bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assesment of the antioxidant activity and content of polyphenolic compounds in grapevine seeds
Authors: Tomášková Lenka , Sochor Jiří­ , Baroň Mojmí­r 
Published: January 2017

Our work was focused on the study of the antioxidant properties of grapevine seeds. We monitored the grapevine seeds of 6 cultivars of Vitis vinifera, L. (Nativa, Kofranka, Blaufränkish, Marlen, Cabernet Moravia and Italian Riesling). Antioxidant activity was determined by three principally different methods (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP), the content of the total polyphenolic compounds was determined by the Folin ciocalteu method, and the content of the total flavanols was determined by DMACA reagent (p-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde). Results are presented as an equivalent of gallic acid in g.L-1, respectively were expressed as g.L-1 of catechin equivalents (DMACA method). The highest values of antioxidant activity were measured in the cultivar Nativa (DPPH - 7.75 g.L-1, ABTS - 4.888 g.L-1, FRAP - 4.25 g.L-1). Conversely, the lowest values of antioxidant activity were detected in the cultivar Kofranka (DPPH - 7.08 g.L-1, ABTS - 4.17 g.L-1, FRAP - 4.55 g.L-1). Cultivar Nativa also reached the highest content of flavonols (3.77 g.L-1). The highest measured values of the content of total polyphenolic compounds were identified in the cultivar Cabernet Moravia (15.2 g.L-1 of GAE). Conversely, the lowest values of the content of total polyphenolic compounds were detected in the cultivar Nativa (8.04 g.L-1). Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated for the existing values between antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), contents of flavonols, and contents of total polyphenols. The highest correlation coefficient was found between the DPPH and ABTS methods; specifically, it was 0.857.
Contribution of Procurement Function on the Public Services Delivery System: The Case of Tanzania
Authors: Mohamed Bakari Maligwa 
Published: January 2017

Procurement function is a facilitator and enabler of every value chain. This paper is a result of a study on the contribution of procurement function on the public services delivery systems and on the national socio-economic development. Specific foci were on: assessing the contribution of procurement function on the public services delivery systems; and assessing the contribution of procurement function on the attainment of the objectives of the national socio-economic development. The study used a survey of value-laden opinions. Localities surveyed were deliberately selected and sampled. The study covered one metropolis and business city (Dar es Salaam), three regional administrative cities (Arusha, Mbeya and Mwanza), one central government municipal (Dodoma), and one local municipal council (Morogoro). A deliberate sample of 150 case respondents was envisaged. However, the study covered 129 case respondents. Data management and analysis were qualitative in which thematic analysis, documentary reviews and content analysis were applied upon the specific study objectives. This paper provides value-laden opinions generated out of the case respondents’ perceptions on the specific themes and issues related thereto. The results of assessment show a significant contribution of the procurement function on the Tanzania public services delivery systems and on the national socio-economic development agenda. The assessments show a positive marginal contribution of the procurement functional performance on the national economic development agenda by more than 70%.
The Truck Driver Experience: Identifying Psychological Stressors from the Voice of the Driver
Authors: Williams Donnie F. , Thomas Stephanie P. , Liao-Troth Sara 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT
As boundary-spanning supply chain members, truck drivers are important to the efficient and effective flow of goods throughout the supply chain. However, costly truck-driver turnover rates have plagued the industry for years. While previous research has focused on a variety of factors that can contribute to a driver leaving his or her current organization and/or the industry, long-haul turnover rates remain unacceptably high. Using a phenomenological methodology, this research explores psychological aspects of truck drivers' experiences in order to better understand the challenges and stressors that may lead to dissatisfaction with their careers and ultimately their decision to leave their company and/or the industry. Data was collected from drivers through face-to-face interviews and Internet blogs. The findings identify both controllable and uncontrollable psychological stressors that truck drivers experience and how these stressors manifest in their jobs. The themes identified include stress from loneliness and loss of family life, stress due to health-related issues and uncertainty from health-related support, lack of respect from multiple parties, and the stressful impact of government regulations. Identification of these themes may help organizations develop strategies to address these important stressors and improve the retention and performance of their drivers.
Meatscapes: Spaces and processes associated to subsistence livestock
Authors: Farah Leila Marie 
Published: February 2017

How was subsistence livestock linked to architecture and the urban development in the settlement of 17th and 18th century Montreal?
This article argues that landscapes and buildings interact with and accommodate the transformation of livestock products and by-products along various stages; and, that these animal parts contribute to defining urban landscapes. The paper presents a novel analytical framework to study foodscapes, and more particularly meatscapes by way of identifying spaces through which animal parts transited, and by spatially mapping them. It does so via a mixed methodological approach, including researching legal documents, travelers’ notes, databases, historical maps and plans dating back to the French period. Examining processes and spaces involving subsistence livestock, their products and by-products as well as individuals related to their transformation provides a new perspective on how ordinary activities shaped the lives and the spaces in a settlement.
Effects of rhodomyrtone on Gram-positive bacterial tubulin homologue FtsZ
Authors: Saeloh Dennapa , Wenzel Michaela , Rungrotmongkol Thanyada , Hamoen Leendert Willem , Tipmanee Varomyalin , Voravuthikunchai Supayang Piyawan 
Published: February 2017

Rhodomyrtone, a natural antimicrobial compound, displays potent activity against many Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria, comparable to last-defence antibiotics including vancomycin and daptomycin. Our previous studies pointed towards effects of rhodomyrtone on the bacterial membrane and cell wall. In addition, a recent molecular docking study suggested that the compound could competitively bind to the main bacterial cell division protein FtsZ. In this study, we applied a computational approach (in silico),in vitro, andin vivoexperiments to investigate molecular interactions of rhodomyrtone with FtsZ. Using molecular simulation, FtsZ conformational changes were observed in both (S)- and (R)-rhodomyrtone binding states, compared with the three natural states of FtsZ (ligand-free, GDP-, and GTP-binding states). Calculations of free binding energy showed a higher affinity of FtsZ to (S)-rhodomyrtone (−35.92 ± 0.36 kcal mol−1) than the GDP substrate (−23.47 ± 0.25 kcal mol−1) while less affinity was observed in the case of (R)-rhodomyrtone (−18.11 ± 0.11 kcal mol−1).In vitroexperiments further revealed that rhodomyrtone reduced FtsZ polymerization by 36% and inhibited GTPase activity by up to 45%. However, the compound had no effect on FtsZ localization inBacillus subtilisat inhibitory concentrations and cells also did not elongate after treatment. Higher concentrations of rhodomyrtone did affect localization of FtsZ and also affected localization of its membrane anchor proteins FtsA and SepF, showing that the compound did not specifically inhibit FtsZ but rather impaired multiple divisome proteins. Furthermore, a number of cells adopted a bean-like shape suggesting that rhodomyrtone possibly possesses further targets involved in cell envelope synthesis and/or maintenance.
Geography shapes the phylogeny of frailejones (Espeletiinae Cuatrec., Asteraceae): a remarkable example of recent rapid radiation in sky islands
Authors: Diazgranados Mauricio , Barber Janet C. 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundThe páramo ecosystem, located above the timberline in the tropical Andes, has been the setting for some of the most dramatic plant radiations, and it is one of the world’s fastest evolving and most diverse high-altitude ecosystems. Today 144+ species of frailejones (subtribe Espeletiinae Cuatrec., Asteraceae) dominate the páramo. Frailejones have intrigued naturalists and botanists, not just for their appealing beauty and impressive morphological diversity, but also for their remarkable adaptations to the extremely harsh environmental conditions of the páramo. Previous attempts to reconstruct the evolutionary history of this group failed to resolve relationships among genera and species, and there is no agreement regarding the classification of the group. Thus, our goal was to reconstruct the phylogeny of the frailejones and to test the influence of the geography on it as a first step to understanding the patterns of radiation of these plants.MethodsField expeditions in 70 páramos of Colombia and Venezuela resulted in 555 collected samples from 110 species. Additional material was obtained from herbarium specimens. Sequence data included nrDNA (ITS and ETS) and cpDNA (rpl16), for an aligned total of 2,954 bp. Fragment analysis was performed with AFLP data using 28 primer combinations and yielding 1,665 fragments. Phylogenies based on sequence data were reconstructed under maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. The AFLP dataset employed minimum evolution analyses. A Monte Carlo permutation test was used to infer the influence of the geography on the phylogeny.ResultsPhylogenies reconstructed suggest that most genera are paraphyletic, but the phylogenetic signal may be misled by hybridization and incomplete lineage sorting. A tree with all the available molecular data shows two large clades: one of primarily Venezuelan species that includes a few neighboring Colombian species; and a second clade of only Colombian species. Results from the Monte Carlo permutation test suggests a very strong influence of the geography on the phylogenetic relationships. Venezuelan páramos tend to hold taxa that are more distantly-related to each other than Colombian páramos, where taxa are more closely-related to each other.ConclusionsOur data suggest the presence of two independent radiations: one in Venezuela and the other in Colombia. In addition, the current generic classification will need to be deeply revised. Analyses show a strong geographic structure in the phylogeny, with large clades grouped in hotspots of diversity at a regional scale, and in páramo localities at a local scale. Differences in the degrees of relatedness between sympatric species of Venezuelan and Colombian páramos may be explained because of the younger age of the latter páramos, and the lesser time for speciation of Espeletiinae in them.
Spatial and temporal variabilities of spring Asian dust events and their impacts on chlorophyll‐a concentrations in the western North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Yoon Joo‐Eun , Kim Kitae , Macdonald Alison M. , Park Ki‐Tae , Kim Hyun‐Cheol , Yoo Kyu‐Cheul , Yoon Ho‐Il , Yang Eun Jin , Jung Jinyoung , Lim Jae‐Hyun , Kim Ju‐Hyoung , Lee Jiyoung , Choi Tae‐Jun , Song Jae‐Min , Kim Il‐Nam 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAs the western North Pacific Ocean is located downwind of the source regions for spring Asian dust, it is an ideal location for determining the response of open waters to these events. Spatial analysis of spring Asian dust events from source regions to the western North Pacific, using long‐term daily aerosol index data, revealed three different transport pathways supported by the westerly wind system: one passing across the northern East/Japan Sea (40°N–50°N), a second moving over the entire East/Japan Sea (35°N–55°N), and a third flowing predominantly over the Siberian continent (>50°N). Our results indicate that strong spring Asian dust events can increase ocean primary productivity by more than 70% (>2‐fold increase in chlorophyll‐a concentrations) compared to weak/nondust conditions. Therefore, attention should be paid to the recent downturn in the number of spring Asian dust events and to the response of primary production in the western North Pacific to this change.
Few‐Layer Graphene Kills Selectively Tumor Cells from Myelomonocytic Leukemia Patients
Authors: Russier Julie , León Verónica , Orecchioni Marco , Hirata Eri , Virdis Patrizia , Fozza Claudio , Sgarrella Francesco , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Prato Maurizio , Vázquez Ester , Bianco Alberto , Delogu Lucia G. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn the cure of cancer, a major cause of today's mortality, chemotherapy is the most common treatment, though serious frequent challenges are encountered by current anticancer drugs. We discovered that few‐layer graphene (FLG) dispersions have a specific killer action on monocytes, showing neither toxic nor activation effects on other immune cells. We confirmed the therapeutic application of graphene on an aggressive type of cancer that is myelomonocytic leukemia, where the monocytes are in their malignant form. We demonstrated that graphene has the unique ability to target and boost specifically the necrosis of monocytic cancer cells. Moreover, the comparison between FLG and a common chemotherapeutic drug, etoposide, confirmed the higher specificity and toxicity of FLG. Since current chemotherapy treatments of leukemia still cause serious problems, these findings open the way to new and safer therapeutic approaches.
High‐Performance Chemically Regenerative Redox Fuel Cells Using a NO3−/NO Regeneration Reaction
Authors: Han Sang‐Beom , Kwak Da‐Hee , Park Hyun Suk , Choi In‐Ae , Park Jin‐Young , Kim Si‐Jin , Kim Min‐Cheol , Hong Seongho , Park Kyung‐Won 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn this study, we proposed high‐performance chemically regenerative redox fuel cells (CRRFCs) using NO3−/NO with a nitrogen‐doped carbon‐felt electrode and a chemical regeneration reaction of NO to NO3− via O2. The electrochemical cell using the nitrate reduction to NO at the cathode on the carbon felt and oxidation of H2 as a fuel at the anode showed a maximal power density of 730 mW cm−2 at 80 °C and twofold higher power density of 512 mW cm−2 at 0.8 V, than the target power density of 250 mW cm−2 at 0.8 V in the H2/O2 proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). During the operation of the CRRFCs with the chemical regeneration reactor for 30 days, the CRRFCs maintained 60 % of the initial performance with a regeneration efficiency of about 92.9 % and immediately returned to the initial value when supplied with fresh HNO3.
A Trinuclear Radical‐Bridged Lanthanide Single‐Molecule Magnet
Authors: Gould Colin A. , Darago Lucy E. , Gonzalez Miguel I. , Demir Selvan , Long Jeffrey R. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAssembly of the triangular, organic radical‐bridged complexes Cp*6Ln3(μ3‐HAN) (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl; Ln=Gd, Tb, Dy; HAN=hexaazatrinaphthylene) proceeds through the reaction of Cp*2Ln(BPh4) with HAN under strongly reducing conditions. Significantly, magnetic susceptibility measurements of these complexes support effective magnetic coupling of all three LnIII centers through the HAN3−. radical ligand. Thorough investigation of the DyIII congener through both ac susceptibility and dc magnetic relaxation measurements reveals slow relaxation of the magnetization, with an effective thermal relaxation barrier of Ueff=51 cm−1. Magnetic coupling in the DyIII complex enables a large remnant magnetization at temperatures up to 3.0 K in the magnetic hysteresis measurements and hysteresis loops that are open at zero‐field up to 3.5 K.
A review of the biology and status of Cape Fold Ecoregion freshwater fishes
Authors: Ellender Bruce R. , Wasserman Ryan J. , Chakona Albert , Skelton Paul H. , Weyl Olaf L.F. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Mediterranean climate regions are globally recognized as hotspots of endemism in fishes; however, these unique assemblages are increasingly threatened by human mediated impacts including water abstraction, damming and non‐native species introductions.
The Cape Fold aquatic ecoregion (CFR) of South Africa supports an assemblage of range‐restricted endemic freshwater fishes, the majority of which are conservation priorities because they are under severe threat of extinction. Effective conservation and management are constrained by the lack of readily available information on this imperilled group of fishes because research efforts over the last century have been temporally disjointed and relatively uncoordinated.
This review provides an exhaustive appraisal of published literature on the taxonomy, biogeography, life history, ecology and physiology of freshwater fishes in the CFR, and the human impacts that affect them. Its aim is to direct future research needs for effective management and conservation of this imperilled group.
Only 103 peer‐reviewed articles on CFR fishes were recorded and the majority of available research is on taxonomy and biogeography (40.8%), followed by ecological investigations (22.3%), conservation (19.4%) and human impacts (17.5%).
Despite a plethora of studies on taxonomy and biogeography, recent genetic evidence suggests that fish diversity in the CFR has been severely underestimated and requires urgent attention. Human impacts severely threaten the existence of many native CFR fishes and require further study. Information on the biology and ecology of CFR fishes is limited to studies on selected species; of particular note is the lack of physiological information which is particularly pertinent given projected climate change scenarios.
Variation in Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity of the Essential Oil of Wild Populations of Phlomis olivieri
Authors: Bajalan Iman , Rouzbahani Razieh , Pirbalouti Abdollah Ghasemi , Maggi Filippo 
Published: February 2017

Various species of the genus Phlomis have been reported to produce metabolites demonstrating significant pharmacological efficiency. In this study, the essential oils from twelve populations of Phlomis olivieri collected from natural habitats were investigated for their chemical components. The hydrodistillated essential oil analyzed by GC‐FID and GC/MS. Analyses revealed 27 compounds, constituting 90.52 – 98.51% of the essential oils. Results indicated that the major components of the essential oils from various populations of P. olivieri were germacrene D (26.54 – 56.41%), bicyclogermacrene (6.38 – 30.55%), β‐caryophyllene (5.32 – 24.52%) and α‐pinene (1.29 – 15.53%). Principal component analyses (PCA) was used to identify any geographical variations in essential oil composition. Notably, three groups of Iranian P. olivieri populations were determined according to the major compounds. Results of the in vitro antibacterial activity indicated that P. olivieri essential oils showed good inhibitory activities against bacteria, especially Bacillus subtilis. The results of this study gave new insights for cultivation and industrial uses of P. olivieri in Iran.
Convex and Concave Square Arrays of Vertical SnO2 Nanowire Bundles toward Lithium‐Ion Storage Electrodes
Authors: Lee Sang Ho , Noh Yuseong , Kim Won Bae 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe report on the convex and concave square arrays of tin dioxide nanowire bundles for use in rechargeable lithium‐ion storage electrodes. The well‐aligned and periodic patterns of the nanowire bundles were fabricated over current collectors by means of a photolithography process. The electrochemical properties, which were investigated by varying the pattern geometries of the nanowire electrodes, show that the convex and concave arrays lead to more improved charge/discharge dynamics in lithium‐ion storage than the nonpatterned one. The empty spaces formed between the array patterns can facilitate the access of the liquid electrolyte to the electrode structures as well as the strain relaxation of electrode materials during repeated lithiation/delithiation processes. Interestingly, the convex square patterns promote more efficient ion transfer than the concave ones. To this end, the full‐cell battery is successfully and explicitly demonstrated, which suggests that these tailored electrode platforms could stimulate scientific interest in the design and development of nanowire‐based electrode architectures.
Refractoriness to immunochemotherapy in follicular lymphoma: Predictive factors and outcome
Authors: Sorigue Marc , Mercadal Santiago , Alonso Sara , Fernández‐Álvarez Ruben , García Olga , Moreno Miriam , Pomares Helena , Alcoceba Miguel , González‐García Esther , Motlló Cristina , González‐Barca Eva , Martin Alejandro , Sureda Anna , Caballero Dolores , Ribera Josep‐María , Sancho Juan‐Manuel 
Published: February 2017

AbstractFollicular lymphoma is characterized by a good response to immunochemotherapy (ICT). However, a small percentage of patients responds poorly to treatment and seems to have a worse outcome. This study attempted to identify the predictive factors and outcome of refractoriness to first‐line ICT. All patients diagnosed with stage II to IV follicular lymphoma between 2002 and 2014 and treated with first‐line ICT in 4 Spanish institutions were analyzed. Those with no response or progression or relapse within 6 months of first‐line response assessment were considered ICT refractory. Three hundred forty‐three patients were included (median age 58 years, 48% male), of whom 53 (15%) were ICT refractory. On multivariate analysis, high‐risk follicular lymphoma international prognostic index (FLIPI) score, B symptoms, and elevated β2‐microglobulin were correlated with refractoriness, and refractoriness, high‐risk FLIPI score, and β2‐microglobulin were correlated with overall survival (OS). Compared with ICT‐sensitive, ICT‐refractory patients had a higher incidence of histological transformation (5‐year cumulative incidence 25% [14%‐39%] vs. 6% [3%‐10%], P < .001), a higher rate of refractoriness to second‐line therapy (16/33 [48%] vs. 13/57 [23%], P = .01), and a lower OS (5‐year OS probability 38% [95% CI 23%‐53%] vs. 87% [82%‐92%%], P < .001). In conclusion, refractoriness to ICT was seen in 15% of patients and was predicted by high‐FLIPI scores, B symptoms, and elevated serum β2‐micrglobulin. Immunochemotherapy‐refractory patients had a worse prognosis than ICT‐sensitive patients, and current treatment options for this subgroup are not satisfactory.