bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic Disease, Disability, Psychological Distress and Suicide Ideation among Rural Elderly: Results from a Population Survey in Shandong
Authors: Zhu Jing , Xu Lingzhong , Sun Long , Li Jiajia , Qin Wenzhe , Ding Gan , Wang Qian , Zhang Jiao , Xie Su , Yu Zihang
Published: July 2018

Objective: Suicide is a major public health and social problem in contemporary societies. Previous studies showed that the older the seniors were, the more likely it was that they would experience disability, chronic disease, or both. The objective of this study was to examine the joint effects of chronic disease and physical disability on suicide ideation while controlling for psychological distress among the rural elderly living in Shandong Province, China. Method: A total of 5514 rural elderly individuals (60+) living in Shandong Province, China were included in this study. Suicidal ideation was assessed by using questions from the National Comorbidity Survey (NCS). Multiple logistic analyses were performed to examine the factors associated with suicide ideation. A path analysis was conducted to test the direct and indirect effects of chronic disease and of activity of daily living (ADL) limitation on suicide ideation while controlling for psychological distress. Results: The prevalence of suicide ideation among the rural elderly in Shandong, China was 11.0%. Psychological distress had the strongest direct (β = 0.392) and total effect (β = 0.392), chronic disease (β = −0.034; β = −0.063) had both direct and indirect impacts, and ADL (β = 0.091) had indirect impacts on suicide ideation. Psychological distress was a mediator between chronic disease, ADL limitation, and suicide ideation. Conclusions: Psychological distress was the greatest influencing factor of suicide ideation among the rural elderly, followed by chronic disease and disability. Effective intervention measures should be taken to facilitate the early detection of psychological distress in clinical practice among the rural elderly.
Correlation Analysis between Landscape Metrics and Water Quality under Multiple Scales
Authors: Zhang Xin , Liu Yuqi , Zhou Lin
Published: July 2018

Non-point source pollution is the main factor causing water quality deterioration. Landscape patterns affect the transmission of non-point source pollutants. Many studies have been carried out to analyze the correlation between landscape patterns and water quality, while most former studies neglected the scale effect. The Jiulong River basin in southeast China was selected as the study area. Based on a landscape cover map generated from satellite images, we determined the riparian buffer zones with different widths, set the catchment as the complementary scale, and then established the multiple linear regression models to explore the relationship between landscape metrics and water quality indices at different scales. The degree of significance of the effect of various landscape metrics on the water quality at different scales was quantitatively analyzed in this paper by using multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that not only the impact of landscape metrics but also the influence of land cover type on the water quality indices would vary when the spatial scale changed. The credible regression models established in this study can help regional managers understand the correlation between landscape and water quality, and the regression results can be used for land use allocation in a watershed.
Short-Term Effects of Air Pollution on Respiratory and Circulatory Morbidity in Colombia 2011–2014: A Multi-City, Time-Series Analysis
Authors: Rodríguez-Villamizar Laura Andrea , Rojas-Roa Néstor Yezid , Blanco-Becerra Luis Camilo , Herrera-Galindo Víctor Mauricio , Fernández-Niño Julián Alfredo
Published: July 2018

Few studies have been conducted on the effect of air pollution on morbidity in Latin America. This study analyzed the effects of air pollution on respiratory and circulatory morbidity in four major cities in Colombia. An ecological time-series analysis was conducted with pollution data from air quality monitoring networks and information on emergency department visits between 2011 and 2014. Daily 24-h averages were calculated for NO2, PM10, PM2.5, and SO2 as well as 8-h averages for CO and O3. Separate time-series were constructed by disease group and pollutant. Conditional negative binomial regression models were used with average population effects. Effects were calculated for the same day and were adjusted for weather conditions, age groups, and their interactions. The results showed that effects of some of the pollutants differed among the cities. For NO2, PM10, and PM2.5, the multi-city models showed greater and statistically significant percentage increases in emergency department visits for respiratory diseases, particularly for the 5 to 9-year-old age group. These same pollutants also significantly affected the rate of emergency department visits for circulatory diseases, especially for the group of persons over 60 years of age.
Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Primary Synovial Osteochondromatosis of the Shoulder with Massive Rotator Cuff Tear and Marked Degenerative Arthropathy
Authors: Ichiseki Toru , Ueda Shusuke , Souma Daisuke , Shimasaki Miyako , Ueda Yoshimichi , Kawahara Norio
Published: July 2018

Synovial osteochondromatosis (SO) is a rare disease in which chondrometaplasia develops in the synovium of joints, bursa, and tendon sheaths. SO is found most frequently in the knee joint, while cases of SO developing in the shoulder joint are rare, accounting for only 1.9–5.2% of all SO cases. Moreover, most of these cases show secondary rather than primary involvement. In a patient with SO associated with extensive rotator cuff tearing and marked arthropathic changes, we performed mass resection and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), and obtained good pain relief and functional improvement. The patient was a 75-year-old woman who had developed left shoulder pain five years earlier without any known precipitating factor. The range of motion of the left shoulder showed extremely severe restriction, with flexion 80°, abduction 60°, and external rotation 0°, and prominent impingement symptoms. On plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT), prominent shoulder arthropathic changes were found. On plain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), around the shoulder, an irregular hypointense region was identified in the center on T1-enhanced images, while hyperintense nodular lesions with a hypointense center were detected on T2-enhanced images. Since extensive rotator cuff tearing was also found, a diagnosis of OS associated with rotator cuff tearing and arthropathic changes was made. Surgery consisted of resection of a whitish mass-like floating body in the center of the joint followed by RSA. The postoperative course was uneventful, and one year postoperatively there was no recurrence of pain and the range of motion of the left shoulder had improved to flexion 140°, abduction 130°, and external rotation 30°. Moreover, no complications such as recurrence of osteochondromatosis, implant loosening, or infection were seen. On histopathological examination, the loose body was found to consist of a cartilage component and bone tissue with hyalinization. No findings indicative of malignancy were apparent, and since nodular cartilage arrangement was found, primary osteochondroma was diagnosed. These findings suggested that physical friction between the rotator cuff and the mass was the cause of the rotator cuff tearing, and that the extensive rotator cuff tearing accounted for the progression of the associated extremely severe arthropathic changes.
Effectiveness of Molecules for Quantum Cellular Automata as Computing Devices
Authors: Ardesi Yuri , Pulimeno Azzurra , Graziano Mariagrazia , Riente Fabrizio , Piccinini Gianluca
Published: July 2018

Notwithstanding the increasing interest in Molecular Quantum-Dot Cellular Automata (MQCA) as emerging devices for computation, a characterization of their behavior from an electronic standpoint is not well-stated. Devices are typically analyzed with quantum physics-based approaches which are far from the electronic engineering world and make it difficult to design, simulate and fabricate molecular devices. In this work, we define new figures of merits to characterize the molecules, which are based on the post-processing of results obtained from ab initio simulations. We define the Aggregated Charge (AC), the electric-field generated at the receiver molecule (EFGR), the Vin–Vout and Vin–AC transcharacteristics (VVT and VACT), the Vout maps (VOM) and the MQCA cell working zones (CWZ). These quantities are compatible with an electronic engineering point of view and can be used to analyze the capability of molecules to propagate information. We apply and verify the methodology to three molecules already proposed in the literature for MQCA and we state to which extent these molecules can be effective for computation. The adopted methodology provides the quantitative characterization of the molecules necessary for digital designers, to design digital circuits, and for technologists, to the future fabrication of MQCA devices.
Cryptococcal Traits Mediating Adherence to Biotic and Abiotic Surfaces
Authors: Camacho Emma , Casadevall Arturo
Published: July 2018

Several species in the genus Cryptococcus are facultative intracellular pathogens capable of causing disease associated with high mortality and morbidity in humans. These fungi interact with other organisms in the soil, and these interactions may contribute to the development of adaptation mechanisms that function in virulence by promoting fungal survival in animal hosts. Fungal adhesion molecules, also known as adhesins, have been classically considered as cell-surface or secreted proteins that play critical roles in microbial pathogenesis or in biofilm formation as structural components. Pathogenic Cryptococcus spp. differ from other pathogenic yeasts in having a polysaccharide capsule that covers the cell wall surface and precludes interactions of those structures with host cell receptors. Hence, pathogenic Cryptococcus spp. use unconventional tools for surface attachment. In this essay, we review the unique traits and mechanisms favoring adhesion of Cryptococcus spp. to biotic and abiotic surfaces. Knowledge of the traits that mediate adherence could be exploited in the development of therapeutic, biomedical, and/or industrial products.
Tropical Protected Areas Under Increasing Threats from Climate Change and Deforestation
Authors: Tabor Karyn , Hewson Jennifer , Tien Hsin , González-Roglich Mariano , Hole David , Williams John W.
Published: July 2018

Identifying protected areas most susceptible to climate change and deforestation represents critical information for determining conservation investments. Development of effective landscape interventions is required to ensure the preservation and protection of these areas essential to ecosystem service provision, provide high biodiversity value, and serve a critical habitat connectivity role. We identified vulnerable protected areas in the humid tropical forest biome using climate metrics for 2050 and future deforestation risk for 2024 modeled from historical deforestation and global drivers of deforestation. Results show distinct continental and regional patterns of combined threats to protected areas. Eleven Mha (2%) of global humid tropical protected area was exposed to the highest combined threats and should be prioritized for investments in landscape interventions focused on adaptation to climate stressors. Global tropical protected area exposed to the lowest deforestation risk but highest climate risks totaled 135 Mha (26%). Thirty-five percent of South America’s protected area fell into this risk category and should be prioritized for increasing protected area size and connectivity to facilitate species movement. Global humid tropical protected area exposed to a combination of the lowest deforestation and lowest climate risks totaled 89 Mha (17%), and were disproportionately located in Africa (34%) and Asia (17%), indicating opportunities for low-risk conservation investments for improved connectivity to these potential climate refugia. This type of biome-scale, protected area analysis, combining both climate change and deforestation threats, is critical to informing policies and landscape interventions to maximize investments for environmental conservation and increase ecosystem resilience to climate change.
Single-Shot near Edge X-ray Fine Structure (NEXAFS) Spectroscopy Using a Laboratory Laser-Plasma Light Source
Authors: Wachulak Przemysław , Duda Martin , Fok Tomasz , Bartnik Andrzej , Wang Zhanshan , Huang Qiushi , Sarzyński Antoni , Jancarek Alexandr , Fiedorowicz Henryk
Published: July 2018

We present a proof of principle experiment on single-shot near edge soft X-ray fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy with the use of a laboratory laser-plasma light source. The source is based on a plasma created as a result of the interaction of a nanosecond laser pulse with a double stream gas puff target. The laser-plasma source was optimized for efficient soft X-ray (SXR) emission from the krypton/helium target in the wavelength range from 2 nm to 5 nm. This emission was used to acquire simultaneously emission and absorption spectra of soft X-ray light from the source and from the investigated sample using a grazing incidence grating spectrometer. NEXAFS measurements in a transmission mode revealed the spectral features near the carbon K-α absorption edge of thin polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film and L-ascorbic acid in a single-shot. From these features, the composition of the PET sample was successfully obtained. The NEXAFS spectrum of the L-ascorbic acid obtained in a single-shot exposure was also compared to the spectrum obtained a multi-shot exposure and to numerical simulations showing good agreement. In the paper, the detailed information about the source, the spectroscopy system, the absorption spectra measurements and the results of the studies are presented and discussed.
Observation of Morphology Changes of Fine Eutectic Si Phase in Al-10%Si Cast Alloy during Heat Treatment by Synchrotron Radiation Nanotomography
Authors: Furuta Shougo , Kobayashi Masakazu , Uesugi Kentaro , Takeuchi Akihisa , Aoba Tomoya , Miura Hiromi
Published: July 2018

A series of three-dimensional morphology changes of fine eutectic Si-particles during heat treatment have been investigated in Self-modified and Sr-modified Al-10%Si cast alloys by means of synchrotron radiation nanotomography utilizing a Fresnel zone plate and a Zernike phase plate in this study. The coral-like shape particles observed in Sr-modified cast alloy fragmented at branch and neck during heat treatment at 773 K. The fragmentation occurred up to 900 s. After that, the fragmented particles grew and spheroidized by Ostwald ripening. On the other hand, rod-like shaped eutectic Si-particles observed in self-modified cast alloy were larger in size compared with the particle size in Sr-modified cast alloy. Separation of eutectic Si-particles in Self-modified cast alloy occurred up to approximately 900 s, which was similar tendency to that in Sr-modified cast alloy. However, it was found that the morphology change behavior was very complex in rod-like shape Si-particles. The three-dimensional morphology changes of fine eutectic Si-particles in both cast alloys, specifically fragmentation and spheroidizing, can be connected to changes in mechanical properties.
Design Optimization of SBS-Modified Asphalt Mixture Reinforced with Eco-Friendly Basalt Fiber Based on Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Wang Wensheng , Cheng Yongchun , Tan Guojin
Published: July 2018

This paper investigates the effects of basalt fiber content, length and asphalt-aggregate ratio on the volumetric and strength properties of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt mixture reinforced with eco-friendly basalt fiber. An experimental scheme was designed to optimize three preparation parameters for the Marshall test indices based on response surface methodology (RSM). The results showed that basalt fiber content presents a more significant effect on air voids, voids in mineral aggregates and voids filled with asphalt. Basalt fiber length is more related to Marshall stability, and flow value exhibits a significant variation trend with asphalt-aggregate ratio. The optimization of preparation parameters is determined as follows: basalt fiber content is 0.34%, length is 6 mm, asphalt-aggregate ratio is 6.57%, which possesses favorable and reliable accuracy compared with experimental results. Furthermore, basalt fiber reinforced asphalt binder and mixture were also studied, and it was found that basalt fiber can enhance the performance of asphalt binder and mixture in terms of cone penetration, softening point, force ductility, as well as pavement performance tests.
Polymer-Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and Methylene Blue Adsorption
Authors: Zheng Xinyu , Zheng Huaili , Zhao Rui , Sun Yongjun , Sun Qiang , Zhang Shixin , Liu Yongzhi
Published: July 2018

The removal of methylene blue (MB) from wastewater has attracted global concerns. In this study, polymer-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for MB removal, Fe3O4@SiO2-MPS-g-AA-AMPS (FSMAA), were successfully synthesized by grafting acrylic acid (AA) and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) on the surface of vinyl-modified Fe3O4@SiO2. With various characterization techniques, it was confirmed that the obtained FSMAA had a core–shell structure, a good magnetic property, and plenty of functional groups on its surface. MB adsorption experiments showed that the adsorption capacity of FSMAA was notably enhanced as the grafted monomer concentration and solution pH were increased. The adsorption kinetic data and isothermal data were well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir model, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of FSMAA was 421.9 mg g−1 with grafted monomer concentration at 2.0 mol L−1 and solution pH at 9, much higher than those of other adsorbents stated in previous literatures. Based on XPS analysis, surface adsorption mechanism between FSMAA and MB was electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interaction. Furthermore, FSMAA was effectively regenerated by acid pickling, and the remaining adsorption capacity was more than 60% after eight adsorption–regeneration cycles. All the results demonstrated the self-made FSMAA was a desirable adsorbent to remove MB from wastewater.
Open Source 3D Printed Lung Tumor Movement Simulator for Radiotherapy Quality Assurance
Authors: Quiñones Darío R. , Soler-Egea David , González-Pérez Víctor , Reibke Johanna , Simarro-Mondejar Elena , Pérez-Feito Ricardo , García-Manrique Juan A. , Crispín Vicente , Moratal David
Published: July 2018

In OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries, cancer is one of the main causes of death, lung cancer being one of the most aggressive. There are several techniques for the treatment of lung cancer, among which radiotherapy is one of the most effective and least invasive for the patient. However, it has associated difficulties due to the moving target tumor. It is possible to reduce the side effects of radiotherapy by effectively tracking a tumor and reducing target irradiation margins. This paper presents a custom electromechanical system that follows the movement of a lung tumor. For this purpose, a hysteresis loop of human lung movement during breathing was studied to obtain its characteristic movement equation. The system is controlled by an Arduino, steppers motors and a customized 3D printed mechanism to follow the characteristic human breathing, obtaining an accurate trajectory. The developed device helps the verification of individualized radiation treatment plans and permits the improvement of radiotherapy quality assurance procedures.
The Heat Treatment Influence on the Microstructure and Hardness of TC4 Titanium Alloy Manufactured via Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Zhao Zhan-Yong , Li Liang , Bai Pei-Kang , Jin Yang , Wu Li-Yun , Li Jing , Guan Ren-Guo , Qu Hong-Qiao
Published: July 2018

In this research, the effect of several heat treatments on the microstructure and microhardness of TC4 (Ti6Al4V) titanium alloy processed by selective laser melting (SLM) is studied. The results showed that the original acicular martensite α′-phase in the TC4 alloy formed by SLM is converted into a lamellar mixture of α + β for heat treatment temperatures below the critical temperature (T0 at approximately 893 °C). With the increase of heat treatment temperature, the size of the lamellar mixture structure inside of the TC4 part gradually grows. When the heat treatment temperature is above T0, because the cooling rate is relatively steep, the β-phase recrystallization transforms into a compact secondary α-phase, and a basketweave structure can be found because the primary α-phase develop and connect or cross each other with different orientations. The residence time for TC4 SLM parts when the treatment temperature is below the critical temperature has little influence: both the α-phase and the β-phase will tend to coarsen but hinder each other, thereby limiting grain growth. The microhardness gradually decreases with increasing temperature when the TC4 SLM part is treated below the critical temperature. Conversely, the microhardness increases significantly with increasing temperature when the TC4 SLM part is treated above the critical temperature.
Absorption Study of Mozuku Fucoidan in Japanese Volunteers
Authors: Kadena Kizuku , Tomori Makoto , Iha Masahiko , Nagamine Takeaki
Published: July 2018

We performed an oral administration study of fucoidan in 396 Japanese volunteers and investigated significant factors concerning the absorption of fucoidan. Urine samples were collected at 0, 3, 6, and 9 h after ingestion of 3 g of fucoidan. Fucoidan was detected in urine after ingestion in 385 out of 396 subjects. The maximum value (mean ± standard deviation (SD)) of urinary fucoidan was 332.3 ± 357.6 μg/gCr in subjects living in Okinawa prefecture, compared with 240.1 ± 302.4 μg/gCr in subjects living outside Okinawa. Compared with the estimated urinary excretion of fucoidan by place of residence, those of subjects living in Okinawa prefecture were significantly higher than those living outside Okinawa prefecture (p < 0.01). In addition, subjects living in Okinawa prefecture consumed significantly greater amounts of mozuku compared with those living outside Okinawa prefecture (p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that having Okinawa prefecture as a place of residence was a significant factor (p < 0.01) contributing to the estimated urinary excretion of fucoidan. Because the habit of eating mozuku was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in subjects living in Okinawa prefecture than in those living outside Okinawa prefecture, the habit of eating mozuku was speculated to be a factor in the absorption of fucoidan.
Performance of Mixed Matrix Membranes Containing Porous Two-Dimensional (2D) and Three-Dimensional (3D) Fillers for CO2 Separation: A Review
Authors: Ahmadi Mahdi , Janakiram Saravanan , Dai Zhongde , Ansaloni Luca , Deng Liyuan
Published: July 2018

Application of conventional polymeric membranes in CO2 separation processes are limited by the existing trade-off between permeability and selectivity represented by the renowned upper bound. Addition of porous nanofillers in polymeric membranes is a promising approach to transcend the upper bound, owing to their superior separation capabilities. Porous nanofillers entice increased attention over nonporous counterparts due to their inherent CO2 uptake capacities and secondary transport pathways when added to polymer matrices. Infinite possibilities of tuning the porous architecture of these nanofillers also facilitate simultaneous enhancement of permeability, selectivity and stability features of the membrane conveniently heading in the direction towards industrial realization. This review focuses on presenting a complete synopsis of inherent capacities of several porous nanofillers, like metal organic frameworks (MOFs), Zeolites, and porous organic frameworks (POFs) and the effects on their addition to polymeric membranes. Gas permeation performances of select hybrids with these three-dimensional (3D) fillers and porous nanosheets have been summarized and discussed with respect to each type. Consequently, the benefits and shortcomings of each class of materials have been outlined and future research directions concerning the hybrids with 3D fillers have been suggested.
Direct Metal Forming of a Microdome Structure with a Glassy Carbon Mold for Enhanced Boiling Heat Transfer
Authors: Kim Jun , Hong Dongin , Badshah Mohsin Ali , Lu Xun , Kim Young Kyu , Kim Seok-min
Published: July 2018

The application of microtechnology to traditional mechanical industries is limited owing to the lack of suitable micropatterning technology for durable materials including metal. In this research, a glassy carbon (GC) micromold was applied for the direct metal forming (DMF) of a microstructure on an aluminum (Al) substrate. The GC mold with microdome cavities was prepared by carbonization of a furan precursor, which was replicated from the thermal reflow photoresist master pattern. A microdome array with a diameter of 8.4 μm, a height of ~0.74 μm, and a pitch of 9.9 μm was successfully fabricated on an Al substrate by using DMF at a forming temperature of 645 °C and an applied pressure of 2 MPa. As a practical application of the proposed DMF process, the enhanced boiling heat transfer characteristics of the DMF microdome Al substrate were analyzed. The DMF microdome Al substrate showed 20.4 ± 2.6% higher critical heat flux and 34.1 ± 5.3% higher heat transfer coefficient than those of a bare Al substrate.
Geometallurgical Approach to the Element-to-Mineral Conversion for the Nabbaren Nepheline Syenite Deposit
Authors: Mena Silva Camilo , Sørensen Bjørn E. , Aasly Kurt , Ellefmo Steinar L.
Published: July 2018

Nabbaren nepheline syenite, a silica-deficient intrusive rock with low Fe content, was the industrial mineral deposit study case in this study. The quality of industrial mineral products are generally based on their bulk chemistry, which are directly related to their modal mineralogy and mineral chemistry; however, these are costly and time-consuming to determine. A geometallurgical-based methodology, known as element-to-mineral conversion (EMC), was applied to estimate its modal mineralogy based on its given bulk and mineral chemistry. EMC is a convenient and cost-effective technique, which can be used to quickly estimate modal mineralogy. Two EMC methodologies were applied: one least square based, LS-XRD, and one regression based, R-XRD. Additionally, average and specific mineral chemistries were used during estimations. The R-XRD method, a method not yet used for EMC purposes, gave better modal mineralogy estimations than LS-XRD. Considering the restrictions in the method, R-XRD shows potential for improvement and implementation at operational scale, making it a valuable geometallurgical tool for increasing resource performance, easing decision-taking processes, and reducing risks. The use of different mineral chemistries did not influence the modal mineralogy estimation, unlike the method used for it.
Hydrotalcite and Hydrocalumite in Mortar Binders from the Medieval Castle of Portilla (Álava, North Spain): Accurate Mineralogical Control to Achieve More Reliable Chronological Ages
Authors: Ponce-Antón Graciela , Ortega Luis Angel , Zuluaga Maria Cruz , Alonso-Olazabal Ainhoa , Solaun Jose Luis
Published: July 2018

Mortars from different stratigraphic units at Portilla Castle (Alava, North Spain) have been analyzed for mineralogical characterization before radiocarbon dating. The mortar binder at Portilla Castle is composed not only of neoformation calcite but also of double-layered hydroxide (LDH) minerals such as hydrotalcite and hydrocalumite. The mineralogy of several fractions of the binder has been analyzed to determine the granulometric distribution of minerals in the binder. The continuous monitoring of mineralogy during the extraction of different grain size fractions has been performed by using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). Hydrotalcite and hydrocalumite-bearing mortar binders give older ages than expected since they introduce dead carbon into the system.
Mesozoic High- and Low-SiO2 Adakites and A-Type Granites in the Lower Yangtze River Belt, Eastern China: Implications for Petrogenesis and Metallogeny
Authors: Liu Lei , Chu Geng , Li Yanguang , Yang Xiaoyong , Santosh M. , Hu Qing
Published: July 2018

The Lower Yangtze River Belt (LYRB) is one of the important magmatic and metallogenic belts in China and hosts abundant Mesozoic calc-alkaline magmatic rocks and economic mineral deposits. Anqing orefield in the southwestern of the LYRB received less attention during the last two decades. Here, we present an integrated study of whole-rock major and trace elements, zircon U-Pb dating and Lu-Hf isotopes on late Mesozoic adakites and A-type granites from the Anqing orefield. The adakites emplaced during 138–136 Ma and can be further subdivided into two types: high-SiO2 adakites (HSA) with SiO2 60 wt % from the Zongpu intrusion, and low-SiO2 adakites (LSA) 60 wt % from the Yueshan intrusion. The rocks display mid- to high-K calc-alkaline features and have consistent arc-like trace element characteristics with enrichment in LREE and LILE, and depletion in HREE and HFSE. The distinct zircon εHf(t) values for the LSA (from −27 to −20) and HSA (from −15 to −5) preclude a magma mixing model, yet suggest a subduction-related setting with partial melting of the subducted slab and overlying metasomatic mantle wedge. The A-type granites dated at 124 Ma from the Dalongshan intrusion characterized by LILE and LREE enrichment and slightly negative Eu anomalies, with lower MgO, CaO but higher K2O and Na2O contents. Their zircon εHf(t) values and geochemical features suggest that the parent magma was produced by the partial melting of Neoproterozoic crustal components, followed by variable degrees of fractional crystallization under a back-arc extensional setting, together with minor juvenile crust input. The adakites and A-type granites investigated in this study record a tectonic transition from compressive to extensional setting during 138–124 Ma. The transitional magmatic pulses are associated with distinct metallogenic signature with the adakites hosting copper deposits and the A-type granites linked to uranium mineralization.
The Phytochemical and Biological Investigation of Jatropha pelargoniifolia Root Native to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aati Hanan Y. , El-Gamal Ali A. , Kayser Oliver , Ahmed Atallah F.
Published: July 2018

Extensive phytochemical analysis of different root fractions of Jatropha pelargoniifolia Courb. (Euphorbiaceae) has resulted in the isolation and identification of 22 secondary metabolites. 6-hydroxy-8-methoxycoumarin-7-O-β-d-glycopyranoside (15) and 2-hydroxymethyl N-methyltryptamine (18) were isolated and identified as new compounds along with the known diterpenoid (1, 3, 4, and 7), triterpenoid (2 and 6), flavonoid (5, 11, 13, 14, and 16), coumarinolignan (8–10), coumarin (15), pyrimidine (12), indole (17, 18), and tyramine-derived molecules (19–22). The anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities were evaluated for fifteen of the adequately available isolated compounds (1–6, 8–11, 13, 14, 16, 21, and 22). Seven (4, 6, 10, 5, 13, 16, and 22) of the tested compounds showed a significant analgesic effect ranging from 40% to 80% at 10 mg/kg in two in vivo models. Compound 1 could also prove its analgesic property (67.21%) when it was evaluated on a third in vivo model at the same dose. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was also recorded where all compounds showed the ability to scavenge nitric oxide (NO) radical in a dose-dependent manner. However, eight compounds (1, 4, 5, 6, 10, 13, 16, and 22) out of the fifteen tested compounds exhibited considerable in vivo anti-inflammatory activity which reached 64.91% for compound 10 at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Moreover, the tested compounds exhibited an antipyretic effect in a yeast-induced hyperthermia in mice. The activity was found to be highly pronounced with compounds 1, 5, 6, 10, 13, and 16 which decreased the rectal temperature to about 37 °C after 2 h of the induced hyperthermia (~39 °C) at a dose of 10 mg/kg. This study could provide scientific evidence for the traditional use of J. pelargoniifolia as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic.
Temperature-Program Assisted Synthesis of Novel Z-Scheme CuBi2O4/β-Bi2O3 Composite with Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Chen Xiaojuan , Li Ning , Zhu Runliang , Li Shuai , Yu Chunmo , Xia Wei , Xu Song , Chen Xin
Published: July 2018

Novel Z-Scheme CuBi2O4/β-Bi2O3 composite photocatalysts with different mass ratios and calcination temperatures were firstly synthesized by the hydrothermal method following a temperature-programmed process. The morphology, crystal structure, and light absorption properties of the as-prepared samples were systematically characterized, and the composites exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity toward diclofenac sodium (DS) degradation compared with CuBi2O4 and β-Bi2O3 under visible light irradiation. The optimal photocatalytic efficiency of the composite, achieved at the mass ratio of CuBi2O4 and β-Bi2O3 of 1:2.25 and the calcination temperature of 600 °C is 92.17%. After the seventh recycling of the composite, the degradation of DS can still reach 82.95%. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of CuBi2O4/β-Bi2O3 is closely related to OH•, h+ and O2•−, and the photocatalytic mechanism of CuBi2O4/β-Bi2O3 can be explained by the Z-Scheme theory.
Accuracy of Parental Reporting of Preschoolers’ Dietary Intake Using an Online Self-Administered 24-h Recall
Authors: Wallace Angela , Kirkpatrick Sharon I. , Darlington Gerarda , Haines Jess
Published: July 2018

Parents are typically relied upon to report young children’s dietary intake. However, there has been limited research assessing the accuracy of such reports captured using novel dietary assessment tools. The purpose of the current study was to assess the validity of the web-based Automated Self-Administered 24-h Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA24-Canada) for capturing dietary intake among children aged two-five years (n = 40), using parental proxy reporting. The study was conducted in a daycare setting, allowing for standardization of foods and drinks offered and direct observation of intake. Parental-reported intake was compared to true intake for lunch and dinner, as well as an afternoon snack, on a single day. Each eating occasion, including plate waste, was unobtrusively documented. Parents were not present for lunch or the afternoon snack, but joined their children at the daycare centre for the dinner meal. The following day, parents reported their children’s intake from the previous 24-h period using ASA24-Canada. For the eating occasions assessed, parents reported exact or close matches for 79.2% (82.3% for lunch, 81.2% for the snack, and 77.4% for dinner) of the foods and beverages truly consumed by children. Estimates of intake for energy and macronutrients examined (carbohydrates, fat, and protein) based on parental reports were higher than those based on true (observed) intake. Our findings suggest that parents are able to report what their preschool children eat and drink relatively accurately. However, the accuracy of portion size estimates is low. Strategies to enhance portion size reporting are needed to improve parental proxy reporting.
The Relationship between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Taste Receptor Genes, Taste Function and Dietary Intake in Preschool-Aged Children and Adults in the Guelph Family Health Study
Authors: Chamoun Elie , Carroll Nicholas A. , Duizer Lisa M. , Qi Wenjuan , Feng Zeny , Darlington Gerarda , Duncan Alison M. , Haines Jess , Ma David W.L. ,   The Guelph Family Health Study
Published: July 2018

Taste is a fundamental determinant of food selection, and inter-individual variations in taste perception may be important risk factors for poor eating habits and obesity. Characterizing differences in taste perception and their influences on dietary intake may lead to an improved understanding of obesity risk and a potential to develop personalized nutrition recommendations. This study explored associations between 93 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in sweet, fat, bitter, salt, sour, and umami taste receptors and psychophysical measures of taste. Forty-four families from the Guelph Family Health Study participated, including 60 children and 65 adults. Saliva was collected for genetic analysis and parents completed a three-day food record for their children. Parents underwent a test for suprathreshold sensitivity (ST) and taste preference (PR) for sweet, fat, salt, umami, and sour as well as a phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) taste status test. Children underwent PR tests and a PTC taste status test. Analysis of SNPs and psychophysical measures of taste yielded 23 significant associations in parents and 11 in children. After adjusting for multiple hypothesis testing, the rs713598 in the TAS2R38 bitter taste receptor gene and rs236514 in the KCNJ2 sour taste-associated gene remained significantly associated with PTC ST and sour PR in parents, respectively. In children, rs173135 in KCNJ2 and rs4790522 in the TRPV1 salt taste-associated gene remained significantly associated with sour and salt taste PRs, respectively. A multiple trait analysis of PR and nutrient composition of diet in the children revealed that rs9701796 in the TAS1R2 sweet taste receptor gene was associated with both sweet PR and percent energy from added sugar in the diet. These findings provide evidence that for bitter, sour, salt, and sweet taste, certain genetic variants are associated with taste function and may be implicated in eating patterns. (Support was provided by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs).
Design, Development and Construct Validation of the Children’s Dietary Inflammatory Index
Authors: Khan Samira , Wirth Michael D. , Ortaglia Andrew , Alvarado Christian R. , Shivappa Nitin , Hurley Thomas G. , Hebert James R.
Published: July 2018

Objective: To design and validate a literature-derived, population-based Children’s Dietary Inflammatory Index (C-DII)TM. Design: The C-DII was developed based on a review of literature through 2010. Dietary data obtained from children in 16 different countries were used to create a reference database for computing C-DII scores based on consumption of macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and whole foods. Construct validation was performed using quantile regression to assess the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations and C-DII scores. Data Sources: All data used for construct validation were obtained from children between six and 14 years of age (n = 3300) who participated in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2005–2010). Results: The C-DII was successfully validated with blood CRP concentrations in this heterogeneous sample of 3300 children from NHANES (52% male; 29% African American, 25% Mexican American; mean age 11 years). The final model was adjusted for sex, age, race, asthma, body mass index (BMI), and infections. Children in level 3 (i.e., quartiles 3 and 4 combined) of the C-DII (i.e., children with the most pro-inflammatory diets) had a CRP value 0.097 mg/dL higher than that in level 1 (i.e., quartile 1) for CRP values at the 75th percentile of CRP using quantile regression (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The C-DII predicted blood CRP concentrations among children 6–14 years in the NHANES. Further construct validation with CRP and other inflammatory markers is required to deepen understanding of the relationship between the C-DII and markers of inflammation in children.
Breastfeeding and the Developmental Origins of Asthma: Current Evidence, Possible Mechanisms, and Future Research Priorities
Authors: Miliku Kozeta , Azad Meghan
Published: July 2018

Breastfeeding has many established health benefits, but its impact on asthma development is uncertain. Breastfeeding appears to have a positive and dose-dependent impact on respiratory health, particularly during early childhood and in high-risk populations; however, the strength and causality of these associations are unclear. It is challenging to compare results across studies due to methodological differences and biological variation. Resolving these inconsistencies will require well-designed, prospective studies that accurately capture asthma diagnoses and infant feeding exposures (including breastfeeding duration, exclusivity, and method of feeding), account for key confounders, evaluate dose effects, and consider effect modification and reverse causality. Mechanistic studies examining human milk bioactives and their impact on lung health and asthma development are beginning to emerge, and these will be important in establishing the causality and mechanistic basis of the observed associations between breastfeeding and asthma. In this review, we summarize current evidence on this topic, identify possible reasons for disagreement across studies, discuss potential mechanisms for a causal association, and provide recommendations for future research.
Staphylococcus aureus Lipoprotein Induces Skin Inflammation, Accompanied with IFN-γ-Producing T Cell Accumulation through Dermal Dendritic Cells
Authors: Saito Suguru , F. Quadery Ali
Published: July 2018

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a commensal bacteria on the human skin, which causes serious skin inflammation. Several immune cells, especially effector T cells (Teff), have been identified as key players in S. aureus-derived skin inflammation. However, the bacterial component that induces dramatic host immune responses on the skin has not been well characterized. Here, we report that S. aureus lipoprotein (SA-LP) was recognized by the host immune system as a strong antigen, so this response induced severe skin inflammation. SA-LP activated dendritic cells (DCs), and this activation led to Teff accumulation on the inflamed skin in the murine intradermal (ID) injection model. The skin-accumulated Teff pool was established by IFN-ɤ-producing CD4+ and CD8+T (Th1 and Tc1). SA-LP activated dermal DC (DDC) in a dominant manner, so that these DCs were presumed to possess the strong responsibility of SA-LP-specific Teff generation in the skin-draining lymph nodes (dLN). SA-LP activated DC transfer into the mice ear, which showed similar inflammation, accompanied with Th1 and Tc1 accumulation on the skin. Thus, we revealed that SA-LP has a strong potential ability to establish skin inflammation through the DC-Teff axis. This finding provides novel insights not only for therapy, but also for the prevention of S. aureus-derived skin inflammation.
Coal Anisotropic Sorption and Permeability: An Experimental Study
Authors: Chen Yulong , Li Xuelong , Li Bo
Published: July 2018

Knowledge of the bedding plane properties of coal seams is essential for the coalbed gas production because of their great influence on the inner flow characteristics and sorption features of gas and water. In this study, an experimental study on the anisotropic gas adsorption–desorption and permeability of coal is presented. The results show that during the adsorption–desorption process, an increase in the bedding plane angle of the specimen expands the length and area of the contact surface, thereby increasing the speed and quantity of adsorption and desorption. With an increase in the bedding angle, the number of pores and cracks was found to increase together with the volumetric strain. The evolution of permeability of coal heavily depended on stress–strain stages. The permeability decreased with the increase of stress at the initial compaction and elastic deformation stages, while it increased with the increase of stress at the stages of strain-hardening, softening and residual strength. Initial permeability increased with increasing bedding angle.
Lead Detection in Polar Oceans—A Comparison of Different Classification Methods for Cryosat-2 SAR Data
Authors: Dettmering Denise , Wynne Alan , Müller Felix L. , Passaro Marcello , Seitz Florian
Published: July 2018

In polar regions, sea-ice hinders the precise observation of Sea Surface Heights (SSH) by satellite altimetry. In order to derive reliable heights for the openings within the ice, two steps have to be fulfilled: (1) the correct identification of water (e.g., in leads or polynias), a process known as lead classification; and (2) dedicated retracking algorithms to extract the ranges from the radar echoes. This study focuses on the first point and aims at identifying the best available lead classification method for Cryosat-2 SAR data. Four different altimeter lead classification methods are compared and assessed with respect to very high resolution airborne imagery. These methods are the maximum power classifier; multi-parameter classification method primarily based on pulse peakiness; multi-observation analysis of stack peakiness; and an unsupervised classification method. The unsupervised classification method with 25 clusters consistently performs best with an overall accuracy of 97%. Furthermore, this method does not require any knowledge of specific ice characteristics within the study area and is therefore the recommended lead detection algorithm for Cryosat-2 SAR in polar oceans.
Influence of Snow on the Magnitude and Seasonal Variation of the Clumping Index Retrieved from MODIS BRDF Products
Authors: Dong Yadong , Jiao Ziti , Yin Siyang , Zhang Hu , Zhang Xiaoning , Cui Lei , He Dandan , Ding Anxin , Chang Yaxuan , Yang Shengtian
Published: July 2018

The foliage Clumping Index (CI) is an important vegetation structure parameter that allows for the accurate separation of sunlit and shaded leaves in a canopy. The CI and its seasonality are critical for global Leaf Area Index (LAI) estimating and ecological modelling. However, the cover of snow tends to reduce the reflectance anisotropy of the vegetation canopy and thus probably influences CI estimates. In this paper, we investigate the influence of snow on the magnitude and seasonal variation of the CI retrieved from Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) products based on field-measured CI and statistics from the global MODIS CI product. We find that the backup algorithm can effectively correct abnormally large CI values and obtain more reasonable CI retrievals than the main algorithm without any constraints in snow-covered areas. Validation indicates that the time-series CI product shows the potential in investigating the trajectories of the clumping effect in snow seasons. For evergreen forests, the clumping effect is relatively stable throughout the year; however, for deciduous vegetation types, CI values tend to display significant seasonal variations. This study suggests that the latest version of the global MODIS CI product, in which the backup algorithm is used to process the snow-covered pixels, has improved accuracy for CI retrievals in snow-covered areas and thus is probably more suitable as the input parameter for ecological and meteorological models.