bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Sample Type on Vitamin D Quantification and Clinical Classification during Pregnancy
Authors: Harvey Soriah M. , Murphy Vanessa E. , Gibson Peter G. , Clarke Michael , Jensen Megan E.
Published: December 2020

Measurement of vitamin D status has significant use in clinical and research settings, including during pregnancy. We aimed to assess the agreement of total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration, and its three analytes (25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (25(OH)D2) and Epi-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (Epi-25(OH)D3)), in plasma and serum samples collected during pregnancy, and to examine the proportion of women who change vitamin D status category based on sample type. Matching samples were collected from n = 114 non-fasting women between 12–25 weeks gestation in a clinical trial in Newcastle, Australia. Samples were analysed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass-spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to quantify total 25(OH)D and its analytes and examined using Bland-Altman plots, Pearson correlation (r), intraclass correlation coefficient and Cohen’s Kappa test. Serum total 25(OH)D ranged from 33.8–169.8 nmol/L and plasma ranged from 28.6–211.2 nmol/L. There was a significant difference for total 25(OH)D based on sample type (measurement bias 7.63 nmol/L for serum vs plasma (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 5.36, 9.90, p ≤ 0.001). The mean difference between serum and plasma concentrations was statistically significant for 25(OH)D3 (7.38 nmol/L; 95% CI 5.28, 9.48, p ≤ 0.001) and Epi-25(OH)D3 (0.39 nmol/L; 95% CI 0.14, 0.64, p = 0.014). Of 114 participants, 28% were classified as vitamin D deficient (<50 nmol/L) or insufficient (<75 nmol/L) based on plasma sample and 36% based on serum sample. Nineteen (16.7%) participants changed vitamin D status category based on sample type. 25-hydroxyvitamin D quantification using LC-MS/MS methodology differed significantly between serum and plasma, yielding a higher value in plasma; this influenced vitamin D status based on accepted cut-points, which may have implications in clinical and research settings.
Australian Consumers Are Willing to Pay for the Health Star Rating Front-of-Pack Nutrition Label
Authors: Cooper Sheri L. , Butcher Lucy M. , Scagnelli Simone D. , Lo Johnny , Ryan Maria M. , Devine Amanda , O’Sullivan Therese A.
Published: December 2020

The Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation has supported the recommendations set out in the 2019 Health Star Rating System Five Year Review Report. Specifically, the forum supported, in principle, Recommendation 9, to mandate the Health Star Rating if clear uptake targets were not achieved while the system is voluntary. Given that mandatory labelling is being considered, it is important to investigate how much consumers value the Health Star Rating in order to understand potential consumer uptake and inform industry. The aim of this study was to assess consumers’ valuation of the Health Star Rating system by analysing their willingness to pay for a packaged food product with the Health Star Rating label, utilising a double-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation approach. The results indicate that almost two-thirds of Australian household grocery shoppers were willing to pay more for a product with the Health Star Rating, on average up to an additional 3.7% of the price of the product. However, public health nutrition benefits associated with consumers’ willingness to pay more for products with the Health Star Rating is currently limited by the lack of guarantee of the systems’ accuracy. Given consumer support, a well validated and comprehensive Health Star Rating labelling system can potentially improve health outcomes, cost effectiveness and reduce environmental impacts.
How Minority Parents Could Help Children Develop Healthy Eating Behaviors: Parent and Child Perspectives
Authors: Callender Chishinga , Velazquez Denisse , Adera Meheret , Dave Jayna M. , Olvera Norma , Chen Tzu-An , Alford Shana , Thompson Debbe
Published: December 2020

Minority children and children living in under-resourced households are at the greatest risk for obesity and diet-related disparities. Identifying effective strategies to reduce these risks is an important step in child obesity prevention. Parents influence the home environment and play a critical role in child obesity prevention. Eighteen parent–child dyads living in under-resourced Houston area communities participated in a mixed methods study (online surveys, telephone interviews). The purpose of the research reported here was to conduct a secondary analysis of the qualitative data to explore Black/African American and Hispanic parent and child perspectives of the ways in which parents could help their children make healthy food choices. Descriptive statistics were calculated for parent and child demographic characteristics; hybrid thematic analysis was used to code and analyze the interview transcripts. Frequencies were calculated for children’s interview responses to rating scales and the grade they gave their eating habits. Mothers’ responses were grouped into two broad categories: facilitators (modeling, availability, and teaching) as ways parents could help their child eat healthy, and barriers (lack of time, cost of healthy foods, and lack of knowledge) to helping their child eat healthy. Alternatively, child responses focused on ways in which parents could provide support: environmental support (home availability, home cooking, and introducing new foods) and personal support (providing child choice, teaching, and encouragement). Most children reported that eating healthy was easy, and most rated their personal eating habits as an A or B. These findings suggest that understanding the perspectives of Black/African American and Hispanic parent–child dyads can provide insight into the development of culturally and economically relevant healthy eating strategies and interventions for families living in under-resourced communities.
Appetite Control Might not Be Improved after Weight Loss in Adolescents with Obesity, Despite Non-Persistent Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Julian Valérie , Isacco Laurie , Khammassi Marwa , Fillon Alicia , Miguet Maud , Dutheil Frederic , Courteix Daniel , Zak Marek , Bicki Jacek , Głuszek Stanisław , Duclos Martine , Boirie Yves , Pereira Bruno , Thivel David
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multidisciplinary weight loss intervention on energy intake and appetite sensations in adolescents with obesity, depending on the initial diagnosis or persistence of the metabolic syndrome. Ninety-two adolescents with obesity (12–15 years) followed a 16-week multidisciplinary weight loss intervention. Anthropometric and body composition characteristics, metabolic profile, ad libitum daily energy intake, and appetite sensations were assessed before and after the intervention. The presence of metabolic syndrome (MS) was determined at baseline (MS vs. non-MS) and after the program (persistent vs. non-persistent). While the intervention was effective in inducing weight loss (body weight T0: 87.1 ± 14.9 vs. T1: 81.2 ± 13.0 kg; p < 0.001) and body composition improvements in both adolescents with and without MS, energy intake (p = 0.07), hunger (p = 0.008), and prospective food consumption (p = 0.03) increased, while fullness decreased (p = 0.04) in both groups. Energy intake and appetite were not improved in non-persistent MS after the program and remained significantly higher among non-persistent adolescents compared with initially non-MS adolescents. To conclude, appetite control seems impaired in obese adolescents, irrespective of being affected by MS or not, whereas the treatment of MS in this population might fail to effectively preclude the adolescents from potential post-intervention compensatory food intake and subsequent weight regain.
Effects of Caffeine and Chlorogenic Acid on Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Mice Induced by Choline-Deficient, L-Amino Acid-Defined, High-Fat Diet
Authors: Dungubat Erdenetsogt , Watabe Shiori , Togashi-Kumagai Arisa , Watanabe Masato , Kobayashi Yasuyuki , Harada Naoki , Yamaji Ryoichi , Fukusato Toshio , Lodon Galtsog , Sevjid Badamjav , Takahashi Yoshihisa
Published: December 2020

Several recent experimental studies have investigated the effects of caffeine and chlorogenic acid (CGA), representative ingredients of coffee, on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the results are conflicting, and their effects are yet to be clarified. In the present study, we examined the effects of caffeine and CGA on choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD)-fed mice, relatively new model mice of NASH. Seven-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were divided into the following groups: Control diet (control), CDAHFD (CDAHFD), CDAHFD supplemented with 0.05% (w/w) caffeine (caffeine), and CDAHFD supplemented with 0.1% (w/w) CGA (CGA). After seven weeks, the mice were killed and serum biochemical, histopathological, and molecular analyses were performed. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were significantly higher in the caffeine and CGA groups than in the CDAHFD group. On image analysis, the prevalence of Oil red O-positive areas (reflecting steatosis) was significantly higher in the caffeine group than in the CDAHFD group, and that of CD45R-positive areas (reflecting lymphocytic infiltration) in the hepatic lobule was significantly higher in the caffeine and CGA groups than in the CDAHFD group. Hepatic expression of interleukin (IL)-6 mRNA was higher in the caffeine and CGA groups than in the CDAHFD group, and the difference was statistically significant for the caffeine group. In conclusion, in the present study, caffeine and CGA significantly worsened the markers of liver cell injury, inflammation, and/or steatosis in NASH lesions in mice.
Does Christian Spirituality Enhance Psychological Interventions on Forgiveness, Gratitude, and the Meaning of Life? A Quasi-Experimental Intervention with the Elderly and Youth
Authors: Ramírez Jiménez María Salvadora , Serra Desfilis Emilia
Published: December 2020

Scientific research has provided theoretical evidence on the implementation of religious/spiritual interventions (RSI) as a complementary health therapy, where spiritual improvements are also a factor to consider. Despite the above, there are few studies that have evaluated the clinical applicability of these findings. This study was an intervention with older and younger adults divided into two treatment groups and one control group. What is expected is that the two treatment groups will score better than the control group; however, the group with a Christian spiritual focus is expected to perform better than the group without a spiritual focus. Measures of gratitude, meaning of life, forgiveness, spirituality, religiosity, and expected prejudice were recorded. The hypothesis is fulfilled that Christian spirituality enhances psychological interventions on factors associated with personal well-being, mainly in older adults: spirituality (M = 26.00, SE = 2.127/M = 29.38, SE = 1.953, t (12) = −2.436, p < 0.05, r = 0.58), goals (M = 22.92, SE = 1.022/M = 24.54, SE = 0.739, t (12) = −2.298, p < 0.05, r = 0.55), and benevolence (M = 17.31, SE = 1.554/M = 21.08, SE = 1.603, t (12) = −3.310, p < 0.05, r = 0.69). The most powerful results of the study are those associated with religiosity/spirituality.
Current Developments in the Epidemiology and Control of Enzootic Bovine Leukosis as Caused by Bovine Leukemia Virus
Authors: Bartlett Paul C. , Ruggiero Vickie J. , Hutchinson Holden C. , Droscha Casey J. , Norby Bo , Sporer Kelly R. B. , Taxis Tasia M.
Published: December 2020

Enzootic Bovine Leukosis (EBL) caused by the bovine leukemia virus (BLV) has been eradicated in over 20 countries. In contrast, the U.S. and many other nations are experiencing increasing prevalence in the absence of efforts to control transmission. Recent studies have shown that BLV infection in dairy cattle has a greater impact beyond the long-recognized lymphoma development that occurs in <5% of infected cattle. Like other retroviruses, BLV appears to cause multiple immune system disruptions, affecting both cellular and humoral immunity, which are likely responsible for increasingly documented associations with decreased dairy production and decreased productive lifespan. Realization of these economic losses has increased interest in controlling BLV using technology that was unavailable decades ago, when many nations eradicated BLV via traditional antibody testing and slaughter methods. This traditional control is not economically feasible for many nations where the average herd antibody prevalence is rapidly approaching 50%. The ELISA screening of cattle with follow-up testing via qPCR for proviral load helps prioritize the most infectious cattle for segregation or culling. The efficacy of this approach has been demonstrated in at least four herds. Breeding cattle for resistance to BLV disease progression also appears to hold promise, and several laboratories are working on BLV vaccines. There are many research priorities for a wide variety of disciplines, especially including the need to investigate the reports linking BLV and human breast cancer.
Epstein–Barr Virus—Oral Bacterial Link in the Development of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Núñez-Acurio Daniela , Bravo Denisse , Aguayo Francisco
Published: December 2020

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of oral cancer. Its development has been associated with diverse factors such as tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption. In addition, it has been suggested that microorganisms are risk factors for oral carcinogenesis. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), which establishes lifelong persistent infections and is intermittently shed in the saliva, has been associated with several lymphomas and carcinomas that arise in the oral cavity. In particular, it has been detected in a subset of OSCCs. Moreover, its presence in patients with periodontitis has also been described. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is an oral bacterium in the development of periodontal diseases. As a keystone pathogen of periodontitis, P. gingivalis is known not only to damage local periodontal tissues but also to evade the host immune system and eventually affect systemic health. Persistent exposure to P. gingivalis promotes tumorigenic properties of oral epithelial cells, suggesting that chronic P. gingivalis infection is a potential risk factor for OSCC. Given that the oral cavity serves as the main site where EBV and P. gingivalis are harbored, and because of their oncogenic potential, we review here the current information about the participation of these microorganisms in oral carcinogenesis, describe the mechanisms by which EBV and P. gingivalis independently or synergistically can collaborate, and propose a model of interaction between both microorganisms.
Autoantibody Profiling in Plasma of Dengue Virus–Infected Individuals
Authors: Vo Hoa Thi My , Duong Veasna , Ly Sowath , Li Quan-Zhen , Dussart Philippe , Cantaert Tineke
Published: December 2020

Dengue is an arboviral disease caused by dengue virus (DENV) with high prevalence in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Autoimmune syndromes following dengue can be observed in long term follow up. Anti-DENV antibodies are cross-reactive with surface antigens on endothelial cells or platelets and could be involved in the pathogenesis of dengue. However, no studies have analyzed the autoantibody repertoire and its roles in dengue pathogenesis. Hence, we aimed to describe the autoantibody profile in dengue patients with different disease severities. We utilized a protein array with 128 putative autoantigens to screen for IgM and IgG reactivity in plasma obtained from healthy donors (n = 8), asymptomatic individuals infected with DENV (n = 11) and hospitalized dengue patients (n = 21). Even though the patient cohort is small, we show that 80 IgM and 6 IgG autoantibodies were elevated in DENV infected patients compared to age-matched healthy donors. Individuals undergoing a primary DENV infection showed higher amounts of IgG autoantibodies, not IgM autoantibodies, compared to individuals undergoing secondary infection. No differences were observed between asymptomatic and hospitalized dengue patients. Nineteen autoantibodies, which react against several coagulation and complement components, correlated with platelet counts in severe dengue patients. This current study provides a framework to explore a possible role of candidate autoantibodies in dengue immunopathogenesis.
Reply to “Comment on López-Yerena et al. ‘Absorption and Intestinal Metabolic Profile of Oleocanthal in Rats’ Pharmaceutics 2020, 12, 134”
Authors: López-Yerena Anallely , Vallverdú-Queralt Anna , Mols Raf , Augustijns Patrick , Lamuela-Raventós Rosa M. , Escribano-Ferrer Elvira
Published: December 2020

Recently, in February 2020, we published a study exploring the intestinal absorption and metabolism of oleocanthal (OLC) in rats. A single-pass intestinal perfusion technique (SPIP) was used, involving simultaneous sampling from the luminal perfusate and mesenteric blood. Later, comments on our published paper were released, requesting clarification of specific data. In this detailed reply, we hope to have addressed and clarified all the concerns of A. Kaddoumi and K. El Sayed and that the scientific community will benefit from both the study and the comments it has generated.
Neutrophils and Macrophages as Targets for Development of Nanotherapeutics in Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Su Yujie , Gao Jin , Kaur Puneet , Wang Zhenjia
Published: December 2020

Neutrophils and macrophages are major components of innate systems, playing central roles in inflammation responses to infections and tissue injury. If they are out of control, inflammation responses can cause the pathogenesis of a wide range of diseases, such as inflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases. Precisely regulating the functions of neutrophils and macrophages in vivo is a potential strategy to develop immunotherapies to treat inflammatory diseases. Advances in nanotechnology have enabled us to design nanoparticles capable of targeting neutrophils or macrophages in vivo. This review discusses the current status of how nanoparticles specifically target neutrophils or macrophages and how they manipulate leukocyte functions to inhibit their activation for inflammation resolution or to restore their defense ability for pathogen clearance. Finally, we present a novel concept of hijacking leukocytes to deliver nanotherapeutics across the blood vessel barrier. This review highlights the challenges and opportunities in developing nanotherapeutics to target leukocytes for improved treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Studies on the Effect of Oil and Surfactant on the Formation of Alginate-Based O/W Lidocaine Nanocarriers Using Nanoemulsion Template
Authors: Sarheed Omar , Dibi Manar , Ramesh Kanteti V. R. N. S.
Published: December 2020

The application of various nanocarrier systems was widely explored in the field of pharmaceuticals to achieve better drug encapsulation and delivery. The aim of this study was to encapsulate lidocaine in alginate-based o/w nanocarriers based on the type of oil (i.e., solid or liquid), using a nanoemulsion template prepared by ultrasound-assisted phase inversion temperature (PIT) approach. The nanoemulsion template was initially prepared by dissolving lidocaine in the oil phase and surfactant and alginate in the aqueous phase, and keeping the PIT at around 85 °C, accompanied by gradual water dilution at 25 °C, to initiate the formation of nanoparticles (o/w) with the aid of low frequency ultrasound. The composition and concentration of the oil phase had a major impact on the particle size and led to an increase in the size of the droplet. The lipids that showed a higher drug solubility also showed higher particle size. On the other hand, increasing the concentration of surfactant decreases the size of the droplet before the concentration of the surfactant exceeds the limit, after which the size of the particle increases due to the aggregates that could be produced from the excess surfactant. The method used produced nanoemulsions that maintained nano-sized droplets < 50 nm, over long-term storage. Our findings are important for the design of nanocarrier systems for the encapsulation of lipophilic molecules.
Changes in Fatty Acids Content in Organic Rosehip (Rosa spp.) Seeds during Ripening
Authors: Kulaitienė Jurgita , Medveckienė Brigita , Levickienė Dovilė , Vaitkevičienė Nijolė , Makarevičienė Violeta , Jarienė Elvyra
Published: December 2020

Studies on the determination of the optimal harvest time of rosehips are very limited. Therefore, the aim of this research was to ascertain the effect of the ripening stage on the quality and content of fatty acids of organic rosehip seeds. A two-factor field experiment with two rosehip species and cultivars (Rosa rugosa, Rosa canina, and Rosa rugosa cv. ‘Rubra’, Rosa rugosa cv. ‘Alba’) was conducted during two growing seasons (2018–2019) on an organic farm. The fruits were harvested five times per season. The fatty acid composition of rosehip seeds was determined using a Gas Chromatograph with Split/Splitless Injector Liners. The highest amounts of fat were recorded in all rosehip seeds at ripening stage IV. The most dominant fatty acids in the seed samples were polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (73.88–79.52%), followed by monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) (14.67–18.89%) and saturated fatty acids (SUFAs) (5.22–7.36%). The highest amount of PUFAs was established in Rosa rugosa cv. ‘Alba’ seeds harvested at fully ripe stage V. It can be concluded that the rosehip seeds may be utilized as a source of fatty acids, especially PUFAs.
Biochemical and Genetic Responses of Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) Microplants under Mannitol-Induced Osmotic Stress In Vitro
Authors: Samarina Lidiia , Matskiv Alexandra , Simonyan Taisiya , Koninskaya Natalia , Malyarovskaya Valentina , Gvasaliya Maya , Malyukova Lyudmila , Tsaturyan Gregory , Mytdyeva Alfiya , Martinez-Montero Marcos Edel , Choudhary Ravish , Ryndin Alexey
Published: December 2020

Osmotic stress is a major factor reducing the growth and yield of many horticultural crops worldwide. To reveal reliable markers of tolerant genotypes, we need a comprehensive understanding of the responsive mechanisms in crops. In vitro stress induction can be an efficient tool to study the mechanisms of responses in plants to help gain a better understanding of the physiological and genetic responses of plant tissues against each stress factor. In the present study, the osmotic stress was induced by addition of mannitol into the culture media to reveal biochemical and genetic responses of tea microplants. The contents of proline, threonine, epigallocatechin, and epigallocatechin gallate were increased in leaves during mannitol treatment. The expression level of several genes, namely DHN2, LOX1, LOX6, BAM, SUS1, TPS11, RS1, RS2, and SnRK1.3, was elevated by 2–10 times under mannitol-induced osmotic stress, while the expression of many other stress-related genes was not changed significantly. Surprisingly, down-regulation of the following genes, viz. bHLH12, bHLH7, bHLH21, bHLH43, CBF1, WRKY2, SWEET1, SWEET2, SWEET3, INV5, and LOX7, was observed. During this study, two major groups of highly correlated genes were observed. The first group included seven genes, namely CBF1, DHN3, HXK2,SnRK1.1, SPS, SWEET3, and SWEET1. The second group comprised eight genes, viz. DHN2, SnRK1.3, HXK3, RS1, RS2,LOX6, SUS4, and BAM5. A high level of correlation indicates the high strength connection of the genes which can be co-expressed or can be linked to the joint regulons. The present study demonstrates that tea plants develop several adaptations to cope under osmotic stress in vitro; however, some important stress-related genes were silent or downregulated in microplants.
Bioactive Protecting Coating of Guar Gum with Thyme Oil to Extend Shelf Life of Tilapia (Oreoschromis niloticus) Fillets
Authors: Ruelas-Chacon Xochitl , Aguilar-González Alfredo , de la Luz Reyes-Vega María , Peralta-Rodríguez René Darío , Corona-Flores José , Rebolloso-Padilla Oscar Noé , Aguilera-Carbo Antonio Francisco
Published: December 2020

Edible coatings are safe, legal, and sensory acceptable for food applications and they can be incorporated as natural additives due to their antimicrobial activity, thickening capacity, nutrient content, and bioactive agents for protecting seafood from physical, chemical, and microbiological damage that affects its shelf-life. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the guar gum bioactive coating with thyme oil on the quality of tilapia fish fillets for 15 days of storage at 4 °C, as a means to extend shelf-life. pH, moisture, ash, fat, color, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), microbiological, and sensory examinations were investigated, and the results were analyzed by analysis of variance. The treatments were control (uncoated, UC), GGC (coated with guar gum, GGC), and guar gum combined with thyme oil (GGCTH). Tilapia fillets were stored at 4 °C, the safe temperature for refrigerated storage for 15 days. GGCTH had a slower increase of pH after 15 days of storage in comparison with GGC and UC (p < 0.05). GGC and GGCTH resulted in lower and lowest lightness (L*; p < 0.05) values, lower and lowest redness (a*; p < 0.01) values, and greater and greatest yellowness (b*; p < 0.05) values compared to UC, respectively. UC reduced shear force at 5 (0.37 kgf), 10 (0.32 kgf), and 15 (0.30 kgf) days post-storage in comparison with GGC (0.43, 0.43, and 0.43 kgf) and GGCTH (0.43, 0.44, and 0.44 kgf), respectively. There was less (p < 0.05) deterioration, as well as differences in textural and sensorial variables between uncoated and coated fish fillets. The microbiological analyses demonstrated that there was greater microbial growth in the uncoated fillets than in the coated ones. It was concluded that this bioactive coating with thyme oil retards microbial colonization of fish and reduces degradability of quality variables, therefore, it is a reliable and effective alternative to extend the shelf-life of tilapia fillets.
Mechanical and Dynamic Behavior of an Elastic Rubber Layer with Recycled Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Granules
Authors: Kim Seongdo , Shin Hyun-Oh , Yoo Doo-Yeol
Published: December 2020

This study evaluates the tensile properties, including the tensile strength and elongation at break, and dynamic behavior, including shock absorption and vertical deformation, of an elastic rubber layer in synthetic sports surfaces produced using waste tire chips containing styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). The primary variables of the investigation were the number of compactions, resin–rubber granule ratio, and curing conditions, such as aging, the temperature, and the relative humidity. The test results showed an increase in the tensile strength of the elastic rubber layer with recycled SBR as the number of compactions, resin–rubber granule ratio, curing period, and temperature increased, while the elongation at break was affected by the curing temperature and period. Shock absorption and vertical deformation decreased with an increasing resin–rubber granule ratio and number of compactions due to the increased hardness. However, these properties were not significantly affected by the curing conditions. Furthermore, the test results indicated that the curing temperature has a pronounced effect on the tensile properties of the elastic rubber layer, and maintaining the appropriate curing temperature—approximately 50 °C—is a possible solution for improving the relatively low tensile properties of the elastic rubber layer.
Monitoring of Peroxide in Gamma Irradiated EVA Multilayer Film Using Methionine Probe
Authors: Girard-Perier Nina , Claeys-Bruno Magalie , Marque Sylvain R. A. , Dupuy Nathalie , Gaston Fanny , Dorey Samuel
Published: December 2020

In this study, the oxidation of methionine is used as a proxy to model the gamma radiation-induced changes in single-use bags; these changes lead to the formation of acids, radicals, and hydroperoxides. The mechanisms of formation of these reactive species and of methionine oxidation are discussed. With the help of reaction kinetics, the optimal conditions for the use of these single-use bags minimizing the impact of radical chemistry are highlighted. Biopharmaceutical bags gamma irradiated from 0 kGy to 260 kGy and aged from 0 to 36 months were filled with a methionine solution to follow the oxidation of the methionine. The methionine sulfoxide was measured with HPLC after different storage times (0, 3, 10, 14, 17, and 21 days). Three main results were analyzed through a design of experiments: the oxidative induction time, the methionine sulfoxide formation rate, and the maximum methionine sulfoxide concentration detected. A key aspect of the study is that it highlights that methionine is oxidized not necessarily directly by hydro(gen) peroxide but throughperacid, and likely peracetic acid. The answers to the design of experiments were considered to obtain the desirability domain for the optimization of the conditions of use for the single-use bags limiting the oxidation of methionine as well as the release of reactive species thereof.
Interaction between Bottlebrush Polymers and Phospholipid Membranes in Solutions
Authors: Dai Xiaoyong , Ji Yongyun , Wang Zhenguo , He Linli , Wang Xianghong , Li Shiben
Published: December 2020

In this work, the interactions between bottlebrush polymers and phospholipid membranes were investigated using dissipative particle dynamics simulations. The weak and strong adsorption phenomena between the polymers and membranes were examined by calculating the system parameters. A spring model was introduced to explain the variances in the shape factors and the radius of gyration of the bottlebrush polymers, as well as the order parameters of the phospholipid membrane in the pulling processes. This work provides further understanding for the application of bottlebrush polymers in biological processes.
Flow Ripple Reduction of Axial-Piston Pump by Structure Optimizing of Outlet Triangular Damping Groove
Authors: Hong Haocen , Zhao Chunxiao , Zhang Bin , Bai Dapeng , Yang Huayong
Published: December 2020

The triangular damping groove on the valve plate can effectively reduce the discharge flow ripple of an axial piston pump, which structural parameters will directly affect the pump’s dynamic characteristics. Herein, a multi-parameter data-based structure optimizing method of the triangular damping groove is investigated using numerical models and simulation results. The mathematical models of a nine-piston pump are proposed and developed by MATLAB/Simulink, and the simulation results are verified by experimental results. Then, the effects of width angle and depth angle on discharge flow are analyzed. Based on the analysis of groove parameters, an optimizing index, which considering the time domain characteristics of discharge flow, is proposed. As results show, comparing with the initial specific groove structure, the amplitude of flow ripple is reduced from 14.6% to 9.8% with the optimized structure. The results demonstrate that the outlet flow ripple can be significantly reduced by the optimized structure, and the proposed multi-parameter optimizing method can play a guiding significance in the design of low-ripple axial piston pumps.
The Dynamics of Globally Unstable Air-Helium Jets and Its Impact on Jet Mixing Intensity
Authors: Pawlowska Agnieszka , Boguslawski Andrzej
Published: December 2020

The paper presents experimental investigations of the low-density air-helium jets. The paper is aimed at the analysis of the flow conditions promoting the local absolute instability leading to global flow oscillations. A number of the test cases are analysed with a wide range of the shear layer thickness showing conditions favorable for the global modes and also mixing intensity triggered by such a regime. It is shown that high mixing intensity is determined not only by the global regime but also by the vortex pairing process. The results are compared with a recently proposed universal scaling law for an onset into the global mode. The results turn out to be far from this scaling law and the reasons for such discrepancies are discussed. The measurements show also that if the shear layer at the nozzle exit is thin enough the global modes are suppressed. The mechanism leading to the global mode suppression under such conditions is carefully analysed.
Methanol Synthesis with Steel-Mill Gases: Simulation and Practical Testing of Selected Gas Utilization Scenarios
Authors: Girod Kai , Lohmann Heiko , Schlüter Stefan , Kaluza Stefan
Published: December 2020

The utilization of CO2-containing steel-mill gases for synthesis of methanol was investigated. Four different scenarios with syngas derived from steel-mill gases were considered. A process model for an industrial methanol production including gas recirculation was applied to provide realistic conditions for catalyst performance tests. A long-term test series was performed in a close-to-practice setup to demonstrate the stability of the catalyst. In addition, the experimental results were used to discuss the quality of the simulation results. Kinetic parameters of the reactor model were fitted. A comparison of two different kinetic approaches and the experimental results revealed which approach better fits CO-rich or CO2-rich steel-mill gases.
Uncertainties Analysis of Collapse Susceptibility Prediction Based on Remote Sensing and GIS: Influences of Different Data-Based Models and Connections between Collapses and Environmental Factors
Authors: Li Wenbin , Fan Xuanmei , Huang Faming , Chen Wei , Hong Haoyuan , Huang Jinsong , Guo Zizheng
Published: December 2020

To study the uncertainties of a collapse susceptibility prediction (CSP) under the coupled conditions of different data-based models and different connection methods between collapses and environmental factors, An’yuan County in China with 108 collapses is used as the study case, and 11 environmental factors are acquired by data analysis of Landsat TM 8 and high-resolution aerial images, using a hydrological and topographical spatial analysis of Digital Elevation Modeling in ArcGIS 10.2 software. Accordingly, 20 coupled conditions are proposed for CSP with five different connection methods (Probability Statistics (PSs), Frequency Ratio (FR), Information Value (IV), Index of Entropy (IOE) and Weight of Evidence (WOE)) and four data-based models (Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), C5.0 Decision Tree (C5.0 DT) and Random Forest (RF)). Finally, the CSP uncertainties are assessed using the area under receiver operation curve (AUC), mean value, standard deviation and significance test, respectively. Results show that: (1) the WOE-based models have the highest AUC accuracy, lowest mean values and average rank, and a relatively large standard deviation; the mean values and average rank of all the FR-, IV- and IOE-based models are relatively large with low standard deviations; meanwhile, the AUC accuracies of FR-, IV- and IOE-based models are consistent but higher than those of the PS-based model. Hence, the WOE exhibits a greater spatial correlation performance than the other four methods. (2) Among all the data-based models, the RF model has the highest AUC accuracy, lowest mean value and mean rank, and a relatively large standard deviation. The CSP performance of the RF model is followed by the C5.0 DT, MLR and AHP models, respectively. (3) Under the coupled conditions, the WOE-RF model has the highest AUC accuracy, a relatively low mean value and average rank, and a high standard deviation. The PS-AHP model is opposite to the WOE-RF model. (4) In addition, the coupled models show slightly better CSP performances than those of the single data-based models not considering connect methods. The CSP performance of the other models falls somewhere in between. It is concluded that the WOE-RF is the most appropriate coupled condition for CSP than the other models.
Extreme Radiation Sensitivity of Ultra-Low Loss Pure-Silica-Core Optical Fibers at Low Dose Levels and Infrared Wavelengths
Authors: Morana Adriana , Campanella Cosimo , Vidalot Jeoffray , De Michele Vincenzo , Marin Emmanuel , Reghioua Imène , Boukenter Aziz , Ouerdane Youcef , Paillet Philippe , Girard Sylvain
Published: December 2020

We report here the response of a commercial ultra-low loss (ULL) single-mode (SM) pure silica core (PSC) fiber, the Vascade EX1000 fiber from Corning, associated with 0.16 dB/km losses at 1.55 µm to 40 keV X-rays at room temperature. Today, among all fiber types, the PSC or F-doped ones have been demonstrated to be the most tolerant to the radiation induced attenuation (RIA) phenomenon and are usually used to design radiation-hardened data links or fiber-based point or distributed sensors. The here investigated ULL-PSC showed, instead, surprisingly high RIA levels of ~3000 dB/km at 1310 nm and ~2000 dB/km at 1550 nm at a limited dose of 2 kGy(SiO2), exceeding the RIA measured in the P-doped SM fibers used for dosimetry for doses of ~500 Gy. Moreover, its RIA increased as a function of the dose with a saturation tendency at larger doses and quickly recovered after irradiation. Our study on the silica structure suggests that the very specific manufacturing process of the ULL-PSC fibers applied to reduce their intrinsic attenuation makes them highly vulnerable to radiations even at low doses. From the application point of view, this fiber cannot be used for data transfer or sensing in harsh environments, except as a very efficient radiation detector or beam monitor.
Identification and Localization of Track Circuit False Occupancy Failures Based on Frequency Domain Reflectometry
Authors: Alvarenga Tiago A. , Cerqueira Augusto S. , Filho Luciano M. A. , Nobrega Rafael A. , Honorio Leonardo M. , Veloso Henrique
Published: December 2020

Railway track circuit failures can cause significant train delays and economic losses. A crucial point of the railway operation system is the corrective maintenance process. During this operation, the railway lines have the circulation of trains interrupted in the respective sector, where traffic restoration occurs only after completing the maintenance process. Depending on the cause and length of the track circuit, identifying and solving the problem may take a long time. A tool that assists in track circuit fault detection during an inspection adds agility and efficiency in its restoration and cost reduction. This paper presents a new method, based on frequency domain reflectometry, to diagnose and locate false occupancy failures of track circuits. Initially, simulations are performed considering simplified track circuit approximations to demonstrate the operation of the proposed method, where the fault position is estimated by identifying the null points and through non-linear regression on signal amplitude response. A field test is then carried out in a track circuit approximately 1500 m long to validate the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method can identify and estimate the fault location due to a short circuit between rails with high accuracy.
Accessing Legacy Phosphorus in Soils
Authors: Doydora Sarah , Gatiboni Luciano , Grieger Khara , Hesterberg Dean , Jones Jacob L. , McLamore Eric S. , Peters Rachel , Sozzani Rosangela , Van den Broeck Lisa , Duckworth Owen W.
Published: December 2020

Repeated applications of phosphorus (P) fertilizers result in the buildup of P in soil (commonly known as legacy P), a large fraction of which is not immediately available for plant use. Long-term applications and accumulations of soil P is an inefficient use of dwindling P supplies and can result in nutrient runoff, often leading to eutrophication of water bodies. Although soil legacy P is problematic in some regards, it conversely may serve as a source of P for crop use and could potentially decrease dependence on external P fertilizer inputs. This paper reviews the (1) current knowledge on the occurrence and bioaccessibility of different chemical forms of P in soil, (2) legacy P transformations with mineral and organic fertilizer applications in relation to their potential bioaccessibility, and (3) approaches and associated challenges for accessing native soil P that could be used to harness soil legacy P for crop production. We highlight how the occurrence and potential bioaccessibility of different forms of soil inorganic and organic P vary depending on soil properties, such as soil pH and organic matter content. We also found that accumulation of inorganic legacy P forms changes more than organic P species with fertilizer applications and cessations. We also discuss progress and challenges with current approaches for accessing native soil P that could be used for accessing legacy P, including natural and genetically modified plant-based strategies, the use of P-solubilizing microorganisms, and immobilized organic P-hydrolyzing enzymes. It is foreseeable that accessing legacy P will require multidisciplinary approaches to address these limitations.
Priority Measurement of Patches for Program Repair Based on Semantic Distance
Authors: Dong Yukun , Wu Meng , Zhang Li , Yin Wenjing , Wu Mengying , Li Haojie
Published: December 2020

Automated program repair is an effective way to ensure software quality and improve software development efficiency. At present, there are many methods and tools of automated program reapir in real world, but most of them have low repair accuracy, resulting in a large number of incorrect patches in the generated patches. To solve this problem, we propose a patch quality evaluation method based on semantic distance, which measures the semantic distance of patches by using features of interval distance, output coverage, and path matching. For each evaluation feature, we give a quantitative formula to obtain a specific distance value and use the distance to calculate the recommended patch value to measure the quality of the patch. Our quality evaluation method evaluated 279 patches from previous program repair tools, including Nopol, DynaMoth, ACS, jGenProg, and CapGen. This quality evaluation method successfully arranged the correct patches before the plausible but incorrect patches, and it recommended the higher-ranked patches to users first. On this basis, we compared our evaluation method with the existing evaluation methods and judged the evaluation ability of each feature. We showed that our proposed patch quality evaluation method can improve the repair accuracy of repair tools.
Quasi-Arithmetic Type Mean Generated by the Generalized Choquet Integral
Authors: Wójcik Sebastian
Published: December 2020

It is known that the quasi-arithmetic means can be characterized in various ways, with an essential role of a symmetry property. In the expected utility theory, the quasi-arithmetic mean is called the certainty equivalent and it is applied, e.g., in a utility-based insurance contracts pricing. In this paper, we introduce and study the quasi-arithmetic type mean in a more general setting, namely with the expected value being replaced by the generalized Choquet integral. We show that a functional that is defined in this way is a mean. Furthermore, we characterize the equality, positive homogeneity, and translativity in this class of means.
Matrix Method by Genocchi Polynomials for Solving Nonlinear Volterra Integral Equations with Weakly Singular Kernels
Authors: Hashemizadeh Elham , Ebadi Mohammad Ali , Noeiaghdam Samad
Published: December 2020

In this study, we present a spectral method for solving nonlinear Volterra integral equations with weakly singular kernels based on the Genocchi polynomials. Many other interesting results concerning nonlinear equations with discontinuous symmetric kernels with application of group symmetry have remained beyond this paper. In the proposed approach, relying on the useful properties of Genocchi polynomials, we produce an operational matrix and a related coefficient matrix to convert nonlinear Volterra integral equations with weakly singular kernels into a system of algebraic equations. This method is very fast and gives high-precision answers with good accuracy in a low number of repetitions compared to other methods that are available. The error boundaries for this method are also presented. Some illustrative examples are provided to demonstrate the capability of the proposed method. Also, the results derived from the new method are compared to Euler’s method to show the superiority of the proposed method.
A Novel Chaotic System with a Line Equilibrium: Analysis and Its Applications to Secure Communication and Random Bit Generation
Authors: Moysis Lazaros , Volos Christos , Stouboulos Ioannis , Goudos Sotirios , Çiçek Serdar , Pham Viet-Thanh , Mishra Vikas K.
Published: December 2020

In this study, a novel two-parameter, three-dimensional chaotic system is constructed. The system has no linear terms and its equilibrium is a line, so it is a system with hidden attractors. The system is first studied by computation of its bifurcation diagrams and diagram of Lyapunov exponents. Then, the system is applied to two encryption related problems. First, the problem of secure communications is considered, using the symmetric chaos shift keying modulation method. Here, the states of the chaotic system are combined with a binary information signal in order to mask it, safely transmit it through a communication channel, and successfully reconstruct the information at the receiver end. In the second problem, the states of the system are utilized to design a simple rule to generate a bit sequence that possesses random properties, and is thus suitable for encryption related applications. For both applications, simulations are performed through Matlab to verify the soundness of the designs.
Homo sapiens: The Superspreader of Plant Viral Diseases
Authors: Ranawaka Buddhini , Hayashi Satomi , Waterhouse Peter M. , de Felippes Felipe F.
Published: December 2020

Plant viruses are commonly vectored by flying or crawling animals, such as aphids and beetles, and cause serious losses in major agricultural and horticultural crops. Controlling virus spread is often achieved by minimizing a crop’s exposure to the vector, or by reducing vector numbers with compounds such as insecticides. A major, but less obvious, factor not controlled by these measures is Homo sapiens. Here, we discuss the inconvenient truth of how humans have become superspreaders of plant viruses on both a local and a global scale.
An Amphipathic Alpha-Helix Domain from Poliovirus 2C Protein Tubulate Lipid Vesicles
Authors: Varkey Jobin , Zhang Jiantao , Kim Junghyun , George Gincy , He Guijuan , Belov George , Langen Ralf , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: December 2020

Positive-strand RNA viruses universally remodel host intracellular membranes to form membrane-bound viral replication complexes, where viral offspring RNAs are synthesized. In the majority of cases, viral replication proteins are targeted to and play critical roles in the modulation of the designated organelle membranes. Many viral replication proteins do not have transmembrane domains, but contain single or multiple amphipathic alpha-helices. It has been conventionally recognized that these helices serve as an anchor for viral replication protein to be associated with membranes. We report here that a peptide representing the amphipathic α-helix at the N-terminus of the poliovirus 2C protein not only binds to liposomes, but also remodels spherical liposomes into tubules. The membrane remodeling ability of this amphipathic alpha-helix is similar to that recognized in other amphipathic alpha-helices from cellular proteins involved in membrane remodeling, such as BAR domain proteins. Mutations affecting the hydrophobic face of the amphipathic alpha-helix severely compromised membrane remodeling of vesicles with physiologically relevant phospholipid composition. These mutations also affected the ability of poliovirus to form plaques indicative of reduced viral replication, further underscoring the importance of membrane remodeling by the amphipathic alpha-helix in possible relation to the formation of viral replication complexes.