Bioactive Compounds From Torbangun [Plectranthus Amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng] Chloroform Fraction Induce Apoptosis in Breast Cancer (Mcf-7 Cells) in Vitro

Torbangun (Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng) is a medicinal plant that has been traditionally used in tropical countries to cure various illnesses. The objective of this study was to identify the active compounds in the chloroform fraction which have effect on the apoptosis-related genes expression of breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Apoptosis was observed morphologically using Hoechst nuclear staining. Expression of the genes was analyzed using Real-Time PCR. Chemical compounds of the plant fractions were determined using LC-MS. Result of cell morphology observation clearly indicated apoptosis after the treatment of the plant fraction. Increased expression of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 could not prevent the cells from apoptosis. Expressions of p53 and p21 genes were increased significantly. The expressions of caspase 9, caspase 7 and caspase 1 were increased at concentration-dependent manner. Most of the compounds in the chloroform fraction are identified as diterpenoids which may contribute to the apoptosis inducing activity of the fraction

A user oriented microcomputer facility for designing linear quadratic Gaussian feedback compensators

A laboratory design facility for digital microprocessor implementation of linear-quadratic-Gaussian feedback compensators is described. Outputs from user interactive programs for solving infinite time horizon LQ regulator and Kalman filter problems were conditioned for implementation on the laboratory microcomputer system. The software consisted of two parts: an offline high-level program for solving the LQ Ricatti equations and generating associated feedback and filter gains and a cross compiler/macro assembler which generates object code for the target microprocessor system. A PDP 11/70 with a UNIX operating system was used for all high level program and data management, and the target microprocessor system is an Intel MDS (8080-based processor). Application to the control of a two dimensional inverted pendulum is presented and issues in expanding the design/prototyping system to other target machine architectures are discussed

Some general classes of comatching graphs

Some sufficient conditions are given for two graphs to have the same matching polynomial (comatching graphs). Several general classes of comatching graphs are given. Also, techniques are discussed for extending certain pairs of comatching graphs to larger pairs of comatching graphs

Defining Distinctiveness Aspect of Place Identity in Urban Heritage Tourism

In supporting heritage tourism, emotional and psychological reactions between people and the places are required until the sites are no longer a mere identity of the geographical formation. The positive perception of people indicates satisfaction that is strongly influenced by the image of an urban area. The image defines the character of the place (spirit of place). In shaping the image of place, place identity takes a significant role and distinctiveness is one aspect of it that contributes in. This research aims to investigate the distinctiveness aspect and its influences in defining place identity of urban heritage area by using variable, i.e. landmark, uniqueness, particular character, and different perception. It focuses on the historical corridor of Medan City, Indonesia, chosen due to its significant role in the establishment of Medan City in past and the existence of historic buildings. This research combined qualitative and quantitative method through field observation and nine in-depth interviews as well as 360 questionnaires distribution, respectively to examine the perception of residents and visitors. This research contributes in defining place identity that can be used as evaluation and indicator for future planning. It will benefit in securing place identity towards support in urban heritage tourism that improves the quality of life. The result indicates that the existence of heritage buildings as landmark allows someone to have a unique affiliation to the research area. However, the diversity of interesting cultural activity, local product as well public facilities requires more improvement

Biogas potential from forbs and grass-clover mixture with the application of near infrared spectroscopy

This study investigated the potentials of forbs; caraway, chicory, red clover and ribwort plantain as substrates for biogas production. One-, two- and four-cut systems were implemented and the influence on dry matter yields, chemical compositions and methane yields were examined. The two- and four-cut systems resulted in higher dry matter yields (kg [total solid, TS] ha-1) compared to the one-cut system. The effect of plant compositions on biogas potentials was not evident. Cumulative methane yields (LCH4 kg-1 [volatile solid, VS]) were varied from 279 to 321 (chicory), 279 to 323 (caraway), 273 to 296 (ribwort plantain), 263 to 328 (red clover) and 320 to 352 (grass-clover mixture), respectively. Methane yield was modelled by modified Gompertz equation for comparison of methane production rate. Near infrared spectroscopy showed potential as a tool for biogas and chemical composition prediction. The best prediction models were obtained for methane yield at 29 days (99 samples), cellulose, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre and crude protein, (R2 > 0.9)

Interaction of Cationic Surfactants with Polytungstate

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Interaction of Cationic Surfactants with Polytungstate

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Anaerobically digested green manure is a valuable fertilizer

Anaerobic digestion of green manure increases nitrogen (N)availability. However, the N fertilizer replacement value is affected by the initial quality of the green manure, which is related to plant species composition and cutting frequency

Nitrogen fertilizer replacement value of digestates from three green manures

Green manure mixtures including legumes and forbs can help to increase N availability in organic arable systems. Anaerobic digestion of green manures may provide ammonium rich digestate, which can be redistributed as fertilizer. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of plant species composition, cutting strategy and anaerobic digestion on the N fertilizer replacement value (NFRV) of different green manures. Digestates obtained from silages of pure stand lucerne (four cuts/year) and a mixture including lucerne, grass and forbs (two or four cuts/year) were used to fertilize winter wheat (surface banding) and spring barley (injection). In general, NFRV was 46–173% higher in spring barley than winter wheat, due to the different application method and timing, which reflect the common practices in Denmark. NFRV of digestates were 25–63% higher than the corresponding silages, with the largest increase with the most fibrous material (mixture at two cuts/year). Total N concentration (DM based) in the silages largely explained NFRV of the digestates. To obtain NFRV above 60%, total N concentration of silage should exceed 3.5 g 100 g-1 DM, achievable with silages from four-cut strategies. Silages of plant materials with different composition and N content may be similar in terms of biomethane production, but the fertilizer value of the digestates varies considerably depending on total N concentration

Determination of follicular wave development in oestrus synchronised beef cows

A study was conducted to determine the follicular wave development in terms of dominant follicles size, number of follicular waves and follicles existing at pre- and post-ovulation stage, and length of oestrous cycle in oestrus synchronised beef cows. Thirty cows consisting of 3 breedtypes: KK (n=10), Brakmas (n=10), and Charoke (n=10), were inserted with controlled internal drug releasing (CIDR) device containing 1.38 g progesterone for 7 days and given intramuscular injection of a synthetic prostaglandin analogue of 25 mg prostaglandin two days prior to CIDR withdrawal. It was shown of BK, CK and KK cows had 45%, 35% and 20% 3-follicular waves pattern, respectively. BK cows had higher number of cows having 3-follicular waves (P0.05) observed in terms of mean diameter of follicle at emergence stage in the three breedtypes. The mean diameter of ovulatory follicular development was significantly larger (P0.05). Similarly, there was also no significant difference (P>0.05) of the dominant follicle diameter was observed in the second and third (ovulatory follicle) follicular waves patterns among the three breeds of cows studied. The mean diameter of ovulatory follicle in KK was 10.2±0.1 mm, BK 11.6±0.10 mm and CK 10.7±0.1 mm, in KK, BK and KK cows, respectively. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) found among the three breeds of cows studied for mean length of oestrous cycle. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated there was no difference on the follicular wave development in terms of dominant follicles size in pre-ovulation, first, second and third follicular wave development; follicles existing at post-ovulation stage, and length of oestrous cycle in KK, BK and CK cows. However, in terms of the number of follicular waves, BK and CK cows had a higher proportion of 3- and 2-follicular waves development than KK cows. and the number of follicles existing at pre-ovulation stage in KK and BK cows were predominantly higher CK cows