bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrical Permittivity and Conductivity of a Graphene Nanoplatelet Contact in the Microwave Range
Authors: Bellucci Stefano , Maffucci Antonio , Maksimenko Sergey , Micciulla Federico , Migliore Marco D. , Paddubskaya Alesia , Pinchera Daniele , Schettino Fulvio
Published: December 2018

This paper investigates the electrical properties in the microwave range of a contact made by graphene nanoplatelets. The final goal is that of estimating the range of values for the equivalent electrical complex permittivity of a contact obtained by integrating low-cost graphene in the form of nanoplatelets (GNPs) into a high-frequency electrical circuit. To this end, a microstrip-like circuit is designed and realized, where the graphene nanoplatelets are self-assembled into a gap between two copper electrodes. An experimental characterization is carried out, both to study the structural properties of the nanomaterials and of the realized devices, and to measure the electromagnetic scattering parameters in the microwave range by means of a microstrip technique. A full-wave electromagnetic model is also derived and used to investigate the relationship between the measured quantities and the physical and geometrical parameters. The combined use of the experimental and simulation results allows for retrieving the values of the equivalent complex permittivity. The equivalent electrical conductivity values are found to be well below the values expected for isolated graphene nanoplatelets. The real part of the electrical relative permittivity attains values comparable to those obtained with GNP nanocomposites.
Effect of Titanium Implants Coated with Radiation-Crosslinked Collagen on Stability and Osseointegration in Rat Tibia
Authors: Bae Eun-Bin , Yoo Ji-Hyun , Jeong Sung-In , Kim Min-Su , Lim Youn-Mook , Ahn Jong-Ju , Lee Jin-Ju , Lee So-Hyoun , Kim Hyung-Joon , Huh Jung-Bo
Published: December 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the titanium (Ti) implants coated with collagen type I crosslinked using gamma-irrigation or glutaraldehyde (GA). The in vitro surface observations, quantification assay, and cell studies using human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were conducted. For in vivo experiments, the implants were divided into three groups and inserted into the rat tibias: control group (non-treated Ti implant), GA group (Ti implants coated with GA-crosslinked collagen) and 25 kGy group (Ti implants coated with gamma-radiation-crosslinked collagen at dose of 25 kGy). The animals were sacrificed at 4 weeks after implantation and the tissue sections were obtained. New bone volume (mm3) and bone-to-implant contact (BIC, %) within the region of interest (ROI) was measured. The in vitro results showed the highest osteogenic differentiation and levels of osteogenesis-related gene expressions in the 25 kGy group without cytotoxicity. The new bone volume of GA group was significantly higher than the control (p < 0.05). In the result of the BIC, the 25 kGy group was significantly higher than the control (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the experimental groups. Within the limitations of this study, Ti implant coated with gamma-radiation-crosslinked collagen has potential utility without side effects from chemical agents.
Heat-Resistant Microporous Ag Die-Attach Structure for Wide Band-Gap Power Semiconductors
Authors: Noh Seungjun , Zhang Hao , Suganuma Katsuaki
Published: December 2018

In this work, efforts were made to prepare a thermostable die-attach structure which includes stable sintered microporous Ag and multi-layer surface metallization. Silicon carbide particles (SiCp) were added into the Ag sinter joining paste to improve the high-temperature reliability of the sintered Ag joints. The use of SiCp in the bonding structures prevented the morphological evolution of the microporous structure and maintained a stable structure after high temperature storage (HTS) tests, which reduces the risk of void formation and metallization dewetting. In addition to the Ag paste, on the side of direct bonded copper (DBC) substrates, the thermal reliability of various surface metallizations such as Ni, Ti, and Pt were also evaluated by cross-section morphology and on-resistance tests. The results indicated that Ti and Pt diffusion barrier layers played a key role in preventing interfacial degradations between sintered Ag and Cu at high temperatures. At the same time, a Ni barrier layer showed a relatively weak barrier effect due to the generation of a thin Ni oxide layer at the interface with a Ag plating layer. The changes of on-resistance indicated that Pt metallization has relatively better electrical properties compared to that of Ti and Ni. Ag metallization, which lacks barrier capability, showed severe growth in an oxide layer between Ag and Cu, however, the on-resistance showed fewer changes.
The Marine Dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum Activates a Mitophagic Pathway in Human Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Galasso Christian , Nuzzo Genoveffa , Brunet Christophe , Ianora Adrianna , Sardo Angela , Fontana Angelo , Sansone Clementina
Published: December 2018

Marine dinoflagellates are a valuable source of bioactive molecules. Many species produce cytotoxic compounds and some of these compounds have also been investigated for their anticancer potential. Here, we report the first investigation of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum as source of water-soluble compounds with antiproliferative activity against human lung cancer cells. A multi-step enrichment of the phenol–water extract yielded a bioactive fraction with specific antiproliferative effect (IC50 = 0.4 µg·mL−1) against the human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549 cell line). Preliminary characterization of this material suggested the presence of glycoprotein with molecular weight above 20 kDa. Interestingly, this fraction did not exhibit any cytotoxicity against human normal lung fibroblasts (WI38). Differential gene expression analysis in A549 cancer cells suggested that the active fraction induces specific cell death, triggered by mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy). In agreement with the cell viability results, gene expression data also showed that no mitophagic event was activated in normal cells WI38.
Thermodynamic of Liquid Iron Ore Reduction by Hydrogen Thermal Plasma
Authors: Naseri Seftejani Masab , Schenk Johannes
Published: December 2018

The production of iron using hydrogen as a reducing agent is an alternative to conventional iron- and steel-making processes, with an associated decrease in CO2 emissions. Hydrogen plasma smelting reduction (HPSR) of iron ore is the process of using hydrogen in a plasma state to reduce iron oxides. A hydrogen plasma arc is generated between a hollow graphite electrode and liquid iron oxide. In the present study, the thermodynamics of hydrogen thermal plasma and the reduction of iron oxide using hydrogen at plasma temperatures were studied. Thermodynamics calculations show that hydrogen at high temperatures is atomized, ionized, or excited. The Gibbs free energy changes of iron oxide reductions indicate that activated hydrogen particles are stronger reducing agents than molecular hydrogen. Temperature is the main influencing parameter on the atomization and ionization degree of hydrogen particles. Therefore, to increase the hydrogen ionization degree and, consequently, increase of the reduction rate of iron ore particles, the reduction reactions should take place in the plasma arc zone due to the high temperature of the plasma arc in HPSR. Moreover, the solubility of hydrogen in slag and molten metal are studied and the sequence of hematite reduction reactions is presented.
Metals Machining—Recent Advances in Experimental and Modeling of the Cutting Process
Authors: Haddag Badis
Published: December 2018

Metal machining involves severe loading in the cutting zone. [...]
Mesoporous Highly-Deformable Composite Polymer for a Gapless Triboelectric Nanogenerator via a One-Step Metal Oxidation Process
Authors: Hwang Hee , Lee Younghoon , Lee Choongyeop , Nam Youngsuk , Park Jinhyoung , Choi Dukhyun , Kim Dongseob
Published: December 2018

The oxidation of metal microparticles (MPs) in a polymer film yields a mesoporous highly-deformable composite polymer for enhancing performance and creating a gapless structure of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). This is a one-step scalable synthesis for developing large-scale, cost-effective, and light-weight mesoporous polymer composites. We demonstrate mesoporous aluminum oxide (Al2O3) polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites with a nano-flake structure on the surface of Al2O3 MPs in pores. The porosity of mesoporous Al2O3-PDMS films reaches 71.35% as the concentration of Al MPs increases to 15%. As a result, the film capacitance is enhanced 1.8 times, and TENG output performance is 6.67-times greater at 33.3 kPa and 4 Hz. The pressure sensitivity of 6.71 V/kPa and 0.18 μA/kPa is determined under the pressure range of 5.5–33.3 kPa. Based on these structures, we apply mesoporous Al2O3-PDMS film to a gapless TENG structure and obtain a linear pressure sensitivity of 1.00 V/kPa and 0.02 μA/kPa, respectively. Finally, we demonstrate self-powered safety cushion sensors for monitoring human sitting position by using gapless TENGs, which are developed with a large-scale and highly-deformable mesoporous Al2O3-PDMS film with dimensions of 6 × 5 pixels (33 × 27 cm2).
Extracellular and Intracellular Biomineralization Induced by Bacillus licheniformis DB1-9 at Different Mg/Ca Molar Ratios
Authors: Han Zuozhen , Gao Xiao , Zhao Hui , Tucker Maurice E. , Zhao Yanhong , Bi Zhenpeng , Pan Juntong , Wu Guangzhen , Yan Huaxiao
Published: December 2018

Biomineralization has become a research hotspot and attracted widespread attention in the field of carbonate sedimentology. In this study, precipitation of carbonate minerals was induced by Bacillus licheniformis DB1-9 bacteria, (identity confirmed with its phylogenetic tree), to further explore the biomineralization mechanisms. During experiments, lasting up to 24 days with varying Mg/Ca molar ratios and regular monitoring of conditions, ammonia and carbonic anhydrase are released by the bacteria, resulting in a pH increase. Carbonic anhydrase could have promoted carbon dioxide hydration to produce bicarbonate and carbonate ions, and so promoted supersaturation to facilitate the precipitation of carbonate minerals. These include rhombohedral, dumbbell-shaped, and elongated calcite crystals; aragonite appears in the form of mineral aggregates. In addition, spheroidal and fusiform minerals are precipitated. FTIR results show there are organic functional groups, such as C–O–C and C=O, as well as the characteristic peaks of calcite and aragonite; these indicate that there is a close relationship between the bacteria and the minerals. Ultrathin slices of the bacteria analyzed by HRTEM, SAED, EDS, and STEM show that precipitate within the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) has a poor crystal structure, and intracellular granular areas have no crystal structure. Fluorescence intensity and STEM results show that calcium ions can be transported from the outside to the inside of the cells. This study provides further insights to our understanding of biomineralization mechanisms induced by microorganisms.
Post-Mineralization, Cogenetic Magmatism at the Sungun Cu-Mo Porphyry Deposit (Northwest Iran): Protracted Melting and Extraction in an Arc System
Authors: Kamali Amin , Moayyed Mohsen , Amel Nasir , Hosseinzadeh Mohammad , Mohammadiha Kourosh , Santos José , Brenna Marco
Published: December 2018

The Sungun porphyry ore deposit is located in Eastern Azarbaijan province, Northwestern Iran. The oldest intrusive pulse in the region is a quartz-monzonite pluton, which hosts the porphyry copper-molybdenum mineralization. The Sungun Copper Mine includes the mineralized Sungun porphyry as well as six groups of cross-cutting and lithologically distinct post-mineralization dykes. The composition of these dykes ranges from quartz diorite, gabbro, diorite, dacite, lamprophyre, and microdiorite. Quartz diorite and dacite dykes are the oldest and youngest dykes, respectively. Based on their cross-cutting relationships, the composition of the dykes tend to become more primitive through time. The dykes strike Northwest–Southeast with Southwest dip, sub-parallel to the reverse faults within the deposit area. The lamprophyric dykes range from phonotephrite, to trachybasalt, tephrite, and basanite. The quartz-monzonite porphyry (SP) and the post-mineralization dykes (DK1-DK3) have clear and distinct negative anomalies of Ti, Zr, P, Pr, Ce, and Nb, as well as positive anomalies of Cs, U, K, Pb, and Nd with respect to primitive mantle. Microdioritic dykes (MDI) show depletion of Ti, Nb, P, Ta, Th, Yb, and Zr, and enrichment of Cs, Ba, U, Pb, Nd. The similarities in trace element abundances and patterns in the porphyry and post-mineralization calc-alkaline dykes implies a single source and fractional crystallization as the main mechanism controlling magmatic evolution in a collisional environment. Lamprophyric dykes have enrichment of LREE and LILE and depletion of HREE and HFSE such as Ti, Nb, and Ta. The parent magma of the lamprophyric dykes (LAM) was likely derived by low degrees of melting of a garnet lherzolite mantle peridotite. The 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd ratios range from 0.704617 to 0.706464 and from 0.512648 to 0.512773 for the dykes suggesting that the parental magmas came from a progressively more enriched mantle. Isotope ratios of 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd support a cogenetic relationship of porphyry and calc-alkaline dykes, except for the microdiorite ones. A common primary melt underwent gravity differentiation in a deep magmatic chamber to form a dioritic magma. This subsequently migrated to shallower levels to evolve further and feed individual dyke groups into the Sungun porphyry.
Chromatographic Analyses, In Vitro Biological Activities, and Cytotoxicity of Cannabis sativa L. Essential Oil: A Multidisciplinary Study
Authors: Zengin Gokhan , Menghini Luigi , Di Sotto Antonella , Mancinelli Romina , Sisto Francesca , Carradori Simone , Cesa Stefania , Fraschetti Caterina , Filippi Antonello , Angiolella Letizia , Locatelli Marcello , Mannina Luisa , Ingallina Cinzia , Puca Valentina , D’Antonio Marianna , Grande Rossella
Published: December 2018

Due to renewed interest in the cultivation and production of Italian Cannabis sativa L., we proposed a multi-methodological approach to explore chemically and biologically both the essential oil and the aromatic water of this plant. We reported the chemical composition in terms of cannabinoid content, volatile component, phenolic and flavonoid pattern, and color characteristics. Then, we demonstrated the ethnopharmacological relevance of this plant cultivated in Italy as a source of antioxidant compounds toward a large panel of enzymes (pancreatic lipase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and cholinesterases) and selected clinically relevant, multidrug-sensible, and multidrug-resistant microbial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Helicobacter pylori, Candida, and Malassezia spp.), evaluating the cytotoxic effects against normal and malignant cell lines. Preliminary in vivo cytotoxicity was also performed on Galleria mellonella larvae. The results corroborate the use of this natural product as a rich source of important biologically active molecules with particular emphasis on the role exerted by naringenin, one of the most important secondary metabolites.
Purification and Functional Characterization of the C-Terminal Domain of the β-Actin-Binding Protein AIM1 In Vitro
Authors: Wu Fang , Cheng Liangkai , Yu Qi , Zhang Lin , Li Hong , Wang Caiyan
Published: December 2018

The protein absent in melanoma 1 (AIM1) is a member of the βγ-crystal lens superfamily that is associated with the development of multiple cancers. The binding of AIM1 to β-actin affects the migration and invasion of prostate cancer epithelial cells. The C-terminus of AIM1 is required for the β-actin interaction. However, the characteristics of AIM1 in vitro and the interaction mode between AIM1 and β-actin remain unknown. We describe novel methods to prepare pure recombinant AIM1 and identify possible binding modes between AIM1 and β-actin; we also obtain the crystal of the first two βγ-crystallin domains of AIM1 (g1g2) for future structural biology research. We first express and purify AIM1 after cloning the sequence into a modified pET-28a_psp expression vector. Next, we define the minimum unit formed by the βγ-crystallin domain repeats that bound to β-actin and perform its physiological function. Finally, we made the structural model of the AIM1 g1g2 that can be used to guide future biomedical investigations and prostate cancer research.
Atractylenolide II Induces Apoptosis of Prostate Cancer Cells through Regulation of AR and JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Wang Jing , Nasser Moussa Ide , Adlat Salah , Ming Jiang Ming , Jiang Nan , Gao Li
Published: December 2018

Prostate cancer is the most common illness affecting men worldwide. Although much progress has been made in the study of prostate cancer prevention and treatment, less attention has been paid to the molecular mechanism of the disease. The molecular arrangement by which atractylenolide II (ATR II) induces human prostate cancer cytotoxicity was comprehensively examined in the present study. As indicated by the results, ATR II could inhibit prostate cancer cell proliferation and promote DU145 and LNCaP cell apoptosis through induced G2/M cell cycle arrest. The cell apoptosis process induced by ATR II in both DU145 and LNCaP cells was associated with its ability to inhibit androgen receptor (AR) with overexpression of protein inhibitor of activated STAT-1 (PIAS1) and the repression of Janus kinase (Jak2) signaling pathways. The data from the present study demonstrated the antitumor effects and the potential pharmacological application of ATR II as an efficient drug for prostate cancer treatment.
Enantioselective Michael Addition of Aldehydes to Maleimides Organocatalyzed by a Chiral Primary Amine-Salicylamide
Authors: Torregrosa-Chinillach Alejandro , Moragues Adrien , Pérez-Furundarena Haritz , Chinchilla Rafael , Gómez-Bengoa Enrique , Guillena Gabriela
Published: December 2018

A primary amine-salicylamide derived from chiral trans-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine was used as an organocatalyst for the enantioselective conjugate addition of aldehydes, mainly α,α-disubstituted to N-substituted maleimides. The reaction was performed in toluene as a solvent at room temperature. The corresponding enantioenriched adducts were obtained with high yields and enantioselectivities up to 94%. Theoretical calculations were used to justify the stereoinduction.
Significant Influence of a Single Atom Change in Auxiliary Acceptor on Photovoltaic Properties of Porphyrin-Based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Zhou Haoran , Ji Jung-Min , Kim Min , Kim Hwan
Published: December 2018

The rational design of porphyrin sensitizers is always crucial for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), since the change of only a single atom can have a significant influence on the photovoltaic performance. We incorporated the pyridothiadiazole group, as a stronger electron-withdrawing group, into the commonly well-established skeleton of D-porphyrin-triple bond-acceptor sensitizers by a single atom change for a well-known strong electron-withdrawing benzothiadiazole (BTD) unit as an auxiliary acceptor. The impact of the pyridothiadiazole group on the optical; electrochemical; and photovoltaic properties of D–π–A porphyrin sensitizers was investigated with comparison for a benzothiadiazole-substituted SGT-020 porphyrin. The pyridothiadiazole-substituted SGT-024 porphyrin dye was red-shifted so that the absorption range might be expected to achieve higher light harvest efficiency (LHE) than the SGT-020 porphyrin. However, all the devices were fabricated by utilizing SGT-020 and SGT-024, evaluated and found to achieve a cell efficiency of 10.3% for SGT-020-based DSSC but 4.2% for SGT-024-based DSSC under standard global AM 1.5G solar light conditions. The main reason is the lower charge collection efficiency of SGT-024-based DSSC than SGT-020-based DSSC, which can be attributed to the tilted dye adsorption mode on the TiO2 photoanode. This may allow for faster charge recombination, which eventually leads to lower Jsc, Voc and power conversion efficiency (PCE).
Excimer Laser Induced Spatially Resolved Formation and Implantation of Plasmonic Particles in Glass
Authors: Heinz Maximilian , Meinertz Jörg , Dubiel Manfred , Ihlemann Jürgen
Published: December 2018

Metallic nanoparticles are important building blocks for plasmonic applications. The spatially defined arrangement of these nanoparticles in a stable glass matrix is obtained here by nanosecond excimer laser irradiation at 193 nm. Two approaches are addressed: (1) Laser induced formation of particles from a dopant material pre-incorporated in the glass, (2) Particle formation and implantation by irradiation of material pre-coated on top of the glass. Silver nanoparticles are formed inside Ag+ doped glass (method 1). Gold nanoparticles are implanted by irradiation of gold coated glass (method 2). In the latter case, with a few laser pulses the original gold film disintegrates into particles which are then embedded in the softened glass matrix. A micron sized spatial resolution (periodic arrangements with 2 µm period) is obtained in both cases by irradiating the samples with an interference beam pattern generated by a phase mask. The plasmonic absorption of the nanoparticles leads to a contrast of the optical density between irradiated and non-irradiated lines of up to 0.6.
A Universal Solution of Controlling the Distribution of Multimaterials during Macroscopic Manipulation via a Microtopography-Guided Substrate
Authors: Li Changhai , Zhang Fengqiang , Zhang Jia , Guo Bin , Wang Zhenlong
Published: December 2018

Any object can be considered as a spatial distribution of atoms and molecules; in this sense, we can manufacture any object as long as the precise distribution of atoms and molecules is achieved. However, the current point-by-point methods to precisely manipulate single atoms and single molecules, such as the scanning tunneling microscope (STM), have difficulty in manipulating a large quantity of materials within an acceptable time. The macroscopic manipulation techniques, such as magnetron sputtering, molecular beam epitaxy, and evaporation, could not precisely control the distribution of materials. Herein, we take a step back and present a universal method of controlling the distribution of multimaterails during macroscopic manipulation via microtopography-guided substrates. For any given target distribution of multimaterials in a plane, the complicated lateral distribution of multimaterials was firstly transformed into a simple spatial lamellar body. Then, a deposition mathematical model was first established based on a mathematical transformation. Meanwhile, the microtopographic substrate can be fabricated according to target distribution based on the deposition mathematical model. Following this, the deposition was implemented on the substrate according to the designed sequence and thickness of each material, resulting in the formation of the deposition body on the substrate. Finally, the actual distribution was obtained on a certain section in the deposition body by removing the upside materials. The actual distribution can mimic the target one with a controllable accuracy. Furthermore, two experiments were performed to validate our method. As a result, we provide a feasible and scalable solution for controlling the distribution of multimaterials, and point out the direction of improving the position accuracy of each material. We may achieve real molecular manufacturing and nano-manufacturing if the position accuracy of distribution approaches the atomic level.
Applied Stress-Assisted Growth of Single Crystal γ-Fe2O3 Nanowires
Authors: Lu Lan , Hong Ligen , Chu Yi , Pan Huayong , Huang Shaoyun , Xing Yingjie , Xu Hongqi
Published: December 2018

It is difficult to obtain γ-Fe2O3 nanostructures by heating iron substrate in ambient conditions because γ-Fe2O3 is less thermodynamically stable than α-Fe2O3. In this work, we synthesize γ-Fe2O3 nanowires by heating iron particles under an external force. The stacking style of iron and oxygen ions under a strong shearing stress tends to adopt the γ-Fe2O3 structure regardless of the thermodynamic restriction. These γ-Fe2O3 nanowires exhibit a clear ferromagnetic property. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements confirm that γ-phase structure appears only under the applied external force during the heating period. A window of the magnitude of the external force is found to help the nanowire growth on iron particles. The growth mechanism of γ-Fe2O3 nanowires other than α-Fe2O3 under the external force is discussed and an applied stress-assisted growth model is proposed. This work presents an easy approach to produce ferromagnetic iron oxide nanowires on a large scale.
Upregulation of Long Non-Coding RNA DRAIC Correlates with Adverse Features of Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhao Dan , Dong Jin-Tang
Published: December 2018

DRAIC (also known as LOC145837 and RP11-279F6.1), is a long non-coding RNA associated with several types of cancer including prostate cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer. Its expression is elevated in tumor tissues compared to adjacent benign tissues in breast cancer patients and is regulated by estrogen treatment in breast cancer cells. In addition, expression analysis of DRAIC in more than 100 cell lines showed that DRAIC expression is high in luminal and basal subtypes compared to claudin low subtype, suggesting a prognostic value of DRAIC expression in breast cancer. In the present study, we analyzed DRAIC expression in 828 invasive breast carcinomas and 105 normal samples of RNA sequencing datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and found that DRAIC expression was correlated with estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status, and is increased in cancerous tissues. Additionally, higher DRAIC expression was associated with poorer survival of patients, especially in ER positive breast cancer. DRAIC was also investigated in the Oncomine database and we found that DRAIC expression predicted patients’ response to paclitaxel and FEC as well as lapatinib, which are commonly used therapy options for breast cancer. Finally, DRAIC expression in breast cancer was negatively correlated with immune cell infiltration. These results reinforce the importance of DRAIC in breast cancer.
Gender, Age, Race and Lactose Intolerance: Is There Evidence to Support a Differential Symptom Response? A Scoping Review
Authors: Lapides Rebecca A , Savaiano Dennis A
Published: December 2018

Research evaluating the relationship between lactose intolerance (LI) symptoms and age, gender and race is reviewed. An exhaustive search was conducted on the Google Scholar and PubMed databases. The evidence suggests that women, the elderly or specific racial groups are not more susceptible to LI, but rather dose, body size and genetic differences in lactase non-persistence (LNP) are the primary drivers of intolerance symptoms.
Iron Treatment May Be Difficult in Inflammatory Diseases: Inflammatory Bowel Disease as a Paradigm
Authors: Gargallo-Puyuelo Carla J. , Alfambra Erika , García-Erce Jose Antonio , Gomollon Fernando
Published: December 2018

Iron plays a key role in many physiological processes; cells need a very exact quantity of iron. In patients with inflammatory bowel disease, anaemia is a unique example of multifactorial origins, frequently being the result of a combination of iron deficiency and anaemia of chronic disease. The main cause of iron deficiency is the activity of the disease. Therefore, the first aim should be to reach complete clinical remission. The iron supplementation route should be determined according to symptoms, severity of anaemia and taking into account comorbidities and individual risks. Oral iron can only be used in patients with mild anaemia, whose disease is inactive and who have not been previously intolerant to oral iron. Intravenous iron should be the first line treatment in patients with moderate-severe anaemia, in patients with active disease, in patients with poor tolerance to oral iron and when erythropoietin agents or a fast response is needed. Erythropoietin is used in a few patients with anaemia to overcome functional iron deficiency, and blood transfusion is being restricted to refractory cases or acute life-threatening situations.
Frequency of Dietary Intake and Physical Activity in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Štefan Lovro , Petrinović Lidija , Sporiš Goran , Vrgoč Goran
Published: December 2018

Background: Evidence shows that diet is associated with physical activity. However, there has been a lack of studies addressing it in a population of older adults. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to explore associations between various frequencies of dietary intake and physical activity in older adults. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the participants were 810 older adults aged ≥85. Frequency of dietary intake and the level of physical activity were assessed using the Elderly Diet Index score and International Physical Activity questionnaire. Mutual associations were examined using generalized estimating equations with a logistic regression model. Results: ”Optimal” intake of fish and seafood (OR (odds ratio) = 1.40; 95% CI (95 percent confidence interval) 1.01 to 2.00), fruits (OR = 2.10; 95% CI 1.45 to 3.02), legumes (OR = 1.73; 95% CI 1.19 to 2.50), olive oil (OR = 1.83; 95% CI 1.09 to 3.08) and bread (OR = 4.62; 95% CI 3.05 to 6.99) and the total Elderly Diet Index score (OR = 4.99; 95% CI 3.20 to 7.70) were associated with ”sufficient” physical activity. When all dietary components were entered simultaneously into the model, ”optimal” intakes of meat (OR = 1.73; 95% CI 1.10 to 2.71), fish and seafood (OR = 2.26; 95% CI 1.46 to 3.51), cereals (OR = 1.75; 95% CI 1.02 to 3.25), fruits (OR = 1.52; 95% CI 1.02 to 2.26), legumes (OR = 1.48; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.93), and bread (OR = 5.14; 95% CI 3.24 to 8.15) were associated with ”sufficient” physical activity. Conclusions: Our study shows that the total Elderly Diet Index score is the strongest predictor associated with ”sufficient” physical activity in a population of older adults. Thus, policies aiming to improve overall diet in order to achieve higher levels of physical activity are warranted.
Dietary Fat Intake and Risk of Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies
Authors: Kim Minkyeong , Park Kyong
Published: December 2018

Dietary fat intake is associated with the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the results of epidemiological studies on this are controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to summarize the available scientific evidence regarding the association between dietary fat and the risk of CRC. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library for articles related to dietary fat and the risk of CRC. The summary relative risks with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated via a random effect model. Begg’s test was used to detect publication bias. A total of 18 articles were identified. The pooled relative risk with 95% CI for the risk of CRC were 1.00 (95% CI: 0.90–1.12), 0.97 (95% CI: 0.86–1.10), 1.08 (95% CI: 0.92–1.26), and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.93–1.04) for total fat, saturated fatty acid, monounsaturated fatty acid, and polyunsaturated fatty acid, respectively. No significant associations were found in subgroup analyses. Begg’s test for all exposures revealed no publication bias (total fat, p = 0.3; saturated fatty acid, p = 0.1; monounsaturated fatty acid, p = 0.08; polyunsaturated fatty acid, p = 0.2). The studies included in this review and meta-analysis revealed that dietary fats and fatty acids had no effects on the risk of CRC.
Food Parenting Practices among Parents with Overweight and Obesity: A Systematic Review
Authors: Patel Chloe , Karasouli Eleni , Shuttlewood Emma , Meyer Caroline
Published: December 2018

Given the links between parental obesity and eating psychopathology in their children, it is important to understand the mechanisms via which unhealthy relationships with eating are passed from generation to generation. The aim was to review research focusing on food-related parenting practices (FPPs) used by parents with overweight/obesity. Web of Science, PubMed and PsycINFO were searched. Studies that included a measure of FPPs were considered eligible and were required to have examined FPPs by parental weight status. Twenty studies were included. Single studies suggest differences between parents with healthy-weight vs. overweight/obesity with respect to; food accessibility, food availability and modelling. Multiple studies suggest that several parenting strategies do not differ according to parental weight status (child involvement, praise, use of food to control negative emotions, use of food-based threats and bribes, pressure, restriction, meal and snack routines, monitoring, and rules and limits). There was inconclusive evidence with respect to differences in parental control, encouragement and use of unstructured FPPs among parents with healthy-weight vs. overweight/obesity. The findings of this review imply some differences between parents with overweight/obesity and healthy-weight and the use of some food-related parenting practices, however, they should be interpreted with caution since research remains limited and is generally methodologically weak. The review highlights opportunities for further research, and suggests improvements to current measures of FPPs.
Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Haematological Values and Muscle Recovery in Elite Male Traditional Rowers
Authors: Mielgo-Ayuso Juan , Calleja-González Julio , Urdampilleta Aritz , León-Guereño Patxi , Córdova Alfredo , Caballero-García Alberto , Fernandez-Lázaro Diego
Published: December 2018

Introduction: Deficient levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) (<30 ng/mL) may compromise health and athletic performance. Supplementation with oral vitamin D can favor the state of iron metabolism, and testosterone and cortisol as an indicator of muscle recovery of the athlete with a deficiency. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of eight weeks of supplementation with 3000 IU/day of vitamin D on the hematological and iron metabolism profile, as well as on the analytical values of testosterone and cortisol on elite male traditional rowers. The secondary aim was to examine if serum 25(OH)D is a predictor of testosterone and cortisol levels. Material and Methods: Thirty-six elite male rowers (27 ± 6 years) were assigned to one of the two groups randomly: 1) Control group (CG, n = 18, height: 181.05 ± 3.39 cm and body mass: 77.02 ± 7.55 kg), 2) Group treated with 3,000 IU of vitamin D3/day (VD3G, s = 18, height: 179.70 ± 9.07 cm and body mass: 76.19 ± 10.07 kg). The rowers were subjected to blood tests at the beginning of the study (T1) and after eight weeks of treatment (T2), for the analysis of hematological and hormonal values. Repeated-measures ANOVA with group factor (GC and GVD3) were used to examine if the interaction of the different values was the same or different between the groups throughout the study (time × group) after vitamin D3 treatment. To analyze if 25(OH)D was a good predictor of testosterone, cortisol, and testosterone/cortisol ratio a stepwise regression model was performed. Results: Statistically significant and different increases were observed in the group-by-time interaction of 25(OH)D in VD3G in respect to CG during the study (p < 0.001; VD3G (T1: 26.24 ± 8.18 ng/mL vs. T2: 48.12 ± 10.88 ng/mL) vs CG (T1: 30.76 ± 6.95 ng/mL vs. T2: 35.14 ± 7.96 ng/mL). Likewise, significant differences between groups were observed throughout the study in the group-by-time interaction and changes of hemoglobin (GC: −2.89 ± 2.29% vs. VD3G: 0.71 ± 1.91%; p = 0.009), hematocrit (CG: −1.57 ± 2.49% vs. VD3G: 1.16 ± 1.81%; p = 0.019) and transferrin (CG: 0.67 ± 4.88% vs. VD3G: 6.51 ± 4.36%; p = 0.007). However, no differences between groups were observed in the group-by-time interaction of the hormonal parameters (p > 0.05). Regression multivariate analysis showed that cortisol and testosterone levels were associated with 25(OH)D levels (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Oral supplementation with 3000 IU/day of vitamin D3 during eight weeks showed to be sufficient to prevent a decline in hematological levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit, and improve transferrin of 25(OH)D levels. However, although it was not sufficient to enhance muscle recovery observed by testosterone and cortisol responses, it was observed that serum 25(OH)D levels could be a predictor of anabolic and catabolic hormones.
Ocean Backscatter Profiling Using High-Spectral-Resolution Lidar and a Perturbation Retrieval
Authors: Churnside James H. , Hair Johnathan W. , Hostetler Chris A. , Scarino Amy Jo
Published: December 2018

Ocean lidar attenuation and scattering parameters were derived from a high-spectral-resolution lidar (HSRL) using two different retrieval techniques. The first used the standard HSRL retrieval, and the second used only the total backscatter channel and a perturbation retrieval (PR). The motivation is to evaluate differences between the two techniques that would affect the decision of whether to use a simple backscatter lidar or a more complex HSRL in future applications. For the data set investigated, the attenuation coefficient from the PR was an average of 11% lower than that from the HSRL. The PR estimate of the scattering parameter decreased with depth relative to the HSRL estimate, although the overall bias was zero as a result of the calibration procedure. Near the surface, the coefficient of variability in both estimates of attenuation and in HSRL estimates of scattering were around 5%, but that in the PR estimate of scattering was over 10%. At greater depths, the variability increases for all of the profile parameters. The correlation between the two estimates of attenuation coefficient was 0.7. The correlation between scattering parameters was > 0.8 near the surface, but decreased to 0.4 at a depth of around 20 m. Overall, the PR performed better relative to the HSRL in offshore waters than in nearshore waters.
Optimal Hyperspectral Characteristics Determination for Winter Wheat Yield Prediction
Authors: Zhang Yao , Qin Qiming , Ren Huazhong , Sun Yuanheng , Li Minzan , Zhang Tianyuan , Ren Shilong
Published: December 2018

Crop growth in different periods influences the final yield. This study started from the agronomic mechanism of yield formation and aimed to extract useful spectral characteristics in different phenological phases, which could directly describe the final yield and dynamic contributions of different phases to the yield formation. Hyperspectral information of the winter wheat canopy was acquired during three important phases (jointing stage, heading stage, and grain-filling stage). An enhanced 2D correlation spectral analysis method modified by mutual information was proposed to identify the sensitive wavebands. The selected wavebands performed well with good mechanism interpretation and close correlation with important crop growth parameters and main physiological activities related to yield formation. The quantitative contribution proportions of plant growth in three phases to the final yield were estimated by determining the coefficients of partial least square models based on full spectral information. They were then used as single-phase weight factors to merge the selected wavebands. The support vector machine model based on the weighted spectral dataset performed well in yield prediction with satisfactory accuracy and robustness. This result would provide rapid and accurate guidance for agricultural production and would be valuable for the processing of hyperspectral remote sensing data.
Dynamic Analysis of Mangrove Forests Based on an Optimal Segmentation Scale Model and Multi-Seasonal Images in Quanzhou Bay, China
Authors: Lu Chunyan , Liu Jinfu , Jia Mingming , Liu Mingyue , Man Weidong , Fu Weiwei , Zhong Lianxiu , Lin Xiaoqing , Su Ying , Gao Yibin
Published: December 2018

Mangrove forests are important coastal ecosystems and are crucial for the equilibrium of the global carbon cycle. Monitoring and mapping of mangrove forests are essential for framing knowledge-based conservation policies and funding decisions by governments and managers. The purpose of this study was to monitor mangrove forest dynamics in the Quanzhou Bay Estuary Wetland Nature Reserve. To achieve this goal, we compared and analyzed the spectral discrimination among mangrove forests, mudflats and Spartina using multi-seasonal Landsat images from 1990, 1997, 2005, 2010, and 2017. We identified the spatio-temporal distribution of mangrove forests by combining an optimal segmentation scale model based on object-oriented classification, decision tree and visual interpretation. In addition, mangrove forest dynamics were determined by combining the annual land change area, centroid migration and overlay analysis. The results showed that there were advantages in the approaches used in this study for monitoring mangrove forests. From 1990 to 2017, the extent of mangrove forests increased by 2.48 km2, which was mostly converted from mudflats and Spartina. Environmental threats including climate change and sea-level rise, aquaculture development and Spartina invasion, pose potential and direct threats to the existence and expansion of mangrove forests. However, the implementation of reforestation projects and Spartina control plays a substantial role in the expansion of mangrove forests. It has been demonstrated that conservation activities can be beneficial for the restoration and succession of mangrove forests. This study provides an example of how the application of an optimal segmentation scale model and multi-seasonal images to mangrove forest monitoring can facilitate government policies that ensure the effective protection of mangrove forests.
Reputation-Based Spectrum Sensing Strategy Selection in Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Sun Zhiguo , Xu Zhenyu , Chen Zengmao , Ning Xiaoyan , Guo Lili
Published: December 2018

Spectrum sensing plays an essential role in the detection of unused spectrum whole in cognitive radio networks, including cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) and independent spectrum sensing. In cognitive radio ad hoc networks (CRAHNs), CSS enhances the sensing performance of cognitive nodes by exploring the spectrum partial homogeneity and fully utilizing the knowledge of neighboring nodes, e.g., sensing results and topological information. However, CSS may also open a door for malicious nodes, i.e., spectrum sensing data falsification (SSDF) attackers, which report fake sensing results to deteriorate the performance of CSS. Generally, the performance of CSS has an inverse relationship with the fraction of SSDF attackers. On the contrary, independent spectrum sensing is robust to SSDF attacks. Therefore, it is desirable to choose a proper sensing strategy between independent sensing and collaborative sensing for CRAHNs coexisting with various fractions of SSDF attackers. In this paper, a novel algorithm called Spectrum Sensing Strategy Selection (4S) is proposed to select better sensing strategies either in a collaborative or in an independent manner. To derive the maximum a posteriori estimation of nodes’ spectrum status, we investigated the graph cut-based CSS method, through which the topological information cost function and the sensing results cost function were constructed. Moreover, the reputation value was applied to evaluate the performance of CSS and independent sensing. The reputation threshold was theoretically analyzed to minimize the probability of choosing the sensing manner with worse performance. Simulations were carried out to verify the viability and the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Multi-Sensor Data Fusion for Real-Time Surface Quality Control in Automated Machining Systems
Authors: García Plaza E. , Núñez López P. J. , Beamud González E. M.
Published: December 2018

Multi-sensor data fusion systems entail the optimization of a wide range of parameters related to the selection of sensors, signal feature extraction methods, and predictive modeling techniques. The monitoring of automated machining systems enables the intelligent supervision of the production process by detecting malfunctions, and providing real-time information for continuous process optimization, and production line decision-making. Monitoring technologies are essential for the reduction of production times and costs, and an improvement in product quality, discarding the need for post-process quality controls. In this paper, a multi-sensor data fusion system for the real-time surface quality control based on cutting force, vibration, and acoustic emission signals was assessed. A total of four signal processing methods were analyzed: time direct analysis (TDA), power spectral density (PSD), singular spectrum analysis (SSA), and wavelet packet transform (WPT). Owing to the nonlinear and stochastic nature of the process, two predictive modeling techniques, multiple regression and artificial neural networks, were evaluated to correlate signal parametric characterization with surface quality. The results showed a high correlation of surface finish with cutting force and vibration signals. The signal processing methods based on signal decomposition in a combined time and frequency domain (SSA and WPT) exhibited better signal feature extraction, detecting excitation frequency ranges correlated to surface finish. The artificial neural network model obtained the highest predictive power, with better behavior for the whole data range. The proposed on-line multi-sensor data fusion provided significant improvements for in-process quality control, with excellent predictive power, reliability, and response times.
Research on Distributed 5G Signal Coverage Detection Algorithm Based on PSO-BP-Kriging
Authors: Xiang Tingli , Wang Hongjun
Published: December 2018

In order to overcome the limitations of traditional road test methods in 5G mobile communication network signal coverage detection, a signal coverage detection algorithm based on distributed sensor network for 5G mobile communication network is proposed. First, the received signal strength of the communication base station is collected and pre-processed by randomly deploying distributed sensor nodes. Then, the neural network objective function is modified by using the variogram function, and the initial weight coefficient of the neural network is optimized by using the improved particle swarm optimization algorithm. Next, the trained network model is used to interpolate the perceptual blind zone. Finally, the sensor node sampling data and the interpolation estimation result are combined to generate an effective coverage of the 5G mobile communication network signal. Simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm can detect the real situation of 5G mobile communication network signal coverage better than other algorithms, and has certain feasibility and application prospects.