bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atomic Surface Segregation and Structural Characterization of PdPt Bimetallic Nanoparticles
Authors: Rodríguez-Proenza Carlos , Palomares-Báez Juan , Chávez-Rojo Marco , García-Ruiz Amado , Azanza-Ricardo Cristy , Santoveña-Uribe Alan , Luna-Bárcenas Gabriel , Rodríguez-López José , Esparza Rodrigo
Published: October 2018

Bimetallic nanoparticles are of interest since they lead to many interesting electrical, chemical, catalytic, and optical properties. They are particularly important in the field of catalysis since they show superior catalytic properties than their monometallic counterparts. The structures of bimetallic nanoparticles depend mainly on the synthesis conditions and the miscibility of the two components. In this work, PdPt alloyed-bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized through the polyol method, and characterized using spherical aberration (Cs) corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). High-angle annular dark-field (HAADF)-STEM images of bimetallic nanoparticles were obtained. The contrast of images shows that nanoparticles have an alloy structure with an average size of 8.2 nm. Together with the characterization of nanoparticles, a systematic molecular dynamics simulations study focused on the structural stability and atomic surface segregation trends in 923-atom PdPt alloyed-bimetallic NPs was carried out.
Preparation and Assessment of Heat-Treated α-Chitin Nanowhiskers Reinforced Poly(viny alcohol) Film for Packaging Application
Authors: Peng Chao , Chen Guangxue
Published: October 2018

In this study, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composite films enhanced by α-chitin nanowhiskers (ChWs) were prepared through heat treatment. The obtained membranes were assessed by means of FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, regular light transmittance, mechanical tests, permeability and water absorption. The influence of the nano-component and heat treatment on the mechanical, thermal and water-resistant properties of the composite membrane were analyzed. From the results of the work, the produced films with excellent barrier properties and inexpensive raw processed materials have great prospects in packaging applications.
Differential Evolution Algorithm for Multilevel Assignment Problem: A Case Study in Chicken Transportation
Authors: Kaewman Sasitorn , Srivarapongse Tassin , Theeraviriya Chalermchat , Jirasirilerd Ganokgarn
Published: October 2018

This study aims to solve the real-world multistage assignment problem. The proposed problem is composed of two stages of assignment: (1) different types of trucks are assigned to chicken farms to transport young chickens to egg farms, and (2) chicken farms are assigned to egg farms. Assigning different trucks to the egg farms and different egg farms to the chicken farms generates different costs and consumes different resources. The distance and the idle space in the truck have to be minimized, while constraints such as the minimum number of chickens needed for all egg farms and the longest time that chickens can be in the truck remain. This makes the problem a special case of the multistage assignment (S-MSA) problem. A mathematical model representing the problem was developed and solved to optimality using Lingo v.11 optimization software. Lingo v.11 can solve to optimality only small- and medium-sized test instances. To solve large-sized test instances, the differential evolution (DE) algorithm was designed. An excellent decoding method was developed to increase the search performance of DE. The proposed algorithm was tested with three randomly generated datasets (small, medium, and large test instances) and one real case study. Each dataset is composed of 12 problems, therefore we tested with 37 instances, including the case study. The results show that for small- and medium-sized test instances, DE has 0.03% and 0.05% higher cost than Lingo v.11. For large test instances, DE has 3.52% lower cost than Lingo v.11. Lingo v.11 uses an average computation time of 5.8, 103, and 4320 s for small, medium and large test instances, while DE uses 0.86, 1.68, and 8.79 s, which is, at most, 491 times less than Lingo v.11. Therefore, the proposed heuristics are an effective algorithm that can find a good solution while using less computation time.
Antibiotics from Deep-Sea Microorganisms: Current Discoveries and Perspectives
Authors: Tortorella Emiliana , Tedesco Pietro , Palma Esposito Fortunato , January Grant Garren , Fani Renato , Jaspars Marcel , De Pascale Donatella
Published: October 2018

The increasing emergence of new forms of multidrug resistance among human pathogenic bacteria, coupled with the consequent increase of infectious diseases, urgently requires the discovery and development of novel antimicrobial drugs with new modes of action. Most of the antibiotics currently available on the market were obtained from terrestrial organisms or derived semisynthetically from fermentation products. The isolation of microorganisms from previously unexplored habitats may lead to the discovery of lead structures with antibiotic activity. The deep-sea environment is a unique habitat, and deep-sea microorganisms, because of their adaptation to this extreme environment, have the potential to produce novel secondary metabolites with potent biological activities. This review covers novel antibiotics isolated from deep-sea microorganisms. The chemical classes of the compounds, their bioactivities, and the sources of organisms are outlined. Furthermore, the authors report recent advances in techniques and strategies for the exploitation of deep-sea microorganisms.
AbeTx1 Is a Novel Sea Anemone Toxin with a Dual Mechanism of Action on Shaker-Type K+ Channels Activation
Authors: B. Orts Diego J. , Peigneur Steve , Silva-Gonçalves Laíz Costa , Arcisio-Miranda Manoel , P. W. Bicudo José Eduardo , Tytgat Jan
Published: October 2018

Voltage-gated potassium (KV) channels regulate diverse physiological processes and are an important target for developing novel therapeutic approaches. Sea anemone (Cnidaria, Anthozoa) venoms comprise a highly complex mixture of peptide toxins with diverse and selective pharmacology on KV channels. From the nematocysts of the sea anemone Actinia bermudensis, a peptide that we named AbeTx1 was purified and functionally characterized on 12 different subtypes of KV channels (KV1.1–KV1.6; KV2.1; KV3.1; KV4.2; KV4.3; KV11.1; and, Shaker IR), and three voltage-gated sodium channel isoforms (NaV1.2, NaV1.4, and BgNaV). AbeTx1 was selective for Shaker-related K+ channels and is capable of inhibiting K+ currents, not only by blocking the K+ current of KV1.2 subtype, but by altering the energetics of activation of KV1.1 and KV1.6. Moreover, experiments using six synthetic alanine point-mutated analogs further showed that a ring of basic amino acids acts as a multipoint interaction for the binding of the toxin to the channel. The AbeTx1 primary sequence is composed of 17 amino acids with a high proportion of lysines and arginines, including two disulfide bridges (Cys1–Cys4 and Cys2–Cys3), and it is devoid of aromatic or aliphatic amino acids. Secondary structure analysis reveals that AbeTx1 has a highly flexible, random-coil-like conformation, but with a tendency of structuring in the beta sheet. Its overall structure is similar to open-ended cyclic peptides found on the scorpion κ-KTx toxins family, cone snail venoms, and antimicrobial peptides.
Representation of the QM Subsystem for Long-Range Electrostatic Interaction in Non-Periodic Ab Initio QM/MM Calculations
Authors: Pan Xiaoliang , Rosta Edina , Shao Yihan
Published: October 2018

In QM/MM calculations, it is essential to handle electrostatic interactions between the QM and MM subsystems accurately and efficiently. To achieve maximal efficiency, it is convenient to adopt a hybrid scheme, where the QM electron density is used explicitly in the evaluation of short-range QM/MM electrostatic interactions, while a multipolar representation for the QM electron density is employed to account for the long-range QM/MM electrostatic interactions. In order to avoid energy discontinuity at the cutoffs, which separate the short- and long-range QM/MM electrostatic interactions, a switching function should be utilized to ensure a smooth potential energy surface. In this study, we benchmarked the accuracy of such hybrid embedding schemes for QM/MM electrostatic interactions using different multipolar representations, switching functions and cutoff distances. For test systems (neutral and anionic oxyluciferin in MM (aqueous and enzyme) environments), the best accuracy was acquired with a combination of QM electrostatic potential (ESP) charges and dipoles and two switching functions (long-range electrostatic corrections (LREC) and Switch) in the treatment of long-range QM/MM electrostatics. It allowed us to apply a 10Å distance cutoff and still obtain QM/MM electrostatics/polarization energies within 0.1 kcal/mol and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT)/MM vertical excitation energies within 10−3 eV from theoretical reference values.
Gene Delivery into the Inner Ear and Its Clinical Implications for Hearing and Balance
Authors: Kanzaki Sho
Published: October 2018

The inner ear contains many types of cell, including sensory hair cells and neurons. If these cells are damaged, they do not regenerate. Inner ear disorders have various etiologies. Some are related to aging or are idiopathic, as in sudden deafness. Others occur due to acoustic trauma, exposure to ototoxic drugs, viral infections, immune responses, or endolymphatic hydrops (Meniere’s disease). For these disorders, inner ear regeneration therapy is expected to be a feasible alternative to cochlear implants for hearing recovery. Recently, the mechanisms underlying inner ear regeneration have been gradually clarified. Inner ear cell progenitors or stem cells have been identified. Factors necessary for regeneration have also been elucidated from the mechanism of hair cell generation. Inducing differentiation of endogenous stem cells or inner ear stem cell transplantation is expected. In this paper, we discuss recent approaches to hair cell proliferation and differentiation for inner ear regeneration. We discuss the future road map for clinical application. The therapies mentioned above require topical administration of transgenes or drug onto progenitors of sensory cells. Developing efficient and safe modes of administration is clinically important. In this regard, we also discuss our development of an inner ear endoscope to facilitate topical administration.
Formation of α- and β-Cembratriene-Diols in Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) Is Regulated by Jasmonate-Signaling Components via Manipulating Multiple Cembranoid Synthetic Genes
Authors: Sui Jinkai , Wang Chunkai , Liu Xiaofeng , Fang Ning , Liu Yanhua , Wang Wenjing , Yan Ning , Zhang Huai-Bao , Du Yongmei , Liu Xinmin , Lu Tiegang , Zhang Zhongfeng , Zhang Hongbo
Published: October 2018

Cembranoids are a group of natural diterpenoid compounds with pharmaceutical potentials, and the cembratriene-diols produced by Nicotiana (tobacco) species display activities in anti-nicotine addiction and neuron protection. Although the enzymes catalyzing cembratriene-diols’ formation in tobacco have been investigated, the regulatory mechanism underlying this physiological process remains unknown. This study has investigated the roles of phytohormone jasmonic acid (JA) in regulating cembratriene-diol formation in N. tabacum cv. TN90 and found that JA and COI1, the receptor protein of the bioactive derivative of JA (i.e., JA-Ile), display critical roles in regulating cembratriene-diols’ formation and the expression of cembranoid synthetic genes CBTS, P450 and NtLTP1. Further studies showed that over-expressing either the gene encoding bHLH transcription factor MYC2a or that encoding MYB transcription factor MYB305 could upregulate the cembranoid synthetic genes and enhance the cembranoid production in plants with dysfunction of COI1. Further studies suggest that COI1 and its downstream regulators MYC2a and MYB305 also modulate the trichome secretion, which is correlated with cembranoid formation. Taken together, this study has demonstrated a critical role of JA-signaling components in governing the cembratriene-diol formation and the transcription of cembratriene-diol synthetic genes in tobacco. Findings in this study are of great importance to reveal the molecular regulatory mechanism underlying cembranoid synthesis.
Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Flavonoids from Olive (Olea europaea) Leaves, and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities
Authors: Wang Bixia , Qu Jipeng , Luo Siyuan , Feng Shiling , Li Tian , Yuan Ming , Huang Yan , Liao Jinqiu , Yang Ruiwu , Ding Chunbang
Published: October 2018

Olea europaea leaves are the major byproduct of olive farming. In this study, ultrasound-assisted extraction of flavonoids from olive leaves was optimized using response surface methodology, and the flavonoid compounds and their antioxidant and anticancer activities were investigated by high performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that the optimized conditions for achieving the maximum yield of flavonoids (74.95 mg RE/g dm) were 50 °C temperature, 270 W power, 50 min time, and 41 mL/g liquid-solid ratio. There was a significant difference in the total flavonoid content between the aged and young leaves harvested in April and July, and six main components were quantified. Among them, luteolin-4’-O-glucoside was the most predominant flavonoid compound, followed by apigenin-7-O-glucoside and rutin. Olive leaves also contained small amounts of luteolin, apigenin, and quercetin. Additionally, excellent antioxidant activity was exhibited when tested with the DPPH assay; superoxide radical-scavenging ability and reducing power was also tested. The anticancer activity of the flavonoids was assessed using HeLa cervical cancer cells, and it was observed that increasing concentrations of olive leaf flavonoids resulted in decreased cancer cell viability. These results suggest that the flavonoids from olive leaves could be used as a potential source of natural antioxidants for the pharmaceutical and food industries.
Lewis Acidity and Basicity of Mixed Chlorometallate Ionic Liquids: Investigations from Surface Analysis and Fukui Function
Authors: Liu Ying , Wang Juanfang
Published: October 2018

Mixed chlorometallate ionic liquids (ILs) have been regarded as potential solvents, catalysts, and reagents for many organic processes. The acidity and basicity of these ILs were correlated with theoretically estimated parameters such as electrostatic surface potential maxima and minima, average local surface ionization energy, and Fukui and dual descriptor functions. The introduction of metal chloride into the anions would influence the acidity/basicity of ILs by withdrawing the electron density from the cationic counterpart. For the [C4mim]-based ILs with the mixed-metal anions, the acidity tends to attenuate while the basicity becomes stronger, as compared to the corresponding chloroaluminate ILs. However, the acidity of [(C2H5)3NH]-based ILs with the mixed-metal anions are greater than that of the net chloroaluminate ILs. The Fukui function values showed that most of the mixed chlorometallate ILs belong to bifunctional distribution. The mixed chlorometallate ILs both have electrophilic and nucleophilic sites, which would be beneficial for their applications.
Novel Gel Formulations as Topical Carriers for the Essential Oil of Bidens tripartita for the Treatment of Candidiasis
Authors: Tomczykowa Monika , Wróblewska Magdalena , Winnicka Katarzyna , Wieczorek Piotr , Majewski Piotr , Celińska-Janowicz Katarzyna , Sawczuk Róża , Miltyk Wojciech , Tryniszewska Elżbieta , Tomczyk Michał
Published: October 2018

The genus Bidens L. (Asteraceae) refers to several species of plants used in traditional phytotherapeutic preparations. B. tripartita, also known as bur marigold, is the most familiar plant and has been known as a remedy for chronic dysentery. The hydrodistilled essential oil of the aerial parts of the Polish B. tripartita was analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques. To exclude any potential toxic effects of the oil on human dermal fibroblasts, the MTT test (methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium) and COMET assay (single-cell gel electrophoresis) were performed. Novel gel formulations as topical carriers for essential oil obtained from B. tripartita were developed and characterized. The bioadhesive properties of the designed preparations in the ex vivo model using the skin of hairless mice were also evaluated. The therapeutic efficacy of the topical formulations is influenced by active phytoconstituents and vehicle characteristics. The antifungal properties of the essential oil of B. tripartita were also tested against Candida species, and this oil appears to be a promising topical anticandidal agent.
Melaleuca styphelioides Sm. Polyphenols Modulate Interferon Gamma/Histamine-Induced Inflammation in Human NCTC 2544 Keratinocytes
Authors: Albouchi Ferdaous , Avola Rosanna , Dico Gianluigi Maria Lo , Calabrese Vittorio , Graziano Adriana Carol Eleonora , Abderrabba Manef , Cardile Venera
Published: October 2018

Melaleuca styphelioides, known as the prickly-leaf tea tree, contains a variety of bioactive compounds. The purposes of this study were to characterize the polyphenols extracted from Melaleuca styphelioides leaves and assess their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The polyphenol extracts were prepared by maceration with solvents of increasing polarity. The LC/MS-MS technique was used to identify and quantify the phenolic compounds. An assessment of the radical scavenging activity of all extracts was performed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS+), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined on interferon gamma (IFN-γ)/histamine (H)-stimulated human NCTC 2544 keratinocytes by Western blot and RT-PCR. Compared to other solvents, methanolic extract presented the highest level of phenolic contents. The most frequent phenolic compounds were quercetin, followed by gallic acid and ellagic acid. DPPH, ABTS+, and FRAP assays showed that methanolic extract exhibits strong concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. IFN-γ/H treatment of human NCTC 2544 keratinocytes induced the secretion of high levels of the pro-inflammatory mediator inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), which were inhibited by extract. In conclusion, the extract of Melaleuca styphelioides leaves is rich in flavonoids, and presents antioxidant and anti-inflammatory proprieties. It can be proposed as a useful compound to treat inflammatory skin diseases.
MicroRNA-Attenuated Virus Vaccines
Authors: Fay Elizabeth J. , Langlois Ryan A.
Published: October 2018

Live-attenuated vaccines are the most effective way to establish robust, long-lasting immunity against viruses. However, the possibility of reversion to wild type replication and pathogenicity raises concerns over the safety of these vaccines. The use of host-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) to attenuate viruses has been accomplished in an array of biological contexts. The broad assortment of effective tissue- and species-specific miRNAs, and the ability to target a virus with multiple miRNAs, allow for targeting to be tailored to the virus of interest. While escape is always a concern, effective strategies have been developed to improve the safety and stability of miRNA-attenuated viruses. In this review, we discuss the various approaches that have been used to engineer miRNA-attenuated viruses, the steps that have been taken to improve their safety, and the potential use of these viruses as vaccines.
The Acute Effects of Caffeinated Black Coffee on Cognition and Mood in Healthy Young and Older Adults
Authors: Haskell-Ramsay Crystal F. , Jackson Philippa A. , Forster Joanne S. , Dodd Fiona L. , Bowerbank Samantha L. , Kennedy David O.
Published: October 2018

Cognitive and mood benefits of coffee are often attributed to caffeine. However, emerging evidence indicates behavioural effects of non-caffeine components within coffee, suggesting the potential for direct or synergistic effects of these compounds when consumed with caffeine in regular brewed coffee. The current randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, counterbalanced-crossover study compared the effects of regular coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and placebo on measures of cognition and mood. Age and sex effects were explored by comparing responses of older (61–80 years, N = 30) and young (20–34 years, N = 29) males and females. Computerised measures of episodic memory, working memory, attention, and subjective state were completed at baseline and 30 min post-drink. Regular coffee produced the expected effects of decreased reaction time and increased alertness when compared to placebo. When compared to decaffeinated coffee, increased digit vigilance accuracy and decreased tiredness and headache ratings were observed. Decaffeinated coffee also increased alertness when compared to placebo. Higher jittery ratings following regular coffee in young females and older males represented the only interaction of sex and age with treatment. These findings suggest behavioural activity of coffee beyond its caffeine content, raising issues with the use of decaffeinated coffee as a placebo and highlighting the need for further research into its psychoactive effects.
Effect of Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation on Recovery Following Acute Eccentric Exercise
Authors: VanDusseldorp Trisha A. , Escobar Kurt A. , Johnson Kelly E. , Stratton Matthew T. , Moriarty Terence , Cole Nathan , McCormick James J. , Kerksick Chad M. , Vaughan Roger A. , Dokladny Karol , Kravitz Len , Mermier Christine M.
Published: October 2018

This study investigated the effect of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation on recovery from eccentric exercise. Twenty males ingested either a BCAA supplement or placebo (PLCB) prior to and following eccentric exercise. Creatine kinase (CK), vertical jump (VJ), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), jump squat (JS) and perceived soreness were assessed. No significant (p > 0.05) group by time interaction effects were observed for CK, soreness, MVIC, VJ, or JS. CK concentrations were elevated above baseline (p < 0.001) in both groups at 4, 24, 48 and 72 hr, while CK was lower (p = 0.02) in the BCAA group at 48 hr compared to PLCB. Soreness increased significantly from baseline (p < 0.01) in both groups at all time-points; however, BCAA supplemented individuals reported less soreness (p < 0.01) at the 48 and 72 hr time-points. MVIC force output returned to baseline levels (p > 0.05) at 24, 48 and 72 hr for BCAA individuals. No significant difference between groups (p > 0.05) was detected for VJ or JS. BCAA supplementation may mitigate muscle soreness following muscle-damaging exercise. However, when consumed with a diet consisting of ~1.2 g/kg/day protein, the attenuation of muscular performance decrements or corresponding plasma CK levels are likely negligible.
Purification and Identification of Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Peptides and the Antihypertensive Effect of Chlorella sorokiniana Protein Hydrolysates
Authors: Lin Yu-Hsin , Chen Guan-Wen , Yeh Chin , Song Helena , Tsai Jenn-Shou
Published: October 2018

Hot water was used to obtain Chlorella sorokiniana hot water extract (HWE). Subsequently, this byproduct was freeze-dried, hydrolysed at 50 °C using Protease N to obtain C. sorokiniana protein hydrolysates (PN-1), and then digested with a gastrointestinal enzyme (PN-1G). The inhibitory effects of the HWE and hydrolysates against angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) were investigated. The soluble protein and peptide contents were 379.9 and 179.7 mg/g, respectively, for HWE and 574.8 and 332.8 mg/g, respectively, for PN-1. The IC50 values of the HWE, PN-1, and PN-1G on ACE were 1.070, 0.035, and 0.044 mg/mL, respectively. PN-1G was separated into seven fractions through size exclusion chromatography. The sixth fraction of the hydrolysate had a molecular weight between 270 and 340 Da, and the lowest IC50 value on ACE was 0.015 mg/mL. The amino acid sequences of the ACE-inhibitory peptides were Trp-Val, Val-Trp, Ile-Trp, and Leu-Trp, of which the IC50 values were 307.61, 0.58, 0.50, and 1.11 µΜ, respectively. Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were reduced 20 and 21 mm Hg, respectively, in spontaneously hypertensive rats after 6 h of oral administration with a dose of 171.4 mg PN-1 powder/kg body weight.
Annurca Apple Polyphenols Ignite Keratin Production in Hair Follicles by Inhibiting the Pentose Phosphate Pathway and Amino Acid Oxidation
Authors: Badolati Nadia , Sommella Eduardo , Riccio Gennaro , Salviati Emanuela , Heintz Dimitri , Bottone Sara , Di Cicco Emery , Dentice Monica , Tenore Giancarlo , Campiglia Pietro , Stornaiuolo Mariano , Novellino Ettore
Published: October 2018

Patterned hair loss (PHL) affects around 50% of the adult population worldwide. The negative impact that this condition exerts on people’s life quality has boosted the appearance of over-the-counter products endowed with hair-promoting activity. Nutraceuticals enriched in polyphenols have been recently shown to promote hair growth and counteract PHL. Malus pumila Miller cv. Annurca is an apple native to Southern Italy presenting one of the highest contents of Procyanidin B2. We have recently shown that oral consumption of Annurca polyphenolic extracts (AAE) stimulates hair growth, hair number, hair weight and keratin content in healthy human subjects. Despite its activity, the analysis of the molecular mechanism behind its hair promoting effect is still partially unclear. In this work we performed an unprecedented metabolite analysis of hair follicles (HFs) in mice topically treated with AAE. The metabolomic profile, based on a high-resolution mass spectrometry approach, revealed that AAE re-programs murine HF metabolism. AAE acts by inhibiting several NADPH dependent reactions. Glutaminolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, glutathione, citrulline and nucleotide synthesis are all halted in vivo by the treatment of HFs with AAE. On the contrary, mitochondrial respiration, β-oxidation and keratin production are stimulated by the treatment with AAE. The metabolic shift induced by AAE spares amino acids from being oxidized, ultimately keeping them available for keratin biosynthesis.
A Review on the Gluten-Free Diet: Technological and Nutritional Challenges
Authors: El Khoury Dalia , Balfour-Ducharme Skye , Joye Iris J.
Published: October 2018

Consumers, food manufacturers and health professionals are uniquely influenced by the growing popularity of the gluten-free diet. Consumer expectations have urged the food industry to continuously adjust and improve the formulations and processing techniques used in gluten-free product manufacturing. Health experts have been interested in the nutritional adequacy of the diet, as well as its effectiveness in managing gluten-related disorders and other conditions. In this review, we aim to provide a clear picture of the current motivations behind the use of gluten-free diets, as well as the technological and nutritional challenges of the diet as a whole. Alternative starches and flours, hydrocolloids, and fiber sources were found to play a complex role in mimicking the functional and sensory effects of gluten in gluten-free products. However, the quality of gluten-free alternatives is often still inferior to the gluten-containing products. Furthermore, the gluten-free diet has demonstrated benefits in managing some gluten-related disorders, though nutritional imbalances have been reported. As there is limited evidence supporting the use of the gluten-free diet beyond its role in managing gluten-related disorders, consumers are urged to be mindful of the sensorial limitations and nutritional inadequacies of the diet despite ongoing strategies to improve them.
Meat, Meat Products and Seafood as Sources of Energy and Nutrients in the Average Polish Diet
Authors: Laskowski Wacław , Górska-Warsewicz Hanna , Kulykovets Olena
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to identify the share of meat, meat products and seafood in the contribution of energy and 22 nutrients to the average Polish diet. Data from the nationally representative sample of Polish population (2016 Household Budget Survey) on meat and seafood product consumption from 38,886 households (n = 99,230) were calculated into one person per month. The analyses were conducted for seven food groups (e.g., red meat, poultry) and 16 products (e.g., beef, chicken). Approximately 18.5% of energy is delivered from the sources such as meat, meat products and seafood, providing a higher percentage of 18 nutrients to the diet (e.g., 56.0% of vitamin B12, 52.3% of niacin, 44.9% of cholesterol, 41.5% of protein, 41.4%of vitamin D, 37.6% of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), 37.4% of thiamin, 33.8% of zinc, 32.0% of total fats, 30.3% of saturated fatty acids (SFA), 29.6% of vitamin B6, 25.3% of riboflavin, 24.9% of phosphorus, 24.8% of iron, 22.5% of vitamin A, 21.6% of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and 20.3% of sodium). For the contribution of 18 nutrients and energy, processed meat products were ranked first. These results should be taken into consideration in order to compose diets with adequate energy and nutrient contribution and also to analyze benefits and risk resulting from the current level of consumption of red and processed meat, fish and other seafood.
How Eliminating Malaria May Also Prevent Iron Deficiency in African Children
Authors: Muriuki John , Atkinson Sarah
Published: October 2018

Malaria and iron deficiency are common among children living in sub-Saharan Africa. Several studies have linked a child’s iron status to their future risk of malaria infection; however, few have examined whether malaria might be a cause of iron deficiency. Approximately a quarter of African children at any one time are infected by malaria and malaria increases hepcidin and tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations leading to poor iron absorption and recycling. In support of a hypothetical link between malaria and iron deficiency, studies indicate that the prevalence of iron deficiency in children increases over a malaria season and decreases when malaria transmission is interrupted. The link between malaria and iron deficiency can be tested through the use of observational studies, randomized controlled trials and genetic epidemiology studies, each of which has its own strengths and limitations. Confirming the existence of a causal link between malaria infection and iron deficiency would readjust priorities for programs to prevent and treat iron deficiency and would demonstrate a further benefit of malaria control.
Addition of Care for Transgender-Related Patient Care into Doctorate of Pharmacy Curriculum: Implementation and Preliminary Evaluation
Authors: Newsome Cheyenne , Chen Li-Wei , Conklin Jessica
Published: October 2018

The number of transgender and gender-diverse patients seeking medical care in the United States is increasing. For many of these patients, pharmacotherapy is a part of their gender-affirming transition. Effective instructional methods and resources for teaching pharmacy students about this patient population’s social considerations and medical treatments is lacking. Three hours of educational material on caring for transgender patients was added to a third-year course in a four-year Doctorate of Pharmacy program in the United States. The content included cultural, empathy, and medical considerations. Students in the course were given a survey to assess their perception of each instructional method’s effectiveness and self-assess their confidence in providing competent gender-affirming care to transgender people before and after the learning session. The survey response rate was 36% (54/152). Students’ self-assessed confidence to provide competent care to people who are transgender increased significantly. Before the learning session, the median confidence level was 4/10 (Interquartile range (IQR) 3–6), after the class session, the median confidence increased to 7/10 (IQR 6–8, p < 0.01). Students rated the pre-class video, jeopardy game, and patient panel as most helpful to improving their skills. The addition of transgender-related patient care material into the Doctorate of Pharmacy curriculum significantly increased the students’ confidence to provide competent care to people who are transgender.
Industry or Holy Vocation? When Shehitah and Kashrut Entered the Public Sphere in the United States during the Age of Reform
Authors: Breitzer Susan
Published: October 2018

Long before the Agriprocessors scandal, the question of whether secular law and social concerns should shape the halakhah surrounding kosher meat production has been a live issue in the United States. In the 1890s, a critical mass of Orthodox Jewish immigrants gave rise to a more commercialized kosher meat industry, which raised the question of how much rabbinic legislation concerning kashrut could stay untouched by civil or union regulation. Although there has been plenty written about the regulatory roles of unions and government regulation in the kosher meat industry from the Progressive Era to the New Deal, the purpose of this essay will be to examine the responses of Orthodox rabbinic leaders in America to these developments. It will also focus on the role of non-Jewish legislation in creating greater uniformity of kashrut standards, as well as, ironically a more insular focus on the letter of the law, sometimes at the expense of civil legal concerns. Finally, it will examine how separation of religion and state created the system of kosher certification that emerged during the early twentieth century.
Augmentation of Traditional Forest Inventory and Airborne Laser Scanning with Unmanned Aerial Systems and Photogrammetry for Forest Monitoring
Authors: Fankhauser Kathryn E. , Strigul Nikolay S. , Gatziolis Demetrios
Published: October 2018

Forest inventories are constrained by resource-intensive fieldwork, while unmanned aerial systems (UASs) offer rapid, reliable, and replicable data collection and processing. This research leverages advancements in photogrammetry and market sensors and platforms to incorporate a UAS-based approach into existing forestry monitoring schemes. Digital imagery from a UAS was collected, photogrammetrically processed, and compared to in situ and aerial laser scanning (ALS)-derived plot tree counts and heights on a subsample of national forest plots in Oregon. UAS- and ALS-estimated tree counts agreed with each other (r2 = 0.96) and with field data (ALS r2 = 0.93, UAS r2 = 0.84). UAS photogrammetry also reasonably approximated mean plot tree height achieved by the field inventory (r2 = 0.82, RMSE = 2.92 m) and by ALS (r2 = 0.97, RMSE = 1.04 m). The use of both nadir-oriented and oblique UAS imagery as well as the availability of ALS-derived terrain descriptions likely sustain a robust performance of our approach across classes of canopy cover and tree height. It is possible to draw similar conclusions from any of the methods, suggesting that the efficient and responsive UAS method can enhance field measurement and ALS in longitudinal inventories. Additionally, advancing UAS technology and photogrammetry allows diverse users access to forest data and integrates updated methodologies with traditional forest monitoring.
Multi-Temporal Satellite Images on Topsoil Attribute Quantification and the Relationship with Soil Classes and Geology
Authors: Gallo Bruna C. , Demattê José A. M. , Rizzo Rodnei , Safanelli José L. , Mendes Wanderson de S. , Lepsch Igo F. , Sato Marcus V. , Romero Danilo J. , Lacerda Marilusa P. C.
Published: October 2018

The mapping of soil attributes provides support to agricultural planning and land use monitoring, which consequently aids the improvement of soil quality and food production. Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM) images are often used to estimate a given soil attribute (i.e., clay), but have the potential to model many other attributes, providing input for soil mapping applications. In this paper, we aim to evaluate a Bare Soil Composite Image (BSCI) from the state of São Paulo, Brazil, calculated from a multi-temporal dataset, and study its relationship with topsoil properties, such as soil class and geology. The method presented detects bare soil in satellite images in a time series of 16 years, based on Landsat 5 TM observations. The compilation derived a BSCI for the agricultural sites (242,000 hectare area) characterized by very complex geology. Soil properties were analyzed to calibrate prediction models using 740 soil samples (0–20 cm) collected of the area. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) based on the BSCI spectral dataset was performed to quantify soil attributes. The method identified that a single image represents 7 to 20% of bare soil while the compilation of the multi-temporal dataset increases to 53%. Clay content had the best soil attribute prediction estimates (R2 = 0.75, root mean square error (RMSE) = 89.84 g kg−1, and accuracy = 74%). Soil organic matter, cation exchange capacity and sandy soils also achieved moderate predictions. The BSCI demonstrates a strong relationship with legacy geological maps detecting variations in soils. From a single composite image, it was possible to use spectroscopy to evaluate several environmental parameters. This technique could greatly improve soil mapping and consequently aid several applications, such as land use planning, environmental monitoring, and prevention of land degradation, updating legacy surveys and digital soil mapping.
Impacts on Noise Analyses of GNSS Position Time Series Caused by Seasonal Signal, Weight Matrix, Offset, and Helmert Transformation Parameters
Authors: Chen Guo , Zhao Qile , Wei Na , Liu Jingnan
Published: October 2018

The noise characteristics of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position time series can be biased by many factors, which in turn affect the estimates of parameters in the deterministic model using a least squares method. The authors assess the effects of seasonal signals, weight matrix, intermittent offsets, and Helmert transformation parameters on the noise analyses. Different solutions are obtained using the simulated and real position time series of 647 global stations and power law noise derived from the residuals of stacking solutions are compared. Since the true noise in the position time series is not available except for the simulated data, the authors paid most attention to the noise difference caused by the variable factors. First, parameterization of seasonal signals in the time series can reduce the colored noise and cause the spectral indexes to be closer to zero (much “whiter”). Meanwhile, the additional offset parameters can also change the colored noise to be much “whiter” and more offsets parameters in the deterministic model leading to spectral indexes closer to zero. Second, the weight matrices derived from the covariance information can induce more colored noise than the unit weight matrix for both real and simulated data, and larger biases of annual amplitude of simulated data are attributed to the covariance information. Third, the Helmert transformation parameters (three translation, three rotation, and one scale) considered in the model show the largest impacts on the power law noise (medians of 0.4 mm−k/4 and 0.06 for the amplitude and spectral index, respectively). Finally, the transformation parameters and full-weight matrix used together in the stacking model can induce different patterns for the horizontal and vertical components, respectively, which are related to different dominant factors.
A Joint Low-Power Cell Search and Frequency Tracking Scheme in NB-IoT Systems for Green Internet of Things
Authors: Li Yu , Chen Shuo , Ye Wenqiang , Lin Fujiang
Published: October 2018

As a dedicated communication protocol for Internet-of-Things, narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT) needs to establish the communication link rapidly and reduce retransmissions as much as possible to achieve low power consumption and stable performance. To achieve these targets, the low-power scheme of the initial cell search and frequency tracking is investigated in this paper. The cell search process can be subdivided into narrowband primary synchronization signal (NPSS) detection and narrowband secondary synchronization signal (NSSS) detection. We present an NPSS detection method whose timing metric is composed of symbol-wise autocorrelation and a dedicated normalization factor. After the detection of NPSS, the symbol timing and fractional frequency offset estimation is implemented in a resource-efficient way. NSSS detection is conducted in the frequency domain with a calculation-reduced algorithm based on the features of NSSS sequences. To compensate the accumulated frequency offset during uplink transmission, a pilot-aided rapid frequency tracking algorithm is proposed. The simulation results of the proposed cell search scheme are outstanding in both normal coverage and extended coverage NB-IoT scenarios, and the accumulated frequency offset can be estimated with high efficiency.
A Passive Tracking System Based on Geometric Constraints in Adaptive Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhou Biao , Ahn Deockhyeon , Lee Jungpyo , Sun Chao , Ahmed Sabbir , Kim Youngok
Published: October 2018

Target tracking technologies in wireless sensor network (WSNs) environments fall into two categories: active and passive schemes. Unlike with the active positioning schemes, in which the targets are required to hold cooperative devices, the research on passive tracking, i.e., tracking device-free targets, has recently showed promise. In the WSN, device-free targets can be tracked by sensing radio frequency tomography (RFT) on the line-of-sight links (LOSLs). In this paper, we propose a passive tracking scheme exploiting both adaptive-networking LOSL webs and geometric constraint methodology for tracking single targets, as well as multiple targets. Regarding fundamental knowledge, we firstly explore the spatial diversity technique for RFT detection in realistic situations. Then, we analyze the power consumption of the WSN and propose an adaptive networking scheme for the purpose of energy conservation. Instead of maintaining a fixed LOSL density, the proposed scheme can adaptively adjust the networking level to save energy while guaranteeing tracking accuracy. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is evaluated with computer simulations. According to the results, it is observed that the proposed scheme can sufficiently reduce power consumption, while providing qualified tracking performance.
HCl Gas Sensor Coating Based on Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Nanoparticles Prepared from Water-Methanol Binary Solvent
Authors: Matsuguchi Masanobu , Fujii Shinnosuke
Published: October 2018

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) nanoparticles formed in water-methanol binary solvent were successfully deposited on a resonator surface at room temperature by exploiting the cononsolvency effect on the phase transition of PNIPAM aqueous solutions. Scanning electron microscopic observation revealed that the nanoparticles were secondary and made up of agglomerated primary spherical particles of about 10-nm diameter, buried in the film. The magnitude of the sensor response toward HCl gas was larger than that of the nanoparticle sensor prepared from pure water solvent, and the sensitivity to 1 ppm of HCl of sensor-coated nanoparticles based on the present method was 3.3 Hz/ppm. The recovery of the sensors was less than 90% at first cycle measurement, but had improved to almost 100% at the third cycle.
Robust Beamforming Design for Secure V2X Downlink System with Wireless Information and Power Transfer under a Nonlinear Energy Harvesting Model
Authors: Li Shidang , Li Chunguo , Tan Weiqiang , Ji Baofeng , Yang Luxi
Published: October 2018

Vehicle to everything (V2X) has been deemed a promising technology due to its potential to achieve traffic safety and efficiency. This paper considers a V2X downlink system with a simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) system where the base station not only conveys data and energy to two types of wireless vehicular receivers, such as one hybrid power-splitting vehicular receiver, and multiple energy vehicular receivers, but also prevents information from being intercepted by the potential eavesdroppers (idle energy vehicular receivers). Both the base station and the energy vehicular receivers are equipped with multiple antennas, whereas the information vehicular receiver is equipped with a single antenna. In particular, the imperfect channel state information (CSI) and the practical nonlinear energy harvesting (EH) model are taken into account. The non-convex optimization problem is formulated to maximize the minimum harvested energy power among the energy vehicular receivers satisfying the lowest harvested energy power threshold at the information vehicular receiver and secure vehicular communication requirements. In light of the intractability of the optimization problem, the semidefinite relaxation (SDR) technique and variable substitutions are applied, and the optimal solution is proven to be tight. A number of results demonstrate that the proposed robust secure beamforming scheme has better performance than other schemes.
Optical Micro/Nanofiber-Based Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensors: Fiber Diameter Dependence
Authors: Li Kaiwei , Zhou Wenchao , Zeng Shuwen
Published: October 2018

Integration of functional nanomaterials with optical micro/nanofibers (OMNFs) can bring about novel optical properties and provide a versatile platform for various sensing applications. OMNFs as the key element, however, have seldom been investigated. Here, we focus on the optimization of fiber diameter by taking micro/nanofiber-based localized surface plasmon resonance sensors as a model. We systematically study the dependence of fiber diameter on the sensing performance of such sensors. Both theoretical and experimental results show that, by reducing fiber diameter, the refractive index sensitivity can be significantly increased. Then, we demonstrate the biosensing capability of the optimized sensor for streptavidin detection and achieve a detection limit of 1 pg/mL. Furthermore, the proposed theoretical model is applicable to other nanomaterials and OMNF-based sensing schemes for performance optimization.
sEMG-Based Drawing Trace Reconstruction: A Novel Hybrid Algorithm Fusing Gene Expression Programming into Kalman Filter
Authors: Yang Zhongliang , Wen Yangliang , Chen Yumiao
Published: October 2018

How to reconstruct drawing and handwriting traces from surface electromyography (sEMG) signals accurately has attracted a number of researchers recently. An effective algorithm is crucial to reliable reconstruction. Previously, nonlinear regression methods have been utilized successfully to some extent. In the quest to improve the accuracy of transient myoelectric signal decoding, a novel hybrid algorithm KF-GEP fusing Gene Expression Programming (GEP) into Kalman Filter (KF) framework is proposed for sEMG-based drawing trace reconstruction. In this work, the KF-GEP was applied to reconstruct fourteen drawn shapes and ten numeric characters from sEMG signals across five participants. Then the reconstruction performance of KF-GEP, KF and GEP were compared. The experimental results show that the KF-GEP algorithm performs best because it combines the advantages of KF and GEP. The findings add to the literature on the muscle-computer interface and can be introduced to many practical fields.