bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic Potential for Distributed Manufacturing of Adaptive Aids for Arthritis Patients in the U.S.
Authors: Gallup Nicole , Bow Jennifer K. , Pearce Joshua M.
Published: December 2018

By 2040, more than a quarter of the U.S. population will have diagnosed arthritic conditions. Adults with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions earn less than average yet have medical care expenditures that are over 12% of average household income. Adaptive aids can help arthritis patients continue to maintain independence and quality of life; however, their high costs limit accessibility for older people and the poor. One method used for consumer price reduction is distributed manufacturing with 3-D printers. In order to assess if such a method would be financially beneficial, this study evaluates the techno-economic viability of distributed manufacturing of adaptive aids for arthritis patients. Twenty freely accessible designs for 3-D printable adaptive aids were successfully fabricated on low-cost desktop 3-D printers and performed their functions adequately. The financial savings averaged >94% compared to commercially-available products. Overall, twenty adaptive aids were printed for US$20 of plastic; while on average, each adaptive aid would save over US$20. As printing a tiny subset of the adaptive aids needed by a single patient would recover the full capital and operational costs of a low-cost 3-D printer, it can be concluded that there is considerable potential for distributed manufacturing to assist arthritis patients.
Emerging Mosquito-Borne Threats and the Response from European and Eastern Mediterranean Countries
Authors: Johnson Nicholas , Fernández de Marco Mar , Giovannini Armando , Ippoliti Carla , Danzetta Maria Luisa , Svartz Gili , Erster Oran , Groschup Martin H. , Ziegler Ute , Mirazimi Ali , Monteil Vanessa , Beck Cecile , Gonzalez Gaelle , Lecollinet Sylvie , Attoui Houssam , Moutailler Sara
Published: December 2018

Mosquito-borne viruses are the cause of some of the greatest burdens to human health worldwide, particularly in tropical regions where both human populations and mosquito numbers are abundant. Due to a combination of anthropogenic change, including the effects on global climate and wildlife migration there is strong evidence that temperate regions are undergoing repeated introduction of mosquito-borne viruses and the re-emergence of viruses that previously were not detected by surveillance. In Europe, the repeated introductions of West Nile and Usutu viruses have been associated with bird migration from Africa, whereas the autochthonous transmission of chikungunya and dengue viruses has been driven by a combination of invasive mosquitoes and rapid transcontinental travel by infected humans. In addition to an increasing number of humans at risk, livestock and wildlife, are also at risk of infection and disease. This in turn can affect international trade and species diversity, respectively. Addressing these challenges requires a range of responses both at national and international level. Increasing the understanding of mosquito-borne transmission of viruses and the development of rapid detection methods and appropriate therapeutics (vaccines / antivirals) all form part of this response. The aim of this review is to consider the range of mosquito-borne viruses that threaten public health in Europe and the eastern Mediterranean, and the national response of a number of countries facing different levels of threat.
NAD Metabolome Analysis in Human Cells Using 1H NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Shabalin Konstantin , Nerinovski Kirill , Yakimov Alexander , Kulikova Veronika , Svetlova Maria , Solovjeva Ljudmila , Khodorkovskiy Mikhail , Gambaryan Stepan , Cunningham Richard , Migaud Marie E. , Ziegler Mathias , Nikiforov Andrey
Published: December 2018

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and its phosphorylated form, NADP, are the major coenzymes of redox reactions in central metabolic pathways. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is also used to generate second messengers, such as cyclic ADP-ribose, and serves as substrate for protein modifications including ADP-ribosylation and protein deacetylation by sirtuins. The regulation of these metabolic and signaling processes depends on NAD availability. Generally, human cells accomplish their NAD supply through biosynthesis using different forms of vitamin B3: Nicotinamide (Nam) and nicotinic acid as well as nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinic acid riboside (NAR). These precursors are converted to the corresponding mononucleotides NMN and NAMN, which are adenylylated to the dinucleotides NAD and NAAD, respectively. Here, we have developed an NMR-based experimental approach to detect and quantify NAD(P) and its biosynthetic intermediates in human cell extracts. Using this method, we have determined NAD, NADP, NMN and Nam pools in HEK293 cells cultivated in standard culture medium containing Nam as the only NAD precursor. When cells were grown in the additional presence of both NAR and NR, intracellular pools of deamidated NAD intermediates (NAR, NAMN and NAAD) were also detectable. We have also tested this method to quantify NAD+ in human platelets and erythrocytes. Our results demonstrate that 1H NMR spectroscopy provides a powerful method for the assessment of the cellular NAD metabolome.
The Nif3-Family Protein YqfO03 from Pseudomonas syringae MB03 Has Multiple Nematicidal Activities against Caenorhabditis elegans and Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Manan Abdul , Bazai Zahoor Ahmad , Fan Jin , Yu Huafu , Li Lin
Published: December 2018

The nematicidal activity of the common plant-pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae against certain nematodes has been recently identified, but little is known about its virulence factors. In the current study, predictive analysis of nematode-virulent factors in the genome of a P. syringae wild-type strain MB03 revealed a variety of factors with the potential to be pathogenic against nematodes. One of these virulence factors that was predicted with a high score, namely, YqfO03, was a protein with structural domains that are similar to the Nif3 superfamily. This protein was expressed and purified in Escherichia coli, and was investigated for nematicidal properties against the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and an agriculturally important pest Meloidogyne incognita. Our results showed that YqfO03 exhibits lethal activity toward C. elegans and M. incognita worms, and it also caused detrimental effects on the growth, brood size, and motility of C. elegans worms. However, C. elegans worms were able to defend themselves against YqfO03 via a physical defense response by avoiding contact with the protein. Discovery of the diverse nematicidal activities of YqfO03 provides new knowledge on the biological function of a bacterial Nif3-family protein and insight into the potential of this protein as a specific means of controlling agricultural nematode pests.
MicroRNA 210 Mediates VEGF Upregulation in Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells Cultured on 3DHydroxyapatite Ceramic Scaffold
Authors: Pizzicannella Jacopo , Cavalcanti Marcos , Trubiani Oriana , Diomede Francesca
Published: December 2018

The aim of the present research was the evaluation of the behavior of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs), cultured in presence of Endobon® Xenograft Granules (G), a fully deproteinated hydroxyapatite ceramic scaffold derived from cancellous bovine bone. hPDLSCs were seeded with and without G for 24 h to 1 week. The cell growth, morphological features, adhesiveness, differentiation ability, modulation of miR-210 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) secretion were analyzed by means of MTT assay, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM), Alizarin Red S assay, RT-PCR and ELISA test, respectively. hPDLSCs grown on the biomaterial showed the ability to form focal adhesion on the substrate, as demonstrated by vinculin expression. These data were supported by SEM analysis showing that an adhesiveness process associated to cell growth occurs between cells and biomaterials. The osteogenic differentiation, evaluated by morphological, biochemical, and RT-PCR analysis, was pronounced in the hPDLSCs grown in the three-dimensional inorganic bovine bone substitute in the presence of osteoinductive conditions. In addition, an upregulation of miR-210 and VEGF was evident in cells cultured in presence of the biomaterial. Our results inspire us to consider granules not only an adequate biocompatible three-dimensional biomaterial, but also an effective inductor of miR-210 and VEGF; in fact, the involvement of miR-210 in VEGF secretion could offer a novel regulatory system in the early steps of the bone-regeneration process.
MET/HGF Co-Targeting in Pancreatic Cancer: A Tool to Provide Insight into the Tumor/Stroma Crosstalk
Authors: Modica Chiara , Tortarolo Dora , Comoglio Paolo M. , Basilico Cristina , Vigna Elisa
Published: December 2018

The ‘onco-receptor’ MET (Hepatocyte Growth Factor Receptor) is involved in the activation of the invasive growth program that is essential during embryonic development and critical for wound healing and organ regeneration during adult life. When aberrantly activated, MET and its stroma-secreted ligand HGF (Hepatocyte Growth Factor) concur to tumor onset, progression, and metastasis in solid tumors, thus representing a relevant target for cancer precision medicine. In the vast majority of tumors, wild-type MET behaves as a ‘stress-response’ gene, and relies on ligand stimulation to sustain cancer cell ‘scattering’, invasion, and protection form apoptosis. Moreover, the MET/HGF axis is involved in the crosstalk between cancer cells and the surrounding microenvironment. Pancreatic cancer (namely, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by an abundant stromal compartment that is associated with early metastases and resistance to conventional and targeted therapies. Here, we discuss the role of the MET/HGF axis in tumor progression and dissemination considering as a model pancreatic cancer, and provide a proof of concept for the application of dual MET/HGF inhibition as an adjuvant therapy in pancreatic cancer patients.
LeNRT1.1 Improves Nitrate Uptake in Grafted Tomato Plants under High Nitrogen Demand
Authors: Albornoz Francisco , Gebauer Marlene , Ponce Carlos , Cabeza Ricardo A.
Published: December 2018

Grafting has become a common practice among tomato growers to obtain vigorous plants. These plants present a substantial increase in nitrogen (N) uptake from the root zone. However, the mechanisms involved in this higher uptake capacity have not been investigated. To elucidate whether the increase in N uptake in grafted tomato plants under high N demand conditions is related to the functioning of low- (high capacity) or high-affinity (low capacity) root plasma membrane transporters, a series of experiments were conducted. Plants grafted onto a vigorous rootstock, as well as ungrafted and homograft plants, were exposed to two radiation levels (400 and 800 µmol m−2 s−1). We assessed root plasma membrane nitrate transporters (LeNRT1.1, LeNRT1.2, LeNRT2.1, LeNRT2.2 and LeNRT2.3) expression, Michaelis‒Menten kinetics parameters (Vmax and Km), root and leaf nitrate reductase activity, and root respiration rates. The majority of nitrate uptake is mediated by LeNRT1.1 and LeNRT1.2 in grafted and ungrafted plants. Under high N demand conditions, vigorous rootstocks show similar levels of expression for LeNRT1.1 and LeNRT1.2, whereas ungrafted plants present a higher expression of LeNRT1.2. No differences in the uptake capacity (evaluated as Vmax), root respiration rates, or root nitrate assimilation capacity were found among treatments.
Monoclonal Antibodies for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma: An Update
Authors: Abramson Hanley N.
Published: December 2018

The past two decades have seen a revolution in multiple myeloma (MM) therapy with the introduction of several small molecules, mostly orally effective, whose mechanisms are based on proteasome inhibition, histone deacetylase (HDAC) blockade, and immunomodulation. Immunotherapeutic approaches to MM treatment using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), while long in development, began to reap success with the identification of CD38 and SLAMF7 as suitable targets for development, culminating in the 2015 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of daratumumab and elotuzumab, respectively. This review highlights additional mAbs now in the developmental pipeline. Isatuximab, another anti-CD38 mAb, currently is under study in four phase III trials and may offer certain advantages over daratumumab. Several antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in the early stages of development are described, including JNJ-63723283, which has attained FDA breakthrough status for MM. Other mAbs described in this review include denosumab, recently approved for myeloma-associated bone loss, and checkpoint inhibitors, although the future status of the latter combined with immunomodulators has been clouded by unacceptably high death rates that caused the FDA to issue clinical holds on several of these trials. Also highlighted are the therapies based on the B Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA), another very promising target for anti-myeloma development.
Protein Food Matrix–ZnO Nanoparticle Interactions Affect Protein Conformation, but May not Be Biological Responses
Authors: Bae Song-Hwa , Yu Jin , Lee Tae Geol , Choi Soo-Jin
Published: December 2018

Because of their nutritional value, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) are applied as a dietary source of zinc, by direct addition to complex, multiple-component food matrices. The thereby occurring interactions of NPs with food matrices may have biological or toxic effects. In particular, NP interactions with food protein can lead to structural deformation of the latter, potentially changing its digestive efficiency and gastrointestinal absorption. In this study, interactions between ZnO NPs and a representative complex protein food matrix, skim milk, were compared with those between NPs and individual components of this food matrix (i.e., protein, saccharide, and mineral). The effects of the interactions on biological responses were investigated in terms of cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, intestinal transport, structural deformation for proteins, and digestive efficiency. The results demonstrated that the physicochemical properties of ZnO NPs were strongly influenced by the protein matrix type, leading to an increased dispersion stability in the complex protein matrix. However, these interactions did not affect cell proliferation, membrane damage, cellular uptake, intestinal transportation, or protein digestive efficiency, although a slight conformational change of proteins was observed in the presence of ZnO NPs. In conclusion, no toxic effects were observed, suggesting the safety of NPs when added to complex food matrices.
Cubipod® Armor Design in Depth-Limited Regular Wave-Breaking Conditions
Authors: Gómez-Martín M. Esther , Herrera María P. , Gonzalez-Escriva Jose A. , Medina Josep R.
Published: December 2018

Armor stability formulas for mound breakwaters are commonly based on 2D small-scale physical tests conducted in non-overtopping and non-breaking conditions. However, most of the breakwaters built around the world are located in breaking or partially-breaking wave conditions, where they must withstand design storms having some percentage of large waves breaking before they reach the structure. In these cases, the design formulas for non-breaking wave conditions are not fully valid. This paper describes the specific 2D physical model tests carried out to analyze the trunk hydraulic stability of single- and double-layer Cubipod® armors in depth-limited regular wave breaking and non-overtopping conditions with horizontal foreshore (m = 0) and armor slope (α) with cotα = 1.5. An experimental methodology was established to ensure that 100 waves attacked the armor layer with the most damaging combination of wave height (H) and wave period (T) for the given water depth (hs). Finally, for a given water depth, empirical formulas were obtained to estimate the Cubipod® size which made the armor stable regardless of the deep-water wave storm.
P-Texture Effect on the Fatigue Crack Propagation Resistance in an Al-Cu-Mg Alloy Bearing a Small Amount of Silver
Authors: Hu Yangcheng , Liu Zhiyi , Zhao Qi , Bai Song , Liu Fei
Published: December 2018

P-texture effect on the fatigue crack propagation (FCP) resistance in an Al-Cu-Mg alloy containing a small amount of Ag, is investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron back scattering diffraction (EBSD). Results shows that the high intensity P-texture sheet has lower σ 0.2 / σ b , lower FCP rate and higher damage tolerance than random texture sheet. Fracture analysis indicates that the striations spacing of high intensity P-texture sheet is much smaller than that of random texture sheet and it has a rougher fatigue fracture surface, which causes a significant roughness induced crack closure (RICC) effect. The calculation results manifest that high intensity P-texture sheet possesses a higher crack closure level reaching 0.73 as compared to random texture sheet (only 0.25). The statistical analysis results reveal the P-grains have large twist angle of 105–170° and tilt angle of 5–60° with neighboring grains, which is similar to Goss-grains. This is the fundamental reason that P-texture sheet has the same FCP resistance and induces fatigue crack deflection as Goss-texture sheet. Additionally, the most {111} slipping planes of P-grains are distributed in the range of 30–50° deviating from transverse direction of the sheet. This results in more {111} slipping planes to participate in cyclic plastic deformation, which is beneficial to reduce fatigue damage accumulation and improve the damage tolerance of Al-Cu-Mg-Ag alloy.
Heteronemin Induces Anti-Proliferation in Cholangiocarcinoma Cells via Inhibiting TGF-β Pathway
Authors: Lin Hung-Yun , Tey Shu-Leei , Ho Yih , Chin Yung-Tang , Wang Kuan , Whang-Peng Jacqueline , Shih Ya-Jung , Chen Yi-Ru , Yang Yung-Ning , Chen Yu-Cheng , Liu Yi-Chang , Tang Heng-Yuan , Yang Yu-Chen SH
Published: December 2018

A marine sesterterpenoid-type natural product, heteronemin, retains anticancer effects. In the current study, we investigate the antitumor mechanism of heteronemin in cholangiocarcinoma cells and further explore its molecular targets. Initially, heteronemin exhibited potent cytotoxic effects against cholangiocarcinoma HuccT1 and SSP-25 cells. In vitro, heteronemin altered the abilities of cell adhesion and cell migration in HuccT1 and SSP-25 cell lines. It repressed messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (SMAD) and Myc, whose protein products play important roles in regulating cell growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. In addition, heteronemin altered several signaling pathways. The results indicate that heteronemin was able to modulate cell adhesion, the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) receptors, the TGF-β pathway, cell motility, the membrane integration, metastasis response, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) remodeling, the regulation of metabolism, sprouting angiogenesis, transcription factors, and vasculogenesis in cholangiocarcinoma cell lines. The results also suggest that it activated multiple signal transduction pathways to induce an anti-proliferation effect and anti-metastasis in cholangiocarcinoma. In conclusion, heteronemin may be used as a potential medicine for anticancer therapy.
Fatigue Damage Accumulation Modeling of Metals Alloys under High Amplitude Loading at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Szusta Jarosław , Seweryn Andrzej
Published: December 2018

This article presents an approach related to the modeling of the fatigue life of constructional metal alloys working under elevated temperature conditions and in the high-amplitude load range. The article reviews the fatigue damage accumulation criteria that makes it possible to determine the number of loading cycles until damage occurs. Results of experimental tests conducted on various technical metal alloys made it possible to develop a fatigue damage accumulation model for the LCF (Low Cycle Fatigue) range. In modeling, the material’s damage state variable was defined, and the damage accumulation law was formulated incrementally so as to enable the analysis of the influence of loading history on the material’s fatigue life. In the proposed model, the increment of the damage state variable was made dependent on the increment of plastic strain, on the tensile stress value in the sample, and also on the actual value of the damage state variable. The model was verified on the basis of data obtained from experiments in the field of uniaxial and multiaxial loads. Samples made of EN AW 2024T3 aluminum alloy were used for this purpose.
Application of a

area

-Approach for Fatigue Assessment of Cast Aluminum Alloys at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Aigner Roman , Garb Christian , Leitner Martin , Stoschka Michael , Grün Florian
Published: December 2018

This paper contributes to the effect of elevated temperature on the fatigue strength of common aluminum cast alloys EN AC-46200 and EN AC-45500. The examination covers both static as well as cyclic fatigue investigations to study the damage mechanism of the as-cast and post-heat-treated alloys. The investigated fracture surfaces suggest a change in crack origin at elevated temperature of 150 ∘ C. At room temperature, most fatigue tests reveal shrinkage-based micro pores as their crack initiation, whereas large slipping areas occur at elevated temperature. Finally, a modified a r e a -based fatigue strength model for elevated temperatures is proposed. The original a r e a model was developed by Murakami and uses the square root of the projected area of fatigue fracture-initiating defects to correlate with the fatigue strength at room temperature. The adopted concept reveals a proper fit for the fatigue assessment of cast Al-Si materials at elevated temperatures; in detail, the slope of the original model according to Murakami should be decreased at higher temperatures as the spatial extent of casting imperfections becomes less dominant at elevated temperatures. This goes along with the increased long crack threshold at higher operating temperature conditions.
DDQ-Promoted Mild and Efficient Metal-Free Oxidative α-Cyanation of N-Acyl/Sulfonyl 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroisoquinolines
Authors: Kim Hong Pyo , Yu Heesun , Kim Hyoungsu , Kim Seok-Ho , Lee Dongjoo
Published: December 2018

A mild and highly efficient metal-free oxidative α-cyanation of N-acyl/sulfonyl 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines (THIQs) has been accomplished at an ambient temperature via DDQ oxidation and subsequent trapping of N-acyl/sulfonyl iminium ions with (n-Bu)3SnCN. Employing readily removable N-acyl/sulfonyl groups as protecting groups rather than N-aryl ones enables a wide range of applications in natural product synthesis. The synthetic utility of the method was illustrated using a short and efficient formal total synthesis of (±)-calycotomine in three steps.
Binary Mixtures of Selected Bisphenols in the Environment: Their Toxicity in Relationship to Individual Constituents
Authors: Owczarek Katarzyna , Kudłak Błażej , Simeonov Vasil , Mazerska Zofia , Namieśnik Jacek
Published: December 2018

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most popular and commonly used plasticizer in the industry. Over the past decade, new chemicals that belong to the bisphenol group have increasingly been used in industrial applications as alternatives to BPA. Nevertheless, information on the combined effects of bisphenol (BP) analogues is insufficient. Therefore, our current study aimed to find the biological response modulations induced by the binary mixtures of BP compounds. We determined the toxicity levels in Microtox and XenoScreen YES/YAS assays for several BP analogs alone, and for their binary mixtures. The results obtained constituted the database for chemometric intelligent data analysis to evaluate the possible interactions occurring in the mixtures. Several chemometric/biophysical models have been used (concentration addition—CA, independent action—IA and polynomial regression calculations) to realize this aim. The best fitting was found for the IA model and even in this description strong evidence for synergistic behaviors (modes of action) of some bisphenol analogue mixtures was demonstrated. Bisphenols A, S, F and FL were proven to be of significant endocrine threat (with respect to XenoScreen YES/YAS assay); thus, their presence in mixtures (including presence in tissues of living organisms) should be most strictly monitored and reported.
Molecular and Functional Interaction of the Myokine Irisin with Physical Exercise and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Jin Yunho , Sumsuzzman Dewan Md. , Choi Jeonghyun , Kang Hyunbon , Lee Sang-Rae , Hong Yonggeun
Published: December 2018

Irisin, a skeletal muscle-secreted myokine, produced in response to physical exercise, has protective functions in both the central and the peripheral nervous systems, including the regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factors. In particular, irisin is capable of protecting hippocampus. Since this area is the region of the brain that is most susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), such beneficial effect may inhibit or delay the emergence of neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. Also, the factors engaged in irisin formation appear to suppress Aβ aggregation, which is the pathological hallmark of AD. This review is based on the hypothesis that irisin produced by physical exercise helps to control AD progression. Herein, we describe the physiology of irisin and its potential role in delaying or preventing AD progression in human.
Magnetic Polyion Complex Micelles for Cell Toxicity Induced by Radiofrequency Magnetic Field Hyperthermia
Authors: Nguyen Vo Thu An , De Pauw-Gillet Marie-Claire , Gauthier Mario , Sandre Olivier
Published: December 2018

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) of magnetite (Fe3O4) were prepared using a polystyrene-graft-poly(2-vinylpyridine) copolymer (denoted G0PS-g-P2VP or G1) as template. These MNPs were subjected to self-assembly with a poly(acrylic acid)-block-poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate) double-hydrophilic block copolymer (DHBC), PAA-b-PHEA, to form water-dispersible magnetic polyion complex (MPIC) micelles. Large Fe3O4 crystallites were visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and magnetic suspensions of MPIC micelles exhibited improved colloidal stability in aqueous environments over a wide pH and ionic strength range. Biological cells incubated for 48 h with MPIC micelles at the highest concentration (1250 µg of Fe3O4 per mL) had a cell viability of 91%, as compared with 51% when incubated with bare (unprotected) MNPs. Cell internalization, visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and TEM, exhibited strong dependence on the MPIC micelle concentration and incubation time, as also evidenced by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). The usefulness of MPIC micelles for cellular radiofrequency magnetic field hyperthermia (MFH) was also confirmed, as the MPIC micelles showed a dual dose-dependent effect (concentration and duration of magnetic field exposure) on the viability of L929 mouse fibroblasts and U87 human glioblastoma epithelial cells.
Construction of Lambda-Cyhalothrin Nano-Delivery System with a High Loading Content and Controlled-Release Property
Authors: Shen Yue , Zhu Huaxin , Cui Jianxia , Wang Anqi , Zhao Xiang , Cui Bo , Wang Yan , Cui Haixin
Published: December 2018

Traditional pesticide formulations are limited by large organic solvent consumption, poor dispersibility, and poor foliar adhesion, resulting in low effective pesticides utilization and environmental pollution. To prolong the foliar pesticide retention and release time, a high lambda-cyhalothrin (LC)-loaded nano-delivery system was constructed, using polylactic acid (PLA) as a carrier through a solvent evaporation method. The obtained results showed that the stabilizer concentration, water–oil ratio, and carrier content exert a major influence on the LC loading, particle size, and size distribution. The prepared LC/PLA nanoparticles have a uniform spherical shape with a smooth surface. The size of the nanoparticles was less than 200 nm, and the LC loading capacity reached up to 46.6 wt.%, with a high encapsulation efficiency (exceeding 90%). Adjustment of the shear and ultrasonic time changed the size of the nanoparticles. Significant differences were found in the sustained release properties of LC/PLA nanoparticles with different LC loadings. The foliage adhesion of the LC nano-delivery system far exceeded that of the commercial LC formulation due to a low surface tension and a low contact angle, this foliage adhesion would greatly help to improve pesticide utilization.
Sensitivity-Selectivity Trade-Offs in Surface Ionization Gas Detection
Authors: Müller Gerhard , Prades J. , Hackner Angelika , Ponzoni Andrea , Comini Elisabetta , Sberveglieri Giorgio
Published: December 2018

Surface ionization (SI) provides a simple, sensitive, and selective method for the detection of high-proton affinity substances, such as organic decay products, medical and illicit drugs as well as a range of other hazardous materials. Tests on different kinds of SI sensors showed that the sensitivity and selectivity of such devices is not only dependent on the stoichiometry and nanomorphology of the emitter materials, but also on the shape of the electrode configurations that are used to read out the SI signals. Whereas, in parallel-plate capacitor devices, different kinds of emitter materials exhibit a high level of amine-selectivity, MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical-systems) and NEMS (nanowire) versions of SI sensors employing the same kinds of emitter materials provide significantly higher sensitivity, however, at the expense of a reduced chemical selectivity. In this paper, it is argued that such sensitivity-selectivity trade-offs arise from unselective physical ionization phenomena that occur in the high-field regions immediately adjacent to the surfaces of sharply curved MEMS (NEMS) emitter and collector electrodes.
Faecal Short Chain Fatty Acids Profile is Changed in Polish Depressive Women
Authors: Skonieczna-Żydecka Karolina , Grochans Elżbieta , Maciejewska Dominika , Szkup Małgorzata , Schneider-Matyka Daria , Jurczak Anna , Łoniewski Igor , Kaczmarczyk Mariusz , Marlicz Wojciech , Czerwińska-Rogowska Maja , Pełka-Wysiecka Justyna , Dec Karolina , Stachowska Ewa
Published: December 2018

Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) being produced during fermentation of non-digestible polysaccharides are regulatory compounds with the potential to influence inflammatory, as well as emotional state and cognition through the gut–brain axis. We analyzed the association between stool concentration of SCFAs (acetic acid (C 2:0), propionic acid (C 3:0), isobutyric acid (C 4:0 i), butyric acid (C 4:0 n), isovaleric acid (C 5:0 i) valeric acid (C 5:0 n), isocaproic acid (C 6:0 i), caproic acid, and (C 6:0 n) heptanoic acid (C 7:0)) and depressive symptoms among women and looked for the potential confounders of microbiota byproduct synthesis. We enrolled 116 women aged 52.0 ± 4.7 years and recognized depression in 47 (40.52%). To analyze the emotional state, Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) was used. We assessed SCFAs content by means of gas chromatography. Fiber intake was estimated using parts of food frequency questionnaire. The content of acetic acid was significantly lowered compared to non-depressed women (median {IQR}: 29.49 {20.81} vs. 34.99 {19.55}, p = 0.04). A tendency toward decreased level of propionic acid was noticed (median {IQR}: 16.88 {9.73} vs. 21.64 {12.17}, p = 0.07), while the concentration of isocaproic acid was significantly increased in (median {IQR}: 0.89 {1.15} vs. 0.56 {0.95}, p < 0.01) comparison to matched healthy subjects. We found negative correlations between acetate, propionate, and Beck’s score (r = −0.2, p = 0.03; r = −0.21, p = 0.02, respectively). Statistically significant correlations between acetate and propionate and BDI somatic score (r = −0.21, p = 0.01; r = −0.17, p = 0.03), as well as correlations regarding isocaproic and both cognitive/affective (r = 0.37, p = 0.0001) and somatic (r = 9.37, p < 0.001) scores were found. Women who declared current usage of lipid-lowering and thyroid drugs in the past, had higher content of C6:0-i (Users; median {IQR}: 1.91 {3.62} vs. non-users; 0.55 {0.67}; p = 0.0048).and lower of C2:0 (Users; median {IQR}: 23.07 {12.80} vs. non users 33.73 {21.44}; p = 0.041), respectively. No correlations regarding SCFAs concentration and fiber intake were found. We concluded that SCFAs may potentially contribute to depression phenotype, however, due to the small size of groups suffering from moderately heavy (n = 5) and severe (n = 7) depression, the conclusion should be treated with caution. Pharmacotherapy of hyperlipidemia and thyroid disease might affect SCFAs synthesis. Studies with more participants are required.
Exercise and the Timing of Snack Choice: Healthy Snack Choice is Reduced in the Post-Exercise State
Authors: Gustafson Christopher R. , Rakhmatullaeva Nigina , Beckford Safiya E. , Ammachathram Ajai , Cristobal Alexander , Koehler Karsten
Published: December 2018

Acute exercise can induce either a compensatory increase in food intake or a reduction in food intake, which results from appetite suppression in the post-exercise state. The timing of food choice—choosing for immediate or later consumption—has been found to influence the healthfulness of foods consumed. To examine both of these effects, we tested in our study whether the timing of food choice interacts with exposure to exercise to impact food choices such that choices would differ when made prior to or following an exercise bout. Visitors to a university recreational center were equipped with an accelerometer prior to their habitual workout regime, masking the true study purpose. As a reward, participants were presented with a snack for consumption after workout completion. Participants made their snack choice from either an apple or chocolate brownie after being pseudo-randomly assigned to choose prior to (“before”) or following workout completion (“after”). Complete data were available for 256 participants (54.7% male, 22.1 ± 3.1 years, 24.7 ± 3.7 kg/m2) who exercised 65.3 ± 22.5 min/session. When compared with “before,” the choice of an apple decreased (73.7% vs. 54.6%) and the choices of brownie (13.9% vs. 20.2%) or no snack (12.4% vs. 25.2%) increased in the “after” condition (χ2 = 26.578, p < 0.001). Our results provide support for both compensatory eating and exercise-induced anorexia. More importantly, our findings suggest that the choice of food for post-exercise consumption can be altered through a simple behavioral intervention.
Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics with Indefinite Norm
Authors: Strumia Alessandro
Published: December 2018

The Born postulate can be reduced to its deterministic content that only applies to eigenvectors of observables: The standard probabilistic interpretation of generic states then follows from algebraic properties of repeated measurements and states. Extending this reasoning suggests an interpretation of quantum mechanics generalized with indefinite quantum norm.
Reversible Stability of Emulsion and Polymer Latex Controlled by Oligochitosan and CO2
Authors: Li Liang , Guo Na , Zhang Xiao , Ou Wen , Yang Shengcai , Su Xin , Feng Yujun
Published: December 2018

The addition of salt to a colloid solution ensures that emulsions can be easily separated into two phases and that polymer latexes can be coagulated. The switchable stability of emulsions and polymer latexes would improve the properties for their current applications. A switchable process of salt addition can be achieved using CO2 and switchable water, and it is a novel, benign approach to achieving a switchable ionic strength in an aqueous solution. However, the problem associated with switchable water is that its additives are all synthetic tertiary amines, most of which are harmful to human beings and the environment. Oligochitosan, as a natural product, can also be used as a switchable water additive. In this paper, a new switchable water system using oligochitosan to change the ionic strength was explored for use in several potential industrial applications. The conductivity of the aqueous solution of oligochitosan (0.2 wt.%) was switched from 0.2 to 331 μS/cm through the addition and removal of CO2. Oligochitosan and CO2 were successfully utilized to reversibly break a crude oil emulsion. Polystyrene (PS) latexes could also be reversibly destabilized; the zeta potential of the PS latex changed between −5.8 and −45.2 mV in the absence and presence of CO2 after oligochitosan was dissolved in the PS latex. The use of oligochitosan is a more environmentally friendly means for reversibly separating colloid solutions.
The Drop-in-Drop Encapsulation in Chitosan and Sodium Alginate as a Method of Prolonging the Quality of Linseed Oil
Authors: Mania Szymon , Tylingo Robert , Michałowska Anna
Published: December 2018

Nowadays, the encapsulation of sensitive products by various techniques has become popular as a promising preservation method. In particular, this applies to oils with a high content of unsaturated fatty acids and a high susceptibility to deterioration. This work presents the possibility of using a chitosan and sodium alginate in the form of a hydrogel membrane to protect food ingredients such as linseed oil, which is stored in an aquatic environment. The obtained results showed the high efficiency of the coaxial method encapsulation, which did not affect the quality of the oil measured after encapsulation. The greatest protective effect was observed in the linseed oil–chitosan membrane system, in which the primary and secondary oxidation products content were 88% and 32% lower than in the control sample, respectively. The smallest changes of the fatty acid profile, conjugated dienes, and trienes were observed in the chitosan capsules with linseed oil compared to the control sample.
Dual Population Balance Monte Carlo Simulation of Particle Synthesis by Flame Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Skenderović Ivan , Kotalczyk Gregor , Kruis Frank Einar
Published: December 2018

The Dual Population Balance Monte Carlo Method (DPBMC) takes into account the full size spectrum of the droplet and particle phase. Droplet and particle size distributions are rendered by weighted simulation particles. This allows for an accurate description of particle nucleation and coagulation and droplet combustion, simultaneously. Internal droplet properties such as temperature and concentrations fields are used to define criteria for the onset of droplet breakage in the framework of weighted Monte Carlo droplets. We discuss the importance of droplet polydispersity on particle formation in metal oxide particle synthesis, which is shown to strongly affect particle formation and growth. The method is applied to particle synthesis from metal nitrate precursor solutions with flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) and compared to experiments from literature.
The State and ‘Religious Diversity’ in Chinese Dissertations
Authors: Tao Yu , Griffith Ed
Published: December 2018

Religious diversity in China has attracted considerable scholarly attention in both Anglophone and Sino-phone academia. Based on the quantitative and qualitative evidence in a representative sample of doctoral and master’s dissertations successfully defended in reputable Chinese academic institutions, this article identifies two characteristics associated with the usage of ‘religious diversity’ in contemporary Chinese scholarship. Firstly, ‘religious diversity’ is prominently applied to depict inter-religious rather than intra-religious relations. Secondly, ‘religious diversity’ is often discussed along with ethnic diversity. These patterns confirm, and further illustrate, a notable theme in the China-focused English scholarly works on religious diversity, namely, that the Chinese state plays a predominant role in the making and shaping of the country’s religious diversity. Moreover, the meaning, implication, and usage of the very concept of ‘religious diversity’ in contemporary Chinese scholarly discourse are also likely to have been directly influenced by the policies and rhetoric of the Chinese state.
A Ground Elevation and Vegetation Height Retrieval Algorithm Using Micro-Pulse Photon-Counting Lidar Data
Authors: Zhu Xiaoxiao , Nie Sheng , Wang Cheng , Xi Xiaohuan , Hu Zhenyue
Published: December 2018

The Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) mission employs a micro-pulse photon-counting LiDAR system for mapping and monitoring the biomass and carbon of terrestrial ecosystems over large areas. In preparation for ICESat-2 data processing and applications, this paper aimed to develop and validate an effective algorithm for better estimating ground elevation and vegetation height from photon-counting LiDAR data. Our new proposed algorithm consists of three key steps. Firstly, the noise photons were filtered out using a noise removal algorithm based on localized statistical analysis. Secondly, we classified the signal photons into canopy photons and ground photons by conducting a series of operations, including elevation frequency histogram building, empirical mode decomposition (EMD), and progressive densification. At the same time, we also identified the top of canopy (TOC) photons from canopy photons by percentile statistics method. Thereafter, the ground and TOC surfaces were generated from ground photons and TOC photons by cubic spline interpolation, respectively. Finally, the ground elevation and vegetation height were estimated by retrieved ground and TOC surfaces. The results indicate that the noise removal algorithm is effective in identifying background noise and preserving signal photons. The retrieved ground elevation is more accurate than the retrieved vegetation height, and the results of nighttime data are better than those of the corresponding daytime data. Specifically, the root-mean-square error (RMSE) values of ground elevation estimates range from 2.25 to 6.45 m for daytime data and 2.03 to 6.03 m for nighttime data. The RMSE values of vegetation height estimates range from 4.63 to 8.92 m for daytime data and 4.55 to 8.65 m for nighttime data. Our algorithm performs better than the previous algorithms in estimating ground elevation and vegetation height due to lower RMSE values. Additionally, the results also illuminate that the photon classification algorithm effectively reduces the negative effects of slope and vegetation coverage. Overall, our paper provides an effective solution for estimating ground elevation and vegetation height from micro-pulse photon-counting LiDAR data.
Utilizing Collocated Crop Growth Model Simulations to Train Agronomic Satellite Retrieval Algorithms
Authors: Levitan Nathaniel , Gross Barry
Published: December 2018

Due to its worldwide coverage and high revisit time, satellite-based remote sensing provides the ability to monitor in-season crop state variables and yields globally. In this study, we presented a novel approach to training agronomic satellite retrieval algorithms by utilizing collocated crop growth model simulations and solar-reflective satellite measurements. Specifically, we showed that bidirectional long short-term memory networks (BLSTMs) can be trained to predict the in-season state variables and yields of Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) maize crop growth model simulations from collocated Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) 500-m satellite measurements over the United States Corn Belt at a regional scale. We evaluated the performance of the BLSTMs through both k-fold cross validation and comparison to regional scale ground-truth yields and phenology. Using k-fold cross validation, we showed that three distinct in-season maize state variables (leaf area index, aboveground biomass, and specific leaf area) can be retrieved with cross-validated R2 values ranging from 0.4 to 0.8 for significant portions of the season. Several other plant, soil, and phenological in-season state variables were also evaluated in the study for their retrievability via k-fold cross validation. In addition, by comparing to survey-based United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) ground truth data, we showed that the BLSTMs are able to predict actual county-level yields with R2 values between 0.45 and 0.6 and actual state-level phenological dates (emergence, silking, and maturity) with R2 values between 0.75 and 0.85. We believe that a potential application of this methodology is to develop satellite products to monitor in-season field-scale crop growth on a global scale by reproducing the methodology with field-scale crop growth model simulations (utilizing farmer-recorded field-scale agromanagement data) and collocated high-resolution satellite data (fused with moderate-resolution satellite data).
Multi-Image Robust Alignment of Medium-Resolution Satellite Imagery
Authors: Scaioni Marco , Barazzetti Luigi , Gianinetto Marco
Published: December 2018

This paper describes an automatic multi-image robust alignment (MIRA) procedure able to simultaneously co-register a time series of medium-resolution satellite images in a bundle block adjustment (BBA) fashion. Instead of the direct co-registration of each image with respect to a reference ‘master’ image on the basis of corresponding features, MIRA also considers those tie points that may be not be shared with the master, but they only connect the other images (‘slaves’) among them. In a first stage, tie points are automatically extracted by using pairwise feature-based matching based on the SURF operator. In a second stage, such extracted features are re-ordered to find corresponding tie points visible on multiple image pairs. A ‘master’ image is then selected with the only purpose to establish the datum of the final image alignment and to instantiate the computation of approximate registration parameters. All the available information obtained so far is fed into a least-squares BBA to estimate the unknowns, which include the registration parameters and the coordinates of tie points re-projected in the ‘master’ image space. The analysis of inner and outer reliability of the observations is applied to assess whether the residual blunders may be located using data snooping, and to evaluate the influence of undetected outliers on the final registration results. Three experiments with simulated datasets and one example consisting of eleven Landsat-5/TM images are reported and discussed. In the case of real data, results have been positively checked against the ones obtained by using alternative procedures (BBA with manual measurements and ‘slave-to-master’ registration based on automatically extracted tie points). These experiments have confirmed the correctness of the MIRA approach and have highlighted the potential of the inner control on the final quality of the solution that may come from the reliability analysis.