bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial differences and influencing factors of regional agricultural water use efficiency in Heilongjiang Province, China
Authors: Xiangda Zhang , Shuai Zhu 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Improving the water use efficiency in agriculture is an important way to solve the problem of water shortage in agricultural areas and to improve the efficiency of water resource utilization. An evaluation indicator system of regional agricultural water use efficiency was constructed using data from 13 cities in Heilongjiang Province from 2013 to 2015. In addition, the comprehensive ranking of agricultural water use efficiency in each year was obtained by using an iterative combination method to correct the evaluation of individual models, including the analytic hierarchy process), matter element model and projection pursuit model (PPM). The results showed that the agricultural water use efficiency in Heilongjiang Province exhibited some regional differences in the 3 years evaluated spatially. And then, factors that influenced agricultural water use efficiency were analysed according to various criteria, and the rankings of cities and strategies were proposed to improve the agricultural water use efficiency according to this analysis. The results of the present study will have important theoretical and practical significance for guiding the scientific and rational formulation of agricultural water use strategies and improving the efficiency of agricultural water use in Heilongjiang Province.
Biological and In silico Studies on Synthetic Analogues of Tyrosine Betaine as Inhibitors of Neprilysin - A Drug Target for the Treatment of Heart Failure
Authors: Kawano Daniel Fabio , de Carvalho Marcelo Rodrigues , Machado Mauricio Ferreira Marcondes , Carmona Adriana Karaoglanovic , Braga Gilberto Ubida Leite , Carvalho Ivone 
Published: May 2018

Background:
Fungal secondary metabolites are important sources for the discovery of new pharmaceuticals,
as exemplified by penicillin, lovastatin and cyclosporine. Searching for secondary metabolites of the
fungi Metarhizium spp., we previously identified tyrosine betaine as a major constituent.

Methods:
Because of the structural similarity with other inhibitors of neprilysin (NEP), an enzyme explored for
the treatment of heart failure, we devised the synthesis of tyrosine betaine and three analogues to be subjected to
in vitro NEP inhibition assays and to molecular modeling studies.

Results:
In spite of the similar binding modes with other NEP inhibitors, these compounds only displayed moderate
inhibitory activities (IC50 ranging from 170.0 to 52.9 µM). However, they enclose structural features required
to hinder passive blood brain barrier permeation (BBB).

Conclusions:
Tyrosine betaine remains as a starting point for the development of NEP inhibitors because of the
low probability of BBB permeation and, consequently, of NEP inhibition at the Central Nervous System, which is
associated to an increment in the Aβ levels and, accordingly, with a higher risk for the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
Carboxymethyl-hexanoyl Chitosan Nanodroplets for Ultrasonic Imaging and Drug Delivery to Tumor
Authors: Jinsui Yu , Bing Situ , Muhua Luo , Yue Li , Jianyi Liao , Meng Du , Kuan Cai , Chaopin Yang , Hui Zhang , Zhiyi Chen 
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Although a great many strategies have been proposed for tumor-targeted chemotherapy,
current delivery methods of anticancer drugs present limited success with inevitable systemic toxicity. The aim of
this study was to develop a new kind of theranostic carrier for targeted tumor therapy.

Methods:
Prior to prepare CHC-PFP-DOX, carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan (CHC) was synthesized by acylation
of carboxymethyl chitosan. To develop CHC-PFP, perfluoropentane (PFP), an ultrasound gas precursor, was
simultaneously encapsulated into the hydrophobic inner cores of pre-formulated CHC micelle in aqueous phase
via using the oil in water (O/W) emulsion method. The size distribution and surface charges of these nanodroplets
were measured and the morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For ultrasound
imaging application, in vitro model was established to evaluate the imaging of CHC-PFP-DOX under different
concentration and mechanical index. After that, the anti-tumor effect of ultrasound combined with CHC-PFPDOX
on ovarian cancer cells was investigated.

Results:
The resulting CHC-PFP-DOX had a nano-sized particle structure, with hydrophobic anticancer
DOX/PFP inner cores and a hydrophilic carboxymethyl chitosan polymer outer shell. The favorable nano-scaled
size offers the potential to extravagate from veins and accumulate in tumor tissues via enhanced permeation and
retention (EPR) effect. Additionally, CHC-PFP-DOX showed the ability to serve as ultrasound imaging agent at
body temperature. Notably, it exhibited an ultrasound-triggered drug release profile through the external ultrasound
irradiation. Further study demonstrated that ultrasound combined with CHC-PFP-DOX can improve the
killing effect of chemotherapy for tumor.

Conclusion:
CHC-PFP-DOX holds great promise in simultaneous cancer-targeting ultrasound imaging and ultrasound-
mediated delivery for cancer chemotherapy.
First Total Synthesis of ω-Phenyl Δ6 Fatty Acids and their Leishmanicidal and Anticancer Properties
Authors: Carballeira Nestor M. , Morales-Guzman Christian , Alvarez-Benedicto Ester , Torres-Martinez Zally , Delgado Yamixa , Griebenow Kai H. , Tinoco Arthur D. , Reguera Rosa M. , Perez-Pertejo Yolanda , Carbajo-Andres Ruben , Balana-Fouce Rafael 
Published: May 2018

Introduction: The first total synthesis of ω-phenyl Δ6 fatty acids (FA) and their cytotoxicity
(A549) and leishmanicidal (L. infantum) activities are described. The novel 16-phenyl-6-hexadecynoic
acid (1) and the known 16-phenylhexadecanoic acid (2) were synthesized in 7-8 steps with overall
yields of 46 % and 41 %, respectively. The syntheses of the unprecedented 10-phenyl-6-decynoic acid
(3), 10-cyclohexyl-6-decynoic acid (4) and 10-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-decynoic acid (5) was also performed
in 3 steps with 73-76 % overall yields. The use of lithium acetylide coupling enabled the 4-step
synthesis of 10-phenyl-6Z-decenoic acid (6) with a 100 % cis-stereochemistry. The cytotoxicity of
these novel FA was determined against A549 cells and L. infantum promastigotes and amastigotes.
Among the ω-phenylated FA, the best cytotoxicity towards A549 was displayed by 1, with an IC50 of
18 ± 1 μM. On the other hand, among the C10 acids, the ω-cyclohexyl acid 4 presented the best cytotoxicity
(IC50 = 40 ± 2 μM) towards A549.

Results:
Based on caspase-3/7 studies neither of the FA induced apoptosis in A549, thus implying other
mechanisms of cell death.

Conclusion:
The antileishmanial studies were performed with the top Leishmania donovani topoisomerase
IB (LdTopIB) inhibitors, namely 1 and 2 (EC50 between 14 and 36 μM, respectively), acids
that did not stabilize the cleavage complexes between LdTopIB and DNA. Acids 1 and 2 displayed cytotoxicity
towards L. infantum amastigotes (IC50 = 3-6 μM) and L. infantum promastigotes (IC50 = 60-
70 μM), but low toxicity towards murine splenocytes. Our results identified 1 as the optimum ω-
phenylated acid of the series.
Physicochemical Characteristics and In Vitro Starch Digestibility of Spontaneously Combined Submerged and Solid State Fermented Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Flour
Authors: Indrastuti Erning , Estiasih Teti , Zubaidah Elok , Harijono  
Published: May 2018

Background:
High cyanide varieties of cassava must be detoxified before consumption.
Several studies showed detoxification of cassava by slicing, submerged fermentation (soaking), solid
state fermentation, and drying. One of traditional detoxification is combination of submerged and solid
state fermentation and the effect of this processing on cyanide reduction and food properties has not
been evaluation yet.

Objective:
This research studied the effect of solid state fermentation time on physicochemical, starch
granule morphology, and in vitro starch digestibility of cassava flour from high cyanide varieties of
Malang 4, Malang 6, and Sembung.

Methods:
Three varieties of high cyanide grated cassavas were soaked for 3 days in ratio of water to
cassava 1:1. After draining for 1 hour, grated cassava was placed in a bamboo container and put in a
humid place for 3-day solid state fermentation. Fermented grated cassavas were then dried, milled,
and analyzed.

Results:
Solid state fermentation similarly affected cyanide reduction and characteristics of cassava
flour for three high cyanide varieties. The detoxification process reduced cyanide to 89.70-93.42% and
produced flour with a total cyanide of 8.25-10.89 mg HCN eq/kg dry matters, which is safe to consume.
Fermentation decreased cyanide, starch content, titratable acidity, swelling power, and solubility;
meanwhile pH, amylose content, water absorption, oil absorption, and in vitro starch digestibility
increased in all three varieties studied. Submerged fermentation reduced the pH thus inhibiting the
degradation of linamarin and cyanohydrin into free HCN. pH value was increased by solid state fermentation,
from 4.43 to 6.90 that optimum for linamarin and cyanohydrin degradation into free HCN.
The submerged and solid-state fermentation indeuce spontaneous microbial growth that affected
chemical composition of cassava flour. The changes of structure and morphology of starch granules
affected pasting properties, and Increased in vitro starch digestibility due to damaged granules.

Conclusion:
Solid-state fermentation reduced cyanide content of all three cassava varieties into the
safe level for consumption, and aiso changed chemical, physical, and functional characteristics and
starch digestibility of cassava flour.
Analysis of babA, cagE and cagA Genes in Helicobacter pylori from Upper Gastric Patients in the North of Iran
Authors: Asl Saba Fakhrieh , Pourvahedi Mehrnaz , Mojtahedi Ali , Shenagari Mohammad 
Published: May 2018

Objective:Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative bacterium which has a serious effect on up to half of the world’s population and has been related to different gastric diseases. The goal of this study was to assess the frequency of babA, cagE and cagA genotypes among H. pylori strains isolated from gastric biopsies of endoscopic patients in the north of Iran.Methods:The present study was performed on 90 strains of H. pylori isolated from patients with gastric diseases (Gastric ulcer (GU), Duodenal ulcer (DU), Gastritis (G), Non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) and Gastric adenocarcinoma (GC)). DNA was extracted from all isolated strains and PCR method was performed to detect the prevalence of babA2, cagE and cagA genes using specific primers.Results:Among 90 samples of H. pylori, babA2, cagE, and cagA genes were detected in 42.2%, 30% and 82.2% of strains respectively. The statistical analysis showed that the prevalence of cagA gene in GU, G, DU, and NUD was significantly higher than other genes. Moreover, cagA, and babA2 genes were significantly more prevalent in GC patients compared to cagE gene. Our isolates exhibited 8 distinct arrangements of virulence patterns. The occurrence of cagA (35.6%) was the most prevalent pattern followed by cagA/babA2 (20%) and cagA/babA2/cagE (14.4%).Conclusion:In summary, as first report from Guilan province in the north of Iran, we showed significant association between the presence of babA2, cagE, and cagA genes in different types of gastric disorders.
Protective Effects of Crocetin on Depression-like Behavior Induced by Immobilization in Rat
Authors: Farkhondeh Tahereh , Samarghandian Saeed , Samini Fariborz , Sanati Ali Rajabpour 
Published: May 2018

Background & Objective:
Crocetin, an active ingredient of saffron, has been recognized as
a potent antioxidant. Plant extracts or their components may be useful in ameliorating the various
diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. This study investigated the effects of crocetin on
oxidative damage induced by chronic restraint stress in the rat brain. For this reason, rats were kept in
the restrainers for 1 hour every day, for 21 consecutive days. The animals were injected crocetin (20,
40, 60 mg/kg) or vehicle daily for 21 days. Findings showed that the immobility time significantly increased
in the rodents subjected to the chronic stress compared with the normal group. However, the
number of crossing beams in the rats submitted to the chronic stress significantly decreased versus the
non-stress rats. Treatment with crocetin ameliorated the immobility time and the number of crossing in
the chronic restraint stress rats versus the non-treated stress group. Crocetin also reverted the levels of
MDA and GSH and also the activities of antioxidant enzymes to the normal levels in the stress groups.

Conclusion:

The present study suggests that crocetin may be useful for the management of depressantlike
effects induced by chronic stress through decreasing oxidative damage in the brain.
Spor Toto Süper Lig takımlarının spor iletişimi bağlamında Instagram’ı kullanımı
Authors: AKYAZI Erhan 
Published: May 2018

Spor sözcüğünün
etimolojik kökeni incelendiğinde “fiziksel egzersizler içeren oyun” tanımı ile
karşılaşılmaktadır. Bu anlamda bakıldığında sporun M.Ö. 2000’de başladığını
söylemek mümkündür. Bir başka tanıma göre ise spor “Kişisel veya toplu yarışlar
biçiminde yapılan, bazı kurallara göre uygulanan beden hareketlerinin tümü”dür.
Bu tanıma göre sporun M.Ö. 776 yılında olimpiyat oyunları ile başladığını
söylemek mümkündür. Tanım ve tarihten bağımsız olarak spor günümüzde
milyarlarca dolarlık bir endüstri haline gelmiştir. Günümüz çağdaş dünyasında,
spor endüstrisinin yerine getirmesi gereken faaliyetlerden birisi de paydaşları
ile sürekli iletişim halinde olmaktır. Sosyal medya adıyla genelleştirilen pek
çok araç bu görevi hem kolaylaştırmakta, hem de daha etkili yapılmasına imkan
tanımaktadır. Sosyal medya araçları son zamanlarda giderek birbirlerine
benzemekle birlikte, sunmuş oldukları
özellikler onları ön plana çıkarabilmektedir. Son zamanların en popüler sosyal
medya araçlarından birisi de 2010 yılında kullanıcıları ile buluşan Instagram’dır.
Bilimsel araştırmalar görsel ve işitsel içeriklerin daha dikkat çekici ve daha
akılda kalıcı olduğunu göstermektedir. Dolayısı ile Instagram’ın popülerleşmesi
şaşırtıcı değildir. Bu kapsamda, çalışma spor iletişimi bağlamında spor
kulüplerinin Instagram’ı ne şekilde kullandıklarını araştırmayı
hedeflemektedir. Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Gençlik ve Spor Bakanlığı’na bağlı 61
federasyon bulunmaktadır. Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu'nun Gençlik ve Spor
Bakanlığa bağlı özerk bir yapısı vardır. Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu'na bağlı 13
lig bulunmaktadır. Bu liglerden en üst seviyede olanı ise taraftar sayısının en
fazla olduğu Spor Toto Süper Ligi’dir.
Her spor kulübü başta taraftarları olmak üzere paydaşları iletişim halinde
olması gerekmektedir. Bu sebeple daha fazla taraftarı olduğu için çalışmanın
örneklemi Spor Toto Süper Ligi bünyesindeki futbol takımlarının Instagram
hesapları olarak belirlenmiştir.
Fixed Point Theorems for Two Pairs of Mappings Satisfying a New Type of Common Limit Range Property in Gp Metric Spaces
Authors: Popa Valeriu , Patriciu Alina-Mihaela 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to prove a general fixed point theorem for mappings involving almost altering distances and satisfying a new type of common limit range property in Gpmetric spaces. In the last part of the paper, some fixed point results for mappings satisfying contractive conditions of integral type and for ⱷ-contractive mappings are obtained.
Stability of Functional Equations in Dislocated Quasi-Metric Spaces
Authors: Hejmej Beata 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
We present a result on the generalized Hyers-Ulam stability of a functional equation in a single variable for functions that have values in a complete dislocated quasi-metric space. Next, we show how to apply it to prove stability of the Cauchy functional equation and the linear functional equation in two variables, also for functions taking values in a complete dislocated quasimetric space. In this way we generalize some earlier results proved for classical complete metric spaces.
Differences in the Quality of the Photoplethysmograph Signal in Subjects with and without Nail Polish
Authors: Anastasova Karina 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Qualitative indicators are an important element in establishing truth in polygraph examinations. Considering this, a study of the change in the quality of the signal from the photoplethysmograph in subjects who have used nail polish is extremely relevant and requires a comprehensive qualitative study.
The paper uses general scientific and empirical methods of observation and experimentation, and is a comprehensive study of the effects of nail polish on the quality of the photoplethysmograph signal. It is the first time that this type of research has been conducted using a comparative analysis of subjects who did and did not use nail polish.
Insulin Resistance (IR) in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Identifying Predictors of Insulin Resistance and Establishing a Correlation Between Insulin Resistance and Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Mihai Vesa Cosmin , Loredana Popa , Lucia Daina , Mădălina Moisi , Mircea Popescu , Gabriela Radulian , Romulus Timar , Remus Popa Amorin 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Insulin resistance is a determinant factor for the increased prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetes patients. In this study we determined those modifications of clinical and biochemical parameters associated with insulin resistance in the diabetic patient, these alterations can offer us indications concerning the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to the diabetes development in the case of most patients. Also we determined a correlation between insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk, through the combined effect of age and insulin resistance on this risk.
Osas and Associated Comorbidities - A Retrospective Study
Authors: Elena-Corina Jeler 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
OSAS (obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome) is the most common type of sleep apnoea, characterised by obstruction of the upper airways during sleep, causing the absence or reduction of airflow, although there is respiratory muscular activity. It contributes to the occurrence of multiple complications such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiac and cerebral pathology, metabolic damage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the major comorbidities associated with OSAS in a group of 101 clinically diagnosed and polysomnographic patients with OSAS at “Marius Nasta” Institute in Bucharest during 2014-2015. The obtained results revealed a very high prevalence of ENT disorders, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and gastroesophageal reflux. Also, among these patients, there was an increased incidence of rhythm disorders (17.8%), such as RBB, ESSV, FiA, but also of ischaemic heart disease (16.83%).
Methods of Paraclinic Diagnosis of Catecholamine Secreting Tumours, Especially of Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Mitu Florin , Maștaleru Alexandra , Cojocaru Clementina , Roca Mihai , Mitu Ovidiu , Leon-Constantin Maria-Magdalena 
Published: May 2018

Summary
Catecholamine tumoral syndrome is caused by lesions of the medulosuprarenal cromafin tissue (pheochromocytoma or pheochromocytoblastoma) or of the neural crest (paraganglioma), from the ganglionar cells (ganglioneurinoma or ganglioneuroblastoma) or from the sympathetic nervous cells (sympathogonia – sympathoblastoma and sympathoblasts – neuroblastoma), tumors that excessively secrete cathecolamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline), but also neuropeptides. Indications for testing are associated with the clinical context. Because the pheochromocytoma means a heterogeneous group of secretory tumours, there is no analysis achieving the 100% accuracy. The diagnosis can be established by hormonal dosages for basal determinations and by dynamic tests or through nonspecific tests. Imagistic explorations like computer tomography, abdominal and pelvic MRI can localise the tumour. Plasma and urinary metanephrines dosage are the first intention tests because have a higher accuracy compared to catecholamines or other metabolites. Considering the low prevalence of catecholamine secreting tumours, we considered it necessary to systematise diagnostic possibilities.
The Impact of the ECB’s Quantitative Easing Policy on Capital Flows in the Cesee Region
Authors: Angelovska-Bezhoska Anita , Mitreska Ana , Bojcheva-Terzijan Sultanija 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
This paper attempts to empirically assess the impact of the ECB’s quantitative easing policy on capital flows in the countries of the Central and South Eastern region. Given the tight trade and financial linkages of the region with the euro area, one should expect that the buoyant liquidity provided by the ECB might affect the size of the capital inflows. We test this hypothesis by employing panel estimation on a sample of 14 countries CESEE countries for the 2003-2015 period. Contrary to the expected outcome, the results reveal either negative or insignificant impact of the change in the ECB balance sheet on the different types of capital inflows. The results suggest that the magnitude of the crisis, to which the ECB responded to was immense, hence precluding any significant impact of the monetary easing on capital flows in the region. The inclusion of a dummy in the model, to control for the 2008 crisis confirms the findings from the first specification and also does not change the finding on the ECB quantitative easing impact on the capital flows. The impact of the crisis dummy on capital flows is negative and it holds for almost all types of capital inflows, except for the government debt flows, which is consistent with the countercyclical fiscal policies and rising public debt after the crisis.
Hierarchic Optimization of Resource the Resources Allocation among the Units of Aviation Company
Authors: Girvica Olga 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
This paper deals with the problem of optimal resource distribution in optimal way among the units of an aviation company. This task could be solved by using the method of dynamic programming. Using Mathcad 14 programming language, there was created a special program that allows to make corresponding calculations. The solution of the real task for an aviation company is observed in this paper as a numerical sample of limited resource distribution between the units of the company in order to get the maximum profit.
Remote Sensing Applications for Planning Irrigation Management. The Use of SEBAL Methodology for Estimating Crop Evapotranspiration in Cyprus
Authors: Papadavid George , Perdikou Skevi , Hadjimitsis Michalakis , Hadjimitsis Diofantos 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Water allocation to crops has always been of great importance in the agricultural process. In this context, and under the current conditions, where Cyprus is facing a severe drought the last five years, the purpose of this study is basically to estimate the needed crop water requirements for supporting irrigation management and monitoring irrigation on a systematic basis for Cyprus using remote sensing techniques. The use of satellite images supported by ground measurements has provided quite accurate results. Intended purpose of this paper is to estimate the Evapotranspiration (ET) of specific crops which is the basis for irrigation scheduling and establish a procedure for monitoring and managing irrigation water over Cyprus, using remotely sensed data from Landsat TM/ ETM+ and a sound methodology used worldwide, the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL).