bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Speed Roll-to-Roll Printable Transistor Enabled by a Pulsed Light Curable CNT Ink
Authors: Grubb Peter Mack , Mokhtari Koushyar Farzad , Lenz Travis , Asghari Aref , Gan Gongwen , Xia Wenlong , Dalir Hamed , Subbaraman Harish , Chen Ray T.
Published: April 2019

This paper reports the first high speed roll-to-roll printable transistor using a carbon nanotube (CNT) semiconducting layer. The transistor is made possible through the development of a pulsed light curable CNT ink compatible with typical drop on demand inkjet cartridges. This CNT ink uses a xylene based solvent with methanol, glycerin, and Triton X-100 modifiers to create an evaporable solution with appropriate absorption spectra for a mercury or xenon flash lamp with strong energy transmission in the UVB to mid visible light range, allowing the solution to absorb the energy from the flash lamp and evaporate. Transistor dimensions were defined by the capabilities of a typical roll-to-roll drop on demand cartridge. The final device demonstrated an on/off ratio of 104, representing performance similar to gravure printed devices. This represents the first CNT ink which can be used in high speed production methods without long thermal curing steps in the workflow.
Second Path Planning for Unmanned Surface Vehicle Considering the Constraint of Motion Performance
Authors: Fan Jiajia , Li Ye , Liao Yulei , Jiang Wen , Wang Leifeng , Jia Qi , Wu Haowei
Published: April 2019

When utilizing the traditional path planning method for unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), ‘planning-failure’ is a common phenomenon caused by the inflection points of large curvatures in the planned path, which exceed the performances of USVs. This paper presents a second path planning method (SPP), which is an initial planning path optimization method based on the geometric relationship of the three-point path. First, to describe the motion performance of a USV in conjunction with the limited test data, a method of integral nonlinear least squares identification is proposed to rapidly obtain the motion constraint of the USV merely by employing a zig zag test. It is different from maneuverability identification, which is performed in combination with various tests. Second, the curvature of the planned path is limited according to the motion performance of the USV based on the traditional path planning, and SPP is proposed to make the maximum curvature radius of the optimized path smaller than the rotation curvature radius of the USV. Finally, based on the ‘Dolphin 1’ prototype USV, comparative simulation experiments were carried out. In the experiment, the path directly obtained by the initial path planning and the path optimized by the SPP method were considered as the tracking target path. The artificial potential field method was used as an example for the initial path planning. The experimental results demonstrate that the tracking accuracy of the USV significantly improved after the path optimization using the SPP method.
Utilization of a Non-Linear Error Function in a Positioning Algorithm for Distance Measurement Systems Designed for Indoor Environments
Authors: Czapiewska Agnieszka
Published: April 2019

A new positioning algorithm for distance measurement systems is outlined herein. This algorithm utilizes a non-linear error function which allows us to improve the positioning accuracy in highly difficult indoor environments. The non-linear error function also allows us to adjust the performance of the algorithm to the particular environmental conditions. The well-known positioning algorithms have limitations, mentioned by their authors, which make them unsuitable for positioning in an indoor environment. In this article, there is a brief discussion about the most popular positioning algorithms with consideration of the indoor environment. The new positioning algorithm is described in detail and a comparative performance analysis of the well-known algorithms and the proposed one is conducted. Those research results are achieved with the utilization of real distance measurement data, collected inside a few different buildings, and they show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the Chan and Foy algorithms in indoor environments. In this article the Automatic Person Localization System (SALOn) is also presented, which was utilized to collect measurement data.
Modelling Development of Riparian Ranchlands Using Ecosystem Services at the Aravaipa Watershed, SE Arizona
Authors: Norman Laura M. , Villarreal Miguel L. , Niraula Rewati , Haberstich Mark , Wilson Natalie R.
Published: April 2019

This paper describes how subdivision and development of rangelands within a remote and celebrated semi-arid watershed near the US–Mexico border might affect multiple ecohydrological services provided, such as recharge of the aquifer, water and sediment yield, water quality, flow rates and downstream cultural and natural resources. Specifically, we apply an uncalibrated watershed model and land-change forecasting scenario to consider the potential effects of converting rangelands to housing developments and document potential changes in hydrological ecosystem services. A new method to incorporate weather data in watershed modelling is introduced. Results of introducing residential development in this fragile arid environment portray changes in the water budget, including increases in surface-water runoff, water yield, and total sediment loading. Our findings also predict slight reductions in lateral soil water, a component of the water budget that is increasingly becoming recognized as critical to maintaining water availability in arid regions. We discuss how the proposed development on shrub/scrub rangelands could threaten to sever imperative ecohydrological interactions and impact multiple ecosystem services. This research highlights rangeland management issues important for the protection of open space, economic valuation of rangeland ecosystem services, conservation easements, and incentives to develop markets for these.
Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Analyzing the Past to Determine a Research Agenda
Authors: Silva Warley , Guarnieri Patricia , Carvalho José , Farias Josivania , Reis Silvia
Published: April 2019

The incorporation of sustainable aspects in the supply chain management (SCM) has become an important topic for researchers and professionals; however, it is a field that yet lacks a systemic understanding. The objective of this article is to conduct an analysis on the international literature about the SCM sustainability topic, by employing a systematic review protocol, covering the period from 2011 to 2016. The content analysis technique was performed, following the procedures of categorical thematic analysis proposed by Bardin (1977), which considers the creation of categories a posteriori, based in the direction senses related to the content analyzed. Besides to present the main characteristics of the articles related to distribution of publications per year, most studied sectors, main methods and approaches used main countries and journals of publications, we categorize the results at the systemic approach level of the sustainable development dimensions. We found that some dimensions are prominent when compared with the others: For example: the environmental one, on the other hand, the social one is approached few times in the papers considered in our analysis. These results also indicate that this type of discussion needs to be extended to other sectors that have not yet been explored. The contribution of this paper lies on the synthetization of the state-of-the-art related to sustainable SCM in the period considered, highlighting the environmental, social and economic dimensions, in order to identify a research agenda. By identifying possible research gaps, the results of this research contribute to guide future investigations on sustainable SCM, aiding researchers and practitioners in this field.
Refined Neutrosophy and Lattices vs. Pair Structures and YinYang Bipolar Fuzzy Set
Authors: Smarandache Florentin
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we present the lattice structures of neutrosophic theories. We prove that Zhang-Zhang’s YinYang bipolar fuzzy set is a subclass of the Single-Valued bipolar neutrosophic set. Then we show that the pair structure is a particular case of refined neutrosophy, and the number of types of neutralities (sub-indeterminacies) may be any finite or infinite number.
An Enhanced Partial Search to Particle Swarm Optimization for Unconstrained Optimization
Authors: Fan Shu-Kai S. , Jen Chih-Hung
Published: April 2019

Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is a population-based optimization technique that has been applied extensively to a wide range of engineering problems. This paper proposes a variation of the original PSO algorithm for unconstrained optimization, dubbed the enhanced partial search particle swarm optimizer (EPS-PSO), using the idea of cooperative multiple swarms in an attempt to improve the convergence and efficiency of the original PSO algorithm. The cooperative searching strategy is particularly devised to prevent the particles from being trapped into the local optimal solutions and tries to locate the global optimal solution efficiently. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified through the simulation study where the EPS-PSO algorithm is compared to a variety of exiting “cooperative” PSO algorithms in terms of noted benchmark functions.
Effects of Neck Taping in the Treatment of Hemispatial Neglect in Chronic Stroke Patients: A Pilot, Single Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Varalta Valentina , Munari Daniele , Pertile Lucrezia , Fonte Cristina , Vallies Gabriella , Chemello Elena , Gandolfi Marialuisa , Modenese Angela , Smania Nicola , Picelli Alessandro
Published: April 2019

Background and objectives: Hemispatial neglect is a common consequence of stroke, with an estimated incidence of 23%. Interventions for treating hemispatial neglect may be categorized as either top-down or bottom-up processing. The aim of top-down approaches is to train the person to voluntarily compensate for their neglect. Such approaches require awareness of the disorder and a high level of active participation by the patient. Differently, bottom-up approaches are based on manipulation of a patient’s sensory environment and so require less awareness of behavioral bias. In line with the latter, it is conceivable that elastic therapeutic taping applied to the left neck surface may provide bottom-up inputs that reduce hemispatial neglect symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of therapeutic neck taping on visuo-spatial abilities, neck motion, and kinesthetic sensibility in chronic stroke patients with hemispatial neglect. Materials and Methods: After randomization, 12 chronic stroke patients with hemispatial neglect received 30 consecutive days of real (treatment group) or sham (control group) neck taping. The outcomes were as follows: Stars Cancellation Test; neck active range of motion; Letter Cancellation Test; Comb and Razor Test; Cervical Joint Position Error Test evaluated before and after one month of taping. Results: Between-group comparison showed significant differences only for the Cervical Joint Position Error Test after treatment (p = 0.009). Conclusions: Our preliminary findings support the hypothesis that neck taping might improve cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility in chronic stroke patients with hemispatial neglect. Further studies are needed to strengthen our results and better investigate the effects of elastic therapeutic taping on visuo-spatial abilities in stroke patients with hemispatial neglect.
Optimization of Replaced Grinding Wheel Diameter for Surface Grinding Based on a Cost Analysis
Authors: Tran Thi-Hong , Luu Anh-Tung , Nguyen Quoc-Tuan , Le Hong-Ky , Nguyen Anh-Tuan , Hoang Tien-Dung , Le Xuan-Hung , Banh Tien-Long , Vu Ngoc-Pi
Published: April 2019

Based on a cost analysis, a method of identifying and predicting optimum replaced grinding wheel diameter (De.op) in a surface grinding operation for 9CrSi steel material was developed in this study. The De.op value was determined by minimizing the cost function. An experimental design was set up, and a computational program was developed to perform the experiment in order to calculate the De.op value. Furthermore, the impact of the grinding process parameters such as the initial grinding wheel diameter, the grinding wheel width, the total dressing depth, the Rockwell hardness of the workpiece, the radial grinding wheel wear per dress, and the wheel life on the De.op value were investigated. Moreover, the impacts of the cost components such as the machine tool hourly rate and the grinding wheel cost on the De.op value were given. Based on that, a mathematical model was proposed to determine the De.op value. The predicted De.op value was also verified by an experiment. The obtained result shows that the difference between the experimental De.op value and the predicted De.op value is within 1.7%, indicating that the mathematical model proposed in the study is reliable.
Microstructure Evolution during the Production of Dual Phase and Transformation Induced Plasticity Steels Using Modified Strip Casting Simulated in the Laboratory
Authors: Xiong Zhiping , Kostryzhev Andrii G. , Zhao Yanjun , Pereloma Elena V.
Published: April 2019

Instead of conventional steel making and continuous casting followed by hot and cold rolling, strip casting technology modified with the addition of a continuous annealing stage (namely, modified strip casting) is a promising short-route for producing ferrite-martensite dual-phase (DP) and multi-phase transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steels. However, at present, the multi-phase steels are not manufactured by the modified strip casting, due to insufficient knowledge about phase transformations occurring during in-line heat treatment. This study analysed the phase transformations, particularly the formation of ferrite, bainite and martensite and the retention of austenite, in one 0.17C-1.52Si-1.61Mn-0.195Cr (wt. %) steel subjected to the modified strip casting simulated in the laboratory. Through the adjustment of temperature and holding time, the characteristic microstructures for DP and TRIP steels have been obtained. The DP steel showed comparable tensile properties with industrial DP 590 and the TRIP steel had a lower strength but a higher ductility than those industrially produced TRIP steels. The strength could be further enhanced by the application of deformation and/or the addition of alloying elements. This study indicates that the modified strip casting technology is a promising new route to produce steels with multi-phase microstructures in the future.
A New Compression Test for Determining Free Surface Roughness Evolution in Thin Sheet Metals
Authors: Furushima Tsuyoshi , Aoto Kohei , Alexandrov Sergei
Published: April 2019

In sheet microforming processes, in-surface principal strain rates may be compressive such that the thickness of the sheet increases in the process of deformation. In general, the evolution of free surface roughness depends on the sense of the principal strain normal to the free surface. Therefore, in order to predict the evolution of free surface roughness in processes in which this normal principal strain is positive by means of empirical equations, it is necessary to carry out experiments in which the thickness of the sheet increases. Conventional experiments, such as the Marciniak test, do not provide such strain paths. In general, it is rather difficult to induce a sufficiently uniform state of strain in thin sheets of increasing thickness throughout the process of deformation because instability occurs at the very beginning of the process. The present paper proposes a compression test for thin sheets. Teflon sheets are placed between support jigs and the metallic sheet tested to prevent the occurrence of instability and significantly reduce the effect of the support jigs on the evolution of surface roughness. The test is used to determine the evolution of surface roughness in thin sheets made of C1220-O under three strain paths.
Investigation of Bipolar Plate Forming with Various Die Configurations by Magnetic Pulse Method
Authors: Wang Huimin , Wang Yuliang
Published: April 2019

Bipolar plates are a major part of fuel cells, which are a clean and recyclable energy source. This study was carried out with two dies for a bipolar plate forming investigation with the magnetic pulse method: a bipolar plate die and a 10-channel die. With the bipolar plate die, the forming of bipolar plates with a Cu110 sheet and a Grade 2 Ti sheet indicated that the bipolar plate die needed optimization for a full replication. The obtained maximum average depth percentage was 86% for a Cu110 sheet, while it was 54% for a Grade 2 Ti sheet in this study. A further increase of the depth percentage is possible but requires a much higher capacitor bank energy. The increase of the capacitor bank energy would result in severe tearing, while the depth percentage increase was little. The primary current and flyer velocity were measured at various capacitor bank energies. With the 10-channel die, the die parameters’ effect on metal sheet forming was investigated with a Cu110 sheet and an SS201 sheet. The draft angle had a significant effect on the replication of the die surface. The full replication was achieved for channels with proper parameters with both a Cu110 sheet and an SS201 sheet. Therefore, the bipolar plate die could be optimized based on the 10-channel die results.
Sensors that Learn: The Evolution from Taste Fingerprints to Patterns of Early Disease Detection
Authors: Christodoulides Nicolaos , McRae Michael P. , Simmons Glennon W. , Modak Sayli S. , McDevitt John T.
Published: April 2019

The McDevitt group has sustained efforts to develop a programmable sensing platform that offers advanced, multiplexed/multiclass chem-/bio-detection capabilities. This scalable chip-based platform has been optimized to service real-world biological specimens and validated for analytical performance. Fashioned as a sensor that learns, the platform can host new content for the application at hand. Identification of biomarker-based fingerprints from complex mixtures has a direct linkage to e-nose and e-tongue research. Recently, we have moved to the point of big data acquisition alongside the linkage to machine learning and artificial intelligence. Here, exciting opportunities are afforded by multiparameter sensing that mimics the sense of taste, overcoming the limitations of salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and glutamate sensing and moving into fingerprints of health and wellness. This article summarizes developments related to the electronic taste chip system evolving into a platform that digitizes biology and affords clinical decision support tools. A dynamic body of literature and key review articles that have contributed to the shaping of these activities are also highlighted. This fully integrated sensor promises more rapid transition of biomarker panels into wide-spread clinical practice yielding valuable new insights into health diagnostics, benefiting early disease detection.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance and Mechanism of Au@CaTiO3 Composites with Au Nanoparticles Assembled on CaTiO3 Nanocuboids
Authors: Yan Yuxiang , Yang Hua , Yi Zao , Li Ruishan , Wang Xiangxian
Published: April 2019

Using P25 as the titanium source and based on a hydrothermal route, we have synthesized CaTiO3 nanocuboids (NCs) with the width of 0.3–0.5 μm and length of 0.8–1.1 μm, and systematically investigated their growth process. Au nanoparticles (NPs) of 3–7 nm in size were assembled on the surface of CaTiO3 NCs via a photocatalytic reduction method to achieve excellent Au@CaTiO3 composite photocatalysts. Various techniques were used to characterize the as-prepared samples, including X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning/transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Rhodamine B (RhB) in aqueous solution was chosen as the model pollutant to assess the photocatalytic performance of the samples separately under simulated-sunlight, ultraviolet (UV) and visible-light irradiation. Under irradiation of all kinds of light sources, the Au@CaTiO3 composites, particularly the 4.3%Au@CaTiO3 composite, exhibit greatly enhanced photocatalytic performance when compared with bare CaTiO3 NCs. The main roles of Au NPs in the enhanced photocatalytic mechanism of the Au@CaTiO3 composites manifest in the following aspects: (1) Au NPs act as excellent electron sinks to capture the photoexcited electrons in CaTiO3, thus leading to an efficient separation of photoexcited electron/hole pairs in CaTiO3; (2) the electromagnetic field caused by localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of Au NPs could facilitate the generation and separation of electron/hole pairs in CaTiO3; and (3) the LSPR-induced electrons in Au NPs could take part in the photocatalytic reactions.
Experimental Studies on MoS2-Treated Grinding Wheel Active Surface Condition after High-Efficiency Internal Cylindrical Grinding Process of INCONEL® Alloy 718
Authors: Kapłonek Wojciech , Nadolny Krzysztof , Sutowska Marzena , Mia Mozammel , Pimenov Danil Yurievich , Gupta Munish Kumar
Published: April 2019

This work demonstrates that molybdenum disulfide can be successfully used as an impregnating substance that is introduced in the abrasive tool structure for improving its cutting properties and favorably affecting the effects of the abrasive process. For the experimental studies, a set of MoS2-treated small-sized grinding wheels with a technical designation 1-35×10×10×109A5X60L10VE0 PI-50 before and after the reciprocating internal cylindrical grinding process of rings made from INCONEL® alloy 718 was prepared. The condition of grinding wheel active surface was analyzed using an advanced observation measurement system based on stylus/optical profilometry, as well as confocal and electron microscopy. The obtained results confirmed the correctness of introduction of the impregnating substance into the grinding wheel structure, and it was possible to obtain an abrasive tool with a given characteristic.
Physicochemical, Structural, and Biological Properties of Polysaccharides from Dandelion
Authors: Guo Huijing , Zhang Weida , Jiang Ying , Wang Hai , Chen Guogang , Guo Minrui
Published: April 2019

The edible and medicinal perennial herb dandelion is known to have antitumor, antioxidant, and anticomplement properties. However, the structural characterization and biological effects of its polysaccharides are not well understood. Here, we aimed to extract and investigate a novel polysaccharide from dandelion. A water-soluble polysaccharide, PD1-1, was successfully obtained from dandelion through ultrasonic-assisted extraction and purification using diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)–Sepharose fast flow and Sephadex G-75 columns. The results showed that PD1-1 is an inulin-type polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 2.6 kDa and is composed of glucose (52.39%), and mannose (45.41%). Glycosidic linkage analysis demonstrated that PD1-1 contains terminal α-d-Man/Glcp-(1→ and →1)-β-d-Man/Glcf-(2→ glycosidic linkage conformations. A physicochemical analysis indicated that PD1-1 has a triple helix structure and exhibits important properties, including good swelling, water-holding, and oil-holding capacities. Furthermore, PD1-1 showed good antioxidant activities in DPPH and hydroxyl free radical scavenging abilities, with IC50 values of 0.23 mg/mL and 0.25 mg/mL, respectively, and good hypoglycemic activities in α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition, with IC50 values of 0.53 mg/mL and 0.40 mg/mL, respectively, in a concentration-dependent manner. Results suggest that PD1-1 possesses efficacious antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties and has potential applications as a functional food ingredient.
Snake Venom Hemotoxic Enzymes: Biochemical Comparison between Crotalus Species from Central Mexico
Authors: Roldán-Padrón Octavio , Castro-Guillén José Luis , García-Arredondo José Alejandro , Cruz-Pérez Martha Sandra , Díaz-Peña Luis Fernando , Saldaña Carlos , Blanco-Labra Alejandro , García-Gasca Teresa
Published: April 2019

Snakebite envenoming is a serious medical problem in different areas of the world. In Latin America, the major prevalence is due to snakes of the family Viperidae, where rattlesnakes (Crotalus) are included. They produce hemotoxic venom which causes bleeding, tissue degradation and necrosis. Each venom has several enzymatic activities, producing different effects in the envenoming, doing its clinical effects difficult to study. Comparison between venom molecules is also difficult when different techniques are used, and therefore, their identification/characterization using the same methodology is necessary. In this work, a general biochemical characterization in snake venom of serine proteases (SVSP), phospholipases A2 (PLA2), metalloproteases (SVMP) and hyaluronidases (SVH) of Crotalus aquilus (Ca), Crotalus polystictus (Cp) and Crotalus molossus nigrescens (Cmn) was done. Differences in protein pattern, enzyme content and enzymatic activities were observed. All the venoms showed high PLA2 activity, high molecular weight SVSP, and a wide variety of SVMP and SVH forms. Ca and Cp showed the highest enzymatic activities of SVMP and SVSP trypsin-like and chymotrypsin-like, whereas Cmn showed the highest SVH and similar PLA2 activity with Ca. All the venoms showed peptides with similar molecular weight to crotamine-like myotoxins. No previous biochemical characterization of C. aquilus has been reported and there are no previous analyses that include these four protein families in these Crotalus venoms.
Discovery of Nosiheptide, Griseoviridin, and Etamycin as Potent Anti-Mycobacterial Agents against Mycobacterium avium Complex
Authors: Hosoda Kanji , Koyama Nobuhiro , Kanamoto Akihiko , Tomoda Hiroshi
Published: April 2019

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is a serious disease mainly caused by M. avium and M. intracellulare. Although the incidence of MAC infection is increasing worldwide, only a few agents are clinically used, and their therapeutic effects are limited. Therefore, new anti-MAC agents are needed. Approximately 6600 microbial samples were screened for new anti-mycobacterial agents that inhibit the growth of both M. avium and M. intracellulare, and two culture broths derived from marine actinomycete strains OPMA1245 and OPMA1730 had strong activity. Nosiheptide (1) was isolated from the culture broth of OPMA1245, and griseoviridin (2) and etamycin (viridogrisein) (3) were isolated from the culture broth of OPMA1730. They had potent anti-mycobacterial activity against M. avium and M. intracellulare with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) between 0.024 and 1.56 μg/mL. In addition, a combination of 2 and 3 markedly enhanced the anti-mycobacterial activity against both M. avium and M. intracellulare. Furthermore, a combination 2 and 3 had a therapeutic effect comparable to that of ethambutol in a silkworm infection assay with M. smegmatis.
A Noninvasive Accurate Measurement of Blood Glucose Levels with Raman Spectroscopy of Blood in Microvessels
Authors: Li Nan , Zang Hang , Sun Huimin , Jiao Xianzhi , Wang Kangkang , Liu Timon Cheng-Yi , Meng Yaoyong
Published: April 2019

Raman spectra of human skin obtained by laser excitation have been used to non-invasively detect blood glucose. In previous reports, however, Raman spectra thus obtained were mainly derived from the epidermis and interstitial fluid as a result of the shallow penetration depth of lasers in skin. The physiological process by which glucose in microvessels penetrates into the interstitial fluid introduces a time delay, which inevitably introduces errors in transcutaneous measurements of blood glucose. We focused the laser directly on the microvessels in the superficial layer of the human nailfold, and acquired Raman spectra with multiple characteristic peaks of blood, which indicated that the spectra obtained predominantly originated from blood. Incorporating a multivariate approach combining principal component analysis (PCA) and back propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN), we performed noninvasive blood glucose measurements on 12 randomly selected volunteers, respectively. The mean prediction performance of the 12 volunteers was obtained as an RMSEP of 0.45 mmol/L and R2 of 0.95. It was no time lag between the predicted blood glucose and the actual blood glucose in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). We also applied the procedure to data from all 12 volunteers regarded as one set, and the total predicted performance was obtained with an RMSEP of 0.27 mmol/L and an R2 of 0.98, which is better than that of the individual model for each volunteer. This suggested that anatomical differences between volunteer fingernails do not reduce the prediction accuracy and 100% of the predicted glucose concentrations fall within Region A and B of the Clarke error grid, allowing acceptable predictions in a clinically relevant range. The Raman spectroscopy detection of blood glucose from microvessels is of great significance of non-invasive blood glucose detection of Raman spectroscopy. This innovative method may also facilitate non-invasive detection of other blood components.
Lipophilicity as a Central Component of Drug-Like Properties of Chalchones and Flavonoid Derivatives
Authors: Constantinescu Teodora , Lungu Claudiu Nicolae , Lung Ildiko
Published: April 2019

Lipophilcity is an important physico-chemical parameter that influences membrane transport and binding ability to action. Migration distance following complete elution of compounds was used to calculate different lipophilicity-related parameters. The aim of this study is to show that lipophilicity is a central component of thiazole chalcones and flavonoid derivatives regarding their drug-like properties. Experimental and computational methods were used. This study considers 44 previously synthesized compounds (thiazole chalcones, flavanones, flavones, 3-hydroxyflavones, and their acetylated derivatives). The concerned compounds have shown antitumoral hallmarks and antibacterial activity in vitro. The experimental method used to determine compounds’ lipophilicity was the reverse-phase thin layer chromatography (RP-TLC). Lipophilicity related parameters—isocratic retention factor (RM), relative lipophily (RM0), slope (b), chromatographic hydrophobic index (φ0), scores of principal components (PC1/RM)—were determined based on reverse-phase chromatography results.
Comparative Analysis of Volatiles of 15 Brands of Extra-Virgin Olive Oils Using Solid-Phase Micro-Extraction and Solvent-Assisted Flavor Evaporation
Authors: Zhou Qi , Liu Shaomin , Liu Ye , Song Huanlu
Published: April 2019

Aroma profiles, key aroma compound quantification, and cluster analysis of 15 brands of extra-virgin olive oils (EVOOs) from three countries (Spain, Italy, and Greece) were investigated in the current study. Aroma compounds were isolated from the oil by using solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) and solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) and analyzed by gas chromatography-olfactometry mass spectrometry (GC-MS/O). A total of 89 compounds were screened by SPME/SAFE-GC-MS/O with chromatographic columns in 15 brands of samples. Eighty and 54 compounds were respectively identified by SPME- and SAFE-GC-MS/O. Of those, 44 compounds were detected by both methods. Undecanol, (Z)-4-decenal, (E)-2-dodecenal, and 2-nonanone extracted by SAFE were not found in EVOOs before. Eight classes of aroma compounds were identified, including 17 alcohols, 22 aldehydes, 9 ketones, 4 acids, 14 esters, 5 aromatics, 12 alkene, and 6 others. Eleven compounds were identified as the key aroma compounds in alternative brands of EVOOs by SAFE-aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). Hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-3-hexenol, acetic acid, and (E)-2-heptenal were the common key aroma compounds by AEDA and odor activity values (OAVs). From the cluster analysis of the heatmap, the aroma compounds of all the Spain EVOOs were similar, and there were some differences from the samples of Italy and Greece. It suggested that both the amount and concentration of aroma compounds determine the similarity of aroma in EVOOs.
Myrtus Polyphenols, from Antioxidants to Anti-Inflammatory Molecules: Exploring a Network Involving Cytochromes P450 and Vitamin D
Authors: Cruciani Sara , Santaniello Sara , Garroni Giuseppe , Fadda Angela , Balzano Francesca , Bellu Emanuela , Sarais Giorgia , Fais Giacomo , Mulas Maurizio , Maioli Margherita
Published: April 2019

Inflammatory response represents one of the main mechanisms of healing and tissue function restoration. On the other hand, chronic inflammation leads to excessive secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in the onset of several diseases. Oxidative stress condition may contribute in worsening inflammatory state fall, increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cytokines release. Polyphenols can counteract inflammation and oxidative stress, modulating the release of toxic molecules and interacting with physiological defenses, such as cytochromes p450 enzymes. In this paper, we aimed at evaluating the anti-inflammatory properties of different concentrations of Myrtus communis L. pulp and seeds extracts, derived from liquor industrial production, on human fibroblasts. We determined ROS production after oxidative stress induction by H2O2 treatment, and the gene expression of different proinflammatory cytokines. We also analyzed the expression of CYP3A4 and CYP27B1 genes, in order to evaluate the capability of Myrtus polyphenols to influence the metabolic regulation of other molecules, including drugs, ROS, and vitamin D. Our results showed that Myrtus extracts exert a synergic effect with vitamin D in reducing inflammation and ROS production, protecting cells from oxidative stress damages. Moreover, the extracts modulate CYPs expression, preventing chronic inflammation and suggesting their use in development of new therapeutic formulations.
Advances in the Understanding of Skin Cancer: Ultraviolet Radiation, Mutations, and Antisense Oligonucleotides as Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Laikova Kateryna V. , Oberemok Volodymyr V. , Krasnodubets Alisa M. , Gal’chinsky Nikita V. , Useinov Refat Z. , Novikov Ilya A. , Temirova Zenure Z. , Gorlov Mikhail V. , Shved Nikita A. , Kumeiko Vadim V. , Makalish Tatiana P. , Bessalova Evgeniya Y. , Fomochkina Iryna I. , Esin Andrey S. , Volkov Mikhail E. , Kubyshkin Anatoly V.
Published: April 2019

Skin cancer has always been and remains the leader among all tumors in terms of occurrence. One of the main factors responsible for skin cancer, natural and artificial UV radiation, causes the mutations that transform healthy cells into cancer cells. These mutations inactivate apoptosis, an event required to avoid the malignant transformation of healthy cells. Among these deadliest of cancers, melanoma and its ‘younger sister’, Merkel cell carcinoma, are the most lethal. The heavy toll of skin cancers stems from their rapid progression and the fact that they metastasize easily. Added to this is the difficulty in determining reliable margins when excising tumors and the lack of effective chemotherapy. Possibly the biggest problem posed by skin cancer is reliably detecting the extent to which cancer cells have spread throughout the body. The initial tumor is visible and can be removed, whereas metastases are invisible to the naked eye and much harder to eliminate. In our opinion, antisense oligonucleotides, which can be used in the form of targeted ointments, provide real hope as a treatment that will eliminate cancer cells near the tumor focus both before and after surgery.
Changes in Metal Ion Concentrations in a Chardonnay Wine Related to Oxygen Exposure during Vinification
Authors: Bekker Marlize Z. , Day Martin P. , Smith Paul A.
Published: April 2019

The impact of oxygen exposure during winemaking on metal ion concentrations in wine were investigated throughout the winemaking process in a Chardonnay wine. The concentrations of Al, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Sn, and Zn were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Oxygen exposure significantly impacted 13 metal ions at different phases of winemaking. However, only the concentrations of Cr, Cu, and Fe were impacted by early oxygen exposure during pressing, with lower Cr and Cu concentrations in wines that were aerobically pressed and lower concentrations of Fe in wines that were inertly pressed. The sequestering of Al, Cu, Ni, and Zn by wine lees was significantly affected by oxygen treatment, with lees collected from wines that were treated oxidatively sequestering significantly greater amounts of Cu and Zn and removing these metals from the wine supernatant. The metal ion that was most affected by oxygen exposure during pressing and handling was Cu, with significantly lower Cu measured in wines that were produced under oxidative conditions. It is known that elevated Cu concentrations have negative implications for wine aroma and flavour. This study demonstrated that oxygen management during winemaking significantly impacts metal ion concentrations in lees and wine, which may decrease the risk of developing taints and faults.
Accelerating the Production of Druggable Targets: Eukaryotic Cell-Free Systems Come into Focus
Authors: Thoring Lena , Zemella Anne , Wüstenhagen Doreen , Kubick Stefan
Published: April 2019

In the biopharmaceutical pipeline, protein expression systems are of high importance not only for the production of biotherapeutics but also for the discovery of novel drugs. The vast majority of drug targets are proteins, which need to be characterized and validated prior to the screening of potential hit components and molecules. A broad range of protein expression systems is currently available, mostly based on cellular organisms of prokaryotic and eukaryotic origin. Prokaryotic cell-free systems are often the system of choice for drug target protein production due to the simple generation of expression hosts and low cost of preparation. Limitations in the production of complex mammalian proteins appear due to inefficient protein folding and posttranslational modifications. Alternative protein production systems, so-called eukaryotic cell-free protein synthesis systems based on eukaryotic cell-lysates, close the gap between a fast protein generation system and a high quality of complex mammalian proteins. In this study, we show the production of druggable target proteins in eukaryotic cell-free systems. Functional characterization studies demonstrate the bioactivity of the proteins and underline the potential for eukaryotic cell-free systems to significantly improve drug development pipelines.
Dietary Change Scenarios and Implications for Environmental, Nutrition, Human Health and Economic Dimensions of Food Sustainability
Authors: Chen Canxi , Chaudhary Abhishek , Mathys Alexander
Published: April 2019

Demand side interventions, such as dietary change, can significantly contribute towards the achievement of 2030 national sustainable development goals. However, most previous studies analysing the consequences of dietary change focus on a single dimension of sustainability (e.g., environment) using a limited number of indicators and dietary scenarios. A multi-dimension and multi-indicator analysis can identify the potential trade-offs. Here, starting from the current food consumption data (year 2011), we first designed nine alternative dietary scenarios (healthy Swiss diet, healthy global diet, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, flexitarian, protein-oriented and meat-oriented diets and a food greenhouse gas tax diet). Next we calculated three nutritional quality (nutrient balance score, disqualifying nutrient score, percent population with adequate nutrition), five environmental (greenhouse gas, water, land, nitrogen and phosphorus use), one economic (daily food expenditure) and one human health indicator (DALYs) for current and alternative diets. We found that transition towards a healthy diet following the guidelines of Swiss society of nutrition is the most sustainable option and is projected to result in 36% lesser environmental footprint, 33% lesser expenditure and 2.67% lower adverse health outcome (DALYs) compared with the current diet. On the other extreme, transition towards a meat or protein oriented diet can lead to large increases in diet related adverse health outcomes, environmental footprint, daily food expenditure and a reduction in intakes of essential nutrients (for Vitamin C, Fibre, Potassium and Calcium). We found that shifting to the vegetarian and vegan diet scenarios might lead to a reduction in intakes of certain micronutrients currently supplied primarily by animal-sourced foods (Vitamin B12, Choline and Calcium). Results show that achieving a sustainable diet would entail a high reduction in the intake of meat and vegetable oils and a moderate reduction in cereals, roots and fish products and at the same time increased intake of legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. We identify several current data and research gaps that need to be filled in order to get more accurate results. Overall, our analysis underscores the need to consider multiple indicators while assessing the dietary sustainability and provides a template to conduct such studies in other countries and settings. Future efforts should focus on assessing the potential of different interventions and policies that can help transition the population from current to sustainable dietary patterns.
The Edible Insect Gryllus bimaculatus Protects against Gut-Derived Inflammatory Responses and Liver Damage in Mice after Acute Alcohol Exposure
Authors: Hwang Bo Byeol , Chang Moon Han , Lee Jin Hyup , Heo Wan , Kim Jae Kyeom , Pan Jeong Hoon , Kim Young Jun , Kim Jun Ho
Published: April 2019

Accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to excess alcohol exposure is a major cause of gut barrier disruption and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hepatic inflammation, as well as liver steatosis and apoptosis. This study was designed to investigate protective effects of the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus, an edible insect recognized by the Korea Food and Drug Administration, against acute alcoholic liver damage in mice. Administration of G. bimaculatus extracts (GBE) attenuated alcohol-induced steatosis and apoptotic responses in the liver and intestinal permeability to bacterial endotoxin. These protective effects were associated with suppression of ROS-mediated oxidative stress in both the liver and small intestine. Furthermore, in vivo and in vitro studies revealed that GBE inhibits LPS-induced Kupffer cell activation and subsequent inflammatory signaling. Importantly, the protective effects of GBE were more potent than those of silymarin, a known therapeutic agent for alcoholic liver diseases.
The Chinese Herbal Formula PAPZ Ameliorates Behavioral Abnormalities in Depressive Mice
Authors: Chen Huiling , Huang Qing , Zhang Shunjia , Hu Kaiqiang , Xiong Wenxiang , Xiao Lingyun , Cong Renhuai , Liu Qingfei , Wang Zhao
Published: April 2019

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a chronic mental disorder characterized by mixed symptoms and complex pathogenesis. With long history of practical application, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers many herbs for the treatment and rehabilitation of chronic disease. In this study, we developed a modified Chinese herbal formula using Panax ginseng, Angelica Sinensis, Polygala tenuifolia Willd, and Ziziphi spinosae Semen (PAPZ), based on an ancient TCM prescription. The antidepressant effects of PAPZ were investigated with a corticosterone (CORT) model of depression in mice. Our results showed that administration of PAPZ ameliorated depression-like phenotypes in the CORT model. An anatomic study showed that chronic PAPZ administration upregulated the protein expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in hippocampal tissue. The enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase was enhanced in hippocampal tissue, in line with a decreased malondialdehyde level. Taken together, these findings suggested that PAPZ has therapeutic effects in a mice depression model through increasing protein expression of BDNF and improving the anti-oxidation ability of the brain.
Food Consumption, Nutrient Intake and Status during the First 1000 Days of Life in The Netherlands: A Systematic Review
Authors: ter Borg Sovianne , Koopman Nynke , Verkaik-Kloosterman Janneke
Published: April 2019

Adequate nutrition is essential for growth and development in early life. Nutritional data serves as a basis for national nutritional guidelines and policies. Currently, there is no insight into the availability of such data during the first 1000 days of life. Therefore, a systematic review was performed, following the PRISMA reporting guideline, to identify studies on food consumption, nutrient intake or status in the Netherlands. Potential gaps were identified, and the quality of the studies is discussed. The databases Embase and Medline were used, as well as databases from national institutes. Articles published in 2008–2018 were screened by two independent reviewers. In total 601 articles were identified, of which 173 were included. For pregnant women, 32 studies were available with nutritional data, for young children 40 studies were identified. No studies were available for breastfeeding women. A large variety of foods and nutrients were assessed, however certain nutrients were lacking (e.g., vitamin K). Overall, the studies had methodological limitations, making the data unsuitable to assess nutrient inadequacies. There is a need for recent, high quality nutritional research to strengthen the understanding of the nutritional needs and deficiencies during early life, and is fundamental for national guidelines and policies.
Combined Effect of Arginine, Valine, and Serine on Exercise-Induced Fatigue in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study
Authors: Tsuda Yuichi , Yamaguchi Makoto , Noma Teruyuki , Okaya Eiji , Itoh Hiroyuki
Published: April 2019

Although several kinds of amino acids (AAs) are known to affect physiological actions during exercise, little is known about the combined effects of a mixture of several AAs on fatigue during exercise. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of an AA mixture supplement containing arginine, valine, and serine on exercise-induced fatigue in healthy volunteers. These AAs were selected because they were expected to reduce fatigue during exercise by acting the positive effects synergistically. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover trial was conducted. Thirty-nine males ingested an AA mixture containing 3600 mg of arginine, 2200 mg of valine, and 200 mg of serine or a placebo each day for 14 days. On the 14th day, the participants completed an exercise trial on a cycle ergometer at 50% of VO2max for 120 min. After the two-week washout period, the participants repeated the same trial with the other test sample. The participant’s feeling of fatigue based on a visual analog scale (VAS) and a rating of perceived exertion (RPE), as well as blood and physical parameters were evaluated. The feeling of fatigue based on VAS and RPE were significantly improved in AA compared to those in placebo. In the blood analysis, the increase in serum total ketone bodies during exercise and plasma tryptophan/branched-chain amino acids were significantly lower in AA than those in placebo. The present study demonstrated that supplementation with an AA mixture containing arginine, valine, and serine reduced the feeling of fatigue during exercise. The AA mixture also changed several blood parameters, which may contribute to the anti-fatigue effect.