bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Ti4O7/Ti3O5 Dual-Phase Nanofibers with Coherent Interface for Oxygen Reduction Reaction Electrocatalysts
Authors: Shi Ruyue , Huang Ying , Li Miaoran , Zhu Ying , He Xuexia , Jiang Ruibin , Lei Zhibin , Liu Zonghuai , Sun Jie
Published: July 2020

Electrocatalysts play an important role in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in promoting the reaction process. Although commercial Pt/C exhibits excellent performance in ORR, the low duration, high cost, and poor methanol tolerance seriously restrict its sustainable development and application. TinO2n−1 (3 ≤ n ≤ 10) is a series of titanium sub-oxide materials with excellent electrical conductivity, electrochemical activity, and stability, which have been widely applied in the field of energy storage and catalysis. Herein, we design and synthesize Ti4O7/Ti3O5 (T4/T3) dual-phase nanofibers with excellent ORR catalytic performance through hydrothermal growth, which is followed by a precisely controlled calcination process. The H2Ti3O7 precursor with uniform size can be first obtained by optimizing the hydrothermal growth parameters. By precisely controlling the amount of reducing agent, calcination temperature, and holding time, the T4/T3 dual-phase nanofibers with uniform morphology and coherent interfaces can be obtained. The orientation relationships between T4 and T3 are confirmed to be [ 001 ] T 3 / / [ 031 ] T 4 , ( 100 ) T 3 / / ( 92 6 ¯ ) T 4 , and ( 010 ) T 3 / / ( 1 2 ¯ 6 ) T 4 , respectively, based on comprehensive transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations. Furthermore, such dual-phase nanofibers exhibit the onset potential and half-wave potential of 0.90 V and 0.75 V as the ORR electrocatalysts in alkaline media, respectively, which illustrates the excellent ORR catalytic performance. The rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) experiment confirmed the electron transfer number of 3.0 for such catalysts, which indicates a mixture of two electron and four electron transfer reaction pathways. Moreover, the methanol tolerance and cycling stability of the catalysts are also investigated accordingly.
The Effect of Setting a Warning Vaccination Level on a Stochastic SIVS Model with Imperfect Vaccine
Authors: Gamboa Maria , Lopez-Herrero Maria Jesus
Published: July 2020

This paper deals with a stochastic Susceptible-Infective-Vaccinated-Susceptible (SIVS) model with infection reintroduction. Health policies depend on vaccine coverage, v 0 , that guarantees herd immunity levels in the population. Vaccine failures occur when an organism develops a disease despite of being vaccinated against it. After vaccination, a proportion of healthy individuals unsuccessfully tries to increase antibody levels and, consequently these individuals are not immune to the vaccine preventable disease. When an infectious process is in progress, the initial vaccine coverage drops down and herd immunity will be lost. Our objective was to introduce a warning vaccination level and define random measures quantifying the time until the number of vaccinated descends to a warning vaccination level (i.e., the so-called sleeping period), and the epidemic size. A sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the influence of the model parameters on the variation and robustness of the sleeping period and the number of infections observed within it.
λ-Symmetry and μ-Symmetry Reductions and Invariant Solutions of Four Nonlinear Differential Equations
Authors: Bai Yu-Shan , Pei Jian-Ting , Ma Wen-Xiu
Published: July 2020

On one hand, we construct λ-symmetries and their corresponding integrating factors and invariant solutions for two kinds of ordinary differential equations. On the other hand, we present μ-symmetries for a (2+1)-dimensional diffusion equation and derive group-reductions of a first-order partial differential equation. A few specific group invariant solutions of those two partial differential equations are constructed.
Does the Autonomation Policy Really Help in a Smart Production System for Controlling Defective Production?
Authors: Sarkar Mitali , Pan Li , Dey Bikash Koli , Sarkar Biswajit
Published: July 2020

This study explains about a serial smart production system where a single-type of product is produced. This system uses an unequally sized batch policy in subsequent stages. The setup cost is not always deterministic, it can be controllable and reduced by increasing the capital investment cost, and that the production rates in the system may vary within given limits across batches of shipments. Furthermore, as imperfect items are produced in long-run system, to clean the imperfectness autonomation policy is adopted for inspection, which make the process smarter. The shipment lot sizes of the deliveries are unequal and variable. In long-run production system, defective items are produced in “out-of-control” state. In this model, the defect rate is random with a uniform distribution which is clean from the system by autonomation. In addition, in the remanufacturing process, it is assuming that all defective products are repaired, and no defective products are scrapped. The main theme of developing this model is to determine the number of shipments and the optimal production lot size to adjust the production rates and decrease the total system cost under a reduced setup cost by considering the discrete investment and make a serial smart production system. A solution procedure along with an advanced algorithm was proposed for solving the model. Numerical examples with some graphical representations are provided to validate the model.
Reducing the Cost of Electricity by Optimizing Real-Time Consumer Planning Using a New Genetic Algorithm-Based Strategy
Authors: Ionescu Laurentiu-Mihai , Bizon Nicu , Mazare Alin-Gheorghita , Belu Nadia
Published: July 2020

To ensure the use of energy produced from renewable energy sources, this paper presents a method for consumer planning in the consumer–producer–distributor structure. The proposed planning method is based on the genetic algorithm approach, which solves a cost minimization problem by considering several input parameters. These input parameters are: the consumption for each unit, the time interval in which the unit operates, the maximum value of the electricity produced from renewable sources, and the distribution of energy production per unit of time. A consumer can use the equipment without any planning, in which case he will consume energy supplied by a distributor or energy produced from renewable sources, if it is available at the time he operates the equipment. A consumer who plans his operating interval can use more energy from renewable sources, because the planning is done in the time interval in which the energy produced from renewable sources is available. The effect is that the total cost of energy to the consumer without any planning will be higher than the cost of energy to the consumer with planning, because the energy produced from renewable sources is cheaper than that provided from conventional sources. To be validated, the proposed approach was run on a simulator, and then tested in two real-world case studies targeting domestic and industrial consumers. In both situations, the solution proposed led to a reduction in the total cost of electricity of up to 25%.
A Five-Component Generalized mKdV Equation and Its Exact Solutions
Authors: Xue Bo , Du Huiling , Li Ruomeng
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a 3 × 3 spectral problem is proposed and a five-component equation that consists of two different mKdV equations is derived. A Darboux transformation of the five-component equation is presented relating to the gauge transformations between the Lax pairs. As applications of the Darboux transformations, interesting exact solutions, including soliton-like solutions and a solution that consists of rational functions of e x and t, for the five-component equation are obtained.
Subordination Implications and Coefficient Estimates for Subclasses of Starlike Functions
Authors: Cho Nak Eun , Ebadian Ali , Bulut Serap , Analouei Adegani Ebrahim
Published: July 2020

In the present paper, we consider various subclasses of star-like functions, which are defined by subordination and then we obtain several subordination implications related to these subclasses. Some coefficient bounds for functions belonging to some subclasses of star-like functions are also estimated. Moreover, we give some related connections of the outcomes stated here with those obtained earlier.
Krasnoselskii–Mann Viscosity Approximation Method for Nonexpansive Mappings
Authors: Altwaijry Najla , Aldhaban Tahani , Chebbi Souhail , Xu Hong-Kun
Published: July 2020

We show that the viscosity approximation method coupled with the Krasnoselskii–Mann iteration generates a sequence that strongly converges to a fixed point of a given nonexpansive mapping in the setting of uniformly smooth Banach spaces. Our result shows that the geometric property (i.e., uniform smoothness) of the underlying space plays a role in relaxing the conditions on the choice of regularization parameters and step sizes in iterative methods.
Metabolism of the Cyanogenic Glucosides in Developing Flax: Metabolic Analysis, and Expression Pattern of Genes
Authors: Zuk Magdalena , Pelc Katarzyna , Szperlik Jakub , Sawula Agnieszka , Szopa Jan
Published: July 2020

Cyanogenic glucosides (CG), the monoglycosides linamarin and lotaustralin, as well as the diglucosides linustatin and neolinustatin, have been identified in flax. The roles of CG and hydrogen cyanide (HCN), specifically the product of their breakdown, differ and are understood only to a certain extent. HCN is toxic to aerobic organisms as a respiratory inhibitor and to enzymes containing heavy metals. On the other hand, CG and HCN are important factors in the plant defense system against herbivores, insects and pathogens. In this study, fluctuations in CG levels during flax growth and development (using UPLC) and the expression of genes encoding key enzymes for their metabolism (valine N-monooxygenase, linamarase, cyanoalanine nitrilase and cyanoalanine synthase) using RT-PCR were analyzed. Linola cultivar and transgenic plants characterized by increased levels of sulfur amino acids were analyzed. This enabled the demonstration of a significant relationship between the cyanide detoxification process and general metabolism. Cyanogenic glucosides are used as nitrogen-containing precursors for the synthesis of amino acids, proteins and amines. Therefore, they not only perform protective functions against herbivores but are general plant growth regulators, especially since changes in their level have been shown to be strongly correlated with significant stages of plant development.
Fabrication of Hollow Structures in Photodegradable Hydrogels Using a Multi-Photon Excitation Process for Blood Vessel Tissue Engineering
Authors: Watanabe Uran , Sugiura Shinji , Kakehata Masayuki , Yanagawa Fumiki , Takagi Toshiyuki , Sumaru Kimio , Satoh Taku , Tamura Masato , Hosokawa Yoichiroh , Torizuka Kenji , Kanamori Toshiyuki
Published: July 2020

Engineered blood vessels generally recapitulate vascular function in vitro and can be utilized in drug discovery as a novel microphysiological system. Recently, various methods to fabricate vascular models in hydrogels have been reported to study the blood vessel functions in vitro; however, in general, it is difficult to fabricate hollow structures with a designed size and structure with a tens of micrometers scale for blood vessel tissue engineering. This study reports a method to fabricate the hollow structures in photodegradable hydrogels prepared in a microfluidic device. An infrared femtosecond pulsed laser, employed to induce photodegradation via multi-photon excitation, was scanned in the hydrogel in a program-controlled manner for fabricating the designed hollow structures. The photodegradable hydrogel was prepared by a crosslinking reaction between an azide-modified gelatin solution and a dibenzocyclooctyl-terminated photocleavable tetra-arm polyethylene glycol crosslinker solution. After assessing the composition of the photodegradable hydrogel in terms of swelling and cell adhesion, the hydrogel prepared in the microfluidic device was processed by laser scanning to fabricate linear and branched hollow structures present in it. We introduced a microsphere suspension into the fabricated structure in photodegradable hydrogels, and confirmed the fabrication of perfusable hollow structures of designed patterns via the multi-photon excitation process.
Impact of Probiotic Combination in InR[E19]/TM2 Drosophila melanogaster on Longevity, Related Gene Expression, and Intestinal Microbiota: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Ma Shuang , Sun Hao , Yang Weichao , Gao Mingfu , Xu Hui
Published: July 2020

The insulin receptor (InR) pertains to the insulin receptor family, which plays a key role in the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-like signaling (IIS) pathway. Insulin signaling defects may result in the development of metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, and the InR mutant has been suggested to bear insulin signaling deficiency. Numerous studies have reported that probiotics are beneficial for the treatment of diabetes; however, the effect of probiotics on patients with InR deficiency has seldom been reported. Therefore, we chose the InR[E19]/TM2 Drosophila melanogaster to investigate. The results indicated that probiotics significantly reduce the mean and median lifespan of InR[E19]/TM2 Drosophila (by 15.56% and 23.82%, respectively), but promote that of wild-type files (by 9.31% and 16.67%, respectively). Significant differences were obtained in the expression of lifespan- and metabolism-related genes, such as Imp-L2, Tor, and GstD2, between the standard diet groups and the probiotics groups. Furthermore, analysis of 16S rDNA via high throughput sequencing revealed that the gut bacterial diversity of Drosophila fed with a probiotic combination also differs from that of Drosophila fed with a standard diet. In summary, these findings indicate that a probiotic combination indeed affects InR[E19]/TM2 Drosophila, but not all of its impacts are positive.
Seroprevalence and Molecular Identification of Brucella spp. in Camels in Egypt
Authors: Khan Aman Ullah , Sayour Ashraf E. , Melzer Falk , El-Soally Sherif Abdel Ghafar Elsayed , Elschner Mandy C. , Shell Waleed S. , Moawad Amira A. , Mohamed Shereen Aziz , Hendam Ashraf , Roesler Uwe , Neubauer Heinrich , El-Adawy Hosny
Published: July 2020

Brucellosis is one of the most important worldwide zoonoses of many countries including Egypt. Camel brucellosis has not gained much attention in Egypt yet. This study is focused on the three governorates with the highest camel populations and the largest camel markets in the country to determine the disease seroprevalence and identify the Brucella species in local camel holdings. In total, 381 serum samples were collected from male and female camels from Giza, Aswan, and Al-Bahr Al-Ahmar (the Red Sea) governorates. Samples were serologically examined using the Rose–Bengal plate test (RBPT), indirect ELISA (i-ELISA), competitive ELISA (c-ELISA) and complement fixation test (CFT). Brucella antibodies were detected in 59 (15.5%), 87 (22.8%), 77 (20.2%) and 118 (31.0%) of sera by RBPT, i-ELISA, c-ELISA and CFT, respectively. Using real-time PCR, Brucella DNA was amplified in 32 (8.4%) seropositive samples including Brucella abortus (25/32), Brucella suis (5/32) and Brucella melitensis (2/32), defining a complex epidemiological status. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting Brucella suis DNA in camel serum. The risk-associated factors including age, sex, breed and geographical distribution were statistically analyzed, showing non-significant association with seroprevalence. The results of this study will raise awareness for camel brucellosis and help develop effective control strategies.
Moonlighting Proteins at the Candidal Cell Surface
Authors: Satala Dorota , Karkowska-Kuleta Justyna , Zelazna Aleksandra , Rapala-Kozik Maria , Kozik Andrzej
Published: July 2020

The cell wall in Candida albicans is not only a tight protective envelope but also a point of contact with the human host that provides a dynamic response to the constantly changing environment in infection niches. Particularly important roles are attributed to proteins exposed at the fungal cell surface. These include proteins that are stably and covalently bound to the cell wall or cell membrane and those that are more loosely attached. Interestingly in this regard, numerous loosely attached proteins belong to the class of “moonlighting proteins” that are originally intracellular and that perform essentially different functions in addition to their primary housekeeping roles. These proteins also demonstrate unpredicted interactions with non-canonical partners at an a priori unexpected extracellular location, achieved via non-classical secretion routes. Acting both individually and collectively, the moonlighting proteins contribute to candidal virulence and pathogenicity through their involvement in mechanisms critical for successful host colonization and infection, such as the adhesion to host cells, interactions with plasma homeostatic proteolytic cascades, responses to stress conditions and molecular mimicry. The documented knowledge of the roles of these proteins in C. albicans pathogenicity has utility for assisting the design of new therapeutic, diagnostic and preventive strategies against candidiasis.
Characterization of Weathering Processes of the Giant Copper Deposit of Tizert (Igherm Inlier, Anti-Atlas, Morocco)
Authors: Poot Julien , Verhaert Michèle , Dekoninck Augustin , Oummouch Abdellah , El Basbas Abdelaziz , Maacha Lhou , Yans Johan
Published: July 2020

The giant Tizert copper deposit is considered as the largest copper resource in the western Anti-Atlas (Morocco). The site is characterized by Cu mineralization carried by malachite, chalcocite, covellite, bornite and chalcopyrite; azurite is not observed. The host rocks are mainly limestones (Formation of Tamjout Dolomite) and sandstones/siltstones (Basal Series) of the Ediacaran/Cambrian transition. The supergene enrichment is most likely related to episodes of uplift/doming (last event since 30 Ma), which triggered the exhumation of primary/hypogene mineralization (chalcopyrite, pyrite, galena, chalcocite I and bornite I), generating their oxidation and the precipitation of secondary/supergene sulfides, carbonates and Fe-oxyhydroxides. The Tizert supergene deposit mainly consists of (i) a residual patchwork of laterite rich in Fe-oxyhydroxides; (ii) a saprolite rich in malachite, or “green oxide zone” where primary structures such as stratification are preserved; (iii) a cementation zone containing secondary sulfides (covellite, chalcocite II and bornite II). The abundance of Cu carbonates results from the rapid neutralization of acidic meteoric fluids, due to oxidation of primary sulfides, by carbonate host rocks. Chlorite is also involved in the neutralization processes in the sandstones/siltstones of the Basal Series, in which supergene clays, such as kaolinite and smectites, subsequently precipitated. At Tizert, as can be highlighted in other supergene Cu-deposits around the world, azurite is absent due to low pCO2 and relatively high pH conditions. In addition to copper, Ag enrichment is also observed in weathered rocks; Fe-oxyhydroxides contain high Zn, As, and Pb contents. However, these secondary enrichments are quite low compared to Cu in the whole Tizert site, which is therefore, considered as relatively homogeneous.
Demystifying the First-Time Experience of Mobile Games: The Presence of a Tutorial Has a Positive Impact on Non-Expert Players’ Flow and Continuous-Use Intentions
Authors: Passalacqua Mario , Morin Raphaël , Sénécal Sylvain , Nacke Lennart E. , Léger Pierre-Majorique
Published: July 2020

The purpose of video game tutorials is to help players easily understand new game mechanics and thereby facilitate chances of early engagement with the main contents of one’s game. The mobile game market (i.e., phones and tablets) faces important retention issues caused by a high number of players who abandon games permanently within 24 h of downloading them. A laboratory experiment with 40 players tested how tutorial presence and player expertise impact on users’ psychophysiological states and continuous-use intentions (CUIs). The results suggest that in a simple game context, tutorials have a positive impact on non-expert players’ perceived state of flow and have no effect on expert players’ perceived flow. The results also suggest that flow has a positive impact on CUIs for both experts and non-experts. The theoretical contributions and managerial implications of these results are discussed.
Broadband Filter and Adjustable Extinction Ratio Modulator Based on Metal-Graphene Hybrid Metamaterials
Authors: Sun Haoying , Zhao Lin , Dai Jinsong , Liang Yaoyao , Guo Jianping , Meng Hongyun , Liu Hongzhan , Dai Qiaofeng , Wei Zhongchao
Published: July 2020

A novel multifunctional device based on a hybrid metal–graphene Electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) metamaterial at the terahertz band is proposed. It is composed of a parallel cut wire pair (PCWP) that serves as a dark mode resonator, a vertical cut wire pair (VCWP) that serves as a bright mode resonator and a graphene ribbon that serves as a modulator. An ultra-broadband transmission window with 1.23 THz bandwidth can be obtained. The spectral extinction ratio can be tuned from 26% to 98% by changing the Fermi level of the graphene. Compared with previous work, our work has superior performance in the adjustable bandwidth of the transmission window without changing the structure of the dark and bright mode resonators, and has a high extinction ratio and dynamic adjustability. Besides, we present the specific application of the device in filters and optical modules. Therefore, we believe that such a metamaterial structure provides a new way to actively control EIT-like, which has promising applications in broadband optical filters and photoelectric intensity modulators in terahertz communications.
Towards Understanding the Role of Surface Gas Nanostructures: Effect of Temperature Difference Pretreatment on Wetting and Flotation of Sulfide Minerals and Pb-Zn Ore
Authors: Mikhlin Yuri , Karacharov Anton , Vorobyev Sergey , Romanchenko Alexander , Likhatski Maxim , Antsiferova Svetlana , Markosyan Svetlana
Published: July 2020

Surface nanobubbles at hydrophobic interfaces now attract much attention in various fields but their role in wetting-related phenomena is still unclear. Herein, we report the effect of a preliminary contact of “hot” solids with cold water previously proposed for generation of surface nanobubbles, on wettability of compact materials and flotation of particulate galena (PbS), sphalerite (ZnS), and Pb-Zn sulfide ore. Atomic force microscopy was applied to visualize the nanobubbles at galena crystals heated in air and contacted with cold water; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to characterize the surface composition of minerals. Contact angles measured with the sessile drop of cold water were found to increase when enhancing the support temperature from 0 to 80 °C for sphalerite and silica, and to pass a maximum at 40–60 °C for galena and pyrite (FeS2) probably due to oxidation of sulfides. The temperature pretreatment depressed the recovery of sulfides in collectorless schemes and improved the potassium butyl xanthate-assisted flotation both for single minerals and Gorevskoye Pb-Zn ore. The results suggest that the surface nanobubbles prepared using the temperature difference promote flotation if minerals are rather hydrophobic and insignificantly oxidized, so the addition of collector and activator (for sphalerite) is necessary.
Potential miRNAs for miRNA-Based Therapeutics in Breast Cancer
Authors: Wong Jun Sheng , Cheah Yoke Kqueen
Published: July 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that can post-transcriptionally regulate the genes involved in critical cellular processes. The aberrant expressions of oncogenic or tumor suppressor miRNAs have been associated with cancer progression and malignancies. This resulted in the dysregulation of signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis and survival, metastasis, cancer recurrence and chemoresistance. In this review, we will first (i) provide an overview of the miRNA biogenesis pathways, and in vitro and in vivo models for research, (ii) summarize the most recent findings on the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) that could potentially be used for miRNA-based therapy in the treatment of breast cancer and (iii) discuss the various therapeutic applications.
The Effects and Potential Mechanism of Oil Palm Phenolics in Cardiovascular Health: A Review on Current Evidence
Authors: Ibrahim Nurul ‘Izzah , Fairus Syed , Naina Mohamed Isa
Published: July 2020

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is globally known as the number one cause of death with hyperlipidemia as a strong risk factor for CVD. The initiation of drug treatment will be recommended if lifestyle modification fails. However, medicines currently used for improving cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterols (LDL-C) levels have been associated with various side effects. Thus, alternative treatment with fewer or no side effects needs to be explored. A potential agent, oil palm phenolics (OPP) recovered from the aqueous waste of oil palm milling process contains numerous water-soluble phenolic compounds. It has been postulated that OPP has shown cardioprotective effects via several mechanisms such as cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review aims to summarize the current evidence explicating the actions of OPP in cardiovascular health and the mechanisms that maybe involved for the cardioprotective effects.
Nutritional Supplements to Support Resistance Exercise in Countering the Sarcopenia of Aging
Authors: McKendry James , Currier Brad S. , Lim Changhyun , Mcleod Jonathan C. , Thomas Aaron C.Q. , Phillips Stuart M.
Published: July 2020

Skeletal muscle plays an indispensable role in metabolic health and physical function. A decrease in muscle mass and function with advancing age exacerbates the likelihood of mobility impairments, disease development, and early mortality. Therefore, the development of non-pharmacological interventions to counteract sarcopenia warrant significant attention. Currently, resistance training provides the most effective, low cost means by which to prevent sarcopenia progression and improve multiple aspects of overall health. Importantly, the impact of resistance training on skeletal muscle mass may be augmented by specific dietary components (i.e., protein), feeding strategies (i.e., timing, per-meal doses of specific macronutrients) and nutritional supplements (e.g., creatine, vitamin-D, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids etc.). The purpose of this review is to provide an up-to-date, evidence-based account of nutritional strategies to enhance resistance training-induced adaptations in an attempt to combat age-related muscle mass loss. In addition, we provide insight on how to incorporate the aforementioned nutritional strategies that may support the growth or maintenance of skeletal muscle and subsequently extend the healthspan of older individuals.
Magnesium Deficiency Questionnaire: A New Non-Invasive Magnesium Deficiency Screening Tool Developed Using Real-World Data from Four Observational Studies
Authors: Orlova Svetlana , Dikke Galina , Pickering Gisele , Konchits Sofya , Starostin Kirill , Bevz Alina
Published: July 2020

Due to the high estimated prevalence of magnesium deficiency, there is a need for a rapid, non-invasive assessment tool that could be used by patients and clinicians to confirm suspected hypomagnesemia and substantiate laboratory testing. This study analyzed data from four large observational studies of hypomagnesemia in pregnant women and women with hormone-related conditions across Russia. Hypomagnesemia was assessed using a 62-item magnesium deficiency questionnaire (MDQ-62) and a serum test. The diagnostic utility (sensitivity/specificity) of MDQ-62 was analyzed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). A logistic regression model was applied to develop a shorter, optimized version of MDQ-62. A total of 765 pregnant women and 8836 women with hormone-related conditions were included in the analysis. The diagnostic performance of MDQ-62 was “fair” (AUROC = 0.7−0.8) for women with hormone-related conditions and “poor” for pregnant women (AUROC = 0.6−0.7). The optimized MDQ-23 (23 questions) and MDQ-10 (10 questions) had similar AUROC values; for all versions of the questionnaire, there was a significant negative correlation between score and changes in total serum magnesium levels (p < 0.0001 for all comparisons; correlation coefficients ranged from −0.1667 to −0.2716). This analysis confirmed the value of MDQ in identifying women at risk of hypomagnesemia.
The Impact of Dietary Supplementation of Whole Foods and Polyphenols on Atherosclerosis
Authors: Cullen Abigail E. , Centner Ann Marie , Deitado Riley , Fernandez Javier , Salazar Gloria
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this review is to highlight current research on the benefits of supplementation with foods with a diverse polyphenol composition, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, oils, spices, and teas in blunting atherosclerosis. We searched PubMed for publications utilizing whole food or polyphenols prepared from whole foods in Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) or Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor (LDLR) knockout mice, and identified 73 studies in which plaque was measured. The majority of the studies reported a reduction in plaque. Nine interventions showed no effect, while three using Agaricus blazei mushroom, HYJA-ri-4 rice variety, and safrole-2’, 3’-oxide (SFO) increased plaque. The mechanisms by which atherosclerosis was reduced include improved lipid profile, antioxidant status, and cholesterol clearance, and reduced inflammation. Importantly, not all dietary interventions that reduce plaque showed an improvement in lipid profile. Additionally, we found that, out of 73 studies, only 9 used female mice and only 6 compared both sexes. Only one study compared the two models (LDLR vs. ApoE), showing that the treatment worked in one but not the other. Not all supplementations work in both male and female animals, suggesting that increasing the variety of foods with different polyphenol compositions may be more effective in mitigating atherosclerosis.
An Infant Formula with Partially Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Supports Adequate Growth and Is Safe and Well-Tolerated in Healthy, Term Infants: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Equivalence Trial
Authors: Picaud Jean-Charles , Pajek Barbara , Arciszewska Malgorzata , Tarczón Izabela , Escribano Joaquin , Porcel Rocio , Adelt Thomas , Hassink Elly , Rijnierse Anneke , Abrahamse-Berkeveld Marieke , Korczowski Bartosz ,   on behalf of the TENUTO Study Group
Published: July 2020

The current study evaluates the safety and tolerance of a partially hydrolyzed whey protein-based infant formula (PHF) versus an in intact cow’s milk protein formula (IPF). Breastfed infants were included as a reference group. In a multi-country, multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial, infants whose mothers intended to fully formula feed were randomized to PHF (n = 134) or IPF (n = 134) from ≤14 days to 17 weeks of age. The equivalence analysis of weight gain per day within margins of +/−3 g/d (primary outcome), the recorded adverse events, growth and gastro-intestinal tolerance parameters were considered for the safety evaluation. Equivalence of weight gain per day from enrolment until 17 weeks of age was demonstrated in the PHF group compared to the IPF group (difference in means −1.2 g/d; 90% CI (−2.42; 0.02)), with estimated means (SE) of 30.2 (0.5) g/d and 31.4 (0.5) g/d, respectively. No significant differences in growth outcomes, the number, severity or type of (serious) adverse events and tolerance outcomes, were observed between the two formula groups. A partially hydrolyzed whey protein-based infant formula supports adequate infant growth, with a daily weight gain equivalent to a standard intact protein-based formula; it is also safe for use and well-tolerated in healthy term infants.
The Impact of a Slow-Release Large Neutral Amino Acids Supplement on Treatment Adherence in Adult Patients with Phenylketonuria
Authors: Burlina Alessandro P. , Cazzorla Chiara , Massa Pamela , Loro Christian , Gueraldi Daniela , Burlina Alberto B.
Published: July 2020

The gold standard treatment for phenylketonuria (PKU) is a lifelong low-phenylalanine (Phe) diet supplemented with Phe-free protein substitutes. Adherence to therapy becomes difficult after childhood. Supplementing with large neutral amino acids (LNAAs) has been proposed as an alternative medication to Phe-free protein substitutes (i.e., amino acid mixtures). The aim of this study was to evaluate adherence to therapy and quality of life (QoL) in a cohort of sub-optimally controlled adult PKU patients treated with a new LNAA formulation. Twelve patients were enrolled in a 12-month-trial of slow-release LNAAs (1g/kg/day) plus a Phe-restricted diet. Medication adherence was measured with the Morisky Green Levine Medication Adherence Scale; the QoL was measured using the phenylketonuria-quality of life (PKU-QoL) questionnaire. Phe, tyrosine (Tyr) levels, and Phe/Tyr ratios were measured fortnightly. Before treatment, 3/12 patients self-reported a ‘medium’ adherence to medication and 9/12 reported a low adherence; 60% of patients reported a full adherence over the past four weeks. After 12 months of LNAA treatment, all patients self-reported a high adherence to medication, with 96% reporting a full adherence. Phe levels remained unchanged, while Tyr levels increased in most patients. The Phy/Tyr ratio decreased. All patients had a significant improvement in the QoL. LNAAs may give patients a further opportunity to improve medication adherence and, consequently, their QoL.
Reproducibility and Validity of a Food Frequency Questionnaire for Dietary Assessment in Adolescents in a Self-Reported Way
Authors: Notario-Barandiaran Leyre , Freire Carmen , García-de-la-Hera Manuela , Compañ-Gabucio Laura Mª , Torres-Collado Laura , González-Palacios Sandra , Mundo Antonio , Molina Marina , Fernández Mariana F. , Vioque Jesús
Published: July 2020

Tools to assess diet in a reliable and efficient way are needed, particularly in children and adolescents. In this study, we assess the reproducibility and validity of a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) among adolescents in Spain. We analyzed data of 51 male adolescents aged 15–17 years from a prospective birth cohort study. Participants answered the FFQ twice in a self-administered way over a 12-month period. Reproducibility was assessed by comparing nutrient and food intakes from the FFQs, and validity by comparing nutrient intakes from the average of two FFQs and the average of two 24-Hour Dietary Recalls obtained in the period. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated. The average of reproducibility correlation coefficients for food group intakes was 0.33, with the highest correlation for vegetable intake (r = 0.81); and the average for nutrient intake was 0.32, with the highest coefficients for α- and β-carotene (r = 0.65). Validity correlation coefficients ranged from 0.07 for carbohydrates to 0.53 for dietary fiber. The average of the validity correlation coefficients was r = 0.32. This study suggests that our FFQ may be a useful tool for assessing dietary intake of most nutrient and food groups among Spanish male adolescents in a self-administered way, despite reproducibility and, particularly validity, being low for some nutrients and food groups.
A First Step towards Determining the Ionic Content in Water with an Integrated Optofluidic Chip Based on Near-Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Steen Gerwin W. , Wexler Adam D. , Fuchs Elmar C. , Offerhaus Herman L.
Published: July 2020

In this work, we present a feasibility study of integrated optofluidic chips to measure the ionic content in water using differential absorption spectroscopy. The second overtone of the OH-stretch vibration of water is used as indicator for both the type and concentration of the dissolved ions. The optofluidic chips are based on silicon nitride (TripleX) containing Mach–Zehnder interferometers (MZI) with two 5 cm sensing paths for the sample and reference arms, respectively. Simulations show that, theoretically, the determination of both the type and concentration of a mixture of four electrolytes is possible with the techniques presented. However, the performance of the chips deviated from the expected results due to the insufficient reproducibility and precision in the fabrication process. Therefore, at this early stage, the chips presented here could only determine the ion concentration, but not differentiate between the different ion types. Still, this work represents the first steps towards the realization of an online and real-time sensor of ionic content in water.
Altered Brain Adiponectin Receptor Expression in the 5XFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Pratap Anishchal A. , Holsinger R. M. Damian
Published: July 2020

Metabolic syndromes share common pathologies with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived protein, regulates energy metabolism via its receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2. To investigate the distribution of adiponectin receptors (AdipoRs) in Alzheimer’s, we examined their expression in the aged 5XFAD mouse model of AD. In age-matched wild-type mice, we observed neuronal expression of both ARs throughout the brain as well as endothelial expression of AdipoR1. The pattern of receptor expression in the aged 5XFAD brain was significantly perturbed. Here, we observed decreased neuronal expression of both ARs and decreased endothelial expression of AdipoR1, but robust expression of AdipoR2 in activated astrocytes. We also observed AdipoR2-expressing astrocytes in the dorsomedial hypothalamic and thalamic mediodorsal nuclei, suggesting the possibility that astrocytes utilise AdipoR2 signalling to fuel their activated state in the AD brain. These findings provide further evidence of a metabolic disturbance and demonstrate a potential shift in energy utilisation in the AD brain, supporting imaging studies performed in AD patients.
Dynamic Colon Model (DCM): A Cine-MRI Informed Biorelevant In Vitro Model of the Human Proximal Large Intestine Characterized by Positron Imaging Techniques
Authors: Stamatopoulos Konstantinos , Karandikar Sharad , Goldstein Mark , O’Farrell Connor , Marciani Luca , Sulaiman Sarah , Hoad Caroline L. , Simmons Mark J. H. , Batchelor Hannah K.
Published: July 2020

This work used in vivo MRI images of human colon wall motion to inform a biorelevant Dynamic Colon Model (DCM) to understand the interplay of wall motion, volume, viscosity, fluid, and particle motion within the colon lumen. Hydrodynamics and particle motion within the DCM were characterized using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT), respectively. In vitro PET images showed that fluid of higher viscosity follows the wall motion with poor mixing, whereas good mixing was observed for a low viscosity fluid. PEPT data showed particle displacements comparable to the in vivo data. Increasing fluid viscosity favors the net forward propulsion of the tracked particles. The use of a floating particle demonstrated shorter residence times and greater velocities on the liquid surface, suggesting a surface wave that was moving faster than the bulk liquid. The DCM can provide an understanding of flow motion and behavior of particles with different buoyancy, which in turn may improve the design of drug formulations, whereby fragments of the dosage form and/or drug particles are suspended in the proximal colon.
Convection Enhanced Delivery for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma: Review of a Single Institution Experience
Authors: Tosi Umberto , Souweidane Mark
Published: July 2020

Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) are a pontine subtype of diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs), primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors of childhood that carry a terrible prognosis. Because of the highly infiltrative growth pattern and the anatomical position, cytoreductive surgery is not an option. An initial response to radiation therapy is invariably followed by recurrence; mortality occurs approximately 11 months after diagnosis. The development of novel therapeutics with great preclinical promise has been hindered by the tightly regulated blood–brain barrier (BBB), which segregates the tumor comportment from the systemic circulation. One possible solution to this obstacle is the use of convection enhanced delivery (CED), a local delivery strategy that bypasses the BBB by direct infusion into the tumor through a small caliber cannula. We have recently shown CED to be safe in children with DIPG (NCT01502917). In this review, we discuss our experience with CED, its advantages, and technical advancements that are occurring in the field. We also highlight hurdles that will likely need to be overcome in demonstrating clinical benefit with this therapeutic strategy.
Design of a Reconfigurable THz Filter Based on Metamaterial Wire Resonators with Applications on Sensor Devices
Authors: Pavia João Pedro , Souto Nuno , Ribeiro Marco Alexandre
Published: July 2020

A study on the design, simulation and characterization of a reconfigurable terahertz (THz) filter, composed of two frequency-selective surfaces (FSSs) with applications on sensor devices in general and highly sensitive stress sensors, is presented in this paper. Using the developed theoretical model, we found out that by careful tuning the wire parameters, it is possible to control the filter sensitivity and also the energy transmission and reflection that passes through the structure. Numerical modelling of both the mechanical and electromagnetic components (using the elasticity equation and Maxwell’s equations, respectively) has been undertaken for two types of the device assemblies based on different thermoplastic polymers transparent to the THz radiation, namely: high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), operating in a THz window from 395 to 455 GHz. The numerical results allowed us to characterize the relation between the reflectance/transmittance and the amount of force required to obtain a specific frequency shift along that window. It was found that the device assembled with HDPE presents a more linear response and it is able to pass from a full transparency to almost full opacity using only its linear operating zone. Due to its characteristics, this THz filter might be an interesting solution not only for THz sensors based on reconfigurable filters but also for optical modulators for the THz domain.
Ontological Theology in Religious Zionism—Rabbi Y.M. Harlap as a Case Study
Authors: Mashiach Amir
Published: July 2020

The present study sets out to shed light on R. Yaakov Moshe Harlap (1882–1951), Kabbalist, head of the Merkaz Ha-Rav yeshivah, in his understanding of ontological theology—material labor, meaning the basic life pattern, in which one gets up daily in the morning and goes to “work.” Did R. Harlap see labor as no more than a need and an obligation incumbent upon man to provide for his family? Or did he, perhaps, see labor as a religious value, an outgrowth of the theology he upheld? The conclusion is that work in the teaching of R. Harlap is not only needed to earn a living, but part of the multidimensional theology of Torah, textual–spiritual study and practical work effort. All this is part of the perfecting of the Land of Israel, which became central in the messianic age. Labor is a precondition and an indication of redemption—national, human and Divine.
Random Forest Algorithm Improves Detection of Physiological Activity Embedded within Reflectance Spectra Using Stomatal Conductance as a Test Case
Authors: Vitrack-Tamam Snir , Holtzman Lilach , Dagan Reut , Levi Shai , Tadmor Yuval , Azizi Tamir , Rabinovitz Onn , Naor Amos , Liran Oded
Published: July 2020

Plants transpire water through their tissues in order to move nutrients and water to the cells. Transpiration includes various mechanisms, primarily stomata movement, which controls the rate of CO2 and water vapor exchange between the tissues and the atmosphere. Assessment of stomatal conductance is available for gas exchange techniques at leaf level, yet these techniques are not scalable to the whole plant let alone a large vegetation area. Hyperspectral reflectance spectroscopy, which acquires hundreds of bands in a single scan, may capture a glimpse of the crop’s physiological activity and therefore meet the scalability challenge. In this study, classic chemometric analyses are used alongside advanced statistical learning algorithms in order to identify stomatal conductance cues in hyperspectral measurements of cotton plants experiencing a gradient of irrigation. Random forest of regression trees identified 23 wavelengths related to both structural properties of the plant as well as water content. Partial least squares regression succeeded in relating these wavelengths to stomatal conductance, but only partially (R2 < 0.2). An artificial neural network algorithm reported an R2 = 0.54 with an 89% error-free performance on the same data subset. This study discusses implementation of machine learning methodologies as a benchmark for deeper analysis of spectral information, such as required when searching for plant physiology-related attenuations embedded within reflectance spectra.
Continuous Daily Evapotranspiration with Optical Spaceborne Observations at Sub-Kilometre Spatial Resolution
Authors: Barrios José Miguel , Arboleda Alirio , De Pue Jan , Chormanski Jaroslaw , Gellens-Meulenberghs Françoise
Published: July 2020

Evapotranspiration (ET) is a key parameter in the description of the energy and water fluxes over land. Continuous and spatially detailed ET simulations are thus required for a number of scientific and management-related purposes. These conditions are determined by the modelling approach and the composition of the forcing dataset. This study aimed at simulating daily ET in a diversity of climate and land cover conditions at a spatial resolution of ∼1 km and higher. The modelling approach was based on the algorithm driving the ET product developed and set in operations in the framework of the Satellite Application Facility on Land Surface Analysis programme (LSA-SAF). The implemented algorithm allowed the ingestion of biophysical parameters derived from SPOT-V and PROBA-V observations developed by the Copernicus Global Land Programme, as well as other model parameters at a similar spatial resolution. The model was tested at an ∼1 km spatial resolution in over 40 sites located in different climate and land cover contexts. The implementation at ∼300 m was tested in the upper Biebrza basin, in Poland. The simulations correlated well with the validation dataset (r2 > 0.75 in 80% of sites) and exhibited root mean squared values lower than 1 mm/day in 80% of the cases. The results also pointed to the need for refining the accuracy of soil moisture data sources, especially in dry areas. The results showed the ability of the modelling approach and the SPOT-V/PROBA-V missions to support the generation of long ET time series. They also opened the gate to incorporate Sentinel-3 in ET continuous modelling.