bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles Coated with Polyacrylic Acid and Aluminum Hydroxide as an Efficient Contrast Agent for Multimodal Imaging
Authors: González-Gómez Manuel Antonio , Belderbos Sarah , Yañez-Vilar Susana , Piñeiro Yolanda , Cleeren Frederik , Bormans Guy , Deroose Christophe M. , Gsell Willy , Himmelreich Uwe , Rivas José
Published: November 2019

Early diagnosis of disease and follow-up of therapy is of vital importance for appropriate patient management since it allows rapid treatment, thereby reducing mortality and improving health and quality of life with lower expenditure for health care systems. New approaches include nanomedicine-based diagnosis combined with therapy. Nanoparticles (NPs), as contrast agents for in vivo diagnosis, have the advantage of combining several imaging agents that are visible using different modalities, thereby achieving high spatial resolution, high sensitivity, high specificity, morphological, and functional information. In this work, we present the development of aluminum hydroxide nanostructures embedded with polyacrylic acid (PAA) coated iron oxide superparamagnetic nanoparticles, Fe3O4@Al(OH)3, synthesized by a two-step co-precipitation and forced hydrolysis method, their physicochemical characterization and first biomedical studies as dual magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/positron emission tomography (PET) contrast agents for cell imaging. The so-prepared NPs are size-controlled, with diameters below 250 nm, completely and homogeneously coated with an Al(OH)3 phase over the magnetite cores, superparamagnetic with high saturation magnetization value (Ms = 63 emu/g-Fe3O4), and porous at the surface with a chemical affinity for fluoride ion adsorption. The suitability as MRI and PET contrast agents was tested showing high transversal relaxivity (r2) (83.6 mM−1 s−1) and rapid uptake of 18F-labeled fluoride ions as a PET tracer. The loading stability with 18F-fluoride was tested in longitudinal experiments using water, buffer, and cell culture media. Even though the stability of the 18F-label varied, it remained stable under all conditions. A first in vivo experiment indicates the suitability of Fe3O4@Al(OH)3 nanoparticles as a dual contrast agent for sensitive short-term (PET) and high-resolution long-term imaging (MRI).
Attenuation of Inflammation and Leptin Resistance by Pyrogallol-Phloroglucinol-6,6-Bieckol on in the Brain of Obese Animal Models
Authors: Son Myeongjoo , Oh Seyeon , Choi Junwon , Jang Ji Tae , Choi Chang Hu , Park Kook Yang , Son Kuk Hui , Byun Kyunghee
Published: November 2019

Obesity induces inflammation both in the adipose tissue and the brain. Activated macrophage infiltration, polarization of macrophages to a more inflammatory type (M1), and increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines are related to brain inflammation, which induces leptin resistance in the brain. Pyrogallol-phloroglucinol-6,6-bieckol (PPB), a compound from Ecklonia cava, has anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we evaluated the effects of PPB effect M1 polarization and inflammation and its ability to restore the effects of leptin, such as a decrease in appetite and body weight. We administered PPB to diet-induced obesity (DIO) and leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mice, evaluated macrophage activation, polarization, and changes of inflammatory cytokine level in adipose tissue and brain, and determined the effect of PPB on leptin resistance or leptin sensitivity in the brain. The levels of activated macrophage marker, M1/M2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were increased in the adipose tissue and brain of DIO and ob/ob mice than control. TLR4 expression, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and NF-κB expression in the brain of DIO and ob/ob mice were also increased; this increase was related to the upregulation of SOCS3 and decreased phosphorylated STAT3, which decreased leptin sensitivity in the brain. PPB decreased inflammation in the brain, restored leptin sensitivity, and decreased food intake and weight gain in both DIO and ob/ob mice.
Multiple Sclerosis Patients Show Lower Bioavailable 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D, but No Difference in Ratio of 25(OH)D/24,25(OH)2D and FGF23 Concentrations
Authors: Vlot Mariska C , Boekel Laura , Kragt Jolijn , Killestein Joep , van Amerongen Barbara M. , de Jonge Robert , den Heijer Martin , Heijboer Annemieke C.
Published: November 2019

Vitamin D (VitD) insufficiency is common in multiple sclerosis (MS). VitD has possible anti-inflammatory effects on the immune system. The ratio between VitD metabolites in MS patients and the severity of the disease are suggested to be related. However, the exact effect of the bone-derived hormone fibroblast-growth-factor-23 (FGF23) and VitD binding protein (VDBP) on this ratio is not fully elucidated yet. Therefore, the aim is to study differences in total, free, and bioavailable VD metabolites and FGF23 between MS patients and healthy controls (HCs). FGF23, vitD (25(OH)D), active vitD (1,25(OH)2D), inactive 24,25(OH)D, and VDBP were measured in 91 MS patients and 92 HCs. Bioavailable and free concentrations were calculated. No difference in FGF23 (p = 0.65) and 25(OH)D/24.25(OH)2D ratio (p = 0.21) between MS patients and HCs was observed. Bioavailable 25(OH)D and bioavailable 1.25(OH)2D were lower (p < 0.01), while VDBP concentrations were higher in MS patients (p = 0.02) compared with HCs, specifically in male MS patients (p = 0.01). In conclusion, FGF23 and 25(OH)D/24.25(OH)2D did not differ between MS patients and HCs, yet bioavailable VitD concentrations are of potential clinical relevance in MS patients. The possible immunomodulating role of VDBP and gender-related differences in the VD-FGF23 axis in MS need further study.
Improvements in Glycemic, Micronutrient, and Mineral Indices in Arab Adults with Pre-Diabetes Post-Lifestyle Modification Program
Authors: Alfawaz Hanan , Naeef Alsoodeeri Fahadah , Wani Kaiser , Khattak Malak Nawaz Khan , Sabico Shaun , Alnaami Abdullah M. , Al-Daghri Nasser M.
Published: November 2019

The present study aimed to investigate the changes in dietary patterns of adult Saudis with prediabetes who underwent a six-month lifestyle modification program. A total of 160 Saudis with prediabetes (baseline fasting glucose 5.6–6.9 mmol/L), aged 20–60 years, were enrolled in one of the two arms: A one-time general advice about lifestyle modification (GA group) at orientation or a well-structured and monitored nutrition and lifestyle counseling for six months (guidance group). Fasting blood samples and a dietary recall for daily intakes of macro/micronutrients using a validated computerized food database “ESHA—the Food Processor Nutrition Analysis program” were collected pre- and post-intervention. Compliance to reference daily intake (RDI) was also calculated at both time points. At baseline, overall, severe deficiencies in the majority of micronutrient intakes were observed. Post intervention, clinically significant improvements in the glycemic indices (fasting glucose and insulin resistance) were seen over time in the guidance group. Also, significant improvements in dietary habits and physical activity levels were more apparent in the guidance group than the GA group, particularly in the daily intakes of total carbohydrate (46.9% compliance post vs. 20.3% at baseline); dietary fiber (21.9% vs. 3.1%); and some micronutrients like vitamin B6 (21.3% vs. 6.7%), vitamin B12 (45.3% vs. 28%), vitamin C (21.9% vs. 7.8%), riboflavin (40% vs. 10.7%), niacin (41.3% vs. 14.7%), magnesium (18.8% vs. 4.7%), iron (54.7% vs. 34.4%), and copper (37.3% vs. 13.3%). The study highlights the effects of a six-month lifestyle modification program in improving dietary micronutrient intakes of Saudis with prediabetes. Since micronutrient intake was observed to be low, fortification of these micronutrients in the Saudi diet is recommended.
Relationships Between Health and Environmental Information on the Willingness to Pay for Functional Foods: The Case of a New Aloe Vera Based Product
Authors: Castellari Elena , Ricci Elena Claire , Stranieri Stefanella , Marette Stéphan , Sarnataro Martina , Soregaroli Claudio
Published: November 2019

There is an increasing interest in healthy and sustainable product characteristics. Consumers determine their dietary intake and frame production systems with their choices. However, little is known about the relationships between health and environmental information in influencing these choices, especially when considering functional foods. This study assessed the influence of health-related and environmental-friendliness-related product information on the willingness to pay (WTP) for functional foods. To this end, a WTP elicitation experiment was set up using a jam-like fruit compote enriched with Aloe vera gel. Participants were provided with different messages related to the health and environmental benefits of Aloe vera products, and were also asked to taste the product. Results indicated that providing new information significantly increased the WTP for the enriched compote. This increase was significant for both health and environmentally based benefits, with the health message leading to a higher WTP. Combining health and environmental messages produced an additive effect on WTP which was independent of the sequential order in which the two messages were given. Results contrasted the view that health messages are the main drivers of WTP, and open a broader range of communication in terms of marketing strategies and sustainable policy objectives.
The Calorie and Nutrient Density of More- Versus Less-Processed Packaged Food and Beverage Products in the Canadian Food Supply
Authors: Vergeer Laura , Veira Paige , Bernstein Jodi T. , Weippert Madyson , L’Abbé Mary R.
Published: November 2019

The association between the degree of processing and healthfulness of foods remains unclear. Most evidence of this relationship is based on dietary intake surveys rather than individual products and varies depending on the food processing classification system used. This study aimed to compare the nutritional quality of more- versus less-processed packaged foods and beverages in Canada, using a large, branded food database and two processing classification systems. Nutritional information for products (n = 17,269) was sourced from the University of Toronto FLIP 2017 database. Products were categorized using the NOVA and Poti et al. processing classification systems. Calories, sodium, saturated fat, total and free sugars, fibre and protein per 100 g (or mL) were examined by processing category using descriptive statistics and linear regression. Overall, the most-processed products under both systems were more likely to be lower in protein, and higher in total and free sugars, compared with less-processed foods (p < 0.05); the direction and strength of the association between other nutrients/components and level of processing were less consistent. These findings demonstrate that calorie- and nutrient-dense foods exist across different levels of processing, suggesting that food choices and dietary recommendations should be based primarily on energy or nutrient density rather than processing classification.
Dietary Protein Consumption and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: ADose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies
Authors: Fan Mengying , Li Yuqian , Wang Chongjian , Mao Zhenxing , Zhou Wen , Zhang Lulu , Yang Xiu , Cui Songyang , Li Linlin
Published: November 2019

The relationship between dietary protein consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been inconsistent. The aim of this meta-analysis was to explore the relations between dietary protein consumption and the risk of T2D. We conducted systematic retrieval of prospective studies in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Summary relative risks were compiled with a fixed effects model or a random effects model, and a restricted cubic spline regression model and generalized least squares analysis were used to evaluate the diet–T2D incidence relationship. T2D risk increased with increasing consumption of total protein and animal protein, red meat, processed meat, milk, and eggs, respectively, while plant protein and yogurt had an inverse relationship. A non-linear association with the risk for T2D was found for the consumption of plant protein, processed meat, milk, yogurt, and soy. This meta-analysis suggests that substitution of plant protein and yogurt for animal protein, especially red meat and processed meat, can reduce the risk for T2D.
Fat Addiction: Psychological and Physiological Trajectory
Authors: Sarkar Siddharth , Kochhar Kanwal Preet , Khan Naim Akhtar
Published: November 2019

Obesity has become a major public health concern worldwide due to its high social and economic burden, caused by its related comorbidities, impacting physical and mental health. Dietary fat is an important source of energy along with its rewarding and reinforcing properties. The nutritional recommendations for dietary fat vary from one country to another; however, the dietary reference intake (DRI) recommends not consuming more than 35% of total calories as fat. Food rich in fat is hyperpalatable, and is liable to be consumed in excess amounts. Food addiction as a concept has gained traction in recent years, as some aspects of addiction have been demonstrated for certain varieties of food. Fat addiction can be a diagnosable condition, which has similarities with the construct of addictive disorders, and is distinct from eating disorders or normal eating behaviors. Psychological vulnerabilities like attentional biases have been identified in individuals described to be having such addiction. Animal models have provided an opportunity to explore this concept in an experimental setting. This discussion sheds light on fat addiction, and explores its physiological and psychological implications. The discussion attempts to collate the emerging literature on addiction to fat rich diets as a prominent subset of food addiction. It aims at addressing the clinical relevance at the community level, the psychological correlates of such fat addiction, and the current physiological research directions.
Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Immunomodulatory Properties of Essential Oils: A Systematic Review
Authors: Valdivieso-Ugarte Magdalena , Gomez-Llorente Carolina , Plaza-Díaz Julio , Gil Ángel
Published: November 2019

Essential oils (EOs) are a mixture of natural, volatile, and aromatic compounds obtained from plants. In recent years, several studies have shown that some of their benefits can be attributed to their antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and also immunomodulatory properties. Therefore, EOs have been proposed as a natural alternative to antibiotics or for use in combination with antibiotics against multidrug-resistant bacteria in animal feed and food preservation. Most of the results come from in vitro and in vivo studies; however, very little is known about their use in clinical studies. A systematic and comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase®, and Scopus from December 2014 to April 2019 using different combinations of the following keywords: essential oils, volatile oils, antimicrobial, antioxidant, immunomodulation, and microbiota. Some EOs have demonstrated their efficacy against several foodborne pathogens in vitro and model food systems; namely, the inhibition of S. aureus, V. cholerae, and C. albicans has been observed. EOs have shown remarkable antioxidant activities when used at a dose range of 0.01 to 10 mg/mL in cell models, which can be attributed to their richness in phenolic compounds. Moreover, selected EOs exhibit immunomodulatory activities that have been mainly attributed to their ability to modify the secretion of cytokines.
Soy Products Ameliorate Obesity-Related Anthropometric Indicators in Overweight or Obese Asian and Non-Menopausal Women: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Mu Yuze , Kou Tingyan , Wei Boyang , Lu Xuezhao , Liu Jingyao , Tian Huimin , Zhang Wenwen , Liu Bingkun , Li Huihui , Cui Wenbo , Wang Qiuzhen
Published: November 2019

Background: The effect of soy products on the weight of overweight or obese people is controversial, so we aimed to conduct a systematic review and a meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials to analyze whether supplementation with soy products can help them to lose weight. Methods: The relevant data before January 2019 in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched. A random-effect model was adopted to calculate the weighted average difference of net changes of body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, fat mass, waist circumference, etc. Results: A total of 22 trials (870 overweight or obese participants) were reflected in the present meta-analysis. Analysis showed that soy products significantly reduced body weight, BMI, body fat percent and waist circumference in overweight or obese Asian populations (−0.37 kg, P = 0.010; −0.27 kg/m2, P = 0.042; −0.36%, P = 0.032; −0.35 cm, P = 0.049) and more significant effects were observed in non-menopausal women reduced body weight (−0.59 kg, P = 0.041), BMI (−0.59, P = 0.041) and waist circumference (−0.59 cm, P = 0.041) in overweight or obese populations. Conclusion: This meta-analysis showed that soy products have weight loss effects, mainly due to soy protein, isoflavone and soy fiber.
Segmenting Young Adult University Student’s Eating Behaviour: A Theory-Informed Approach
Authors: Kitunen Anna , Rundle-Thiele Sharyn , Carins Julia
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this paper is to extend behavioural theory and segmentation application. Specifically, this paper draws on three segmentation bases and behavioural theory that extends focus beyond individual psychological predispositions to form segments within the healthy eating context for young adult university students (20–35 years) in Queensland, Australia. Participants were invited to take part in an online survey via email and through face to face intercept to ensure a diverse cross section was obtained. Structural equation modelling revealed that the Motivation, Opportunity, and Ability (MOA) framework can be utilised to explain healthful eating behaviour and two-step cluster analysis uncovered two distinct segments with education, motivation to eat healthily and Turconi’s eating behaviour scores being the most important variables within the wider multivariate segment formation. This paper contributes to literature in the following ways. First, it confirms the importance of behavioural bases in segment formation and supports inclusion of other bases, namely demographics and psychographics. Next, it provides evidence of the value of including behavioural theory, which extends focus beyond what individuals think to understand how the environment may support them. Finally, this paper demonstrates that the MOA framework together with eating behaviour and demographic factors (education) can produce theoretically informed segments.
Identification of Candida Species from Clinical Samples in a Honduran Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Montes Kathy , Ortiz Bryan , Galindo Celeste , Figueroa Isis , Braham Sharleen , Fontecha Gustavo
Published: November 2019

Candida species are one of the most important causes of human infections, especially in hospitals and among immunocompromised patients. The correct and rapid etiological identification of yeast infections is important to provide adequate therapy, reduce mortality, and control outbreaks. In this study, Candida species were identified in patients with suspected fungal infection, and phenotypic and genotypic identification methods were compared. A total of 167 axenic fungal cultures and 46 clinical samples were analyzed by HardyCHROM®, MicroScan®(Omron Microscan Systems Inc, Renton, WA, USA), and PCR-RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms). The species of the C. albicans complex were the most frequent, followed by C. tropicalis and C. glabrata. Less common but clinically relevant species of Candida were also isolated. The comparison between the three methods was concordant, especially for the most common Candida species. Fungal DNA amplification was successful in all clinical samples.
A Complex Dance: Measuring the Multidimensional Worlds of Influenza Virus Evolution and Anti-Influenza Immune Responses
Authors: Wang Jiong , Wiltse Alexander , Zand Martin S.
Published: November 2019

The human antibody response to influenza virus infection or vaccination is as complicated as it is essential for protection against flu. The constant antigenic changes of the virus to escape human herd immunity hinder the yearly selection of vaccine strains since it is hard to predict which virus strains will circulate for the coming flu season. A “universal” influenza vaccine that could induce broad cross-influenza subtype protection would help to address this issue. However, the human antibody response is intricate and often obscure, with factors such as antigenic seniority or original antigenic sin (OAS), and back-boosting ensuring that each person mounts a unique immune response to infection or vaccination with any new influenza virus strain. Notably, the effects of existing antibodies on cross-protective immunity after repeated vaccinations are unclear. More research is needed to characterize the mechanisms at play, but traditional assays such as hemagglutinin inhibition (HAI) and microneutralization (MN) are excessively limited in scope and too resource-intensive to effectively meet this challenge. In the past ten years, new multiple dimensional assays (MDAs) have been developed to help overcome these problems by simultaneously measuring antibodies against a large panel of influenza hemagglutinin (HA) proteins with a minimal amount of sample in a high throughput way. MDAs will likely be a powerful tool for accelerating the study of the humoral immune response to influenza vaccination and the development of a universal influenza vaccine.
The Role of Nanovaccine in Cross-Presentation of Antigen-Presenting Cells for the Activation of CD8+ T Cell Responses
Authors: Kim Cheol Gyun , Kye Yoon-Chul , Yun Cheol-Heui
Published: November 2019

Explosive growth in nanotechnology has merged with vaccine development in the battle against diseases caused by bacterial or viral infections and malignant tumors. Due to physicochemical characteristics including size, viscosity, density and electrostatic properties, nanomaterials have been applied to various vaccination strategies. Nanovaccines, as they are called, have been the subject of many studies, including review papers from a material science point of view, although a mode of action based on a biological and immunological understanding has yet to emerge. In this review, we discuss nanovaccines in terms of CD8+ T cell responses, which are essential for antiviral and anticancer therapies. We focus mainly on the role and mechanism, with particular attention to the functional aspects, of nanovaccines in inducing cross-presentation, an unconventional type of antigen-presentation that activates CD8+ T cells upon administration of exogenous antigens, in dendritic cells followed by activation of antigen-specific CD8+ T cell responses. Two major intracellular mechanisms that nanovaccines harness for cross-presentation are described; one is endosomal swelling and rupture, and the other is membrane fusion. Both processes eventually allow exogenous vaccine antigens to be exported from phagosomes to the cytosol followed by loading on major histocompatibility complex class I, triggering clonal expansion of CD8+ T cells. Advancement of nanotechnology with an enhanced understanding of how nanovaccines work will contribute to the design of more effective and safer nanovaccines.
Development and Characterization of a Semi-Solid Dosage Form of Meglumine Antimoniate for Topical Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Berenguer Diana , Sosa Lilian , Alcover Magdalena , Sessa Marcella , Halbaut Lyda , Guillén Carme , Fisa Roser , Calpena-Campmany Ana Cristina , Riera Cristina
Published: November 2019

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is treated with painful intralesional injections of meglumine antimoniate (MA). With the aim of developing an alternative topical treatment for CL, a gel-based formulation with 30% MA was prepared and its physicochemical properties, stability and rheological behavior were studied. The following were assessed: drug release on propylene hydrophilic membranes ex vivo human skin permeation, tolerance in healthy volunteers, cytotoxicity in three cell lines and anti-leishmanial activity against Leishmania infantum promastigotes and amastigotes. The MA gel formulation was found to have suitable pH, and good spreadability and stability. Low quantities of pentavalent antimony (SbV) were observed in release and permeation tests, whereas retention was high in both non-damaged and damaged skin (71,043.69 ± 10,641.57 and 10,728 ± 2254.61 µg/g/cm2 of SbV, respectively). The formulation did not have a toxic effect on the cell lines, and presented lower SbV IC50 values against amastigotes (15.76 ± 4.81 µg/mL) in comparison with the MA solution. The high amount of drug retained in the skin and the SbV IC50 values obtained suggest that this semi-solid dosage form has potential as an alternative treatment of CL.
High-Throughput Production of Micrometer Sized Double Emulsions and Microgel Capsules in Parallelized 3D Printed Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Jans Alexander , Lölsberg Jonas , Omidinia-Anarkoli Abdolrahman , Viermann Robin , Möller Martin , De Laporte Laura , Wessling Matthias , Kuehne Alexander J. C.
Published: November 2019

Double emulsions are useful geometries as templates for core-shell particles, hollow sphere capsules, and for the production of biomedical delivery vehicles. In microfluidics, two approaches are currently being pursued for the preparation of microfluidic double emulsion devices. The first approach utilizes soft lithography, where many identical double-flow-focusing channel geometries are produced in a hydrophobic silicone matrix. This technique requires selective surface modification of the respective channel sections to facilitate alternating wetting conditions of the channel walls to obtain monodisperse double emulsion droplets. The second technique relies on tapered glass capillaries, which are coaxially aligned, so that double emulsions are produced after flow focusing of two co-flowing streams. This technique does not require surface modification of the capillaries, as only the continuous phase is in contact with the emulsifying orifice; however, these devices cannot be fabricated in a reproducible manner, which results in polydisperse double emulsion droplets, if these capillary devices were to be parallelized. Here, we present 3D printing as a means to generate four identical and parallelized capillary device architectures, which produce monodisperse double emulsions with droplet diameters in the range of 500 µm. We demonstrate high throughput synthesis of W/O/W and O/W/O double emulsions, without the need for time-consuming surface treatment of the 3D printed microfluidic device architecture. Finally, we show that we can apply this device platform to generate hollow sphere microgels.
The Influence of Spraying Strategy on the Dynamic Response of Polyurea-Coated Metal Plates to Localized Air Blast Loading: Experimental Investigations
Authors: Li Yongqing , Chen Changhai , Hou Hailiang , Cheng Yuansheng , Gao Haopeng , Zhang Pan , Liu Ting
Published: November 2019

Polyurea has attracted considerable attention owing to its potential applications in protective fields to improve the resistant performance of structures subjected to damage loads resulting from intentional or accidental explosions. However, different spraying strategies of polyurea may lead to significant differences in overall resistance performance of polyurea-coated structures, and the underlying mechanisms have not been clear until now. This study aims to elucidate the influence of spraying strategy, i.e., spraying area, spraying thickness, and spraying interface condition, on the dynamic response of polyurea-coated steel plates under localized air blast loading. Three types of plates manufactured using different spraying strategies were adopted to evaluate their blast-resistant performance. The spraying strategies used were (i) whole-area spraying, (ii) partial-area spraying, and (iii) in-contact backing of polyurea on the rear surfaces of steel plates. In addition, the influence of spraying thickness of polyurea for whole-area sprayed plates was evaluated. The energy absorbing mechanisms of polyurea backing layers were highlighted. The energy absorption of plates was quantitatively analyzed. The results show that the air blast resistances of whole-area sprayed and in-contact backed plates are both superior to, whereas that of partial-area sprayed plates is inferior to, bare steel counterparts. A suitable spraying thickness of polyurea can significantly reduce the damage of the front steel layer, whereas excessive spraying thickness decreases the overall air blast resistance of plates. The polyurea backing layer exhibits favorable performance in absorbing energy under a whole-area spraying condition. This study provides useful guidance for the design of polyurea-coated metal plates in engineering applications.
Shape-Memory Metallopolymer Networks Based on a Triazole–Pyridine Ligand
Authors: Meurer Josefine , Hniopek Julian , Zechel Stefan , Enke Marcel , Vitz Jürgen , Schmitt Michael , Popp Jürgen , Hager Martin D. , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: November 2019

Shape memory polymers represent an interesting class of stimuli-responsive polymers. With their ability to memorize and recover their original shape, they could be useful in almost every area of our daily life. We herein present the synthesis of shape-memory metallopolymers in which the switching unit is designed by using bis(pyridine–triazole) metal complexes. The polymer networks were synthesized via free radical polymerization of methyl-, ethyl- or butyl-methacrylate, tri(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate and a methacrylate moiety of the triazole–pyridine ligand. By the addition of zinc(II) or cobalt(II) acetate it was possible to achieve metallopolymer networks featuring shape-memory abilities. The successful formation of the metal-ligand complex was proven by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the shape-recovery behavior was studied in detailed fashion and even triple-shape memory behavior could be revealed.
Preparation of Polyurethane Monolithic Resins and Modification with a Condensed Tannin-Yielding Self-Healing Property
Authors: Nardeli Jéssica Verger , Fugivara Cecílio Sadao , Pinto Elaine Ruzgus Pereira , Polito Wagner Luiz , Messaddeq Younes , José Lima Ribeiro Sidney , Benedetti Assis Vicente
Published: November 2019

Resins of polyurethane were prepared from vegetable oils (crambe and castor) and modified by adding green corrosion inhibitor (condensed tannin). The oils were characterized by gas chromatography with flame-ionization detection (GC-FID), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The reaction was monitored by characterizing the intermediate products (polyester and prepolymer). The polyester was characterized by solubility in methanol, acidity index, hydroxyl groups and FTIR-ATR, and the prepolymer was characterized by solid content, solvent content, isocyanate (NCO) groups and FTIR-ATR. The formation of PU resins was confirmed by FTIR-ATR and TGA, and the presence of tannin particles incorporated in the coating can be observed by optical microscopy (OM). The absence of the band attributed to NCO in FTIR-ATR spectra of the resins confirmed the complete reaction between polyester and prepolymer. The OM observation and a video demonstrate that Polyurethane (PU)-modified with condensed tannin resin presents self-healing effect, probably through the formation of new hydrogen bonds when in contact with deionized water. Therefore, these results open possibilities for new synthetic routes aiming at improving the very important self-healing property for protecting metals and their alloys against corrosion, extending significantly the metallic materials lifetime as previously demonstrated by our group.
Preparation and Characterization of Superabsorbent Polymers Based on Sawdust
Authors: Zhang Mingchang , Zhang Shaodi , Chen Zhuoran , Wang Mingzhi , Cao Jinzhen , Wang Ruoshui
Published: November 2019

Sawdust, a cheap by-product of the timber and forestry industry, was considered as a framework structure to prepare superabsorbent polymer with acrylic acid (AA) and acrylamide (AM), the synthetic monomers. The effects of initiator content, crosslinker content, AA content, AM content, degree of neutralization of AA, and reaction temperature on the swelling rate of superabsorbent polymer were investigated. The synthesized polymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Under optimal synthesis conditions, the results showed that the swelling rate of the polymer in deionized water and 0.9% NaCl solution reached 738.12 and 90.18 g/g, respectively. The polymer exhibits excellent swelling ability, thermal stability, and reusability. After the polymer was introduced into the samples (soil or coal), the water evaporation rate of the samples was significantly reduced, and the saturated water holding capacity and pore structure were also significantly improved.
Fabrication and Characterization of Thermal-Responsive Biomimetic Small-Scale Shape Memory Wood Composites with High Tensile Strength, High Anisotropy
Authors: Wang Luhao , Luo Bin , Wu Danni , Liu Yi , Li Li , Liu Hongguang
Published: November 2019

Intelligent responsive materials have become one of the most exciting fields in the research of new materials in the past few decades due to their practical and potential applications in aerospace, biomedicine, textile, electronics, and other relative fields. Here, a novel thermal-responsive biomimetic shape memory wood composite is fabricated utilizing polycaprolactone-based (PCL) shape-memory polymer to modify treated-wood. The shape memory wood inherits visual characteristics and the unique three-dimension structure of natural wood that endows the shape memory wood (SMW) with outstanding tensile strength (10.68 MPa) at room temperature. In terms of shape memory performance, the shape recovery ratio is affected by multiple factors including environment temperature, first figuration angle, cycle times, and shows different variation tendency, respectively. Compared with shape recovery ratio, the shape fixity ratio (96%) is relatively high and stable. This study supplies more possibilities for the functional applications of wood, such as biomimetic architecture, self-healing wood veneering, and intelligent furniture.
Developmental Implications of Children’s Early Religious and Spiritual Experiences in Context: A Sociocultural Perspective
Authors: Abo-Zena Mona M. , Midgette Allegra
Published: November 2019

Religious and spiritual experiences have implications for many aspects of development across the lifespan, including during early childhood. A focus on religion and spirituality expands beyond a discrete domain of social science (e.g., cognitive development) and involves developmental, social-psychological, affective and emotional phenomena, and personality. This conceptual paper contributes to the literature regarding the understudied role of religion and spirituality in the lives of young children and their families in order to contribute to a comprehensive study of human development. After a concise review of the literature on religious development, this paper draws from the sociocultural perspective and illustrative examples of lived experiences to frame young children’s religious participation and gives particular consideration to religious minorities. While the sociocultural perspective captures the range of children’s experiences, this manuscript introduces the understudied role of emotion as a motivator for children’s selection of experiences. The paper concludes with implications for practitioners and suggestions for future research, practice, and policy.
Religion’s Ambivalent Relation with Violence: From Scott Appleby to Emmanuel Levinas
Authors: Mao Xin
Published: November 2019

The recent debate on the relation between certain religious traditions and violence has offered us multiple perspectives on this issue. Some scholars accept the conflictual image of religion in the contemporary time projected by the media, seeking the reason for religion’s supposedly violent nature. Some scholars have completely rejected the association between violence and religion, defending religion against what they see as a myth. Faced with difficulty reaching any consensus, R. Scott Appleby addresses the complexity of the phenomenon through the notion of ambivalence. His approach accommodates the revolutionary moments of religion and offers us a comprehensive perspective on the violence used by religious actors. In this paper, however, I will argue that Appleby fails to distinguish between violence on an ontological level and violence as means to achieve justice. I will introduce the notion of ambivalence as it appears in Emmanuel Levinas’s philosophy to construct an alternative theory about religion’s ambivalent attitude towards violence, where violence is limited to its role in justice but is yet transcended by religious infinite love. With this extended meaning of ambivalence, I will be able to confirm that the interhuman encounter implied in one’s relation to the sacred should be prioritised in addressing religious violence.
Whither Neurotheology?
Authors: Klemm W. R.
Published: November 2019

Human culture has modernized at a much faster pace than has theology and religion. We are at the point where many moderns apparently think that religion is losing relevance. Satisfying the need for relevance and ecumenical harmony requires more reasoned and mature approaches to religion. Science is one of those secular activities that seems to undermine religious faith for many people. Unlike the sciences that give us the Big Bang, relativity, quantum mechanics, and theories of evolution, neuroscience is the one science that applies in everyday life toward developing a faith that promotes nurturing of self and others. Modern neuroscience and the mental health understanding that it creates can contribute to satisfying this need. Neuroscience and religion have numerous shared areas of concern, and each worldview can and should inform and enrich the other. Neuroscience may help us understand why we believe certain religious ideas and not others. It helps to explain our behavior and might even help us live more righteous and fulfilled lives. Religion can show neuroscientists areas of religious debate that scientific research might help resolve. New educational initiatives at all levels (secondary, seminary, and secular college) can provide a way to integrate neuroscience and religion and lead to religious perspectives that are more reasoned, mature, satisfying, and beneficial at both individual and social levels. Neurotheology is an emerging academic discipline that seems to focus on integrating neuroscience and theology. About only 10 years old, neurotheology has not yet consolidated its definition, ideology, purpose, or scholarly or applied strategies. Acceptance by the scholarly community is problematic. This manuscript raises the question of whether neurotheology will survive as a viable discipline and, if so, what form that could take.
A Crop Group-Specific Pure Pixel Time Series for Europe
Authors: Weissteiner Christof J. , López-Lozano Raúl , Manfron Giacinto , Duveiller Grégory , Hooker Josh , van der Velde Marijn , Baruth Bettina
Published: November 2019

Long timeseries of Earth observation data for the characterization of agricultural crops across large scales are of high interest to crop modelers, scientists, and decision makers in the fields of agricultural and environmental policy as well as crop monitoring and food security. They are particularly important for regression-based crop monitoring systems that rely on historic information. The major challenge lies in identifying pixels from satellite imagery that represent pure enough crop signals. Here, we present a data-driven semi-automatic approach to identify pure pixels of two crop groups (i.e., winter and spring crops and summer crops) based on a MODIS–NDVI timeseries. We applied this method to the European Union at a 250 m spatial resolution. Pre-processed and smoothed, daily normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data (2001–2017) were used to first extract the phenological data. To account for regional characteristics (varying climate, agro-management, etc.), these data were clustered by administrative units and by year using a Gaussian mixture model. The number of clusters was pre-defined using data from regional agricultural acreage statistics. After automatic labelling, clusters were filtered based on agronomic knowledge and phenological information extracted from the same timeseries. The resulting pure pixels were validated with two different datasets, one based on high-resolution Sentinel-2 data (5 sites, 2 years) and one based on a regional crop map (1 site, 7 years). For the winter and spring crop class, pixel purity amounted to 93% using the first validation dataset and to 73% using the second one, averaged over the different years. For summer crops, the respective values were 61% (91% without one critical validation site) and 72%. The phenological analyses revealed a clear trend towards an earlier NDVI peak (approximately −0.28 days/year) for winter and spring crops across Europe. We expect that this dataset will be useful for various applications, from crop model calibration to operational crop monitoring and yield forecasting.
Self-Adjusting Thresholding for Burnt Area Detection Based on Optical Images
Authors: Woźniak Edyta , Aleksandrowicz Sebastian
Published: November 2019

Mapping of regional fires would make it possible to analyse their environmental, social and economic impact, as well as to develop better fire management systems. However, automatic mapping of burnt areas has proved to be a challenging task, due to the wide diversity of vegetation cover worldwide and the heterogeneous nature of fires themselves. Here, we present an algorithm for the automatic mapping of burnt areas using medium-resolution optical images. Although developed for Landsat images, it can be also applied to Sentinel-2 images without modification. The algorithm draws upon the classical concept of differences in pre- and post-fire reflectance, but also takes advantage of the object-oriented approach and a new threshold calculation method. It consists of four steps. The first concerns the calculation of spectral indices and their differences, together with differences in spectral layers based on pre- and post-fire images. In the second step, multiresolution segmentation and masking are performed (clouds, water bodies and non-vegetated areas are removed from further analysis). Thirdly, ‘core’ burnt areas are detected using automatically-adjusted thresholds. Thresholds are calculated on the basis of specific functions established for difference layers. The last step combines neighbourhood analysis and patch growing to define the final shape of burnt areas. The algorithm was tested in 27 areas located worldwide, and covered by various types of vegetation. Comparisons with manual interpretation show that the fully-automated classification is accurate. Over 82% of classifications were considered satisfactory (overall accuracy > 90%; user and producer accuracy > 70%).
Comparing DInSAR and PSI Techniques Employed to Sentinel-1 Data to Monitor Highway Stability: A Case Study of a Massive Dobkovičky Landslide, Czech Republic
Authors: Fárová Kateřina , Jelének Jan , Kopačková-Strnadová Veronika , Kycl Petr
Published: November 2019

Single-pair differential synthetic aperture radar interferometry (DInSAR) as well as more advanced methods, such as persistent scatterer interferometry (PSI), allow vertical displacements to be detected at the sub-centimeter level. Since 2014 free SAR data—Sentinel-1—have been collected systematically under the COPERNICUS program at a high temporal resolution and with global coverage. Such an open-access policy greatly helps build a wide user-community and develop diverse SAR-based applications. In this study conventional single-pair DInSAR and the PSI techniques were employed to monitor the vertical displacements of the newly constructed D8 highway, more specifically the part passing through the České Středohoří Mountains, where, during highway construction, a massive landslide occurred in June 2013. For both DInSAR and PSI, free Sentinel-1 radar data were used; moreover, the conventional single-pair DInSAR workflow was processed using freely available SNAP software. Results from the radar interferometry were validated using in situ techniques, such as geodetic measurements, 3D inclinometers, and laser scanning. Both approaches proved their ability to achieve reliable results in detecting vertical displacement “hotspots”. Additionally, in terms of absolute values, the PSI interferometry corresponds very well with the in situ measurements. This study also shows that open-source solutions (free data and SW) provided under the COPERNICUS program bring a great potential for monitoring vertical displacements.
Disentangling Information in Artificial Images of Plant Seedlings Using Semi-Supervised GAN
Authors: Madsen Simon Leminen , Mortensen Anders Krogh , Jørgensen Rasmus Nyholm , Karstoft Henrik
Published: November 2019

Lack of annotated data for training of deep learning systems is a challenge for many visual recognition tasks. This is especially true for domain-specific applications, such as plant detection and recognition, where the annotation process can be both time-consuming and error-prone. Generative models can be used to alleviate this issue by producing artificial data that mimic properties of real data. This work presents a semi-supervised generative adversarial network (GAN) model to produce artificial samples of plant seedlings. By applying the semi-supervised approach, we are able to produce visually distinct samples for nine unique plant species using a single GAN model, while still maintaining a relatively high visual variance in the produced samples for each species. Additionally, we are able to control the appearance of the generated samples with respect to rotation and size through a set of latent variables, despite these not being annotated features in the training data. The generated samples resemble the intended species with an average recognition accuracy of ∼64.3%, evaluated using an external state-of-the-art plant seedling classification model. Additionally, we explore the potential of using the GAN model’s discriminator as a quality assessment tool to remove poor representations of plant seedlings from the artificial samples.