Preliminary studies of acute and sub-chronic toxicity of the aqueous extract of Guibourtia tessmannii(Harms) J.Leonard stem barks (Caesalpiniaceae) in mice and rats

Objective: To investigate the toxicity of aqueous extract of Guibourtia tessmannii(Harms) J. Leonard(G. tessmannii) and evaluate its safety.Methods: NMRI mice were used to determine the acute toxicity of G. tessmannii.Increasing concentrations of the plant extracts were administered intraperitoneally or by force-feeding. General behavior and death were monitored and recorded daily for 7 days.In order to determine the sub-acute toxicity of the extract, several doses were administered by oral gavage daily for 28 days in adult Wistar rats. Different parameters were assessed including body weight, food and water intake, biochemical parameters and several vital organ weights.Results: LD50 of 328.78 mg/kg was obtained by i.p. route and more than 5 000 mg/kg was obtained in acute toxicity by oral route. In sub-acute toxicity, no significant alteration was observed in body weight or vital organs, food and water intake, and biochemical parameters.Conclusions: The results showed that the aqueous extract of G. tessmannii has low toxicity intraperitoneally and no sub-acute toxicity via oral intake.

Effect of Drying Conditions on Rheological Properties of Hydrocolloids Gums from <i>Triumfetta cordifolia</i>and <i>Bridelia thermifolia</i>Barks

Triumfetta cordifolia and Bridelia thermifolia are two shrubs from tropical region of Africa. Their gums are traditionally extracted from fresh barks and used in traditional recipes (thickening and aromatization of sauces, improvement of the swelling of maize and bean cakes) and in the process of decantation of traditional beer. In order to valorize these barks in dried form, study of the effect of drying temperature on the rheological properties of their gums was carried out. In this respect, the fresh barks were dried at 40℃, 50℃, 60℃, 70℃ and 80℃ and the viscosity of their extracts was measured. The drying kinetic of the barks showed two falling rate periods represented by two drying constants?k1 and k2. The absolute viscosity of the extracts decreased beyond drying temperatures higher than 70℃ and 80℃respectively for T cordifolia and B. Thermifolia. The decreasing viscosity is attributed mainly to a reorganization of polysaccharide chains. The temperatures range lower than 70℃ could be retained to dry the barks and to extract gums without deteriorating their properties.

Lipophilic extractives of the inner and outer barks from six different Pinus species grown in Indonesia

The chemical compositions of the dichloromethane extracts of inner and outer barks from six Pinus species（P.elliotii,P.oocarpa,P.caribeae,P.merkusii,P.montezumae,and P.insularis） grown in Indonesia were investigated by GC and GC–MS.Generally,the amounts of extractive contents were higher in the inner bark than in the outer bark except for P.merksuii.Fatty acids,monoterpenes,sesquiterpenes,resin acids,triterpenoids,and steroids were detected and quantified.Inner and outer barks differed not only in content of these compounds but also in their composition.Fatty acids and alcohols were the major classes of lipophilic compounds in the outer bark of P.caribeae, P.insularis,and P.montezumae.Steroids and triterpenoids were the dominant compounds identified in the inner bark of P.elliotii,P.insularis,and P.merkusii.Resin acids were the most abundant group in the inner bark of P.oocarpa whereas monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes were recorded in minor quantities in both bark layers of all species.

^(57)Fe Mssbauer spectroscopic study on the barks of several three species grown in Lanzhou, China

Using 57 Fe Mssbauer effect, the chemical states of iron components were investigated for the barks of Platycladus orientalis, Cedrus deodara and Platanus acerifolia sampled from Lanzhou City, China. All bark samples showed two overlapping doublets with large and small quadruple splitting. Only Platycladus orientalis's barks exhibited one sextet. Based on Mssbauer parameters, they were attributed to paramagnetic ferrous, paramagnetic ferric and magnetic iron, respectively. For the sampling site which is about 6 kilometers from Lanzhou Steel Factory, the ratio of ferrous to ferric was higher in the sample of Platanus acerifolia's barks, whereas the barks of Platycladus orientalis and Cedrus deodara gave similar values of this ratio. Platycladus orientalis was the most effective in accumulating iron complexes in barks among the three trees. Platanus acerifolia's barks sampled at Lanzhou Steel Factory's area exhibited higher absolute intensities of iron components and lower ration of ferrous to ferric, indicating that industrial air pollution is a contributing factor in accumulating iron compounds in the tree barks of this region.

The rate of deadwood decomposition processes in tree stand gaps resulting from bark beetle infestation spots in mountain forests

Decaying wood is an essential element of forest ecosystems and it affects its other components.The aim of our research was to determine the decomposition rate of deadwood in various humidity and thermal conditions in the gaps formed in the montane forest stands.The research was carried out in the Babiog orski National Park.The research plots were marked out in the gaps of the stands,which were formed as a result of bark beetle gradation.Control plots were located in undisturbed stands.The research covered wood of two species–spruce and beech in the form of cubes with dimensions of 50 mm×50 mm×22 mm.Wood samples were placed directly on the soil surface and subjected to laboratory analysis after 36 months.A significant influence of the wood species and the study plot type on the physicochemical properties of the tested wood samples was found.Wood characteristics strongly correlated with soil moisture.A significantly higher mass decline of wood samples was recorded on the reference study plots,which were characterized by more stable moisture conditions.Poorer decomposition of wood in the gaps regardless of the species is related to lower moisture.The wood species covered by the study differed in the decomposition rate.Spruce wood samples were characterized by a significantly higher decomposition rate compared to beech wood samples.Our research has confirmed that disturbances that lead to the formation of gaps have a direct impact on the decomposition process of deadwood.

Early response of understory vegetation to the mass dieback of Norway spruce in the European lowland temperate forest

Spruce-dominated forests are commonly exposed to disturbances associated with mass occurrences of bark beetles.The dieback of trees triggers many physical and chemical processes in the ecosystem resulting in rapid changes in the vegetation of the lower forest layers.We aimed to determine the response of non-tree understory vegetation to the mass dieback of Norway spruce(Picea abies)in the first years after the disturbance caused by the European spruce bark beetle(Ips typographus)outbreak.Our study area was the Białowieża Biosphere Reserve covering the Polish part of the emblematic Białowieża Forest,in total 597km^(2).The main data source comprised 3,900 phytosociological relevés(combined spring and summer campaigns)collected from 1,300 systematically distributed forest sites in 2016–2018–the peak years of the bark beetle outbreak.We found that the understory responded immediately to mass spruce dieback,with the most pronounced changes observed in the year of the disturbance and the subsequent year.Shade-tolerant forest species declined in the initial years following the mass spruce dieback,while hemicryptophytes,therophytes,light-demanding species associated with non-forest seminatural communities,as well as water-demanding forest species,expanded.Oxalis acetosella,the most common understory species in the Białowieża Forest,showed a distinct fluctuation pattern,with strong short-term expansion right after spruce dieback,followed by a gradual decline over the next 3–4 years to a cover level 5 percentage points lower than before the disturbance.Thus,our study revealed that mass spruce dieback selectively affects individual herb species,and their responses can be directional and non-directional(fluctuation).Furthermore,we demonstrated that the mass dieback of spruce temporarily increases plant species diversity(α-diversity).

Properties of Bark Particleboard Bonded with Demethylated Lignin Adhesives Derived from Leucaena leucocephala Bark

Lignin extraction from bark can maximize the utilization of biomass waste,offer cost-effectiveness,and promote environmental friendliness when employed as an adhesive material in bark particleboard production.Particles of fine(0.2 to 1.0 mm),medium(1.0 to 2.5 mm),and coarse(2.5 to 12.0 mm)sizes,derived from the bark of Leucaena leucocephala,were hot-pressed using a heating plate at 175℃for 7 min to create single-layer particleboards measuring 320 mm×320 mm×10 mm,targeting a density of 700 kg/m^(3).Subsequently,the samples were trimmed and conditioned at 20℃and 65%relative humidity.In this study,we compared bark particleboard bonded with urea formaldehyde(UF)adhesive to fine-sized particleboard bonded with demethylated lignin adhesive.The results indicated that bark particleboards utilizing demethylated lignin and UF adhesives exhibited similar qualities.Coarse particleboard showed differences in modulus of elasticity(MOE)and modulus of rupture(MOR),while medium-sized particles exhibited significant variations in moisture content(MC)and water absorption(WA).Furthermore,the thickness swelling of coarse and medium-sized particles under wet and oven-dried conditions exhibited notable distinctions.Overall,the demethylated lignin adhesive extracted from L.leucocephala bark demonstrated similar quality to UF adhesive,with particle size correlating inversely to the strength of the bark particleboard.

Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight(MALDI-TOF)-Mass Spectrometry and^(13)C-NMR-Identified New Compounds in Paraberlinia bifoliolata(Ekop-Beli)Bark Tannins

Extracts of plant origin,particularly tannins,are attracting growing interest for the sustainable development of materials in the industrial sector.The discovery of new tannins is therefore necessary.The aim of this work was to contribute to the understanding of the properties of Paraberlinia bifoliolata tannin by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectroscopy MALDI-TOF/MS and Carbon 13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance(13C NMR).The chemical composition of tannin extracted from Paraberlinia bifoliolata bark was determined,as was the mechanical strength of the resin hardened with Acacia nilotica extracts.Yield by successive water extraction was 35%.MALDI-TOF/MS analysis revealed the presence of three new compounds in this tannin,previously unknown in this family of extracts.These are 3-hydroxyproline acid,N-methyl-4-hydroxypipecolic acid and N-methyl-5-dihydroxypipecolic acid.The identification of the above molecules means that this tannin can be used for industrial applications,as a resin in the manufacture of particleboard and in the formulation of green corrosion inhibitors.This information is reinforced by 13C NMR spectrometry,which indicates the presence of several polyflavonoid units,confirming the condensed nature of the tannin.Thermomechanical analysis of the resin formed by the purified tannin of Paraberlinia bifoliolata to which a vegetal biohardener has been added provided a Modulus of Elasticity(MOE)value of 4840 MPa at 150℃,confirming its possible use as a binder resin in the manufacture of wood panels as well as for the formulation of a corrosion inhibitor.

Watchdog Barks At Big Bids

Turmoil caused by major refinancing plans of listed companies in the mainland stock market leads regulators to vow stricter approval processes On March 5,shareholders of Ping An Insurance(Group)Co.of China Ltd. (Ping An)passed a refinancing plan of 120 billion yuan(＄17 billion)at its first interim meeting of the year with an overwhelming 92 percent in favor.

FrFT-Bark域特征提取与CNN残差收缩网络心音分类算法

为充分挖掘心音信号的生理、病理信息,提高心音自动分类的准确率,提出一种不依赖于分割和去噪的心音自动分类新算法.首先提取心音信号Bark域分数傅里叶变换的时频特征,然后将深度残差收缩网络引入卷积神经网络中构建新的分类模型,该模型能够自动去除与当前任务无关的特征信息,提高模型预测的准确率及稳定性.研究所用心音样本5000例,其中1000例用于测试.实验结果表明,提出算法的准确率、灵敏度、特异度分别为0.925、0.902、0.948,F1值为0.923.该方法整体性能较以往方法有明显提升,具有较强的鲁棒性和泛化能力,有望应用于先心病的临床筛查.

Polyphenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Sea Buckthorn(Hippophae rhamnoides L.)

The fruits of the Sea buckthorn(Hippophae rhamnoides L.)are a popular plant food and a valuable health product.Cultivating plants produces a lot of leaves with fine branches as an unnecessary residue,which needs valorization.The aim of the study was to estimate(by HPLC-MS/MS)the qualitative and quantitative content of polyphenolic compounds in different parts of H.rhamnoides(HR),and to determine the level of antioxidant activity of leaves and fruits(by DPPH,ABTS methods and ferrozine test).Up to 19 compounds were identified in different parts of HR.The fruits are rich in flavonoids,including various glycosides of flavonols isorhamnetin,quercetin,and kaempferol.Two isorhamnetin glycosides were not identified in the leaves,while isorhamnetin-3-rhamnosylglactosides and the ellagitannins hippophaenin B,stachyurin and casuarinin were present only in the leaves of the plant.The bark and roots contained considerably more catechins,but minimal flavonols than the fruits and leaves of HR.The total phenolics and flavonols were most abundant in water infusions from leaves of HR(especially quercetin-3-O-glucoside-7-O-rhamnoside),compared to methanolic extracts.No significant differences in the quantitative and qualitative content of the fresh and dried leaves were detected.The highest antioxidant activity by all three methods was detected in the leaves of HR.In addition to the fruits,the leaves may have a perspective as a source of biologically active substances of HR.

Analysis of Subcellular Localization and Pathogenicity of Plum Bark Necrosis Stem-Pitting Associated Virus Protein P6

Infection of plum bark necrosis stem pitting associated virus(PBNSPaV)has been reported in many Prunus species in several countries,causing significant economic losses.The very small proteins encoded by plant viruses are often overlooked due to their short sequences and uncertain significance.However,numerous studies have indicated that they might play important roles in the pathogenesis of virus infection.The role of small hydrophobic protein P6,encoded by the open reading frame 2 of PBNSPaV,has not been well explored.In this study,we amplified the P6 fragment from a PBNSPaV isolate by RT-PCR using specific primers and found that it is 174 bp long and encodes a protein of approximately 6.3 kD with a transmembrane domain.Subcellular localization analysis of P6 proteins in tobacco leaves showed that P6 localizes to the cytomembrane and nuclear membrane.To further clarify the pathogenicity of P6 proteins,we constructed a PVX-P6 expression vector by inserting the p6 fragment into a potato virus X(PVX)-based vector and transformed it into Agrobacterium tumefaciens GV3101.Infiltration of Nicotiana benthamiana(N.benthamiana)with the PVX vector-transformed A.tumefaciens led to slight mosaic symptoms at 14 days of post-inoculation.Meanwhile,infiltration with the PVX-P6 vector-transformed A.tumefaciens resulted in no significant symptoms.These results demonstrated that heterologous expression of P6 in N.benthamiana could not enhance the pathogenicity of PVX.Our study indicates that P6 may not be a potential pathogenic factor associate with the causing of symptoms,and the mode of action of PBNSPaV-P6 protein remains to be further studied.

基于听觉掩蔽效应和Bark子波变换的语音增强

提出了一种适用于低信噪比下的提高语音的听觉效果的语音增强方法。该方法在谱减法的基础上有两个特点:首先减参数是根据人耳听觉掩蔽效应提出的且是自适应的;其次采用了与人耳听觉系统特性更为适应的Bark子波变换方法对增强前后的语音进行分析。对该算法进行了客观和主观测试,结果表明:与谱减法相比对低信噪比的语音信号,(1)能更好地抑制残留噪声和背景噪声,(2)增强后的语音具有更好的清晰度和可懂度。

一种新阈值函数的小波包语音增强算法

针对传统软、硬阈值函数去噪方法增强的语音存在失真的问题,提出一种新阈值函数的小波包语音增强算法,同时给出了新阈值函数和新的Bark尺度小波包分解结构。新阈值函数在小波包系数绝对值大于给定阈值的区间内,灵活地结合了软、硬阈值函数;在小波包系数绝对值小于给定阈值的区间内,用一种非线性函数代替传统阈值函数中的简单置零,实现了阈值函数的平缓过渡;新的60个频带Bark尺度小波包分解结构能更好地模拟人耳的听觉感知特性。仿真实验结果表明,在高斯白噪声和有色噪声背景下,与传统软、硬阈值函数去噪方法相比,新算法有效提高了增强语音信噪比和分段信噪比,减少了语音失真,具有更好的去噪效果。

一种基于Bark域能量分布的噪声分类方法

对不同种类噪声的分类处理,可以提高噪声环境下语音信号处理的性能。为了能够准确地区分各类噪声,提出了一种基于Bark域噪声能量分布特性的噪声分类方法。通过将噪声能量从均匀时频空间映射到Bark空间,构造了一个能够有效区分各种噪声的22维特征向量,并使用支持向量机(SVM)进行模型训练和噪声分类。实验结果表明:所提出的噪声分类方法具有非常高的分类准确率,对用于实验的两种噪声数据集的平均分类准确率分别为99.50%和93.44%。

基于Bark域噪声估计及掩蔽效应的语音增强

针对非平稳环境下噪声估计和语音增强性能降低的特点,提出一种基于Bark域的快速自适应噪声谱估计算法。它基于听觉模型,将带噪信号变换到Bark域,并在Bark域内实现基于人耳掩蔽的语音增强。仿真实验表明该算法能充分利用Bark带内频带间的相关性,跟踪快变的背景噪声,提高语音增强性能,减少运算量和复杂度。

结点阈值小波包变换语音增强新算法

人耳频率分辨率是非线性的,而小波包算法有灵活的时频分析能力,可较好的模拟人耳基底膜的频率分析特性。本文提出了一种新的基于结点阈值的小波包变换语音增强算法。采用Bark尺度小波包对含噪语音进行分解,在语音信号的子带层次上进行阈值操作,并采用软阈值方法进行阈值处理。采用谱熵法估计结点噪声。实验表明,该算法在多种噪声,尤其是有色噪声和非平稳噪声条件下均有较好的语音增强效果。

基于Fisher比的Bark小波包变换的语音特征提取算法

为解决MFCC特征参数在噪声环境中识别率低的问题,提出一种基于Fisher比的Bark小波包变换特征提取算法.首先采用小波包变换构造Bark滤波器代替三角形的Mel滤波器.其次采用Fisher对Bark滤波后的特征参数进行选择,去除大量干扰信息,节省特征匹配的时间.仿真实验表明,该算法明显提高系统的识别率和鲁棒性.

基于BARK子波变换的语音增强方法研究

在Bark子波的构造的基础上,提出一种改进的Bark子波变换构造方法,即直接由临界带中心频率确定Bark子波的中心频率,保证了其通带和临界带的对应一致性,并与人耳的听觉系统十分吻合。采用Bark子波对带噪语音进行分解,在语音信号的子带层次上用一种类似于软阈值的无穷阶可导的函数进行阈值处理,并应用谱减法进行二次增强。仿真实验表明,构建Bark子波与增强算法使信噪比和PESQ得分都有较大提高,特别是在信噪比较高时,语音具有很好的清晰度和可懂度。

时频结合自适应阈值小波包消噪算法

在充分考虑人耳听觉特性和噪声统计特性的基础上,提出一种时频结合Bark尺度自适应阈值的语音消噪算法,在Bark频域上自适应调整增强系数可以较准确地进行阈值判定。仿真实验验证,时频结合算法在低信噪比输入情况下较传统语音降噪方法具有明显优势,其在消除高斯白噪声的同时有效降低了语音损失,可获得最大信噪比,谱失真测度最小,增强语音的MOS(Mean Opinion Score)评分明显提高,具有较好的听觉效果。