completely susceptible to penicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, cefradine, cefotaxime, tetracyclines, minocycline, doxycycline, and vancomycin, but resistant to gentamicin, streptomycin, neomycin, polymyxinB, cotrimoxazole. This resistance was sufficiently high to consider the potential for acquisition of transmissible determinants. A total of 32 isolates were resistant to ofloxacin, 4 isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol, and 2 isolates were resistant to ceftazidime and ticarcillin. The antibiotic resistance genes were detected by routine polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Among the 26 antibiotic resistance genes, 5 varieties of antibiotic resistance genes, including acrB, blaTEM, AAda1, SulII, and GyrB were detected and the detection rates were 89.79%, 47.7%, 16.33%, 77.55%, and 75.51%, respectively. The potential acquisition of transmissible determinants for antibiotic resistance and antibiotic resistance genes identified in this study necessitate the need for a thorough antibiotic resistance safety assessment of T. halophilus before it can be considered for use in food fermentation processes.
Decoding Antioxidant and Antibacterial Potentials of Malaysian Green Seaweeds: Caulerpa racemosa and Caulerpa lentillifera
Authors: Yap Wing-Fai , Tay Vangene , Tan Sie-Hui , Yow Yoon-Yen , Chew Jactty
Published: September 2019

Seaweeds are gaining a considerable amount of attention for their antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Caulerpa racemosa and Caulerpa lentillifera, also known as ‘sea grapes’, are green seaweeds commonly found in different parts of the world, but the antioxidant and antibacterial potentials of Malaysian C. racemosa and C. lentillifera have not been thoroughly explored. In this study, crude extracts of the seaweeds were prepared using chloroform, methanol, and water. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were measured, followed by in vitro antioxidant activity determination using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Antibacterial activities of these extracts were tested against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and neuropathogenic Escherichia coli K1. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LCMS) analysis was then used to determine the possible compounds present in the extract with the most potent antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Results showed that C. racemosa chloroform extract had the highest TPC (13.41 ± 0.86 mg GAE/g), antioxidant effect (EC50 at 0.65 ± 0.03 mg/mL), and the strongest antibacterial effect (97.7 ± 0.30%) against MRSA. LCMS analysis proposed that the chloroform extracts of C. racemosa are mainly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, terpenes, and alkaloids. In conclusion, C. racemosa can be a great source of novel antioxidant and antibacterial agents, but isolation and purification of the bioactive compounds are needed to study their mechanism of action.
Antioxidant and Anticholinesterase Activities of Macrosphyra Longistyla (DC) Hiern Relevant in the Management of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Elufioye Taiwo O. , Chinaka Chidimma G. , Oyedeji Adebola O.
Published: September 2019

Macrosphyra longistyla has been used in many traditional systems of medicine for its anti-hemorrhagic, antidiabetic, anti-ulcer, and anti-diarrhea properties. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitions of the crude methanol extracts and its various partitioned fractions were determined by a modified method of Ellman. An evaluation of the antioxidant activity was carried out using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferric reducing power, and nitric oxide scavenging assays. The total flavonoids were estimated based on the aluminum chloride method, while the total tannins and phenolics were estimated based on the vanillin–HCl and Folin–Ciocalteu method, respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction had the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity, and the highest ferric reducing power with a concentration providing 50% inhibition (IC50) of 0.079 mg/mL and 0.078 mg/mL, respectively, while the crude methanol extract had the highest nitric oxide scavenging activity with an IC50 of 0.008 mg/mL. The methanol extract had the highest phenolics and flavonoids contents, while the aqueous fraction had the highest tannin content. The crude methanol extract had the best AChE and BuChE inhibitory action, with an IC50 of 0.556 µg/mL and 5.541 µg/mL, respectively, suggesting that the plant had a better AChE inhibiting potential. A moderate correlation was observed between the phenolic content and DPPH radical scavenging, NO radical scavenging, and AChE inhibitory activities (r2 = 0.439, 0.430, and 0.439, respectively), while a high correlation was seen between the flavonoid content and these activities (r2 = 0.695, 0.724, and 0.730, respectively), and the ferric reducing antioxidant power correlated highly with the proautocyanidin content (r2 = 0.801). Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) revealed decanoic acid methyl ester (24.303%), 11,14-eicosadienoic acid methyl ester (16.788%), linoelaidic acid (10.444%), pentadecanoic acid (9.300%), and 2-methyl-hexadecanal (9.285%). Therefore, we suggest that M. longistyla contain bioactive chemicals, and could be a good alternative for the management of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Rice Straw and Flax Fiber Particleboards as a Product of Agricultural Waste: An Evaluation of Technical Properties
Authors: Hussein Zakia , Ashour Taha , Khalil Mervat , Bahnasawy Adel , Ali Samir , Hollands Jutta , Korjenic Azra
Published: September 2019

Construction materials have a direct impact on the environment, on people, and their health. In addition, building insulation plays a decisive role in terms of energy consumption of buildings and regarding CO2-emissions over their whole life cycle. In order to achieve a holistic concept for green building worldwide, it is necessary to develop ecological insulating materials and to scientifically examine them in terms of their technical properties, as done with particleboards from agricultural waste presented in this article. This study aims to characterize the properties’ tensile and compressive strength, modulus of rupture (MOR), and elasticity (MOE) and thermal conductivity of particleboards affected by parameters, such as waste type (rice straw or flax shives), particleboard density, resin type, and content, as well as the use of treated rice straw. Particleboards made from flax shives had superior properties compared to the rice straw particles. The mechanical properties of the boards increase with an increasing resin content, except for the MOR and MOE, which decrease with an increasing resin content, and reach their peak value at a resin content of 10%.
Measurement of In-Plane Displacement in Two Orthogonal Directions by Digital Speckle Pattern Interferometry
Authors: Yan Peizheng , Liu Xiangwei , Sun Fangyuan , Zhao Qihan , Zhong Shimin , Wang Yonghong
Published: September 2019

The measurement of in-plane displacement in two orthogonal directions is of considerable significance for modern industries. This paper reports on a spatial carrier phase-shift digital speckle pattern interferometry (DSPI) for the simultaneous measurement of in-plane displacement in two orthogonal directions. The object is illuminated from a single direction and observed from four symmetrical directions simultaneously. One pair of the four observation directions is sensitive to in-plane displacement in one direction, and the other pair is sensitive to in-plane displacement in the perpendicular direction, resulting in the displacement in two directions being measured independently. The polarization property of light is used to avoid cross-interference between the two pairs of beams. Spatial carrier frequencies are generated by aperture misalignment, and the displacement in two directions is modulated onto the same interferogram. With a spatial carrier phase-shift technique, the displacement can be separated in the frequency domain and the phase can be evaluated from a single interferogram in real time. The capability of DSPI is described by theoretical discussions and experiments.
Analysis of a Feasibility Study of a Precision Grinding Process for Industrial Blades Used in the Cutting of Soft Tissues by a Prototype 5-Axis CNC Grinding Machine
Authors: Zieliński Bartosz , Kapłonek Wojciech , Sutowska Marzena , Nadolny Krzysztof
Published: September 2019

Obtaining a high quality product (filet) is often necessary to effectively separate the soft tissues of fish raw material. An intensive technological process and a number of unfavorable factors can generate the wear of low-stiffness planar industrial cutting blades used for this purpose. The relatively short time of efficient work of the blade causes the production stoppages needed for its exchange, which consequently can inflict significant financial losses. The wear of industrial cutting blades is one of the important and still unsatisfactorily solved problems occurring in the fish and seafood industry, especially in its branches related to fish processing. In this paper, the authors propose an original solution of the above problem by the possibility of renewing the cutting ability of industrial cutting blades by the process of precise grinding realized on the prototype 5-axis CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) grinding machine. The detailed description of a newly designed and constructed technological machine was expanded by the results of tests carried out in industrial conditions. Results of the regeneration of blades at variable parameters of the grinding process (vw = 300–700 mm/min, ns = 38,000 min−1) were analyzed on the basis of surface texture measurements by Talysurf CLI 2000 optical profilometer. The surface texture parameter (amplitude, spatial, and hybrid) analysis allowed to determine the most favorable machining parameters for which compatibility of cutting edge geometry was obtained. The proposed solution can be an interesting alternative to other ways of renewing/exchanging industrial cutting blades.
Exploring an Integrated Manure-Seawater System for Sustainable Cyanobacterial Biomass Production
Authors: Sido Mekiso Yohannes
Published: September 2019

Cyanobacterial biomass is important for biofuel and biofertilizer, however, biomass production requires expensive chemical growth nutrients. To address this issue, we explored the use of inexpensive growth nutrient media from an integrated manure-seawater system for cyanobacterial biomass production. Salt-tolerant cyanobacterial strain HSaC and salt-sensitive cyanobacterial strain LC were tested to evaluate the potential of integrated manure-seawater media for sustainable cyanobacterial biomass production. As a prerequisite for seawater experiments, strain HSaC was grown at different NaCl concentrations (0 mM, 60 mM, 120 mM, 180 mM, 240 mM and 300 mM) to identify the optimum salt concentration. The highest biomass yield and photosynthetic pigment contents were obtained at 120 mM NaCl concentration. The highest exo-polysaccharide (EPS) content was obtained at 180 mM NaCl concentration. The treatments for the manure-seawater media were cow manure, pig manure, chicken manure and BG11, each with distilled water, diluted seawater and non-diluted seawater. The highest biomass and photosynthetic pigment yield for cyanobacterial strains LC and HSaC were obtained from 0.5 dS/m and 10 dS/m diluted seawater integrated with cow manure, respectively, but pig and chicken manure performed poorly. Overall, the biomass production and photosynthetic pigment results from cow manure-seawater were relatively better than those from the reference media (BG11). Based on the current findings, it is concluded that the growth nutrients from integrated cow manure-seawater can wholly substitute for the BG11 without affecting cyanobacterial growth, thereby reducing the usage of expensive chemical growth media. Thus, the results of study help to enhance the biomass production of both salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant cyanobacteria for sustainable biofuel and biofertilizer production.
Identification of Fusarium Head Blight in Winter Wheat Ears Based on Fisher’s Linear Discriminant Analysis and a Support Vector Machine
Authors: Huang Linsheng , Wu Zhaochuan , Huang Wenjiang , Ma Huiqin , Zhao Jinling
Published: September 2019

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the diseases caused by fungal infection of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum), which is an important cause of wheat yield loss. It produces the deoxynivalenol (DON) toxin, which is harmful to human and animal health. In this paper, a total of 89 samples were collected from FHB endemic areas. The occurrence of FHB is completely natural in experimental fields. Non-imaging hyperspectral data were first processed by spectral standardization. Spectral features of the first-order derivatives, the spectral absorption features of the continuum removal, and vegetation indices were used to evaluate the ability to identify FHB. Then, the spectral feature sets, which were sensitive to FHB and have significant differences between classes, were extracted from the front, side, and erect angles of winter wheat ear, respectively. Finally, Fisher’s linear discriminant analysis (FLDA) for dimensionality reduction and a support vector machine (SVM) based on radical basis function (RBF) were used to construct an effective identification model for disease severity at front, side, and erect angles. Among selected features, the first-order derivative features of SDg/SDb and (SDg-SDb)/(SDg+SDb) were most dominant in the model produced for the three angles. The results show that: (1) the selected spectral features have great potential in detecting ears infected with FHB; (2) the accuracy of the FLDA model for the side, front, and erect angles was 77.1%, 85.7%, and 62.9%. The overall accuracy of the SVM (80.0%, 82.9%, 65.7%) was slightly better than FLDA, but the effect was not obvious; (3) LDA combined with SVM can effectively improve the overall accuracy, user’s accuracy, and producer’s accuracy of the model for the three angles. The over accuracy of the side (88.6%) was better than the front (85.7%), while the over accuracy of the erect angle was the lowest (68.6%).
Quality Monitoring and Analysis of Xinjiang ‘Korla’ Fragrant Pear in Cold Chain Logistics and Home Storage with Multi-Sensor Technology
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Zhang Xu , Li Zhigang , Zhang Xiaoshuan , Jemric Tomislav , Wang Xiang
Published: September 2019

Korla fragrant pear is prestigious for its special texture and unique flavor but suffers storage and supply chain difficulties for its deterioration-prone properties. In order to improve the storage quality of Korla fragrant pears during the whole cold chain from the orchard to the customers, the paper deeply researches multiple influencing factors of cold chain logistics and home storage of Korla fragrant pears with multi-sensor technology (MST), such as the temperature, relative humidity, concentrations of oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2) and ethylene (C2H4). Cold chain logistics are assessed by sensory evaluation and physiological index measurement, and home storage environments are classified by using back propagation neural network (BPNN) in both refrigerators and ordinary rooms. Experimental results show that the MST-based detectors can improve the accuracy of continuous sensor data acquisition, such that the preservation quality of Korla fragrant pears is effectively enhanced by data analysis on gas contents, firmness, pH, and total soluble solids. These results indicate that Korla fragrant pears stored in refrigerators have a higher acceptance for customers.
Texture Segmentation: An Objective Comparison between Five Traditional Algorithms and a Deep-Learning U-Net Architecture
Authors: Karabağ Cefa , Verhoeven Jo , Miller Naomi Rachel , Reyes-Aldasoro Constantino Carlos
Published: September 2019

This paper compares a series of traditional and deep learning methodologies for the segmentation of textures. Six well-known texture composites first published by Randen and Husøy were used to compare traditional segmentation techniques (co-occurrence, filtering, local binary patterns, watershed, multiresolution sub-band filtering) against a deep-learning approach based on the U-Net architecture. For the latter, the effects of depth of the network, number of epochs and different optimisation algorithms were investigated. Overall, the best results were provided by the deep-learning approach. However, the best results were distributed within the parameters, and many configurations provided results well below the traditional techniques.
Atmospheric Characterization Based on Relative Humidity Control at Optical Turbulence Generator
Authors: Villamizar Jhonny , Herreño Manuel , Tíjaro Omar , Torres Yezid
Published: September 2019

In atmospheric turbulence, relative humidity has been almost a negligible variable due to its limited effect, compared with temperature and air velocity, among others. For studying the horizontal path, a laser beam was propagated in a laboratory room, and an Optical Turbulence Generator (OTG) was built and placed along the optical axis. Additionally, there was controlled humidity inside the room and measuring of some physical variables inside the OTG device for determining its effects on the laser beam. The experimental results show the measurements of turbulence parameters C n 2 , l o , and σ I 2 from beam centroids fluctuations, where increases in humidity generated stronger turbulence.
North Sea Wave Database (NSWD) and the Need for Reliable Resource Data: A 38 Year Database for Metocean and Wave Energy Assessments
Authors: Lavidas George , Polinder Henk
Published: September 2019

The study presents a newly generated hindcast database of metocean conditions for the region of the North Sea by parametrising the newly introduced ST6 physics in a nearshore wave model. Exploring and assessing the intricacies in wave generation are vital to produce a reliable hindcast. The new parametrisations perform better, though they have a higher number of tuneable options. Parametrisation of the white capping coefficient within the ST6 package improved performance with significant differences ≈±20–30 cm. The configuration which was selected to build the database shows a good correlation ≈95 % for H m 0, has an overall minimal bias with the majority of locations being slightly over-estimated ±0.5–1 cm. The calibrated model was subsequently used to produce a database for 38 years, analysing and discussing the metocean condition. In terms of wave energy resource, the North Sea has not received attention due to its perceived “lower” resource. However, from analysing the long-term climatic data, it is evident that the level of metocean conditions, and subsequently wave power, can prove beneficial for development. The 95th percentile indicates that the majority of the time H m 0 should be expected at 3.4–5 m, and the wave energy period T e at 5–7 s. Wave power resource exceeds 15 kW/m at locations very close to the coast, and it is uniformly reduced as we move to the Southern parts, near the English Channel, with values there being ≈5 kW/m, with most energetic seas originating from the North East. Results by the analysis show that in the North Sea, conditions are moderate to high, and the wave energy resource, which has been previously overlooked, is high and easily accessible due to the low distance from coasts. The study developed a regional high-fidelity model, analysed metocean parameters and properly assessed the energy content. Although, the database and its results can have multiple usages and benefit other sectors that want to operate in the harsh waters of the North Sea.
Anatomy of a Cyclonic Eddy in the Kuroshio Extension Based on High-Resolution Observations
Authors: Zhang Yongchui , Chen Xi , Dong Changming
Published: September 2019

Mesoscale eddies are common in the ocean and their surface characteristics have been well revealed based on altimetric observations. Comparatively, the knowledge of the three-dimensional (3D) structure of mesoscale eddies is scarce, especially in the open ocean. In the present study, high-resolution field observations of a cyclonic eddy in the Kuroshio Extension have been carried out and the anatomy of the observed eddy is conducted. The temperature anomaly exhibits a vertical monopole cone structure with a maximum of −7.3 °C located in the main thermocline. The salinity anomaly shows a vertical dipole structure with a fresh anomaly in the main thermocline and a saline anomaly in the North Pacific Intermediate Water (NPIW). The cyclonic flow displays an equivalent barotropic structure. The mixed layer is deep in the center of the eddy and thin in the periphery. The seasonal thermocline is intensified and the permanent thermocline is upward domed by 350 m. The subtropical mode water (STMW) straddled between the seasonal and permanent thermoclines weakens and dissipates in the eddy center. The salinity of NPIW distributed along the isopycnals shows no significant difference inside and outside the eddy. The geostrophic relation is approximately set up in the eddy. The nonlinearity—defined as the ratio between the rotational speed to the translational speed—is 12.5 and decreases with depth. The eddy-wind interaction is examined by high resolution satellite observations. The results show that the cold eddy induces wind stress aloft with positive divergence and negative curl. The wind induced upwelling process is responsible for the formation of the horizontal monopole pattern of salinity, while the horizontal transport results in the horizontal dipole structure of temperature in the mixed layer.
Atmospheric Monitoring of Methane in Beijing Using a Mobile Observatory
Authors: Sun Wanqi , Deng Liangchun , Wu Guoming , Wu Lin , Han Pengfei , Miao Yucong , Yao Bo
Published: September 2019

Cities have multiple fugitive emission sources of methane (CH4) and policies adopted by China on replacing coal with natural gas in recent years can cause fine spatial heterogeneities at the range of kilometers within a city and also contribute to the CH4 inventory. In this study, a mobile observatory was used to monitor the real-time CH4 concentrations at fine spatial and temporal resolutions in Beijing, the most important pilot city of energy transition. Results showed that: several point sources, such as a liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant which has not been included in the Chinese national greenhouse gas inventory yet, can be identified; the ratio “fingerprints” (CH4:CO2) for an LNG carrier, LNG filling station, and LNG power plant show a shape of “L”; for city observations, the distribution of CH4 concentration, in the range of 1940–2370 ppbv, had small variations while that in the rural area had a much higher concentration gradient; significant correlations between CO2 and CH4 concentrations were found in the rural area but in the urban area there were no such significant correlations; a shape of “L” of CH4:CO2 ratios is obtained in the urban area in wintertime and it is assigned to fugitive emissions from LNG sources. This mobile measurement methodology is capable of monitoring point and non-point CH4 sources in Beijing and the observation results could improve the CH4 inventory and inform relevant policy-making on emission reduction in China.
Loosening of Side-Chain Packing Associated with Perturbations in Peripheral Dynamics Induced by the D76N Mutation of β2-Microglobulin Revealed by Pressure-NMR and Molecular Dynamic Simulations
Authors: Sakurai Kazumasa , Tomiyama Ryosuke , Shiraki Takuma , Yonezawa Yasushige
Published: September 2019

β2-Microglobulin (β2m) is the causative protein of dialysis-related amyloidosis, and its D76N variant is less stable and more prone to aggregation. Since their crystal structures are indistinguishable from each other, enhanced amyloidogenicity induced by the mutation may be attributed to changes in the structural dynamics of the molecule. We examined pressure and mutation effects on the β2m molecule by NMR and MD simulations, and found that the mutation induced the loosening of the inter-sheet packing of β2m, which is relevant to destabilization and subsequent amyloidogenicity. On the other hand, this loosening was coupled with perturbed dynamics at some peripheral regions. The key result for this conclusion was that both the mutation and pressure induced similar reductions in the mobility of these residues, suggesting that there is a common mechanism underlying the suppression of inherent fluctuations in the β2m molecule. Analyses of data obtained under high pressure conditions suggested that the network of dynamically correlated residues included not only the mutation site, but also distal residues, such as those of the C- and D-strands. Reductions in these local dynamics correlated with the loosening of inter-sheet packing.
Crinamine Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Proliferation, Migration, and Angiogenesis in Cervical Cancer SiHa Cells
Authors: Khumkhrong Phattharachanok , Piboonprai Kitiya , Chaichompoo Waraluck , Pimtong Wittaya , Khongkow Mattaka , Namdee Katawut , Jantimaporn Angkana , Japrung Deanpen , Asawapirom Udom , Suksamrarn Apichart , Iempridee Tawin
Published: September 2019

Crinum asiaticum is a perennial herb widely distributed in many warmer regions, including Thailand, and is well-known for its medicinal and ornamental values. Crinum alkaloids contain numerous compounds, such as crinamine. Even though its mechanism of action is still unknown, crinamine was previously shown to possess anticancer activity. In this study, we demonstrate that crinamine was more cytotoxic to cervical cancer cells than normal cells. It also inhibited anchorage-independent tumor spheroid growth more effectively than existing chemotherapeutic drugs carboplatin and 5-fluorouracil or the CDK9 inhibitor FIT-039. Additionally, unlike cisplatin, crinamine induced apoptosis without promoting DNA double-strand breaks. It suppressed cervical cancer cell migration by inhibiting the expression of positive regulators of epithelial-mesenchymal transition SNAI1 and VIM. Importantly, crinamine also exerted anti-angiogenic activities by inhibiting secretion of VEGF-A protein in cervical cancer cells and blood vessel development in zebrafish embryos. Gene expression analysis revealed that its mechanism of action might be attributed, in part, to downregulation of cancer-related genes, such as AKT1, BCL2L1, CCND1, CDK4, PLK1, and RHOA. Our findings provide a first insight into crinamine’s anticancer activity, highlighting its potential use as an alternative bioactive compound for cervical cancer chemoprevention and therapy.
Antihyperlipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Averrhoa Carambola Extract in High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats
Authors: Aladaileh Saleem , Saghir Sultan , Murugesu Kisantini , Sadikun Amirin , Ahmad Ashfaq , Kaur Gurjeet , Mahmoud Ayman , Murugaiyah Vikneswaran
Published: September 2019

The present study explored the antihyperlipidemic potential of a standardized methanolic extract of Averrhoa carambola (A. carambola) leaf (MEACL) in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats. The standardized MEACL was orally administered at different doses (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) to HFD-induced hyperlipidemic rats for five weeks. Serum lipid profile, body weight changes, body mass index (BMI), daily food intake, relative organ weight, and histology of the liver were evaluated. In addition, the effect of MEACL on HMG-CoA reductase and pancreatic lipase activities as well as hepatic and fecal lipids was demonstrated. MEACL supplementation reduced serum lipids in HFD-fed rats in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological scores revealed that 1000 mg/kg MEACL restored the damage to liver tissue in hyperlipidemic rats. MEACL decreased the body mass index (BMI), atherogenic index, and hepatic cholesterol and triglycerides and increased fecal cholesterol and bile acids in HFD-fed rats. Also, MEACL ameliorated lipid peroxidation and improved antioxidant defenses in the liver of HFD-fed rats. Furthermore, HMG-CoA reductase and lipase were suppressed by MEACL. In conclusion, this study shows the potential effect of MEACL to ameliorate hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress in HFD-fed rats. It prevented hepatic lipid accumulation and exerted an inhibitory effect on HMG-CoA reductase and lipase.
Targeting Pyruvate Kinase M2 and Lactate Dehydrogenase A Is an Effective Combination Strategy for the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Mohammad Goran Hamid , Vassileva Vessela , Acedo Pilar , Olde Damink Steven W. M. , Malago Massimo , Dhar Dipok Kumar , Pereira Stephen P.
Published: September 2019

Reprogrammed glucose metabolism is one of the hallmarks of cancer, and increased expression of key glycolytic enzymes, such as pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), has been associated with poor prognosis in various malignancies. Targeting these enzymes could attenuate aerobic glycolysis and inhibit tumor proliferation. We investigated whether the PKM2 activator, TEPP-46, and the LDHA inhibitor, FX-11, can be combined to inhibit in vitro and in vivo tumor growth in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer. We assessed PKM2 and LDHA expression, enzyme activity, and cell proliferation rate after treatment with TEPP-46, FX-11, or a combination of both. Efficacy was validated in vivo by evaluating tumor growth, PK and LDHA activity in plasma and tumors, and PKM2, LDHA, and Ki-67 expression in tumor tissues following treatment. Dual therapy synergistically inhibited pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and significantly delayed tumor growth in vivo without apparent toxicity. Treatment with TEPP-46 and FX-11 resulted in increased PK and reduced LDHA enzyme activity in plasma and tumor tissues and decreased PKM2 and LDHA expression in tumors, which was reflected by a decrease in tumor volume and proliferation. The targeting of glycolytic enzymes such as PKM2 and LDHA represents a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Potentiometric Signal Transduction for Selective Determination of 1-(3-Chlorophenyl)piperazine “Legal Ecstasy” Through Biomimetic Interaction Mechanism
Authors: El-Naby Eman
Published: September 2019

1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine (mCPP) is a wide spread new psychoactive substance produces stimulant and hallucinogenic effects similar to those sought from ecstasy. Hence, in the recent years, mCPP has been introduced by the organized crime through the darknet as a part of the illicit ecstasy market with a variable complex profile of pharmacologically active substances that pose problematic risk patterns among people who take these seized products. Accordingly, the design of selective sensors for the determination of mCPP is a very important demand. In this respect, a supramolecular architecture; [Na(15-crown-5)][BPh4] from the assembly of 15-crown-5 and sodium tetraphenylboron has been utilized as an ionophore, for the first time in the selective recognition of mCPP in conjunction with potassium tetrakis(p-chlorophenyl)borate and dioctylphthalate through polymeric membrane ion sensors. The ionophore exhibited a strong binding affinity that resulted in a high sensitivity with a slope closed to the ideal Nernstian value; 58.9 ± 0.43 mV/decade, a larger dynamic range from 10−6 to 10−2 M, a lower limit of detection down to 5.0 × 10−7 M and a fast response time of 5 s. Very important also is it was afforded excellent selectivity towards mCPP over psychoactive substances of major concern, providing a potentially useful system for the determination of mCPP in the illicit market. On comparison with the natural β-cyclodextrin as an ionophore, it exhibited more sensitivity and selectivity estimated to be the superior.
Crack Healing in Mullite-Based EBC during Thermal Shock Cycle
Authors: Seo Hyoung-IL , Kim Daejong , Lee Kee Sung
Published: September 2019

Crack healing phenomena were observed in mullite and mullite + Yb2SiO5 environmental barrier coating (EBC) materials during thermal shock cycles. Air plasma spray coating was used to deposit the EBC materials onto a Si bondcoat on a SiCf/SiC composite substrate. This study reveals that unidirectional vertical cracks (mud cracks) formed after several thermal shock cycles; however, the cracks were stable for 5000 thermal shock cycles at a maximum temperature of 1350 °C. Moreover, the crack densities decreased with an increasing number of thermal shock cycles. After 3000 thermal shock cycles, cracks were healed via melting of a phase containing SiO2 phase, which partially filled the gaps of the cracks and resulted in the precipitation of crystalline Al2O3 in the mullite. Post-indentation tests after thermal shock cycling indicated that the mullite-based EBC maintained its initial mechanical behavior compared to Y2SiO5. The indentation load–displacement tests revealed that, among the materials investigated in the present study, the mullite + Yb2SiO5 EBC demonstrated the best durability during repetitive thermal shocks.
Introduction to the Special Issue “There is a Crack in Everything—Education and Religion in a Secular Age”
Authors: ter Avest K. H. (Ina)
Published: September 2019

The seemingly paradoxical contrast between an expected decline of religion in the public domain and an increase of the importance of religiosity and spirituality in people’s lives, led Peter Berger to revisit his prophecy about secularisation [...]
Monitoring of the Efficiency and Conditions of Induction Motor Operations by Smart Meter Prototype Based on a LoRa Wireless Network
Authors: Cano-Ortega A. , Sánchez-Sutil F.
Published: September 2019

The installation of smart meters in the industry to monitor induction motors (IMs) provides easy access to the measurements of the electrical and mechanical variables, which improves the installation process. Using smart meters in industry requires temporary high-resolution data to improve the energy efficiency (EE) and power factor (PF) of IMs. For these purposes, Long Range (LoRa) is an ideal wireless protocol for the usage in industries due to its low energy consumption. In addition, it provides secure communications and long range indoors and outdoors. LoRa avoids the need to install antennas or routers to extend coverage, as each gateway can service 300 LoRa devices with distances of up to 10 km. For this purpose, this research successfully developed a new prototype for a low-cost IM Efficiency Monitoring System using LoRa (IMEMSL). IMEMSL is based on the Arduino open-source electronic platform. It sends the acquired data through the LoRa low-power wide-area-network (LPWAN) and cloud access gateway. This document describes the hardware and software design and implementation. The experimental results are presented and discussed. Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and time on air measured endorse the use of LoRa for this type of meters. The approximate cost of the prototype was €72 and €93 for the versions without and with Global Positioning System (GPS), respectively.
Energy Efficiency or Conservation for Mitigating Climate Change?
Authors: Moriarty Patrick , Honnery Damon
Published: September 2019

Given that global energy use today is still dominated by fossil fuels, there is an urgent need to rapidly reduce its use in order to avert serious climate change. However, the alternatives to fossil fuels—renewable and nuclear energy—are more expensive, and have so far done little to displace fossil fuels. Accordingly, reducing energy use must play an important part in both averting climate change and avoiding the depletion of high energy return easily recoverable fossil fuel reserves. This paper examined both the potential and barriers to the adoption of energy reduction measures, with particular attention to domestic energy and passenger transport. The main finding was that energy efficiency approaches alone are unlikely to deliver anywhere near the energy reductions needed in the limited time available. Instead, most energy reductions will have to come from energy conservation, involving less use of energy-using devices, including private vehicles. Achieving such reductions will require changes in lifestyles, especially for residents of OECD nations.
Fractional Chaos Maps with Flower Pollination Algorithm for Partial Shading Mitigation of Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Yousri Dalia , Babu Thanikanti Sudhakar , Allam Dalia , Ramachandaramurthy Vigna. K. , Beshr Eman , Eteiba Magdy. B.
Published: September 2019

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems have become prominent and have attained the attention of energy engineers, governments and researchers. To achieve the maximum benefit from the PV system in spite of its nonlinear characteristic and environmental conditions, finding a robust maximum power point tracking method is essential. Over two decades, various researchers proposed numerous MPPT methods, but they failed to evaluate their methods on consistency, reliability, and robustness over several numbers of runs. Most of the researchers examined one configuration and they did not to consider the dynamic change in the irradiation conditions. Therefore, in this manuscript, the authors introduced a novel optimization technique Fractional chaotic Flower Pollination Algorithm (FC-FPA), by merging fractional chaos maps with flower pollination algorithm (FPA). The proposed technique, help FPA in extracting the Global Maximum Power Point (GMPP) under different partial shading patterns including with different PV array configurations. The proposed FC-FPA technique is tested and evaluated over 5 different patterns of partial shading conditions. The first three patterns are tested over 4S configuration made with Shell S36 PV module. The other two patterns are applied to the 4S2P configuration of Shell SM55 PV panels. The performance of the proposed variant is investigated by tracking the GMPP for abruptly changing shade pattern. Exclusive statistical analysis is performed over several numbers of runs. Comparison with perturb and observe MPPT technique is established. These results confirm that, the proposed method shows fast convergence, zero oscillation and rapid response for the dynamic change in irradiation with consistent behavior.
THD Reduction in Distributed Renewables Energy Access through Wind Energy Conversion System Integration under Wind Speed Conditions in Tamaulipas, Mexico
Authors: Salgado-Herrera Nadia Maria , Campos-Gaona David , Anaya-Lara Olimpo , Robles Miguel , Rodríguez-Hernández Osvaldo , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Juan Ramón
Published: September 2019

In this article, a technique for the reduction of total harmonic distortion (THD) in distributed renewables energy access (DREA) composed of wind turbines is introduced and tested under the wind speed conditions presented in Tamaulipas, Mexico. The analysis and simulation are delimited by a study case based on wind speeds measured and recorded for one year at two highs in the municipality of Soto La Marina, Tamaulipas, Mexico. From this information, the most probable wind speed and the corresponding turbulence intensity is calculated and applied to a wind energy conversion system (WECS). The WECS is composed of an active front-end (AFE) converter topology using four voltage source converters (VSCs) connected in parallel with a different phase shift angle at the digital sinusoidal pulse width modulation (DSPWM) signals of each VSC. The WECS is formed by the connection of five type-4 wind turbines (WTs). The effectiveness and robustness of the DREA integration are reviewed in the light of a complete mathematical model and corroborated by the simulation results in Matlab-Simulink®. The results evidence a reduction of the THD in grid currents up to four times and which enables the delivery of a power capacity of 10 MVA in the Tamaulipas AC distribution grid that complies with grid code of harmonic distortion production.
The Persistence of Container Nursery Treatments on the Field Performance and Root System Morphology of Longleaf Pine Seedlings
Authors: Sung Shi-Jean S. , Dumroese R. Kasten , Pinto Jeremiah R. , Sayer Mary Anne S.
Published: September 2019

In recent decades, container stock has become the preferred plant material to regenerate longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) forests in the southeastern United States. We evaluated the effects of container nursery treatments on early and long-term field performance in central Louisiana. Seedlings were grown in four cavity volumes (60–336 mL) with or without copper oxychloride root pruning (Cu or no-Cu) and fertilized at three nitrogen (N) rates. Across treatments, 91% of the seedlings emerged from the grass stage by the second field season, and 88% of the seedlings survived eight years after outplanting (Year 8). Seedlings grown in the largest cavities had greater total heights and stem diameters than those cultured in the 60- and 95-mL cavities through Year 8. Seedlings receiving the least amount of N in the nursery were consistently smaller in stature through Year 8 than seedlings receiving more N. Field growth was unaffected by copper root pruning through Year 8. Foliar mineral nutrient concentrations and seedling nutrient contents of Year 2 seedlings did not respond to nursery treatments. Independent of nursery treatments, seedlings excavated in Year 2 had at least 60% of their first-order lateral roots (FOLRs) originating from the top 4.0 cm of the taproots. The Cu-root-pruned seedlings had twofold the percentage of FOLRs egressed from the top 8.0 cm of the root plug when compared with the no-Cu seedlings. Moreover, the Cu root pruning treatment decreased the percentage of root plug biomass allocated to FOLRs, total within root plug FOLR lengths, and FOLR deformity index. The effects of increasing cavity volume or N rate on the root plug FOLR variables were opposite those of the Cu root pruning treatment. Our results suggest that a tradeoff may exist between seedling stature and a more natural FOLR morphology in outplanted container longleaf pine seedlings.
Differential Responses and Controls of Soil CO2 and N2O Fluxes to Experimental Warming and Nitrogen Fertilization in a Subalpine Coniferous Spruce (Picea asperata Mast.) Plantation Forest
Authors: Li Dandan , Liu Qing , Yin Huajun , Luo Yiqi , Hui Dafeng
Published: September 2019

Emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) such as CO2 and N2O from soils are affected by many factors such as climate change, soil carbon content, and soil nutrient conditions. However, the response patterns and controls of soil CO2 and N2O fluxes to global warming and nitrogen (N) fertilization are still not clear in subalpine forests. To address this issue, we conducted an eight-year field experiment with warming and N fertilization treatments in a subalpine coniferous spruce (Picea asperata Mast.) plantation forest in China. Soil CO2 and N2O fluxes were measured using a static chamber method, and soils were sampled to analyze soil carbon and N contents, soil microbial substrate utilization (MSU) patterns, and microbial functional diversity. Results showed that the mean annual CO2 and N2O fluxes were 36.04 ± 3.77 mg C m−2 h−1 and 0.51 ± 0.11 µg N m−2 h−1, respectively. Soil CO2 flux was only affected by warming while soil N2O flux was significantly enhanced by N fertilization and its interaction with warming. Warming enhanced dissolve organic carbon (DOC) and MSU, reduced soil organic carbon (SOC) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and constrained the microbial metabolic activity and microbial functional diversity, resulting in a decrease in soil CO2 emission. The analysis of structural equation model indicated that MSU had dominant direct negative effect on soil CO2 flux but had direct positive effect on soil N2O flux. DOC and MBC had indirect positive effects on soil CO2 flux while soil NH4+-N had direct negative effect on soil CO2 and N2O fluxes. This study revealed different response patterns and controlling factors of soil CO2 and N2O fluxes in the subalpine plantation forest, and highlighted the importance of soil microbial contributions to GHG fluxes under climate warming and N deposition.
Influence of Toroidal Flow on Stationary Density of Collisionless Plasmas
Authors: Laribi Elias , Ogawa Shun , Dif-Pradalier Guilhem , Vasiliev Alexei , Garbet Xavier , Leoncini Xavier
Published: September 2019

Starting from the given passive particle equilibrium particle cylindrical profiles, we built self-consistent stationary conditions of the Maxwell-Vlasov equation at thermodynamic equilibrium with non-flat density profiles. The solutions to the obtained equations are then discussed. It appears that the presence of an azimuthal (poloidal) flow in the plasma can ensure radial confinement, while the presence of a longitudinal (toroidal) flow can enhance greatly the confinement. Moreover in the global physically reasonable situation, we find that no unstable point can emerge in the effective integrable Hamiltonian of the individual particles, hinting at some stability of the confinement when considering a toroidal geometry in the large aspect ratio limit.
Stability of Flavonoid, Carotenoid, Soluble Sugar and Vitamin C in ‘Cara Cara’ Juice during Storage
Authors: Lu Qi , Li Lu , Xue Shujin , Yang De , Wang Shaohua
Published: September 2019

In view of understanding the stability of sterilized ‘Cara Cara’ juice during storage, the changes of specific quality parameters (flavonoid, carotenoid, vitamin C, soluble sugar and antioxidant activities) of ‘Cara Cara’ juice were systematically investigated over the course of 16 weeks in storage at 4, 20, 30 and 40 °C. Total flavonoid and carotenoid indexes showed slight degradation at each temperature, while vitamin C and soluble sugar degraded intensively, especially at 40 °C storage with a great amount of HMF (5-hydroxymethylfurfural) accumulated. There were 29 carotenoids detected during storage, including carotenes and carotenoid esters. Carotenes were kept stable, while the degradations of carotenoid esters were fitted by biexponential function. Carotenoid ester group 2 contained epoxy structures that quickly decreased in the first four weeks at all storage temperatures, while the ester group 1 (belonged to β-cryptoxanthin ester) was degraded gradually. The 13- or 15-cis-lycopene, isomerized from all-(trans)-lycopene, increased with storage time at each temperature. Total flavonoid and carotenoid indexes in stored ‘Cara Cara’ juice were positively correlated with hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant abilities.