bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Intake in Population with Metabolic Syndrome: Is the Prevalence of Inadequate Intake Influenced by Geographical Area? Cross-Sectional Analysis from PREDIMED-Plus Study
Authors: Cano-Ibáñez Naomi , Bueno-Cavanillas Aurora , Martínez-González Miguel A. , Corella Dolores , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Zomeño M. Dolors , García-de-la-Hera Manoli , Romaguera Dora , Martínez J. Alfredo , Barón-López F. Javier , García-Ríos Antonio , Estruch Ramón , García-Molina Laura , Alonso Gómez Ángel , Tur Josep A. , Tinahones Francisco , Serra-Majem Lluis , Cubelos-Fernández Naiara , Lapetra José , Vázquez Clotilde , Pintó Xavier , Vidal Josep , Daimiel Lidia , Gaforio José Juan , Matía Pilar , Ros Emilio , Diez-Espino Javier , Fernández-Carrión Rebeca , Basora Josep , Fitó Montse , Zazo Juan Manuel , Colom Antoni , Toledo Estefanía , Díaz-López Andrés , Muñoz Miguel Ángel , Ruiz-Canela Miguel , Gea Alfredo
Published: November 2018

Inadequate diet influences chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death in Spain. CVD figures vary from one geographical region to another; this could be associated with different food choices. Our aim was to analyse the influence of geographical area on nutrient intakes among the Spanish adult population with Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). We analysed cross-sectional baseline data from the PREDIMED-Plus study: 6646 Spanish adults, aged 55–75 years, with overweight/obesity and MetS in four geographical areas. A validated 143-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess energy and nutrient intakes. The prevalence of inadequate nutrient intake was estimated according to Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between geographical area (North, Central, East and South areas) and inadequate nutrient intake. People in the North area consumed significantly lower amounts of vegetables and fish but more sugar and alcohol (p < 0.001) than other areas. Dietary fibre, vitamin A, E, calcium and magnesium intakes were all lower among men of North area than in the other areas (p < 0.001). Sex (women), non-smoker and physical activity were also associated to adequate nutrient intake. Geographical area influences nutrient intakes. Its effect on dietary quality should be taken into account when planning food policies.
Short-Term Hemodynamic Effects of Modern Wheat Products Substitution in Diet with Ancient Wheat Products: A Cross-Over, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Cicero Arrigo F. G. , Fogacci Federica , Veronesi Maddalena , Grandi Elisa , Dinelli Giovanni , Hrelia Silvana , Borghi Claudio
Published: November 2018

Recent evidence suggests that bioactive compounds isolated from cereals and legumes could exert some metabolic and vascular effects in humans. Due to the recent identification of a non-specific lipid transfer protein (nsLTP2) in wheat with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, we aimed to comparatively test the hemodynamic and metabolic effects of ancient wheat foodstuffs (made of organic KAMUT® khorasan wheat) or modern wheat ones, made of a mixture of organic modern commercial durum (T. durum) varieties and soft wheat (T. aestivum), with different nsLTP2 content. Thus, we carried out a randomized, cross-over clinical trial on 63 non-diabetic healthy volunteers (aged 40–70 years) with systolic blood pressure (SBP) 130–139 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 85–90 mmHg (pre-hypertensive/borderline high pressure subjects). Each treatment period lasted four weeks. After ancient wheat foodstuffs intake, subjects experienced a significant improvement in triglycerides (−9.8% vs. baseline and −14.5% versus modern wheat), fasting plasma glucose (−4.3% versus baseline and −31.6% versus modern wheat), diurnal SBP (−3.1% vs. baseline and –30.2% vs. modern wheat) and nocturnal SBP (−3.2% vs. baseline and −36.8% vs. modern wheat), and pulse volume change (+4.2% vs. baseline and +2.3% vs. modern wheat) (p < 0.05 vs. baseline and versus modern wheat foodstuffs intake). Therefore, our findings show that substituting modern wheat products in diet with ancient wheat ones, might exert a mild improvement in 24-h SBP and endothelial reactivity in pre-hypertensive healthy subjects.
Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Content of Legumes: Characterization of Pulses Frequently Consumed in France and Effect of the Cooking Method
Authors: Margier Marielle , Georgé Stéphane , Hafnaoui Noureddine , Remond Didier , Nowicki Marion , Du Chaffaut Laure , Amiot Marie-Josèphe , Reboul Emmanuelle
Published: November 2018

Pulses display nutritional benefits and are recommended in sustainable diets. Indeed, they are rich in proteins and fibers, and can contain variable amounts of micronutrients. However, pulses also contain bioactive compounds such as phytates, saponins, or polyphenols/tannins that can exhibit ambivalent nutritional properties depending on their amount in the diet. We characterized the nutritional composition and bioactive compound content of five types of prepared pulses frequently consumed in France (kidney beans, white beans, chickpeas, brown and green lentils, flageolets), and specifically compared the effects of household cooking vs. canning on the composition of pulses that can be consumed one way or the other. The contents in macro-, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds highly varied from one pulse to another (i.e., 6.9 to 9.7 g/100 g of cooked product for proteins, 4.6 to 818.9 µg/100 g for lutein or 15.0 to 284.3 mg/100 g for polyphenols). The preparation method was a key factor governing pulse final nutritional composition in hydrophilic compounds, depending on pulse species. Canning led to a greater decrease in proteins, total dietary fibers, magnesium or phytate contents compared to household cooking (i.e., −30%, −44%, −33% and −38%, p < 0.05, respectively, in kidney beans). As canned pulses are easy to use for consumers, additional research is needed to improve their transformation process to further optimize their nutritional quality.
Blackcurrant Supplementation Improves Trabecular Bone Mass in Young but Not Aged Mice
Authors: Sakaki Junichi , Melough Melissa , Lee Sang Gil , Kalinowski Judy , Koo Sung I. , Lee Sun-Kyeong , Chun Ock K.
Published: November 2018

Due to deleterious side effects of currently available medications, the search for novel, safe, and effective preventive agents for improving bone health in aging continues and is urgently needed. This study aimed to determine whether dietary blackcurrants (BC), an anthocyanin-rich berry, can improve bone mass in a mouse model of age-related bone loss. Thirty-five female C57BL/6J mice, 3 months old (n = 20) and 18 months old (n = 15), were randomized to consume either a standard chow diet or a standard chow diet with 1% (w/w) BC for four months. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, Micro computed tomography (µCT), and histomorphometric analyses were conducted to assess bone parameters on femurs. Biochemical assays were conducted to determine bone resorption, antioxidant activity, and inflammation in humerus homogenates. Trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) was significantly lower in aged mice compared to young mice (young control, 3.7 ± 0.4% vs aged control, 1.5 ± 0.5%, mean ± SEM (standard error of mean), p < 0.01; young BC, 5.3 ± 0.6% vs aged BC, 1.1 ± 0.3%, p < 0.001). µCT analysis revealed that BC supplementation increased trabecular BV/TV in young mice by 43.2% (p < 0.05) compared to controls. Histomorphometric analysis revealed a 50% increase, though this effect was not statistically significant (p = 0.07). The osteoblast surface increased by 82.5% in aged mice with BC compared to controls (p < 0.01). In humerus homogenates of young mice, BC consumption reduced C-telopeptide of type I collagen by 12.4% (p < 0.05) and increased glutathione peroxidase by 96.4% (p < 0.05). In humerus homogenates of aged mice, BC consumption increased catalase by 12% (p = 0.09). Aged mice had significantly elevated concentrations of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), a pro-inflammatory cytokine contributing to bone resorption, which was reduced by 43.3% with BC consumption (p = 0.06). These results suggest that early consumption of BC may protect from aging-associated bone loss.
Messaging for Interventions Aiming to Improve Calcium Intake in Young Adults—A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Rouf Anika , Allman-Farinelli Margaret
Published: November 2018

Social media channels are the preferred communication tools for many young adults and therefore may have applications in health promotion. The framing of messages is important, as an intervention must resonate with the target group. The aim of this study was to determine what type of messaging is preferred by young adults to improve their calcium intake. A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted and young adults aged 18 to 25 years recruited. A 14-item survey collected information on the participants’ demographics, ranking of text messages, mock Facebook posts with images, preferences related to type of posts they find personally relevant, and frequency and likelihood of engagement with posts and polls in social media. In addition, optional responses from participants about factors that motivate them to consume more calcium-rich foods were included and thematically analysed using NVivo. Eighty-one participants (17 males) completed the survey. No significant difference in ranking of the text messages and Facebook posts were found. Participants indicated that recipe demonstrations (n = 71), cost-saving tips (n = 70), and information on recommended daily intake (n = 62) were personally relevant, while meal inspiration (n = 70), awareness-raising posts (n = 41), and messages about obtaining enough calcium from non-dairy sources (n = 38) would encourage them to eat more calcium-rich foods. The qualitative replies indicated the tone (in young adults’ language) and length (short) of messages preferred, and the messaging they perceived would motivate young adults. In conclusion, short, aesthetically pleasing and personally relevant messages written in the language of young adults were recommended.
Efficacy of Lactobacillus Administration in School-Age Children with Asthma: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Huang Chian-Feng , Chie Wei-Chu , Wang I-Jen
Published: November 2018

Probiotics may have immunomodulatory effects. However, these effects in asthma remain unclear and warrant clinical trials. Here, we evaluated the effects of Lactobacillus paracasei (LP), Lactobacillus fermentum (LF), and their combination (LP + LF) on the clinical severity, immune biomarkers, and quality of life in children with asthma. This double-blind, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial included 160 children with asthma aged 6–18 years (trial number: NCT01635738), randomized to receive LP, LF, LP + LF, or a placebo for 3 months. Their Global Initiative for Asthma–based asthma severity, Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) scores, Pediatric Asthma Severity Scores, Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire scores, peak expiratory flow rates (PEFRs), medication use, the levels of immune biomarkers (immunoglobulin E (IgE), interferon γ, interleukin 4, and tumor necrosis factor α) at different visits, and the associated changes were evaluated. Compared with the placebo group by generalized estimating equation model, children receiving LP, LF, and LP + LF had lower asthma severity (p = 0.024, 0.038, and 0.007, respectively) but higher C-ACT scores (p = 0.005, < 0.001, and < 0.001, respectively). The LP + LF group demonstrated increased PEFR (p < 0.01) and decreased IgE levels (p < 0.05). LP, LF, or their combination (LP + LF) can aid clinical improvement in children with asthma.
Protective Effects of Dioscorea batatas Flesh and Peel Extracts against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Mice
Authors: Byeon Siyul , Oh Jisun , Lim Ji Sun , Lee Jeong Soon , Kim Jong-Sang
Published: November 2018

Gastric ulcer is a major digestive disorder and provoked by multifactorial etiologies, including excessive alcohol consumption. In this study, we examined the gastroprotective effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Dioscorea batatas Decne (DBD; commonly called Chinese yam) flesh or peel against acidified ethanol-induced acute gastric damage in mice. Our findings demonstrated that oral supplementation of aqueous or ethanolic extracts of DBD flesh or peel before ulcer induction was significantly effective in macroscopically and histologically alleviating ethanol-induced pathological lesions in gastric mucosa, decreasing the plasma levels of inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide and interleukin-6, attenuating the gastric expression of cyclooxygenase-2, and increasing the gastric content of prostaglandin E2. In particular, pretreatment with the flesh extract prepared in 60% ethanol prominently decreased the expression of biomarkers of oxidative stress, including the plasma levels of 8-hydroxy-2-guanosine and malondialdehyde, and restored heme oxygenase-1 expression and superoxide dismutase activity in the stomach. Overall, these findings suggest that the oral supplementation with DBD extract, especially flesh ethanol extract, prior to excessive alcohol consumption, may exert a protective effect against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage in vivo, presumably through the activation of the antioxidant system and suppression of the inflammatory response.
Health Benefits of Bioactive Compounds from the Genus Ilex, a Source of Traditional Caffeinated Beverages
Authors: Gan Ren-You , Zhang Dan , Wang Min , Corke Harold
Published: November 2018

Tea and coffee are caffeinated beverages commonly consumed around the world in daily life. Tea from Camellia sinensis is widely available and is a good source of caffeine and other bioactive compounds (e.g., polyphenols and carotenoids). Other tea-like beverages, such as those from the genus Ilex, the large-leaved Kudingcha (Ilex latifolia Thunb and Ilex kudingcha C.J. Tseng), Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil), Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria), and Guayusa (Ilex guayusa Loes) are also traditional drinks, with lesser overall usage, but have attracted much recent attention and have been subjected to further study. This review summarizes the distribution, composition, and health benefits of caffeinated beverages from the genus Ilex. Plants of this genus mainly contain polyphenols and alkaloids, and show diverse health benefits, which, as well as supporting their further popularization as beverages, may also lead to potential applications in the pharmaceutical or nutraceutical industries.
Sodium Levels of Processed Meat in Australia: Supermarket Survey Data from 2010 to 2017
Authors: Sparks Emalie , Farrand Clare , Santos Joseph Alvin , McKenzie Briar , Trieu Kathy , Reimers Jenny , Davidson Chelsea , Johnson Claire , Webster Jacqui
Published: November 2018

High sodium intake increases blood pressure and consequently increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In Australia, the best estimate of sodium intake is 3840 mg sodium/day, almost double the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline (2000 mg/day), and processed meats contribute approximately 10% of daily sodium intake to the diet. This study assessed the median sodium levels of 2510 processed meat products, including bacon and sausages, available in major Australian supermarkets in 2010, 2013, 2015 and 2017, and assessed changes over time. The median sodium content of processed meats in 2017 was 775 mg/100 g (interquartile range (IQR) 483–1080). There was an 11% reduction in the median sodium level of processed meats for which targets were set under the government’s Food and Health Dialogue (p < 0.001). This includes bacon, ham/cured meat products, sliced luncheon meat and meat with pastry categories. There was no change in processed meats without a target (median difference 6%, p = 0.450). The new targets proposed by the current government’s Healthy Food Partnership capture a larger proportion of products than the Food and Health Dialogue (66% compared to 35%) and a lower proportion of products are at or below the target (35% compared to 54%). These results demonstrate that voluntary government targets can drive nutrient reformulation. Future efforts will require strong government leadership and robust monitoring and evaluation systems.
Reductive Mobilization of Iron from Intact Ferritin: Mechanisms and Physiological Implication
Authors: Bou-Abdallah Fadi , Paliakkara John J. , Melman Galina , Melman Artem
Published: November 2018

Ferritins are highly conserved supramolecular protein nanostructures composed of two different subunit types, H (heavy) and L (light). The two subunits co-assemble into a 24-subunit heteropolymer, with tissue specific distributions, to form shell-like protein structures within which thousands of iron atoms are stored as a soluble inorganic ferric iron core. In-vitro (or in cell free systems), the mechanisms of iron(II) oxidation and formation of the mineral core have been extensively investigated, although it is still unclear how iron is loaded into the protein in-vivo. In contrast, there is a wide spread belief that the major pathway of iron mobilization from ferritin involves a lysosomal proteolytic degradation of ferritin, and the dissolution of the iron mineral core. However, it is still unclear whether other auxiliary iron mobilization mechanisms, involving physiological reducing agents and/or cellular reductases, contribute to the release of iron from ferritin. In vitro iron mobilization from ferritin can be achieved using different reducing agents, capable of easily reducing the ferritin iron core, to produce soluble ferrous ions that are subsequently chelated by strong iron(II)-chelating agents. Here, we review our current understanding of iron mobilization from ferritin by various reducing agents, and report on recent results from our laboratory, in support of a mechanism that involves a one-electron transfer through the protein shell to the iron mineral core. The physiological significance of the iron reductive mobilization from ferritin by the non-enzymatic FMN/NAD(P)H system is also discussed.
Long-Circulating Hyaluronan-Based Nanohydrogels as Carriers of Hydrophobic Drugs
Authors: Di Meo Chiara , Martínez-Martínez Mayte , Coviello Tommasina , Bermejo Marival , Merino Virginia , Gonzalez-Alvarez Isabel , Gonzalez-Alvarez Marta , Matricardi Pietro
Published: November 2018

Nanohydrogels based on natural polymers, such as polysaccharides, are gaining interest as vehicles for therapeutic agents, as they can modify the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the carried drugs. In this work, hyaluronan-riboflavin nanohydrogels were tested in vivo in healthy rats highlighting their lack of toxicity, even at high doses, and their different biodistribution with respect to that of native hyaluronan. They were also exploited as carriers of a hydrophobic model drug, the anti-inflammatory piroxicam, that was physically embedded within the nanohydrogels by an autoclave treatment. The nanoformulation was tested by intravenous administration showing an improvement of the pharmacokinetic parameters of the molecule. The obtained results indicate that hyaluronan-based self-assembled nanohydrogels are suitable systems for low-soluble drug administration, by increasing the dose as well as the circulation time of poorly available therapeutic agents.
Nanoemulsion as a Platform for Iontophoretic Delivery of Lipophilic Drugs in Skin Tumors
Authors: Dalmolin Luciana Facco , Lopez Renata F. V.
Published: November 2018

Lipophilic drugs do not usually benefit from iontophoresis mainly because they do not solubilize in aqueous formulations suitable for the application of electric current. To explore the influence of iontophoresis on penetration of these drugs, a cationic nanoemulsion was developed to solubilize zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc), a promising drug for the treatment of skin cancer. To verify the influence of particle size on iontophoresis, an emulsion of nanoemulsion-like composition was also developed. The formulations were characterized and cutaneous and tumor penetration studies were performed in vitro and in vivo, respectively. With particles of about 200 nm, the nanoemulsion solubilized 2.5-fold more ZnPc than the 13-µm emulsion. At the same concentration of ZnPc, in vitro passive penetration studies showed that the nanoemulsion increased, after 1 h of treatment, by almost 4 times the penetration of ZnPc into the viable layers of the skin when compared to the emulsion, whereas iontophoresis of nanoemulsion resulted in a 16-fold increase in ZnPc penetration in only 30 min. An in vivo study in a murine model of melanoma showed that ZnPc reached the tumor after iontophoresis of the nanoemulsion. Therefore, iontophoresis of nanoemulsions appears to be a promising strategy for the topical treatment of tumors with lipophilic drugs.
Development of Parvifloron D-Loaded Smart Nanoparticles to Target Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Santos-Rebelo Ana , Garcia Catarina , Eleutério Carla , Bastos Ana , Castro Coelho Sílvia , Coelho Manuel A. N. , Molpeceres Jesús , S. Viana Ana S. , Ascensão Lia , Pinto João F. , Gaspar Maria M. , Rijo Patrícia , Reis Catarina P.
Published: November 2018

Pancreatic cancer is the eighth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. For this reason, the development of more effective therapies is a major concern for the scientific community. Accordingly, plants belonging to Plectranthus genus and their isolated compounds, such as Parvifloron D, were found to have cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities. However, Parvifloron D is a very low water-soluble compound. Thus, nanotechnology can be a promising delivery system to enhance drug solubility and targeted delivery. The extraction of Parvifloron D from P. ecklonii was optimized through an acetone ultrasound-assisted method and isolated by Flash-Dry Column Chromatography. Then, its antiproliferative effect was selectivity evaluated against different cell lines (IC50 of 0.15 ± 0.05 μM, 11.9 ± 0.7 μM, 21.6 ± 0.5, 34.3 ± 4.1 μM, 35.1 ± 2.2 μM and 32.1 ± 4.3 μM for BxPC3, PANC-1, Ins1-E, MCF-7, HaCat and Caco-2, respectively). To obtain an optimized stable Parvifloron D pharmaceutical dosage form, albumin nanoparticles were produced through a desolvation method (yield of encapsulation of 91.2%) and characterized in terms of size (165 nm; PI 0.11), zeta potential (−7.88 mV) and morphology. In conclusion, Parvifloron D can be efficiently obtained from P. ecklonii and it has shown selective cytotoxicity to pancreatic cell lines. Parvifloron D nanoencapsulation can be considered as a possible efficient alternative approach in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
TDM-PON PAM Downstream Transmission for 25 Gbit/s and Beyond
Authors: Barthomeuf Sylvain , Saliou Fabienne , Anet Neto Luiz , Chanclou Philippe , Erasme Didier
Published: November 2018

The optical access network is currently driving studies on transmissions beyond 10 Gbit/s. This paper reports an analysis of Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM), seen as a promising candidate for future Passive Optical Networks (PON). Previous 25 Gbit/s real-time PAM4 results are extrapolated here with simulations to higher bit rates and a higher number of PAM levels. Our main goal is to evaluate the compliancy of PAM with the existing standards and legacy networks as far as fiber length, optical budget class, and wavelength plan are concerned. The simulations enlighten us as to the challenges of multilevel modulation formats, such as noise and jitter, compared to the currently adopted Non-Return-to-Zero (NRZ).
Influence of a Surface Finishing Method on Light Collection Behaviour of PWO Scintillator Crystals
Authors: Rinaldi Daniele , Montalto Luigi , Lebeau Michel , Mengucci Paolo
Published: November 2018

In the field of scintillators, high scintillation and light production performance require high-quality crystals. Although the composition and structure of crystals are fundamental in this direction, their ultimate optical performance is strongly dependent on the surface finishing treatment. This paper compares two surface finishing methods in terms of the final structural condition of the surface and the relative light yield performances. The first polishing method is the conventional “Mechanical Diamond Polishing” (MDP) technique. The second polishing technique is a method applied in the electronics industry which is envisaged for finishing the surface treatment of scintillator crystals. This method, named “Chemical Mechanical Polishing” (CMP), is efficient in terms of the cost and material removal rate and is expected to produce low perturbed surface layers, with a possible improvement of the internal reflectivity and, in turn, the light collection efficiency. The two methods have been applied to a lead tungstate PbWO4 (PWO) single crystal due to the wide diffusion of this material in high energy physics (CERN, PANDA project) and diagnostic medical applications. The light yield (LY) values of both the MDP and CMP treated crystals were measured by using the facilities at CERN while their surface structure was investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Grazing Incidence X-ray Diffraction (GID). We present here the corresponding optical results and their relationship with the processing conditions and subsurface structure.
Effect of Cotton Cationization Using Copolymer Nanospheres on Ink-Jet Printing of Different Fabrics
Authors: Yang Haizhen , Fang Kuanjun , Liu Xiuming , Cai Yuqing , An Fangfang
Published: November 2018

In this study, the cationic Poly[Styrene-Butyl acrylate-(P-vinylbenzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride)] P(St-BA-VBT) nanospheres with N+(CH3)3 functional groups were successfully synthesized by soap-free emulsion polymerization and applied to different fabrics by pad-cure process. After the pad-cure process, the nanospheres were deposited on the surface of the modified cotton fibers successfully without forming a continuous film structure. The X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results demonstrated that P(St-BA-VBT) nanospheres were adsorbed on the surface of cotton fibers successfully. The excellent color strength value and outline sharpness of the plain, twill, and honeycomb fabrics can be achieved when the nanosphere concentration, sodium bicarbonate, and steaming time were 1 g/L, 10 g/L, and 6 min, respectively. The plain fabrics exhibited the smallest color strength (K/S) values and the best outline sharpness, followed by twill and honeycomb fabrics, which displayed the largest K/S values and the worst outline sharpness after the same treatment. Besides, all the three fabrics showed excellent rubbing fastness and washing fastness. The cationic P(St-BA-VBT) nanospheres modification of the cotton fabrics provides a novel potential approach to obtain good printing efficiency without affecting the tensile breaking strength of cotton fabrics significantly.
Preparation and Hydrogen Storage Characteristics of Surfactant-Modified Graphene
Authors: Xu Tao , Chen Jiayu , Yuan Wenhui , Li Baoqing , Li Li , Wu Huijun , Zhou Xiaoqing
Published: November 2018

As the depletion of traditional fossil fuels and environmental pollution become serious problems for human society, researchers are actively looking for renewable energy sources. Since hydrogen energy is considered a clean, efficient, and renewable alternative energy source, it is regarded as the most promising option. In this context, how to store hydrogen safely and efficiently has become the major challenge that hinders the actual application. To fill this gap, this paper proposes to utilize surfactant-modified graphene for hydrogen storage. Through a modified Hummers’ method and ultrasonic stripping, this study proposes to prepare graphene from graphite oxide with NaBH4. The surfactant sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) was used as a dispersant during the reduction process to produce dispersion-stabilized graphene suspensions. Then, to investigate the characteristics of the graphene suspensions, X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM, TEM, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Raman, XPS, TG, and N2 adsorption–desorption tests were conducted. Finally, analytical models for hydrogen adsorption were investigated with Langmuir and Freundlich fittings. The results show that the application of SDBS can effectively reduce the agglomeration among graphene monolayers and increase the specific surface area of graphene, and that the adsorption behavior is consistent with the Freundlich adsorption model, and is a physical process.
Fabrication of Quaternized Chitosan Nanoparticles Using Tripolyphosphate/Genipin Dual Cross-Linkers as a Protein Delivery System
Authors: Chen Kuo-Yu , Zeng Si-Ying
Published: November 2018

Various amounts of 2-((acryloyloxy)ethyl)trimethylammonium chloride were grafted onto chitosan (CS) via redox polymerization method to obtain water-soluble quaternized CS (QCS). The QCS nanoparticles loaded with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were then produced by ionic gelation with tripolyphosphate (TPP) and further covalently cross-linked with genipin. The formation of QCS nanoparticles was optimized as a function of monomer grafting yield, QCS/TPP weight ratio, and QCS/genipin weight ratio by Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology. The results showed that QCS nanoparticles prepared with a grafting yield of 50%, QCS/TPP weight ratio of 7.67, and QCS/genipin weight ratio of 60 had a particle size of 193.68 ± 44.92 nm, polydispersity of 0.232, zeta potential of +23.97 mV and BSA encapsulation efficiency of 46.37 ± 2.89%, which were close to the predicted values from mathematical models. In vitro drug release studies at pH 1.2 and pH 7.4 exhibited that the release rate of BSA was significantly decreased and the release period was significantly prolonged after QCS nanoparticles cross-linking with genipin. Therefore, QCS nanoparticles cross-linked with TPP/genipin dual cross-linkers may be a promising protein drug carrier for a prolonged and sustained delivery.
Experimental Study on Feasibility of Enhanced Gas Recovery through CO2 Flooding in Tight Sandstone Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Wang Fengjiao , Liu Yikun , Hu Chaoyang , Wang Yongping , Shen Anqi , Liang Shuang
Published: November 2018

The development of natural gas in tight sandstone gas reservoirs via CH4-CO2 replacement is promising for its advantages in enhanced gas recovery (EGR) and CO2 geologic sequestration. However, the degree of recovery and the influencing factors of CO2 flooding for enhanced gas recovery as well as the CO2 geological rate are not yet clear. In this study, the tight sandstone gas reservoir characteristics and the fluid properties of the Sulige Gasfield were chosen as the research platform. Tight sandstone gas long-core displacement experiments were performed to investigate (1) the extent to which CO2 injection enhanced gas recovery (CO2-EGR) and (2) the ability to achieve CO2 geological storage. Through modification of the injection rate, the water content of the core, and the formation dip angle, comparative studies were also carried out. The experimental results demonstrated that the gas recovery from CO2 flooding increased by 18.36% when compared to the depletion development method. At a lower injection rate, the diffusion of CO2 was dominant and the main seepage resistance was the viscous force, which resulted in an earlier CO2 breakthrough. The dissolution of CO2 in water postponed the breakthrough of CO2 while it was also favorable for improving the gas recovery and CO2 geological storage. However, the effects of these two factors were insignificant. A greater influence was observed from the presence of a dip angle in tight sandstone gas reservoirs. The effect of CO2 gravity separation and its higher viscosity were more conducive to stable displacement. Therefore, an additional gas recovery of 5% to 8% was obtained. Furthermore, the CO2 geological storage exceeded 60%. As a consequence, CO2-EGR was found to be feasible for a tight sandstone gas reservoir while also achieving the purpose of effective CO2 geological storage especially for a reservoir with a dip angle.
Second-Order Symmetric Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Method for Transient Heat Conduction Problems with Initial Discontinuity
Authors: Song Zhanjie , Xing Yaxuan , Hou Qingzhi , Lu Wenhuan
Published: November 2018

To eliminate the numerical oscillations appearing in the first-order symmetric smoothed particle hydrodynamics (FO-SSPH) method for simulating transient heat conduction problems with discontinuous initial distribution, this paper presents a second-order symmetric smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SO-SSPH) method. Numerical properties of both SO-SSPH and FO-SSPH are analyzed, including truncation error, numerical accuracy, convergence rate, and stability. Experimental results show that for transient heat conduction with initial smooth distribution, both FO-SSPH and SO-SSPH can achieve second-order convergence, which is consistent with the theoretical analysis. However, for one- and two-dimensional conduction with initial discontinuity, the FO-SSPH method suffers from serious unphysical oscillations, which do not disappear over time, and hence it only achieves first-order convergence; while the present SO-SSPH method can avoid unphysical oscillations and has second-order convergence rate. Therefore, the SO-SSPH method is a feasible tool for solving transient heat conduction problems with both smooth and discontinuous distributions, and it is easy to be extended to high dimensional cases.
Diagnostics-Oriented Modelling of Micro Gas Turbines for Fleet Monitoring and Maintenance Optimization
Authors: Rahman Moksadur , Zaccaria Valentina , Zhao Xin , Kyprianidis Konstantinos
Published: November 2018

The market for the small-scale micro gas turbine is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. Especially, utilization of commercial off-the-shelf components is rapidly reducing the cost of ownership and maintenance, which is paving the way for vast adoption of such units. However, to meet the high-reliability requirements of power generators, there is an acute need of a real-time monitoring system that will be able to detect faults and performance degradation, and thus allow preventive maintenance of these units to decrease downtime. In this paper, a micro gas turbine based combined heat and power system is modelled and used for development of physics-based diagnostic approaches. Different diagnostic schemes for performance monitoring of micro gas turbines are investigated.
The Effect of Collision Angle on the Collision and Adhesion Behavior of Coal Particles and Bubbles
Authors: Zhuo Qiming , Liu Wenli , Xu Hongxiang , Sun Xiaopeng , Zhang He , Liu Wei
Published: November 2018

The collision and adhesion behavior of particles and bubbles is the key to flotation. Many scholars have investigated the collision and adhesion law of regularly shaped and homogeneous particles (glass beads, glass fiber), but the particles in flotation cells are irregular and heterogeneous. Therefore, it is necessary to take actual coal samples as the research object. First, based on previous research, a particle–bubble collision and adhesion behavior measurement device was set up to study free falling coal particles with different surface properties colliding and adhering to a bubble (db = 1.0 mm). Then bituminous coal from Inner Mongolia was taken as the test object, and the collision and adhesion process of a large amount of coal particles was traced. The entire process is photographically recorded by a camera and analyzed frame by frame through a self-designed software. Finally, the relationship between collision angle and initial settlement position (initial), particle velocity (process), and adhesion efficiency (result) was studied by taking the collision angle as the cut-in point. It was found that both the distribution range of the initial settlement position and the particle central distribution interval are expanding outward with the increase of collision angle. The resistance layer has an important influence on the velocity of particles. The collision angle had an effect on adhesion efficiency and the adhesion efficiency of low-density particles was higher than that of high-density particles.
Pentecostalization and Politics in Paraguay and Chile
Authors: Gooren Henri
Published: November 2018

This article analyzes Pentecostal churches in Paraguay and Chile, tracing how their older ethos of politics as worldly and corrupt is gradually changing and why. It explores changing church–state relations and conceptions of political culture and citizenship among Pentecostal members and leaders, and assesses some mutual influences that Pentecostal and mainstream Protestant churches exert on each other. Chile has the oldest autochthonous Pentecostal churches of Latin America, whereas Pentecostal growth only recently started in Paraguay, providing a contrast in levels of Pentecostalization. The article develops a general overview of modes of (in)direct involvement of Pentecostal leaders and members in national politics by assessing the risks and advantages of five possible positions.
Religious Regulation and Churches’ Responses—A Case Study on the Anti-Demolition Actions of Christians in Wenzhou
Authors: Zhu Jianzhong
Published: November 2018

This article focuses on the characteristics, causes, and patterns of the anti-demolition actions by churches in Wenzhou. Based on my six field studies from July 2014 to February 2016, I discovered that: (1) these actions are more explicit in Wenzhou churches due to their regional distinctiveness; (2) a wide range of differences can be observed among Wenzhou churches due to their doctrinal diversity; and (3) ‘poor pastors’ have taken the leadership roles in the anti-demolition activities instead of the ‘boss Christians’. Considering the ongoing tension in the Chinese religious environment between central government planning and free market operation, the author points out that the pastoral district system in Wenzhou plays a very important role in anti-demolition and offers the ‘cost–benefit’ exchange theory to explain the pattern of the anti-demolition activities by Wenzhou churches.
Unifying Opposites through Metaphor: A Cognitive Approach to the Buddhist Metaphors for the Mind in the Awakening of Faith Discourse
Authors: Kang Byongchang
Published: November 2018

While metaphors for the human mind have been intensively discussed across multiple disciplines, there remains a gap on how Buddhism deals with the mind metaphorically. This study explores how Mahāyāna Buddhist discourse resorts to embodied and discursive metaphors in describing and explaining the mind. Buddhist texts analyzed are the Treatise on the Awakening of Faith According to the Mahāyāna and its two commentaries by Wŏnhyo. The Awakening of Faith discourse abounds in metaphors for the sentient being’s mind in two aspects: the ordinary phenomenal mind and the transcendental essential mind. The focus of this study is on the relationship between the seemingly opposing two minds, and the ways in which these two opposites are unified metaphorically. To do so, I first examine how the essential mind, which is said to transcend ordinary experience and verbal expression, is made speakable through primary metaphors and NON-CONTAINER (unboundedness) image schema, and how the phenomenal mind is metaphorically understood according to the covarying scalar properties in primary metaphors. With respect to the argument for harmonizing the two minds, in which introducing more apt analogical metaphors is important, two representative discursive metaphors (a mirror metaphor and an ocean metaphor) are compared and discussed.
Long-Term Weight-Loss Lifestyle Modification Programme in a Patient with Severe Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and Obesity: A Case Report
Authors: El Masri Dana , Kreidieh Dima , Tannir Hana , Itani Leila , El Ghoch Marwan
Published: November 2018

Obesity is a growing health problem worldwide, associated with serious medical and psychosocial comorbidities that increase the risk of mortality. Strong evidence confirms lifestyle modification programmes as the cornerstone of its treatment. However, the available long-term lifestyle modification programmes for weight management delivered in Arabic-speaking countries seem to be lacking in effectiveness in terms of weight-loss maintenance and do not conform to the standard for clinical significance. Factors such as methodological weaknesses in programme transcultural adaptation and the lack of expert clinical supervision before and during implementation seem to underlie this discrepancy. In this case report, we describe for the first time an Arabic-speaking patient with obesity and severe lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration, who successfully underwent weight management by means of a new, well-adapted and well-implemented personalized cognitive behavioural programme for obesity (CBT-OB). After eighteen months, the patient displayed significant weight-loss maintenance (~16% weight-loss), improvement in total and central body fat distribution, reduced pain from disc degeneration, and an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The CBT-OB programme may be a feasible approach to managing Arab patients with obesity, producing long-lasting weight-loss maintenance improvements in the obesity-related profile.
Target Matrix Estimators in Risk-Based Portfolios
Authors: Neffelli Marco
Published: November 2018

Portfolio weights solely based on risk avoid estimation errors from the sample mean, but they are still affected from the misspecification in the sample covariance matrix. To solve this problem, we shrink the covariance matrix towards the Identity, the Variance Identity, the Single-index model, the Common Covariance, the Constant Correlation, and the Exponential Weighted Moving Average target matrices. Using an extensive Monte Carlo simulation, we offer a comparative study of these target estimators, testing their ability in reproducing the true portfolio weights. We control for the dataset dimensionality and the shrinkage intensity in the Minimum Variance (MV), Inverse Volatility (IV), Equal-Risk-Contribution (ERC), and Maximum Diversification (MD) portfolios. We find out that the Identity and Variance Identity have very good statistical properties, also being well conditioned in high-dimensional datasets. In addition, these two models are the best target towards which to shrink: they minimise the misspecification in risk-based portfolio weights, generating estimates very close to the population values. Overall, shrinking the sample covariance matrix helps to reduce weight misspecification, especially in the Minimum Variance and the Maximum Diversification portfolios. The Inverse Volatility and the Equal-Risk-Contribution portfolios are less sensitive to covariance misspecification and so benefit less from shrinkage.
Estimating Evapotranspiration in a Post-Fire Environment Using Remote Sensing and Machine Learning
Authors: Poon Patrick K. , Kinoshita Alicia M.
Published: November 2018

In the hydrological cycle, evapotranspiration (ET) transfers moisture from the land surface to the atmosphere and is sensitive to disturbances such as wildfires. Ground-based pre- and post-fire measurements of ET are often unavailable, limiting the potential to understand the extent of wildfire impacts on the hydrological cycle. This research estimated both pre- and post-fire ET using remotely sensed variables and support vector machine (SVM) methods. Input variables (land surface temperature, modified soil-adjusted vegetation index, normalized difference moisture index, normalized burn ratio, precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, albedo and vegetation types) were used to train and develop 56 combinations that yielded 33 unique SVM models to predict actual ET. The models were trained to predict a spatial ET, the Operational Simplified Surface Energy Balance (SSEBop), for the 2003 Coyote Fire in San Diego, California (USA). The optimal SVM model, SVM-ET6, required six input variables and predicted ET for fifteen years with a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 8.43 mm/month and a R2 of 0.89. The developed model was transferred and applied to the 2003 Old Fire in San Bernardino, California (USA), where a watershed balance approach was used to validate SVM-ET6 predictions. The annual water balance for ten out of fifteen years was within ±20% of the predicted values. This work demonstrated machine learning as a viable method to create a remotely-sensed estimate with wide applicability for regions with sparse data observations and information. This innovative work demonstrated the potential benefit for land and forest managers to understand and analyze the hydrological cycle of watersheds that experience acute disturbances based on this developed predictive ET model.
An Elevation-Based Stratification Model for Simulating Land Use Change
Authors: Xu Erqi , Zhang Hongqi , Yao Lina
Published: November 2018

Land use significantly influences the planet’s land surface and associated biogeochemical processes. With fierce conflict between various land uses, it is important to project the land system process to support decision-making. Lack of insight into scale differences of land use change (LUC) increased uncertainties in previous studies. To quantify the differences in LUCs within an elevation gradient, in this study, a novel model, the stratified land use change simulation model (SLUCS), was developed by using an elevation-based stratification strategy. This model consists of four modules. First, an elevation-based stratification module to develop a quantitative method for generating stratifications using elevation and land-use characteristics. Second, a non-spatial land-use demand module to forecast the overall land use area and make zoning constraints to simulate LUCs. Third, a stratified suitability estimation module that uses the stratified logistic regression method to reveal the regional relationship of the driving factors with LUCs at different stratifications. Finally, a spatial allocation of the land-use module, which projects a spatially explicit LUC. The SLUCS model was applied and tested in the Guizhou and Guangxi Karst Mountainous Region. Results validated the effectiveness of the model, and further demonstrated an improved spatial consistency with the reference, a higher accuracy assessment, and a better simulation performance in conversion areas than the traditional method. Three scenarios from 2015 to 2030 with different land-use priorities were designed and projected. Each scenario presented the same LUC trends, but with different magnitudes, including the rapid expansion of built-up land, the restoration of forest and water, and the loss of farmland and grassland. Priority of the socioeconomic development and ecological protection of the scenarios forecasted a sharper increase in the built-up land and in forests than the historical extrapolation scenario. The SLUCS model visually projected the LUC trajectory and competition between land uses, which suggests specific tradeoffs among management strategies to support sustainable land uses.