bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bactericidal Activity of Usnic Acid-Chitosan Nanoparticles against Persister Cells of Biofilm-Forming Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Khan Fazlurrahman , Yu Hongsik , Kim Young-Mog
Published: May 2020

The present study aimed to prepare usnic acid (UA)-loaded chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (UA-CS NPs) and evaluate its antibacterial activity against biofilm-forming pathogenic bacteria. UA-CS NPs were prepared through simple ionic gelification of UA with CS, and further characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and field-emission transmission electron microscopy. The UA-CS NPs presented a loading capacity (LC) of 5.2%, encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 24%, and a spherical shape and rough surface. The maximum release of UA was higher in pH 1.2 buffer solution as compared to that in pH 6.8 and 7.4 buffer solution. The average size and zeta potential of the UA-CS NPs was 311.5 ± 49.9 nm in diameter and +27.3 ± 0.8 mV, respectively. The newly prepared UA-CS NPs exhibited antibacterial activity against persister cells obtained from the stationary phase in batch culture, mature biofilms, and antibiotic-induced gram-positive and gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. Exposure of sub-inhibitory concentrations of UA-CS NPs to the bacterial cells resulted in a change in morphology. The present study suggests an alternative method for the application of UA into nanoparticles. Furthermore, the anti-persister activity of UA-CS NPs may be another possible strategy for the treatment of infections caused by biofilm-forming pathogenic bacteria.
Artificial Neural Network and Cox Regression Models for Predicting Mortality after Hip Fracture Surgery: A Population-Based Comparison
Authors: Chen Cheng-Yen , Chen Yu-Fu , Chen Hong-Yaw , Hung Chen-Tsung , Shi Hon-Yi
Published: May 2020

This study purposed to validate the accuracy of an artificial neural network (ANN) model for predicting the mortality after hip fracture surgery during the study period, and to compare performance indices between the ANN model and a Cox regression model. A total of 10,534 hip fracture surgery patients during 1996–2010 were recruited in the study. Three datasets were used: a training dataset (n = 7374) was used for model development, a testing dataset (n = 1580) was used for internal validation, and a validation dataset (1580) was used for external validation. Global sensitivity analysis also was performed to evaluate the relative importances of input predictors in the ANN model. Mortality after hip fracture surgery was significantly associated with referral system, age, gender, urbanization of residence area, socioeconomic status, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score, intracapsular fracture, hospital volume, and surgeon volume (p < 0.05). For predicting mortality after hip fracture surgery, the ANN model had higher prediction accuracy and overall performance indices compared to the Cox model. Global sensitivity analysis of the ANN model showed that the referral to lower-level medical institutions was the most important variable affecting mortality, followed by surgeon volume, hospital volume, and CCI score. Compared with the Cox regression model, the ANN model was more accurate in predicting postoperative mortality after a hip fracture. The forecasting predictors associated with postoperative mortality identified in this study can also bae used to educate candidates for hip fracture surgery with respect to the course of recovery and health outcomes.
Relationship between Vitamin Deficiencies and Co-Occurring Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Robea Madalina-Andreea , Luca Alina-Costina , Ciobica Alin
Published: May 2020

Recently, connections have been made between feeding and eating problems and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and between autism pathophysiology and diet issues. These could explain some of the mechanisms which have not yet been discovered or are not sufficiently characterized. Moreover, there is an increased awareness for micronutrients in ASD due to the presence of gastrointestinal (GI) problems that can be related to feeding issues. For example, levels of vitamins B1, B6, B12, A and D are often reported to be low in ASD children. Thus, in the present mini review we focused on describing the impact of some vitamins deficiencies and their relevance in ASD patients.
Are Force Enhancement after Stretch and Muscle Fatigue Due to Effects of Elevated Inorganic Phosphate and Low Calcium on Cross Bridge Kinetics?
Authors: Degens Hans , Jones David A.
Published: May 2020

Background and Objectives: Muscle fatigue is characterised by (1) loss of force, (2) decreased maximal shortening velocity and (3) a greater resistance to stretch that could be due to reduced intracellular Ca2+ and increased Pi, which alter cross bridge kinetics. Materials and Methods: To investigate this, we used (1) 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM), believed to increase the proportion of attached but non-force-generating cross bridges; (2) Pi that increases the proportion of attached cross bridges, but with Pi still attached; and (3) reduced activating Ca2+. We used permeabilised rat soleus fibres, activated with pCa 4.5 at 15 °C. Results: The addition of 1 mM BDM or 15 mM Pi, or the lowering of the Ca2+ to pCa 5.5, all reduced the isometric force by around 50%. Stiffness decreased in proportion to isometric force when the fibres were activated at pCa 5.5, but was well maintained in the presence of Pi and BDM. Force enhancement after a stretch increased with the length of stretch and Pi, suggesting a role for titin. Maximum shortening velocity was reduced by about 50% in the presence of BDM and pCa 5.5, but was slightly increased by Pi. Neither decreasing Ca2+ nor increasing Pi alone mimicked the effects of fatigue on muscle contractile characteristics entirely. Only BDM elicited a decrease of force and slowing with maintained stiffness, similar to the situation in fatigued muscle. Conclusions: This suggests that in fatigue, there is an accumulation of attached but low-force cross bridges that cannot be the result of the combined action of reduced Ca2+ or increased Pi alone, but is probably due to a combination of factors that change during fatigue.
Silicone Implant Versus Silicone Implant Assisted by Stromal Enriched Lipograft Breast Augmentation: A Prospective Comparative Study
Authors: Sterodimas Aris
Published: May 2020

Background: Implant-assisted breast augmentation is among the most performed surgeries performed by plastic surgeons today. This prospective study evaluated the patient satisfaction and complication rates using high-profile round silicone implant alone (traditional breast augmentation) Group A versus the high-profile round silicone implant assisted with stromal enriched lipograft (composite breast augmentation) Group B. Methods: A total of 50 female patient candidates to undergo breast augmentation between January to September 2017 were randomly assigned to either group. The periareolar technique for breast augmentation and the subfascial plane were used in both groups for the insertion of the high-profile round silicone implants. The stromal enriched lipograft (SEL) was used in Group B for the preparation of the autologous fat grafting to the breast. The satisfaction of each patient with body appearance following breast augmentation was rated using an already published scale of 1–5. The rate of complications was analysed. Results: AS performed all the surgeries. In Group A, the age range was between 19 and 48 years (mean of 22.5 years). In Group B, the age range was between 20 and 47 years (mean of 24.1 years). The average BMI of Group A was 24 m/kg2 and 23 m/kg2 of Group B. Patient satisfaction meta-analysis for Group A and B at 12 months shows that patients in Group B expressed a satisfaction that is superior when compared to Group A patients. The ability to camouflage the implant could explain the higher satisfaction rates in Group B. The rate of complications appears similar in both groups. Conclusions: Composite breast augmentation using a combination of round high-profile implants and SEL in breast augmentation can achieve a higher patient satisfaction and aesthetic outcome as compared to the round high-profile breast augmentation alone. The technique is safe, simple and fast with low complication rates. Large multicentre, controlled, prospective studies need to be performed to further confirm the favourable results that were observed in this study.
Effect of Stress-Relieving Heat Treatment on the High Strain Rate Dynamic Compressive Properties of Additively Manufactured Ti6Al4V (ELI)
Authors: Muiruri Amos , Maringa Maina , du Preez Willie , Masu Leonard
Published: May 2020

A study was undertaken on the compressive high strain rate properties and deformation behaviour of Direct Metal Laser-Sintered (DMLS) Ti6Al4V (ELI) parts in two separate forms: as-built (AB) and stress relieved (SR). The high strain rate compression tests were carried out using a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar test system at ambient temperature. The average plastic strain rates attained by the system were 400 s−1 and 700 s−1. Comparative analyses of the performance (flow stresses and fracture strains) of AB and SR specimens were carried out based on the results obtained at these two plastic strain rates. Microstructural analyses were performed to study the failure mechanisms of the deformed specimens and fracture surfaces. Vickers microhardness test values were obtained before and after high strain rate compression testing. The results obtained in both cases showed the strain rate sensitivity of the stress-relieved samples to be higher in comparison to those of as-built ones, at the same value of true strain.
Optimization of Cu and Mn Dissolution from Black Coppers by Means of an Agglomerate and Curing Pretreatment
Authors: Saldaña Manuel , Gálvez Edelmira , Jeldres Ricardo I. , Díaz Catalina , Robles Pedro , Sinha Manish Kumar , Toro Norman
Published: May 2020

Black coppers are mineraloids with a high content of Cu and Mn. These have an amorphous crystalline structure that makes them refractory to conventional leaching processes. For this reason, these mineral resources are not incorporated in industrial leaching heap processes and are taken to dumps. In the present study, an agglomerate pretreatment process incorporating NaCl is evaluated, and a curing stage, followed by acid-reducing leaching for Cu and Mn dissolution from a high-grade black copper mineral. For this, an experimental design was developed both to evaluate the impact of the dependent variables on the response, to generate analytical models that represent the copper and manganese recoveries under the set of sampled conditions. The models indicate that the curing time and the NaCl concentration have a primary effect on the recovery of both elements. In contrast, the optimization model suggests that the optimal operating levels are reached at relatively high levels of time (>130 h) and of NaCl concentration (>22 kg/t).
Secondary Recrystallization Behavior in Fe-3%Si Grain-oriented Silicon Steel Produced by Twin-roll Casting and Simplified Secondary Annealing
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhang Yuanxiang , Fang Feng , Lu Xiang , Yuan Guo , Wang Guodong
Published: May 2020

Grain-oriented silicon steels were produced by the shortest processing route involving twin-roll strip casting, two-stage cold rolling with intermediate annealing, and simulated continuous annealing. The secondary recrystallization behavior of grain-oriented silicon steels under different inhibition conditions was in-situ observed by combining the confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) techniques. The results revealed that the optimal temperature of secondary recrystallization showed a proportional relationship with the Zenner pinning force. In the case of weak pinning force, the abnormal grain growth occurred quickly at ~1050 °C. The corresponding growth rates were in the range of 60–1400 μm/min and decreased gradually as the secondary recrystallization proceeded. In the case of strong pinning force, the incubation time and onset temperature of the secondary recrystallization was significantly increased, but the total time of the secondary recrystallization was obviously shortened from 685 s to 479 s, and the final magnetic induction of B8 was increased from 1.7 T to 1.85 T. After the secondary annealing, some island grains and coarse primary grains were retained. The formation of island grain was related to the low migration of grain boundaries. The findings of coarse γ- grains indicated that the primary grain size also played a crucial role during secondary recrystallization, apart from the primary recrystallized texture, which attracted more attention previously.
Failure Analysis of Biometals
Authors: Hashemi Reza
Published: May 2020

Metallic biomaterials (biometals) are widely used for the manufacture of medical implants, ranging from load-bearing orthopaedic prostheses to dental and cardiovascular implants, because of their favourable combination of properties including high strength, fracture toughness, biocompatibility, and wear and corrosion resistance [...]
The Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of TA1-Low Alloy Steel Composite Plate Manufactured by Explosive Welding
Authors: Cui Ye , Liu Di , Zhang Yang , Deng Guangping , Fan Mingyu , Chen Dan , Sun Lixin , Zhang Zhongwu
Published: May 2020

A TA1 (Ti alloy)/low alloy steel (LAS) composite plate was manufactured by explosive welding. The effects of the bonding interface microstructure on the mechanical properties and fracture behavior of the composite plate were investigated. The results show that the interface has a wavy structure with intermetallic compounds (IMCs) enclosed by a steel matrix. The metallurgical bonding interface was achieved by local diffusion, with a several micrometer-thick diffusion layer. Two kinds of microcracks were formed in the IMC region and the diffusion interface. Microcracks in the IMC region propagate with difficulty due to the impediment of the IMC/steel interface. The microcracks initiated at the interface need to propagate into the fine-grain steel matrix before crack connection and delamination. The shear strength of the TA1/LAS composite plate was over 350 MPa. The composite plate could be bent up to the equipment limit (135 degrees). Excellent mechanical properties were obtained since the crack propagation was hindered by the refined or elongated steel grains induced during explosive welding.
High Temperature Oxidation Behavior of Selective Laser Melting Manufactured IN 625
Authors: Condruz Mihaela Raluca , Matache Gheorghe , Paraschiv Alexandru , Badea Teodor , Badilita Viorel
Published: May 2020

The high-temperature oxidation behavior of selective laser melting (SLM) manufactured IN 625 was studied over 96 h of exposure at 900 °C and 1050 °C in air. An extensive analysis was performed to characterize the oxide scale formed and its evolution during the 96 h, including mass gain analysis, EDS, XRD, and morphological analysis of the oxide scale. The mass gain rate of the bare material increases rapidly during the first 8 h of temperature holding and diminishes at higher holding periods for both oxidation temperatures. High-temperature exposure for short periods (24 h) follows a parabolic law and promotes the precipitation of δ phase, Ni-rich intermetallics, and carbides. Within the first 24 h of exposure at 900 °C, a Cr2O3 and a (Ni, Fe)Cr2O4 spinel scale were formed, while at a higher temperature, a more complex oxide was registered, consisting of (Ni, Fe)Cr2O4, Cr2O3, and rutile-type oxides. Prolonged exposure of IN 625 at 900 °C induces the preservation of the Cr2O3 scale and the dissolution of carbides. Other phases and intermetallics, such as γ, δ phases, and MoNi4 are still present. The exposure for 96 h at 1050 °C led to the dissolution of all intermetallics, while the same complex oxide scale was formed.
Tryptophan Metabolism, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Patients with Neurovascular Disease
Authors: Hajsl Martin , Hlavackova Alzbeta , Broulikova Karolina , Sramek Martin , Maly Martin , Dyr Jan E. , Suttnar Jiri
Published: May 2020

Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of major vascular events, myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke. Tryptophan (TRP) catabolism was recognized as an important player in inflammation and immune response having together with oxidative stress (OS) significant effects on each phase of atherosclerosis. The aim of the study is to analyze the relationship of plasma levels of TRP metabolites, inflammation, and OS in patients with neurovascular diseases (acute ischemic stroke (AIS), significant carotid artery stenosis (SCAS)) and in healthy controls. Blood samples were collected from 43 patients (25 with SCAS, 18 with AIS) and from 25 healthy controls. The concentrations of twelve TRP metabolites, riboflavin, neopterin (NEO, marker of inflammation), and malondialdehyde (MDA, marker of OS) were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Concentrations of seven TRP metabolites (TRP, kynurenine (KYN), 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HAA), anthranilic acid (AA), melatonin (MEL), tryptamine (TA)), NEO, and MDA were significantly different in the studied groups. Significantly lower concentrations of TRP, KYN, 3-HAA, MEL, TA, and higher MDA concentrations were found in AIS compared to SCAS patients. MDA concentration was higher in both AIS and SCAS group (p < 0.001, p = 0.004, respectively) compared to controls, NEO concentration was enhanced (p < 0.003) in AIS. MDA did not directly correlate with TRP metabolites in the study groups, except for 1) a negative correlation with kynurenine acid and 2) the activity of kynurenine aminotransferase in AIS patients (r = −0.552, p = 0.018; r = −0.504, p = 0.033, respectively). In summary, TRP metabolism is clearly more deregulated in AIS compared to SCAS patients; the effect of TRP metabolites on OS should be further elucidated.
Experiments on Liquid Flow through Non-Circular Micro-Orifices
Authors: Cassineri Stefano , Cioncolini Andrea , Smith Liam , Curioni Michele , Scenini Fabio
Published: May 2020

Microfluidics is an active research area in modern fluid mechanics, with several applications in science and engineering. Despite their importance in microfluidic systems, micro-orifices with non-circular cross-sections have not been extensively investigated. In this study, micro-orifice discharge with single-phase liquid flow was experimentally investigated for seven square and rectangular cross-section micro-orifices with a hydraulic diameter in the range of 326–510 µm. The discharge measurements were carried out in pressurized water (12 MPa) at ambient temperature (298 K) and high temperature (503 K). During the tests, the Reynolds number varied between 5883 and 212,030, significantly extending the range in which data are currently available in the literature on non-circular micro-orifices. The results indicate that the cross-sectional shape of the micro-orifice has little, if any, effect on the hydrodynamic behavior. Thus, existing methods for the prediction of turbulent flow behavior in circular micro-orifices can be used to predict the flow behavior in non-circular micro-orifices, provided that the flow geometry of the non-circular micro-orifice is described using a hydraulic diameter.
Vertical GaN-on-GaN Schottky Diodes as α-Particle Radiation Sensors
Authors: Sandupatla Abhinay , Arulkumaran Subramaniam , Ing Ng Geok , Nitta Shugo , Kennedy John , Amano Hiroshi
Published: May 2020

Among the different semiconductors, GaN provides advantages over Si, SiC and GaAs in radiation hardness, resulting in researchers exploring the development of GaN-based radiation sensors to be used in particle physics, astronomic and nuclear science applications. Several reports have demonstrated the usefulness of GaN as an α-particle detector. Work in developing GaN-based radiation sensors are still evolving and GaN sensors have successfully detected α-particles, neutrons, ultraviolet rays, x-rays, electrons and γ-rays. This review elaborates on the design of a good radiation detector along with the state-of-the-art α-particle detectors using GaN. Successful improvement in the growth of GaN drift layers (DL) with 2 order of magnitude lower in charge carrier density (CCD) (7.6 × 1014/cm3) on low threading dislocation density (3.1 × 106/cm2) hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) grown free-standing GaN substrate, which helped ~3 orders of magnitude lower reverse leakage current (IR) with 3-times increase of reverse breakdown voltages. The highest reverse breakdown voltage of −2400 V was also realized from Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) on a free-standing GaN substrate with 30 μm DL. The formation of thick depletion width (DW) with low CCD resulted in improving high-energy (5.48 MeV) α-particle detection with the charge collection efficiency (CCE) of 62% even at lower bias voltages (−20 V). The detectors also detected 5.48 MeV α-particle with CCE of 100% from SBDs with 30-μm DL at −750 V.
Route to Intelligent Imaging Reconstruction via Terahertz Nonlinear Ghost Imaging
Authors: Totero Gongora Juan S. , Olivieri Luana , Peters Luke , Tunesi Jacob , Cecconi Vittorio , Cutrona Antonio , Tucker Robyn , Kumar Vivek , Pasquazi Alessia , Peccianti Marco
Published: May 2020

Terahertz (THz) imaging is a rapidly emerging field, thanks to many potential applications in diagnostics, manufacturing, medicine and material characterisation. However, the relatively coarse resolution stemming from the large wavelength limits the deployment of THz imaging in micro- and nano-technologies, keeping its potential benefits out-of-reach in many practical scenarios and devices. In this context, single-pixel techniques are a promising alternative to imaging arrays, in particular when targeting subwavelength resolutions. In this work, we discuss the key advantages and practical challenges in the implementation of time-resolved nonlinear ghost imaging (TIMING), an imaging technique combining nonlinear THz generation with time-resolved time-domain spectroscopy detection. We numerically demonstrate the high-resolution reconstruction of semi-transparent samples, and we show how the Walsh–Hadamard reconstruction scheme can be optimised to significantly reduce the reconstruction time. We also discuss how, in sharp contrast with traditional intensity-based ghost imaging, the field detection at the heart of TIMING enables high-fidelity image reconstruction via low numerical-aperture detection. Even more striking—and to the best of our knowledge, an issue never tackled before—the general concept of “resolution” of the imaging system as the “smallest feature discernible” appears to be not well suited to describing the fidelity limits of nonlinear ghost-imaging systems. Our results suggest that the drop in reconstruction accuracy stemming from non-ideal detection conditions is complex and not driven by the attenuation of high-frequency spatial components (i.e., blurring) as in standard imaging. On the technological side, we further show how achieving efficient optical-to-terahertz conversion in extremely short propagation lengths is crucial regarding imaging performance, and we propose low-bandgap semiconductors as a practical framework to obtain THz emission from quasi-2D structures, i.e., structure in which the interaction occurs on a deeply subwavelength scale. Our results establish a comprehensive theoretical and experimental framework for the development of a new generation of terahertz hyperspectral imaging devices.
Assessment of the Presence of Hepatitis E Virus in Surface Water and Drinking Water in Portugal
Authors: Salvador Daniel , Neto Célia , Benoliel Maria João , Caeiro Maria Filomena
Published: May 2020

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a non-enveloped single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus, belonging to the Hepeviridae family, resistant to environmental conditions, and transmitted by the consumption of contaminated water. This virus is responsible for both sporadic and epidemic outbreaks, leading to thousands of infections per year in several countries, and is thus considered an emerging disease in Europe and Asia. This study refers to a survey in Portugal during 2019, targeting the detection and eventual quantification of enteric viruses in samples from surface and drinking water. Samples positive for HEV RNA were recurrently found by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), in both types of matrix. The infectivity of these samples was evaluated in cultured Vero E6 cells and RNA from putative viruses produced in cultures evidencing cytopathic effects and was subjected to RT-qPCR targeting HEV genomic RNA. Our results evidenced the existence of samples positive either for HEV RNA (77.8% in surface water and 66.7% in drinking water) or for infectious HEV (23.0% in surface water and 27.7% in drinking water). These results highlight the need for effective virological control of water for human consumption and activities.
Editorial for Special Issue “Natural Alternatives against Bacterial Foodborne Pathogens”
Authors: Martinez-Rodriguez Adolfo J. , Silvan Jose Manuel
Published: May 2020

In recent years, increased resistance to antibiotics and disinfectants from foodborne bacterial pathogens has become a relevant consumer health issue and a growing concern for food safety authorities [...]
A Morphological and Size-Based Study of the Changes of Iron Sulfides in the Caples and Torlesse Terranes (Otago Schist, New Zealand) during Prograde Metamorphic Evolution
Authors: Cardenes Victor , Merinero Raúl , Rubio-Ordoñez Álvaro , Cnudde Veerle , García-Guinea Javier , Pitcairn Iain K.
Published: May 2020

It is widely accepted that metamorphism induces a remobilization of iron sulfides, sweeping away original ones while creating new ones. This paper analyzes size distributions of iron sulfides in several samples from the Caples and Torlesse terranes from the Otago Schist (New Zealand) using high-resolution X-ray computed tomography, which allows all iron sulfides larger than the resolution at which X-ray scans were performed to be characterized. Framboids and clusters of framboids are common in unmetamorphosed samples, but disappear in greenschist/amphibolite facies samples, where iron sulfides have anhedral habits. By contrast, the size and standard deviation of the new iron sulfides both remain within the same range. The results illuminate the evolution of iron sulfides throughout metamorphism, proposing boundaries for the metamorphic processes based on the shape of these iron sulfides.
Adsorption and Separation of Crystal Violet, Cerium(III) and Lead(II) by Means of a Multi-Step Strategy Based on K10-Montmorillonite
Authors: Parisi Filippo
Published: May 2020

A multi-step procedure, based on the employment of K10-Montmorillonite, is proposed for the selective removal of metal ions and dyes from a multicomponent solution. The objective is twofold: decontaminate the effluents and separate and recover the valuable byproducts present in wastewaters. Three common contaminants, i.e., crystal violet dye (CV), Ce(III) and Pb(II) were chosen as “model” pollutants. The main factors affecting the pollutants’ sorption were investigated. The experimental data were correlated with adsorption isotherms and kinetic models to obtain a deeper insight into the adsorption processes. The affinity of the clay toward the pollutants is favored by an increasing pH and follows the order CV > Pb(II) > Ce(III). Whereas Ce(III) metal ions do not adsorb onto clay under strongly acidic conditions, both Pb(II) and CV can adsorb under all the investigated pH conditions. The analysis of isotherms and kinetic profiles revealed that CV adsorbs onto clay through a mechanism consisting of two parallel processes, namely cation exchange on the external mineral surface and in the interlayer and surface complexation at the edge sites, while metal ion uptake is due solely to cation exchange processes involving mineral surfaces. The time required for the complete removal of pollutants follows the order CV > Ce(III) >> Pb(II). The possibility to modulate the adsorption features by changing experimental conditions was successfully employed to propose the best strategy for the progressive removal of different components from aqueous solutions.
Insights into the Effects of Pore Size Distribution on the Flowing Behavior of Carbonate Rocks: Linking a Nano-Based Enhanced Oil Recovery Method to Rock Typing
Authors: Rezaei Amin , Abdollahi Hadi , Derikvand Zeinab , Hemmati-Sarapardeh Abdolhossein , Mosavi Amir , Nabipour Narjes
Published: May 2020

As a fixed reservoir rock property, pore throat size distribution (PSD) is known to affect the distribution of reservoir fluid saturation strongly. This study aims to investigate the relations between the PSD and the oil–water relative permeabilities of reservoir rock with a focus on the efficiency of surfactant–nanofluid flooding as an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technique. For this purpose, mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) tests were conducted on two core plugs with similar rock types (in respect to their flow zone index (FZI) values), which were selected among more than 20 core plugs, to examine the effectiveness of a surfactant–nanoparticle EOR method for reducing the amount of oil left behind after secondary core flooding experiments. Thus, interfacial tension (IFT) and contact angle measurements were carried out to determine the optimum concentrations of an anionic surfactant and silica nanoparticles (NPs) for core flooding experiments. Results of relative permeability tests showed that the PSDs could significantly affect the endpoints of the relative permeability curves, and a large amount of unswept oil could be recovered by flooding a mixture of the alpha olefin sulfonate (AOS) surfactant + silica NPs as an EOR solution. Results of core flooding tests indicated that the injection of AOS + NPs solution in tertiary mode could increase the post-water flooding oil recovery by up to 2.5% and 8.6% for the carbonate core plugs with homogeneous and heterogeneous PSDs, respectively.
Atomic Layer Deposition of ZnO on Mesoporous Silica: Insights into Growth Behavior of ZnO via In-Situ Thermogravimetric Analysis
Authors: Ingale Piyush , Knemeyer Kristian , Piernavieja Hermida Mar , Naumann d’Alnoncourt Raoul , Thomas Arne , Rosowski Frank
Published: May 2020

ZnO is a remarkable material with many applications in electronics and catalysis. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ZnO on flat substrates is an industrially applied and well-known process. Various studies describe the growth of ZnO layers on flat substrates. However, the growth characteristics and reaction mechanisms of atomic layer deposition of ZnO on mesoporous powders have not been well studied. This study investigates the ZnO ALD process based on diethylzinc (DEZn) and water with silica powder as substrate. In-situ thermogravimetric analysis gives direct access to the growth rates and reaction mechanisms of this process. Ex-situ analytics, e.g., N2 sorption analysis, XRD, XRF, HRTEM, and STEM-EDX mapping, confirm deposition of homogenous and thin films of ZnO on SiO2. In summary, this study offers new insights into the fundamentals of an ALD process on high surface area powders.
Maternal Diet Influences the Reinstatement of Cocaine-Seeking Behavior and the Expression of Melanocortin-4 Receptors in Female Offspring of Rats
Authors: Gawliński Dawid , Gawlińska Kinga , Frankowska Małgorzata , Filip Małgorzata
Published: May 2020

Recent studies have emphasized the role of the maternal diet in the development of mental disorders in offspring. Substance use disorder is a major global health and economic burden. Therefore, the search for predisposing factors for the development of this disease can contribute to reducing the health and social damage associated with addiction. In this study, we focused on the impact of the maternal diet on changes in melanocortin-4 (MC-4) receptors as well as on behavioral changes related to cocaine addiction. Rat dams consumed a high-fat diet (HFD), high-sugar diet (HSD, rich in sucrose), or mixed diet (MD) during pregnancy and lactation. Using an intravenous cocaine self-administration model, the susceptibility of female offspring to cocaine reward and cocaine-seeking propensities was evaluated. In addition, the level of MC-4 receptors in the rat brain structures related to cocaine reward and relapse was assessed. Modified maternal diets did not affect cocaine self-administration in offspring. However, the maternal HSD enhanced cocaine-seeking behavior in female offspring. In addition, we observed that the maternal HSD and MD led to increased expression of MC-4 receptors in the nucleus accumbens, while increased MC-4 receptor levels in the dorsal striatum were observed after exposure to the maternal HSD and HFD. Taken together, it can be concluded that a maternal HSD is an important factor that triggers cocaine-seeking behavior in female offspring and the expression of MC-4 receptors.
Proteomic and Metabolomic Correlates of Healthy Dietary Patterns: The Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Walker Maura E. , Song Rebecca J. , Xu Xiang , Gerszten Robert E. , Ngo Debby , Clish Clary B. , Corlin Laura , Ma Jiantao , Xanthakis Vanessa , Jacques Paul F. , Vasan Ramachandran S.
Published: May 2020

Data on proteomic and metabolomic signatures of healthy dietary patterns are limited. We evaluated the cross-sectional association of serum proteomic and metabolomic markers with three dietary patterns: the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet; and a Mediterranean-style (MDS) diet. We examined participants from the Framingham Offspring Study (mean age; 55 years; 52% women) who had complete proteomic (n = 1713) and metabolomic (n = 2284) data; using food frequency questionnaires to derive dietary pattern indices. Proteins and metabolites were quantified using the SomaScan platform and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry; respectively. We used multivariable-adjusted linear regression models to relate each dietary pattern index (independent variables) to each proteomic and metabolomic marker (dependent variables). Of the 1373 proteins; 103 were associated with at least one dietary pattern (48 with AHEI; 83 with DASH; and 8 with MDS; all false discovery rate [FDR] ≤ 0.05). We identified unique associations between dietary patterns and proteins (17 with AHEI; 52 with DASH; and 3 with MDS; all FDR ≤ 0.05). Significant proteins enriched biological pathways involved in cellular metabolism/proliferation and immune response/inflammation. Of the 216 metabolites; 65 were associated with at least one dietary pattern (38 with AHEI; 43 with DASH; and 50 with MDS; all FDR ≤ 0.05). All three dietary patterns were associated with a common signature of 24 metabolites (63% lipids). Proteins and metabolites associated with dietary patterns may help characterize intermediate phenotypes that provide insights into the molecular mechanisms mediating diet-related disease. Our findings warrant replication in independent populations
Fiction is Sweet. The Impact of Media Consumption on the Development of Children’s Nutritional Knowledge and the Moderating Role of Parental Food-Related Mediation. A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Binder Alice , Naderer Brigitte , Matthes Jörg , Spielvogel Ines
Published: May 2020

Nutritional knowledge is an important cognitive facilitator that potentially helps children to follow a healthy diet. Two main information agents influence children’s development of nutritional knowledge: the media and their parents. While a high amount of media consumption potentially decreases children’s nutritional knowledge, parents may shape the amount of information children can gather about nutrition through their food-related mediation styles. In addition, children’s individual preconditions predict how children can process the provided nutritional information. This two-wave panel study with children (N = 719; 5–11 years) and their parents (N = 719) investigated the main effects and interplay of children’s amount of media consumption and their parents’ food-related mediation styles by performing linear regression analysis. Children’s individual preconditions were also considered. We measured children’s self-reported amount of media consumption, children’s age, sex, weight, and height (BMI). Additionally, in a parent survey we asked parents about how they communicate their rules about eating while especially focusing on active and restrictive food rule communication styles. As a dependent measure, we examined children’s nutritional knowledge at Time 1 and 2. The results show that the amount of media consumption has a negative effect on children’s nutritional knowledge over time. Parents’ restrictive or active food-related mediation asserted no main effects and could not lever out the negative effect of the amount of media consumption. Therefore, we argue that parents should limit children’s amount of media consumption to avoid the manifestation of misperceptions about nutrition.
Gallic Acid Inhibits Lipid Accumulation via AMPK Pathway and Suppresses Apoptosis and Macrophage-Mediated Inflammation in Hepatocytes
Authors: Tanaka Miori , Sato Akari , Kishimoto Yoshimi , Mabashi-Asazuma Hideaki , Kondo Kazuo , Iida Kaoruko
Published: May 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease, sometimes ranges from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Various hits including excessive hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation, contribute to NASH development. Gallic acid (GA), a natural polyphenol, was reported to exert a protective effect on hepatic steatosis in animal models, but the precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we examined the effect of GA on hepatic lipid accumulation, apoptosis, and inflammatory response caused by hepatocyte–macrophage crosstalk. We demonstrated that GA attenuated palmitic acid (PA)-induced fat accumulation via the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in HepG2 cells. GA also ameliorated cell viability and suppressed apoptosis-related gene expression and caspase 3/7 activity induced by PA and H2O2. In a co-culture of lipid-laden Hepa 1-6 hepatocytes and RAW 264 macrophages, GA reduced inflammatory mediator expression and induced antioxidant enzyme expression. These results indicate that GA suppresses hepatic lipid accumulation, apoptosis, and inflammation caused by the interaction between hepatocytes and macrophages. The potential effects of GA observed in our study could be effective in preventing NASH and its complications.
Vitamin D-Binding Protein in Pregnancy and Reproductive Health
Authors: Fernando Melinda , Ellery Stacey J. , Marquina Clara , Lim Siew , Naderpoor Negar , Mousa Aya
Published: May 2020

Vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP), the main carrier of vitamin D, has recently been implicated in reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes including endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Improved methods for measuring VDBP and an increased understanding of its role in biological processes have led to a number of newly published studies exploring VDBP in the context of pregnancy. Here, we synthesize the available evidence regarding the role of VDBP in reproductive health and pregnancy, and we highlight areas requiring further study. Overall, low levels of maternal serum VDBP concentrations have been associated with infertility, endometriosis, PCOS and spontaneous miscarriage, as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes including GDM, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and fetal growth restriction. However, increased VDBP concentration in cervicovaginal fluid has been linked to unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss and premature rupture of membranes. Some genetic variants of VDBP have also been associated with these adverse outcomes. Further studies using more accurate VDBP assays and accounting for ethnic variation and potential confounders are needed to clarify whether VDBP is associated with reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes, and the mechanisms underlying these relationships.
Effects of Iodine Intake and Nutraceuticals in Thyroidology: Update and Prospects
Authors: Bonofiglio Daniela , Catalano Stefania
Published: May 2020

Iodine is a microelement that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement [...]
Formulation and Evaluation of Loperamide HCl Oro Dispersible Tablets
Authors: Alejandro Blasco , Guillermo Torrado , Ángeles Peña M
Published: May 2020

This work proposes the design of novel oral disintegrating tablets (ODTs) of loperamide HCl with special emphasis on disintegration and dissolution studies. The main goal was augmenting the adherence to treatment of diseases which happen with diarrhea in soldiers who are exposed to diverse kinds of hostile environments. Optimized orally disintegrating tablets were prepared by the direct compression method from galenic development to the industrial scale technique, thanks to strategic and support actions between the Spanish Army Force Lab and the Department of Biomedical Sciences (UAH). The results show that loperamide HCl ODT offers a rapid beginning of action and improvement in the bioavailability of poorly absorbed drugs. The manufactured ODTs complied with the pharmacopeia guidelines regarding hardness, weight variation, thickness, friability, drug content, wetting time, percentage of water absorption, disintegration time, and in vitro dissolution profile. Drug compatibility with excipients was checked by DSC, FTIR, and SEM studies.
Association of a Novel Medication Risk Score with Adverse Drug Events and Other Pertinent Outcomes Among Participants of the Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
Authors: Bankes David , Jin Hubert , Finnel Stephanie , Michaud Veronique , Knowlton Calvin , Turgeon Jacques , Stein Alan
Published: May 2020

Preventable adverse drug events (ADEs) represent a significant public health challenge for the older adult population, since they are associated with higher medical expenditures and more hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits. This study examines whether a novel medication risk prediction tool, the MedWise Risk Score™ (MRS), is associated with ADEs and other pertinent outcomes in participants of the Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Unlike other risk predictors, this tool produces actionable information that pharmacists can easily use to reduce ADE risk. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study that analyzed administrative medical claims data of 1965 PACE participants in 2018. To detect ADEs, we identified all claims that had ADE-related International Classification of Diseases and Health Related Problems, 10th revision (ICD-10) codes. Using logistic and linear regression models, we examined the association between the MRS and a variety of outcomes, including the number of PACE participants with an ADE, total medical expenditures, ED visits, hospitalizations, and hospital length of stay. We found significant associations for every outcome. Specifically, every point increase in the MRS corresponded to an 8.6% increase in the odds of having one or more ADEs per year (OR = 1.086, 95% CI: 1.060, 1.113), $1037 USD in additional annual medical spending (adjusted R2 of 0.739; p < 0.001), 3.2 additional ED visits per 100 participants per year (adjusted R2 of 0.568; p < 0.001), and 2.1 additional hospitalizations per 100 participants per year (adjusted R2 of 0.804; p < 0.001). Therefore, the MRS can risk stratify PACE participants and predict a host of important and relevant outcomes pertaining to medication-related morbidity.
Wave Front Tuning of Coupled Hyperbolic Surface Waves on Anisotropic Interfaces
Authors: Repän Taavi , Takayama Osamu , Lavrinenko Andrei
Published: May 2020

A photonic surface wave, a propagating optical mode localized at the interface of two media, can play a significant role in controlling the flow of light at nanoscale. Among various types of such waves, surface waves with hyperbolic dispersion or simply hyperbolic surface waves supported on anisotropic metal interfaces can be exploited to effectively control the propagation of lightwaves. We used semi-analytical and numerical methods to study the nature of surface waves on several configurations of three-layers metal–dielectric–metal systems including isotropic and anisotropic cases where the metal cladding layers were assumed to have infinite thickness. We used semi-analytical and numerical approaches to study the phenomena. We showed that the propagation of surface wave can be tuned from diverging to converging in the plane of the interface by the combination of metals with different anisotropic properties.
A Model Study of a Homogeneous Light-Water Thorium Reactor
Authors: Canepa Carlo
Published: May 2020

This work presents a computational study of a 232 Th -based homogeneous light-water reactor. Thorium reactors have been proposed as an alternative to the uranium fuel cycle since they exploit both the availability of thorium and its ability to afford fissile uranium isotopes by a sequence of neutron captures. Besides 233 U , as a result of the neutron captures, a significant amount of 234 U (36.3%) and 6.46% of 235 U are formed in the reactor under study. More importantly, the proposed simulation points out the possibility of a continuous withdrawal of the uranium isotopes without compromising the criticality and the power output of the reactor. This withdrawal affords the fissile material for the startup of reactors other than the first one, which requires a one-time only limited amount of fissile material. The significant molar fraction of the 234 U (0.17) in the extracted fuel does not pose a limitation on weapon proliferation, as a consequence of its high fission cross section for high-energy neutrons.
Are Reproductive Traits Related to Pollen Limitation in Plants? A Case Study from a Central European Meadow
Authors: Bartoš Michael , Janeček Štěpán , Janečková Petra , Chmelová Eliška , Tropek Robert , Götzenberger Lars , Klomberg Yannick , Jersáková Jana
Published: May 2020

The deficiency of pollen grains for ovule fertilization can be the main factor limiting plant reproduction and fitness. Because of the ongoing global changes, such as biodiversity loss and landscape fragmentation, a better knowledge of the prevalence and predictability of pollen limitation is challenging within current ecological research. In our study we used pollen supplementation to evaluate pollen limitation (at the level of seed number and weight) in 22 plant species growing in a wet semi-natural meadow. We investigated the correlation between the pollen limitation index (PL) and floral traits associated with plant reproduction or pollinator foraging behavior. We recorded significant pollen limitation for approximately 41% of species (9 out of 22 surveyed). Seven species had a significant positive response in seed production and two species increased in seed weight after pollen supplementation. Considering traits, PL significantly decreased with the number of pollinator functional groups. The relationship of PL with other examined traits was not supported by our results. The causes of pollen limitation may vary among species with regard to (1) different reproductive strategies and life history, and/or (2) temporary changes in influence of biotic and abiotic factors at a site.