bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Coffee, Wine, and Chocolate Consumption on Cognitive Outcome and MRI Parameters in Old Age
Authors: Haller Sven , Montandon Marie-Louise , Rodriguez Cristelle , Herrmann François , Giannakopoulos Panteleimon
Published: October 2018

Coffee, wine and chocolate are three frequently consumed substances with a significant impact on cognition. In order to define the structural and cerebral blood flow correlates of self-reported consumption of coffee, wine and chocolate in old age, we assessed cognition and brain MRI measures in 145 community-based elderly individuals with preserved cognition (69 to 86 years). Based on two neuropsychological assessments during a 3-year follow-up, individuals were classified into stable-stable (52 sCON), intermediate (61 iCON) and deteriorating-deteriorating (32 dCON). MR imaging included voxel-based morphometry (VBM), tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) and arterial spin labelling (ASL). Concerning behavior, moderate consumption of caffeine was related to better cognitive outcome. In contrast, increased consumption of wine was related to an unfavorable cognitive evolution. Concerning MRI, we observed a negative correlation of wine and VBM in bilateral deep white matter (WM) regions across all individuals, indicating less WM lesions. Only in sCON individuals, we observed a similar yet weaker association with caffeine. Moreover, again only in sCON individuals, we observed a significant positive correlation between ASL and wine in overlapping left parietal WM indicating better baseline brain perfusion. In conclusion, the present observations demonstrate an inverse association of wine and coffee consumption with cognitive performances. Moreover, low consumption of wine but also moderate to heavy coffee drinking was associated with better WM preservation and cerebral blood-flow notably in cognitively stable elders.
Branched-Chain Amino Acid Database Integrated in MEDIPAD Software as a Tool for Nutritional Investigation of Mediterranean Populations
Authors: Haydar Sara , Paillot Thomas , Fagot Christophe , Cogne Yannick , Fountas Athanasios , Tutuncu Yildiz , Vintila Madalina , Tsatsoulis Agathocles , Thanh Chi Pham , Garandeau Patrick , Chetea Dan , Badiu Corin , Gheorghiu Monica , Ylli Dorina , Lautier Corinne , Jarec Morana , Monnier Louis , Normand Christophe , Šarac Jelena , Barakat Abdelhamid , Missoni Sasa , Pugeat Michel , Poucheret Patrick , Hanzu Felicia , Gomis Ramon , Macias Josep , Litvinov Serghey , Khusnutdinova Elza , Poiana Catalina , Pasquali Renato , Lauro Davide , Sesti Giorgio , Trischitta Vincenzo , Abdelhak Sonia , Zenati Akila , Ylli Agron , Satman Ilhan , Kanninen Timo , Rinato Yves , Grigorescu Florin
Published: October 2018

Branched-chained amino acids (BCAA) are essential dietary components for humans and can act as potential biomarkers for diabetes development. To efficiently estimate dietary intake, we developed a BCAA database for 1331 food items found in the French Centre d’Information sur la Qualité des Aliments (CIQUAL) food table by compiling BCAA content from international tables, published measurements, or by food similarity as well as by calculating 267 items from Greek, Turkish, Romanian, and Moroccan mixed dishes. The database embedded in MEDIPAD software capable of registering 24 h of dietary recalls (24HDR) with clinical and genetic data was evaluated based on archived 24HDR of the Saint Pierre Institute (France) from 2957 subjects, which indicated a BCAA content up to 4.2 g/100 g of food and differences among normal weight and obese subjects across BCAA quartiles. We also evaluated the database of 119 interviews of Romanians, Turkish and Albanians in Greece (27–65 years) during the MEDIGENE program, which indicated mean BCAA intake of 13.84 and 12.91 g/day in males and females, respectively, comparable to other studies. The MEDIPAD is user-friendly, multilingual, and secure software and with the BCAA database is suitable for conducting nutritional assessment in the Mediterranean area with particular facilities for food administration.
Novel Anti-Obesity Properties of Palmaria mollis in Zebrafish and Mouse Models
Authors: Nakayama Hiroko , Shimada Yasuhito , Zang Liqing , Terasawa Masahiro , Nishiura Kaoru , Matsuda Koichi , Toombs Charles , Langdon Chris , Nishimura Norihiro
Published: October 2018

(1) Background: The red seaweed Palmaria mollis (PM), which has a bacon-like taste, is increasingly being included in Western diets. In this study, we evaluate anti-obesity effects of PM using diet-induced obese (DIO) zebrafish and mice models. (2) Methods: We fed PM-containing feed to DIO-zebrafish and mice, and evaluated the anti-obesity effects We also analyzed gene expression changes in their liver and visceral adipose tissues (VAT). (3) Results: PM ameliorated several anti-obesity traits in both animals, including dyslipidaemia, hepatic steatosis, and visceral adiposity. In liver tissues of DIO-zebrafish and mice, PM upregulated gene expressions involved in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARA) pathways, and downregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) pathways, suggesting that the lipid-lowering effect of PM might be caused by activation of beta-oxidation and inhibition of lipogenesis. In VAT, PM downregulated genes involved in early and late adipocyte differentiation in zebrafish, but not in mice. (4) Conclusions: We have demonstrated that PM can prevent hepatic steatosis and visceral adiposity for the first time. Dietary supplementation of PM as a functional food may be suitable for obesity prevention and reduction in the prevalence of obesity-related diseases.
Impact of Agaricus bisporus Mushroom Consumption on Gut Health Markers in Healthy Adults
Authors: Hess Julie , Wang Qi , Gould Trevor , Slavin Joanne
Published: October 2018

Eating Agaricus bisporus mushrooms may impact gut health, because they contain known prebiotics. This study assessed mushroom consumption compared to meat on gastrointestinal tolerance, short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, laxation, and fecal microbiota. A randomized open-label crossover study was conducted in healthy adults (n = 32) consuming protein-matched amounts of mushrooms or meat twice daily for ten days. Breath hydrogen measures were taken on day one, and gastrointestinal tolerance was evaluated throughout treatments. Fecal sample collection was completed days 6–10, and samples were assessed for bacterial composition, SCFA concentrations, weight, pH, and consistency. There were no differences in breath hydrogen, stool frequency, consistency, fecal pH, or SCFA concentrations between the two diets. The mushroom diet led to greater overall gastrointestinal symptoms than the meat diet on days one and two. The mushroom-rich diet resulted in higher average stool weight (p = 0.002) and a different fecal microbiota composition compared to the meat diet, with greater abundance of Bacteroidetes (p = 0.0002) and lower abundance of Firmicutes (p = 0.0009). The increase in stool weight and presence of undigested mushrooms in stool suggests that mushroom consumption may impact laxation in healthy adults. Additional research is needed to interpret the health implications of fecal microbiota shifts with mushroom feeding.
Nutrigenetic Contributions to Dyslipidemia: A Focus on Physiologically Relevant Pathways of Lipid and Lipoprotein Metabolism
Authors: Hannon Bridget , Khan Naiman , Teran-Garcia Margarita
Published: October 2018

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the number one cause of death worldwide, and dyslipidemia is a major predictor of CVD mortality. Elevated lipid concentrations are the result of multiple genetic and environmental factors. Over 150 genetic loci have been associated with blood lipid levels. However, not all variants are present in pathways relevant to the pathophysiology of dyslipidemia. The study of these physiologically relevant variants can provide mechanistic understanding of dyslipidemia and identify potential novel therapeutic targets. Additionally, dietary fatty acids have been evidenced to exert both positive and negative effects on lipid profiles. The metabolism of both dietary and endogenously synthesized lipids can be affected by individual genetic variation to produce elevated lipid concentrations. This review will explore the genetic, dietary, and nutrigenetic contributions to dyslipidemia.
Post-Exercise Appetite and Ad Libitum Energy Intake in Response to High-Intensity Interval Training versus Moderate- or Vigorous-Intensity Continuous Training among Physically Inactive Middle-Aged Adults
Authors: Poon Eric , Sun Feng-Hua , Chung Anthony , Wong Stephen
Published: October 2018

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is considered a time-efficient exercise strategy for weight management. However, data regarding the acute appetite and energy intake responses to HIIT versus continuous training remain inconclusive. This study investigated the ad libitum energy intake and appetite responses to a single session of HIIT versus moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and vigorous-intensity continuous training (VICT). Using a randomized crossover design, 11 middle-aged physically inactive men (45.7 ± 7.4 years, 23.5 ± 2.1 kg m−2) participated in three treadmill trials at 7-day intervals. HIIT comprised 10 1-min periods at 100% VO2max interspersed with 1-min periods of active recovery. MICT comprised a 40-min session at 65% VO2max, while VICT comprised a 20-min session at 80% VO2max. After each trial, the participants consumed an ad libitum buffet meal for which the energy intake was recorded. The participants’ perceived appetite was assessed before and after exercise sessions using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). No significant differences in post-exercise ad libitum energy intake were observed between trials (HIIT: 645 ± 262.9 kcal; MICT: 614.7 ± 271.2 kcal; VICT: 623.1 ± 249.0 kcal, p > 0.05). Although the perceived appetite responses exhibited a significant main effect of time (p < 0.01), no group differences were observed (p > 0.05). In summary, these findings suggest that the interval or continuous nature of exercise has no significant effect on appetite responses in physically inactive middle-aged adults, at least during the short-term post-exercise period.
Preparation of a Defined Gluten Hydrolysate for Diagnosis and Clinical Investigations of Wheat Hypersensitivities
Authors: Wieser Herbert , Scherf Katharina
Published: October 2018

Gluten is the trigger for celiac disease (CD), non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity (NCGS), and wheat allergy. An oral food challenge is often needed for diagnosis, but there are no standardized gluten challenge materials with known composition available. To fill this gap, two materials, commercially available gluten and a food-grade gluten hydrolysate (pepgluten), were extensively characterized. Pepgluten was prepared from gluten by incubation with a pepsin dietary supplement and acetic acid at 37 °C for 120 min. The components of pepgluten were crude protein (707 mg/g), starch (104 mg/g), water (59 mg/g), fat (47 mg/g), dietary fiber (41 mg/g) and ash (11 mg/g). The protein/peptide fraction of pepgluten (1 g) contained equivalents derived from 369 mg gliadins and 196 mg glutenins, resulting in 565 mg total gluten equivalents, 25 mg albumins/globulins, 22 mg α-amylase/trypsin inhibitors and 48 mg pepsin capsule proteins. The slightly acidic, dough-like smell and bitter taste of pepgluten could be completely camouflaged in multivitamin juice with bitter lemon, grapefruit juice, or vegetable and fruit smoothies. Thus, pepgluten met the criteria for placebo-controlled challenges (active and placebo materials are identical regarding appearance, taste, smell, and texture) and is appropriate as a standard preparation for the oral food challenge and clinical investigations to study wheat hypersensitivities.
Effects of Long Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Brain Function in Mildly Hypertensive Older Adults
Authors: Howe Peter R. C. , Evans Hamish M. , Kuszewski Julia C. , Wong Rachel H. X.
Published: October 2018

Purported benefits of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCn-3PUFA) for brain function may be attributable, at least in part, to improved cerebral perfusion. A pilot randomised controlled trial was undertaken to investigate effects of taking a DHA-rich fish oil supplement for 20 weeks on cerebrovascular function, mood and cognitive performance. Borderline hypertensives aged 40–85 years with low habitual LCn-3PUFA intake took four capsules/day of EPAX (1600 mg DHA + 400 mg EPA) or placebo (corn oil). Cerebrovascular function was assessed at baseline and after 20 weeks in 38 completers (19 on each supplement) using transcranial Doppler ultrasound of blood flow in the middle cerebral artery at rest and whilst performing a battery of cognitive tasks (neurovascular coupling). The primary outcome, cerebrovascular responsiveness (CVR) to hypercapnia, increased 26% (p = 0.024) in women; there was no change in men. In contrast, neurovascular coupling increased significantly (p = 0.01 for the overall response) in men only; the latter correlated with an increase of EPA in erythrocytes (r = 0.616, p = 0.002). There was no associated improvement of mood or cognition in either men or women. These preliminary observations indicate that LCn-3PUFA supplementation has the potential to enhance blood flow in the brain in response to both hypercapnic and cognitive stimuli. Future studies should examine differential effects of EPA and DHA and take account of the gender differences in responsiveness to supplementation.
Development of an Oral Compound Pickering Emulsion Composed of Nanocrystals of Poorly Soluble Ingredient and Volatile Oils from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Zhang Jifen , Zhang Jiao , Wang Shuai , Yi Tao
Published: October 2018

In this study, an oral drug nanocrystals self-stabilized Pickering emulsion (NSSPE), which used nanocrystals of a poorly soluble ingredient from Puerariae Radix called puerarin as solid particle stabilizers and Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil since the main oil phase had been developed to improve the oral bioavailability of puerarin. The appearance of emulsions, size and zeta potential of droplets, and content of puerarin in emulsified layer during a storage of six months at 4, 25, and 40 °C were investigated. The centrifugation stability at 4000× g was also studied. The micro-structure of emulsion droplets was characterized by a scanning electron micrograph (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), a fluorescence microscope (FM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The in vivo oral bioavailability of puerarin NSSPE was investigated in rats. Results showed that appearances of puerarin NSSPE kept stable after centrifugation at 4000× g for 15 min or storage for six months at 4, 25, and 40 °C. SEM, CLSM, FM, and DSC showed that the puerarin NSSPE had a stable core-shell structure of emulsion droplets formed by the adsorption of puerarin nanocrystals on the surface of oil droplets of mixed oil of Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil and Labrafil M 1944 CS (9:1, v/v). The relative bioavailability of puerarin NSSPE to puerarin coarse powder suspension, nanocrystal suspension, and surfactant emulsion were 262.43%, 155.92%, and 223.65%, respectively. All these results indicated that puerarin nanocrystals could stabilize Pickering emulsion of Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil without any other stabilizers and Pickering emulsion could improve the oral bioavailability of puerarin, which suggests that the drug nanocrystal self-stabilized Pickering emulsion as a promising oral drug delivery system for Traditional Chinese Medicine containing poorly soluble ingredients and volatile oils.
Probing the Action of Permeation Enhancers Sodium Cholate and N-dodecyl-β-D-maltoside in a Porcine Jejunal Mucosal Explant System
Authors: Danielsen E. Michael , Hansen Gert H.
Published: October 2018

The small intestinal epithelium constitutes a major permeability barrier for the oral administration of therapeutic drugs with poor bioavailability, and permeation enhancers (PEs) are required to increase the paracellular and/or transcellular uptake of such drugs. Many PEs act as surfactants by perturbing cell membrane integrity and causing permeabilization by leakage or endocytosis. The aim of the present work was to study the action of sodium cholate (NaC) and N-dodecyl-β-D-maltoside (DDM), using a small intestinal mucosal explant system. At 2 mM, both NaC and DDM caused leakage into the enterocyte cytosol of the fluorescent probe Lucifer Yellow, but they also blocked the constitutive endocytotic pathway from the brush border. In addition, an increased paracellular passage of 3-kDa Texas Red Dextran into the lamina propria was observed. By electron microscopy, both PEs disrupted the hexagonal organization of microvilli of the brush border and led to the apical extrusion of vesicle-like and amorphous cell debris to the lumen. In conclusion, NaC and DDM acted in a multimodal way to increase the permeability of the jejunal epithelium both by paracellular and transcellular mechanisms. However, endocytosis, commonly thought to be an uptake mechanism that may be stimulated by PEs, was not involved in the transcellular process.
The Use of Video Instructions in Patient Education Promoting Correct Technique for Dry Powder Inhalers: An Investigation on Inhaler-Naïve Individuals
Authors: Von Schantz Sofia , Katajavuori Nina , Juppo Anne M.
Published: October 2018

Introduction: The correct use of a prescribed inhaler device is crucial for achieving successful disease management in asthma. This study investigates non-verbal, demonstrational videos as a method of teaching inhaler naïve individuals how to use a dry powder inhaler (DPI). Methods: Video instructions for four DPIs were examined using a mixed methodology; 31 inhaler-naïve individuals participated in the study. Participants were each shown a demonstrational video of one the four inhalers, after each video the participant demonstrated how they would use the inhaler. After demonstrating the use, participants crossed over to the next inhaler. The demonstrations were videotaped. A common questionnaire was filled at the beginning of the study and four inhaler-specific questionnaires which were filled out by the participant after each inhaler demonstration. Results: The frequency of participant error varied between inhalers. When asked about how they perceived the video instructions, participants often stated they would have liked to receive feedback on their performance. The importance of feedback was further highlighted by the fact that participants tended to overestimate their own inhaler technique. Conclusion: Non-verbal videos may be more efficient for some DPIs than for others as a method for providing inhaler instructions. Lack of feedback on the participants’ inhaler performance emerged as a clear shortcoming of this educational method. Some steps in the inhalation process may be harder for individuals to remember and therefore require extra emphasis in order to achieve correct inhaler technique.
Mid-Infrared Photonic-Crystal Surface-Emitting Lasers with InGaAs/GaAsSb ‘W’-Type Quantum Wells Grown on InP Substrate
Authors: Li Zong-Lin , Kang Yuan-Chi , Lin Gray , Lee Chien-Ping
Published: October 2018

InP-based InGaAs/GaAsSb ‘W’-type quantum well (QW) photonic-crystal (PC) surface- emitting lasers (SELs) of 2.2 μm wavelength range are fabricated and room-temperature lasing emissions by optical pumping are demonstrated for the first time. Photonic-crystal surface-emitting laser (PCSEL) devices are investigated in terms of PC parameters of etch depth, lattice period, and filling factor. The lasing emissions cover wavelengths from 2182 nm to 2253 nm. The temperature-dependent lasing characteristics are also studied in terms of lattice period. All PCSELs show consistent lasing wavelength shift against temperature at a rate of 0.17 nm/K. The characteristic temperatures of PCSELs are extracted and discussed with respect to wavelength detuning between QW gain peak and PC cavity resonance.
Nanoporous PLA/(Chitosan Nanoparticle) Composite Fibrous Membranes with Excellent Air Filtration and Antibacterial Performance
Authors: Li Hui , Wang Zhe , Zhang Haiyan , Pan Zhijuan
Published: October 2018

Particulate matter (PM) pollution, which usually carries viruses and bacteria, has drawn considerable attention as a major threat to public health. In this present study, an environment-friendly antibacterial Poly(lactic acid)(PLA)/chitosan composite air filter was fabricated using the one-step electrospinning technique. The composite PLA/chitosan fibres show a highly porous structure, in which chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) were found to be uniformly distributed throughout the entire fibre. The morphologies, through-pore size and distribution, air filtration and anti-microbial properties of these filter media were studied. The results showed that it was not the chitosan content but instead the concentration of the spinning solutions that had the greatest effect on the morphologies of the porous fibres. The relative humidity influenced the nanometre-scale pores on the surface of PLA/chitosan fibres. The PLA/chitosan fibrous membranes with a chitosan to PLA mass ratio of 2.5:8 exhibited a high filtration efficiency of 98.99% and a relatively low pressure drop (147.60 Pa) when the air flow rate was 14 cm/s, while these also had high antibacterial activity of 99.4% and 99.5% against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. It took 33 min for the PM2.5 concentration to decrease to 0 μg/m3 from 999 μg/m3 using the PLA/chitosan fibrous membranes, which demonstrates obviously effective air purification performance.
Fabrication of Beltlike Fibers by Electrospinning
Authors: Liu Yan-Qing , He Chun-Hui , Li Xiao-Xia , He Ji-Huan
Published: October 2018

Electrospinning is always used to fabricate one-dimensional nanofibers. Cylindrical fibers are formed during the spinning process due to the minimal-surface principle. However, when the moving jet has high rigidity, which can counteract the surface tension for a minimal surface, beltlike fibers can be obtained. Using the Hall–Petch effect, the rigidity of the moving jet can be greatly enhanced by adding nanoparticles. Polyethylene glycol with a nanometric crystallite size of 4 nm and ZrO2 nanoparticles are used as additives in the experiment, a theoretical analysis is carried out, and the theoretical predictions are verified experimentally.
Mechanochemically Carboxylated Multilayer Graphene for Carbon/ABS Composites with Improved Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Burk Laura , Gliem Matthias , Lais Fabian , Nutz Fabian , Retsch Markus , Mülhaupt Rolf
Published: October 2018

Dry ball milling of graphite under carbon dioxide pressure affords multilayer-functionalized graphene (MFG) with carboxylic groups as nanofiller for composites of carbon and acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene copolymers (ABSs). Produced in a single-step process without requiring purification, MFG nanoplatelets are uniformly dispersed in ABS even in the absence of compatibilizers. As compared to few-layer graphene oxide, much larger amounts of MFG are tolerated in ABS melt processing. Unparalleled by other carbon nanofillers and non-functionalized micronized graphite, the addition of 15 wt % MFG simultaneously results in a Young’s modulus of 2550 MPa (+68%), a thermal conductivity of 0.321 W∙m−1∙K−1 (+200%), and a heat distortion temperature of 99 °C (+9%) with respect to neat ABS, without encountering massive embrittlement and melt-viscosity build-up typical of few-layer graphene oxide. With carbon filler at 5 wt %, the Young’s modulus increases with increasing aspect ratio of the carbon filler and is superior to spherical hydroxyl-functionalized MFG, which forms large agglomerates. Both MFG and micronized graphite hold promise for designing carbon/ABS compounds with improved thermal management in lightweight engineering applications.
Bimetallic Gold-Silver Nanoparticles Supported on Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 as Highly Active Heterogenous Catalysts for Selective Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol into Benzaldehyde
Authors: Liu Lili , Zhou Xiaojing , Yan Yongmei , Zhou Jie , Zhang Wenping , Tai Xishi
Published: October 2018

The metal-organic zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) supported gold-silver bimetallic catalysts with a core-shell structure (Au@Ag/ZIF-8 and Ag@Au/ZIF-8) and cluster structure (AuAg/ZIF-8) were successfully prepared by the deposition-redispersion method. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) elemental mapping images displayed that in the Au@Ag/ZIF-8 catalyst, Ag atoms were deposited on an exposed Au surface, and core-shell structured Au@Ag particles with highly dispersed Ag as the shell were formed. Additionally, the XPS investigation at gold 4f levels and silver 3d levels indicated that the Au and Ag particles of Au@Ag/ZIF-8, Ag@Au/ZIF-8, and AuAg/ZIF-8 were in a zero valence state. Among the resultant catalysts obtained in this study, Ag@Au/ZIF-8 catalysts showed the highest catalytic activity for the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol, followed by AuAg/ZIF-8 and Au@Ag/ZIF-8. The turnover frequency (TOF) values were in the order of Ag@Au/ZIF-8 (28.2 h−1) > AuAg/ZIF-8 (25.0 h−1) > Au@Ag/ZIF-8 (20.0 h−1) at 130 °C within 1 h under 8 bar O2 when using THF as solvent. The catalysts of Au@Ag/ZIF-8 and Ag@Au/ZIF-8 with core–shell structures have higher benzaldehyde selectivities (53.0% and 53.3%) than the AuAg/ZIF-8 catalyst (35.2%) in the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol into benzaldehyde. The effect of the solvent, reaction temperature, reaction time, and reaction pressure on benzyl alcohol conversion and benzaldehyde selectivity in benzyl alcohol selective oxidation over Au@Ag/ZIF-8, Ag@Au/ZIF-8, and AuAg/ZIF-8 were also investigated. All of the catalysts showed excellent performance at 130 °C under 8 bar O2 within 1 h when using THF as the solvent in the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde. Moreover, the catalysts can be easily recycled and used repetitively at least four times.
Contraction and Hydroscopic Expansion Stress of Dental Ion-Releasing Polymeric Materials
Authors: Sokolowski Krzysztof , Szczesio-Wlodarczyk Agata , Bociong Kinga , Krasowski Michal , Fronczek-Wojciechowska Magdalena , Domarecka Monika , Sokolowski Jerzy , Lukomska-Szymanska Monika
Published: October 2018

Ion-releasing polymeric restorative materials seem to be promising solutions, due to their possible anticaries effect. However, acid functional groups (monomers) and glass filler increase hydrophilicity and, supposedly, water sorption. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of water sorption of polymeric materials on the stress state at the restoration-tooth interface. Beautifil Bulk Fill Flow, Beautifil Flow Plus F00, Beautifil Flow F02, Dyract eXtra, Compoglass Flow, Ionosit, Glasiosite, TwinkiStar, Ionolux and Fuji II LC were used for the study. The stress state was measured using photoelastic analysis after: 0.5, 24, 72, 96, 168, 240, 336, 504, 672, 1344 and 2016 h. Moreover, water sorption, solubility and absorption dynamic were assessed. The water sorption, solubility and absorption dynamic of ion-releasing restorative materials are material dependent properties. The overall results indicated that the tested restorative materials showed significant stress decrease. The total reduction in contraction stress and water expansion stress was not observed for materials with low value of water sorption (Beautifil Bulk Fill, Dyract eXtra, Glasionosit and Twinky Star). The photoelastic method turned out to be inadequate to evaluate stress changes of resin modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGI, Fuji II LC and Ionolux).
The Influence of O2 on Decomposition Characteristics of c-C4F8/N2 Environmental Friendly Insulating Gas
Authors: Xiao Song , Tian Shuangshuang , Zhang Xiaoxing , Cressault Yann , Tang Ju , Deng Zaitao , Li Yi
Published: October 2018

The c-C4F8 gas is considered to have great potential as a gaseous medium for gas-insulated equipment, due to its good insulation properties and its relatively low greenhouse gas potential (GWP) relative to SF6. However, the decomposition is an important indicator of its use in equipment. In this paper, the decomposition characteristics of c-C4F8 and the influence by oxygen have been explored through experiments and theoretical calculations. Firstly, the breakdown test of mixed gas was carried out and the precipitated elements of the electrodes and breakdown products of gas mixture were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). At the same time, the differences in decomposition products have also been studied when a small amount of O2 was present. The path and mechanism of c-C4F8 decomposition is then discussed, based on density functional theory (DFT). The results show that the black powdery substance descends on the electrode surface after the breakdown of the mixture of c-C4F8/N2 gas containing O2, and its main constituent elements are C, O and F. O2 can promote the decomposition of c-C4F8. The mixture with O2 produced a large number of additional toxic and corrosive COF2 in addition to generating more CF4, C2F4, C2F6, C3F6 and C3F8. The GWP values of the products are lower than SF6. Comprehensive insulation properties and decomposition characteristics, c-C4F8 should not be mixed with dry air for use, and the oxygen content should be strictly controlled in c-C4F8 mixed gas.
Systematic and Model-Assisted Process Design for the Extraction and Purification of Artemisinin from Artemisia annua L.—Part III: Chromatographic Purification
Authors: Mestmäcker Fabian , Schmidt Axel , Huter Maximilian , Sixt Maximilian , Strube Jochen
Published: October 2018

In this study, the purification of an extract from Artemisia annua L. using chromatographic methods is studied. In a first step, a screening of different phases and solvents using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was performed. Then, a laboratory-scale high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed and transferred to a pilot scale. A reproducibility study based on 120 injections was carried out. The batch process that was developed and the results from a designed continuous simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography were compared based on characteristic process numbers and economy.
Fyn Regulates Binding Partners of Cyclic-AMP Dependent Protein Kinase A
Authors: Schmoker Anna M. , Barritt Samuel A. , Weir Marion E. , Mann Jacqueline E. , Hogan Tyler C. , Ballif Bryan A. , Deming Paula B.
Published: October 2018

The cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) is a serine/threonine kinase involved in many fundamental cellular processes, including migration and proliferation. Recently, we found that the Src family kinase Fyn phosphorylates the catalytic subunit of PKA (PKA-C) at Y69, thereby increasing PKA kinase activity. We also showed that Fyn induced the phosphorylation of cellular proteins within the PKA preferred target motif. This led to the hypothesis that Fyn could affect proteins in complex with PKA. To test this, we employed a quantitative mass spectrometry approach to identify Fyn-dependent binding partners in complex with PKA-C. We found Fyn enhanced the binding of PKA-C to several cytoskeletal regulators that localize to the centrosome and Golgi apparatus. Three of these Fyn-induced PKA interactors, AKAP9, PDE4DIP, and CDK5RAP2, were validated biochemically and were shown to exist in complex with Fyn and PKA in a glioblastoma cell line. Intriguingly, the complexes formed between PKA-C and these known AKAPs were dependent upon Fyn catalytic activity and expression levels. In addition, we identified Fyn-regulated phosphorylation sites on proteins in complex with PKA-C. We also identified and biochemically validated a novel PKA-C interactor, LARP4, which complexed with PKA in the absence of Fyn. These results demonstrate the ability of Fyn to influence the docking of PKA to specific cellular scaffolds and suggest that Fyn may affect the downstream substrates targeted by PKA.
Glocal Religions: An Introduction
Authors: Roudometof Victor
Published: October 2018

This introductory article offers an overview of the volume’s major problematic. It examines the literature on religion and globalization and then moves on to an overview of the literature on religion and glocalization. Throughout the discussion, the article refers explicitly to the volume’s chapters and outlines how their specific themes fit within the broader problematic of glocal religions.
A Threshold Type Policy for Trading a Mean-Reverting Asset with Fixed Transaction Costs
Authors: Luu Phong , Tie Jingzhi , Zhang Qing
Published: October 2018

A mean-reverting model is often used to capture asset price movements fluctuating around its equilibrium. A common strategy trading such mean-reverting asset is to buy low and sell high. However, determining these key levels in practice is extremely challenging. In this paper, we study the optimal trading of such mean-reverting asset with a fixed transaction (commission and slippage) cost. In particular, we focus on a threshold type policy and develop a method that is easy to implement in practice. We formulate the optimal trading problem in terms of a sequence of optimal stopping times. We follow a dynamic programming approach and obtain the value functions by solving the associated HJB equations. The optimal threshold levels can be found by solving a set of quasi-algebraic equations. In addition, a verification theorem is provided together with sufficient conditions. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate our results. We note that a complete treatment of this problem was done recently by Leung and associates. Nevertheless, our work was done independently and focuses more on developing necessary optimality conditions.
Hyperspectral Image Classification Based on Two-Stage Subspace Projection
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Zhang Lefei , You Jane
Published: October 2018

Hyperspectral image (HSI) classification is a widely used application to provide important information of land covers. Each pixel of an HSI has hundreds of spectral bands, which are often considered as features. However, some features are highly correlated and nonlinear. To address these problems, we propose a new discrimination analysis framework for HSI classification based on the Two-stage Subspace Projection (TwoSP) in this paper. First, the proposed framework projects the original feature data into a higher-dimensional feature subspace by exploiting the kernel principal component analysis (KPCA). Then, a novel discrimination-information based locality preserving projection (DLPP) method is applied to the preceding KPCA feature data. Finally, an optimal low-dimensional feature space is constructed for the subsequent HSI classification. The main contributions of the proposed TwoSP method are twofold: (1) the discrimination information is utilized to minimize the within-class distance in a small neighborhood, and (2) the subspace found by TwoSP separates the samples more than they would be if DLPP was directly applied to the original HSI data. Experimental results on two real-world HSI datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed TwoSP method in terms of classification accuracy.
Implications of Pixel Quality Flags on the Observation Density of a Continental Landsat Archive
Authors: Ernst Stefan , Lymburner Leo , Sixsmith Josh
Published: October 2018

Pixel quality (PQ) products delivered with Analysis Ready Data (ARD) provide users with information about the conditions of the surface, atmosphere, and sensor at the time of acquisition. Knowing whether an observation was affected by clouds or sensor saturation is crucial when selecting data to include in automated analysis, as imperfect or erroneous observations are undesirable for most applications. There is, however, a certain rate of commission error in cloud detection, and saturation may not affect all spectral bands at a time, which can lead to suitable observations being excluded. This can have a substantial impact on the amount of data available for analysis. To understand how different surface types can affect cloud commission and saturation, we analyzed cloud and per-band saturation PQ flags for 31 years of Landsat data within Digital Earth Australia. Areas showing substantial reduction in observation density compared to their surroundings were investigated to characterize how specific surface types impact on the temporal density of observations deemed desirable. Using Fmask 3.2 by way of example, our approach demonstrates a method that can be applied to summarize the characteristics of cloud-screening algorithms and sensor saturation. Results indicate that cloud commission and sensor saturation rates show specific characteristics depending on the targets under observation. This potentially leads to an imbalance in data availability driven by surface type in a given study area. Based on our findings, the level of detail in PQ flags delivered with ARD is pivotal in maximizing the potential of EO data.
Comparison and Bias Correction of TMPA Precipitation Products over the Lower Part of Red–Thai Binh River Basin of Vietnam
Authors: Le Hung , Sutton Jessica , Bui Duong , Bolten John , Lakshmi Venkataraman
Published: October 2018

As the limitation of rainfall collection by ground measurement has been widely recognized, satellite-based rainfall estimate is a promising high-resolution alternative in both time and space. This study is aimed at exploring the capacity of the satellite-based rainfall product Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA), including 3B42V7 research data and its real-time 3B42RT data, by comparing them against data from 29 ground observation stations over the lower part of the Red–Thai Binh River Basin from March 2000 to December 2016. Various statistical metrics were applied to evaluate the TMPA products. The results showed that both 3B42V7 and 3B42RT had weak relationships with daily observations, but 3B42V7 data had strong agreement on the monthly scale compared to 3B42RT. Seasonal analysis showed that 3B42V7 and 3B42RT underestimated rainfall during the dry season and overestimated rainfall during the wet season, with high bias observed for 3B42RT. In addition, detection metrics demonstrated that TMPA products could detect rainfall events in the wet season much better than in the dry season. When rainfall intensity was analyzed, both 3B42V7 and 3B42RT overestimated the no rainfall event during the dry season but underestimated these events during the wet season. Finally, based on the moderate correlation between climatology–topography characteristics and correction factors of linear-scaling (LS) approach, a set of multiple linear models was developed to reduce the error between TMPA products and the observations. The results showed that climatology–topography-based linear-scaling approach (CTLS) significantly reduced the percentage bias (PBIAS) score and moderately improved the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) score. The finding of this paper gives an overview of the capacity of TMPA products in the lower part of the Red–Thai Binh River Basin regarding water resource applications and provides a simple bias correction that can be used to improve the correctness of TMPA products.
Observed High-Latitude Precipitation Amount and Pattern and CMIP5 Model Projections
Authors: Behrangi Ali , Richardson Mark
Published: October 2018

Utilizing reanalysis and high sensitivity W-band radar observations from CloudSat, this study assesses simulated high-latitude (55–82.5°) precipitation and its future changes under the RCP8.5 global warming scenario. A subset of models was selected based on the smallest discrepancy relative to CloudSat and ERA-I reanalysis using a combined ranking for bias and spatial root mean square error (RMSE). After accounting for uncertainties introduced by internal variability due to CloudSat’s limited four year day-night observation period, RMSE provides greater discrimination between the models than a typical mean state bias criterion. Over 1976–2005 to 2071–2100, colder months experience larger fractional modelled precipitation increases than warmer months, and the observation-constrained models generally report a larger response than the full ensemble. For everywhere except the Southern Hemisphere (SH55, for 55–82.5°S) ocean, the selected models show greater warming than the model ensemble while their hydrological sensitivity (fractional precipitation change with temperature) is indistinguishable from the full ensemble relationship. This indicates that local thermodynamic effects explain much of the net high-latitude precipitation change. For the SH ocean, the models that perform best in the present climate show near-median warming but greater precipitation increase, implying a detectable contribution from processes other than local thermodynamic changes. A Taylor diagram analysis of the full CMIP5 ensemble finds that the Northern Hemisphere (NH55) and SH55 land areas follow a “wet get wetter” paradigm. The SH55 land areas show stable spatial correlations between the simulated present and future climate, indicative of small changes in the spatial pattern, but this is not true of NH55 land. This shows changes in the spatial pattern of precipitation changes through time as well as the differences in precipitation between wet and dry regions.
Status of Aquarius and Salinity Continuity
Authors: Le Vine David M. , Dinnat Emmanuel P. , Meissner Thomas , Wentz Frank J. , Kao Hsun-Ying , Lagerloef Gary , Lee Tong
Published: October 2018

Aquarius is an L-band radar/radiometer instrument combination that has been designed to measure ocean salinity. It was launched on 10 June 2011 as part of the Aquarius/SAC-D observatory. The observatory is a partnership between the United States National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA), which provided Aquarius, and the Argentinian space agency, Comisiόn Nacional de Actividades Espaciales (CONAE), which provided the spacecraft bus, Satelite de Aplicaciones Cientificas (SAC-D). The observatory was lost four years later on 7 June 2015 when a failure in the power distribution network resulted in the loss of control of the spacecraft. The Aquarius Mission formally ended on 31 December 2017. The last major milestone was the release of the final version of the salinity retrieval (Version 5). Version 5 meets the mission requirements for accuracy, and reflects the continuing progress and understanding developed by the science team over the lifetime of the mission. Further progress is possible, and several issues remained unresolved at the end of the mission that are relevant to future salinity retrievals. The understanding developed with Aquarius is being transferred to radiometer observations over the ocean from NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite, and salinity from SMAP with accuracy approaching that of Aquarius are already being produced.
Analysis of DME/DME Navigation Performance and Ground Network Using Stretched-Front-Leg Pulse-Based DME
Authors: Kim Euiho
Published: October 2018

Global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) have become a primary navigation means for aircraft. However, the signal power of GNSS is very weak, and its service can be disrupted at any time when there is interference or jamming. For this reason, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States has recently chosen a distance measuring equipment (DME)-based aircraft navigation technique, called DME/DME, as an alternative aircraft navigation means for use by around 2030. The reason that the FAA plans to use DME/DME in such a short duration, by around 2030, is presumed to be because the ranging accuracy of DMEs is between 70 to 300 m, which is about 7 to 30 times worse than that of GNSS. Thus, a significant loss of positioning performance is unavoidable with current DMEs. To make DME/DME a more competent alternative positioning source, this paper proposes an advanced DME that could provide a ranging accuracy of around 30 m by employing a recently developed Stretched-Front-Leg (SFOL) pulse. The paper introduces optimal ground station augmentation algorithms that help to efficiently transform the current DME ground network to enable a DME/DME positioning accuracy of up to 0.3 nm or 92.6 m with a minimal number of new ground DME sites. The positioning performance and augmented ground network using the proposed SFOL pulse-based DME are evaluated in two regions which have distinct terrain conditions.
A New Bias Error Prediction Model for High-Precision Transfer Alignment
Authors: Zhang Yutong , Yang Shuai , Qin Shiqiao , Hu Feng , Wu Wei
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this work was to study bias error in acceleration-based transfer alignment, which is probably caused by cross-correlation between the dynamic lever-arm and the linear motion of a ship. A new prediction model for the cross-correlation-caused error is proposed in this paper. We adopt the Bernoulli-Euler Beam as a simplified ship hull-girder model to verify the existence of the cross-correlation. Then, the mathematical mechanism and the prediction model of the bias error are deduced via the ordinary least squares theory. Three factors influence the bias error in the prediction model: the amplitude of the dynamic lever arm acceleration, the amplitude of the ship motion acceleration, and the cross-correlation between them. Simulation experiments are then conducted to test the influence of the factors. The results show that the mechanism analysis is reasonable, and the bias error prediction model is in agreement with the experimental results. Thus, the proposed prediction model has the potential to deduce the bias error in high-accuracy transfer alignment.
An Underwater Time Reversal Communication Method Using Symbol-Based Doppler Compensation with a Single Sound Pressure Sensor
Authors: Zhao Anbang , Zeng Caigao , Hui Juan , Ma Lin , Bi Xuejie
Published: October 2018

Due to the significant multipath and Doppler effects in the underwater acoustic (UWA) channel, the quality of the received signal is degraded, which seriously affects the performance of UWA communication. The paper proposes a time reversal UWA communication method combined with a symbol-based Doppler compensation (SBDC) technique to solve those problems. A single element time reversal mirror (TRM) is used to realize channel equalization and mitigate the inter-symbol interference (ISI) resulting from multipath propagation. The SBDC technique is subsequently used to compensate Doppler effects in the received signal, thereby reducing the bit error rate (BER) and improving the communication performance. In order to verify the performance of the proposed communication method, some simulations with real sounding channels were performed. Moreover, a field UWA communication experiment was conducted in the Songhua River (Harbin, China). The UWA communication experiment achieves nearly error-free performance with a communication rate of 100 bit/s in the bandwidth of 2 kHz. The results of the experiment demonstrate the feasibility and robustness of the proposed UWA communication method.
A Label-Free Fluorescent AND Logic Gate Aptasensor for Sensitive ATP Detection
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Yang Chunzheng , Niu Chaoqun , Liu Chen , Cai Xuepin , Du Jie , Chen Yong
Published: October 2018

In this study, a label-free fluorescent, enzyme-free, simple, highly sensitive AND logic gate aptasensor was developed for the detection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) with cohesive ends was attached to graphene oxide (GO) to form an aptasensor probe. ATP and single-stranded DNA were used as input signals. Fluorescence intensity of PicoGreen dye was used as an output signal. The biosensor-related performances, including the logic gate construction, reaction time, linearity, sensitivity, and specificity, were investigated and the results showed that an AND logic gate was successfully constructed. The ATP detection range was found to be 20 to 400 nM (R2 = 0.9943) with limit of detection (LOD) of 142.6 pM, and the sensitivity range was 1.846 × 106 to 2.988 × 106 M−1. This method for the detection of ATP has the characteristics of being simple, low cost, and highly sensitive.